Western News 19 January 2024

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ISSUE 205

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Western News 19 January 2024 Issue 205

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Miracle at Minchinbury

Mark with the MCH allied-health team and Hospital Director, ready to go home.

BY IAIN STEEL

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OMING home from a motorcycle ride to Oberon with friends, Mark decided to take a familiar and scenic twisty-road detour. In a split second, Mark’s life was turned upside down, a car turned into his path, his beautiful Indian FTR 1200 motorcycle was wrecked, and his fifty-two-year-old body was broken from head to toe. Although he has little memory of the events after the accident or his time in intensive care, he was subsequently told that he needed defibrillation on the way to the hospital in the helicopter due to his heart stopping.

The ambulance form confirms the details of the incident. “On 27th May 2023 Mr. Bondfield was found on the

road after colliding with a vehicle at high speed. Mr. Bondfield was highly agitated”. There was a cardiac arrest recorded at 3:40pm whilst in the helicopter on the way to Westmead hospital, 170 kilometers away.

The Westmead hospital discharge report for the period 27th May to 2nd August details the injuries as: Cardiac arrest due to trauma, fracture of the radius and ulna in the left arm, left knee dislocation with a torn artery, multiple compression fractures of the pelvis, bleeding of the brain in multiple places, multiple skin trauma needing grafting, spinal injury from the pelvic fractures, lung injuries, renal failure, rib fractures, and a severe traumatic brain injury.

When Mark left intensive care some weeks later, his main memory was

Mark out on a ride with his Indian FTR1200.

that “twenty-four hours a day I was uncomfortable, there was a lump in my left-hand side, it felt as if I was sleeping with a tennis ball in the bed, it was driving me mad, and I felt like I was trapped.” Also, he recalls being distressed by “having that thing down my throat” (the ‘thing’ was a ventilator tube that was assisting him to breath and stay alive).

On the 2nd of August Mark was transferred to Minchinbury Community Hospital, Mark wanted to thank the staff at Westmead and say goodbye but there was almost no one on the ward. “As they wheeled me out to the door, the trauma surgeon and all his entourage were there all clapping and smiling, I was a bit choked up, then random staff were popping up and encouraging me and saying congratulations, well done.” It was then that Mark realized how invested hospital staff are in all the patients in their care, “word had got around the hospital that I wasn’t initially expected to make it through the night.”

On arrival at Minchinbury Community Hospital for rehabilitation, Mark was unable to move without three people assisting and he needed a mechanical lifter to get into a special tilting shower chair.

Despite these difficulties, Mark described his feelings as “calm and relaxed, and it has been like that ever since.” He kept his motivation up by focusing on “kicking lots of little goals, and they are adding up... I’m too busy looking forward.” Of all the challenges, Mark felt that his biggest hurdle was his first attempt to stand up, “I feared my legs just collapsing.”

The therapist reported that he was only able to stand up with a frame and three-staff for about 10 seconds.

Mark’s wife, Anne-Maree, has been at the hospital every day and

has watched as he has gone from his first difficult stand, to taking a few steps and then gaining the strength and confidence to walk independently with crutches. I asked her how she maintained her morale through this very difficult and slow recovery; “My family and everyone around me, the support has been amazing from the first day, and as time goes on, it was Mark and his positive outlook, drive and the professionals around him.”

“Life has been put on hold…, it’s a different thinking on life now,” said Anne-Maree, coming to terms with her new reality.

Anne-Maree feels one of the biggest challenges of Mark returning home is cooking to his demanding standards, “he’s a great cook, my challenge now is being able to cater for him,” she laughed. “I know he is going to try everything to get back to being independent.”

Anne-Maree has some advice for those facing a similar situation, “accept help”.

The first thing Mark will do when he gets home, after sharing a hug with his wife, is to put some music on.

In the longer-term Mark’s goal is to drive, get back to the gym and get a dog. He will still need many months of further therapy to become fully independent, but with the support of his family and friends, the future looks much brighter.

Walking out of Minchinbury Community hospital 8 months later, Mark’s recovery has defied the odds. He still has months or years of rehabilitation to make a (near-to) full recovery, but given how extensive his injuries were, his story is one of determination, tears, laughter, and resilience that has been inspiring to his family, treating team and other patients at the hospital.

Western NEWS

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ITH Queen Mary of Denmark’s ascension to the throne, the connection between the Danish royal family and Western Sydney Local Health Districts’s (WSLHD) Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre (CPMCC) takes on a special and new significance.

Named in honour of Australian born Queen Mary, then Crown Princess, who graced the centre with a visit in 2011, the CPMCC stands as a beacon of hope and healing for patients battling cancer.

But the centre’s legacy is more than just a royal title – it’s a testament to the unwavering commitment to excellence in cancer care within the WSLHD. The partnership originates from a visit by Danish doctor, Frede Donskov, who came to Australia in 2005 to learn about cancer care.

This led to him collaborating with WSLHD’s Professor Paul Harnett to improve cancer care in both Australia and Denmark, and establish a connection between Sydney West Cancer Network and Denmark.

The CPMCC is a dedicated hub of medical professionals providing comprehensive care.

From clinics to advanced

therapies like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the centre offers a range of services in one facility.

Beyond treatment, it addresses patients’ holistic needs through supportive and palliative care, ensuring emotional well-being.

The CPMCC is not only focused on current care, but also shaping the future of cancer treatment through active participation in clinical trials and ground breaking research.

The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre stands as a testament to hope, healing, and the enduring power of human connection.

Counselling | EMDR Therapy Trauma | Adolescent mental health Parenting support Grief and Bereavement | Mediation Online therapy for personal convenience via Zoom or FaceTime

Book an appointment and get your life back on track.

Email: info@roadmaptolife.com.au

Phone 0493 509 142

www.roadmaptolife.com.au We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

We celebrate, value, and include people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.

Western News 19 January 2024 Issue 205

Our royal connection: Westmead Hospital’s Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre commemorates Queen Mary

Western News 19 January 2024 Issue 205

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Western NEWS Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 Sports Journalist: Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Graphic Design: Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com

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From the Editor’s Desk

BY KERRIE DAVIES

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USTRALIA DAY. A day of pride in all things Australian. To me that means both celebrating and reflecting on our history and what we can learn from it, like we do on ANZAC Day. On Australia Day I feel pride in our first nations people; their culture and their heritage.

I feel excited for those who’ve come from other countries and decided to make this land their home.

I feel lucky that of all the places that they could have ended up, my own ancestors were shipped all the way down here.

As we all have different backgrounds, it is about where every one of us originated, how far we’ve come, and everything we can be in the future.

United, as one.

Indigenous people, the offspring of European Settlers and those who’ve immigrated here from other countries celebrating the great country we all call home. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just do that?

There’s always debate around this time, and I appreciate and understand both sides of the debate. We have people who want to celebrate our great nation on the traditional day. We have people who are repelled by the date as they see it as the start of invasion, and, as many Indigenous lives were lost, they see it as a day of mourning.

So if it truly is just the date stopping us from unitedly singing Australia’s praises, why not talk seriously about changing the date? I think to maintain that Aussie ‘sunburnt country’ feel though, it needs to stay a summer holiday date. Would those who shun the January 26 date be fine if it were a few days either side of that day? Would those digging their heels in about keeping the date really care if it were say, January 24 or January 28?

What will it take for us to get on with celebrating being Australian? Address it, discuss it, debate it, then settle it. We are tainting a golden opportunity to unite by allowing this to fester.

If it is as simple as a date change, great! Pick a date either side of the 26th, three days later, earlier - whatever!

None of us has the power to change anything from the past. But collectively we have the power to design our future.

Let’s just once and for all decide, unite and get on with it!

Western NEWS

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How to stay cool for free this summer in western Sydney

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S western Sydney battles through extreme heat this summer, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) experts have provided the below advice for staying safe and well during the hot weather.

Blacktown area Blacktown City Council has cool centres available for residents to seek refuge from sweltering temperatures. This is great for anyone who may not have airconditioning or access to a swimming pool at home.

These centres have airconditioning, water, toilets and family-friendly activities, and locations include: • Blacktown City Libraries • Mount Druitt Library • Bidwill Uniting Church • Blacktown Uniting Church • Blacktown Area Community Centres • Northwest Neighbourhood Services Cumberland area Cumberland City Council has eight libraries available for community members to access for a break from the heat outside.

There are also swim centres in the below locations (open daily except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day): • Granville Swim Centre • Guildford Swim Centre • Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre • Merrylands Swim Centre • Wentworthville Memorial Swim Centre Cooling community splash parks, water refill stations and community centre access is also available.

• Local shopping centres, such as North Rocks, Carlingford Court, Westfield Parramatta • Water play parks, such as James Ruse Reserve, Harris Park, Philip Ruddock Water Playground, Dundas Valley, Ollie Web Reserve and Inclusive Playground.

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Western NEWS

Western Sydney community urged to stay COVID-safe this summer

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SW Health is reminding the western Sydney community to keep practising COVIDsafe behaviours, as COVID-19 remains at high levels across NSW. The latest NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance Report for the fortnight ending 6 January 2024 indicates that COVID-19 transmission in NSW is currently at a higher level than during last year’s winter peak, while in the greater Sydney area it is approaching levels not seen since December 2022.

Emergency Department presentations for COVID-19 remain high although the proportion of presentations requiring admission to hospital has been declining, suggesting while there has been an increase in cases there has been no increase in the severity of disease.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant urged people to the community to keep practising COVID-safe behaviours to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

“Currently, the Omicron variants EG.5 and JN.1 appear to be driving the majority of transmission in the

community, with JN.1 increasing in prevalence, in line what we have seen in other countries,” Dr Chant said.

“While there is no evidence to suggest these variants cause more severe disease the overall increase in case numbers puts more people, especially vulnerable people, at risk from COVID-19.

“If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, please stay at home. If you are experiencing symptoms and you

do need to go out, please wear a mask.

“Don’t visit high risk settings like hospitals, aged and disability

care facilities or people who are at higher risk of severe illness until your symptoms resolve.

“To receive the best protection against serious illness or death from COVID-19, it is important to stay up to date with your recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.”

Dr Chant urged people to have a plan with their doctor if they are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This plan may include recommending a PCR test if you get sick or use of antiviral medication, if eligible.

More information on staying COVID-safe is available on the NSW Government website at www. nsw.gov.au/covid-19/protectingyourself/higher-risk-groups.

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No-one wants to see high levels of transmission in the community, but we do know what works to limit transmission in these circumstances and I am calling on the community to do those simple things that will make a big difference.

Five questions to ask to ensure services are child-safe in western Sydney

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HE NSW government has designed a set of Child Safe Standards to help organisations become places where all children and young people are safe from abuse or neglect.

The Child Safe Standards are designed to create, maintain and improve child safe practices.

Western Sydney Local Health District’s Integrated Violence Prevention & Response Service (IVPRS) Coordinator, Ly Johnson said this is a very important step.

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When organisations apply the Standards they build a culture where abuse of children is prevented, responded to and reported.

Ly Johnson

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WSLHD is working towards becoming a child safe organisation by making sure we employ staff who are safe to work with children and young people, making sure our facilities are physically and culturally safe and ensuring we listen to the voices of children and young people.

As a parent or carer, you can also play an important role in making sure your children are safe when attending services. One of the things you can do when accessing a new service is to ask questions about how the service keeps children and young people safe.

Questions could include: • Does your service have a code of conduct?

• Is your service aware of the Child Safe Standards?

• Are your staff trained to work with children and/or young people?

• Who do I talk to if I have any issues or questions?

• How does my child or young person make a complaint?

From a service perspective, we can make sure that we: • Are respectful in the way we communicate with children and

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young people • Show children and young people that they are welcome no matter their ability, gender, sexuality, family or cultural background • Provide information in a way children and young people understand – including how to make a complaint • Make sure children and young people know who they can speak to if someone is harming them (including someone within a health service)

• Give parents information about the skills and training of our staff.

If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the following services: • Child Protection Helpline: 13 21 11 (24hrs) • 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (24hrs) • Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24hrs) • In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger call 000.

It is also important for parents to ask children about their experiences with services and let children and young people know they can talk to them if they ever feel scared, worried, upset or uncomfortable.

Hanan Hamza, Child Wellbeing Coordinator

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Western News 19 January 2024 Issue 205

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AUSTRALIA DAY Aussie lingo With Australia Day coming up let’s have a bit of a gander at some old Aussie slang sayings that only true blue Aussies would understand!

› As flash as a rat with a gold tooth › Off like a brides nightie › Done the Harold Holt › Lower than a snake’s bum › Fat as a butcher’s dog › Up at a sparrow’s fart › Fits like a bum in a bucket › It beats a poke in the eye with a blunt stick › A head like a beaten favourite › Bangs like a dunny door in a hurricane › A kangaroo loose in the top paddock › Grinning like a shot fox › Feeling as crook as Rookwood › As rare as rocking horse poo › Shot through like a Bondi tram › Talk under water with a mouthful of marbles › So hungry I could I could eat a horse and chase its rider › Busier than a one legged bloke in an ar$e-kicking competition › Throat feels like the scrapings from the Cockie’s cage › As much use as an ashtray on a motorbike › He’s as reliable as a two bob watch › Language was so bad, they’d make a wharfie blush › Thick as two short planks › So fat you’d need a cut lunch to get around him

9 Western News 19 January 2024 Issue 205

Good ole-fashioned

26 January

WSLHD announces Kickstarter Program grant funding for aspiring researchers

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ESTERN Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) has celebrated the successful recipients of the 2023 Kickstarter program in a special event held at Westmead Hospital.

The Kickstarter Program offers six grants annually across medical, allied health, nursing and midwifery for WSLHD staff to explore research topics and take their first steps in the field of publishing research.

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The funds, which are $10,000 for each grant, will enable participants to gain experience in applying for research grant money, gain experience in carrying out a research project with advice from a mentor, and generate preliminary data for the next step up. Stephen Schibeci, WSLHD’s Scientific Research Support Manager

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This program was started to offer clinicians the opportunity to research an idea that may improve service and patient outcomes – and what makes these grants particularly special is the support offered to recipients to launch this next part of their careers.

Congratulations to all participants who submitted entries to the

Westmead Medical Kickstarter program WECC Dr Chris Nahm, Dr Nishita Jagarlamudi, Dr Maryam Roudbary, Dr Chameen Samarawickrama, Dr Hassan Lami.

The new research idea may benefit patients in the short, medium or long term by changing policies and procedures or accumulating evidence for better ways of doing things.

Stephen Schibeci, WSLHD’s Scientific Research Support Manager

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Western News 19 January 2024 Issue 205

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Kickstarter Program, and a special thanks to all the judges and attendees at the event.

Medical Kickstarter Christopher Nahm, Department of Upper GI Surgery, Westmead Hospital Project Title: Biomarker-driven pre-operative staging of patients with resectable pancreatic cancer and

Chameen Samarawickrama Department of Ophthalmology, Westmead Hospital Project Title: Battle of the Bugs!

The introduction of phage therapy in the treatment of infectious keratitis.

Allied Health Kickstarter Hannah Yejin Kim, Pharmacy, Westmead Hospital Project Title: Lamotrigine monitoring using saliva. and Francis Gomes Occupational Therapy, Emergency RAID Service, Blacktown – Westmead Hospital Project Title: Detecting decline in functional cognition in older adults to aid timely and safer discharge from Emergency Department Nursing Midwifery Kickstarter Bryan Adduru, Drug Health Services, Blacktown Hospital Project Title: Investigating patient experiences of changing opioid dependence treatment medication. and Sital Sadhra, Clinical Midwifery Educator, Auburn Hospital Project Title: Women’s experiences of maternity care in WSLHD – a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) perspective

World first supercomputer capable of brain-scale simulation being built at Western Sydney University

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HE world’s first supercomputer capable of simulating networks at the scale of the human brain has been announced by researchers at the International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems (ICNS) at Western Sydney University.

DeepSouth uses a neuromorphic system which mimics biological processes, using hardware to efficiently emulate large networks of spiking neurons at 228 trillion synaptic operations per second - rivalling the estimated rate of operations in the human brain.

ICNS Director, Professor André van Schaik says DeepSouth stands apart from other supercomputers as it is purpose-built to operate like networks of neurons, requiring less power and enabling greater efficiencies.

This contrasts with supercomputers optimised for more traditional computing loads, which are power hungry.

“Progress in our understanding of how brains compute using neurons is hampered by our inability to simulate brain like networks at scale. Simulating spiking neural networks on standard computers using Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and multicore Central Processing Units (CPUs) is just too slow and power intensive. Our system will change that,” Professor van Schaik said.

“This platform will progress our understanding of the brain and develop

brain-scale computing applications in diverse fields including sensing, biomedical, robotics, space, and largescale AI applications.”

Professor van Schaik explained that practically this will lead to advances in smart devices, such as mobile phones, sensors for manufacturing and agriculture, and less power-hungry and smarter AI applications. It will also enable a better understanding of how a healthy or diseased human brain works.

Western Sydney University’s ICNS team collaborated with partners across the neuromorphic field in developing this ground-breaking project, with researchers from the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, and University of Aachen, Germany.

The supercomputer is aptly named DeepSouth, paying homage to IBM’s TrueNorth system, which initiated efforts to build machines simulating large networks of spiking neurons, and Deep Blue, which was the first computer to become a world chess

champion. The name is also a nod to its geographical location.

DeepSouth will be based at Western Sydney University and is a key contributor to the growth of the region as a high-tech hub.

DeepSouth aims to be operational

by April 2024.

Key Benefits of DeepSouth: • Super-fast, large scale parallel processing using far less power: Our brains are able to process the equivalent of an exaflop — a billion-billion (1 followed by 18 zeros) mathematical operations per second — with just 20 watts of power. Using neuromorphic engineering that simulates the way our brain works, DeepSouth can process massive amounts of data quickly, using much less power, while being much smaller than other supercomputers.

• Scalability: The system is also scalable, allowing for the addition of more hardware to create a larger system or scaling down for smaller portable or more cost-effective applications.

• Reconfigurable: Leveraging Field

Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) facilitates hardware reprogramming, enabling the addition of new neuron models, connectivity schemes, and learning rules—overcoming limitations seen in other neuromorphic computing systems with customdesigned hardware. DeepSouth will be remotely accessible with a front end that allows description of the neural models and design of the neural networks in the popular programming language Python. The development of this front-end enables researchers to use the platform without needing detailed knowledge of the hardware configuration.

• Commercial Availability: Leveraging commercially available hardware ensures continual improvements of the hardware, independent of the team designing the supercomputer, overcoming limitations seen in other neuromorphic computing systems with custom designed hardware. Custom chips take a large amount of time to design and manufacture and cost tens of millions of dollars each. Using commercial off-the-shelf configurable hardware means that the protype would be easy to replicate at data centres around the world.

• Artificial Intelligence: By mimicking the brain, we will be able to create more efficient ways of undertaking AI processes than our current models.

Western NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

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N the tapestry of healthcare woven across Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals (BMDH), Jeannie Smith stands as a vibrant thread, connected to the very essence of healing.

For more than two decades, Jeannie has been the heartbeat of compassion and a guiding force in pastoral care, leaving a mark on the fabric of patient well-being in western Sydney.

Jeannie’s journey began in the late 1990s as a casual registered nurse until 2001. It wasn’t long before she realised that her calling transcended traditional nursing roles.

A stint with a private cardiologist deepened her understanding of the intricacies of care, leading her back to BMDH in 2003, where she embraced her true passion for pastoral care.

As a Pastoral Care coordinator, Jeannie’s role extended beyond the conventional. She became a mentor, a beacon of empathy, and a guardian of spiritual well-being.

Her influence radiated through the corridors as she trained others to become pastoral care volunteers, imparting not just hospital protocols but essential life skills-listening, responding with empathy, and navigating the complex journey of grief.

“Training is essential for pastoral care volunteers because our patients are vulnerable, often grappling with their mortality,” Jeannie said.

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Visiting patients, staff, and families in the wards became a cornerstone of Jeannie’s mission.

Recognising the turmoil patients face during hospitalisation, she provided a comforting presence and understanding. Jeannie highlighted the timeless importance of face-toface connections in offering care and support.

Blacktown Hospital C71 Cancer Services ward clerk Collette Coelho, was inspired by Jeannie’s dedication, transitioned from a ward clerk to a pastoral care volunteer.

“Not only have you been a friend and confidant, but we wish you all the best. God bless you, and may you continue to enjoy good health and prosperity,” Collette said.

Pastoral care, Jeannie emphasised, transcends religious boundaries; it delves into the core of what brings meaning and purpose to people’s lives, especially in times of crisis. As she expressed her gratitude, Jeannie acknowledged her remarkable team of volunteers and the collaborative efforts of colleagues, emphasising the

profound impact of pastoral care in patient well-being.

BMDH Volunteer Manager Colin Dent paid tribute to Jeannie, describing her as indispensable.

He acknowledged her dedication, compassion, and expertise, underlining the void her departure would leave in the team.

As the curtains fall on this chapter of Jeannie’s career, the impact on the spiritual and healing landscape of Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals echoes, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and holistic care that will endure for years to come.

It’s fitting that Jeannie’s next adventure involves her business partnership with her husband as a Funeral Director and Celebrant.

To volunteer at Blacktown or Mount Druitt Hospitals, please email WSLHD-CorporateComms@ health.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Our key focus was empowering others to tap into their spirituality during times of illness and crisis. Jeannie Smith

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CROSSWORD ACROSS

1. Harried (7) 5. Spoke in ignorance (7) 9. Limelight (9) 10. Court case (5) 11. Implies (7) 12. Self-importance (7) 13. Fulfills (9) 15. 10th letter in the Greek alphabet (5) 17. Fooled (5) 19. Mistaken (9) 22. Intent (7) 25. Make better (7) 26. Elicit (5)

27. Having as a consequence (9) 28. Most unhappy (7) 29. Engrosses wholly (7) DOWN 1. She entertains guests (7) 2. Baseball infielder (9) 3. Lollypops (7) 4. Relating to the body’s processing of food (9) 5. Strong flexible twig (5) 6. Part of a horse’s hoof (7) 7. Sixty-three in Roman numerals (5)

solution 12/1/24

8. Quandary (7) 14. Napkin (9) 16. Causing resentment (9) 17. Push down (7) 18. Bishopric (7) 20. Sleeping (7) 21. Sleds (7) 23. Not square (5) 24. Construct (5)

Western News 19 January 2024 Issue 205

Celebrating over 20 years of spiritual and healing excellence at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals

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Western News 19 January 2024 Issue 205

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WESTERN HISTORY

Western NEWS

St Marys Tragedy

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

N December 1936 a bike ride to St Marys changed the lives of two friends and their families forever when Thomas Ernest Wright and Francis Edward Spittle both aged 16, decided on a bike ride to St Marys that was arranged on the previous night to visit a friend. Francis and Thomas lived close on Mitchell Road in Enfield. Thomas called on Francis and they proceeded along the Parramatta Road then onto the Western Road and then into Mamre Road looking for someone who was employed by tanners Farleigh and Nettheim at Concord where Thomas was also employed. Because of the long ride and the weather being hot at that time, the boys made for a waterhole in a creek at the junction of Luddenham and Liverpool Roads at St Marys around 10 o’clock. Thomas said to Francis “what about a swim?” Francis said, “righto” and they undressed, put on their costumes and dived into the water. Francis returned to the bank and again dived into the waterhole, later coming back to the bank and a few minutes later Thomas dived in again but he was struggling in the water and shouted “Help” to him, Frances dived in after him and told him to get on his back, but Thomas was too heavy and was dragging Francis under the water with him, he felt Thomas let go and sink, so he swam to the bank for assistance at a farmhouse where Henry Dowle a dairy farmer at Luddenham Road was bringing his milk into the factory. Coming on the scene and going into the water Henry recovered the body and started resuscitation methods until the arrival of Dr Dalton from St Marys who continued the efforts and with Constable Musgrove from St Marys who also helped with the resuscitation continuing for about three quarters of an hour to no avail. The body was taken to Penrith Hospital morgue.

At the inquest held by District Coroner Arthur Judges at Penrith Court House, Dr Dalton said he received a call out to the scene of the accident and the young man was unconscious and quite pulseless and he could hear no heart sounds. It was also mentioned that Thomas was an indifferent swimmer, and the water was very deep where he dived in. A verdict of asphyxia from accidental drowning was returned, there was no post-mortem. Thomas was born at Sutherland in 1920 to parents George Charles Wright & Victoria May Wright (Nee: Hadley).

His parents had divorced in April 1928 in Sydney with George being the petitioner on the grounds of desertion for three years and upwards, and in that same year he married his ex-wife’s sister Lynda Lyle Ida May Hadley born in 1895 and died in 1948. His ex-wife Victoria May Wright married Harry Sidney Savage in 1939 at Petersham and died in 1983 at Dulwich Hill. The leather tannery of “Farleigh and Nettheim” at Concord where Thomas worked was started in 1864 by two Jewish migrants Edwin Michaelis and Isaac Hallenstein, who first settled in Melbourne and commenced business in Lonsdale Street as merchants importing into the new colony, cotton drill, threads and leather mainly for footwear production and built a tannery producing sole leather to meet the strong demand for solid boots and shoes by the increasing number of footwear manufacturers. Their tannery grew quickly, and the two partners felt it was time to start business in Clarence Street called Farleigh Nettheim & Co. In 1880 they found

 Photo of a £40 cheque from Farleigh Nettheim & Co – 1907 from the internet.

a few rather dilapidated sheds and some tanning pits in Stanley Street at Concord (or Longbottom as it was called in those days) and buying the property and adjacent land amounting to 7¼ acres that adjoined the mangrove swamps of Canada Bay at the bottom of Stanley Street.

John Farleigh was the mainspring of the new tannery in the early 1880’s, unfortunately he died in 1885 and John Lawson, a Tasmanian who was well versed in the technicalities of making sole leather, gave the company the reputation to become known worldwide as the “King of Mimosa” Brand. John Lawson lived and worked in Concord and died at the age of 90 years. The NSW Valuer General who had the responsibility of purchasing property for the NSW Education Department bought the Concord tannery property sold in 1967 for the construction of the Concord High School. Francis Edward Spittle who lost his friend when he drowned on that fateful bike ride to St Marys, had just two months before that fateful day celebrated his successful completion of courses covering two years’ work at the Burwood Evening Commercial School, beyond the primary stage in junior technical and commercial subjects. Francis was born at Bulli in 1920 to parents James & Clara Olive Spittle (Nee Nicklin). James was born in Lanarkshire in Scotland in 1888 and died in Burwood in 1937.

Clara was born in 1893 at Clifton NSW and died in 1950 at Enfield.

According to Francis’s war records he enlisted in the field into the AIF in WW2 fighting in France. He died in 1946 at Enfield NSW. Sources: Nepean Times, New South Wales Australia Registers of Coroners’ Inquests, Information from Ancestry family WW2 information from National Archives - 1532/26 R.G. Dept No.4955/28 - Record No. 1010873) – No. NX146175, Information on Tannery compiled by Colin S Dodds last General Manager of the Company, The Sydney Morning Herald, Ancestry, BDM information on Francis Edward Spittle.

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Western NEWS

REAL ESTATE 13

ALEX SONCINI

WHAT are the benefits and drawbacks?

Technology has become an integral part of our lives, and it has brought about many positive changes. However, it is important to remember that technology is not always the best solution for your situation. Sometimes, the best solution is a human one.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used in the home loan industry to streamline the application process, reduce approval time, and improve credit assessments offering mainly speed and less hassle with the process.

The products offered are often basic and risk adverse with valuations relying on an online valuation potentially being very conservative and require lower LVR’s below 80% as to not include LMI (Lenders Mortgage Insurance) which will limit the maximum loan amount you can borrow.

The technology used can be expensive, complex, and difficult to use, and it can also have unintended consequences and solutions. As AI algorithms are programmed it may be biased against certain groups of people, such as low-income earners or self-employed with potential bias and not providing solutions. Another concern is that AI may replace human workers in many areas of the industry, leading to significant job losses or off shoring the back office.

Therefore, it is important to strike a balance

between the use of technology and the importance of Actual Intelligence (AI) i.e., human intelligence in solving problems.

Mortgage brokers can provide a more personalised and human touch to the home loan process. They can help borrowers navigate the complex world of home loans, understand the different types of loans available, and choose the one that best meets their needs.

Mortgage brokers can also help borrowers with bad credit or other financial issues find lenders who are willing to work with them. Additionally, mortgage brokers can help borrowers save money by finding the best interest rates and loan terms available.

In conclusion, while Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to greatly enhance the modern lending process. Actual Intelligence (AI) is important in the home loan industry because it allows borrowers to make informed decisions

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about their finances. Borrowers need to be able to understand the terms and conditions of their loans, as well to compare different loan products and choose the one that best meets their needs.

Actual Intelligence (AI) is what allows us to understand complex concepts, make decisions based on incomplete information, and adapt to new situations.

Mortgage and finance brokers can provide a more personalised and human touch to the home loan process, helping borrowers navigate the complex world of home loans and find the best loan product for their needs.

Connect with Alex at Wealthwiz on 0419 600 177, an MFAA accredited finance broker, to explore your options and make a well-informed decision that aligns with your financial goals and circumstances.

Disclaimer: The data, information and commentary provided in this publication is of a general nature and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the relevant contributors and should not be construed as specific advice or relied upon in lieu of appropriate professional fax or financial advice. The information in the article is believed to be reliable at the time of distribution, but neither WealthWiz nor its accredited brokers warrant its completeness or accuracy. For information about whether a loan may be suitable for you, call us on 0419 600 177.

Western News 19 January 2024 Issue 205

Home loans, Artificial Intelligence (AI) versus Actual Intelligence (AI)

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Western News 19 January 2024 Issue 205

14

Western NEWS

SPORT

Locals grab top five spots in Sydney Week of Golf

Ti Fox and Darcy Mackay at the Harvey Norman Sydney Week of Golf. Photos courtesy of JNJG

BY NOEL ROWSELL

S

EVERAL western Sydney junior golfers have performed well at the 2024 Harvey Norman Sydney Week of Golf, with Twin Creek’s Darcy Mackay (The Australian GC), Richmond’s Ti Fox (Concord GC) and Richmond’s Chayse Thorpe (Concord GC) all finishing in the Boys Top Five, beaten

only by Vidur Subramaniam (RydeParramatta GC).

Played over five days and five different golf courses, the event is the only 5-day junior golf tournament in Australia.

The local boys shifted places on the leaderboard over the five days before all eventually finishing at the top, beaten only by the irrepressible Vidur, who maintained

a solid lead throughout the tournament.

In the outright placings, Ti and Darcy finished tied 2nd, ahead of Chayse in 4th.

Ti was also a runaway 9-shot winner in the Boys 14/15 Years, Darcy runner-up to Vidur in the 16/17 Years and Chayse 3rd in the 16/17 Years group.

In the Girls division, Annoushka

Maikap (Stonecutters Ridge GC) was sitting in the Top Five early in the week, before finishing in a highly credible 8th spot.

Annoushka was also placed 2nd in the 14/15 Years group, ahead of Savannah Webb (Stonecutters Ridge GC) in 5th, Jessica Fog (Penrith GC) tied 7th and Farmaan Dhillon (Glenmore Heritage Valley GC) 12th.

Carruthers makes late surge in Australian Master of the Amateurs

BY NOEL ROWSELL

T

HE Australian Master of the A m a t e u r s golf tournament is Australia’s premier amateur golf tournament and was held at Southern GC, Victoria from 9th-12th January, featuring a stellar cast of 168 players from 22 countries, including Canada, Chinese Taipei, England, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Macao, Malaysia, New Zealand, Phillipines, Samoa, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, USA, Vietnam, Wales and Australia.

Local interest centred around Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs / Concord GC), Grace Lee (Glenmore Park / Concord GC) and Kade Webber (Stonecutters Ridge GC).

After a disappointing opening round of 78 on Tuesday, Coby rose impressively to the challenge, shooting a 4-under 68 on Wednesday, followed by a 2-under 70 on Thursday to surge 50 places up the leaderboard.

That performance ensured Coby made the cut and he followed up on Friday with yet another sub-par round, shooting 69 in the final round

to finish the tournament in a share of 26th spot.

Coby’s final three rounds totalled 207, which was only bettered by two of the eventual top 10 finishers, including winner Phoenix Campbell ,and equal-4th-placed Jye Halls.

Coby’s position on the leaderboard started at 87 on day one, rose to 52 on day two, tied 37th on day three and finally tied for 26th, a rise of 61 positions over the duration of the tournament.

Kade Webber (Stonecutters Ridge

GC) shot 74/72/74 to finish 4-over after the first three round to miss the cut by just 3 shots.

In the women’s division, Grace Lee (Glenmore Park / Concord GC) shot 80/77/76 to finish at +14 and miss the Women’s cut by 5 shots.

Western NEWS

SPORT 15

BY BOB TURNER

T

HE 2024 NSW Senior Men’s NPL1 Football competition is scheduled to start with a bang as 2022 Champions, Blacktown City FC, will host the 2023 Premiers Apia Leichhardt. The season opener will be played at Landen Stadium on Sunday, February 18 with the Senior Men at 6pm and Under 20’s at 4pm.

The 2023 season was the first in a number of years that did not include a playoff structure to determine the NSW Champions. Football NSW had taken the decision to follow a first past the post structure and Apia Leichhardt had maintained a healthy buffer throughout the season. After a disappointing start in defence of their 2022 Championship, Blacktown City hit their stride at the midpoint of the season to chase Apia with no losses in the last twelve games of the season. In the end it was not enough to close the gap on Apia with Blacktown City finishing third on the table. A finals playoff with the top four teams, Apia, Rockdale, Marconi and Blacktown City would have made for a hotly contested Championship.

Blacktown City will now have the opportunity to prove a point when they host their rivals and the defending Premiers, Apia Leichhardt, in the opening round of the NSW 2024 NPL 1 Senior Men’s competition. Head of Football Mark Crittenden has beefed up his side and has been in training since November. The retirement of Captain Matt Lewis will point to the winner of the 2023 Matt Lewis Medal, Mario Shabow, as his replacement. Mario has been a standout for Blacktown City and his relationship with Head Coach Crittenden is a special one.

Joining Mario for the 2024 season will be former Blacktown City players, Joey Gibbs and Jacob Maniti, who have been playing overseas. Coach Crittenden has also recruited Marty Fenandez from Marconi and Jayden Tremkoski from Sydney FC. Exciting news for the club is that Danny Choi and Mitch Mallia will be returning

Captain Matt Lewis and Goalie Tristen The MayorPrendergast of Blacktown, Tony Bleasdale OAM, with both senior Blacktown City teams at Lansden Stadium. Photos: Not24Get

from season ending injuries in 2023 to once again suit up for Blacktown’s best.

Returning for Blacktown City are standouts Travis Major, Grant Lynch, Lachlan Campbell, Jak & Nick O’Brien, Adam & Ben Berry, Tyren Burnie and Goalie Tristan Prendergast. This group has formed the backbone of the Blacktown City squad and maintained a consistency to be recognised as one of the Premier sides in the NSW competition.

Head of Football, Mark Crittenden, is confident his squad will once again be in the hunt for Championship honours. “The 2024 team will maintain the culture and aggressive style of play Blacktown City is known for”, said Coach Crittenden. “This group is one of the most talented I have had the pleasure to coach and weekly selection of the eleven starters will be highly competitive. if the pre-season training is anything to go by we are in for an exciting 2024 season”, he added.

The Senior women will be entering their third season of NPL 2 competition.

Their season commences in March and will be under new Head Coach Michael Hawthorne. Coach Hawthorne has also been in training since November.

He has taken on his new role and is determined to build his squad to achieve the goal of Blacktown City FC to elevate the Women’s programme to NPL 1 level withing three years.

To help achieve that BCFC are instituting in 2024 the ‘City FC

Mario Shabow

Head of Football Mark Crittenden

Academy’. The Academy is a major pathway extension for all Blacktown City development programmes such as the Momento Grass Roots Training programme and BCFC schools programme. It will cater for girls 8-13 on a Thursday night and boys 13-16 on a Tuesday evening. “The City FC Academy is designed to create a better pathway for our Junior players. In particular, the Academy is to attract

young women in the Blacktown area to bolster our young Women’s programme”, said Mark Crittenden.

Landen Stadium will be the scene of ‘Football Fever’ as Blacktown City FC continue to build a presence and following for the city they represent.

All home games are played at Landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills.

See you on the 18th and Go Blacktown City!

Western News 19 January 2024 Issue 205

Block Buster for Blacktown City Season opener

2024 SEASON COMMENCES FOR MEN 18 FEBRUARY & WOMEN IN MARCH (SENIOR MEN AT 6PM & UNDER 20’S AT 4PM)

Western NEWS Friday, 19 January 2024

SPORT

Northey wins Prestigious 2023 PGA Award

BY NOEL ROWSELL

G

LENMORE PARK resident David Northey has taken out on of the plumb awards of 2023, winning the PGA NSW/ACT Club Professional of the Year award.

David is the Director of Golf at Concord GC, a position he has now held for over two years, after previously serving in the same role at Castle Hill Golf Club for over a decade.

Born and bred in Penrith, David began his golfing journey as a Junior member at Glenmore GC (now Glenmore Heritage Valley GC) in 1988.

In 1997, he started a PGA Traineeship under then Glenmore Golf Professional Joe Moore, one of the most highly respected professionals in the sport. After 4 years learning his craft under Joe’s astute guidance, David left the club to begin life as a touring professional on the Australasian circuit. Prior to leaving Glenmore, David was

David Northey with his 2023 award.

awarded Life Membership of the club, in recognition of his services.

Following three years on tour, David accepted an Assistant Professional role at Castle Hill CC, then subsequently accepted a Head Professional role at the club, where he would work for the ensuing fourteen years.

David chose to leave Castle Hill in 2021 and almost immediately accepted a role as Director of Golf at

The Concord GC juniors with Cameron Smith and Nick O’Hern. Photos supplied

Concord GC, where he is still working in that role.

When he arrived at Concord Golf Club, David aimed to ensure all experiences and services offered to his members were at the highest level and that drive for excellence has resulted in recognition in the 2023 PGA awards, winning the ‘National PGA Club Professional of the Year’ award.

During his time at Concord, David

has welcomed several western Sydney juniors into the Golfing Program, including Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs), Grace Lee (Glenmore Park), Ti Fox (Richmond), Chayse Thorpe (Richmond).

David took a group of juniors to the Australian Open at the end of 2023, where they met with leading Australian professional Cameron Smith and fellow professional Nick O’Hern.