Western News 14 September 2018

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Friday, 14 September 2018

ISSUE 68

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Run for the Kids Western Sydney’s largest charity race is held each year in Parramatta Park to raise money for children with special needs and newborn care. See page 2 for full story.

Western News 14 September 2018 Issue 68

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Glitz and Glamour in Penrith for this year’s Afford’s Got Talent

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or the fourth consecutive year, Afford (The Australian Foundation for Disability) hosted the annual Afford’s Got Talent event to showcase and celebrate the diverse and amazing abilities of the many people with disability who attend Afford sites across Sydney.

Western Sydney residents from the Afford Group Homes mesmerised members of the audience at this year’s event by dressing in shirts displaying flags from all around the world.

The group overwhelmed the crowd with Acknowledgment to Country and the Australian National Anthem (Multicultural), followed by an inspiring Welcome speech by Afford Chairman, Ross Fowler, before the night carried on.

Performances by Afford Supported Employees from the Minchinbury ADE included an Indian Dance, Grease Remix and a rendition of Slim Dusty’s We’ve Done Us Proud.

Clients from Afford Jamisontown Day Program and Cherrywood Day Program were thrilled to perform Dance Jam and Do Re Mi respectively, while Mt Druitt Day Program clients took to the stage for a tremendous dance and song routine.

The Afford’s Got Talent event is staged purely for client enjoyment and was first held four years ago to

Jamisontown Day Program cliens performed Dance Jam

provide clients with the opportunity for self expression in a supportive and inclusive environment.

The event is a chance for clients with their families and carers, along with Afford staff to come and celebrate the unique talents and abilities of those in the Afford community. It is an opportunity for everyone to let their hair down, socialise with others and form new friendships.

Held on 3 August at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith, this year’s Afford’s Got Talent showcase was packed with an amazing 27 singing, dancing and musical performances from Afford clients.

Bright, sparkly, colourful, bow tied, glitter covered clients filled the room with everyone dressed to impress in matching outfits. There were teams of blue glitter suits, cowboys, Hawaiian dancers, bow ties and suits, face paint, matching Afford site shirts and much more.

The evening began with a delicious sausage sizzle, followed by scrumptious cakes and treats brought in by each site.

Steven Herald, CEO at Afford says that Afford clients look forward to the Afford’s Got Talent event every year and enjoy the opportunity to get up on stage.

“Afford’s Got Talent is a wonderful event that celebrates the unique abilities of every client.”

“Afford’s Got Talent is a truly inspiring event that allows all clients to express themselves, build their confidence in being in the spotlight and also encourages new friendships,” said Mr Herald.

“Performers practice for many weeks and months to get their routines and songs just right. It’s amazing to see all the hard work come together on one evening and the wonderful talent that we have in our Afford community.”

“Afford’s Got Talent is about each and every client. It showcases their determination to achieve and perform in front of a group of peers, family and friends.”

Afford is a leading not-forprofit disability organisation that supports people living with disability across New South Wales and Queensland.

Afford is a registered charity and has been operating in NSW for 65 years, providing a range of disability supports to thousands of people across Sydney every day.

For more information about Afford, visit www.afford.com.au or call 1300 233 673.

Western Sydney Lawyer heads Western Sydney’s largest fundraising race

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estern Sydney based lawyer and local resident, Andrew Grima can be seen running in the lower Blue Mountains three times a week in preparation for the Coleman Greig Challenge Western Sydney’s largest charity race, held each year in Parramatta Park.

The race raises money for children with special needs and newborn care.

Andrew’s drive to support children and their families started after spending a day helping out at a charity that supported kids with special needs. Later on, he saw newborns being assisted by a specialised care bed in Westmead Hospital, after which he understood the importance of providing assistance to disabled children, as well as the hospital equipment and support resources necessary in raising healthy children, and wanted to make a difference.

Shortly after the birth of his first child, he also decided to start running to improve his health and fitness. This led to a passion for long distance running.

Andrew decided to combine his desire to keep fit with his passion to support children in need, and in turn established a fundraising race.

In 2013, Andrew used the resources of his law firm and business network to establish the Coleman Grieg Challenge, which to date has raised over $584,000 for children with special needs and new born care.

“This year the Challenge will take place on Friday 21 September and involve teams from a wide variety of Western Sydney businesses, as well as nurses, doctors and sporting celebrities,” said Mr Grima.

“People love the Challenge as they see it as a great opportunity to get fit, have fun and give back by raising money for children with special needs and newborn care.”

“Participants have four challenges to choose from, including; 10km run, 5km run, cycling challenge or a 2.5km walk.”

“Each year The Challenge continues to grow in popularity, and in 2018

over 580 participants aim to raise over $225,000 to help children and families in need.”

“This year, funds raised will be donated to St Gabriel’s School for students with special needs, the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, as well as the Westmead Hospital Foundation.”

“The money raised goes towards the purchase of vital equipment which make a real difference to the lives of children. The Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children will use funds raised through the 2018 Challenge to produce more braille books, tactile pictures and other Alternative Format

Publications (AFP) to support kids’ development and inclusion in society.”

“Similarly, the Westmead Hospital Foundation will use the funds to purchase two Cardiotocographs (CTG). These lifesaving machines are used to monitor the unborn baby for distress, and to determine the need for urgent intervention to prevent conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental delay and intellectual disability.”

People can support participants like Andrew to help raise funds by making a donation through the gofundraise page at https://colemangreigchallenge2018. gofundraise.com.au

Western News

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he establishment of a university campus in Blacktown City took a big step towards reality recently with Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali MP calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from universities to partner with Council and Businesses to establish a campus in Blacktown CBD. “A university campus in our CBD is a vital part of our vision for transforming Blacktown City,” Mayor Bali said.

“By 2036 half of Sydney’s population will live in Western Sydney and yet today we only have 18 per cent of university places in the Greater Sydney region.

“There are 54,000 higher education students living within 30 minutes of Blacktown. There are 18,000 talented university students living in Blacktown City – but currently they all have to travel long distances to attend their courses,” Mayor Bali said.

“Imagine how great it would be for today’s Year 7 school students to have an opportunity to study at a University right here in Blacktown when they complete their HSC. “The EOI process ensures there is proper governance in place and that all potential University partners are treated in a fair and equitable way.

Artist impression for the proposed University campus in Blacktown.

“A university campus in Blacktown is obviously needed, but for it to be successful it will have to collaborate with Council, our community and local businesses so it can meet the needs of our diverse community.”

Local businesses were well represented at today’s launch with Greater Blacktown Business Chamber, Vitex, and Sydney Business Park, all agreeing to partner Blacktown City Council in moving forward with the concept of a university campus situated in the Blacktown CBD. Greater Blacktown Business Chamber Vice President Bob Turner said, “This is truly a win-

win for Business and the Blacktown Community.”

“Blacktown businesses could provide real-world opportunities for training and workforce placement for students and a University could provide a local industrial research bed.

“I’ve worked closely with young people and there is a need for them to be able to achieve their highest levels of education without having to travel great distances from home, and Business needs a qualified local workforce to draw from. The answer to both of these needs is a university campus in Blacktown,” Mr Turner said.

The University for Blacktown project was also endorsed by Blacktown Woman of the Year, Anyier Yuol, who was announced as the Blacktown University Youth Champion at the event.

“When I first heard the Mayor talk about this project I just thought ‘finally!’” Ms Yuol said.

“There are so many reasons why this is such a great project. We already have thousands of university students living in Blacktown - a number that will only get bigger over time, so the demand is there.

“Having a university near where students live and study will make them that much more motivated at school and give them belief that they can attain a higher education.

“When I was studying for my degree I had to travel one and a half hours each way – three hours a day – to get to my campus. Although I was motivated to study, it was emotionally draining and impacted other important parts of my life such as, my sporting training.

“With so many young people from multi-cultural backgrounds living in Blacktown, having a university within the local area removes one of the potential barriers they face if they want to pursue higher education.”

Western News 14 September 2018 Issue 68

University for Blacktown - one step closer

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Western News 14 September 2018 Issue 68

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From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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HE St Clair community, which I am part of, suffered a great loss when family doctor, Dr Elizabeth Torrance, or “Dr T” as she was affectionately known, lost her life to brain cancer.

Dr T was a brilliant and shining gem in the world of medicine; and she could have written the tutorial on bedside manner, as she touched the heart of every patient who went to visit her.

I was lucky enough to be one of those patients, as were my three children.

Not only did she give sound medical advice, but she followed up with love and concern for every patient she saw.

In our changing world full of medical centres, where few get to really know their family doctor, Dr T was the exception to the rule.

Her patient books were full to capacity, and the surgery rooms packed to the rafters on any given day, with those who felt that indeed Dr T was well worth the wait.

And not only did Dr T remember every patient’s name, she remembered what they did for work, the names of their kids, and basically any information they’d ever shared with her.

She was certainly one in a trillion.

Local residents Melissa Dykes Dunlop, Debbie Brown Meier and Dr Torrance’s nieces Natasha and Miriam floated an idea some time ago that a local park be named in honour of Dr T. That dream has now become a reality, and Penrith Mayor John Thain opened the Elizabeth Torrance Park on the corner of Feather and McIntyre Streets St Clair last week.

St Clair residents will now have a place in which to visit and reflect on the wonderful doctor, mentor and friend who played a major part in many of our lives.

RIP beautiful Dr Elizabeth Torrance, we hope you knew how loved and adored you were by an entire community.

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Blacktown City staff members gather to donate blood.

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Blacktown resident Karen Boyd donates blood.

n just two months, the Blacktown community and Council staff have rolled up their sleeves to save 264 lives.

Blacktown City Council is placed fourth in Australia and third in the state for the Red25 Council Blood Challenge after tallying 57 blood and 31 plasma donations to the Red Cross Blood Service.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said, “It’s great to see so many people have taken the time out to donate blood and plasma and be part of such a worthy cause.

“It is important that as many people as possible take the opportunity to donate blood,” he said.

“Donating blood doesn’t take long and you could save three lives in the process.”

The Red25 Council Blood Challenge is run by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and encourages staff and community members at local councils to donate blood between July and September.

NSW council blood donations throughout this period are tallied against each other with the most blood donations from the one council winning the challenge.

Blacktown resident Karen Boyd decided to donate blood while shopping after noticing the mobile blood donor van.

“I’m here [donating blood] because there is a shortage of O negative, I’m here to do my bit,” Ms Boyd said.

“Donate to save a life, don’t think about it just go and do it. If you donate to save a life, you could be saving your own life.”

The challenge comes to an end on Tuesday 30 September.

For more information on van locations and dates visit: www. donateblood.com.au/donate#

Western News 14 September 2018 Issue 68

Residents roll up their sleeves to save lives

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Western News 14 September 2018 Issue 68

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Have your say “West Schofields” Precinct

West Schofields - Playing Fields

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ember for Riverstone Kevin Conolly announced today that the “West Schofields” draft Masterplan is now on exhibition for locals to have their say in shaping the future of the West Schofields area. Rezoning of land within the precinct is proposed.

The masterplan will guide development of the community over the next 20 years and is on exhibition until the Friday 28 September 2018 for the community to review and provide feedback.

“West Schofields” is a planning precinct, not a suburb name. Naming the area is a separate process currently the subject of an exhibition by the Geographical Names Board of NSW. The NSW Department of Planning and Environment, in collaboration with Blacktown City Council, has prepared the draft West Schofields masterplan. This plan will guide the future rezoning and development of this new precinct from the ground up.

“Access to and from the area has

been improved with the widening and upgrade Schofields Road and further improvements are planned to Garfield Road as well as a long term future proposal to connect Townson Road and Burdekin Road via a rail overpass and new bridge over Eastern Creek,” said Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly.

To assist the community in having its say, two drop-in sessions will be held at the Riverstone Schofields Memorial Club at 23 Market Street, Riverstone NSW 2756 on: • Wednesday 12 September - 4pm – 7pm • Saturday 15 September - 10am – 1pm Project team members will be available during those times to assist with any questions, but there will be no formal presentations.

“I encourage everyone to have a look and, if interested, to make a submission,” said Mr Conolly.

Submissions can be posted to GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW 2001 or submitted online at http://www.

planning.nsw.gov.au/westschofields .

The draft masterplan includes: • a new local centre with community facilities, shops and cafés; • a new primary school; • twelve double playing fields to support West Schofields and its surrounding communities; • new footpaths and cycleways throughout the community; • protection of Eastern Creek and Bells Creek;

• a potential environmental corridor through the area, with a possible connection to Western Sydney Parklands; • a range of homes to meet the needs of a new, diverse community; and • appropriate building and design controls to create a more resilient community.

For more information, visit w w w. p l a n n i n g . n s w. g o v. a u / westschofields

Australia Post urges St Marys drivers to stay alert Australia Post is calling on drivers in St Marys and surrounds to stay alert after recording six postie injuries on the area’s roads in the last financial year, contributing to the state’s total of 174.

With Australia Post investing $30 million into safety over the next 12 months, Group Executive Safety, Wellbeing & Safety Management, Peter Bass, said they aim to address the biggest safety challenges facing posties.

“One injury is one too many, and to have six in St Marys and its surrounds is just not acceptable, especially with the busy Christmas period around the corner,” said Mr Bass.

“On average, every workday

three posties are involved in safety accidents across the country which is why we need drivers to be mindful.

“We are always looking for ways to keep our people and the communities we work in safe, especially as we approach the busy Christmas period.

One of the things we are doing is replacing motorcycles on appropriate rounds with electric-assisted bikes and electric delivery vehicles, which are safer modes of transport.

“We ask drivers to watch out for other road users, slow down, minimise distractions and put away their mobile phones,” Mr Bass said.

Expecting even more posties on the road as they approach peak delivery

season, Mr Bass said they are tackling safety issues from the ground up.

“Unrestrained or reactive dogs, reversing cars and drivers speeding through roundabouts also pose a risk to not just our people, but other road users and pedestrians. Our work to address these issues will help us create a safer environment for everyone,” said Mr Bass.

St Marys safety statistics FY2018: - Road injuries: 6 - Dog incidents: 1 - Reversing cars: 1 Top tips for the community: • Put your mobile phone out of reach when driving • Slow down when approaching roundabouts

• Use your mirrors and check your blind spots for motorcycles and cyclists before turning or changing lanes • When reversing out of your driveway, toot your horn and move slowly • If you have dogs, make sure to keep them securely confined to your property • Keep your dog leashed when off your property NSW hotspots: 1.

Seven Hills 2.

St Marys 3.

Epping For more information on Australia Post’s safety programs please visit auspost.com.au/safety

Western News

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estmead’s new ArtsLab has received a significant boost, courtesy of a Create NSW grant, designed to foster creative opportunities for local artists.

Health and Arts Research Centre Inc (HARC), who are co-ordinating the Westmead Redevelopment’s arts and culture program, recently secured a $50,000 grant from Create NSW to extend the work of the ArtsLab@Westmead – a new artists’ space at Multiplex’s Westmead Connectivity Centre, near the site of Westmead’s new hospital building.

The ArtsLab is an experimental space for local artists, curators and cultural workers to build capacity for health arts projects at Westmead.

Westmead Redevelopment arts and culture coordinator Marily Cintra said the grant would fund 10 artist residences, focused on creating works for Westmead Hospital, the precinct and local communities.

One of the first projects will be the development of a sensory wall for Westmead Hospital’s new aged care behavioural management unit.

“The ArtsLab is a fantastic opportunity for us to build the capacity of our local artists and provide the opportunity for them to create exciting, innovative works for the hospital,” Marily said.

“Art in health is a growing field, with few opportunities for training and experimentation; Westmead provides an excellent convergence of healthcare, research and education for artists to explore.

“We hope to have different art forms inspiring a future, ongoing arts program at Westmead.

“We’re thrilled to have support from Create

Westmead Multiplex Connectivity Centre manager Jo Osborne, Westmead Redevelopment arts and culture co-ordinator Marily Cintra and Westmead Redevelopment director of transformation and redesign Carla Edwards.

NSW, who are so pleased to support and create opportunities to foster arts and culture in NSW.” Multiplex Connectivity Centre manager Jo Osborne said the ArtsLab was a great collaboration between local artists and businesses.

“The ArtsLab will be a creative hub for artists, offering them studio space for new works,” she said.

“It’s really a chance to promote professional development and employment for our local artists – something we are doing daily with our mentoring and training programs at the centre.”

The Westmead Redevelopment recently launched its arts and culture strategy, aimed at transforming

experiences at Westmead through the arts across healthcare, education, training and research.

The strategy – a partnership between Western Sydney Local Health District, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and the University of Sydney – is designed to embed arts and culture into the fabric of the Westmead precinct, including its new hospital building and refurbished spaces.

Fourteen projects have been endorsed for the new facility, with exciting artwork set to adorn new clinical spaces, waiting areas, the new plaza forecourt and the Innovation Centre.

To get involved in the ArtsLab@Westmead, contact Marily at marily.cintra@health.nsw.gov.au

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Western News 14 September 2018 Issue 68

New arts lab at Westmead for local creatives

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Western News 14 September 2018 Issue 68

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Inspirational local girl on the path to success

By Adam Wright

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ate Murdoch might be best known for her skills as an Australian Paralympic rower, but it’s her ability to adapt to change, as her eyesight fails, that is giving her options for future success.

She is upfront about being legally blind, but spend a few minutes with her and you quickly learn she’s not afraid to tackle the challenges a world without sight presents her.

Between rowing training, travelling, competing and working with the Office of Environment for Western Sydney Local Health District, she has managed to graduate from Certificate IV Massage Therapy and has enrolled in a Diploma of Remedial Massage at TAFE NSW. She studied massage theory at TAFE NSW Nepean and completed practical skills and experience at the TAFE NSW Blue Mountains massage facility. This purpose-built centre opens to public clients offering students hands-on experience.

Kate was inspired to study massage as a result of her time as an athlete. In the lead up to, and following her Rio Paralympic races, she literally spent time in the hands of, and working alongside, massage therapists and

physiotherapists.

She had always been impressed with how their skills and knowledge could be used to help heal injured parts of her body.

“With my loss of vision I’ve been considering other career options.

I was looking for something more hands on,” Kate said.

“When I was initially exploring ideas about learning massage, I contacted a few training providers and when I told them I’m blind they all said they couldn’t help me.

“I’m pleased to say the response from TAFE NSW was the complete opposite. They said they could absolutely help me. They were very

welcoming and supportive.

Kate’s TAFE NSW teacher would use her as the model to demonstrate massage techniques to the class.

“That was clever because it meant I

could feel what was happening,” she said.

“Studying with TAFE NSW also meant I was in control of when I could study. I work full time and am dependent on that income.

The courses were very hands on and practical too. My intention now is to do some voluntary work in the sports community to improve my skills while I work out my next step.

“I’ve had an amazing time with lots of support from TAFE NSW I want to learn everything I can.

“I love that I can now use massage to ease people’s physical issues in so many ways. To be able to help people through this is lovely.”

To explore Semester 2 training options offered by TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

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reast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Australian women with an estimated 18,087 women and 148 men being diagnosed with the disease in 2018 – that’s an average of 50 people every day.

St Marys Rugby League Club is doing something to help, turning PINK this October and asking all Members and Guests to be brave, be bold and be involved and help the Club raise funds for a variety of Cancer organisations throughout the month.

Every Sunday in October the Club will raffle off over $4,000 in prizes in their Tickled Pink Raffles with all profits going to Pink Ribbon Day. There will be pink cocktails on sale throughout the month, collection tins for the Cancer Council are already out and around the Club and will be followed by McGrath Foundation tins.

Girls Night In on Friday October 5th is the Clubs’ annual event for the Cancer Council. This muchloved, cheeky night is a huge night on the calendar and this year’s looks set to be even bigger and better with a Hollywood theme and feature band “One Hit Wonders’. Tickets include champagne on arrival, cocktail food, guest speakers, prizes and auctions.

Tickets are just $35 each or $315 for a table of 10.

For the first time, the Club will also hold a Pink Afternoon Tea on Sunday October 14th to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation. This inspirational event will include talks by Tracy Bevan, McGrath Foundation Ambassador & Director and entertainment by well-known local Pink tribute performer Megan McGuire. A huge array of fabulous raffle prizes and silent auction items have been donated including concert

tickets to Bon Jovi & Shania Twain, a $2,000 DecoGlaze™ glass splashback voucher, a Singer sewing machine, a $500 BP fuel card, a tandem skydive, Colette handbags, nights away at Crowne Plaza & Holiday Inn hotels and many more fantastic items.

Tickets

Western News 14 September 2018 Issue 68

St Marys Rugby League Club is turning PINK this October

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to this inaugural event are just $28 each.

Tickets to Girls Night In and Pink Afternoon Tea can be purchased at St Marys Rugby League Club or by calling the Club on 9677 7777.

To find out more, head to the website http://www. stmarysleagues.com.au/whats-on/

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Western News 14 September 2018 Issue 68

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Western News

Six hours in Singapore

Bars and street art

By BEN CRANNEY

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feel like the people who built Singapore Airport wanted to make it a tourist destination in its own right. It has free cinemas, an enclosure with over 1000 butterflies, gardens with cacti and sunflowers, a swimming pool and plenty of eating and shopping options. This means there is lots to do during the long stop overs that seem to happen at this airport, especially on the cheap flights.

Despite all the activities, I prefer to explore the city, and long stop overs are perfect for this. The airport runs free tours for anyone who has over

The Merlion

6 hours to kill. Just turn up at the desk in terminal two or three. There are two options. I haven’t done the day time Heritage Tour, which takes you to Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam, but I have done the night time City Sights tour. The highlights are a visit to the Merlion, the half fish, half lion symbol of Singapore, and to the Gardens by the Bay. These Gardens are mesmerising.

Some describe them as Avatar-esque, but I think the carefully grown plants and the fairy lights amongst them are far more impressive.

The tours are only at certain times, so if this doesn’t fit with your schedule, you can easily

make your own way in. The train is simple, and border control generally quick.

I took the train to Little Arabia.

I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was tired, so when I got a bit lost, I almost went back to the airport. But then I saw the minaret of the Masjid Sultan Mosque, with the half-moon hanging in the sky above it, so I followed it. The Mosque is beautiful, and surrounded by restaurants selling amazing smelling food. One side is full of what looked like overpriced restaurants. The other are cheap places where you have to weigh up the smell and friendliness of the wait staff with the apparent cleanliness of

the place. I chickened out because I still had 20 hours of travel, but I plan on going back.

But even more lovely are the streets. This has to be the global epicenter of small bar culture. Tables and chairs fill the alley ways. Giant murals give the walls extra character, and everyone is very relaxed. I could have walked around here for days without becoming bored.

I wanted to get to China town and Little India too, but I didn’t have enough time. I’ll have to book another stop over.

Next time: Pretzels, beer and deceiving the Devil

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel It’s on the Cards

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ow many times do we use everyday expressions without realising the meaning behind them? I was thinking that the other day when someone said to me, “Well, its on the cards that will happen.” And yes, in my world so many things are literally “on the cards”. So called “fortune telling” has been around probably since the dawn of time. Primitive cultures use bones, the Ancient Romans used to look at animal entrails and all sorts of tools of divination have been used over the years. My preferred method is to use Tarot cards, not because I really know what every card signifies, but because I like to use them as a channel to help open that portal to the other side.

Some people think that they dated from as far back as Ancient Egypt or the Kabbalah, but their popularity came to prominence around the 13th Century in Europe where they were used as playing cards. You can imagine the ladies of the court sitting around playing a Medieval form of Bridge whilst eating their honey cakes. “I bid three wands.” “Well, I bid four swords.”

However, they were also used to foretell the future. Way back in the mists of time when Joan of Arc was captured, she was given into the care of the Duke of Bedford to await her trial, guilty verdict and execution. It seems that Joan didn’t much

fancy being burned at the stake and so decided on a less painful way out. She threw herself off the battlements of the castle but somehow landed on the paved surface without a scratch. Poor old Joan. This was taken as another indication that she was a witch and reinforced her guilt in the eyes of her captors. What I find so interesting is that as her body fell to earth, her left foot was pressed against her right knee forming a perfect triangle, the way the Hanged Man is always depicted in the Tarot.

Legend also has it that she did have an interest in the Tarot and as she was led to the stake, she made the sign of a circle, the Wheel of Fortune. She had risen to one of the most exalted positions in France and now Fate had brought to her lowest ebb.

When I was young I remember seeing a TV programme called The Wheel of Fortune. A wellendowed, skimpily clad young lady would spin a huge wheel and the arrow would stop at a prize.

The caption was “Round and round it goes. Where it stops nobody knows”. When I do a reading, very often The Wheel of Fortune signifies tumultuous times, lots of changes, being in a state of flux and not knowing what is happening around you. But the other day, I did a reading for a lovely lady who is going through a really hard time. The Wheel of Fortune turned up but this time I saw another meaning. She was really at rock bottom but as we say, when you are really down, the only way is up and in her case it showed that although she had been brought so low that her wheel was now starting to rise up again and she was heading for better times.

So please, if things do seem difficult for you at the moment, have faith. Remember that the wheel turns and believe it will get better.

The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.

“They ‘R’ Back!!”

Saturday 22nd September Now the Cast is as follows...

Making a triumphant return we will be featuring

Arena McClellan

Natasha Tatarinoff

Emily Nkomo

Omar Maayah

They will be supported by the

Top Line Professionals

Brett Thomas

Marty Morton

Rossco is threatening to put Himself into the Show too... So Look Out!!!

“Last June, following Local Talent Quests, it was declared that these talented youngsters should be given a chance to enhance their career and skills by being put in a specially designed Professional Show, supported by Full Time Professionals... And Boy !..

Didn’t that happen!!!... It was such a success that it has led to this new Show happening on Saturday 22nd this month at The Penrith Paceway .. A Great Night is assured” said Rosco.

This time the show will be backed by our brilliant local big band...

Bird Yard Big Band The Band has 17 members who are just Superb It will be another great night out full of fantastic new talent!! Brilliant comedians and superb music and dancing plus delicious food!!! A perfect night out!! (We may introduce a few further surprises)

Dinner and Show Only $65 per head - Paceway Showroom 7pm for 7.30PM Bookings Essential | Phone 4721 2620 | PENRITH PACEWAY

Western News 14 September 2018 Issue 68

12

WESTERN HISTORY

Blacktown Railway Station

By Jack Brook Blacktown and District Historical Society Continued from last issue....

B

y 1939, with the growing suburban centres between Parramatta and Blacktown, the single branch platform was insufficient for local working, especially when branch crossing had to be made. An ever increasing number of trains were being terminated at Blacktown and all of this seriously interfered with through trains. On 3 September 1942, a platform was provided on the branch loop and a crossover added to permit a two way working being run on that line.

Quadruplication of the Western Line from Parramatta was begun early in 1946 and opened on 30 October 1946. However, owing to the wartime difficulties associated with the shortage of steel and the construction of additional bridges in the vicinity of Parramatta, the four track work commenced at the eastern end of Westmead Station. Because of the complicated junction arrangement necessary at Blacktown, the quadruplication ended at the western end of Seven Hills Station.

Full electric service to Blacktown commenced on 27 February 1955, when the frequent but irregular steam service was replaced by a regular 30 minute electric service. Blacktown trains, like their Parramatta predecessors, operated across the Harbour Bridge to and from Hornsby via the North Shore. In order to handle the increased service, major rebuilding programmes were undertaken at both Blacktown and Penrith. As the new terminal facilities were located on the Up side at Blacktown yard, it was decided to build a flyover between Seven Hills and Blacktown. This was done so that Down trains either terminating or proceeding through to the Richmond branch could cross over to the Up side of Blacktown yard without delaying through traffic. The flyover and new terminal platform at Blacktown were commissioned on 6 February 1955, three weeks prior to the commencement of the electric service to Blacktown.

The Parramatta Advertiser of 1 March 1955 ran a front page headline “Thousands Brave Rain to Welcome First Electric Train to Blacktown”.

It was estimated that 10,000 people packed the town ship to join in the celebrations on Saturday 26 February 1955. The Premier of NSW, Mr J J Cahill, had the honour to officially open the electric train service with a host of other dignitaries in attendance for this momentous occasion. A colourful procession and carnival in Blacktown Showground followed the opening ceremony.

Another big event along the railway line at Blacktown had taken place one year prior to the electrification. On Friday 12 February 1954, enthusiastic residents of Blacktown and outlying areas gathered at the railway station and its approaches to greet Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh as the Royal Train slowly steamed through the district. The Royal couple, standing on the rear observation platform

of the train, smiled and waved at the excited onlookers. The white gloved hand of Her Majesty could be seen waving for quite some distance down the line after the train had passed the huge crowd at the station. The local newspaper stated that it was “Blacktown’s most historical event”.

Blacktown Railway Centenary Celebrations began on Saturday 2 July 1960, and lasted a fortnight. Although there were many attractions at the Blacktown Showground and elsewhere in town, the first weekend’s crowds were rather small. However, attendances grew by the second weekend for the “spectacular procession” and carnival. Dr Barbara Moore, the celebrated marathon walker from Britain was the guest of honour. There was a model train exhibition in the Presbyterian Hall in Campbell Street, which was “installed and controlled by NSW Government Railways at great cost and expense”. A “Tour of the West” cycle race was a feature and a chess exhibition was held in the School of Arts. Finally on 16 July, the Centenary Ball and Crowning of the Centenary Queen closed the celebrations. One hundred years of puffing steam trains at Blacktown had been celebrated with gusto.

The old face of the railway station changed in June 1979 when the sandstone Parcels Office which fronted Main Street, virtually opposite the end of Flushcombe Road, was dismantled stone by stone. Everyone locally was under the impression that the Victorian era building would be rebuilt nearby in a prominent position. Unfortunately, there were insufficient sandstone blocks and carvings rescued for this to happen.

The materials were to be used instead in a high school project, but this did not eventuate. A time capsule was unearthed during the dismantling works and some of its contents are held at the Max Webber Library in Blacktown.

Western News

How to teach your kids to be smart investors

Many Aussies want to buy their own home to raise a family and set themselves up for the future. Owning a property is also one way to look at securing you children’s future.

If you’re a parent, you might have wondered at some point, ‘how can I help my kids develop good habits with money so they can make sound financial decisions as adults?’

Many of our habits and attitudes are forged earlier in life, which means what you teach your child about money now, can have a positive impact on them later in life.

Talk about money It’s important to engage your kids in talking and thinking about money.

Instead of teaching them “money doesn’t grow on trees!”, when your child asks you to buy something for them, talk to them about the real source of money.

Kids are curious, so make it your job to cultivate financial literacy, confidence and the motivation to save money. Help them make the connection between work, savings and paying for everyday expenses.

ASIC’s MoneySmart website suggests getting kids involved in conversation as you deal with daily financial matters, such as: • At the ATM: How did that money get there? Explain how your balance changes when you make a withdrawal.

How do you decide how much cash to withdraw? What’s the difference between using a card or cash to pay?

• When you shop: Why do different products have a different price? How do you compare products and find a better price? Can your kids help you work out a better deal?

• Bills and budgeting: Explain what bills are, and how they relate to family life. For example, paying for electricity, internet access and the mortgage. Come up with ideas for saving money, for example, holidays, play equipment, a car, and give your kids a say in creating your family budget Be mindful about giving kids money Giving kids money to spend helps them practice money making decisions, but it’s also worthwhile to

set some boundaries.

For instance, you might have a rule that 20 percent of all the birthday money must be saved, and the rest can be spent as desired. Kids won’t always make a wise decision, but a few failed ‘investments’ can open their eyes to the pain of the money wasted.

Rewarding kids with money may send a wrong message. As a general rule, don’t offer money for things you expect your children to do or strive for on their own.

Author of the book Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You’re Not), Beth Kobliner argues that paying kids to do chores or get good grades undermines the intrinsic motivators – like helping out, or achieving something with hard work.

Guide your kids towards good financial decision-making so they can confidently face the challenges of saving for a deposit for something of value like a home, making big financial choices and weighing their investment options as an adult.

The Global Money Week Initiative,

@wealthwiz

a Child & Youth Finance International initiative is a financial awareness campaign built to inspire children and young people to learn about money matters, livelihoods and entrepreneurship, and is another way to improve your children’s financial literacy.

Global Money Week events, activities, projects, launches and competitions take place in over 130 countries.

The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA), in partnership with its members – finance brokers, lenders, aggregators and industry-suppliers – leads the way in delivering the Global Money Week project in Australia. The MFAA and Wealthwiz encourages members and their local community to connect, start the conversation, and deliver these important financial literacy lessons to children and adolescents through schools, sports clubs and youth community groups.

Contact Alex Soncini 0419 600 177 to see how you can have this program delivered at your school .

#wealthwizau

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

Quest makes its mark in the state’s third largest city

T

he doors have opened at Quest Penrith, 83 Lord Sheffield Circuit, increasing the brand’s offering in New South Wales by 115 rooms.

Quest Penrith is positioned to capitalise on Sydney’s transforming economic landscape, with Penrith transitioning from a regional centre to the state’s third major city. Greater Western Sydney is Australia’s thirdlargest economy and has been identified by the State Government as a key corridor for future economic

development, urban renewal and infrastructure.

Quest Apartment Hotels General Manager – Growth, James Shields said Penrith was a centre with strong potential and ambitions for growth.

“Opening Quest Penrith provides an opportunity for strong business growth, with the region’s target of creating 25,000 new dwellings and 40,000 new jobs by 2031.

“Penrith is set to be a major beneficiary of the $59 billion Western Sydney Airport development, with the

project expected to create long term employment opportunities for the wider region.”

Quest Penrith franchisee Phil Willey said he was looking forward to welcoming the first guests after months of preparation.

“Quest Penrith is my third franchised business under the Quest Apartment Hotels banner. I can’t thank Quest corporate office enough for the tremendous support in the running of my businesses on a day to day basis,” said Mr Willey.

“In the past five years, overnight visitation to Western Sydney has grown by 59 per cent, so the Quest Penrith team and I have great confidence that the property will be a valuable addition to Quest’s NSW portfolio.”

The property features 115 apartments over seven levels, comprising studio, one and two-bedroom configurations, and includes on-site parking, a conference room and gym. The hotel is located adjacent to Penrith railway station within walking distance of Westfield Penrith.

13 Western News 14 September 2018 Issue 68

Alex Soncini

REAL ESTATE

Western News 14 September 2018 Issue 68

Western News

WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU: EASY

ENTERTAINMENT

14

SCHOOL BATHROOM

FIRE DRILL

NURSE

BELL

HALLWAY

PRINCIPAL

CLASSROOM

INTERCOM

SCHOOLYARD

CLOCK

JANITOR

SECRETARY

DESK

LIBRARY

STUDENT

DETENTION

LOCKER

TEACHER

DOORS

LUNCHROOM

TEXTBOOKS

SOLUTION: 31 August

INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Humbleness (8) 5 Monkey-bread tree (6) 9 Insolvent (8) 10 Discarded food (6) 12 The official language

of Iceland (9) 13 Community (5) 14 Kill (4) 16 Take one’s clothes

off (7) 19 Give a title to

someone (7) 21 Singlet (4) 24 King or Empress (5) 25 Sentries (9) 27 Frank (6) 28 Cathedral (8) 29 Gets pleasure from

causing pain (6) 30 Resembling a tree in

form (8)

solution 31/8/18

down 1 A composite (6) 2 Fixed (6) 3 Insect stage (5) 4 Lukewarmly (7) 6 Honors (9) 7 Grow on trees (8) 8 Unwarranted (8) 11 Beige (4) 15 Freedoms (9) 17 Withdraws (8) 18 Sloped (8) 20 Nature of being (4) 21 Having a superior position (7) 22 American neighbor (6) 23 Land surrounded by water (6) 26 A poem by Homer (5)

Western News

SPORT

By Noel Rowsell

T

he latest InterClub event in the Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association took place at Wallacia GC on August 31, with the home club’s members utilising their home course knowledge to win the day’s major prize.

The Wallacia team of Paddy Thorpe, David Knox, Glen Vine and Frank Killeen romped to victory with 158 points, ahead of the Richmond team in second with 154.

The individual and two-ball awards were also dominated by players from Wallacia and Richmond.

2BBB: Glen Vine & Peter Curtis (Wallacia) 48 points; Rod King & Dennis Pickering (Richmond) 47 points c/b.

2BBB Medley: Judy Loader & Steve Loader (Stonecutters) 45

Western News 14 September 2018 Issue 68

Wallacia Scores Runaway Win in WSRVGA Inter-Club Event

15

Diane Bowen (Dunheved) and Kim Stockbridge (Stonecutters) in action at the the WSRVGA Inter-Club event on August 31.

Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

points; Mei McCormick & Matt Morrow (Leonay) 44 points c/b.

Div 1 Men: Ian Jordan (Richmond) 40; Bill Tonks (Dunheved) 38; Frank Killeen (Wallacia) 37 c/b.

Div 2 Men: Garry Denny (Leonay) 39; John Ross (Glenmore) 38 c/b; Brian Metcalfe (Leonay) 38 c/b.

Div 3 Men: Paddy Thorpe (Wallacia) 43; David Knox (Wallacia) 39; Fred Walshaw (Richmond) 38 c/b.

Ladies: Julie Berg (Wallacia) 33; Leonie Manczak (Richmond) 31; Annette Leck (Richmond) 30.

The next Inter-Club will be held at Glenmore Heritage Valley on September 26.

Wanderers secure young guns for W-League

T

he Western Sydney Wanderers are proud to announce the resigning of Rachel Lowe and Susan Phonsongkham, as well as the signing of Courtney Nevin, for the Westfield W-League 2018/19 season.

Rachel Lowe has signed on for her second season with the Wanderers having made eight appearances for the club in her first Westfield W-League season.

The livewire midfielder has been part of the Young Matildas squad and was called up to make her senior Matildas debut in March, playing against China in the Algarve Cup. More recently, Lowe has played for Football NSW Institute in the NPL NSW Women’s First Grade competition and scored 10 goals in 23 games for the side.

The creative forward says she’s excited for the upcoming Westfield W-League season.

“I think we’re going to have a really good season. We’ve got a great team which is exciting and a lot of old and new players which will make a good dynamic,” said Lowe.

Susan Phonsongkham

“This season will mark my third season at the club and hopefully it’s a successful season.”

Exciting young attacking talent Susan Phonsongkham returns to the Wanderers for her third season at the club.

The Young Matilda has become a force to be reckoned with in both the Westfield W-League and NSW NPL Women’s first grade competition.

Phongsonkham scored one of the

goals of the round in the Westfield W-League season and has amassed 16 goals this NPL season.

The youngster says she’s delighted to continue her football journey at the Wanderers and learn from some of the more experienced players in the side.

“I’m really happy to come to the club again. I’m excited for this season because I can see we have a really good team,” said Phonsongkham.

“With the season coming up, I’m expecting a lot from us. I want to play in finals and with the help, and guidance, of the new coach Dan Barrett I believe we will do it.

“Leena Khamis is a great addition to the squad and I’m looking forward to playing with her and maybe we’ll become a deadly duo.”

Courtney Nevin makes the transition from train-on to fully-fledged squad member, signing her first Westfield W-League contract with the Wanderers.

A rising star, Nevin comes to the Wanderers off the back of a strong season for Football NSW Institute where she scored 11 goals and is very grateful for the opportunity to sign for her hometown club.

“I’m from Western Sydney so it’s an honour for me to sign my first Westfield W-League contract with the Wanderers,” said Nevin.

“A lot of hard work has paid off and I’m really looking forward to the season. I’d really like to break into the starting line-up and get a few games this season, I want to help the team get to finals.”

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BEFORE

AFTER

Western News Friday, 14 September 2018

SPORT

Giants star is confident they can go all the way

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Giants’ best footy is capable of winning the club’s inaugural premiership this season, forward Matt de Boer says.

With star defender Heath Shaw (23 finals) out for the rest of the year with a knee injury, de Boer (14) has the most finals under his belt of any Giant and is the only other player on the list with Grand Final experience, having featured in Fremantle’s 2013 loss to Hawthorn.

The Giants demolished arch rivals the Swans by 49 points in Saturday’s elimination final at the SCG, dominating the home side in contested possessions (163-124), and also won the clearances (38-31) and tackles (59-53) in the second brutal September clash between the two clubs.

The Giants will now meet Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday for the chance to keep their season alive, and de Boer didn’t hesitate when AFL.com.au asked him how far his side’s hard-nosed approach can take them 2018.

“All the way, absolutely all the way,” he said.

“The belief is there, and the ability is there, so it’s just about executing the fundamentals well over and over and being stronger and tougher (than the opposition) for longer.”

The former Docker was one of four big inclusions against the Swans, alongside Toby Greene, Brett

Deledio and Zac Williams, which seemed a risk before the match with the quartet all coming off long injury lay-offs.

Coach Leon Cameron was handsomely rewarded by his players, however, and de Boer said he was never worried about coming off a spell in such a big game.

Some fierce boxing sessions with Giants assistant coach Nick Walsh primed the four Giants for the heat

of finals footy, and some well-planned training had them in the best physical condition possible ahead of Saturday’s win.

“The priority was to get fully fit, and we did a lot of extra sessions and touch work every day to get right, so the coaching staff had full faith in us to come in and play a role, and then some,” de Boer said.

“We’ve had a super couple of weeks and came in refreshed and revitalised.

“Leon challenged us and told us he wasn’t going to nurse us through. We would go straight into our normal rotations, and he expected a high standard from us.

“We knew we just had to control what we could control, which meant extra boxing, touch work and visualisation, and we all stood up, so it was good.”

Playing across half-forward, de Boer played a major role in the Giants’ win by limiting the output of two of the Swans’ best attacking weapons in defence, Jake Lloyd and Jarrad McVeigh, at different stages throughout the night.

Lloyd, who averaged 27.8 possessions per game during the home-and-away season, gathered just 17 against the Giants, while McVeigh (21.1) had 14.

“Lloyd is a great quarterback-type player and sets them up a lot, so he was my focus early, and McVeigh plays the same role,” de Boer said.

“I had to switch between those two as well as focus on my own game, but when Leon gives me a role I’m more than happy to do it, whatever the team needs.”