Westernnews 22april2016

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New banknote design inspired by Connor’s fight

By Keegan Thomson

THE Reserve Bank of Australia recently announced the new look $5 banknote would be going into distribution with a few new changes added on.

One extraordinary feature of the new $5 banknote is the special tactile surface which will help Australians with vision impairments better understand and know which note they’re handling.

The RBA said the new tactile banknote will “help the vision-impaired community distinguish between different denominations of banknotes. The tactile feature will be in addition to the existing features present on our current banknote series – bright colours, large contrasting numerals and size differentials.”

All of these changes have come after some powerful lobbying by Oakhurst teenager, Connor McLeod.

Back in 2015 Nepean News (issue 145) brought you the story of Connor and his fight with the RBA to introduce tactile banknotes into Australia.

He received an amazing response with around 60,000 signature on his petition and strong support from the Human Rights Commission and Vision Australia.

Due to his constant lobbying Connor was asked to address and present to the upper echelon of the RBA in November 2014.

Despite his nerves Connor was able to ‘sweet talk’ the RBA into coming on board with this proposed changes.

Blind since birth, due to a congenital eye disorder, Connor has never let his vision impairments get in the way of his activism or lifestyle choices.

Last year Connor’s efforts were recognised on an international scale when he was invited by the American National Braille Press to attend a ceremony in Boston, held to commemorate his outstanding leadership.

Local member for Chifley Ed Husic commended Connor on his outstanding efforts and said he had demonstrated amazing leadership and perseverance in his efforts to push for positive change.

“Connor will make life easier for more than 300,000 visually impaired Australians,” Mr Husic said.

These remarks were backed up by the Shadow Minister for Disability Reform, Jenny Macklin, who said tactile banknotes will improve the lives of Australians with a visual impairment.

“All Australians should be able to differentiate notes by touch, without asking others for assistance,” said Ms Macklin.

The new $5 banknotes will roll out into distribution and into your hip pocket as of September 1 with more denominations to be announced and rolled out soon.

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 12/82 Victoria St Werrington Mail: PO Box 4001 Werrington NSW 2747 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

3 Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

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4 Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

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From the Editor’s Desk

by Kerrie Davies

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APRIL is one of my favourite months of the year.

The heat has started to fade away, but the cold hasn’t yet set in; the beautiful autumn shades of yellows and oranges are abound; and then there’s the abundance of public holidays that enable us to take the first breather since Christmas.

It’s also a month of giving thanks. Church-goers will have already spent a fair chunk of this month giving thanks to the man upstairs, and many will give thanks to our defence forces past and present on Anzac Day. Let’s all set our alarms nice and early on Anzac Day and head to the Dawn Service to show our diggers how much we appreciate the sacrifices they made for our nation and it’s people. Lets pause and reflect on the thousands who never made it back.

Even if it is raining and you’re warm in your bed, spare a thought for those who crawled through mud and often went with no sleep at all in order to survive.

We no longer have any WW1 vets living, and my mother’s oldest sibling, John Buchanan Richardson, aged 92, (my Uncle Jacky) is one of an elite group of WW11 veterans still living; but that list is declining - in fact this year he’s now the only one left from WW11 in his branch.

As time rolls on more and more great souls who gave great sacrifice in the earlier theatres of war will leave this earth, and each year there will be less of them standing proudly displaying their well-earned medals.

Let’s stand by our diggers and roll up in droves this Anzac Day and as proud Australians let’s salute them now before it is too late.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Tiny fella facing enormous battle - please help

By Kerrie Davies

TICKETS to the fundraiser for little Bryson Miles and his family are still on sale, so why not grab yours now and join Comedian Mick Meredith and Abbalanche in helping this local family face one of the toughest battles imaginable.

Featured in the last edition of Western News, the smiling little fella is Bryson Miles, a three year old boy from western Sydney.

His family were living the dream, with three healthy children, a mortgage, with mum and dad, Tamara and Grant, both working to make ends meet.

That was until February 1 this year, when the world as they knew it turned upside down.

Little Bryson was diagnosed with a dulloblastoma tumour following an MRI..Less than 24 hours later he had an extensive operation to remove it from his brain, and surgeons took his top two vertebrae out and had to fuse them back in after operation.

Two days before his 3rd Birthday, on February 5, he was diagnosed with cancer.

In the last two months this little

fighter has endured seven general anaesthetics, four CT scans, three MRIs, major brain surgery, chemotherapy, lots of needles taking blood, a central line operation, three blood transfusions, countless X-rays and ultrasounds and over 30 stitches.

He also spent 18 hours in an induced coma in Westmead’s ICU. Makes you think about all the ridiculously small issues you’ve complained about over the last two

months, doesn’t it? Chances are all of them combined wouldn’t come close in comparison to just one of the challenges Bryson and his family have faced.

Imagine if this was your child, but you had no choice but to go off to work rather than to the hospital so you could ensure your family can still afford to live?

A few of Grant and Tamara’s goodhearted friends got together and are

organising a fundraiser at St Marys Leagues Club on Friday, May 27.

“Our aim is to raise enough money so Grant (Bryson’s Dad) can take time off from work to be at the hospital with his wife and son who is battling this disease,” said one of those friends, Westley Giles.

There are many ways to help this family get through the toughest of all battles; the health and wellbeing of their toddler.

For more details on the fundraiser, call Westley, whose number appears at the bottom of this article.

The fundraising committee are also eager to accept donations towards raffle and auction items. Basically, any help you can offer would be much appreciated.

If there’s a more worthy local cause than helping a little boy have his Dad by his side while he faces unfathomable health challenges, I don’t know what it is.

We can’t take the nasty health problems away for Bryson, but we can certainly chip in and help this family - our community has proven this time and time again. Please help us support Bryson and his family.

Tickets are $100 or $900 for a table and can be bought by contacting Westley Giles on 0405 157 080.

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Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

Heritage festival comes to Western Sydney

By Keegan Thomson

THE National Trust Heritage Festival 2016 comes to Mount Druitt and Plumpton this weekend with storytelling and historical events happening at The Oaks homestead and Mount Druitt Estate.

The events will be held by the Mount Druitt Historical Society Inc. across April 23 and 24 and include historic photo displays, devonshire tea services, heritage talks and some very exciting and exclusive stories.

Hazel Magann OAM, one of the event’s organisers and avid local historian, will give a special historical heritage talk at The Oaks homestead, off Hyatt in Plumpton, on April 24, about one of the original owners, the Hanna family, as well as a photo presentation.

Selflessly, Mrs. Magann said she’s motivated to run these historical events because they always

benefit the community. “I do this because it is important to stimulate the community so they can revisit the past,” she said.

“The actual National Trust Heritage Festival theme is discovery and rediscovery and people know of the house (The Oaks), because I’m often bombarded by people with questions, so I thought it was a prime time for the discovery to be shared,”

Mrs. Magann said.

As well as her feature talk at The Oaks homestead, Mrs. Magann is helping to curate a special photographic exhibition at Mount Druitt Estate on April 23 which features a traditional Devonshire tea.

“We will showcase photographs of various areas and people around the Mount Druitt districts. You can come look at the photos and look at some of the things that haven’t been on display before,” Mrs. Magann said.

Booking for the talk at The Oaks homestead is essential and can be made via calling Mrs. Magann on 8807 0169.

Alice luckily survives cliff fall

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THIS is the story of Alice and her owner who travelled from Western Australia to compete in the Weimaraner breed category at the Royal Easter show this year.

Alice and her family were staying in the Blue Mountains for a few days before the show. On March 26th, Alice was going for a bush walk up in Hazelbrook with her owner. While playing with another dog, Alice got slightly spooked and fell off a cliff some 20-30 meters! Initially it was presumed she was dead or severely injured. Firefighters and police were called to start a search party but the bush was too thick to locate her. A friend and local resident who knew the area well was called and from the description of where she fell, started on foot to search for her. After some time he located Alice who was standing not far from where she would have fallen.

Alice wagged her tail with happiness when she saw him. Astonishingly, she didn’t move far from where she fell and waited hours for help to arrive!

What was even more incredible was that she walked out with the local resident back to her owner! Alice was then taken immediately to a local vet in Hazelbrook. Dr. Adam examined her. Despite walking into the clinic with no obvious injuries, Alice was suffering from shock. She was shaky,

exhausted and her gums were pale.

She had some small superficial grazes on her but thankfully no major injuries to her body were found. She was immediately treated for shock. Alice was placed on intravenous fluids and she was given pain relief. Dr Adam then performed an abdominal ultrasound to check for any internal damage from the fall. The ultrasound showed no internal bleeding or major injury. Alice wasn’t out of the woods yet! She was still suffering shock and was very disorientated and exhausted.

There was a chance she could have deteriorated very quickly if not closely monitored. Dr. Adam therefore recommended she be transferred to WellPet Vets 24HR Western Sydney Veterinary Emergency Service operating out of Nepean Animal Hospital. There she would continue her treatment for shock and ensure she was closely monitored overnight.

Alice arrived at Wellpet Vets and Dr. Rachel examined her condition and performed further testing on her blood.

The blood testing checked her organs functions. Her test results confirmed she was suffering stress and exhaustion consistent with the shock from her fall. She continued on intravenous fluids and pain relief whilst in WellPet Vets ICU ward. There she received close overnight monitoring and regular pain relief. Her blood work was repeated the following morning to check for any changes. It confirmed no significant change, indicating no internal damage. This meant that Alice was given the all-clear to fly home and was discharged the next morning.

Her owner was amazed that she was found and even more ecstatic that she escaped with very minor scrapes!

Unfortunately she missed her chance for breed champion at the Easter Show this year, but thankfully she is ok and will try again next year!

Making our city more fun for the kids

Councillor Alan Pendleton with the new playground equipment at Greenhalgh Reserve.

GREENHALGH Reserve, Quakers Hill is one of 15 playgrounds across Blacktown to be upgraded in a $1,200,000, city wide project.

“Playgrounds contribute to the quality of lifestyle and are important to our community,” said Ward Councillor Alan Pendleton.

“They provide valuable places and spaces that allow for a range of skill development for our children.

“Blacktown City recognises this importance and has allocated funding for upgrades to the expansive playground provision.”

The design of new playgrounds

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incorporates elements requested by residents living nearby, following community consultation.

Work on all 15 should be completed

by September.

“Council wanted to make sure that those who are most likely to use the new playgrounds got a say in the design,” Councillor Pendleton said.

“Blacktown City Council seeks to actively consult on its projects and the strong response we got to our request for information shows this is appreciated by our community.”

Greenhalgh Reserve was named after Samuel Greenhalgh, 1876-

1953. Born at Mount Druitt, he moved to Quakers Hill in 1905 and was employed for some years at the sawmill near Quakers Hill railway station, which was known as Douglas’ Siding until March 1905.

He hauled logs there for cutting and milling using a horse-drawn jinker and In December 1910 he took delivery of the first timber for the construction old Quakers Hill school in Quakers Rd. The new equipment gets a workout from local children.

Park neighbour Taniesha Ellis gets into the swing of the new playground equipment at Greenhalgh Reserve.

- I am often referred to as the King, but I am not Elvis

- I was once a studious member of Riverstone Public School - I left high school the same year the Penrith Panthers entered the competition - I have worked in Blacktown for 49 years - People often describe me as a Good Guy Result on page 14

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Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

A new club for a growing suburb

By Keegan Thomson

SYDNEY’S newest Lion’s club has opened in Western Sydney in the bustling new suburb of The Ponds and is one of the most diverse Lions Clubs in the state.

Blacktown Ponds Lions Club boasts 38 members from 10 different ethnic backgrounds including locals from the Philippines, the US, China, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka and many more.

Membership Chairman Rissa Mcinnes says the new Lions Club is one of the most diverse chapters in Sydney.

“We have a very ethnically diverse club, it really reflects the region, and we feel it adds something different to our club,” Mrs. Mcinnes said.

The diversity doesn’t simply stop with the cultures and background of its members. Chapter President, Paul Mcinnes, told Western News the club has a large majority of females over males in their membership.

“We want our chapter to be more family friendly and community focused. Because of this we have a large majority of female members, roughly around 60%, and we are constantly encouraging a diverse and open club,” Mr. Mcinnes said.

The diverse new Blacktown Ponds Lions Club. Credit: Paul Mcinnes

The intention behind opening up the new Lions Club in The Ponds area of Blacktown was because there is so much growth and momentum in the region.

“Even though the area is growing so quickly there isn’t enough services in place. As a community based charity we want to help play our part,” Mr. Mcinnes said. “The Lions Club gives all its proceeds to charity, with the administrational costs of the club

coming from membership fees, and because of that we can help out a lot more people” Locally the Lions Clubs have helped with hearing impairment mobility dogs, local schools, cerebral palsy charities and vision impairment charities, just to name a few.

As well as local organisations, Blacktown Ponds Lions Club also support international aid work.

In March the new club sponsored the

Cebu Hamili Lions Club of Cebu City in the Philippines. Blacktown Ponds Lions Club donated pairs of thongs to communities around the Inayawan garbage dumpsite area in Cebu.

The Blacktown Ponds Lions Club are open to new membership with potential new members and enquirers encouraged to contact the Membership Chairman, Rissa Mcinnes, on 0414 9471 35 or via email at rissa. mcinnes@gmail.com.

Mayoral Message: Rail is the only way to fly!

By Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali

WE have advocated for years to get the infrastructure for western Sydney right and then discuss an alternative location of the second airport.

Let’s face it, the average speed in peak hour on the motorways has been stated as 17 km/ hr. That means if you arrive at Badgerys Creek Airport (BCA) at 7am you won’t get into the city till 10am!

Rail has suddenly become a key

issue.

Proposals have been put forward to have a fast train from BCA into the city via Parramatta (yes miss Blacktown). Others want to build a line from BCA to St. Marys. I personally cannot see a massive tourism bonus for western Sydney from these proposals.

Finally, some want a rail corridor from Melbourne to Brisbane via Sydney. Ideally, this would be a dual corridor allowing for freight and passenger movement.

Fast rail could link the Sydney and Melbourne CBDs in less than 3 hours.

Compare that to air travel where you

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have to check in a half hour before the flight, one and half hour flight and then get from Tullamarine airport to Melbourne CBD, yes that would be close to 3 hours.

Building the required rail corridor will be expensive. Therefore there would not be an economic case to support both the second airport and the rail corridor.

A freight and fast rail corridor will provide the economic returns and the social benefits that this country desperately needs.

The project would save our steel

industry; provide many construction jobs including trainees; connect regional NSW and Victoria to the main CBD centres, and reduce the noise and air pollution that aircraft generate.

Imagine being able to buy a reasonably priced house in Goulburn then being able to work in Sydney with less than an hours travel. It will take an hour to travel from Blacktown to Parramatta with the massive increase in population projected for western Sydney. Rail will take the pressure off living in Sydney or Melbourne.

Rail, it is the only to fly!

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Food drop a Labour of Love

By Keegan Thomson

A HUSBAND and wife team are fighting poverty in Western Sydney by handing out free food to some of the areas most disadvantaged households and families through their charity Labour of Love.

Three times a week Pastor Mafi Marzhew and his wife, Pastor Denise, hold their food drive in numerous locations across Western Sydney, bringing some much needed relief to locals who struggle to make ends meet.

Pastor Mafi said he and his wife started the charity because they feel it is the right thing to do.

“It was just a calling for me. I had to sacrifice everything, even earning money, just to come out here to do this,” Pastor Mafi said.

“It is all about free love, you’ve got to practice what you preach.”

The couple picks up bruised and over stocked produce including bread, fruit and vegetables donated from local suppliers and distribute it to hungry families across Western Sydney up to three times a week.

With a small army of volunteers the couple set up a row of tables in local

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Pastor Denise and Pastor Mafi at a food drop in Emerton. Photo credit: Keegan Thomson

carparks with the food on top and distributes the food around the crowd.

Each week the charity feeds around 800 people across the West, and recently the charity has been set up at Emerton soccer ovals.

Phoebe Griffiths, from Lethbridge Park, survives off the donations Labour of Love hand out. “It helps our family a lot. Without their help we wouldn’t get through,” she said.

After she saw how Labour of Love helps a family first hand, Phoebe decided to volunteer and help hand

out deliveries in a hope that she could lend a hand to those in need.

“They help me so I want to help them give back to the community,” she said.

Labour of Love relies on donations to keep the charity going, and even though there is a constant outpouring of support from local business, Pastor Mafi is struggling to have Labour of Love reach its full potential.

“The main issue that I’m facing here is that I need more space. I need the facilities to facilitate all of this,”

the Pastor said.

The truck the couple use is a rental, and because they don’t have a big enough refrigerated warehouse they turn down hundreds of donations of perishable goods a week.

“We have a lot of food but I can only bring out what I can fit in the rental truck, and we need a factory to keep everything fresh.”

Even with these hurdles the couple are still staying strong and hope to help make the Western Sydney community a better place.

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Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

Bootcamp kicks job propsects into gear YOUNG people in Western Sydney now have the chance to boost their employment prospects following the launch of new training at Nirimba College in Quakers Hill.

Minister for Skills John Barilaro and Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly today launched the new partnership between TAFE Western Sydney and Productivity Bootcamp to help disengaged young people into training and employment.

“Productivity Bootcamp runs an eight week intensive program and a two to three week course in upskilling designed to help participants gain practical skills and experience industry-recognised training,” Mr Conolly said.

“In partnership with TAFE Western Sydney this initiative can now deliver programs at the Nirimba campus.

“This partnership will benefit the local Riverstone community and the Western Sydney region by making sure businesses have access to skilled workers who are trained and ready to hit the ground running.”

Minister for Regional Development, Skills and Small Business John Barilaro said this style of industry and government partnership is exactly what is needed for young people who fall through the cracks between

school and employment.

“It is great to see this sort of collaboration providing training to suit the needs of employers and creating a workforce for now and for the future,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Western Sydney is in need of skilled workers and programs like the Productivity Bootcamp will ensure graduates have the right foundation skills they need to create a better Western Sydney.”

Riverstone development plan PROPERTY owners in the Riverstone Scheduled Lands Precinct A (Stages 1-3) in Sydney’s Northwest have voted overwhelmingly in support of a proposed development plan that will enable the subdivision of their existing lots and deliver essential infrastructure and services.

Of the approximately 50 landowner groups, 80% voted in favour of the proposal, representing close to 90% of the land held in Precinct A (Stages 1-3).

“This is a resounding vote in favour of a sensible development plan. This is a great outcome for residents and landowners in Riverstone. The opportunity to provide these essential services to support the development of this community will allow the potential of this first section of the scheduled lands to be unlocked at last,” said the Member for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly.

Under planning legislation that is unique to Riverstone and other ‘paper subdivisions’ in NSW, a ballot was held in March to allow landowners to vote on a proposed development plan that would create a new subdivision over their land. A minimum 60%

of landowners owning 60% of the land needed to vote in favour of the plan before it could go ahead.

Around 50 landowner groups in Precinct A (Stages 1–3) were eligible to vote in the ballot which was managed by the Returning Officer KPMG and closed on on 31 March.

As the development coordinator, UrbanGrowth NSW created a new development plan and incorporated the planning changes from the housing diversity package that allows for a variety of lots ranging in size from 300m2 to 500m2.

The new plan was presented to landowners in December 2015.

“Now that landowners have voted resoundingly in favour of the plan, the Minister for Planning may now decide whether to issue the subdivision order to UrbanGrowth NSW, allowing the implementation of the development plan to proceed over the next six to 12 months,” said Mr Conolly.

UrbanGrowth NSW will be contacting landowners in Precinct A (Stages 1-3) this week, and will hold information sessions in June to explain the next steps in the subdivision process.

Senator for Western Sydney, the Hon. Marise Payne, said participants in Productivity Bootcamp were gaining practical skills that would hold them in good stead as Western Sydney continues its rapid growth.

“Western Sydney’s population is forecast to grow to three million by 2030; that’s a lot of houses, roads shops and factories that will need to be built, not to mention the Western Sydney Airport and adjoining

business park,” Senator Payne said.

“Paul Breen is helping his students develop the skills they need to become the builders, carpenters and concreters of the future to cater for this demand.

“I’d also like to congratulate TAFE for recognising the potential for Productivity Bootcamp’s handson training model to complement its excellent record in supplying skilled tradesmen to the area.”

Get in the pink for the Cancer Council

By Kerrie Davies

SOME ladies will have a ‘Biggest Morning Tea’ or a ‘Ladies Night In’ to raise money for Cancer, however, the Australian Brewery are doing it big with an All Girl Pink Takeover Fundraiser!

The CoolRoom Nightclub at the Australian Brewery will host a PINK THEME Party raising money for the Cancer Council, with an all-girl line up.

Marketing Manager Kylie Murphy said the venue will be wall-to-wall pinkness to raise funds for this worthy cause.

“Come down and party with us in PINK for an amazing Cause,” she said.

“We’ll have Pink Slushies, Special Pink Cocktails, and even a cheeky appearance from The Penrith Panthers Cheerleaders!

“Not to mention our famous $5 house spirits all night!

“It’s going to be a massive night with Babes Katie Valentine, The Royals, Helena Ellis, Indigo Starlight & Lavida!

“Don’t miss your chance to support an amazing Charity and party at one of our legendary theme parties!”

KATIE VALENTINE – Headliner DJ: When Katie Valentine isn’t running around in a Darth Vadar mask, she’s playing all over the globe with her sleazy future house sound and bouncy baselines.

With skills good enough to be a Jedi, she has recently been around Australia, Asia

and Ibiza. 2016 sees Katie globetrotting once again heading back to Europe for the summer This Aussie beauty has played at some of Australia’s biggest clubs and festivals including Stereosonic, Future Music, Sounds of Summer, Family, Ivy and more.

Always rocking something new from her upcoming vintage label, VAMP. She is currently busy in the studio working on an array of tunes to be released in 2016, inspired by the likes of Oliver Heldens, Chris Lake and Erick Morillo. Most recently she got together with Vandalism to bring you the Summer 2016 Vicious Cuts CD, as well as her hit Without You making it to #16 in the Aria Charts and #38 in the Beatport Electro Charts. Also previously high in the charts was her remix of Alex Preston’s ‘Bend Over’, and Originals ‘Pharaoh’ and ‘Keyboard warriors’.

Cancer Council is the nation’s peak non-government cancer control organisation. Cancer Council Australia and its members, the state and territory Cancer Councils, work across the full spectrum of cancer, including patient support, public education, prevention campaigns, clinical guidelines, public policy and research. Cancer Councils are Australia’s biggest independent funders of cancer research investing, with our research partners, more than $70 million in 2015.

A flashmob of golden oldies takes over Blacktown

By Keegan Thomson

SHOPPERS in Blacktown’s WestPoint centre got a surprise earlier this month when dozens of seniors showed off their moves in a flash mob, aimed at encouraging older people to stay active.

Dancers, jivers and hip shakers met outside the shopping centre and Blacktown Library on the morning of April 14 to demonstrate several feets of strength, balance and coordination, all choreographed to Aussie rocker John Paul Young’s hit Love is in the Air. Line up and ready to dance, the oldest member of the flashmob was over 90 years old making it quite possibly the oldest flashmob in Australia.

The booty shaking incentive was created by the Healthy Older People Partnership, a program run inconjunction with Western Sydney Health, and aims to raise awareness of the importance of regular exercise for older people.

Trish Nove, HOPP coordinator, said it is important for people in Western Sydney to keep active well into their old age.

“Western Sydney is an ageing community, with somewhere between 82,000 to 85,000 people currently over age 65. These numbers will double over the next decade. Without regularly doing strength and balance activities,

this group is at risk of a fall injury, which could impact on their health and wellbeing and their capacity to continue living independently,” Ms. Nove said.

She also said strength building activities, including dancing, walking, yoga and swimming, are crucial to keeping up a healthy mind and body, particularly for older Australians.

“Building the strength and balance of

older people is key to improving older people’s confidence, their capacity to live independently and reducing the incidence of fall injury, which is the biggest risk to morbidity and mortality of this age group,” Ms. Nove said.

After the mob had stopped dancing there has been calls for HOPP to hold similar style events in other local areas.

“Many people in the audience were

asking for a repeat performance in other local government areas at the end of the event,” said Ms. Nove.

No word yet on whether or not more golden oldie flashmobs will be hitting the Western Sydney region.

If you want to find any similar events in your area head over to www. activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Street talk: Women-only carriages Western News asked Western Sydney locals what they thought about the proposed women-only train carriages

By Keegan Thomson and Jarrod McGrouther

OVER the last few months there has been a spate of physical and sexual assaults across Western Sydney trains. Recently the Rail, Tram and Bus Union national secretary Bob Nanva floated the idea of women-only carriages on Sydney trains after 8pm. We asked Western Sydney locals what they thought about women-only train carriages.

Natasha Skrypka – Springwood “I think it’s ridiculous, just as quiet carriages are ridiculous. It is stupid, like why?”

Vanessa Baxter – Riverstone “That could be a lot safer, seeing as there’s some pretty crazy people on trains these days.”

John O’keefe – Penrith “I think that would be a good idea, because there’s a lot happening on trains, we need more security or something like that.”

Craig Irvine – Penrith “I think yes, it’s not very safe at all, I’ve got a fair few friends that have had stuff happen to them on trains”

Colleen Heffernan – Penrith “I think it’s a good idea, I just got back from Japan and they have women only carriages in peak hour. I think it’s a safer option, but (whether) they can control that and make sure that it is women only is a completely different story.”

Derek Wotherspoon – St Clair “It’s a good idea but a visible police presence in all transport venues would probably negate some of that need.”

What do you think about the women only carriages?

Let us know on the Western News facebook page.

11 Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

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Legends of the West

By Garion Thain

Dr Chandrika Subramaniyan not long after the formation of her practice.

AS someone who migrated to Australia herself in the 1990’s, Dr Chandrika Subramaniyan is a person who took it upon themselves from the getgo to do right by others. Now the Principal Director of her own practice, operating out of Wentworthville, Dr Subramaniyan has dedicated her career and much of her limited free time to helping new Australians, particularly women in vulnerable situations, find the support systems they need and have appropriate legal counsel in an environment they may not be familiar with. This work has gained her a fair amount of positive media attention already in the past, and substantial recognition in the form of multiple awards, including the Women Lawyers Association Highly Commended Judging Panel’s award, for her work in championing women’s causes. On Tuesday, I went to Wentworthville to speak to this extraordinary woman, where I met her and her friendly staff before she graciously took some time to outline her Journey in Western Sydney in the past 20 years and the

contemporary role she has taken in recent ones.

A legend of the West to be sure, since migrating in the ‘90s Dr Subramaniyan has actually moved further and further west Sydney as time has gone on, in part so she can spend more time with recent migrants.

“I started from the inner-west and worked outwards as time went on,” said Dr Subramaniyan.

Early after moving to Sydney, Dr Subramaniyan volunteered at the Inner-west Migrant Resource Centre.

Shortly after, one of the case workers introduced her to community welfare services. After this, she stared teaching English and basic computer skills to migrants. A lot of this work was probono.

However, Dr Subramaniyan’s background was always in Law. Having already achieved her Masters in India, she worked with Migration law in the late ‘90s and 2000, before deciding to undertake a bachelor’s degree at UWS (Now Western Sydney University) so she could pursue a career in law in Australia and provide more substantial support to the people she was working with. During this time, she made her move to the outer-west, and began

DR CHANDRIKA SUBRAMANIYAN volunteering with TAFE at the Western Sydney institute and the Toongabbie Migrant Resource centre.

“I received a lot of experience [from WSI],” said Dr Subramaniyan.

“Overall, I’ve had a vast amount of experience in the inner and outer west, and was fortunate to do a lot of networking in University… connections that I still have,” she continued.

After completing her bachelors, she undertook her Masters at the University of Queensland, and after two years working under someone she was able to obtain her unrestricted license. Her current practice on Station St is now nine years old.

With her journey placed out in front of me, I asked Dr Subramaniyan about her motivations, particularly why she does what she does, and what she does.

“Every day in my life I meet clients and for every problem they don’t have a solution from the legal system,” she said.

“I have to be flexible because they need the extra support.”

Turning to specifics, she mentioned that shortly after migrating she knew several women who were silently dealing with Domestic Violence.

Now she is the chair of the Immigrant Woman’s speak out as part of the Domestic Violence Centre.

“15 years ago, because of the culture [of domestic violence], a lot of them didn’t think they needed to discuss it, but I ended up helping 60 people,” Dr Subramaniyan said.

“I realised early on that I needed a more professional background to help them in a legal manner.

“There’s a generational change, older people in particular have more difficulty discussing it. They still come to me to say they need help getting out of the abusive relationship – for them and their children. So being here helps me, when people want to deal with domestic violence in private.”

Dr Subramaniyan also does a lot of talking on the subject on SBS and other radio programs, which she says young people are more receptive to because of attitude changes.

Free advice is also important.

Sometimes migrants will be looking for a cultural solution as opposed to a strictly legal one.

“In some cases I act as a mediator,” she said.

The former journalist, multi-award winning woman that is Dr Chandrika

13

I met with Dr Subramaniyan in Wentworthville, where we discussed her work in the inner and outer-west, passion for helping migrants and championing of women’s causes.

Subramaniyan was a pleasure to meet, in part because you know there is a heft of experience and real people who have been helped behind the doors to her practice. As was expected, the journey she has undertaken is by no means complete, as her active role in the community will continue to go on as long as she is able to.

Dr Chandrika Subramaniyan nominated as a Legend of the West

by Paul Maher.

If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

TO FIND OUT HOW A LOCAL SOLAR EXPERT CAN HELP YOU, CALL 4760 0809

The smart energy choice for your home

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Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

Opinion: We don’t need a very fast train just a very fast decision!

By Bart Bassett

RECENTLY the very fast train proposal along the east coast of Australia has raised its head yet again.

Whilst I support the grand idea of connecting our east coast cities and providing economic benefits that would come with it, it is the type of infrastructure project you contemplate when we have a well-connected public transport and road network in our major cities first - and we are a very, very long way from achieving that goal in Sydney.

Also the talk of a very fast train was more relevant prior to the decision to proceed with Badgerys Creek Airport but now that decision has been made, focus needs to be on supporting infrastructure for that new airport.

I thought I would follow up on where the studies are up to regarding the investigation of the Outer Sydney Orbital (motorway) and future cross regional rail to support Badgerys Creek Airport. In part I received the following answer, “The proposed Outer Sydney Orbital corridor is for a potential future motorway. Where possible, the corridor would be shared with a freight rail line, and the proposed South West Rail Link extension passenger rail line.”

“There is still a lot of work to do to before we can determine the corridors and their specific location.

The project team is in the process of reviewing feedback from the public consultation along with the outcomes of the technical investigations in engineering, environment and land use assessments to identify corridors for further public exhibition.”

My quick advice to both the State and Federal Governments to save time and resources, is to re-direct and focus all the corridor study resources into supporting infrastructure for Badgerys Creek Airport and the growth areas in western Sydney as that is where the demand is now and will continue to be for connecting public transport in the short to medium term.

I have been hearing for over three years now that preferred corridors for the Outer Sydney Orbital and rail to connect the South West Rail

Link with Sydney Metro Northwest would be announced, it is now way beyond time for those corridors to be announced and a timetable for construction to be laid out.

Come on Premier and Prime Minister, stop the cheap political announcements of very fast trains between Sydney CBD/Badgerys Creek Airport and another fast train

along the east coast and announce what is the real pressing need and real economic driver - and that is connecting all of western Sydney and the new airport with a modern crossregional rail and road network.

Otherwise future generations will be paying a big price both socially and economically for political shortsightedness.

WHO AM I? from page 8

Brian McCombe from ‘The Good Guys’

The modern mother with TP I’M sure each generation has a quiet chuckle when observing the child rearing practices of the next one coming through.

I have seen huge changes in not only the approach to caring for a baby but how about the equipment?

Once it would have been completely acceptable to have your bundle of joy bouncing contently in a basic netted bouncer but now the one elaborately covered in padded cloth with large stuffed toys hanging down with noise making capabilities is a must.

This excess can meet manic proportions with mothers purchasing several pieces of outdoor play equipment crowding a backyard with ball pits, forts, castles and sandpits for when the babies grow up.

Baby monitors that would have once been better placed in a Bond movie as some futuristic device which fit into the palm of your hand and allowed you to spy on your child through a tv screen. Incredible. But then of course this is necessary because how else would you be able to pander to every whimper of the baby? We are creating monsters who need to be instantly gratified if not by yesterday.

Yes the baby who also has special

things that sausage their nappies into neat parcels for easy disposal.

Talk about ridiculous excess. Surely left over shopping bags could do an equally good job. Clearly I’m not seeing the value of these gadgets.

But new mothers get caught up into this web of consumer guilt. If you don’t have all of these things you are not a good mum. Social media does nothing to prevent these poor

little sleep deprived mummies from feeling the need that they must have the right cot, pram and designer nappy bags.

Babies who have three to four different outfits per day are primped and preened dressed up like prized dolls and dragged along to coffee dates with other babies who are equally done up with mums casting a competitive eye over the young rivals.

I’m sure that mums convince themselves that buying all of this stuff makes them perfect mothers. They believe they are doing everything possible to give the best start for their baby.

I am having a quiet chuckle to myself now as I’m sure babies who bounced on a a simple netted bouncer are just as happy as those bouncing on the plush padded one.

westernhistory western

The trumpet calls

W

AR Clouds over Europe 102 years ago this year and was responsible for the awakening of our small country and the questioning of our ties to the “mother country”. Life and working conditions in Australia in the early 1900’s was harsh, dangerous and unsanitary. However, Australia had a reputation throughout the late 1800’s as the ‘working man’s paradise’ mainly because of the adoption of the eight-hour day and other benefits. For the manual labourer of Australia usually made up of the working class, work was tough and uncomfortable with low pay and long hours. Despite these conditions the workers were hesitant to complain for fear of being dismissed from their job and unable to provide for their families. The middle class were usually white-collar or professional workers who undertook less physical work and received a higher pay. Many manual labourers in Australia worked in the rural sector, of which many were sheep shearers who had to shear 100 sheep just to earn £1, and if their work was not to the satisfaction of their employer the shearer’s wages were withheld. The shearers also had to endure unsanitary and vermin infested conditions in the shearing sheds and the accommodation that was provided for them. So it was on the 30th July, 1914 when a cablegram came from the British Government to the Government of Australia informing that there was an imminent danger of war. Almost every Australian at that time knew of a quarrel between Austria and Serbia with the intervention of Germany, but few realized that the Emperor and the German Government were deliberately employing dangerous war rhetoric with Great Britain and that it was possible that Britain might be dragged into any international struggle. In Australia it was thought that if Great Britain was involved, then what was the position of those British colonies that inhabited lands far from the “old world” and were loosely bound together under the name of the British Empire? Of the people who had sprung from “British stock” only the United States of America had left the Empire and grown to maturity as an independent nation.

The other offshoots like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Newfoundland were still adolescent. The world regarded them and their motherland as one community. Foreign nations had begun to know something of several British colonies as producers of raw materials and of new ideas but their population was still in its infancy and was not yet a factor in international politics. Although the British Dominions had reached the stage where they were fast developing foreign relations, the British Government still undertook the conduct of their dealings with other countries. Here in Australia

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we were apprehensive that we would be bound to provide armed forces other than those we individually chose to provide, or would commit to support a policy that we might not individually approve of. All of the “British” colonies at that time had established within their own coasts, some organization for home defense as well as voluntary civilian military service. Our St Mary’s volunteers who enlisted in August 1914 sought excitement from their daily drudge of low paid or no paid work. They would be getting paid to fight for their country and besides “it will all be over before Christmas” was the sentiment at that time. They were going to fight for their love ones and their homeland but they soon found out that they were enlisting under the “British” war machine and most were not happy. Of course we know that after the incompetence of the British War Cabinet and the disastrous Gallipoli campaign, the Australian and New Zealand volunteers were finally incorporated under their own Government and from that time were known as the “Diggers” of ANZAC. The 1st Battalion was the first infantry unit recruited for the Australian Imperial Forces in New South Wales during the First World War. The battalion was raised within a fortnight of the declaration of war in August 1914 and embarked just two months later. After a brief stop in Albany, Western Australia, the battalion proceeded to Egypt arriving on 2nd December. The battalion took part in the ANZAC landing on 25 April 1915 as part of the second and third waves, and served there until the evacuation in December. Ongoing research has so far produced thirteen volunteers who enlisted from St Marys between August and December 1914. Five were killed or died of wounds or disease at Gallipoli, three were killed in France and never returned to their family. Five of those remaining St Mary’s volunteers had to suffer through Gallipoli and the Western Front before they came home, mostly broken men. The suffering of those folks at home would have been unimaginable. No one could understand the suffering of those men who on trying to enlist, were rejected by the military because of height, weight, health or age and who received a “white feather” (resembling cowardice) from female members of the districts families whose husbands, sons or lovers had enlisted and were called up to fight. So on the 25th April (ANZAC day) spare a thought for those volunteers of 100 years ago, who fought and gave their life for an “adventure” that turned out to be anything but!

Lest we Forget.

Source: Australian War Memorial & National Archives and research from: Lyn Forde, Vice-President of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

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anzac TRIBUTE 16 Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

ANZAC: Shaping an Australian society

W

hen war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only 13 years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.

The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated, after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli had made a profound impact on

Australians at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.

Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as the “Anzac legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways they viewed both their past and their future.

The Dawn Service observed on Anzac Day has its origins in a military routine which is still followed by the Australian Army today. During battle, the halflight of dawn was one of the most favoured times for an attack. Soldiers in defensive positions were woken in the dark before dawn, so by the time first light crept across the battlefield they were awake, alert, and manning their weapons; this is still known as the “stand-to”. As dusk is equally favourable for attacks, the stand-to was repeated at sunset.

The Ode of Remembrance They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.

Michelle Rowland MP Federal Member for Greenway

101 years since the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, it is important that we pause to reflect on the courage, bravery and sacrifice made by our Australian diggers.

Anzac Day is the time that we come together to remember and pay homage to all of the Australians that have bravely served our nation to protect our way of life.

As Australians we must always remember that the freedom and prosperity that we enjoy today was forged by the determination of those diggers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Lest We Forget.

Ph: 9671 4780 Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au

“The ANZAC spirit was born on the shores of Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915.

We honour the sacrifices of the ANZACS, who fought for our freedoms and values that day.

We also pay tribute to all men and women who have served or are serving in the Australian Armed Forces.

For those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service, we will remember.

Lest we forget.”

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry Ph: 9833 1122 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

ed atalla STATE Member for Mt Druitt

Lest We Forget They shall grow not old, As we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, Nor the years condemn.

At the setting of the sun, And in the morning, We will remember them.

Ph: 9625 6770

ANZAC TRIBUTE TE Blacktown RSL ANZAC DAY SERVICE Form up at the corner of Sunnyholt Road and Second Avenue at 5am.

Stepping off at 5.15am and proceeding to Blacktown RSL Club.

DAWN SERVICE The dawn service will commence at approximately 5.40am at the Cenotaph at Blacktown RSL Club.

Everyone is welcome to attend this service.

CAR PARK CLOSED until after service.

Alternate parking is available at the commuter car park adjacent to the club.

Riverstone Schofields Memorial Club DAWN SERVICE: 4.45am march from sub-Branch to the cenotaph - service begins at 6am. 7am-10am breakfast at Riverstone Bowling club free event for families. Ph 927 1811

Assemble at 5.00am at the Seven Hills Railway Station and then march to the Cenotaph at the RSL Club where the service will commence. At the conclusion of the service breakfast will be served in the Club followed by entertainment (beverages at own expense)

Rooty Hill RSL DAWN SERVICE AND MARCH - assemble at 5am on the corner of Minchinbury and Reynell Sts, Eastern Creek - march to Pinegrove Memorial - service starts at 5.30am.

Cubs opens at 6am for free breakfast - redeem your voucher at the service. Ph 9625 5500

Richmond Club Tthe oldest RSL Club in the Hawkesbury – Richmond Club will run a courtesy bus at 3.15am for members to Cenotaph Martin Place Dawn Service. Bookings essential.

7am Club opens, buffet breakie $5.

ANZAC DAY SERVICE: 9.30am on bowling green featuring RAAF cadets, local dignitaries, schools, preschools and community groups.

17 Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

Anzac Day Services ces

SEVEN HILLS RSL

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Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

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Disband: A fresh new look on rock n roll

By Keegan Thomson

“We were a part of a metal band called Regrets After All when we just decided to jam together in between breaks. I never used to play drums so I jumped on and it felt like a natural transition for me. Ben jumped behind the mic and we had something going,” DJ said.

Erin Greenway suggested the reason why the band works so well is because as mates they all get along like a house on fire.

“All four of us are friends and as a band we are a bunch of mates just

SUDOKU: EASY

hanging out, doing stuff and we just happen to write music together as well,” Erin said.

The four members of Disband have been recording and performing together as the current lineup for the past year and are currently in the studio warming up and getting ready to record brand new music.

James said the whole recording process feels pretty organic.

“We come together with a few ideas and because we all listen to different genres the ideas we all bring in are

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

If you’re a local Western Sydney band and you want your story told email keegan@nepeannews.com.au and we’ll get in touch.

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very different but everyone builds upon each other’s ideas and all it melts together,” he said.

Disband are currently recording their debut EP and hope to have it out before the middle of the year.

WORD SEARCH

FAMILY can quite often be a rock solid foundation for an uncompromising rock ’n’ roll collective, and one of the finest new examples of this is Mt Druitt’s own Sultana cousins and their band, Disband.

The Sultana cousins, Ben Sultana the lead singer and guitarist and DJ Sultana the drummer, backed up by Erin Greenway on keyboard and James Molloy the bass player, are producing some of the grooviest alternative rock ‘n’ roll around.

If B.B. King and John Lee Hooker made an album with Queens of the Stone Age then you’d have the music of Disband.

This eclectic mix of blues guitar rhythms, alt-rock melodies and hard rock drums is inspired by the band’s wide and far reaching music tastes.

James Molloy said, “We all like different bands and different genres and we try to bring those influences into our music. You can hear a bunch of different things, we’ve got a bit of prog, a bit of blues. It reflects our personality.”

DJ told us that Disband’s current line up came about last year when DJ and Ben were jamming in between band practice.

ALIEN NATION ALLY MCBEAL AMEN BANACEK BAYWATCH BLOSSOM CHICAGO HOPE CHINA BEACH COACH DEAR JOHN

DUE SOUTH ELLEN EMPTY NEST F TROOP FALL GUY FAMILY FELICITY FRAGGLE ROCK HART TO HART HAZEL

HERE’S LUCY IN LIVING COLOR LARAMIE LOST IN SPACE LOU GRANT MAJOR DAD MARTIN MATLOCK MR BELVEDERE NASH BRIDGES

PERRY MASON PEYTON PLACE RHODA RYAN’S HOPE SEA HUNT SPIN CITY THE ROOKIES VEGAS WISEGUY ZORRO

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Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

Ideal Mother’s Day gift: Mark

LOOKING for the ideal gift for Mum this Mothers Day? Mark Vincent is performing at Blacktown Workers club on May 7 and it promises to be a show she’ll never forget!

Mark Vincent floored the competition to win Australia’s Got Talent as a 15 year old. He has since gone from strength to strength releasing SIX albums and selling over 500,000 units. Where once there was a shy boy, there is now the confidence of a young man.

Yet he exudes the same humility which has won him legions of passionate fans. It’s this constant young-yet-mature juxtaposition which defines his unique character.

Album number six- entitled ‘The Best So far (released October 2014) is a stunning collection of classic and contemporary songs with a unique Mark Vincent interpretation.

His first album ‘Mio Visione – My Dream’ reached #2 on the ARIA album charts, followed by ‘Compass’, ‘The Great Tenor Songbook’ ‘Songs from the Heart’ and then ‘The Quartet Sessions’ which charted #5, #18 and #10 respectively on the ARIA album charts.

Mark has spent much of 2015 starring in the hugely successful national production of the stage musical Dirty Dancing. Stealing the show night after night with his superb renditions of the shows signature tunes, In The still of the Night and Time of My Life.

At the Age of 22 Mark is currently working on album number seven which will be released early in 2016.

“Music is in me. You know, when you’re born with something inherently in you? I think we are all born with a voice capable of singing, but not everyone has

it in them to use it,” Mark said.

“I grew up listening to all the beautiful arias, and I feel that when I sing, I really am the happiest guy on earth. All my troubles are gone.

“And you know, many people have a great voice, an exceptional voice even, but what’s missing is the storytelling. It’s not just about singing notes it’s always, always about telling a story.”

Mark’s own story remains a remarkable one.

The Sutherland Shire-raised young man won the third series of ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ in 2009 (an experience he has described as “surreal, amazing”) and soon he was signed to the Sony Music record label – and the world really sat up to take notice.

His first album ‘Mio Visione – My Dream’,

Vincent

captured the hearts of many and he has continued to do so with his following four albums ‘Compass’, ‘The Great Tenor Songbook’, ‘Songs from the Heart’ and ‘The Quartet Sessions’.

In amongst all that he has appeared on stage alongside Whitney Houston, Katherine Jenkins, The Priests, Kate Ceberano, Laura Pausini and Marina Prior.

For Mark, singing a collection of classics and contemporary songs was aimed to inspire a youthful audience.

“I say to people of my generation – give this music a chance, because you will be surprised at how it can move you, speak to you. These are songs which have the ability to transcend generations, and their lyrics are simply timeless,” he said.

And then of course there is Mark the performer. The ultimate showman, the consummate professional.

His utter ardour for connecting with the people he is performing for – you get a sense it’s what he lives for.

“I am emotionally connected to each of the songs I sing, I think that’s what singing is all about.

Telling a story. Making people think. Bringing a tear to their eye. I always feel twenty kilos lighter after belting out a tune. Singing, for me, is like therapy – it’s what keeps me going.”

Mark Vincent – with the world at his feet – is ready again to give all that and more.

Tickets are just $35 members; $40 visitors.

Blacktown Workers Club is located at 55 Campbell Street, Blacktown and can be contacted on 9830 0600. You can also visit their website: www.workersclub.com.au

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 High school certificate (7) 5 Spoke in ignorance (7) 9 Bellicose (9) 10 San Antonio fort (5) 11 A writer of laments (7) 12 Cloths used in mending (7) 13 Very irritable (9) 15 Coarse files (5) 17 Not yesterday (5) 19 Teachers (9) 22 Find innocent (7) 25 Acquired the knowledge (7) 26 City in Viet Nam (5) 27 Grape plantations (9) 28 Jagged (7) 29 Inhabits (7)

DOWN 1 Haggles (7) 2 Struck with a fist (9) 3 Applause (7) 4 A Greek philosopher (9) 5 Pup (5) 6 Praise dishonestly (7) 7 Averse (5) 8 Snoozes (7) 14 Matings (9) 16 Villain (9) 17 Instructs (7) 18 Sharp high-pitched dog cries (7) 20 One who examines processes (7) 21 They inflict pain for pleasure (7) 23 Spanish for “Mister” (5) 24 Emissary (5)

solution 7/4/16

By Erin O’Connor

WITH so many ways to pamper mum this Mother’s Day, you will be spoiled for choice. Here are 4 ways you tell your mum how much you love her this Mother’s Day at Loxley on Bellbird Hill: • The Tastes of Loxley Menu Tasting Dinner – Saturday 28th May 2016 Treat mum to an extra special menu tasting dinner on Saturday 28th May with a specially designed menu, including canapes, entrée, main, dessert and complimentary wine tasting for just $75pp. If your booking is for 6 or more adult guests, Mum eats for free, along with complimentary champagne, chocolates and gift on arrival. A

children’s menu is also available. Please contact Loxley for further enquiries and bookings. Quote SPOIL MUM to receive this amazing deal.

• The Beatles – Unplugged with Strings Attached - Saturday 18th June 2016 Don’t miss this unique experience combing Hawkesbury’s finest dining and musicians, together at the beautiful Loxley on Bellbird Hill.

Loxley is proud to present The Beatles Unplugged with Strings Attached. Be taken on a 2 hour musical journey of the legendary Beatles performed by an 8 piece band including string quartet. Line up…

Blake Morrison, Nic Woodford, Kevin Adams, Brad Kimber, Barbara Webb, Alyssa McCulloch, Lynn Trappell and

Una Sheragh.

Enjoy a glass of champagne on arrival, followed by a gourmet 3 course dinner.

Entrée: Slow baked pork belly, apple puree, fennel and petite herbs, served alternately with Wild mushroom risotto, truffle oil with fresh shaved parmesan Main: Roasted chicken supreme, potato and zucchini cake drizzled with porcini sauce, served alternately with Mustard and brown sugar glazed roasted lamb rump, sweet potato mash, baby yellow squash and a rosemary lamb jus Dessert: Sticky date and fig pudding, butterscotch sauce and glace ginger ice cream, served alternately with Warm pear and almond frangipane and fruit

mice wrapped in puff pastry, served with caramel ice cream. $100.00 per person. Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6pm show.

With rave reviews and sell out shows this show is one not to be missed.

Bookings essential. Contact Loxley to book your tickets on 4567 7711.

• Beatles Show, Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast Package Why not make a weekend of it, Loxley on Bellbird Hill is offering the Ultimate Package for 2 which includes Beatles Show, 3 Course Dinner, One night’s Accommodation in a Luxurious Chalet with Kind Bed, Double Spa and Fireplace, Champagne and Chocolates on Arrival. Then enjoy a Fully Cooked Breakfast for 2 on the Sunday morning with late checkout. Contact Loxley for further details and bookings.

• Gift Certificates For a memorable gift, spoil mum with a gift certificate. Ask about our Gourmet Package, Relaxing Spa Package and Private Dining Experiences.

Please contact Loxley on 45677 711 or by email to info@loxleyonbellbirdhill. com.au to organise your gift certificates and event bookings Loxley on Bellbird Hill is located at 993 Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Hills NSW 2753.

Visit their website: www.loxleyonbellbirdhill.com.au

Take a drive to the middle of nowhere

By Ben Cranney

I GREW up in the country and I always love getting out of the city for a weekend away. I miss the sights and the sounds. The air smells better and the water tastes cleaner. So when my mate’s wife gave birth, I didn’t think twice about the 5 hour drive to Tamworth to meet their daughter.

There’s plenty of Australian heritage to see on the way, from rusted out farm sheds and tractors, to the abandoned Oak milk factory in Muswellbrook to just being on the roads out past the

black stump which narrow to one lane and pass through towns of 50 people.

We found some of these roads when we went for lunch at Dobson’s Distillery, about 30 kilometres from Walcha. Its motto, ‘not for everyone’, suits its location in the middle of nowhere.

The owner was a dead ringer for James May, complete with driver’s cap, eclectic mix of interests, and an ability to talk your ear off about all sorts in a way that you’ll enjoy. We did a course of spirit tasters at $2 to $3 for a third of a shot. For a non-

whiskey drinker, the ‘Old Faithful’ was a good introduction, while the 60% ‘Empire 8’ had us breathing fire. Unfortunately, the rum was still brewing, so we moved on to the beers.

Decent, but a slight home brew taste had us back to the spirits and the star of the show, the gin. I’ve never been one for gin and tonic, but I could see why Dobson was so proud of it.

We settled in for a great lunch, with a stunning outlook over sunburnt rolling hills. You would have to be a drought stricken farmer to not enjoy the view.

If you don’t manage to fill up at Dobson’s, head to The Pig and Tinder Box in Tamworth, for a pig on a spit.

Time your visit right, and you can do all of this as part of the Country Music Festival. Or just pretend and get a photo at the Big Guitar. Cure your Dobson’s hangover with a water ski on Chaffey Dam. And if you’ve got the time, make a loop of your trip back to Sydney and cut across the mountains to Port Macquarie and relax on some of the most deserted beaches within driving distance of Sydney. But I’ll talk about Port another time.

21 Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

E N T E R T A I N M E N T Spoil Mum this Mother’s Day at Loxley

22

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

Tradies night BLACKTOWN INN

Social Butterfly Tradies Night was organised by Tradies Bookkeeping

PROPERTY SALES AND LEASING, NOW OPEN IN MARSDEN PARK 9835 3355 | www.bennettproperty.com.au

Lower rental vacancies encourage investors to rejoin the market

By Matthew Bennett, Bennett Property Group

THE Real Estate Institute of New South Wales have released their monthly Rental Vacancy Rate Survey.

Sydney’s rental market remained tight during March, with figures showing Western Sydney’s residential vacancy rate dropping from 2.3% in January to 1.8%. Sydney’s vacancy rate remained steady at 1.7% during the month with the inner city at 1.3%. This is great news for property investors showing that tenants are starting to return to the rental market.

With recent low interest rates and a buoyant market, longer term tenants have felt confident to buy their first home. This has been a contributing factor in property price increases since 2014. This additional competition forces investors to pay more for property. It also increases the vacancy rate with less tenants active in the rental market.

REINSW president John Cunningham said the Sydney market, would likely remain tight for the foreseeable future. “The last time Inner Sydney had a vacancy rate of 1.3% was March 2014. The market is tight and is expected to remain tight for some time,” Cunningham said.

Another factor in tightening vacancy rates is the expected drop in construction starts. According to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2015 was the second consecutive year that work commenced on a record number of new homes.

“During 2015, just over 220,000 new dwellings began construction,” HIA Senior Economist Shane Garrett said. While the residential construction

23 Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

realestate real

industry has made it back-to-back record breaking years, Garrett said it’s unlikely 2016 will see a similar performance. “This represents growth of 11% on 2014, which was itself the previous record holder for new home activity,” Garrett said.

“New home building is likely to have peaked last year, and we will see fewer new homes started in 2016. Under current policy settings, new home building is then projected to fall below the levels required to provide for Australia’s long term housing needs,” he said.

We would be encouraging investors to focus on new and existing homes as apartments continue to dominate the construction landscape. So if housing construction begins to fall below the population growth and tenants continue to return to the rental market, investors should continue to see a reduction in vacancy rates and an increase in rental returns.

Less homes and more tenants means better returns.

If you want to discuss your property portfolio in greater detail, call the Bennett Team on 9835 3355.

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QUALITY HOME AND GRANNY FLAT $000,000 CASTLEREAGH

TWO HOMES, FIVE ACRES CASTLEREAGH

Inspect:

By Appointment

Inspect:

Saturday 23 & 30 April, 12:00 – 12:30pm

Land Size: Approx 3355 square metres

Address:

22 Kenmare Road

Price:

Just Listed

Land Size: Approx 5 acres (2.04 hectares)

Details:

Michael Bennett/Rhonda Schellnack – 4578 1234

Price:

Just Listed

Details:

Michael Bennett - 4578 1234

• Wonderful opportunity for a large or extended family • Quality “Beechwood” BV/tile family home • 4 bedrooms with robes, main with ensuite and walk-in robe • Formal lounge and dining area - Home Office • Separate 2 bedroom granny flat with ducted air • Two car auto garaging plus 3 car shedding • Large covered outdoor entertaining area • Over 3/4 acre in a popular estate with mountain outlook

LLANDILO

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4

2

• Two freestanding homes on peaceful acreage • Main residence with 4 bedrooms, 2 with built-in robes • Immaculate interiors with high ceilings, hardwood floors • Large undercover entertaining deck with pizza oven • Country-style kitchen and updated bathroom with bath • Second residence with 3 bedrooms, sunroom, updated kitchen • Fully fenced deep creek with irrigation to garden beds • 4-car carport and shedding

LONDONDERRY

UNIQUE TREE CHANGE, TWO CONNECTED RESIDENCES CASTLEREAGH $000,000

FIVE ACRES CASTLEREAGH

Inspect:

Inspect:

Saturday 23 & 30 April, 12:30 - 1:00pm

Land Size: Approx 5 acres (2.01 hectares)

Address:

332 Nutt Road

Price:

Just Listed

Land Size: Approx 5 acres (1.98 hectares)

Details:

Rhonda Schellnack - 4578 1234

Price:

$1,450,000 - $1,550,000

Details:

Scott Lee/Maurice Mantovani - 4578 1234

• Dual occupancy home on 5 acres (4-bed & 3-bed layouts) • Private courtyards, shared indoor/outdoor entertaining areas • Separate living/dining rooms and spacious timber kitchens • Both master bedrooms with ensuites and walk-in robes • Slow-combustion fires, ceiling fans and air conditioning • Two onsite dams, sheds, water tank, Envirocycle water treatment • Double carports. Separate electricity, shared town water supply

By Appointment

7

2

4

$000,000

4

1

3

$000,000

• Level and flood-free acres with 2 dams, 2 approved dwellings • Fully cleared, fenced to paddocks with town water • Very comfortable older style cottage with self-contained granny flat • Ten minutes from Penrith and Richmond • 20 minutes to Badgery’s Creek Airport • Landbank Opportunity!

• In a popular rural location. Easy access to M4 and M7 • Close to St Paul’s Grammar School

KURRAJONG (02) 4573 1228 80 Old Bells Line of Road RICHMOND (02) 4578 1234 239 Windsor Street MARSDEN PARK (02) 9835 3355 Cnr Richmond Road & South Street www.bennettproperty.com.au

SOUTH WINDSOR

2

COMFORTABLE CASTLEREAGHVILLA

1

1

$000,000

• Excellent location – walk to schools, shops, city train • Renovated 2 bedroom villa with built-in robes • Private undercover courtyard • Open plan living and dining • Large kitchen with breakfast bar, internal laundry • Lock-up car-space plus lock-up storage • Ideal low-maintenance investment property

AGNES BANKS

3

• Spacious family home on 744sqm corner block • Entertaining deck, outdoor kitchen/BBQ, gazebo • Comfortable bedrooms with BIR, master with ensuite • Saltwater swimming pool with water feature • Studio with bathroom, power, water, internal access • Infinity gas hot water, reverse cycle air conditioning • Triple-car garage with rear access and room for a boat • Double carport, under-house storage (potential workshop/wine cellar) • NBN and Foxtel, 5kw solar, security camera, sensor lights

By Appointment

Inspect:

Saturday 23 & 30 April, 12:00 - 12:30pm

Price:

$370,000 - $400,000

Address:

2 Wardell Place

Details:

Karen Rigg - 4573 1228

Land Size: 744 square metres

3

“THE WHITE HOUSE” CIRCA 1837 CASTLEREAGH

1

1

$000,000

• Historic Home on an extra large garden block • Very comfortable brick residence with many original features • Entertainers kitchen opening onto a private garden courtyard • Separate brick studio with guest accommodation, a loft and garaging • Delightful gardens with an entertaining gazebo • Fully fenced with a gated entry. Tool shed, chook pen • Approx 1000 square metres - potential 2 lot subdivision (STCA) • Ideal Professional Rooms. Close to city train and shopping centre

4

STUNNING PROPERTY WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS CASTLEREAGH $000,000

Inspect:

RICHMOND

3

Price:

Just Listed

Details:

Rhonda Schellnack - 4578 1234

RICHMOND

2

EXTRA LARGE BLOCK CASTLEREAGH

• Approx 793 square metres, Zoned R3 Medium Density • Very central location. Walk to city train and shops • Very comfortable full brick Californian bungalow with character • 10 foot ceilings and ornate cornices, original cedar joinery • Updated kitchen with oregon timber and dishwasher • Two room garden studio and carport • Fenced and established yard with potential

Inspect:

Saturday 23 & 30 April, 10:30 - 11:00am

Inspect:

Saturday 23 & 30 April, 11:00 - 11:30am

Address:

74 Lennox Street

Address:

93 Lennox Street

Land Size: Approx 1001 square metres

Land Size: Approx 793 square metres

Price:

$860,000 - $890,000

Price:

Just Listed

Details:

Michael Bennett/Scott Lee - 4578 1234

Details:

Michael Bennett - 4578 1234

1

1

$000,000

KURRAJONG (02) 4573 1228 80 Old Bells Line of Road RICHMOND (02) 4578 1234 239 Windsor Street MARSDEN PARK (02) 9835 3355 Cnr Richmond Road & South Street www.bennettproperty.com.au

We’re back in Asia and hosting a home semi-final

Free to try

By Christian Layland

THE NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers have sealed second place in the Hyundai A-League and in doing so have secured a place in the AFC Champions League for a third time.

With the 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix, the Red & Black have also earned a week off before returning to the original Wanderland one last time for a home semi-final.

In the four short years that the Wanderers have existed they have finished in the top two three times, appeared in two Grand Finals, won one Premiership and became the first Australian club to win the AFC Champions League.

Having to rely on results to seal first place, hopes of a second premiership evaporated on Friday night as Adelaide United defeated Melbourne City, but with Roar failing to defeat Melbourne Victory second place was up for grabs with a win over Wellington.

It looked to have been the perfect start when Brendon Santalab was fouled in the box but referee Shaun Evans waved away shouts for what looked like a blatant penalty.

Wellington almost took full advantage hitting the post before

Dimas and Romeo Castelen had chances for the Wanderers.

The Red & Black then had Andrew Redmayne to thank for remaining in contention for second place when he made two saves, including one spectacular finger-tipped effort, to keep the Wanderers in the match.

The save proved crucial as on the very next attack the Wanderers took the lead through Brendon Santalab.

With Castelen driving into the box, his cross saw a number of deflections before it hit Santalab’s leg and rolled over the goal line.

That goal put the striker one goal behind Mitch Nichols in the golden

boot standing and only minutes later he had equalled Nichols’ tally of ten as he scored one of the goals of the season.

Starting deep in their own half, a number of sweeping passes from the Wanderers saw the ball at Castelen’s feet before he layed-off to Santalab.

Santalab didn’t waste any time, smashing a low, fierce drive into the back of the net.

From there it was a professional performance from the Wanderers that sealed the club’s third AFC Champions League appearance in four seasons and a Hyundai A-League home semi-final.

27 Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

sport

BLACKTOWN City Netball Association are holding a Free ‘Come & Try’ Day for NetSetGo Skills Program on Saturday 30th April 2016.

It will be held at BCNA Netball Courts, International Peace Park, Cnr Boyd & Devitt Streets, Blacktown NSW. Time: 10.00am to 11.00am (Please arrive around 9.45am) Week 1 of NetSetGo Skills Program commences on 7th May 2016 and runs until 30 July 2016.

You need to register with a club of your choice in order to play in the program. This runs for 10 weeks.

Any queries, please contact NetSetGo Skills Coordinator, Courtney McMillan on email courtney.mcmillan94@gmail. com or mobile 0432 610 718

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28

sport

Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

BARRIER RISE with Tony Brassel Tony Brassel is one of the most respected judges of horseflesh in the country.

He is a form expert and racing analyst with SKY Racing and radio 2KY and has now joined the Western Sydney News Group’s stable of quality journalists.

STRATURBO: Gary Portelli’s sprinter worked on both turbos in winning his 799m trial at Randwick on April 15 and ran a smart 47 secs in winning his heat. Will be ready to go when he appears.

ONCE MORE A LADY: Unraced Congrats filly which led them a merry dance in winning 800m trial in 46 secs flat – easily the fastest time of the sessions at Randwick on April 15.

Ready to run.

BALTIC WHISPER and TACTICAL ADVANTAGE: Fought on finish in a 800m Randwick trial on April 15. They showed pace to be with the leaders and then came away at the serious end, running smart time.

FURNACES: Godolphin’s colt

looks set to make a big impact in the Brisbane carnival going on this impressive stroll around over 800m at Randwick on April 15. Never out of second gear in finishing fast closing 3rd in solid time.

BADAJOZ: Another of the Godolphin string which impressed in the Randwick 800m trial on April 15.Shared the lead under a strong hold throughout yet still put the trip behind him in 47.10 seconds.

PACEMAN: Jason Coyle’s aptly named youngster made all the running to win untouched in a Warwick Farm trial on April 1 when scooting over 800m. He beat Badajoz that day.

Don’t miss this bloke.

Storm Raging In Youth League

By Noel Rowsell

THE Blacktown Storm Youth League Men’s team has put together back-toback wins in the 2016 Waratah Youth League competition, consolidating their position in the top four on the competition ladder.

Round Five saw the Storm on the road to Moss Vale (without head coach Greg Radford) to face the lowly-ranked Magic.

The Magic were primed for a big effort on their home court, pushing the visitors all game before falling 90-80.

Storm captain Simeon Murray and Bryan Soria led the Storm with 24 points apiece, ahead of Diing Mawein 23 and Rhyss Limguangco 13.

Coach Radford was back at the helm for Saturday night’s Round Six home game against the fifth-placed Northern Suburbs Bears and his team played accordingly, stunning the visitors with their powerful running game in a big 99-73 win.

Defence also played a huge part of the win, with the Storm forcing the Bears into multiple shot clock violations throughout the game and constantly putting the Bears shooters under pressure.

Radford said “Offensively, we (Storm) ran them (Bears) into the ground”.

“They (Bears) really struggled to handle our speed up and down the floor”.

Murray again led the way with 26 points, ahead of Mawein 23 and Junior Madut 21.

The Storm host the unbeaten competition leaders the Central Coast Crusaders at the Kevin Betts Stadium on Saturday in the undisputed ‘Game of the Round’, with tip-off at 5.30pm.

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Calling on all female AFL players!

By Jarrod McGrouther

THE AFL is excited to announce the season launch of an all female youth AFL competition, beginning in May this year. 11 teams will challenge for the inaugural competition, with each team based in Western Sydney. The competition is to be contested by girls in the 12-15 age bracket.

The season launch will be held next Sunday, May 1 at Blacktown International Sportspark, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill. Entry is free and the AFL is encouraging girls of all backgrounds and skill levels to be involved in the day.

The launch begins at 10am with ‘come and play’ games held from 10:30. These games are the perfect opportunity to give the sport a try and learn the skills associated, the best part is no prior exposure to AFL is required. Round 1 of the competition will then kick off at midday.

With positions still available on many of the teams, the launch is a great opportunity to learn the game with fellow newcomers and even join up for the upcoming season. With the inaugural women’s AFL league set to kick off in 2017, what better time than now to get involved in this unique Australian sport?

AFL is a great way to meet new friends, increase fitness and learn to be part of a team. Teams generally train once a week, with more information available from the local club in your area. Examples of teams competing in the new competition include the Penrith Giants, Bankstown Sports Bullsharks, Baulkham Hills Hawks and the Blue Mountains Kangaroos.

Kathryn Glover, AFL development coordinator for Greater Western Sydney said there are other ways to sign up for the season too.

29 Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

sport

“The competition proper will run until September, with games played each Sunday in a home and away format. If you can’t make the launch, the best way to get registered for a team is to contact the clubs directly, their contact details can be found at play. afl.com.au” Stephen Bali, mayor of Blacktown, will also be on site to oversee the occasion.

With female sports on the rise, the AFL is excited and proud to be bringing this competition to Western Sydney. For more information visit play.afl.com.au

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SCORE

Clr Stephen Bali Mayor - Blacktown City Council

69 Matthew Bennett - Bennett Property

69 Tony - Choices Blacktown

59 Paul Maher - Loxley on Bellbird

67 Troy - Urban City Consulting

53 Michelle Faint - Kidz Zoo

53 Kimberley Talbot - CEO Richmond Club

65 Barry Locock - Turtle Landscape Supplies

67

30

sport

Western News 22 April 2016 Issue 8

MY WORDS WITH MARK GEYER

QUEENSLAND: GREAT ONE YEAR, PERFECT THE NEXT WITH seven rounds in the books, what have we learnt from the opening quarter of this 26 game NRL season? I’ll tell you what I’ve learnt.

Brisbane and North Queensland are playing better footy then they were last year!

Which is scary for the other 14 teams looking set to try and take up the other six spots of finals footy, even from this far out from the finish line.

The Cowboys have learnt to win without Jonathan Thurston playing a leading role. Scary.

The Broncos have picked up where they left off last year but this year the MILF has awoken. Anthony Milford has quickly become the most exciting NRL player in the comp. He’s only 21. Scary.

It’s already shaping as an all Queensland grand final yet again as these two teams north of the border continue to play exciting and dominate rugby league.

Next best- if these two above mentioned teams are to have any competition where will it come from?

Again, these are long-range forecasts as anything can happen in footy and usually does - but the Sharks and Eels seem the two teams most likely.

The Sharks have been predicted by many to be at least in this years top eight but with so much strike power and experience it could be the year of the Shark.

The Eels, well where does one start when beginning with the sentence “The Eels..,”. It should be to talk about a resurgent footy side bursting with an entire new footy formula which is a total joy to watch.

On the other side of the coin this big black cloud hovering overhead called ‘Salary Cap’ just won’t decimate.

Let’s hope the off-field saga quickly ends so the on-field boys can continue with their jobs.

Next column we will take a look at those teams who have their work cut out for them already this season, and who has been the buy off the year.

And another thing...

As it nears I thought I’d be one of the hundreds to give their NSW team that will hopefully end this total domination by the Canetoads forever!

Of course we’re all usually a long way off the team that will be picked but this is my 17 I’d like Laurie to at least consider for Origin 1 here in Sydney.

1. James Tedesco 2. Josh Mansour 3. Michael Jennings 4. James Roberts 5. Josh Morris 6. James Maloney 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Andrew Fifita

Anthony Milfold; Broncos Michael Morgan; Cowboys

9. Nathan Peats 10. James Tamou 11. Greg Bird 12. Beau Scott 13. Paul Gallen 14. David Klemmer 15. Trent Merrin 16. Jack Bird 17. Bryce Cartwright *quickest centres ever to play together in origin * Jack Bird as my utility * I’ve gone with Cartwright over Josh Jackson because NSW have to score points. * Nathan Peats as my hooker *Tedesco as my fullback but I think Matt Moylan will feature somewhere in this year’s series.

MG (random Westie) OAM

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Western NEWS

sport

Friday, 22 April 2016

HARPO’S MARKS

T THE NRL’s much-vaunted bbunker is quickly turning out to be a whole load of bunkum!

All those two wombats sitting in the studio watching replays after those imbeciles out on the paddock officiating can’t come up with a ruling do, is to watch slow motions replays and different camera angles and make a decision.

Still they can’t get it right!

If you are a follower of the NRL there’s no need for me to point out the incorrect decisions that pair of blind mice have made this season.

Look, a few simple rule changes will make it easier for all concerned.

If you can’t hold onto a ball in a tackle, no matter how many defenders are involved, you deserve to lose possession.

If you get the ball over a tryline, whether on the ground, in the air or

still on your feet, it’s a try.

Get rid of the scrums!

The attacking side just takes a tap. That’ll save us all the tedium of watching players on both sides watching where opposing players position themselves either in the scrum or out in the backline.

If you have to have scrums, numbers 8-13 (or their replacements) must pack in the scrum.

Of even better, make the scrums a contest again – that’ll sort the men from the boys!

In days of olde, getting those 12 big boofheads out of the way for a few seconds ensured the fleetfooted men out wide had scope to put on a few moves and launch attacking raids.

NOW some good news out of rugby league – the rebirth of the game in Londonderry!

Well-known league identity,

Buck Rogers and a handful of likeminded people have worked their butts off over the past 12 months to get the Londonderry Greys up and running.

And running they are!

The Greys will gallop five teams onto the field in Penrith District Junior Rugby League competitions this year – A Grade, under 17s, under 15s, under 12s and under 7s.

I had the pleasure of attending the club’s season launch at its Richmond Greyhound Club headquarters last month.

Around 300 or so players, officials and supporters turned up for a terrific night, highlight of which was the unveiling of the Greys’ jersey.

Doing the honours with the unveiling was Prue Car, the state member for Londonderry who was also instrumental in persuading PDJRL to invite the Greys back

RICHMOND CLUB

into footy.

I had a chat with Prue after she and Buck Rogers did the unveiling deed and she impressed me with her knowledge of the game and her delight in league returning to Londonderry after an hiatus of more than 20 years.

If she was my local member, at the next election I would be voting early and voting often to get her back into parliament.

Lovely woman and really comes across as a person who is in politics to make a difference!

HIGH MARKS: Archie Bunker couldn’t get as many laughs as the Bunker Boys. Get a dog and a white stick!

LOW MARKS: The abhorrent leniency being shown by the NRL judiciary to players charged with head-high tackles. Where’s that .44 Magnum!

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Come to the oldest Ex-Servicemen’s Club in the Hawkesbury - Hawkesbury’s Community Heart - est 1947

Richmond Club 6 East Market Street Richmond, NSW 2753 | Tel (02) 4578 1144 www.richmondclub.com.au | www.starbuffet.com.au/richmond