Western News 15 February 2019

GREATER WEST TREE SERVICE Palm removal Tree removal Tree pruning Stump grinding Mulch sales Fully insured

MULCH SALES 4m2 for $50

Western Sydney Tree Service For a FREE quote ring us 7 days

0403 537 333

free

Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Friday, 15 February 2019

ISSUE 78

Follow Western News on facebook

Celebrating seniors

Western News 15 February 2019 Issue 78

2

local news

Western News

Enjoying the golden years: answers to everything at Seniors Expo

T

he NSW Seniors Festival is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere, reaching up to 500,000 seniors each year. This year there are more activities than ever between Wednesday 13 February - Sunday 24 February with almost 200 events taking place around the state.

And if you’re looking for something close to home, head to St Marys Rugby League Club’s inaugural Seniors Expo.

As we enter the golden years, many of us are filled with questions, how do we best manage our health, our finances, our travel plans and where will we live?

These are just some of the questions that plague us and all the answers can be found in one place by heading to Saints.

The Expo will take place on Saturday February 16th & Sunday February 17th from 10am to 4pm each day and is free to enter with plenty of free on-site parking.

If you have a question about health and wellbeing, or would like to investigate retirement living options, you’ll find all the answers you need under the one roof at Saints Seniors Expo.

Exhibitors include travel companies, retirement homes, hearing specialists, seniors’ aids, in-home services, mobility aids, recreational companies, health & wellbeing organisations and so much more.

34 Luxury Boutique Apartments Now Selling Display suite open Wednesday and Saturday 11-3pm Apartment 102 - $365,000 1 Apartment 103 - $465,000 2

1 2

1 1

Western News

local news

B

lacktown City Council is giving local youth the chance to run the Council Chambers for a day as they map out ideas for the City’s future.

The Youth Forum on Thursday 21 February enables high school students to come together and work on ideas, explore challenges and provide suggestions for the future of rapidly growing Blacktown City.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali embraced the event: “this is a chance for the youth to take the lead and tell us what they want. Those who attend will not only take part in workshops, but will also have a chance to sit in the Council Chambers and be part of a ‘Junior Council’ as the future leaders of this City,” Mayor Bali said.

Students will have the opportunity in Blacktown City to engage directly with the Mayor, Councillors and Council Executive staff.

The forum will include keynote speeches by Council’s Youth Ambassador Akano Amuda 2018 and Blacktown City’s 2019 Young Citizen of the Year, Patrick Gleeson.

The Youth Forum 2019 is open to all high school students aged 14 – 18 years from schools in the Blacktown City area.

Blacktown City Council’s Youth Ambassador will be presenting at the Youth Forum 2019.

Students interested in attending should contact their school or visit Council’s website for further details.

“We are all are looking forward to the innovation and enthusiasm the young people of our City will bring to the forum,” Mayor Bali said.

“Young people have consistently

said they want to tell us what they think rather than being told what is happening in the City. We heard them and we want them to take the lead at the ‘Your Say’ Forum,” Mayor Bali said.

“We want to hear from young people on issues important to them!”

Western News 15 February 2019 Issue 78

Young people take charge of Council

3

Forum details: Youth Forum 2019

Date and time: Thursday 21 February 2019 - 9.30 am to 2.30 pm Location: Nirimba Room, Level 5, Civic Centre, Blacktown (entrance via Campbell Street)

Innovation Roof Restoration Are you happy with the look of your roof?

Best rates in town!

Licence No. 251151c

Call Kurtis on

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

0475 555 000 for a free quote

BEFORE

AFTER

All work comes with a 5 year guarantee

Western News 15 February 2019 Issue 78

4

Western News Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: General Manager: Sales: Sales: Sports Journalist: Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Photographer: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Dianne Bonello 0418 813 319 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Hilary Nathan Media 0402 841 434 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.wsnewsgroup.com

Distribution Map Western News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

Vineyard Riverstone Rouse hill Marsden Park Kellyville Ridge

Schofields Shanes Park Colebee

Ropes Crossing

Quakers Hill

Hassall Grove

St Marys

Dean Park Glendenning

Emerton

Plumpton

Stanhope Gardens Parklea

Kings Park Marayong

Woodcroft

Kings Langley Lalor Park

Mt Druitt Rooty Hill Minchinbury

Blacktown

Seven Hills

Arndell Park Toongabbie

Eastern Creek

Prospect

From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

here’s an old saying that “behind every good man there’s a great woman” and I’d like to ride on the back of that line of thinking and say that “behind everything good there’s a really great senior.”

Our seniors are literally the backbone of this country. They’ve been there, done that and seen it all.

Yes, you grandchildren out there who know everything – they actually lived very exciting and colourful young lives long before you were even a thought!

And they’ve lived to tell the tale - and are able to pass on some valuable lessons to those of us who are still striving to one day get there.

They take up the lion’s share of volunteering work, they form the largest group of people who fought for our country and they’re our best-behaved citizens.

And they’re often overlooked when it comes to discussing what is great about our nation.

They’ve lived through times that younger generations could never imagine – they’ve survived depressions when sometimes the family meal consisted of bread and dripping, they’ve lived without television, computers, mobile phones and Facebook.

Yet they never declared they were starving or bored! They rolled with the punches and came out smiling.

Over the next couple of weeks, there will be events across the state as part of the 2019 Senior’s Festival. See inside for a great event at St Marys Rugby League Club or head to seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au to see what else is happening.

If you’re not a senior, take some time to talk with one. Your mum, dad, grandparent, neighbour - or seek out one of the active folk out playing bowls or bingo – and ask them about their life.

Chances are you’ll find some human qualities that I desperately hope don’t disappear when their generation eventually does; like patience, consideration and respect.

Bless you seniors, you really are our brightest shining light in a changing society.

Western News

local news

M

ember for Riverstone Kevin Conolly has unveiled the site of the eagerly anticipated new hospital to be built in Rouse Hill.

“I am very privileged to be part of the birth of a new hospital, to be located in the north-west region of Sydney. This is a very rare occasion, and where I stand at 768 Windsor Road Rouse Hill, is where Stage 1 of this new hospital will be built,” said Mr Conolly.

Thousands of residents across north-west Sydney are closer to having world class health services on their doorstep with this site located at Rouse Hill.

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, Castle Hill MP, Ray Williams, Baulkham Hills MP, David Elliott and Liberal candidate for Hawkesbury, Robyn Preston were all on hand to share in the anticipated announcement and to inspect the site with their Liberal colleague Mr Conolly.

“We promised a new hospital in Rouse Hill and this site has been selected to ensure easy access for residents across north-west Sydney,” said Minister Hazzard.

The site is strategically located on the corner of Windsor and Schofields Roads, and across the road from Rouse

Hill Town Centre and the Rouse Hill Metro Station, ensuring both staff and the community will be able to access the hospital easily. As promised, the site has been announced during the

current term of parliament, to allow construction to begin in the next term.

“Planning, early design works and community consultation will ensure we deliver what the community needs

and deserves,” Mr Hazzard said.

“For 16 years Labor promised to build hospitals but time after time, they proved their promises weren’t worth the paper they were written on,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Labor is insulting the intelligence of locals when they claim that their unfunded promise is the largest spend on health services in northwest Sydney because it ignores the fact the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government have already spent over $700 million redeveloping Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals and another $1 billion is being spent at each of Westmead and Nepean Hospitals, totalling $2.7 billion in the region.

The investment in the new Rouse Hill Hospital will add to the billions of dollars already funded for new health facilities in Sydney’s west and north-west.

“Just as it took the Liberals & Nationals to deliver the North West Metro rail, it is only the Liberals & Nationals who can be trusted to deliver the Rouse Hill Hospital,” said Mr Conolly.

“I am proud that this new hospital will be located in the electorate of Riverstone, at a location that will be convenient for those who need to access it.”

Western News 15 February 2019 Issue 78

Site for Rouse Hill hospital unveiled

5

TURTLE NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES All materials available in 20kg Bags Specialising in 1 tonne Bulka-Bags

DELIVERIES 7 DAYS OPEN 7 DAYS • Decorative Gravels • Nepean River • Griffith Red • Cowra, White & Gold • Charcoal • Crushed Tile • Aussie Brown • Scoria Red & White • Blue Metal • Road Base • Sand 14 Types

• Recycled Aggregates • Bush Rock • Sandstone Flagging • Cements • Softfall (Play Ground) • Pine Bark • Coloured Wood Chip • Eucalyptus Mulch • Hardwood Chip • Softwood Chip • Leaf Mulch

• Cypress Wood Chip • Top Soil • Organic Garden Mix • Premium Garden Mix • 80/20 Top Dressing • Organic Top Dressing • Filling Sand • Turf Underlay • Mushroom Compost • Treated Pine Sleepers

Cnr Windsor & Rouse Rds

Cnr Racecourse & Blacktown Rds

ROUSE HILL Phone: 9629 2299

SOUTH WINDSOR Phone: 4574 3299

blocks and pavers 400x400 pavers $6.80 each

huge range of Nursery plants at discount prices Rouse Hill only

www.turtlenursery.com.au

Western News 15 February 2019 Issue 78

6

local news

Western News

Construction ready to begin on school at Schofields

M

ember for Riverstone Kevin Conolly has announced that the construction contract has been awarded for the new public school in Schofields, with building works due to begin at the Farmland Drive site.

To mark the monumental milestone, Schofields’ residents will now also be able to see what their new public school will look like, with the NSW Government today releasing the first images of the finished project, due for completion in early 2021.

Mr Conolly said the new school

would accommodate 500 students when completed, with the ability to expand to accommodate up to 1000 students to meet growing student numbers in the future.

“As the Schofields community grows, its new primary school will grow with it. Only the NSW Liberals & Nationals can be trusted with delivering vital infrastructure such as new schools to this community,” Mr Conolly said.

“Less than a decade ago, the Alex Avenue precinct was a greenfields site, now thanks to the NSW Liberals &

Nationals this brand new school will complete the area’s transformation into a thriving suburban community.”

Education Minister Rob Stokes said the project is a great example of the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver quality infrastructure across the State.

“This new school in Schofields will provide the local community with the high-quality education facilities our children need to succeed,” Mr Stokes said.

The school will include modern flexible classrooms, a hall, library,

covered outdoor learning area and all essential support facilities.

The NSW Government is investing $6 billion over the next four years to deliver more than 170 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. In addition, a record $847 million is being spent on school maintenance over four years, along with a record $500 million for the sustainable Cooler Classrooms program to provide air conditioning to schools. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

Thousands of car spaces ready at local metro stations The NSW Government has announced 1000 new commuter car parking spaces are ready at the new Tallawong Metro station ahead of the first turn-up-and-go train services between Rouse Hill and Chatswood.

Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said the car park is complete as part of the $8.3 billion Sydney Metro Northwest line, which opens in the middle of this year.

“The new Sydney Metro will

revolutionise how we get around our great city,” Mr Conolly said.

“Passengers will be able to get on a train every four minutes during the peak.”

“This includes 4000 new commuter car spaces, including • 1000 at Tallawong station • 1360 at Kellyville station • 800 at Bella Vista station.”

The new commuter car park is fully accessible for people with reduced

mobility and has also been safeguarded for electric vehicle charging facilities.

“This is an exciting time for the Riverstone community with our metro stations about to open,” Mr Conolly said.

“This is great news for locals who will benefit from this incredible transport project, which will improve access to the north-west and become a major hub as the local precinct is redeveloped.”

Tallawong commuter car park will comprise three separate parking areas within the station precinct. There will be 445 spaces to the south-west of the station, 402 to the west and 153 spaces in the precinct’s south.

Sydney Metro is being extended from the north-west into the CBD, with services to start in 2024 – when Sydney will have 31 metro stations and a new 66 kilometre standalone metro railway.

Supporting Glenwood’s Sikh community

M

ember for Riverstone Kevin Conolly and Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams today visited the Gurdwara Sahib Temple in Glenwood to announce $2,000 to support the Australian Sikh Association’s Bhai Gurdas Ji Library.

“The Gurdwara Sahib Temple in Glenwood is a significant place of worship for our local Sikh community,” Mr Conolly said.

“Our Sikh community is known for its compassionate, enterprising spirit and for its many successes.”

Mr Williams said Sikhism is one of the fastest growing religions in Australia, with NSW being home to more than 30,000 practicing Sikhs.

“This funding will contribute to the printing needs of the association’s Bhai Gurdas Ji Library, helping make administration of activities and services

easier,” Mr Williams said.

Australian Sikh Association, Director of Education, Dr Surinder Singh said the organisation was delighted to receive support from the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government.

“We serve the needs of the Sikh community and

provide key services such as the Punjabi language school, community kitchen, religious education, community integration projects, and our state of the art Bhai Gurdas Ji Library,” said Dr Singh.

For more information about the Australian Sikh Association, see: https://www.asaltd.org.au

Man charged over serious assault at Rouse Hill A man has been charged over the alleged serious assault of another man in Sydney’s north-west on the weekend.

Emergency services were called to the car park of a licensed premises on Commercial Road at Rouse Hill about 2am on Sunday 10 February, where

they found a man unconscious with serious head injuries.

Police were told the man was punched by two men, unknown to him, following an argument.

The 19-year-old Doonside man was taken to Westmead Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

A crime scene was established and officers from The Hills Police Area Command commenced an investigation.

Following inquiries, a 19-year-old man was arrested after attending Mt Druitt Police Station.

The Willmot man was taken to

Riverstone Police Station where he was charged with recklessly cause grievous bodily harm, and common assault.

He was bail refused to appear at Parramatta Local Court.

Inquiries into the incident are continuing.

Western News

local news

T

Seniors from the Mount Druitt Senior Citizens Club take part in line dancing and indoor bowls.

he annual New South Wales Seniors Festival (13 – 24 February) is a great opportunity for the Blacktown City community to acknowledge the contribution that seniors make to our community.

Blacktown City Mayor, Stephen Bali MP said the theme for 2019’s Seniors Festival, Love your life!, is a reminder that there is so much to love and enjoy at any age.

“It might be an aqua aerobics class, joining a knitting group, doing a yoga class, taking part in a community brunch, becoming tech savvy or learning new cooking skills - there is something to

suit all tastes,” Mayor Bali said.

“The theme focuses on the importance of taking the time to take on a new experience - whether it’s learning to love technology, love water activities, love cooking or find the love for arts and crafts.

“This year’s Festival challenges our seniors to find new things to love and to discover new experiences to enjoy.

“In Blacktown City we have more than 68,400 residents aged over 55, with more than 34,700 over the age of 65,” Mayor Bali said.

“Our older residents make a truly valuable contribution as part of our community and the

Seniors Festival is an opportunity to recognise all they’ve done for Blacktown City.”

Blacktown City Council will celebrate active, healthy and independent ageing as part of Seniors Festival and the program will be jam packed with free activities designed especially for seniors.

“I am proud of the range of activities Blacktown City hosts during the Festival, and almost all are free” Mayor Bali said.

To access a Blacktown City Seniors Festival Program, contact Council on 9839 6000 or download a program by visiting Council’s website www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Early Learning Centre EXPERIENCED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER OWNER G OPENIN SOON

6 weeks - 6 years PreSchool Program Qualified Educators Before & After School Care & Vacation Care 6.30am - 6.00pm

Enquire NOW

enquiries@mtdruittlolelc.comau www.mtdruittlolelc.com.au Mob: 0402 082 985 2-4 Kurrajong Avenue, Mt Druitt

Western News 15 February 2019 Issue 78

It’s time to love your life at the Seniors Festival

7

Western News 15 February 2019 Issue 78

8

local news

Western News

Smoking suspicion on incinerator stomped out

By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

he two major parties are adamant that there will be no incinerator in western

Sydney.

Labor Leader, Michael Daley, visited Erskine Park last week and confirmed that if Labor is elected in March there will be no Western Sydney garbage incinerator but he claimed “locals are shocked to learn that the Liberals could revive the plan.”

“I can’t be any clearer about this. There will be no garbage incinerator in Western Sydney. Western Sydney is not a dumping ground.” Mr Daley said.

A spokesperson for the Minister for Planning, Anthony Roberts said Mr Daley’s claim was preposterous.

“This is so out the bounds of reality that I thought I was reading the Beetota Advocate,” he said.

“The Independent Planning Commission refused this project, the Department of Planning recommended against this project. The system is working.”

In early 2017, Labor representatives joined community members and groups against an application for an incinerator that is said to have had the capacity to burn more than a million tonnes of waste per year. If approved, it would have been positioned close to schools and homes.

Following significant community opposition, the incinerator application was rejected.

However Mr Daley said the NSW government’s planning laws allow the developer to continually reapply for approval, which he says is causing the local community to live in continual fear of a future approval.

With the election just seven weeks away, he said Labor is making its position on a waste incinerator in Western Sydney “crystal clear” and calling on the Liberals to do the same.

Mr Daley and Labor Candidate for Mulgoa,

Todd Carney, were joined by members of the No Incinerator for Western Sydney community action group at James Erskine Park Public School, the closest school to the proposed site of the refused application.

“Liberal MP Tanya Davies sat on the fence until it became clear the community was unanimously against it. Now, just weeks before an election, she is pretending to be against the proposal,” Mr Carney said.

“Ms Davies should back Labor’s plan if she is serious about protecting this community.”

Mr Carney said Mrs Davies and the Liberals “have been more interested in the eastern suburbs stadiums than in stopping this incinerator.”

Mr Daley made a solid declaration regarding any plans for an incinerator in the area..

“If I become Premier this incinerator will not proceed. I will kill this stone dead,” he said.

Mrs Davies fired back claiming that “the Labor Party are playing politics with people’s lives.

“I am appalled that the Labor candidate stood outside a primary school and lied to the people of Erskine Park. This is blatant scaremongering by an out of touch candidate,” Mrs Davies said.

“There was never a Government plan for an incinerator at Eastern Creek, that has not changed.

Daley is playing dirty-politics at the expense of my community.”

Santa raises thousands for Nepean Hospital

By CONNER LOWE

C

olyton local George Asciak has raised an outstanding figure for Nepean Hospital after a very successful 16th year of being Santa Claus and turning his home into a Christmas masterpiece for all local kids to enjoy.

Although Mr Asciak had a week of weather to forget coming into Christmas which saw wicked winds, rain and hail, he still managed to reach his goal of $4,000 by raising $4,102.95.

Mr Asciak spoke about how he felt about reaching the $4,000 milestone and what he hopes to raise for Christmas in 2019.

“It’s fantastic that we reached our goal, it’s been going up higher and higher every year. If we had good weather we could have raised close to $5000, I hope to raise $4,500 for Christmas this year. It will be a ripper!” he said.

“Even the staff at the hospital said to me, with the bad weather I did a great job to raise my highest total thus far. I managed to raise over $300 in the shopping centre and over $1,100 one Saturday alone.”

Mr Asciak covers the costs associated with raising the funds out of his own pocket to ensure that the kids enjoy the display and that the hospital will benefit from the funds raised.

“Last year I spent $1,600 on the electricity bill and this year I think it will be close to $2,000,” he said.

“I spend between $1,500-$2,000 each year and put money aside from my pension so I can give the children something when they visit. I love what I do for them and it’s why I continue every year.”

Unfortunately, after all his good deeds Mr Asciak lost $500 worth of his Christmas light display from the horrible weather. Mr Asciak even lost his special Santa Claus’ sleigh chair and had to sit on a bench with the children while he handed them out gifts.

Mr Asciak has done a fantastic job raising money for charities in the community and would like to

see if anyone from the community would like to help him and donate a Santa Claus chair for this year’s Christmas. If you’d like to get in contact with George, his mobile number is 0423668873.

Mr and Mrs Asciak would like to thank all the sponsors that include Lycan Group Pty Ltd, ABC Pest Control Service, Mick T’s Clothing St Clair, Australian Scaffolding, Marsden Street Fire Brigade, Grove Hire, Unwanted Few Motorcycle Club (FMC), Woolworths Mt Druitt, EK Racing Club and Colyton Shopping Centre.

Western News

local news

N

SW Labor Leader Michael Daley announced that Labor, if elected, will provide free glasses to the state’s most disadvantaged students.

Under Labor’s plan, 52,000 schoolchildren from Kindergarten to Year 3 at NSW schools with a low socio-educational index will have their eyes tested and those who need glasses will get a pair free.

Children in about 480 schools will benefit based on the Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage.

“Labor’s plan will not only help children learn, it will take pressure off the family budget,” Mr Daley said.

Mr Daley said currently there are no programs that ensure that children’s eyes are tested once they begin school. Only four-year-olds attending preschool are offered vision screening.

Labor will ensure registered optometrists or supervised final year optometry students go directly into schools, conduct the tests and refer kids, in Kindergarten to Year 3, for free follow-ups and free glasses.

While eye tests are free under Medicare, research indicates some parents may avoid taking their children to an optometrist due to concerns about costs.

Without access to free eyesight testing in school, many children and their parents could be unaware of vision problems.

Mr Daley said the existing means-tested NSW Government’s Spectacles Program misses kids that don’t detect they have a vision problem and doesn’t

guarantee glasses to those that need them.

A recent survey found one third of children under the age of 14 has never had an eye test.

“I want all kids in NSW to have the same chance at school. Good vision is critical to good learning,” Mr Daley said.

“I don’t want any child falling through the cracks

because they missed out on an eye test or glasses in their early school years.”

He added that when vision problems are left undiagnosed in children there is a risk they can be misdiagnosed with learning difficulties.

This policy has been fully funded and costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO).

Western Sydney University partners with leading experts

W

estern Sydney University will partner with Universities Australia, lead violence prevent organisation Our Watch, the Victorian Government’s Office for Women and other Australian universities, to develop a respectful relationships education program to be implemented across the Australian university sector.

The program is part of the University’s ongoing commitment to preventing sexual assault and harassment, and promoting respectful relationships on campus and in our communities.

The University will be one of four Australian universities that will contribute to this first-ofits-kind education program and online training module, specifically tailored for Australian university students.

Together with La Trobe University, Monash University, and Southern Cross University, Western Sydney University will work with Universities Australia and Our Watch to develop the online education module. Drawing on the best-available evidence and expertise from online learning and violence prevention experts, the program will be trialed with students over the next 18 months.

Western Sydney University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, said the

University is pleased to be one of four universities participating in the pilot project.

“Preventing sexual violence is a society-wide challenge, and universities must continue to do their part by promoting respectful relationships, and working with

students and staff to improve campus culture,” he said.

“We stand with our partners to address this important issue, and develop ways to prevent all aspects of sexual assault and sexual harassment.”

The online education module is part of the wider Respect and Equality

Program, which promotes gender equality in our universities. This also includes developing workplace standards for the university sector, and creating training packages, resources and toolkits for students, staff, senior leaders of universities, and the broader community.

Western News 15 February 2019 Issue 78

Free glasses for disadvantaged school kids

9

Western News 15 February 2019 Issue 78

10

local columnists

Western News

Historic Hobart

By BEN CRANNEY

S

ucking a copper nail can turn your skin green. I learnt this from the convicts of Port Arthur in Tasmania, who knew all the tricks on how to chuck a sickie.

I don’t blame them. The forced work they were put through was incredibly intense. Even so, for some things, it was better to be a prisoner than a civilian. Prisoner life expectancy was 44. In the London slums where many had come from, they’d only make it to 39. They got twice the serving of food as the guards. And some of them were so institutionalised that when they had served their term, they didn’t know how to leave, so they stayed.

Of course, a lot of it was worse.

The punishments were brutal, and if the prisoners took the punishments without complaint, which would earn them the respect of their peers, they would be forced into the most horrible mental punishments.

Port Arthur is about 1.5 hours drive from Hobart. Go in the early afternoon, wander the ruins and learn about the people who lived there.

Drive ten minutes down the road to watch the sun set over Cape Raoul with a picnic dinner. Then return to Port Arthur for a ghost tour and

Around Hobart’s harbour

see why it’s one of Australia’s most haunted places.

In Hobart itself, head to the Salamanca markets on Saturday morning for breakfast, music and browsing the knick knacks under the sandstone warehouses. Continue further into Battery Point, where grand houses seem to have views to New Zealand, Arthur Circus creates an inner city oasis, and the steeple of St George’s Church ensures that you can aways find your bearings in the winding streets. It feels like the calmer sister suburb to Parramatta’s old buildings, or maybe what The Rocks would feel like if it had been built for the rich.

If you’re there for new year, see the end of the Sydney to Hobart, and stay on to feast at the Taste Festival.

Or at any other time of the year,

Salamanca Markets

On the way to Cape Raoul

stroll around the harbour, still full of working fishing trawlers, before heading up the hill for Friday night food trucks, drinks and dancing at Franklin Square.

Work through the local breweries and distilleries. If you have deep pockets, visit Sullivan’s Cove, the

winner of the World Whiskies best single malt. If not, there are plenty of other options.

And if you don’t want to come home, find a bit of copper to suck on.

Next time: Marco Pollo, hidden opera and failed haggling

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Love Makes the World Go Round It’s official. Either the World has gone mad or I have fallen down a giant rabbit hole like Alice in Wonderland.

As I think back over the past decades, I can remember quite a few times when we feared greatly for the future of mankind. The Cold War was a goody. We were told that if the four minute warning of nuclear attack sounded, we must all hide under our desks where we would be safe! I remember the Cuban Missile Crisis which seemed to lead inexorably to the aforementioned attack. I remember the day President Kennedy was assassinated. I remember the threat of a giant meteor hitting and sending us all the way of the dinosaurs and more recently I remember the stand off between the USA and North Korea, but never do I remember being more fearful for the continuation of the human race than this previous week.

What was this fearful crisis, I hear you ask. Well, it came to my notice that the University of New Orleans has outlawed the sending of Valentine Cards as this will constitute unwanted sexual harassment.

Although it is quite accepted nowadays that if you are feeling a little frisky you can go to a website and contact a complete, but equally frisky stranger in your area to scratch that little itch and then go your separate ways, who knows what damage you could cause for the rest of their lives by sending a picture of a fluffy bunny or teddy holding up a heart saying Be Mine or I Love You. Now that is just too offensive

to contemplate.

Let’s just think of a couple of instances where love has indeed changed the course of the world. No Trojan War if Paris hadn’t fallen madly in love with the beautiful Helen of Troy. No Roman conquest of Egypt if Cleopatra hadn’t entranced both Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony and, nearer our own time well slightly - no Protestant Reformation in England if Henry VIII hadn’t fallen head over heels in love with Anne Boleyn and wanted a divorce from his first wife.

Although the real truth about St Valentine is not quite as romantic as the myth as is the case with most Third Century Martyrs, I prefer to think of him as the patron saint of courtly love. Legend has it that his

special day marked the mating of birds and animals not to mention people.

Back in Victorian times when the sending of Valentines became popular, they were not just sent to someone with whom you were smitten, but to your friends and family, in fact to all your loved ones to show you cared. God, under whichever name you worship him, teaches that the greatest gift we can give and receive is Love. In the spirit world, the more love we give out, the more love we receive in return and the more enlightened we become.

Are we living in Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World where love and procreation are banned and relegated to an underclass? Are the younger generation so scared of human interaction that they prefer a booty call and a quickie with a total stranger? You may now understand why I am fearful for the fate of the human race. Will romance die out completely as we substitute cyber sex for the real thing?

So come on world, let’s fight back. I for one am going to have a wonderful evening with my gorgeous husband, a lobster and a bottle of champagne and we are going to toast the fact that even at our stage in life romance is not dead, and whatever the New Orleans University thought police say, I have already got his card. So Happy Valentine’s Day to you all and don’t forget that love really does make the world go round.

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

Western News

local news

C

ar enthusiasts in Western Sydney are being catered for at a new monthly festival that will feature classic cars, muscle cars, motorbikes and trucks.

Rev up Riverstone is a monthly auto-festival being held for the first time in Riverstone Marketown car park on Saturday, 16 February.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said Rev up Riverstone will cater to everyone.

“This month it will be a display for Ford fanatics but the displays will vary month to month.”

“Holdens, Jeeps, muscle cars, vintage cars, motorbikes, trucks and classic cars will all be on display at

various times,” Mayor Bali said.

There will also be a range of market stalls and activities for children, as well food trucks ranging from the classic Aussie barbecue breakfast through to Dutch pancakes,” Mayor Bali said.

Event details: When: Saturday, 16 February – the event will continue monthly Time: 9 am to 12 pm Where: Riverstone Marketown car park, Riverstone Parade, Riverstone For future Rev up Riverstone dates visit: www.blacktown.nsw.gov. au/Events-and-activities/Rev-upRiverstone

A

28-year-old man was trapped in a bobcat for about three hours after it was crushed under a truck at a wrecking yard in Blacktown last week.

The tipper of a semi-trailer truck had rolled over on top of the bobcat, with fellow workers initially using a forklift to take some weight off the crushed vehicle.

CareFlight’s rapid response rescue helicopter was tasked to Blacktown shortly after midday, landing in Allen Robertson Reserve, Vardys Road.

Western News 15 February 2019 Issue 78

Rev up Riverstone! Man trapped for hours

11

Police conveyed CareFlight’s critical care medical team to the scene where NSW Fire & Rescue crews were working to free the man.

CareFlight’s specialist doctor climbed beneath the secured load to assess and help the patient with NSW Ambulance paramedics.

The man was treated for neck, chest and abdominal injuries.

He was taken to Westmead Hospital by road ambulance under ongoing treatment by CareFlight’s specialist doctor and critical paramedic.

2019 BLACKTOWN CITY SHOW

Be our Showgirl 2019 BLACKTOWN city Show

23RD & 24th MARCH Free Entry to all Girls 18-24 Years

Search for a Star Talent Quest Western News

Sponsored by

Sunday 24th MARCH 2019 OPEN TO ALL AGES

$1500 in Cash prizes to be Won

Details on show website www.blacktownshow.com.au For application form contact Wilma Drower, Co-ordinator Phone 9837 2437 or 0419 442 052 Entries Close 5/3/19

* Singers * Dancers * Musicians * * Bands * Magicians * Comedians * TO ENTER SIMPLY FILL OUT ENTRY FORM AND SEND TO: SP Statewide Promotions PO Box 151, Pendle Hill NSW 2145 Entries close 15th March 2019. Successful applicants will be advised by mail

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES: 0418 256 049 Sponsored by

Sculpture: Dr. Alex Sandro Kolozsy

&

Western News

NAME: …………………………............................................................................

AGE: ......................

ADDRESS: ………………………………….................................…………………………......................................

PHONE NUMBER: ………………………............................. TYPE OF ACT: …….........….....................

2018 Winner: Desiree Auto

Western News 15 February 2019 Issue 78

12

WESTERN HISTORY

A Nurse with vision

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

E

velyn Grace Ione Nowland was born in November 1887 at Penrith. She was the daughter of Edward Joseph Nowland a carriage-builder from South Africa and his wife Marie Louisa (née Maguire) from Mudgee.

Evelyn, (known as Ione) at the age of 29 years undertook training at Sydney Hospital, passing her final examinations in September 1915 when she registered with the Australasian Trained Nurses’ Association in May the next year. In May 1917, she enlisted in the Australian Army Nurses Service (AANS) and embarked from Melbourne on the “Moulton” in June along with 272 other nurses. With a brief stop in July at the Suez, the ship arrived in Salonika in August. Ione served in the AANS as a staff nurse (photo) in the No. 3 Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at the military hospitals from August 1917. By the end of 1917, members of the AANS made up one fifth of all nurses in British Hospitals in the Salonika area. The Australian nurses sent there became pawns in the Imperial game. Frustrated by not being allowed to take part in what they saw as “real war work”, they longed to join other members of the AANS on the Western Front.

Confusion and conflict between Australian and British authorities over the administration of these nurses caused the nurses countless problems, and geographical and cultural factors increased their strong feelings of isolation. The British nurses in Salonika were eligible for three weeks leave to England on a regular basis, but there was no such provision for the Australian nurses. In August 1918, it was recommended that leave be introduced for them, with free transport to and from England due to the number of Australian nurses being invalided out. But before this happened, Ione was sent to the 52nd AIF General Hospital in October 1918 suffering from “nervous debility” (a nervous disorder, usually related to stress physical or mental, e.g. burnout, too much overwork, sleep deprivation, etc., resulting in symptoms like depression and, anxiety) and in December she was invalided to Australia on the “Leicestershire”, arriving in January 1919 and was discharged in May. In March 1920 at St Philip’s Church of England, Church Hill, Sydney, she married Lieutenant William Charles O’Toole (formally from the 2nd Pioneer Battalion AIF), a surveyor at the Grafton Lands Office and son of Mr & Mrs William O’Toole of Ryde. Ione was given away by her cousin Colonel F A Maguire D.S.O (later A.D.M.S - 3rd Division AIF), but the childless marriage ended in divorce in June 1923 and Ione resumed her maiden name. In 1925 the State minister for health appointed her assistant to the registrar of the newly established Nurses’ Registration Board, set up under the Nurses Registration Act (1924).

With the assistance of a number of inspectors she was responsible for inspecting training schools. In 1928 she was living at “Guveshe” Challis Avenue at Turramurra and appalled by the conditions under which nurses lived and worked in many hospitals. In 1931 she agreed to a request to help to form a nurses’ union in New South Wales. Also, at that time a Miss Clancy began working separately on the idea of a union for nurses and both women were brought together by Jessie Street, an activist, a feminist and a lifelong campaigner for women’s rights, the peace movement and the elimination of discrimination against Aboriginal people. Lady Jessie worked throughout her life to improve the status of women, both in Australia and overseas and

BEST CARE

medical clinic REUWIN MEDICAL PTY LTD

saw the improvement of nurses’ wages and conditions as a feminist cause. The move was prompted in part by legislation of the Lang Labor government to make union membership a compulsory condition of employment. Fearful that they could be required to join a conglomerate union, nurses saw the formation of an exclusive union as a preferable alternative.

In March 1931 Ione called the founding meeting and became the first President of the New South Wales Nurses’ Association with Georgina Johnstone as secretary. Ione demonstrated confidence and courage when she accepted this role while holding a senior government position. One of the first tasks was to obtain an award governing wages and conditions and she guided the union’s case through the Industrial Commission.

Her profession was by no means united in this endeavour.

The Australasian Trained Nurses Association that had been established in 1899 as a credentialing association, disapproved of legal regulation of nurses’ conditions and opposed the case in the Industrial Commission. Nevertheless, the initial award was granted in 1936 and for the first time there was uniformity of pay and conditions for nurses in public and private hospitals in the State. Soon after, she resigned as President and for some years apparently worked as a private nurse in Sydney’s northern suburbs. Described as ‘a trim figure’, 5 ft 5¾ “ tall, with brown eyes and in her youth short brown hair, she was outspoken and always definite about her beliefs. The New South Wales Nurses’ Association was registered as a trade union in New South Wales in November 1945 and by this time it had amalgamated with the Trained Mental Nurses’ Association (May, 1945). It was the registered union for all nurses in New South Wales in both public and private sectors.

The membership of the Association comprised all those who perform nursing work, including Assistants in Nursing, Enrolled Nurses and Registered Nurses at all levels, including management and education.

With the exception of Assistants in Nursing, the members were also members of the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF), a Federally registered industrial organisation who formed the NSW Branch.

Mass meetings of nurses originally called to discuss the National Health Services Bill was held in January 1949 in the British Medical Association Hall in Macquarie Street. This meeting led to resolutions to establish the NSW College of Nursing with the eventual aim to become the NSW branch of a Federal College. All major professional nursing organisations in NSW, the NSW Nurses Association and the institute of Hospitals Matrons of NSW and ACT were involved in the eventual establishment of the NSW College of Nursing. A Provisional Council met six days later, and the College was launched. One of the founding members was Georgina McCready (nee Johnstone) MBE, the very same nurse who was the original Secretary of the NSW Nurses’ Association in 1931. She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in June 1963 for services to nursing. At the Association’s 2012 Annual Conference the name of the organisation was changed to the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association. Ione died in November 1974 in a convalescent home at Roseville and was cremated. Georgina, who was born in Scotland died in 1980.

Sources: M. Dickenson, An Unsentimental Union (Syd, 1993), H. Radi (ed), Jessie Street (Syd, 1990), Australasian Nurses’ Journal, Apr 1920, p 124, NSW Industrial Registry, Sydney, Ione Nowland service record & photo (National Archives of Australia), National Library of Australia, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Australian National University, WW1nursesgravesecrets.net (Website), NSW Nurses & Midwives Assoc (Website), Encyclopedia of Australian Science (Website), Guns & Brooches by Jan Bassett.

GP & SPECIALIST CLINIC

BLACKTOWN

Health is wealth ealth! rh u o y t u o b a e r a c o We d BULK BILLING

OPEN 7 DAYS

Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm | Saturday & Sunday 8am to 3pm

Ph: 0488 300 009 | 50/12 Merriville Rd, Kellyville Ridge Ph: 8076 4200 | 4 Lock Street, Blacktown

www.bestcaremedical.com.au

Western News

A

13

The Value of Mortgage Broking

report has been released looking at how mortgage brokers drive more competitive mortgage pricing and provide valuable services and great choice for consumers.

The mortgage broking industry has recently come under a great deal of scrutiny. This includes reviews by ASIC, the Productivity Commission and more recently, the Hayne Royal Commission.

Given the systemic importance of the industry, with over 50 per cent of all home loans facilitated through the mortgage broker channel, we understand that such scrutiny is appropriate. While the further transparency provided by this scrutiny has been welcomed by the industry, what has been missing from the debate is a clear understanding of the function the industry plays

in the Australian property market and the value of the services that mortgage brokers provide to their customers, lenders and the broader economy.

Mortgage brokers are now central to the Australian financial services landscape. In fact, the majority of Australians now choose to use a mortgage broker for, what will be for many, the most important financial decision of their lives.

Mortgage brokers offer access to many lenders; the ability to deliver multiple product options to meet many customers’ needs and provide ongoing service and support.

To better inform the public debate, the industry engaged Deloitte Access Economics to produce a report that provides up to date information about mortgage broking and its role in the economy.

You can view this report, “The Value of Mortgage Broking” using the following link https://www.mfaa.com.au/aboutus/research/the-value-of-mortgagebroking I have also provided a brief summary. The report clarifies the industry’s function and value mortgage brokers bring to consumers, lenders and the Australian economy, using publicly available information and the quantitative evidence. The report clearly shows: • The value provided to consumers through better customer service, increased choice and lower search costs.

• The positive impact the mortgage broking industry has on the Australian economy though enhanced competition in financial markets, lower interest rates and reduced costs

@wealthwiz

to borrowers.

• The important role mortgage brokers play in providing smaller lenders with an effective distribution network that can also reach regional and rural consumers.

• The economic impact the industry has, contributing $2.9 billion to the Australian economy each year and supporting more than 27,100 full time equivalent jobs.

Please take the time to review the report. I am happy to make myself available to answer any questions and discuss the importance of brokers and the industry.

If you need help with a loan, you can always have a one-on-one discussion at Wealthwiz.

Just give Alex a call on 0419 600 177 and tell us about your situation.

The more we learn, the better we can help.

Western News 15 February 2019 Issue 78

Alex Soncini

REAL ESTATE

#wealthwizau

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

Innovation Roof Restoration Are you happy with the look of your roof?

Best rates in town!

Licence No. 251151c

Call Kurtis on

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

0475 555 000 for a free quote

BEFORE

AFTER

All work comes with a 5 year guarantee

ENTERTAINMENT

Western News 15 February 2019 Issue 78

14

Western News

SUDOKU: EASY

SOLUTIONS: 1 February EASY

HARD

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

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 High school

certificate (7) 5 Spoke in ignorance (7) 9 Bellicose (9) 10 San Antonio fort (5) 11 A writer of laments (7) 12 Cloths used in

mending (7) 13 Very irritable (9) 15 Coarse files (5) 17 Not yesterday (5) 19 Teachers (9) 22 Find innocent (7) 25 Acquired the

knowledge (7) 26 City in Viet Nam (5) 27 Grape plantations (9) 28 Jagged (7) 29 Inhabits (7)

solution 1/2/19

down 1 Haggles (7) 2 Struck with a fist (9) 3 Applause (7) 4 A Greek philosopher (9) 5 Pup (5) 6 Praise dishonestly (7) 7 Averse (5) 8 Snoozes (7) 14 Matings (9) 16 Villain (9) 17 Instructs (7) 18 Sharp high-pitched dog cries (7) 20 One who examines processes (7) 21 They inflict pain for pleasure (7) 23 Spanish for “Mister” (5) 24 Emissary (5)

Western News

with MARK GEYER

Rushing to support Rushy

L

iving in Penrith makes me proud. This was even more emphasised last Sunday at the Pioneer Tavern where close to 400 people turned up to raise money for Shannan Rushworth and his family.

Shannan was assaulted on February the 3rd on Mulgoa Rd. He was rushed to hospital and has spent the past week and a half in intensive care.

Four men have been charged with the callous attack and because it’s an ongoing police matter I’ll leave it for them to sort.

Shannan is the UFC’s and fellow Westie Tai Tuavasa’s training partner. He’s also great mates with the Te Huna brothers James and Tama, who also train aspiring mma fighters. The Te Huna boys, along with Tama’s wife Kristal decided to put together a fundraiser at the Pioneer Tavern last Sunday.

With the help of publican Trent Pittaway and his wonderful staff the day was a massive success with over $10,000 raised on the day through various charity items donated by more than generous locals.

Shannan’s Mum delivered an opening speech that had most of us reaching for the tissues. She and her family and Shannan’s friends have been through a torturous week and a half.

Last Sunday’s turnout not only proved that Shannan is a very popular bloke, it also proved that if you’re ever in need of help Penrith is the one place you want to live!

The generosity displayed yesterday confirms that those of the 2750 postcode’s blood should be bottled. Bravo to all concerned as we all send our best wishes to “Rushy” and his family xx And another thing...

There aren’t too many opportunities in our working lives where we can stand side by side with our kids.

Well I recently got the opportunity to do so with my oldest daughter Montanna.

For the past 12 months Montanna has been an ambassador for Sinclair Hyundai Penrith, now I am too #smileyface I’d like to thank Toby Hughes for the opportunity to not only work along side my daughter but to be welcomed into the Hyundai family. We have some great things planned over the next few months. I’d also like to thank the Turner family from Heartland Motors for the last 5 years working with them too.

So it goes without saying if you’re after a new car go in and see Toby and tell them that MG sent ya. (That could be Mark or Montanna).

See you at the game in just under 30 days!! Can’t wait!!

MG (random Westie) OAM

 Great turnout at the Pioneer Tavern for a great cause

 Welcome to the team

15 Western News 15 February 2019 Issue 78

MG on the mark

SPORT

Western News Friday, 15 February 2019

SPORT

Wanderers hope to keep momentum after victory

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Western S y d n e y Wanderers have finally had another victory in the Hyundai A-League after defeating the Central Coast Mariners 2-0 at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.

The Western Sydney Wanderers had not won in the competition since their victory over the Mariners by the same score line back in December but a fortuitous opener from Tarek Elrich and tidy second half finish from Jaushua Sotirio ensured a smooth home triumph.

Elrich had opened the scoring on the stroke of the interval following an error of misjudgement from Mariners’ shot stopper Ben Kennedy, and although Markus Babbel’s side have surrendered 16 points from winning positions this season Sotirio settled any nerves when he exposed the visitors on the counter attack.

Both Hyundai A-League strugglers had conceded a joint-high seven goals apiece from headers this season, and

it was the aerial exerts of Oriol Riera which underscored an uninspiring first half.

Riera first forced Kennedy into a good low save to palm away his header and would later nod Sotirio’s teasing cross onto the post from point blank range.

A glaring missed opportunity from the Spaniard, but his blushes were almost instantly spared when Elrich’s cross-turned-shot evaded everyone and caught Kennedy in two minds

before crossing the line via the post to hand the hosts the advantage in first half stoppage time.

Having failed to keep a clean sheet for the 24th consecutive match, the Mariners found themselves chasing the match once again but failed to test Vedran Janjetovic with any regularity, Matt Millar’s acrobatic volley the closest Mike Mulvey’s side came to restoring parity.

The bottom-placed Mariners did enjoy a healthy share of possession

in their quest for an equaliser, but were crushed on the counter when Sotirio burst onto Bonevacia’s ball and slid a cool finish past Kennedy to consign the Gosford club to their ninth consecutive away loss.

The Wanderers will look to continue with this form as they head to South Australia to take on Adelaide at Coopers Stadium. The Wanderers have had a troubled season and will hope to finish the remainder of the season on a high note.