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Friday, 18 August 2017
ISSUE 41
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FIND THE CURE Purchase a daffodil or volunteer on Daffodil Day - August 25 - to help the Cancer Council fund research to find a cure for cancer.
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Western News 18 August 2017 Issue 41
Bleeping tolls have been switched on By Keegan Thomson
AUGUST 15 was D Day for all the western Sydney locals who use the M4 toll. After years of knowing it was coming, it is finally here. Motorists who commute from western Sydney to the city for business or for pleasure will now be faced with a toll of up to $4.56 with larger vehicles copping a potential toll of nearly $14. Mayor of Blacktown City, Cr Stephen Bali, has lashed out at the State Government for unleashing the tolls on a road that isn’t even fully complete. “Tolling has started on the M4, and Western Sydney is paying for what should still be free,” Cr Bali said. “The area of Sydney that can least afford it is paying a financial penalty because we have a bad public transport system.” Councillor Bali said the State Government is more concerned about creating profits on the toll road than it is about giving western Sydney a fair go. “Western Sydney has made its opinion clearly known, yet the NSW Government simply rides roughshod over our concerns, preferring to provide profits to toll companies than provide its citizens with an effective public transport system,” Cr Bali said. “Toll operator Transurban, in the last financial year, generated $2.1 billion in toll revenues and a net profit of $209 million,” he said. Western Sydney locals could be slogged more than $2000 extra each
A map of the new toll section of the M4. Photo: Google
year if they chose to use the M4 daily all the way from Parramatta to Homebush, the Mayor said. “The M4 will cost commuters an extra $2,016 a year, which is going to force many families to cut back on other areas of household expenditure in order to be able to get to and from work,” Cr Bali said. “The part of Sydney that is most poorly served by public transport is being penalised for having to drive to work.” On the same day, the Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres announced a slew of new trains to run on the T1 Western Line between Penrith and Central.
“We’re simplifying how the Western Line operates by reducing the number of train merge or crossover points, allowing us to increase rail service frequency and provide more reliable trips,” Mr Ayres said. According to the MP, Western Sydney T1 Line users will get more Parramatta and Sydney CBD express services with up to 20 express trains per hour in peak periods or a service every three minutes. “Customers between Penrith and Doonside will also enjoy double the amount of services on weekends and late at night, meaning a train at least every 15 minutes,” Mr Ayres said. “These improvements are a
significant increase in capacity to help reduce crowding and improve convenience for customers.” The issue of the tolls on the M4 and the angst it will cause drivers also had MP for Chifley, Ed Husic fired up. “Western Sydney motorists are the most tolled motorists in the entire country,” Mr Husic said in a speech to Parliament. “They are being robbed blind by tolls. And disgracefully things are set to get worse. “Tolls just make life harder for people who are already commuting long distances and pay more for transport. Enough is enough with these tolls,” he said.
DreamWorks Trolls in town for St Marys Spring Festival
Gather the kids because the DreamWorks Trolls are going to be dancing their way through St Marys for the upcoming Spring Festival. On September 2nd 2017 families will flock to Queen Street, St Marys for the annual Spring Festival. Ideal for kids and parents alike, the day will be filled with food, carnival rides, grand parade and entertainment as well as a very special appearance by
the DreamWorks Trolls, Poppy and Branch. You will have the chance to meet the DreamWorks Trolls on the day at 10:20am, as well as watch their magical show at 9:30am and 11:30am. Make sure you’re in Coachmans Park if you want to be part of the action. Make sure you are around for all the fantastic fun to be had with the mystical, marvellous Trolls.
Western Sydney patients urged to keep EDs for emergencies Westmead Hospital’s general manager is reminding the community to only attend busy western Sydney emergency departments for conditions that pose an immediate health risk. Mr Newton said some ailments, including minor aches and pains, toothache and minor cuts and bruises, could be treated by a local GP or medical centre. “While some of these conditions may require medical attention, they are not emergencies,” Mr Newton said. “We want people to be mindful that emergency departments are for lifethreatening emergencies and consider whether their illness can be treated by a local doctor instead.” Last week, Western Sydney Local Health District emergency departments experienced a 20 per cent rise in ambulance presentations, compared with the same time last year. Mr Newton said many presentations were a result of record high flu numbers and a recent gastro outbreak across NSW. “Our emergency departments are busy places and our highly trained doctors and nurses are doing a tremendous job helping to ensure patients are seen on time,” he said. “But we are asking the community
to do what they can to help keep our EDs free from congestion, so that medical staff can quickly attend to people with life-threatening illnesses or conditions.” Given the spike in flu and gastro cases across the state, Western Sydney Local Health District is also urging people to stay home if they are sick. “Wait at least 24 hours after your fever or gastro resolves
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before returning to work to lessen the chance of infecting other people,” Mr Newton said. “If your child is unwell, avoid taking them out unless it’s to see a doctor. Keep them away from school and other activities, too.” If people feel unwell, they should visit their GP or phone Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
4 Western News 18 August 2017 Issue 41
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From the Editor’s Desk by Kerrie Davies AS a nation we collectively do a lot of moaning and groaning about our health system. Thankfully, I’ve been lucky enough to not need much healthcare during my life, but I’ve recently been exposed to many facets of it due to my mother’s illness. Many readers would be aware that a mass was found in my mother’s lung some months ago, and the journey from a cancerous diagnosis to the cancer-free tag she now proudly wears, has been a challenging one. First it was a major operation to remove the mass and half her lung. All covered by medicare by the fabulous surgeon, Dr Flynn at Nepean Hopital. Complications followed when Mum developed pneumonia and spent a month in the intensive care unit, but she was cared for by the most patient and caring nurses and doctors - and the cost again was covered by medicare. Finally she was discharged on home oxygen - a cost borne by the government. Her recovery hasn’t been much fun for her - an operation of that magnitude at 75 years of age is quite an ordeal. We’ve had doctors doing home visits on a regular basis - all covered by medicare. And now that she is finally starting to get better and is cancer free, we are told by a visiting healthcare representative that the resources now available include home help, welfare checks, in-home physio, people who will take her shopping, help her shower, prepare meals and the list goes on. If you got an illness like this in the majority of countries in the world, the truth is you’d be left for dead. Australia really is the lucky country. We should really try to limit our moaning to the things that really are bad, and take some time to appreciate and salute the things that are really very very good! Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au
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Donate blood to save lives Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali is calling on residents to roll up their sleeves and donate blood as part of the annual Red Cross Red25 Council Blood Challenge. The Council Blood Challenge is run by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and encourages staff and residents from local councils to donate blood between July and September. NSW council blood donations throughout this period are tallied against each other with the most blood donations from the one council winning the challenge. “So far Blacktown City Council’s tally is 34 donations to the Red Cross,” Mayor Bali said. “This is a good start, but I encourage and challenge everyone who is able to do their bit. “Donating blood doesn’t take long and you could save three lives in the process.” Mayor Bali, who donated blood last month, has set a goal of 100 donations, which could save 300 lives. “Tamworth Council, with a population a fraction of Blacktown City’s size, has 81 donations so far,” he said. “Our Council has won numerous awards for our parks, environment and arts programs, just to name a few.
Surviving Suicide
Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali donates blood with help from Red Cross nurse Darshan Madhukanth Shah.
“Taking out the Red Cross Council Blood Challenge with a life-saving cause at its heart would arguably be our proudest achievement yet. “So come on everybody: roll up your sleeves, help us win this worthy challenge, and help save lives.” The challenge is open to anyone who lives or works in Blacktown City. Simply tell the nurse in the Red Cross centre that you’d like your donation to count towards ‘Blacktown
City Council’s Red25 Group’. Red 25 refers to Red Cross’s goal of achieving 25 per cent of the blood donations needed by Australia. The Red Cross blood donor van will be at Blacktown, Rouse Hill, Minchinbury, Plumpton and Marsden Park over the next few weeks. For more information on van locations and dates visit www. donateblood.com.au/donate#find-adonor-centre or call 1300 886 524.
‘A safe and therapeutic support group for people whose lives have been impacted by suicide’ Fortnightly FREE Support group at Hawkesbury House partnering with Western Sydney Suicide Prevention and Support Network. Time: 9.30am to 11.30am Hawkesbury House www.hawkesburyhouse.com 6 Christie Street Windsor The groups will meet on the following date: August 22 September 5 September 19 October 3 October 31 November 14 November 28 December 12 RSVP is appreciated on 02 4577 6454. Readers requiring support or information about suicide prevention can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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The G Spot
AM I the only one that has the head shaking moment? You know when you look at someone and besides fantasising about shaking the living crap out of them and giving them an uppercut, you’re actually wondering if there is anything remotely logical happening between the walls of ones ears? Ground control to Major friggn Tom, check ignition engine light is on? For those of you who have grown to know me and get into my G spot more and more; meaning as avid readers of my column aptly called the G spot, let’s do a quick summary recap and overview, You know that I hate shopping (Tick), I detest drunken boneheads who think that that this planet was designed and centred around them, when in fact the only planet suitable for inhabiting (big word) these wonderful folk, is….. Uranus (Tick),
I once arrested a woman with a frozen chook between her legs (Double tick), OH and last but not least, I know my stuff when it comes to security. (The crowd goes wild, triple tick). Now, call it what you may, selfabsorption or self-gratification, but yes, I do know what I am talking about when it comes to the security world. So that brings me to the next subject, let’s have a quick look at cheap crap over better crap when it comes to selecting the equipment such as cameras for your house or business. Clearing throat and grabbing another wine. This is the serious part, so I have my serious typing face on. A few months ago I was asked to complete a quote for CCTV, which basically means surveillance cameras for a home or business. Did the quote, completed the job. End of story. NEXT!
With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security
Don’t get me wrong, I believe in competition, I believe in getting the best value for money. I truly do, because I too, am a consumer in this world as well. And whilst I am not going to divulge the brands of the equipment, the mind friggn boggles when people go with quotes for cameras that have less value than Tonka toys. Seriously, three-ply toilet paper would have more life than these and maybe more clarity (who knows). I reckon stapling your mother in-law and a few friends that you hate to your external architraves would provide better surveillance (Until they starved to death of course, then an upgrade may be required). All I can say is please do your homework, look up the brands on the net, look at the reviews and look at the name. This particular one quote (not
mine), the cameras would not have even cashed in at 10 bucks a pop. It is as simple as that. The more, I, let’s just say... grow older, I can’t believe what people skimp on and splurge on. A designer bag holds more weight than healthy food and so on and so on, security is one of those things that is an after-thought. I guess, the thing that I have to be extremely thankful for is that my G spot column is all about real life experiences and this my loyal fans, is another experience that I have survived and been able to write about. So there you have it, the chicken was cooked when we pulled it out, drunken boneheads belong in Uranus, I still hate grocery shopping, do your homework when shopping for alarm systems and cameras and no hated friends or a mother-in-law were injured during the writing of this column.
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For goodness sake, just grow up! with TP Throughout life you come across a wide variety of characters. Some are good, some are bad and some are just downright pathetic. What is it about certain people and their need for constant praise? They just love hearing how wonderful they are and seem to thrive on comments like “Oh what a fabulous job you have done!” It’s like it’s an elixir of youth keeping them alive. And then there’s the online trolls who seem to relish in getting involved in other people’s business and calling them all the names under the sun as well as commenting on how someone raises their children. Seriously? Who has time to worry about other people’s lives? Maybe spend some more time with your own family rather than commenting on others. These are particularly disturbing traits in older women who should really know better. They don’t seem to have ever grown up and their behaviour would be more suited to that of a Prima Donna in a school yard. Many seemingly decide to “assist” others in order to be recognised for their work and not to get pleasure from the deed itself. Often this habit is coupled with an insatiable need to tell everyone,
how brilliant they are. This they hope will also illicit the life-giving praise. This “look at me, look at me” syndrome must surely be more to do with an appallingly low selfesteem - or worse you have come face-to-face with a narcissist. These people are completely incapable of seeing another’s perspective and can only see that they themselves are correct, they literally believe that they are superior and you would be deemed a fool by them if you dared to see them as anything but amazing. They also have an inability to take criticism and will become very aggressive and hostile if you dare do call them to account. Back to the pathetic characters. This one is the most woeful character type. They are the online trolls who were most probably the schoolyard bully that never grew up. You know the type, they are weak in person but happy to lambaste anyone with a different opinion. They are happy to wish someone dead and even incite them to take their own lives. This is a most despicable act and yet there they are free to wreak havoc on society. Really this is a message to narcissists and trolls to grow up!
Shopping with a conscience By Keegan Thomson
BARGIN HUNTERS and eco warriors alike are lining up to jump onboard the next Blacktown City Op Shop Bus Tour. This exciting new venture by the Blacktown Council is helping to promote ethical, eco friendly and sustainable shopping, whilst giving people a hand to improve their own personal style. The bus tour takes shoppers to a number of different op shops across the Blacktown area and gives a little insight into the world of fast fashion and the ecological affect that the consumer driven industry has on our environment. Nadine Venturato, the Sustainable Resources Engagement Officer at Blacktown City Council, said op shopping can have a dramatic affect on helping the amount of clothing that goes into landfill. “It is about reusing, recycling and returning what we don’t need anymore to the community,” Ms Venturato said. “It is important to support Australian industries and to fight the environmental impacts of it,
particularly because our country is so beautiful.” Ms Venturato, who is a regular op shopper, said one of the great impacts of op shopping is that it stimulates the local charity economy and can even help out the less fortunate in our region. “All of the money raised at charity shops and op shops goes back into the community,” she said. “They help supply much needed clothes and household goods for people in our community who need emergency relief.” The growth of fast fashion and the rise of international brands and outlets
in Australia has brought in a new culture of shopping, Ms Venturato said, but the op shops are helping to take an active stance against the wasteful impacts of the fast fashion culture. “Charity op shops are competing with fast fashion right now. These days it is just as cheap to buy a new outfit as it is to buy yourself some lunch,” Ms Venturato said. Lara Cross, a fashion consultant and designer, is heading off with the tour bus to help offer up some wisdom on the benefits of op shopping and will be on hand to help choose the perfect outfit. Ms Cross says the clothing that
makes it into the op shops are all curated to the highest regard. “The stuff that makes it into the op shop is always amazingly high quality. They never put anything out that has holes in it so what you’re buying is the best,” Ms Cross said. “The sheer variety is wonderful and the price point is really good. These are curated businesses and the proceeds go to charities so there are lots of positives that come out of it,” she said. Ms Cross said her personal wardrobe is made up of around 90 percent op shop and vintage clothes, and she advocates that op shopping is for everyone. “There are some wonderful pluses in terms of financial, environmental and social impacts on you personally and on the community,” Ms Cross said. “These are clothes and shopping experiences that are made to make you feel good about yourself and your purchases,” she said. If you want more information on any of the Blacktown Council’s events, or you’re interested in joining the next op shop bus tour, you can head on over to their events page at www. eventbrite.com.au/o/blacktown-citycouncil-7049258799
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Blacktown wins Inaugural Arts Award Blacktown City Council’s innovative Australian Hip Hop history project has taken out the inaugural Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Award, presented by Local Government NSW (LGNSW). “The late Leo Kelly OAM was a passionate supporter of the Arts and was instrumental in the creation of Blacktown Arts Centre,” the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said. “It is a wonderful tribute to his lifelong commitment to local government that a major arts prize should perpetuate his legacy. “That the first award should go to a Blacktown City Council project shows his legacy is being maintained.” The award was received by longstanding fellow Ward Two councillor Julie Griffiths, who said that Cr Kelly was inspirational in regards to his involvement in the local community. “He was a firm believer in ensuring that residents were involved in council decision making at all levels. “He was extremely supportive of the role the arts played within the community, and this was highlighted only recently when we unveiled the new suburb sign for Glenwood. “Cr Kelly worked alongside students from the local high school to
John and Janet Kelly, Councillor Julie Griffiths, Blacktown City Council Arts Manager Jenny Bisset, Councillor Moninder Singh, LGNSW President Keith Rhoades and Councillor Susai Benjamin.
help them realise their vision for the community.” The award was presented at a ceremony by Cr Kelly’s wife Janet and son John. “I am extremely proud and honoured that Leo’s commitment to the arts will live on through this award which is now recognised by councils throughout the state,” Mrs Kelly said. “It’s lovely that this has happened, but Leo himself would think this was all too much fuss, which in a way
makes it all the more meaningful to his family.” LGNSW President Keith Rhoades said it was fantastic the independent judges selected Blacktown City Council as the award winner in the 70,000-plus council population category. “Leo was a long-serving councillor on Blacktown City Council, and was instrumental in creating the Blacktown Arts Centre,” Clr Rhoades said.
“He continued to support the arts throughout his life, through the Blacktown City Art Prize and scholarships for local artists. “I know he would be very proud that the council he served so faithfully have won the very first Leo Kelly OAM Award.” Curated by Kon Gouriotis and Paul Howard, It’s Our Thing featured works from 14 hip-hop and graffiti artists who were active during hip-hop’s heyday in Blacktown in the 1990s. Art by highly acclaimed international artists Joseph Beuys, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol were included in the exhibition to show the artistic influences on Sydney’s leading artists. The exhibition also included performances, paintings, graffiti (both at the Centre and throughout the Blacktown CBD), video displays of female hip-hop performers from the 90s to now, and a rare original piece by visual artist Unique, last displayed in 1992. “The history of Australian hip-hop is firmly ingrained in the streets of Blacktown,” Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said. “This exhibition celebrated that legacy and its profound influence on Australian art and music culture.”
Celebrate at the Tregear family festival Local talent and community spirit will be celebrated at the Tregear Festival, organised by the Tregear Festival Committee and Blacktown City Council. Visitors to the free family fun day on Saturday 26 August will enjoy singing, dancing and live music from local artists. There will also be face painting, showbags, free rides, hot food and market stalls selling a range of wares including clothes, candles and jewellery. “The Tregear Festival celebrates the community spirit that is alive and thriving in our great district,” said Deputy Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Tony Bleasdale. “The Tregear community and its story dates back to 1871 when John Kings Lethbridge bought land in this area. “Mr Lethbridge built a fine homestead, which he called “Tregeare” after his great uncle’s property in England – now known as Tregear. “But, the Tregear Festival is much more than about celebrating the local community and its history. “It also provides a great opportunity to showcase local talent and community pride.” Performances on the day include; Tregear Public School, Shalvey Community Centre Dance Group,
Deputy Mayor Tony Bleasdale with Shalvey Community Centre dancers Cylina Evans, Demi-lee Measures, Kaitlyn Evans and Alearah Donovan.
Blacktown City Community Band and Nadia’s Performance Studio. Cr Bleasdale encouraged everyone to show their support for Tregear at the family fun day.
“The Tregear Festival is a great day out for the whole family, and best of all – it’s free. “Tregear may be a small suburb but it knows how to put on a great fun
day.” The festival will be held on Saturday 26 August, 9am to 3pm, at the corner of Aurora Drive and Wilkes Crescent in Tregear.
Council catch up with Keegan Thomson
COUNCILLOR Linda Santos is a first term Councillor, a businesswoman and a lawyer who is fighting for a better life for all the citizens of Blacktown but particularly the people who’re struggling with family violence and mental health. She is an advocate for women’s rights and within Council she is is trying to combat the hive of domestic violence that is bubbling away in some areas of Blacktown. Speaking from her first hand experience as a lawyer, Cr Santos said there are people who are stuck in cycles of domestic violence and yet they don’t even know it. “If parents are engaged with domestic violence it affects the whole family. For example if the mother or the father are more aggressive you will note that the children will follow suit,” Cr Santos said. “It is a cycle and we must be doing more to break this cycle.” Even though she isn’t on Blacktown Council’s committee fighting against domestic violence, Cr Santos said she has a number of ways she would like to personally help curb the intergenerational and cultural family violence. “Blacktown being a very multicultural place, I thought it might be a good idea to educate people of different backgrounds and cultures,” Cr Santos said. “In some cultures sadly domestic violence is seen as a normal thing and people don’t speak out because they think it is just a fact of life, so we need to combat this. “I would happily host education
sessions and seminars on law and domestic violence so we can stop this terrible scar on our city,” she said. Another issue Cr Santos would like to help stamp out is youth suicide and the ways in which the youth view issues of mental health and depression. Being very critical of mass media representations of youth suicide, Cr Santos says there are programs, films and books that glorify youth suicide. “I think there are a lot of issues because of the exposure of violent programs of young people who don’t understand the ramifications around suicide,” Cr Santos said. “Young people are very emotional and can be very impressionable. They think this is all normal but these levels
of violence isn’t normal. “Some of the young people don’t understand that once you’re dead your dead, there is no second chance with suicide,” she said. To help promote a positive youth mental health Cr Santos wants to see a greater focus on young people on the Council’s agenda. “We need more arts and craft programs so young people can express themselves a bit better,” Cr Santos said. “If they don’t want to go to school, because of the issues that school can sometimes bring up, they should be encouraged to do a trade. “Because trade is very expensive we should look at ways of helping people out with those things and we
should be promoting further education outside of school,” she said. Blacktown Council is visibly partisan, with the divides between Liberal and Labor standing strong in the Council Chambers. Cr Santos made note this partisanship within the Council. “This partisanship, sadly, is reflected on all levels of government,” she said. Denying that the partisanship was a bad thing for the community, Cr Santos said differences of political opinions can always be put aside so that the people of Blacktown can benefit from the Council’s decisions. “It isn’t very helpful but we still have a common goal, we still work together despite the partisanship. It would however be healthier if we forgot our politics sometimes,” Cr Santos said. Councillor Santos has only been in her role as a Councillor for around 10 months yet she said she’s loving the fact that she can do something that can help make Blacktown a better place for everyone. “I love working together in Council, despite the partisanship, and I love working with the administration,” Cr Santos said. “I love competing with the different Councillors to help make Blacktown a better place for all the people, new citizens of the city and older ones too.” Correction: Last fortnight we said Cr Benjamin was “a Sri Lankan born Aussie” but in fact he is an “Indian born Aussie”.
Pet perks for pensioners pay off Blacktown City Council has helped hundreds of struggling residents take better care of their pets following a generous program of pet discounts. Council offered pensioners and lowincome owners free pet microchipping and low-cost cat and dog desexing throughout July. “Thanks to the program, 944 cats and 248 dogs were desexed and microchipped,” Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali said. “Research shows desexing pets decreases the chances of developing certain types of cancers and infections, while microchipping means lost pets can be easily reunited with their owners.
“Overall, pets will live longer and happier lives thanks to this work.” The program was a joint initiative of Council, the Office of Local Government and the Animal Welfare League designed to help struggling families and pensioners look after their pets. Mayor Bali thanked the AWL volunteers and vets who took part in the program. “The AWL is in urgent need of more support and I encourage people to donate so that volunteers can continue their important work, especially coming into cat breeding season in the next few months,” he said.
Dr David Burrell and vet nurse Kimberley Eurell-Newell taking part in the desexing program.
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Aussies flying the flag abroad
By Ben Cranney
When you meet an Aussie overseas, there’s almost an assumed kinship. ‘Oh, you’re Australian? Me too! We’re best mates now!’ You make plans to meet up every second weekend once you’re back home, despite living further apart than Paris to Istanbul. Or, you meet them and think ‘bloody hell, do we have to pretend to be friends just ‘cos we flew here from the same continent?’ Sometimes, you won’t have heard the accent for a while, and you’ll think ‘geez, no, do we...no we don’t sound like that, surely?’ And then you open your mouth. Other times, you’ll even turn it up a bit. In Tennessee, I was roped into giving a lesson to seven year old know-it-alls about Australian wildlife. With a
strong accent, everything immediately became more legit. ‘Y’all have crocodiles the size of a bus?’ ‘Ken oath we do.’ Another time I was put on BBQ duty in London, just because I was Australian. Everyone wanted to hear my accent, which was just as well, because they then didn’t pay attention to my poor barbecuing skills. Just to be safe, I cooked things slowly so that a few drinks went by and what was an average sausage became the best meal ever. Sometimes people push us into our Australian stereotypes. A Canadian fellow fell in step with us at the full moon party in Thailand. ‘Where are you from?’ he asked. ‘Australia’ I said. ‘Oh, Australians. F@&$. Bastard, f@&$, f@&$, f@&$.’ As I started to explain that we don’t all speak like that, an Aussie bloke jogged past yelling ‘oi, ya bastards, f@&$en wait up!’
Maybe the circumstances mean you’ll claim things that we’d like to be Australian. At a Kiwi Aussie wedding, we played ‘which country is better’. Clearly, it’s Australia, because we have Pharlap, pavlova, Sam Neil and Brad Thorn. Other times, you’ll try and hide your Australianness. While enjoying a drink (the only Foster’s I’ve ever had) in one of the city squares in Seville, Spain, a fellow in a singlet, thongs and boardies walked up to bar and leant over to order a drink. And threw up all over the bar. ‘If anyone asks’ my wife said, ‘we’re British.’ Or when the Australian couple in a rug market in Northern Mexico shouted in very slow English to the local lady who spoke English as a second language better than most Australians do as a first. ‘If anyone asks, we’re Kiwi’.
The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel DON’T GO CHANGING Usually I have absolutely no idea what I am going to write for this column until a couple of days, or sometimes even hours, before it is due, but something always happens to give me inspiration albeit occasionally a bit last minute. This week the idea came from my glamorous blonde friend Jenny. Her husband had been ill for a long time and sadly passed away at the end of last year. He had been bedridden for most of that period and had been nursed at home. Once she started to recover from his death, she needed a project and decided to renovate her home, especially the rooms where Tom had spent his final, very difficult weeks. I could quite understand this as I had the same reaction when my first husband died. Changing the rooms helps you to forget a little the distressing memories and to remember the good times more easily. Anyway, Jenny set to the renovations with gusto and for part of the time could only cook with a microwave whilst the kitchen underwent a makeover. She couldn’t wait to get cooker back and the one thing she really wanted was bacon and eggs. As soon as she could get into the kitchen, she blew the dust off the frying pan, cooked her supper and carefully put the spatula back on
the work top. Just as she was walking to the table carrying her yummy supper, before her astonished eyes, the spatula jumped back into the pan, flipped a load of oil on her new blinds, did a couple of somersaults and landed at her feet spraying her with hot oil. Our conclusion was that Tom was not happy with the renovations and was letting her know that he was still there. I have found that it is not that uncommon for ghostly inhabitants to get their feathers ruffled by change.
Back in England, David and I lived in a very old house, part of which dated back to the 16th Century. When we bought it, it had been on the market for ages because it needed so much work doing, but we were never ones to shirk a challenge. Part of the problem was an infestation of woodworm in the oldest part of the house, so a couple of days after we moved in, the woodworm man arrived to get rid of the pesky little critters. This involved ripping up floorboards releasing about
four centuries worth of dust and dirt to such a degree that when we had a shower in the tiny bathroom in the attic - the only one with any hot water at the time - we left footprints in the dust like Robinson Crusoe and Man Friday. Before we had signed any contracts, I had obviously checked the house out for strange presences and had found it totally peaceful and benign. Well, that was about to change. Not only was the dust let loose, but a whole host of spirits emerged. Once you went into that part of the house, you could feel them watching you with great suspicion and muttering darkly amongst themselves. I did my best to convince them that the wreckage was only temporary and things would be back to normal very soon, but even once the woodworm had been despatched and the house made beautiful, they were not happy. They didn’t make too much of a fuss but when they got a bit bored did tend to give a bit of a scare to the occasional overnight guest. Usually we all got on together okay, that is until we uncovered the secret room. But that is a story for another time. The Unintentional Medium is available online or at all good book stores.
Art prize entries open
Melissa Chaney (Blacktown, NSW) Winner – Local Artist Prize, Winner – Highly Commended
Entries for the 2017 Blacktown City Art Prize are now open. Now in its 22nd year, the Blacktown City Art Prize is a highly valued art prize, with cash prizes of $20,000 and acquisitive awards. Local, regional and national artists are invited to submit entries in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media. The winner of the Blacktown City Art Prize will receive $15,000. Three supporting prizes will also be awarded: • Aboriginal Artist Prize ($2,000) • Local Artist Prize ($2,000) • People’s Choice Prize ($1,000). “The Blacktown City Art Prize has been a key cultural event for over 20 years,” said Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali. “It showcases the breadth of artistic talent coming from the Blacktown region and beyond, and demonstrates Council’s commitment to art and culture playing a major role in the life of our city.” Jane Giblin from Lutana in Tasmania was awarded the main prize last year for her bold watercolour and mixed-media painting, Lilu Stands to Izzie. “Being the first Tasmanian recipient of the Blacktown City Art Prize was most gratifying. Just to be a finalist was a great honour,” said Ms Giblin. Blacktown artist Melissa Chapman’s Irrational Logic received a Highly Commended award, and the Local Artist Prize. Melissa’s “compelling” 3D work demonstrated “artistic skill and flair”, said the judges.
This annual exhibition has built a reputation for showcasing the creativity of the region and elevating the profiles and careers of the finalists. The Blacktown City Art Prize also celebrates the creativity of local young people through an environmentallythemed Children and Young Artists Prize. This section is open to 5 – 15 year olds who live or go to school in the Blacktown Local Government Area. Selected works will be exhibited at Blacktown Arts Centre from Saturday, 2 December 2017 - Saturday, 27 January 2018. Entries for the 2017 Blacktown City Art Prize are now open. Entries close at 5pm on Tuesday, 10 October 2017. Enter online at www.blacktownarts. com.au. The fee is $26.00 per entry with a limit of two entries per artist. Photography, film, video and installation works will not be accepted. Full terms and conditions are available www.blacktownarts.com.au. The 2017 Blacktown City Art Prize is proudly supported by Ford Land Company, Westlink M7, Blacktown Workers Club and Blacktown City Council’s Sustainable Living program. KEY DATES • Entries close | 5pm on Tuesday, 10 October 2017 • Announcement of finalists | Monday, 30 October 2017 • Official opening | 2 pm - 4 pm on Saturday, 2 December 2017 • Exhibition dates | Saturday, 2 December 2017 - Saturday, 27 January 2018
11 Western News 18 August 2017 Issue 41
localnews
westernhistory
12 Western News 18 August 2017 Issue 41
S
Seven Hills
even Hills, popularly known as ‘Sevo’, is a suburb of the City of Blacktown. When white man first arrived, the district was covered in open forest. A clan of the Dharug tribe, probably part of the Toogagal or Toongabbie clan, were the original inhabitants of the land. the Weymaly (Warmuli) or Prospect clan was the other local Aboriginal group. On 22 April 1788 - within four months of the settlement at Port Jackson - Governor Phillip and party reached Prospect Hill, from where they would have seen what was to become the suburb of Seven Hills. The first land grant in Seven Hills, then in the district of Toongabbie, was 60 acres (24 hectares) granted to John Redmond, an ex-marine, by Lieutenant- Governor Grose on 1 April 1793. Within a few years other portions of the forested land were granted to ex-convicts, emancipists, retired soldiers and a handful of free settlers. Tracks crisscrossed the land between neighbours’ properties and many of these early tracks became roads. By 1800 the name Seven Hills and become recognised for the district, particularly the land on either side of the recently built Hawkesbury Road (Old Windsor Road). The following was printed in the Sydney Gazette on 3 July 1803: “His Excellency [Governor King] during his last visit to the outer settlements, has given directions for making a more convenient road to Hawkesbury from Parramatta, by which the mischief occasioned to horses and carriages from crossing the Seven Hills will be totally removed.” The actual seven hills are situated along the Old Windsor Road between Westmead and where today’s road intersects Northwest Boulevard, Bella Vista. In 1819 much of the land on the eastern side of Seven Hills Road South, part of what was known as the Prospect Commons, was granted away by Governor Macquarie. There was not yet a clear defined area for Seven Hills but the name had spread southwards to include the 1819 land grants. When in 1863 the railway line was built to the south of Old Windsor Road, the name transferred to the new railway station and cemented the name of the growing village. Early agriculture and orchards were very much part of Seven Hills. John Macarthur owned a farm at Seven Hills from 1801 until May 1821, when the land was returned to the Crown as part of a deal to give Macarthur more land at Camden. He bought it from a fellow officer of the NSW Corps, Major Joseph Foveaux, along with over 1000 sheep grazing on 2020 acres (817 hectares). With Macarthur spending time
by Jack Brooks
in England on more than one occasion, his wife Elizabeth managed both the farm and the breeding of sheep at Seven Hills and other properties they owned. However, she had a special affection for the farm at Seven Hills which she fondly called ‘My Seven Hills Farm’. It can justifiably claim to be one of the first major Australian sheep breeding farms. The outstanding results later achieved at Camden with fine merino sheep only followed Elizabeth’s sterling efforts at Seven Hills. Seven Hills in the 1830s was a firmly established farming community but the shale soils were reported to be ‘worn out by European farming practices including infertile due to the lack of manure and fertiliser and it was increasingly difficult to cultivate grain crops. Many early settlers had planted small orchards and vineyards for their own personal use, and experience eventually showed that these provided a better return for their labours than grain crops. By the 1860s a large portion of Seven Hills was planted out with fruit trees, particularly oranges as the hills provided good natural drainage for fruit growing. Stone fruits soon became popular, although they required more attention. When the railway line came through Seven Hills in 1863 the fruit could be picked and transported to market quickly , a major advantage for Seven Hills orchardists. Many of the remaining stands of timber were felled in this period for railway construction, fuel and domestic use. .....to be continued
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Alex Soncini
The perfect property at an affordable price - it’s not a myth
So you’ve found your dream home, but it’s in need of a little TLC. While others may see this as a deterrent, this is actually a great opportunity to nab the house of your dreams at a price tag that’s within your means. Here’s how to tactfully negotiate the price without ruining your chances of securing the property. Tip #1: Never enter a negotiation empty-handed Whether it’s hiring inspectors for a building and pest report, or obtaining quotes from tradespeople, obtaining facts and figures will give you ammunition when requesting a price reduction. “Even if it costs you extra, it’s worth getting all the information before making your offer. People often underestimate how much repairs will cost,” says the real estate agent. Tip #2: Separate your emotions The most tactful way to negotiate is to eliminate all emotions, advises the real estate agent. “Try to separate yourself from the outcome and present your side logically. The owner is under
no obligation to accept what you offer, no matter how well you present your points. So if things don’t go your way, being negative won’t do you any favours.” Tip #3: Remember this is someone else’s house Negotiation is a two-way street, so in order to come to an agreement, concessions will have to be made on both sides. “Try to understand what is important to the owner,” advises the real estate agent. “What can you offer to counteract the price reduction you’re after? Perhaps a longer settlement period so they can find a new home? It’s little enticements like this that can often be much more valuable than a couple of extra dollars.” Tip #4: If you don’t ask, the answer is always going to be no “I’ve heard a lot of weird and wonderful requests when it comes to purchasing a house, so really you can ask for anything. Whether or not it will be accepted is another thing,” advises the real estate agent. From wanting certain fixtures
included in the sale price, to extra inspection requests, you won’t know what the owners are happy to give if you don’t voice your desires. However, before you go wild with requests, think about what is most important to you, as realistically the owners aren’t likely to budge on everything. “In theory, you can inspect a property as many times as you like. In practice though, it will depend on your agent’s availability and whether or not the owner is currently living in the property,” says the real estate agent. “You might put off the owner if you are constantly disrupting their day, so as an alternative
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CRO S S W O R D ACROSS 1 Retaliatory strikes (14) 10 Gawked (5) 11 A musical instrument with 3 strings (9) 12 Breadwinners (7) 13 Willingly obedient (7) 14 Sag (5) 16 Lenient (9) 19 Apparently (9) 20 Get to one’s feet (5) 22 Punches of sweetened milk and eggs (7) 25 Unrestrained (7) 27 Dancer (9) 28 Due (5) 29 Sins (14)
down 2 Deliberate (2 words) (9) 3 Gentle push (5) 4 Stamping (9) 5 Afflicted (5) 6 Gossipers (9) 7 Steep high face of rock (5) 8 Type of onion (7) 9 Concurred (6) 15 Inmates (9) 17 Fantasies (9) 18 Radiation (9) 19 Ice containing milk (7) 21 Senility (6) 23 Helmet shaped (5) 24 Move about rapidly (5) 26 Native of New Zealand (5)
solution 4/8/17
13 Western News 18 August 2017 Issue 41
realestate
sport
14 Western News 18 August 2017 Issue 41
Magic continue great performances Western Magic - Round 16 DIVISION ONE UTS came into the game two points above the Magic in fifth spot. Whoever won this game would expect to remain in the finals. One milestone was reached with Kent ‘Nugget’ Weir playing his 100th at Trumper, a much smaller ground that was very different to the Magic’s usual playing style. UTS came out hard with the intention to be physical as they tackled in numbers. This provided difficulties to run without an arm wrestle. Regardless of the pressure the boys kept to their game plan and built a small lead. The game remained tightly contested as the three goal lead at three quarter time was too close for the team’s liking. The Magic dominated in the final quarter, packing on another eight goals and five behinds to UTS’ zero. A match against Parramatta next week finishes the season, with a win securing a finals place and possibly elevation to fourth. MAGIC: 17.13.115 UTS: 6.8.44
WOMEN’S Last weekend the Women’s side took on UNSW/ES who were a team built around stifling tactics. The girls came prepared this time around. After a closely contested opening the Magic got behind their game plan and slotted several majors. The second quarter mimicked the first as the girls to a 74 point lead into the main break. The Magic continued running with the low player count of 18 and chose to play 18. Running back into the wind the girls
continued to play exceptional football. The teamwork around the midfield presented some of the best passages of play all year. The last break found the Magic in front by 96. The Magic didn’t let up in the last and ran out dominating the entire game. Special mention to the backline, who nullified all attacking plays from the Uni side. A great win with great momentum going into finals. MAGIC: 17.14.116 UNSW/ES: 0.0.0
RESERVE GRADE Reserve Grade travelled down for an early game against Sydney Uni, who lost the previous weekend to the much lower placed, Manly. The boys knew that the Uni side would come out firing, expecting to gain back some momentum after their lost, and they did. Sydney Uni applied strong pressure and attacking runs keeping the Magic backline constantly on their toes for the entirety of the game. Midfielders, Dan Hurwood, Tyler O’Neill and Zac Godden attempted to repel any attacks, but were constantly overrun from the speedy opposition, who always appeared to boost their numbers in every zone of play. The Magic battled relentlessly, but it wasn’t a day for them to win. A loss, which creates a small hiccup in the otherwise great run the Ressie’s have had this year. They’ll be taking on South West this weekend and will be rebuilding their momentum and final’s strategy. MAGIC: 5.7.37 SYDNEY UNI: 10.17.77
CelebrityTIPSTERS
Round PAR SOU BRI NEW SYD NQC CAN BUL BRI CAN WES GCT MEL CRO NZW PAN
24&25
GCT NZW STG MEL WES CRO PAN MAN PAR NEW NQC BUL SOU SYD MAN STG Aug 17 7.50pm
Aug 18 6.00pm
Aug 18 7.50pm
Aug 19 3.00pm
Aug 19 5.30pm
Aug 19 7.30pm
Aug 20 2.00pm
Aug 20 4.00pm
Aug 24 7.50pm
Aug 25 6.00pm
Aug 25 7.50pm
Aug 26 3.00pm
Aug 26 5.30pm
Aug 26 7.30pm
Aug 27 2.00pm
Aug 27 4.00pm
SCORE
Clr Stephen Bali Mayor - Blacktown City Council
190 Matthew Bennett - Bennett Western Sydney
206 Alex Soncini - WealthWiz Wealth Management
220 Paul Maher - Loxley on Bellbird
224 Troy - Urban City Consulting
218 Barry Locock - Turtle Landscape Supplies
196 Kimberley Talbot - CEO Richmond Club
210
with MARK GEYER
Let’s see how far we’ve come
Anthony Griffin: Lots to smile about.
It’s time to go back. Let’s go back to round five of this season. The Panthers had just been beaten by the Melbourne Storm 28 points to 6. Coach Anthony Griffin places a curfew of 10.30pm on his players. Three players break that curfew and are dropped for the following week’s clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Pepper Stadium. The Panthers lose in a nail biter 21-20. They then lose their next 3 games 28-2 against the Sharks, 18-12 against the Eels, then are spanked by the Broncos 3218. Penrith are 2 wins from 9 games and everyone is blaming the coach for his ‘irrational’ stance for the Panthers shocking start to the season. “It’s just boys being boys” and “surely just fining the three culprits would have been sufficient?” and “why take the breaking of a curfew out on the entire team, club, supporters and sponsors?” was another. Griffin stood firm. Penrith are now coming 6th! It takes great resolve in standing down three players for a minor breach of protocol, especially when two of the players are two of Penrith’s best in Skipper Matt Moylan and Waqa Blake. But a line had been drawn in the sand from the coach. A line that now is a major reason they sit where they sit on the premiership table. It would have been easy for Griffin to have looked the other way and slapped the trio with a fine, but why do what everyone else wants? It’s why ‘Hook’ Griffin now has a rugby league team ALL on the same page. It’s why with three games remaining there is an outside chance of them even
St Marys u/8’s winners of the Mark Geyer trophy.
making the top 4! Something thought impossible 9 rounds into the comp. Bravo Anthony Griffin. Lots of your players are receiving much deserved plaudits of late but it was your decision back in round 9 that now has your team buzzing with an infectious brand of footy that most definitely shows they are all well and truly on the same page. And another thing.... What a buzz I got last Sunday. The annual Mark Geyer trophy for u/8’s was played for the third year at Hickeys lane. A big thank you to Vince, Troy and all the staff from Brothers JRLFC for giving up their valuable time. Also a massive thanks to all of the referees who helped on the day, your time and patience was noted. 32 teams from right across Sydney took place with St Marys coming up trumps. Also a special mention to Quakers Hill, St Clair and Windsor who were among the final four teams. But it was this message posted by a mum on Facebook - Eliescha Bazley - that I was alerted to that made my day: “Today at the Mark Geyer Cup, Under 8s .... two little guys who had been playing all morning walked past me and one said to the other “this has to be the best day of my life, how about u?” the other kid nods and says “It is the best day ever, I love footy so much” and off they walked kicking their footy! I have no idea if they had won or lost ..but those little moments make me love it so much! How bloody good!!! See you at the game.
MG (random Westie) OAM
Blacktown district club wins State Cup By Conner Lowe
Lourdes U/16’s has won the State Cup and are representing the Blacktown District Football Association. The team are coached by Blago Milicevic and managed by Ruben Gallema and Giulio Martone. The team trains five days a week, three football specific, one high performance strength & power training and one training/ game recovery consisting of a 1klm swim. The team plays minimum one or two games per week, its fixtures are on a Saturday with friendly matches against various clubs played midweek. The teams target is to play 60-70 matches per year. The games represented in the 60+ matches are our normal BDSFA competition matches, Elite NPL 1, NPL 2 and other Association friendly matches.
Tournaments including the Kanga Cup, where the team won five out of five group games against strong U/16’s opposition such as the ACT Centre of Excellence, NPL1 leaders Gunghalin United, NPL1 Belconnen United and NSW teams Coniston FC & Mt. Annan Mustangs.
Other tournaments the team are involved with include FNSW State Cup, Champion of Champions. Lourdes have played fixtures against Newcastle Elite teams in friendly matches such as Edgeworth Eagles and have also played the Matildas at FNSW in a friendly match. The leadership of the team Blago, Ruben and Giulio have a philosophy and belief to work on three main areas for our young men, such as life skills, education & football. The team environment teaches essential life skills that help the players overcome the adverse effects of negative influences, lack of support structures, financial prejudice and hazardous environmental factors so they can create better futures and drive lasting social change in their families, communities and beyond.
Western News 18 August 2017 Issue 41
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Western News Friday, 18 August 2017
sport
Disappointing finish to a great season By Conner Lowe
Blacktown City finished their season in second place. Some disappointing results towards the end of the season saw them lose first place after spending most of their season on top. On Sunday Blacktown needed to win and hope APIA Leichardt Tigers lost in their match, however the 2-2 draw against Sydney United 58 dashed all hopes of a first-place finish. It was Blacktown City with the early attacking pressure, however Sydney United 58 took the lead early in the first half with a Yutaro Shin close range strike in the 10th minute. Trailing early, Blacktown piled on the pressure and came close when Joey Gibbs skimmed the post from a free kick in the 19th minute. It was mainly Blacktown City through the first half creating chances and towards the end they created back to back opportunities in short succession. It was first Roberto Speranza who found himself in the box and had a powerful strike saved
by the Sydney United keeper Thomas Manos. Soon after Daniel Araujo had a fantastic strike from outside the box saved by an alert Manos. Sydney United 58 had a great chance towards the end of the second half to double their lead only for Christopher Payne’s shot to hit the side netting. He was able to show great skill after latching onto a through ball but couldn’t find the finish needed.
It didn’t take long in the second half for Blacktown City to find an equaliser. Some scrappy play led to a loose ball in the box with Pete Cejka alert to the situation and able to finish to bring Blacktown City level. There was some controversy in the 60th minute with Sydney United 58 scoring a goal, however due to a foul before the goal it was disallowed and play resumed with the scores still level.
With less than ten minutes remaining Blacktown City found a gaol to go in front when striker Joey Gibbs free kick was deflected and wrong-footed goalkeeper Manos as he was only able to watch the ball hit the back of the net. However, Blacktown City were unable to hold the lead with Sydney United 58 equalising in the dying moments of the match when a corner found Payne at the far post and he headed it into the middle of goal for Vranic to head the ball home from inside the six-yard box. Mark Crittenden, Blacktown City’s coach spoke after the game about how proud he is of the team and the achievements they had this season. “We are very proud of our achievements because some people thought that we wouldn’t even make the top five, but to finish second is great,” he said. “It has been a good season and there’s still a lot to play for.” Blacktown City will now face Rockdale City Suns in the preliminary semi-final at Lily’s Football Centre on Sunday 20th of August, kick-off 3pm.