AustrAliAn Catholic university (ACu) has welcomed almost $2 million in new south Wales Government grants to help educate more low socio-economic students and provide cutting-edge training tools for future teachers.
the two grants include $997,317 to provide state-of-the-art immersive technologies for teaching students and $981,759 to expand ACu’s successful uni step-up (usu) program.
Minister for skills and training Alister Henskens said the project had been funded under the nsW Government’s technology, innovation and Entrepreneurship skills program.
“the nsW Government is investing in projects that break down barriers and encourage students to drive innovation and develop their entrepreneurial skills,” Mr Henskens said.
“We want to help students learn in new and innovative ways, using emerging technologies, so that universities can better address skills gaps and develop job-ready graduates.”
Minister Henskens visited ACu’s Blacktown Campus where he met students and tested technology ACu has adopted for training teachers.
As part of the technology grant,
innovative training tools will be provided to teaching students including immersive Virtual reality (Vr) to help early childhood students link theory with simulated real-world contexts.
Significant teacher shortages in design and technologies areas will be countered through the delivery of state-of-the-art courses for undergraduates, and re-training teachers, in areas such as timber, metal, and electronics.
Furthermore, teaching students will have access to simlab, a virtual classroom technology designed to help hundreds of primary and secondary pre-service teachers practise skills including managing classrooms, interacting with parents, and teaching
in responsive and inclusive ways.
ACu Faculty of Education and Arts Executive Dean Professor Mary ryan said the grant would allow the university to model contemporary practice and use cutting-edge technologies to prepare pre-service teachers.
“teacher training technologies that replicate school-based scenarios are vital to ensure graduates are ready for the classroom and the profession,” Professor ryan said.
“these technologies also play a key role in solving skill shortages in stEM disciplines by helping undergraduates and teachers, particularly in regional and rural schools, to upskill.”
ACu Pathways Director Marta spes-skrbis said the usu funding
would be used to bring the program to the Blacktown Campus and expand its eligibility to include non-recent school leavers, in addition to senior secondary school students, from low socio-economic and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
it is expected about 110 students will join the program at Blacktown each year for the next three years, allowing them to study two fully funded and credited first-year units in law, Business, or Health science before deciding whether to enrol in related tertiary studies.
Mrs spes-skrbis said the program would give students, who were likely to be the first in their families to go to university, a chance to learn more about their options, aspire, and succeed.
“We want to dispel the myth that low sEs equals low performance –that is not true. For many, the idea of going into higher education is a scary notion. But this program gives them the courage to try it and a taste of what higher education is like so their decisions about the future can be informed,” she said.
“We know this program is successful. We know it raises aspirations, changes lives, and that our uni step-up students are successful in their undergraduate programs and beyond.”
Blacktown city council has elected long-serving councillor and staunch local advocate, Julie Griffiths to the role of Deputy Mayor.
For Councillor Griffiths, this is her third, one-year term in the Deputy’s role, having first been elected Deputy Mayor in October 2019 when the then Deputy Mayor tony Bleasdale oaM was elected Mayor.
Following last year’s COVIDdelayed local Government elections, council re-elected Mayor Bleasdale to hold office until September 2023. At the same time council elected councillor Brad Bunting to hold the Deputy Mayor’s role until September this year.
Wednesday 28th September council meeting elected Julie Griffiths to serve as Deputy Mayor for the remaining year of the current Mayoral term of council.
Mayor Bleasdale congratulated Cr Griffiths on once again being elected to the Deputy Mayor’s position, saying; “As Mayor, it is my privilege to lead a strong passionate group of councillors
and Julie has already proved that she is an extremely capable Deputy Mayor.
“Julie was first elected to Council in 2008 and has been a strong voice for our city in the australian local Government Women’s Association and on the Board of local Government nSw
“Julie has had a long and successful association with women’s soccer in Western Sydney, coaching and administering at the elite level, as well as coaching local clubs Quakers Hill and Redbacks.” Mayor Bleasdale said.
Deputy Mayor Griffiths said; “It is an honour and privilege to serve the residents and businesses of Blacktown City. I look forward to continuing with Mayor Bleasdale and my fellow councillors on this wonderful journey of sustainable growth and development of our City.
“At the same time, I am committed to celebrating our diversity and multiculturalism and working hard to provide better services in aged care and for our young people.”
breast cancer awareness month, so it is a great time to join in one of the many fundraising options and really make a difference. the focus is about raising funds so we can contribute towards breast care Nurses that help those going through
cancer. It is also about awareness, if we can get women across blacktown
their boobies then October is a very important month. Please read the message from the late Jane McGrath and if you can attend an event (or create your own) this is the month to do it!
“I was just 31 when first diagnosed with breast cancer.
Glenn and I were inspired to create the McGrath Foundation after my initial recovery, to help support other Australian women touched by breast cancer.
It wasn’t until I was rediagnosed, that I was fortunate enough to have access to a breast care nurse for the first time.
It was like having someone hold my hand through one of the worst nightmares of my life.
My breast care nurse allowed me to be Jane McGrath – the friend, the mother and the wife – not just the breast cancer patient. She was someone who could provide both Glenn and I with informed, sensible answers to the many questions we had during the often complicated and confusing treatment process.
Through my experience with breast cancer, the mission for the McGrath Foundation became clear: to raise money to place breast care nurses in communities across Australia, as well as increase breast awareness in young people, particularly young women.
Breast cancer doesn’t care how old you are, where you live, whether you’re a career woman or a mother. Breast cancer is a disease that currently affects one in eight Australian women of all ages and backgrounds. Please help the McGrath Foundation support people across Australia.
Together, we can make a difference.”
AustrAliAn red Cross lifeblood is calling for 1600 donors to donate plasma every day this month, as patient need for the life-saving blood product reaches record levels.
Australia is one of the world’s largest users of plasma medicines, with thousands of people relying on them to treat life-threatening conditions every day.
Despite Australians donating more plasma than ever before throughout the pandemic, the need for new plasma donors has never been greater.
stuart Chesneau, who oversees lifeblood’s plasma program, said more than 815,000 plasma donations have been made in the past year, but thousands more were needed.
“Depending upon what is needed most by patients, we may ask our donors to switch their donation to blood or plasma. During the pandemic, many plasma donors were asked to make whole blood donations to help meet the highest demand for red cells in nearly a decade.
“As well as the need for whole blood, we need to ensure continued levels of plasma to meet the needs of Australian patients.”
Mr Chesneau said plasma was considered a modern medical miracle, because it is often the last line of defence for many health conditions.
“Plasma-derived medicines are used to treat more than 50 serious medical conditions,” he said.
“Just one of these medicines, immunoglobulin (ig), is needed by more than 13,300 Australians every month to treat acute or ongoing conditions to maintain their quality of life.
“it can take up to 15 plasma donations to make a single dose of some plasma medicines.
“in addition to the large number of medical conditions plasma is used to treat, every Australian who has had a post-exposure tetanus injection or chicken pox injection, along with every pregnant woman who receives Anti-D injections may not even realise they are plasma recipients.”
aFtER a week of rain, the sun was shining on Friday 7th october for Fusion’s celebration of Mental Health Month in coachman’s Park, St Marys.
Young and old joined in the fun games, which included giant Jenga, giant connect 4 and tug-o-war. the delicious smell of sausages on the BBQ, and fresh donuts, brought local residents, shoppers and those just passing by to the park, to take a welcome break from daily stresses, to relax and unwind.
the wheel of Fun saw people enjoy simple, fun challenges, winning prizes donated from Queen Street businesses, cassandras, F45 training, the Big Big aloha, Easy
Script compounding Pharmacy and Guido’s Hair care. thanks also to St Marys Village and Bakers Delight for generous support of the day!
Highlights of the day included a relaxation/breathing session, led by Dani from nin Yoga & Maya Movement (St Marys & Penrith),
whilst Fusion led a Drumbeat session for those wanting to have a try on the Jembe drums.
Special guest, world and olympic champion in canoe Slalom, Jessica Fox, came along and shared how she manages her mental health and how it plays into her performance in
international competition.
“It was lovely to see so many people out and about, laughing and interacting. today was a reminder that it doesn’t take much to bring connection and a sense of belonging. Many in the community shared how grateful they were for having something positive like this to engage with locally,” said coordinator of the event, Judy tweeddale from Fusion.
Fusion western Sydney has been in this community for over 20 years. Based in St Marys, the team run programs and activities to build resilience and well-being in young people and families and help strengthen connection to community.
For more information go to www.westernsydney.fusion.org.au
For tips and tools to help ‘tune In’ go to mentalhealthmonth.org.au
Blacktown city council will embark on an extensive program of community consultation before deciding on any possible application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory tribunal (IPaRt) for a Special variation of property rates.
Under legislation, councils can apply to for Special variation to the annual percentage increase to rates set by IPaRt
IPaRt has set the percentage increase for 2023/24 at 3.7% - well below the current inflation rate of 6.1%, and expected to rise over the coming months.
Blacktown city Mayor tony Bleasdale oaM said; “Blacktown city’s rapid growth and development, cost increases, a reduction in revenue, aging infrastructure and Government actions have all combined to put enormous pressure on council’s finances.”
Blacktown city council is considering applying to IPaRt for a Special Rate Variation in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 years to provide a permanent additional $25 million in general revenue to ensure council’s financial sustainability.
“Unlike some councils, we have not applied for a Special Rate Variation in nearly 10 years but without an increase in revenue council would be forced to reduce services, increase fees and charges, cut back on vital maintenance and building programs, and cut jobs.” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“council will undertake a month of extensive consultation consisting of a community survey, public information sessions, mail outs, information stands at libraries, Council offices and events, as well as providing information on council’s website and social media.”
In broad terms, council is considering applying for a 15% Special Rate Variation in year one, including the rate peg.
For 70 percent of rate payers, this would be an increase of $151 per year or $2.90 a week more for the first year.
council is considering a 5% variation (the assumed rate peg only) in 2024/25 with an additional 10% for some businesses.
this would mean a weekly increase of $1.09 for the majority of residential properties.
“If council goes ahead with the application, there will be a special provision to increase the pensioner rate rebate from $450 to $550 a year. council also offers a number of plans to assist ratepayers who are
experiencing difficulty of paying rates on time.
“Property rates are a legitimate tax-deductible expense for many businesses.
“Council won’t make its final decision on any possible Special Rate Variation application until it gives full consideration to all the feedback and submissions we receive from our community.
“I can assure residents that council will continue to maintain our existing budget discipline and further identify savings and efficiencies.” Mayor Bleasdale said.
Blacktown city is the largest council area by population in nSw and one of the most multicultural and fastest growing cities in australia.
Blacktown city’s population is predicted to grow from just over 400-thousand to more than 600-thousand in the next 20-years.
Blacktown city council delivers a broad range of services from roads, rubbish collection, drainage and stormwater control, community facilities and events, environmental protection, development control, building maintenance and renewal, 5 public libraries and 5 swimming and leisure centres, as well as maintaining and improving more than 800 parks, reserves and playing fields including the Blacktown International Sportspark.
Blacktown city’s rapid growth and development, along with general inflationary cost increases, reductions in revenues and additional costs as a result of the coVID pandemic, added cost shifting to councils from State and Federal Governments, reductions in grant funding and the need to spend more to maintain ageing infrastructure, are all combining to increase pressure on Council’s finances.
Property rates are council’s main source of revenue to fund its $811 million balanced budget. council’s total rates income is capped by the State Government.
IPaRt annually determines the percentage amount that councils are allowed to lift rates by, called the ‘rate peg’.
councils can apply for an increase above the rate peg through a Special Rate Variation (SRV)’. without the special Rate Variations, council could be forced to
• Seek alternative revenue raising such as lifting service charges and fees, although many of these are regulated by Governments
• Reduce Council services to residents and reduce
vital maintenance, renewal and upkeep on council equipment, parks, reserves and playing fields
If approved, the Special Rate Variation would ensure the future financial sustainability of Council and enable us to:
• Meet unavoidable inflationary cost increases
• Adequately fund the maintenance of our open space, buildings, roads and transport assets
• Replace ageing Council infrastructure
• Increase funding to improve our parks, CBDs and community buildings
• Consider construction of a new works depot in Riverstone
• Further upgrade our cleaning and environmental services
• Invest in essential improvements in the way council does business to make our customer service more efficient and cost effective at all levels
• Make up for the shortfall in revenue caused by the reduction in Government grants
Pensioner rebates: currently, council offers the $250 pensioner rebate on rates as mandated by the nSw Government for all councils, plus an additional $200 rebate funded wholly by council.
council is proposing to increase the pensioner rate rebate by a further $100 which would negate most of the special Rate Variation for more than 70% of our pensioners at an annual cost to council of $1.3 million.
council will hold 5 community information sessions during october with a session being held in each council ward.
“these sessions are not public meetings, but rather an opportunity for ratepayers to speak oneon-one with Council officers about the proposal, raise particular issues and receive answers directly.”
Mayor Bleasdale said.
all session will be held from 6.00pm – 8.30pm on the following days at these locations:
Mon 17 october, Blacktown leisure centre Stanhope, Stanhope Gardens
wednesday 19 october, Mount Druitt Hub thursday 20 october ,charlie lowles leisure centre, Emerton
Monday 24 october, Jim Southee community centre, kings langley tuesday 25 october, Max webber library Function centre, Blacktown
Details of the proposed application can be found at: blacktown.nsw.gov.au/srv
BlaCktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM is encouraging families to come along and soak up the fun at the 2022 Kings Langley Village Fair.
The free community fair will be held at Morgan Power Reserve, Vardys Road, Kings Langley, this Sunday, 16 October, from 9am to 3pm.
The much-loved community event will celebrate its belated 25th anniversary this year, after COVID forced the cancellation of the fair in 2020 and 2021.
Mayor Bleasdale said the event would feature entertainment, food stalls and trucks, rides, bric-a-brac and arts and crafts stalls, and displays from local emergency services.
“The Kings Langley Village Fair has been at the heart of this community since 1996 and has been a family favourite for more than 2 decades,” he said.
“A big thank you to Kings Langley Lions Club, who have made this event a great success for many years, and whose volunteers work hard every year to make this fair possible.”
Kings Langley Lions Club event coordinator and secretary John Fernandez said the event attracted up to 3,500 attendees in previous years and was a great opportunity for the local community to come together and celebrate their suburb.
“The fair is a great family day out and people travel from everywhere to join in on the fun,” Mr Fernandez said.
“There will be something for everyone to enjoy and we’ll also have a raffle to raise money for a community bus for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.”
The Kings Langley Village Fair is brought to you by Kings Langley Lions Club and Blacktown City Council.
What: 2022 Kings Langley village fair
When: Sunday, 16 october, 9am to 3pm.
Where: morgan Power reserve, vardys road, Kings Langley
“I’ve been working at Mount Druitt Hospital for 40 years.
My first day was one week after Queen Elizabeth II opened the hospital, so I just missed seeing her.
When the hospital first opened, we were at the forefront of technology; we had computers in our bookings office that no one else had which was exciting. I worked on the switchboard my first five years and have worked in surgical bookings for the last 35 years.
Mount Druitt Hospital services the local community and is quite beloved. You very rarely hear complaints about the hospital which makes me proud to work here.
My favourite part about working at Mount Druitt has to be the staff. From the doctors to the gardeners to the domestics – everyone smiles and says hello as you walk past, even if you don’t know each other.
If you had asked me 20 years ago, I would have said that I knew everyone here. However now, I’d say I know about 80 per cent of staff.
We really are like family here as so many staff have been here for so long. Just in our office, no one’s been here under 25 years, which I think speaks volumes to the culture at Mount Druitt.
In November, I’ll finally be retiring. I really enjoy my work, but what I’ll miss most is the staff. I will definitely stay in touch with everyone.”
– Wendy White, surgical bookings clerk at Mount Druitt Hospital.
Celebrating 40 years of Mount Druitt Hospital ‘Humans of the Hospital’ is dedicated to the inspiring humans working at Westmead, Blacktown, Mount Druitt Auburn and Cumberland hospitals in western Sydney.
The 40th anniversary of Mount Druitt Hospital’s opening is here, with official celebrations having commenced on Tuesday, October 11.
During preparations for the event, staff have uncovered a piece of history – the official ceremonial booklet from the original opening event in 1982.
The event was attended by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, and included a police band march, address from the Queen and the Premier, as well as presentation of a plaque to commemorate the opening.
Inside the booklet, there is an address from Minister for Health, The Hon L.J. Brereton MP, which speaks of the landmark opening of the hospital as “a vital move towards equity and social justice for
the people of Sydney’s outer western suburbs”.
“The opening of a hospital is always a happy and important occasion for any local community. But the opening of this magnificent new hospital, here in Mount Druitt, is of especial significance,” he writes.
“Above all, the presence of Her Majesty, the Queen, has aided immeasurably to the sense of occasion. Her Majesty’s presence is a signal honour for the people of Mount Druitt.”
This is a sentiment that has been echoed by the Mount Druitt community, with residents sharing tales of the royal visit on a Facebook post commemorating the visit.
“I was one of the many teenagers lined up near Bidwell High School waving at the Queen as she drove through,” Desmond said.
“I was there with my children,” wrote Amanda, “Prince Philip asked one of my sons if he ‘played cricket’. I still have the newspaper noting the event.”
Mount Druitt hospital was the result of extensive analysis into the booming suburbs of Mount Druitt, Rooty Hill and St Marys in the 1980s. The first patient of the hospital was a Mrs Margaret Adams of Blacktown, who was admitted on September 14.
The hospital opened with 200 beds and now boasts 24-hour emergency service, paediatrics, planned surgery, rehabilitation and palliative care.
Celebrations for the 40th anniversary have been extended to the Mount Druitt community, with food trucks, a pizza oven, celebratory cupcakes, a mural unveiling, and much more.
The NSW Government is doubling family and domestic violence leave provisions for all NSW public sector workers with staff able to access 20 days of paid leave per calendar year from 1 January 2023.
The same paid leave provisions will also be provided to casual employees, while access to existing carers leave will be also extended to all employees providing support to a family or household member who is a victim-survivor of domestic violence.
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the increase of family and domestic violence leave was a key priority of the Perrottet Government.
“As the largest employer in NSW, it is our Government’s responsibility to provide workers with the support and security to take time away from work to take the necessary steps to find safety for themselves and their family,” Ms Ward said.
“That is why we have made this commitment to double the amount of paid family and domestic violence leave available to all public sector employees from 10 to 20 days, to give our workers greater support at a time when they need it most.”
Minister for Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said the new leave provisions build on other family and safety oriented measures the NSW Government had already put in place for all public sector workers.
“This new leave provision is the latest in a raft of improvements our government has put in place to improve work environments for NSW public sector workers and sets the standard for other jurisdictions and the private sector to follow.”
“Already our Government has enacted nationleading measures to ensure families, women and children are front of mind in the public sector, including new parental leave policies, and leave in the event of a miscarriage,”
Mr Tudehope said.
Leave is available to NSW Government employees who give birth to a pre-term child (prior to 37 weeks). The parent with the caring responsibility is entitled to paid special pre-term parental leave from the date of birth of the child (or children from a multiple birth) up to the end of 36 weeks.
In the 2022-23 NSW Budget, the NSW Government announced new paid parental leave arrangements for public sector workers in which there will be no distinction between ‘primary’ or ‘secondary’ carer, with both parents entitled to 14 weeks of paid parental leave and an additional 2 weeks leave where leave is more equally shared between parents.
As part of the Budget, the NSW Government also announced five days of paid fertility treatment leave for public sector workers.
The improved family and domestic violence leave entitlement builds on the NSW Government’s record $687 million investment in 2021/22 for a range of for Women’s Safety initiatives, as well as a further $100 million in the 2022/23 Budget.
The NSW Domestic Violence Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 656 463 to explain services and support available. The 1800RESPECT online chat service is available as an alternative to calling.
Information about other services and support is available on the Department of Communities and Justice website
EntriEs are now open for the Blacktown City Art Prize. the Blacktown City Art Prize is a much-loved, open-themed annual art prize and exhibition presented at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.
Blacktown City Mayor tony Bleasdale OAM said the Blacktown City Art Prize is one of the most prestigious regional art prizes in Australia.
“now in its 27th year and carrying $20,000 in prize money, our Prize has built a reputation for showcasing the creativity of the region and providing emerging and established visual artists the opportunity to exhibit their work.
“the Blacktown City Art Prize and Exhibition is definitely one of the major cultural events in Western sydney,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
Artists across Australia are invited to submit work spanning drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photo media and mixedmedia. We strongly encourage entries from local and First nations artists.
Finalists’ work will be presented in a major exhibition at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre tuesday, 10 January to Friday, 17 February, 2023. We are thrilled to have the Blacktown City Art Prize open our 2023 exhibition program.
Last year the prize attracted 560 entries, with 110 finalists being exhibited at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre. the winner of the 2021 Blacktown Arts Prize was awarded to Yvette Tziallas for her artwork Lacrimo
the winner of the Aboriginal Artist Prize was Darug artist, Leanne Tobin for her artwork, Are You Listening Now? the winner of the Local Artist Prize was Renee Lim for her artwork The Other. the winner of the People’s Choice Prize was artist Jody Hoskins for her artwork MAWANG (Connections)
the 2022/2023 Blacktown City Art Prize offers a total prize pool of $20,000 and acquisitions across four categories:
Blacktown City Art Prize: $15,000 (acquisitive)
Aboriginal Artist Prize: $2,000
Local Artist Prize: $2,000
People’s Choice Prize: $1,000
All artworks in the exhibition have the opportunity to be purchased by the public or acquired by the Blacktown City Art Collection.
Entries close on Monday, 31 October at 5 pm.
For further information and to enter, visit blacktownarts.com.au/ bcap
Monday, 31 October, 2022, 5pm
Entries close
Thursday, 10 November, 2022 Finalists announced
Friday 2 and Saturday, 3 December, 2022, 10am – 5pm Artwork deliveries to the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre
Tuesday, 10 January, 2023 – Friday, 17 February, 2023 Exhibition open at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre
Saturday, 21 January, 2023 Launch and prize winners announced
Saturday 18 and Monday, 20 February, 2023, 10am – 5pm Artwork collection from the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre
Now that we are seeing the effects of climate change, so did Thomas Ralph woodland back 140 years ago in 1882. Thomas was born in the colony, the third son of william & Ann woodland of Park Hill, South Creek. He joined the police force in 1865 and became a Constable (No 1598) at the age of 23 years. At the time of his enlistment his occupation was a Drover. He was 5’6½ tall, blue eyes, fair hair and single. In August, 1867 he wrote a letter to the Sydney Morning Herald saying that “In the report of Bruce’s trial at the last Session for sticking up Morris’s store at Araluen, it is stated that Constable woodland was held up there. This is incorrect, I was never held up. The men that were held up were Constables Dacey, Staplyton, Richardson and Curran. I encountered the bushrangers the previous day and chased them single-handed and took John Connell who has received a sentence of ten years”. (Bruce was a Scottish bushranger finally remanded and charged with murder). Thomas resigned in September, 1867. At the age of 26 at St Mary Magdalene Church of England, St Marys in August, 1870 by Rev John Vaughn, he married Elizabeth Margaret Royal the only daughter of Peter Royal, Storekeeper at St Marys. In 1884 he wrote a letter to the Nepean Times asking the numerous readers what they thought about the great change in the season just closing in June that year. He said that the fruit trees and grape vines usually made two growths in the season - Spring and Autumn, but there was only one growth in the Spring as the trees and vines having set in midsummer, or at least it was so at St Marys, and his reason for his letter was to gather information from among the many orchardists and vignerons in the district with the view of testing if this occurrence is general throughout the district, because he didn’t remember seeing this before and, it was worthwhile to watch what effect it had upon the yield for the coming season. He asked, “Is this one of the effects of the great planetary changes that is taking place as predicted by our scientists, or the result of the drought?” In his mind the dry weather was not the cause. The great effect of the season had been the under-drainage of the water and the cracking of the ground leaving the surface dry, and there was no doubt that droughts are a blessing at times as the under-drainage of water takes away the stagnant and poisoned waters of the earth that gather strength between droughts and would, in time, destroy fruit trees, grass and humanity as well. Good grass and vegetables spring from a healthy soil fed from the food of the earth’s yield and, if the yield was pure then all life was pure, and if the yield was foul then all life was foul after it. As all plants are fed from the minerals of the earth, those minerals being in water matter, and it is to our benefit that the excess of mineral accumulation should be drawn away into the fissures of the deeper earth and the surface made pure. without a drought this could not be done and the cracking of the ground is letting the diseased matter into the clay beds to pulverise their stagnant matter and make it more rich and fruitful, so if there was never a drought our clay soil would never be anything
but clay!”. Also in December that year in Penrith Police Court, Thomas was arrested on a warrant by Constable Cahalan (Parkes Police Station) who sent him to Penrith to be dealt with. Elizabeth stated that Thomas left her in 1882 and during that time he only contributed about £20 towards supporting herself and four children. Thomas could not justify his actions in leaving his wife and family without support. The Bench ordered him to pay 15/- a week for 12 months, together with 6/6d costs and to find sureties himself in £20 and two at £10, or in default he would go to North Parramatta Gaol for 12 months. He defaulted and went to gaol. In November 1898 at Burwood, Thomas was found at 5pm on the 29th in scrub at Flemington halfway between Parramatta Road and the railway line by Constable John Timbs of No 5 Police Station. He was described as a labourer aged 59 years with a height of 5’6” and his body was described as poorly nourished with a fair complexion, dark hair turning grey and bald on top, grey eyes, dark sandy beard, whiskers and moustache turning grey. He had three teeth missing from his upper jaw, his lower jaw perfect. There were no visible marks or injuries on his body. The lower part of his body and legs were being eaten by ants. He was dressed in dark striped tweed trousers with a faded navy-blue vest, light striped flannelette shirt, dark check shirt, red silk tie and a white cotton handkerchief with the name “woodland” on the corner, along with a blueprint cotton handkerchief. Money found on his body 1/6- along with one wooden handle bladed knife with the letter “A” on the handle, eyeglasses, led pencil and a box containing pills. Thomas’s clothing was destroyed on the 14th of December, 1898. Thomas was identified by James Richard Woodland his brother who lived at Underwood Street, Botany. other occupations of Thomas were that of a miner and carpenter. His wife Elizabeth was born in 1851 at Clydesdale, South Creek and died at the age of 71 years in 1922 at the residence of her son Ralph woodland who lived in Putland Street, St Marys opposite Victoria Park. Three daughters and two sons survivedMrs E Beacroft {werrington), Mrs Martin (Gladesville), Mrs Thompson (Granville), and Messrs Percy and Ralph woodland (St Marys). There were also 14 grandchildren. The funeral was largely attended when her body was laid to rest alongside Thomas in the St Mary Magdalene C of E Cemetery. Two grandsons (Messrs C and E Thompson) and two sonsin-law (Messrs Martin and Thompson) carried the coffin from the house to the hearse and then from the hearse to the church. Many wreaths were forwarded and Reverend o G Dent conducted the service. Picture shows the woodland Family Crest.
Sources: Nepean Times, NSW Police Gazette 1854-1930, Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875) Wed 31 Aug 1870 - Page 1 - Family Notices, NSW Gaol Description Entrance Book 1884-1866, Ancestry 29th November, 1898, New South Wales Criminal Court Records, North Sydney Death Records - Registers of Bodies Received, 1881–1901, Australian Death Index 1787 – 1985, Died 1898 (Registered No. 1827)
AustrAliAn borrowers have enjoyed a lengthy run of record low rates, and the past two years have seen plenty of homeowners lock into a fixed-rate loan. But as those fixed terms end now or in the near future it’s worth carefully planning the next move.
The Reserve Bank of Australia in October raised interest rates for a sixth consecutive month, with more likely to come, bringing a gloomy end to the year for many homeowners.
If your fixed term is ending soon, now is the time to review your home loan, and look for a better deal. If you don’t do anything nearing the end of your fixed term, your home loan will usually revert to your lender’s standard variable rate.
Variable rates after the fixed rate ends tend to be much higher than usual. This is because lenders know that some people won’t be bothered to switch lenders at this point meaning that you end up paying for not reviewing your situation.
You may want to be loyal to your lender, but
chances are your lender won’t reward that loyalty with its market-leading rate and won’t experience the gradual monthly increases the rest of the market has, instead they will be hit by a bus of $600-$1000 increase a month as their loan reverts to variable.
At this point you can sit on this rate for however long you like, but you may be able to get a more competitive interest rate if you look into your lender’s other options or refinance with a new lender which may have better deals.
Even a marginally lower interest rate could save you thousands of dollars over time, so don’t underestimate the importance of searching for a good deal. In saying this, consider the whole loan product and associated fees and charges rather than just the interest rate.
Recent tougher lending standards by the financial institutions to issue loans which has been driven by regulators means more customers are likely to get knocked back. The reason typically, is because homeowners took out the loan before stricter
lending rules applied.
Finance researchers have suggested that even if house prices drop 15 per cent as widely forecast, the rate rises have made life tougher overall for firsthome buyers. That’s because lenders considering mortgage applications apply an assessment rate that is higher than the actual home loan rate for repayments, meaning a loan people could afford in May is now unaffordable in the lenders eyes.
so, customers looking at switching products or lenders will need to reconsider how to do refinance. Even though there are a number of other lenders in the market, refinancing can be an opportunity to review your situation and look for a better rate.
Especially if you’re coming off a fixed rate loan that you’ve had for several years, and it may be time to shop around the lending market.
If you aren’t sure how to proceed after your fixed period ends, it might be a good idea to have a chat with Alex from Wealthwiz to discuss your options. We’re here to help.
Despite persistent rain falling right across the sydney basin, Magenta shores GC on the NsW Central Coast was presented in fantastic condition on thursday October 6, for the opening day of the JNJG Fayde Junior Matchplay competition.
in total, 88 players across 11 divisions took part in the tournament, with each division broken up into two pools of four players.
Round 1 and Round 2 matches were completed on thursday, before all players took part in the third round on Friday morning. the winners of each group then met in the respective Finals on Friday afternoon.
in the 15 Years Boys Age Group, Darcy Mackay (stonecutters Ridge GC) won his first three matches, defeating Jamie smith (Monash CC) 2-up, Max Fischer (Bonnie Doon GC) 3&2 and enzo Moon (North Ryde GC) 1-up to qualify for the Final, where he would ultimately lose 4&3 to Harry Whitelock (Royal Canberra GC).
the best result for western sydney golfers was achieved by Glenmore park’s Grace Lee (Concord GC), who continued her impressive run of form through 2022, winning the Girls 16/17 Years age group, defeating Hollie Fuller (Grafton GC) 4&3 and Matilda sullings (Federal GC) 4&3 on thursday, then defeating Robyn Keen (Avondale GC) 2&1 on Friday morning to qualify for her Age Group Final.
Grace and ella scaysbrook (the Australian GC) are two of the undisputed stars of the future, both girls play senior and junior pennant golf for their respective clubs, and therefore understandably took their Final down to the 18th hole, with Grace ultimately winning a thriller 1-up.
in the 12/13 Year Age Group, another two of the state’s most exciting young prospects qualified
for the Final, with 13-year old Mimi thomsen (Wollongong GC) ultimately defeating 12-year old Camilla Kim (Lynwood CC) on the 19th hole.
Camilla had been in sensational form during her three qualifying matches, winning 5&3 over Bronte epplestun, (Catalina CC) 7&5 over sophia Chau (Gold Creek GC) and 9&7 over Maiv Dorman (Bathurst GC).
Other local juniors competing in the Matchplay included Blake Hodges, who defeated the 16 Year Age group winner Brodie Herring (Manly GC)
on Friday morning but having lost his previous two matches, did not make the Final.
Brodie recovered from his only loss of the event, going on to win the 16 Years Boys title with a 2-up result against Harry Atkinson (pymble GC).
in the 17 Years Boys Age Group, Coby Carruthers (Jordan springs / Concord GC) won his first two matches but was defeated in his third match by the overall 17 Years Age Group winner, Jake Riley (pymble GC).
Jake won the 17 Years Final 1-up over shashank Koirala (the Lakes GC).
in other games from the 17 Years, Ryan Fletcher (Lynwood CC) squared one and lost two of his matches, Ryan Cadle (stonecutters Ridge) squared his first, lost his second to Finalist shashank and won his third match but did not qualify for the Final.
in the 14 Boys, Chayse thorpe (Lynwood) squared one match and lost two, whilst ti Fox (Lynwood) won one match and lost two.
WesteRN sydney Wanderers FC are proud to confirm that they will be extending their partnership with Reclaim the Game, with the initiative extending to the club’s Liberty A-League squad for the next two seasons.
this comes after two successful seasons of partnership with the isuzu Ute A-League Men’s squad, where the program has had a chance to resonate with the club’s Western sydney community.
Western sydney Wanderers CeO scott Hudson said he was proud to be continuing the relationship for the next two seasons.
“it is important for us to have an impact beyond the field and together with Reclaim the Game we have brought awareness of the impact that sports betting can have in professional sport,” said Mr Hudson.
“We are delighted that this partnership has now
extended to our A-League Women’s team, and we look forward to continuing to build our relationship with Reclaim the Game over the next two years.”
Alison parkinson, the A/Director of the NsW Office of Responsible Gambling said “In the two years we’ve been working together, we have seen great support from the Wanderers fanbase who have far-reaching roots across Western sydney. We’re thrilled that our partnership continues to grow with their women’s team joining the Reclaim the Game family.
partnering with the women’s squad shows the club really believes in the Reclaim the Game message, and we have a chance to get our message out to the female audience, who are an emerging market for sports betting.
it’s also common to see an increase in betting
marketing around high-profile events like the 2023 FiFA Women’s World Cup, which is set to take place in Australia and New Zealand – so in some respects, we are getting ahead of the game.” if you or someone you care about needs support or advice, please call GambleAware on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential help and support 24/7. this announcement comes in the leadup to GambleAware Week, an annual initiative for the NsW community to raise awareness about the risks of gambling and gambling harm. GambleAware Week will take place from Monday 17 October –sunday 23 October 2022.
For more information visit: www.gambleaware. nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/awarenesscampaigns/gambleaware-week-2022
Richmond Gc hosted the 36th Annual diocese of Parramatta (doP) charity Golf day on Tuesday 27th September, with 148 golfers playing in the event.
160 people gathered after the event for the lunch and presentation of trophies, with master of ceremony and event organiser ian Jordan announcing a total of $15,000 had been raised on the day, to be divided between Grace’s Place (a residential Trauma centre for children affected by homicide which is being built at doonside) and Umoja, a program to support disadvantaged and impoverished students in Arusha, Tanzania.
mr Jordan said “The organising committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the event. donations had been received from The Richmond club Ltd, ddF (diocesan development Fund), catholic church insurance, JR Waste & Recycling, Terry Shields Toyota, Adesso home improvements and hawkesbury Accident Repair centre.
martha Jabour oAm, cEo of Grace’s Place, gave an exceptional speech about the needs of children and families at the facility, which is officially opening on 2nd February, 2023.
Terry Shields Toyota, Parramatta, arranged for their Brand Ambassador, jockey hugh Bowman, to play in their team on the day and he was most interesting when interviewed about his extraordinary achievement of riding Winx to 33 consecutive wins.
Foundation sponsors ddF (diocesan development Fund) and cci (catholic church insurance) were acknowledged for their support and commitment over 36 continuous
years, even when the last two years had to be cancelled due to the covid pandemic.
The team from St Andrews college, marayong, consisting of Stephen Kennaugh, mark Bylsma, Bryon Brasier and Allan ison, took out the coveted best scratch score trophy, with a score of 55, recording 15 birdies in the round which is an all-time record for the annual competition. The prize to the winning team was presented by Chief Executive Officer of DDF, Royce Brennan.
The winning team in the medley event was Bede Polding college, consisting of mark o’connor, dean Bertenshaw, megan Bertenshaw
and marc Sluiter, who turned in a creditable net 55.5! This award was presented by cci client Relationship manager for nSW & AcT, corie cowan.
A Special Achievement Award was also presented to Bede Polding college, South Windsor, for their ongoing, consistent support of registering 3 teams each year for 15 years.
“The 37th Annual doP charity Golf day will be held on Tuesday 26th September 2023 at Richmond Gc and we look forward to another great day and a chance to again meet up with friends and golfing buddies,” said Mr Jordan.