Western News 14 May 2021

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Friday, 14 May 2021

ISSUE 135

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Key to the City The former Member for Greenway, Mr Frank Mossfield AM, has been presented with the ‘Key to the City of Blacktown’, see page 3 for full story.

Western News 14 May 2021 Issue 135

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Western News

The Ponds and Norwest on demand bus services expanded

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ore commuters now have access to On Demand buses with new areas opened up around Schofields Station.

Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said that the expansion came in response to feedback from commuters and coincided with the two year anniversary of the start of the services.

“For almost two years The Ponds On Demand bus has been connecting commuters with Metro services at Tallawong and Rouse Hill, as well as Sydney Trains services at Schofields. Patronage has remained strong throughout the pandemic with just over 9,400 commuters catching the service in March,” said Mr Conolly.

“The service is now extended north east of Schofields Station to the parts of Schofields and Tallawong bordered

by Railway Terrace to the west, Kensington Park Road to the north and First Ponds Creek to the east.

“Commuters will be able to book via the Cooee app which has been

integrated with real-time information on fixed bus routes in the area. This means that commuters will be able to decide whether to catch a regular route service or book a spot on the On Demand bus.

“This will especially benefit commuters travelling during off-peak times when regular route buses aren’t as frequent.”

Mr Conolly also encouraged On Demand commuters to sign-up for an

Opal Connect account to benefit from a $2 travel credit when they transfer to any Opal network service, such as a bus, train or Metro service, within one hour of catching an On Demand bus.

“The $2 travel credit for commuters with an Opal Connect account provides even more incentive to leave the car at home and catch public transport,” said Mr Conolly.

Commuters using the Norwest On Demand service are also set to benefit

with the operating hours of that service expanded from 6am – 10am and 4pm – 9pm to 6am – 11am and 3pm – 8pm. This service covers the suburbs of Glenwood, Kellyville and Bella Vista connecting with the Bella Vista, Norwest and Showground Metro stations.

To find out more information about On Demand transport in Sydney’s north west, visit www.transportnsw. info.

New 24/7 service for Aboriginal mothers-to-be in Western Sydney

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new 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week service is set to help ensure the health and wellbeing of pregnant Aboriginal women in western Sydney.

The Dragonfly Midwifery Clinic is a service offered by Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), which provides culturally safe midwifery care for women from Aboriginal backgrounds.

Four new midwives are the backbone of the program – basing themselves at the Westmead accommodation complex to make sure the service runs 24/7 during pregnancies and up to six weeks following birth.

Women and their partners have conversations with their midwives about keeping healthy during pregnancy and becoming a parent.

Providing continuity of care for Aboriginal mothers has been a

long-term dream for midwife Courtney – a Wiradjuri woman from Parkes.

“There are only 230 Aboriginal midwives in Australia. I am a Wiradjuri woman and I have always

felt a strong obligation to be a part of these numbers,” Courtney said.

“Most women who identify as Aboriginal do not have a good outlook on accessing healthcare at the hospital. Having a place to come to in

the community makes it more relaxed and comfortable.

“It is also proven that having a trusted midwife makes a woman feel safe during pregnancy and childbirth, and improves health outcomes for mums and babies,” she said.

Joelle Harland-Sykes became the first mother to give birth with the help of the new dedicated midwifery program, welcoming twins Jacob and Zakariya at Westmead Hospital in January 2021.

“It was great having the midwives support my wishes and be my voice.

I have never had a caseload midwife and I decided to try the service. It turned out to be a whole different experience,” the mother of four said.

WSLHD Director of Aboriginal Health Strategy, Braiden Abala said the symbol of the clinic, the dragonfly, was inspired by the artwork “Dance of the Dragonflies” by Darug artist Leanne Tobin which is used for all Aboriginal health services in the District.

“Leanne’s expression is that the artwork is about the transition of the dragonflies throughout their life journey – and a good starting point is birth,” he said.

WSLHD has the largest population of Aboriginal people living within NSW and the program seeks to help address the fact Aboriginal women and babies continue to experience higher rates of mortality and morbidity compared to non-Aboriginal women and babies. The Dragonfly Midwifery service is in addition to the existing Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service providing more choice for Aboriginal families in western Sydney.

Western News

COVER STORY

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he former Member for Greenway, Mr Frank Mossfield AM, has been presented with the ‘Key to the City of Blacktown’.

Frank Mossfield was a National Serviceman and a fitter and turner before entering politics. Frank held senior positions in the Australian Society of Engineers, the Australian Workers’ Union, the Labor Council of New South Wales and the Australian Council of Trade Unions.

Frank Mossfield held the Federal seat of Greenway from 1996 to 2004 and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1995.

In presenting Frank with the Key to the City of Blacktown, Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, said; “Frank shared a deep concern for the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid population growth in North West Sydney.

“This honour recognises his many years of service to the people of Blacktown City, Western Sydney and to public service in general.

“Frank Mossfield spoke of the great need for infrastructure to support the growing community of people and businesses in our City and cared deeply about the vital service that child care represents for working families.”

Frank Mossfield AM (centre) accepts the Key to the City of Blacktown from Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM and Michelle Rowland MP.

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Mayor Bleasdale presented the award to Frank Mossfield at a recent Council Meeting, which was attended by a number of very proud members of Frank’s family as well as the current Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland.

Ms Rowland spoke of Frank Mossfield’s kindness and his willingness to always help those in need and those who called on his advice and counsel.

“It was such an honour to join my predecessor, Frank Mossfield AM, as he was presented with the Key to the City on behalf of the people of Blacktown City.

“Frank was a true believer.”

Ms Rowland said.

Mayor Bleasdale said; “Council and all our communities are grateful for Frank Mossfield’s service, and we are honoured to recognise him with Blacktown City’s highest award.

“We also recognise the endless support of Frank’s late wife, Jan. Her presence was vital and a constant strength to Frank and she is greatly missed in her community.”

Western News 14 May 2021 Issue 135

Former MP Frank Mossfield – Key to the City

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au Authorised by Prue Car MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

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From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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his week brought with it some very sad news for our local community; the loss of one of the most genuine and dependable blokes that has ever graced this place.

Following a brave and heroic fight for life, Frank Lawton, Vice President of the St Marys RSL subBranch sadly passed away on Monday morning.

Our thoughts are with his wife Laraine and the rest of his family, and his friends from St Marys Outpost. It was very evident how much Frank was loved and respected and the wonderful bond that everyone shared with him. Our deepest condolences.

To quote the fellas at the ‘train’ he was “an allround top bloke who was always a bright spot with a cheeky smile on his face no matter what was happening. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

The MC during sub-Branch services, Frank was a supporter who took on any job and always gave it 110 per cent.

That incredible determination to see things through continued right to the very end, when even though he was gravely ill, Frank checked himself out of hospital to MC the Anzac Day Dawn Service in St Marys just last month.

R65138 Francis Zavier Lawton, you served your country in the Royal Australian Navy gallantly and bravely. You kept the Aussie spirit alive and you served your local community brilliantly.

Your job here is done, Frank.

May you rest in peace and know that the positive impact you had on so many was immeasurable.

Lest We Forget.

Western News

local news

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e s t e r n Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is urging community members to avoid handling bats after the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) was recently detected among bats in the area.

WSLHD Public Health Unit Director Dr Shopna Bag said that 11 people have already been referred to the Public Health Unit after being scratched or bitten by a bat in the area this year, with four people needing treatment.

“Lyssavirus can be transmitted from infected bats to humans through bites or scratches, so it is important people avoid handling any bat in distress, trapped or on the ground,” Dr Bag said.

“While human ABLV infection is extremely rare with only three cases ever recorded in Australia, it is fatal if not prevented with early vaccine treatment.”

If you have found an injured or trapped bat, call your local wildlife rescue service WIRES on 1300 094 737.

Early symptoms of ABLV are flulike, including headache, fever and

Western News 14 May 2021 Issue 135

Don’t touch bats!

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fatigue. The illness then progresses rapidly to paralysis, delirium, convulsions and death.

Dr Bag said the disease spreads to people from the saliva of an infected bat, so you’re not at risk from urine or droppings if you live, play or walk near their colonies.

If you are bitten or scratched by any type of bat, clean the wound with soap and water immediately for at least five minutes, apply an antiseptic such as Betadine, and seek urgent medical advice.

Following an exposure, people may need a series of injections to protect against lyssavirus infection with the first two to be given as soon as possible.

If your pet has interacted with a bat, seek prompt assistance from your vet. If you work with or intend to start working with bats, contact your local doctor about vaccination.

For more information on Australian bat lyssavirus visit: https://www. h e a l t h . n s w. g o v. a u / I n f e c t i o u s / factsheets/Pages/rabies-australianbat-lyssavirus-infection.aspx.

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Council delivers $656 million balanced budget

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lacktown City Council has delivered a balanced 2021/22 draft budget but this comes with a warning that adjustments could still be made in the coming months due to the impact of COVID-19.

Council has adopted a draft budget of $656 million for the 2021/22 financial year, including a major capital works program of more than $150 million. This represents Council’s third largest budget spend ever following the record $789 million delivered 12-months ago Over the past 5 year period, Blacktown City Council has voted a cumulative budget spend of $3.414 billion.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said: “This budget delivers on promises made to residents, businesses and our loyal council staff.

“Just as many of our residents and businesses were affected by the restrictions and hardships imposed by the COVID pandemic, Council also had to make adjustments, maximise savings, cut non-essential expenses and operate in an environment with a reduced revenue stream.

“In the early days of COVID, I and my fellow Councillors made a commitment to this City that Council would maintain services, preserve the health and well being of our residents and Council staff alike, and continue with the transformation of Blacktown into a modern, sustainable city.

“I can honestly say that we have honoured all of those commitments and delivered a balanced, responsible budget despite reduced revenue, funding shortfalls from the Federal and NSW Government and a NSW Government imposed rate cap.

“Council staff commenced work on 2021/22 budget during 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 financial and social restrictions.

“At the time, the cost to Council of the COVID-19 pandemic was estimated to be $24 million over an 18-month period, however due to astute planning and responsible

Artist’s impression courtesy of ARM Architecture

financial management, at this stage, the actual losses have not been as high as forecast.

“We might have to make budget adjustments in the coming months due to the ongoing responses to the pandemic by Council and the Australian and NSW governments that impact on our income and expenditure.”

“However, Council is totally committed to delivering the City’s transformational projects.

The $80 million Warrick Lane precinct CBD redevelopment is nearing completion, initial works have started on the $100 million International Centre of Training Excellence at the Blacktown International Sportspark and construction will commence later this year on a world-class $30 million Animal Rehoming Centre at Glendenning.

“In addition, students are now studying at the Australian Catholic University campus in the Blacktown City Centre and we will continue to operate one of the state’s largest childcare programs at our 25 Kids Early Learning centres.” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Speaking at Wednesday’s Council meeting, Deputy Mayor, Julie Griffiths said: “This year’s budget delivers increased spending on service delivery while at the same time maintaining high levels of spending on infrastructure to support the City’s rapid growth and development.

“Providing vital services such as waste management, childcare, roads, footpaths, libraries and leisure centres are the cornerstone of Council’s

operations.

“Council is allocating over $25 million to our childcare centres as well as $10.1 million to our libraries that attract 1.5 million visitors each year.

“I am especially proud that we have supported our Seniors during COVID with Council-funded rate rebates and reduced essential services charges.

“Our parks are the lungs of our City.

Council is spending $56.4 million on the purchase and maintenance of our City’s parks, reserves, playgrounds and sporting fields.

“Council is responsible for more than 1,400 kilometres roads, 117 bridges and 1,500 kilometres of footpaths.

“We are allocating $56.7 million in 2021/22 for construction and maintenance of roads, footpaths and bridges.” Deputy Mayor Griffiths said.

“We are the largest Council in NSW with more than 395,000 residents.

Council is a major employer and business in Western Sydney and we remain committed to maintaining jobs, paying our creditors, providing quality services, facilities and infrastructure for our residents and businesses.” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Works have commenced at the site of the $100 million International Centre of Training Excellence at the Blacktown International Sportspark: artist impression shown at top of story.

Blacktown City Council 2021/22 Budget key points.

Budget forecast spending for 2021/22 - $656 million

$150 million allocated to major capital works in 2021/22 including: • $65.5 million for the purchase of land in the new release areas to deliver essential drainage and water infrastructure • $20.6 million for road and footpath improvements across the City • $20.3 million for new roadworks in the growing areas of Riverstone, Schofields, Rouse Hill and Marsden Park • $12.6 million for new open space in the growing areas of Riverstone and Schofields • $8.1 million for new roadworks in the growing areas of Riverstone, Schofields, Rouse Hill and Marsden Park • $6.3 million for drainage improvements across the City • $6.2 million to upgrade facilities at Council’s sporting grounds • $4.0 million for building improvements across the City • $5 million allocated, from the Infrastructure Sinking Fund, towards further progressing the funding strategy for the City’s program of transformational projects • $1.5 million for the construction of Riverstone Parade, Riverstone (provision of a 4 lane road from Victoria Street to Otago Street including pavement, kerb and gutter, drainage and cycleway). $392 million is allocated to the ongoing provision of services, programs and maintenance including: • $60.8 million for the operation and maintenance of waste collection and management services.

• $25.3 million for the operation of Kids’ Early Learning (KEL) child care centres.

• $10.1 million for the operation of 5 libraries. Our libraries attract more than 1.5 million visitors and host over 2,000 events, each year.

• $21.7 million will go towards the operation of 5 Leisure Centres, the Leo Kelly Arts Centre, Blacktown, and to other community and recreational facilities.

International Centre of Training Excellence

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lacktown City’s International Centre of Training Excellence is a step closer.

Hoardings have been erected around the site at Blacktown International Sportspark and work will soon commence.

The centre will open in early 2023.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “The ICTE is a unique facility to serve local residents of all ages and athletes of every level.

“Our stakeholder partners will provide advanced performance and recovery services, to address general health, lifestyle related disease and specialised support for sportspeople.”

Partners with Council in the venture: WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health

Artist’s impression courtesy of ARM Architecture

Network, which has been part of the Western Sydney community for the last 20 years will curate and engage services to ensure that the patient centred

medical home meets the specific needs of the local community.

ACU (Australian Catholic University) will assist in the delivery of sport science services including physiological assessments and biomechanical analysis. This is in addition to conducting cutting edge research and facilitating use of the Sportspark by local students.

Sydney West Sports Medicine is a group with an existing presence in Rooty Hill and Sydney Olympic Park, which already works with a range of professional sports and athletes including those within the Western Sydney Academy of Sport. Its services include physiotherapy, sports medicine, podiatry and soft tissue massage.

Western News

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lacktown City Council is giving residents and businesses the opportunity to join an online forum on 24 May, and have their questions answered on any issues arising from Council’s draft 2021/22 Operational Plan and Budget.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “Council has adopted a draft budget of $656 million for the 2021/22 financial year, including a major capital works program of more than $150 million.

“People joining the online forum will also get the benefit of insights from our guest speaker, West HQ CEO, Richard Errington.

“The draft Budget is now on public exhibition and we will use the online forum as an opportunity to explain the budget and give an update on Council’s major projects.

“Council also wants to respond to questions on the Budget and we are encouraging residents to submit video or written questions and we will attempt to answer them during the forum.

“Last year at the height of COVID, I and my fellow Councillors made a commitment to this City that Council would maintain services, preserve the health and wellbeing of our residents and our staff alike, and continue with

the transformation of Blacktown into a modern, sustainable city.

“I believe we have delivered. The ACU Campus is fully operational in the CBD, the $80 million Warrick Lane precinct redevelopment is nearing completion, initial works have started on the $100 million International Centre of Training Excellence at Blacktown International

Sportspark and construction begins this year on a $30 million Animal Rehoming Centre at Glendenning.”

Mayor Bleasdale said.

Blacktown City Council 2021/22 Budget key points.

• Budget forecast spending for 2021/22 - $656 million • $150 million allocated to major capital works in 2021/22

• $65.5 million for the purchase of land in the new release areas to deliver essential drainage and water infrastructure • $20.6 million for road and footpath repairs and improvements across the City • $60.8 million for the operation and maintenance of waste collection and management services.

• $25.3 million for the operation of Kids’ Early Learning (KEL) child care centres.

• $10.1 million for the operation of 5 libraries.

• $21.7 million will go towards the operation of 5 Leisure Centres, the Leo Kelly Arts Centre, Blacktown, and to other community and recreational facilities.

Mayor Tony Bleasdale will host the online budget forum.

Blacktown City Council online budget forum: Monday 24 May 2021 – 7.00pm. www.facebook.com/ BlacktownCityCouncil/ Council’s draft 2021/22 Operational Plan and Budget is currently on public exhibition until 1 June 2021 at: www.blacktown.nsw. gov.au/202122operationalplan To submit your questions, or submit a video question email: forums@ blacktown.nsw.gov.au

www.knownforlounges.com

Western News 14 May 2021 Issue 135

Blacktown City Council budget forum goes online. Have your say

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Western News

Restored vintage ‘Sunshine Harvester’ – a workers’ memorial

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restored 1907 harvesting machine has been installed in a workers’ memorial garden in Blacktown, as a commemoration of a pivotal moment in Australian industrial history, where one of the foundations of modern living standards was established.

The Sunshine Harvester was unveiled in a ceremony marking International Day of Mourning, a day when gatherings around the world pause to commemorate workers who have died or been injured as a result of workplace incidents or occupational disease.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “Not only did the Sunshine Harvester forever change agriculture in Australia, but it was at the heart of a test case that set the country’s first minimum wage and set the standard for National Wage cases for many years.”

“The Harvester Decision in 1907 by the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Court (CCAC) changed the way wages were determined in Australia by setting a minimum wage for all Australian workers.”

Until 1907 wages were set either by individual contract between each worker and their employer or through

AWU National Secretary Daniel Walton joins Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale unveiling a plaque commemorating the ‘Harvester Wage Case’ alongside the 1907 Sunshine Harvester.

union negotiations at each worksite.

The Australian Workers’ Union represented workers at the Sunshine Harvester factory ,where each worker on the production line was paid a different wage.

AWU National Secretary Daniel Walton said; “The Harvester Decision by the CCAC determined for the first time a minimum ‘living wage’ that should be paid to all Australian workers performing skilled or unskilled work.”

Justice Higgins determined that the minimum wage should cover; “the normal needs of the average employee, regarded as a human being living in a

Mayor Tony Bleasdale and Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths led a wreath laying walk in the Memorial Garden.

civilised community”, and he decided that ”42 shillings a week was a fair and reasonable wage for an unskilled worker supporting a wife and three children.”

The 1907 Sunshine Harvester was unveiled today by Mayor Bleasdale and Mr Walton in the Workers Memorial Precinct, a collection of sculptures and pools established by Blacktown City Council at Blacktown Showground.

Blacktown MP and former Mayor and AWU representative, Stephen Bali, said it was a place of reflection for those people who have been killed

The Sunshine Harvester when it was first donated to Blacktown City Council.

at work; “Whether it’s police officers dying on duty, or workers killed or injured on building sites, we just want to highlight the importance of safety in the workplace.”

The 1907 Sunshine Harvester was donated to Blacktown City Council in 2019 by Robert O’Neill. It was trucked to Liverpool Plains Shire Council depot in Quirindi in 2020 and was restored to mint condition by the Quirindi Men’s Shed before being returned to Blacktown earlier this month.

Blacktown City Council and Liverpool Plains Shire Council enjoy a ‘Sister Cities’ relationship April 2021.

Daniel Walton said; “The Australian Workers’ Union was founded in 1886 by shearers.

“The AWU proudly represents workers in the agriculture, mining, manufacturing, forestry, civil construction, oil, gas, aviation, national parks, entertainment, sports and services industries.”

Mayor Bleasdale said; “This restored 1907 Sunshine Harvester will remind us that while it was a game changer for the agriculture industry, it came from the factory where the first minimum award wage was established.

“The Workers Memorial Precinct will always be a living testimony to the endeavours, achievements and sacrifices made by workers in the past and in the future.”

Historic photos of the Sunshine Harvester and working on the Liverpool Plains.

New world-first Hepatitis B online support forum

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ore than 250,000 Australians living with chronic liver infection Hepatitis (HBV) can now connect with other affected people, medical experts, and researchers on the new world-first online forum, HepBcommunity.org Founder of the new online forum and Westmead Hospital’s hepatitis B researcher, Dr Thomas Tu said, “Hepatitis B affects almost 300 million people globally and 800,000 people will die prematurely this year from liver cancer or liver failure.”

“While hepatitis B remains incurable, it can be managed and treated”, said Dr Tu. “However, people with hepatitis B face community stigma and discrimination, discouraging them from seeking medical help that could prevent progression of their illness to

serious disease like liver cancer”.

Living with hepatitis B and dedicating his career to researching the virus, Dr Tu created the forum to be a “safe and inclusive space” for affected people to connect with each other, ask questions of

verified medical experts, and access trustworthy information.

The site is free to join and currently has over 200 members from Australia, Bulgaria, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Nigeria, Russia, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and the USA. Topics on the forum include: when to start treatment, hepatitis B and COVID, dealing with a diagnosis in a relationship, lifestyle changes, nutrition and supplements, children and hepatitis B, and understanding laboratory results.

Westmead Hospital’s Storr Liver Centre and the Hepatitis B Foundation provided start-up funding for the forum, with support from the World Hepatitis Alliance.

The Hepatitis B Foundation Senior Vice President, Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH believes, “The new forum is

critically important because people can anonymously seek advice about how to live with hepatitis B, and what they can do to protect their liver and long-term health.”

“The ultimate goal is to save lives,” said World Hepatitis Alliance President, Su Wang, MD, MPH. “This is a safe and friendly online community that gives people around the world the information and support they need to live successfully with hepatitis B.” Dr Tu emphasis that HepBcommunity.org is not intended to replace doctor and specialist consultations for medical treatment for hepatitis B. To support HepBcommunity.org please give generously to Westmead Hospital Foundation’s dedicated hepatitis B campaign westmeadhf.org. au/hepb

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WESTERN HISTORY

Western News

Memories of a Baby Boomer

By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

“baby boomers” were in those days just after the war. If we did get hurt it was up to Dr Day to get ere I sit broken hearted, paid a fixed. He was the resident doctor in St Marys and penny and only ….. well, you can a nicer man you wouldn’t meet. His daughter Dr guess the rest! This is the type of Prue was also lovely. Most of us went to St Marys graffiti that was on the inside walls of the Public School at the northern end of Princess public toilets when I was growing up. St Mary Street, first kindergarten (preschool now) Marys was known as a rural area back then. then infants & primary and not far from my home.

We all had a fairly big backyard where our There was also Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic parents grew the vegetables for the family School on Putland Street and Victoria Park was table, along with some chickens out the their play area when school was in. Us baby back in a handmade chook pen make by boomers were smacked when we were naughty, hit the male in the family. Nothing fancy, but with a cane or ruler when playing up at school and the chickens didn’t mind being at least kept disciplined according to the laws of those times. It away from harm. Not so, when you as a was either good or bad depending on the child. I small kid had a chook named “poppy” for a had my share, and a lot of my friends and cousins pet and one day “poppy” wasn’t around to  Family photo of me dressed in Sunday best did too, but we can safely say today that we were taken early 1950’s in Victoria Park with the play with. You were told that “poppy” was the generation who had the freedom of growing up memorial behind. old and died, but you didn’t know that the before the coming 1960’s that introduced drugs. “duck” you were eating for Sunday dinner was your pet “poppy”.

School was giving out milk to all the kids. Small bottles were given Back then you were taught to respect your elders, or you would get out each morning after being kept under a tree to keep cool. Of a clip over the ear from dad for being disrespectful. When all the course, this was not so if the day was hot! It put a lot of the kids off relations got together, you were told to go outside and play (to be milk, but I still love it. The school was also one of the vaccination seen and not heard). Back then, most families were fearful of what places for all the kids in the district. Several of the diseases were might “come out of the cupboard” meaning, they might have had a scarlet fever, diphtheria, typhoid fever, influenza, smallpox, cholera, convict in the family and didn’t want the world to know. So different Rubella, Mumps, Polio, whooping cough, measles and chicken pox now as we are all looking for convicts as part of our “Australian were prevalent when we were growing up. Lining up at school and Royalty”. A lot of families went to the extreme of burning all family standing in line to get vaccinated caused some of the kids to faint documentation after the funeral less someone outside the family and on seeing this, some kids became fearful and started crying. were to find out. By the time us “baby boomers” started school Sometimes this started a whole line of kids crying! Lollies were and making friends with the other kids in the rural district, it was handed out sometimes and that helped. Our games were imitated a time for starting to know who you could play with and those from the TV shows we saw. You were lucky if your parents could your families rejected. Us kids didn’t care, we were happy to play afford a TV back then and a lot of your friends could come and with anyone, especially if they were the same age as you. The baby watch it with you. This turned out to be great because all the kids boomer generation was a great time for kids to grow up even though could talk with you about those shows. TV came in black and white things were tough after WW2. I was one of the lucky ones as my in the 1950’s. Some of the first kids shows were the Mickey Mouse playground was Victoria Park in St Marys that was right across the Club, Bill & Ben the Flowerpot Men, Father Knows Best, Cheyenne road. Us neighbourhood kids would play on the cricket pitch and (Clint Walker), Roy Rogers & Trigger, Superman (George Reeves), play hide-&-seek in the deep earth drains around the outside of Lassie, Dennis the Menace, The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, The the area of the park. There were swings, a slippery-dip, a monkey Huckleberry Hound Show, Leave it to Beaver, The Danny Thomas bar, a round-a-bout and an old water bubbler if we got thirsty. The Show, Annie Oakley, I love Lucy, Shari Lewis & Lamb Chop, boys would push the round-a-bout so hard trying to fling the girls Laurel & Hardy, Gunsmoke, The Donna Reed Show, Our Gang off. We would climb the trees and see who could get the highest (Alfalfa & the Little Rascals), The Cisco Kid, My Three Sons, The without falling off. The old WW1 war memorial was also one Andy Griffith Show, Mr Ed the Talking Horse, The Nelsons (Ossie of the favourites of us kids with the old WW1 German gun to sit & Harriet), I could go on forever!! All wholesome, no swearing, on and “shoot” the cars going by on the highway. Us kids would all sanitised, but we didn’t care. The 1950’s was the end of the best race each other up the side of the memorial and jump off the top. time to grow up. Our parents and neighbours never locked their Around September each year we were chased by the magpies who doors to us. We were free to roam without adults present and loved were protecting their young and made it hard to play in the park to forage for wood for the annual bonfire night with crackers and at that time. We had trikes, scooters, peddle cars and billy carts to fireworks that lit up the night sky and sadly banned later. We played play with. One of our neighbours had a cow and we had the best and learnt to swim in the local creeks and later come home before strawberry jam and cream sandwiches. Another neighbour had a dark, muddy, wet and happy. We didn’t know it at the time, but we horse and all the kids in the area had a ride. Not me, I got on and it were all living history. Time is running out for Baby Boomers to bucked me off! Not hurt but never tried it again. That was how us leave these memories for their family before it is too late.

H

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Western News 14 May 2021 Issue 135

12

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

T

Western News

Buying A Tenanted Investment Property

here are plenty of upsides to buying an investment property that already has a tenant, as well as a raft of risks. Here’s how to minimise them.

• Purchasing an investment property that already has a tenant means you collect rent from day one, with no vacant period and no lease fees to find a new tenant. The lease just carries on as it did before you purchased the property. Sound good? Of course it does. There are some possible problems to be aware of though.

• It’s very important to check whether the lease on your prospective investment is current or the tenants are on an expired lease. If the tenants are off-lease, they can give a short period of notice and vacate the property, so those upsides mentioned above could come to nought.

• A current lease, on the other hand, offers security, it also means that you are stuck with the lease, its conditions (or lack thereof), the current rental return and the tenants.

• There are steps you can take to minimise your risk:

• Make sure the bond has been lodged properly.

Your agent will arrange for the bond guarantee to be transferred into your name on settlement.

• Check the property condition report, making sure that it is a complete and accurate record of the property as you inspected it.

• Ensure there are no rental arrears. If there are, or if a landlord has agreed that rental arrears can be taken out of a bond payment, stipulate that this amount is deducted from the purchase settlement amount.

• Ask the leasing agent about the tenants and their payment record. You cannot demand that you meet the tenants, but attending the open house will give you a sense of how they live in the property. If possible, sight the tenants’ original application for the property and rental ledger.

• Look at the yield for rental properties in the area and compare them to yours. You won’t be able to increase the rent until the end of the lease.

• Be aware of any concessions or conditions that are either in the lease or have been agreed with the landlord or property manager, because these will

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become your responsibility. For example, does rent include electricity or other utilities? Has the landlord agreed to install a new oven or paint a room?

• Of course, if you love a property but have doubts about the tenants, the lease or the managing agent, all is not lost. You can easily change the managing agent when you settle. You can also make vacant possession of the property a condition of settlement.

You may need to wait until the lease expires to settle, but you aren’t taking on the previous owners’ problems and responsibilities.

If your only problem with a tenanted property is the rental yield, keep in mind that increasing rent on a good, long-term tenant may well drive them away anyway, so do your sums. Work out whether the amount you’d like to increase the rent by equates to more over the year than the lease fee plus any rent lost if your property is vacant for a few weeks.

As well as speaking to a real estate expert, speak to a Wealthwiz Finance Broker to get their insight on the market. Call Alex today on 0419 600 177.

#wealthwizau

WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au

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Western News

SPORT

F

ootball fields across Australia are set to be turned purple to raise awareness for a disease that is now the third most common cancer killer in Australia this year.

During the month of June, football players from clubs and codes across the nation will be pulling on their purple socks to help raise awareness for pancreatic cancer in the #PlayinPurple campaign. The initiative welcomes players and clubs from all codes of football and is in its 7th year, continuing to grow since inception with a record 7800 players wearing purple socks to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer in 2020.

Isabella Di Manno started the campaign in 2015 after the sudden death of her fiancée’s mother to the disease. Her family had always been very involved in football, and Isabella saw this as the perfect way to raise awareness and critical funds into research, improving diagnosis and treatment. “The campaign continues to grow from strength to strength each year, drawing much needed attention to pancreatic cancer. It’s wonderful to see the participation grow across clubs, codes and regions and reading the testimonials and talking to players, it’s clear the campaign unites communities

through active participation and acts as a positive talking point between people who might not necessarily know the outcomes of pancreatic cancer,” Isabella said.

Pancreatic cancer is projected to claim more lives than breast cancer and prostate cancer, and each year almost 4,000 people will be diagnosed with approximately 80 per cent of patients diagnosed will die within 12 months. The disease has the lowest survival rates of all main cancer types, yet, despite these figures, pancreatic cancer trails behind other cancers when it comes to funding for research, receiving less than 8 per cent of the funding available PanKind CEO, Michelle Stewart said, “We are excited to see playing fields Australia-wide turning purple

again for pancreatic cancer, and awareness on this scale is exactly what we need to help shine a light on this disease”. Michelle continued, “this campaign is a wonderful opportunity to increase engagement between clubs, players and the community, all participating for a very important cause – pancreatic cancer awareness.

The support across Australia continues to grow with high profile sporting organisations getting onboard, and for that we are incredibly thankful.”

The campaign has seen fantastic growth due to the ongoing support from both Football NSW and Football West and this year Capital Football also joins to create a national footprint.

High-profile associations Manly Warringah Football Association (MWFA) and Sutherland Shire

Football Association (SSFA) were the two biggest contributors with number of participating clubs. A-League clubs Sydney FC, Perth Glory and Western Sydney Wanderers will be endorsing #PlayinPurple, sharing key campaign messages to their fans and offering incentives to high participating clubs.

Stuart Hodge, Football NSW CEO, said “Football NSW are very proud to again be supporting such a wonderful community initiative, combining the wonderful code of football with truly ground-breaking campaigns such as #PlayinPurple. We kindly encourage our amazing football family to do their bit in getting behind this quality initiative and we cannot wait to see the code decked out in Purple to show their support for this wonderful cause in the fight against pancreatic cancer.”

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Hopeful (7)

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Western News 14 May 2021 Issue 135

Football fields across Australia turned purple for pancreatic cancer

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Western News 14 May 2021 Issue 135

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Western News

SPORT

Hawkesbury Race Club hosts 2021 Hawkesbury Cup Day

By Noel Rowsell

T

he Hawkesbury Race Club hosted the 2021 Gold Cup Day on 1st May, staging a 9-race program which featured the Hawkesbury Crown 1300m, Hawkesbury Gold Rush 1100m, Hawkesbury Guineas 1400m and Hawkesbury Gold Cup 1600m.

The winners of the four major races were: Race 5 Hawkesbury Crown - #2 Sweet Deal, jockey Nash Rawiller, trainer John P Thompson; Race 6 Hawkesbury Gold Rush - #11 Embracer, jockey Tim Clark, trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott; Race 7 Hawkesbury Guineas - #6 Exoboom, jockey Sam Clipperton, trainer Peter & Paul Snowden; Race 8 Hawkesbury Gold Cup - #2 Archedemus, jockey Joshua Parr, trainers Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes.

Full results for all races on the day can be found at: Latest Hawkesbury Horse Racing Results - 1st May 2021 (racenet.com.au)

Racing and spectator action from the 2021 Hawkesbury Cup Day on 1st May. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

SIEC hosts Sydney 3-Day event

Action from the Cross-country on Saturday 8th May - photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

T

he Sydney International Equestrian Centre hosted the Sydney 3DE, Australia’s oldest Three-Day Event, over 7th-9th May. Since 1957, Sydney Horse Trials has been considered one of the premier features of the Australian Eventing calendar.

Sydney’s Three-Day Event established itself as an Olympic qualifying event in 1959 and the honour roll of champions includes some of Australia’s most accomplished riders, with no less than 17 Australian Olympians taking out

the highest honours.

The event has been held at four different venues throughout its history From 1957-1968, the event was held in conjunction with the Sydney Royal Easter Show.. During those years, the dressage and cross-country phases were held in Centennial Park, the speed and endurance phase was held at Randwick Racecourse and the show jumping final held at the Sydney Showground.

In 1987 and 1988, the event was held on ‘Olympian’ - Merv Bennet’s farm in Worrigee, on the site of the original Worrigee Racecourse.

In 1989 the event was moved to Lochinvar, in the Hunter Valley, where it was held annually until 1998.

The preparation for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney began an exciting new phase for the Sydney International Horse Trials, which is now in it’s 22nd year on this site (1999-2021).

Comprised of three separate events (Dressage, Eventing & Show Jumping), the Dressage phase is conducted first. The purpose of dressage is to develop harmony between horse and rider, making movements and transitions seem effortless.

The Cross Country phase on Saturday is designed to prove the speed, endurance and jumping ability of horse. At the same time it demonstrates the riders’ knowledge

of paces and use of his horse across country.

The third day is the Show Jumping phase, usually run as the final phase is to prove that the horse has retained the suppleness, energy and obedience for it to continue after a significant test of endurance. In certain competitions each horse will be presented for final inspection before the show jumping, to ensure they are fit and sound to continue after the rigours of the cross country phase.

All horses must pass a final veterinary inspection before they are allowed to compete in the show jumping phase.

Full results can be viewed at About Eventing - Sydney 3DE

Western News

SPORT

Dunheved Major Pennant team with Pennant.

Photo supplied

by Wayne McKeon

By Noel Rowsell

D

unheved GC has staged a magnificent performance at Brighton Lakes Recreation and Golf Club, on the biggest day of the year, to claim the Golf NSW Major Pennant Division 3 Title.

The Dunheved team of Dean Neill, Cain Fitzsimmons, Connor Hamilton, Craig Williams, Daniel Ayre, Coby Carruthers and Dillyn Burazin crushed their opponents from Muirfield GC by 5.5-1.5, comprised of 4 wins and 3 draws. Lloyd Roger is also a member of the Dunheved team but was unavailable due to family

commitments, whilst the manager is Craig Dengate.

As Finalists, both Dunheved and Muirfield now advance to Division 2 in the 2022 competition.

Wallacia CC also played at Brighton Lakes in the Division 5 Final and staged a great contest with Kareela GC, with the two clubs locked together at the end of the match.

Two matches went into extra holes to break the deadlock, with Kareela ultimately prevailing 4-3 to win the 2021 title.

Both Kareela and Wallacia will advance to Division 4 in 2022.

Action photos by Noel Rowsell.

Connor Hamilton (Dunheved)

Craig Williams (Dunheved)

Daniel Ayre (Dunheved)

Dean Neill (Dunheved)

Blacktown City stays on top with gutsy win over Sydney Olympic

B

lacktown City FC secured an important victory away from home with a 2-1 win over Sydney Olympic FC on Sunday evening at Belmore Sportsground.

Goals to Blacktown City’s Lachlan Campbell and Travis Major were enough to cancel out a goal from Olympic’s Jason Madonis after an action-packed second half of football.

The win adds a crucial three points to Blacktown City’s season tally which has them on equal points with Rockdale Ilinden at the top.

The first half of the match saw plenty of chances at both ends of the field, with Blacktown City goalkeeper Tristan Prendergast being called into action several times in the opening quarter.

Olympic’s Adam Parkhouse had the first chance of the match in the 2nd minute, sending a powerful strike towards goal but it was well-protected

by Prendergast to deny the home side an early lead.

Blacktown City kicked into action on a counterattack in the 9th minute as Charles Mendy broke free of Olympic’s defensive line, however his opportunity fizzled out inside the box.

Oliver Puflett had his effort deflected by Prendergast in the 14th minute, with Parkhouse creating a

chance from the deflected ball which again ended up in the visiting keeper’s hands.

Blacktown City had a chance from a free kick in the 37th minute with Jak O’Brien sending a ball into the box, however Grant Lynch sent his effort flying over the crossbar.

After playing out a scoreless stalemate in the first half, both teams came out firing in the second stanza, with the first goal of the match coming in the 58th minute.

Blacktown City’s inspirational captain Matthew Lewis sent a wellplaced corner kick into the box and Campbell was clinical in his finish,

heading the ball on target through the hands of Olympic keeper Christopher Parsons.

A second goal came in the 70th minute, this time for the home side.

Puflett played a ball back to Madonis, who fired a cracking strike from well outside the 18-yard box out of reach of Prendergast and into the netting to equalise.

The visitors earned a penalty in the 79th minute after Nicola Kuleski pushed down Major in front of the goalmouth.

Major stepped up to the spot and calmly converted to take back the lead for Blacktown. The goal was number

six for the 2021 NPL NSW Men’s season for the ace marksman.

Both teams created chances in the final stages of the match, however neither team was able to capitalise on their chances, leaving Blacktown City with a hard-fought three points from the clash.

Blacktown City coach Mark Crittenden was pleased with his side’s effort against a tough opponent.

“We lost Mario Shabow and Beza [Adam Berry] before the game so we had to make a reshuffle and that wasn’t going to be easy,” he explained.

“They’re a very good footy team and we know whenever we come here to play them that it’s going to be physical.

“The boys were up for it, so to have to make a couple of changes so late and to get a result here is a huge win for us.”

Olympic coach Ante Juric put emphasis on his team’s fighting spirit in his reflection of the clash.

“We played the team that’s on top and that’s always going to be a tough battle,” he said.

“What was disappointing was we gave away the two goals which makes it tougher to get a result.”

“Our team spirit is very good in terms of our boys don’t give up and we keep going until the very end.”

Western News 14 May 2021 Issue 135

Dunheved GC claim Major Pennant title

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Western News

SPORT

Friday, 14 May 2021

Future Wander Women Program commences

T

he Future Wander Women (FWW) squad has been finalised with 34-players being selected to take part in the 20week program at Wanderers Football Park.

188 young female players attended the trials over two weeks with Wanderers Academy Technical Director and coaching staff watching over selections along with FWW head coach Linda Khamis and Wanderers midfield ace, Libby Copus-Brown, as assistant coach.

Khamis, sister of Wanderers striker Leena Khamis, holds a B-Licence and was previously a coach in the Football NSW institute program and brings a wealth of experience in developing young female players.

Copus-Brown, a standout player this season for the Wanderers, will be an important influence for the 34-players selected as they develop as footballers over the coming weeks.

The free 20-week training program aimed at female participants aged 14-17 years is supported by the Wanderers Foundation and contributors including ICC Sydney, ABC Radio Sydney and Wanderers W-League partners Intermain and Western Sydney University.

Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas

said the level of interest of talent that signed up for the program was incredible.

“We started this program to give young female players in Western Sydney an opportunity to get additional high quality training and coaching, the level of interest was incredible and proves again the quality of players we have in our region and interest in the game,” said Tsatsimas.

“With 188 players signing up to trial, the first night was incredible to see so many young, talented players attend our world-class training facility, Wanderers Football Park in Blacktown.

“In Linda Khamis and Libby Copus-Brown we have two coaches that understand the game, what it takes to make it to the W-League and

what it takes to stay there.

“We are very excited to see how the players develop over the coming 20week program and what they can take back to their club football too.”

ICC CEO and Managing Director Harold Dakin said he was honoured to play a role in the formation of the Future Wander Program.

“We are very honoured and proud to be associated in making a contribution to girls development program,” said Dakin.

“It gives the girls and the parents hope, allowing the girls to utilise the Wanderers state of the art facility centre to strive for excellence and creates a platform for bigger and better things.”

The first FWW session commenced on Wednesday evening with a BBQ

and presentation to the successful players entering the program, with kits presented to them by ICC CEO and Managing Director Harold Dakin.

2021 Future Wander Women Squad: Isabelle Antoniou, Janaya Baroudi, Chelsea Barton, Ariane Brown, Neve Burns, Deana Caronna, Ciara Casamento, Abbey-Rose Cryer, Olivia D’Alessandro, Samantha Edwards, Layla Etherington, Isla Giron, Helena Halios-Lewis, Elissa Hariri, Sharina Harris, Isabelle Harris, Sienna Havill, Denise Justice, Matilda McParland, Kitwarla Mkali, Layla Mouawad, Ava Parry, Ava Piazza, Rojin Polat, Isabella Raad, Maria Roumeliotis, Jessica Saliba, Kaylie Shannon, Tahlia Sharrock, Ella Sievwright, Caley Tallon-Henniker, Emilija Vidakovic, Alice Webster, Kate Woosnam.

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