Working in a prison has traditionally been a male domain, but women are now a common sight in the wings of Parklea Correctional Centre, where more than a third of officers are women.
one woman who has spent most of her career in corrections is Parklea’s Head of residence Lisa Barrett.
After seeing a TV show about prisons when she was a teenager, Lisa was keen to enter the little-known world of corrections. Facing staunch resistance from her family, she took a more traditional clerical job but couldn’t get a career in corrections out of her head.
“i have a personality that when people say i can’t do something it makes me more determined, so i went for the interview and was successful and graduated from the Corrective Services academy when i was 20,” Lisa said.
Women had only been admitted as correctional officers in male prisons in the mid-eighties, and she quickly realised not all of her male colleagues were happy to have her on the team.
“The male officers automatically thought women were too weak and couldn’t look after themselves. on my first day at Emu Plains, not only was i not accepted by the staff, but the inmates gave me a hard time as well.
“i really had to prove myself before some officers would even talk to me, but that was the culture back then and if you couldn’t handle it, you just left the job.”
Despite the obstacles, Lisa was determined to stay the course.
“i was very determined that i was
not going to let the negativity get to me,” Lisa said.
“i concentrated on my resilience and i always had a sense of humour, which helps on bad days, but i always remained professional and never took anything personally.”
over 30 years, Lisa made her way up the ranks in Corrective Services nSW to become Senior Assistant Superintendent before joining the Parklea senior management team in 2020.
“i progressed to senior roles through study, experience and an attitude to keep going, even when i was told i was unsuccessful for roles. i took rejection as a need for redirection and focused on continuous improvement.”
Despite the hurdles and having witnessed some graphic scenes, such as the aftermath of an inmate murder and helping deliver a baby, Lisa is glad she defied her family all those years ago.
“over the years i have seen many
changes for the better for both staff and inmates,” Lisa said.
“The leadership has changed over the years to ensure staff are very supported and there is a real focus on inmate rehabilitation, which i have always wanted to be a part of.
“Every day is different, and seeing the changes in inmates is what keeps me coming back. Plus, the working relationships you build is a real brother/sisterhood, which you can’t find in other workplaces.”
Women like Lisa have blazed a trail for others to follow, making it much easier and more common for young women to pursue a career as a correctional officer.
rhiannon Laws is one of the many gen Y’s who has joined the almost 300 officers at Parklea. Before starting her corrections career, she was a legal assistant for five years in the medical negligence team at a law firm.
She had been curious about what happens inside a prison, so she finally applied and began her training in
2021. She said people were quite shocked when she told them she works in a prison.
“i think people are taken aback that a small, young female works in a maximum-security prison,” rhiannon said.
She said being surrounded by strong women makes the job easier.
“Being guided and taught by fellow female officers who have worked in this industry for so long provides reassurance that we can work safely and confidently in a prison, as they have so much knowledge and experience to pass on to their newer colleagues,” rhiannon said.
She said she liked her job because every day was different.
“i deal with so many different people every day and no one person is the same,” rhiannon said.
“Working in corrections, but also being in a remand centre, you see all types of people come through and it’s quite eye-opening how different life on the outside is for some people and how they ended up being in here.”
She said if young women were interested in starting a career in corrections, they should take the next step.
“We are seeing more and more young females wanting to step into this role and realising how challenging it is, but if they have the drive to do so and want to succeed, then they absolutely can do that.”
For more information on how to become a correctional officer, go to: www.mtctrains.com.au/careers/ Parklea Correctional Centre is operated by MTC Australia on behalf of Corrective Services nSW.
ThE Seven Hills Festival returns for its second year, with a funfilled day planned for everyone to enjoy.
The festival will kickstart Blacktown City Council’s annual calendar of community events for 2023 and follows on from the success of the inaugural Seven Hills Festival last year.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale oAM invites the community to join in on the festivities at grantham reserve and celebrate what makes Seven Hills great.
“The first-ever Seven hills Festival was a great success, so it is wonderful to see it return this year with fun activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
“i am delighted that Council will also hold a pop-up forum at the festival for residents to speak to myself and their local Councillors about the issues that are important to them.”
The free festival will be held on Saturday, 18 March and will feature
kids’ rides, live entertainment, food trucks and stalls, art and craft stalls, workshops and displays.
“i invite residents to come along, connect with their neighbours and enjoy the fun-filled occasion at one of
Council’s fabulous local reserves.”
2023 Seven Hills Festival
Where: grantham reserve, Mississippi road, Seven Hills
When: Saturday, 18 March, 2023 between 10am and 4pm (Pop up
forum 10.30am – 12.30pm)
Cost: Free
For more information please visit:
2023 Seven Hills Festival - Blacktown City (nsw.gov.au)
StudentS have poured back to Australian Catholic university’s Blacktown campus for a welcome fair and the start of Semester 1, as the university enters the third year of its partnership with Blacktown City Council.
the two entities have just renewed a Heads of Agreement to provide higher education to students in the heart of Western Sydney. ACu and BCC have forged a strong collaboration since the council endorsed ACu’s bid to establish the new campus, which opened to students in 2021.
In that time, residents of Blacktown have embraced the opportunity to attend university in their own community. the Main Street campus attracts students enrolling in university degrees, high school students taking part in pathway programs, conferences on campus that are showcasing ACu research, as well as providing networking possibilities for industry partners.
More than 1,200 students enrolled in more than 30 courses across four faculties have just commenced Semester 1, around double the inaugural cohort. that number is expected to double again over the next few years, with prospects to expand further once a second building in Warrick Lane opens in 2029.
While the campus is taking shape in the centre of town, the university is actively involved in the development of Blacktown exercise Sports and technology Hub – BeSt – at the Blacktown International Sports Park, which will host ACu’s exercise and sports science higher education and research programs.
ACu Campus dean dr Valentine Mukuria said the partnership would continue to flourish in a community that had welcomed it so warmly.
“You only need to look at the bustling campus this week to see what a success this partnership has already been in bringing education, research and growing industry connections right to the door of Blacktown and the greater Western Sydney region. We could not be more delighted with the generous spirit of collaboration and support that Blacktown City Council has extended to us. It has been a whole of community endeavour to bring this concept to life,
and will continue to be a deep collaboration as the next stages of our commitment continue to unfold.”
Sunday 16 April 2023 9am to 2pm
Bring yourself, your friends and your family to our Family Fun Day
Enjoy a Rotary Sausage Sizzle, face painting, balloons, a jumping castle and a bric-a-brac stall
Most importantly, make a $10 donation to our Cord Blood Research Project and walk 2km around THE CAFÉ GREEN
Mayor of Blacktown City, tony Bleasdale OAM said “Blacktown City Council is delighted to have ACu in our city. ACu staff and students help enliven Blacktown city centre, and help enrich our entire community. Our partnership continues to develop, and I look forward to a very bright future for ACu in Western Sydney”. or Use QR Code to donate
the rural Fire service will be on display for the children
The Family Fun Day and Walk is organised by the Inner Wheel Club of Blacktown City, on behalf of Inner Wheel District A53
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By K E RRIE DAVIESUnless you’ve been living under a rock these last few weeks you will have noticed that there is a pending election.
Candidate signs are in front yards, candidates are out and about in force at train stations and shopping centres, and election promises from the two major parties are flowing out thick and fast.
On saturday March 25 we will vote on who will represent us in our local state electorate, as well as who will run our state government, for the next four years.
When you line up at the local school to cast your ballot, spare a thought for those in countries who don’t enjoy the rights we do. We may not all agree on who is the best party or candidate for the job, but living in a free democratic country ensures we always have the right to express what our opinion is, and vote accordingly.
Web: Western News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.
www.wsnewsgroup.com
And if the result comes in differently to the way you voted, I can guarantee the sky won’t fall in. The absolute worst that will happen is that some of the policies you liked the sound of won’t see the light of day. Further to that, whoever is in power might make some changes that you don’t agree with - but again, the beauty of having democratic rights means you’ll get to have a say again in four year’s time.
We live in the greatest nation in the world, in the greatest state in the country. Make your vote count!
Five Blacktown City lifeguards at Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope have received NSW Royal Life Saving’s highest honour for saving a man’s life after he suddenly collapsed and went into cardiac arrest during a game of basketball.
The lifeguards were called to assist with the emergency situation last May, when they found the man unconscious, unresponsive and not breathing.
After contacting emergency services, the quick-thinking lifeguards performed life-saving CPR on the man for up to 15 minutes, used a defibrillator and gave him emergency oxygen while they waited for paramedics to arrive.
Their heroic actions helped the man’s breathing return by the time ambulance crews arrived and took him to hospital.
By the following day, the man had made a miraculous recovery, thanks to the swift response by the lifeguards at the centre.
Paramedics praised the lifeguards and staff who rendered emergency first aid to the man and stated: “There was no doubt that the actions of the team on that evening saved this man’s life”.
Last month, the lifeguards
were commended for their efforts at the NSW Royal Life Saving Commendation Awards at Government House in Sydney.
These awards acknowledge members of the community for their acts of ‘outstanding initiative, expertise and empathy towards their fellow human beings by applying lifesaving skills in emergency situations’.
Blacktown lifeguards Craig
Felstein, Jerome Golledge, Adrian Rossi, Hamish Wilson and Jaime valencour were presented with certificates of commendation.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM applauded the men for their actions: “There is nothing more rewarding than knowing your efforts helped save someone’s life.
“The staff at Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope are extremely deserving recipients of this award.
“The outcome of this incident could have been very different if it weren’t for their level-headedness and initiative during a high-stress situation.
“They should be extremely proud of their actions that saved a life that day.”
The lifeguards also received a values Award from Blacktown City Council in recognition of their actions.
Blacktown city council has named Quakers Hill storyteller and mentor Emie Roy as the 2023 Blacktown city woman of the Year.
Ms Roy was selected from 22 outstanding nominees and received the special honour at council’s annual International women’s Day Breakfast on wednesday, 8 March.
Mayor tony Bleasdale oaM said the nominees were all deserving recipients of the award and demonstrated significant commitment to their work and community.
“on International women’s Day, we come together to celebrate the strength, the leadership and the achievements of the women and girls in our community,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“Blacktown city council marks International women’s Day to celebrate the successes and achievements of women, but also, to spotlight the challenges and issues we must continue to address.
“the Blacktown city woman of the Year for 2023, Ms Roy, is deeply passionate in her storytelling and documenting the lives and challenges of women, in particular, in western Sydney.
“Ms Roy is the founder of ‘the Stories Untold’, a platform through which she shares stories about the lives of people in Blacktown city and beyond.
“Mr Roy is a dedicated voice for the Blacktown city community and her work is a testament to the passion she has to spotlight issues and start important conversations.
“I congratulate Ms Roy and the 6 finalists on their hard work and dedication.”
In 2022, she curated and co-edited the book, ‘the light at the End of the tunnel’, a collection of stories about the pandemic from people across Greater Sydney.
Ms Roy wrote and directed the documentary ‘Unlocked’, which explores how the pandemic changed
the lives of 4 people living in western Sydney.
She is also a mentor and speaker, who inspires women from diverse backgrounds, by challenging traditional gender stereotypes.
Deputy Mayor and chair of the Blacktown city women’s advisory Committee, Councillor Julie Griffiths, said council was deeply committed to improving the lives of women and addressing the issues which affect women’s health, safety and quality of life.
“the thriving communities of Blacktown city are home to more than 200,000 women and girls, with females making up just over half of our City’s population,” Cr Griffiths said.
“this International women’s Day urges us all to embrace equity, as a means to achieve real gender equality.
“Greater representation and participation of women, equals more equitable outcomes, that more accurately reflect the needs of our community.
“on International women’s Day and every day of the year, I urge everyone
to play their part in advocating for a gender equal world.
“challenge gender stereotypes when you hear them. call out discrimination when you see it. and seek out inclusion wherever you can.”
2023 Blacktown City Woman of the Year finalists
Bindu Khattar
Bindu contributes to the local community by helping and working with all types of people from different cultures and backstories.
as a migrant woman, she is able to connect with people of various cultures by working with them and helping them adapt to australian society while creating space for them to share their culture.
She teaches English and works with refugee children to help them feel comfortable in their new home.
Danielle Rawnsley-Galistan
Danielle is a cancer survivor who established creative Groundz Studio in lalor Park as a community artist. the Studio has grown over the years as a not-for-profit venture, with a free weekly food bank and elder’s group.
She works with people with disabilities and mental health issues to make therapy dolls to support victims of trauma and abuse.
Danielle is a dedicated organiser of key events in lalor park, including local anzac services, naIDoc Day and Sorry Day events, as well as the lalor Park carols.
Tamika Worrell
tamika is an inspiring young First nations woman who advocates for issues affecting her community.
She is a community leader who is undertaking her PhD while working fulltime. She works with First nations students to achieve their goals and realise their potential.
tamika is an empowering pillar of positivity and has been described as one of the most ‘deadly’ and inspirational First nations community leaders.
Kylie Smith
kylie works tirelessly in Blacktown city for the suicide prevention program, Safe Space, using her own lived experience to help others in distress.
In 2014, kylie founded ‘Embracing arms Peer Support community’, a safe and welcoming platform which connects people experiencing mental distress.
In 2022, she was named the 2022 commissioner’s community champion by nSw Mental Health commissioner catherine lourey. She was also recognised at Blacktown city’s Disability awards as the 2022 Inspirational Person of the Year.
Lua Rose Pellegrini
lua makes an outstanding contribution to her community by serving on 3 Blacktown city council advisory committees.
She was the chair of the nSw Youth advisory council in 2021-2022 and supports the MURRaY-toola DaMana community Preschool.
lua is passionate about Indigenous education and, as a proud wiradjuri woman, mentoring young Indigenous women in schools.
The $300 million Rouse hill hospital is a step closer, with the first sod turned and early works set to commence in coming weeks.
health Minister Brad hazzard, local Members of Parliament and representatives from Western Sydney Local health District and health Infrastructure joined in the significant event in bringing world-class health care to Sydney’s north-west communities.
The milestone was celebrated with a smoking ceremony by Uncle Colin Locke to cleanse the area and ward off any “bad” spirits and purify the area both physically and spiritually.
“Growing communities from Rouse hill to North Kellyville, Castle Hill and Marsden Park will benefit immensely from having this world-class, purposebuilt hospital right on their doorstep,” Mr hazzard said.
The community were thanked for its valuable
input into the planning and design of the state-of-theart hospital, which features innovative care models.
Further consultation with the community and health staff will continue to ensure this new $300 million Rouse Hill Hospital delivers first-class services that best serve the community.
Ford Civil has been engaged to deliver the enabling works for the hospital development, with main works construction to start following the completion of designs and planning approvals.
Mr Ray Williams MP said it’s an exciting time as early works to establish the site get underway on the site, located at the corner of Commercial Road and Windsor Road.
“The community can expect to see activity on site in the coming weeks, including in-ground works with the installation of water, electricity and gas services,” Mr Williams said.
“
The new Rouse Hill Hospital will complement the expanded health services at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals and Westmead Hospital, ensuring comprehensive high-quality health care throughout the north-west.
The master plan for the hospital was released late last year, providing a first look at the building’s location and convenient access to public transport, retail and community services, as well as the potential for future expansion.
The NSW Government is investing a record $11.9 billion in health infrastructure over the four years to 2025-26. Since 2011, the NSW Government has spent more than $18 billion delivering more than 180 health capital projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway.
Project website: www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/ projects/project-search/rouse-hill-hospital
Heading into a home World Cup year, there’s no better time than now to register yourself or your child to a football club in Blacktown. With 24 clubs, each run by dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making sure anyone and everyone can have fun out on the pitch. Girls and women encouraged. The BDSFA have prioritised the development of female football in 2023, most prominently including the introduction of the Women’s Premier League, in tandem with Nepean and Hills Football Associations. Our commitment to equality of opportunity and outcome means that we have always gone above and beyond to ensure that our female footballers are encouraged to continue playing year after year. We regularly host community events such as the Female Footballing Festival, where all female teams play at our home complex, Blacktown Football Park, and we ensure each mother is given a rose for Mother’s Day and has the opportunity to take professional-quality photos with their teammates and/or daughters on their special day.
if you’d like to play or want to start your child on their footballing journey, there’s still time to register to a BDsFa club. go to registration.DriBl.com/search/ & type in your suburb to find which club is closest to you!
PrEGNaNT women and new mothers experiencing mental illness will have access to specialist care alongside their babies at the state’s second purpose-built Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) at Westmead Hospital in the Westmead Health Precinct.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor visited the new facility and the unit’s specialist team on Tuesday 28 February in anticipation of the full operation of the unit next month.
The new state-wide facility is designed to keep families together when a mother requires hospitalisation for a severe perinatal mental illness.
The eight-bed unit, based at redbank House on the Westmead Hospital campus, will be staffed by specialist perinatal health professionals who can attend to the mental health needs of the mother, as well as facilitate appropriate care of the baby and promote positive mother-baby interactions.
The new unit will enable up to 120 women each year to receive specialist
multi-disciplinary mental health care providing access to maternity, obstetric, paediatric and other medical services.
The state-wide service will be available to western Sydney residents, as well as those from other metro, rural and regional areas in NSW. Each bedroom is large enough to accommodate a mother, their baby and a partner, and has been specially designed to meet different levels of care.
The unit will also offer patients a landscaped outdoor area for exercise, relaxation and family visits and will also include space and equipment for antenatal care, a 24-hour respite nursery, a parent craft room, a retreat room, and consultation and group therapy rooms.
The unit has been co-designed with women with a lived experience of mental illness, their families and clinicians to ensure it meets the needs of women who will access the service, as well as create a family-friendly environment.
Professor Bill Brakoulias, Mental Health Executive Director at Western Sydney Local Health District, said the Westmead MBU is a welcome addition to the mental health services delivered in Western Sydney.
“Greater Western Sydney is a rapidly growing region with the highest birth rate in NSW,” Prof Brakoulias said.
inpatient units have been delivered or are underway in albury, Blacktown, Broken Hill, Campbelltown, royal Prince alfred, Nepean and Tamworth. Westmead Hospital has been providing specialist care to women and babies from New South Wales since 1978 and more families choose to birth their babies supported by Westmead Hospital staff than any other hospital in NSW.
This project is another major investment in mental health for Western Sydney communities, with the NSW Government also committing $460 million towards a new Integrated Mental Health Complex at the Westmead Health Precinct.
“
The proportion of women receiving antenatal care in the first trimester is high and regular antenatal care is associated with better maternal health in pregnancy, fewer interventions in late pregnancy and positive child health outcomes.
The Westmead Mother and Baby Mental Health Unit is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program. New
“I HavE three boys and I experienced perinatal depression and anxiety with my first two sons.
after the birth of my second child in December 2018, I was admitted to St John of God Mother and Baby Unit at Burwood Hospital. It was a truly transformative time for me, and I credit my quick recovery to being admitted there.
Following my stay, I was shocked to learn that at the time, it was the only facility of its kind in NSW. In mid-2020, I became a consumer advocate for the Mother and Baby Unit project at Westmead Hospital.
I am so proud of what we have been able to achieve on the project and it was amazing to finally see the unit in person during the NSW Premier’s visit.
Knowing that there is now another facility with people who understand what a mother struggling with
perinatal mental illness is feeling is what motivated me throughout this project.
I know one day, I will be able to tell my children and grandchildren that I contributed to that building, and I just hope it goes a long way in helping other mothers emerge from the other side of perinatal mental illness stronger, wiser, and more capable mothers.”
– Emma Britton is a wife, mother of three, special education teacher, advocate for those with perinatal mental illness and had the honour of cutting the ribbon to mark the unit’s completion on Tuesday 28 February 2023.
‘Humans of the Hospital’ is dedicated to the inspiring humans working at Westmead, Blacktown, Mount Druitt auburn and Cumberland hospitals in western Sydney.
EvEry child in NSW will gain a financial head-start under a life-changing Liberal and Nationals plan to futureproof the finances of generations to come, giving them the best start to life.
Premier Dom Perrottet said this is the most significant financial security investment in NSW history.
Under a re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government, every child in NSW aged 10 and under in 2023and continuing each year with every newborn child - will be eligible for a Kids Future Fund account, which will receive a $400 starting payment from the Government.
Parents will be able to contribute to the fund each year, with payments matched by the Government up to $400 per year, with interest also earned over time.
Once the child turns 18 they will be able to withdraw from their fund – which could be worth between $28,000 and $49,000 per child – for either education and housing so they can begin to secure their own financial future.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said this landmark initiative is the first of its kind in Australia and will help provide financial security to an entire
generation.
“This investment will change the lives of millions of children in NSW forever, Mr Perrottet.
“It will give generations to come the financial foundation for their entire life.
“By making small investments over time, we will be able to grow the wealth of our children so they can secure their financial future through education and housing.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government recognised parents and carers worked hard to do their best by their kids and set them up for the future.
“This is a way for families and Government to work together to invest in the next generation – from their first steps to their first home and first career,” Mr Toole said.
“As a Government, we’re not just tackling cost of living pressures now, we’re creating better opportunities for tomorrow.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the Kids Future Fund was an investment in the dreams and aspirations of the children of the State.
“We know that long term financial
security starts by saving early and letting compound interest work its magic,” Mr Kean said.
“It shouldn’t matter who your parents are or where you live – every child across NSW should have the financial security to pursue their own ambitions, contribute to their community and build a better life for themselves and their loved ones.
“Just as superannuation gave a generation the means to end their careers with dignity, the Kids Future Fund will give the next generation the financial platform to embark on their careers with confidence.”
The Kids Future Fund:
• Each fund will receive an initial $400 contribution provided by the Government when it is created.
• Each year, the child’s parents will be able to contribute up to $1,000 per year to the fund. The Government will match these contributions up to $400 per year until the child turns 18.
• If parents make a contribution of $400 each year, alongside the Government’s co-contribution, the fund is expected to be around $28,500 by the time the child turns 18.
• If parents contribute the maximum amount of $1,000 per year, the fund is expected to be around $49,000.
• For families receiving Commonwealth Family Tax Benefit A, the Government will automatically contribute $200 a year to the child’s account without requiring a matched contribution from parents.
• If the parents also contribute $200 each year, the Government will match this with an additional $200.
• Contributions can be made to the fund after the child turns 18, however the Government will not provide any further matched contributions.
• When the child turns 18 they will be able to draw down on the fund for only two purposes:
- Housing – e.g. a contribution towards purchasing a residential property
- Education – e.g. textbooks and other learning materials, laptops, private tuition fees, micro-credentials, tools required for getting a qualification
• The fund will be open for children aged up to 10 years old (in the 2023 calendar year). From 2024, new accounts will only be created for newborns.
• There are around 974,000 babies and children aged up to 10 years old in NSW in 2023.
• There are around 100,000 babies born in NSW each year.
ACROSS
1. Leased (9)
6. Not white (5)
9. Reverberating (7)
10. Completely (7)
11. Ruminations (7)
12. Acrobat or tumbler (7)
13. Tiara, crown or derby, for example (9)
15. Anagram of “Toots” (5)
16. Mend (5)
19. Captivate (9)
22. Frenzied (7)
23. Gives information (7)
25. Gracefully slender (7)
26. Modifying text or film (7)
27. Abominable snowmen (5)
28. A seductive woman (9)
dOwn
1. Whipping, clotted or ice (5)
2. Inability to understand language (7)
3. Diluted (7)
4. Furies (5)
5. Pharmacists (9)
6. In good time (7)
7. Side-by-side (7)
8. A metric for typing (9)
13. In a positive expectant manner (9)
14. Not wasteful of time (9)
17. Buses or commuter trains, for example (7)
18. Weiners (7)
20. Impose something unpleasant (7)
21. A company that flies passengers (7)
23. Small intestine (5)
24. Heroic tales (5)
In January 1896 an accident happened to Railway Guard Frederick William Hainsworth. Fred was born in 1849. In the History Page in July, 2022, I wrote about him coming to Australia on the ship ‘Elamang’ arriving at Sydney in March 1877 and employed by the nSW Railway Department as a porter at Bathurst where he married Annie Devany and they moved to Penrith in 1878. Their family cottage was in Belmore Street. Fred was employed as a guard on the railway here. Fred’s accident happened at Bathurst when the train started leaving the station and a door was still open and he went along the side and closed it but was caught and wrenched off the train dropping onto the open bridge and killed. His body was brought back to Penrith by train and he was buried in St Stephen’s Cemetery at Penrith. His son Hugh Frederick born in Bathurst in 1878 followed his father to work on the railway. In november 1903 an accident happened to an Irish man named John Gunn as he was taking a short cut, being in a hurry to meet the train at the Medlow railway station and while crossing the line he was not aware that the train was so close. His death was instantaneous and his body was frightfully cut up from being dragged under the train. Hugh was 25 and at the inquest said he was a fireman on the No 31 down train and employed by the railway department and was arriving in the train at Medlow. When a quarter of a mile away from the platform he was looking in that direction and could see the line was perfectly clear and he heard the driver sound his whistle as usual. He had nothing more to do as the steam was shut off and he was keeping a sharp lookout. He saw no one approaching and knew nothing about anyone being run over until the driver sang out to him “is he out” and the only thing he saw was the hat of John Gunn fly out from the side of the line and he noticed the driver had applied the Westinghouse brake at the same moment he called out to him and they pulled up in about 40 or 50 yards. He then remained in charge of the engine while the driver went back to see who was run over. Fast forward to 1917 and an inquest in the Penrith Court House on the death of Hugh who died from injuries received from falling from a railway engine in October. At the inquest Harry Edwin Field said he was a fireman in the employ of the Railway Department as fireman on No.1 Passenger Mail train that left Penrith about 9 pm and Hugh Hainsworth who was wearing a cap that night was the driver. He said Hugh was speaking to him shortly after passing Emu Plains Station about the dirty state of the coal, and about half a mile to the Glenbrook tunnel he missed him and thought he must be on the footplate looking around the engine but did see him leave the cab. They reached the tunnel and he knew Hugh would not be on the footplate going through there and because Hugh had not reappeared he drove on to Glenbrook and reported the matter to the Night Officer. He knew drivers went out on the footplate to investigate as occasionally the donkey engine might cease working which meant attention was needed. The night was fairly dark and they were travelling about 15 miles an hour, so Hugh could leave the cab easily and he was attending to his own work of keeping a look out as there was plenty to do. He had known Hugh for about two years and he was a man of very temperate habits and we had been friends since and it did not strike him that he could have stopped the train when he
first became anxious about Hugh at the tunnel but being so near to Glenbrook he thought it wise to go straight on there. He qualified as a fireman and could drive the engine. Hugh was in good spirits on the trip and did not appear depressed in any way and he could not suggest any cause for the accident but Hugh might have been leaning over to pull the water range down or looking to see the side of the engine and over-balanced himself; or more probably been leaning outwards from the engine and tender with his back towards the engine. This is a common practice with drivers and there is a regulation that the driver should watch to see if the train is following properly but he was fully occupied on the trip and therefore did not notice Hugh’s disappearance. James Riley said he was a Railway ganger and on the night he was awakened at 9.30 pm and he was informed that Hugh Hainsworth had been lost off a train somewhere between Emu Plains and the tunnel, so he got on his tricycle and searched and he found the body about 11 p.m., more than 3 miles from the tunnel, lying on the downside of the line and 4 ft from the rail. He lifted Hugh onto the tricycle and Hugh said “I am done,” being the only words he spoke. He brought him along on the tricycle half a mile and got a mate to put Hugh on the double tricycle and brought him to Emu Plains where he went to ring up Dr Higgins and Hugh was taken to the Hospital. The next morning, he returned to the scene and found a cap, and looking at the cut on the right side of the cap he thought Hugh must have been looking back to Emu Plains when he was struck, and he must have been struck hard and held on for a while and then fallen off. Where Hugh’s body was found the sleeper at that spot had hair and blood on it showing that he had fallen on it. Wesley Thomas Cavanaugh the Railway Stationmaster at Emu Plains said he was there when Hugh was brought to the Station then unconscious and he saw the examination by Dr Higgins and presumed Hugh was coming around the projection at the time of passing Hall’s Bridge and he would have 9 inches less of space and his theory was that Hugh had been returning from the side of the engine to his cab in a stooping condition when he struck the post that corresponds with the cut on the cap. Dr Higgins said that he went to Emu Railway Station and examined a man in a very critical condition and recommended his immediate removal to the Hospital. On his arrival he discovered a fracture of the skull about 3 inches long and he was suffering from shock at the time and practically pulseless, but two days later his condition did not improve and an operation was undertaken to release the pressure caused by a depressed fracture, but some hours later he died. The cause of death being probably due to a laceration of the brain and haemorrhage and the depression on the skull was more than likely caused by coming in contact with the sleeper where the body was found, and the injury to the skull was across the back of the head and not the side. The Coroner’s finding was Hugh Frederick Hainsworth at the nepean Cottage Hospital, Penrith, died from laceration of the brain and haemorrhage consequent thereon, the result of injuries accidentally received at Emu Plains whilst driving no. 61 down Mail train.
Sources: Nepean Times, Mountaineer Katoomba, Ancestry, NSW Registers of Coroners’ Inquests, Australian Birth Records, Australian Death Index, NSW Deceased Estate Files-Probate, Family Search (Mormon website).
Alex Soncini
An alt documentation loan (alt doc) or a low documentation loan (low doc) are mortgages that can be taken out using different sorts of paperwork to the kind needed for a full documentation (full doc) loan. Self-employed borrowers, who can find it difficult to provide standard documentation as proof of their income, often use these sorts of alternative loans.
The low down on alt doc loans
Once upon a time, a ‘low doc’ loan was just that: a mortgage that could be taken out using less documents to get it. But, after the global financial crisis (GFC) and the tightening up of lending rules that came after it everything changed.
After the GFC in 2008 the introduction of national Consumer Credit Regulations in 2009 changed how low doc loans could work. One of the most important parts of it was that a lender can’t lend to a customer unless they (the lender) have met what are called the ‘lender’s responsible lending obligations’.
This means that today every loan has to pass a test that says the borrowers are in a position to manage their loan repayments. As a result of this rule, low doc loans became quite a lot like regular full documentation loans. The main difference being not the amount of documents but the type of documents that can be used as evidence to satisfy a lender’s loan
suitability and credit assessment criteria. That’s why they get called Alt Doc.
If, for example, you can’t provide up to date tax returns, some big non-bank lenders will consider that you can provide alternative income documents to support your loan application. When they assess your ‘Alt Doc’ application some of the things they will look for are:
• Has your business been ABN registered for at least 6 months?
• Has your business been GST registered for at least 6 months?
• Business Activity Statements (BAS)
• Bank Account Statements
• An Accountants Letter.
Of course, different home loan products need different levels of supporting documentation. For this reason, the best thing to do is to talk to us. We’ll go through the income verification documents you do have, talk to you about what the options are and work with you to find a home loan provider that meets your needs.
If you’d like more information on alt doc loans talk to us today about how we may be able to put you in touch with a lender that can help if the major banks say ‘no’ to your loan application. Contact Alex on 0419 600 177 for advice to help you navigate the loan market for selfemployed borrowers.
Muddy Flats Polo Club in Richmond
was the host venue for Goulburn Polo Club to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the first Polo match played in Australia on Saturday 4th January, albeit 3 years overdue thanks to floods and Covid.
The match also celebrated the life of four brothers, who would take Australian Polo to England and the uSA, achieving great success and renown.
In 1930, Goulburn Squares and Goulburn Stripes played against each other, at a time when Australia had a population of just 7 million people and a cricketer don Bradman was only at the beginning of his legendary career.
Jim Ashton, Bob Ashton, Geoff Ashton and Phil Ashton were the sons of James and Helen Ashton, living on a property called Markdale, near Crookwell.
The boys developed a passion for Polo and played for Goulburn.
On the Friday before match weekends, they would walk their horses the 80km from their property Markdale to Goulburn, each driving up to 15 horses apiece, then return home on Monday following the completion of the tournament.
Jim was the undisputed boss of the group, described by his son Wal as ‘very strict and hard working’.
Bob was a ‘horse whisperer’ and could tame any horse he was placed on. He did however suffer from a legendary shocking temper, said son Tim.
Geoff was very relaxed, a good athlete and certainly the most gifted rider, said son Geoff. But he did not always have the best horses as his best mounts were often comandeered by Jim and distributed among others.
Phil was a nice man, physically
tough but quite reserved in temperament, said daughter Cathy.
As a group, the boys were extremely close and formed a formidable combination at Polo.
In 1929, an invitation was made at the behest of uS President Roosevelt, thanks to a meeting with father James Ashton, to take an Australian Polo team to Long Island, USA. The boys planned to go on the trip and subsequently sell their horses to recoup the cost of the trip and of course make a profit. The Australian Polo Association were dubious and the boys put up the challenge - if they defeated Harden, who had beaten them on 19 previous occasions, in the Final of the dudley Cup, they would form the nucleus of the Australian team.
The boys won the Cup on this occasion and were never beaten by Harden again.
The organising committee subsequently chose a team of 6 players but left 2 of the brothers (Jim and Phil) out of the team, resulting in the subsequent withdrawal of Jim and Bob and the cancellation of the trip.
The Ashton brothers subsequently self-funded their own trip to England, where they would play in the London season in 1930 and defeat the strongest team in England at that time, the Hurricanes.
The trip to England was, of course, by ship and was planned methodically. A training box was erected on the main deck, so the horses could be
exercised regularly and not lose too much condition.
The worst moment on the trip was just after they exited the Suez Canal and entered the Mediterranean Sea. Freak waves almost took one of the horses and then Phil was also lucky not to be washed overboard.
The brothers went on to win the Whitney Cup, the Rainier Cup and the Indian Empire Shield, then were runners-up to the Hurricanes in the Hurlingham Challenge Cup, with their style of play described as ‘a revelation’.
The end of the season should have been a triumph but it was the onset of the Great depression and the Ashton’s were unable to sell their horses, which was going to be a financial disaster and possibly the loss of the family home, Markdale.
An offer to come to the uSA was made and the four boys packed up their kit and horses and travelled to New york, where they would play in a series of events on Long Island.
The Ashton’s won 5 of their 7 games and also dazzled on the social set, rubbing shoulders with celebrities such as Bette davis and Adele Astaire (sister of Fred).
uS philanthropist Larry Sandford set up an auction for the brothers, climbing out of sick bed to be there in support.
An enormous crowd of 800 people attended the auction and ‘they wanted to pay top dollar for the Australian horses.
ultimately, the horses sold for
THREE local golf clubs have won semi-final matches on Sunday 12th March and will all play in Finals on Sunday 26th March, at a course to be advised.
Stonecutters Ridge defeated Ryde-Parramatta 4.5-2.5 in a division 2 SF, led by its impressive array of junior talent. Ryan Cadle won 2&1, Jacob Carpenter won on the 21st hole, daniel Williams won 4&3 and Kade Webber halved his match to elevate Stonecutters into the division 2 Final and also promotion to Division 1 in 2024.
dunheved lost 4-3 to Cromer in the other SF, which will see
Cromer advance to the division Final and also win promotion for next season.
Richmond defeated Royal Sydney 4-3 in division 3 and will now move on to the division Final on 26 March, and be promoted to division 2 in 2024.
Glenmore Heritage Valley defeated Palm Beach 5-2 in division 4 and will now play in the division Final, in addition to being promoted to Division 3 in 2024.
Wallacia GC played Carnarvon in a division 4 Relegation match, losing 5.5-1.5. Wallacia will now drop back to Division 5 in 2024.
There was also great news locally in the 2023 Golf NSW Women’s Major Pennant, with two
of the region’s top young golfers qualifying to play in the division 1 Final.
Concord won 4-1 over The Lakes, with Grace Lee (Glenmore Park) playing #3 for Concord and winning 5&3. The Australian won 3.5-1.5 over St Michael’s, with 12-year old Camilla Kim (Kellyville) playing #5 for The Australian and winning 2&1. Concord and The Australian will meet in the Final - details TBA.
In Women’s Grade Pennant, Penrith appears to have a stranglehold on the title in division 4, following a crushing 5-0 defeat of Cumberland on March 10. Penrith play bottom-placed Moore Park this Friday, then host the final round of the competition on 24 March.
uS$77,600 (uS$5,000,000) in today’s terms to ensure the Ashton’s could pay off their travel debt and mortgages on their individual properties.
In 1937, the four Ashtons returned to England to play in the Hurlingham Challenge Cup, where they would defeat England’s current #1 ranked team ‘the Jaguars’ 9-7 to win the Cup.
The historic reenactment of the Goulburn Squares vs Goulburn Stripes was played in front of an impressive crowd of 250+ people and was widely acknowledged as one of the best Polo games of the season, with Squares prevailing by a single goal.
On hand at Muddy Flats for the match were several descendants of the Ashton brothers, including Wal Ashton and Toby Goodman, both playing in the Goulburn Stripes team.
Windsor Polo Club’s first tournament of the season was an unforgettable weekend of thrilling polo action, marked by the return of enthusiastic players and over 22 teams competing.
The winning teams were: 4-Goal Pool A: Arunga - Mark Greig, Ben Jones, dylan Jones, Thomas Martin (substitute Fletcher Thew); 4-Goal Pool B: Classic Safari Company- Julie McIntosh, Shannon Booth, Ray Bruce, Aiden Nunn); 0-Goal: TRFd PoloJack Raval, Tim Berry, Pete Handbury, Adam Meally; Subzero: M Polo - Tim Berry, Kim Mcdougall, Adam Sims, Ed Matthies; Groom’s prize - Sarah Nunn (thank you to LJ Thoroughbreds for sponsoring).
Blacktown city Fc faces one of their toughest opponents this Sunday, March 19th, when they host Sydney olympic at 3pm at landen Stadium. these two teams went head to head in the 2022 playoff run with Blacktown city downing Olympic on penalties in last year’s finals. It will be a tough affair for both teams as they are coming off losses in Round 6.
Sydney olympic started the 2023 season on fire winning their first three games in succession. Unfortunately this was followed up with three straight losses, the last one against the wanderers 3-2. they will be a determined outfit to take on their rivals away from their home at Belmore Oval.
Blacktown city went down to arch rivals Marconi Stallions 2-0 last Sunday. Blacktown were coming off two straight wins over Mt Druitt 4-1 and Central Coast Mariners 1-0 but found Marconi waiting to host the defending champions on their home turf. tragedy struck Blacktown early when striker charles Mendy left the game after three minutes with a groin strain. injuries have not been kind to Blacktown with Mitch Mallia and Danny Choi already out for the season, captain Matt lewis still yet to hit the pitch and Striker Jordan Smylie taking up a contract to play in iceland. adding to coach Mark crittenden’s woes was a hamstring injury to captain Mario Shabow prior to the game against Marconi.
Marconi struck early to take a 1-0 lead in the first half and doubled that lead in the dying minutes of the first half to take a 2-0 lead into the break. neither team could score in the second half as Marconi held on for the win. Both teams now sit in 4th and 5th place on the ladder with a 3-1-2 record after six rounds.
Blacktown city women opened up their 2023 season last Sunday in the best possible way with a clean sweep over Marconi in all grades. The Under 14’s 15’s, 16’s and 20’s all opened their season win wins over the strong Marconi club. The Senior Women concluded the sweep with a 2-0 win over Marconi in their home opener on Sunday at landed Stadium. next up for the women are the camden Tigers who defeated the South East Phoenix 4-3 in a high scoring affair. Head of women’s Football, David ‘Dok’ O’Keefe, has made tremendous
advances in building the women’s programme in two short years.
In off field news, Blacktown City FC have commenced promoting their ‘Momento Grass Roots training Programme’ & walker Schools Programme. Both programmes will be free of charge thanks to sponsors walker corporation and Momento Hospitality and delivered by the Blacktown City coaching staff and players from both the Men’s and women’s teams. these programmes are regarded as two of the most innovative football programmes developed and delivered by any football club.
In particular, the Momento Grass Roots Training programme is a 100% FREE grassroots football
development program for 5yo-11yo boys and girls in Blacktown who are currently not playing in a SAP program. Commencing in late April, Over 50 young future Socceroos and Matildas have already signed up for the first wave of an eight week coaching session. The target over a full year is 1,000 young girls and boys to experience this unique programme.
Next Home Game – Blacktown City FC hosts Sydney olympic, Sunday, March 19th at landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills. Game time is 3pm with the Under 20 Men at 1pm. See you there!
Go Blacktown City!
Friday, 17 March 2023
AmAssive crowd was in attendance as the Hawkesbury Race Club kicked off 2023 in style with the running of the Polytrack Provincial/midway Championships Race Day on saturday 4 march.
Locals moved on from the trials and tribulations of Covid and floods in the past few years to attend a fantastic day of racing and entertainment.
“We are thrilled with the response we received from the local Community, as well as racegoers
from far and wide,” stated Hawkesbury Race Club CeO James Heddo.
“After a break from racing over the Christmas period, the interest and support we received for this race day is a clear indication of what we can achieve in 2023.”
The day included music from the James Brothers, as well as the TAB Time Trials activation, where one lucky racegoer won $500 after proving to be the fastest jockey on the day.
On the racetrack, local galloper Phearson capped off a wonderful day by winning the $150,000 Polytrack Provincial/midway Championships Heat,
thus qualifying for the $500,000 final to be run at Randwick on saturday 8 April.
Hawkesbury Race Club has a busy period of racing coming up over the next few months, including another saturday racing event on 1 April, before the Clubs biggest race day of the year, the Richmond Club Hawkesbury Gold Cup Race Day, on saturday 22 April.
“We have big plans in store for this year’s Cup Day event, and last Saturdays race day fills us with confidence that the 2023 Hawkesbury Gold Cup will be our biggest and best yet,” said Heddo.
