Dinosaur Safari at Sydney Zoo
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE biggest dinosaur event in Sydney has stomped back into Sydney Zoo, featuring lifesize, moving and roaring dinosaurs.
Dinosaur Safari is FREE with your zoo ticket but is on show for a limited time only.
Valid until Sunday 21 July, 2024, 9am-5pm, free with your Sydney Zoo day ticket, Unlimited Pass, Platinum Pass or Membership.
Royce Simmons to embark on Big Walk
The Royce Simmons Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of the third annual Royce’s Big Walk, a pivotal fundraising event aimed at supporting dementia research.
BY PANTHERS MEDIA
FOUNDED by rugby league legend Royce Simmons, the foundation remains steadfast in its mission to elevate awareness and fund crucial research initiatives. Your generous support enables us to sustain our efforts, providing hope, and invaluable resources to countless individuals.
Kicking off on Tuesday 6 August, Royce’s Big Walk will once again bring together communities, supporters, and advocates in a collective effort to raise awareness and vital funds for ground-breaking research initiatives.
This year, Royce’s Big Walk will navigate across the Sydney metropolitan area, making stops at several NRL clubs along the way, culminating in a special finish at BlueBet Stadium ahead of the Panthers’ Round 24 match against the Storm.
We are excited to embark on the third year. Through this event, we aim to not only raise funds for critical research but also to foster a sense of unity and purpose. Together, we can drive meaningful change and bring us closer to finding a cure.
The Royce Simmons Foundation is actively seeking sponsorships and donations to support Royce’s Big Walk and its broader mission to advance dementia research.
Sponsorship opportunities range from event sponsorship packages to inkind donations, providing businesses and supporters with meaningful ways
Royce Simmons
“
WIN BEER FOR A YEAR: ENTER NOW at https:// roycesimmonsfoundation.com.au to contribute. Every donation, large or small, plays a crucial role in funding vital research initiatives.
In addition, the event will feature an exciting raffle where participants
can enter for a chance to win ‘beer for a year’ courtesy of Tooheys. Purchase a raffle ticket to enter the draw, with all funds raised going directly towards supporting Royce’s Big Walk. Together, with the generous support of our sponsors and donors, we can make a significant difference in the fight against dementia.
Animals of the past and the present on show at Sydney Zoo. Photos by Noel Rowsell
Nominations open for Blacktown City Multicultural Awards
NOMINATIONS are open for the Blacktown City Multicultural Awards 2024 – honouring those who create and improve culturally diverse community connections.
Blacktown City Council hosts the awards to recognise volunteers, workers and organisations from multicultural backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership and success.
There are three award categories: inspirational person, volunteer and organisation or business.
Nominations can be made via the awards webpage: Blacktown City Multicultural Awards 2024 - Blacktown City (nsw.gov.au). The closing date is Friday 2 August.
Winners will be announced at the Flavours of Blacktown festival on Saturday 17 August at Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting encouraged people to nominate those who deserve congratulations.
“Our community is a great success story of people from different countries, cultures and religions coming together and living harmoniously,” he said.
“But this harmony doesn’t happen by itself. There are many unsung achievers who help people from different backgrounds learn and contribute to society.
“If you know someone who makes a difference in this way, I encourage you to nominate them.”
In 2023, Inspirational Person of the Year was SydWest Multicultural Services’ Case Worker Mervat Altarazi. Volunteer of the Year was Aasha Foundation director Bijinder Dugal.
Ms Altarazi has helped hundreds of people develop skills, find jobs, housing and gain Australian citizenship.
Ms Dugal provides care to the South East Asian community including exercise, cultural activities, mental stimulation and more.
Blacktown City is home to more than 435,000 residents who represent 188 different nationalities.
Western NEWS
Editor:
General Manager: Sales: Sales: Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:
Distribution Map
Western News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.
Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644
Bart Bassett 0412 955 745
Bart Bassett 0412 955 745
Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777
Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202
Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893
Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.wsnewsgroup.com
From the Editor’s Desk
BY KERRIE DAVIES
NEVER has the saying “within an inch of his life” been more fitting than it was this week, with the attack on former President Trump. Had the bullet launched from the sniper been just one inch over, we wouldn’t be talking about an injured ear, it would have been going down in the history books.
The ink on the headline was barely dry before the jokes and memes came out. If you’re on social media, you’d have also witnessed a wave of vitriolic comments across all the platforms.
Am I the only person who finds that abhorrent?
Many of those who dislike Trump, including Australians, are seemingly unable to separate their political disdain from basic human decency. I found it quite confronting to see anyone, regardless of their political stance, condoning or celebrating an attempt on someone’s life.
Unless you believe that assassination is an acceptable means of political change, in my view, it is not material for comedic fodder.
Let’s not forget there were innocent bystanders injured and one killed in the incident as well.
We are usually proud that the people of democratic nations, including ours, hold the power to choose our leaders through votes, not violence. To find humour in someone attempting to take out any leader through force is distasteful to me.
There’s only one place where political disagreements should have massive impact and that is at the ballot box on election day.
I’m not writing this as some rusted on Trump fan; what I am a fan of is respecting those who lead, or campaign to lead democratic countries. I’m pretty glad that it is not our country faced with choosing between Trump and Biden, truth be told.
The attack on Trump, regardless of one’s opinion of him personally, should be unequivocally condemned. If we allow such actions to be normalised, or find humour in them, we bring that kind of disrespect for leaders and candidates to our own country. It is simply not funny!
Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews@aol.com
Whooping cough warning
DID you know that whooping cough is on the rise in NSW? If you have cold/ flu-like symptoms with a cough, then you need to be extra careful around newborns and pregnant women.
Babies under 6-months of age are at increased risk of getting really sick if they get whooping cough and may need to be admitted to hospital.
The best protection is to stay clear
from newborn babies or pregnant women if you are feeling unwell. You can get a whooping cough combination vaccine that also protects against other diseases such as diphtheria and tetanus, which lasts for 5 years. Speak to your GP about vaccination.
Learn how to Identity, Protect and Prevent at www.health.nsw.gov.au/ Infectious/whoopingcough/Pages/ Identify-Protect-Prevent.aspx
Parliamentary Friends of Diabetes Unite for Tech
ON Wednesday 3 July, Parliamentary Friends of Diabetes Co-Chairs Graham Perrett MP and Rowan Ramsey MP hosted the launch of Diabetes Australia’s upcoming National Diabetes Week campaign; ‘Unite in the Fight for Tech’.
Minister for Health and Aged Care,
Mark Butler MP; and Chair of the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport, Dr Mike Freelander MP, spoke at the launch of our new campaign ‘Unite in the fight for tech’.
On the same night that recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes were released, both Minister for
Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler MP; and Chair of the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport, Dr Mike Freelander MP, spoke powerfully at the event about the need to drive action to arrest the diabetes epidemic in Australia and improve the lives of people living with diabetes.
Improving access to diabetes
technology is critical to this. And the message at the event was simple; Australians living with all types of diabetes should have equitable access to the technology they need to live well.
On the back of the recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry, it’s time to act decisively, including in the area of equitable access to diabetes technology.
Western Sydney University eases pressure for Year 12 students with early offer program
WESTERN Sydney University continues to provide HSC school leavers with peace of mind with its highly successful early offer program, HSC True Reward. Applications are now open for 2025.
Launched in 2017, HSC True Reward focuses on the unlimited potential of HSC students, acknowledging that they are much more than their scaled ATAR. The program recognises a student’s subject performance, which best reflects their strengths and areas of interest, as a robust indicator of future success at university.
Western Sydney University takes careful steps to emphasise the importance of the HSC by making offers based on Year 11 or Year 12 results from September, on the condition that students successfully complete their HSC.
To aid the transition from high school to university, students have access to a comprehensive range of support services at WSU. These include academic assistance, wellbeing resources, and scholarship opportunities.
Interim Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Clare Pollock, said Western Sydney University is committed to ensuring that all capable students have the opportunity to go to university and are well-supported to succeed, whilst providing transparency and safeguarding the integrity of the HSC.
“Students who excel in their HSC subjects thrive when enrolled in a degree that suits their strengths and interests. Innovative programs like HSC True Reward create new opportunities for school leavers, paving the way to university and helping them achieve their career ambitions,” said Professor Pollock.
Recently ranked number one in the world for its social, ecological and economic
impact in the prestigious Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for the third consecutive year, the University has a proud history of promoting equity and providing access to higher education, particularly for the people of Western Sydney.
For Ellie Winter, discovering a passion for critical analysis and media during her senior years led her to pursue a degree in communications. The Penrith resident received a True Reward offer to study the Bachelor of Communication (Dean’s Scholars) at Western Sydney University.
Now a recent graduate and working in the industry she loves, Ellie said receiving an early offer to her preferred course helped alleviate stress. She has now chosen to further enhance her skills by studying a Bachelor of Creative Leadership at the University.
“The HSC True Reward program provided me with the mental space to excel in subjects I loved, allowing me the freedom to engage deeply in my HSC studies. I completed three major works, which set me up for success with university assignments and saw me graduate from high school as Dux of Year 12,” said Ellie.
Western Sydney University will commence making conditional early offers to current Year 12 students who have applied through HSC True Reward on 12 September 2024, with further offer rounds throughout the remainder of the year.
To learn more about Western Sydney University’s HSC True Reward program visit www.westernsydney.edu.au/ hsctruereward. Year 12 students are assessed on both their HSC results and their Year 11 subject results as part of their university application. Those who receive an offer based on Year 11 results need to successfully complete the HSC.
Parliamentary Friends of Diabetes Co-Chair: Rowan Ramsey MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care: Mark Butler MP, Chair of the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport: Dr Mike Freelander MP, Diabetes Australia Group Chief Executive Officer: Justine Cain and Parliamentary Friends of Diabetes Co-Chair: Graham Perrett MP.
Melissa McIntosh MP and her son Byron who lives with type 1 diabetes, Diabetes Australia Group Chief Executive Officer Justine Cain and Rowan Ramsey MP.
Current student and True Reward recipient, Ellie Winter. Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas.
First Nations performers deliver x-factor at NAIDOC concert
X-FACTOR winner Isaiah
Firebrace and fellow First Nations performers lit up a new stage and delighted spectators at Blacktown City Council’s Warami Mittigar (‘Welcome friend’) Concert.
The platinum-selling recording star entertained fans from the newly opened Blacktown Showground Memorial Stage on Saturday.
Hip hop artist Kobie Dee and singer Riah were among others to impress.
Visitors to the showground also enjoyed cultural performances, artistic workshops, children’s activities, markets and more.
Uncle Wes Marne AM opened proceedings with a Smoking Ceremony and Aunty Cynthia Morrison delivered a Welcome to Country.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the day proved a worthy highlight of NAIDOC Week (7-14 July).
“First Nations People continue to contribute so much to Australia, and we saw that through the music, cultural displays and talks at the concert,” he said.
“We are lucky Blacktown City has one of the largest urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations in Australia. It’s a great opportunity to learn from the world’s oldest living culture.”
There are more than 12,000 Blacktown City residents of Aboriginal or Torres Strait heritage. Before the concert, Mayor Bunting announced the winners of the Blacktown City NAIDOC awards.
The recipients were: Nicole Winters (Citizen of the Year), Crystal Ferguson (Young Citizen of the Year), Janine Meini (Person Living with a Disability Award) and Tyson Adams (Sports Person of the Year).
The awards and concert were the first held on the new stage, which will provide community groups the benefits of performing on a professional, outdoor covered stage.
Council both funded and delivered the structure, which includes audio visual equipment, lighting, a concrete roof, roof garden, landscaping and toilets. The NSW Government also contributed funding.
Nurse makes career switch to children’s author with Tafe NSW
WITH the help of TAFE NSW, a western Sydney mum of three is proving it’s possible to switch careers, after following her passion and becoming a children’s author and illustrator.
TAFE NSW student Ruby Singla has worked as a registered nurse for 15 years and undertook a Statement of Attainment in Writing Children’s Stories through TAFE Digital to pursue her passion for writing. Ms Singla said she couldn’t be happier, she’s now achieved her dream of publishing and illustrating a children’s book, which is available to buy on Amazon.
Ruby’s story reflects a broader trend with job mobility hitting 9.5% in 2023 for the second year in a row, the highest rate in a decade according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Industries once considered stable faced significant shifts after COVID-19 workplace shutdowns, leading more people to reconsider their career paths.
The book, titled ‘Blob hates needles’ is for kids who don’t like getting needles. As a registered nurse, Robina shares common experiences children and their parents or carers face, when getting needles.
“TAFE NSW gave me the direction and the industry know-how I needed to realise my dream of writing and
publishing my book. The teachers went above and beyond to provide me with all the help and resources I need to achieve my dream,” Ruby said.
“I knew the sort of book I wanted
to write when I started the course, and the TAFE NSW course gave me the literary techniques to improve and refine my story to ultimately be a success.”
Head Teacher of English and Humanities at TAFE Digital Michelle Mawby said the course involves exploring the children’s book market, learning literary techniques, and bringing stories to life through plot development and characterisation.
“TAFE NSW works with industry
to develop training that meets their specific needs, ensuring graduates are learning the practical skills and industry knowledge they need to succeed.
“Ruby is an exemplary student who turned to TAFE NSW to pursue a dream and can now call herself as a published author.”
The TAFE Statement in Writing Today - Children’s Stories is a 12-month course and is open for enrolment anytime via TAFE Digital.
Researchers call for urgent change to current gestational diabetes treatment and management
AN international team of researchers led by Western Sydney University have published a new Lancet Series challenging current approaches to managing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and initiating earlier treatment to prevent complications during pregnancy and beyond.
Published by The Lancet, the authors of the new Series are calling for the urgent introduction of strategies to prevent and manage GDM throughout a woman’s life, including earlier testing and diagnosis to reduce pregnancy and delivery complications and decrease the risk of developing other health conditions later in life.
Lead author of the series, Distinguished Professor David Simmons from the University’s School of Medicine and Translational Health Research Institute, said that GDM cases are increasing globally and becoming more complex due to higher levels of risk factors such as obesity.
“Our new Series emphasises the urgent need for a major shift in how gestational diabetes is first diagnosed and managed, not only during pregnancy but throughout the lifetime of mothers and their babies.
“Gestational diabetes is an increasingly complex condition, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to managing it. Instead, a patient’s unique risk factors and metabolic profile should be considered to help guide them through pregnancy and support them afterward to achieve the best health outcomes for women and babies everywhere,” said Distinguished Professor Simmons.
As the most common medical pregnancy complication worldwide, GDM affects one in seven pregnancies (14 per cent).
Without treatment, gestational diabetes can lead to high blood pressure, increased risk of Caesarean sections, mental health conditions, and complications for the baby at delivery, alongside health complications for the mother later in life, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Recent evidence suggests that the foundations for developing GDM occur before pregnancy, with metabolic changes often detectable in early pregnancy before 14 weeks. However, GDM is typically only tested for and treated late into the second or third trimester of pregnancy (24-28 weeks).
Distinguished Professor Simmons says a better understanding of GDM and its effects can help researchers, clinicians, and policymakers develop new management approaches that focus on improved
prevention and treatment of GDM complications from pre-conception, through to pregnancy and beyond.
“It is past time to move from ‘late pregnancy’ focused services to an integrated, personalised lifecourse strategy across both high and low-resource settings.
“This includes new, systematic approaches to prevention, early GDM treatment, identifying and overcoming barriers to uptake, better health system integration, and more research to better understand how GDM affects women and their children during pregnancy and throughout their lives.”
The recommended strategies developed by Distinguished Professor Simmons and co-authors of the new Lancet Series include:
• Early GDM testing of those with risk factors, ideally before 14 weeks gestation.
• Promoting health at the population level that prepares women, especially those with risk factors for a healthy pregnancy and, after that, for healthy aging.
• Improved antenatal care that includes postpartum screening for glycaemic status.
• Tailored annual assessments in women with prior GDM to prevent or better manage complications such as type 2 diabetes (particularly in subsequent pregnancies) and cardiovascular disease.
• More research into GDM and how to improve outcomes of women with GDM and their children across the life course.
The new Lancet Series ‘Managing gestational diabetes much earlier in pregnancy can prevent complications and improve long-term health outcomes, experts say’ can be viewed at www.thelancet.com/series/gestational-diabetes
Magical encounters with rare species for the whole family
THE award-winning creators of Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo and Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium return to The Joan, 16 – 17 September, with their awe-inspiring new production, ARC.
Featuring exquisite puppetry, an enigmatic host and audience interaction, this intimate show about our love for the natural world gives children and their families the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a menagerie of rare and vulnerable species, including the Leadbeater’s Possum, Pangolin, Snow Leopard, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Kākāpō, Polar Bear and the Indian Elephant.
With conservation at its heart, ARC explores key threats to Australia’s biodiversity from climate change to habit loss and degradation and invasive species, whilst raising important questions about our relationship with the changing natural world.
Over the past two centuries, Australia has lost more mammal species than any other continent and continues to have one the highest rates of species decline among countries around the world.
Renowned as innovators of physical and visual theatre for the past three decades, Erth has worked with leading scientists, museums and zoos to bring this timely and important production to life on stage and deliver a genuinely moving, respectful and empowering show for young audiences.
Don’t miss your chance to experience an incredible array of wildlife transform before your eyes live on stage!
“If you get the opportunity to experience any of Erth’s work – go! ARC is a quality offering from one of Australia’s most exciting companies.” Theatre Travels
“Erth’s approach gives a sense of hope and makes the audience realise that these animals can be saved if we all do our part.”
The Plus Ones ABOUT THE COMPANY: ERTH VISUAL & PHYSICAL INC.
Erth is a company fuelled by beautiful accidents; a team of creators, makers and performers pushing the limits of design, content and experience.
Erth’s puppetry-based theatrical productions and
innovative community projects have challenged and inspired audiences for more than thirty years, driven by a special interest in natural history, First Nations stories and urban mythology. With a prime focus on environmental sustainability, conservation and social justice, the company’s core motivation is the creation of emotionally impactful artistic work. By connecting with audiences young and old, Erth educates, inspires, motivates and empowers people to make an impact in the world through their own actions.
Today the company is recognised internationally as an innovator of physical and visual theatre, and a creator of brave, unbridled work for children.
KEY DETAILS
Dates & Times: General Public Performance –Monday 16 September at 6pm.
Schools Performances – Tuesday 17 September at 10am & 12:30pm.
Suitable for: General Public – Ages 5+ and their families.
Schools – Kindergarten – Year 6.
Duration: 55 minutes (No interval plus a 15-minute Q&A following each performance).
Venue: Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith.
Ticket Prices: General Public – Standard Ticket $35, Family of Four Pass $120.
Schools – Student/Teacher $25 (1 free teacher per 10 students).
A fee of $5 applies to all bookings.
For more information and bookings please visit: www.thejoan.com.au/events/arc/
New restaurants take dining, service to a new level at Workers Blacktown
ANEW era in stylish dining comes to Workers Blacktown with the opening of Lusso Bistro and Lusso Tapas.
Lusso Bistro offers a range of relaxed but refined dining experiences, from the freshest pasta and seafood to steaks and perfect pizza from its oven, with produce sourced from Sydney’s top providers.
The dedicated team at Lusso Bistro and Lusso Tapas, insists on the best ingredients from sustainable producers, local wherever possible.
Monday to Friday, Lusso Bistro serves lunch 11.30am to 3pm and dinner 5pm to 9pm. At the weekends it’s open from 11.30am through to 9pm.
Mediterranean-styled Lusso Tapas is a new experience for Workers Blacktown, although the
flavours of Spain, Turkey, Greece and Jordan will be familiar to many Blacktown area families.
The Lusso team have complemented their smallplate menu with fine wines from Europe, South America and, of course, Australia.
Lusso Tapas opens Tuesday to Thursday from 5pm to 9pm; Friday and Saturday midday to 3pm for lunch and 5pm to 9pm for dinner.
Workers Lifestyle Group, operator of Workers Blacktown and Workers Sports, last month also launched Marlo’s All Day café, on the ground floor site of the former Blue Gum Café, open every day from 9am to 9pm.
“We are proud to bring two high-quality, proven family food businesses into Blacktown Workers,
with a fresh approach to food and service,” said Workers chief executive officer Morgan Stewart.
“At the same time we have retained many WLG staff from our previous café and restaurants.
“As a club at the heart of Blacktown community life, working for our 55,000 members, we strive constantly to improve the facilities and quality of service offered at Blacktown Workers and Workers Sports.”
Menus and bookings are available online.
Lusso Bistro: https://workerslifestylegroup. com.au/blacktown/lussobistro/
Lusso Tapas: https://workerslifestylegroup. com.au/blacktown/lussotapas/
CROSSWORD
Old Homesteads Once New
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
IN January 1887 in the Nepean Times “Japonica” was reminiscing about the old once great homesteads going to “rack & ruin”. He wrote that the old homestead called “Dunheved” once the birthplace of John King Lethbridge whose parents were Robert Copland Lethbridge and Mary King. The building was being quickly transformed into a new building, with a charm about the old places, just the same as old faces that were familiar to him from his childhood and it was pleasant to see these old places taken care of. He said that “Mt Druitt House” was owned by Major George Druitt on 2,000 acres of land granted to him by Governor Macquarie that he named “Mount Druitt” and by 1887 the house was allowed to go into ruins and finally disappear. “Wallgrove House” originates from Lieutenant Colonel William Wall who was an army officer from Britain who retired in NSW. He purchased land along Eastern Creek in 1827 naming it the “Wallgrove Estate” (which later was the land outside of the Minchinbury Estate (Minchinbury Wines)) and it changed hands just in time to save it from ruin. “Shane’s Park House” located on the lands of the Dharug people was by 1887 uninhabitable and not repairable. The estate was granted to Surgeon John Harris in 1805. Although listed as 700 acres it did in fact consist of 785 acres. There are a couple of theories as to how John Harris settled on the name ‘Shanes Park’ for his residence and estate. Historic “Mamre House” at St Marys is included in important listings by the NSW National Trust. The typical twostorey Georgian farmhouse with verandas on three sides and built about 1830 for Reverend Samuel Marsden, the once favoured home of fruit and flowers. In use from 1804 – 2005 by Marsden Family, Charles Simeon Marsden, Richard Rouse, Elizabeth Howard Brabyn, John Panton, Sarah Brabyn, Elizabeth Rouse, Robert Fitzgerald MLC, Fitzgerald Family, James Hall, Shadlow Family, Samuel Barber Dale, Stonestreet Family, Ogilvie Family, George Walter Brangwin, Colin Maclaurin, Sisters Of Mercy. (“Japonica”) went on to say I now learn that William Beacroft who has resided in the Dunheved estate for nearly forty years, now has notice to remove. The new tenant for Dunheved House will require the whole estate. It is very trying to have
to break up a home after almost a lifelong residence. “Shrivenham Homestead” of blue-blood fame. Sarah Brabyn repurchased 110 acres of the former ‘Mamre’ estate for her daughter and son-in-law (Elizabeth & Richard Rouse) and called it ‘Shrivenham’. After a short time at ‘Shrivenham’ Sarah eventually leased ‘Mamre’ and the family returned to live in the homestead but by 1887 it was the home of the thorn and thistle and generally neglected. Once where peaches and apples once grew par excellence now the wattle and weeds are now flowering. “Bayly Park House”. Nicholas Bayly was a soldier and the son of the original Nicholas Bayly of Plas Newydd of Anglesea in Wales and his wife Frances, née Nettlefold of Kent and also a nephew of Henry Paget-Bayly the 9th Baron Paget and 1st Earl of Uxbridge. The family influence helped Nicholas to receive a commission without payment as an Ensign in the NSW Corps in 1797. In 1799-1800 Nicholas received two land grants totaling 566 acres at Eastern Creek that has been fairly taken care of. “Fleurs”, the dearest old spot of them all. Built around 1810 for Nicholas Bayly with approximately 2,500 acres. It was then sold to Richard Jones, a merchant and pastoralist who was born in 1786 at Chirbury, West Shropshire, England. He was the son of Thomas Bowdler Jones a small landowner and brewer and his wife Elizabeth Ann (Philips). Richard was educated in London and chose a mercantile career as a clerk in a London business. He first arrived in NSW in 1809 in the “Mary Ann”. By May 1815 he was agent for Forbes & Co of Bombay importing spirits but by 1887. (“Japonica”) says the home is now only in work-day clothes, the house is not so bad but the outhouses and the once famous orchard and vineyards are gone. Ah! Let us take care of the old homesteads.
James Richard Woodland J.P. was born in St Marys in 1849 and died in 1906 and is buried at St Mary Magdalene cemetery, St Marys. He wrote for the Nepean Times for nearly 25 years under the nom de plume of “ Japonica.” Those articles were nearly all written from memory and his quotations, always accurate.
Sources Nepean Times, Geographical Names Register of NSW, Wikipedia, and family information on Ancestry online.
IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL…
Photo of the Woodland grave courtesy of Ancestry.
ALEX SONCINI
IInvesting in Property: Is It Right for You?
NVESTING in property can be a lucrative endeavour, but before diving in, it’s crucial to weigh several key considerations. Here’s what you need to know before taking the leap into property investment.
Define Your Financial Goals
Before starting your investment property journey, clarity on your financial goals is essential. Ask yourself why you’re investing, what you hope to achieve, and your desired timeframe.
Your goals will shape your investment strategy, determining when to expand your portfolio and how much risk to undertake. Consider whether property investment aligns better with your objectives compared to other assets like shares.
Once your financial goals are clear, develop a plan that guides property selection and timing of purchases.
Understand the Risks
Like any investment, property comes with risks. While strategies can mitigate these risks, understanding them is crucial.
Capital growth is hard to predict
Property prices in certain parts of
Australia have grown in recent years over the long term but consistent price growth isn’t something you can count on or expect indefinitely. You might have growth in some years and prices might fall at other times.
Rental income is not a sure thing
You could face vacancies or tenants who default or cause damage to your property. Think about whether or not you can maintain home loan repayments if you don’t have a tenant for certain periods. Landlord insurance can provide a safety net against tenantrelated risks.
Understanding your risk profile
Knowing where your limits are helps to ensure you’re not overextending yourself financially and can help you put buffers in place in case your circumstances change.
Affordability Considerations
Property investment requires a long-term financial commitment. Even with a well-selected property, capital growth may take time or not materialize as expected.
Ensure your cashflow is sufficient to afford mortgage repayments over the long haul, by considering potential
vacancies and interest rate fluctuations. Use tools like a repayment calculator to assess affordability under different scenarios.
Realistically evaluate how property investment will impact your lifestyle and financial flexibility over the next decade.
Budget for Maintenance and Additional Costs
Beyond mortgage repayments, factor in ongoing expenses such as council rates, property management fees, and maintenance costs.
Plan for both routine upkeep and unforeseen major expenses like roof repairs. Budgeting for these costs avoids financial strain and ensures your investment remains profitable.
Prepare financially for periods between tenants, including advertising costs for finding new renters.
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)
If your deposit is less than 20%, you may need to pay LMI, protecting the lender in case of default. While saving a larger deposit can avoid LMI, it may delay expanding your property portfolio.
Using existing property equity can accelerate portfolio growth, though it involves weighing risks and seeking professional advice to avoid overextending financially.
Evaluate whether paying LMI to seize investment opportunities outweighs the associated costs.
Final Considerations
Property investment demands foresight and financial preparedness. Before proceeding, ensure you have a clear understanding of your financial goals, risk tolerance, and affordability. Assess the impact on your lifestyle and long-term financial plans.
Seek guidance from financial advisers to tailor your investment strategy and safeguard against potential pitfalls.
For expert advice tailored to your financial journey, contact Alex at Wealthwiz for a free home loan review on 0419 600 177 or email at alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au.
By carefully considering these factors, you can navigate the complexities of property investment confidently and effectively.
Australian Pole & Aerial Championships soars to success
BY NOEL ROWSELL
ARECORD
number of Australian pole and aerial athletes are now set to take on the world, following the biggest-ever Australian Pole and Aerial Championships which were held in Penrith on the weekend.
Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC) hosted the event for the second consecutive year, providing a platform for more than 60 athletes to compete across two full days of competition.
“Sixty-one athletes from across Australia presented a total of 71 routines - more than double that of 2023, resulting in our first twoday championships,” said Deb Roach, event coordinator. “We also welcomed three international, elitelevel competitors, hailing from New Zealand, Taiwan and Belarus.
Following its introduction as an apparatus just two years prior, Saturday’s Aerial Hoop championships drew a mammoth 25 routines - up from just six in 2023. In the Novice (10-14 years) category alone, seven outstanding young athletes made their mark on the championships, demonstrating growth in the sport and signalling a bright future to come.
Ages of Aerial Hoop athletes ranged from 11 years to 66, and - for the first time ever - three Australian Aerial Hoop athletes have qualified for the World Pole and Aerial Championships, which will held this year in Uppsala, Sweden.
“In Sunday’s Pole Championships, we were treated to 46 pole routines, resulting in 17 athletes qualifying for Worlds - up from 11 in 2023,” Ms Roach said.
“Among them is our first-ever Australian Para Pole athlete - 40-yearold Corinna Snook, who trains locally at Pole Plus in McGrath’s Hill.
Our oldest athlete was once again 73-year-old Richard Glynn Owens from Auckland, who returned for a second year to qualify to represent New Zealand.
“Masters 60+ World Champion and record holder Christie Kurrle from Victoria returned from a year off due to injury to once again qualify for World Pole Sports, and aims to reclaim her title.
In addition, 63-year-old Shirley Van Sanden from WA has also qualified for Worlds for a second consecutive year - this time in both the Aerial Hoop Artistic and Artistic Pole
Group divisions. Both Christie and Shirley represent Elite Pole Coaching.
“To continue the run of firsts, this year’s championships also gave us Australia’s first Ultra Pole competition. Ultra Pole is a fast-paced and exciting one-on-one knockout battle event, in which competitors engage in 2-minute rounds to see who can pull off the biggest and best pole tricks. Congratulations to both Jino Daniel from Stargazer Pole Studio Blacktown and Alicia Justin from Pole Divas Caroline Springs VIC for taking out Australia’s very first ULTRA POLE titles!
“We are incredibly grateful to Penrith City Council, Community Bank North Richmond and Richmond, Stargazer Pole Studio Blacktown and Mannion Lawyers for their generous support. We thank all of our sponsors who contributed to the event and recognise the tremendous efforts of the 20+ volunteers, many from Stargazer Pole Studio Blacktown, who gave up their weekends to make the event a roaring success.
“We thank our judges who have come from all around the country, for their hard work, both during the event and for many months prior. They undergo rigorous training in the only scoring system in our sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Local players finish highly placed in NSW Junior Championships
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE red-hot winning streak of Michelle Bang (Concord GC) has extended to three tournaments in the past month, with the talented junior capturing the Girls Division of the NSW Junior Championships, one shot clear of Rachel Lee (Avondale GC) and overnight leader Ann Jang (NSW GC), who tied for 2nd.
Talented local junior Savannah Webb (Stonecutters Ridge GC) also played strongly over the four days, finishing in a tie for 15th outright and tied 1st in 14 Years Girls.
Jedd Brady (Royal Queensland GC) was dominant in the Boys division, going wireto-wire for a runaway 5-shot victory over
Vidur Subramaniam (Ryde-Parramatta GC) in 2nd and Saxxon Ford (Beaudesert GC, QLD) in 3rd place.
Several local boys also had strong results, with Richmond’s Ti Fox (Concord GC) finishing tied 8th outright and 2nd in 15 Boys, Richmond’s Chayse Thorpe (Concord GC) tied 10th outright and 3rd in 16 Boys, Twin Creeks’ Darcy Mackay (The Australian GC) tied 15th outright and 7th in 17 Boys, and Richmond’s Matthew Fullerton (Lynwood CC) tied 17th outright and 8th in 17 Boys.
The tournament was played at Cabramatta and Liverpool golf courses, over 9-12 July, with the Boys field cut to the top 100 players after 36 holes, whilst all players in the Girls field played all four rounds.
Stargazer Studio Group at the Opening Ceremony and Hoop Sports.
Photos by Noel Rowsell
Ti Fox (photo courtesy of JNJG)
Pairs Pole performance in Opening Ceremony
Chloe Hoogenboom - Hoop
Ultra Pole Winner - Alicia Justin Ultra Pole Runner-up - Rebecca Thompson
Blacktown City to host Adelaide United
BY BOB TURNER
THE final round of 32 in the 2024 Australia Cup will see Blacktown City host A League side Adelaide United on Wednesday, July 31st at Landen Stadium. Blacktown has a proud history in the Final 32 of the Cup having qualified six times, the most of any team in NSW. In 2017 Blacktown knocked off A League side Wellington, followed by a win over the Central Coast Mariners and finally losing in the final 8 to the West Sydney Wanderers in a penalty shootout. The game against the Wanderers attracted 5,000 fans to Landen Stadium and Blacktown City hopes Adelaide United provide a similar excitement to watch Blacktown’s best take on a proven A League side.
The game against Adelaide is shaping up to be a highlight of the season as Blacktown City is starting to find form in the NSW Premiership. After a couple of losses in the mid rounds of the season, Coach Mark Crittenden has started to build playoff momentum with wins over Sydney United and Sydney FC in the last two rounds.
Injuries have been a key element in the up and down season for Blacktown. Defensive stalwarts, Lachlan Campbell and the inaugural Matty Lewis medal winner, Adam Berry, are both two weeks away and will be a bonus in shoring up the defensive end of the pitch. At the transfer window, Coach Crittenden added former Blacktown City player, Jackson Bandiera, and his impact has been instrumental in the last tow wins.
Rockdale still leads the NSW Premiership with 59 points followed by Marconi on 50. Apia sits on 47 points with Blacktown City in fourth on 44. In the relegation stakes four teams are on the bubble with 21 points. Sutherland, Central Coast, Hills United and Sydney FC will be fighting for wins with only six rounds remaining.
Next up for Blacktown is an away game to the dangerous Central Coast Mariners on Sunday the 21st of July. Central Coast will be hungry for a win to avoid must win games at the tail end of the season. Blacktown will be back home at Landen Stadium the following Sunday, the 28th when they host the West Sydney Wanderers.
Blacktown City Women continue to improve but have struggled to get the points in the last two rounds. In the last two weeks, Blacktown suffered a heart stopping 4-3 loss to second place SD Raiders followed by a disappointing 1-0 loss to Sutherland. The Women sit in eighth place on the ladder. Head Coach Michael Hawthorne has been pleased with his side’s development and confident that with the Boards support will attract a few key players for the 2025 season.
Go Blacktown City!
Newcomer Jackson Bandiera. A happy Travis Major. Photos: Not24Get
Mark Crittenden 400th.
ASBK celebrates Round 4 at Morgan Park, Qld
BY NOEL ROWSELL
EIGHT riders from western Sydney competed in the latest round of the 2024 Australian Superbike Series (ASBK), which was held over 12-14 July at Morgan Park Raceway, QLD.
Elijah Andrew (Marayong), Adam Jordan (East Kurrajong) and Zachary Russo (Sackville North) competed in the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, William Hunt (Mulgoa Rise) in the Race and Road Super Sports 300, JJ Nahlous (Glenwood), Jack Favelle (Cattai) and Jake Farnsworth (Glenhaven) in the Michelin Super Sports 600 and Cru Halliday (Camden) in the Alpinestars Australian Superbike, whilst William and Elijah both doubled up in the ShopYamaha R3 Cup.
The weekend would herald a rise in status for Elijah, who recorded a personal best 4th place in Race 1 of the OJC, then reached the podium for the first time in his career, in that series, with a 3rd place in Race 3.
Significantly, each of the OJC races
would feature a breakaway group of 4-6 riders, racing several seconds ahead of the pack, with Elijah in that select group in each of his 3 races.
Following the completion of the round, Elijah is now ranked 5th, whilst Adam is 14th and Zachary 15th.
William had 3 races in the Race & Road Super Sport, finishing 11th, 12th and 13th respectively, and is now ranked 15th in the category.
JJ won Race 1 of the Michelin Super Sport category, capitalising on his pole position to edge out Archie McDonald. JJ then finished 2nd to Archie in Race 2 but won the Round by a single point from Archie (46-45), thanks to his additional point for achieving pole. JJ also currently leads the series. Jake Farnsworth had 2 x 6th placings, whilst Jack Favelle had a Disqualification and a 5th.
Jake is ranked 5th for the season and Jack is ranked 8th.
Cru had 2 x 6th place finishes in the Superbikes and is currently ranked 3rd for the season.
This was the first weekend of racing for the R3 Series, with William finishing 7th, 8th and 6th over the 3 races, whilst Elijah finished 12th 12th and 10th. William is now ranked 6th for the season, whilst Elijah is 11th.
Swimming trio dubbed ‘Team Blacktown’ for Paralympic Games
BY NOEL ROWSELL
TWO swimmers and their coach who train at Blacktown Aquatic Centre are on their way to the Paralympic Games in Paris.
Tim Hodge and Chloe Osborn from ACU Blacktown Swim Club both qualified following the Australian Swimming Trials in Brisbane in June.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting congratulated the trio and labelled them ‘Team Blacktown’.
“Tim, Chloe and Misha are inspiring people who have shown how dedication and hard work can lead to big things,” he said.
“I am sure everyone in Blacktown City will be cheering them on at the Paralympics.”
Tim, 23, was 2023 Blacktown City Sports Awards Sportsperson of the Year. He was Young Citizen of the Year in 2012.
The Kings Langley resident will compete at his third Paralympics. He will swim in the men’s 400m freestyle S9 class, men’s 100m breaststroke SB8 class, men’s 100m backstroke S9 class, men’s 200m individual medley SM9 class, men’s 100m butterfly S9 class and the mixed 4x100m medley relay 34 points.
Chloe, 20, is making her Paralympics debut.
She has been in great form and in April won two gold medals in freestyle at the World Para Swimming
European Open Championships.
The Rouse Hill resident will swim in the women’s 400m freestyle S7 class.
Club coach Misha Payne has been named among the coaching staff for the Australian Dolphins team.
Blacktown City Council has supported the club by ensuring junior
and adult swimmers can practise to the best of their ability at Blacktown Aquatic Centre.
Mayor Bunting was pleased Council had played a role in their success.
“Providing quality facilities gives people such as Tim, Chloe and Misha the opportunity to make the most of
their ability and fulfill their dreams,” he said.
In June 2024 Blacktown City was named ‘Council of the Year’ at the Sport NSW Community Sports Awards for its top quality venues and community partnerships. The Paralympics begins on 28 August 2024.
(L): JJ Nahlous.
Photo courtesy of RbMotoLens / Motorcycling Australia
Local resident Ian Cleland, Tim Hodge, Brad Bunting, Misha Payne and Chloe Osborn.
Elijah Andrew (left). Photo courtesy of Noel Andrew.