Blacktown city residents will have the opportunity to develop important water safety skills this summer with the return of Blacktown city council’s water safety program ‘Swim Sense’.
In the past 12 months, drowning deaths in australia have increased alarmingly. the Royal life Saving Society australia reported that adults aged 18 plus accounted for just under 90% of drownings in 2022.
Blacktown city council’s aquatic and leisure centres are determined to help reduce those numbers and the annual ‘Swim Sense’ program will play an important part at a local level.
as of 16 January 2023, there have been 39 drowning deaths according to the Royal life Saving Summer Drowning toll.
Blacktown city Mayor tony Bleasdale oaM said: “It’s very important that people of all ages and backgrounds learn to be safe and confident swimmers so we can work towards reducing the number of drownings.
“Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for seven per cent of all injury-related deaths. “
Swim Sense is designed for adults who cannot swim or are not confident swimmers. It teaches important water safety awareness and skills they can use to build their confidence and competence in and around the water. the program provides basic swimming techniques and covers pool, waterways and beach safety.
Swim Sense is a FREE 4-day water safety education program aimed
at adults living in the Blacktown city local Government area (lGa).
Starting on Monday 16 January 2023, the program will be run at Blacktown leisure centre Stanhope, Blacktown aquatic centre, charlie lowles leisure centre and Riverstone Swimming centre
Blacktown aquatic centre and Riverstone Swim centre have both
recently celebrated their 60th birthdays and with Blacktown leisure centre Stanhope about to celebrate its 20th birthday on Saturday, 4 February 2023, there is no better time for adults to learn to experience water in a safe way and open up a new world of fun, fitness and social interaction.
For more information on our Swim Sense program, please visit our website: www.aqualearntoswim.com.au
18-Year old model Chelsea Oliver (Schofields) is about to travel to Bali for the ASOTY (Australian Supermodel of the Year) competition.
Chelsea is one of 24 finalists in the international competition, alongside other finalists from Australia, Indonesia and Russia, which is all about inclusiveness and diversity.
Chelsea was also a finalist last year, winning the Editorial category. Last year was a completely online experience, due to the restrictions of Covid, so Chelsea is understandably very happy to be travelling to Bali this year to participate in an 18day program, which finishes with a runway show and Final on the 4th February.
Chelsea started her modelling career at the age of 13, when she entered a modelling competition with Country Girl Management, where she did her first runway and was chosen as a finalist. She was then signed by her current agent, Bella Management in Sydney, at the age of 14.
Since then, she has been on the front cover of 2 magazines, had a 10page feature in Girlfriend Magazine and was recently in both ‘Elle’ and ‘Harpers Bazaar Vietnam’.
Chelsea will be wearing a few different outfits on the runway, including one from an amazing Sydney designer, who has kindly donated an outfit for Chelsea to wear, which will then be auctioned and proceeds will go to charity.
Chelsea is also required to wear an outfit which is recycled, repurposed or re-used, and she has chosen to wear her Mother’s wedding dress, which is a timeless classic, along with accessories from her Grandmother’s wedding. Both mum and nunna are very happy to be honoured in this way.
Chelsea volunteers for a charity called ‘One Meal’ in Blacktown, which feeds, clothes and provides for the homeless and less fortunate in the community and has done so for nearly 5 years.
Chelsea does this alongside her mother Joanne, who is the area coordinator of the charity. Chelsea hopes to use her platform to raise
awareness and funds for this cause.
Chelsea completed Year 12 at Wyndham College at Quakers Hill in December 2022. She has worked with Penrith City Council (Ripples) for a few years and she is very excited to see where her modelling career takes her. She looks forward to a lot of great learning experiences, meeting new people and travel.
Chelsea would love to thank her very kind sponsors who have supported her throughout this competition and over these first few years of her career. Thank you to Donna Hunter from Hunter Hampers for kindly supporting Chelsea and always offering kind words of advice and support. Thank you also to Helene from The Hair Room at Parramatta for kindly sponsoring Chelsea both in 2022 and 2023, your kindness is greatly appreciated. Also to Martin and Abel Bernardi from Flex Demolition, thank you for your sponsorship and support.
We wish her all the best for her time in Bali and in the competition.
Bart Bassett 0412 955 745
Bart Bassett 0412 955 745
Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202
Fortescue
Blacktown
As we evolve into what appears to be a post-pandemic phase, there’s a great feeling of optimism about the year ahead.
People are going out again, enjoying life and travelling.
It’s also an optimistic time for local small businesses who copped a whack during the restriction period. It is important that we continue to support them - many are still paying off debts they incurred trying to stay afloat. Wherever possible in 2023, spend your dollars locally.
It is great to be off to a good start!
It has been a horrendous start, however, in our battle against domestic violence.
28 year-old Dayna Isaac was found deceased and covered in blood in Penrith this week. Her death, allegedly due to domestic violence comes just weeks after another woman, Dannielle Finlay-Jones was found dead in Cranebrook.
We really need a serious focus on tackling this issue.
We need to somehow put roadblocks in the tracks of perpetrators before their violent behaviour results in the death of an innocent person. The police do a great job in arresting, but work appears to be needed in prevention. There’s lots of talk - but it’s time for action.
I don’t have any more answers than anyone else but I have suggestions of where we could start. Could we look at posing restrictions on those who have bad form in previous relationships, where police have needed to be called?
Could we give platforms like Tinder the power to refuse those who have a bad relationship history? We are in an election year for our state government. I’m interested to hear the ideas of candidates and voters on this.
kerrie@nepeannews.com.au
Well here we are in 2023!
The sound of kids laughing as they raced around the field outside Kimberwalli could be heard all the way from the top of the hill, where their parents and carers chatted during the latest Aboriginal Go4Fun session.
The kids had just spent an hour learning about healthy snack options – and even got to try some new fruits and vegetables – so they have lots of energy to burn.
For the parents, this provided a great opportunity to celebrate some healthy lifestyle wins since their last session and to swap meal ideas.
“After a lot of healthy switches, we are now happy and healthy eaters,” Jody Castairs, mother of Danny and Kyle, said.
This is what the Aboriginal Go4Fun program is all about, according to Jenny Plaskett, healthy School Years Coordinator, Western Sydney Local health District’s (WSLhD) Centre for Population health.
“We know introducing healthy lifestyle changes can be challenging for
families, especially after the last couple of years,” Jenny said.
“Our partners at Kimberwalli told us that the community wanted ideas for fresh, affordable family meals and getting active together.
“Aboriginal Go4Fun is culturally adapted and delivered in partnership with Kimberwalli to reflect the values of Aboriginal families.
“If you’ve ever thought ‘how do I help my family to enjoy eating healthy food, spend less time on screens and be more active?’ then this program is for you.”
To find out more about Aboriginal Go4Fun, visit https://go4fun.com.au/ about/aboriginal-go4fun/ or contact Kimberwalli on (02) 9853 3333.
› As flash as a rat with a gold tooth
› It beats a poke in the eye with a blunt stick
› He’s got a head like a beaten favourite
› Bangs like a dunny door in a hurricane
› She’s got a kangaroo loose in the top paddock
› He was grinning like a shot fox › He’s as fat as a butcher’s dog
› Feeling as crook as Rookwood
› She’s up at a sparrow’s fart
› That’s about as rare as rocking horse poo
› Off like a brides nightie
› She’s done the Harold Holt
› She shot through like a Bondi tram › He’s lower than a snake’s bum
› She can talk under water with a mouthful of marbles › I’m so hungry I could I could eat a horse and chase its rider › I’m busier than a one legged bloke in an ar$e-kicking competition
› She could eat a toffee apple through a tennis racquet
- (applied to buck teethed women)
› My throat feels like the scrapings from the Cockie’s cage
› She’s got a face like five miles of unmade road
› As popular as a pork chop in Jerusalem.
› As much use as an ashtray on a motorbike
› He’s as reliable as a two bob watch
› His language was so bad, he’d make a warfie blush
› Fits like a bum in a bucket
› She’s as thick as two short planks
› He’s so fat you’d need a cut lunch to get around him
Blacktown city remains the centre of fun, family and cultural events this summer, with australia Day and lunar new Year celebrations returning after 2 years.
wake up with the wildlife for an australia Day breakfast at Featherdale wildlife Park and enjoy an evening of live music and fireworks at the Rooty Hill, headlined by aussie music icons Vanessa amorosi and Ross wilson.
our city’s local heroes will be recognised at Blacktown city’s australia Day awards ceremony, while some of the city’s newest residents will be welcomed at a special australia Day citizenship ceremony at Bowman Hall.
Blacktown city Mayor tony Bleasdale oaM said: “It is fantastic to be able to return to our full schedule of summer events in Blacktown city after 2 years of cancellations due to coVID-19 restrictions.
“the much-loved ‘wake Up with the wildlife Breakfast’ will offer guests the chance to get up close to their favourite aussie animals for a special experience on australia Day morning.
“Blacktown city council’s popular australia Day concert and Fireworks at the Rooty Hill is always a great evening out for the whole family, with spectacular live entertainment and the best fireworks display in western Sydney.
“while we acknowledge the growing calls to change the date of australia Day, I urge everyone to reflect on our history - the highs and the low points - respect the stories of others and celebrate our achievements as a nation.”
In February, we celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with council’s lunar new Year celebrations at nurragingy Reserve in Doonside.
the colourful festival will bring together the whole community for an evening of cultural entertainment, lion and dragon dances, a traditional chinese new Year blessing ceremony, fireworks, food stalls and kids’ activities.
“Blacktown city is proudly home to a large and prosperous asian population, with the lunar new Year being a special time for many of our residents.
“these festivities have become a muchloved event in the Blacktown city community and bring together people of all cultures for an evening of celebration.”
Wake Up with the Wildlife Breakfast Thursday, 26 January, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, kildare Road, Doonside 4 sessions available: 7am-9am, 9am-11am, 11am-1pm, 1pm-3pm
Tickets $10 per person. Bookings essential. For tickets and more information, visit: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/wakeup Breakfast will be available for purchase at the event australia day Concert & Fireworks Thursday, 26 January, Rooty Hill hill, Rooty Hill 4pm – 9.30pm | Free entry the event will include live performances from headlines acts: Vanessa amorosi & Ross wilson supported by oz Icons with wayne Pearce & Dale Finucane, 501 Band and Hayley Teal. Free kids’ amusement rides, FMX Show, tasty food stalls, and concludes with a fireworks display.
4.00pm – Hayley Teal
4.45pm – Oz Icons
5.45pm – 501 Band
6.45pm – Ross Wilson
8.00pm – Vanessa Amorosi
lunar new Year Saturday, 4 February, nurragingy Reserve, Doonside
5pm – 9pm | Free entry live cultural stage entertainment, lion and dragon dances, roving performers, traditional Chinese New Year blessing ceremony, Japanese ice sculptor, food and market stalls, free kids’ crafts, face painting and fireworks display.
VolUnteeR firefighters in Western Sydney are benefiting from the delivery of two new state-of-theart fire trucks worth a combined total of $700,000.
Minister for emergency Services and Resilience Steph cooke joined Member for Riverstone kevin conolly and Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers and staff today to officially hand over the keys to two new fire tankers.
“these new category 1 tankers for the Marsden Park Brigade and eastern creek Brigade will strengthen firefighting responses and support other emergency services organisations, including the NSW State Emergency Service during floods and storms,” Ms cooke said.
“Since the devastating Black Summer bush fire season we’ve seen more than 400 fire trucks delivered to Brigades across the State through a $105.6 million investment from the nSw liberal and nationals Government.”
Mr conolly said the local investment will help keep fast-growing communities in Sydney’s west safer and stronger.
“these new trucks will allow our local Brigades to more effectively respond to a range of emergencies, including bush and grass fires, structure fires, car accidents and other emergency situations,” Mr conolly said.
“It’s vital that our volunteers have access to the
most modern and safe firefighting technology and resources while performing their duties so that they can keep communities safer.”
RFS District Manager, Superintendent angelo Baldo, congratulated the Brigades on the acquisition of their new trucks.
“the efforts of our volunteers do not go unnoticed, and these new vehicles will support eastern creek Brigade and Marsden Park Brigade members to continue their outstanding work,” Superintendent Baldo said.
“these men and women remain on-hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we are extremely proud and grateful for their contribution.”
Cameras catch hyena pair cooling off at the new sydney Zoo in Western sydney.
Humans are not the only ones taking time out to enjoy a good swim this summer.
sydney Zoo’s happy hyenas, entana and mahali were seen, splashing, dunking, and wriggling around in a tub of water to cool off and help clean all those hard-to-reach places.
Entana was first to jump in, rolling around, creating
a whirlpool of water. He then coaxed mahali into the tub to join in on all the fun.
Besides being a good way to cool off, a bath also acts as a great sensory experience.
Hyenas are very capable swimmers. They have been seen in the wild holding their breath and feeding off a carcass at the bottom of waterholes. see the playful carnivores at sydney Zoo in Western sydney during these school holidays.
WesTern sydney is set for a major boost with the nsW Liberal national Government announcing a $1 billion investment from the WestInvest fund to upgrade critical roads across the region.
Premier dominic Perrottet said the Government was backing the people of Western sydney with this major investment in the road network to keep people moving, reduce congestion and boost flood resilience.
“Western sydney is booming and we are making sure that families who live across this fast growing region have the very best roads and infrastructure to keep them moving,” mr Perrottet said.
“This $1 billion investment in critical upgrades to major roads across the region is a game changer and will make sure that Western sydney continues to grow and thrive.
“We are backing Western sydney communities by making their roads safer, making sure they spend less time and getting tradies and other business to where they need to go quicker.
“This is all part of our long-term economic plan for Western sydney,
which includes targeted cost of living measures including toll relief, $16 billion for critical transport infrastructure, more than $480 million on local hospitals and health services, and the construction of new schools.”
Treasurer matt Kean said the $1 billion investment was made possible because of the nsW Government’s strong economic management.
“This investment will not only ensure people get to spend more time with family and friends instead of in traffic, but it will significantly improve the safety profile of these critical corridors,” mr Kean said.
“The
nsW.”
minister for metropolitan roads natalie Ward said the improvements are also targeted to improve flood evacuation routes for families in the Hawkesburynepean Valley and around Pitt Town.
“We are working towards widening Garfield Road East to a four-lane divided road, providing a flood evacuation route with increased capacity as well as a better connection
to the communities of marsden Park, Box Hill, Richmond, Schofields and rouse Hill,” mrs Ward said.
“The Pitt Town Bypass is also a project the community has been calling for so I’m incredibly pleased we can deliver it, significantly increasing the community’s resilience to flooding events.”
The funding will support a range of significant road projects across 15 Local Government areas, including:
• $200 million for safety improvements on elizabeth dr at critical sections between devonshire rd and Western road, Kemps Creek;
• $100 million to construct the Pitt Town bypass which has been identified as a crucial project following recent flooding events in the Hawkesbury-nepean valley;
• $100 million to enable the upgrade of a 3.4 kilometre section of Garfield road east between Piccadilly street, riverstone and Windsor road, Box Hill;
• $600 million for roads infrastructure upgrades to be delivered within the 15 eligible WestInvest Local Government areas, to be determined.
“I WanTed to be a neuropsychologist for a quite a long time, even though most people don’t know what a neuropsychologist is or does. I remember in year 9 or 10 I bought a book that was written by the mother of a child who had a developmental condition. That really got me interested in people whose brains work differently and I just got really fascinated with how brains work, and then ended up here.
“There aren’t very many of us – there are only roughly 200 neuropsychologists in nsW!
“Given so much of our job is assessment based, people might see that as doing some tests and think that it’s not super exciting. But it really does help people to understand themselves better and put the puzzle pieces of their brain together! It opens avenues for support and funding and to improve their day-to-day functioning
by understanding themselves better. That’s definitely the most enjoyable part. In general, we tend to do a lot of detective work and we are very good at putting together the different puzzle pieces.
“all these tests give us an idea of how the brain is functioning which is something you might not necessarily see on a brain scan. a scan is sort of like looking under the hood of a car and you can see if anything’s damaged,
but that doesn’t necessarily give you an idea of how the car might be driving. so we take your brain for a test run and see how things are going.
“What I really like about the role here is the variety – I’m able to work with such a diverse range of patients and medical staff/specialties. It’s rare to find a role with so many different opportunities and the culture at Westmead Hospital is really refreshing. The staff really value each other and this flows on to how patient care is provided.”
– Chiara Pawela is a clinical neuropsychologist at Westmead Hospital.
‘Humans of the Hospital’is dedicated to the inspiring humans working at Westmead, Blacktown, Mount Druitt Auburn and Cumberland hospitals in western Sydney.
increased productivity which results from these road improvements will inject millions of dollars into the state’s economy which benefits every single person across
ACoronial inquiry by Arthur Judges in July 1907 on the death of Hutley Sunderland (better known as ‘Yorkie’) who died suddenly aged 60 years. He was born in 1847 at Yorkshire West Riding in England. At St Peter’s Bradford Cathedral in Yorkshire in September 1872 he married Charlotte Ann (Crosland) who was born in Sheffield in 1851. In 1883 the family came to Australia as assisted immigrants on the “Gladstone” arriving in October with their sons Abraham 10, Samuel 6 and James Henry 3 years. Hutley’s occupation in England was a “Wool sorter” and Charlotte’s was a confectioner, both could read and write. In 1889 Hutley was living at 25 Centre Street at Redfern still working as a wool sorter, but the rest of the family returned to England in the late 1880’s along with Charlotte (Jnr) who was born here. There was no post-mortem and no possessions. At the inquest George Love said he was a labourer and travelling, he had seen the body lying in the hospital morgue and knew it as the body of Hutley. George said he was camping with a friend and first saw Hutley at 6 am when he came to their camp under the Nepean Bridge. He was sober and could converse plainly but complained of feeling very cold and he went to their fire standing almost over it for about 10 minutes then he staggered back and fell on the back of his head, but he thought “Yorkie” had fainted. He could see that “Yorkie” was very ill and while his mate ran for water he borrowed a bicycle and went to the police station and saw the sergeant and returned with a constable to the camp. George said that “Yorkie” had been up all night, but he had no time to tell them anything about himself before he had the bad turn and was unconscious when he returned with the constable. The constable asked him and his mate to watch “Yorkie” while he went for a cart, when he returned with Constable McLean they lifted “Yorkie” up and tried to walk him and he seemed to rally, so they sent for a little whisky for him which he drank. George said he then left to have his breakfast. About a quarter of an hour later Constable McLean told him that “Yorkie” was dead. Next, Herbert Facey a traveller corroborated the previous witness’s evidence and James McGrath said that he was a clerk and lived at Emu Plains and recognise the body as that of Hutley who had been in the employ of Magrath Brothers as a wool classer for about 18 years and he had known him for all that time. James said “Yorkie“ lived at the works and a fortnight ago he had a week off because of chest troubles and during the last week he complained of shortness of breath that became worse when he stooped down. James thought he was a married man, although he would never say anything about his affairs and he had no relatives in the State or any property and he spent it as he made it. James said he paid him his wages at midday yesterday and he seemed alright and the last time he saw him alive was at 11 am when he was lying on the riverbank and he was present when “Yorkie” died there. He thought he had been out all night that was not an uncommon
thing with him, but last night was particularly cold and under the circumstances he was sure that everything was done by the police but in the end it was of no use. Constable McLean said that from something he heard on the morning, he went under the Nepean Bridge in the company with Constable Parmenter and James McGrath and he saw Hutley Sunderland sitting under the bridge and he was suffering from the cold and shivering, when Constable Parmenter took “Yorkie” by the arms and walked him about in the sun, he then gave him a glass of whisky and he appeared to come around and remarked that “he didn’t know what came over him but that he was coming round”. The Constable told him that they would take him to the hospital but “Yorkie” didn’t want to go and said that he would get home after he had a few minutes sleep, so he laid down on a bag in the sun for about five minutes and then he asked him, “How do you feel now?” and told him they would let him go down to the camp if he could, and “Yorkie” got up and started to walk about, rubbing his hands and saying that he was feeling alright, but then he sat down for a while and immediately started to shiver again. Constable Parmenter got on his horse to go for a vehicle to take “Yorkie” to the hospital, but he died before the conveyance came. Constable McGrath had “Yorkie’s” body taken to the Nepean Cottage Hospital Morgue. He knew “Yorkie” had said nothing regarding where he had been the night before, and that he had known Hutley for 18 years and had heard that he had been in a similar state of collapse. He searched the body and found 5/8d in money and other sundries, also letters addressed apparently from his wife and family in England. Dr Frederick Charles Higgins said he was a qualified medical practitioner and Government medical officer for the district and had made an external examination of the body of Hutley Sunderland, and from the evidence heard he thought that he had died from sente lobar pneumonia that was very fatal to alcoholics as he had the appearances of having been a drunkard and suffering from kidney troubles. The finding of the inquest was ‘That Hutley Sunderland, at Penrith, on the 7th July, 1907 died from sente lobar pneumonia. Evidently death was accelerated by alcoholism and exposure”. His younger son Sergeant (Gunner) James Henry at the age of 19 enlisted at Newhaven, England in WW1 into the 25th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery and at the age of 39 he died in November 1918 of bronchial pneumonia in the 14th General Hospital in Tourgeville and is buried there in France.
Sources: Nepean Times, NSW Births Deaths & Marriages, Australian Registers of Coroners´ Inquests, NSW Assisted Immigrant Passenger Lists-1828-1896, England & Wales Civil Registration Marriage Index, English 1881 census, Sands Directories-Sydney 1858-1933, Commonwealth War Graves 1914-1921 Tourgeville Military Cemetery Tourgeville France, Ancestry, Find a Grave website, UK British Army WW1 Service Records 1914-1920.
As the third week of the new year draws to a close, what can you expect? Homeloans conditions and interest rates will be in the future to be prepared for incoming turbulence of 2023. The full impact of the 2022 increases in the cash rate will not be fully observed until the second half of 2023 in my opinion.
Australia’s economy is “vulnerable” to disaster, the Treasurer warns as floods and other natural disasters cost the Australia’s economy $5 billion, impacting two-thirds of Australians.
According to CoreLogic’s Mortgage Index, mortgage market activity dropped across all six states, resulting in an overall national drop of 50.4 per cent for the week ending 15 January 2023. Leading the states in declines was NsW, which dropped by 57.8 per cent closely followed by Victoria which saw a decline of 49.8 per cent.
The latest lending data from the Australian Bureau of statistics (ABs) for a variety of loans in November last year has shown drops in almost all recorded categories.
In terms of housing finance specifically, the data
revealed that total housing fell by 3.7 per cent to $24.7 billion, preceded by a 2.8 per cent fall in October, which was a 24.3 per cent drop when compared to the same period in 2021.
Owner-occupier housing fell 3.8 per cent to $16.4 billion, 24.8 per cent lower than the year before, and investor housing fell 3.6 per cent to $8.3 billion, leaving it 23.2 per cent lower in annual terms.
Refinancing was the only category to not experience any declines, increasing by 8.2 per cent to an all-time high of $19.5 billion for total housing.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has made it clear interest rates will continue to go up as it attempts to bring soaring inflation levels down and Economists are tipping another interest rate hike after release of latest inflation data this week revealed inflation had climbed back to a 30-year high.
The RBA is expected to raise the cash rate by a further 25 basis points from its current 3.10 per cent when its board meets for the first time since December on February 7.
It’s important to know what is going on in the market as more interest rate increases are on
the horizon and borrowers should be mindful of anticipating some sort of rise and the impact that it might have on their monthly repayments.
secondly, the benchmark assessment rates for loan applications could increase, impacting borrowing capacity for new loans or loan top-ups.
Refinancing and new loan applications have recently been undergoing a surge as a result of the uncertainty with future rate rises and increased scrutiny with lending approvals.
It’s more important now to have a discussion with a broker and discuss your options whether you’re refinancing or wanting to purchase a property. The mortgage market today is competitive, with plenty of bank and non-bank lenders offering a variety of loan options to all types of borrowers.
Refinancing or purchasing a property and you could end up with a home loan which better suits your needs.
To get a better understanding contact Alex soncini at Wealthwiz for a free home loan review on 0419 600 177 or email to alex.soncini@wealthwiz. com.au.
wEStErn Sydney wanderers Fc are teaming up with the australian government to save lives in their local community.
Bowel cancer screening rates are dramatically lower in western Sydney compared to the national average of 44%. Screening rates in the west are as low as 29.5% putting people in western Sydney at risk of late bowel cancer diagnosis.
If caught early, more than 90% of bowel cancers can be treated successfully.
the Government is partnering with the western Sydney wanderers to connect with fans and urge them –or their family members - to do their free bowel cancer screening when it arrives. australians aged 50-74 receive a free kit in the mail every two years.
Fans attending games will see signage in stadium promoting bowel cancer screening and the club’s players, coaches and staff are going online to urge people to ‘Do the test’ in multiple languages.
the club will also host local leaders in 2023 from a broad cross section of the western Sydney
community, including representatives from Mosques, churches and migrant groups, to promote bowel screening and normalise doing the test within their communities.
the western Sydney wanderers are proud representatives of one of australia’s most culturally diverse communities. around 2.2 million people from more than 180 different cultures call the area home.
Minister for Health, the Hon Mark Butler MP said the australian Government was partnering with the wanderers to promote this important public health program to their extensive fan base.
“the western Sydney wanderers are great champions for their community and for our national Bowel cancer Screening Program. “their support helps get the
message out that bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in australia, but early detection, even before symptoms start, will save lives.”
western Sydney wanderers cEo Scott Hudson said that the club was proud to support the australian Government initiative.
“community is central to everything that we do as a club and we are very proud to be partnering with the australian Government to help increase the number of eligible western Sydney residents completing their free bowel screening kit.
“western Sydney is a diverse and multicultural region and it is important we as a club have an impact on our local community that goes beyond football.
we encourage all our members and fans that are eligible to ‘Do the test’, it’s a free and simple process that could save their lives.”
For more information on the national Bowel cancer Screening Program or to re-order a test visit www. health.gov.au/our-work/nationalbowel-cancer-screening-program/ getting-a-bowel-screening-test/ how-bowel-screening-works
Blacktown city council, in partnership with Disability Sports australia, are pleased to announce funding from the nSw Government to develop a new Disability Sport centre of Excellence.
the $15 million project, funded by the nSw Government, to be built within Blacktown International Sportspark, will deliver a new multipurpose indoor training facility for athletes with disability, along with bespoke amenities designed to allow athletes to train more often around work, family and educational commitments.
the centre will complement council’s $100 million Blacktown Exercise Sports and technology hub, known as BESt, which will open in the Sportspark in early 2023.
Users of the centre will benefit from the facilities and services provided at BESt, including access to medical services, recovery facilities and research collaborations.
the project will be supported by Paralympic
sports, to help foster pathways for sporting talent.
Mayor of Blacktown city tony Bleasdale oaM said council was proud to partner with Disability Sports australia to deliver the unique asset for sportspeople of all abilities.
“Blacktown city is a proud sporting city and we have a strong history of success and participation in disability sports at all levels,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“this partnership with Disability Sports australia marks an exciting new era for sport and health in western Sydney, and will provide a boost for generations of athletes to come.
“I hope the centre, its world-class facilities and staff can inspire future athletes to fulfil their potential, and possibly even represent australia at the 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane.”
Minister for Sport alister Henskens said the nSw Government is investing in community sporting infrastructure through the centres of Excellence program, which aims to improve talent pathways and community engagement for all sporting codes.
“our best athletes need the best training facilities, and this centre will not only set a benchmark for the community, but will be an important hub for the development of the next generation of sporting stars across Paralympic and professional sports,” Mr Henskens said.
chief Executive of Disability Sports australia Murray Elbourn said the project will be a vital support for new and established disability sport programs across western Sydney, nSw and australia.
“the holistic structure of BESt brings great collaboration from health and research education partners to optimise benefits for athletes for specific adaption sports,” Mr Elbourn said.
“I would sincerely like to thank the nSw Government for this grant, which will have a strong impact for disability sport.”
construction of the new Disability Sport centre of Excellence will commence this year and is scheduled for completion in late 2024.
Golfers from western sydney were involved in tournaments ranging across sydney last week, highlighted by the 2023 Australian Amateur, which was held at both NsW and st Michael’s Golf Clubs.
A total of 8 players from Western sydney clubs were entered for the event, with Brielle Mapanao (Quakers Hill / The Australian GC) the only one to make the 36-hole cut.
Brielle mixed up her form over the 4 days to eventually finish at 303, in 33rd place overall.
The 2023 Harvey Norman sydney Week of Golf was also held last week, with members of the Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) foundation playing an arduous 90-hole, 5 course, 5-day junior tournament.
Ti fox (richmond GC) and Darcy Mackay (stonecutters ridge GC) finished as joint leaders at the completion of the event, alongside shashank Koirala (The lakes GC).
The trio were required to go to a three-way sudden-death playoff, with shashank prevailing to become the Boys champion.
Erskine Park junior Blake Hodges (NSW GC) finished in a tie for 16th position overall.
In the Girls division, the best performer from western sydney was Deanna Gurmaij-Chung (Twin Creeks GC) in 13th position, ahead of Marie-Claire Domingo and savannah Webb (stonecutters ridge GC) tied for 14th and Jessica Fog (Penrith GC) 20th.
The age division results were as follows:
Boys: 11 Years & Under - Hunter McMillan (Twin Creeks) 6th; 14/15 Years - Ti Fox (Richmond) and Darcy Mackay (Stonecutters Ridge) Tied 1st; 16/17 Years Blake Hodges (Erskine Park / NSW GC) Tied 9th
Girls: 12/13 Years – Savannah Webb (Stonecutters Ridge) 3rd; Jessica Fog (Penrith) 6th; 14/15 Years – Deanna Gurmiaj-Chung (Twin Creeks) 8th, Marie-Claire Domingo (stonecutters ridge) 9th, shayla Coburn (Leonay) 10th.
By Noel Rowsell
All ten local golf clubs have entered for the 2023 Golf NsW Men’s Major Pennant competition, with the levels ranging from Division 1 (Penrith) through to Division 5 (leonay and Windsor).
Penrith has been drawn alongside Concord, NsW and Lynwood in Division 1, Section 2; Stonecutters ridge and Twin Creeks are both in Division 2, Section 2 alongside Long Reef and Camden; Dunheved is in Division 2, section 3 alongside North ryde, Manly and Cumberland.
springwood is in Division 3, section 2 alongside Brighton Lakes, Massey Park and Marrickville; richmond is in Division 3, section 4 alongside Macquarie links, Kogarah and Cabramatta.
Wallacia is in Division 4, Section 1 alongside Palm Beach, Wakehurst and randwick, whilst Glenmore Heritage Valley is in Division 4, section 3 alongside The Coast, Bexley and Carnarvon.
leonay and Windsor are both in Division 5, Section 1 alongside Bondi.
In the Women’s Major Pennant, stonecutters ridge is the only local club entered in the competition and will play in Division 1, Section 1 alongside The Australian, Bonnie Doon and The lakes.
There will also be local juniors playing away from home, with Coby Carruthers (Jordan springs) and Grace lee (Glenmore Park) both playing for Concord GC, in the Men’s and Women’s competitions respectively.
The Men’s and Women’s competition’s are both run on a home and away basis, beginning on 29th January and concluding on 5th March.
12th March
Blacktown city Fc Senior Men begin their nSw title defense at home on Sunday, February 5th in a Grand Final replay against Manly. Game time has been put back to a 5pm start to accommodate the Summer month fixture. Head of Football, Mark crittenden, has retained the majority of his championship side to provide confidence for a successful 2023 season and the team has been in training since november in preparation for the early start to the season.
the Senior women have also been in training since november in readiness for their second season at Senior level competition. Head of Women’s football, David O’Keefe, has placed his entire Senior and Junior teams on a twelve week ‘Strength & Conditioning’ programme, a new concept for Junior teams. the programme has been written and conducted by Blacktown city stars, Grant lynch and lachlan campbell, both full time in the strength and conditioning area away from their normal football duties.
Football nSw has added four more teams to the NPL 1 Senior Men’s competition extending the season to 30 games with 15 at home and 15 away. new teams to be elevated to the Senior Men’s competition are Central Coast Mariners academy, west Sydney wanderers academy, St George Fc and nSw Spirit Fc. It will be an action packed opening round when all 16 teams flex their muscles early to try and establish a presence in the competition.
Blacktown city Fc welcomes back captain Matt lewis as well as the club’s all time leading goal scorer, travis Major. Goalkeeper, tristan Prendergast, will be back in the nets after shoulder surgery saw the dominant keeper miss all of the 2022 season. Mitch Mallia, lachlan campbell, Grant lynch, Jak & nick O’Brien, Mario Shabow, Daniel collins are all back in the black and
red as well as the inaugural Matty lewis Medal winner for 2022 adam Berry. Striker Jordan Smylie is back to entertain the crowd and wreak havoc on opposing defenses, and Danny Choi is ready to go for his first full time season since 2016 when he departed the club to play in Portugal.
Blacktown city Fc have been busy in the off-season away from the field to capitalise on its championship status. It has also been driving on the momentum generated through the 2022 Socceroo campaign where it was highlighted around the country that five of the 25 man team were Blacktown city Fc juniors at one point in their careers. the publicity around this accomplishment has helped to build support for both the city of Blacktown and Blacktown city Fc the season launch is scheduled for wednesday, February 1st and the club will be unveiling a new ‘Principal Partner’ as well as their partnership with Momento Hospitality, the new
owners of Blacktown’s home ground, Blacktown city Sports centre. Momento is currently converting the former Lily’s Function Centre to The Star Hotel & Events Centre. The Star Hotel will become the home of Blacktown City’s after game functions.
Season 2023 is shaping up to be a momentous one for Blacktown city FC, both on and off the field. The club will be introducing a schools programme as well as a grass roots
training programme funded by Momento Hospitality and aimed at non nPl and SaP young players. the target is to identify the next Matilda or Socceroo and then place these young players in the proven Blacktown city development programmes. these programmes are critical for the club to give back to the community it represents. It will also continue to spread the Blacktown city word and build its following and presence.
Go Blacktown city!
In 2023, the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) will once again see a full field of Australia’s future racing stars battle for victory in the nation’s premier junior road racing academy.
The coming season will see 11 new riders join the OJC family, with the full complement of 20 riders lining up on track as part of the mi bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul.
Local rider Elijah Andrew (Marayong) is back for a 2nd year in the program and given his development under the coaching of Garry McCoy at OJC and Troy Corser privately, is looking to place higher up the ladder during the 2023 season.
Elijah is the only western Sydney rider in the series, although several other riders from NSW have been selected, including Oscar Lewis (Warriewood), Jed Fyffe (Jindera), Alexander Codey (Bowral), Sam Drane (Forbes) and Valentino Knezovic (Ryde).
Such is the talent in the class, past and current OJC riders have been selected to compete in international competitions such as the Asia Talent Cup, Red Bull Rookies Cup, MiniGP and European Talent Cup.
Peter Doyle, CEO, Motorcycling Australia (MA) and FIM Oceania President said “As we head into the fifth year of the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, we’re once again excited to be welcoming another wave of the best young talent in the country.
“It’s great to see that more riders
are joining the many more who are successful graduates of the OJC. Thanks must go to the sponsors and supporters of the OJC who have made the series the most affordable elite motorsport category in the Oceania region.
“Thanks also go to the team who have supported and trained the riders, particularly Garry McCoy and Trevor Manley. The parents and friends always play a major role and I want to credit them as well.
“The FIM and Dorna Sports S.L
(the commercial rights holders and promoters of MotoGP™) have been integral to providing OJC riders assistance as well as spots in the 2023 Asia Talent Cup Selection Event and in 2022, the opportunity for the OJC to be a support class at the MotoGP event. These actions have further cemented MA’s objective to develop clear pathways for junior road racers.
“I look forward to seeing more of the close racing and excitement that the OJC provides and seeing the rise of our future champions of the sport.”