Western News 1 March 2019

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Friday, 1 March 2019

ISSUE 79

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Im-Paw-Tant Recruits

Keeping with canine recruit tradition, these policing puppies will be given names starting with the letter ‘Z’ and will form part of the ‘Z’ litter.

This important naming job will be carried out by children at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick. See page 13 for full story.

Western News

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ajor issues and challenges facing women in Western Sydney have been raised at a forum organised by Blacktown City Council.

More than 70 people from across Western Sydney attended the Women’s Forum 2019, last week at Blacktown Civic Centre.

Blacktown City Councillor and Chairperson of the Blacktown Women’s Advisory Committee, Julie Griffiths said: “The forum raised issues including domestic violence,

women’s health, challenges of aging and gender economic equality in a workshop setting.

“The forum gave women a voice in setting funding priorities and programs for women in Western Sydney,” Councillor Griffiths said.

Other issues raised at the forum included; the provision of quality women’s health care, transport for the aging population and the need for stricter planning controls to encourage healthier food options in the region.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali

MP said: “Blacktown City Council provides a variety of platforms for the community to raise important issues.

“Council’s aim is to constantly improve the lives of women and engaging with our wider community is a valuable tool in achieving that aim.”

Attendees at the forum included leaders from community groups and services across Western Sydney and representatives from Penrith, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool Councils and Western Sydney

Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC).

Outcomes from the forum will be documented and presented to Councils, politicians and candidates in Western Sydney to lobby for improved services, programs and opportunities for women in the region.

More than 70 people attended the inaugural Women’s Forum.

Chief Executive Officer of Nepean Area Disability Organisation (NADO), Denise Heath, facilitated the event and recapped points during the forum.

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Western News 1 March 2019 Issue 79

Women raise their voices

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Western News 1 March 2019 Issue 79

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From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

I

t is time to head to the polls to vote for who will represent us in the state election later this month.

And if you think once that’s over you’ll get a reprieve from politics and be able to put full concentration back on to Married At First Sight or the upcoming footy comp, think again. The federal election campaign will go into full swing straight afterwards!

As part of my job as a journalist, I’m always asking people what they think of our current leaders, be it Premier, Prime Minister or Opposition Leaders, and I also ask what issues matter most to them when casting their ballot.

This year the most common thing that comes up is an utter distaste for politics, full stop.

Voters are just so sick of the way the political cycle works, in that so much gets announced during the campaign period. They ask why only now, why hasn’t this been done over the last few years? They notice the re-announcements, they remember broken promises and they remember previous governments not being as great as they’re told they were.

They’re sick of the blaming, the grenade throwing and they wish all sides would just work together to find solutions.

Unfortunately for the incumbent members, they remember all of the above more than they remember what good has been done.

It is the most disengaged electorate I have ever seen over my 15 years of covering politics.

Let’s hope that when those elected or re-elected enter parliament that they have packed in their brief cases a healthy dose of enthusiasm, determination and creative vision that will engage the voters enough to be interested in the future of our fine state.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Western News

› Had a tough day?

Check out the dazzling smile western Sydney resident Ryder Miles has for everyone following his 13th brain surgery!

Ryder was not very old when he became unwell and needed brain surgery. His family were told by doctors that there was an 80 per cent chance he would not come through recovery after his first surgery.

But our little local battler was having none of that, and has just breezed through brain surgery number 13. What a little champion!

M

inister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams, and Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies visited the Philippine Language and Cultural Associated of Australia (PLCAA) in St Marys last week to announce $5,000 to support the annual Sydney Sonata Cultural Concert.

Mrs Davies said the much-loved Sydney Sonata Singers cultural concert, which brings together seniors with Filipino backgrounds, is now in its tenth year.

“This outstanding event, which will be held in May, brings together the local community,” Mrs Davies said.

“I am thrilled that they are receiving a Multicultural NSW Celebrating Diversity event grant.”

5 Western News 1 March 2019 Issue 79

$5,000 For Filipino community concert

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Mr Williams said the funding would support the delivery of the concert, which celebrates classical and traditional Filipino folksongs.

“The Sydney Sonata Cultural Concert is one of the highlights of the local multicultural calendar,” Mr Williams said.

This funding is possible thanks to the good economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government who are commitment to supporting multicultural communities.

For more information about the Multicultural NSW Celebrating Diversity Grants Program see: www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au/grants/

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Western News 1 March 2019 Issue 79

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The Australian Man Cave

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Australian Man Cave’s mission is to spread awareness of men’s mental health issues and aid us in lowering the shocking suicide rate of Australian men.

Every day, eight men around the country will tragically end their lives; each year that is 2,920 men will lose their battle with mental illness, 2,920 families and loved ones left without fathers, brothers, uncles, sons and mates.

Luigi Greco, the President of the Australian Man Cave spoke about the suicide rate in men and where Australia

unfortunately ranks among countries.

“I’m very sad to inform you that the suicide rate has gone up from six men a day to now eight men a day,” Lou said.

“Not only that but male deaths by suicide, statistically Australia is number one in the world.

“We really need to, and I know we will, bust the lid off this horrific dread on Australian males and take the number one status off Australia.”

The Australian Man Cave (TAMC) Support Group is holding their Inaugural TAMC Black Tie Event on Friday the 8th of March 2019 from 7pm at The Lakeside Restaurant, Sydney International Regatta Centre Old Castlereagh Rd Penrith NSW.

TAMC is wanting to make a difference by lowering this number by providing care and support for men in need. They are a resource to be used by those troubled by mental illness, not only for individual support, but assistance in finding the right help for their individual issues.

However, TAMC Support Group’s mission extends beyond the scope of mental illness. TAMC seeks to establish a safe place for men to commune and speak freely about life and associate in a constructive environment dedicated to personal self-improvement and outward charity.

TMAC does not simply wish to ease the burden of men by giving a distraction through events and

meetings, nor to simply point men in need in the right direction. Rather, they are seeking to create an environment which instils core principals into men, duty, respect, charity and discipline through helping men by helping others.

Tickets can be purchased by following the link below or The Australian Man Cave Face Book page, only $70 for an evening of fine food and entertainment www.eventbrite.com.au/e/theaustralian-man-cave-supportgroup-inaugural-black-tie-eveningtickets-54740634712?aff=ebdssbdes tsearch “It’s not weak to speak,” The Australian Man Cave.

Thousands of car spaces ready at local metro stations The NSW Government has announced 1000 new commuter car parking spaces are ready at the new Tallawong Metro station ahead of the first turn-up-and-go train services between Rouse Hill and Chatswood.

Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said the car park is complete as part of the $8.3 billion Sydney Metro Northwest line, which opens in the middle of this year.

“The new Sydney Metro will

revolutionise how we get around our great city,” Mr Conolly said.

“Passengers will be able to get on a train every four minutes during the peak.”

“This includes 4000 new commuter car spaces, including • 1000 at Tallawong station • 1360 at Kellyville station • 800 at Bella Vista station.”

The new commuter car park is fully accessible for people with reduced

mobility and has also been safeguarded for electric vehicle charging facilities.

“This is an exciting time for the Riverstone community with our metro stations about to open,” Mr Conolly said.

“This is great news for locals who will benefit from this incredible transport project, which will improve access to the north-west and become a major hub as the local precinct is redeveloped.”

Tallawong commuter car park will comprise three separate parking areas within the station precinct. There will be 445 spaces to the south-west of the station, 402 to the west and 153 spaces in the precinct’s south.

Sydney Metro is being extended from the north-west into the CBD, with services to start in 2024 – when Sydney will have 31 metro stations and a new 66 kilometre standalone metro railway.

Police appeal for public assistance following stabbing at The Ponds Police are appealing for public assistance after a man was stabbed at a park in The Ponds last weekend.

About 9.15pm, emergency services were called to Ridgeline Park on Marsh Street, The Ponds, after reports of an assault.

Officers from Quakers Hill Police

Area Command and NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived to locate a 29-year-old man with stab wounds to his neck.

He was treated at the scene before being taken to Westmead Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Police have been told the 29-yearold man, who lives nearby, became involved in an altercation with a group at the park, before being stabbed.

The group, believed to consist of eight males and one female, split up and fled the scene in vehicles.

Officers from Quakers Hill Police

Area Command received assistance from the Public Order and Riot Squad, Dog Unit, and PolAir throughout the operation.

A crime scene was established, and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Inquiries continue.

Premier announces Jobs target

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t Nirimba TAFE last Tuesday Premier Gladys Berejiklian, announced a target of 250,000 new jobs over the next 4 years.

“This is a bold target coming as it does on the back of 600,000 jobs created in NSW since the LiberalNational Government was elected in 2011. All this has seen the NSW unemployment rate fall to 3.9%, the lowest since the 1970s,” said the Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly.

“Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Treasurer Dom Perrottet were also on hand to announce that the successful Productivity Bootcamp program already operating at Nirimba TAFE will be expanded to another two locations in Western Sydney and the South Coast. Also, two schools in Western Sydney and on the North Coast will be equipped as vocational high schools to enhance the opportunities for young people to gain a trade”.

Western News

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lacktown City Council and local charity Kids West are again lending a hand to Blacktown’s Sister City in the drought-affected northwest of New South Wales.

Last year Council funded a portable tanker to assist in the delivery of drinking water to isolated villages in the Liverpool Plains Shire.

Kids West joined with Council in being a major partner in the Sister Cities Drought Tour to Quirindi and the Mayoress Gift Appeal that saw hundreds of Christmas gifts distributed to kids in the Liverpool Plains area.

This week, Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali and Kids West Executive Director, Trevor Oldfield inspected a portable desalination unit that can deliver clean water for the homes, farms and businesses around Quirindi.

“Council has established very strong ties with Liverpool Plains Shire Council through the Sister Cities program,” Mayor Bali said.

Council has partnered with Kids West, a benefactor and Saltfree Desalination Australia to arrange the delivery of the portable desalination unit to Quirindi.

The portable desalination unit will be set-up on vacant land adjacent to

Quirindi airport and will be able extract unusable bore water and then deliver life-sustaining clean, drinkable water that will be stored on site and available free to homes, farms and businesses in the Liverpool Plains area.

Kids West Executive Director Trevor Oldfield said; “This project shows that the Sister Cities program can bring real results. It’s so satisfying bringing this all together to help the people of Blacktown’s Sister City in the bush.”

Saltfree owner operator, Brian

*Valid until 15th August 2019, not to be used in conjuction with any other offer.

Schultz, says the desalination unit can deliver up to 150,000 litres of clean water a day from previously unusable salty bore water.

“Our desal units can deliver potable water suitable for watering stock, use in industrial car washes, vineyards, poultry farms, sporting ovals and even drinking water”, he said.

Pic shows: (from left) Saltfree operator Brian Schultz, Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali and Kid West’s Trevor Oldfield farewell the portable desal unit on its trip to Quirindi.

› Lalor Park man injured Police are appealing for information after a man was assaulted inside a Lalor Park house in an apparent targeted attack.

About 5am on 22 February, occupants of a house in Funda Crescent were in the bedroom when two men forced their way into the premises.

The male victim began arguing with one of the intruders who has assaulted the 40-year-old man.

The pair made the injured man leave his home. He was able to make his way to a nearby railway station where a bystander contacted police.

Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https:// n s w. c r i m e s t o p p e r s . c o m . au.Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

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Portable Desal Unit goes bush

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HEALTH

Western News

Health groups welcome cross-party commitment on health checks

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he Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance welcomes support by the Australian Government and the federal Opposition for a Medicare item to prevent and manage vascular disease - heart, stroke, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

Funding for an integrated health check has also been backed by the Australian Greens.

Alliance members, including the National Heart Foundation, Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Australia, Kidney Health Australia and Cancer Council Australia, have long championed integrated health checks to stem the tide of Australia’s chronic disease burden.

Chair of the Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance Sharon McGowan said investment in comprehensive health checks would encourage people to consider their health before a crisis.

“Chronic diseases affect half of the Australian population and are the leading cause of death in Australia,” said Ms McGowan.

“Yet, many people are unaware of their risk and the first sign something is wrong is a trip to the hospital.”

Around one-third of chronic disease could be prevented through modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, unhealthy weight, poor diet and high blood pressure. Although the new item has been focused around vascular disease, key risk factors, such as smoking, cause several chronic diseases and many people suffer co-morbidities through lifestyle.

Ms McGowan said the announcement was an important step forward in Government recognition of the importance of prevention as well as cure.

“A Medicare item for integrated health checks provides an important opportunity for people to consider their risk in consultation with their GP and take steps to reduce their risk through lifestyle changes and/or medication,” she said.

Chronic diseases - including heart disease and stroke - account for more than one-third of health spending, with costs expected to increase as the population ages.

“Investment in prevention is crucial to address the growing impact of chronic disease and reduce unnecessary hospitalisations,” Ms McGowan said.

“The Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance welcomes the cross-party support for comprehensive health checks to reduce disease risk and improve the health and wellbeing of Australians.”

The Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance (ACDPA) is an alliance of Cancer Council Australia; Diabetes Australia; National Heart Foundation of Australia; Kidney Health Australia; and Stroke Foundation. Members work together to collectively support prevention, integrated risk assessment and effective management of chronic disease risk.

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spiring Olympic skateboarders were on display last Saturday at the newly constructed $400,000 Riverstone Skate and Youth Space.

Blacktown City Council secured the $400,000 grant from the Australian Government to construct the skate park.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP hosted the ‘Community Fun Day’ featuring a spectacular show by international skaters and scooter riders, giveaways and a free sausage sizzle.

International Australian proskaters, Kieran Woolley and LivLovelace tested the newly constructed skate park and put on a great display of skill.

A Council spokesperson said local resident Julie Barnier has been the driving force behind the skatepark. She has lobbied Council, State and Federal politicians and headed local residents groups for several years to get the skatepark built with her energy and determination being rewarded with the project finally coming to fruition.

Michelle Rowland MP and Blacktown city Mayor Stephen Bali

Western News 1 March 2019 Issue 79

Riverstone skate and scoot

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Skater Kieran Woolley struts his stuff at the new Riverstone skatepark

Action at the Riverstone Skate and Youth Space

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Western News 1 March 2019 Issue 79

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local columnists

Western News

The end of China’s Grand Canal

A man and his birds in Wuzhen

Three pools mirroring the moon

West Lake

By BEN CRANNEY

O

ur rickshaw driver was a master haggler. ‘You are big’ he said, driving the price up to account for my weight. So I paid a bit more. I didn’t realise how thoroughly he’d won until he started panting as we went up a slight incline, and he used this as an excuse to kick us out.

Our destination was the east zone of Wuzhen, an ancient Chinese town

built into criss crossing canals. Dry alleys and stone bridges connect historic buildings, but delivery folk still use boats to move between houses with their packages. You can go by foot to see the courtyards of dyed cloth hanging in the breeze, to watch the weavers demonstrating their techniques, to explore the folk museum, or to find the deep fried turnip cakes or wood-fired flat breads.

Avoid a failed haggle by skipping the rickshaws and walking to the west

zone. There’s a bit more to see here, and it ends at the White Lotus Pagoda.

At the top, you can admire the Beijing-Hangzhou canal, the world’s oldest and longest canal, and the reason for Wuzhen’s being. Imagine you’re a merchant, bringing beautiful things to Hangzhou, and when you get there, see if you agree with Marco Polo’s claim that it is the most noble city in the world.

Hangzhou is only a couple of hours from Wuzhen. It’s also built around water and offers many stunning sights.

Start with the West Lake, praised for its beauty by Ibn Battuta. Take a boat across the Lake to the Xiaoying Island, where Three Pools Mirroring the Moon also perfectly mirror the sky, trees and buildings, blurring the

lines of reality.

In the hills to the south west, you’ll find temples, tea gardens and shrines cut into the cliff face. To the north west is Baoshi Hill, a tree covered escape from the city. Laneways take you past houses where curing ducks are as likely to be hanging on the line as drying clothes. Deeper in the hill are hidden temples and soaring pagodas.

At Yellow Dragon Cave, the open air opera might be playing, and you might see some people walking their birds. But the best bit is the wishing well that bestows luck on those who risk a coin and hit the target. Go here first. Maybe you’ll get a bit of help for when you’re haggling.

Next time: Mexico and buying your authentic experiences at Walmart

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel The Good Inside

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while ago, I was giving a reading to a lovely lady who was in a bit of a pickle. As I looked at the cards, I got a distinct picture of a new her emerging, lighter, more carefree and happier.

“It’s a bit like Tom and the Water Babies,” I said happily, not quite expecting the response. “Oh God! I’m going to die!” shrieked my poor client. I was a little taken aback for a moment until I remembered that Charles Kingley’s wonderful book was an allegory of death and the after life when young Tom fell into the stream and shuffled off his mortal and rather miserable coil as a chimney sweep to find freedom and happiness among the water babies.

When I read the book as a child, this idea of dying and going to Heaven went completely over my head, but the lesson remained that I should be very wary of the cruel Mrs Be Done By As You Did but abide by the teachings of the delightfully kind and gentle Mrs Do as You Would Be Done By. Rather like a Victorian moralist’s view of Karma.

I do wrestle with modern views of good and evil.

I know that according to the principles of my work with Spirit, I should forgive and forget, turn the other cheek, and meet ill will with love. I do try very hard to do this. I put my negative thoughts on the altar for God to deal with and I ask to be filled with love, kindness and understanding, but sometimes

it is difficult, especially when I come face to face with the old lady who gave me a wallop in Noni B. (Don’t ask. Long story!) Every time I see her out and about, I smile sweetly but secretly want to kick her in the shins. Does this make me good or bad? If I were really a good person, wouldn’t I have forgiven her?

We live in a world that seems to have forgotten about kindness to others. There does not seem to be a lack of tolerance for other people’s points of view and we seem to be dividing into opposing camps on a number of subjects. Civilised debate is becoming a thing of the past as anger morphs into

demonstrations and occasionally riots.

Many of us who work with Spirit feel that there is a change coming and about time too. We need to remember not only kindness to our loved ones but also the kindness of strangers. I would like to finish by quoting a passage from a book by a wonderful author called Donna Leon who writes magically about Venice. This is a lay preacher speaking and he says, “ It is not my place to tell you what is good and what is not. But I will tell you that goodness usually leaves people who receive, or those who do it, better in spirit. Not richer … but simply aware that the sum of goodness in the world has been increased. They can give or they can receive, but afterwards they are richer in spirit and can live more easily in the world. And at the base of this idea of goodness is nothing more complicated than simple human kindness and generosity of spirit.”* So in these complicated times, let us all ask Spirit to help us do a little good and spread a little kindness. Like ripples on a pond, who knows how far our good deeds will spread and just maybe we can all make a difference.

The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store. *Extract from The Girl of His Dreams by Donna Leon

Western News

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Daley Labor Government will make TAFE free for more than 600,000 certificate level places in skill shortage courses over the next decade, starting with child care, disability care, aged care, construction, plumbing, and electrical trades.

NSW Shadow Minister for TAFE and Skills Prue Car announced the policy and said Labor’s plan will help people to find jobs in industries that are crying out for more workers, and make TAFE genuinely accessible to all, whether they are school leavers, people re-skilling, or changing careers.

“The public TAFE system in NSW has been gutted under the Berejiklian Liberal and National Government, with 5,700 teachers and support staff sacked, 175,000 fewer students enrolled, and the number of apprentices and trainees plummeting by more than half since they came to office in 2011,” Ms Car said in a statement.

“A Daley Labor Government will restore TAFE to its rightful place as the premier public provider of vocational education and training across NSW, ensuring that skill shortages are being addressed, especially in rural and regional communities.

“Labor will also utilise existing public infrastructure to create opportunities for people to develop their skills, by requiring 20 per cent of work on major NSW Government construction projects to be allocated to a combination of: apprentices, trainees, indigenous Australians, and long term unemployed.

“Abolishing fees for courses in areas where there is a known skill shortage is a real, common-sense way to connect eager workers with good jobs.”

“Labor will revitalise the TAFE system after years of neglect from the Liberals and Nationals, and ensure that TAFE is properly funded and accessible to all.”

Labor Candidate for Penrith Karen McKeown applauded the announcement, saying: “Labor’s commitment to free TAFE will change lives in Western Sydney for young people and those looking to retrain – to get good jobs for the future.”

Todd Carney Labor Candidate for Mulgoa said: “Free TAFE is the ultimate jobs plan. It will deliver the skilled workforce of the future and revitalise the vocational education system after eight years of neglect by the Liberals and Nationals.”

Labor sources say that 2023, it is expected there will be: 85,000 more jobs in the health care and social assistance sectors in NSW compared to 2018; and 41,000 more jobs in the construction industry.

Making Smiles as well as Pizza @ Ironbark Pizzeria

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ive any kid a pizza base, tomato paste and a variety of toppings to create their own pizza and there’s bound to be smiles for hours.

But when it’s a child who’s experienced poverty, violence, homelessness or has a disability that could mean they’re not usually given this kind of opportunity, the smiles get even wider. And that’s exactly what happened when Ironbark Pizzeria at St Marys Rugby League Club hosted a group of children aged 8-18 from Barnardos Australia.

“We’ve been running our pizza and gelato making sessions for kids during school holidays for the last few months and they’ve been hugely popular, booking out really quickly,” said Ironbark Pizzeria Manager Angelo Lavorato.

“It’s always very energetic and noisy and the kids seem to have a ball,” he added.

After the last school holidays Angelo spoke to the team at Saints to see if there was a way he could run a session at no charge for a special group of kids.

The Club then contacted Barnardos to see if this would be of interest to them, and they jumped at the opportunity. Barnardos Australia believes all children and young people deserve caring families in which they can grow safely and fulfil their potential and as such, work

with families to break the cycle of disadvantage.

Kieran Macri, Disability Support Services Team Leader from Barnardos Australia said, “We work with so many children and young people who have had to face daily challenges that no child should. To give them an afternoon of just sheer joy and fun was wonderful, and we can’t thank the Club enough.”

Learn more about Barnardos Australia or find out how you can get involved and help with their amazing work at www.barnardos.org.au

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Labor to make tafe courses free

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WESTERN HISTORY

A Builder of our Railways

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

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alter Shellshear (photo) was born in London in September 1856, the son of Joseph Shellshear a merchant seaman and his wife Alicia, née Scarriott.

Brought up on the Clyde, he studied mathematics at King’s College in London and was employed in the engineering works of Robert Napier and Son in Glasgow. In 1877-78 he received a certificate of proficiency in engineering science from the University of Glasgow. He returned to London and worked for George Buckley on the design of bridges and the supply of materials and surveys for the Indian government railways. At the age of 23, he migrated to NSW in February 1880 and was employed as a draftsman in the roads branch of the Department of Works. In April 1881 he married Clara Mabel, née Eddis at the Catholic Apostolic Church in Carlton, Melbourne. In April 1882 he joined the Railways Department as a draftsman and in May 1886 he was promoted District Engineer in charge of the metropolitan district that included the tramways, the Illawarra line to Waterfall, the southern line to Picton, the western line to Springwood and the Richmond and Hornsby lines. Responsible for maintaining existing lines, he constantly travelled on new lines in the interests of safety.

Also, in 1882 in London he was an Associate member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Back in Australia he was elected President of the Engineering Association of NSW 1885-86 and a member of the Royal Society of NSW in 1883-1922. In 1884 he had prepared a paper on the ‘Sydney Steam Tramways’ for the Society of Civil Engineers in London and published other short papers in the “Proceedings” of the Engineering Association. Expansion of European settlement along the northern coast of NSW during the second half of the 19th century, led to the establishment of towns in the various coastal river valleys. These were almost always located on the estuaries of the rivers and often at the upstream limit of navigation at that time. Transport to and from these centres was by sea with coastal shipping entering the rivers and using their tidal waterways to reach the towns. As ships became larger and more numerous, and shipwrecks more frequent, the need to provide for the safe navigation of the often unstable, shallow and dangerous river entrances became urgent. There was considerable difference of opinion among engineers as to how this should be done. Walter was one of the first engineers to accept that “the battle is to be fought with the waves” and he studied the improvement of “these bar-bound rivers” in his spare time. He corresponded with Sir John Coode the Engineer-in Chief for the British Admiralty who had made two visits to Australia to advise on port developments for the various Colonial Governments. Sir John advised Walter who concluded that river entrance jetties should be extended and that their alignment should concentrate on the scouring action of the ebb tide and upland runoff. He recognised that each river needed to be considered individually. Walter’s principles were applied by the NSW Public Works Department to the Richmond River entrance at Ballina. The works were constructed over a period of 20 years beginning in the 1890s. In July 1887 Walter took part in the inquest of William Hankin (who belonged to the ambulance corps) in connection with the railway disaster at the Hawkesbury held at the Darlinghurst

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Courthouse. Thomas Wilson the engine driver also died at the scene. Walter, the district engineer in charge of the Central District of Existing Lines said the result of an examination he made of the train, its carriages, taps and couplings on the evening of the accident, he found the taps turned on and the connections complete on all the carriages except the Redfern carriage next to the engine that telescoped into the “American car” behind it and on the end of this carriage facing the American car he found a break tap closed to prevent the air passing through.

He admitted this might have been caused by the telescoping but from the appearance of the tap he thought it highly improbable. He concluded that he thought the brake on the third car was defective which caused the accident. The report of the evidence that was taken by the departmental inquiry board was printed and given to the Assembly, but no steps were taken until the inquiry by the coroner was finalised.

The final verdict was the “result of gross negligence arising from the non-coupling of the air brakes”. In 1894, Walter was the District Superintendent of Railways for Goulbourn and had just come back from a visit to America for the purpose of inspecting cheap railway construction. He gave evidence to the Works Committee regarding a proposal on a line for the Wyalong railway being constructed without ballast at a cost of £1,600 per mile. The number of sleepers used to the mile m America was 2,816 as against 2,112 to the mile here. The sleepers there were made of pine and oak and 15% had to be renewed annually. Here the ironbark sleepers lasted 20 years and only 4% needed to be renewed. In September 1903, Walter had been promoted to inspecting engineer and later became deputy engineer-in-chief and in 1905 he relieved James Fraser the engineer-in-chief. He was also closely associated with the design and construction of the new Victoria railway bridge at Penrith in 1907. This bridge became part of the oldest surviving crossing of the Hawkesbury–Nepean River, a significant structure in the history of transport and communication in NSW and a vital component in the rail link between Sydney and the west of the State. In 1912-21 he was the consulting and inspecting engineer in London where he supervised all materials ordered for NSW government works. Painstaking, unassuming and quietly confident, Walter was noted for his patience and helpfulness with his subordinates. He retired in 1921 and returned to Sydney where he took up residence at “Ripley”, Mitchell Street in Greenwich Point where he died in November 1939.

He was 83 years of age and had been a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers for 59 years. He spent 40 years in the Public Service of NSW mostly in the Railway Department. When the “change-over” was made from Redfern to the Central Railway Station, Walter was responsible for the alterations and lay out of the tracks, and the fact that the transfer was completed without interruption of schedules was considered a remarkable engineering feat. Walter is buried in the Northern Suburbs catholic section. His estate was valued for probate at £2,345. He was survived by his wife, five sons and five daughters.

Sources: NSW Office of Environment & Heritage, Votes and Proceedings (Legislative Assembly, New South Wales), 1887 (2nd session), 2, 274, 1887-88, 6 485, 489, 539, 1889, 5, 490, 1889 (2nd session), 2, 399, New South Wales Railway and Tramway Magazine, 1 Dec 1920, Sydney Morning Herald, History of Coastal Engineering in Australia ttalk by Dr Michael Gourlay – July 2000, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 6, (MUP), 1976.

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Western News

A

Finance Broker or bank?

s the home loan market becomes increasingly complex, more people are turning to finance broker. Finance brokers are now central to the Australian financial services landscape. In fact, the majority of Australians now choose to use a finance broker for the most important financial decisions of their lives.

It’s understandable that finance brokers also known as credit advisers or mortgage brokers are now the number one choice for consumers who are seeking a home loan or to refinance an existing loan. Businesses are also engaging finance brokers to help them with their finance needs from car and equipment leasing to loans to help their businesses expand.

What can a finance broker do for you?

The leg-work Finance brokers already know the industry, the lenders, their products and their requirements, saving you a lot of time and energy on research.

They will also put the time into finding out about your particular credit situation and have a wealth of experience to draw on to help you simplify it.

Translate industry jargon Finance brokers are able to make sense of what

loan documents and lenders are saying – put it into lay-person’s language, so to speak.

Get you what you want Advisers will determine your borrowing needs and fiscal ability, and choose the only an appropriate product to suit your requirements.

Give you a broader choice Being brokers, finance brokers have to offer a larger selection of loan products. While a bank can only offer you its own products, finance brokers can help you choose from a selection of loans provided by different lenders.

Help you compare apples, oranges and the whole fruit basket Finance brokers have the knowledge and tools to compare often hundreds of products and you get a loan suitable for your circumstances and needs.

Find you a good deal Loan providers are always spruiking a special deal or two, and these could make a big difference to your repayments or success rate. A finance broker will know which of the deals on the market at the moment will be appropriate for you.

Act as your advocate A good finance broker wants the best for you, the

@wealthwiz

client. They will be your cheer squad, middle-man, team player and coach throughout the process.

They’re in it for the long haul A finance broker won’t just love you and leave you – they will oversee and manage the loan’s progression right through to the end on your behalf. By the way, ‘the end’ isn’t when you sign the documents and buy your property; you can expect your finance broker to keep track of you and your changing needs, helping you should you need to switch products or wish to purchase another property.

The key is to choose a finance broker who is MFAA-accredited. The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) is the peak national body representing professional finance broker across Australia, and all members must adhere to professional development standards and a stringent code of conduct.

An MFAA Approved Finance Brokers is much more than your average mortgage broker.

Speak to Alex Soncini from Wealthwiz who is an MFAA Full Member and can help you understand your financial needs and options.

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Five new police puppies to be named by sick children

T

he NSW Police Force have welcomed five new crime-fighting canines at the Dog Unit, whose names will be chosen by chronically ill children.

The five German Shepherd pups – three females and two males – were born on Christmas Eve last year (Monday 24 December 2018) and will be trained as General Purpose dogs.

Dog Unit Commander, Superintendent Steve Egginton, said the puppies are a welcome addition to the NSW Police Force.

“Since 2004, our breeding program has seen 34 litters of German Shepherd pups join the ranks of the Dog Unit, and these five new recruits have just started their journey in the pack,” Supt Egginton said.

“Keeping with canine recruit tradition, these puppies will be given names starting with the letter ‘Z’ and will form part of the ‘Z’ litter.

“We are encouraging everyone to help suggest names for the dogs before they start sniffing out crime,” Supt Egginton said added.

Patron of the NSW Police Dog Unit, Mrs Andrea Fuller, said the naming process has proven to be an excellent way to engage with the community and allow members of the public to take part.

“This year, we are delighted to be working with Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick to give some of the children in their care a chance to help choose the names of our new crime-fighting canines,” Mrs Fuller said.

“A list of suggested names will be provided to the hospital, then the children will research the names and hold a vote, with the most popular names chosen.

“The pups will then be assigned a name and taken to the hospital, so the children have a chance to

meet them,” Mrs Fuller said.

Director of Nursing at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Ms Verity Luckey says the patients of Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick are thrilled to join forces with the NSW Police Force Dog Unit.

“The children are armed and ready to help with the im-paw-tant job of naming the newest recruits, and also really looking forward to shaking paws with our new furry-friends when they are old enough to stop by for a visit,” Ms Luckey said.

Police Minister Troy Grant welcomed the puppy naming partnership with Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.

“This is a great way for the children to engage with the Dog Unit, which does some of the most extraordinary behind-the-scenes work helping to solve crime in our community,” Mr Grant said.

“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for the unit to bring a little cheer to the kids at the Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick. This is an

incredibly worthy initiative that we’re proud to be a part of, and I look forward to hearing the names suggested for our latest four-legged crime fighters,” he added.

The five pups will stay at the Dog Unit until they are about 12 weeks old and will then be placed into the foster carer program until they are old enough to begin training.

The NSW Police Force Dog Unit was formed in 1932 and currently forms part of the NSW Police Force Police Transport and Public Safety Command.

It is the largest police dog unit in Australia and its canine police officers include German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Labradors, Border Collies and English Springer Spaniels.

The Dog Unit’s breeding program has been running since 2004, and has bred 34 litters of German Shepherd pups, two litters of Labrador pups and two litters of English Springer Spaniels and one litter of Belgian Malinois.

13 Western News 1 March 2019 Issue 79

Alex Soncini

REAL ESTATE

ENTERTAINMENT

Western News 1 March 2019 Issue 79

14

Western News

SUDOKU: EASY

SOLUTIONS: 15 February EASY

MEDIUM

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

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 Annoyed (8) 5 Cigarettes (slang) (6) 9 Holiness (8) 10 Pal (6) 12 Box or jar (9) 13 Coincides in their

characteristics (5) 14 Moves (4) 16 Not cognizant of (7) 19 Collision (7) 21 University square (4) 24 A trademarked

nickel-iron alloy (5) 25 Hard-hitting (9) 27 Attack (6) 28 Lose an unborn baby (8) 29 Resulted (6) 30 Ahead

in development (8)

down 1 Cut in two (6) 2 Calibrating an instrument (6) 3 Additional (5) 4 Prolongs (7) 6 Pot or grass (9) 7 A large covered flat-bottomed

boat (8) 8 Avoid (8) 11 German for “Mrs” (4) 15 In another manner (9) 17 Guess (8) 18 Reaps (8) 20 Holes (4) 21 Asked (7) 22 Cloth (6) 23 Remained (6) 26 Hot chocolate (5)

solution 15/2/19

Western News

with MARK GEYER

Trial games: are they relevant?

W

 Tommy Turbo and Billy Kikau our from trial injuries

ith only two weeks until the NRL season kicks off (thank god) the annual debate has reared once again about the relevance of playing ‘trial’ games in the lead up.

Already in one weekend we’ve seen worrying injuries to three stars of the game in Panther’s Billy Kikau, Bronco’s Tevita Pangai Jnr, and Manly’s Tom Trbojevic.

While not season-ending, they’re still a concern for their given clubs.

Trial games are a necessary evil but also a part of the season where most players cross their fingers about getting through unscathed as to attack the season proper when 2 points per game are on offer.

Players subconsciously are never at 100%

15 Western News 1 March 2019 Issue 79

MG on the mark

SPORT

 Tevita Pangai jnr hurry in trial

mentally whilst playing a trial game, in fact more like 80%, for the only reward is a bit of match fitness.

Whilst in my playing days we would either go out to the bush and play a couple of games against a country team; in turn spreading the gospel, or there would be a pre-season comp with a monetary value up for grabs for the winner.

If I’m a coach in today’s game I’m keeping all my big guns right away from any trial games.

The inter club opposed sessions are just as intense but you haven’t got some young gun on the opposition trying to prove a point. Established first grade players can bound straight into round 1 of the comp and then steadily build their fitness through

the earlier rounds of the competition.

Leave the trial games for the young blokes coming through the system to test them, just like the Sharks did with 18 year old Bronson Xerri on the weekend, in turn finding a gem. But he, like many other young footballers over the past weekend are just so happy to be playing a trial game with the big boys.

But in my opinion the big boys should be kept in cotton wool until there are 2 valuable points up for the offer.

Bring on the 14th of March!

See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

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Western News Friday, 1 March 2019

SPORT

Wanderers snatch draw on Popovic return

By CONNER LOWE

A

l a s t- g a s p goal from Tarek Elrich has denied Tony Popovic a winning return to Western Sydney as the Wanderers and Perth Glory drew 1-1 in the final Hyundai A-League match at Spotless Stadium.

A goal from ex-Wanderers attacker Chris Ikonomidis’ midway through the first-half looked to have the Glory on course for yet another win.

But Elrich would have the final say, curling one from distance inside Liam Reddy’s far post to snatch a hard-earned draw for the home side.

It was a dramatic end to what still was a historic night for Glory, who extended their unbeaten run to 11 games, setting a new club record.

While the draw cuts their lead at the top of the ladder to just eight points, they remain on track for their first piece of Hyundai A-League silverware with seven games to go.

For the Wanderers, it was a reward for a battling display in the second

half, extending their own unbeaten run to three games.

Things didn’t start well for the home side as youngster Jordan O’Doherty suffered a serious knee injury inside the first 15 minutes.

It was not long after the midfielder was stretchered off that Glory would take the lead.

Superb lead-up work by Ivan

Franjic and Diego Castro ended with the latter playing in a classy low cross which Ikonomidis swept in from close range.

Ikonomidis was tormenting the Wanderers defence and only a smart save from Vedran Janjetovic denied him doubling the lead with a header.

Reddy had to be alert to keep out Oriol Riera’s header just before the

break, while Andy Keogh brought the best out of Janjetovic early in the second half.

It appeared Glory would do enough to hold on for a 15th win of the season until Elrich stunned the visitors with his late cracker with less than a minute to spare in stoppage time.

With an excellent result against the league leaders, the news got even better with the announcement that the Wanderers will move into their new stadium for the 2019/20 Hyundai A-League season.

A return to Wanderland is now set, with the club already locked in to play Leeds United at the stadium on 20 July this year, the Wanderers will play all 13 home matches at Bankwest Stadium in the 2019/20 season.

The agreement will see the Wanderers play all home matches in the Hyundai A-League, FFA Cup (from the quarter-finals stage) and future AFC Champions League games at their new home ground in the heart of Parramatta. While the Wanderers Westfield W-League team will also play matches at the venue from next season.