Western News 23 November 2018

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Friday, 23 November 2018

ISSUE 73

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Happy 40th Westmead!

Westmead Hospital recently celebrated turning 40 with their first ever baby, Bianca English, NSW Health minister Brad Hazzard and Cassandra Falconer with baby Callum who was born recently at Westmead Hospital.

Cassandra is one of Callum’s mums. Read full story page 2.

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COVER STORY

Western News

› Rotary Award

Westmead Hospital celebrates its 40th birthday

Brian McCombe (fondly known as King Brian) recently was nominated for a Rotary Club of Blacktown City Pride of Workmanship Award by The Good Guys Prospect.

Brian is highly regarded in the community for his charity work and many other community supporting activities. This is another well deserved award.

Congratulations to “King Brian”.

estmead Hospital celebrated its 40th birthday on 10th November and the first baby ever born in the facility, Bianca English, took part in the festivities.

Bianca joined staff and community members in celebrating how the hospital has changed healthcare in western Sydney and its future commitment to patient care.

Westmead’s birthday celebrations coincide with a community Open Day and visit from NSW Health Minister, Brad Hazzard.

The event included health information stalls, tai chi demonstrations and a sausage sizzle.

The hospital is a world-class tertiary referral hospital providing comprehensive and complex services locally, statewide and nationally.

In 2017-18 alone, the hospital provided care to people on almost 1.6 million occasions.

The hospital also operates one of the busiest emergency departments in New South Wales, treating about 77,000 patients in the last financial year.

Westmead Hospital’s clinical immunology director and a Westmead ‘original’ Professor Graeme Stewart said the vibe at Westmead in the early days was extraordinary.

“We believed clinical care is best

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Ms Ann English, with her daughter, Bianca, the first baby to be born at Westmead Hospital 40 years ago.

delivered with teaching, training and research,” Professor Stewart said.

“That was the mantra of our founding professors of medicine and surgery, the late Prof Peter Castaldi AO and Prof Miles Little.”

The NSW Government’s $1 billion Westmead Hospital Redevelopment – one of the biggest health projects in NSW – will transform health care in Western Sydney and beyond.

The project will deliver a new multistorey hospital building with more operating theatres, extra inpatient beds

and a new emergency department for adults and kids, as well as refurbishments.

When completed in 2020, Westmead Hospital will ensure Western Sydney’s growing population continues to enjoy world-class health care close to home and will further boost jobs and pioneering medical research and education opportunities.

For further information about the Westmead Redevelopment, visit: http://www.westmeadproject.health. nsw.gov.au/

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he festive season is well and truly upon us with a Christmas concert right around the corner in Blacktown.

The Blacktown Christmas concert will be held in Blacktown Civic Plaza the following week on Thursday, 29 November.

“Enjoy the free Christmas concert which will feature DreamWorks Trolls kids’ show, free face painting and Santa Claus before the iconic Christmas tree will be lit up, showcasing its fairy lights and decorations,” said Mayor Bali.

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It’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas!

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“The concerts are an opportunity to gather together with our families, friends and neighbours to celebrate the beginning of the 2018 Christmas season - a joyous and peaceful time that can be shared by all, regardless of background or religious belief.”

Blacktown Christmas Concert

When: Thursday 29 November. From 5pm – 9pm Where: Civic Plaza, Blacktown

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From the Editor’s Desk

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

ecently I was talking to someone who was bending my ear about the importance of saving our libraries. While my heart doesn’t cope well with change of any description to be quite frank, my head at first thought there was probably a valid economical argument against their necessity in this digital age.

But last night as I was browsing the bookshelves in our sitting room, I came across a couple of old favourite books that have been in my possession since I began reading as a young child.

The Folk of the Faraway Tree, Trixie Belden and a bunch of Famous Five books - just to name a few.

As I turned the cover of one book for the first time in decades, I was met with my former little girl self.

Scrawled across the title page in my eight-year-old handwriting was my full name, school class and a small note dedicating the book to my dog Rigby.

On the inside cover was a pocket made of cardboard that I had stuck on with sticky tape. Inside the pocket was a hand-made library card I’d made for myself.

I’d drawn up columns and a heading stating “Date Due” and I’d filled in the details when I’d “borrowed” the book from myself and the date in which I must return it.

I’ll bet you anything I returned it to myself exactly on the 11-5-1977 as required.

I know what you’re thinking, I chuckled to myself at what a gawk of a kid I was.

I was an only child until eight and I was often bored. Books were my escape, I’d get so involved in the world inside the book I’d forget the real world outside of it existed.

The Library played a massive part in my childhood.

I highly doubt I’d have become a journalist and editor without its influence.

Some things are more important than an immediate economic value.

Libraries have served an important role in shaping the dreams of countless geeks like me, and should be retained for future generations of authors, writers, researchers, historians - and those who simply seek literary escapism to enjoy.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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esidents are encouraged to plant a tree at Waller Creek, Kings Langley, to help celebrate the completion of the $ 1.1 million rehabilitation project.

Blacktown City Mayor, Stephen Bali MP, said the tree planting day on Saturday, 24 November from 9 am to 12 pm, is a great opportunity to get outdoors and see the work Council is doing.

“The creek has been redesigned to improve functionality, increase flood mitigation, enhance biodiversity and improve amenity,” Mayor Bali said.

“All residents should come and take part. We will provide all the plants and materials needed on the day so all you need to do is come down and lend a hand.

The rehabilitation project for Waller Creek will help protect and improve an important waterway within our community.

It will help improve waterway health through the reestablishment of native flora and fauna and removal of weeds and accumulated sediment.

As part of the project, sandstone armouring, coir logs, jute matting and revegetation are now in place to protect the creek banks from erosion.

Many of the features of the project have come about following

consultations with the local community, including stepping stones and a frog pond.

The Waller Creek rehabilitation project was part funded by Council’s stormwater management service charge, and is one way Council is working with the community towards a more sustainable and healthy environment.

Waller Creek tree planting day Where: Allen Robertson Reserve, Vardys Road, Kings Langley Date: Saturday 24 November Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm.

Participants must wear closed shoes, and are advised to wear a hat, long pants and long sleeved shirts.

There is no need to RSVP to this event.

For more information contact Blacktown City Council on 9839 6000.

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Plant a tree to celebrate Creek rehabilitation

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Site identified for new primary school in schofields

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site for the new Alex Avenue primary school in Schofields has been confirmed with the NSW Liberal Government recently announcing that land has been secured on Farmland Drive, Schofields.

Construction of the new primary school will commence mid-next year, and is set to open for the start of the 2021 school year.

Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said the announcement of the location and opening date would be welcome news for local parents.

The school will initially accommodate 500 students, but has been designed to allow for future extension to allow it to cater for up to 1,000 students as the area grows.

“Schools are the backbone of our communities and I am very pleased that this exciting project is being delivered for local families.”

“Our community is going through an amazing transformation.

Schofields is growing and the new school will be built to grow with our community,” Mr Conolly said.

Education Minister Rob Stokes thanked the Member for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly for his tireless advocacy ensuring that the NSW

Government is making it a priority to deliver new and upgraded schools to Sydney’s north-west as the area continues to attract young families.

“Kevin has been a driving force behind securing the funding for the new and upgraded schools being delivered for Riverstone that will serve the community for generations

to come, and this new primary school for Schofields is a great example of that,” Mr Stokes said.

The next steps will involve community consultation and the finalisation of the concept designs before a development application is lodged early next year.

This project is part of the NSW

Liberal Government’s record $6 billion school building program over the next four years, which will deliver more than 170 new and upgraded schools to support communities throughout NSW. This is the largest investment into public school infrastructure by any state government in Australian history.

2018 Community building partnership program Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said he is delighted to announce that community organisations in the Riverstone electorate have secured $329,996 in funding for a total of 11 projects from the NSW Liberal Government’s 2018 Community Building Partnership Program.

The State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities that would otherwise not be likely to be afforded.

“The NSW Government’s strong economic management ensures we are in a position to invest in these important local projects,” Mr Conolly said.

The full list of successful projects in the Riverstone electorate for 2018 are: • Glenwood men’s shed - $8,800 for a Concrete Slab to extend a shed.

• Caddies Creek Public School P & C - $16,760 for a school quiet area allweather structure.

• The Ponds High School P & C - $26,950 for shade structures to provide protection from the weather for students and staff.

• Life Anglican Church Riverstone $9,500 for rooftop solar panels.

• Riverbank Public School P & C $16,586 for a video projector system to be installed in the school hall.

• Blacktown City Council - $22,500

for installing and constructing shade structures over the play space at the Kids Early Learning Centre in Riverstone.

• Glenwood High School P & C - $66,200 for construction and installation of an indoor/outdoor Gym. • Riverstone Girl Guides Hall - $30,000 for outdoor and indoor improvements of premises.

• St John Paul II Catholic College and Wyndham College P&C jointly - $29,700 for shade structures on playing fields shared at the Nirimba Education Precinct.

• Kellyville Ridge Public School P & C - $80,000 ‍constructing new play

area and equipment.

• Life Anglican Church Quakers Hill - $23,000 for rooftop solar panels.

“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference for community groups in the area,” Mr Conolly said.

The Community Building Partnership program has funded some 13,800 community projects since it commenced nearly a decade ago.

For more information about the NSW Government’s 2018 Community Building Partnership Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cbp

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oolworths customers across the Penrith and St Marys region can help make a difference by purchasing a 50 cent token in the OzHarvest Christmas Appeal to provide a meal for Australians in need.

With more than 4 million Australians experiencing food insecurity1 and many charities providing food relief reporting they could take double the food to meet demand, hunger is a serious national issue.

The OzHarvest Christmas Appeal at Woolworths hopes to raise more than $1 million nationally to assist in delivering more food to over 1,300 charitable agencies.

Supplemented by regular donations of fresh produce from Woolworths stores across the country, customers who purchase a 50 cent meal token at Local Woolworths or online will be helping OzHarvest to deliver a meal to someone in need.

“There will be many families all across the country, including in the Nepean region, struggling to put meals on the table,” OzHarvest NSW State Manager, Richard Watson said.

“Through the Woolworths OzHarvest Christmas Appeal, together we can ensure charities can help support those in need and meet the growing demand for support.

Local Woolworths Operations Manager Imran Yousaf said Woolworths understands that Christmas is a time to focus on family, friends and the local community.

“By simply donating 50 cents by purchasing an OzHarvest Christmas Appeal token, we can all make a difference together and play a vital role in helping feed an Australian in need,” he said.

Customers can purchase an OzHarvest 50 cent

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Just 50 cents can make a different this Christmas

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meal token when shopping at any Woolworths store or online until 24 December 2018. Customers can place their name on any token once purchased, and take it home or put it on display at Woolworths stores across the Nepean region.

Last year, the Woolworths OzHarvest Christmas Appeal received an overwhelming response raising over $1 million for the food rescue organisation, providing two million meals for Australians across the country.

Woolworths has partnered with OzHarvest since 2015 to help reduce food waste by providing surplus fresh food from their supermarkets to Aussies who would otherwise go without.

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ove Of Learning Early Learning Centre will be opening soon on the corner of Kurrajong Rd and Carlisle Avenue by an experienced teacher, Tina Domingo.

Tina attended Macquarie University and completed her Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Education as well as her Diploma of Early Childhood at College.

Tina began her teaching career in 2001 and subsequently taught at two Primary Schools. She always dreamt of owning her own school. Her dream came true when she transformed a former Montessori pre-school into her very own ‘hidden gem’ in Croydon Park over 3 years ago. Since opening she has enriched the lives of so many young children by working closely with the community and the centre’s families ensuring that each and every one of her children achieved the best possible outcomes.

Tina is very excited to offer the same wealth of programs and learning experiences to the Love Of Learning Early Learning Centre Mount Druitt Community. All the planned and spontaneous experiences offered will be engaging, stimulating and fun. Her aim is that every child will feel a sense of belonging and love

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he Mayoress of Blacktown City, Anne Bali, is calling on the people and businesses of Blacktown City to remember those less fortunate in our community by donating to the Mayoress Community Christmas Gift Appeal.

The annual gift appeal was officially launched last Friday and this year gift donations can be made Online or at many centres around Blacktown City.

“This year the gift appeal is focused on two wonderful charities; Act for Kids and MacKillop Family Services, and one of our Sister Cities where the local community is having a very tough time,” Mayoress Bali said.

“Act for Kids provides free support services to children and families who have experienced, or are at risk of, child abuse and neglect. For more than 30 years they have been helping children and families with services including; integrated therapy, support for vulnerable families, education services, residential services, special workshops to empower kids and safe houses in remote Aboriginal communities.

“MacKillop Family Services is an agency that provides special support services to vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and their families.

“Its services include; working with families raising a child with a disability,

helping children and young people who cannot live at home and supporting families experiencing disadvantage or crisis.

“This year we will be supporting our Sister City partner, Liverpool Plains Shire Council in Quirindi by donating gifts to children of families in need during this difficult time. The drought has had a huge financial impact on families and this Christmas we hope to bring back their smiles with our donations.

“The appeal is an opportunity for the people of Blacktown City to show their generosity by helping out those doing it tough this Christmas and this year you can donate gifts Online,” Mayoress Bali said.

Gifts are collected for children aged up to 16 years. Gift suggestions include toys, books, new clothing and non-perishable goods. Gifts should be unwrapped or in a gift

bag for ease of distribution. Donate to either charity or to Liverpool Plains Shire Council by buying a Christmas gift and leaving it under the tree at various places throughout Blacktown City: Donating Online through Simply Giving streamlines the gift donation process by offering gift options chosen directly by the charities to suit the needs of the children and families they support.

The gifts will be wrapped and delivered directly to the charities, saving double handling and any extra costs.

Simply search ‘Mayoress Christmas Gift Appeal’ on Blacktown Council website or go to: https://blacktowngiftappeal. simplygiving.com.au/about.cfm?&s ubdomain=blacktowngiftappeal; Gifts will be accepted up until Friday, 7 December, 2018.

Full list of collection places: Blacktown • Blacktown City Council Foyer, 62 Flushcombe Road • Max Webber Library, Flushcombe Road • Office of Stephen Bali MP, Member for Blacktown, Shop 3063, Westpoint Shopping Centre • Westpoint Shopping Centre, Level 3 Customer Service Desk Mount Druitt • Mt Druitt Hub, Ayres Grove • Office of Edmond Atalla MP, Member for Mt Druitt, Office Suite 201, Westfield Mt Druitt Shopping Centre • Office of Ed Husic MP, Member for Chifley, Shop 6, Cleeve Close Rooty Hill • The Rooty Hill RSL- 55 Sherbrook Street Seven Hills • Office of Michelle Rowland MP, Member for Greenway, 230 Prospect Hwy • Office of Mark Taylor MP, Member for Seven Hills, 166 Best Road Smithfield • Office of Dr Hugh McDermott MP, Member for Prospect, 2/679 The Horsley Drive Stanhope Gardens • Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope Parkway • Office of Kevin Conolly, MP, Member for Riverstone, Shop 20, Stanhope Village, Sentry Drive St Marys • Office of Prue Car, MP, Member for Londonderry, 154 Queen Street Kids Early Learning Centres • Find your closest centre

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Mayoress launches Community Christmas Gift Appeal

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Western News 23 November 2018 Issue 73

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An unexpected journey The church

Linares de la sierra

By BEN CRANNEY

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e’d been kicked out of our homestay after questioning why our bed wasn’t much bigger than a cot, and we found ourselves on a bus in the Spanish mountains, heading to a town called Aracena. This was 2010, before wifi or cheap data on phones, so on a weekend when the internet cafes were closed, I felt like we were taking a gamble, making this decision on about 50 words buried in Lonely Planet.

It paid off. The town is a maze of Omo-white alleys running over cobbled roads, circling around a church and ruined castle perched atop

Sancho’s ride

a hill. It’s very popular with Spanish tourists and it was easy to tell why, although the rest of the world hadn’t found it yet, and plenty of locals asked us why we’d bothered coming.

There wasn’t much of the castle left, but it’s history is fascinating. It was built in the 13th century at the site of an earlier Islamic castle. Ironically, it’s purpose became to defend against the Portuguese, despite the Portuguese being the ones who conquered the previous Islamic powers.

The castle stands next to a church with equally interesting history, having been held at one stage by the Knights Templar. The town also boasts a Casino, perhaps tied to the

mineral wealth in the area (the mining company, Rio Tinto, was founded nearby and the historic mines can be visited), a ham museum, signifying the importance of the meat in the area, and many bushwalks. One of these took us to a village, Linares de la Sierra, of about 250 people. The walk was beautiful. Through dry creek beds and along dirt paths with mountain views, past little farms and tethered donkeys.

We found little shrines along the way, and I almost expected Templar Knights, or maybe Don Quixote, to appear around the corner, ensuring that we were safe on our pilgrimage.

But perhaps the most impressive thing in the town are the caves, the

Grotto of Marvels. Under the ruins of the cathedral, it was easy to imagine that there were secret passages from the buildings above to the caves for fleeing Templars, but apparently it wasn’t discovered until a few centuries ago, when a shepherd found it while looking for a lost pig. The 1959 version of Journey to the Centre of the Earth was partly filmed here, and when you walk in to caverns with names like ‘The Glassworks of God’, it’s easy to see why it was a choice location.

Apparently, the castle’s been restored. If you get there, let me know what it’s like.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Lest We Forget

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ast Sunday, I had the honour to lay a wreath on behalf of Hawkesbury Torch Bearers for Legacy at the Richmond War Memorial during the Remembrance Day Service to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the guns fell silent and an Armistice was signed in a disused railway carriage in the Forest of Compiegne just outside Paris. This was the Great War, the war to end all wars but at what cost. Millions of lives on all sides were lost and virtually a whole generation of young men died under the hot sun of Gallipoli or in the mud of Flanders.

Just before Remembrance Day, I saw the wonderful Dr. Brendon Nelson on television talking about the Menin Gate in Ypres and the effect it had had on him during numerous visits when he was our Ambassador to the EU in Brussels. I first visited this incredible monument when I was about sixteen, and I remember standing looking at this huge white edifice, every inch of it covered with names of those whose bodies had never been found, and it brought it home to me as nothing else possibly could, not only the appalling waste of life but the tremendous sacrifice made by these brave young men who gave their lives so that we might be free.

Last year, some friends were going to France for the commemoration of the Battle of Pozieres. He had lost three uncles in different areas of fighting and wanted to know if I could contact them to find out really if they were alright. Now this was something that I had never done before but I was happy to give it a go. I decided the best way was through spirit writing, so armed only with their names and where they had died, I lit candles and opened up channels. It turned out to be a wonderful experience. The three brothers were together again even though they had died in totally different parts

of France and two of them were even teasing the other one that he had wimped out a bit as he had died in hospital. I asked for verification that it was indeed the brothers and they gave me a story from their young days in Australia which did proved to be true. My friends found the graves and were so happy to be “reunited” with their family.

But what of all the valiant young diggers and other nationalities who had made the supreme sacrifice?

Not only those who lie in the rows upon rows of graves marked by the simple white headstones, but also those names on the Menin Gate whose bodies still lie in the rich fertile soil of Flanders Field?

Are their souls still there, or did they find their way home to their loved ones? I believe that in the spirit world we can actually choose where we want to be and although I am sure many came home, maybe there are still a few roistering around the French countryside together with their brothers in arms.

Wherever they are, let us always remember not only those who gave their lives in the Great War, but all those since who have given their lives or health to ensure we may have our freedom in this great country of ours.

Lest We Forget.

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

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

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T is that time of year already! Yes, grab the family and friends and get into the Christmas spirit by heading down to Coachman’s Park on Friday night to fill your year with Christmas cheer.

Join in the community celebrations as the St Marys Christmas tree is turned on for the first time this year.

It will stand proudly in Coachman’s Park from the 23rd November all the way through till Christmas.

There will be lots to entertain the kids and famiy members of all ages with a great evening planned including animal farm, jumping castle, air brush tattoos, entertainment, lots of prizes to be won and much more.

See you there!

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Christmas spirit begins this weekend in St Marys

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Western News 23 November 2018 Issue 73

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WESTERN HISTORY

Beehive Inn I

n the late 1840’s the California Gold Rush gained momentum and it looks like Irishman Luke Ryan decided to try his luck. In 1851 he travelled from Sydney via the US ship “Martha” bound for San Francisco with his brother Michael. He didn’t stay long but left his brother and returned in November from San Francisco on the “Mary Catherine”. In May 1853 Luke had purchased off Maurice Walsh all the stock in trade along with the lease of the “Beehive Inn” that was situated in Campbell Street in Sydney. He presented a petition with numerous names to his Excellency the Governor General for a special licence but was turned down. He persisted and

by May 1854 he was the Publican of that very establishment with a liquor licence for a year when he charged George Healy of insulting his wife by consistently calling Mrs Ryan “an old trollop” over the dispute of the price of a glass of ale. To Luke’s disgust Healy was told off and discharged. Also in 1854 Luke’s wife went surety for the family of Bounty Immigrants Daniel, Owen & wife Eliza Ryan via the “Stamboul”. In May 1855 Luke was granted another year’s licence and in August he was a subscriber to St Bridgid’s Chapel at Prospect. The Foundation Stone of St Brigid’s was laid by Archdeacon John McEnroe on 19 July 1855. Archbishop John Bede Polding opened St. Brigid’s Church on 27 July 1856 that was erected on land at the corner of Thornley Road and the Western Highway (now Reservoir Road). The Prospect Highway now intersects with Reservoir Road in this vicinity. St. Mark’s Coptic Catholic Church now has a building on what was some of the St. Brigid’s property.

St. Bridgid’s Church closed in 1975 and was demolished in 1977.

At this time the building was painted cream on the outside and cement rendered on the inside. The bricks were taken down by hand, individually cleaned by volunteer parishioners of Blacktown South and now form the sanctuary wall and exterior walls of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Blacktown South. The 1856 Altar Stone is set into the St. Michael’s Altar. The 1854 plaque and stone from St. Bridgid’s have been made into a memorial in the grounds of St. Michael’s. In January, 1856 Luke was on the committee of a Mr Plunkett’s election to represent Sydney in the new Parliament – Phillip Ward. In the Central Police Court in January 1856 William Welsh pleaded guilty to information by Mr. Stubbs for a breach of the Slaughtering Act having slaughtered a beast in an unlicensed place and paid a penalty of £5 and costs. Luke was also found guilty on the prosecution of Mr. Stubbs for being the owner/occupier of the premises where a bullock died of disease and he did not immediately remove the carcass to be destroyed by fire as required by law. It appeared that the body was removed but instead of destroying it the carcass was left upon land situated between the Canterbury and Hexley roads belonging to Mr. P. A. Tompson who had to destroy it to prevent infection to his own cattle. Luke was sentenced to pay a penalty of £3 with 26/- costs or to be imprisoned for seven days.

The Ryan family was fairly well represented in signing petitions for City officials and Representatives for Parliament. In August 1856 Luke signed a petition as an elector of the City of Sydney for Edward Dease Thomson Esq. to assist in the working out of the new constitution giving his support for Edward to return as one of the Representatives of Parliament and in December Luke, John, James, Patrick, Timothy, Thomas & William Ryan signed

the petition for the election of John Fairfax Esq. for the City of Sydney. In January 1858 Luke was located at South Creek according to an advertisement in the Sydney Morning Herald which reads “Stolen or strayed from South Creek a black horse branded PO near shoulder, star in forehead, white stripe down nostril and lip, small bump on saddle. Apply Luke Ryan - South Creek or butcher John Bullock -North Shore”. In April 1858 Luke applied for a license of the “Beehive” at South Creek but was refused “as the applicant was not a fit and proper person to hold a publican’s License”. In May at the Penrith Police Court, Mr. W. Roberts applied to the same Bench of Magistrates to grant a re-hearing of the application of Luke Ryan, publican, of St. Mary’s, South Creek. The inn was in part of the O’Connell terraced houses on the Western Road. It appeared that the application had been heard by other justices and the license was unanimously refused for reasons mentioned by the Court. Mr. Roberts was instructed to mention the hardships and difficulties that Luke laboured because no objections had been filed and no witnesses called and examined on oath in support of any objections that might have existed when the license was refused and was required by the provisions of the Act of Council. Asking that if their Worships would grant the re-hearing he hoped for a different result. And their Worships, under these circumstances not wishing to prejudice the rights of Luke and in this view of the law they granted a re-hearing. In July, 1858 according to a deposition at the State Records Department, Luke assaulted someone and that was why he was not a “fit or proper person” to hold the license. The information at the State Records at Kingswood doesn’t give who he assaulted or why and there is nothing at all on the deposition. All records for this period are lost. In August, 1858 at the Parramatta Quarter Sessions Luke was indicted with “feloniously wounding” Catherine Waite.

The trial was postponed because of the absence of a witness. In November Luke who was on bail was charged with having violently assaulted with a weapon on Catherine Waite of St Marys in June who later died. A deposition of the woman after considerable discussion was admitted. Luke was found guilty and sentenced to six months hard labour in Parramatta gaol and his publican license revoked. In August, 1859 the “Beehive Inn” and other extensive premises known as the property of Luke Ryan was up for sale. In March 1860 Luke was publican of the “Irish Harp Inn” at the Haymarket in Campbell Street and by October 1860 it was being sold. Luke’s wife Mary Ryan died in June 1878 and the funeral moved from their residence in Ultimo Street off Engine Street to the Devonshire Street cemetery.

In August, 1878 Luke was ordered to pay £10 to keep the peace on a complaint from Patrick Buckley that Luke had threatened to take his life. Luke’s son Daniel died at the age of 45 in 1879 and Luke died in June, 1880 at his residence. He was buried with his wife at the Devonshire Street cemetery (now the site of Central Railway Station).

Information from various sources.

Lyn Forde, Vice-President of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc

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Western News

REAL ESTATE

13

Alex Soncini

W

ith the RBA setting the official cash rate at all-time lows, it’s a good time to work out how this impacts the interest rate on your home loan and whether you are getting a good deal or not.

When the interest rate on your home loan fluctuates, it can feel as though you don’t have control of your debt. Despite being frustrating, interest rate changes are a part of every loan’s lifespan and warrant your consideration.

The interest rates that banks charge on their home loans are influenced by the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) cash rate.

The cash rate is reviewed by the RBA on a monthly basis in order to safeguard Australia’s economic

stability. The cash rate is the rate charged on loans made between the RBA and your lender. This, in turn, has a very strong impact on the interest rates your lender charges you.

The RBA supports the banks with liquidity facility. Simply put the RBA is a bank to the banks. The cash rate is effectively the rate at which the RBA will lend to the banks, and what the banks effectively use as a reference rate for other things.

When the cash rate is changed by the RBA, lenders decide whether or not to mirror the new rate in the interest they charge their mortgagees.

This is entirely up to the lender in question and depends on the market and how the lender is performing at the time of the cash rate change.

The mortgage market, specifically by itself, is very competitive with many options. “It is about the lender trying to get the right outcome on the deposit side of the balance sheet within the context of a very, very competitive marketplace, but recognising that a reference rate has changed and, therefore, looking at where they stand.

Some lenders choose to shift their interest rate changes higher than the RBA’s cash rate change and, in these instances, other lenders may be offering lower interest rates than the one you currently have.

Keeping track of how your lender manages cash rate changes and where that leaves you as the person paying the interest can be time consuming,

@wealthwiz

and is made more difficult by fees, charges and the flexibility offered by different loan products, which all need to be weighed alongside the interest rate.

A simple way to regain control of your interest rate is to lock it in for a period, if you believe rates are not likely to fall further. Fixed rates offer less flexibility, but more certainty.

Wealthwiz is familiar with the different lenders and their responses to cash rate changes, and can track interest rate fluctuations across a panel of lenders to ensure you’re getting a great deal.

Contact Alex on 0419 600 177 for advice who can help you navigate the loan market to find a loan that best meet your needs.

Western News 23 November 2018 Issue 73

Explainer: how RBA rate changes affect your interest rate?

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Western News 23 November 2018 Issue 73

14

ENTERTAINMENT

Western News

SUDOKU: EASY

SOLUTION: 9 November

SUDOKU: HARD

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

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Obligation (14) 10 Imply (5) 11 A citrus fruit (9) 12 Rod-shaped bacteria (7) 13 Oxygenated (7) 14 Poems of heroism (5) 16 Abducted (9) 19 Rulers (9) 20 Give emotion to (5) 22 Arbitrate (7) 25 Missiles (7) 27 Warriorlike (9) 28 Shouter (5) 29 Abattoir (14)

solution 9/11/18

down 2 Efficacious (9) 3 Risk or danger (5) 4 One who is overly critical (9) 5 A region of western Asia Minor (5) 6 Chronic drinker (9) 7 Fool (5) 8 Ceded (7) 9 Grind coarsely (6) 15 Scavenging (9) 17 Warship (9) 18 Children (9) 19 Process of absorption (7) 21 Guarantee (6) 23 A letter of the Greek alphabet (5) 24 Type of heron (5) 26 What chocolate comes from (5)

Western News

SPORT

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Western Sydney Roller Derby League is celebrating their 10-year anniversary since they got together and introduced the sport to the Western Sydney community.

In 2008 a group of women were inspired to create a Western Sydney Roller Derby league. They hadn’t played before and some of them couldn’t even skate but were inspired to bring what is such a fun, diverse sport into Western Sydney.

Tracey Weir, a founder of the Roller Derby League spoke about what has made the league successful since its introduction 10 years ago.

“It has since become one of the most successful leagues because of the family friendly atmosphere we create,” she said.

“We have a few teams including co-ed teams and our championship winning team ‘The Boutlaws’, and let’s not forget about our fearless Junior League!

“I think what makes the league so great is that this is an all-inclusive sport. We are a co-ed team that supports diversity and inclusion and family.

This and the family friendly bouts is what makes us so strong.”

Roller Derby gained a lot of momentum when the movie “Whip It” with Ellen Page and Drew Barrymore came out. That was the catalyst for many leagues starting and for a lot of community engagement. Over the years the Roller Derby league has seen numbers decline, not only in community engagement and support but with new skaters joining and older skaters retiring and no one to replace them.

Tracey also spoke about what differentiates Roller Derby from other sports and why it should interest people of all ages.

“That you don’t have to be fast. Some other sports

require you to be fast where as in derby anyone of all fitness levels can join. Of course, you develop fitness and agility through training, but you don’t have to be great to start. It’s not an intimidating sport to start,” she said.

“It’s so much fun. It’s unpredictable, very exciting both to play and to watch and it’s different.

“This sport would not work well if you weren’t working together so tightly as a team. You almost become one with the other members of the team, eventually being able to predict their next move.

“Without this understanding of how your teammates work and how you work together the team wouldn’t be as successful.”

The Roller Derby League is looking to recruit

new members in January 2019 so that they can continue playing the sport they love. They are always looking for new partnerships with members of the Western Sydney community.

The Western Sydney Roller Derby League is looking to recruit more non-skating officials and without community engagement and support that is increasingly hard. The Western Sydney Roller Derby league is hoping to increase the promotion of the sport and assistance from sponsors. They are always looking to partner with local businesses.

To start the playing journey, you need to go through stringent training and assessment in line with WFDTA guidelines https://wftda.com/thegame/training/.

Richmond GC take out Club of the Year Title

By Noel Rowsell

R

ichmond GC has won the ‘Club of the Year’ title in the Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association (WSRVGA) Inter-Club competition, following completion of the final round at Glenmore Heritage Valley GC on 7th November.

With their Club already holding a commanding lead in the Club of the Year rankings, Richmond members Ken Powell, Judy Benson, John Manczak and Paul Evans took out the day’s team prize to emphatically secure this year’s title for the Hawkesbury club.

Dunheved GC finished in fourth spot, whilst Stonecutters Ridge GC finished seventh, just ahead of wooden-spoon recipients Springwood CC. ‘Male Player of the Year’ went to front-runner Jim Lyons (Richmond), ahead of Steve Francis (Wallacia), Noel Byles (Richmond), Graham Anderson (Wallacia), Ted Malicki (Wallacia), Colin Cheyne (Richmond), Neil Johnston (Penrith), John Ross (Glenmore), Steve Loader

Paul Fairbrother (Dunheved GC) in action at the WSRVGA Inter-Club event at Glenmore Heritage Valley GC. Photo courtesy of Noel Rowsell (photoexcellence.com.au)

(Stonecutters) and Brian Metcalfe (Leonay).

Diane Bowen (Dunheved) won the ‘Ladies Player of the Year’ title, ahead of a dead-heat for second between Gabrielle O’Dempsey (Richmond) and Judy Loader (Stonecutters Ridge), followed by Denise Chant (Wallacia), Elaine Lovatt (Glenmore), Elaine Williams (Dunheved), Annette Leck (Richmond), Julie Edwards (Glenmore), Carol Lozier (Richmond)

and Shirley Owen (Wallacia).

Glenmore spokesperson and WSRVGA Vice President John Lovatt said “Yesterday was the final InterClub for 2018 and 133 players took part in the event”.

“Apart from the rain shower that came in around 11.30am and lasted for about an hour, the day was a great success”.

Lovatt said “Given the harsh winter and lack of rain, the course was in

very good condition and is a tribute to Steve (Course Manager Steve Konkolics) and his green keeping staff”.

“Sponsors are crucial to these events and I’d like to acknowledge Lower Mountain Air Conditioning, Drummond Golf, One Point Health, Pro-Tel Antenna service, Woolworths Glenmore Park, Swimart, Guardian Funerals, Frasers Property and the Richmond Club” said Lovatt.

The full list of winners at Glenmore were: Men’s: Division One – Neil Johnston (Penrith), runner-up Warren Husband (Glenmore); Division Two – Ken Powell (Richmond), runner-up Peter Whiddon (Dunheved); Division Three – John Manczak (Richmond), runner-up John Edwards (Glenmore).

Women’s: Division One – Judy Benson (Richmond), runner-up Jean Kenyon (Glenmore).

2BBB - Peter Green and Peter Whiddon (Dunheved), runnersup Garry Allsopp and Rex Smith (Penrith) 2BBB Medley – John Manczak and Leonie Manczak (Richmond), runners-up Judy Benson and Roy Benson (Richmond).

Western News 23 November 2018 Issue 73

Western Sydney Roller Derby celebrating 10 years

15

Western News Friday, 23 November 2018

SPORT

Local champ has eyes on Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney

By CONNER LOWE

S

am Appleton for most of the year chases his dream, training in the US and racing Ironman events across the world but any chance he gets he loves to get home to Australia to catch up with family and friends and race high profile Australian events such as Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney (25 November).

Nestled at the base of the stunning Blue Mountains, Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney is Appleton’s hometown event and he is keen to put his local advantage to good use when he takes on Ironman New Zealand Champion and record holder at Ironman Western Australia Terenzo Bozzone.

“I grew up in the Blue Mountains, about 20 minutes from Penrith. But I spent a lot of my time cutting my teeth with the lads out of Penrith Panthers Tri Club, so it definitely feels like a home race to me,” Sam said.

“I love racing in Australia. I still try and do a few races in Australia every year even though I spend a lot of time in the USA. Australia is home and it is

my favourite country to race in.

“It is really cool to be able to race in front of friends and family in Western Sydney. Last year I raced and had a tonne of support out there that was amazing.”

One of the most consistent performers on the global Ironman 70.3 circuit, Appleton kicked off the year with a win at Ironman 70.3 Geelong and he can think of nothing better than book ending his year by picking up the 70.3 title in Western Sydney, where his triathlon career started.

“The start list looks great, with a lot

of Aussie talent assembled and with Terenzo Bozzone returning to racing,” he said.

“I’ve raced everyone on the start list quite a few times, and particularly raced the likes of Tim Reedy, Tim van Berkel and Craig Alexander a lot.

“It is kind of fun because we are all good friends off the course, but love nothing more than to beat each other out there. It is good for bragging rights.”

“It has been a good year so far. I have managed three 70.3 wins and a sixth place at the Ironman 70.3 World

Champs in South Africa.

“Like every year it has had its ups and downs, but generally it has been trending more to the up. I just came off a win at Los Cabos 70.3 in early November, so that is a nice confidence booster that everything is on track for Western Sydney.

“I am doing Western Sydney and then finishing off the racing calendar at Ironman 70.3 Taupo two weeks later. I want to head out there and check out the race venue as its the 70.3 World Champs location for 2020.

“Obviously getting a win at either or both of these would be amazing and definitely something I am shooting for, but I am also aware that the fields assembled in Oceania are really strong these days.

“I would love to come back to defend my title in Geelong as I love the race there and have won it two times.

At the moment though I am unsure where I kick my season off,” he added.

As an Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifying race, Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney offers 35 qualifying slots to the 2019 Ironman 70.3 World Championship, to be held in Nice, France.