Western News 16 February 2024

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Friday, 16 February 2024

ISSUE 207

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Blacktown City FC season kicks off this weekend. See page 15 for all the season details.

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Western News 16 February 2024 Issue 207

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Western NEWS

Search begins for next top Western Sydney musicians

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HE search is on across Western Sydney to find the three talented contemporary musicians who will take their musical careers to new heights through the six-month 2024 Generations – Western Sydney Music (Early Career) Fellowship residencies.

Valued at $100,000 and delivered in partnership between Create NSW, Powerhouse, Blacktown Arts, and Australian music management and events company Vyva Entertainment, applications are now open for the Fellowship, which supports three early-career Western Sydney-based solo artists or groups with an artist-led professional development residency.

Each Fellow will be provided with $25,000 in financial support, in-kind support with studio space in Blacktown, and industry mentoring and networking facilitated by Vyva Entertainment for the duration of each residency.

In 2023, the Generations Fellowship recipients included Soul/RnB artist/ producer PA777IENCE (formerly known as Clarissa Mei), and DJ/ producer SOLLYY (Solomon Toala), both from Western Sydney.

Up and coming musicians, producers, composers and groups who live or work in Western Sydney are

encouraged to apply before 4 March 2024 at nsw.gov.au | Generations Fellowship 23/24.

Create NSW Chief Executive, Annette Pitman said: “With so much talent emerging from Western Sydney, this Fellowship will generate a strong pipeline for the future. I’m delighted to launch this career-defining opportunity that gives three early career artists a valuable platform, expert guidance and the skills they need to succeed in the industry.”

Powerhouse Chief Executive, Lisa

Havilah said: “Powerhouse is excited to support musicians emerging from Western Sydney as part of our ongoing commitment to sustain individual creative practice and expand the creative industries across Western Sydney. We are proud to be delivering this program in partnership with Blacktown Arts and Vyva Entertainment.”

The Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM said: “Blacktown has become a hub for contemporary music, drawing artists

from across Western Sydney and NSW to collaborate, celebrate and create. This partnership will amplify the next generation of leading artists and creatives. It’s all happening in Western Sydney.”

2023 Generations Fellowship recipient, Soul/RnB artist/producer PA777IENCE said: “By giving me a space to work on my artistry and providing mentorship and funding, the Generations Fellowship has given me the ability to further my career in the most practical way possible.”

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NEWS 3

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they can recover — but not right away.

That’s where donated blood came in.

Mason could have waited for his body to heal itself and for his healthy cells to replenish, but it would’ve meant waiting longer between treatments.

With a cancer this aggressive, that would be a big risk.

So, Mason received more than 20 blood products to get his treatments done quickly. Even with the donated blood, it would be over a year before he finished his treatments and was on the road to being a normal kid again.

“

We first met Mason and Kirsty back in 2015, just four months after Mason finished his treatment. Back then, Mason was smaller than the other kids and Kirsty was still nervous about the future.

Now? Mason’s fully caught up to the other kids — but Kirsty’s still nervous about the future.

In fact, they still need to get checkups at the hospital, just to make sure everything’s still ok.

Blood donations don’t just affect someone for a day. Or a week.

“

HEN people meet Mason, they see a friend, heading out for a bike ride; an older brother showing his siblings the ropes; a devoted student, with near perfect attendance.

“If I meet someone and I tell them what happened to him, they are absolutely shocked,” Kirsty, Mason’s mum tells us.

When he was a baby, Mason had cancer.

It was a rhabdoid tumour — a rare and aggressive cancer that affects around one child per year.

Even though it was almost ten years ago, Kirsty remembers it well.

In August that year (on Kirsty’s birthday, actually), Mason had the tumour, one kidney and some lymph nodes removed. Five days later, he started six days of radiation and 30 weeks of chemotherapy. Then more tests. And more chemo.

“It was just a terrible, horrible thing that everyone had to go through.”

“When you do cancer treatments, your everything drops. He wouldn’t have been able to get his next lot of chemo if he didn’t get his numbers up.”

Chemotherapy works by attacking cells that divide quickly, like cancer cells. But, it can affect healthy cells as well. Because these cells are healthy,

Cancer is not something that ever just goes away. t’s always in the back of your mind constantly.

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Book an appointment and get your life back on track.

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www.roadmaptolife.com.au We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

We celebrate, value, and include people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.

Or even a few years.

When someone receives blood products, it changes the rest of their life.

Book a blood donation today to change a life like Mason’s (or Kirsty’s).

To find out more head to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood on social media or visit www.lifeblood.com.au/

Western News 16 February 2024 Issue 207

How blood donors helped Mason overcome cancer

Western News 16 February 2024 Issue 207

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Western NEWS Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 Sports Journalist: Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Graphic Design: Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com

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From the Editor’s Desk

BY KERRIE DAVIES

S

OBERING analysis that has been released by Homelessness NSW lays bare the extent of the rising homelessness crisis.

Last year I caught a train for the first time in years. Everyone was quiet in my half-full carriage, mostly checking out their phones.

Somewhere between Mt Druitt and Doonside, the silence was interrupted when a fellow stood and politely introduced himself.

“I’m very sorry for the interruption everyone,” he said as he stated he was homeless. “I’ve had no sleep and nothing to eat for a while. If anyone can help with a meal or a shower or warm bed it would be very appreciated. I’m sorry to interrupt your afternoon but I’m at the point where I’m basically living on this train so I am reaching out. God bless and thank you all for listening.”

I looked around the carriage and the reactions from the passengers varied. Some looked sad for him and shrugged helplessly. Others never lifted their heads from their phones. Some laughed and sniggered.

“He should get a job then,” the stranger beside me said to nobody in particular.

Homelessness in NSW reportedly increased by 10 per cent following the peak of the pandemic and is rising again in many areas across the state.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel and I’ve seen that its a global problem.

In Europe there are lot of middle-aged homeless women. I can’t imagine how they ended up in this situation, but I noticed most dismiss them as gypsies.

In San Francisco we stayed at a fancy hotel with a bell man in top hat and coat tails opening doors for us. Ten metres away a family with young children had made a home out of cardboard boxes. The contrast was overwhelming and I was overcome with embarrassment.

Last year we caught a Greyhound bus from Cairns to Townsville. When we arrived at the bus terminal at 6am, homeless people were camped out under the shelter. Security came through calling out that the sun is rising, time to pack up and move on. To my horror, an indigenous couple well into their 80s crawled out from under their makeshift tent, piled their life possessions on to their mobility walkers and shuffled slowly off as directed. I cried all the way to Townsville.

I’m always affected by it, but the reality is my pity does nothing to help them.

Charities and government programs are the only hope these people have got. I really don’t know what the answer is, but it certainly isn’t sniggering or dismissing them as people who don’t want jobs.

If you have any ideas on what we can do collectively as a community to help with this increasing problem, please email me: kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

Western NEWS

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OCAL residents who are connected to their community can provide advice to the NSW Government through different advisory functions at Multicultural NSW. Multicultural NSW is seeking expressions of interest for three different advisory functions and encourages applications that reflect the rich diversity of NSW including gender, age, geographic location, cultural diversity and people living with a disability.

Successful applicants will be appointed by the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism.

Member for Penrith Ms Karen McKeown OAM said NSW is one of the most successful multicultural societies globally.

“We continue to foster and empower our diverse communities by encouraging involvement in our democratic processes,” Ms McKeown said.

“In NSW, we actively listen, collaborate, and work together to shape a vibrant community that we can all benefit from. Advisory Councils

Western News 16 February 2024 Issue 207

Diverse voices needed are just one way we do this.

“Acknowledging the diverse perspectives of young individuals, the NSW Government is committed to amplifying the voices of multicultural youth by building a statewide, Multicultural Youth Network.

Expressions of interest close Sunday, 18 February 2024.

For further information, please visit: Advisory positions - Multicultural NSW Multicultural NSW Advisory Board Multicultural NSW is currently seeking expressions of interest for Advisory Board members from diverse backgrounds who have deep community ties, cross cultural understanding and can demonstrate community leadership.

Advisory Board members will use their skills, expertise and lived experience to elevate the voices of their communities to inform the work of Multicultural NSW. Former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas APM is the current Advisory Board Chairperson.

Michael Vassili

Barristers and Solicitors Family Law – Criminal Law – Civil Law All Litigation in All Courts throughout Australia

First interview is Free

1300 557 819 (24 HOURS - 7 DAYS)

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Western News 16 February 2024 Issue 207

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NEWS

Western NEWS

An affordable housing system in Mount Druitt

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N ambitious reform and key election commitment to tackle the state’s housing crisis has been delivered with the official launch of Homes NSW, putting people back at the heart of housing and roofs over their heads.

The NSW Government stated in a press release that this “marks a once in a generation reform to the largest public housing agency in the southern hemisphere and an important first step to rebuild a broken public housing system.”

Homes NSW will bring together the housing and homelessness services of the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) with NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC), the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) and key worker housing all under one roof – making the system more efficient and accessible.

Homes NSW has also been tasked with turbocharging the construction, maintenance and repair of social and affordable homes across Mount Druitt.

This transformation will help those who need it most, at a time when the need for social and affordable housing has never been greater.

Homes NSW will: • Turbocharge and streamline the building and maintenance of all

publicly owned and operated social homes across Mount Druitt.

• Simplify and fix tenancy services, including maintenance, support, allocation of properties and transfers to improve outcomes for tenants and the tenant experience.

• Focus on providing important homelessness services, with the goal of creating a state where experiences of homelessness are rare, brief, and not repeated.

• Drive collaboration between the NSW Government, the Federal Government, sector experts and peak bodies, local councils, and Community Housing Providers to work closer together than ever before to address the state’s housing and homelessness crisis. This work will include: o Ensuring NSW is in the best position to make use of the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund that provides funding to create thousands of new social and affordable homes across the state. o Bringing housing maintenance call centre back into public hands a once-in-a-generation opportunity to overhaul the way maintenance is administered across the state’s social housing properties and slash unnecessary bureaucracy. o Addressing the rising number of homeless constituents in Mount Druitt

by better incorporating homelessness services and a clear commitment to the principles of housing first – you can’t solve homelessness if you don’t have homes for people to live in.

Since March 2023, the NSW Government has shown that is willing to work across all levels of both the public and private sectors, as well as the ability to think outside the box in addressing the state’s housing crisis, which includes: • Immediate use of the Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator Fund, which has already seen hundreds of vacant homes refurbished and brought back online.

• A state-wide audit of public and crown land to find surplus land that can be used to deliver much-needed homes for those in need.

• Significant planning reforms to cut through red tape at both local and state levels to slash delays and get the construction industry moving and building homes for people in need.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said: “You can’t tackle the housing crisis if you don’t have a strong social and affordable housing system - we need safe, good quality, accessible homes for people who need them most.

Homes NSW is a crucial part of this work.

“Adequate housing is a basic human right and Homes NSW will be the driver of much needed and long overdue reform to the social and affordable housing sector.

“For too long, social housing in this state has been neglected – simple issues such as a leaking tap or even the ability to register on the waitlist have been unnecessarily complicated.

“That’s why this overhaul is needed. We’re breaking the chains of bureaucracy and empowering our tenants, as well as those who are in need of emergency housing, or on the social housing waitlist.

“The creation of a single agency to manage social and affordable housing and homelessness services is a common sense approach and is positioned to provide support to the people who need it most.”

Member for Mount Druitt , Edmond Atalla said: “ Every day I hear from residents in Mount Druitt how the old agencies were confusing and too complex.

“Bringing together these agencies, under the one roof, is something to be proud of and will make things easier for residents in Mount Druitt.

“We need safe, and good quality homes in Mount Druitt for those who need it most and this is a welcome step forward.”

$4.5 million upgrade at St Agnes Catholic High School, Rooty Hill THE NSW Labor Government will deliver a $3,183,484 grant to St Agnes Catholic High School, Rooty Hill for the refurbishment and construction of school facilities.

The funding is part of the Government’s Building Grants Assistance Scheme (BGAS), which is designed to help local schools build, extend or upgrade facilities to provide more student places in growing communities and areas of greatest need.

The BGAS scheme is in addition to the Government’s record $8.8 billion investment in new and upgraded public schools over the next four years.

The St Agnes Catholic High School,

Rooty Hill community is helping to fund the $4,547,834 project which includes: • refurbishment of heritage administration and staff building • construction of staff facilities, student wellbeing facilities and covered walkways The NSW Government fundedBGAS is administered by the Association of Independent Schools of NSW and the Catholic Schools NSW Block Grant Authorities.

The scheme helps non-government schools with the greatest need and growing enrolments, taking into account fees, demographics and socio-economic characteristics to help

non-government schools which have the greatest need and face growing enrolments.

Member for Mount Druitt, Mr Edmond Atalla said: “This funding is designed to help growing schools deliver high quality infrastructure, and I am delighted that St Agnes Catholic High School, Rooty Hill will benefit from this significant investment.”

“This funding will create contemporary facilities that will meet the needs of current and future students.”

“This is just one of the ways the NSW Government is continuing to support students across our community.”

Principal for St Agnes Catholic High School, Jeanette Holland said: “St Agnes is thrilled to receive capital assistance from the NSW Government that will go towards our long-term vision to improve educational offerings and amenities for students in Rooty Hill.

We are committed to ensuring our learning environments support the best learning and teaching opportunities for our community and this grant, in addition to our current works awaiting DA approval, will enable us to deliver upgraded teachers’ facilities, improved accessibility provisions, outdoor learning areas and wellness facilities by the end of 2025.”

Funding provided for Veterans Projects in NSW OVER $100,000 in funding has been provided to 90 NSW community groups, schools and ex-service organisations ranging from Ballina in the state’s north to Howlong in the south-west, from the Anzac Community Grants Program (ACGP) to commemorate veterans across the state.

Minister for Veterans David Harris today announced Chifley College

Bidwill Campus would receive $1,000.00 from the latest round of the Anzac Community Grants Program.

“A total of $106,532 will be provided to a wide variety of projects that commemorate and educate NSW communities about the service and sacrifices of current and former servicemen and servicewomen,” Mr Harris said.

“Some of these great projects and

initiatives, including the one in Mount Druitt, not only recognise Australia’s war service history, but importantly also educate a new generation and support the wellbeing of the NSW veteran community.” Mr Harris added.

Mount Druitt MP Edmond Atalla thanked the community for honouring the service of NSW veterans.

“I would like to acknowledge

Chifley College for their commitment to the veterans of Mount Druitt, and honouring their service. The grants program and these community projects enable our future generations to learn of the efforts of our veterans,” Mr Atalla said.

For the full list of 2023 ACGP recipients and more information about the program visit www.veterans.nsw. gov.au/acgp2023

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LANNING for one of the biggest economic development projects undertaken in Australia, the Bradfield City Centre, has taken a major step forward with the draft Master Plan now available for community feedback.

The Bradfield City Centre Master Plan sets out a framework for future development within the new 114-hectare city, five times the size of Barangaroo, at the heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

The Master Plan will position Bradfield City Centre as a centre for innovation, education, and skills development in the heart of Western Sydney.

It is expected to deliver 20,000 direct jobs and is positioned to emerge as Australia’s premier hub for advanced and emerging industries. It is expected to also create up to 10,000 new homes for the people of Western Sydney.

The proposal contains all key areas for a new city, including homes, streets and roads, city blocks, parks and open space, commercial and retail precincts, and, crucially the strategies to deliver the required infrastructure.

The development is backed by a more than $1 billion investment from the NSW Government and is anticipated to unlock billions more in private investment.

If approved, the Master Plan will outline a staged approach to more than 2 million square metres gross floor area of development across the city centre, located on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.

Development has now begun in Bradfield with construction underway including the first stage of a new Advanced Manufacturing and Research Facility (AMRF), with electronics giant Hitachi, an advanced industry hub, due to open this year.

This exhibition represents the government “getting its skates on” to provide the vision to establish and grow Bradfield into a world-class city in line with the planned opening of Western Sydney International Airport in 2026.

Following the exhibition period and if approved, the Department expects

that finalisation could occur by mid2024.

Acting Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said Western Sydney is the third largest regional economy in Australia, with one of the most rapidly growing populations.

“Providing better paid, highlyskilled jobs close to where people live, with the right infrastructure, is key to improving the lives of people in Western Sydney,” Ms Car said.

“This Master Plan shows how investment in the area surrounding the new airport will drive growth and better opportunities for all Western Sydney.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Western Sydney and can only be realised if

we work together to ensure it benefits everyone.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said this Master Plan is a draft blueprint for a worldclass city that will support Western Sydney Airport, attract investment,

house thousands of people, and create thousands of jobs.

“This is the first Master Plan to be publicly exhibited after progressing through the new Aerotropolis masterplanning pathway and it’s critical we hear directly from the community and stakeholders as we lay the groundwork for significant infrastructure plans,” he said.

“Bradfield City Centre could deliver 10,000 new homes in coming years, making a significant contribution to more, and more diverse, housing supply in Western Parkland City.

“This is about making sure people have a say in how Bradfield best caters for the future needs and desires of residents, workers, and visitors.”

For more information and to have your say, visit: www.planningportal. nsw.gov.au/draftplans/exhibition/ bradfield-city-centre-master-plan

Western News 16 February 2024 Issue 207

New Bradfield City Centre Master Plan revealed

Western News 16 February 2024 Issue 207

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NEWS

Western NEWS

Flexibility, networking opportunities, and a dynamic environment

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AVE you ever wondered what shared workspace is all about? In the bustling landscapes of modern work culture, shared workspaces have emerged as sanctuaries for collaboration, creativity, and community. We asked the Manager of WOTSO Blacktown to tell us more about the shared workspace opportunity conveniently located in Westpoint.

“There are so many benefits of conducting your business from

WOTSO. The main one is cost but there is so much more,” said Workspace Manager, Katrina Couchman.

“We offer networking events and monthly Lunch & Learns. We have “Friends Of WOTSO” where we collaborate with other amazing businesses and receive special discounts or deals for our members, these can all be found on our website.

“Members have free access to our unique passport program, meaning that members can work from any of our 27

CROSSWORD

(and counting) locations throughout Australia and NZ for no extra cost.

Members receive a 50% discount off meeting room rates at ALL WOTSO locations making bringing the team together a lot easier.

“All of our memberships are month to month with no lock in contracts, whether it be an office, a permanent desk or a virtual office membership you are not locked for any period of time.”

Katrina said that along with considerable amount of savings to be had by joining WOTSO, there are no hidden or extra costs so you know exactly what you are up for on the first of every month.

“There are plenty of inclusions including high speed business grade internet, electricity, cleaning, a fully stocked kitchen, whether it be a sweet treat or a piece of fruit we have you covered with everything to get you through the day.

“Once the day is done you can help yourself to our bar fridge and unwind with other like minded members.

Another important saving is your time. You won’t have to worry about organising telcos, electricity or maintenance, this is all done for you, giving you more time to focus on what

ACROSS 1.

Helps (7)

5.

A violent rotating windstorm (7)

9.

Sweetheart (9)

10. Mixes (5) 11. Lean back (7) 12. Enduring strength (7) 13. Skin lotion (9) 15. Property brought by the bride in marriage (5) 17. Indian antelope (5) 19. Redemption (9) 22. A reminder of past events (7) 25. Layer (7) 26. Base 8 (5)

is important, your business.”

Since COVID-19 studies have shown that working from home full time is not beneficial to our mental health.

“We believe that working from WOTSO gives you the perfect work/ life balance,” Katrina said.

“We are your home away from home with all the goods to keep you motivated and other members will become part of your work family. With 24/7 access for members you can work the hours that suit your needs.

“WOTSO FlexSpace leads the way in our field and has been going from strength to strength since 2014 and we are proud to now be open in Blacktown. WOTSO Blacktown is located in Westpoint shopping centre right in the heart of the busy CBD and a short stroll from Blacktown train station.

WOTSO is hosting the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber Business After Five event on Thursday 29th February. Please contact WOTSO Blacktown or the GBBC to get tickets for this event.

Mention The Western News to receive a Free Day Trial and a 50% discount off your first month when joining WOTSO.

27. A feeling of being

disliked and alone (9)

8.

28. A financial supporter (7)

16. Between the ribs and hips (9)

29. Greatest possible degree (7)

17. Court call (7)

DOWN 1. Unfavorable (7)

20. Side by side (7)

2.

Lustful (9)

3.

Ancient clock (7)

4.

Cowardly (9)

5.

Pepperwort (5)

6.

Sweetened mixture of milk and eggs baked (7)

7.

Small African antelope (5)

solution 2/2/24

Bliss (7)

14. It helps you see the stars (9)

18. Dumbfound (7) 21. Candidate (7) 23. Parisian subway (5) 24. Willow twig (5)

Western NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

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HE Luddenham Annual Show is back for another year on the 2nd and 3rd of March with thousands expected to attend the biggest event on the Luddenham Calendar. The 118th edition of the “Country Show” has a range of entertainment for the whole family with organisers expecting to build on the record crowds in attendance last year.

Saturday morning kicks off with the traditional poet’s breakfast with other Luddenham favourites throughout the day including the cattle show, the dog high jump, live reptiles show and line dancing. With the help of generous sponsors, a prize pool of over $6,000 has attracted bull riders

from across the state for a hot contest on Saturday night. Once the rush of the bull ride has concluded, crowds can enjoy live music with Ronnie Judo and the Whiskey Sodas, and the Mad Hatters performing until late with a quick intermission for the famous Foti Fireworks.

Sunday presents the opportunity for crowds to get involved with whip cracking, ice cream eating and Lego building competitions for the family to enjoy. For those who prefer to sit and watch, the demolition derby, sheep dog trials and wood chopping competitions will be held on Sunday with a massive $4000 up for grabs in the wood chopping. Fresh from the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Ingrid Mae will grace the Luddenham stage for the first time, performing her country

music hits into the late afternoon.

The Trackskills V8 Utes will be performing five shows throughout the weekend, defying gravity with their daredevil tricks dazzling the arena.

The stage is spoilt for entertainment with magic shows, dancers, a bush balladeer and the Fizzics science show.

The new kid’s entertainment hub will be launched this year with a ball pit, balloon making and circus games for kids of all ages to participate in. Side show alley is back as well as the horse and poultry competitions with a new cow milking demonstration occurring on both days in the cattle pavilion.

The pavilion competitions are free to enter with categories for art, craft, photography, cooking, produce, flowers, scarecrows and of course Lego. All entries will be displayed

throughout the weekend with an impressive range of prizes including cash, vouchers and prize packs donated by our sponsors. Full details can be found on our website, Facebook or Instagram pages.

Luddenham showgrounds can be found on the corner of Park Rd and Campbell St, is one of only three grounds in the state still wholly owned by the community. The annual show raises much needed funds for the upkeep of the facilities as well as next year’s show. Luddenham A.H & I society boasts a proud history dating back 1891 when it was reported in the papers of the time “Luddenham may fairly lay claim to having the best first show ever held in the colony!”

This year’s committee, many of whose forebears were among the first organizers are determined to live up to that high standard.

Further information can be found on our website www.luddenhamshow. com.au or on the Luddenham Show Facebook and Instagram pages.

Western News 16 February 2024 Issue 207

Experience the magic: Luddenham Show

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The Luddenham Agricultural, Horticultural & Industrial Society presents the 118th annual

Bull Ride • Demolition Derby • V8 Utes Show • Fireworks • Live Music • Entertainment

Western News 16 February 2024 Issue 207

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WESTERN HISTORY

Western NEWS

Littleham Estate

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

N 1872 Samuel Marks was a farmer at Littleham on the Liverpool road in St Marys.

The name was probably named after the nearby town near Exmouth in England where there is a Samual Marks buried in the Littleham church.

By 1893 the Littleham Estate was described as on the Cumberland County Sub-division plan comprising of a splendid orchard vineyard with agricultural blocks. (see picture) At a St Marys Municipal Council meeting in July 1914 Alderman Morris was informed that the repairs to the bridge on Liverpool Road in the St Marys township would need attention and Alderman Luke called attention also to the necessity of re-graveling certain culverts on the road and both these repairs were marked to be attended to. Later at another Council meeting in October that year, a letter came from Mr J Baker who owned land on the Liverpool road and was applying to build a weatherboard cottage on his land which was granted by the Council. Moving forward to February 1936 the Government Gazette had a notification for the closing of unnecessary roads and approval of the sale of the lands comprised of a road purchase application that included Liverpool road off Mamre road. Lieutenant-Governor of the State of NSW at that time, the Honourable Sir Philip Whistler Street, on the advice of the Executive Council, notified that in pursuance of the provisions of the Public Roads Act of 1902 these roads including the Liverpool road was closed. Parts of the reserved road in the parish of Melville, County of Cumberland, Land District of Penrith and Municipality of St Marys, in and along the northern boundary and in and along the northern boundary west of a line forming the northern prolongation, and of the western side of the reserved road and along the eastern boundary. The March St Marys Council Meeting was notified by the Lands Department of the closure of part of the reserved road near Liverpool Road that was granted to Sarah Georgina Katie Allen and Elizabeth Somerville Finlay as joint tenants. By 1936 the Thompson family (not Andrew Thompson’s family) were living at “Littleham” on the Liverpool road at St Marys when the death of Charles Wilson Thompson aged 72 years appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald for the funeral to leave from his mother’s, Sarah Thompson’s residence of “Littleham” for the St Mary Magdalene cemetery at St Marys. Sarah’s husband William died in May 1895 at the age of 52. In June 1939 Sarah Thompson died aged 94 at ‘’Littleham” predeceasing her husband by 44 years and is buried with William in the cemetery. In November 1943 a special meeting of St Marys Council was held when the Mayor Alderman J B

 Picture Courtesy of State Library of NSW

Thompson along with Alderman W C Gibson, P E Thompson, A J Adams and R Hope were present. The clerk reported on the financial position regarding the proposed extension of electricity to the Australian Blue Metal Quarries on Liverpool Road at St Marys and an agreement was drawn up embodying the terms of supply to the quarries for submission to the Australian Blue Metal Company that was carried. In September 1958 “Littleham” was up for sale. This well-known property comprising 1,089 acres was amongst the oldest cultivation land in the State. Originally timbered by Grey Box, Gum and Apple almost all cleared, watered by Kemps Creek and Ropes Creek and dams. Adequately fenced and subdivided into 12 main paddocks. About half had been cultivated with small paddocks sown with oats. Large and substantial brick homestead with electric and telephone connected and a second weatherboard cottage of 5 rooms.

An outstanding machinery and hay shed along with two garages.

Because of its position being 7 miles from St Marys “Littleham” was suitable for intense cultivation or subdivision and having a good long road frontage. Picture Courtesy of State Library of NSW. Sources - 1872 Greville’s Post Office Directory (St Marys), State Library of NSW, Sydney Morning Herald Thu 4 Dec 1913-Funerals, Tuesday 31 March 1936, Nepean Times, Saturday 11 April 1936, 29 June 1939, 4th November 1943, 21 August 1958, Ancestry, Find a grave online, Name Index To Memorials of Exmouth (1872) Reprint

by William John W Webb & Prepared by Keith Searle

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Western NEWS

T

Refinancing, can save you thousands of dollars

HE Reserve Bank this month kept the official cash rate to 4.35 per cent, still the highest level in more than a decade which is pressuring the finances of many households.

This is the largest and fastest rate rise increase ever implemented historically by the RBA. We may not have seen end of increases as the RBA may find it necessary to increase rates if inflation and economic data does not meet their requirements.

Given the high home loan interest rates with more rate hikes likely to come, this is sparking a refinancing hunt for more home loan savings as mortgage holders shop around for a better deal.

Borrowers who have not refinanced could be missing out on hundreds of dollars in savings.

Australians have enjoyed a lengthy run of record low rates, with almost a quarter of all borrowers paying 6.5 per cent or more on their variable rate loans, based on Canstar modelling, which is 1.81 per cent higher than the cheapest loan rate.

For these borrowers, failing to shop around for a better deal can add $570 or more each month to a standard $500,000 loan over 30 years and for those borrowers with higher rates than 6.5 percent refinancing to the lowest priced loan could lead to savings of more than $1,000 a month on a $500,000 loan over 30 years.

Many borrowers seeking to switch lenders, refinancing to the “lowest” rate loan in the market may not always be successful because of harsher loan serviceability requirements and lower loan to value ratios as property prices decline.

However, mortgage holders should continue the “hunt for a better deal” to reduce the cost of their mortgage as refinancing even for a marginally lower interest rate could save you thousands of dollars over time. Refinancing can save you thousands.

You may want to be loyal to your lender, but chances are your lender won’t reward that loyalty with its market leading rate. Most often lenders reserve their best rates for new customers, not existing ones and customers may find refinancing will get a better deal.

Borrowers should understand that lenders examine discretionary spending when assessing credit worthiness and will assess you not at the current interest rate, but at a rate approximately 3 per cent higher meaning borrowers must be able to meet repayments at assessment rates ranging between 7% to 10%.

Now is the time for carefully planning your next move, do your homework with other lenders, check your finances, budgeting, cutting discretionary

@wealthwiz

spending as lenders will review these when considering a loan application.

Refinancing and loan renegotiation activity is likely to remain high, as borrowers seek to reduce their mortgage costs. There are many offers for refinancers as loan applications for purchases have declined since the start of the year.

It’s more important now to have a discussion with a broker and discuss your options whether you’re refinancing or wanting to purchase a property. So don’t underestimate the importance of searching for a good deal, the mortgage market today is competitive, with plenty of bank and non-bank lenders offering a variety of loan options to all types of borrowers.

In saying this, borrowers must consider the whole loan product and associated fees and charges rather than just the interest rate. A factor to consider is to try to avoid extending your loan back out to 30 years, as this could potentially increase the cost with the extra interest accounted for.

Refinancing can be an opportunity to review your situation and look for a better rate.

Especially if you’re coming off a fixed rate loan that you’ve had for several years.

If you aren’t sure how to proceed, it might be a good idea to have a chat with Alex from Wealthwiz to discuss your options. We’re here to help.

Western News 16 February 2024 Issue 207

ALEX SONCINI

REAL ESTATE 13

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Western News 16 February 2024 Issue 207

14

Western NEWS

SPORT

World Champion Gymnast named Junior International Athlete of the Year

BY NOEL ROWSELL

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I C O L A S Diaz Ballas (Kellyville Ridge, NSW) has been named the ‘Gymnastics NSW Junior International Athlete of the Year’ at the organisation’s annual awards on Sunday night.

Nicolas and Brock Batty (Frankston, VIC) had recently won gold in the Men’s 15-16 Years Synchro Trampoline at the 2023 Trampoline World Age Group Championships, which were held in Birmingham, UK over 16th-18th November, 2023.

This was the third time the duo had represented Australia at the World Age Championships and after failing to medal on the two previous occasions (in Japan in 2019 and Bulgaria in 2022), they declared ‘3 times a charm’ and went on to claim the gold medal.

Synchronised Trampoline consists of two gymnasts, on two separate trampolines, performing the exact same routine of 10 skills at the same time. Each gymnast is judged on execution, time of flight (how long they are in the air), degree of difficulty, horizontal displacement (where on the trampoline they land after each skill, with landing on the cross in the centre having nil deductions) and on how synchronised they are (landing and jumping at the exact time, with deductions given each time they don’t bounce in exact timing).

Action at the World Age Championships

Gymnastics NSW Junior International Athlete of the Year.

The circumstances surrounding their win make enthralling reading, as the two young men live in different states and only train together 2-3 days prior to an event.

At the World Age Championships, their qualifying routine was below their best but they scraped into the Final, claiming the 8th and final position.

A spectacular routine would elevate them into the lead and their score would prove decisive, with the duo holding off all competitors to claim the gold medal.

The medallists at the World Age Championships (Nicolas 3rd from left)

Nicolas had previously won the 2023 CHS Sporting Blue, at both the Sydney West Sporting Blue Awards and the NSW CHSSA State Blues Awards, the latter being the highest sporting award that can be won through the school system.

SGAC (based in Blacktown LGA) won ‘Overall Club of the year’, ‘Trampoline International Coaching Team of the Year’ and ‘Trampoline Gymnastics Club of the year’ awards on Sunday night.

“Jessie Tulett was Nicolas’ firstever trampoline coach, when he was 5, then he had several different coaches until he was about 10, when he was put back with Jessie,” said Argyro Ballas, mother of Nicolas.

“She (Jessie) is amazing and has coached Nicolas ever since. She currently shares coaching duties with a new awesome coach who has come from the UK, Tom Holman, who has a history of British medal winners under his belt. The head coach of the trampoline program at SGAC is Belinda Cox. “If there are any businesses out there keen to sponsor any of the trampoline gymnasts in the High Performance program at SGAC, including Nicolas, who is also a State

and National Squad member, that will be great, as the sport, for us, is totally self-funded.

“We even have to pay for their Australian uniforms when they compete for Australia, so I’d appreciate a call out to potential sponsors.”

CHS Gold.

Photos supplied by Argyro Ballas

Stonecutters Ridge host two major tournaments

BY NOEL ROWSELL

S

TONECUTTERS Ridge GC has hosted two major events over the past week, with the Stonecutter’s Senior (Senior Order of Merit - SOOM) played on Monday 5th February and the Stonecutter’s Cup (Vardon) on Saturday 10th February.

92 players teed up for the Stonecutter’s Senior (55 & Over), with a staggering 70 of those players on single figure handicaps, with the top 14 playing off a handicap of 2 or less.

Stonecutters Ridge member Matthew Taylor and Mona Vale’s Andy Hugill cleared out from the field to finish joint leaders on 68, with

Matthew ultimately taking the title on a countback.

Third place went to Douglas Cullam (Monash) 71 c/b, ahead of Steve Bricknell (Goulburn) 71, Craig McWilliams (Avondale) 72 c/b, Denis Day (Penrith) 72, Bruce Edwards (Mona Vale) 73 c/b, Andrew Grzetic (New South Wales GC) 73 c/b, Trevor Sidley (The Lakes) 73, Matthew Horton (Richmond) 74 c/b.

The Nett winner was Geoff Cox (Dunheved), edging out Matthew Taylor on a countback, followed by Dean Ryder (Stonecutter’s Ridge), Steven Tuckwell (Stonecutters Ridge) and Andy Hugill.

Over 160 players teed off in the Stonecutter’s Cup and Sydney kept up

its recent weather patterns, offering the competitors a combination of heavy rain, strong winds, sunshine and heat in the course of the day - just another summer’s day in western Sydney.

Colin Mitchell (Links Shell Cove) won the Vardon event with a score of 70, ahead of Ethan Forsyth (Kooindah Waters) 72 c/b and Mark Hale (Mudgee) 72.

The remainder of the Top Ten were Darcy Mackay (Stonecutters Ridge), Kade Webber (Stonecutters Ridge), Daniel New (Lakeside Camden), Harrison Wilde (Stonecutters Ridge), John Fearnley (Dunheved), Michael Bell (Camden) and Justin Field (Stonecutters Ridge).

The Nett winner was Terry

Stonecutter’s Senior winner Matthew Taylor (SRGC). File photo by Noel Rowsell

Tsiamis (The Lakes), ahead of Rob Kelly (Moore Park) and Craig Scott (Stonecutters Ridge).

Western NEWS

SPORT 15

BY BOB TURNER

A

FTER a long off season and summer training, Blacktown City FC will finally hit the pitch at Landen Stadium this Saturday to open up their 2024 NWS Men’s title chase. Blacktown head of Football Mark Crittenden could not ask for a better way to start the season than host the 2023 Premiers, Apia Leichhardt. The game will feature Apia VS the 2022 Champions, Blacktown City.

The hype for season ‘24’ is real at Landen Stadium as Blacktown City FC have secured the services of some recognisable faces that are set for a massive 2024 National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW season. Coach Crittenden has managed to assemble some of the old Blacktown City troops with two familiar faces dominating the headlines: one being returning striker Joey Gibbs and the other ace attacker Mitchell Mallia. Gibbs spent three seasons playing professionally in Iceland, whilst Mallia has miraculously come out of retirement to play the game he loves once more thanks to some career saving surgery overseas following a devastating foot fracture he suffered in 2022 that forced him out of the game.

Joining the two returning Blacktown City FC stars will be former Sydney FC NPL youth player Jayden Trenkoski, former Marconi Stallions midfielder Martin Fernandez, Philippines international Jacob Maniti as well as the promotion of two rising Blacktown City youngsters in Abbas Karnib and Julian Rodriguez.

Captain Mario Shabow

Grant Lynch – member of the Australian Futsalroos

The club re-signed the bulk of its 2023 squad that finished the last twelve games of that season without a loss, including Tristan Prendergast, Cayden Henderson, Tyren Burnie, Lachlan Campbell, Ben Berry, Nicholas O’Brien, Grant Lynch, Adam Berry, Mario Shabow, Danny Choi, Reuben Awaritefe, Travis Major and Jak O’Brien.

With the retirement of long time Captain, Matt Lewis, Mario Shabow will be wearing the captain’s arm band and his aggressive style of play will set the tone for the season, commencing this Saturday night. Rest assured from the list of players signed to join him, Blacktown City certainly mean business in 2024 as they strive to make their city proud.

Missing from the opening game will be ace defender, Grant Lynch. Lynch is also a member of the Australian Futsal team, the Futsalroos, and will be traveling with the team to the Solomon Islands for a three game series in the PacificAus Sport Futsal Series. The Futsalroos won two of three games in Sydney in the first leg of this series in July and this is the return match on the Solomon’s home turf.

Western News 16 February 2024 Issue 207

It is Game Time!

Danny Choi

GAME ONE Blacktown City FC VS Apia Leichhardt Saturday, February 17th, 7.30pm

Landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills

Western NEWS Friday, 16 February 2024

SPORT

Top ten placings in NSW Cup

BY NOEL ROWSELL

L

OCAL golfers Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs / Concord GC) and Will Hoven (Glenmore Heritage Valley GC) have both grabbed Top Ten positions at the 2024 NSW Cup, which was played over 54 holes at New South Wales GC from 8th-10th February.

Coby was outstanding on Thursday and Friday to lead the field through the opening two rounds, shooting a 1-under 71 on Day One and a 2-under 70 on Day Two, heading into Day Three with a 2-shot lead.

Unfortunately, Coby could not replicate his form of the opening two days, shooting an 11-over 83 to ultimately finish in fourth position, on 8-over par, behind a trio of NSW GC members, including winner Zac Mullins 220, Jye Halls 221 and Kayun Mudadana 222.

Hoven finished in 10th place on 233 and Blake Hodges (Erskine Park / NSW GC) tied 29th on 246.

In Men’s Major Pennant, Penrith won 4-3 away to Stonecutters Ridge, Dunheved lost 6-1 away to Cronulla, Twin Creeks drew 3.5-3.5 at home to Ryde-Parramatta, Springwood won 5-2 at home over Royal Sydney, Glenmore Heritage Valley won 7-0 at home over Bayview, Richmond won 5-2 at home against Oatlands, Leonay won 5.5-1.5 at home over Macarthur Grange and Wallacia had a bye.

Savannah Webb (Stonecutters) in action at St Michael’s.

Photo courtesy of Anne Korte.

In next Sunday’s round, Penrith are away to Avondale, Stonecutters Ridge are away to Monash, Twin Creeks host Massey Park, Dunheved host Oatlands, Richmond are away to Oatlands, Springwood host Campbelltown, Glenmore Heritage Valley are away to Marrickville, Wallacia is away to Macarthur Grange and Leonay has a bye.

In Women’s Major Pennant, Stonecutters Ridge drew 2.5-2.5 away to St Michael’s, whilst

in Mixed Pennant, Springwood lost 3-2 to Rosnay and Richmond lost 3.5-1.5 to Camden (Studley Park).

Round One of the 2024 Women’s Grade Pennant was played at Cronulla, with Penrith losing 4-1 to Wakehurst. Round two will be played at Massey Park, with Penrith facing Elanora.

In Women’s Major Pennant this Sunday, Stonecutters Ridge is away to New South Wales GC.