Westernnews 21july2017

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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Friday, 21 July 2017

ISSUE 39

Check out our website www.wsnewsgroup.com

Ready to run

Mitchell Olbrich, Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali, Chelsea Olbrich, Thomas Olbrich, Emalee Olbrich, Bob Fickel and Eric Schmierer are looking forward to the Westlink M7 Blacktown Running Festival. Story on page 5.

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Western News 21 July 2017 Issue 39

St Marys RSL Sub-branch memorial upgrade funding Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP has congratulated the St Mary’s RSL Sub-branch upon receiving a $22,000 grant from the NSW Government for the upgrade of the sandstone memorial and plaque which forms the centrepiece of all commemorations and remembrance events.

As a Patron of the St Marys RSL Sub-branch, Tanya Davies was pleased to present the cheque to President Ron Blakely and other members of the sub-branch.

“Over many years, I have witnessed the sub-branch executive and members’ vibrant community activities both locally and further afield. I am proud to provide this financial support in recognition of their community service, contribution and highly skilled welfare and advocacy for our community,” Tanya Davies said.

This grant has enabled improvements to the visibility of the memorial including raising the sandstone memorial piece, inserting flood lights to highlight the memorial stone and laying a cement pathway that links the memorial upgrade to the Vietnam war APC (Armoured Personnel Carrier).

Bush bash begins at Boronia Rd: St Marys leagues Club This year’s 2017 Variety Bash will be starting from St Marys Rugby League Club on August 3.

Over 100 Bash cars of all shapes, sizes and characters will start to assemble from 6am for the official start at 8.30am of the 2017 Boronia Rd to Buffalo Creek Bash.

The Bash is for those who want to help make a difference to the lives of Aussie kids in need. This is the 17th year that St Marys Rugby League Club has participated in the Bash, donating over $700,000 to Variety – The Children’s Charity.

The official starter of the Bash is the gorgeous Goldie Chatto, who suffers from Rett Syndrome. A rare genetic mutation affecting brain development in girls, over time losing coordination, speech and the use of the hands.

To improve Goldie’s quality of life, St Marys Rugby League Club, through Variety The Children’s Charity donated $25,000 towards a special wheelchair and car conversions.

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Blacktown Hospital scores three international awards Blacktown Hospital has won three major international health design awards, including “best international project”, in recognition of its innovative and creative ward and carer spaces.

Health Infrastructure and Blacktown Hospital expansion project architects Jacobs scooped the pool at the prestigious International Academy for Design & Health awards, held in Vienna this weekend. They were awarded: • Best international project (under 40,000 square metres) • Best use of art in public and private spaces, and • Best interior design.

Health Infrastructure Chief Executive Sam Sangster said Blacktown’s new clinical services building features such innovations as new carer zones and see-and-be-seen ward designs, developed in consultation with staff, patients and carers.

“Receiving one international award is a significant achievement, but to achieve three prestigious awards from the International Academy for Design & Health is unprecedented,” Mr Sangster said.

“I am delighted to see this outstanding project representing the NSW Government and Australian innovation on the world stage. My sincere congratulations to the Health Infrastructure project team, Jacobs architects, HARC arts consultants and Blacktown Hospital on this major achievement.

“It validates our approach to design and the importance of great partnerships, great design and great consumer engagement.”

WSLHD Chief Executive Danny O’Connor said the colourful hospital design has become a local icon.

“It has been embraced by the community for its unique, instantly recognisable façade which reflects

3 Western News 21 July 2017 Issue 39

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 L-R - Matt Vizard, Health Infrastructure, Robyn Campbell, Manager Stage 2 Expansion, Sue-Anne Redmond, general manager Blacktown Mount Druitt, Leena Singh, director Strategic Business Development and Commercial Services and Matthew Tadorian, Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals expansion team.

the diverse multicultural local community and literally challenged the stereotype that a hospital needs to be white,” Mr O’Connor said.

“This international recognition is proof that Blacktown Hospital is truly world class.”

The successful clinical services building design is also being applied to the new Stage 2 acute services building, to be completed by 2020.

The awards recognise Health Infrastructure, Jacobs architects and the Health & Arts Research

Centre (HARC) Inc (in the award for public arts).

The Blacktown Hospital project now has a total of 26 nominations and 12 awards.

More information bmdhproject.health.nsw.gov.au YouTube video - We Belong: https://youtu.be/ VSd8oFABO4E Building hospitals and healthcare facilities is a complex operation, to find out more click here<http:// www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/how_to_build_a_ hospital>

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

4 Western News 21 July 2017 Issue 39

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Prospect

From the Editor’s Desk

by Kerrie Davies LIKE a lot of other people watching Greens Senator Larissa Waters during her emotional press conference as she stepped down from her position due to her holding a dual Canadian and Australian citizenship, I felt a bit sorry for her.

But that’s because I don’t like to see anybody cry, not because I think she’s been hard-done by or should be treated any differently to people in general who break the rules.

How she could possibly have overlooked such an important criteria of her candidacy in the first place is mind-boggling.

She knew she wasn’t born in Australia. She knew she’d lived in Canada, the place of her birth, for the first 11 months of her life. She knew when she decided to represent the Greens in Parliament that one of the unshakeable rules is that the candidate must not have an allegiance or citizenship with any other country than Australia. She knew when she signed her forms, that telling a porky would be fraudulent.

Yet somehow we are expected to believe that she just never knew that she could be a dual citizen?

She never once thought it might be best to check her citizenship status, even when dual citizenship has been a topic in political circles for decades?

To say that you simply didn’t know is not an excuse in any other arena governed by rules and laws. The taxation office wouldn’t accept that you didn’t know you were receiving a higher income than stated. Centrelink wouldn’t accept that you didn’t know that you’d done some paid work while receiving benefits. And the police wouldn’t accept that you didn’t know you’d had five schooners before getting behind the wheel.

You simply cannot be born in another country and “not know” that you could be deemed a citizen of that country at birth.

While the tears flow at the public humiliation of having to come clean, the reality is if you want to be a law-maker, the very first thing on your check list should be that you obey the law yourself.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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The “Flying Fickel” faces 252 not-out Australian marathon legend Bob Fickel will line up for his 252nd marathon at the Blacktown City Council – organised Westlink M7 Blacktown Running Festival on Sunday July 30.

Dubbed the “Flying Fickel” because of his fast finishes, the 65-year-old has run a whopping 10,591km since he started competing in marathons in the early 1980s.

“I’m a numbers man, it’s my hobby,” he said.

“Don’t tell my wife, but I’m aiming for 300 marathons.

“I’ll keep going as long as I can, until my body says no more.”

Mr Fickel is part of an elite group of five runners who will be competing in their 12th consecutive M7 Blacktown marathon since the event began in 2005.

He has run in almost every marathon organised by Blacktown City Council since 1981.

For 17 years he competed in the “Cities” Marathon from Sydney Town Hall to Blacktown until the event wound up in 2003 in favour of the Westlink M7 Blacktown Running Festival.

“I hold the record for the most M7 and Cities marathons – 29 in total,” he said.

“The organisation, camaraderie and everything about it is great.”

Mr Fickel has completed some of the most gruelling marathons both in Australia and overseas, but he counts the M7 Blacktown marathon as one of the toughest.

“It’s a very hilly course. My best time is four hours and 21 minutes.

“This year my aim is to finish in under five hours.

“I want to inspire people to run marathons, no

 Marathon runner Bob Fickel, Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali and fellow runner Eric Schmierer.

matter what their age.”

Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali also encouraged everyone to get involved.

“There is a race for everyone from professional athletes to families and kids just having a go,” he said.

“We have 2km walks for parents and little kids, 5km and 10km races, right up to the half marathon and marathon for elite runners.”

The event will start at the athletics centre at the Blacktown International Sportspark and will take in the Westlink M7 shared pathway.

Entrants include runners who have so far competed in all 11 running festivals and fully expect to finish their 12th this year.

“This says a lot about the popularity of the event,” said Mayor Bali.

“We will be doing something special to recognise their achievement.”

The marathon, half marathon and 10km race are all IAAF/AIMS Certified Accurate and the event is a member of AIMS (Association of International Marathons & Distance Races).

To register follow the link below:http://www. b l a c k t o w n . n s w. g o v. a u / N e w s _ a n d _ E v e n t s / Events/2017/July/2017_Westlink_M7_Blacktown_ Running_Festival Race day entries welcome.

Participants can register for the following races: 42.195km Westlink M7 Cities Marathon Starting at 6:45am at Blacktown International Sportspark, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill Cost $80.00 per person.

21.1km Westlink M7 Half Marathon Starting at 7.15am at Blacktown International Sportspark, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill Cost $60 per person. Must be 15 years and over to enter.

10km Westlink M7 Fun Run and Mayoral Walk Starting at 7.40am at Blacktown International Sportspark, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill Cost $40 per person.

Blacktown City 5km Fun Run and Mayoral Walk Starting at 7.50am at Blacktown International Sportspark, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill Cost $30 per person.

2km “Kid’s Marathon” Starting at 7.55am at Blacktown International Sportspark, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill Cost $15 per person.

5 Western News 21 July 2017 Issue 39

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Western News 21 July 2017 Issue 39

Meaty donation!

Incinerator fires up politicians

By Keegan Thomson

Sargents Pies Charitable Foundation recently donated $240,000 to the Westmead Medical Research Foundation (WMRF) to fund critical equipment and programs across Western Sydney Local Health District.

The donation - the latest from the western Sydney business – will be spent on a variety of equipment including 18 new oxygenation units for Westmead Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, three PANDA warmers for the birth unit, along with funding for a specialist exercise physiologist for Westmead’s Redbank House to assist in running exercise programs for children to help improve their health and well-being.

Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals will also receive funds for equipment for the WSLHD VET in Schools Program for Assistant in Nursing, based at the Blacktown Simulation Centre.

Since 2011, Sargents has donated more than $2 million to the health district – a fact that is not lost on WMRF.

ONE of the highest ranking State Liberal politicians in western Sydney, MP for Mulgoa Tanya Davies, has come out against the proposed energy from waste incinerator at Eastern Creek.

Recently she published a petition against the state government backed incinerator after she was accused of being conspicuously quite on the matter.

In a statement to Western News, Mrs Davies said her petition calls on the appropriate bodies to consider all the outcomes for western Sydney.

“I have always expressed concerns over the planned ‘energy from waste’ incinerator proposed for Eastern Creek,” Mrs Davies said.

“After the second EIS failed to demonstrate that the proposal would operate within acceptable health and environmental measures, I initiated the petition.

“The petition calls on the independent Planning and Assessment Commission (PAC) to consider the assessment of the EPA and NSW Health’s assessment and reject the proposal,” she said.

In her statement she also said that PAC should “make its decision by the end of this year” on whether or not the incinerator will go ahead.

Mrs Davies also said she will present her petition to the Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, after she has collected enough signatures.

Earlier this year the EPA and NSW Health released data that showed the incinerator would potentially impact the health of people living around the suburbs of Eastern Creek. Due to these findings Blacktown City Council and a number of local Labor MPs and representatives have been staunchly apposed to the construction of the facility.

One of the strongest opponents of the incinerator is Member for Londonderry, Prue Car, who has recently been out door knocking and listening to locals who are afraid of the impacts.

The G Spot Today’s story is going to be about procrastination, well maybe it is going to be - anyway who knows?

In my type of industry, the beloved procrastinators are almost a breed of their own.

I truly believe that there is an island somewhere in the pacific that is just filled with procrastinators, and they are just bumping into tropical palm trees rubbing their heads and moving to the next palm to knock themselves on.

They are all starving to death because they can’t decide what to eat, there is no cabins, light or fires, it is just vast land with people aimlessly walking over the island, almost like a scene from Walking Dead, except these people are not zombies, well I don’t believe so?

I call them “The serial navel pickers” you know, the people that just pick the fluff from their navels and wonder if at birth their tube was cut internally or externally and does this particular useless apparatus look attractive? The little dot thing that sits on my stomach and serves no purpose except to aid the procrastinator, well I guess anyway?

Why am I writing this? Well you see, in my line of work, if I had a dollar for every time I said “I told you so” I would be probably sipping a Moet from Jimmy Choo shoes on Frank Lowie’s boat somewhere.

Then we have the people that lack pro-activeness.

Whilst the two P’s – Procrastination & lack of Pro-activeness are like chalk and cheese and ebony and ivory,

She has criticised Mrs Davies saying she should be applying more pressure on the government due to her position as a cabinet minister.

“Tanya Davies should have been advocating against this incinerator since day one,” Ms Car said.

“Instead she has been silent on this issue and she will be held to account by her community.

“Tanya Davies is a Cabinet Minister and she should be pressuring her own Government to reject this toxic incinerator,” she said.

You can sign Mrs Davies petition against the incinerator at http://www. tanyadavies.com.au/pages/petitionagainst-incinerator-at-eastern-creek. asp .

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

they are still on par with each other, however when you get a human with both these wonderful ground-breaking qualities, I think the technical medical and scientific term for this may be “royally stuffed!” Just saying.

So, you may be asking, what the hell has this got to do with security? And get on with it you crazy woman.

The two P’s, to the security industry is like kryptonite to superman.

Why? I hear you ask. Well?

You would be surprised how many people I speak to who say that they don’t need any form of security because it will never happen to them, no one would steal what they sell, we have good neighbours, we have high fences, we have a savage dog and the friggn list goes on, and on and on.

Sigh….

However (as I gulp my coffee on this frosty morning, whilst typing this), I then get a phone call, usually with a person screaming frantically down the phone asking for me to pull security techs out of my rear end at midnight, because ….. They have been broken into.

I usually get the words “yes I know you told me, but..” So whilst I don’t have to tell you the rest, the two P’s can be very dangerous in most, if not all, situations in life.

So there you have it- Pro-activeness for PM, no zombies were hurt or injured during this story, and I would like to sit on an island and play with my navel any day, and stay right away from the two P’s.

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Westmead Hospital nurse Mengting Liu has just returned from a three-month stint in Tanzania where she put her medical skills to good use – delivering babies in the local hospital.

Meng spent several months volunteering at the Levolosi Hospital in Tanzania after discovering the facility was in need of trained nurses to help in the birthing unit.

Meng admits helping to deliver babies was a baptism of fire as her previous nursing training hadn’t included regular time in birthing and maternity.

“I was a bit self-taught,” she joked.

“But enrolled nurses working in Africa are able to help deliver babies so I was happy to do it; every baby was just so cute, I loved every minute of it.”

Meng said her time in the Tanzanian hospital was challenging, particularly given the equipment and resourcing constraints.

“It’s a very different culture,” she said.

“The lack of equipment made things difficult and it was

hard to adjust to the different cultural response to birth; because babies have a much lower survival rate and families have a lot of children, mothers are much less excited about giving birth.

“I was always there with a blanket and a cuddle – I loved holding the babies.”

Meng is planning a return trip to Africa soon.

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Fatal stabbing

Western News 21 July 2017 Issue 39

Westmead nurse delivers bubs - and vital care - in Tanzania

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A crime scene has been established after a fatal stabbing in Whalan last weekend.

About 5.30pm (Saturday 15 July 2017), a domestic incident occurred at a home on Waikanda Crescent, Whalan.

During the incident a 50-year-old man received multiple stab wounds and died at the scene.

Metro media has reported that the victim was being a good samaritan trying to break up a domestic dispute.

A woman and child at the scene were uninjured.

Police from Mt Druitt Local Area Command attended and established a crime scene which will be examined by forensic specialists.

A short time later, a 20-year-old man was arrested nearby and has since been charged with murder.

Hepatitis C can be cured: ask for a test today People living with hepatitis C can now be cured with new, easy-to-take and highly effective treatments.

During Hepatitis Awareness Week 2017, Western Sydney Local Health District is encouraging people with hepatitis C to ask their GP about new treatments and to have a test.

Westmead Hospital director gastroenterology Professor Jacob George said people are enjoying the full benefits of treatment.

“More than 11,000 people in NSW were treated for hepatitis C in 2016, which is 14 per cent of the estimated number of people living with hepatitis C in NSW,” Professor George said.

“With a cure rate of 95 per cent, it is now possible to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health concern in NSW and Australia. This is a major shift.

“In almost all cases, people are not only cured of hepatitis C, but are feeling an improvement in energy levels and overall well-being.”

The number of Australians in NSW with hepatitis C related liver disease has more than doubled since 2006 to over 49,000 people in 2015.

Appropriate treatment can prevent liver cancer.

“If we are to achieve the elimination of hepatitis C, we need people to ask their GP about new treatments and to have a test,” Professor George said.

“Most people with hepatitis C can

now be cured in 8-12 weeks, with alloral tablets, no injections and minimal side-effects.

“For people who know they have hepatitis C, there’s no reason why they cannot be living hepatitis C free by this time next year,” he said.

Professor George said the challenges were different for hepatitis B, which can also lead to liver disease

and cancer.

“If people do not know they have hepatitis B then they cannot undertake regular monitoring and won’t be accessing life-saving treatment if they need to.”

Getting a hepatitis B test is particularly important for people in priority sub-populations, including: • People born overseas in countries

of high prevalence, including many countries in the Asia-Pacific region (such as China, Korea, and Vietnam); and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

More information on testing, treatment and managements for Hepatitis B and C: http://www.health. nsw.gov.au/hepatitis/Pages/default. aspx

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Getting to know....

GreenMoney rewards resident recyclers

Jim Hill

CEO, Nepean Solar Solutions with Conner Lowe

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What was your first paid job?

As an 11-year old in Dennis Dunbar’s Veterinary in St Marys, cleaning cages, earning $2 per hour and KFC. What is your guilty pleasure?

Drinking wine.

What is your biggest fear/phobia and why?

Shark attack. You don’t see them coming.

What is your worst habit?

Telling dad jokes.

Best advice you have ever been given?

Treat people as you would like to be treated.

If you only had $50 left in the bank, how would you spend it?

A haircut, a bottle of wine and a Lotto ticket.

Favourite holiday destination and why?

Bali, it’s relaxed and far enough away to chill.

Do you have a favourite sporting team?

Penrith Panthers.

Name one reason that you love Western Sydney?

It has everything, terrific people, great restaurants and good access to anything from the Mountains to the beaches.

In three words, describe your perfect Sunday?

Not at work.

More than 13,000 Blacktown City households are turning trash into treasure, thanks to Council’s GreenMoney initiative.

Dennis Copp of Mount Druitt became the lucky 10,000th person to participate in the GreenMoney challenge, which rewards households for helping the environment with points or ‘green money’ that can be redeemed at local businesses.

To celebrate the milestone, Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali presented Mr Copp with an organic vegetable hamper from reward partner Ooooby (online organic groceries).

“In the past two years 13,222 Blacktown households have activated GreenMoney accounts and participated in 10,000 individual green challenges to earn additional points,” Mayor Bali said.

“Since June 2015, Blacktown participants have redeemed 588,050 green points and used more than 4,500 reward eVouchers.

“The program has generated over $130,000 worth of trade for local businesses, and that alone is a fantastic result.

“The take up is way ahead of other programs and it is great to see families making the most of the initiative.”

GreenMoney is an Australia-wide program that rewards households for helping the environment.

Participants earn points based on the amount of recyclables collected in yellow-lidded bins and for completing “green” challenges, such

 Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali presents 10,000th GreenMoney participant Dennis Copp with an organic vegetable hamper from reward partner Ooooby.

as growing their own food at home and volunteering to clean up local creeks.

They can then redeem points for discount vouchers and other offers from local businesses including Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rebel Sport and SuperCheap Auto.

With a suite of rewards up for grabs and new ones being added all the time, Mayor Bali is encouraging households to sign up for the GreenMoney program.

“The concept is really simple – it’s a points reward system for recycling.

“The more you recycle, the more points you earn and the more you benefit by cashing them in for products and services. It’s a winwin-win situation.”

Opinion: Do I dare mention it?

By Bart Bassett

The decision last week by both the supermarket juggernauts to phase out the use of single-use plastic bags on the face of it should be congratulated.

However, are we to honestly believe that somehow these two dominant corporates - who vacuum up a very large part of the disposable income of the average person (yes mums and dads as they have become known) trying to make ends meet in an increasingly unaffordable property market in the major cities of Australia - have all of a sudden after all these years of plastic bag use, decided to think of the environment and make the decision at the same time?

In a utopia I would be praising the foresight of these great corporate leaders, but sorry I’m not that gullible!

How can it be that to ensure there was no backlash by shoppers against one retailer going it alone, both major supermarket chains made the decision at the same time to protect one another without any collusion?

Do they really think that the public are that ignorant to believe this was some sort of coincidence? It makes you wonder what other types of conversation may be taking place between the management of these two corporates on other matters; like what price they will buy product from small suppliers, thereby making it impossible for the smaller supplier to receive a competitive price for their product. Also, what has been discussed on

what price they will pay for fruit, vegetable, meat etc from our farmers?

Many people in the community are suspicious about large corporations like supermarkets, fuel companies and banks making decisions on pricing after having discussions on the subject. Are they having regular discussions over meals at expensive restaurants whilst downing a few glasses of expensive wine before being chauffeured home

and just happen to accidentally mention their business plans and their competitor is then in a position to make a similar decision that in the end means consumers will pay more?

It seems unlikely that such an accident would occur so the only other explanation is direct discussions are taking place or senior management in these corporations leak information to colleagues who work for competitors.

How is this continuing to happen? Where is the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission?

The plastic bag decision is another red flag that highlights somehow large corporations know exactly what and when a competitor is going to do something.

On this occasion it has been dressed up as an environmental benefit but that shouldn’t be a reason for sweeping the possible collusion under the carpet. Let’s not forget that they are not stopping the use of plastic bags they are just going to charge consumers for the privilege of buying multi-use plastic bags that in the end will end up in exactly the same places single use bags have gone.

When you look at this issue logically is it really such a great win for the environment or just another big win for the corporate bottom line?

Smoking ceremony

A traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony at Blacktown Hospital has marked the start of a new collaboration between the community and the facility.

The smoking ceremony, run

by Aboriginal Elder Uncle Steve Williams, was held on the site of the new hospital building, which is now under construction. Due for completion in 2019, the new building will provide state-of-the-art facilities and a major tertiary hospital for western Sydney.

“The Blacktown LGA has the greatest urban population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia,” said Blacktown Hospital general manager Sue-Anne Redmond.

“The ceremony marks a coming together of Aboriginal tradition and healthcare, and symbolises the way we have planned our health facilities in collaboration with our diverse communities.”

Contemporary Aboriginal culture will be reflected in artworks and facilities in the new hospital, including a new birthing unit with an outdoor courtyard to provide respite for labouring mothers, which was planned in consultation with the local Aboriginal community.

Wiradjuri elder and Blacktown Hospital Aboriginal liaison officer Yvonne To’a said it was important for Aboriginal people to see their culture reflected in health facilities.

“Large institutions can be intimidating and may discourage people from seeking care,” she said.

“Incorporating Aboriginal traditions and cultural elements

Surviving Suicide ‘A safe and therapeutic support group for people whose lives have been impacted by suicide’ Fortnightly FREE Support group at Hawkesbury House partnering with Western Sydney Suicide Prevention and Support Network.

into the construction, planning and design makes everyone feel more welcome.”

The BMDH project is also participating in an innovative pilot program, aimed at increasing the skills of construction workers, providing opportunities for young people and under-represented groups, and offering local employment and training. All contractors working at Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals are participating in Aboriginal employment programs, with more than 1500 construction program work days contributed by Aboriginal workers to date.

Blacktown Hospital major contractor AW Edwards is also targeting Aboriginal employment and skills enhancement as part of the construction of the new main hospital building.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander training, employment and skills escalation is a key component of this program; AW Edwards is keen to build strong and beneficial partnerships with the local community,” said AW Edwards associate director & senior project manager Michael Musarra.

AW Edwards has already appointed local Aboriginal enterprise Bara Barang to run the site staff canteen, which will cater for thousands of workers during construction. The contractor also recently donated $25,000 to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation as a contribution to its Aboriginal Participation contract commitment.

For more information, visit bmdhproject.health.nsw.gov.au Time: 9.30am to 11.30am Hawkesbury House www.hawkesburyhouse.com 6 Christie Street Windsor The groups will meet on the following date: July 25, Aug 8 and Aug 22 Sep 5 and 19, Oct 3 and 31 Nov 14 and 28, Dec 12 RSVP is appreciated on 02 4577 6454.

Readers requiring support or information about suicide prevention can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

9 Western News 21 July 2017 Issue 39

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localnews

Western News 21 July 2017 Issue 39

Council catch up with Keegan Thomson FOR the inaugural Council Catch Up I met with Liberal Councillor Jess Diaz in his law offices on Main St, Blacktown. He spoke to me about the development of the region and how Blacktown Council needs to back further development in the city.

Cr Diaz’s business is on Main St and he would like to see further development of the infrastructure and the spaces around this part of the CBD. “The face of Blacktown is the main street and if you come here there is a very big perception of what Blacktown is,” Cr Diaz said.

“We have a negative stigma around Blacktown, of what Blacktown is, and there is a total denial of that.

People think we can promote Blacktown for what it is but we can’t,” he said.

Cr Diaz says some of the recent negative newspaper coverage of Blacktown, particularly the Daily Telegraph’s headline ‘Bludgertown’, hasn’t helped the region’s credibility but he says he isn’t interested in wholly blaming the media.

“You can’t blame the media alone because the media is only reflecting what is really happening here,” he said.

“When we talk about the ‘Bludgertown’ headline, I’m critical of that, but when you go hard on that line of reasoning are we condoning these people who don’t turn up to job interviews who live off welfare?”

When I approached Cr Diaz on whether or not Council should do more to help unemployment and crime his response was, “we are Liberals, we’re into working hard and aspirational.”

“You’ve got to intervene early but we are really only reacting and not going to the root.

“They have the mentality of the world owes them a living and yet they haven’t contributed anything it is a cycle. So what are you going to do with these people?” he said.

One of the hot button topics around Blacktown at the moment is the proposed incinerator at Eastern Creek.

“From day one I think Council is dealing very strongly against it,” Cr Diaz said.

“Council has spent a lot of money to try to get known the different views of people in the community. Council has made a study on the affects of it and we’ve put it to the Department of Planning.”

Even though the Council stands against the

incinerator facility, Cr Diaz says there should be a policy in case the construction goes ahead.

“I’m against it but if it is going ahead let us have the best practice. Let us satisfy the community with the best practices and maybe we can start it in a small scale,” he said.

“There are a lot of things that happen against the will of the community and we must think in that case what is the best practice approach.”

This open minded approach to the incinerator is similar to Cr Diaz’s mentality towards the Western Sydney Airport construction. He believes that if it is going to happen the Council needs to get behind it for the sake of the constituents.

“I hold the view it is fait accompli,” he said. “It is going to happen and it is out of our control.”

According to Cr Diaz the Council has an outdated view on the airport and their mentality is hurting the community.

“The ‘no airport’ slogan is out of date,” Cr Diaz said.

“Because of that we are having a hard time of representing what is the best that we can get out of this airport.

“On the other hand Penrith Council is more balanced with their approach and they will get infrastructure and planning leading to the airport while we are left out,” he said.

The aim of Council catch up is to nut out the thoughts and goings-on surrounding Council issues with different Councillors each issue of Western News. I want to take community issues to the people who’re voted into office to represent the people of western Sydney. If you have any issues you’d like covered email me keegan@nepeannews.com.au.

Orcadian odysee: stepping back in time

 Crawling through the tomb

 Standing stones of Stenness

By Ben Cranney

When I was younger, I loved reading adventure stories like The Famous Five, about kids going off to fend for themselves. But I never understood why they always slept on beds of heather. In my head, heather was a prickly, uncomfortable plant, but I guess adventurers make do with what’s around.

I’m writing this lying in heather for the first time and I don’t want to get up. It’s amazingly comfortable!

I’m on my own adventure, searching for a 4500 year old tomb in the Orkney Isles. I’ve just crawled out of a different tomb, with only torch light in the otherwise pitch black tunnel and underground burial chambers.

But I can’t for the life of me find this second tomb, so I’m just going to enjoy the most comfortable sleep I’ve ever had.

 Bird watching

Orkney is an incredible place. You’ll find Iron Age forts built by rich farmers and the ruins of Viking halls owned by people with names like Earl Thorfinn Skillsplitter. There are massive stone circles older even than Stonehenge, and, of course, being in Scotland, whisky.

Start exploring in and around the Ness of Brodgar, an active archeological dig. Visit the nearby Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness, both ancient gathering points marked by gigantic stones.

Tour the 5000 year old tomb, Maeshowe, and its 1000 year old Viking graffiti, including ‘I am the best carver of runes’ and, from one proud mum, ‘my sons are the most manly with big beards’.

Jump forward a few thousand years and head to the Iron Age fort, the Broch of Gurness. The site is very accessible and you can walk through most of it. Even

 Orcadian views

if that doesn’t appeal, it’s a good spot to watch the sunset and, with a bit of luck, you’ll see pods of seals or orcas playing.

In fact, you could come just for the wildlife. The bird watching is great, and so is watching the bird watchers, as they compete against each other with arm sized lenses.

Step into the near present, and head south to the ship wrecks around the barriers built by Churchill’s forces and prisoners of war to keep the Germans out in WWII. It’s a very picturesque area which you can dive if you’re brave enough for the cold waters.

And if none of that strikes your fancy, head straight to the whisky distillery. And thank your lucky stars that there’s some soft heather in the fields if you have a few too many to make it home.

Elvis has “Doonie” all shook up ‘Love me tender, love me sweet’ – it’s time to rock Elvis-style at the annual Doonside Village Festival on July 22.

Doonside’s resident Elvis impersonator, Glenn Freestone, will delight fans on the main stage with a tribute show to the King of Rock.

He will be joined on stage by talented belly dancer Nadia Mihova, children from the Bolivian Dance Group and opera singer, Linda Trinidad.

Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali said the festival, now in its 35th year, was an opportunity to celebrate local talent and community spirit.

“As a proud ‘Doonie’ local all my life, I know just how vibrant and passionate this community is,” he said.

“The Doonside Festival is proof of this as we come together to celebrate Doonside’s rich heritage and community spirit.”

Top of the festival entertainment bill this year is Glenn Freestone, AKA Absolutely Elvis, who will perform all the King’s greatest hits.

Mr Freestone has been an Elvis Presley fan since he was a boy, but it wasn’t until he retired seven years ago that he decided to turn his passion into a performance gig.

He has been impersonating Elvis ever since, entertaining at clubs and

events all over Sydney, including a memorable stint on Australia’s Got Talent in 2016.

“Absolutely Elvis is my musical tribute to Elvis and the wonderful legacy he has left behind,” he said.

“I always enjoy entertaining an audience, and I’m really looking forward to performing in front of my home town at the Doonside Festival – it’s always a great family day out.”

Off the stage, there will be free amusement rides for children, the Arnotts Tiny Teddy mobile oven and a wildlife display led by Featherdale Wildlife Park rangers.

Visitors can check out more than 100 food trucks and stalls, selling cupcakes, hot food, crafts and candles.

“The Doonside Village Festival is set to be a great day out for the whole family,” Mayor Bali said.

“I encourage everyone to come together, enjoy the entertainment and celebrate the community spirit that is alive and well in Doonside.”

Event Details at a Glance When: Saturday 22 July 2017 Where: Corner Cross St and Hill End Road, Doonside Time: 9.00am – 3.00pm Cost: Free

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel SHINE A LITTLE LIGHT Have any of you read any of the wonderful books by John Connolly? I have to say that I am his biggest fan.

Basically he writes about a private investigator called Charlie Parker who becomes involved in the most heinous crimes and is assisted by a couple of retired hit men called Angel and Louis.

Now not only is Mr Connolly’s writing totally lyrical, but for me the content of his books is fascinating as Parker has to fight dark forces dating back to the beginning of time. It is not an easy battle and with every book he becomes more and more battered physically, emotionally and spiritually but he continues to fight evil and will not be beaten even though there is a high price to pay.

What made me think about these books right now? Well, being total news tragics, my husband and I were watching President Trump’s recent visit to France just a year after the terrible tragedy in Nice when a lorry ploughed into the crowd watching the Bastille Day celebratory firework display killing over one hundred men, women and children. Since then there have been several other suicide attacks with a huge death toll and one has to ask oneself just what would put so much hate into someone’s heart that

they would carry out such deeds.

About thirty years ago, just as I was starting out as a baby clairvoyant, it seemed that so many like-minded people were being drawn together.

At one time it appeared I couldn’t go anywhere without meeting someone who was also involved in the spirit world - the girl at the gym who was an incredibly talented medium, the gardener’s friend who had a hot line to the spirit world, another friend’s Malaysian accountant and many

more people in what could be called mundane walks of life - we were all becoming drawn together by a common bond and that was the very strong feeling that we were gearing up for a huge fight between Good and Evil. We couldn’t get away from the idea much as we tried but then it seemed to go into remission for a while. So very sadly, I think that that conflict is upon us now. I am not just talking about terrorism, horrendous as that is. I am also talking about the hate that seems

to be in people’s hearts and the anarchy that seems to be stalking our streets.

My parents’ generation gave their lives to save the world from the tyranny of Adolf Hitler who, as it happens, was very much into the Dark Arts. Good men triumphed and the Devil went away to lick his wounds for a while but now he seems to be getting stronger.

Nowadays we have a battle where we can no longer identify an enemy clearly, but now is the time for us all to fight back.

What can we do? I don’t for one moment suggest that we literally take up the cudgels against the dark angels, but there is something we can all do.

We can have faith that there is good in the world and that it will ultimately triumph and meanwhile we can ask whatever good force we believe in to let mankind open their hearts to love rather than hate. If we can all join together and pray for light to shine through the darkness, I do truly believe the good guys will win the day and our world will become a better and more peaceful place. We don’t have to be tough guys like Charlie, Angel and Louis to make a difference.

The Unintentional Medium is available online or at all good book stores.

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e n t e r t a i n m e n t

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westernhistory

Western News 21 July 2017 Issue 39

Old Windsor Road Boundary Stones

R

oad boundary stones were placed by surveyors in the 1830s to define the road boundary using convict labour. More than 350 stones were originally placed and surveyed between Parramatta and Windsor. In Old Windsor Road, the stones marked the actual boundary of the road and were 33 feet (half a chain) apart. In Windsor Road, the stones were laid as road alignment markers and placed on a line 12 feet from and parallel to each road boundary. The stones measure approximately 1 foot square and 3 feet long and when originally set in the ground they would have protruded approximately 1 foot above the ground.

A 1961 plan shows that the stones marked the edge of the road reserve rather than the road carriageway which is unusual. Along Windsor Road and on the Parramatta side of of Seven Hills Road alignment stones define the road carriageway whilst in the majority of cases stones found on Old Windsor Road between Windsor Road and Seven Hills Road were located very close to the property fence lines. The use of the stones to mark out the road reserve rather than the carriageway on Old Windsor Road is not known. The use of relatively large sandstone blocks to mark all changes in road alignment was extremely labour intensive in terms of quarrying, cartage and setting.

The location of the stones is indicated in the field notebooks of R. Baylis Mackenzie who carried out what he described as a “re-marking” of Old Windsor Road from Parramatta to the South Creek Bridge at Windsor in 1885. The location of the stones was the same as indicated in the 1961 plan.

The description of Mackenzie’s survey as “ re-marking” may indicate that these road boundary stones were set by Mackenzie himself and that he was not resurveying stones set during an earlier survey.In the region of Seven Hills Road Mackenzie makes reference to an earlier survey by

Ebsworth but examination of the 50 field books from 1870 indicates that the reference is a Trig connection only. Accordingly Ebsworth does not seem to have been responsible for these particular stone markers.

A similar search was done when notation by Mackenzie on Windsor Road near Second Ponds Creek mentioned surveyor Maitland. Three Maitlands are referred to in surveyor records held in CALM archives but the summaries of their field books showed none were relevant. Casey & Lowe Associates who carried out the archaeological assessment of the road corridor for the then RTA in 1994 stated that their research did not identify an alternate earlier survey which might have set the alignment stones, Original official instructions to surveyors stated that the normal way to define roads was to mark the trees bordering the road and to use hardwood stakes or marked fence posts where trees were not in close vicinity. The Survey Department of NSW in 1864 had a regulation for the Guidance of Licensed Surveyors which stated “In order that it may be easily followed by persons desiring to examine it, and eventually by any other Surveyor who may be engaged in formally opening it, the road should be defined by the marking of trees, or fences, with the broad arrow, and where it Canberra done by the letter R, and by stakes or lockspits, by which persons desiring hereafter to fence the road may be able to place the fences in their proper positions. Stakes not less than 3 inches square should be inserted 18 inches into the ground at each bend of the road.

Where the road passes through Alienated Lands, the marking should be on one side of the road throughout, with occasional marks on the other side to show the breadth.

Information Courtesy of Casey & Lowe Associates, RTA 1994 and Jack Brook author of The Seven Hills.

Anzac ambassadors programme applications open Six young people from across NSW will have the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to historic battlefields in Greece and Israel as part of the 2017 Premier’s Anzac Ambassadors Program.

Member for Hawkesbury Dominic Perrottet MP welcomed the launch of the program today, encouraging local high school students to take part in the essay competition.

“I encourage students from across the Hawkesbury to apply for the Premier’s Anzac Ambassadors Programme for the chance of a lifetime to retrace the steps of our

Anzac heroes who gave so much for our country,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott said it is important for young people and students to understand and commemorate the great sacrifices the Anzacs made over 100 years ago in foreign wars and on foreign battlefields.

“This journey to key First World War battlegrounds is an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the events and contributions made by young men and women that shaped our nation a century ago.”

The six successful applicants will travel to Lemnos in Greece and to Israel for the centenary of the Charge of the Fourth Light Horse Brigade at Beersheba as part of a two-week tour that is sponsored by ClubsNSW. Interested students have been asked to submit a 1000-word essay on “Why is the Centenary of Anzac important for modern Australia and what lessons are learned from the Battle of Beersheba in 1917?”

ClubsNSW CEO Anthony Ball welcomed the launch of the fourth annual Premier’s Anzac Ambassador’s Programme.

“ClubsNSW is proud to play a part in keeping the legacy and spirit of Anzac alive for the next generation,” Mr Ball said. “This is a once-in-alifetime opportunity for young people to learn about the service and sacrifice made by Anzac soldiers and nurses, and to pass this knowledge onto their peers after they return home.

The tour will leave Sydney on 24 October and return home 5 November.

Applications close Monday 31 July 2017. For more information about how to enter please visit www.clubsnsw.com.au/ anzacambassadors

42.195km Marathon 21.1km Half Marathon 10km Run/Walk 5km Run/Walk 2km Kids Marathon

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realestate / sport

Western News 21 July 2017 Issue 39

Alex Soncini

How to get the biggest ROI on an investment property

When purchasing an investment property, there are a number of factors that could increase or reduce your potential return on investment. In this case it’s not just location, location, location.

When considering a property for investment purposes, the most important question to ask is ‘will be attractive to tenants?’. But how do you know what will appeal to someone you’ve never met? Settling on a handful of locations is a good start. “Young families and couples are the ones that drive capital growth and so a location that is within a reasonable distance to schools, entertainment, transport, and an employment hub is one to look out for,” says the finance broker. Other ideal factors are a low vacancy rate and relatively high rental yield.

Although location plays a major role, it’s by no means the only defining factor. “There is a mistruth a lot of

people subscribe to when selling investment properties, which is to disregard the quality because you don’t have to live in it,” advises the finance broker. “You have to buy a homeowner quality property, because someone has to live in it,” he says. “And when buying an investment property, you have to have an exit strategy, which will generally involve selling to homeowners as well as investors.”

To get the most value, you need to think about the demographic of renters who are likely to be living in the area.

“You have to match the property with the area,” says the finance broker. “If you put a good quality, decent sized, one bedroom apartment in the inner city, it would be a great investment, however if you put it 30km out, it wouldn’t garner as much interest.”

When investing in any kind of property, be wary of any danger signs.

One of the biggest mistakes Australians make is not knowing what their cash

flow is. “Bad cash flow is worse than paying too much for the property,” advises the finance broker. “It is vital to know how much your chosen property is going to cost after tax, every week after you settle. There’s no point in buying a top quality property if it’s going to send you broke.”

When looking to purchase an investment property, ensure the expert you are dealing with is actually an expert. “Everyone has an opinion on property,” says the finance broker.

Your broker will be able to connect you

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with trusted professionals in their own network. “You always have to be wary of somebody who tells you that their way is the only way to invest,” advises the finance broker. “Only buying for cash flow is flawed, only buying for capital growth is flawed too. You have to buy property that’s going to work for you.”

As well as speaking to a real estate expert, speak to a Wealthwiz Finance Broker to get their insight on the market. Call Alex today on 0419 600 177.

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Magic Live Out ‘Never Give In’ Motto Western Magic - Round 12 Women’s The girls played North Shore, one of the new teams introduced into the 2017 competition. The midfield demonstrated their dominance with their superior speed that gave us some early opportunities coming to the forward line. Courtney Corr battled in the forwards as she overcame a dislocated finger picked up from last weekend. She booted a goal early for the Magic with the girls ending the quarter with a 22-point lead going into the first break.

The second quarter saw North Shore step it up with positional changes and a heavy focus on contested footy. The Magic backline made this their quarter to shine and repelled several attacking raids made by the opposition. The midfield worked well with the backline, with both zones working towards transitioning the play up forward, where our speed and teamwork saw us convert.

The third quarter had the Magic make some positional changes as well, with Bek Mann, known for her distance and long kicking, being brought up front from full back. Mann ended up kicking six majors within the span of twenty minutes to give the girls a very comfortable lead.

The Magic ended up with a solid win, almost overrunning North Shore

by 100 with each of the 21 players contributing.

MAGIC: 16.12.108 BOMBERS: 1.4.10 GOAL KICKERS: B. Mann 6, C. Corr, 3, J. Mann, 2, R, Leeds, A. Lim, B. Gillespie, L. Houghton, T. Kleyn BEST PLAYERS: R. Leard, J. Mann, C. Corr, B, Gillespie, T. Kleyn, A. Lim Reserve Grade Reserve Grade travelled to Trumper Park for a very early, 8:30am battle against strong contenders and rivals, University of Technology Sydney.

Low player numbers for the Reserves saw many new players come into the side with each one contributing immensely, including former Under 19 Magic players, Jack Bragg and Tom Morgan and returning player, David Lennon.

The game opened up with the Magic clearly demonstrating their hunger and aggression towards the ball. UTS attempted to combat the aggression with ferocity as both sides brought it down to an arm wrestle, with the Bats only just leading due to accurate kicking at the break.

The second quarter was pure Magic

dominance, with the boys working the ball around the Bats midfielders to provide many opportunities to players up forward. While accuracy was an issue, the Magic did manage to make a slight lead going into half time.

The Bats fired back in the third and began to pile on goals and edge to a lead with pinpoint accuracy. The Magic tanks ran low in the final term as UTS continued to pile on the goals and stretch to a comfortable lead to ultimately take the win.

Dan Mcintyer, Alex Perkins, Scott Coombes and Jesse Hyland battled tirelessly around the midfield all day long. Ben White had a great game up forward, slotting three goals and taking a spectacular hangar, while Dan Armstrong was an exceptional standout, laying on plenty of hits, presenting total aggression on the footy and providing several centre clearances.

Only a slight step back for the boys, who will be looking to regroup and make a firm stand against Manly in their next hit out as finals loom.

MAGIC: 8.10.58 BATS: 15.6.96 GOAL KICKERS: B. White 3, Z. Godden 2, C. Wood, L. Hyland, J. Lane BEST PLAYERS: D. Mcintyer, A. Perkins, B. White, D. Armstrong, S. Coombes, J. Hyland

Blacktown City excel against Sydney Olympic

By Conner Lowe

Blacktown City FC have won with an impressive 4-0 victory over fifth place Sydney Olympic in the PS4 National Premier League. The game was played on Sunday at Lilyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Football Centre as the league leaders looked to maintain top spot as the season nears its end.

The game began with intensity and desire from both teams in an important clash for both clubs. Sydney Olympic came into the game with the best defensive record in the league and made it hard for the league leaders from the beginning.

Sydney Olympic had the best chances in the first 45 minutes of the game with Jinya An and Yu Kuboki forcing Tristian Prendergast the Blacktown City keeper into multiple first half saves. Blacktown struggled to create any clear-cut chances in the first half with the away side proving why they have such a good defensive record.

At the halftime break Blacktown FC made some changes bringing on Grant

Lynch and James Andrew for Connor Evans and Lewis Beumie. The coach also changed the formation to a back four, which ultimately changed the game into the home sides advantage.

On the 60th minute Blacktown grabbed the opening goal of the match after a careless give away from the away side leading to a Blacktown City

break with Joey Gibbs slotting home his 10th goal of the season.

Minutes later Blacktown would double their lead thanks to a goal from substitute James Andrew who calmly slotted past Sydney Olympic keeper Paul Henderson after finding himself one on one after a through ball from Grant Lynch.

The visitors would live to rue a missed penalty after Blacktown City skipper Zachary Cairncross was penalised for a handball in the box.

Yianni Spyrakis from Olympic stood up to take the penalty that was saved from Tristian Prendergast.

Blacktown attacker James Andrew then wrapped up his hat trick with goals in the 77th and 79th minute. The two goals in quick succession doubled the home sides lead and added more misery onto Sydney Olympic who could have gotten themselves back into the contest if they had of converted from the penalty spot. The match finished 4-0 in favour of league leaders Blacktown City as they begin to run away with top spot.

The win over Sydney Olympic makes it seven in a row for the Blacktown leaders and leaves the club in pole position to claim their ninth premiership. Blacktown City take on Manly United on Saturday at Cromer Park as they look to continue their winning ways and close in on the PS4 National Premier League title.

15 Western News 21 July 2017 Issue 39

sport

CelebrityTIPSTERS

Round BRI SYD CRO PAN CAN NQC STG WES PAN NZW PAR NEW SOU SYD MEL GCT

20& 21

BUL NEW SOU GCT MEL NZW MAN PAR BUL CRO BRI STG CAN NQC MAN WES July 20 7.50pm

July 21 6.00pm

July 21 7.50pm

July 22 3.00pm

July 22 5.30pm

July 22 7.30pm

July 23 2.00pm

July 23 4.00pm

July 27 7.50pm

July 28 6.00pm

July 28 7.50pm

July 29 3.00pm

July 29 5.30pm

July 29 7.30pm

July 30 2.00pm

July 30 4.00pm

SCORE

Clr Stephen Bali Mayor - Blacktown City Council

148 Matthew Bennett - Bennett Western Sydney

166 Alex Soncini - WealthWiz Wealth Management

184 Paul Maher - Loxley on Bellbird

184 Troy - Urban City Consulting

176 Barry Locock - Turtle Landscape Supplies

154 Kimberley Talbot - CEO Richmond Club

166

Western News Friday, 21 July 2017

sport

Wanderers start pre-season against European giants

By Conner Lowe

The Western Sydney Wanderers began their preseason campaign against English Premier League giants Arsenal Football Club.

The game was set to be a blockbuster with an attendance of 80,000 fans watching the Western Sydney team take on one of the world’s best.

The game was a terrific and entertaining game from the start with Arsenal starting some of their star players including their new club record signing Alexandre Lacazette, as well as some familiar faces such as Aaron Ramsay, Granit Xhaka, Olivier Giroud, Nacho Monreal, Laurent Koscielny and David Ospina.

The English side eventually won the match 3-1 thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsay and Mohamed Elneny. The highlight of the night was from Western Sydney Wanderers playmaker Steven Lustica scoring a goal against the European giants after a fantastic performance from the Western Sydney club.

The Wanderers provided some

attacking flare as they faced an opponent that is regarded as one of the world’s elite. The early signs showed in preseason by the Wanderers should excite fans after a disappointing finish to the season last year. New signings Josh Risdon, Michael Thwaite, Roly Bonevacia, Chris Herd and Oriol Riera had positive effects on the match and showed the fans and coach Tony Popovic what they can produce for the Wanderers throughout the new season ahead.

The Western Sydney fans also have another signing to cheer on after the Wanderers announced on Tuesday the signing of club favourite and foundation player Mark Bridge. Bridge will enter his fifth season in Red & Black after spending the last year with Chiangrai United in Thailand. Born and bred in Western Sydney, Bridge is a Wanderers Foundation Player having joined the club back in June 2012. He would go on to become arguably the most decorated player in Wanderers

history and remains the only player to have won the Wanderers Medal for Player of the Year on two occasions.

Mark Bridge, Western Sydney signing spoke about having the opportunity to play for the Wanderers again and work with his old coach Tony Popovic.

“I was raised in St Clair so for me to be back playing for this club, it holds a special place in my heart and hopefully I’m a part of it for a long time to come,” he said.

“Popovic is a great leader, I think he brings the best out of his players and he definitely gets the best out of me so it was a big part of me coming back.

As successful as this club has been in its short history, that Grand Final win has still eluded us so that’s definitely a massive driver for me this season.”

The Western Sydney are looking to start the season in fine form and will also hope to progress further in the FFA Cup than in previous years as they look to win more trophies this season. The Wanderers fans should expect big things from their new key signings and their early performance against Arsenal FC.