Western News 24 January 2020 by Nepean News

Sydney Electrical Contractors provide professional electrical services for:

COMMERCIAL - LEVEL 2 RESIDENTIAL ABN: 18164435527 Licence: 210987C Level 2 ASP Licence: 4515

(02) 8007 7215 Email: info@sec24hr.com.au

www.sec24hr.com.au

free

Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Friday, 24 January 2020

ISSUE 101

Follow Western News on facebook

Australia Day 2020 Blacktown Council Australia Day celebrations see page 2

Western News 24 January 2020 Issue 101

local news

Western News

Australia Day in Blacktown

rom having breakfast with koalas to celebrating local heroes and rocking out to live music, Blacktown City Council has Australia Day celebrations covered. Blacktown’s Australia Day begins with ‘Wake Up with the Wildlife’ at Featherdale Wildlife Park, before continuing with a special citizenship ceremony and the announcement of the City’s Citizens of the Year. The day concludes with a free Australia Day concert at The Rooty Hill. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said more than 20,000 people are expected to attend Council’s Australia Day events. “We all have been incredibly saddened by the devastating bushfires and I have been deeply moved by the generosity of our community in coming forward with donations of money, foodstuffs, equipment and their time,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “That generosity of spirit and kind is what Australians do best and I encourage everyone to join us on 26 January and celebrate our pride in being Australian and living in this great nation. “While Council has decided to cancel the Fireworks display out of respect for those who have lost loved ones and property in the bushfires, we still have a huge range of fun, family friendly and exciting events for people of all ages.

“The very popular ‘Wake Up With The Wildlife’ at Featherdale Wildlife Park kick starts the day’s program of events.” From 7 am, families will be having breakfast with the fabulous collection of Australian animals at Featherdale. Bowman Hall in Blacktown will be the scene for a special Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony from 10.30 am where 100 of Blacktown’s residents will become Australian citizens. Following the ceremony, Mayor Bleasdale will announce Blacktown City’s Australia Day Award winners. Celebrations continue from 4 pm with the free Australia Day Concert on The Rooty Hill. There will be free amusement rides and food stalls as well as live music performances headlined by the Choirboys, Shannon Noll, Dragon and tribute shows by The Oils and Anthems of Oz Aussie FMX will also host three demonstrations at the event, featuring riders Zachary Mckenzie and Brodie Carmichael, a 3x World Record Holder who in 2017 landed a World First Front Flip Superman at the Nitro World Games. “I encourage families and friends to head down early to The Rooty Hill for our family-friendly, alcohol-free annual Australia Day celebrations,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Thousands flock to the free Australia Day Concert at The Rooty Hill.

Event details

Wake up with the Wildlife Breakfast 7.00 am to 12.00 pm Featherdale Wildlife Park, Kildare Road, Blacktown (Unfortunately sold out). Citizenship ceremony 10.30 am Bowman Hall, Campbell Street, Blacktown. The special Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony will see more than 100 people become Australians on Australia Day. Australia Day at The Rooty Hill 4.00 pm – 9.30 pm, The Rooty Hill, Church Street Rooty Hill. Enjoy all the festivities of Australia Day 2020 at Council’s Australia Day Celebrations on The Rooty Hill. Including free amusement rides, as well as live performances by headliners Shannon Noll, the Choir Boys, The Oils Tribute and Dragon. Stage Program 4.00 pm Anthems of Oz 5.00 pm The Oils Tribute 6.00 pm Choirboys 7.00 pm Shannon Noll 8.15 pm Dragon In the event of extreme weather conditions, celebrations may be cancelled. For more information on Blacktown City’s Australia Day celebrations and/or changed traffic conditions, visit www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au or phone 9839 6000.

Opinion: Transport a mess – spin doctor required By Stephen Bali MP, State Member for Blacktown

FTER a horror conclusion to 2019 for the rail network in NSW with the newly unveiled Sydney light rail being christened the “newest and slowest in the world” the NSW Government has announced that they are on the hunt for a senior spin doctor to help better communicate with the public. Transport for NSW announced on Linkedin that it was searching for an ‘Executive Director, Public Affairs and Marketing’ to help with the “direction of brand, marketing campaigns, corporate

communications and public affairs…” This comes one month after it was revealed that Brad Burdon a former spin doctor for the NSW Premier received an unadvertised 6 month contract for “community engagement” worth $250,000 last year. The contract with Burdon is now under investigation by the Public Service Commission. The Government is pursuing this recruitment after it was revealed last week that deferred maintenance across the rail network is forecast to surge to $1.3 Billion by the end of the decade from $419 million last year. Labor Shadow Minister for Transport Chris Minns said: “Clearly the priority for Transport for NSW

should be on the existing rail infrastructure not on a new spin doctor for the Department.” “At some point taxpayers have to get value for money and new engineers, train drivers and other frontline workers should be prioritised.” It is an absolute disgrace how this State Liberal Government is dealing with public transport issues. Their priority is to employ spin doctors and underfund rail system rather than dealing with real issues such as committing to Doonside Lifts. What chance do we have to get our lifts if this Liberal Government is mismanaging the rail budget and are heading towards a maintenance deficit of $1.3 Billion?

Western News

local news

estern Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) has helped make the daily lunchbox pack a lot easier with healthy lunchbox sessions offered to 22 local schools. More than 1,500 local families received tips on how to prepare a healthy lunchbox as part of the Live Life Well @ School initiative, which provides support to schools on how to improve students’ health and wellbeing. WSLHD Centre for Population Health deputy director Christine Newman said packing a healthy and appealing lunchbox can make a big difference in preparing your child for learning at school. “Finding the time to source, prepare and pack nutritious lunches for kids can be a challenge for many parents but we also know kids can be fussy with their meal choices,” Christine said. “When children have healthy food, they are generally more alert and focused. They can sustain their concentration for longer, which means they’re more ready to learn and thrive.” Lunchbox contents can make up a third of a child’s daily nutrients and can provide the energy they need to

Front row L-R: Mum Samantha Lupica with son Yaari. Back row L-R: Mum Melinda Aslin with daughter Macy. Front row L-R: Mum Melanie Nimmo with Luke.

get through the day. Seven Hills North Public School principal Renai Diamond recognises the importance of students having a healthy lunchbox. “We value the opportunity to include healthy lunchbox sessions as part of our kindergarten orientation program,” Renai said. “The sessions provide useful ideas and tips to help parents create a quick, easy, healthy and delicious lunchbox

Our Services: • Surgical Specialities • Inpatient Rehabilitation • Day Rehabilitation • Hydrotherapy Pool • Wellness Classes • NDIS Minchinbury Community Hospital Phone 9625 2222 Cnr Great Western Highway & Rupertswood Rd, Rooty Hill www.mhsminchinbury.com.au

that their children will love to eat.” Here are some simple tips to help build healthier eating into lunchbox time: • Include something from each food group in the lunchbox – vegetable; fruit; wholegrain bread/cereals (such as a soft wholemeal bread roll or a pita pocket); dairy (such as cheese or yoghurt) and protein rich food (such as a boiled egg, hummus or homecooked chicken).

• Try to set a good example with your own lunches. Make it normal to eat healthy foods in front of your kids. They’re more likely to try new foods if they see others eating them. • Encourage children to help choose and prepare their own lunch. They might like to make a list of the foods they enjoy. • Make sure foods are easy for little fingers – for example, chopped or small fruit and veg (like cherry tomatoes, grapes or carrot sticks). • There are limited times for children to eat during the day at school. Children may prefer to play with friends instead of eating. Encourage your child to sit and eat before heading out to play. Western Sydney Local Health District invests approximately $2 million annually on tackling obesity, and $1.5 million for the Western Sydney Diabetes initiative. In 201920, NSW Health has allocated $36.6 million towards reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Of this, $24.7 million is for the prevention of childhood obesity. For more easy healthy lunchbox ideas and information on the Live Life Well @ School initiative, check out healthykidswesternsydney.com. au and healthylunchbox.com.au.

Western News 24 January 2020 Issue 101

Back to school 2020: your lunchbox guide

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

Western News 24 January 2020 Issue 101

Western News Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Sports Journalist: Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Sports Journalist: Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Graphic Design: Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com

Distribution Map Western News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres. Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

Vineyard Riverstone Rouse hill Marsden Park Kellyville Ridge

Schofields Shanes Park Colebee

Ropes Crossing

Quakers Hill

Hassall Grove

St Marys

Dean Park Glendenning

Emerton

Plumpton

Stanhope Gardens Parklea

Kings Park Marayong

Woodcroft

Kings Langley Lalor Park

Mt Druitt Rooty Hill Minchinbury

Blacktown

Seven Hills

Arndell Park Toongabbie

Eastern Creek

Prospect

Western News thanks all our volunteers and emergency service personnel for the amazing job they have done in supporting communities across NSW and interstate during the bushfire crisis.

Western News

local news

Western News 24 January 2020 Issue 101

African communities gain online skills for easier access to healthcare

Program participant Afaf Khogai.

estern Sydney women from the African community have received free computer training courtesy of Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD). WSLHD’s Computerise Base Health Literacy program provides a new weekly class in Seven Hills, offering basic computer skills with the aim of helping people from the African community to better understand the Australian healthcare system. Following a community health needs assessment in 2019, WSLHD identified that access to healthcare was a barrier for this community group. Course participant Fawzia Eltigani said the training was helpful. “I can now book medical appointments with

my GP online and find other health information,” Fawzia said. “I can look for an Arabic female GP and by doing this online it is so easy.” WSLHD Multicultural Health program officer Abulla Agwa said women can now access healthcare providers at the click of a button. “We hope our participants will share their learnings with their family and friends,” Abulla said. “This computer class is a new initiative and we hope to replicate this training model for other nationalities.” Improving health literacy is an important WSLHD initiative. For more information visit www.healthliteracyhub.org.au For more information about the computer classes, email Abulla.agwa@health. nsw.gov.au or 0448 056 688.

Michael Vassili

Barristers and Solicitors Family Law – Criminal Law – Civil Law All Litigation in All Courts throughout Australia

First interview is Free

1300 557 819 (24 HOURS - 7 DAYS)

admin@cityprosecutor.com.au www.cityprosecutor.com.au

Rouse Hill – Blacktown Seven Hills – Melbourne

Western News 24 January 2020 Issue 101

local news

Western News

Have your say on the Western Sydney Animal Rehoming Centre

lacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM is encouraging residents to have their say on a new $27 million stateof-the-art animal rehoming centre to be built in Glendenning. The Western Sydney Animal Rehoming Centre will be constructed in Owen Street, Glendenning, and will replace Council’s 40-year old Animal Holding Facility in Flushcombe Road, Blacktown. Plans for the centre will be on public exhibition from 13 January to 17 February, 2020. “The Centre will be the first custombuilt animal rehoming centre of its kind in Australia and will offer a range of services never previously available in old-fashioned ‘council dog pounds,’” Mayor Bleasdale said. “The Western Sydney Animal

Rehoming Centre will be able to house 135 dogs and 230 cats and is designed to provide sufficient capacity for the requirements of Blacktown City and a number of other councils well into the future. “I encourage all residents to take a look and comment on this exciting new project for the community.” The new facility is highly accessible to visitors from across Sydney, located very close to both the M7 and M4 Motorways. Council’s new Animal Rehoming

Centre will be a modern, eco-friendly, welcoming and spacious facility based on best practice for animal holding and rehoming. The facility will service Blacktown, Liverpool, Willoughby, Parramatta, Ryde, Canada Bay, Lane Cove and Hunters Hill councils. The Western Sydney Animal Rehoming Centre will provide a number of associated services as well as animal care and rehoming including: - community volunteer programs - community education areas

Mayor Bleasdale said: “The current Animal Holding Facility (AHF) at Blacktown is over 40 years old and would require significant upgrades if it were to continue into the future. “The AHF is now often at capacity and would therefore be incapable of dealing with the growing demand from a community with a projected population of 522,000 by 2036.” Construction of the new Animal Rehoming Centre is expected to commence in early 2021. The Western Sydney Animal Rehoming Centre is on public exhibition from 13 January to 17 February 2020. For more information visit: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov. au/About-Council/What-we-do/ Transformational-Projects/AnimalRehoming-Centre

New year, new career at Tafe nsw

new year instigates the notion of new beginnings in the form of resolutions, promises and changes and among this, job hunting begins and career changes rise. Career transitions are not uncommon over the course of one’s lifetime, as McCrindle Researchi suggests that the average person will have approximately five career changes and 17 different employers. TAFE NSW student and Penrith resident George Baker is proof that it’s never too late to be in a career you love. Mr Baker became a qualified electrician through TAFE NSW and worked in the industry before his passion for computers led him back to the classroom. He completed his Certificate IV and Diploma in Information Technology at TAFE

NSW Mount Druitt and is now working for researchers at University of Technology Sydney to help design an intricate ICT system to help inform diabetes research and has even co-authored an academic research paper.

“I learnt the hands on skills to become an electrician but I returned to TAFE NSW to broaden my skill set because I’ve always had a passion for computers and the teachers taught me how to turn that passion into practical and employable skills.”

According to research by SEEKii, 43 percent of Australians are currently considering a career change in the next 12 months, but will choose not to for reasons such as family priorities or job uncertainty. Mr Baker said: “I never thought I’d get the marks to go to university and now I’m working amongst leading academics, which is something I was only able to achieve through TAFE NSW.” “Being in a career I love is very fulfilling and knowing I had the support of industry recognised teachers gave me the confidence I needed relaunch my career.” 2020 is the perfect time to make the change for an exciting future. For more information on a range of courses available at TAFE NSW for semester one enrolment, visit www.tafensw.edu. au or call 131 601.

Blacktown cancels Australia Day fireworks Blacktown City Council has taken a number of initiatives in its continuing response to the devastating bushfires that have ravaged much of New South Wales. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM has announced that due to a number of factors Council has cancelled the fireworks scheduled as part of the Australia Day Celebrations at The Rooty Hill. “Out of respect to those who lost lives and property and with the ever present danger from fires in our own area, Council has decided to put this year’s fireworks on hold,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “But rest assured there will be plenty of fun and excitement for all the family at Australia Day Celebrations. “The Rooty Hill will come alive with an outstanding program during the day with free amusement rides for the kids, food trucks and stalls ahead of a massive stage program featuring the Anthems of Oz, The Oils Tribute, Choirboys, Shannon Noll and Dragon.” Council has also cancelled the fireworks scheduled for the Lunar New Year celebrations in

Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside on 13 January . In other bushfire response developments, Blacktown City Council is moving ahead with its offer to help other councils in bushfire affected regions. Council has transferred its Senior Environmental Health Officer, Julia Thompson, to Shoalhaven City Council in Nowra for an initial 2 weeks to assist with bushfire relief and recovery work. “We also have staff working in the Local Government Bushfire Recovery Support Group and Council has been in discussions with Hawkesbury and Lithgow councils and offered to provide assistance to speed up applications during the rebuilding phase,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “The Blacktown City Council Bushfire Appeal continues to receive donations of money, packaged non-perishable foodstuffs and items of personal hygiene, all to be distributed to victims of the bushfires. How you can help Online cash donations to the Blacktown City Council Bushfire Appeal

• Account name: Blacktown City Council Bushfire Appeal • BSB: 032 071 • A/c number: 638868 Over the counter cash donations to The Blacktown City Council Bushfire Appeal • Blacktown City Council Administration Centre, Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown. Collection points for non-perishable food and personal hygiene items • Max Webber Library, 61 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown • Our Library @ The Mount Druitt Hub, Ayres Grove, Mount Druitt • Dennis Johnson Library, Cnr Stanhope Parkway & Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens • Riverstone Library, 1st Floor, Riverstone Village, cnr Market Street & Riverstone Parade, Riverstone • Lalor Park Library, Cnr Freeman Street and Northcott Rd, Lalor Park • Blacktown City Council Administration Centre, 62 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown.

Western News

local news

fter being deployed to the south coast last week, community mental health nurse Kathy-Anne Audley says the reality of the bushfire devastation is indescribable. Kathy-Anne is one of six mental health clinicians from Western Sydney Local Health District deployed to bushfire-affected communities, offering mental health support to those personally affected by the bushfires. “This is my first bushfire deployment and my eyes have been opened to the indescribable devastation that these communities are facing,” Kathy-Anne said. “You see it reported on the news, and in photos, but when you drive through these towns and all that is left of a property is a chimney, it really hits home. “The community is grieving; grieving the loss of family, friends, property, and livestock,” she said. “A lot of people are in shock and feeling emotions like devastation and anger. There is so much raw emotion. “I have a lot of people coming up and asking ‘why me, how could this happen? “We are here trying to help people validate their feelings and

WSLHD mental health staff Eliza Zhao, Rizvan Patel, Kathy Audley, Nick Dunne and Neralee Jeffrey in Batemans Bay.

let them know that the emotions they are feeling are extremely normal.” Having been in the Batemans Bay area for over a week, mental health nurse Neralee Jeffrey said the team has been working in evacuation, recovery and distribution centres throughout the south coast communities. “We have a really strong team of professionals out here, all working

very hard to provide expert care and support to the communities affected by the bushfires,” Neralee said. “You feel a great sense of purpose when people come to you seeking help. “We are providing a very small service for the community but it has proven to be so important at this time. “It’s allowing us to be there for people who sometimes aren’t willing

to go and seek professional help.” Acting Executive Director of Mental Health Bill Brakoulias said he is incredibly proud of the six nurses who volunteered to assist the bushfire victims. “There is a huge need for mental health support in these areas. I am so pleased that our staff are able to help by providing professional expertise and care,” Bill said.

Western News 24 January 2020 Issue 101

Mental health nurses shower support on NSW south coast

AUSTRALIA DAY FEATURE

Western News 24 January 2020 Issue 101

Where did the Aussie accent come from? By Keegan Thomson

NE element of the Australian story that is often overlooked is the linguistic history of the Australian accent. It is a harsh accent with lots of hard sounds and unique abbreviated colloquialisms, but where did it come from? The story is cemented into us from the fourth grade of school: The First Fleet of lawbreaking convicts from across the English Isles made their way into Sydney Harbour to start up the new colony of New South Wales. From the second the cons set foot on Australian shores they started chatting. They probably spoke about the rough ride over, the crappy food, the rats they had to share their beds with and most important the weather. You had convicts from Scotland talking to thieves from London’s East End and petty criminals from the highlands of Wales. They all started mixing their accents, words and phrases from the get go. Professor Catherine T. Best is the Chair in Psycholinguistic Research and Director of Research at the MARCS at Western Sydney University. She has studied accents and the difficulties of learning a second language. Her research has helped her better understand the linguistic history of the Australian accent. Prof Best says there are many elements to what made the contemporary Australian accent what it is today and they all date back to the First Fleet. “The first English speaking people to come to Australia came from all over the United Kingdom.

They were criminals and their overseers from across the British Isles,” Prof Best said. “Within the UK there are very marked accent differences and in Australia these accents came together. “Here people were thrown together with all different accents and vocabularies and told to work productively together. To do this they needed to communicate. When people come together in that way they start developing a similar lingo overtime so they can community effectively,” she said. Prof Best says there is evidence to show the Australian love affair with shortening words into colloquial abbreviations comes from the first convict settlers. “This tradition has some connection to secret word play that convicts would have used to cover up criminal activities and talk to one and other in code,” Prof Best said. “The tendency to make Australian abbreviations, like calling an electrician a sparky, comes from these

abbreviation codes and cockney rhyming slang.” Before British settlers came to Australia there were hundreds of Aboriginal tribes living across the continent. Their history, language and culture has had many impacts in the way the Australian accent has developed. “There were many tribes of Indigenous people who worked with the English settlers in many productive ways. As a result everyone tried to learn each other’s languages,” Prof Best said. “By sharing the terminology and subtle changes of the pronunciation of some words the changes to an in-between pronunciation that is mixed between a British English and an Indigenous accent.” The subtle language elements that the Indigenous people contributed to the Australian accent is similar to that of Australia’s new wave immigrants. Listen in and you can hear the three main Australian accents spoken across the country. A broad accent, spoken by someone like actor Paul Hogan, an educated accent, spoken by the previous Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and a more general accent that is spoken in major cities. These three main accents also have subtle changes that can also be heard across state lines and in different regions. “Informally there is a ‘Westie’ accent,” Prof Best said. “It isn’t a broad Australian accent but it has features that distinguish it from the general Australian accent spoken in, say, Gosford,” she said. It is difficult to figure out where the Australian language is going but if we listen in extra hard we might be able to hear the changes.

From my family to yours

Happy Australia Day!

Prue Car MP “ Member for Londonderry

Our diverse community comes together as one to celebrate the love we all share for this great nation on Australia Day

“

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

We wish to pay special tribute to all the emergency services workers who have given so much in fighting the bushfires.

Stephen Bali MP Member for Blacktown Phone: 9671 5222 Shop 3063, Westpoint Shopping Centre, Blacktown Email: blacktown@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Aussie lingo With Australia Day coming up let’s have a bit of a gander at some old Aussie slang sayings that only true blue Aussies would understand!

Old slang.. all but forgotten!

› As flash as a rat with a gold tooth › It beats a poke in the eye with a blunt stick › Ya bloody scallywag! › He’s cactus › He’s got a head like a beaten favourite › How ya going Cobber? › Ken oath! › Bangs like a dunny door in a hurricane › On the blower › Hum dinger › She’s got a kangaroo loose in the top paddock › Stone the flamin crows › You pong! › He was grinning like a shot fox › She’s the duck’s guts › Amber fluid › He’s as fat as a butcher’s dog › Feeling as crook as Rookwood › Where’s me doovalacky? › Grouse! › She’s up at a sparrow’s fart › He’s come a gutzer › Within a coo-ee › That’s about as rare as rocking horse poo › Big-noting yourself › Bonzer bloke › Off like a brides nightie › Barrack for your team › Strewth › She’s done the Harold Holt › London to a brick › Hoo-roo › She shot through like a Bondi tram › He’s lower than a snake’s bum › She can talk under water with a mouthful of marbles Q: What is the difference between an Australian wedding and an › I’m so hungry I could I could eat a horse and chase its rider Australian funeral? › I’m busier than a one legged bloke in an ar$e-kicking competition › She could eat a toffee apple through a tennis racquet A: One less drunk at the funeral - (applied to buck teethed women)

› My throat feels like the scrapings from the Cockie’s cage › She’s got a face like five miles of unmade road › As popular as a pork chop in Jerusalem. › As much use as an ashtray on a motorbike › He’s as reliable as a two bob watch › His language was so bad, he’d make a warfie blush › Fits like a bum in a bucket › She’s as thick as two short planks › He’s so fat you’d need a cut lunch to get around him

9 Western News 24 January 2020 Issue 101

AUSTRALIA DAY FEATURE Good ole-fashioned

Q: Why do kangaroos hate rainy days? A: Because their children play inside. Q: What did the necktie say to the Akubra Hat? A: “You go on a head mate, I’ll just hang around.” I was recently turned down on my application for an Australian green card, on account of my criminal record. Bit bloody ironic is it not?

Step back to the colonial days in Parramatta this Australia Day

Brislington volunteers were awarded the City of Parramatta Volunteers of the Year 2017 on Australia Day 2018

ommunity members are encouraged to take a step back in time and learn about the colonial history of Parramatta by visiting Brislington House this Australia Day. Brislington House is one of NSW’s oldest medical and nursing museums. It was built and constructed in 1821 for ex-convict John Hodges as a condition of his application to Governor Macquarie for a Liquor License, using money won in a card game at the nearby Woolpack Inn. Visitors can see photographs, memorabilia of Parramatta medical and nursing staff dating back to 1880s as well as books, surgical and nursing equipment used in the eighteenth century. Brislington House is owned and operated by Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and was part of the former Parramatta hospitals. It is staffed by the Parramatta District Hospital Graduate Nurses and Associate volunteers and is located at the corner of George and Marden Streets, Parramatta. The museum will be open on Australia Day from 9.30am – 4pm. Private groups are welcome by appointment and a gold coin donation from visitors is appreciated. For bookings or for further information, call 4751 4360 or 9635 7154 or visit: www.brislington.net/

On this day we reflect upon what it means to be Australian and celebrate the rights, freedoms and liberties with which we are richly blessed and which we should never take for granted. Have a great Australia Day!

Kevin

Conolly

State Member for Riverstone Phone: (02) 8883 3499 Fax: (02) 8883 3355 Mail: P.O. Box 65, Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768 Email: riverstone@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Western News 24 January 2020 Issue 101

local COLUMNISTS Western News

A mirror of the sky

Rugs for sale Shop front

Town square By BEN CRANNEY

‘The blue alleys are to remind us that despite our differences, we all live under the same sky’. Our guide was talking about Chefchaouen, a town in northern Morocco whose streets are painted sky blue. The photos I’d seen before going looked spectacular, but when we arrived, and stopped on the hill side to admire the view, it was a little underwhelming. Yes, there was a

slight blue hue coming out of the town, but under the midday summer sun, it was mainly off white. I wasn’t sure if the four hour drive from Fez had been worth it. But when we got down in the streets, that thought disappeared completely. At street level, the blue dominates everything, even the sky it is modelled after. In fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking the sky is modelled after Chefchaouen’s streets, given they are so much more vibrant.

Town streets

It’s very photogenic, which the tourists all take advantage of. Some of the locals seemed a bit sick of this, and they hid their faces as they went past. I don’t blame them, because there were a lot of us there, and it would be frustrating having your street or doorway turned into an instaphoto shoot. The saving grace is that because it’s so beautiful, you can get a great shot first time round and move on. If I went again, I’d stay a couple of days. Not because there’s a huge amount to do, but because, like the Moroccan sand dunes, the colouring would change with the angle and intensity of the sun. And it would be nice to get lost in the streets just as the town is waking up. And also because the drive there isn’t great for anyone who gets travel sick, as my sister in

law demonstrated by leaving a near full meal of pasta on the roadside. There are other things to do, though. Jebel El-Kelaa, the peak overlooking the town, can be climbed in a day, and there’s more trekking through the Talassemtane National Park, or Bouhacherm Regional Nature Reserve. There’s a small Kasbah, whose gardens are a lovely respite from the crowds, especially as most don’t go in. Go shopping for leather or woven goods. There isn’t the biggest range, but you’ll likely get a better price than the big cities, and it’s more likely to have been made by the people selling it. But perhaps the best thing is that there are other theories about why the town is blue, so you could spend each day musing on a different one. Next time: lost in translation

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Back Again

ell, here we are in a brand new decade and I hope it will be a good one for us all. I also hope that you were okay during those terrible fires but let’s take a moment to think about those who lost everything. 2020 is supposed to have very positive properties, so let’s all make a resolution to pull together to help our poor fire-ravaged country. I think I have said before that I am never sure where my inspiration for these columns will come from. I have to confess that I didn’t really think about this one very much as my husband and I hosted a fund raiser yesterday evening to help the poor droughtridden farmers and so I was slightly preoccupied. But inspiration strikes in strange places and during dinner I got into a fascinating conversation about the fluidity of time and how, as humans, we have certain preconceptions whereas time is a relative concept and who is to say how it relates outside the circle of our own little species. This naturally segued into how I work to see the past and the future and somehow, thanks in no small part to the lateness of the hour and the wine consumed, to reincarnation and the ability of the soul to divide itself into many parts. A splendid conversation to have late into the evening! And so today, having waded through the Augean Stables of the washing up, I collapsed on my sofa with my Kindle. Now, I will read anything I can get my hands on and take great joy in downloading all the free offers that come through, some of which are deletable after a couple of chapters but some of which take you pleasantly by surprise. As I settled in for a well deserved rest, I opened up

a new tale called Infinite Sacrifice. The blurb was not all that promising. It is about a woman who dies and who, before she can experience Heaven and be reunited with her loved ones, must face and indeed live through all her past incarnations. “Oh well!” I thought, half asleep, “Let’s give it a go.” I have to say that it is surprisingly good. A bit of a pot boiler, but one of those stories that makes you want to turn the page. In the preface, the author puts forward the thought that some things stay with us through various incarnations, certain likes or dislikes, joys or fears, some foods we like and things that we enjoy. She flirts with the idea that back in the dawn of time, we were divided into our own little tribes and that through the millenia and various lives, we have been striving to reunite in one guise or another with our original group.

As I pondered these ideas from the comfort of my sitting room, it got me to thinking about we interact with people. Now I think I am quite easy to get along with as I am not in the least confrontational, but it has happened to me a few times that I have been introduced to someone who hates me from the get go and doesn’t let social niceties blunt their antagonism. What causes such a reaction? Could I have somehow provoked such anathema in a previous existence? Conversely, past life meetings could also explain how we immediately get on with someone and rapidly become so easy in their company. Back to my author who proposes that we carry forward certain physical traits, maybe a birthmark or a mole but she says the one thing that doesn’t change are the eyes. She reckons that whatever our gender or corporeal form, the eyes always stay the same. Is this the reason I have always been a sucker for blue-eyed men? Did Ugg back in the cave have the cerulean peepers that I have been searching for ever since? I certainly know that the moment I met David and looked into his baby blues, I was a goner. When my daughter was born, none of the nurses could believe how aware she was from the moment of birth. I looked into her dark, dark eyes and saw truth and knowledge from many years and I knew, even then with little or no idea about reincarnation, that I had been reunited with someone very special. What was our relationship in years gone by? I neither know nor care, suffice that we found each other again. The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.

Western News

local news

ne of Australia’s greatest athletes, Jana Pittman, is one of 47 interns to join Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals earlier this week as part of the 2020 intake. Health Minister Brad Hazzard visited Blacktown Hospital to welcome the recruits, who are part of a record 1027 interns that will start work in NSW public hospitals this year. “I want to congratulate Dr Pittman and her colleagues and wish them every success as they start their medical careers at this state of the art facility,” Mr Hazzard said. “Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals have had a $700 million expansion and as a result, these JMOs will benefit from world class mentors in world class surroundings. “Dr Pittman had many wins as an athlete but swapping her running spikes for a stethoscope is a win for patients, and I thank her and the entire JMO class of 2020.” The NSW Government is investing

$107 million in the internship program this year.

Since 2011, intern positions in NSW have increased by 257 or 33 per cent. Interns rotate through metropolitan, regional or rural hospitals, as well as General Practices. NSW guarantees intern positions to all domestic medical graduates of NSW universities, and provides internships to many graduates from interstate universities. Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals’ medical services director Brett Gardiner said Western Sydney Local Health District hospitals will welcome 130 interns this year. “Our interns will have the opportunity to undertake roles in emergency, surgery and general medicine in a new hospital where

the well-being of new recruits is a priority.” Jana Pittman is a dual Olympian, two-time world champion and fourtime Commonwealth Games gold medalist. She has spent the past seven years juggling three children, work and study and is ready to hit the hospital ground running. “I loved my athletics career, representing Australia was gold, but I hope my future in medicine will be even better,” Ms Pittman said. “It’s one of those things where you think you’re never going to get there, but it shows that if you persist with something you love, then it just might happen.”

Council announces $2M budget for bushfire response

lacktown City Council has taken further initiatives in its continuing response to the devastating bushfires that have ravaged much of New South Wales. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said a special meeting of Council on Wednesday endorsed a budget and plan of action aimed at maximising Blacktown’s contribution to the bushfire relief and response effort. “Councillors endorsed an initial budget of up to $2 million to be allocated over the next 12 months to Council’s bushfire relief and recovery efforts,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “Council recently announced the cancellation of fireworks displays on Australia Day and Lunar New Year resulting in savings of $15,000. Councillors voted unanimously to donate that money to the Blacktown City Bushfire Appeal. “The Australia Day Celebrations at The Rooty Hill and the Lunar New Year festivities at Nurrangingy Reserve will be cash donation points for the Blacktown City Council Bushfire Appeal.” When Cr Bleasdale became Mayor he elected to forego use of a mayoral car resulting in savings of $15,000 per year. Councillors unanimously voted to donate these funds to the Blacktown city Bushfire Appeal. “Council has drawn up a list of staff, vehicles,

plant and equipment that is available and can be sent to bushfire-affected councils to assist in relief and response efforts,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “Blacktown City Council already has staff working in the Local Government Bushfire Recovery Support Group and Shoalhaven Council in Nowra assisting in the recovery effort. “Council will be sending planning staff to assist Lithgow Council with DA processing for rebuilding and has offers on the table to assist Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury councils. “Blacktown is taking a leading role in the Metropolitan Mayors’ bushfire response group and will host its second meeting on 28 January. “The Blacktown City Council Bushfire Appeal continues to receive donations of money, packaged non-perishable foodstuffs and items of personal hygiene to be distributed to victims of the bushfires,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “Council staff delivered two truckloads of nonperishable foodstuffs to Foodbank at Glendenning that had been collected from Blacktown libraries. “Council’s Bushfire Appeal recently received a $5,000 donation from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association and a truckload of foodstuff donations from the Church of Christ, Minchinbury. “Council has reaffirmed its commitment to do whatever it can to assist the councils and

communities that have been so devastated by the unprecedented bushfires,” Mayor Bleasdale said. Blacktown City Council bushfire response includes: • Up to $2 million over the next 12 months to assist in bushfire relief and recovery efforts. • Blacktown City Bushfire Appeal, accepting cash, non-perishable foodstuffs and items of personal hygiene for distribution to bushfire affected communities. • $15,000 donated to the Bushfire Appeal from savings from the cancellation of fireworks displays. • $15,000 donated to the Bushfire Appeal from savings from foregoing the mayoral car. • Establishing Australia Day and Lunar New Year celebrations as donation points for the bushfire appeal. • Seconding staff to Shoalhaven Council and to the Local Government Bushfire Recovery Support Group. • Direct offers of assistance to Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Blue Mountains councils. • Offers of staff, plant, equipment and vehicles to affected councils through the Local Government Bushfire recovery Support Group. • Blacktown City Council will host the 2nd Metropolitan Mayors’ bushfire recovery meeting 28 January.

Western News 24 January 2020 Issue 101

Former Olympian joins 2020 intake of junior doctors

Western News 24 January 2020 Issue 101

WESTERN HISTORY

Western News

A Scottish Boy Makes Good By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

illiam Walker was born in Glasgow in Scotland in February 1828. He was the son of George Walker a schoolteacher and Elizabeth (Nee: Ferguson). George, a Presbyterian, was recruited to Australia by Reverend James Dunmore Lang. The family reached Sydney in the Portland in December 1837 and his father opened a Presbyterian school at Windsor where William received his early education and later by Reverend Matthew Adam. Wanting to become a Solicitor, in 1841 William was taken in by Francis Beddek. Francis arrived at Sydney in 1827 and by the end of 1828 was established as a solicitor in Windsor. William was articled as a solicitor in that practice in October 1852. He later practised successfully in Windsor as “William Walker & Sons” right up to 1908. Also, in 1852 he was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court. In March 1853 at St Matthews church in Windsor, he married Mary Hassall the granddaughter of Reverend Rowland Hassall and Richard Rouse. Rowland was born in Tahiti in 1798 and drowned at the Cow Pastures in 1835. Around 1804 grandfather Roland managed the property of Anna Josepha King called “Dunheved” at South Creek (St Marys) while her husband Governor Philip Gidley King was overseas. Richard Rouse was born in 1774 in Oxfordshire in England and came to Australia with his wife and two small children and arrived as free settlers in the Nile in December 1801. Richard carried a letter of recommendation from the Duke of Portland. In March 1802 the family were granted 100 acres at North Richmond by Governor King. Richard died in May 1852. William and Mary’s life together only lasted five years when she died in 1858. William was a member of the Anti-transportation League and acted as election agent in Windsor for Sir John Darvall in 1856 and successfully canvassed for T W Smith against the champagne loving Sir Henry Parkes in 1857. In August 1859 he married his second wife Henrietta Medora Cooper at St. Matthias’ Church in Paddington. She was born in St Pancras in London in 1840. She was the daughter of Robert George and Sarah Cooper. Henrietta died in 1874 and is buried in St Matthews Anglican Church in Windsor. In March 1860 he won a Legislative Assembly by-election for Windsor and became a loyal supporter of Sir James Martin, a friend of Henry Parkes. William favoured revenue duties that supported the 1866 Public Schools Act and wanted to make the Legislative Council elective. Without losing sight of wider political issues he proved an energetic and effective local member, agitating for the railway to Richmond and Windsor (opened in 1864), and a bridge across the Hawkesbury River at Windsor (built in 1874). William acted as an unpaid assistant whip for Sir James Martin, who rarely went to an important division without consulting him ‘to ascertain if all was right’, but his support of Martin’s unpopular land legislation led to his defeat in 1869 because it offended his squatting

BEST CARE

medical clinic REUWIN MEDICAL PTY LTD

friends. In April 1876 he married his third wife Jessy Wood in Windsor. In November 1880 William asked Henry Parkes to recommend him for a seat in the Legislative Council as he believed he was ‘sufficiently independent to sustain the dignity’ because he had a private income of £500 pa and £500 from his profession and explained that he ‘might’ support Parkes’s Government. It didn’t happen until 1888 when he became a Member of the NSW Legislative Council for life. Within William’s lifetime he had known Henry Parkes for over forty years that started with William’s interview with Henry regarding the political influence of his “Empire” newspaper and his considerable interest in Windsor and public education. In his recollections of Sir Henry Parkes, William said that “On one occasion, while I was a member of the Assembly and during a ministerial crisis, Henry invited a number of his political friends, including myself, to a lunch with him and spend the day at his then residence Werrington (house) near Penrith. The first Mrs Parkes and two of her daughters were present. We were most kindly treated and sumptuously entertained and were also much amused by an inspection of his collection of native wild animals. He had quite a small menagerie and which it seems in his spare moments he took great interest. He also showed us his valuable collection of autographs of learned and distinguished persons. He had great faith in the virtue of gastronomy as a political force and like all Englishmen he believed in a good dinner”. Henry was later asked to leave the Werrington House property due to non-payment of rent. William was an elder of the Presbyterian Church and for many years a representative on its General Assembly, He was Secretary of the Hawkesbury Benevolent Society and Hospital and founding President of the Windsor School of Arts in 1861-77. A long-time advocate of the town’s incorporation, he was an Alderman on the first Windsor Borough Council from 1871 and Mayor in 1878. He contributed articles to the press on the Windsor floods and published a collection of lectures, speeches and articles. William died of influenza at his home “The Terrace” in Windsor in June 1908. The funeral was largely attended. The polished cedar casket with its heavy silver mounting and an engraved plate held these simple words “William Walker aged 80 years,” was conveyed to the Presbyterian Church for the service and then the cortege wended its way to the Presbyterian cemetery where he was buried. He was survived by four sons and three daughters by his second wife Henrietta Medora, and by two sons and two daughters of his third wife Jessy. His estate was valued for probate at £1,380 and he carefully divided his extensive and historical library among his children. Photo of William courtesy of the Parliament of NSW website.

Sources: J. Steele, Early Days of Windsor, Daily Telegraph, Sydney Morning Herald, (State Library of New South Wales, Australian Dictionary of Biography (Vernon Crew), W. Walker: Recollections of Sir Henry Parkes written in 1896 copy in National Library of Australia, BDM online, Ancestry.

GP & SPECIALIST CLINIC

BLACKTOWN

Health is wealth ealth! rh u o y t u o b a e r a c o We d BULK BILLING

OPEN 7 DAYS

Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm | Saturday & Sunday 8am to 3pm

Ph: 0488 300 009 | 50/12 Merriville Rd, Kellyville Ridge Ph: 8076 4200 | 4 Lock Street, Blacktown

www.bestcaremedical.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT

INSTRUCTIONS

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

SUDOKU: HARD

Western News 24 January 2020 Issue 101

SUDOKU: EASY

SOLUTIONS: 20 December EASY

MEDIUM

CROSSWORD ACROSS 9 Tedium (7) 10 Referees (7) 11 To kindle (7) 12 Army reserves (7) 13 Adolescents (9) 15 Spots (5) 16 Style of music (7) 19 Inebriated (7) 20 Genus of hemlock spruce (5) 21 Pernicious (9) 25 No longer alive (7) 26 Overthrown (7) 28 Type of light (7) 29 Breed of cat (7)

down 1 Showing submissiveness (6) 2 Increase threefold (6) 3 Concept (4) 4 Unit of electrical current (6) 5 Suspected (8) 6 Bewitched (10) 7 Lath (8) 8 Killer (8) 14 Familiar with (10) 16 In a resentful manner (8) 17 Forcing out of bed (8) 18 Giving off (light, heat, radiation) (8) 22 Pleasure from causing pain (6) 23 A marine mollusk (6) 24 Turfed (6) 27 A juicy gritty-textured fruit (4)

solution 20/12/19

Western News 24 January 2020 Issue 101

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

Western News

Self-employed – How to get into your own home?

he way we work here in Australia has really changed over the last 20 years. More people are working for themselves, self-employed, doing more than one job or working different sorts of hours. Many self-employed borrowers come up against the challenge of not being able to simply present payslips and tax returns to back up their loan applications. But this need not stop you buying your dream home. Many lenders offer loans for selfemployed borrowers who can’t hand over payslips and employment records. This means that, rather than the usual documentation, you prove your ability to service a loan using bank statements, declarations from your accountant and financial records. Of course, as with any mortgage application, you must still prove that

your income outstrips your spending and you can service the loan. Getting this right is more than presenting a lender with a few quick sums on the back of a napkin; it can take a solid six to 12 months of preparation. Here are some quick tips: • reduce debt: pay down credit cards and personal loans, and be sure to lower the credit limits as they are paid down, as lenders assess the total credit available to you as a potential debt level, not just the amount you owe; • cancel credit cards that you don’t need (this will affect credit scoring); • speak to a credit adviser about how the structure of your business and your taxable income will impact your ability to borrow; • do your taxes when you should, and always pay your tax assessments on time;

• save: saving a deposit is obviously important, and showing your ability to live within your means while saving is too. This is key to serviceability – you want to show at least a sixmonth history of high income and low expenses; and • go to an MFAA Approved Credit Adviser, rather than a bank. Credit advisers have access to specialist lenders that assess applications on a case-by-case basis and tailor their products to self-employed borrowers and contractors, while bank lenders do not. Loans to the self-employed do differ from standard loans in a few ways, apart from the application process. Lenders offset the extra risk they are taking when lending to a selfemployed borrower or contractor by charging slightly higher interest rates and placing some extra rules on loan-

@wealthwiz

to-value ratios (LVR) and insurance requirements. Generally, you can expect an interest rate for such a loan to be one to two percentage points higher than for a full-documentation loan. Most lenders will also insist on an LVR of no more than 80 per cent – meaning that under no circumstances will they lend more than 80 per cent of the property value, as assessed by the lender. In cases where the loan amount is for more than 60 per cent of the property’s value, some lenders also require self-employed borrowers to pay for lenders’ mortgage insurance. At Wealthwiz, we want to help you get into your own home sooner, contact Alex on 0419 600 177 for advice who can help you navigate the loan market for self-employed borrowers.

#wealthwizau

WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au

Innovation Roof Restoration

Are you happy with the look of your roof?

Best rates in town!

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

Call Kurtis on

0475 555 000 for a free quote

Licence No. 251151c

All work comes with a 5 year guarantee

Western News

SPORT

estern Sydney Wanderers FC have parted company with head coach Markus Babbel. “It is unfortunate that we have needed to take this course of action because we have a great relationship with Markus,” said Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer. “However we firmly believe that we have a great squad and the results are most definitely not reflective of the ability of the players at this club and certainly do not reflect the aspirations of the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club. “We have total faith in the group of players here at the Wanderers and look forward to pushing on with renewed vigour towards the finals series.” Jean Paul de Marigny has been appointed as caretaker coach, supported by assistant coach Labinot Haliti, while the club commences its search for a new head coach.

CEO John Tsatsimas and caretaker coach Jean Paul de Marigny

Y-League Wrap: Wanderers share points in Sydney Derby

n early goal from Wanderers winger Rory Jordan was cancelled out near the end of the first half by Sydney striker Jaiden Kucharski, and with no further scoring after the break the teams had to settle for a 1-1 draw. There were less than two minutes on the clock when the Red & Black found the opener. Wanderers debutant Dauntae Mariner saw his shot parried by Sydney goalkeeper Levi Kaye, and Jordan was in the right place to score from the rebound. Jack Greenwood was also active in the Wanderers goal, making a couple of good saves. At the other end, Mariner continued a strong debut performance when he tested Kaye again after a swift counterattack. Jordan was then inches away from doubling the Wanderers lead as he smashed the ball against the post from an acute angle.

The game calmed down after the fast start from both sides.

The Red & Black worked hard to keep the opponents at bay, with Mohamed Al Taay making a number of excellent tackles. However, the boys could do nothing in the 37th minute when Kucharski fired an unstoppable long-range shot into the net to make it 1-1. The Wanderers responded well to the setback and Jacob Vasiliou hit the side netting after getting on the end of a great free-kick from Lochlan Constable. The goalkeepers were tested early in the second half. Kaye showed good reflexes to prevent an own goal off a wicked inswinging corner from Peter Grozos and Greenwood had to be sharp to deny Jake Hollman. Grozos then came to life, setting up substitute Evan Tsakos and Jordan in quick succession, but Kaye was equal to the task on both occasions.

Blacktown City FC Pathway Program

lacktown City Football Club (BCFC) is proud to announce our new 8 week Program for under 6 to under 12 players. BCFC will be providing players in the under 6 to 12 age groups to train in our 8 week Program with our accredited coaches and senior players lead by the clubs Head of Football Mark Crittenden, First Grade player Daniel Bragg and the Blacktown City First Grade Squad. The cost of the program is $150 All players must have a 2020 Blacktown City FC/Gioca Training Shirt from previous camps/

programs or can be purchased for $25. Players will receive: • Expert training lead by our clubs Head of Football Mark Crittenden and other club coaches • Training based on FFA Curriculum and club philosophies • Training on quality artifical surface of Lilys Football Centre. Sessions are never washed out. Training dates: Thursday February 13, 20, 27 Thursday March 5, 12, 19, 26 Thursday April 2 Under 6-12: 5:00pm - 6:15pm (Limited Space)

Sydney put the pressure on in the closing stages. Marco Tilio and Benjamin Koop forced Greenwood into crucial saves, while there were also last-ditch tackles from Mathieu Cordier and Mark Natta. A late flurry of Wanderers corner kicks yielded no reward, and the game finished with the score at 1-1. The Wanderers Foxtel Y-League squad return to Marconi Stadium for their next match against Newcastle Jets on Saturday at 6:00pm. Western Sydney Wanderers 1 (Rory Jordan 2’) Sydney FC 1 (Jaiden Kucharski 37’) Western Sydney Wanderers: Jack Greenwood, Jarrod Carluccio, Mohamed Al Taay (c), Mark Natta, Mathieu Cordier, Fabian Monge, Lochlan Constable (Jamie Percevski 88’), Jacob Vasiliou (Evan Tsakos 58’), Peter Grozos (Yousef Sawalha 74’), Rory Jordan, Dauntae Mariner Unused substitutes: Oliver Kalac

Western News 24 January 2020 Issue 101

Wanderers part company with Markus Babbel

Western News Friday, 24 January 2020

SPORT

Burton earns Panthers promotion

enrith Panthers is delighted to announce playmaker Matt Burton has signed an upgraded deal which sees him promoted to the club’s top 30 squad. Previously on an NRL development contract, the promotion ensures Burton is available for NRL selection from the beginning of this season. The 19-year-old Dubbo junior has committed to Panthers until the end of 2021. “To join the club’s top 30 list is an exciting moment for me and I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” Burton said. “The last 12 months has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next. “My focus is now on doing the work needed to earn a spot in the NRL team and I’m really optimistic about what we can achieve as a club this season.” Burton enjoyed a spectacular season in 2019 after starting the year in the Panthers Jersey Flegg squad while also working part-time as a teacher’s aide. He achieved his senior debut in the Canterbury Cup before scoring two tries in a man-of-the-match performance for NSW in the U20s State of Origin clash. In Round 21 he announced his arrival in the NRL, making a memorable debut alongside teammates

Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu in a 26-20 upset win over Cronulla Sharks. “Matt has quickly progressed through our junior development system and played well at every level to this point,” Panthers Head Coach Ivan Cleary said.

“His performance on NRL debut showed he possesses both the skill and the temperament required to handle the challenge of first grade. “If Matt continues to work hard, we are confident he will enjoy a successful career in the NRL.”