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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
Friday, 17 April 2020
ISSUE 107
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LEST WE FORGET
Western News 17 April 2020 Issue 107
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Western News
Ropes Crossing Neighbourhood Watch
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opes Crossing Neighbourhood Watch (RCNW) program began in early 2018, as a result of ongoing reporting on Ropes Crossing Facebook pages by residents about a spate of large and small thefts and vandalism. A small group of residents held an informal meeting at St Mary’s Leagues Club, then followup meetings in the local park, where some nightly patrols were organised. At the beginning of 2019, the group decided to create a more permanent organisation and to team up with Neighbourhood Watch Australasia. In April 2019, there was a Meet and Greet BBQ at the local RC Community Hub to introduce residents to the group and its members. RCNW has 3 ‘Whatsapp’ groups - one is the Admins group which has 12 people and comprises mainly the committee and original members. There is a group for those who do patrols and the third group is the largest, consisting of approximately 60 residents who are mostly active in reporting incidents and community information. The RCNW committee consists of Mitch Keyes (President), Mark Pentecost (Vice President) and various other members who hold executive positions. RCNW meets on the first Wednesday each month at the local Ropes Crossing Community Hub at 7:30pm. Regular patrols running ‘24/7’ are conducted by the Patrol Group and RCNW members are also alerted by concerned residents, if there is an incident in their vicinity. Patrols are well equipped with powerful torches and 2 way radios and act primarily as a deterrent. All reported incidents are monitored and rapidly reported to the Police Assistance Line on 131444. RCNW has a good relationship and partnership with Mt Druitt Police LAC, acting as the eyes and ears of police in Ropes Crossing. Patrols also include boundary fences into
Wianamatta Regional Park and report any cut fences and/or holes to the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Ranger. Vandals have been known to break into the Park and daub graffiti on buildings and also use dirt and trail bikes in the Park, which is illegal. RCNW are working with Mt Druitt Police in the hope of increasing police trail bike patrols in the area. In 2019, as part of a broader plan of community education to protect homes and vehicles in Ropes Crossing, RCNW submitted a detailed, comprehensive plan in applying for a grant through the State Government’s My Community Grant Project. RCNW were successful and launched the projected plan in February this year. Every home in Ropes Crossing received a copy of the first Newsletter and a card with important safety tips. During #Get Online Week in October 2019, RCNW facilitated an information session at Rochford Place, the retirement village in Ropes Crossing.
This session promoted safe and secure on-line activities and information for older people in the community. During National Crime Prevention week in November 2019, RCNW was invited to hand out information at a local Bunnings store in Penrith. The Group also fitted 30 cars with anti-theft number plate screws, to stop number plates being removed and used on stolen vehicles. On Sunday March 1, RCNW rallied the community to participate in Clean Up Australia Day in Ropes Crossing. 30 people turned up (half of which were children) and there were 2 utility loads of rubbish collected. A Crime Prevention Forum planned for Wednesday 1 April at the RC Community Hub has now been postponed due to Covid-19 precautions. Representatives from Mt Druitt LAC, NPWS, Blacktown City Council and the Local Member were invited to attend and participate on the panel, which will hopefully take place at a future date. Paul Abassi, the Principal of Laing & Simmons Ropes Crossing is an enthusiastic supporter and sponsor of RCNW.
Our cleaners rock: COVID-19 warriors keep our hospitals clean
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Blacktown Hospital general services staff Binabahen Nizama, Rory Dunlop and Miyoko Tongor.
egularly replacing curtains and increased disinfecting of commonly touched areas such as lift buttons are just some of the measures general services staff have implemented to fight the spread of COVID-19 in Western Sydney Local Health District hospitals. Westmead Hospital general services manager Raynelle Howat and Blacktown Hospital general services acting manager Katy Martin said they are proud of the hard work, extended hours and
Westmead Hospital general services staff left to right Reynaldo Abrera, Carlos Chavez and Tracy Jordan.
dedication cleaners are delivering to protect patients, visitors and staff from the pandemic. “Staff are frequently disinfecting commonly touched areas which include lift buttons, hand rails, door handles, bathrooms and bins,” Raynelle said. “We are also refreshing our staff training in correct protective clothing and hand hygiene techniques to help protect them and our patients from this virus. “It’s important for our staff to be protected when they are working in different areas of the hospital.
They have family and friends and don’t want to risk spreading this virus further. “I encourage everyone to wash their hands like their lives depend on it – everything we do to stop this outbreak makes a difference and can save lives!” Westmead Hospital general services team is recruiting more staff – to view job opportunities at WSLHD go to www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/ Working-With-Us/jobs-wslhd.
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By KeRRIE DAVIES
W
ith the school holidays now underway, The Shadow Minister for Education, Prue Car MP says parents need clarity and better support for next term. NSW Labor is urging the Berejiklian Government to use the two week break to give parents and carers the support, training and resources they need to educate pupils at home. Ms Car said many families are struggling to help their children with online learning, particularly when parents are also working from home. “There appears to be no consistency between schools and parents are struggling to navigate various online platforms. Not all pupils have access to a computer at home. We cannot allow this health crisis to increase the digital divide and damage their education. “This is a brewing crisis. Parents need to know if online education will continue next term. And if kids don’t go back to school, what support, training and resources are available?” Ms Car said. “There is a real risk that disadvantaged families and children from non-English speaking backgrounds could be left behind. “Every parent values education. It’s time the Berejiklian government gave families clarity about what Term 2 will look like, what the expectations are for home learning and what assistance is available, particularly for those without computer and internet access.”
Our Services: • Surgical Specialities • Inpatient Rehabilitation • Day Rehabilitation • Hydrotherapy Pool • Wellness Classes • NDIS Minchinbury Community Hospital Phone 9625 2222 Cnr Great Western Highway & Rupertswood Rd, Rooty Hill www.mhsminchinbury.com.au
Western News 17 April 2020 Issue 107
Homeschooling: “A brewing crisis”
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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Western News 17 April 2020 Issue 107
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Lockdowns, self-isolation, chronic hand washing, closed businesses, nightly news death tallies, unemployment, government stimulus packages and the list goes on. By now everyone has heard the words ‘We are all in this together” and how true that is. And that’s why it seems hard to fathom why some in our society choose to flout the rules, spit on those who are doing their best to help others and in some cases have this “I just couldn’t care less” attitude. For mine, one of the most dangerous is the social media warriors spreading their false information on the legitimacy of what’s happening. The “cures”, the blame game responses and the lack of any scientific knowledge put forward in posts by the “experts” who probably never even finished high school.
Vineyard
Schofields
By KeRRIE DAVIES
ho would have thought six months ago that we would have been in this position today? Covid-19 has changed the world into something so unbelievable I keep waking up and wondering if I’ve dreamt the whole thing.
Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644
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From the Editor’s Desk
You have seen them, I’m sure. “5g caused the virus”, “It’s all a hoax”, “any vaccine discovered is part of a mind control experiment”, “It’s the governments trying to take over our souls” etc etc etc. The list goes on and on. It makes you think that the biggest threat to our world is the social media platforms like Facebook. Our government, scientists and health professionals are doing all they can to get us over this crisis and they need our support. The least helpful people in the process are those putting roadblocks up because they can’t do what they want when they want. Follow the rules on cleanliness, social distancing, stay home unless you have to go out for essentials. It’s not that hard to do. Most of all, listen to the experts and not the armchair conspiracy theorists. Stay safe and stay home.
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Western News 17 April 2020 Issue 107
Record $5,000 on-the-spot fine for spitters
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P
eople who individuals utterly cough or spit on foul and obnoxious health workers, but worryingly, the police, pharmacists, behaviour is potentially paramedics or other life threatening,” Mr public officials during Elliot said. the COVID-19 health “COVID-19 kills – crisis, now risk a $5,000 the global death toll on-the-spot fine. is already more than Health Minister Brad 85,000 people and Police Minister David Elliott Hazzard and Police climbing – so if you spit Minister David Elliott said the tough or cough on any of our police officers, new measures are in response to the who are putting their own safety on the abhorrent acts of some individuals in line to protect you, you will face the recent weeks. consequences and be slapped with a “Every day our doctors and nurses, fine.” police and paramedics put their health NSW Police Commissioner Mick and safety on the line to protect us, and Fuller said it is incomprehensible that a threat to them, is a threat to us,” Mr measures like this are necessary during Hazzard said. a deadly global pandemic but police “The virus has infected thousands of stand ready to respond. health workers around the world and “Foul acts like coughing and killed many, so if you deliberately risk spitting, which can potentially spread people’s health you will be fined and COVID-19, pose a risk to public possibly imprisoned.” safety, so police won’t hesitate to take The change under the Public Health action,” Mr Fuller said. Regulation 2012 has introduced a fine “The rules are clear and they apply of $5,000 for breaching the new public to everyone, so if you decide to ignore health order signed today. a direction, you will be caught and you Mr Elliott said individuals who will receive a hefty fine and possibly a intentionally spit or cough on police prison sentence.” officers during the pandemic could Members of the public can report also face prosecution and possibly up to Crime Stoppers if they have any to six months in prison. concern that individuals are not “Like most people, I find the complying with public health orders recent actions of a handful of by calling 1800 333 000.
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Native bushland open to the public
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n 8-hectare park in The Ponds is now open to the public after extensive work was conducted to protect and enhance the native bushland. The park at the corner of Ridgeline Drive and Greenview Parade consists of a large portion of the endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland. Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM said the community should be proud of the areas of native bushland in Blacktown. “These woodlands provide habitats and connectivity for a range of plant, animal and bird life,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “The Cumberland Plain Woodland was once common
throughout Western Sydney but there is now less than 6 per cent remaining. “Blacktown City Council is committed to the conservation, restoration and enhancement of the natural environment, including all threatened species, populations and ecological communities. “An area of the park will also be dedicated to passive recreation through open lawn areas, seating and a new path network.” Weeding, selective planting, the creation of environmentally sensitive pathways and enhancements for the native flora and fauna habitat have taken place.
Log on to the library from the comfort of your home
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vid readers across NSW have access to thousands of ebooks, audiobooks and online content to stay entertained while staying at home, the NSW State Library reminded the public today. Former NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the State Library’s recently launched Your Library At Home online page is a great platform for escapism for both children and adults alike. “As the community goes through this very challenging period it’s important for everyone to take some time out and there is no better way to lift stress from your shoulders than escaping with a good book,” said Mr Harwin. “While it’s vitally important for the health of the community that libraries close during this time, I’m delighted that the NSW State Library is finding positive solutions to open up and promote its content directly through this platform. “There are nearly 6,000 ebooks on the platform as well as other fascinating content for all ages. I encourage anyone who isn’t already a library card holder to sign up online and enjoy the incredible collection on offer.”
State Librarian John Vallance said, “Public libraries already provide free access to online content, and the State Library is working to boost the capacity of libraries to provide an even greater range of ebooks and other content, like current newspapers in language and
magazines, to a greater number of people.” “You can listen to podcasts, help transcribe our oral histories, explore a wide range of digital stories and find fun activities for kids. The State Library also provides free access to an extensive range of digital
content through our databases – with users only needing to register online for a Library card,” said Dr Vallance. Sign up for free access to the Your Library at Home collection online at www.sl.nsw.gov.au/your-libraryhome.
Blacktown Local Plan adopted A plan to manage the growth and development of Blacktown City to 2041 and beyond has been adopted by Blacktown City Council. The Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) sets out how Council will support Blacktown’s growing population with the right infrastructure in partnership with the community, business, NSW and Australian governments. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said: “Blacktown
City has experienced sustained growth since the 1960s, developing into a vibrant, dynamic and multicultural city. “Blacktown City is a major contributor to Sydney’s economy and housing market. Within 10 years our population will exceed that of Tasmania and our annual regional economic activity will exceed $26 billion.” The LSPS is a significant strategic planning document and is consistent
with the Blacktown Community Strategic Plan: Our Blacktown 2036 and the NSW Government’s strategies for Greater Sydney, the Greater Sydney Region Plan and the Central City District Plan. The LSPS gives Council the ability to translate NSW and Australian government plans, and will guide future updates to our Local Environmental Plan. The plan will enhance Council’s ability to address important issues for our community regarding equity
of access to housing, employment, transport and health services, arts, culture and recreation opportunities, and to a healthy environment. “We look forward to working together to make our City the best place it can be for you, your family and your business,” Mayor Bleasdale said. The Local Strategic Planning Statement was adopted by Council on 25 March 2020 and is available online at: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au
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t has been heart-warming to see people united in extending gratitude and appreciation to the frontline medical staff battling COVID-19. Doctors and nurses are getting a well-deserved recognition for their selfless work, but the number of people working tirelessly for our well-being is greater than it might seem at first sight. Another team of health professionals who keep coming to work to ensure hospital operations run smoothly and all patients are taken care of is the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. This team is responsible for medical nutrition therapy in the hospital, and they work very closely with Food Services providing special meals to patients. Ashwini Chand, deputy head of Nutrition and Dietetics at Westmead Hospital, said clinical dietitians, supervisors and support staff are around to make this happen every day. “We cannot work from home as we have to be here to take care of our patients every day, Monday to Sunday,” Ashwini said. “While we always follow good personal hygiene requirements, we are finding that handwashing has become more critical in reducing the spread of COVID-19. We are now getting used to maintaining a distance of 1.5m in the department and outside the department. “To keep everyone safe, especially those vulnerable, we are providing online consultancy services. Patients are continued to be supported by phone, and for those we need to see face to face, we are continuing to do so.” When asked to share some words of support to fellow health workers, Ashwini expressed her gratitude to everyone who keeps coming to work every day. “This pandemic will pass but we will support each and every one while it lasts!” she said. Visit the NSW Health website for the latest info on covid-19
Westmead Hospital food services staff remind people to stay at home.
Westmead Hospital dietitian Danielle Doughty
Westmead Hospital diet supervisor Mary Hanna
Westmead Hospital diet supervisor Dominique Takats
Western News 17 April 2020 Issue 107
Health Heroes: Food is the backbone of a healthy organisation
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anzac TRIBUTE Western News 17 April 2020 Issue 107
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St Marys RSL sub-Branch cares about
By Tony Fryer
E
very six months for the past four years, a small band of Veterans from the St Marys RSL sub-Branch and the VVAA St Marys Outpost, wearily board an early morning bus at St Marys Diggers and Band Club for a ‘day out’ to the Randwick Army Barracks. But it’s not simply a social outing for the ‘boys’ you know … there’s some intense yakka required as well!
But just what do these 20-odd Veterans (and some ARE odd!) really get up to? Do their wives really know?? Most people are aware we have Defence personnel (Navy, Army and Air Force) in places like Afghanistan, Iran, Solomon Islands and some Federal Police postings in the Middle East. In fact, we do have Defence Personnel in Peacekeeping roles in various additional countries. Each ANZAC Day and Christmas, every
anzac TRIBUTE
service personnel, serving overseas, receives a small ‘Care Package’ from RSL National, containing a variety of familiar Aussie treats. It’s these treats that we go to Randwick to box-up. We join three or four other volunteers from RSL National (in Canberra) and Malabar RSL subBranch to undertake the task for RSL National. Over the years that our St Marys Veterans have been proudly involved, we have handled approximately 12,000 boxes. The flat boxes are firstly assembled, then sent along a ‘production-linestyle’ process where the treats are carefully placed so as to get as much produce as possible into the box.
Then it is closed, taped and labelled before stacking on the pallet. We generally achieve an average overall boxing of one every 6 seconds … yes seconds. It’s interesting to see a mob of old Vets working so hard they can’t talk to each other! With a 20-minute half-way break (when the outside coffee-cart arrives) we usually complete the task in about 4-5 hours. Then it’s a short trip to a local club for a well-earned lunch and back to St Marys by about 3pm. A great day had by all. And each one ready to back up again to ensure our troops serving for us overseas get a taste of some goodies from ‘home’. We all slept well that night! Luckily we were able to do it before the restrictions came in.
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defence personnel serving overseas
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I encourage everyone to take the opportunity on Anzac Day to honour the memories of those who have served our country in the past and to give thanks for those who are on active service in various parts of the world today.
“The ANZAC spirit was born on the shores of Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915. We honour the sacrifices of the ANZACS, who fought for our freedoms and values that day. We also pay tribute to all men and women who have served or are serving in the Australian Armed Forces. For those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service, we will remember. Lest we forget.”
Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry Ph: 9833 1122 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
“At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we shall remember them, Lest we forget”
Kevin CONOLLY MP State Member for Riverstone Phone: 8883 3499
www.kevinconollymp.com.au
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anzac TRIBUTE We can still pay tribute on ANZAC Day By KeRRIE DAVIES
O
ne of the saddest things about the year 2020 (a year sure to go down in history) is the lost opportunity to gather in the masses and pay our respects on ANZAC Day. Many, myself included, think of this is our most important day of the year as an Australian. But now we do have the chance on April 25 to honour those who sacrificed all for our country, as well as salute those still serving, just in a different way to that in which we are used to. St Marys sub-Branch have videoed a ‘pseudo’ ANZAC Service which will be available on their St Marys RSL sub-Branch facebook (https://www. facebook.com/stmaryssubbranch/) from before dawn on Saturday 25th April, presenting a traditional
ANZAC Commemorative Service, with a single wreath laid on behalf of every individual watching. “As you are aware, there will be no ‘live’ ANZAC Services this Dawn (or any other time of the day). However,
we appreciate that many in our local community (and not just ex-Service personnel) will regret having no Dawn Service where they can go to commemorate those gave their lives in combat or sustained injuries
which have impacted them in their subsequent lives,” said Tony Fryer. Attending or participating in an ANZAC Dawn Service has been an important annual part of the lives of many. It gives the opportunity to say ‘thanks’ or to reflect on the loss of a mate or someone dear. “At St Marys RSL sub-Branch we have done what we can to alleviate that situation – thus the brief video,” Tony said. “In this way, we invite all in our wider community to venture out to their driveway at 6.00am on ANZAC Day to remotely join in the Service by simply going to our facebook page … listening to a deeply-moving poem, standing respectfully for the Last Post; even joining in the singing of our National Anthem. If the driveway appearance at 6.00am is not achievable, the facebook ANZAC Service will be available whenever and wherever you may be.” LEST WE FORGET
The Ode They shall grow not old, As we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, Nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun And in the morning WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. LEST WE FORGET
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efore COVID-19 affected all our lives, two Westmead Hospital clinicians dropped everything and answered the call to be part of Australia’s initial response. Dr Matthew O’Sullivan, senior staff specialist in infectious diseases and microbiology, and Dr Satish Mitter, emergency physician, were part of the Australian Medical Assistance Teams (AUSMAT) responding to the relatively-unknown coronavirus threat in January. Dr O’Sullivan was treating four patients with COVID-19 at Westmead Hospital before he was called upon to manage 278 Australians in quarantine on Christmas Island. “This was my first deployment and an opportunity to put into practice what I’d worked on for the past few years. I was given 12 hours’ notice to jump on a plane and go to Darwin,” he said. In Darwin the team took stock of all the medical equipment that would be loaded with them on a military plane to Christmas Island, where they then had two days to prepare for the Australian evacuees arriving from the Chinese province of Wuhan for two weeks in quarantine. “We did a rapid assessment of every evacuee as they arrived and identified those who needed further testing,” Dr O’Sullivan said. “We actually set up a laboratory on the island, which was a major achievement and supported the whole
Dr Matthew O’Sullivan was appointed the medical team leader of an AUSMAT deployment to Christmas Island. He was responsible for all the medical aspects of a cooperative team made up of 25 doctors, nurses, paramedics and logisticians, supported by federal police, defence force and border force personnel.
operation. That meant we could do the primary testing there and have results within hours, rather than a three-day wait if we needed to send them to the mainland. “We also did check-ups every day, but a lot of our work became keeping people occupied and entertained for the two weeks of isolation.” After learning that one of the evacuees was a renowned musician who was missing a Chinese New Year concert in Sydney, the team decided to host an outdoor concert with performances by evacuees and medical staff. Local school students also wrote letters and painted pictures for children in the detention centre. “We were worried for the evacuees
and relieved when there were no cases. It was a huge learning experience and really valuable to be able to manage quarantine and testing in the field,” Dr O’Sullivan said. “The main highlight for me was the gratitude of the evacuees. I felt bad that we were keeping them in isolation so far from home, but they were incredibly grateful and compliant with all our requests.” Dr Satish Mitter was also given a few hours’ notice, though his deployment was to Japan to aid the evacuation of more than 200 Australians stranded on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, where many passengers were already confirmed COVID-19 positive. The team had one day in Japan to plan the evacuation with the Australian
embassy and border security force, factoring in protective measures to prevent further spread of the disease. “We managed everything from the cruise ship to the airport to Australia, besides the flight safety briefing and in-flight meals,” Dr Mitter said. “Once in Darwin we were essentially running a hotel, except covered headto-toe in PPE [personal protective equipment] in 30-plus degree heat and 100% humidity.” The team performed daily health checks and tests on anyone with symptoms, and those who tested positive was transferred to hospital in their home state. Sadly the first Australian casualty of COVID-19 was among those diagnosed in Darwin. “It was an experience that’s hard to describe. It was a very different challenge to our normal work, mentally and emotionally, stepping out of well-run machines and into the unknown,” Dr Mitter said. “The passengers were frustrated and bored but were understanding and grateful for the care provided to them by the AUSMAT.” For the latest information and advice about COVID-19, please refer to the NSW Health website. If you develop any flu-like symptoms, please stay home and call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222. In an emergency please call triplezero (000) immediately.
Dr Satish Mitter
Isolation rooms were set up for anyone who did develop symptoms on Christmas Island
The audience was separated into family groups for a Chinese New Year concert on Christmas Island
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Health Heroes: Westmead specialists fighting COVID-19 since the beginning
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Western News 17 April 2020 Issue 107
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local COLUMNISTS Western News
Unknown Iceland Black sand of Reynisfjara
Gjain
Farmstead
Icelandic horses under Hekla By BEN CRANNEY
I
magine if Australia got so many tourists each year that it was equal to the populations of Thailand, England and France combined. That is the ratio of tourists to residents that Iceland receives. Or received. It must have significantly cut since global travel halted. When Iceland was settled, they wouldn’t have worried about pandemics, just basic survival. A long day trip from Reykjavik, the country’s capital, is Stong. Stong is an ancient Viking longhouse that sits under the
shadow of Hekla, an active volcano whose 1104 eruption led to it being known across Europe as ‘the gateway to hell’. It also buried Stong in volcanic ash, keeping it well preserved. It might seem strange to build under a volcano, but just up stream is Gjain, the most beautiful valley I’ve ever seen. It’s the kind of place the pagan Viking gods may have hidden when the Icelandic parliament met to turn the country Christian a thousand years ago. Despite it’s beauty and heritage, almost no tourists made it out here. Most of them were on the Golden Circle, the main day trip from
Reykjavik. It includes the Althing, the ‘Fields of Parliament’ where Icelandic representative democracy was first established. It’s a dramatic location, near the rift created by the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates tearing apart. Further along the circle is Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every 15 mins or so, with a wall of people around it, watching through their cameras. And last is Gulfoss, or Golden Falls. There was once talk of turning it into a hydroelectric plant, which was saved through some local activism. But there are so many people here, thousands on a summer’s day, that it’s kind of lost already. The Golden Circle isn’t the only place you’ll find large numbers of tourists. You’ll find them if you head
Murder mystery T
to the black sand beach Reynisfjara to the east. You’ll find them at the Blue Lagoon, a manufactured hot spring that uses superheated water from the nearby power station. But head to the tectonic rift in the Reykjanes Peninsula and you’ll be able to walk between continents without interruption. Dog sled across the Langjokull Glacier and it won’t be much more than you and the huskies. Drive up and around the Snaefellsness Peninsula, and they’ll be times when you don’t see another car for miles. Iceland may not have many visitors for the next year or so, but if you’d like to go, and you’re a fan of crime dramas, check out ‘Trapped’, and you’ll get a fantastic experience of its remote, and people-less, beauty.
By Tiffany Pascoe
Alone in the End Series 1, Episode 1
he alarm went off, but it was unnecessary, he was already fully awake and half out of bed. He pulled on the skins and shorts that had been neatly draped over the exquisite walnut valet, which stood alongside a rather grand mahogany mirror. He looked to the empty dog bed to the right of the mirror and exited the room without glancing at the looking glass. Had he taken a look; he would have seen a middle-aged guy in great shape. Tall, lean and sinewy with greying hair and a very attractive face, featuring steely blue eyes. As he pulled his jacket off the hallstand, his phone pinged to announce the arrival of an email. He read the message and frowned and let out a deep sigh and turned his phone to silent. What was he going to do about that situation, he wondered? His train of thought was interrupted when an over excited and unusually slim brown Labrador began to whip his body wildly into his legs. “Morning Rusty, ready for our run?” Rusty was always ready. To
signal his agreement he ran to get to the door ahead of his master. Once he was at the door Rusty sat and waited for his lead to be attached to his collar. The door opened and the clock on the wall in the hallway said 4.30. They set off up the gravel driveway and out onto Kite Street, heading in a northerly direction. With each regular breath a plume of steam left his mouth as he made his way towards the Cook Park gate. This was his morning ritual and he liked it. No matter what he had got up to the night before, he was always up at 4.30 for his run, rain hail or shine. However, there was neither, rain, nor hail nor any sun yet shining upon the day. But it was bitterly cold. Rusty would have to start wearing his coat soon. As he passed through the creaking filigree gate, he allowed Rusty off the lead. He wouldn’t do this when other walkers were around but at this early hour, he was yet to meet anyone who was up early enough to object to the roaming Lab. As Rusty quickly accelerated along their usual route, he felt a vibration in
his pocket, and he paused to see who was calling. Upon seeing the number, he directed it to message bank. No point having a conversation when you didn’t know what outcome you wanted. He had to make a decision, but for now they could wait. Rusty stopped suddenly and threw his nose into the air, frantically twitching to seek out some scent being carried around on the changing
wind. With his ears firmly upright, “What can you hear Rusty?” but before he could get the sentence out, he too heard a sound coming from the eastern side of the park near the fern house. He quickly latched the lead onto Rusty’s collar and they stepped quietly onto the grass making their way past the pink evergreen rhododendron and the redwoods before stopping behind a giant oak tree. He scanned the darkness and looked for any unexpected shadows amongst the trees and bushes. As he approached the fern house door, he noticed that one of the double doors was ajar and banging in the wind. He tried peering into the fern house, but only darkness was visible beyond the threshold. He put his hand under his track top gently pushed the door open wider and walked in. “Christ almighty!” he said under his breath, getting out his phone. He dialled a number from memory and it picked up quickly and he said. “Ted, it’s Mitch, you’d better get down to Cook Park pronto.” To be continued………
Western WESTERN HISTORY News
By Lyn Forde, President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
Church of NSW to expand into the mining districts. Transferred to Singleton in 1913 he gradually pulled together an old parish that had run into difficulties. In February 1914 he married Ida Margaret Parkins at the Presbyterian Church in Mosman. She was born in ictor William Thomas Clark was born in May 1885 and the daughter of Robert and Louisa Parkins 1883 at Penrith. He was the son of Australian of “Heather Brae” in Cessnock. Victor returned to born parents William George Clark (Jnr)- (a Cessnock as Superintendent of the South Maitland storekeeper on the corner of High and Station Street in Coalfields Mission, but after a time of industrial unrest Penrith) and his wife Mary Ann Laimbeer Smith. She and pessimism, the mission proved unsatisfactory. In was the daughter of Alderman Thomas Smith and sister September 1923, a meeting of the Presbytery of the of the Hon. Sydney Smith. William George was the son Hunter unanimously ruled in favour of Victor and the of William Clark (Snr) - (Victor’s Grandfather) who call was signed by 110 members of the 128 members was said to be the best teacher of dancing in the colony. on the Communion roll which proved unique by reason William George (Jnr) managed his father’s business Victor’s Mother courtesy of of the fact that it would mean the third time Victor had for some time and was also as equally proficient as his Parkins family on Ancestry made his home in Cessnock. First as a home missionary father. William George (Jnr) later opened a dancing in 1905, then in December 1907 he was called to be Cessnock’s first class at the Temperance Hall in Penrith in 1884 and in the evening of minister where he remained until his translation to Singleton in August October that year, entertainment in the Hall was said by far the best and 1913. Following a report presented on a future strategy in the coalfield’s most enjoyable of that class ever held in Penrith, the social gathering districts in June 1921, Victor was inducted as Superintendent of the new proving such a success. The Hall was tastefully decorated with ferns and work initiated by the Presbyterian Church extending over the greater waratahs and every attention was paid to the comfort of visitors. About part of the South Maitland coalfields. The induction date fixed for 5th forty couples graced the floor and although there was an absence of the February 1924. Also, in that year the assembly thanked Victor for his usual ball dresses, the costumes of those present was in every case neat ‘honest, hard and efficient work’ and dissolved the Coalfields Mission and effective. William Clark (Snr) was noted as M.C and looked after and returned him to Aberdare a suburb of Cessnock. Faced with an the music that was supplied by local players under the leadership of Mr increasingly arduous situation, Victor performed well, becoming George White who was of a superior character. The music being farsomething of an expert on social and economic problems, but in 1931 away in advance of anything heard of previously. Light refreshments he sought fresh experience in Sydney at the new North Shore parish of excellent quality and variation was in abundance. The party broke of Artarmon. Despite Depression problems, Artarmon gave Victor the up about 2 a.m., all well pleased with their night enjoyment. In April chance to serve the Church in a wider sphere. In addition to his parish 1890, Alexander Duff married Mary (now a widow) and Victor adopted work, he edited the “New South Wales Presbyterian” from 1933 to his stepfather’s surname. Alexander, who started on the railways as 1936 and he greatly reduced the paper’s debts and widened its appeal. a porter on Homebush station, was now a Traffic Superintendent with Appointed Moderator in 1935, he summed up his coalfields and editorial the Government Railways and gave evidence in 1891 regarding a reflections in his address, Christianity’s Challenge to Civilization. His fatal railway accident where single parent Lawrence Martin aged 28 election in 1936 as General Secretary (a full-time post, for five years) years was killed when he was crushed to death between two railway was an indication of a Presbyterian demand for renewal. The depression trucks at Penrith Station. Alexander and Mary lived at “East Lynne” had led the Church to rethink many traditional attitudes. Victor had dealt in Penrith. They were farewelled in the Temperance Hall in November with it even-handedly in the Presbyterian. As Secretary, he was able to 1892 by a total of 71 from the Presbyterian congregation, colleagues carry on a reconstruction policy which fitted the Church to cope with the from the railway and private friends and family when they moved to stresses of the war from 1939. Re-elected in 1941, Victor was given a Tamworth and he became the Traffic Superintendent. He fell gravely third three-year term. With post-war issues, pressing a change seemed ill and died in Tamworth in May 1896 of Phthisis (tuberculosis). His necessary. Victor showed his concern for the new order by serving as a body was brought back to Penrith with the funeral procession moving Chaplain in a migrant ship in Britain. He sailed from Sydney in 1950 from “Thornton Hall”, Mary’s father’s residence in Penrith. Alexander and arrived in June at Liverpool on the “Cheshire” a British “Bibby was buried at Emu Plains General Cemetery. Mary died at Cronulla in Line” and later returned in August to Sydney from Southampton on the June 1941 at the age of 82 years and is buried in the Northern Suburbs “Asurias” at the age of 67 years. Victor retired in 1974, a patriarchal Presbyterian cemetery. Victor was educated at Penrith Public School, figure in the Church he continued to sit on the council of Scots College Scots College and Sydney Boys’ High School and University (on a and the board of the Scottish Hospital. He died in June 1974 at the age scholarship). In 1901 Victor entered St Andrew’s Theological Hall of 91 years at Ashfield and was cremated. and after subsequent divinity studies he was sent to the Hunter Valley as a preaching agent at Abermain. Ordained in 1907, Victor ClarkSources: Presbyterian Church of NSW, Minutes of Proceedings of General Assembly 1921Duff (as he now called himself) was appointed minister of Cessnock 50, Sydney Morning Herald, K. J. Cable, ‘Clark-Duff, Victor William Thomas, Australian where he went first as a student, then as the first minister, and later, as Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, minister for a further term of seven years. At Cessnock he pushed along Cessnock Eagle & South Maitland Recorder, Ancestry, Australian National Archives, with the belated policy of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Singleton Argus, NSW BDM, Nepean Times.
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Western News 17 April 2020 Issue 107
A Presbyterian Pastor
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Western News 17 April 2020 Issue 107
14
ENTERTAINMENT
SUDOKU: EASY
INSTRUCTIONS
Fill the grid so that every column, every row & every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
SUDOKU: MEDIUM
SOLUTIONS: 3 April EASY
medium
CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Commandeered (8) 5 Posterior (6) 9 Borderline (8) 10 Not after (6) 12 A loose high-necked blouse (9) 13 Increases (5) 14 Proceed on (4) 16 Water flask (7) 19 Dry (7) 21 Inlets (4) 24 Outcast (5) 25 Car fixers (9) 27 Condescends (6) 28 Estrange (8) 29 Lay bare (6) 30 He’s married to 2 women (8)
solution 3/4/20
down 1 Respectful deference (6) 2 Members of a jury (6) 3 Ascend (5) 4 Rendered capable (7) 6 A sudden unforeseen crisis (9) 7 Revered (8) 8 Bandaging (8) 11 A thin flat circular plate (4) 15 Crowned (9) 17 Blew up (8) 18 A violent discharge (8) 20 Prolonged unconsciousness (4) 21 Rod-shaped bacteria (7) 22 A Hindu festival (6) 23 Climb (6) 26 Sporting venue (5)
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15 Western News 17 April 2020 Issue 107
Alex Soncini
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Western News Friday, 17 April 2020
SPORT
Biggest online seniors workout T he NSW Government has thrown its support behind an initiative to stage the Biggest Online Seniors Workout. Acting Minister for Seniors Geoff Lee said the free 30 minute workout will be live streamed across a number of online video platforms on April 29 at 11am. “I know speaking to many seniors it has been a tough ask to stop their normal day-to-day routines which had been keeping them socially active,” Mr Lee said. “The NSW Government is keen to promote anything that will help them to keep in touch with the community while staying safe indoors. “I’m encouraging all NSW seniors to get online and get physical on April 29 so we can promote fitness and health while staying home to keep safe from COVID-19.” NSW Seniors Card partner and Active Seniors Health Centre owner Taylor Harrison will be hosting the Biggest Online Seniors Workout. “We are championing health for our seniors more than ever in these unprecedented times to help them maintain balance, strength and flexibility while selfisolating,” Dr Harrison said. “Our 30 minute workout on April 29 will be conducted by our professional team and streamed
on various platforms including YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Zoom. This is fun and free, so tell all your older friends and family members to get involved.” To join the Biggest Online Seniors Workout
follow the links on the NSW Seniors Card website at www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au Active Seniors Health Centre will continue to provide daily free exercise sessions for seniors across NSW on their website.