Western News 18 August 2023

Blacktown City NAIDOC Awards celebrate First Nations stars

BLACKTOWN City’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high achievers have been recognised in Council’s 2023 NAIDOC Awards.

Recipients were recognised in four categories, including: Citizen of the Year, Young Achiever of the Year, Sports Person of the Year and the inaugural Person Living with a Disability Award.

The Citizen of the Year was awarded to joint recipients, First Nations Elders Uncle Danny Eastwood and Uncle Colin Gale.

Kate Duffy was awarded Young Achiever of the Year, Jackson Brown was named Sports Person of the Year and Violette Tillman received the Person Living with a Disability award.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said: “For more than 30 years, Blacktown City Council has recognised and celebrated the First Nations community through the Blacktown City NAIDOC Awards.

“Blacktown City’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are vibrant and vital and they are fundamental to our identity as a City.

“Whether it be on stage, in the community or on the sporting field, Indigenous people contribute greatly to our community and we are proud to celebrate their successes through Council’s NAIDOC Awards.

“My heartiest congratulations goes to all the recipients. They have done

Blacktown City enormously proud.”

Uncle Colin Gale is a proud Darug man who has dedicated his life to preserving Darug history and culture.

He was born and raised in Blacktown, with much of his learning coming from family stories. After high school, he entered the RAAF, learnt a trade and worked as a mechanic.

Colin’s leadership was greatly valued during his many years as Chairperson of the Darug Link Association and Darug Tribal Corporation.

He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with schools, universities and community organisations.

Uncle Danny Eastwood is a Ngemba man and has been a proud member of the Blacktown City community for more than 40 years.

He is a prolific and award-winning

artist, a cartoonist for the Koori Mail and a passionate art teacher to inmates in prison and school children.

Danny won the Parliament of NSW Indigenous Art Prize in 2008, the National NAIDOC Artist of the Year Award in 1992 and in 2023 held his first solo exhibition at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.

He was recently awarded the Key to the City by the Mayor of Blacktown City for his widespread contribution to the culture of the City.

The Young Achiever of the Year was awarded to Kate Duffy for her success in the sport of water polo.

At 15 years of age, Kate is a talented water polo player and received a scholarship to attend Meriden School in Strathfield.

She has been selected to represent Australia in the Under 17’s Women’s

team to the USA, her first time representing her country.

Kate is extremely dedicated to her sport and her studies, travelling 1 hour each way to attend school and to Manly to attend training with her club.

She hopes to one day represent Australia at the Olympics and become one of the best junior water polo goal keepers in the world.

Jackson Brown was named Sports Person of the Year, in recognition of his outstanding achievement across a range of sports.

At just 9 years of age, Jackson is passionate about sport, and has represented his athletics club and school at a state level.

He is a division 1 rugby league player and a Western Sydney National OzTag representative for the Tiger Cubs. Jackson is also a gymnast at Sydney Gymnastic and Aquatic Centre in Rooty Hill.

Violette Tillman was awarded the inaugural Person Living with a Disability award.

Violette is an Awabakal woman who has recently started living on her own for the first time.

At 21 years of age, Violette lives with multiple conditions, but has overcome all obstacles to finish high school and even launch her small business.

She hopes to build a business using cartoon prints on shirts with inspiring catchphrases.

Blacktown Council supports university achievers through scholarship program

AVIATION management, biogeochemistry, engineering and mental health - these are just some of the areas of study being supported by the Blacktown City Council’s 2023 Tertiary Scholarship Awards.

The annual program awards the outstanding academic performance of university students who live in Blacktown City and have completed at least one year of study at a recognised institution.

This year, Council awarded 12 students with $1,500 scholarships to assist them in their studies.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the 12 students demonstrated exceptional dedication and talent in pursuit of their university studies.

“Council is proud to champion the diversity, talent and achievements of our university students as they pursue their chosen fields,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“We know that support from family, friends and the wider community is critical to success at university, therefore, Council is committed to helping local students achieve their academic goals.

“These students are highlydeserving recipients of these

scholarships and I look forward to witnessing the contribution they will make to Blacktown City at the completion of their studies.

“I wish our scholarship recipients all the very best in their academic endeavours and future careers.”

The recipient of the 2023 Anne Aquilina Scholarship is Nashrah Alam from Woodcroft, who is studying a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney

The scholarship is named in honour of Anne Aquilina, the popular Blacktown physiotherapist and academic and late wife of the first Mayor of Blacktown City Council, the Hon. John Aquilina.

Council received a large number of applications, with short-listed students assessed by an independent judging panel on the basis of their academic achievements and an interview.

Mayor Bleasdale thanked the

judges for their commitment: “This program would not be possible without our judges: Ms Anne Marie Kestle, Dr Bill Palmer and Ms Nereda Illingsworth.

“These judges have given up so much of their time to ensure that this program continues to be a success.”

Blacktown City Council’s 2023 Tertiary Scholarship Award recipients:

• Vincent Aquino from Blacktown, studying a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Laws, at the University of Technology Sydney

• Alyna Arago from Oakhurst, studying a Bachelor of Commerce, at the University of New South Wales

• Arien Andrei Atienza from Glendenning, studying a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Movement, at the University of Sydney

• Morwarid Faiz from Mount

Druitt, studying a Bachelor of Communication in Social and Political Sciences and a Bachelor of Laws, at the University of Technology Sydney

• Yovela Han from Kellyville Ridge, studying a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and Bachelor of Laws, at the University of New South Wales

• Raquel Lafrenais from Tregear, studying a Certificate Four in Mental Health, at TAFE NSW

• Ebony O’Connor from Woodcroft, studying a Bachelor of Laws and International Studies, at Western Sydney University

• Frank Pagaduan from Blacktown, studying a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Aviation Management, at the University of New South Wales

• Piadora Rahme from Mount Druitt, studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Applied Medical Science, at the University of Sydney

• Bayan Sohailee from Schofields, studying a Bachelor of International Studies, Bachelor of Social Science and Bachelor of Creative Leadership, from Western Sydney University

• Melanie Taylor from Blacktown, who is completing her PhD in Biogeochemistry at Southern Cross University

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM with the recipients of the 2023 Blacktown City NAIDOC Awards – Uncle Danny Eastwood, Uncle Colin Gale, Kate Duffy, Jackson Brown and Violette Tillman.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM with the recipients of Blacktown City Council’s 2023 Tertiary Scholarship Awards

Blacktown City marks milestone in biggest ever tree planting project

BLACKTOWN City Council is tackling urban heat by planting thousands of trees across the City, creating healthier and greener suburbs for the community.

Council will soon wrap up the largest tree planting project in its history, funded as part of the NSW Government’s Urban Greening grant program.

The $1 million project - jointly funded by Council and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment - is part of the effort to increase green cover across Greater Sydney and lift urban canopy coverage to 40 per cent by 2036.

Since 2019, Council has planted more than 2,500 trees along streets and in parks, including at two key gateways into our City at Robert Brown Reserve, Flushcombe Road in Blacktown and Whalan Reserve, Debrincat Avenue in Whalan.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said planting more trees is a vital task in greening the City and helping minimise the impact of urban heat on residents.

“We know more trees means a healthier, more liveable and cooler City for all residents,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Increasing canopy cover in Blacktown City is crucial over

the coming years, as temperature increases from climate change have the potential to affect our community’s health, productivity and sustainability.

“Our temperatures can be up to 10 degrees higher than those on the Sydney coastline, so it is important we commit to providing a greener environment for the benefit of the entire community.

“Council is proud to partner with the NSW Government to deliver this

important tree planting program for Blacktown City, which will leave a lasting environmental legacy for generations to come. Council welcomes further grant funding to support more tree planting projects across our City.”

Department of Planning and Environment Executive Director, Resilience and Urban Sustainability, Steve Hartley, said that planting more trees helps increase our tree canopy, which means more shade, cleaner

air, healthier communities and more beautiful places to live.

“Blacktown Council is doing a great job of increasing its urban tree canopy to build better resilience to urban heat which the NSW Government hopes to further grow across Greater Sydney to 40 per cent by 2036,” Mr Hartley said. Council will complete the project with tree plantings along Reservoir Road, Flushcombe Road and Debrincat Avenue over the coming months.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (centre) with Councillor Kathie Collins OAM and CEO Kerry Robinson OAM at Robert Brown Reserve in Blacktown.

Councillor Brad Bunting plants a tree at Whalan Reserve in Whalan.

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BY KERRIE DAVIES

EVERY now and then we are lucky enough to have someone who is so dedicated to our community that the passion they put into it is irreplaceable if we are unfortunate enough to lose them.

The Blacktown Red Belly Warriors had some sad news to share earlier this month.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our own Rhonda Ryan. A matriarch of our family and community and one of Blacktown Red Belly Warriors biggest supporters.

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“She was proud of every single person who represented Blacktown Red Belly Warriors from under 13s all the way to the Mens and made sure you could hear it from the side-line. She will forever be a huge part of this club and will be forever missed. Rest easy our aunty Rhonda, see you in the dreaming.”

RIP Rhonda Ryan, and thank you for devoting so much of your life to our local community.

Westmead Hospital Week: Celebrating Excellence in Healthcare

WESTMEAD Hospital has held a week-long celebration of excellence in healthcare with its much-anticipated Hospital Week event held by The Westmead Association.

From August 16th to August 18th, medical professionals came together to showcase the hospital’s achievements in medical research, teaching, and patient care.

Hospital Week also provided a platform for healthcare professionals to showcase their research projects.

Over 150 research, nursing, and allied health abstracts were presented, giving attendees a comprehensive overview of the institution’s groundbreaking work. This offered a unique opportunity to engage with researchers, gain insights into the latest discoveries, and foster collaborations that can drive innovation in patient care.

One of the key speakers was Westmead Hospital’s Cardiologist, Professor Clara Chow, who presented at the cardiology symposium.

Professor Chow and University of Sydney researchers recently found more than one in three Australians with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and hypertension have poorly controlled blood pressure, significantly increasing their risk of stroke.

Another highlight was Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) Dr Wah Cheung who presented at the diabetes symposium on gestational diabetes and how it can potentially be reduced.

Westmead Hospital Week was an extraordinary celebration of healthcare excellence. It served as a testament to the dedication, expertise, and achievements of Westmead’s healthcare professionals.

Australia’s future paramedics ‘on track’ at Western Sydney University

FINAL year paramedicine students at Western Sydney University have put their clinical theory into practice during a Mass Casualty Simulation exercise, testing their skills in a simulated underground train crash scenario held in the University’s state-of-the-art 360-degree Immersive Lab facility.

Located at the University’s new Paramedicine Building at the Campbelltown Campus, the 360-degree Immersive Lab facility allows paramedicine students to practice and be examined in a digital content generated environment with the use of projected images and recorded sounds.

Dr Navin Naidoo, Director of the Paramedicine Academic Program within the School of Health Sciences said the advanced purpose-built training facility ensures student-centred learning and provides a unique, hands-on experience in preparation for real world scenarios upon graduation.

“Our Paramedicine program provides students with the opportunity to put knowledge into practice by using large teaching spaces including simulation rooms, debrief rooms, and an Immersive Simulation Lab with control room to allow students to learn in group-based scenarios with the latest technology and mannequin patients to hone their clinical skills,” said Dr Naidoo.

“The innovative teaching facility incorporates hands-on experiences with real world scenario simulations to develop those practical, clinical and scene safety decision making skills essential for out of hospital care of patients of all ages with health complaints ranging from minor to critical.”

The students participated in an hour-long immersive simulation exercise testing their knowledge and skills under the guidance of their educators, followed by a debriefing session to talk through the experience, reflect, and share their learnings.

Simulating an underground train tunnel, the lighting was dimmed, and the 360-degree immersive screen technology projected vision and sound to test the students’ senses and prepare them

for scene safety considerations and difficult access scenarios out in the field.

Third year paramedicine student, Ebony Domanski, 20-years-old from Oran Park, said the immersive simulation technology helped prepare her for working in diverse and difficult settings, as not every patient is going to be easy to access or in good lighting.

“Scenarios like this simulate the increased cognitive load that comes with real life cases. It’s the little things that make a difference, and in this scenario, it was loud, chaotic, and dark. It makes you stop and think about keeping yourself safe, because especially when there are children involved, it’s really tempting to take big risks to help people,” Ebony said.

“We commonly say that you can’t choose the jobs you go to on placements, so often these simulations are the only chance we get before the real thing. This is especially true for major incidents. Preparing and rehearsing is essential so that everyone understands their role if this was a job in real life. Reading from a textbook and doing are two very different things.”

Reflecting on her passion for helping others, Ebony says it was the paramedics who came to help her father when she was younger that had inspired her journey towards a career in paramedicine.

“I am a huge people person and I love helping others. It sounds cliche but it’s true. I had a lot of

paramedics in my life growing up as my Dad has a chronic illness. I always admired the calm they can bring into a situation, and I wanted to be able to do that for others.

“I’ve come to learn in the past few years that being a paramedic is about the people. It’s about making someone’s horrible day, a little less horrible. It’s about the conversations with patients who have lived longer and seen more than you. It’s about the people you work with and the support you can offer, because at the end of the day, all you have is each other.

“For me, if I can be the calm for just one person, if I can give them the hug that they need, or even if I can listen when they need to someone to talk to, then my job is worthwhile. I am looking forward to being a part of something bigger and engaging in the next chapter of learning. This is the kind of job where the learning never stops.”

Western Sydney University’s Paramedicine program offers real world learning experiences to its students, with opportunities for supervised clinical practice with state emergency ambulance services, international clinical placements, and short placements in paramedicine, mental health, and community and primary healthcare.

For more information about Western Sydney University’s Bachelor of Paramedicine, please visit the course page at www.westernsydney.edu.au/ future/study/courses/undergraduate/bachelorof-paramedicine

Mapping the future of cancer care in NSW

MORE than 500 health professionals, researchers and patient advocates have come together for the 2023 Cancer Innovations Conference in Sydney to discuss the complex challenges facing the cancer healthcare sector and how patient outcomes can be improved.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park spoke at the conference and said whilst cancer outcomes in NSW are among the best in the world, some communities continue to experience poorer outcomes.

“Despite the enormous gains we have made, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children and adults and accounts for almost a third of all deaths in NSW,” Mr Park said.

“We know cancer screening rates and outcomes are even poorer amongst Aboriginal and multicultural communities and we need to do everything possible to change this.

“In NSW we’re committed to bringing the best and brightest minds together to solve our biggest

problems – we know the people in the room today can help drive important change and build on the work of the NSW Cancer Plan.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien said the burden of cancer is significant and is expected to increase.

“Cancer diagnoses have increased 67 per cent over the last 20 years and

this is expected to increase a further 22 per cent between 2021-2031,” Professor O’Brien said.

“With one in every two people set to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, every person in NSW is touched by cancer in some way.

“Aside from the health impacts of cancer, the fear and trauma of a diagnosis affects the whole family and community and that impact is

often long-lasting.

“We need to do more to not only save lives but build healthy, strong communities, and this conference is one way we are hoping to really unpack the challenges and opportunities ahead and motivate, connect and inspire people working in cancer care and research.”

This year’s Cancer Innovations Conference showcased a dynamic program of panel discussions and presentations, including a keynote address on cancer inequities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from Professor Gail Garvey, Professor of Indigenous Health Research at The University of QLD.

The NSW Government invests around $175 million each year, through the Cancer Institute NSW, to improve cancer care in NSW and lessen the impact of cancer for people across the state.

More information, including an event program, is available on the Cancer Innovations Conference website.

Veterans Day Service on Tuesday 15th August

Seven Hills - Toongabbie - Wentworthville RSL Sub-Branch

Third time’s a charm for organ recipient

THEY say nothing good happens after 2:00am, but for western Sydney man Jeremy Henry, an early morning organ donation has given the 41-year-old high-school teacher a new lease on life.

On Saturday, 4 February 2023, under the care of the Westmead Hospital A6 Renal Ward and Clinic, Jeremy received the gift of a donated kidney and a pancreas.

“Words can never express the gratitude I have for the person who donated their organs to me; I know someone had to die so that I could live,” reflected Jeremy.

Five months on, “life is returning to somewhat normal again” for Jeremy who returned to work in a reduced teaching load in May 2023.

However, the journey to get to this point was not an easy one and is a journey that is all too familiar for others waiting their turn to receive a life-changing organ donation.

One year after graduating from university, self-proclaimed introvert Jeremy leaped out of his comfort zone and applied to teach English in China. It was during the medical examination for his resident visa that he realised his kidneys were only functioning at 60 percent.

“The nephrologist said my reduced function was due to hypertension and my blood sugar levels being too high over a long period of time, but that I could still live a normal life at 60 percent function,” said Jeremy.

Jeremy was diagnosed with diabetes type 1 at age 13, so had experienced blood sugar level challenges for 28 years.

“One of the main causes of kidney failure in type 1 diabetics is high blood pressure and poorly managed blood sugar levels,” he explained.

With the green light from his doctor and insulin and blood pressure tablets packed into his luggage, Jeremy set off on a “life changing” adventure to China on 10 September 2017.

Jeremy said his two years abroad were “the best I’d ever had in my life” and gave him “lifelong friends from different countries”.

“I ticked off all my China bucket list items including The Great Wall of China and The Forbidden Palace, I spent Christmas 2018 in Vietnam and travelled

to South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Vietnam, Japan and Hawaii,” he said.

During his time away from Australia, Jeremy said he noticed no further decline in his health, but in June 2019, unknowingly left China with his kidneys failing.

“When I returned home, my GP ran some general diabetes tests which led to further testing by the local nephrologist,” he explained.

“These tests showed that my kidney function was down to 25 percent and that I would sadly have to begin dialysis in the very near future.”

In December 2020, with just 12 percent kidney function, Jeremy started his first round of kidney dialysis and was placed on the transplant list for a donor kidney and pancreas.

As a full-time high school teacher, Jeremy was given the opportunity to do at home dialysis following 12 weeks of in-hospital training.

I live alone, so learning how to put two large needles into my arm every second day and problem solve the machine if something happened was a real challenge, but definitely more convenient than having to visit the hospital, especially in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Jeremy.

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00pm to 11:00pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am to 3:00pm, Jeremy sat and watched his blood be filtered.

“Life on dialysis was hard and dialysing every second day whilst trying to maintain a full-time teaching job took all my time and energy,” he reflected.

“I couldn’t go away for more than one day at a time, so I missed out on holidays and special events like Christmas; I was restricted to a small group of food and drink that were low in potassium and phosphate and I was constantly tired and I looked very sick and pale.

“I also really struggled with it mentally – at times I just didn’t want to be here anymore; life completely changed.”

On 24 January 2023 at 11am, Jeremy received the long-awaited phone call from the Westmead Hospital transplant team that he would receive a kidney and pancreas transplant within 24 hours.

“The phone call was a total surprise and was not expecting it,” said Jeremy.

I was at work at the time and was in shock, nervous, scared and was ready for it to happen.

Jeremy Henry

Jeremy said the drive home to pack his bag was the “longest most thought filled time of my life” with “tears filling my eyes out of both joy and terror as I didn’t know what was happening from here on”, he said.

Admitted into hospital and waiting to go into surgery, Jeremy received a devastating phone call from the transplant coordinator that the organs couldn’t be accepted, and he was sent home feeling “sad, shocked and upset”.

That same night around 10:30pm, Jeremy received another phone call to come back in, and was this time given a 50/50 chance of receiving a donation. Unfortunately, this transplant was not meant to be either.

“After a second time being sent home, I had so many mixed emotions and was feeling lost,” he reflected.

“I wasn’t sure when that next phone call would come, and the doctors said it was very rare to get a second call that quickly, so to not expect a third call to come for a month to three months, or maybe more.

“When the third phone call came only one week later, I was not expecting that call at all.”

It was third time’s a charm for Jeremy who finally received the life-changing surgery at Westmead Hospital on 4 February 2023.

“On the day I came into the hospital for the third time, I was afraid and at times had tears in my eyes because of the unknown, and my family couldn’t be there prior to my surgery, so I was alone,” said Jeremy.

“But the nurses there that night calmed my nerves and the doctors made me feel safe and that everything was going to be alright.”

Due to his lack of immune system post-surgery, Jeremy spent his first five days in an isolation room, and then was moved onto the ward for his last four days in hospital.

After his hospital stay, Jeremy returned to the Westmead Hospital A6 Renal Ward and Clinic every day for six weeks for blood tests, kidney and pancreas function monitoring, and to be administered any required IV

antibiotics, potassium, magnesium or saline for rehydration.

Once released from Westmead Hospital, Jeremy was transferred back to his specialists at Liverpool Hospital where he spent the next seven weeks having bi-weekly blood tests followed by doctor appointments to “get levels right to help my body have a fighting chance to keep the new organs for a long time”, he explained.

During these 13 weeks, Jeremy experienced complications such as fevers; a “mystery” infection which required a PET scan, CT scan, heart ultrasound and bone scans; spiked creatine levels which indicated potential kidney rejection, and a case of gastro.

“I’ve learnt to just take each day as it comes and live my new life which doesn’t involve being on a dialysis machine every second day or having to take insulin to balance my sugar levels,” said Jeremy.

“Transplantation surgery comes with its risks, and I’m now more prone to cancer due to tablets I must take for the rest of my life, but I finally have a future to look forward to again; soon I’ll be able to travel overseas, see friends and family outside of western Sydney and possibly move interstate now that I’m no longer locked to a hospital or a machine.

“To the doctors, nurses, specialist, transplant coordinators; you have changed my life forever.”

DonateLife Week 2023 is Sunday 23 July to Sunday 30 July.

Around 1,750 people are currently on the waitlist for an organ transplant and a further 14,000 on dialysis due to kidney failure.

“To the family who lost the person who donated the organs, the sadness I have for them often brings tears to my eyes, but because of this gift, I promise to look after the organs that were donated to me and forever hold the organ donor in my heart,” said Jeremy.

One person donating their organs means up to seven people can come off the wait list.

If you smoke, drink or have an unhealthy diet you can still register to be a donor. You don’t have to be in perfect health and age is not a barrier.

The entire process only takes one minute to sign up at donatelife.gov.au or just three taps in the Medicare app.

For more information visit: www. donatelife.gov.au/all-about-donation/ myths-about-organ-donation

HAVE YOUR SAY: Participate in the design of new Palliative Care Unit at Westmead Hospital

THE community is invited to contribute to the design of the new Supportive and Palliative Care unit at Westmead Hospital, which will provide specialised care and support to patients, carers and families with life-limiting illnesses in Western Sydney.

NSW Government has committed $93 million to redevelop and refurbish palliative care units throughout the state under the World Class End of Life Care commitment, which includes a new unit at Westmead Hospital.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said community input into the design of the new purpose-built unit was important to ensure it meets the needs of patients and their carers and families.

“The new Palliative Care Unit at Westmead Hospital will deliver high quality care to people with lifelimiting illnesses, providing peace of mind for patients, their carers and families across Western Sydney when they need it most,” Mr Park said.

“To provide the highest quality clinical and emotional support, the new Supportive and Palliative Care

Unit at Westmead Hospital needs valuable input from staff, carers, and families.”

The NSW Member for Parramatta, Ms Donna Davis MP, said the new unit would provide a comprehensive range of hospital and community services to cater to the needs of patients and their families.

“The purpose-built Palliative Care Unit will complement Westmead Hospital’s existing palliative and supportive care services by providing a higher level of care in a comfortable

and welcoming environment when care at home is not possible due to acute clinical or social needs,” Ms Davis said.

Following the announcement last year, a lead design team has been appointed and early planning and design is underway to progress the master plan.

Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive, Graeme Loy said this stage of the project was the perfect time for community involvement.

“We have been given a unique opportunity to design a world-class palliative care unit at Westmead Hospital and it is vital that we have local community input for such an essential service,” Mr Loy said.

Parramatta and surrounding communities who wish to contribute to the design are invited to register their interest by completing the online form at https://forms. office.com/pages/responsepage. aspx?id=v6eHptsC30O8ueovaYRollMbl-rUQ5Ig-VEnz2iq4l UMFkxSllQQ1NGNEtKOVdQUk VTUEFXSFY1SC4u

Engagement with healthcare professionals and community members will continue throughout the year to provide valuable input for the design of the new Supportive and Palliative Care Unit at Westmead Hospital. The $93 million allocated for new and redevelopment of palliative care facilities is part of the 2022-23 budget providing funding over five years (2022-23 to 2026-27) for NSW Health to deliver end of life and palliative care service enhancements across the state.

CROSSWORD

26 Mutilating (7)

27 Trench (5)

28 Child (9) DOWN

1 Fools (5)

2 Mediterranean sailing ship (7)

3 Before long (7)

4 Result (5)

5 Finish (9)

6 Type of skin ulcer (7)

7 Collect discarded material (7)

8 Hypnotize (9)

13 Libelled (9)

14 Indescribably (9)

17 Attack (7)

18 Chief sun god (Assyrian mythology) (7)

20 Masts, spars and sails (7)

21 Between (7)

23 Goddess of the sea (Sumerian mythology) (5)

24 A sweetener (5)

Town Planning

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

IN his minutes submitted to St Marys’ Council in August 1947, Mayor Alderman Joseph Cook said that the town planners Messrs Bunning and Madden submitted a revised residential area to the Town Planning Committee to accommodate a population of 31,500 residents and the Committee accepted in principle. Messrs Bunning and Madden had asked for permission to proceed with the details on behalf of the Council and the Mayor granted this request and asked for endorsement from the Council on this. (This firm was founded by Walter Bunning in 1945 in Sydney and was most prominent between 1955 and the 1970s.). On the motion of Alderman Mackay, seconded by Alderman Rance it was decided in view of statements by the Deputy Director to ask the Secondary Industries Division as to what area will be allocated in the planning for private industries. Alderman Mackay said that at the recent conference in Sydney it was pointed out that St Marys’ Council was the only one in the area that had been planning and he thought that the people of St Marys should be informed of the fact that their Council has done something that will go a long way in helping the development of St Marys, and if the Council and Bunning and Madden had not gone to the trouble that they had, he did not think that St Marys and the surrounding area would be in the position of being on the threshold of a very wide and lively development of the area, and in view of the controversy that had taken place regarding town planning, he thought that St Marys’ Council should call on the neighbouring Councils with regards to planning their areas and he suggested that the Mayor contact the Councils. Mayor Cook said he would like to follow up the suggestion but was wondering whether it would be wise at the present time in view of future developments that something might take place that would affect the Council. Alderman Blair said that they were definitely told at the conference that Councils that didn’t have any plans would be compelled by the Government to do town planning, and if they don’t get on with the job the Minister would make them, and the Government would ask the Councils to pay for it, so he thought it is up to them to get on with it. There were various aspects of the case that he knew himself, but he was not in a position to divulge them at this time, but it would particularly advance this area and in a few weeks, they might be able to put something concrete before the people of St Marys even though there had been a lot of talk, and they would be in a position to make a start. At present he didn’t think the Council could say very much as far as St Marys was concerned. Alderman Rance said he had not forgotten the meeting about planning that was held in Penrith not long ago, and he did not know how much St Marys had spent, but Penrith and other Councils had spent nothing. There was no town planning at Castlereagh and it was up to Penrith to spend some of their own ratepayers’ money on it and not wait. Council agreed on Alderman Mackay’s suggestion to let the matter stand for the present with a view to finding out what was going on behind the scene. At the meeting of Penrith Council on the same day, the Mayor Alderman F J Allen said there was no doubt that St Marys had elaborate plans prepared for the future and he was disappointed that Penrith Council had done nothing. They had been asked to prepare a master plan at a town planning conference that was held in Sydney to deal with the planning question arising from the large development of St Marys and districts. St Marys’ Council had gone on with its planning and was pressing for a grant for the re-planning of St Marys and he asked that the matter be treated as one

of urgency. Other Alderman however thought Penrith had acted wisely in not spending a lot of money on town planning at that stage, regarding it as a national matter rather than one for ratepayers. This question was also a subject of discussion at the meeting of St Marys’ Council. At the conference they decided to ask the Federal Government for £10,000 for preparing a plan and £100,000 for carrying it out. Alderman Tornaros (who, with the mayor was one of the Penrith delegates) said that Penrith delegates were at a loss when they were told they had not advanced much in a town planning scheme. The Commonwealth Government had spent five million in St Marys and they were anxious that something be done and would have to grant something. Alderman Fragar said that as a member of the Council he had not been anxious as ratepayers we should spend a large amount of money. St Marys’ Council has spent something in the vicinity of £10,000, but he did not know whether this was correct and it is not the responsibility of the person who pays rates to do it, it is something of national importance that should be borne by the Government. Alderman Hand said he thought Penrith Council deserves a pat on the back for not spending too much money on town planning and he agreed entirely with Alderman Fragar, and you can bet your bottom dollar that the £10,000 is going to be voted and why should we waste our money? He said that as soon as they get this under way, are we going to be invited to another conference?. The Mayor said that they had no plan to put before the Cumberland County Council to bolster what they want. In September that year the St Marys’ Council asked for a grant for Housing but the Minister for Local Government declined to make a grant towards meeting the cost of roads, in and adjacent to land where the Housing Commission was building at Forrester Road, Griffiths Street, Maple Street and Viney Street. The council received a letter from minister Mr Cahill, through Mr Joseph Jackson MLA., stating that in reference to Mr Jackson’s personal representations on behalf of Council regarding a grant, he investigated the matter and was of the opinion that the construction of roads was a matter for Council and the Housing Commission and he regretted that he was unable to give any financial assistance toward the construction. Alderman Blair said that he supposed that they will have to borrow it themselves and they had a certain loan potential they hadn’t touched. Mr Evan Ross the Town Clerk said that Council already had an application before the Loan Council for £18,500.

Sources: - Nepean Times Thursday 14 August 1947, page 1, Thursday 11 September 1947, page 7.

 Photo of the old St Marys Council now the headquarters of the Society courtesy of Tom Thorburn.

Key questions home buyers should ask themselves to find their property

ALEX SONCINI

EVERY home buyer is unique and has different priorities when it comes to finding their dream home. But it can be near impossible to find a property that ticks all your boxes, and it’s also easy to get distracted by a new or renovated home, incredible views, closeness to your favourite place, beach or cafe.

So, how can buyers stay focused on the core elements of a property and neighbourhood that can’t be easily changed but will have an enduring impact on the lifestyle and finances after you move in?

1. What mortgage repayments can I comfortably afford?

Most often everyone wants a more expensive property than their budget allows, regardless of whether they have $600,000 or $6 million to spend.

To avoid budget blow-out, buyers need to determine what their maximum budget is and what their preferred budget is. One needs to review and know what resources are available to them if they were to lose their job or something else happened that affected their ability to earn an income.

Calculating your borrowing power is an important part of applying for a home loan that can be as simple as using an online borrowing power calculator. Lenders typically determine borrowing power by considering factors such as the size of your deposit, your income and any ongoing financial commitments.

Everybody loves to dream big but try to stay within your capabilities. Knowing the amount of money you have and expect gives you a clearer perspective of the process before you start looking at homes. It’s up to you to figure out what are your goals and prioritise.

2. Do I want a house, a townhouse or an apartment?

Buyers can be adamant about their preference for dwelling-type and with Australia running low on housing, you may have to compromise between dwelling type and other aspects of your life.

Your strategies will depend on your choice: do you want an established home, or do you want to build/renovate one to your taste?

An established home is more likely to have social

amenities surrounding it. These are parks, churches, shops, transport, and even neighbours. So, if it is social entertainment you want, you’ve got it. On the other hand, you can like the environment but not the home, so you need to renovate. Check out the feasibility of renovation before getting knee-deep.

Many buyers have a mix of prerequisites, for example a big block for their kids to play on and want to be within walking distance of a train station. Some buyers want an inner-city apartment to be close to bars and restaurants.

One major item to consider whether the property you’re buying is a short or long-term strategy. There will be life changing situations as for instance, if you’re a young couple looking at apartments and you don’t want to move once you have children, you’ll need to think beyond the requirements of two working adults and size.

A lot of buyers will find it difficult to fast-forward into the future.

3. How do I spend my free time?

If you spend most of your free time curled up on the couch with a book, that couch can be in a home located almost anywhere. But if you’re a gym junkie, a foodie or a parent of active young kids, you’ll probably be looking for nearby amenities to make your weekends more relaxing.

The trick is to figure out where you spend most of your free time. Is it at the park? The local cafe? The gym or aquatic centre? Exploring bush trails? Playing golf? Visiting art galleries and museums? Will the kids need soccer or netball clubs, karate or dance classes?

Some of us need space for hobbies at home; others make good use of local facilities. Make a list of your must-haves and use it to narrow down your preferred location.

4. Do I need to be close to schools, work or public transport?

A short commute to school or work comes down to two main factors: access to public transport and the distance you live from school and work hubs. Access to public transport tends to be a priority for many buyers no matter if they are an owner occupier or investor.

Travelling to work each day can be very time

consuming and no one wants to be in a car for an hour each way. Many want convenience and everything at their doorstep to enjoy living and lifestyle.

If you’ve got school-aged kids, living close to your work will limit your options as you review the local school catchment areas and the boundaries for your property search.

5. Do I need to be close to my network of family and friends?

If you’re not hunting for a home close to friends and family as your mum helps with looking after the children, or you look after your elderly parents. There are plenty of reasons we choose to live close to our family and friends.

The more distant and disconnected you are from your family and friends will impact your assessments on where you live from being in a country town to living in the city.

6. Is convenience the key?

Its hard to imaging living without any convenience and the affect on your daily life.

Who does not want to be close to work, school, family, parks, beaches or public transport? We move towards what’s most convenient most often. In many cases people know what they want and have difficulty prioritising their needs. This can cause stress in deciding the qualities for your lifestyle and change your perceptions of what you want versus what you need.

7. Seek advice

From upfront buying costs to taxes, mortgage applications, interest rates and settlement requirements, there’s a lot of information to review and appreciate before making any big decisions.

Speaking with a mortgage broker can help you understand the buying process, get your finances in order and find the right home loan for your circumstances, contact Alex today on 0419 600 177 or email to alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au.

Brielle Mapanao Returns For Sophomore Year at Western Carolina

BY NOEL ROWSELL

19-YEAR OLD representative junior golfer Brielle Mapanao (Quakers Hill) has finalised her involvement in the 2023 Eric Apperly Shield Pennant competition and returned to the US, where she will continue her college career at Western Carolina University.

Brielle played for The Australian (Red) team during the current Pennant competition, winning 3 matches and losing 1 to help guide her team to win the Section 4 title.

At the end of the 2022-23 college season, Brielle won three major awards in the US, including Southern Conference Freshman of the Year, selection to the All-Southern Conference Team and selection to the All-Freshman Team.

In 2022, Brielle (a former member of both Stonecutters Ridge GC and Castle Hill GC, and now a member of The Australian GC) was selected as to the NSW State team, which acknowledged her performances as a junior over the preceding 5 years.

Her golfing history is impressive reading:

2022-23 (Freshman): Played in all 11 of the team’s tournaments as a part of the scoring five. Led the team with a seasonal stroke average of 73.63, a WCU single-season record

and the third-best stroke average in the Southern Conference, as the top-ranked freshman. All 30 rounds were shot in the 70s or better, including one in the 60s – nine rounds were shot at 72-orbetter. Recorded seven individual top10 finishes, including four that landed her on the podium. Shot her careerlow, 54-hole score with a 214 (71-7271) at the Aggie Invitational. Posted a career-best second-place finish at the Buccaneer Classic, with a three-round score of 216 that included a career-low round of 67. Earned her first Southern Conference Women’s Golfer of

the Week award after her 5-over par 221 at Charleston Southern’s Buccaneer Classic, averaging 73.67 strokes through three rounds and finishing with 34 pars and nine birdies throughout the tournament. Capped her freshman season by placing in a 10th-place tie at the conference championship. Named the 2022-23 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year – just the fourth Catamount to earn the top rookie honors all-time, selected to the 2022-23 All-Southern Conference team, led WCU at the National Golf Invitational, finishing in

Chayse Thorpe Wins Gold at Australian All-Schools Golf Championships

BY NOEL ROWSELL

JUNIOR representative golfer Chayse Thorpe (Richmond / Colo HS / Concord GC) is a member of the all-conquering NSW All Schools Golf teams which claimed the Australian All Schools teams Matchplay titles at the School Sport Australia 18 years & under Championship on the Gold Coast over 7th-11th August. Leading into the final round against South Australia, the boys’ team were tied on points with Queensland and required a solid win, whilst the girls had a handy one-point buffer over Western Australia.

With both NSW sides littered with state representatives, it was an almost academic victory in the end, with the boys cruising to four matches to two victory, whilst the girls won five to one. Both teams remained unbeaten for the week. Chayse enjoyed a mixed week, shooting 79/78=157 in the Stroke Play rounds, then winning 3 of his 4 Match Play contests over the following two competition days. His individual results were against WA (up 2/1), QLD (down 3/2), ACT (up 4/2) and VIC (1-up).

Chayse Thorpe in action earlier this year at the NSW Junior Championships. Photos courtesy of JNJG

a tie for third place, named to the 202223 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll and Received a SoCon Commissioner’s Medal

2022: Member of NSW State Team; signed as a Freshman at Western Carolina University, USA

2021: Australian Golf Club Medal: Tied 1st; Metro Major Pennant Div I champions

2020: Metro Major Pennant Div I champions, Faldo Series Australia: Overall Champion

2019: School Sport Australia: Runner up individual, named in Australian Merit Team; Harvey Norman ACT Week of Golf – 14 ys and under Girls Champion; NSW Team representative JNJG State of Origin (Winners)

2018: Harvey Norman Week of Golf – Girls Champion; Division II Women’s Metro Major Pennant Champions – undefeated; Faldo Series Asia Grand Final (Vietnam) – 12th; Regional Academy Games – Girls Champion; JNJG State Development Squad; Western Sydney Academy of Sport – Golf Athlete of the Year; The Concord Salver – Winner; NSW CHS team; School Sport Australia – NSW Team Champions; Scratch Winner – The Australian Golf Club Championships.

2017: NSW State Age Champion –Girls 13 years.

Windsor Polo Club ready for spring season

BY NOEL ROWSELL

AFTER a fabulous action-packed Autumn season, Windsor Polo Club (WPC) is looking forward to welcoming you into the Spring Season. The Spring season includes the return of high goal action, with the JK Mackay 16-goal, the Hector King and Countess of Dudley Cup 10-goal tournaments, and also the Winten Cup, which will be a highlight of the season. In addition to polo, WPC will have a host of social events, both on and off the field.

WPC will kick off the season with a pre-season Asado on Saturday 26th August.

To find out more about what’s happening at Windsor Polo Club, go to the website: https://www.windsorpoloclub.com.au

The Sydney Jumping Association will also run events during September and November at WPC, the first running over September 16th & 17th and the second over November 11th and 12th. Spectators Welcome.

Brielle Mapanao - Eric Apperly Shield Pennant competition - photo by Noel Rowsell

Brielle Mapanao - SOCON Championship. Photo courtesy of WCU_Charlie Bulla

Action from the test match between Australia and Argentina earlier this year.

Photo by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Last home game for Blacktown City captain

BY BOB TURNER

THE longest serving player in Blacktown City FC history, Matt Lewis, has announced his retirement from the game meaning his last home game in Black and Red will be this Sunday, the 20th, when Blacktown City hosts the Wollongong Wolves. Lewis has played 376 games for his club, a record that will stand for some time. Recognition of his contribution to Blacktown City was the announcement last season of the Matt Lewis medal, won in the inaugural year by Adam Berry.

Matt played his youth with Blacktown City before being recruited to the Central Coast Mariners. After leaving CCM, he returned to play for Blacktown Head of Football, Mark Crittenden, where he has been an integral force since 2010. Matt will be in the starting line-up on Sunday and the majority of Blacktown Junior players will be on hand to salute one of Blacktown’s best.

Coach Crittenden once again has his charges peaking at the right time of the season with ten wins in a row over the last ten rounds. The only non-win was a 2-2 draw with St George two weeks ago, giving up a penalty in extra minutes to give St George a free kick. Key injuries in the first third of the season to three different strikers made for an uncharacteristic start to the 2023 season , especially as Blacktown were defending their 2022 Championship. With no playoffs scheduled by Football NSW for the 2023 season, the winner will be first past the post.

Blacktown sits in third spot with two rounds remaining. They are tied with Marconi on 16 wins, 5 draws and 7 losses. Apia leads the way with a 195-4 record and look set to win the 2023 Premiership. Rockdale is still in with a slight chance as their 18-4-6 record has them hoping Apia falters in one of their last two games. Blacktown City could help Apia as they play Rockdale in Round 30 of the competition and a win to Blacktown would eliminate any

Premiership hopes. The 2023 season has been tight and a playoff series would heve generated a great deal of interest and excitement.

Wollongong Wolves come to Landen Stadium this Sunday, the 20th, in Round 29 of the NSW Premiership. The Wolves currently sit in 7th position with a 10-9-9 record. Last week they drew with Sydney Olympic after leading 2-0 into the second half. Both Wollongong goals were scored by former Blacktown player Jake Trew, who no doubt will be closely marked this Sunday. Making his home debut in goal for Blacktown will be youngster Cayden Henderson. At only 18, Cayden filled in for injured Tristen Prendergast last week against the Bulls and made some great saves to hold them scoreless for Blacktown’s 2-0 win. Henderson was awarded the Number 507 jersey prior to last weeks game by Matt Lewis, representing the 507th player to wear the Black and Red jersey.

Blacktown City Women had a narrow 3-2 loss to 4th place St George FC last weekend as they continue to make great progress in only their second season.

Blacktown City FC VS Wollongong Wolves, Sunday, August 20th at Landen Stadium – 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills. Game time is 3pm with Under 20’s at 1pm.

See you at the game to Cheer on Blacktown Captain Matt Lewis in his final home game.

Go Blacktown City!

Captain Matt Lewis and Goalie Tristen Prendergast

Jak o’Brien

Nacho Corrall

Matt Lewis presenting the Matt Lewis Medal to Adam Berry. Photos: Not24Get

Galea strikes gold at TYR Swimming Championships

BY NOEL ROWSELL

2

1-YEAR old Matthew Galea (Blacktown) has returned from the #2023 TYR Pro Swimming Championships in the USA with four Gold Medals, winning the 400m Freestyle, the 800m Freestyle, the 1,500m Freestyle and as a member of the 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay.

Matthew was chosen by Swimming Australia to compete in the Australia A team at the Championships, which were held in Irvine, California from 26 to 29 July.

The team, made up of experienced Australian representatives and athletes who are in contention to challenge for a position at next year’s Paris Olympics, spent a week together in Laguna Hills, California for a staging camp, prior to shifting their attention to the Championships.

Swimming Australia General Manager Performance Pathways and Team Lead for the tour, Gary Barclay said “Providing international racing opportunities for this group of athletes is a key to ensure continued

upward pressure for places in the Paris Olympic team.

“The quality of US swimmers competing at these Championships is very high and this will enable our Australian swimmers to gain further experience travelling and competing one year out from the main game (Paris).”

Matthew expressed his delight at his 1,500m swim, in particular, where he not only broke the 15-minute mark but also recorded the 10th-fastest time in history by an Australian swimmer.

Now just 2.5 seconds outside the Paris Olympic Games qualifying time, Matthew will be looking to shave at least that margin, if not more, at a number of upcoming events over the

next 10 months, beginning with the Japan Open in November, followed by the NSW Swimming Championships and QLD Swimming Championships - both in December.

Matthew will then be hoping to win selection for the World Championships in Doha in February, which are followed by the Australian Nationals in April and the Paris Trials in June.

His training schedule with the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Club (SOPAC) currently features 9 pool sessions per week, along with 3 gym sessions, 2 core sessions and 1 cardio session, around which he has to fit in his lifeguard activities at the Nepean Aquatic Centre.

Swimming took on an added dimension for Matthew in 2021, during the second Covid lockdown, when he attended an NSWIS camp over 7 weeks, linking up with his current coach Adam Kable. That partnership has not only changed Matthew’s approach to swimming and results in the pool, but Adam has also become a life coach and confidant.

In regards to Paris, Matthew will be targeting three distances, where he is currently within seconds of the Paris qualifying times. On recent performances, he is 2.5 seconds outside the 1,500m qualifying time (ranked #2 in Australia), 4 seconds outside the 800m time (ranked 3rd) and 2 seconds outside the 400m time (ranked 4th).

Matthew is currently self-funding (along with family) his swimming journey and is actively looking for sponsors who may wish to support him financially. If you would like to sponsor Matthew, his Instagram tag is matthew.galea16.

# USA Swimming has re-named the end-of-summer US National Championships to the “TYR Pro Championships”.

Matthew Galea. Photos supplied.