Western News 15 December 2023 by Nepean News

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ISSUE 203

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LOCAL NEWS 3 BY KERRIE DAVIES

HE NSW Government is proud to welcome 179 new Probationary Constables to the NSW Police Force. Class 360 attestated at the Goulburn Police Academy on Friday December 8 and today those new boots are on the ground at their new home stations. These officers are now undertaking 12 months of on-the-job training. Four new Probationary Constables have been allocated to the Mount Druitt Police Area Command. They will undertake general duties police work and gain valuable experience working alongside their seasoned colleagues. Class 360 is made up of students from diverse backgrounds including Lebanon, Iraq, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, Russia, Lithuania, South Africa, South Korea, Pakistan, Nepal and Hong Kong. Eight recruits are First Nations peoples. “I wish every one of the 179 Attesting Officers a long, rich and rewarding career in the NSW Police Force – the best Police Force in the world,” NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said. “Each of these officers have displayed an unwavering commitment to make a difference to the people of NSW. Our state and the policing family is all the richer for it. “Paid study is now a reality thanks to the Minns Labor Government. There’s never been a better time to join the best police force in the world.” NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the

officers have embarked on a career that is unique and like no other. “This is not just a job; it’s a calling,” Commissioner Webb said. “A calling to serve and protect, to uphold the values of justice and to make a positive impact on all of our communities. “To the newest members of our organisation, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours with the New South Wales Police Force.”

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Edmond Atalla, Member for Mount Druitt said he was thankful for the contribution they will make to our local community. “I congratulate and welcome the new recruits to our community where I know they’ll make a real difference to people’s lives,” he said. “I thank these officers for their unwavering commitment to serve and protect the people of NSW day in and day out.”

Western News 15 December 2023 Issue 203

New recruits join Mount Druitt Area Command

Western News 15 December 2023 Issue 203

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From the Editor’s Desk BY KERRIE DAVIES

2023. The year we were free. From lockdowns and restrictions that is. Shackled by interest rate rises and a ridiculously high cost of living, yes, but a full twelve months of freedom from most of the limitations that tackling the Covid pandemic presented. It has been a tough year financially for many local families and small businesses, and we’d like to take the opportunity to thank all the local businesses who advertised with us throughout the year. Not only are you promoting your own business but you’re helping us to continue to deliver the local stories to our local community. I know I do tend to drone on and on about this, but it is so important to support our local businesses when shopping, eating out and treating the kids throughout the school holidays. A flick through this edition will show you there’s so lots to see and do in our own backyard, and by doing that you’ll be supporting our local area and helping it thrive. As we head into the silly season, we’d like to thank you for reading and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here’s to consuming way too much food, feigning delight at the thoughtful presents we receive and spending the fortune that we don’t have. Take it easy on the roads and stay safe. Remember that hospital casualty wards are full of parents and grandparents who thought it would be a good idea to jump on the kid’s skateboards and scooters. Most of all have a fabulous time with family and friends, looking over the good and the bad of 2023. May 2024 be all that 2023 wasn’t for you and yours. See you next year, we’ll be back on the shelves January 12th. Thanks for reading!

LOCAL NEWS 5 Western News 15 December 2023 Issue 203

Dr Michael Ashby Awarded Arrow Foundation Scholarship

R Michael Ashby of Alfred Health has been awarded the Arrow HSANZ PhD Scholarship for 2024, for his research into “Preventing Acute Myeloid Leukaemia relapse following allogeneic stem cell transplant.” Michael’s PhD project will study methods of preventing relapse of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) after a bone marrow transplant. Bone marrow transplant involves cells being transplanted from a compatible donor into a patient. These new donor immune cells recognise the leukaemia cells as ‘foreign’ and eliminate them. This treatment remains the best of chance of cure for patients with AML, however unfortunately, recurrence (relapse) of the leukaemia occurs within 2 years of transplant in up to one half of all patients and this relapse is usually untreatable. “The Arrow HSANZ PhD Scholarship will enable me to focus more on my research and contribute meaningfully to the academic community and society as a whole,” Michael said. “I am deeply honoured and thrilled to have been selected as a recipient of this prestigious scholarship and would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Arrow Foundation and HSANZ for their trust and support.

“Receiving this scholarship represents not only a tremendous financial relief for me but also a significant affirmation of my academic achievements and potential. I am fully committed to pursuing my PhD with dedication, passion and a strong sense of responsibility.” The Arrow Foundation would like thank the organisers, paddlers and volunteers from the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic for their fundraising efforts, as well as the Haematology Society of Australia and NZ for their support. ## For a more in-depth commentary on Michael and his research, you can go to: https://arrow.org.au

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Western News 15 December 2023 Issue 203

LOCAL NEWS

Blacktown City - a summer full of fun!

T’S summertime, and Blacktown City is the centre of fun, family and cultural events and activities this summer. There is plenty to look forward to for kids and adults alike. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said: “What a fantastic line up for summer and the school holidays. A festive Australia Day with some of the best music and fireworks in Western Sydney and plenty for kids to learn, read or play at our libraries and leisure centres over the summer period.” “Come on and get out and about in Blacktown City, make some lasting memories and picnic, walk or bike ride or come play in our parks, Nurragingy Reserve or at Prospect Reservoir. There is plenty to enjoy and plenty to do, a summer full of fun in Blacktown City,” Mayor Bleasdale said. At Blacktown City leisure and aquatic centres there is plenty to do in or out of the water, swimming, tennis, a range of other activities and a little bit of Christmas science fun. Blacktown City Libraries are great places over summer, with good reading and other fun activities. There are clubs you can join, films you can see and you can even borrow a book or three.

With Blacktown City’s Australia Day celebration you can wake up with the wildlife for an Australia Day breakfast at Featherdale Wildlife Park and then head to the Rooty Hill for a big evening of live music and Western Sydney’s biggest and best fireworks display. Council’s Australia Day Concert is headlined by Aussie rock music icons The Baby Animals. Supported by the Queen Forever Show, The Frocks and VTribe. There are free rides, free water games to cool down and a free circus workshop too. Mayor Bleasdale said “Blacktown City Council’s popular Australia Day Concert and Fireworks at the Rooty Hill is always a great evening out for the whole family, with spectacular live

entertainment and the best fireworks display in Western Sydney.” Our City’s local heroes will be recognised at Blacktown City’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony, while some of the City’s newest residents will be welcomed at a special Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at Bowman Hall. “While we acknowledge the growing calls to change the date of Australia Day, I urge everyone to reflect on our history - the highs and the low points - respect the stories of others and celebrate our achievements as a nation,” Mayor Bleasdale said. In February Blacktown City are celebrating the Year of the Dragon with Council’s Lunar New Year celebrations at Nurragingy Reserve in Doonside.

The colourful festival will bring together the whole community for an evening of cultural entertainment, lion and dragon dances, a traditional Chinese New Year blessing ceremony, fireworks, food stalls and kids’ activities. “Blacktown City is proudly home to a large and prosperous Asian population, with the Lunar New Year being a special time for many of our residents. “These festivities have become a much-loved event in the Blacktown City community and bring together people of all cultures for an evening of celebration.” For more information go to www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/

AUTHORISED BY PRUE CAR MP. FUNDED USING PARLIAMENTARY ENTITLEMENTS. DECEMBER 2023.

LOCAL NEWS 9

ARLY planning has begun on the Mount Druitt Hospital upgrade, which will deliver an additional 30 hospital beds for local residents. The $60 million investment to upgrade Mount Druitt Hospital forms part of a broader plan by the Minns Labor Government to rollout an additional 600 hospital beds in Western Sydney, to help meet the healthcare needs of the growing region. “The Minns Labor Government is committed to providing the healthcare infrastructure to meet the growing needs of Western Sydney.” - Minister for Health Ryan Park The Blacktown Local Government

area was forecast to grow by 9.4 per cent between 2020 and 2024, with a total population of more than 400,000 by next year. By 2031 Blacktown LGA will be home to an estimated 537,000 people. Mount Druitt Hospital offers 24-hour emergency care and a district-wide role in the provision of planned surgery, including general, orthopaedics and breast surgery. It also offers paediatric and palliative care services. The scope of the project and indicative timing of the works will be finalised during planning and design processes. Staff consultation has occurred, and broader consultation will start shortly.

Health Minister Ryan Park joined Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla to visit staff at Mount Druitt Hospital during a tour of the facility. “This is part of a wider investment

to rebuild essential services, including healthcare, that communities across greater Western Sydney rely on, ” Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla said.

Your gift of life is at the top of someone’s wish list.

THERE were thousands of people across the country who depended on donated blood this year, and Australia’s blood donors were there for them. That’s pretty special. But the year isn’t over yet! There’s still time to change more lives, or change lives for the first time. Give blood in December and get a limited-edition festive bandage designed by Madeleine Stamer (it’s our little way of saying thank you).

Western News 15 December 2023 Issue 203

Planning begins on Mount Druitt Hospital upgrade to boost bed capacity

Western News 15 December 2023 Issue 203

LOCAL NEWS

Keeping kids safe online during school holiday time

RIME Stoppers, NSW Police Force, eSafety Commissioner and the Australian Federal Police-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation are joining forces this holiday season to raise awareness of the safety risks facing young people online. The biggest school holiday time of the year is almost upon us and is an opportunity for kids to relax after the school year. Unfortunately, it’s also an opportunity for sexual predators who know children will be spending more time online, potentially unsupervised. Predators are increasingly gaining access to children online through popular apps, games, and social media sites to solicit sexual images or video, or harm them physically. Crime Stoppers CEO, Mr Peter Price AM said, “The campaign will focus on the online space in two key areas. Firstly, prepare parents and help them better manage their children’s online presence and safety. Secondly to educate teens around sextortion – how to avoid it and what to do if they fall victim to a predator. Crime Stoppers’ mandate is to help: to stop, solve and prevent crime.” “Today we are imploring parents to be even more attentive. Protecting our most vulnerable is a priority. Young or old. Just like criminals collaborate for the NO GOOD, what you see here is a collaboration for the PUBLIC GOOD”, added Mr Price. According to the Mind the Gap Research* undertaken by eSafety, there are significant gaps in parents’ awareness. The research showed 55% of children communicated with someone they first met online yet only 34% of parents were aware. In the 1417 year age group 62% were exposed to negative online content yet only 43% of their parents were aware. This content included gory or violent material, drug taking, hate messages, self-harm, ways to take their own life and violent sexual images or videos with 11% of 14-17 years olds being asked by someone online to send sexual images of themselves. Information to help parents and teens is readily available but many don’t know where to go to get help. The campaign will assist parents and teens on where to go to find out how they can minimise their risk and what to do if inappropriate online contact, sexual abuse material or sextortion occurs. The internet can create a range of safety challenges for children online. Our message to parents is not everyone your child meets online is who they say they are. As a parent there are signs you can watch for like your child becomes vague or secretive about what they’re doing online, they become quieter or more withdrawn, they avoid their phone or other devices and seem anxious when near them.

Communication and education are so important when it comes to online predators. From an early age you can let your child know if anyone asks for a photo of them without clothes on, they should tell you straight away so you can help them. “Just as we put helmets on our kids to ride a bike, we need to keep them safe when they go online – whether they’re watching videos, gaming, or on social networking apps. This is especially true with virtual reality headsets and connected toys – which is why we have released an updated Tech Gift Guide this holiday season,” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said. “The best way to prevent your child from being groomed is to be a regular, active participant in their online and offline lives. Set family rules together, including which devices and apps can be used, when and for how long. “Ensure devices are used in open areas of the home, rather than in the bathroom or bedroom, so you’re generally aware of what they’re doing online. Most importantly, co-play and co-view, particularly through interactive online games with strangers. “The vast majority of covert online grooming and sexual extortion our investigators see is happening behind closed doors, in what might be considered the ‘safety and sanctity’ of one’s home.” Some of the red flags include suspicious accounts, asking personal questions, inconsistencies in the profile or language used and starting sexualised chat. Online safety is just another skill kids can learn and really need help from their parents to do it. ACCCE and Human Exploitation Commander Helen Schneider said the holiday season was often very busy for parents and carers, and it was important to continue online safety conversations. “With around 300 reports involving young people under 18 bein received by the ACCCE each month, financial sextortion continues to be a significant safety threat for young people online, Commander Schneider said.

“This initiative is about equipping parents and carers with the tools, resources and support so they are empowered to have these important discussions to help keep their children safer online.” Commander of the NSWPF State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad, Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty, said parents can’t afford to ignore protecting their kids online. “The internet is a place where children can learn, socialise and play – and something that is always going to be a part of their lives – which is why parents can’t turn away from it. The best protection for your child is you as the parent,” Det Supt Doherty said. “My advice to all parents is make sure you are educated and wellarmed with resources available at places such as ‘ThinkUKnow’. I also recommend having regular open and honest conversations with your child about what they’re up to online. The best thing you can do is ensure they feel safe coming to you if they have questions or concerns about people they are engaging with. “Sex Crimes Squad investigators spend every day online uncovering offenders who use the internet to groom children, and while we will not rest in the pursuit of any alleged sex offenders, we can’t fight this problem alone and need the help of parents. “Together we can make sure our children are educated and protected against online threats, so they can safely use the internet for all the positive and meaningful things it affords our children.” In cases of sextortion, young people may be worried they will get into trouble and therefore won’t tell anyone what is happening. Police are here to protect children from online sexual exploitation. You will not be in trouble from the police and they will not blame or criticise you for being a victim. Your report could also save further victims from harm. Understanding the tactics these predators use is the first step in protecting yourself. We ask teens to please seek help as soon as possible

and know that with help, they can make it stop. If you are under 18 and being blackmailed online the best way to get help is to report it to the ACCCE who have a range of specialised resources available to specifically investigate this type of offending. The sooner it is reported, the sooner we can help. The number one step for parents and carers is to provide a safe space for their child or teen, so they know they will not be in trouble for seeking help. In sextortion cases, the highpressure tactics used by criminals rely on parents and carers reacting with anger or shame to what has happened. This can be a barrier to young people seeking help so it’s important to make sure your child knows they can come to you, and they will be supported, no matter what. If it does happen there are three key steps: Collect Evidence – screenshots or photos of the conversation. Record social media details such as profiles, usernames and URLs. Block – block the user and consider changing your information including your password. Report – report it as soon as possible to ACCCE. No information is too small or insignificant. Something that may appear that way could be vital to a police investigation. If you’re 18 or older and being blackmailed, report it to any platforms or services where the blackmailer contacted you. If your intimate image or video is shared you can report to eSafety to have it removed. eSafety has tips to help you deal with sexual extortion. Everyone has a role to play in combatting predatory behaviour online. We are asking the community to be vigilant online. If you see or suspect something related to online child sexual abuse it should be reported immediately so action can be taken. Helpful Links: Prevention Advice www.thinkuknow.org.au www.esafety.gov.au Crime Stoppers NSW h t t p s : / / n s w. c r i m e s t o p p e r s . com.au/be-safe/ - Keeping kids safe online – for tips and how to report find out more at https:// nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/childprotection-campaign-2023/ Where to report online child sexual exploitation Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation - www.accce.gov.au/ report *Source: eSafety Commissioner - Online survey of 3,590 children in Australia aged 8–17 and their parents, conducted July–September 2021. Data relates to the 12 months to July– September 2021.

LOCAL NEWS 11 Western News 15 December 2023 Issue 203

Bruce Hopkins inspires Blacktown to ‘Float to Survive’

ONDI Rescue’s Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins has joined forces with Blacktown City Council to promote the message of ‘Float to Survive’ to the Blacktown community this summer. The initiative raises awareness for floating as a safety action for those who find themselves in distress in any aquatic environment, whether it be the beach, swimming pool, lake or creek. The face and driving force of ‘Float to Survive’ Mr Hopkins has over 30 years’ experience performing lifesaving rescues at Bondi. He advocates that “floating conserves energy and gives a greater chance of survival in any aquatic environment.” The Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM praised the ‘Float to Survive’ initiative. “Blacktown is a proud culturally and linguistically diverse city, with over 180 languages spoken. “For us, the importance of a simple, yet clear water safety message for all aquatic environments for our community is huge.” “1 in 4 drownings in Australia involve people born overseas. Many of these people come from the culturally and linguistically diverse communities of western Sydney and will visit many aquatic environments this summer,” Mayor Bleasdale added. ‘Float to survive’ commenced following a Multicultural Water Safety Forum held in 2019, where communities agreed that existing water safety messages were quite complex for culturally and linguistically diverse communities to comprehend

and that messages were not relevant to all aquatic environments. Mr Hopkins drew inspiration from the academic work of Professor Mike Tipton and trialled the messaging near Sydney’s eastern suburbs beaches – in the areas of Randwick City Council and Waverley Council in the summer of 2022/2023. Research conducted after the campaign revealed that over 90 percent of respondents thought the message was easy to understand and 86.3% thought the message should be promoted more widely throughout Australia. The Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos said Float to Survive has the potential to reach tens of millions of households across Australia, including those with backyard pools, or who live near rivers or lakes.

“As custodians of one of the world’s most famous beaches, we feel it is our responsibility to have a strong educational presence when it comes to keeping people safe in and around the water, including the millions of people who visit Bondi Beach each year from overseas and across Greater Sydney,” Mayor Masselos said. The Mayor of Randwick, Philip Veitch said, “The more we promote ‘Float to Survive’ in our communities, the more equipped people will be, if they get into trouble when in the water.” Blacktown City Council joins Randwick City Council and Waverley Council in promoting the water safety message. ‘Float to survive’ will be promoted throughout all Blacktown’s aquatic and leisure facilities this summer. “We applaud Blacktown City Council for joining Waverley and Randwick City councils on our mission to reduce the number of drownings in Australia by promoting the “Float to Survive” message among its diverse communities,” Mayor Masselos added. “Our hope is that this simple, clear message will be top of mind for anyone who finds themselves at the beach, river or any body of water this summer. Education and engagement with our culturally and linguistically diverse communities is paramount and it’s exciting to have Blacktown Council join the campaign to ensure everyone has a safe summer,” said Mayor Veitch.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 Kind or sort (4) 9 Avoid (5) 10 Lean (4) 11 Deprive of food (6) 12 Cringes (8) 13 Dubioius (8) 15 Peeping Tom (6) 17 The central theme (7) 19 A contorted facial expression (7) 22 JFK’s assassin (6) 24 Offended (8)

26 Muffler (8) 28 Principally (6) 30 Cushy (4) 31 Up to a certain time (5) 32 Told an untruth (4) DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6

Portico (4) Endurable (8) Concerning this (6) Bison (7) A member of a denomination (8) Adhesive (6)

solution 8/12/23

7 14 16 18 20 21 23 25 27 29

Fruit of the blackthorn bush (4) Fertile areas in deserts (5) Parental brother (5) Medical insignia (8) In math, not divide (8) Move from one place to another (7) Secret or insurance, for example (6) Plainly (6) Object of worship (4) Untruths (4)

Western News 15 December 2023 Issue 203

WESTERN HISTORY

Seven Hills Shopping Centre: one stop shopping

Continued from last issue.....

Woolworths was founded in Australia in 1924 when it opened its first variety store in the basement of the old Imperial Arcade.8 At that time, Woolworths sold items like china, glassware, kitchen sundries, stationery, toys, dolls, underwear, perfume and soaps. 9 The founders of the business were Ernest Robert Williams, Harold Percival Christmas, Stanley Chatterton, Cecil Scott Waine and George Creed. One of the first investors, Preston Lanchester Gowing, was a one-time chair of the Gowings menswear chain. 10 ‘The name on the draft prospectus drawn up by Cecil Scott Waine was “Wallworths Bazaar” – a play on the F.W. Woolworth name (the owner of the Woolworth’s chain in the United States and United Kingdom). However, according to Ernest Robert Williams, Percy Christmas dared him to register the name Woolworths instead, which he succeeded in doing after finding out the name was available for use in New South Wales. However, Woolworths Ltd. Australia has no connection with the F.W. Woolworth Company in the United States, nor the Woolworths Group in the UK. 11

OOLWORTHS began experimenting in the 1950s with the inclusion of a small goods section in stores at Burwood, Campsie, Dee Why and Punchbowl. The first Woolworths supermarket, opened at Warrawong NSW in May 1960, was such a success that others were opened at St Ives, Berala, Fairfield Heights and Seven Hills.12 Given its share of the retail market today it is hard to believe that the grocery side of Woolworths is barely fifty-five years old. Arranged parking spaces were integral in the design of these cluster shopping precincts to cater to the growing car owning population. However, these new centres became much more than a place for the sale of consumer goods. Public space was incorporated into the designs and, at Seven Hills, included an open courtyard/amphitheatre complete with a metal spaceship in the children’s play area. The rocket reflected the influence of the space-race between Russia and the United States, which began with the Soviet Union launching Sputnik into space in 1957. During that era, space exploration had a profound effect on the design of domestic products, architecture, motor cars and even playground equipment. These new concepts, which added to the shopping experience, meant that children could be entertained while parents purchased a card, newspaper or, attended to the weekly shopping. The rocket was removed during renovations some years later and today would be considered dangerous. The aerial view of the completed centre shows the hotel (closest to the railway line) and the original footprint of the centre as it existed in 1960. The two storey Woolworths Variety store sat at the end of the boomerang shaped building to the left of the hotel while the supermarket was a separate affair above the three prongs (covered arcades) on the opposite side. A newsagent was located at the front of the centre. Other shops included a cake shop, Fays Shoe shop, Mabs Ladies Wear (re-located

 Similar to the Seven Hills rocket

from the row of shops opposite the station), a milk bar, a Chinese food shop and Marcell Ladies Hairdressing Salon. The Centre quickly became the central focus of social occasions like an event in December 1960 when a newspaper advertisement stated that Seven Hills Regional Centre ‘will literally go up with a bang.’13 On the night the festivities included a firework display valued at £500, as well as guest appearances by Ray Price and his Port Jackson Jazz Band, and rock and roll singer, Lonnie Lee. Other musical and carnival attractions were set to appear at the gala event which started at 8pm.14 Similarly, Nino Cullotta (one of the many pen names adopted by John Patrick O’Grady who was author of books like They’re a Weird Mob) was said to be collaborating with Santa Claus to produce a new version of the Christmas story. Santa was set to appear and present the Christmas Story from a special house erected in his honour. The event was expected to draw crowds from all over the western districts.15 In hindsight, while these events were community focused, there is no getting away from the fact the performances were subtle forms of promotion to attract new patrons to the centre. The Seven Hills shopping centre has experienced several changes and rebranding and enclosed, as it is today, the centre bears little resemblance to Zipfinger’s open cluster shopping precinct of the 1960s. Woolworths remains as the only original tenant, however, it is interesting to reflect that a shop - of some type - has existed on that same spot in Seven Hills for almost 100 years. Supplied by Pamela Smith from Blacktown & District Historical Society

Woolworths Limited, How We Were Founded, http://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/, accessed 1.10.2015. 9 Sydney Morning Herald, 2.12.1924, p. 2. 10 Woolworths Limited. 11 Kiamahistoryweblog, Christmas Came from Kiama and Started Woolworths, https://kiamalocalhistory, accessed 26.10.2016. 12 Perishable Pundits, Food and Self Service, http://www.perishablepundit.com.docs., accessed 2.10.2015. 13 Cumberland Argus, 14.12.1960, p. 13. 14 Ibid. 15 Cumberland Argus, 14.12.1960, p. 4. 8

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REAL ESTATE 13

ECEMBER is a time when shoppers are tempted to stack purchases on the Credit Card and Buy Now Pay Later services, such as AfterPay and Zip Pay with the pressure to buy that special gift for loved ones as Australians will spend over $40 billion dollars in retail stores and online this Christmas. The festive season could be less of a financial burden if you plan and follow some simple rules prior to the feared credit card bill arriving in January so your Christmas was a merry one. Here are tips to save this Christmas*`` Plan Plan what gifts you are giving to avoid the “late dash” when you visit the shops. Start early with your shopping to avoid the last minute rush as this generally means you will be paying more at the counter than what you had planned as you are under pressure to buy whatever you can get your hands on. The Christmas Card Why not use technology and save money on Christmas cards and make a Christmas Video. Smart phones similar devices allow for easy videoing that can be sent via instant messaging or email to friends and family at no cost. Shop online You don’t have to visit the shops as many major retail stores have online presence and stores. This will save you time and purchasing gifts you didn’t really want.

Shop Around Compare items and products on the internet and/ or in catalogues. You can use google by entering the name of what you are buying following by the word “buy, price”. This will give you a list of retailers with price comparisons to hook yourself a bargain. Many retailers will price match or beat the competitors price. End of Year Sale time Spend less before Christmas Day and give a small gift and buy better gifts in the new-year sales. Alternatively give a gift card as this allows buying gifts after Christmas when the sales are on where you can get more value for your dollars. Secret Santa Everybody loves a secret Santa and it’s a great way to save money on gifts as it means one quality gift as opposed to many gifts for the family. Give an experience Everyone has someone in the family who has everything and doesn’t need anything. Why not organise something different, a picnic, a day the beach and invite family and friends for them. A present doesn’t always need money to make it valuable Cook Even if you’re not the next Jamie Oliver or Nigella Lawson, you could cook a great gift! A Christmas pudding or treats are not only a Christmas favourite but will help the recipient when it comes to filling

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the table. You will save you money with a little investment of your time. Cash is King It may be tough if you have planned your gifts in advance or buying online but there is no reason why you can’t leave your credit card at home and just take cash. A little bit of discipline may avoid the credit card shock in January. Share the load If Christmas is at your place this year, ask family members to bring a plate to help reduce the load and cost of Christmas lunch or dinner. Ask everyone to bring a plate to create a buffet style meal. Christmas brings family and friends together and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful festive season to create some special memories. If you have any queries during the Christmas Break, please do not hesitate to contact me, either by email alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au or mobile on 0419 600 177. In the words of Dr Seuss: “Maybe Christmas, he thought...doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps...means a little bit more!” On behalf of my team at Wealthwiz, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2024. *Wealthwiz advice is general in nature and readers should seek their own professional advice before making any financial decisions.

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2024 Major Pennant Draw features three local derbies BY NOEL ROWSELL

HE draw for the 2024 Golf NSW Men’s and Women’s Major Pennant competitions have been released and three local derbies will add spice for players and clubs from western Sydney. In the Men’s divisions, Penrith GC and Stonecutters Ridge GC have both been drawn in Section 2 of Division 1, and will start the season with the first of their home and away series at Penrith on 4th February, with Stonecutters Ridge hosting the following clash in Round 2 on 11th February. Richmond GC and Dunheved GC have both been drawn in Section 3 of Division 2, and their first home and away clash will be at Dunheved on 3rd March, with Richmond hosting the following clash on 10th March. Leonay GC and Wallacia CC have both been drawn in Section 2 of Division 5 and will meet at Leonay on 4th February. Their return match at Wallacia will be 3 weeks later, on 25th February. In the Women’s competition, Stonecutters Ridge will be the lone representative club from western Sydney, drawn to play three Sydney clubs in Division 1, Section 1. Stonecutters start the season at home on Feb 4, hosting St Michael’s. Several local players are also contenders to be chosen for Sydney clubs, including Coby Carruthers and Ti Fox for Concord, Darcy Mackay and Brielle Mapanao for The Australian, Blake Hodges for NSW.

Coby Carruthers, Jeremy White, Harrison Wilde, Mikayla Edwards - 4 of the undefeated Pennant players in 2023. Photos by Noel Rowsell

Players to watch who remained undefeated in the 2023 Major Pennant season are Coby Carruthers (Concord), Harrison Wilde (Stonecutters Ridge), Jeremy White (Twin Creeks), Dillyn Burazin (Dunheved), Ti Fox (Richmond) and Will Hoven (Glenmore Heritage Valley), whilst Mikayla Edwards (Penrith) also went through her season undefeated in Women’s Grade Pennant. MEN’S MAJOR PENNANT DRAW: Division 1: Section 2: Penrith GC, Stonecutters Ridge GC, Avondale GC, Monash CC Division 2: Section 2: Twin Creeks GC, RydeParramatta GC, Massey Park GC, Bankstown GC.

Division 2: Section 3: Dunheved GC, Richmond GC, Oatlands GC, Cronulla GC. Division 3: Section 1: Springwood CC, Royal Sydney GC, Campbelltown GC, Cabramatta GC. Division 3: Section 2: Glenmore Heritage Valley GC, Bayview GC, Marrickville GC, Eastlake GC Division 5: Section 2: Leonay GC, Wallacia CC, Macarthur Grange GC WOMEN’S MAJOR PENNANT DRAW: Division 1: Section 1: Stonecutters Ridge GC, The Australian GC, New South Wales GC, St Michael’s GC

Western News 15 December 2023 Issue 203

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Western News 15 December 2023 Issue 203

SPORT Local polo players chosen for Australia vs New Zealand Series

Lachie Gilmore (blue vest) and Dirk Gould (blue vest) in action for White Deer Park during the JK Mackay 16-goal Final in November. Photos by Noel Rowsell BY NOEL ROWSELL

HE Australian Polo Federation (APF) Selection Committee recently announced the male players selected to represent Australia in two 14-Goal Matches on the 2nd February (Mystery Creek, North Island) and 8th February (Christchurch, South Island).

Third place finish for Ti Fox in Bonville Champions Trophy

The team is Blake Grimes 1 (Ellerston), Dylan Jones 3 (Scone), Lachlan Gilmore 5 (Scone) and Dirk Gould 5 (Killarney). Dirk and Lachie were both members of the White Deer Park team, which recently won the JK Mackay 16-goal tournament in stunning fashion at Windsor Polo Club, upsetting the more fancied Ellerston Red, which had previously gone through season undefeated.

The Australians will play New Zealand in their first game during the Mystery Creek Festival of Polo The APF has also called for nominations for a Woman’s Test Series, also to be played against New Zealand, in New Zealand, in February. The two test matches will be played on 2nd February in Mystery Creek, North Island and 10th February in Christchurch, South Island.

Darcy Mackay wins JNJG Blue Mts Junior Masters

Darcy Mackay and Chayse Thorpe at the Blue Mts Junior Masters. Photos courtesy of JNJG. BY NOEL ROWSELL

Ti Fox in action at Bonville. Photo courtesy of Annika Boyd (JNJG) BY NOEL ROWSELL

JEDD Thomas (Cromer) and Amelia Harris (Yarra Yarra) have etched their names into JNJG history, with dominant victories at the 2023 JNJG Bonville Champions Trophy. Thomas was the only player in the boy’s division to finish under par, leading home Toby Farrar (The Australian) in second, ahead of Richmond’s Ti Fox (Concord GC), Chase Oberle (The Brisbane GC) and Harry Gourlay (The Australian). In the Girls Division, Victorian visitor Amelia Harris claimed her biggest JNJG title to date, defeating Ann Jang (NSW GC) and Michelle Bang (Concord GC).

ENTWORTH FALLS CC hosted the 2023 Blue Mountains Junior Masters on 9th -10th December, being the final event on the Jack Newton Junior Golf calendar for 2023. With much of Sydney, and indeed NSW, sweltering on the hottest day of the year on Saturday, a strong breeze at the top of the mountains made the 35* top temperature feel somewhat mild, compared to what was happening elsewhere. In a complete contrast on Sunday, the Blue Mountains showed off its renowned weather idiosyncrasy, with the second round beginning under a thick blanket of fog. The cool change, bringing with it some low cloud and consistent drizzle, completely changed the conditions at the golf course, providing a different test for the players on day. For the second time in just three years, Michelle

Bang (Concord GC) is the Girls Champion, ahead of Aaniyah Bhola and Jia You in second and third spots respectively. Michelle also won the 16 & Over Years Age Division. Jia won the 14-15 Years Division and Tsawm Laphai (Carnarvon) won the 13 Years & Under Division. Darcy Mackay (The Australian GC) shot the best score of the tournament on Sunday, coming from 7 shots behind first round leader, Richmond’s Chayse Thorpe (Concord GC), to finish in a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard, along with Chayse and Maximilian Fischer (Bonnie Doon GC). The trio set out to decide this year’s Boys Champion in a playoff, with Darcy securing the title with a birdie on the second playoff hole. Darcy also won the 16 Years & Over Boys Age Division, with Chayse in a tie for 2nd, Jesse Colquhoun (Bonnie Doon GC) won the 14&15 Years Division and Harrison Preece (The Vintage GC) the 13 Years & Under Division.

SPORT 15 “The City FC Academy is designed to create a better pathway for our junior players. In particular, the Academy is to attract young women in the Blacktown area to bolster our young Women’s programme”, said Mark Crittenden. “If Blacktown City is to achieve our goal to elevate our Women to NPL 1 Status within three years, the City FC Academy is aimed to support just that”, Coach Crittenden added. The Board and entire playing staff of Blacktown City FC would like to Thank all our sponsors and supporters over the last twelve months. In particular we want to Thank The Western News for their fantastic support in our endeavours to promote Blacktown City! We wish all readers a fantastic holiday season and hope we see you at Landen Stadium in 2024 for a Blacktown City Game! Go Blacktown City!

BY BOB TURNER

HE 2023 Blacktown City FC season was full of solid developments on and off the field. This sets up an exciting 2024 year with all teams already in training for the coming season. The Senior Men were primed to defend their 2022 NPL1 Championship under the guidance of BCFC Head of Football, Mark Crittenden. The preseason was full or promise with the return of Danny Choi from an overseas stint and the majority of Championship players. The first three weeks of the ‘23’ season, however, spelt disaster as Blacktown City lost three key strikers before the season even had a chance to settle down. Mitch Mallia and Danny Choi both succumbed to season ending injuries and Striker Jordan Smylie took a placement in Iceland after his goal scoring rookie season. As a result Blacktown City sat in the middle of the points table at the mid-point of the season. True to the ‘Never Say Die’ attitude instilled by Coach Crittenden, Blacktown started their climb back up the points table with twelve straight games without a loss. Unfortunately, the decision by Football NSW to eliminate playoffs meant the 2023 winner was first past the post. The clear top four finishers were Apia Leichardt on 65 points, Rockdale on 59, Blacktown City on 57 and Marconi on 56, which would have made for a highly competitive and promotable final series. Without a playoff run Apia were declared the 2023 Premiers. Coach Crittenden has not sat idle retaining the majority of his 2023 squad as well as adding former Blacktown players Joey Gibbs and Jacob Maniti from overseas as wells as Marty Fernandez from Marconi and Jayden Tremkoski from Sydney FC. Danny Choi and Mitch Mallia will also return from injury to once again suit up for Blacktown’s best. The Senior Men will commence their 2024 season on Sunday, February 18th.

Mayor and Blacktown City. Photos: Not24Get

The Senior Women will start their season later in March but have already been in training under new Head Women’s Coach, Michael Hawthorne. The Senior women were boosted last season with the inclusion of Philippine National Malea Cesar who came to Blacktown courtesy of Philippine Coach Alen Stajcic. The 2023 season was monumental for Blacktown City as we welcomed new Principal Partner, Walker Corporation, to a long term partnership. Liy Homes Stadium received a new name as Landen Property Group signed a five year sponsorship for Naming Rights of the newly branded ‘Landen Stadium’. Momento Hospitality, new owners of Landen Stadium, partnered Blacktown City to take full operational control of their home venue. The fourth major signing for Blacktown City was a long term sponsorship with Blacktown Council as we both groups collaborate to bring ‘Pride’ to our great city! Momento Hospitality were determined to give back to the football community and together with Blacktown Council and BCFC, commenced the ‘Momento Grass Roots Training Programme’. This is a FREE clinic for 8-12 year old boys and girls trained at Landen Stadium by BCFC Coaches over an eight week period. The Programme conducted three, eight week sessions, that educated over 500 potential Socceroos and Matildas on the fundamentals of the game. All players received a full training kit courtesy of Gioca, including socks, and a ball at the end of the eight weeks to continue practicing what they learned. Thanks

Western News 15 December 2023 Issue 203

Thanks for 2023 & bring on the 2024 football season!

Striker Charles Mendy

to Momento and Blacktown Council for their generosity and support of the community. The Momento Grass Roots Training Programme will continue in the 2024 season with four full intakes of players. In addition, Coach Crittenden will be instituting the ‘City FC Academy’ to create pathways for young boys and girls to develop the skills required of a Blacktown City FC player. The Academy is fully endorsed by the Blacktown City Board as a major pathway extension of all Blacktown Development programmes. Girls between 8-13 years will be held on Thursday evenings while the boys from 13-16 will be conducted on a Tuesday evening.

Women import Malea Cesar

Momento Grass Roots Programme

2024 SEASON COMMENCES FOR MEN IN FEBRUARY & WOMEN IN MARCH

Western NEWS

SPORT

Friday, 15 December 2023

2023 Club Champions BY NOEL ROWSELL

UR photo gallery celebrates many of our golf Club Champions for 2023, with the local clubs acknowledging their finest players of the year. Highlighting the field is arguably the win by 18-year-ol Coby Carruthers at Dunheved GC, who not only set a course record during his campaign, but also finished a clear winner by a staggering 16 shots. Coby also finished runnerup this year at Concord GC, where he also holds the course record from his 2022 title victory. Sixteen-year-old Darcy Mackay (Stonecutters Ridge GC) is still a junior but not only captured the Men’s Club Championship at Stonecutters Ridge but also finished as runner-up in The Australian Club Championships, which is now his home club. Imogen Carter is also just 16 years of age but continued the success of local juniors, capturing the Ladies title at Richmond GC. Dunheved GC - Coby Carruthers, Dana Byrne Stonecutters Ridge GC - Darcy Mackay, Anne Korte Richmond GC - Craig Ellings, Imogen Carter Windsor CC - Dale Farrugia, Maxine Khouri (no photos)

www.richmondclub.com.au

Coby Carruthers (Dunheved GC)

Anne Korte (SRGC)

Dana Byrne (Dunheved GC)

Craig Ellings (Richmond GC)

Darcy Mackay (SRGC)

Imogen Carter (Richmond GC)