Western News 1 February 2019

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Friday, 1 February 2019

ISSUE 77

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Happy Valentine’s Day

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eople in Western Sydney continue to suffer from paying tolls, soaring power bills, and schools without air-conditioning, as the state and federal Liberals re-announced their Western Sydney City Deal according to Londonderry MP Prue Car. Ms Car, who is also the Labor Shadow Minister for Western Sydney, said that while there is support for City Deals, the Berejiklian Government was “failing to get the basics right”.

“They are a Government of wrong priorities.” she said.

“Western Sydney continues to cry out for the basics to be delivered, like affordable power bills, public transport and motorways, and schools and hospitals before stadiums”.

Ms Car said the average Sydney household now spends more on tolls than fuel every week, according to the Australian Automobile Association’s 2018 Transport Affordability Index.

The NSW Government reintroduced a toll on the M4 motorway from Parramatta to Homebush in 2017.

“The toll costs a daily commuter nearly $2500 a year with the Liberals locking it in until 2060,” Ms Car said.

“The Liberals have also extended the toll on the M5 South West motorway until 2060; it was due to come off in 2026.

“Power bills have gone up by 60 per cent since the NSW Liberals were re-elected in 2015 and privatised the electricity network.

“And after eight years of a Liberal Government, Western Sydney children continue to swelter in

classrooms without air-conditioning. The Liberals have failed to commit to air-condition all schools in NSW, choosing instead to pick winners and losers.

“If the Government can spend billions on stadiums they can afford to give our children the best learning environment possible. But they have chosen to prioritise Allianz stadium in Sydney’s east,” Ms Car said.

Daley Labor has previously announced that,

if elected, it will: • Introduce the M4 toll Cashback; • Maintain Cashback on the M5 South West; • Re-regulate energy companies to lower prices; and • Air-condition all NSW schools.

As we went to press this week the Liberal Party announced that Belinda Hill will be the Liberal Candidate for Londonderry. Prue Car currently holds te seat with an 8.8 per cent margin.

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Western News 1 February 2019 Issue 77

Prue Car: Basics ignored as City Deal re-announced

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Western News 1 February 2019 Issue 77

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Western News

From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

Valentine’s Day: shower your honey with love!

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ALENTINE’S DAY is fast approaching - the most romantic day on the calendar. Many lovers will shower each other with gifts, hopefuls will choose the day to declare love to an often unaware conquest and others will agree to tie the knot.

In a changing world where there’s some push to de-genderise just about everything, I’m going to risk all, bare my old-fashioned soul and declare that this day is one of utmost importance to the ladies!

Uber-feminists might want to hang me from my bra straps, but I’m putting it out there that in general the female species yearns for love and to be shown love.

Valentine’s Day represents a day of hope when there’s someone out there we fantasise will fall madly in love with us. Its the day of judgement for those fellas who’ve just started dating us. And for those in long-term relationships and happy marriages, it can be the day of ensuring we still feel loved. For troubled relationships, its the day of reckoning.

But for the ladies who have no current love interest, it can be Single Person Awareness Day. (SPAD) If you’re in the loved-up category, it’s a good idea to be mindful of the feelings of those friends in the SPAD phase, they probably don’t want to hear all about the perfect roses, perfect chocolates and perfect hand-written poems you received from your perfect boyfriend... 27 times. They’ll get it the first time you say it.

And I have some tips for the lads, too. If you want a lady to know how you feel about her, take the punt and aim cupid’s arrow in her direction - send her some flowers! The worst that can happen is you’ll be a few bucks out of pocket, and if the same spark isn’t felt by her, at least she’ll always refer to you as “that sweet guy.”

If you’re in a new relationship and wondering if it is too soon, I have one point to make. It is NEVER too soon.

Married guys who think its all commercial BS - get off the platform on this one - steal some flowers out of the nearest garden and present them to her.

Blokes who’ve not been the greatest partner they could have been - shell out a few bucks, get a bouquet and write some nice words in a card. A bit of sly cash and ten minutes worth of effort could reverse a multitude of sins in one hit. Do it.

And even though I think Valentines Day is a special day on many a female’s calendar, there’s definitely some guys out there who rate it too. So girls, if you’re dating a SNAG, married to a romantic or not been the best partner you could have been yourself, shower your honey with love and show them what they mean to you.

Happy Valentines Day! (Hopefully my husband reads this, ps I love red roses)

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ring along your rod, tackle and bait to help catch some carp at the annual Lake Woodcroft carp fishout event.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali said the fish-out will be a positive and enjoyable day out for everyone.

“It’s a free fishing event to help reduce the number of carp degrading Lake Woodcroft,” Mayor Bali said.

Carp are an introduced fish which are listed as a Class 3 noxious species in NSW due to their negative environmental impacts.

“It’s a great initiative Council holds every year to help clear our waterways,” Mayor Bali said.

“The carp removed from the lake will be disposed of by authorised staff members in a humane manner.

“There will also be displays on the day which will include information on stormwater and waterways, fishing advice from Fishcare representatives and a fishing competition for carp that are caught.”

All participants that wish to fish are required to register online and a fishing licence or exemption is required by the Department of

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The event is free however registration is required for crowd control. Please visit: www. eventbrite.com.au/e/carp-fishout-2019-tickets-52636239409 Event details Where: Lake Woodcroft, Antique Crescent, Woodcroft When: Saturday, 2 February 2019 Time: 7 am – 10 am Dress: Please wear enclosed footwear and sun protection Bring your rods and your bait for a carp fish-out at Lake Woodcroft.

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Western News 1 February 2019 Issue 77

Clean your waterways and catch some big fish

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Western News 1 February 2019 Issue 77

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Aus Day Healing Feeling Gathering a great success

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lacktown City Council hosted a Healing Feeling Gathering on Australia Day. This event gave all Australians the chance to come together and share the steps towards healing and recognising the wrongs of the past.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said as well as celebrating Australia Day it was important to participate in the Gathering.

“We recognise the wrongs of the past and I am

honoured to have as part of Australia Day the Aboriginal Healing,” he said.

Healing Feeling Gathering was held on the Village Green outside the Blacktown civic Centre.

“Australian values are based on inclusiveness, volunteering and ‘a fair go’,” Mayor Bali said.

“The Gathering wa a chance for all Australians to come together in a traditional smoking ceremony, music, dance and storytelling.

“It is important for all of us to learn from the Darug People, the traditional custodians of our land.”

Jie Pittman, who helped to oversee the delivery of the Gathering with Darug Elders, enjoyed sharing this experience with the community.

The event was an opportunity for all visitors and residents to our city to be a part of traditional culture and performance.

Blacktown’s Australia Day Awards

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lacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP has described the commitment to the community shown by all the nominees for this year’s Australia Day Awards as outstanding.

Mayor Bali made the comment at the Blacktown City Australia Day Awards presentation which followed Saturday’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony.

“The outstanding level of achievement and dedication displayed by all the nominees is a true reflection of the great people we have living in our City,” Mayor Bali said.

Mayor Bali presented four Australia Day Awards: Citizen of the Year Draz Brkljac, President of Blacktown Police Citizens Youth Club “Draz works tirelessly with young offenders and youth at risk in the Blacktown area and truly deserves the title of our Citizen of the Year, “Mayor Bali said.

Draz developed The Stand Tall program providing those with fewer opportunities pathways to employment.

“He instils positive life goals to young people helping them complete education, obtain employment, develop life skills and attempt to influence a positive upbringing.”

Young Citizen of the Year Patrick Gleeson, Glenwood High School “Patrick was the youngest appointed Blacktown Youth Ambassador for 2016-2017, performing this role with distinction and representing the City’s youth at major events,” Mayor Bali said.

Patrick created a ‘mini-Olympics’ for students with special needs and through his coaching has seen a number of those athletes progress to the State competition level. He instigated a program of teaching Indonesian at Lalor Park public school and tutored students in his school’s afterschool Homework Centre. He was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and has created the Ignite Youth Leadership Forum uniting youth in Blacktown in a program of leadership, skills development and public speaking.

Patrick is also a gifted athlete, competing at the

Australia Day Award Winners: (from left) Paul Fenech (Australia Day Ambassador), Draz Brkljac,Rachael Hanlon, Ariana Goanta, Rebel Hanlon, Mayor Stephen Bali MP, Jim Kelly, Patrick Gleeson.Rachael and Rebel Hanlon and Jim Kelly accepted the Community Event Award on behalf of Blacktown City Lions Club.

highest level in Shot Put, while at the same time coaching kids at Little Athletics.

Patrick has been involved with many charities such as Foodbank, Relay for Life, Mahobas Promise, Movember, Paying it Forward, Pink Ribbon and Salvation Army. In 2018, he received the Department of Defence Long Tan Leadership Award.

Environment Citizen of the Year Ariana Goanta, Hebersham Public School “Ariana is the founder of Ariana’s Ark which she started in 2016 to highlight marine issues. Along the way she has been a champion of issues including plastics pollution and the need for recycling,” Mayor Bali said.

Twelve-year old Ariana introduced a Return and Earn scheme at her school earning her an Environmental Officer Award.

Ariana is also involved in the education of those around her on marine issues and the importance of the health of oceans. She is an active campaigner amongst her peers and in her community on the

need for rubbish reduction.

Community Event of the Year Blacktown City Lions Club, Drought Relief Blacktown City Lions have been undertaking fund raising activities to assist our drought stricken farmers. These were done in collaboration with Flower Power Prospect, Mount Druitt Lions and Riverstone Lions and involved BBQs, bucket collections and lucky numbers.

In October, Lions members visited Quirindi as part of Council’s drought assistance tour of Sister Cities partner, Liverpool Plains Shire. Club President Rebel Hanlon presented a cheque for $8,500 to Quirindi Country Women’s Association drought relief fund.

In addition to this, Blacktown City Lions has contributed to the 2018 Mayoress Appeal by donating toys to be distributed to kids in need. A further $1,200 has been forwarded to the Country Women’s Association to provide restaurant in the Liverpool Plains Shire to enable families to enjoy a festive meal.

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inister responsible for Youth Ray Williams, Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor, and Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly visited PCYC Blacktown this week to announce $50,000 towards the Reaching Your Dreams Through Music project.

Mr Taylor said Reaching Your Dreams Through Music will support more than 60 young people from Western Sydney to enhance their musical talent.

“I am thrilled young people from our local community will be selected at ‘open mic nights’ at PCYC Blacktown to be mentored by experienced music producers and vocal coaches to develop their musical talent and leadership skills,” Mr Taylor said.

Mr Conolly said the young people selected will produce a 15-track compilation, including a collaboration track and music video.

“I look forward to hearing the final musical compilation. I encourage young people across Western Sydney to sign up for the ‘open mic nights’ and be part of the project,” Mr Conolly said.

PCYC CEO Dominic Teakle said he was grateful for the NSW Government funding.

“PCYC’s mission is to get young people active in life and the Reaching Your Dreams Through Music project is one example of this. The program will not only allow young people to build on their performance skills, but to also develop life skills like communication, problem solving and leadership. Participants will have the opportunity to complete a

Certificate 1 in active volunteering and join PCYC’s Blue Star leadership program, while having an outlet to express themselves,” Mr Teakle said.

Mr Williams said the NSW Government is committed to supporting youth to reach their goals and thrive in the local community.

“Youth Opportunities allows young people to gain a range of

Western News 1 February 2019 Issue 77

New musical program launched for Blacktown Youth

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skills, including event management, marketing skills, public speaking skills and leadership skills.”

Since the program launched in 2012, Youth Opportunities has provided $10.4 million in funding to 212 projects across NSW. For more information about Youth Opportunities, visit: www.youth.nsw. gov.au/youth-opportunities/

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Valentine’s Day A Valentine’s Day poem I was searching for my valentine And decided to make a list A man who’ll love me madly My charms he wont resist

And when I buy him jewellery He’ll wear it all with pride And when I want to have “a talk” He’ll stay - not run and hide

As I looked through my list Realisation dawned like day These things that I expected Meant my perfect man was gay

He’ll love me more than football He’ll love me more than beer He’ll love to take me shopping My feelings he’ll love to hear

He’ll want to sit and cuddle And always hold my hand And when I get pre menstrual He’ll always understand

The perfect man from my list Will be my greatest friend But the man I give my heart to Will love me til the end

He’ll love my girlie movies We’ll gossip about the stars We’ll sit and paint my toenails Talking fashion, and not cars

And when I look my worst He’ll see Marylin Monroe We’ll share tips on how to look our best Wherever we may go

When it comes to my valentine I’ll throw away this list I’ll accept that we’ll have differences Unconditional love will then exist

Happy ’s e n i t n e l a V D ay!

Seven ways to say I love you on Valentine’s Day they’re nagging you daily to trade the commodore for a BMW.

By KeRRIE DAVIES

S

truggling to work out the best gift to give your significant other on the 14th? We’ve prepared a list that might help you a little!

1. Flowers Although this gift is anything but unique, it is always appreciated.

Especially delivered in front of all the workmates. Gush, gush.

2. Cupcakes Ohh cutesy lovey-dovey messages seem so much less cringe-worthy when they are written on a cupcake. Perhaps that’s because you can extinguish their existence the instant you bite into them.

3. Teddy bears Nothing says “I wuv you” more than a cute fluffy bear. Unless you have been fighting lately. If that’s the case, never ever poke the bear with a teddy bear.

4. Fill the room with balloons This little plan really makes a great statement. Be careful not to crowd it with so many that you can’t make your way to each other. The sound of a busted balloon, especially in close proximity scares the crap out of people

6. Watch a romantic movie Nothing gets you in a romantic mood more than cuddling up to a great movie. And romantic movies don’t discriminate, there’s been a plot written for every kind of love that has ever existed.

7. Propose Now that marriage is finally open to everyone, what a great time to ask your love to tie the knot! If you are a romantic you will have just picked the ultimate day to do it. If you aren’t romantic you can insist that the wedding day is exactly in a years time and remove the risk that your new fiance might pick a date that clashes with Bathurst or the Bachelor Final. And when your wedding is on Valentine’s Day you can ruin every body else’s Valentine’s Day by making them drop their plans to focus on you!

5. Leave cute notes around This gift will cost you basically nothing and most people will adore you for putting this much thought into it. If they don’t adore you for it, get rid of them before you’re married and

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Valentine’s Day

Western News 1 February 2019 Issue 77

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local columnists

Western News

Athens: The city of Theseus

By BEN CRANNEY

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t was seven years since I’d been to Athens. I’d rushed my first visit, and I was very excited to go back and see the things I’d missed and revisit the things I’d loved. I started with the Temple of Zeus, my favourite of the ancient monuments, even though it’s mostly ruins. I think it was the shear size of the columns used to exalt the chief Olympian that awed me. And it was shut. It was 41 degrees and the officials decided it was too hot for sightseeing. I wondered if the poor workers who actually built it got time off in the heat, or if their love and fear of Zeus pushed them onwards. I made do with the view through the fence and continued on to see if anything was open.

Just near Zeus’ Temple is the ancient Panathenaic Stadium, a 2nd century stadium built from marble. Even in 40 degree heat, a few visitors ran their own olympics with a sprint down the track. I was once a handy discus thrower, so for my first visit, I took a few spins, imaging a capacity crowd of 50,000 roaring as I won gold. But this time I was content to spectate.

Also nearby is Hadrian’s Gate, named after the Roman Emperor.

I was never really into Roman history, apart from Asterix the

Gaul, but this gate helped make Hadrian my favourite emperor.

Inscribed there is the statement ‘This is Athens, the city of Theseus’, recognising the son of Poseidon as the city’s founder.

Also inscribed is ‘This is Athens, the city of Hadrian, not Theseus’.

I think it was Hadrian’s nerve that grabbed my attention, as he placed himself above a demi-god.

Walk through the National Garden and see a Presidential Guardsman marching from their post, as if to dispel stiffness and avoid cramps. Wander the markets and back streets of Plaka, where the tourist priced beer of the restaurants is worth it for a rest and the view. Imagine what it would have been like to walk through the agora, searching for goods in the market place or discussing politics or philosophy.

And, of course, if the heat hasn’t shut everything, visit the Parthenon. This Temple at the top of Athens must be the ultimate symbol of the Athenian Empire.

It’s worth finding a rooftop bar to see it lit up after sunset.

This barely scratches the surface, and I can’t wait to go back again, but maybe when things are a bit cooler.

Next time: Convicts, food and breweries.

The Parthenon, on a cooler day

Zeus’ Temple

Discus in the stadium

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel That little difference between worlds

Having been confined to bed with a rotten chest infection for the past few days, I have had plenty of time to ponder on Love, Life, the World, the Universe and mostly on all things Spiritual in order to take my mind off my present corporeal problems.

Even more than twenty years on, I think we all remember the beginning of that wonderful film Ghost - no, not the bit with the potter’s wheel, but the bit where Patrick Swayze has been killed and doesn’t realise he is dead. He goes to the hospital and sees other bewildered souls gazing down in amazement at their loved ones sobbing over their still warm bodies and it takes quite some time for them to realise that they have actually passed over.

From what I have been told either by other psychics, or indeed by the inhabitants of the spirit world themselves, it can take a while to come terms with the transition from one plane to another, especially if the death is unexpected and in fact some never come to terms with it and linger on in their previous existence resenting new occupants and at the same time frightening the bejasus out of them. My dear friend Karina Machado writes exceptionally well about this in her book Where Spirits Dwell which is entirely factual and very well researched.

But it did get me thinking. Time in the spirit world does not exist as we know it, which is how we manage to get glimpses into the future, and

therefore if people do not realise they have died, could the same happen in reverse to those who are about to pass over and are not quite sure which world they are in?

I have written many times before about near death experiences and what a warm and comfortable feeling it is - apart from my dear old Daddy who just went into a black hole - but until now I haven’t really thought about the other side of the coin and that is people contacting me who are facing death but have not yet passed over.

When I was still in England, I had a friend who was involved in a very bad accident. I was

driving home, having just heard the news, when this friend suddenly popped into the passenger seat of my car almost causing another crash. “What the heck are you doing here?” I stuttered. He looked a bit perplexed. “Damned if I know,” he replied.

“One minute I was thrashing round a country lane at 80mph and the next minute I’m here with you.”

“Well, get back,” I screeched. “It’s not your time yet. You’ve got a lot of living to do.” And with that he disappeared. Months later, he told me that he had almost died while they were airlifting him to hospital but obviously he hadn’t quite crossed over.

Much more recently, we heard some very sad news of a young mother who is very frail with stage four cancer. She is a beautiful girl with a beautiful family. She has fought long and hard but I think is now very tired. The past few days I have felt her trying to contact me even though she is still with us. It is like a little bird fluttering at the edge of my consciousness which will go away for a couple of days and then I will once again feel those tiny wings beating on the periphery of my mind. Is she trying to tell me she is ready to make the transition?

Perhaps she is letting me know so that I can be ready to do what little I can to help her family. The one thing we can do at the moment is to surround her with love and prayers. After all miracles do happen.

The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.

Western News

ENTERTAINMENT

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ood lovers can rejoice with the return of Blacktown City Council’s Fresh Food Fair and Blacktown Night Market.

“There won’t be a person left hungry!” said Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP. “When the markets begin again there will be a huge repertoire of food and entertainment at the Village Green in Blacktown,” Mayor Bali said.

The Fresh Food Fair is back from the 3rd February and will run on the first Sunday of every month from 9 am to noon at the Village Green, 62 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown.

“At the Fresh Food Fair you’ll find all your fresh produce including organic fruit and vegetables, local honey, food stalls, olive oils, caramelised vinegars, grass-fed beef and even a petting zoo and face painting for the kids.”

The Blacktown Night Market will be held on the last Friday of every month from 4 pm to 10 pm at the Village Green from 22 February.

“Last year’s Food Truck season attracted thousands of people to the Village Green to sample the international food on offer, and we expect this year’s markets to be just as popular,” Mayor Bali said.

“So bring your friends and family

and come enjoy a Sunday at the Fresh Food Fair or a night at Food Truck Fridays.

“One thing is for sure, you will not be disappointed.”

The Fresh Food Fair will be held on the first Sunday of every month.

Blacktown Night Markets will be held on the last Friday of every month.

Sydney’s favourite LGBTQI storytelling night is heading West for one night only!

O

n Saturday 9th February, the much-loved LGBTQI+ storytelling night, Queerstories, is heading West to Riverside Theatres for one night only as part of the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Writer, producer and theatremaker, Maeve Marsden, will host an eclectic line up of special guests presenting unmissable queer stories with a Western Sydney twist. Expect the unexpected with tales from lives well lived to battles fought, pride, prejudice, love and humour.

The program focuses on community heroes including young playwright Charles O’Grady, theatremaker and educator Felicity Nicol, former Co-Chair of Sydney Mardi Gras Brandon Bear, trans rights activist Dibs Barisic Sprem and local public servant and writer Steven Lindsay Ross who also features in the Queerstories book published by Hachette Australia in 2018.

Bringing storytellers from all walks of life to the stage, Queerstories has proved itself an undeniable success for the past two years with regular soldout events now held across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and regional towns.

Maeve Marsden said, “The LGBTQI community has been sharing stories for centuries, creating their own histories, disrupting and reinventing conventional ideas about narrative, family and community. I’m excited to be bringing the event back to Riverside Theatres for Sydney Mardi Gras; it’s one of the biggest pride festivals in the world and too often the events are focused around Oxford St. Incredible LGBTQI+ arts and activism is happening in Western Sydney and I am thrilled Queerstories can be part of it.”

A funny, moving, surprising and engaging night out, don’t miss this special Western Sydney version

of Queerstories!

Queerstories is Auslan interpreted. The stories are also shared via a popular podcast, Queerstories, available here queerstories.com.au What: Queerstories When: 8pm on Saturday 9th February Where: Riverside Theatres - corner of Church and Market Sts, Parramatta

Tickets: Adult $30, Concession: $25. Discounts available for Riverside Theatres’ Members.

Transaction fees: phone $4.60, web $3.60 and counter $2.60.

Bookings: www.riversideparramatta.com.au/show/ queerstories-2 or from the Box Office (02) 8839 3399

Western News 1 February 2019 Issue 77

Much loved markets return for 2019

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Western News 1 February 2019 Issue 77

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WESTERN HISTORY

A Convict with a History

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

T

homas Pamphlett (Pamphlet), also known as James Groom, became a brickmaker at Manchester in England and as James Groom he was 22 when he was charged in September 1810 at the Lancaster Assizes of stealing five pieces of woollen cloth and a bay mare in the County of Chester. He was found guilty and given the death sentence but the Justices of Assize sentenced him to 14 years transportation to New South Wales. He arrived in Sydney on the Guildford in January 1812. He worked at Brickfield Hill and lived at The Rocks. In May 1814, Thomas was charged with two others of stealing the windows from Birch Grove House, the first and only building on the Balmain Peninsula, on 13 May. His punishment was 100 lashes at the marketplace and six months in the Sydney gaol gang in double irons but in October he absconded but was recaptured and put in the carpenter’s gang, but he escaped again. Finally, in March 1815 he was sent to Newcastle, a place of secondary punishment 100 miles from Sydney but within a few weeks, he disappeared again and on recapture, Thomas was given 50 lashes for “absenting from government labour”. In October, he received another 50 strokes for “neglect of government work” but in January 1820, Thomas successfully applied to the Governor for commutation of sentence and due to his good conduct he was given a conditional pardon.. He was returned to Sydney with a wife and three children and they lived in the Hawkesbury River area west of Sydney where Thomas worked on the river in some capacity.

He was sentenced to seven years at Port Macquarie penal settlement for stealing from a house at Pitt Town in early 1822, but was let off due to “unsound mind”. He was also reported as “occasionally insane”.

Thomas, along with two other ticket-of-leave men, Richard Parsons and John Thompson, and a full convict John Finnegan were hired by settler William Cox to fetch cedar from the Illawarra District, (or the Five Islands now known as Wollongong) and set sail on their maiden voyage in March 1823 in an open boat, on board were large quantities of pork and flour and five gallons of rum to buy cedar from the timber cutters, plus four gallons of water. They got to within sight of the Illawarra when a strong breeze blew them away from the coast. They were hopelessly lost and blown north further out to sea by a storm, and it was five days before they could use any sail. Thompson succumbed to the lack of fresh water and the elements and collapsed and died so the others decided to drink the water and the rum on board. They had kept Thompson’s body on board thinking they would be able to land and bury him, but they couldn’t find a spot free of wild surf, so they buried him at sea after two days. Thomas spotted land on their twenty-second day at sea and their boat was wrecked on the outer shore of Moreton Island. Thinking Sydney was to the north, they set off along the beach in this direction with two sacks of flour and a few other items. They spent the next seven and a half months walking around Moreton Bay, island hopping and following river and creek banks until they could find a way of crossing them. They lived for periods with several Aboriginal tribes who fed them fish and fernroot. The natives took them by boat to Stradbroke Island. Here the castaways made their own canoe and got to the mainland where they landed near what is now Cleveland.

They continued their journey northwards along the waterfront in hope of reaching civilisation. It wasn’t long before the trio stumbled across a large river which they found too wide to cross. They trekked upstream for almost a month weakened due to lack of good food. With Thomas the only reasonable swimmer, they had to follow the banks of many of

the creeks they encountered. Upon reaching Oxley Creek they procured a canoe and attempted their first crossing of the river. The canoe was on the western bank of the creek and Thomas had to swim to get to it and they used the canoe to return to the mouth of the river and continued north. (The present “Pamphlett Bridge” at that spot was named for that event). While Thomas attended a series of organised fights with an Aboriginal friend, Parsons and Finnegan headed further north but the pair quarrelled and Finnegan returned to Bribie Island to the south.

Thomas also returned to this spot, but Parsons continued northwards.

In November 1823, Thomas and some Aborigines were on the beach at Bribie Island cooking the day’s catch when he saw a cutter in the bay.

It was explorer John Oxley who was then exploring in the Mermaid for the site for a new penal settlement at Moreton Bay. Thomas was taken on board and told part of his story to a crew member and the next day they picked up Finnegan who was returning from a tribal fight.

He showed Oxley the Brisbane River while Thomas and others shared the aspects of Aboriginal culture. Parsons was picked up by Oxley on another trip nearly a year later. Oxley took Thomas and Finnegan back to Sydney. A year and a half later, as a labourer at Portland Head west of Sydney, Thomas committed another crime in October 1826 when he stole two bags of flour, the very food that had initially kept him alive at Moreton Bay and in a further irony, he was sentenced to seven years transportation to the new Moreton Bay penal colony that had been set up after a favourable report on the area by Oxley, thanks to Thomas and Finnegan. The Moreton Bay settlement became Brisbane. Thomas’ tales of his earlier life among the Aboriginals encouraged others to seek relief from the hardships of the settlement. Thomas left Moreton Bay in April 1833 and lived uneventfully until his death at Castlereagh near Penrith in December 1838 at the age of 50 years.

Sources: Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 2, 1967, B FieldGeographical Memoirs on NSW (Lond, 1825), H S Russell-The Genesis of Qld (Syd, 1888), E. S. Jackson, ‘Early Visitors to Moreton Bay’, Journal and Proceedings (Royal Australian Historical Society), C. G. Austin, ‘Newstead House and Capt. Wickham, R.N., Journal (Historical Society of Queensland), R. Cilento and C. L. Lack, ‘“Wild White Men” in Qld, Journal (Royal Historical Society of Queensland), ‘The Finding of Pamphlet’ - Picturesque Atlas of Australasia, vol.II, 1886, www.monumentaustralia.org.au – photo of bridge monument.

Western News

T

13

You need to PLAN to refinance

he new year brings tougher lending rules, thanks to the banking royal commission.

BORROWERS planning on getting a home loan or refinancing this year will have their expenses thoroughly examined by many lenders.

Tougher lending standards by the Financial institutions to issue loans has been driven by regulators and the banking royal commission, which means more customers are likely to get knocked back.

The reason typically, is because homeowners took out the loan before stricter lending rules applied.

Regulators have shut down riskier categories of borrowers thus pushing bank lenders to give more favourable interest rates to owner-occupier and interest and principal borrowers and investors are forced away from interest-only loans leading to home prices sliding around the nation.

One could argue the recent guidelines by lenders and regulators may have been too tough. At the moment most borrowers feeling the pinch and are cutting back on expenditure rather than selling the home. Property listings are increasing but taking longer to sell with auction clearance rates slowly declining 2018.

The major banks have been known to reject customer applications based on their discretionary spending, including dining out, shopping and even use of ridesharing services, such as Uber.

So, for customers looking for cheaper deals will need to reconsider how to do refinance, even though there are a number of other lenders in the market, refinancing won’t be as easy.

The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia’s chief executive officer, Mike Felton, said the tightening lending environment

meant shopping around was a “must have”.

“Now, more than ever, the consumer needs to be incredibly vigilant to what they are spending their money on and what is going through their credit card,” he said.

“Some banks are going through a customer’s credit card transactions for up to six months. “If you have significant discretionary spending in the past six months and you don’t have the income to support affordability, you are going to be knocked back.”

Australian mortgage customers need to be proactive and shop around to get a better deal.

Borrowers continue to seek better service and getting a suitable solution from a Bank for many is getting difficult and in turn are turning to Mortgage Brokers who can provide better proposition to cater for each consumer individual needs and most

@wealthwiz

often provide a better deal.

Borrowers who are being refused a loan in some cases don’t understand and know or aware there may have been alternative option available. As a result a large group of Australians are being under serviced by banks and potentially getting lost in the financial system.

With the current state of the housing market and a national affordability crisis, there has never been a greater need for a good financial advisor like Wealthwiz who understands the importance of considering the needs of borrowers and is committed to helping people achieve their financial goals.

If you need help with a loan, you can always have a one-on-one discussion at Wealthwiz.

Just give Alex a call on 0419 600 177 and tell us about your situation.

The more we learn, the better we can help.

Western News 1 February 2019 Issue 77

Alex Soncini

REAL ESTATE

#wealthwizau

WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au

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Western News 1 February 2019 Issue 77

14

Western News

SUDOKU: EASY

SUDOKU: HARD

SOLUTIONS: 18 January

INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Humbleness (8) 5 Monkey-bread tree (6) 9 Insolvent (8) 10 Discarded food (6) 12 The official language

of Iceland (9) 13 Community (5) 14 Kill (4) 16 Take one’s clothes off (7) 19 Give a title to

someone (7) 21 Singlet (4) 24 King or Empress (5) 25 Sentries (9) 27 Frank (6) 28 Cathedral (8) 29 Gets pleasure from

causing pain (6) 30 Resembling a tree in

form (8)

solution 18/1/19

down 1 A composite (6) 2 Fixed (6) 3 Insect stage (5) 4 Lukewarmly (7) 6 Honors (9) 7 Grow on trees (8) 8 Unwarranted (8) 11 Beige (4) 15 Freedoms (9) 17 Withdraws (8) 18 Sloped (8) 20 Nature of being (4) 21 Having a superior position (7) 22 American neighbor (6) 23 Land surrounded by water (6) 26 A poem by Homer (5)

Western News

with MARK GEYER

is Ciraldo about be snapped up by the sharks?

A

s we speak (write) the Cronulla Sharks have started interviewing for their vacant head coaching role.

Why, I hear you say does that have any bearing on us the readers of the Nepean?

Because the lead contender from what I’ve heard around the traps is Panthers assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo!

Ciraldo joins a host of assistant coaches in line to put their hands up to take over from Shane Flanagan after the Sharks mentor fell on his sword a few weeks back. Ciraldo, current Sharks assistants John Morris and Jim Dymock, Jason Demetriou, Justin Holbrook, and Adam O’Brien also join the list that is growing longer daily.

The fact that Ciraldo is a Sharks junior, playing for the Menai Roosters as a whipper snapper, making his first grade debut for the Sharks in 2005, and just about living on the hill at Shark Park growing up selling the Big League magazine, gives him somewhat of a ‘familiarity factor’ that should appeal to the Sharks hierarchy.

The fact that he held himself so admirably late last year when thrust into the Panthers head coaching role when Anthony Griffin was shown the door, at just 33 years of age shows he has enormous potential as a main man at an NRL club.

Ciraldo is ready for the main gig, lead players at Penrith are fans, and with Ivan Cleary, who is also a fan, now back on a 5 year deal with the mountain men, one would think it’s just a matter of when - not if - that Ciraldo gains the top gong at an NRL club.

It would be somewhat of a loss for the Panthers but I’m pretty sure the likes of Gus Gould, the board and coach Cleary wouldn’t stand in the way if a head coaching spot was to come the way of the Italian representative.

MG (random Westie) OAM

 Is Ciraldo heading to the Shire?

 Shane Flanagan a Shark no more

 Sharks interim coach John Morris

15 Western News 1 February 2019 Issue 77

MG on the mark

SPORT

Western News Friday, 1 February 2019

SPORT

Wanderers sign Duke in hope of turning season around

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Western Sydney Wanderers have signed Mitchell Duke from Japanese club Shimizu S-Pulse on an 18-month contract.

The pacey winger returns to Australia following four years in Japan where he played over 100 matches for the club. Born and raised in the heartland of Western Sydney, Duke began his career at Liverpool Rangers before progressing through the Central Coast Mariners Youth Academy.

Following a short stint with Blacktown City Duke signed his first senior contract with the Mariners in 2012 playing 66 matches in the Hyundai A-League before signing with J1 club Shimizu S-Pulse in 2015.

The Liverpool youngster has four national team appearances with the Socceroos including two goals and was recently called into Graham Arnold’s 30man training camp in the lead up to the 2019 Asian Cup. Duke said returning home and surprising his family with the news was a very special moment in his career.

“I grew up in Liverpool so coming back to the Western Sydney Wanderers was an easy decision. It is a very good feeling to represent where you come from,” he said.

“There’s always been a small part of me that wanted to play at the club at some point in my career

so coming back from spending the last four years in Japan was a very easy decision for me.

“A big part of the reason to come back to Australia was my family and the football level, and there’s no better place for me to play than at my home. This club is my hometown club.

“It’s a proud moment for me and my parents are so happy for me.”

Duke added that his game had gone to a new level in Japan and looked forward to testing himself in what he knows is a very competitive Hyundai A-League.

“The J-League is the top league in Asia, probably the best, and spending the last four years over there I was proud I could achieve that,” continued Duke.

“Some players go there and don’t last long, so I was proud to get over 100 appearances at the club in Japan because it’s hard to do.

“I gained a lot of experiences over there, I experienced promotion and relegation and that helped me grow.

“On the technical side of things, Japan is the best, so I’ve grown a lot as a player and my mental toughness has improved a lot.

“I feel like now that I’m 28, I want to be a leader at the club and I want to help lead and teach the young boys so as to help them grow as footballers.

“That’s a big thing for me, when I was a bit younger I was a bit more stand-offish and now I know what’s expected. I want to push the boys to a whole other level with what I’ve learnt overseas.

“I want to bring that side of me to the Wanderers, I want to be a big help and make a big impact.”

The Wanderers are unlikely to make the finals this season sitting eighth on the ladder, but will be hopeful Duke can make an impact on the remainder of the season.