Blacktown City Council supporting our diverse Arts Community
BLACKTOWN City Council is supporting the local arts and creative community with $45,250 in grants awarded to local artists and community organisations under the Blacktown City Creative Arts Fund 2024.
The Blacktown City Creative Arts Fund offers opportunities for creative growth and professional artistic development for local artists, groups and organisations.
A total of 11 grants will support a range of people and organisations for creative projects which support refugees, address mental health issues, disabilities and provide opportunities for underrepresented artists, and allow for the expression of our diversity of cultures.
Kerry Robinson, CEO of Blacktown City said, “The artistic community in Blacktown City is strong and engaged with their local community, sharing their knowledge and creativity. Blacktown City Council, through Blacktown Arts, is pleased to maintain a commitment to the Arts in the City, supporting the individual and collective groups, sharing their talent and creativity.”
The winning artists reflect and celebrate the diversity of Blacktown City.
Successful grant recipients were presented their cheques from Council on Monday 19 August. The applicants in this year’s funding were all of a high standard and show the depth of creative talent we have in Blacktown City.
Grants were awarded to the following artists:
Muharrem Aslan
Project title: Music Workshops
A 10-week group music workshop for refugee adults aged 50 years old and over, from Turkish and Kurdish backgrounds who live in the Blacktown area.
Holly-Lee Dickson
Project title: Here me. See me.
Holly-Lee is creating life-sized sculptures representing invisible chronic health issues and complex mental illness to humanize these issues, foster empathy, and promote a more caring community in Blacktown.
Malathy Madhavan
Project title: Nurturing and enhancing local talents in authentic Indian classical dance forms
Malathy will create a unique space to showcase 15th-century Indian classical dance, introducing pure Indian art forms to the Blacktown community whilst fostering cultural harmony by involving local artists and students.
Dylan Mangunay – Mel.wav
Project title: Mel.wav
Mel.wav, a Western Sydney trio, is creating a pioneering collection of music that blends house rhythms with the region’s rich cultural influences, inviting listeners on a journey of rhythm, culture, and discovery.
Christina Maras
Project title: Hello Sunshine
Christina is creating a documentary film that focuses on their lived experience and how important strong community support is for those who care for someone with mental illness.
Nautanki Theatre Inc
Project title: Bunty Barber
Nautanki Theatre will be creating a contemporary dance theatre presentation exploring and addressing social issues within the context of South-Asian barber shops, particularly in suburbs like Blacktown, reflecting the rapid changing dynamics of Australian society.
Monique Rojas
Project title: A Space to Thrive Monique is photographing artists with disabilities and incorporating them into a vibrant collage that will show each artists personalities, aspirations, stories, and quotes. Monique hopes their project creates
more conversation about artists living with disability, inspires budding artists in Blacktown to pursue art, and creates more diversity within the art community of Blacktown.
Turbans 4 Australia Inc
Turbans 4 Australia will promote cross cultural understanding and interfaith harmony through an exhibition, about the western Sydney Sikh community and its rich culture at the Stanhope Gardens Library.
Matthew Vella
Project title: Nannu
Matthew is creating a short film about his MalteseAustralian heritage in Western Sydney, exploring themes of culture, immigration, and legacy through his family relationship with his Nannu.
Dominic Willkom
Project title: Estranged Roots
Dominic will create a series of paintings and sculptures to express the longing for a disconnected motherland and the journey of rebuilding those roots, aiming to bring closeness and understanding to others who share this experience.
Feker Yibeltal
Project title: Family Ties
Feker is creating a mixed media project based around their family, joining old and new family photos that have been collected throughout the years and repurposing them with embroidery. This series will allow Feker to grow closer with their ancestral Ethiopian roots. This work will help shine a light on immigrant parents and their lives before moving to Australia.
Sydney Employment Forum connects employers with Indigenous students
EMPLOYERS from 25 companies met impressive final year students at this year’s Clontarf Foundation’s Sydney Employment Forum and saw firsthand the success of a unique program developing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys into young men.
About 100 students in Years 11 and 12 from eight Sydney region Clontarf Academies met employers at the forum on Friday August 30, hosted by Workers Blacktown.
“The Employment Forum is all about connecting our young men with potential employers,” said Adrian Doyle, Clontarf Foundation Employment Officer for Greater Sydney Region.
“We’re grateful to our employer partners who make this possible – they are inspiring our next generation to aim higher and chase their dreams.”
Of the 46 young men graduated from Clontarf’s Sydney region academies last year, 25 have full-time jobs, 10 started apprenticeships or traineeships and five are at universities. This year,
100 boys in Years 10-12 are already working part-time.
Clontarf operates campuses at more than 150 host schools around Australia that are open to any Indigenous boys enrolled, to develop values and abilities around education, leadership, employment, life skills and sports.
“Clontarf helped me apply for a part-time job with a retail store and supported me in the process, where I was hired,” said Jay Yarold of Endeavour Sports High, who participated in Friday’s forum and
wants to become a zoologist.
“Employers get a rich background of young Indigenous men who are ready to beat the statistics and become successful in life, and as men.”
“Clontarf managed to improve my work prospects immensely by getting me directly in contact with Woolworths,” said Arthur Miner, of Chifley College’s Bidwill campus, who wants to be an author.
“I think employers will get workers who are committed from this forum.”
Since Clontarf Foundation began in
2000 in Perth, more than 6,815 young men have graduated from high school into employment.
Alumni remain in the Clontarf family, guiding and supporting current academy boys and programs, while they also are supported by Clontarf employment officers.
Some 11,400 boys are in Clontarf programs this year, including 1,000 Year 12s, supported by 580 staff.
Five academies are located at schools around Mt Druitt and Workers
Blacktown is a long-term supporter of Clontarf’s work and a Sydney Employment Forum partner.
“Blacktown City has the country’s largest urban population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we at Workers are committed to enabling the community’s potential,” said Workers Lifestyle Group chief executive, Morgan Stewart.
Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali MP welcomed the employer partners and the Clontarf Academy boys at the start of the forum.
Remembering Uncle Wes Marne AM
ON Dharug Country, our First Nations communities significantly enrich Blacktown City’s cultural landscape. Within those communities are unique individuals who leave their indelible mark on us.
Uncle Wes Marne AM, a Bigambul man and Elder, was one of those people.
Born in 1922, Uncle Wes lived in Mount Druitt for over 50 years of his 102 years. He passed away on Saturday morning, 31 August 2024.
Uncle Wes was a deeply respected Elder, an advocate for Country, a treasured member of our community and an educator.
He shared his love of First Nations culture and worked tirelessly to share stories and knowledge in schools, universities, and yarning circles across Australia.
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Brad Bunting said “Blacktown City is so much richer for the culture and education that Uncle Wes Marne brought to all through his storytelling and his care for community.”
“Uncle Wes was committed to sharing his culture, sharing the traditional knowledge of his grandfather’s creation and dreaming stories, and his own learnings from
personal experiences of his life as a Bigambul man over the last century,”
Mayor Bunting said.
Every Friday, Uncle Wes connected with the Blacktown City community through the Elders in Residence Program at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.
Uncle Wes was a founding member of the Mount Druitt and District Reconciliation Group who, for the past 22 years, have organised an annual Reconciliation Walk and Concert in Mount Druitt.
In 2022, Blacktown City Council
honoured Uncle Wes with the Key to the City when he turned 100 years old.
In the same year Uncle Wes was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to the Indigenous community in Western Sydney.
Western Sydney University made him an Honorary Fellow in recognition of his contribution as a cultural leader, an advocate, educator, and mentor to the communities of Western Sydney. Uncle Wes was also an Elder on the Western Sydney University Campus.
He was recognised with the inaugural NSW Department of Education, Nanga Mai Love of Learning Award, recognising innovation, excellence and achievement in Aboriginal education.
In 2022 Uncle Wes advocated for the establishment of the Murray-Toola Damana pre-school for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Mount Druitt, keeping local children connected to culture.
Uncle Wes Marne, published his book of poems “Through Old Eyes” in 2022, and his show Fire Bucket premiered at the 2016 Sydney Festival, playing to sell out audiences, touring to Melbourne and throughout regional NSW.
Uncle Wes worked every day in his Mount Druitt community, throughout Blacktown City, Western Sydney, and beyond. He dedicated his life to helping children, young people and their families.
He is deeply loved and valued within our First Nation communities, and throughout the City of Blacktown and communities across Australia.
Blacktown City mourns the passing of Uncle Wes Marne AM, we offer our deepest condolences to his family and our community. We will continue to honour his prestigious legacy.
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From the Editor’s Desk
BY KERRIE DAVIES
THIS week it was World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday. Although we should be on the lookout for the state of mind and welfare of others each and every day, World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a reminder of the crucial role we all play in supporting mental health and well-being.
Checking in with friends and family is more than a simple gesture; it can actually be life-saving. In our fast-paced world where people often mask their struggles, reaching out can provide an opportunity for someone to share feelings they may otherwise hide.
A simple conversation can break the isolation that many feel, offering them the chance to express emotions and seek support.
Even when it comes to those who seem difficult to reach, regular check-ins can chip away and eventually open the lines of connection and trust. This can result in making it easier for loved ones to open up about their challenges, be it stress, depression, or thoughts of self-harm.
Regular communication could serve to remind people that they are not alone in their struggles, reducing feelings of hopelessness.
Moreover, your vigilance will alert you to changes in behaviour, which can help identify early warning signs of distress, potentially guiding someone toward the professional help they need.
Listening without judgment and offering support can make an immense difference. Reach out to those you care about, because sometimes, the smallest act of kindness can have the biggest impact.
Expanding the role of pharmacists
THOUSANDS of people across NSW will be able to access treatment for ear infections, wound management, nausea, gastro, acne, muscle and joint pain at their local pharmacy, boosting access to fast, convenient heathcare across NSW.
Health Minister Ryan Park announced at the Pharmacy Guild’s Pharmacy Connect Conference in Sydney that work is underway to expand pharmacists’ scope of practice including the following conditions: • Acute otitis media (middle ear infection) • Acute otitis externa (outer ear infection) • Acute minor wound management • Acute nausea and vomiting • Gastrooesophageal reflux and gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GORD) • Mild to moderate acne • Mild, acute musculoskeletal pain.
challenges facing primary care, for its part, the NSW Government just this week announced the commencement of its Bulk Billing Support initiative.
Edmond Atalla, Member for Mount Druitt said households throughout the Mount Druitt electorate have shared their struggles with accessing General Practitioners.
Subject to appropriate training and ongoing work in implementation work, the expanded service delivery could commence as soon as 2026.
The GP shortage is having a significant impact on the state’s emergency departments. Whilst the Minister for Health continues to work with the Commonwealth on the
“We understand that the GP shortage is putting pressure on families and increasing the strain on our hospital emergency departments,” Mr Atalla said.
“The NSW Government must take steps to improve access to everyday healthcare.
“That’s why I’m proud to be part of a Government that is taking action by empowering our highly skilled pharmacists to take on a greater role in delivering healthcare.”
PARIS 2024
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Paralympics Australia celebrates our success in Paris
ACROSS 11 days of fierce competition, Australia’s best Para-athletes have thrilled, elevated and empowered the nation, securing a top 10 finish on the medal table and leaving an indelible mark on the global Paralympic movement.
Led by exemplary co-captains, eight-time Paralympic wheelchair racing medallist Angie Ballard and four-time Para-canoe gold medallist Curtis McGrath, Australia’s 160 athletes prevailed amid rapidly rising standards in international Parasport to win medals in nine of the 17 sports they contested.
The Australian Paralympic Team won 18 gold medals, 17 silver and 28 bronze, a haul of 63 medals in total, to finish ninth on the final table, ahead of major Paralympic powers including Japan, Germany and Canada, and one gold medal behind host nation France.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the way our athletes competed and represented Australia at Paris 2024,” Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin said.
“We saw medals, personal bests, fantastic team efforts and incredible individual performances. We also saw some heartbreaking near-misses, such are the highs and lows of high performance sport.
“Yet, throughout it all, our incredible athletes backed each other and showed warmth, humility and bravery. They used their platform to change perceptions of disability. They showed the world the best of Australian sport, the Australian spirit and the Australian character.
“Congratulations to each member of this proud team. You are now part of the incredible Australian Paralympic story.”
Paralympics Australia President Alison Creagh spoke of the many people who worked behind the scenes to prepare, deliver and support Australia’s athletes before and during the Games.
“I’m in awe of the expertise and dedication of our athletes, as well as the support team that sits behind them,’” Ms Creagh said.
“Years of planning went into ensuring that our Australian Paralympic Team would be kept safe,
healthy and had everything it needed to perform at its best. This includes the whole spectrum of team delivery, such as operations, performance services, medical and media services.
“I’d like to thank all who played a part, from our world-leading staff at Paralympics Australia to our member organisations and colleagues across Australian sport, to our partners throughout government and business.
“Finally, but certainly not least, on behalf of the entire Australian Paralympic movement, I want to say thank you to the people of France, and particularly Paris and surrounds, for embracing the Paralympic Games with great enthusiasm. You have put on such an incredible show and have been great cheerleaders across all sports.
“Your efforts to make the Australian Paralympic Team feel welcomed in your spectacular city and the hospitality and generosity you have provided, are deeply appreciated. The partnerships we’ve built and the experiences we’ve had will live long in all our memories.”
PARALYMPICS RESULT CHART
AUSTRALIAN HIGHLIGHTS FROM PARIS 2024:
Australia finished ninth on the gold medal table and eighth on total medals won.
17 Australian team athletes won multiple medals. Six of those were dual gold medallists.
Alexa Leary (swimming), Callum Simpson (swimming), Lauren Parker (triathlon/cycling) and Tim Hodge (swimming) each won two gold medals and a silver medal.
Qian Yang (table tennis), James Turner (athletics) each won two gold medals.
Australia won medals in nine sports: boccia, athletics, canoe, cycling, rowing, swimming, table tennis, triathlon and wheelchair rugby.
Lauren Parker and James Turner - Flag Bearers Closing Ceremony. Photo courtesy of Paralympics Australia
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Chloe Osborn wins Silver in Mixed 4 x 100m Relay PARIS 2024
AUSTRALIA’S swimming program at the Paris Paralympics came to a close with a brilliant silver medal in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay (34 points) at La Defense Arena, with indications of a strong future for Australian Para-swimming.
The relay team of Chloe Osborn (Gables), Rowan Crothers, Alexa Leary and Callum Simpson finished in 4:01.90, just 0.36 behind Italy, which had to produce a world record 4:01.54 to stave off the fast-finishing Australians.
It was Chloe’s 4th event at the Games and her first medal. She had earlier finished 4th in the Women’s 400m Freestyle, 7th in the Women’s 100m Freestyle and was a team member in the 4 x 50m Mixed Freestyle Relay, which was disqualified.
Tim Hodge impressive medal haul in Paris
THE Paris Paralympic Games has been an outstanding success for Timothy Hodge (Kings Langley), who will return home with two gold medals and one silver from six events.
His run of success began with the 4 x 100m Mixed Medley Relay (34 points), where he swam the Breaststroke leg in Australia’s thrilling victory, collecting his first-ever Paralympic gold medal.
Tim backed up that success with a simply dominant performance on night 8, powering away from his rival competitors to win gold in the Men’s SM9 200m Individual Medley.
After taking silver in this event in Tokyo, Tim had set his sights to winning gold in Paris. Not only did he achieve that dream, he also went one stroke further, claiming top spot in a new Paralympic record of 2:13.31. Setting a blistering pace, Tim led from the outset, finishing 2.67 seconds ahead of hometown hero, France’s Ugo Didier.
He admitted he had to refocus to get himself ready for his main event. “After the relay earlier in the meet, I knew I had to bring myself back down, bring myself back into the right headspace to race tonight and I was able to do that,” Tim said.
“I’m really happy with that result and now it’s time to have a little bit of a celebration with the gold medal…then once the meet is over, my coach and I can really let the feeling sink in.
“Going into the race, I knew a lot of the guys would go fairly easy in the heats, so going into the finals, they’d be going a lot harder.
“I was confident in myself and my race plans that I would be able to execute and get the race I wanted and hopefully the time I wanted as well, so quite happy with how it worked out.”
After narrowly missing out on a medal in the Men’s S9 400m Freestyle (4th), Tim said he put that race out of his mind and focused on the task at hand.
“The key thing with good athletes is they can keep getting themselves up race after race no matter the result and keep swimming their best.
“I’ve had issues like that in the past where I haven’t had the best first race, but I’ve been able to back up and go on to do PBs, even after a bad race,” he said.
Capping off a highly-successful Games, Tim
subsequently won a silver medal in the Men’s S9 100m Butterfly, finishing ahead of Australian teammate Lewis Bishop.
‘It was an absolutely insane race,” Tim said of the 100m Butterfly Final.
“I was hoping to go just under the minute. I was happy with this swim and now I have the chance to kind of soak it all in.
“Now that I’ve finished racing for this meet, I’m happy with my results. I can walk away with a few medals, and it’s incredible.
“Everyone says that the Paralympic Games, you got to enjoy it. You got to soak it in because as quick as it comes, it’s gone and you don’t get too many in your life.
“I’m lucky enough I’ve got a day to kind of soak it in before the end of the swimming competition
“But it’s been an incredible journey for both me and my coach. This is just icing on the cake tonight.”
The three-time Paralympian suggested many more years of elite swimming awaited him. “Definitely wanting to try for LA, try and make the team in 2028, and we’ll see how things go after that,” he said.
“I might have to make some life decisions, but 2032 [in Brisbane] is still potentially on the table.”
Rowan Crothers, Chloe Osborn, Callum Simpson, Alexa Leary. Photo courtesy of Paralympics Australia
Photos courtesy of Paralympics Australia
Western Sydney University’s Solar Car team travels through rural NSW
WESTERN Sydney University’s Solar Car Team have travelled over regional New South Wales this week as part of their roadshow.
The student-led team, supported by the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, have shared their passion for sustainability and innovation when they visited and met with schools and community members throughout the week.
The Solar Car team travelled through Lithgow, Bathurst, Parkes, Dubbo, Coonamble, Wee Waa, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Quirindi and Singleton as part of the regional roadshow.
The team displayed ‘UNLIMITED 5.0’, the car that scored the team a place of 9th overall and to be the only Australian team to cross the finish line in last year’s Bridgestone World Solar Car challenge.
‘UNLIMITED 5.0’ features a threewheeled design, with aluminium suspension and a carbon fibre chassis manufactured entirely in-house by the team. The car’s top speed is 118km/h and took two years to design, engineer and manufacture. It can travel 400km using the same amount of energy a Tesla needs to travel 26km.
Producing six cars, over more than a decade, the team became the first international team to win the
Solar Challenge in 2018, beating Michigan University’s 8-year winning streak. The team also broke the record in 2019 for the lightest solar-powered vehicle ever to race weighing only 116.8 kilograms.
The team utilise worldclass facilities at the Advanced Manufacturing Precinct based at
Kingswood. The Solar Car Team is made up of 25 students from the fields of engineering, communications, business, IT, computer, and science. They manage every aspect of the production and design of the vehicle, as well as sponsorship, marketing and the administrative elements of their involvement in international
competitions. The roadshow follows the University’s recent success in the prestigious Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, where it was named number one in the world for its social, ecological and economic impact, for a ground-breaking three years in a row.
Protecting children against violence: why “every conversation matters”
AS part of National Child Protection Week, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is taking a proactive stance in safeguarding the wellbeing of children and young people through the power of conversation.
Understanding the importance of these discussions, WSLHD emphasises that talking with children and young people can reveal their worries, highlight what they find important, and help identify possible solutions to challenges they face.
Lisa Cook, an educator with WSLHD’s Integrated Violence Prevention & Response Service (IVPRS), underscores the role health workers play in these interactions.
“Health workers often find themselves in a position where they can engage with a wide range of children and young people. It’s essential that we remain open and attentive to what they have to share about their lives.”
Effective communication varies depending on the child or young person’s age, developmental stage, gender, cultural background, and individual circumstances.
For example, when conversing with younger children, IVPRS suggests getting down to their level—kneeling or sitting rather than towering over them—and finding out what interests them, like sports, toys, or games, to facilitate engagement.
Occasionally, these conversations may lead to the disclosure of harm or risk. Hanan Hamza, Child Wellbeing Coordinator IVPRS, highlights the significance of these moments, noting that if a child or young person confides in a health worker, it’s a sign of trust.
“While receiving a disclosure about abuse or risk can be difficult, remember that the child’s experience is paramount.
The most important thing is to make sure the child or young person feels supported and safe. Your response could have a big impact on their ability to seek further help. Hanan Hamza “ “
Children or young people who disclose harm may feel confused, scared, or powerless. They might blame themselves or fear disbelief.
In some cases, they may not even recognise that what they’re experiencing is abuse.
There is often a desire to protect their family or the abuser, compounded by threats of further harm if they speak out. The courage it takes to disclose such information should not be underestimated.
To assist health workers in responding appropriately, WSLHD’s IVPRS offers key guidelines: Believe the child or young person – Let them know you trust their account.
Express gratitude – Acknowledge their courage by saying something
like, “That must have been really scary/worrying/frightening.”
Listen carefully – Focus on what they’re sharing without reacting with strong emotions. It’s natural to feel anger or sadness, but it’s more important to concentrate on supporting the child or young person—they may still love the person harming them or continue to live with them.
Limit questions – Health workers are not tasked with investigating abuse, so avoid leading questions like, “Did mum or dad hit you?” or giving them words like, “They make you feel scared, don’t they?”
Seek guidance – Use the Mandatory Reporter Guide for advice on next steps, or consult with Social Work, IVPRS, or the Child Wellbeing Unit.
Act swiftly if necessary – If there’s a concern that the child or young person is in immediate danger, WSLHD advises contacting the police or hospital security.
If you are worried about a child or young person contact the Child Protection Helpline (132 111) or the Child Wellbeing Unit (1300 480 420).
If you need to consult about a child protection case or a disclosure please call Social Work (for Hospital inpatients) or IVPRS (9881 8787).
If you are a child or young person and would like to talk to someone please call the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
American
Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub (BEST) recognised again for its positive impact
THE Blacktown Exercise, Sports and Technology Hub (BEST) delivered by Blacktown City Council, has once again been recognised by the Urban Design Institute of Australia (UDIA).
Already a winner of the 2024 UDIA Design Award, BEST has today been presented the UDIA NSW & Urban Property Group President’s Award.
With the support of Council, and led by Council’s City Architect, Bill Tsakalos, BEST was designed by ARM Architecture, constructed by Buildcorp, with Architectus designing the landscape and physical literacy area.
BEST in the Blacktown International Sports Park has been designed and totally funded by Blacktown City Council. Blacktown City Council has made a $100-million investment in the health and future of the communities of Blacktown City and Western Sydney.
Council’s collaborative partners include the Australian Catholic University (ACU), Sydney West Sports Medicine, AFL, and WentWest. These partners in higher education, health, sports medicine, research,
and high-performance sport share a common purpose of driving positive health and sporting outcomes for the community.
BEST is a significant part of the Council’s long-term vision for the City and transformational plans for Blacktown City’s future.
BEST provides state-of-the-art facilities for training, sports medicine, rehabilitation, research and education as well as providing accommodation, a large café-restaurant and an innovative fun play space for kids of all ages and abilities.
BEST serves as a vibrant community hub supporting local
and national teams and community groups. BEST serves the community, while playing a key role in developing the next generation of sporting talent.
Enthusiastic users of the facilities at BEST in the Blacktown International Sports Park include local community and school sports teams, the Matildas and the Wallaroos, Perth Glory A-League Football Club, Prospect United Soccer Club National Premier League, Shooting Australia, the Young Socceroos, Football Australia, the NSW Institute of Sport Para Sport programs, Softball Australia and the Aussie Spirit National team, Aussie Spirit and Chinese Taipei
CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1 Quizzing (7)
5 Murderers (7)
9 Spoke softly (9)
10 Asian pepper plant (5)
11 A plant sometimes used to make pies (7)
12 No longer alive (7)
13 Found on some ocean beaches (9)
15 Speedy (5)
17 Water vapor (5)
19 Country in southeast Asia (9)
22 See (7)
25 Hats (7)
26 Volley (5)
27 Custom (9)
National Softball Team training camps, the Korean Doosan Bears, the A League Western Sydney Wanderers, I’MPossible all abilities training program and many families of western Sydney who visit BEST’s physical literacy playground.
The Blacktown International Sports Park, home of BEST began life as a Sydney Olympics training and competition venue but has been reimagined from “grass” roots up. It’s now an ‘open-to-all’ park, connected by new pathways, bridges and bikeways to adjacent communities, rail and the Western Sydney Parklands.
Blacktown City is on a journey, rapidly transforming into a modern and exciting place to live, work, study, play and thrive.
This recognition by the President of the Urban Design Institute of Australia affirms Blacktown City Council’s commitment to delivering major infrastructure projects that will transform Blacktown City through the creation of public spaces that not only meet the needs of our residents but also provide a more liveable, sustainable, and enjoyable urban environment.
28 Pertainingto one’s wife or husband (7)
29 Merit (7)
DOWN
1 Hinders (7)
2 Specify (9)
3 Accuse (7)
4 A loose high-necked blouse (9)
5 A small anchor (5)
6 A decapod crustacean (7)
7 Consumed (5)
8 Gave the military gesture of respect (7)
14 A piece of dining room furniture (9)
16 Backside (9)
solution 30/8/24
17 Husbands and wives (7)
18 Reflective panes of glass (7)
20 Child caregivers (7)
21 Nonattendance (7)
23 Genus of salmon (5)
24 Laud (5)
Photos: Bruce Robinson Photography
Migrant Hostels in our Area
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
AFTER World War Two, many Europeans chose to migrate to more appealing, safe and accessible locations and one location was Australia. Migrants fleeing from persecution in Soviet countries was known as Displaced Persons from Eastern Europe (included Poland, Yugoslavia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, Czechoslovakia and Hungary) migrated to Australia. The Australian Government paid some or most of the fare for these migrants to relocate. Between 1945 and 1965 more than two million migrants moved to Australia assisted by the Australian Department of Immigration’s largescale migration program. In the late 1950s they were followed by a large number of migrants from western Europe and these migrants worked on many large-scale projects including the building of the Snowy Mountains hydroelectricity scheme. Assisted migration to Australia in the 1960s mainly attracted British migrants known as “10-pound Poms” because the cost of an adult ticket was £10 and their children were free. Hostels in New South Wales included St Marys and Wallgrove. Migrants and their dependants were permitted to remain in the hostels from 3 to 12 months and were given training to assist with resettlement. Much of the early accommodation at St Marys and Wallgrove consisted of disused army huts at Wallgrove and at the former Australian Defence Industry buildings at St Marys. New South Wales State records note that the Wallgrove Migrant Hostel officially opened in April 1950 and closed in December 1952. This Hostel was one of 36 hostels in NSW. While official records are not readily available the sources indicate that the Wallgrove Hostel was once again in operation in the early 1960s to house British migrants. During its peak time of use the Wallgrove hostel could house around 2,500 people with four separate dining halls in use. Rental costs at Wallgrove Migrant Hostel were reportedly £3 a week for a working man, £2 for his wife and £1 for a child. Migrants were also entitled to government benefits including child endowment (family allowance), free hospital care and other social services. Unlike larger migrant camps like Bonegilla in Victoria and Bathurst in NSW, most of the Wallgrove camp accommodation would have been tough at times, having travelled far across the world to a foreign country, housed in ex-army facilities with other migrants from all over Europe with many who did not speak English. Transfer of new
migrants between NSW camps was common and many families feared separation. Unfortunately this was a valid concern. While it is likely that the option for working men to live with their families at Wallgrove, some were provided with transport to and from Wallgrove but it was limited as Rooty Hill Station was over an hour’s walk away. In St Marys the Migrant Hostel had a better chance of the migrants living there with the closeness of work for the men and women and at the St Marys’ schools for their children to learn English and assimilate into the St Marys community. In January 1961 a visitor from Penrith, England was taking her first opportunity of visiting the Australian namesake of her English hometown, Miss Lisette Arnison aged 20 who was a journalist from Penrith, England visited Penrith, Australia. She arrived on M.V. “Fairsea” and after staying at Wallgrove for a few days she moved to Centennial Park and as so many English migrants have stated previously, Miss Arnison’s greatest impression of Australia was the cleanness of the cities. Prior to coming to Australia she was a reporter on the “Southern Reporter” a Scottish weekly paper in the border town of Selkirk.
Sources: National Archives online, Nepean Times 19 January 1961, Blacktown City Council online.
IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL…
Group of migrants on MV Toscana at Trieste, 1954 courtesy of the Australian National Maritime Museum.
ALEX SONCINI
DOptions for homebuyers who don’t have a 20% deposit.
ESPITE new research revealing borrowers need six-figure savings for a 20% home deposit, experts say there’s still plenty of ways for them to take their first steps up the property ladder.
Despite rising interest rates historically leading to a drop in housing prices, the cost of buying a home in Australia is becoming increasingly unaffordable. When you consider that a small flat in Sydney could set you back $900,000 at the moment, saving a 20% deposit to buy that flat is $180,000 which can seem an insurmountable task.
Having little or no deposit doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get a home loan to buy a home. There are currently a few government schemes available to help with deposit requirements – first home buyers, single parents and shared equity schemes have helped people get into the market with a smaller deposit and avoid paying lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).
For those that don’t qualify for the schemes, there is still the option to borrow a larger amount of the property value with LMI in place.
There are low deposit home loan options where you can buy a house with as little as 5% of the purchase price.
You can get a low deposit home loan with just 5% down on the purchase price. For an $900,000 home, that’s a minimum of $45,000. You’ll also need to cover stamp duty, upfront costs, and possibly lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) for loans over 80% of the property’s value. If you lack the 5% saved, there are other options to explore.
What is lenders mortgage insurance (LMI)?
Lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) is an extra cost, but it lets buyers enter the property market with a smaller deposit, rather than the usual 20%. LMI protects the lender if the loan defaults, ensuring they recoup their money if the property is sold at a loss. This can provide the same security as a 20% deposit.
For borrowers, LMI might appear as an added expense, but it allows them to buy property with, say, just a 5% deposit. For an $900,000 property, this reduces the deposit from $180,000 to $45,000. The insurance premium is typically a one-off payment, but you can sometimes include in your loan amount so that you are paying for it month-bymonth along with your mortgage.
Options for homebuyers who don’t have a 20% deposit.
• How A Guarantor Can Help.
If you lack a substantial home loan deposit, you can explore family pledge options to obtain credit, specifically service guarantees and security guarantees.
Service guarantees are rarer and involve a family member guaranteeing repayments and being named on the property title, but this may disqualify firsttime buyers from government grants.
Security guarantees are more common, where a relative or friend (often a parent) uses their home equity to guarantee the borrower’s deposit.
For example, with an $900,000 loan in a security guarantor setup, the borrower/s take on 80% of the loan, which is $720,000, in their own name/s. The remaining $180,000 is guaranteed jointly by the guarantor/s and borrower/s, reducing the guarantor’s liability and eliminating the need for lender’s mortgage insurance. This arrangement is suitable when borrowers lack a significant deposit but their parents own a home. It’s a great option as long as the parents are comfortable with their child’s ability to pay back the loan.”
• A financial gift.
The high cost of property today means many parents and other close relatives are happy to help their children enter the property market through a one-off financial gift. Many first home buyers now have help from their parents when it comes to saving for a deposit with more than 30% getting
help this way.
Many lenders will count the cost of this gift towards your deposit amount, although they may also want to see that you also have a history of regular savings.
• Using the equity in your own home.
Not all buyers looking to buy with no deposit are first home buyers. You may already own your own home and now you’re looking to buy an investment property. In this instance, a lender may give you the option of using the equity in your home to cover the deposit of the place you’re purchasing.
To take advantage of this, you’ll usually need to have enough equity in your home to cover a 20% deposit on both places, unless you also take out lenders mortgage insurance.
Applying for a home loan.
When applying for a home loan, remember that your deposit is just one factor lenders assess. Lenders will also consider your ability to service the loan, taking into account your credit history, income, expenses, and employment details. Some low deposit home loan providers may impose higher interest rates and fees.
The application process can be complex, requiring additional financial and credit information.
Connect with Alex at Wealthwiz on 0419 600 177, an MFAA accredited finance broker, to explore your options and make a well-informed decision that aligns with your financial goals and circumstances.
Disclaimer: The data, information and commentary provided in this publication is of a general nature and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the relevant contributors and should not be construed as specific advice or relied upon in lieu of appropriate professional fax or financial advice. The information in the article is believed to be reliable at the time of distribution, but neither WealthWiz nor its accredited brokers warrant its completeness or accuracy. For information about whether a loan may be suitable for you, call us on 0419 600 177.
StoneCutters Ridge finish runners-up in Eric Apperly Shield
STONECUTTERS Ridge GC has finished as runner-up in the 2024 Eric Apperly Shield Pennant competition, defeated 5-1 in the Final by New South Wales GC.
Stonecutters Ridge spokesperson Steve Baird is extremely proud of his young team’s effort this season, with a home-grown playing roster, compared to many clubs which import talented juniors on either scholarships or memberships.
The average player age for Stonecutters Ridge in the Final was 16yrs 9 months (two 19-year-olds, one 17-year-old, one 16-year-old and two 15-yearolds). 5 of the 6 players have come through the cadet, junior and Academy of Golf programs at Stonecutters Ridge.
Kade Webber, Michelle Yang, Savannah Webb and Ryan Cadle were all undefeated through the regular season, whilst Kade and Michelle were also both undefeated through the entire season (finals included) in matches they contested.
“Thank you to our team sponsor, Taylors Aluminium, for their support in such a successful
12 months for the club, at junior and intermediate level (2023 Junior Pennant Metro Winner and 2024 Eric Apperly Runner Up). Thank you to our team managers, Craig Baird and Sue Fairhurst, and team captain, Ryan Cadle.
“I congratulate and acknowledge our PGA Professionals (Matthew Ecob, Blake Dowd and Adam Kelleher) who contribute massively to the development of our players and team culture at Stonecutters Ridge.”
Following the Final, the undefeated players list was released and western Sydney can be rightly proud of a significant contribution. To be eligible, players must have competed in all 6 rounds.
From the premiers NSW Silver, we have Blake Hodges (Erskine Park). From the runnersup Stonecutters Ridge, we have Kade Webber, Savannah Webb and Ryan Cadle (with an unofficial mention to Michelle Yang, who missed 2 rounds due to HSC Trials). From Concord,
we have Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs), Ti Fox (Richmond) and Chayse Thorpe (Richmond). Blake, Kade, Michelle, Ti and Chayse were also undefeated through the playoffs.
Kade travelled to Qld the next day to compete in the QLD Strokeplay and Amateur Championship (Matchplay.
He finished tied 4th in the Strokeplay, alongside Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs / Concord GC), to qualify in the Top 16 players for Match Play, where he was subsequently defeated in the first round. Coby reached the semi-finals, before being beaten by the eventual runner-up, Jye Halls (New South Wales GC).
In other Pennant Golf news, Leonay GC and Stonecutters Ridge GC have both lost their semifinal matches in the 2024 Golf NSW T.L. Warren Pennant competition, with Leonay falling 2-1 to Cabramatta and Stonecutters Ridge falling 2-1 to Moore Park.
Killarney hosts Spring Polo Tournament
INTRODUCTION:
Depending on the level of polo being played, a polo game has 4 players per team and is made up of 4-6 periods of play (called chukkas).
A chukka runs for 7 minutes.
At the end of each chukka, 3 minutes is allocated so players can change horses. Players can also change horses at any time during the match, but there will be no stoppage of play to allow this to occur. Anywhere between 16-30 horses might be used per team during a game.
After a goal is scored, the teams change ends and the team that has scored the most goals at the final bell wins the game.
Killarney Polo Club hosted its Spring tournament over 5 - 8th September, featuring 6-goal, 2-goal, 0-goal and sub-zero grades.
6 Goal Winners (Pool A): Killarney (Nick Wills, Sam
Smallman, Enzo Mascart, Guy Higginson) defeated Cutcliffe/Team Tibra 6-5.5; 6 Goal Winners (Pool B): Kurri Burri (Jackson Marshall, James Parry-Okeden, Adam Marshall, Sam Hopkinson) defeated The Pines 6-5; 2 Goal Final: KO Angus (Angus Onisforou, Skye Gilmore, Sam Smallman, Dylan Jones) defeated Kurri Burri Green 5-4; 2 Goal
Subsidiary Final: Bella Polo (Pete Martin, Jess Martin, Rowena Rainger, Shannon Booth, Guy Higginson) defeated Artarmon Mazda / Wilfin 7-4; Subzero: Halifax (Matthew Barnett, Oliver Thirlwall, Piper Trickett, Lance Sheppard) defeated Killarney Orange and SS Polo over two days in a round robin.
Best Ponies - 6 Goal: “Chess”
The Polo action moves on to Arunga Polo Club for their Spring tournament this week (12th-15th September), featuring 12-goal, 6-goal, 2-goal, 0-goal and Subzero.
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Played by Dylan Jones, Owned by Catalina, Judged by Jim Gilmore; 2 Goal: “Pumpkin” Played by Guy Higginson, Owned by Wallace Ashton.
BY NOEL ROWSELL
6-goal action between Jemalong and Killarney. Photos by Noel Rowsell
Stonecutters Ridge GC Eric Apperly Shield squad: (L-R)
Michelle Yang, Savannah Webb, Annoushka Maikap, Jackson Northey, Jack Gillett, Ryan Cadle (c), Kade Webber, Sean Sammons, Craig Baird and Sue Fairhurst (Managers).
Undefeated Players - Richmond residents Chayse Thorpe and Ti Fox (Concord GC). Photos by Noel Rowsell
Blacktown City season comes to an end!
BY BOB TURNER
BLACKTOWN City’s goal of a tenth NSW Championship came to a sudden halt two weeks ago as they came up against a determined Marconi Stallion lineup in the NSW Semi-Finals.
The last two rounds of the regular season showed positive signs for Blacktown as Coach Mark Crittenden welcomed back a full arsenal of players. Injuries were a constant through the 2024 season that had Coach Crittenden continually juggling his lineup. With a full contingent for the last few rounds Blacktown had a confidence boosting 2-1 win over Marconi in Round 29. The following week in the final regular season round, Blacktown demolished cross town rivals, Hills United, 4-0 to qualify for a home playoff game. The 4-0 win was dire for Hills as it relegated them to second division.
Blacktown finished the regular season tied for third place with Apia Leichhardt. Rockdale finished on top for the Minor Premiership with Marconi in a clear second place finish.
The 2024 NSW Championship playoffs commenced with mid-week games for third place Apia to host Sydney United and Blacktown City up against St George City. Blacktown City FC had to pull out all stops in their elimination Final against St George. Tied 1-1 at the half time break, St George took a 2-1 lead in the 78th minute. Blacktown struck back three minutes later with a goal to Blacktown’s number One Striker, Jak O’Brien. The game went into overtime with Blacktown scoring twice for a well-earned 4-2 victory to set up their semi-final clash with Marconi four days later. Mitch Mallia put the game to bed in stoppage time for Blacktown with an audacious lob from near halfway that caught Goalkeeper Kenny out and found the goal.
Sydney United 58 knocked off Apia 2-1 to setup a semi-final clash with 2024 NSW Premiers, Rockdale Ilinden, with the hope of claiming yet another huge scalp. With their win over St George, Blacktown travelled to Marconi Stadium to face second place Marconi Stallions. The top four regular season teams had their sites firmly set on a shot at the big dance for the 2024 Championship on September 7th at CommBank Stadium.
Rockdale were first off the blocks and continued their Premiership run with a 3-1 win over Sydney United to book their slot in the Championship game.
Blacktown were met by an avalanche of goals by a pumped-up Marconi in front of a huge crowd. It took the home side just a minute to open the scoring, as they capitalised on a sloppy start from Blacktown City. After a cheap giveaway in build-up, Marko Jesic intercepted and drove forwards. From the
edge of the box, Jesic curled a perfect shot past the outstretched gloves of Tristan Prendergast, finding the back of the net via the post. It was the perfect start for Marconi, with Jesic once more providing the goods in his 250th appearance for the club.
Blacktown City weren’t demotivated, however, and threatened on multiple occasions shortly after as they searched for an equaliser. But in the 8th minute, it was Marconi who stunningly doubled their lead, with the home side making the perfect start in their quest to make the Grand Final. Three goal lead inside the first twenty five minutes put Blacktown in a tough position as Marconi were not
going to ease the pressure. The halftime score read 6-1.
Blacktown began the second half strongly, reducing the deficit with a Grant Lynch header after a freekick from Adam Berry was flicked on by his brother Ben.
But in the 51st minute, their chances were reduced from slim to borderline none, with Danny Choi being sent off to reduce Blacktown to 10. Following the red card, Blacktown continued to hold possession, but struggled to break down a resolute Marconi block.
It was a tough end to the season for Blacktown City after a solid 2024 campaign. Coach Mark Crittenden will now start planning for the 2025 season and a push for our tenth Championship.
In positive news for Blacktown City FC, all three Girls Youth teams qualified for the NSW SemiFinals. Unfortunately, the Under 15’s lost their semi, but the Under 14’s and 16’s won through to host Central Coast and St George respectively in a Championship game. Even better was the fact Landen Stadium was the host of the Finals. The Under 14 Girls lost their Final 2-1 but the Under 16 Girls were not to be denied and aggressively took it right up to St George. Their 2-1-win signalled history for the Blacktown City Women’s programme as the first Women’s Championship for the club. The success of the Youth Girls, in only their third season, provides a solid pathway for Blacktown to achieve their goal of elevation to NPL 1 for the senior women within the next three years.
Go Blacktown City!
Victorious Under 16 Girls.
Danny Choi. Photo: Speedmedia
Tristen Prendergast. Photo: Not24Get
Youth Girls – Under 14, 15 & 16.
#Cup. Photo: Speedmedia
Nahlous and Farnsworth chase a title at Phillip Island
BY NOEL ROWSELL
PHILLIP Island hosted the 2024 mibike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), presented by Motul, on September 8, featuring AMA Warehouse Superbikes, Nolan Superbike Masters, Michelin Supersport and Race and Road 300.
Six local western Sydney riders were in action on the day, with Cru Halliday (Camden) in Superbikes, Jack Passfield (Bidwell) in Superbike Masters, William Hunt (Mulgoa Rise) in Road and Race 300, and JJ Nahlous (Glenwood), Jake Farnsworth (Glenhaven) and Jack Favelle (Cattai) all racing in Supersport.
Cru Halliday had a contrasting round, finishing 4th in dry conditions in Race 1, before then finishing 10th in the wet in Race 2. He finished 6th overall for the round and sits in 4th in this year’s championship.
Jack Passfield just couldn’t find a way past Keo Watson (NSW) in Superbike Masters, finishing just 0.116s behind in Race 1, then 4.9s back in Race 2. The pair are enjoying a season-long battle for the title, with Jack finishing the round in 2nd place and is also 2nd in the Series.
JJ Nahlous had a brilliant win in
Supersport Race 1 but fell in Race 2, eventually finishing 8th for the round but still holding down 1st place for the Series. Jake Farnsworth finished 4th in Race 1 but shone in the wet, in contention for the lead throughout before finishing 2nd, narrowly missing out on the top berth. He finished 2nd for the round and sits 3rd in the Series.
Jack Favell raced just outside the place-getters in both races, recording 2 x 5th placings to finish 4th for the round and is 6th in the Series.
William Hunt was mid-field through his first two races in the dry but improved rapidly to finish 7th in Race 3. He finished 10th for the round and is in 14th in the Series.
Isaiah Lazaro Wins National Selection for The Philippines
BY
World Championship in Greece in October.
Born in The Philippines, Isaiah moved to Australia with his family as a 3-year old and until recently, lived in Blacktown.
He discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 7 and competes at the
Barra Blacktown City Club in
A brown belt in the Light Featherweight division, Isaiah has enjoyed several good results over the past 2 years, including double gold at the GB National Championships and gold at the NSWJJF Summer Cup in 2023, followed by double gold this year at the Gi/Nogi Australian National Jiu-Jitsu Championships, then winning selection to The Philippines National team, following a gold and a runner-up result at the GB National
Championships.
Australia does not field national teams in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, so Isaiah sought dual-citizenship to enable him to try out (successfully) for The Philippines National team.
Isaiah is also a full-time instructor at the Gracie Barra Blacktown City Club and has strong ambitions in the sport, including chasing the Grand Slam title, which is determined based upon results in the European BJJ, Pan American BJJ, World Championship BJJ and Brazilian National Championships BJJ.
Despite being selected into The Philippines national team, Isaiah is having to self-fund his trip and in addition to receiving support from his family, friends and the Gracie Barre Blacktown City Club, has set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page www. gofundme.com/f/support-isaiahsnational-phillipines-jiujitsu-journ ey?fbclid=IwY2xjawEnnrxleHRu A2FlbQIxMQABHUEywkS5Uu Ed_K3XGJmSLUR2JaXxYt_ci8Bib88gIA2UVwC-t9_2Dp9xw_aem_ LQ7t-iLdW4wNix5lUTVFDQ
Jake Farnsworth and JJ Nahlous at Phillip Island - photos courtesy of RbMotoLens / Motorcycling Australia
22-YEAR OLD Isaiah Lazaro (Marsden Park) has been selected in The Philippines National Brazilian JiuJitsu (BJJ) team, which will compete at the
Gracie
Blacktown.
NOEL ROWSELL
Isaiah Lazaro. Photos supplied