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2 Western News 14 April 2017 Issue 32
RIVERSTONE BUS SERVICE
Clarrie Neal
...continued from last issue
N
oel Fidler left the partnership in 1948 to take over a bus service in Windsor and John Storey joined Gordon in the Riverstone Bus Service. The following year Gordon and John took delivery of their first new bus, a 1949 Bedford with an all steel body. John Storey died suddenly in 1951 while on a trip to Brisbane. At this point Gordon decided to sell the bus service and left Riverstone in 1951 to work for the Parramatta Bus company The bus service was sold to Doug Barnes who took over in June 1951. Doug also bought the adjacent house and built his garage and service station at the front. Doug increased the bus services and began running special services to Harold Park Riverstone Bus Service buses. L to R: 1928 Reo, 1935 Bedford, 1942 Chev. Photo courtesy of Gordon Burn. and Londonderry trotting meetings, and to picnics held at Mitchell Park and Bungool, which is now known as the Riverside Oaks Golf Course. Also popular To enable a bus to get through the floodwaters, Doug Barnes extended were the Riverstone Football club’s away games held on a Sunday the exhaust pipe of the Reo bus to prevent it stalling. After the bread afternoon, sometimes they used all three buses. and other necessities had been stacked on the seats and safely delivered, Doug extended the Marsden Park run by deleting Vine Street and several residents decided to return with Doug into Riverstone to Fermoy Street. from the route and continued along the Richmond complete their shopping. Later that day, and with their shopping Road down to Townsend Road, Meadow Road, Durham Road and completed, Doug returned them to their homes. Ron Shields has seen a Carnarvon Road to Garfield Road. photo of this bus ploughing through the floodwaters, he believed it had The 12 o’clock bus service to Marsden Park was used to carry the been taken by Angus Mortlock. (The Historical Society would like a mail to their Post Office and it became a ‘service’ in every sense of the copy of this photo, so if any reader can help, please contact us.) word. Many residents along Garfield Road would wait in front of their homes to collect their mail direct from the driver, and Tom Aisbett When Doug Barnes sold out in 1958 and moved to Melbourne to take the headmaster at Marsden Park school would be out in front of the over the Sunshine Bus Service he took the 1949 Bedford with him. He school, or have one of his students waiting to accept delivery. sold the garage business and house to Ken Spear and the Bus Service The remainder of the mail was delivered to the Marsden Park was bought by Laurie Bower. The buses used by Laurie included a 26 general store which was a Post Office agency and B. P. garage. The seat Oldsmobile bought from Gospers of Windsor, a 1942 Maple Leaf local residents collected their mail from pigeon boxes inside the store. and a Ford bus, from the Shell Oil Co., that had been used to transport After picking up the mail to be posted the bus would continue on their workers from Clyde station to the Refinery. along the Richmond Road to Clydesdale, drop their mail into their Drivers for Laurie Bower included Jimmy Heaton, Archie Beasley, RMB and continue on to the Berkshire Park store and Post Office. Bert Smithers and Ron Shields. Ron also recalls acting as the conductor Mail to be posted was picked up and the bus, as it returned, would drop and collecting the three shilling return fare on the bus to the Richmond mail into the RMBs for Ted Jones and Echo Vale dairies. Mail was also dances and pictures on Saturday and Thursday nights. These buses delivered to the houses along Garfield Road on the return trip; Ron proved very popular with the younger residents of Riverstone and it Shields recalled it was customary to drive the bus right up to the back was often a case of standing room only. door of the Delarue’s house to deliver their mail. John Cole took control of the Riverstone Bus Service in 1960. The bus returned to Riverstone, delivered the mail bags to the Post Office, and, after the driver finished his lunch, it was time to do the Compiled by Clarrie Neal from information and photos provided by Gordon school run. Burn and Ron Shields. Ron also recalled the 1956 flood when the Marsden Park residents This article appeared in the Riverstone and District Historical Society Inc. had been isolated for several days and were running short on supplies. Journal 2006.
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St Bartholomew’s annual day By Conner Lowe
THE friends of St Bartholomew’s are holding their annual back to St Bartholomew’s Day on Saturday 29th April, 2017. This will be held at the historic St Bartholomew’s Church, Ponds Road, Prospect, 9am – 3pm. The event will cost $6 per person or free for children under the age of 12. The history of the church and cemetery goes way back to 1841 when it was built and the first burial took place. The church was used for over a century before it was closed in 1967. However, in 1989 the church was badly damaged due to a fire that swept through the church and destroyed most of the inside and outside of the church. The Blacktown City Council provided funding for the church to be rebuilt in 2000 and has since been listed as a heritage site. What you can expect to see on the annual St Bartholomew’s day are musicians, historical displays including photos of before and after the fire struck the church, St Bartholomew’s cemetery records for family research, self-guided cemetery
tours and more. There will be local historical societies who will come and speak to visitors and sell books on the history of the church and the area. There will also be a Town Crier, sausage sizzle, cake shops, craft shops and refreshment and variety stalls. The church can be hired out for marriage services, small concerts and other various uses. However, it is rarely open to be seen by the public and the annual St Bartholomew’s day allows you to see the developments of the
heritage listed church and cemetery. There are some famous individuals buried there including William Lawson who was one of three explorers to discover the Blue Mountains. Just reading the headstones in the cemetery you can see there are some pioneers from the district that are buried at the cemetery. The annual St Bartholomew’s day has been running since 2006 and has since become a day for families to discover past family members buried at the cemetery and also a day to
remember some of Western Sydney’s history. On the day there will be free shuttle buses running from the council car park to the event. Also, there will be free parking on site and free buses running from the car park to the event. The day is supported and funded by Blacktown City Council and is the only day throughout the year that provides the volunteers with the opportunity to raise some money to help maintain and look after the heritage-listed church and cemetery.
Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 12/82 Victoria St Werrington Mail: PO Box 4001 Werrington NSW 2747 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
3 Western News 14 April 2017 Issue 32
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4 Western News 14 April 2017 Issue 32
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IT is hard to believe we are in April already! I must admit April is one of my favourite months of the year. The unbearable heat is behind us, but the bitter cold hasn’t set in as yet; and then there’s the abundance of public holidays that enable us to take the first breather since Christmas. It’s also a month of giving thanks. Church-goers will spend a fair chunk of this month giving thanks to the man upstairs, and as a nation we will give thanks to our defence forces past and present on Anzac Day. Let’s all set our alarm clocks nice and early on Anzac Day and head to the Dawn Service to show our diggers how much we appreciate the sacrifices they made for our nation and it’s people. Lets pause and reflect on the thousands who never made it back. Even if it is raining on Anzac Day morning and you’re warm in your bed, spare a thought for those who crawled through mud and often went with no sleep at all in order to survive. We no longer have any Australian WW1 vets living, My mother’s oldest sibling, John Buchanan Richardson, aged 93, (my Uncle Jacky) is one of an elite group of WW11 veterans still living; but that list is declining. In fact this year he’s now the only one left from WW11 in his Sub-branch. As time rolls on more and more great souls who gave the greatest sacrifice in the earlier theatres of war will leave this earth, and each year there will be less of them standing proudly displaying their well-earned badges on Anzac Day. Let’s stand by our diggers and roll up in droves this Anzac Day and as proud Australians let’s salute them now before it is too late. Lest We Forget.
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A special day for June
By Conner Lowe
Barry Locock wanted his wife June to feel special as she was diagnosed with Cancer late in December last year. People throughout the Hawkesbury area will know of June and her father Barney Morley. Barney was the last river boat captain on the Hawkesbury River and helped deliver
fruit and vegetables down the river to Brooklyn where they were then put on a train and transported to Sydney markets. Hawkesbury Toyota were amazing recently as they filled June’s new car with balloons and presented her with flowers, chocolate and put a red bow on the car just to make the day even more amazing. June was astonished and was very happy with her husband Barry for his kind gesture and making her feel
very special. June was diagnosed with bowel cancer and has had five treatments of chemotherapy so far and five more sessions remaining. Barry is grateful for Gerald and how Hawkesbury Toyota helped June have a special day. The Western News team sends our thoughts to June and her family and hopes June has a safe and speedy recovery.
Cyclist stable A 25-year-old male has avoided serious injury in a collision with a car in Western Sydney on Monday afternoon. It’s understood the bicycle was involved in a collision with a car moving at approximately 60 km/h. CareFlight’s rapid response rescue helicopter was tasked to the scene in Blacktown at 12.35pm, landing in a park opposite Blacktown Mosque. The helicopter dispatched a critical care team at the scene. CareFlight’s specialist doctor and intensive care paramedic treated the man for injuries to the face, chest and abdomen. The medical crew continued treatment as the man was transported by road with NSW Ambulance. He was submitted to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition to undergo further tests and treatment.
5 Western News 14 April 2017 Issue 32
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anzac TRIBUTE 6
A Vietnam Solider: he was only 19
Western News 14 April 2017 Issue 32
By Keegan Thomson
TONY Mullavey received his “call up” to fight in Vietnam in 1967, when he was only 19 years old, but for young Tony he had no idea what kind of conflict he was getting himself involved in. “I’d never even heard of the bloody place,” he said. “You knew there was something going on but you didn’t take a whole lot of notice of it.” After his numbers were called up Tony Mullavey decided it was time to finish his apprenticeship as a baker and marry his teenage sweetheart. In 1968 his training to be a military man began. “They stripped you down from what you were as an individual and made you into a member of the military. “We were told to jump when someone said jump, run whenever someone said run and shoot when someone told us to shoot,” he said. On January 6, 1969, After completing his training as an infantryman, Tony was sent off to the hot and humid jungles of Vietnam. Stationed at the Nui Dat base in South Vietnam, his first job was to partake in search and destroy missions deep into the Vietnamese jungles.
Search and destroy missions involved Tony and his group of around seven soldiers marching out into the jungle in an attempt to find enemy bunkers and hideouts. When they found them they’d dig in and work to destroy them. “We would spend around six weeks in the bush on search and destroy missions. We would be resupplied daily but it was a hard slog through the bush. “For me, my time in Vietnam was
Former Parra Executive charged A former Parramatta Leagues Club executive will appear at court next month after being charged with fraud. Strike Force Rhodium was established in May 2016 by the State Crime Command’s Fraud and Cybercrime Squad to investigate allegations of fraud committed against Parramatta Leagues Club members. The allegations under investigation relate to finance being derived by the NRL club through false or inflated invoices to suppliers paid by the leagues club. Following extensive inquiries, Strike Force Rhodium detectives charged a 41-year-old man at Day Street Police Station. He was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for the charges of fraud and make false statement with intent to commit fraud, and is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Friday 19 May 2017. Fraud and Cybercrime Squad Coordinator, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Craft, praised the meticulous work of Strike Force Rhodium investigators. “We have gathered a large amount of information – more than 500,000 pieces of documentation and emails – which we are continuing to examine,” Det Ch Insp Craft said. “It has been a tedious process so far, but our investigation is gathering momentum. “As our inquiries continue, we are focusing on the suspected use of false invoices to disguise payments to players. It doesn’t appear to have been an isolated incident or the actions of just one individual. “This is the second person we have charged and we anticipate more in the not too distant future. “We believe there are a number of people who have knowledge of fraudulent activity, as well as those who are suspected or alleged to be involved, and we urge them to get in touch with us sooner rather than later,” Det Ch Insp Craft said.
300 days of slogging your guts out in the bush. “It was boring but we’d always be hoping we wouldn’t have a contact with anyone,” Tony said. During the war the Viet Cong used a number of different trap mechanisms to maim, injure or kill their enemy. One morning, during a patrol of the base at Nui Dat, Tony fell victim to one of these booby traps hidden by the Viet Cong. “We were making our daily morning
patrol of the area around the base. We would do it every morning to check the perimeter for any enemy who might have set up over night. “One morning while I was doing my patrol I was walking along the path when I put my foot on a patch of ground. It didn’t feel right but I didn’t think much of it until without any warning I fell through the ground and into a great big bloody hole. “When I hit the bottom I was pretty worried but after a second or two I realised I couldn’t feel any pain in my feet or on my body, so I knew I was alright,” Tony said. The hole was around seven feet deep but with some help he was able to climb out unharmed. Luckily for Tony, it was likely an unfinished trap there were no spikes in the hole - yet. Towards the end of 1969, after he’d done his time, Tony was shipped home to Australia, though when he arrived back in Sydney he found himself in the middle of a complex and divided country. “There was so much going on because of people protesting. “Hindsight teaches you a lot but at the end of the day the government will still do the same thing over again and make the same bloody mistakes,” he said.
R.I.P to a ‘perfect role model’ By Keegan Thomson
LAST week tragic news came through about Kellyville man, Sam Fitzsimons, who at 25 passed away after he was stung by a bee while out mowing his lawn. Mr Fitzsimons was admitted to Westmead Hospital after he developed significant swelling on his face after a bee sting reaction at his Kellyville home. Tragically he died only hours after the initial sting. The Hills Barbarians Cricket Club, the team Mr Fitzsimons had played for, posted a moving tribute to their facebook page after news broke of the young man’s death. “We have just received some extremely sad news that Sam Fitzsimons has passed away late this afternoon,” they wrote. “Please take a moment to remember Sam. Our sincere thoughts and best wishes go out to the entire Fitzsimons family.
“Sam played for the Barbarians since a junior and was part of the inaugural In2Cricket program. He was always a gentleman and a perfect role model. “A tragic loss of a wonderful person. One of the nicest guys you have ever met. Our hearts go out to his family and friends,” the post said. Many former players, team mates and club members posted emotional tributes to Mr Fitzsimons and his family. Steve Wickman wrote, “To the whole Fitzsimons clan, you guys are in my families thoughts and prayers. Sam was an ever smiling kind boy then man whom I had the pleasure watch grow up within the club.” Chris Turnbull said, “Saddened to hear the passing of Sam. Such a wonderful, pleasant young man. It was a pleasure to know Sam. My heart goes out to the Fitzsimons family.” Ms Fitzsimons survives by his partner Melanie and his sevenmonth-old son Hunter.
anzac TRIBUTE By Keegan Thomson
ON Anzac Day we pause to remember those who’ve fought for our freedom by observing different traditions. One of the most loved traditions played exclusively on Anzac Day is the age old game of Two-Up. In the simplest of terms the game of Two-Up is pretty much glorified head-or-tails game with the added element of gambling. The rules and gameplay of Two-Up vary but on a traditional level they’re all the same. A ‘ringie’ places two coins tail side up on a kip (or paddle) whilst punters gather around a circular tarp on the ground. The spinner then uses the kip to toss the two coins at least 10 feet into the air with the crowd betting on whether the coins will both land heads or tails up. The ringie’s job is to ensure the coins travel at least 10 feet into the sky and land on the circular tarp.
If the spinner tosses the coins and they both land tails then the spinner keeps playing. If the coins both land on heads then the game is over and the spinner loses. On the sideline the ‘boxer’ takes
bets from punters who’re both betting on the luck of the spinner and the individual results of the tosses. The boxer is also usually the facilitator of the venue or a publican. M. G. Heuston, served with 2/12th
Commando Squadron during the Second World War, and he supplied the Australian War Memorial with an anecdote of his time running Two-Up games across battlegrounds. “In some places, a multitude of currencies was used. It was the boxer’s call which stated the exchange rate for any or all currency. In addition, he could exchange currencies. “At the end of the game, if the tail betters had had a good day, they would sling (tip) the boxer, to compensate him for the use of his facilities. “As the game was held more often than once a week, you found that some of your customers went broke. The boxer usually lent them enough for cigarettes and a beer until next pay. “A game would run for up to three or four hours,” M. G. Heuston wrote. Good luck and gamble responsibly.
7 Western News 14 April 2017 Issue 32
The History of Two-Up
ADVERTISEMENT
Lest We Forget They shall grow not old, As we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, Nor the years condemn. At the setting of the sun, And in the morning, We will remember them.
Edmond Atalla MP Member for MOUNt Druitt
Tel: (02) 9625 6770
“The ANZAC spirit was born on the shores of Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915. We honour the sacrifices of the ANZACS, who fought for our freedoms and values that day. We also pay tribute to all men and women who have served or are serving in the Australian Armed Forces. For those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service, we will remember. Lest we forget.”
Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry Ph: 9833 1122 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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Western News 14 April 2017 Issue 32
Whatever you do, don’t be a tosser By Keegan Thomson
ACROSS the Easter long weekend and school holiday period western Sydney locals are being encouraged to report illegal roadside littering by motorists. Recent studies from the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WESROC) found councils across the western Sydney region spend more than $14 million a year picking up litter from careless motorists. This huge cost to the community can be curbed if people would simply stop using roadways as their dumping grounds. Currently there is a new initiative organised by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) that calls on community members to dob in and report litterers. A new online tool is giving community members and local residents the power to report a tosser directly to the EPA. Through the EPA website, and an online app, anyone can report someone tossing rubbish from their car. The President of WESROC, and the Mayor of Blacktown, Councillor Stephen Bali said the new online tool will help make a big difference to the cleanliness of the community. “Western Sydney councils have teamed up with Roads and Maritime Services, and the NSW EPA, to
run coordinated enforcement activities and roadside litter pick-ups throughout the holiday period. “Community members can also help catch litterers thanks to a new online tool from the EPA. Once registered on Report to EPA, all that’s needed
are vehicle details and where the littering incident took place. “Your report will make a difference. Together we can send a strong message that wherever you are, if you litter, you are likely to be caught,” he said. According to Cr Bali, anyone who is reported through the app or the website will have the responsibility to either pay the fine or justify their littering actions. “Successful reports will result in a fine of up to $900 being issued, and it will be up to the litterer in question to defend their actions if they choose to contest the fine,” he said. Safety is also paramount when reporting a tosser or litterbug, Cr Bali said, with road rules and common sense always coming first. “Of course, safety should be first priority,” he reminded. “It is unlawful for drivers to use a mobile phone whilst driving. If you have a passenger in the car ask them to record the details for you, or report the incident once you have reached your destination,” said Cr Bali. The EPA has also reminded that it is really simple to avoid copping a fine for littering. “Don’t be a tosser. Put your rubbish in the bin or take your rubbish with you,” they wrote on their website. “Take your rubbish with you. There is no excuse for littering.” You can find the information to report a litterbug at http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/litter/index.htm.
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NSW’s biggest health development project at Westmead Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee, along with representatives from Westmead Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, has announced the state’s largest hospital redevelopment project has been awarded to Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd, who will build the new main hospital building as part of the $900 million Westmead Redevelopment. The new hospital building, to open in 2020, will include two new emergency departments - one for adults and one for children - along with state-of-the-art operating theatres, inpatient beds and clinical support services, providing improved health services, outcomes and experiences for patients and families. Mr Lee said the new building would offer a patient-centred environment for care in a modern, state-of-the-art facility. “This new building will be comfortable and welcoming to the hundreds of patients who visit our busy Westmead hospitals annually,” he said. “Patients and their families have been heavily involved in designing the building to ensure the space reflects the needs of the community now and in the future. “Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd has been engaged under an early contractor involvement arrangement to continue these efforts and will work with Westmead clinicians, patients, families and community members to finalise the design for this exciting redevelopment.” Mr Lee said the outcome of the tender process and subsequent works would also significantly boost employment in the region, creating 1500 new construction jobs annually and more than 50 apprenticeships. “Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd has also committed to five per
cent of the total contract price being committed to Aboriginal Participation in Construction (APIC), which is well in excess of the NSW Government minimum of 1.5 per cent,” he said. “Further, the contractor has committed to raise the bar and meet the higher requirements of the NSW Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program.” Multiplex has also committed to establishing a learning centre on the Westmead precinct. The centre will act as the hub for collaboration between a wide range of service providers including Jobactive, Disability Service Providers, Transition to Work Providers VTEC and Aboriginal support agencies. It will also act as the point of coordination for all employment, training and community value-related activities for the construction of the central acute services building. Mr Lee said the Westmead Redevelopment would greatly expand
health services across the precinct. “This project is an opportunity to develop skills for our workplaces of the future,” he said. “Westmead is already one of the world-leading health, research and education precincts; the new building will only enhance this by ensuring education, training and research are woven into all spaces.” Western Sydney Local Health District chief executive Danny O’Connor said he was was thrilled to have Multiplex Constructions working on the project. “We are pleased to have the experience and expertise that Multiplex brings from other large projects like Bega, Byron Bay and St George Hospitals,” he said. “Building a new hospital building at Westmead, in the centre of two of the busiest hospitals in NSW and alongside world-class research institutes, has many technical difficulties. “Multiplex will be working closely
9 Western News 14 April 2017 Issue 32
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with our patients, carers and community and with our students, clinicians and researchers in finalising the design and bringing innovations to construction of the new hospital building.” The Children’s Hospital at Westmead chief executive Dr Michael Brydon said emergency services in the new hospital building would rival the best in the world. “With both adult and paediatric emergency departments accessing cutting-edge theatres, medical imaging and diagnostics, families from western Sydney and across the state will receive the very best care when they need it the most.” Other important elements of the Westmead Redevelopment include a new multi-storey car park, which will open later this year, infrastructure upgrades to be completed in the coming months and a staged refurbishment program for Westmead Hospital, which kicked off in 2014 and is due for completion in 2021.
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Serving up some free fun Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope to serve up some fun at free tennis open day Grab the whole family and head on down to Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope this weekend for a free family open day. On Sunday 9 April 2017 from 9am-5pm, the community can enjoy a free hit on the courts, as well as taking part in the kids tennis clinic (5-12 years) from 9:30am and a cardio tennis class at 11am (10:45am rego). There will also be a range of modified tennis Hot Shots equipment for the kids to try out, as well as the littlies enjoying endless hours of fun on the jumping castle. And after you’ve aced the courts, you can grab something to eat and drink with a sausage sizzle available on the day. Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said what better way to kick off the school holidays than with a free open day for the whole family. “This is a perfect opportunity for the community to come and try the new facilities available at Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope and to find out information on all the great programs running this year,” said Mayor Bali.
“Running from Monday 10 – Thursday 13 April 2017 will be a kid’s tennis holiday clinic. The clinic will teach participants the basics of tennis and will be an opportunity to try out the modified Hot Shots equipment, as well as
playing on the full sized tennis courts,” added Mayor Bali. For more information on Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope contact us on 9421 2600 or visit www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/btcs
Opinion: Build a bridge and get over it
Site of proposed intersection on Stoney Creek Rd
By Bart Bassett
The North West sector of Sydney is growing rapidly as we can all see with new road and rail projects occurring as well as housing projects popping up as far as the eye can see but there are two urgent missing transport projects in all of this progress. One of those projects is the ongoing discussion that we have been running in this paper and that is to connect the Sydney Metro Northwest with the South West Rail Link and Badgerys Creek airport to provide the cross regional connections the residents of western Sydney need for their future. But there is another project that is needed sooner rather than later which has again been highlighted in recent weeks with heavy rain yet again causing the closure for many days of the Stoney Creek Road causeway. Anyone who lives in this area of Sydney knows how vital that road is in linking up the North West sector with areas like Penrith, St Marys,
Mount Druitt and the M4. The road has approximately 6000 vehicles a day using it so when it is closed, even caused by very minor flooding, disruption and inconvenience is inflicted not only on western Sydney residents but on the costs of doing business with commercial vehicles being required to take lengthy detours. In 2012 following my representation to the then Roads Minister Duncan Gay for safety issues to be addressed at the causeway the NSW Government provided $500,000 to Blacktown Council in conjunction with Penrith Council for improvements at the causeway including new barriers, widened large drains, improved floodgates and automatic electronic signs at each end of the road to improve safety during heavy rain. Whilst some people are calling for the causeway to be lifted and quoting $10m this is inaccurate. When costs were investigated in 2012 the real cost was more like $30m and required significant property acquisition. In my opinion this would
not only be a waste of over $30m but would avoid focussing attention on the real solution and that is the proposed road to join the Marsden Park Precinct with Stoney Creek Rd on the Penrith side of the causeway. This road link forms an east-west connection as part of the infrastructure delivery required on the development of the Marsden Park Precinct and follows a road corridor from the Garfield Rd/Richmond Rd intersection through to Stoney Creek Rd approximately 500 metres south of the causeway. This would provide a quality bypass in times of flood, but more importantly a major connecting road between Penrith and the North West sector on a daily basis. I encourage both Blacktown Council and Penrith Council to increase their communications with the new Roads Minister Melinda Pavey on achieving a delivery timetable in the short term for this project to be delivered in partnership with the State Government, both councils and the developers in the Marsden Park Precinct.
Council invites you out for dinner
Jeannette Shaw and Annette Bond enjoyed meals together as part of the Let’s Dine Out initiative. Photo: Supplied.
By Keegan Thomson
LOCAL restaurants around Parramatta are being invited to participate in a new initiative that aims at stomping out social exclusion by providing affordable meals to vulnerable residents. The Let’s Dine Out program was launched by City of Parramatta Council as a social engagement initiative that gives disabled people and over 65s the chance to eat out at local restaurants. Amanda Chadwick, Parramatta Council’s Administrator, said the service was helping to improve the lives of the regions most vulnerable. “People who live alone and have mobility issues are vulnerable to social isolation and malnutrition. “Council’s Food Services is actively seeking to address this issue by encouraging its customers to enjoy a healthy meal outside of the home, for the same price as a home delivered meal,” Ms Chadwick said. The program works through a voucher system. People over 65 or those impacted by a disability can buy a voucher for $7.90. They can then go and visit a number of designated restaurants across Parramatta where
Easter Safety Kevin Conolly, State Member for Riverstone, is urging motorists to make every journey a safe one this Easter in a bid to drive the road toll down Towards Zero on our state’s roads. Of the total 384 lives lost on NSW roads last year, 109 were from the Sydney region. In 2015 there were 110 people killed and the shocking number of 6,390 people seriously injured in the Sydney region. “Last year’s 2016 Easter holiday road toll saw two fatalities on NSW roads and this year our goal is zero,” said Mr Conolly. The NSW Government has also
they can trade in their voucher for a meal valued up to $15. To participate in the initiative restaurants and cafes chip in $1.50 for every meal voucher and they must meet a set select criteria. Each restaurant must have easy accessibility to public transport, parking or a safe drop-off zone. They must also have a minimum 3-star food business rating and not be listed on the NSW Food Authority Register of offences. The Administrator said Let’s Dine Out couldn’t have happened without the work of the businesspeople and restauranteurs who’ve backed the initiative. “I thank all of the eateries that have contributed to this program so far and I encourage others to get involved. “We want to see more restaurants and cafes across our LGA embrace this innovative, low-cost initiative, attract new customers and help make a real difference in their local communities,” Ms Chadwick said. The program has already partnered with six restaurants and cafes in the Parramatta area including Dragon 88 in Dundas, Sicilian Restaurant and Eden’s Café in Parramatta, Ginger Indian Restaurant in Harris Park, Caleidescope Café in Rydalmere and Ermington Bistro. The program was officially launched last week after a successful six month trial across the region. Feedback from those who took part in the trial of Let’s Dine Out said they feel more positive after being able to leave the house for a cheap and affordable meal. “Family members of those who participated in the trial have told us their loved ones appear more animated and have found something new to look forward to since they joined the program,” Ms Chadwick said. For further information on the Let’s Dine Out program, contact Parramatta Council’s Food Services on 9806 5005.
announced that in addition to targeted Police enforcement to deter dangerous behaviour such as speed, drink-driving and non-seat belt use, people can expect to see more education and awareness campaigns in highrisk locations over the Easter break. “Research proves that with education and enforcement we can save lives – make every journey a safe one this Easter,” said Mr Conolly. Drivers are encouraged to stay informed and for the latest updates on NSW road conditions visit: www.livetraffic.com
11 Western News 14 April 2017 Issue 32
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Western News 14 April 2017 Issue 32
Exploring Islands: Vanuatu #2
By Ben Cranney
Turns out, kids are the same everywhere. We were driving the ring road of Efate, Vanuatu - local car hire companies are cheapest - and the same overloaded uteload of young blokes kept driving past. They didn’t seem to be having fun, either. No talking, just scowls and loud music. Overloaded utes and cars with people hanging out the window aren’t uncommon. To beat the bush bash through dense vegetation, locals use the road as a footpath, and the lucky ones flag a ride.
It’s about 120Ks around the island. Not a big drive, but, until recently, the road was unpaved and could take 12 hours drive, even in good weather. We had a taste of the old road when we headed inland via a dirt track. All bumps and pot holes, and vegetation that looked like it belonged inside the gates of Jurassic Park, we had a natural speed limit of about 5k. We weren’t looking for anything in particular, and stumbled across a village feast. They all gave us a big wave and yelled hello as we ambled past, so friendly at our intrusion that I though they might invite us in. The beauty of the drive is that
while it’s now tarred, you still need a whole day, because there are so many things to explore, and places to stop to admire the scenery. From open fields filled with cattle grazing under coconut trees (Vanuatu steaks are delicious), to rusted out sugar processing machinery, to family run swimming spots. One stop was the Blue Lagoon, a hot spring pool of a vivid blue colour. An ancient tree hung low over the water, drooping under the weight of a thousand tiny crabs scurrying across the bows. Another was the empty beach protected by barriers of rock, built from lava flows that shattered
in the instant that they hit the ocean and couldn’t handle the cooling. A third was an island surrounded by coral, bright fish and an underwater postbox, to send letters to people and make them feel really special over the lengths you went to to write to them. You can also get here, and anywhere else around Port Villa, by crowded mini bus. Just flag them down from the street, pay with change or you might not get any, and yell out when you want to get out. Practice your unimpressed, angsty stare and you could probably even hitch a ride in an overcrowded ute.
The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD My name is Suzi and I am an addict. Yes, I must confess here and now that I am totally addicted to the TV series Homeland. It’s all my daughter’s fault. She gave us a DVD of the first series for a little Christmas present and since then we have been glued to the set. We bought Series two, three and four and tied up nearly all our recording space on Foxtel with Series five. We are now desperately awaiting Series six to be released and very sadly find ourselves discussing the characters as if they are real people. My reason for sharing my personal addictions with you all is that a recent episode made me think about our paths in life, whether it is a Jansenist view that everything is premeditated or whether there is indeed free will and we are at liberty to chose our own futures. The central character is a CIA agent called Carrie who regularly saves the world from dreadful terrorist attacks. After one particularly brutal and bloody confrontation she decides to hide away in Germany with her daughter and rather boring German boyfriend and lead a normal life. However, obviously, she is drawn back into the murky world of espionage but asks why it had to happen and why she could not just stay in the life she had chosen. Although my secret dream
has always been to be a spy, sadly it has not been my role in life, but when I look back over the years, I can see that although I have had little forays off to the side, my life has been heading in this one particular direction. I always tell my clients that readings are neither written in blood nor set in stone and that they always have free will. I do believe that is true to a certain extent, but if the spirit world have picked out a very specific road
for you to travel, they will put you back on track. I tend to think of it a bit like One Man and His Dog, a lovely English country show about sheep dog trials. I know Gran may not like being compared to a frisky Border Collie, prodding me with a wet nose and woofing at me to get back in line, but it does sometimes seem like that. My particular path started back in the Eighties when a very determined old clairvoyant lady told me that I
would become a psychic and write a book helped by Spirit. Quite soon after that she died, but was not going to let a little thing like death stop her and before long I was starting to tell people very specific things that actually came to fruition. Okay, first part of the path accomplished. Now for the second. I manfully resisted the writing for a long time and once the book was written, I manfully - or womanfully - managed to resist getting it published by doing absolutely nothing about it. But then one day, through a dear friend Valerie, I met a publisher and now here I am, with a published book under my belt, working as a clairvoyant and writer. When I was between husbands, I almost got married a few times. Just as things were getting serious something quite dramatic would happen to nip it in the bud so to speak. I used to rail at the spirit world for interfering, but they had a purpose. I am writing this on my twentieth wedding anniversary and all I can say is thank you Gran and Mrs B for getting me back on to the right path and into the arms of a wonderful man. Where would I be without you? The Unintentional Medium is available online or at all good book stores
Western Sydney Veterans Golf Association Championships
SUDOKU: MEDIUM
By Noel Rowsell
One hundred and thirty one male golfers faced the starter on Monday morning at Richmond Golf Club, in round one of the 2017 Western Sydney Veterans Golf Association Championships. 2016 winner Dennis Dale (Twin Creeks) was a late withdrawal due to health concerns but previous winners Col Kenning (Kiama GC) and Greg Kent (Charlestown GC) were both in attendance, sharing equal favouritism for the three-day event. This is the fourth straight year the Championships have been hosted in western Sydney, with the youngest player in this year’s field a baby at 56, whilst the two oldest competitors are 82 and 84 respectively. Golf NSW have sanctioned the event as one of their “Over 55 Order of Merit” competitions, not only giving the event added prestige but also thereby attracting the top-ranked players from all over the state. Richmond GC is the oldest Golf Club in NSW and the green-keeping staff did a wonderful job of drying the course to a reasonable state on Monday, allowing the event to be run on schedule. Stormy weather threatened the late starters but all players safely negotiated the course to complete the first round. Round two was scheduled for Glenmore Heritage Valley Country Club, making it’s appearance as a host club for the first time in 2017. Day three would see all golfers playing at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club, with a presentation lunch to be held at the end of the morning’s round.
13 Western News 14 April 2017 Issue 32
localnews
INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates SOLUTION: 31st March
A competitor from Glenmore Country Club lines up a putt on the 18th green at Richmond GC on Monday. Photo courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
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realestate
Western News 14 April 2017 Issue 32
Alex Soncini
How to get into property faster with a guarantor loan
Housing affordability is a hot topic at the moment and with house prices in Australian capital cities out of reach for many first home buyers, saving the deposit you need for a home loan could take many years. In this time house prices could have increased well beyond your reach. The question I’m asked often by first home buyers and parents is, what do you have to do to get into the property market? Many parents would like to help their children to get into property faster and often don’t have the cash to gift them. A family pledge allows family members to support each other without actually providing any cash. One option could be a family guarantee loan otherwise known as family pledge home loan. A family guarantee allows the bank to use some of the equity in your property to help out as extra “security” for their loan. The bank will use the equity in your parents’ property or another family member’s property as security on a home loan and will take a mortgage over your property meaning they have more “security” for the loan. The benefit is twofold as it allows the first home buyers to get into a home faster rather than waiting
for years to save more and also it removes the need for them to pay mortgage insurance. Remember mortgage insurance is payable when the loan is more than 80% of the purchase price. Mortgage insurance rates vary, and can easily be $10,000, $15,000 even $20,000 in some cases. These family guarantee loans in many case are limited to guaranteeing just a portion of the loan eg 20% of the price of the value of the property being purchased and the loan remains in your children’s name. Guarantors are limited to immediate family members, including parents, grandparents and siblings. Family Pledge loans are either equity support or income support and they both work differently from each other. There are some risks to be considered if you’re the guarantor as you could be putting your home at risk. You need to understand exactly what the guarantor is liable for in the event there is a default on the loan. It’s important that you seek out independent financial and legal advice prior to making any decision. How do Equity Family Guarantee work? The property being purchased by your children is worth $650,000 and in this case they have savings to cover stamp duty and legal fees. If not this type
@wealthwiz
of loan will allow them to borrow more money if needed. The loan amount required to borrow is the full $650,000 and to avoid paying Mortgage Insurance they will use the equity in a parent’s property for 20% of the loan amount being $130,000. The parent’s property is worth $800,000 and is unencumbered. The lender will use this equity and your guarantee is limited to $130,000 only not the full $650,000. The loan amount of the full $650,000 is in your children’s name only and the lender will have a mortgage over their property and also over yours although limited. The loan repayments for the $650,000 are made by your children. All parties will need to sign mortgage applications and documents. Not all lenders allow family guarantees, and as I have mentioned before it is good to use mortgage broker. Wealthwiz can assist in finding the best solution which meets your needs as not every situation suits a family guarantee and policies vary at different lenders. To arrange a free home loan review contact Alex Soncini on 0419 600 177 or email at alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au
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WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au
CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 Canoe (4) 9 Submits (5) 10 Gremlins (4) 11 Missile (6) 12 Male chickens (8) 13 Hatred of women (8) 15 Hangman’s knots (6) 17 Subjugate (7) 19 Got away (7) 22 Scholastic scores (6) 24 Occasionally (8) 26 The provision of things (8) 28 A frenzied woman (6) 30 Past tense of “To be” (4) 31 A group of south Pacific islands (5) 32 Coagulate (4)
solution 31/3/17
down 1 An African parrot (4) 2 Finance (8) 3 In large part (6) 4 Double crosses (7) 5 Amazes (8) 6 Restaurant (6) 7 Box (4) 14 Not outer (5) 16 Each and all (5) 18 Unusual largeness (8) 20 Group of spectators (8) 21 Regards highly (7) 23 Drenches (6) 25 Not a reptile (6) 27 Litigated (4) 29 Berserk (4)
my words with MARK GEYER
Footy dominating what seems to be daily headlines As always in rugby league, it seems like there has been a major ‘happening’ per day since I last wrote. The Tigers, Cooper Cronk, Des Hasler, Billy Slater, and our own Penrith Panthers have dominated headlines in the last fortnight. And there will be lots more when we next chat. The game that just keeps giving. Back closer to home Panthers honcho Anthony Griffin was forced to make his toughest decision since taking the reins at the foot of the mountains recently. Following the Melbourne Storm game two weekends ago “Hook” issued his charges a stern warning, “Head back to the hotel and stay there, no going out, you haven’t earned the right,” or words to that affect. But three players didn’t listen and were subsequently caught and dropped. Matt Moylan (captain) Waqa Blake, and Peta Hiku being the players in question. Lots have had their say on whether the coach made the right move or in fact did he over-react to three young men simply wanting to head out and let off some steam? I’m with the coach on this one. In trying to establish a culture and winning ethos within the team it has to be made clear that NO player or players are bigger than the team. Looking at his decision now near a week and a half later and it’s plain to see the dropping of the three more likely than not cost the Panthers two competition points as the mountain men went down by a miserable point against the Rabbits. But without the tough love Griffin is trying to install, its real easy for footy teams to slide right off the rails. ( Tigers being case in point). Griffin had to make a tough call on Tyrone Peachey that has seen him become our most consistent players.
Watch for Moylan, Blake, and Hiku to be amongst our best as the season moves on. And another thing.... Speaking of the Tigers, what a month they have had. Rumour and innuendo has flushed them of any positive news as story after story emerged out of their camp of the inmates running the asylum. A coach was sacked, the “big four” don’t know whether they are Martha or Arthur, then they fly to North Queensland to play against Jonathan Thurston’s Cowboys as the round’s biggest underdogs and win!! With new coach Ivan Cleary steering the ship! Talk about turmoil. The Tigers recent dramas could be made into a movie and still be called fiction such has been the never before wheelings and dealings taking place. Watching and observing like an addicted reality tv worshipper I have learnt three things. 1). The big four need to swallow their pride and join together in trying to win a comp for their supporters. 2). Attitude will always win over ability. 3) Ivan Cleary is definitely the man to once again galvanise the Tigers. Don’t touch the remote, the fun has just begun.... See you at the game.
15 Western News 14 April 2017 Issue 32
sport
MG (random Westie) OAM
CelebrityTIPSTERS
Round BUL NEW BRI MAN CAN STG PAN PAR CAN SOU PAR NQC CRO WES SYD MEL
7& 8
SOU SYD GCT MEL NZW NQC CRO WES MAN BRI PAN NEW GCT BUL STG NZW April 14 4.00pm
April 14 6.00pm
April 14 7.50pm
April 15 3.00pm
April 15 5.30pm
April 15 7.30pm
April 16 4.00pm
April 17 4.00pm
April 21 6.00pm
April 21 7.50pm
April 22 3.00pm
April 22 5.30pm
April 22 7.30pm
April 23 4.00pm
April 25 4.00pm
April 25 7.00pm
SCORE
Clr Stephen Bali Mayor - Blacktown City Council
48 Matthew Bennett - Bennett Western Sydney
46 Alex Soncini - WealthWiz Wealth Management
58 Paul Maher - Loxley on Bellbird
68 Troy - Urban City Consulting
60 Barry Locock - Turtle Landscape Supplies
46 Kimberley Talbot - CEO Richmond Club
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Western News Friday, 14 April 2017
sport
Wanderers finally cement finals spot By Conner Lowe
THE Western Sydney Wanderers have cemented a place in the top six with a draw against Melbourne Victory on Saturday night. Western Sydney Wanderers are in fine form after being undefeated in their last six games with four wins and two draws. The Wanderers have hit momentum at the right time of the season and will look to use the momentum to their advantage as they head into the finals with one game remaining in the Hyundai A-League season. The Wanderers dominated the game on Saturday night and were unlucky not to score on multiple occasions throughout the match. The Wanderers have proved that they are capable of being a huge threat during the finals after the dominate display against second place Melbourne Victory. Western Sydney Wanderers striker, Brendan Santalab spoke about the
team’s performances towards the end of the season and the reason for the team’s great performances. “Yeah it has been frustrating, I think the important thing is that we always had the belief there, and now we are coming to the crunch time of the season and we are playing well and
winning games at a crucial stage,” he said. “I think as a group as well it’s great for the confidence that we’ve bounced back in the last five weeks in the way that we have and I’m grateful for our fans and club as well. “I think goal scoring, I think we
scored a lot of goals of late and we hadn’t been hitting the back of the net regularly, I think our intensity and our desire and hunger to win has been fantastic,” he said. Western Sydney Wanderers coach, Tony Popovic spoke about the team’s unbeaten run towards the end of the season. “Yeah it’s been a very good period in terms of results for us, we feel as though this has been coming for a while but you have to get the job done and we have been able to do that in recent weeks,” he said. The Western Sydney Wanderers will now play their last match of the season away to Adelaide United at Hindmarsh stadium. Adelaide who currently sit 9th on the ladder will be hoping to put an end to the unbeaten run of the Wanderers. The Wanderers have won and drawn the previous two matches against Adelaide United but will hope to end their season with a win and the possibility of finishing above Perth Glory in 5th position.