The community is invited to a free community barbecue to learn more about diabetes prevention and healthy living.
In collaboration with Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD), community group healthy Living Toongabbie (hLT) is holding a ‘healthy eating, healthy Life’ barbecue at Civic Park in Pendle hill on Sunday, February 19 from 10am to 1pm.
hLT is a community-based organisation dedicated to educating the community about diabetes, prediabetes and healthier food options.
It was formed four years ago by a group of passionate Toongabbie health professionals, business people and residents concerned at the high number of residents in their community with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where a person becomes resistant to insulin or their pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to counteract the food eaten.
Over time, high glucose levels can damage blood vessels and
nerves, resulting in long term health complications including heart, kidney, eye and foot damage.
hLT President Shanthini Seelan, a GP at Bridgeview Medical Practice in Toongabbie, said hLT is focused on improving type 2 diabetes awareness in the community.
“We are a unique blend of community-minded citizens united by a common goal - to defeat diabetes together,” Dr Seelan said.
“We focus on the grass roots level, bringing about diabetes awareness in the community and providing easily applicable solutions to do this.
“Armed with this knowledge, the community will be better prepared to take on this serious and lifethreatening disease.”
There will be a free healthy barbecue, information stalls and free activities such as yoga, Zumba sessions, health experts talks and health-related trivia.
Type 2 diabetes is preventable and manageable through healthy eating, regular physical activity, and monitoring blood glucose levels if needed.
Dr Seelan said the day is an opportunity to have a talk to residents to encourage them to make a difference to the health of their community.
The Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) initiative is led by the Western Sydney Local health District and Western Sydney Primary health Network (WentWest) to address the Western Sydney diabetes hotspot.
Details: 10am-1pm, Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Civic Park, Targo road, Pendle hill. Registration from 9.30am.
www.healthylivingtoongabbie.org
WOOLWORThS and Landcare Australia are on the lookout for primary schools and early learning centres across Blacktown City with ideas to help connect young generations with nature and inspire them to play an active role in ensuring the safe future of their environment.
The latest round of the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program is now open, offering primary schools and early learning centres the chance to share in $1 million to support the development of hands-on environmental learning projects.
Grants of up to $1,000 are on offer for projects focussed on sustainable food production, improving waste management practices, enhancing native habitats and deepening First Nations perspectives. This could include planting native herbs and plants like Merindah Children’s Centre in New South Wales has done, helping children learn more about different species of plants, and their connection to the land and its people.
Woolworths stores in Blacktown City Operations Manager, Matthew Smith, said: “Getting children involved with hands-on activities in and around nature is an incredible way to help them explore sustainability in action.
“Over the years, we’ve seen some great ideas from schools and early learning centres across New South Wales that were brought to life through our Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program, encouraging kids to explore, appreciate and care for the
environment around them. No idea is too small, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead for this next round of applications.”
Through its Junior Landcare program, Landcare Australia has also worked closely with First Nations educator and Wiradjuri man Adam Shipp to develop environmental learning activities for educators and children to learn more about how they can have a connection to Country.
The activities range from exploring First Nations weather to creating an Indigenous plant-use garden and exploring a First Nations peoples’ languages map.
Adam Shipp, First Nations educator with Landcare Australia, said: “As a proud Wiradjuri man, I believe it is extremely important that
environmental based organisations recognise and work with First Nations groups.
“By teaching younger generations about traditional ways of caring for Country, we can deepen knowledge of and respect for First Nations culture and practices. I look forward to seeing how Blacktown City students and teachers use the new Junior Landcare resources.”
Landcare Australia CeO, Dr Shane Norrish, said: “Junior Landcare has always recognised the vital role children play in taking care of the natural environment and, thanks to the 2023 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program, we look forward to seeing even more children have the opportunity to take on this role.
“Moreover, as we continue to grow
the number of First Nations perspective resources on the Junior Landcare Learning Centre, we are thrilled to be able to support Blacktown City children and educators in building their knowledge of Traditional Land Management and Cultural heritage when it comes to caring for our land and water.”
Since launching the program in 2018, the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program, in partnership with Landcare Australia, has supported over 3,814 school groups with more than $4 million in funding to help kids all across the country get hands-on with caring for the natural environment.
Applications for the 2023 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants are open now and close 17 March 2023. To find out more about the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants Program and to apply, visit juniorlandcare.org.au.
For inspiration, check out some of the creative and fun ideas that the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant program has supported here, with tips to bring environmental education and First Nations perspectives into your school or early learning centre.
To view what local Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant projects were funded in previous year, search this interactive map: www. JuniorLandcareWoolworthsMap. org.au
To learn more about how Merindah Children’s Centre utilised their grant, visit https://juniorlandcare.org.au/ case_studies/native-flora-plantingproject/.
Do you know an inspiring, dedicated and strong woman in Blacktown City? Now is your chance to nominate them for the 2023 Blacktown City Woman of the Year.
The prestigious award is open to any woman who lives, works or volunteers in Blacktown City, aged 16 years and over. Nominations are open until midnight on February 19.
International Women’s Day is a global event that commemorates women’s achievements and highlights women’s equality worldwide.
This year’s theme is ‘Embrace Equity’ and reminds us of the vital need for gender equity to improve the lives and outcomes of women everywhere.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale oAM said: “Blacktown City is home to around 199,000 women and girls, who make an incredible impact in the community every day through their voluntary or paid work across many fields.
“The significant honour will be awarded to a woman who demonstrates a contribution to their local community and reflects this year’s International Women’s Day campaign theme of ‘Embrace Equity’.
“Potential nominees could be a teacher, a nurse, a social worker or a
community volunteer who has made a positive impact on the lives around them.
“The Woman of the Year will be announced and celebrated at a special breakfast and ceremony on International Women’s Day.”
Nominations are encouraged for women who:
• have made an outstanding contribution to their local community
• inspired others to contribute to their local community,
• risen above adversity to reach their goals,
• consistently demonstrated exceptional and progressive leadership,
• mentored and inspired other women and demonstrated leadership,
• have inspired or shown innovation and creativity.
Blacktown City Councillor and Chair of the Blacktown Women’s Advisory Committee, Julie Griffiths, said: “Women in Blacktown City are working hard to make positive changes in in education, health and welfare, business, emergency services, sport and the arts, to name a few.
“The Blacktown City Woman of the Year Award brings together the community to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of the women of
Blacktown City.
“I urge everyone to nominate a woman they know who has inspired, encouraged, mentored them or made a positive impact on their life.”
NSW Police Superintendent Donna McCarthy and foster care advocate Kelly Doyle were named joint recipients of the 2022 Blacktown City Woman of the Year.
Supt. Donna McCarthy is the Commander of Riverstone Police Area Command and has served with NSW Police for 35 years.
During the height of CoVID-19 lockdowns in 2021, Supt. McCarthy led her command with great professionalism and aided many local residents in navigating lockdown restrictions and keeping safe.
Kelly Doyle is the founder of children’s charity Foster Care Angels, which supports children and young people in foster care, as well as their carers.
Ms Doyle leads a team of volunteers and is actively engaged with the needs of vulnerable children and young people, especially during CoVID-19.
To nominate, visit the website here: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/ Community/Awards-scholarshipsand-competitions/Blacktown-CityWoman-of-the-Year-2023#section-1
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This week you will notice that our front page features a new local initiative for our Veterans: the st Marys Veterans Wellbeing Program.
The Program is a joint initiative of the two local Ex-service Organisations - the st Marys RsL sub-Branch and the Veterans support Centre. While the latter has been at the forefront in providing a quality Advocacy service to veterans for their military-related medical conditions for 26 years, this particular Wellbeing Program will provide opportunities for current serving, ex-serving and transitioning Veterans and their family, to build camaraderie amongst like-minded people.
i wanted to take this opportunity to recognise and applaud all the great work that the team at “the train” do to ensure our Veterans have the opportunity to live their best life.
The dedication of Tony Fryer and the st Marys Veterans is absolutely commendable. They are the most genuine salt of the earth citizens you’ll ever meet. They not only served our nation with pride and dignity, they have continued providing services as volunteers through the st Marys RsL sub-Branch and st Marys Outpost.
The Wellbeing Program is a superb initiative.
it is important that we ensure our local Veterans have outreach programs, help with post-service issues and an opportunity to develop friendships with other veterans.
During their service, our Veterans were told where to go, what to do and how to do it. Their training had a strong focus on precision. When facing life out of service, everyday things can be a challenge to a person who matured and began their adult life whilst in the defence forces.
Many also saw sights that they will never unsee. The Wellbeing Program is a fabulous initiative to assist in all the needs and challenges for our Veterans as well as provide much-needed support for their mental health.
if you are a Veteran or you know of a Veteran who isn’t involved in postservice activities, i encourage you to reach out to the fabulous team at st Marys.
They will welcome you with open arms, of that i guarantee.
The st Marys Outpost motto pretty much sums up what they are all about: “Honour the dead, but fight like hell for the living.”
SkaterS of all ages turned out with their skateboards, scooters and roller skates for the grand opening of Blacktown City Council’s new skate park at Alwyn Lindfield reserve in Glenwood on Saturday.
Skaters travelled far and wide to try their skills at the new facility, with leading skate specialists from the totem Collective holding free skate demos, workshops and a community skate jam.
Hundreds of skaters and families joined the grand opening celebration, which featured a DJ, free sausage sizzle, free face painting and food trucks.
“I was proud to oversee the project as Ward Councillor, after originally scoping out the project many years ago with former Blacktown City Mayor, the late Leo kelly OaM,” Councillor Griffiths said.
“the skating community, local schools, local children and totem Collective offered their opinion and provided feedback on the design and development of the facility.”
With the support of Blacktown arts, South Coast artist Happy Decay brought the facility to life with his colourful street art, which adorns the skate park and nearby toilet block.
the skate park is designed for novice skaters, right through to the
pros, and it can be used for a range of disciplines, from skateboarding, to BMX, to scooters and even wheelchairs.
the skate park features a variety of elements, including: street and free skating, vert, plaza and transition.
Councillor Griffiths said: “Council is committed to providing places for our residents to be more active, more
often in Blacktown City.
“this skate park will provide endless hours of enjoyment and activity for kids, teens and adults.
“Who knows, we might have the next tony Hawk or keegan Palmer emerge from here in the future!”
the skate park was supported by the NSW Government through the Places to Play program.
AnnoUnCIng the Launch of a comprehensive WeLLbeING PROGRAM in St Marys, aimed at enhancing lifestyle and camaraderie for all local Veterans and their family. Whether a Veteran is still serving (Regular or Reserve), or transitioning back to civilian life, or later in post-Service life, the PROGRAM is here for all.
The WeLLbeING PROGRAM is presented as a joint-venture by the two local Ex-Service organisations, St Marys RSL sub-branch and the St Marys Veterans Support Centre (‘The Train’), with primary contact via the Veterans Support Centre. Separately, these two organisations have quietly gone about their work
of helping veterans in Advocacy and various WeLLbeING initiatives in St Marys for more than 30 years – it is the reason for their existence ... they are now offering those initiatives, and additional ones, in a wider and flexible comprehensive WELLBEIng PROGRAM.
In the meantime, the Advocacy Services continue to provide veterans
with a high level of satisfaction in their dealings with the DVA. In recent years ‘The Train’s’ Advocates have been able to submit 100+ claims to DVA each month, with a very high rate of successful outcomes. They are available Monday to Friday by appointment for Veteran interviews.
The new WeLLbeING PROGRAM is designed to offer a flexible range of
MeMbeR for Riverstone Kevin Conolly has announced that 154 graduate nurses and midwives will begin their careers at blacktown and Mt Druitt hospitals this year, in what will be a record boost for the local community.
Mr Conolly said that the new graduates are among a record 3,600 nurses and midwives set to commence working across 130 NSW public hospitals and health services this year.
“The work that nurses and midwives do is at the very heart of the public health system, caring for people in our hospitals, at home and in our communities,” Mr Conolly said.
“The commitment, compassion and skills they bring to the role make a huge difference and contribute greatly to the health and wellbeing of the people of the Riverstone electorate.”
“I am incredibly pleased to welcome the new recruits to blacktown and Mt Druitt hospitals and know that they will make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of our community.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard extended a warm welcome to the new nursing and midwifery recruits, many of whom start work across NSW public hospitals this month.
“The dedication and professionalism of our nurses and midwives across the state is nothing short of extraordinary,” Mr Hazzard said.
“These enthusiastic graduates have a unique opportunity to play a vital role in our healthcare system at a time when it continues to adapt and innovate to the changes and challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The latest state-wide intake of graduate nurses and midwives is an 18 per cent increase on last year. It is also the largest intake of any state or territory in Australia.
NSW health has the largest health system in the country and employs more than 53,000 nurses and midwives, more than ever before.
Overall, between mid-2012 and mid-2022 NSW health increased its workforce by an additional
lifestyle enhancement opportunities at regular intervals. Some activities will be on offer to Veterans only; some to Partners; some to both and whole family. The PROGRAM will change from time-to-time, to reflect feedback and ideas from Veterans in the area.
Accompanying this article is a calendar of events/activities - if any (or some) of these strike a chord with you, let us know now. Contact Leanne at the Veterans Support Centre (02 9833 4700) or Tony at the RSL sub-branch (0414 557 692). They will be happy to give you more detail on available or upcoming activities.
Come along and be part of a likeminded group … we’d love for you to be part of the Program. We’d also love to hear your ideas about additional activities for which we may be able to attract a group of veterans to participate.
25,700 full time equivalent staff – an increase of 25.2 per cent, including 9,340 more nurses and midwives, 4,140 more doctors, and 2,490 more allied health staff.
Over the same 10 years, the population of NSW grew by 12%.
The NSW Government recently announced the largest workforce boost in the nation’s history in the 2022-23 budget with a $4.5 billion investment over four years for 10,148 full-time equivalent (FTe) staff to hospitals and health services across NSW.
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is utilising digital technology to improve the renewal process for Working with Children Checks by piloting the use of photo verification to offer a new convenient and secure online government service.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said enabling people the option to securely prove who they are online anywhere, anytime will save customers valuable time.
“There are more than 1.8 million customers in New South Wales who currently hold a Working with Children Check, which is required to be renewed every five years. Until now, customers would need to go into a Service NSW Centre to verify who they are in order to renew it,” Mr Dominello said.
“having the choice to complete a digital photo verification, customers will now be able to complete their Working with Children Check renewal online instead of attending in person, which will save them on average about two hours per check.
“The innovative technology relies on customers to use their desktop, laptop or phone camera to verify their real-time photo image against their own government-issued ID, which ensures their identity remains safe, and is not being imitated online by scammers or hackers.”
Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Services Natasha MaclarenJones said results of the pilot phase would optimise the final experience for customers as part of the state-wide rollout.
“This pilot will help unlock greater accessibility to government services, particularly for customers
with a disability, those who are time poor or living in rural or regional areas where it can be difficult to access a Service NSW Centre in person,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“We want to make sure this service delivers for all customers and with the technical foundations in place and tests underway, we look forward to hearing participant feedback and identifying opportunities for further enhancements.”
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has allocated $2.1 billion across four years to the Digital Restart Fund to build smart, simple technology solutions for customers across the State.
For more information on the NSW Digital Identity and Verifiable Credentials program go to: www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/projects-andinitiatives/nsw-digital-id
Blacktown Council’s Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope and Blacktown Tennis Incorporated (BTI) continue to build on the popularity of tennis in the local community and produce tennis stars of the future.
Blacktown City Mayor, Cr Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “It is wonderful to see our tennis centre working collaboratively with BTI over such a long period, providing our residents of all ages, abilities and backgrounds with the opportunity to play tennis and become the best they can be.”
BTI (formerly Blacktown & District Tennis association) was formed in 1924 and has a long history of promoting tennis to the local community. Since the Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope opened its 16 plexi-cushion courts in 2016, Council and BTI have worked together with Tennis NSW to create programs and competitions for all ages and abilities.
Over the years, BTI and its coaches have been responsible for a number of highly ranked junior and adult players and Elton Stoney, Tennis Team Leader at Stanhope is continuing a fine tradition of focusing on junior development.
BTI coach, Geoff Brackin’s focus on youth led to unprecedented success at both state and national level and also produced multiple national age and junior ranked players, such as Donna McIntyre, Chris Reardon, and Truscott Lee.
Former BTI member, Garry Thoroughgood, reached number 2 on the International Tennis Federation singles rankings in 2011 and played as a representative for Australia in the World Team Championships in Austria in 2012.
Since 2016, Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope has been ‘home’ to BTI’s competitions and the partnership with the Centre sees BTI members benefiting from discounted access to the courts and other centre services throughout the year.
Yvonne Tucker, BTI Honorary Secretary said “We want to encourage everyone in the Blacktown local government area to play tennis. Our partnership with Council in providing tennis playing and coaching opportunities will, I hope and believe, see some of our young people go on to star at the Australian Open in years to come.”
Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope is open 7 days a week for casual use, training and competition.
Aworld first study led by Western Sydney University has found significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and sensory processing in adults with disabilities following the use of new Evenness Virtual Reality (VR) Sensory Space technology.
Published in Nature Scientific Reports Journal, the study revealed the immersive Evenness VR Sensory Space with interactive sight, sound, and touch experiences had improved outcomes for adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities including autism and intellectual disability.
The five-month preliminary study involved 31 adults with varying neuro-developmental disabilities and their carers to evaluate the viability and health benefits of the Evenness VR technology as an effective intervention tool.
Co-lead researcher, Dr Caroline Mills from Western Sydney
University’s School of Health Sciences and Translational Health Research Institute, says the promising application of immersive VR in the disability sector has exciting potential to inform new practices for organisations who support people with a neurodevelopmental disability.
“Our findings have shown that VR technology may offer a promising
avenue for the provision of sensory interventions and an effective calming tool, with the most prominent benefit reported by users being a reduction in anxiety,” said Dr Mills.
Professor Danielle Tracey, colead author from Western Sydney University’s School of Education and Translational Health Research Institute, says the Evenness
VR Sensory Space could have effective application as a clinical intervention.
“Given the preliminary nature of this study, we are pursuing more robust future study designs to better understand the benefits and ensure the program can be used in real life environments to support the people that need it,” said Professor Tracey.
The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Wollongong, in partnership with The Disability Trust, and tech company Devika.
Ken Kencevski, Managing Director of Devika, says the findings significantly support the evolution of the program.
“Dr Mills and the team have allowed us to improve and validate Evenness Sensory Space as we look to increase its positive impact to individuals, centres and communities around Australia.”
THIRTy-fIVE Sydney councils will share $220 million in funding thanks to a major investment by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to repair roads damaged by unprecedented rain.
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said Blacktown, Parramatta, Penrith, The Hills and Hawkesbury Councils were the largest beneficiaries, receiving more than $10 million each.
“We have listened to the call from Councils for help to deal with the backlog of road damage caused by repeated weather events over the last 12 months,” Mrs Ward said.
“Through this funding, councils can act now on urgent road and pothole repairs, as well as protect against reoccurring challenges through the use of technology such as cold mix.
“These works are in addition to the work our crews carry out on state roads, with over 22,500 potholes repaired and more than one million square metres of road re-sheeted on Sydney state roads in the past 12 months.”
“This funding ensures people across Greater Sydney can have their roads returned to even better condition than they were in prior to the record rainfall last year.”
The $220 million is part of the $500 million Regional and Local Road Repair Program and is in addition to $25 million made available last year for floodaffected councils and the $1.5 billion spent annually by the NSW Government on maintenance of state roads.
funding is shared between the thirty-five state councils based on the proportion of overall roads managed within Metropolitan areas in NSW
Residents and home-owners of fastgrowing north West sydney gathered on saturday to voice support for a campaign by Blacktown City Council to win fairness in community facilities for the huge new growth areas.
developer levies have been capped by state Government policies and Council’s hands are tied when it comes to providing community centres, swimming pools and libraries to new communities.
the Mayor of Blacktown City Council, tony Bleasdale OAM, said ““the nsW Government is piling 260 thousand new residents into new parts of Blacktown City which have no community infrastructure whatsoever.”
Furious residents have said they have “moved into an infrastructure and amenity wasteland”.
“Western sydney locals have had a gutful of being treated like second class citizens,” Mr Bleasdale said.
Residents need the nsW Government to restore the ability of councils to build basic facilities for communities in new housing precincts. Council is leading the campaign to address infrastructure backlogs over more than a decade in precincts which are absorbing vast amounts of sydney’s population growth.
“existing facilities are over capacity and the nsW Government took away Council’s ability to
build any new ones. they have sent huge numbers of new residents to live here without basic facilities that everyone else in nsW takes for granted,” Mr Bleasdale said.
in the past these facilities were paid for by levies on land rezoned for housing. When land is rezoned, its value goes up enormously, creating windfall gains for the previous land-owner. A small part of that ‘lottery win’ used to be contributed to pay for facilities such as pools for the new communities.
the nsW Government changed this in 2010 to cap the amount of levies raised – no matter how much the land value went up. Councils cannot now use levies for any buildings or community infrastructure.
“As a result, Blacktown City alone has a backlog of facilities like pools, libraries and leisure centres that is now over $525 million,” Mr Bleasdale said.
“We demand they fix this NSW Governmentcreated problem now. Or if they won’t, we’re calling on Chris Minns and Labor to commit to fixing it if they win the election in March. People in our area will vote for whoever promises to reverse this terrible injustice,” Mr Bleasdale said.
the nsW Government has already pumped 100,000 new residents into ‘Growth Precincts’ in Blacktown City alone in a decade and has plans for 160,000 new residents over the next 20 years.
Mr Bleasdale said “All these people will be in neighbourhoods with absolutely no facilities like libraries, community centres or swimming pools. Blacktown will soon be bigger than tasmania and the ACt in population.”
“Blacktown Council has bought land for these facilities and made the plans but simply has no money to build them. We are not the only area suffering this terrible injustice. We are just the biggest.”
“We want the NSW Government to fix this so our people can simply get the same facilities that people have all across the rest of sydney like the eastern suburbs and north shore. Western sydney residents will turn out in droves to support whoever offers to fix this terrible injustice.”
“these are people who currently have no swimming pools in the hottest part of sydney where summer temperatures are often in the 40s. they have no libraries. they have no community centres for social interaction and programs to support seniors.”
“they know everyone else in sydney has these facilities. they know that their neighbourhoods are taking the load of massive population growth while other suburbs take almost none.
“they are now demanding fairness and will elect a government which promises to deliver that,” Mr Bleasdale said.
Blacktown-based Workers Lifestyle Group, a leader in supporting families against domestic and family violence, applauds the Fair Work Commission for mandating 10 days of paid domestic and family violence leave for all businesses, that came into force on February 1.
the group, which operates the Workers Blacktown and Workers sports clubs plus Workers Hubertus at Luddenham, led the industry a decade ago by including safe Family support Leave in employment agreements with staff.
“since 2017 we have offered 10 full days of safe Family support Leave to our people and we are gratified this now becomes the national standard,” said Workers Lifestyle Group Chief executive Morgan stewart.
“But so much more remains to be done to break the cycle of domestic and family violence.
“that is why since 2021 we have been funding a five-year, $500,000 commitment to local domestic violence support services.”
Recognising the distress and difficulty caused by domestic and
family violence, Workers Blacktown in 2013 introduced three days of safe Family support Leave so employees could seek help from support services and, where necessary, attend court appointments.
the entitlement was raised to 10 days annually four years later in 2017.
“We offer assistance to any of our people suffering from domestic violence and, as a community-based organisation, we are now promoting that support to our community,” said Mr stewart.
in the same spirit, Workers Lifestyle
Group two months ago launched Western sydney Changing diabetes, a community-based campaign to curb the high incidence of diabetes in Western sydney.
That is also a five-year program, supported by $500,000 donated by Workers Lifestyle Group, in partnership with community health initiative Western sydney diabetes.
ACROSS
1 Disrupt (9)
6 A piece of armor to protect thighs (5)
9 Hunting guide (7)
10 Not one nor the other (7)
11 Duo (7)
12 An extinct elephant (7)
13 Compulsion (9)
15 Dance bar (5)
16 Bar & _____ (5)
19 Negative disposition (9)
22 Candidate (7)
23 Female deity (7)
25 Highest points (7)
26 Affirm (7)
27 Calorie-reduction plans (5)
28 Intersecting (9)
dOwn
1 A small picture inserted within another (5)
2 Seamstresses (7)
3 Motives (7)
4 Useful (5)
5 Rundown apartment houses (9)
6 Snipped (7)
7 Places of learning (7)
8 Nightcrawler (9)
13 Methodical in arrangement (9)
14 Influenced (9)
17 Huge (7)
18 Not widths (7)
20 Initiates (7)
21 Japanese flower arrangement (7)
23 Prone to wander aimlessly (5)
24 Strainer (5)
“We support our people, our members and our community and we partner with other groups that have deep and compassionate local connections,” Mr stewart said. solution
Harry Seidler (aC, OBE) was one of the greatest architects of any era to work in the southern hemisphere and earned a special place in the history of Modern architecture. Partly trained in an engineering school, his personal technical mastery of reinforced concrete was rare amongst his generation of designers and he laid the foundation for the baroque forms he produced that characterized his later work. Matching technical competence with sculptural flair, he was one of those few designers of his age capable of fulfilling the Modernist dream of the integration of art and modern technology. Harry was born in Vienna in 1923 of Austrian Romanian Jewish ancestry. He fled to England when Nazi Germany occupied austria in 1938. In 1940 he was interned by the British due to his Jewish heritage and the British authorities suspecting he was an enemy alien from an axis country before being shipped off to another wartime camp in Canada. after his release in 1941 he began studying architecture at the University of Manitoba with some of the greatest architectural figures of the 20th century, such as Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius and the painter Josef albers who instilled in him his appreciation of Modernism, a cultural movement embracing the realities of 20th century industrial design and offering rational solutions to old problems. Once he completed his studies with honours he worked in New York City before eventually moving to Sydney in 1948. His mother rose had migrated there in 1946 and he continued to present concepts of early 20th century, also along with a house for his mother later known as “rose Seidler House” in Wahroonga that has two-storeys and includes 12 rooms. It sits on a 2.5-hectare site and has a noteworthy garden and floor plan. The result was the house still stands as one of this country’s most exquisite examples of mid-century designs. Its popularity saw Harry eventually settling in australia and becoming besieged with offers. after gaining his australian Citizenship, ten years later he married Penelope Evatt who was 15 years his junior and they had two children, Polly and Timothy. He was a founding member of the australian architecture association and in 1984 he became the first Australian to be elected a member of the Académie d’architecture in Paris and in 1987 he was made a Companion of the Order of australia, an honour which he accepted in his trademark suit and bowtie. In 1992 he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and he consistently won architectural awards across the varied categories and every decade throughout his australian career lasting almost 58 years up until his death in 2006. He was also awarded five times (1951-1991) the Sir John Sulman Medals by the royal australian Institute of architects as well as their gold medal in 1976 and the royal gold medal by the royal Institute of British architects in 1996. For 50 years Harry played a vital role in international architecture. His work is widely recognised as an original and intensely creative contribution to the architecture of the second half of the 20th century. He often publicly criticised planning authorities and the planning system in Sydney and his own building designs were the subject of much derision. Many credit to Harry
for introducing high-rise living to Australia, his Blues Point Tower a monolithic apartment block on the shores of Sydney Harbour has been one of the most polarising buildings in the city. The infamously prickly Harry told The Sydney Morning Herald in 2002 that “it didn’t worry him that people had criticised it and what do you expect from illiterate people, they are insensitive and uneducated so why should I take that seriously?” Now, at this stage you are probably wondering why I decided to write about Harry, well, there is a house in Nepean Avenue in Penrith that is not mentioned much, but is a heritage home called the “Wood House” completed in 1961 and privately owned. This house is of state historical significance having been designed by Harry. Wood House, built located on the top of the Nepean River embankment with views extending to the Blue Mountains in the distance to the northwest and is rare as it is the only house to be designed by Harry in the Penrith LGA. This dwelling was specifically designed and orientated to take advantage of the Nepean River embankment setting. The house is distinguished by the long linear stone wall fronting the street and set well back from the neighbouring residences with an expansive lawn forecourt. The use of the blonde brickwork, long wall planes, perforated screen walls and with a streetscape presentation is the characteristic design elements of Harry Seidler’s style of residential architecture in the post war period.
Source: First mentioned in the History Page 15/4/2021 on the Torin Building, Seidler.net.au, Paul Davies Pty Ltd -Penrith HeritageState Heritage Study review 17/6/2008.
EvEry home buyer is unique and has different priorities when it comes to finding their dream home. But it can be near impossible to find a property that ticks all your boxes, and it’s also easy to get distracted by a new or renovated home, incredible views, closeness to your favourite place, beach or cafe.
So, how can buyer stay focused on the core elements of a property and neighbourhood that can’t be easily changed but will have an enduring impact on the lifestyle and finances after you move in?
1. What mortgage repayments can I comfortably afford?
Most often everyone wants a more expensive property than their budget allows, regardless of whether they have $600,000 or $6 million to spend.
To avoid budget blow-out, buyers need to determine what their maximum budget is and what their preferred budget is. One needs to review and know what resources are available to them if they were to lose their job or something else happened that affected their ability to earn an income.
Calculating your borrowing power is an important part of applying for a home loan that can be as simple as using an online borrowing power calculator. Lenders typically determine borrowing power by considering factors such as the size of your deposit, your income and any ongoing financial commitments.
Everybody loves to dream big but try to stay within your capabilities. Knowing the amount of money you have and expect gives you a clearer perspective of the process before you start looking at homes. It’s up to you to figure out what are your goals and prioritise.
2. Do I want a house, a townhouse or an apartment?
Buyers can be adamant about their preference for dwelling-type and with Australia running low on housing, you may have to compromise between dwelling type and other aspects of your life.
Your strategies will depend on your choice: do you want an established home, or do you want to build/ renovate one to your taste?
An established home is more likely to have social amenities surrounding it. These are parks, churches, shops, transport, and even neighbours. So, if it is
social entertainment you want, you’ve got it. On the other hand, you can like the environment but not the home, so you need to renovate. Check out the feasibility of renovation before getting knee-deep.
Many buyers have a mix of prerequisites, for example a big block for their kids to play on and want to be within walking distance of a train station. Some buyers want an inner-city apartment to be close to bars and restaurants.
One major item to consider whether the property you’re buying is a short or long-term strategy. There will be life changing situations as for instance, if you’re a young couple looking at apartments and you don’t want to move once you have children, you’ll need to think beyond the requirements of two working adults and size.
A lot of buyers will find it difficult to fast-forward into the future.
3. How do I spend my free time?
If you spend most of your free time curled up on the couch with a book, that couch can be in a home located almost anywhere. But if you’re a gym junkie, a foodie or a parent of active young kids, you’ll probably be looking for nearby amenities to make your weekends more relaxing.
The trick is to figure out where you spend most of your free time. Is it at the park? The local cafe? The gym or aquatic centre? Exploring bush trails? Playing golf? Visiting art galleries and museums? Will the kids need soccer or netball clubs, karate or dance classes?
Some of us need space for hobbies at home; others make good use of local facilities. Make a list of your must-haves and use it to narrow down your preferred location.
4. Do I need to be close to schools, work or public transport?
A short commute to school or work comes down to two main factors: access to public transport and the distance you live from school and work hubs. Access to public transport tends to be a priority for many buyers no matter if they are an owner occupier or investor.
Travelling to work by each day can be very time consuming and no one wants to be in a car for an hour
each way. Many want convenience and everything at their doorstep to enjoy living and lifestyle.
If you’ve got school-aged kids, living close to your will limit your options as you review the local school catchment areas and the boundaries for your property search.
5. Do I need to be close to my network of family and friends?
If you’re not hunting for a home close to friends and family, as your mum helps with looking after the children, or you look after your elderly parents. There are plenty of reasons we choose to live close to our family and friends.
The more distant and disconnected you are from your family and friends will impact your assessments on where you live from being in a country town to living in the city.
6. Is convenience the key?
It’s hard to imaging living without any convenience and the affect on your daily life.
Who does not want to be close to work, school, family, parks, beaches or public transport? We move towards what’s most convenient most often.
In many cases people know what they want but have difficulty prioritising their needs. This can cause stress in deciding the qualities for your lifestyle and change your perceptions of what you want versus what you need.
7. Seek advice
From upfront buying costs to taxes, mortgage applications, interest rates and settlement requirements, there’s a lot of information to review and appreciate before making any big decisions.
Speaking with a mortgage broker can help you understand the buying process, get your finances in order and find the right home loan for your circumstances, contact Alex today on 0419 600 177 or email to alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au.
Disclaimer: The data, information and commentary provided in this publication is of a general nature and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the relevant contributors and should not be construed as specific advice or relied upon in lieu of appropriate professional fax or financial advice. The information in the article is believed to be reliable at the time of distribution, but neither WealthWiz nor its accredited brokers warrant its completeness or accuracy. For information about whether a loan may be suitable for you, call us on 0419 600 177.
@wealthwiz #wealthwizau
WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au
HAWKESBurY race Club will host the $150,000 Provincial-Midway Championships Qualifier (1400m) on Saturday 3rd March, with the first two place-getters guaranteed a spot in the $500,000 final at randwick on Saturday 8th April 2023.
Six Hawkesbury horses have been entered for their home track event, with Jason Attard and Lucy Keegan-Attard nominating ‘reiby’s regent’, ‘Munich’ and ‘Moinda’, Daniel robinson has ‘Karmazone’, Matt Vella has ‘I’m A Legend’ and
Edward Cummings has ‘Gin runner’.
Twenty-four horses in total have been entered, with 16 permitted to start and provision for four emergencies if required.
There will be 8 races on the card, which will coincide with racing at royal randwick on the same day.
There will be live entertainment, great food and racing excitement, Tickets are available for purchase on the day or via the Club’s website www.hawkesburyraceclub.com.au. An allinclusive hospitality package is also available in the Signature Event room, priced at $149pp.
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, (ASBK) Official Test event was run at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) on the 1st -2nd February, featuring alpinestars Superbike, Michelin Supersport, Supersport 300 and the blU crU oceania Junior Cup.
The test uncovered some new gems, reaffirmed the talent of others and set the stage perfectly for the 2023 season of racing. The two days of testing confirmed Josh Waters is going to be a major contender in 2023 and not just at SMSP. he’s a multi-time champion, with the fastest bike in the paddock, and is backed by a team that has multiple championship wins.
The blU crU oceania Junior Cup
had been the first on track on both days; the first to do their track walk with coach Garry McCoy and the first onto the track proper aboard their yamaha r15s.
In 2023, the oJC has a combination of new and returning riders, so the early sessions at a track which many
have never turned a lap at was simply familiarisation and ensuring they stayed rubber side down for the whole session.
It was newcomer riley Nauta who showed out in the early session, with a P1 in session one and P3 in session two in a fine debut, whilst Rikki Henry
stole the overall riding honours from the two days.
Alpinestars Superbike Top 5Combined times: 21 Josh Waters (VIC), 65 Cru halliday (NSW), 1 Mike Jones (Qld), 17 Troy herfoss (Qld), 4 Broc Pearson (Qld).
Michelin Supersport Top 5 –
Combined times: 29 harrison Voight (Qld), 26 Sean Condon (NSW), 1 John lytras (Qld), 49 Jake Farnsworth (NSW), 44 Tom BraMICh (VIC).
Supersport 300 Top 5 - Combined times: 13 Marcus hamod (NSW), 11 Brandon demmery (NSW), 26 Cameron Swain (Qld), 51 Sam Pezzeta (Sa), 25 Brodie Gawith (VIC) bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup Top 5 - Combined times: 36 rikki henry (Sa), 74 Bodie Paige (Qld), 40 hunter Corney (Qld), 42 riley Nauta (Qld), 7 Sam drane (NSW)
15-year old Taimoni ‘diamond’ Pakoti (Blacktown) has been chosen in the australian olympic Weightlifting team, which will be competing in durres, albania in March at the 2023 IWF youth World Championships. already a multiple australian Weightlifting record holder, diamond has been rewarded with her spot on the australian Weightlifting team. diamond began competing in weightlifting as a 13-year old, splitting her time in those early stages between weightlifting and rugby league.
IF the first match on 3rd February is any indication, the Thunder Girls’ T20 Cricket competition in Penrith and featuring teams from both the Nepean and hawkesbury districts provides not only a platform for girls in the region to play fun and friendly cricket, but also charges up Friday night at Jamison Park with a great atmosphere. The four teams participating in the competition, GlenbrookBlaxland Cricket Club, Cranebrook Cricket Club, Freeman’s reach Cricket Club and North richmond Cricket Club will all play T20 Matches every Friday night until March 17.
The Friday night T20 competition came together when Cricket NSW, with the help of the local associations, took the initiative to create a great opportunity to have girls practice their cricket skills together, bringing together those girls who were already playing cricket and those beginning their cricketing journey.
The competition is organised and administered by a female cricket committee, comprising cricket club volunteers, Cricket NSW and members of the Penrith
Junior Cricket association executive Committee.
In particular, a local volunteer, Catherine Pratt, contributed immensely with her time and ideas to reviving the competition. Pratt, who is the event lead for the matches, has been instrumental for the last few years in supporting girls’ cricket at Glenbrook Blaxland CC and also in the representative space with the Penrith women’s teams.
There are two matches every Friday night, starting at 5.30 pm and wrapping up in two hours just before it gets dark.
Players can sign up to play at www.playhq.com/ cricket-australia/register/b89a70 or through any of the current individual clubs.
at the start of 2023, diamond made the decision to commit solely to weightlifting, setting her sights on competing for australia at both the Commonwealth Games and olympic Games in the near future.
diamond is coached and trains at Shred Barbell Club, which is located on Sunnyholt road Blacktown. Shred Barbell Club was started 8 years ago and has an expansive and diverse group of lifters, ranging from 7 year olds through to lifters well into their 60’s. Many of the lifters are National Medallists, with a large number of the Club’s Masters category lifters (over 35’s) medalling at the australian & oceania Masters Championships in Melbourne last September.
results of the matches are being posted on the ‘Thunder Girls Cricket league’ Facebook page and are also available on PlayhQ and MyCricket sites. The chief aim of the competition is inclusion and participation. everyone gets a chance to bat and bowl, and have fun playing the game.
Martin Gleeson, General Manager, Community Cricket experience, Cricket NSW, said “The Thunder Girls’ Competition in Penrith and NepeanHawkesbury services an identified gap in the local cricketing landscape and will be a significant game changer for girls playing cricket in the region, as an opportunity to create pathways for them.”
By Bo B Turner
Blacktown city Fc commenced the Senior Men and Senior women 2023 season in sensational style. in what was dubbed a ‘new Era’ for Blacktown city, Mc Mark Beretta welcomed a group of some 200 players, coaches, supporters and sponsors to the Ballroom at Blacktown workers club. included in the list of speakers were new ‘Principal Partner’ of Blacktown city, walker corporation, new naming Rights partner of the home ground, landen Stadium, and new Stadium owner Momento Hospitality. commencing Blacktown’s 70th season, it was a fitting start to an historic year.
walker corporation cEo, David Grattan, talked about the proud history of walker in western Sydney and the company’s excitement at partnering one of Blacktown’s best sports entities. Marcello colosimo, cEo of Momento Hospitality, followed David to the stage and outlined their plans to not only assist is building Blacktown’s home ground but their after game home at the newly renovated lily’s function centre, now to be called ‘the Star Hotel and Events centre’. Rashed Panabig then took to the stage to announce his company, landen Property Group, would become naming Rights partner to Blacktown’s home ground – ‘landen Stadium’. the partnership with walker, Momento and landen will lay the foundation to build on a great opportunity for the city of Blacktown.
Blacktown city Executive chairman, Bob turner, and Head of Football, Mark crittenden, combined to then announce two new ‘life Members’ of Blacktown city Fc – Vince camera and ken Schembri. Vince camera, owner of lily Homes, basically saved the club back in 2010 when he took over the bankrupt stadium and licensed club. He systematically rebuilt both venues as well as kept Blacktown city Fc on the pitch. Shembri is regarded as one of the best football administrators in the country. He guided Blacktown through difficult times before taking his talents to Central coast Mariners.
Men’s Head of Football, Mark crittenden, announced the players one by one who all displayed the new playing strip for the team. women’s Head of Football, David o’keefe, followed ‘critto’ to the stage and unveiled his new look team that will take to the pitch in their second full season on March 12th.
the Senior Men opened their 2023 campaign four days after the season launch, hosting Manly in a 2022 Grand Final replay. in a sad start to the
evening Blacktown city presented retiring star due to injuries, Mitch Mallia, with a memento of his career. it was an eventful occasion for Blacktown city Football club with Jack o’Brien scoring a superb goal to give Blacktown a 1-0 lead at half time. Blacktown ‘Gun’, Danny choi, missed a golden opportunity to put his side up 2-0, only to have Manly score thirty seconds later to tie the game. the Grand Final reply ended that way with both teams sharing a single point.
the following week, Blacktown city stayed in Blacktown to play the west Sydney wanderers on their home ground. it was an intense and riveting game with Blacktown finding themselves down 2-0 at half-time. leading goal scorer, travis Major, had other ideas and despite his coach, Mark crittenden, being sent off in the second half with a red card, Major came through with two clutch goals to steer his side to a 3-2 win.
Round three of the nSw Premier league competition has Blacktown city back at landen Stadium to host newcomers to the competition, nwS Spirit Fc. Spirit had a win in their opening round over the Bulls and settled for a draw last week against St George. Both Blacktown and Spirit sit on four competition points entering round three. Game time is 5pm, this Sunday, February 19th, at landen Stadium – 5 Quinn ave, Seven Hills! See you there – “your town, your team”!
Go Blacktown city!
Friday, 17 February 2023
129 golfers teed off in the 2023 Stonecutters Cup (an annual Vardon event) at Stonecutters Ridge GC on Saturday 11th February.
The depth and quality of junior players in the Stonecutters Ridge’s Golf Academy was immediately evident, with two members among the major prize winners, including the outright winner, Kade Webber.
Kade has been impressive from the outset of 2023, having marked himself as a player of the future with strong performances in the NSW Medal and the NSW Amateur Championships.
Kade shot an impressive 4-under par round of 67 on Saturday, to record a convincing 2-shot victory over Luke Shahmatov (Long Reef GC), with another of Stonecutters impressive juniors Darcy Mackay a further shot back on 70, in a tie with Sean Ryan (Avondale GC).
The club also holds the Ashlar Bowl, in conjunction with the Stonecutters Cup, which commemorates the club’s origins in the heart of Blacktown,
prior to the move to Stonecutters Ridge.
Josh Bousfield (5) Kooindah Waters won the Bowl with a nett score of 67.
The Stonecutters Cup was also a good warm-up for the Stonecutter’s Major Pennant team, which hosted Camden (Studleigh Park) on Sunday and recorded a good 4.5-2.5 win.
In other news from Major Pennant, Glenmore Heritage Valley maintained its unbeaten start to the season, drawing 3.5-3.5 with The Coast; Twin Creeks defeated Long
Reef 5-2, Dunheved defeated Manly 5-2, Springwood drew 3.5-3.5 with Brighton Lakes, New South Wales defeated Penrith 6-1, Macquarie Links defeated Richmond 5.5-1.5, Palm Beach defeated Wallacia 5.5-1.5 and Leonay had a bye.
In Round 2 of mixed Pennant, Bardwell Valley GC defeated Springwood CC 3-2 and Richmond GC defeated Camden GC (Studleigh Park) 3.5-1.5, whilst in Women’s Grade Pennant, Penrith GC scored a powerful 4-1 win over Royal Sydney.
