Western News 24 June 2022

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Friday, 24 June 2022

ISSUE 164

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Classics Roar

Sydney Motorsport Park was alive with racing action over the 10th-12th June, with the Historic Sports & Race Car Association (HSRCA) staging the Sydney Classic.

See page 16 for full story.

Photo: Noel Rowsell

Western News 24 June 2022 Issue 164

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Blacktown heroes celebrate Queen’s Birthday Honours

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lacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM has congratulated four local heroes who were awarded Queen’s Birthday Honours for their service to the Indigenous community, health services and our local history and heritage.

Mayor Bleasdale paid tribute to Uncle Wes Marne and Mary ‘Maria’ Said, who were each made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), as well as Dr Smita Shah and Jill Finch, who were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the prestigious 2022 Honours.

“Congratulations to these outstanding individuals for their incredible contribution to the Blacktown City community and beyond,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Their recognition is highlydeserved and a true reflection of their devotion to their communities and respective fields.

“These recipients join a group of some of our most-esteemed Australians, and it is a true honour to have these individuals live and work in Blacktown City.

“These awards celebrate their selflessness, commitment and dedication, and on this special occasion, we thank them for their service.”

Uncle Wes, who turned 100 years old in April, received the honour for his significant service to the Indigenous community of Western Sydney over many decades.

Mayor Bleasdale presented Uncle Wes with the ‘Key to the City’ on his milestone birthday to recognise his work in bringing Aboriginal culture and education to schools, events and organisations through his storytelling.

“Uncle Wes is a Bigambul man who has lived in Mount Druitt for more

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM and Chifley MP Ed Husic present Uncle Wes AM with the Key to the City on his 100th Birthday.

than 45 years, and, at 100 years of age, he is committed to sharing traditional knowledge of Indigenous culture,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“He has also dedicated his life to helping children and adults who have been incarcerated to get their lives back on track by helping them to regain confidence to advocate for themselves.”

Quakers Hills’ Maria Said was recognised for her significant service to anaphylaxis treatment, education and prevention.

Maria began her career as a nurse at Blacktown Hospital in 1982 and has been the Chief Executive Officer of Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia since 2012. She was also the National President of FACTS/Anaphylaxis Australia from 1999-2012.

She has made significant contributions to allergy research, and has contributed to a range of medical studies, journals and publications.

She is also a committee member of the European Academy of Clinical Immunology and Allergy Patient

Organisation.

Maria and Uncle Wes were among only 200 Australians to receive the honour of Member of the Order of Australia in this year’s Queen’s Birthday list.

Dr Smita Shah was awarded an OAM for her service to community health in the Western Sydney Local Health District, where she is currently a Senior Community Medical Officer.

Dr Shah has been the Director of the Prevention Education and Research Unit, Research and Education Network, since 1995.

She has authored more than 60 publications in peer-reviewed journals and was awarded the Excellence in Healthcare Award by the Australian Medical Association in 2015.

Doonside’s Jill Finch was recognised with an OAM for her service to community history, notably through the Blacktown and District Historical Society and Prospect Heritage Trust Inc. “Jill’s passion for local history is seen

in her membership and stewardship of Council’s Combined Historical Societies Advisory Committee since 1991,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Jill has been a long-time member and driving force behind many of the historical and heritage organisations and causes in Blacktown City, including Friends of St Bartholomew’s Church.”

She received the Heritage Volunteer Award from the Heritage Council of New South Wales in 2006 and a Centenary Medal in 2003.

Mayor Bleasdale said the deserving recipients were nominated by their peers, thereby showcasing their service to their communities.

“These honours are not possible without nominations, therefore, it is especially important that we continue to nominate and recognise the incredible work of people in Blacktown City,” he said.

AM recipient Uncle Wes Marne conducts the smoking ceremony at Council’s launch of the Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub.

Blacktown Running Festival returns after two years

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t’s time to lace up your running shoes - the Westlink M7 Blacktown Running Festival will return this July after a two-year absence.

Entries are now open for Western Sydney’s favourite running festival, which will take place at Blacktown International Sports Park on Sunday, 31 July.

There are events for runners, joggers and walkers of all ages and abilities, including: the marathon, half marathon, 5km or 10km fun run and 2km kids’ marathon.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM was delighted to see the event return after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year’s festival will be extra special as it will be the first time it has been able to take place since 2019,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“The running festival caters for everyone - from professional athletes, to adults and kids who just want to have a crack and see what they can achieve.

“We all know how tough it has been these past few years being cooped up inside, so I encourage everyone who can, to come together for this fun day out.

“It’s not about winning, but simply trying your best and having a go!”

This year marks the 15th year of Westlink M7 and

ensure accuracy of the course.

Prize money is on offer for the top three place getters in all events, excluding the kids’ marathon, where vouchers will be given to first place in each age category (3-5 years, 5-7 years, 8-12 years and 13-15 years).

All finishers will receive a medallion, gift and certificate, with discount vouchers also available from various supporters and sponsors.

Online registrations are now open and will close at 5pm on 30 July. On the day registrations will be open from 6am at the late registrations tent at the event.

To register or find out more information, visit: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Events-andactivities/Westlink-M7-Blacktown-RunningFestival The Westlink M7 Blacktown Running Festival will return this July after a two-year absence. Registrations are now open.

Blacktown City Council’s partnership.

The marathon event is one of the world’s most unique traffic-free marathons, with the circuit winding through the AFL/Cricket precinct and Westlink M7 shared pathway in Rooty Hill.

The marathon, half marathon, 10 km and 5 km events are certified by the IAAF/AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) to

Event information

Date: Sunday, 31 July, 2022 Where: Blacktown International Sports Park, Rooty Hill - AFL/Cricket Precinct Start Times: 6:45am Start of Marathon 7:15am Start of Half Marathon 7:40am Start of 10km Fun Run 8:00am Start of 5km Fun Run 8:20am Start of 2km Kids’ Marathon

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lacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM has turned the first sod on a new inclusive adventure playspace for people of all abilities at Nurragingy Reserve.

Construction is well underway on the $1.9 million project in Doonside, which is set to be one of the largest playspaces in Blacktown City and Council’s first inclusive-designed playspace.

Some inclusive features of the unique playspace include a customised elevated walkway, Changing Places facility, musical items, trampoline, sand table and play sculpture.

Mayor Bleasdale said Council was proud to partner with Variety - the Children’s Charity - to deliver the exciting new project for the whole community.

“This project is the first citywide inclusive playspace designed and delivered by Blacktown City Council and will include fun elements for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to enjoy,” he said.

“The playspace will embrace the bushland character of Nurragingy Reserve, with a ‘megafauna theme’ which incorporates ancient animals that lived with the Dharug people.

“Council is committed to providing more opportunities for our residents

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (second from left) turns the first sod on the new inclusive adventure playspace with councillors (left to right) Moninder Singh, Carol Israel and Bob Fitzgerald.

to be more active, more often, and this playspace will be a wonderful addition to the more than 1000 parks in Blacktown City.”

Council worked with local Dharug artist Leanne Watson, who helped provide an understanding of local Indigenous history. Her ideas were included in the design through various symbols.

The centrepiece of the design is a customised elevated walkway, which will enable all users to reach a top

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platform with a netting section, 3.5 metres above the ground. There will also be various play opportunities intertwined with the walkway for all visitors to experience and enjoy.

The playspace will also be the first to feature communication boards, a tool which enables those who are nonverbal to communicate with others.

Vanessa Barry, Variety – the Children’s Charity Chief Executive Officer said, “Variety is proud to work alongside communities, to make an

inclusive playspace a reality. Variety Livvi’s Place playspaces are a key element of our broader mission to make sure no child misses out on what they need to join in to be just like everyone else.”

“The Variety Livvi’s Place Nurragingy is an exciting part of our mission to make play available to all kids within their community. It’s been an exciting project to be a part of and we cannot wait to see the community enjoying this innovative playspace”.

The project has been supported by grants from the Federal Government ‘Local Roads and Community Infrastructure’, NSW Government’s ‘Everyone Can Play’ and ‘Public Spaces Legacy Program’ and Council funding programs.

Construction is progressing, with the playspace expected to open to the community in Spring 2022.

An artist’s conceptual vision of the groundbreaking playspace for people of all ages and abilities at Nurragingy Reserve.

Western News 24 June 2022 Issue 164

Construction begins on inclusive adventure playspace at Nurragingy

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Western News Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 Sports Journalist: Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Graphic Design: Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com

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From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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he bitterly cold winter nights have well and truly set in now, and the old ice pic is needed on some mornings to get your car out of the driveway.

As you jump in your nice warm bed tonight and lay back on your warm fluffy pillows, switching on your electric blanket if you have one, or pulling the ultra thick doona right up to your eyeballs so that only your eyebrows feel cold, spare a thought for our homeless people.

There are many around our area with various reasons for being without a home, including financial difficulty, battling addictions, mental illness, fleeing abuse and domestic violence. Some are living in cars and some are braving the elements and looking for shelter.

In these cold conditions, they are likely sleeping on cold concrete or grass, some with only a piece of cardboard for warmth.

If you’re in a position to, now is a great time to donate blankets, warm jackets and tinned soups. Or maybe the next time you go shopping and spot gloves and beanies for a few dollars each, you could purchase a pair or two for someone who can’t afford them.

Thick winter jackets, beanies, gloves, socks and tinned hot meals are all things that will come in handy to those who don’t have the comfort we have to come home to.

There are so many local charities across our large region that will pass on the goods for you, and it can really make a difference to someone’s life – particularly at this time of year. If ever there’s a time where a kind gesture is appreciated by those in need, it is during the coldest months of the year.

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to share their perspectives on how culturally specific care and support could be delivered.

“

This was a great opportunity to come together and discuss how we ensure an integrated care model that is better than what they system currently offers

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boriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members who live and work in the local Rouse Hill community will be invited to take part in discussions around how services will be delivered in the new Rouse Hill Hospital.

The hospital will be developed on a new site at the corner of Commercial Road and Windsor Road, Rouse Hill, following the New South Wales Government’s $300 million investment.

Preliminary information meetings about the Birang Daruganora project have taken place and there was a good yarn about healthcare experiences between attendees. The stories shared

by Aunties, from their own and their communities’ experiences with hospitals and services, emphasise they would like the health care system to be culturally informed and to provide equitable access for all.

The group is hopeful about the future and interested in continuing

Western News 24 June 2022 Issue 164

Good yarn from Rouse Hill locals on making new hospital’s services work best

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Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) chief executive Graeme Loy said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members who live in the catchment or intend to access the new hospital are encouraged to participate.

Additional Rouse Hill Hospital Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community engagement events will follow soon.

Michael Vassili

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Former Westmead Hospital patient hosts ball to raise funds for blood cancers

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n 23 May 2022, Pauline Fallance is celebrating nine years in cancer remission.

Pauline credits her survival from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) to the doctors and nurses at Westmead Hospital’s Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Ward C5a.

AML is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow and is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults.

In recognition of her gratitude to the doctors and nurses of Ward C5a, Pauline and her husband Gordon Fallance recently hosted 450 guests at CommBank Stadium at the inaugural Bloody Cells Ball.

The event, which was held on Saturday 30 April 2022, raised $150,000 for Westmead Hospital’s Ward C5a and the Leukemia Foundation to support people with blood cancers.

With the help of family and friends, the Fallance’s hosted an event featuring entertainment by sports television presenter and Master of Ceremonies Tim Gilbert, a special stadium light show, silent and live auctions and live music.

Aussie singing icon Jimmy Barnes also showed his support of the event,

blood and marrow transplantation.”

“Our medical team are world leaders in this innovative technology.”

Presenting on behalf of Westmead Hospital Foundation, Board Chair James Nguyen thanked everyone for their support.

“

Pauline & Gordon with Ward C5a staff.

delivering a video message to guests saying, “I think it’s fantastic that you’re raising money… Pauline, you’re a legend; you’re tough as nails.”

Representing Ward C5a, Jo-Anne Greaves, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Transfusion Medicine said, “Our haematology unit is a world leader, and C5a is a centre for excellence for

We are one of the only hospitals in Australia that is treating patients with immune effector cells (CAR T-cells), where we can genetically modify the patient’s own immune cells to target their cancer, said Jo-Anne.

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“We are delighted to be named as a charity partner along with our friends at the Leukaemia Foundation,” said James.

“It’s great to know that the funds raised will support continuing research into AML and other blood cancers, and medical treatments at Westmead Hospital.”

To donate to Westmead Hospital’s C5A Ward go to https://donate. westmeadhf.org.au/bloodycellsball.

If you wish to help Westmead Hospital Foundation support the best in patient care and medical research, please make a donation online.

Big issues in spotlight at Blacktown City’s 2022/23 Budget Forum

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espected journalist and news presenter Chris Bath has hosted a panel of community leaders and experts brought together to discuss some of the big issues facing Blacktown City as the region emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM told the forum that Council’s plans for both the next 12-months and 20-years would steer Blacktown City out of the current difficult times and into years of opportunities and sustainable development.

Mayor Bleasdale said, “Council has adopted a draft budget of $809 million for the 2022/23 financial year, including a major capital works program of $284 million to deliver for the people of Blacktown City.

“Council’s record budget locks in funding for our crucial services - collecting the garbage, fixing the roads, and maintaining our libraries, parks and playing fields.

“Council’s $284 million capital works program will shape the City’s future, create jobs, protect the environment and build better places for families and businesses.”

Panellists included Mayor Bleasdale; Paul Campbell, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Australian Catholic University; Dr Michelle Zeibots, Senior Lecturer at the UTS School of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Briony Akle, Head Coach of NSW Swifts; Sivane Kemal, Youth Team Coordinator at Blacktown

Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (third from left) with newsreader Chris Bath (centre) and panellists (left to right) Sivane Kemal, Dr Michelle Zeibots, Paul Campbell, Briony Akle and Chris Laurie at the 2022/23 Blacktown City Budget Forum.

Area Community Centres Inc; and Chris Laurie, Manager at Community Access Western Sydney.

The panel discussed some of the challenges and opportunities facing their respective fields and their plans to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paul Campbell said the staff and students at ACU Blacktown had shown extraordinary resilience during the past two years, with the pandemic hitting just as the campus opened its doors.

“Our students want to get back to being on campus. We recognise its important for our staff and students to have that social connection for their wellbeing and to be successful with what they are doing.

“The new Federal Government has committed 20,000 new places for university students to come to universities across Australia, and we expect to get some of them, so that’s very positive.”

Briony Akle said COVID-19 had devastated netball at both a community and elite level, with membership and ticket sales hardest hit.

“At a grassroots level, we’ve seen the biggest impact on the 7-14 years age group participation rates,” she said.

“We’ve seen a decline in people coming back to sport and that dropout effect is a really big issue facing us in terms of all sorts of sports.”

Speaking on Sydney’s transport development, Dr Michelle Zeibots said

Blacktown’s extraordinary population growth over the next 20 years meant the area required significant funding.

“When you have large amounts of State Government funding being spent on motorways and associated road development in the inner-city areas, it means that an area like Blacktown is not getting that funding,” she said.

“In order to make sure that those people all have access to basic transport infrastructure that’s needed to connect them to the existing networks and to future networks, there needs to be funding from the State Government.”

Mayor Bleasdale said Council’s plans ranged from the next 12 months, with the draft Budget, to the next 20 years, with Council’s draft Community Strategic Plan, Our Blacktown 2041.

“Council has solid and responsible plans that are a magnet for sustainable economic and social development,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Our plans aren’t just for the Blacktown CBD, they will guide the sustainable growth and development of strategic centres including Mount Druitt, Riverstone, Marsden Park and adjoining suburbs.

“As Mayor, I am confident our City will emerge from the pandemic with a more resilient and sustainable pathway forward.”

Blacktown City Council’s 2022/23 Budget Forum is available for viewing on Council’s Facebook page: https:// fb.watch/dtfsfR5Dq0/

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Artists’ impression. A new aquatic centre is part of the proposed Riverstone Community Hub.

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$200 million aquatic, cultural, community and library complex in Riverstone, a $95 million basketball and volleyball hub in Rooty Hill, a $30 million regional netball and multisports centre in Schofields, and a $20 million First Nations Cultural Centre at Mount Druitt – these are just some of the projects Blacktown City Council is hoping to fund from the WestInvest grant program.

Blacktown City Council has been allocated $34.548 million as part of the $400 million WestInvest allocation directly to 15 Western Sydney Councils.

Council has now submitted designs and costings for approval for 16 projects to be covered by this funding.

Blacktown City Council is seeking a further $647 million for 12 major infrastructure projects for consideration under WestInvest’s $1.6 billion community grants program.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said that WestInvest will fund and deliver transformation projects that will enhance communities and create jobs throughout Western Sydney.

“Blacktown City is the biggest council area by population in NSW - and the fastest growing. We have the greatest community infrastructure needs due to the massive residential development in suburbs such as Marsden Park, Schofields and Riverstone, and the economic and social disadvantage in some areas of our City.

Blacktown City, along with other rapidly growing cities in Western Sydney, is badly in need of funding support for community infrastructure.

“Our Council is now involved in a competitive bidding process for funding the 12 major projects with the 14 other Western Sydney councils.

“Our Council’s 12 major projects have been identified after extensive community consultation, and I sincerely hope that the process for selecting the projects to be funded will be transparent and free from the political favouritism that has been so widely criticised in the past.

“Council will make sure we use these funds wisely to provide the greatest benefit for our residents and the environment,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Among the projects Council has prioritised for funding from its direct allocation is a $27 million transformation of the Mount Druitt Town Centre.

This project proposes a range of improvements to the heart of Mount Druitt, with a potential expansion of the Mount Druitt Hub, upgrades to Dawson Mall and Kevin Betts Stadium.

Council is seeking $1.3 million from its WestInvest allocation for the construction of a splash pad and heating of the outdoor pool at the Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre in Emerton.

Ashley Brown Reserve in Lalor Park is set to be refurbished, with a new playground, paths and improved seating and access, while Rosenthal Park in Doonside will be allocated $1 million for improvements including multi-purpose court areas, picnic areas, seating, tree planting and new pathways.

Heading Council’s list of the 12 major infrastructure projects for consideration under WestInvest’s $1.6

Blacktown City Council is proposing a $50 million upgrade for Mt Druitt swimming centre

billion community grants program is the proposed construction of a $232 million community resource hub and aquatic facility at Riverstone.

The proposal includes a state-of-the-art library, aquatic centre, indoor recreation facility, cultural and performance space, community hall, family areas and a cafe.

A $95 million NSW Basketball and Volleyball Hub at May Cowper Reserve, Rooty Hill is also up for funding consideration. This regional sports hub will include 12 indoor courts, including a show court with seating for 3,000 people.

There would also be six outdoor beach volleyball courts and outdoor seating, in addition to facilities for high performance training and the media. The site would also house the Basketball NSW and Volleyball NSW head offices.

Council has joined with community organisations to seek funding for construction of $20 million First Nations Cultural Centre at Mount Druitt.

The Cultural Centre would provide a community hub with dedicated spaces to deliver cultural programs and promote connectedness, wellbeing and support economic self-determination. A team of First Nations experts and knowledge holders would lead the design and purpose of the facility.

Council will provide an update on the projects over the coming months.

A full list of the 16 projects submitted for WestInvest funding is attached as well as the 12 Council-sponsored projects lodged in the competitive funding round.

16 Projects submitted for WestInvest funding from Blacktown City Council’s direct allocation of $34.548 million include: • Transformation of Mount Druitt Town Centre $27,000,000 • Provide green screen planting along local roads - $100,000 • Provide disability access to sporting fields $100,000 • Provide lighting for pedestrian crossing $500,000 • Construct a path along Robinson Street, Riverstone - $100,000 • Extensive lighting upgrade for Stanhope Gardens Reserve - $40,000 • Replacement of flooring and lights, Quakers Community Centre - $67,000 • Extension of median island, Riverstone Rd, Riverstone - $8,600 • Construction of splash pad at Riverstone Pool $800,000 • Ashley Brown Reserve playground, paths, seating and access - $1,600,000 • Half basketball court, Chifley Park, Lalor Park $400,000 • Paths, access, play areas and trees in Tallawong Reserve, Blacktown - $1,000,000 • Picnic areas, courts, seating, tree planting Rosenthal Park, Doonside - $1,000,000 • Splash pad and pool heating Charlie Lowles

Artists impression of the proposed First Nations Cultural Centre, Mt Druitt.

Leisure Centre, Emerton - $1,300,000 • All weather cricket training area, Whalan Reserve - $300,000 • Community projects throughout Willmot - $400,000 12 Major projects proposed for funding in the competitive bidding round: • Regional netball and multi-sports centre, Schofields, including 2 full sized sports fields, indoor multi-purpose courts, a Village Green, 2.5km of pedestrian/cycle paths and 8 outdoor courts to cater to netball, hockey, skating, volleyball, badminto $30,800,000 • NSW State Emergency Service (SES) facility in Oakhurst - $16,000,000 • First Nations Cultural Centre, Mt Druitt. A community hub to deliver cultural programs and promote social and economic development in the community. - $20,000,000 • Blacktown City Arts and Cultural Centre, Blacktown. Design, approval and construction of a new, purpose-built, multi-level, Arts and Cultural Centre - $40,000,000 • Riverstone Community Resource Hub and aquatic facility including library, indoor recreation facility, cultural and performance space, child/family space, café/community halls, meeting rooms, offices, aquatic centre. - $232,700,000 • NSW Basketball and Volleyball Western Sydney Hub, May Cowpe Reserve, Rooty Hill including; 12 international standard indoor courts, including a show court with seating capacity of approximately 3,000. 6 outdoor beach volleyball courts with seating for 750 people. Media, medical and highperformance training facilities. Basketball NSW and Volley Ball NSW head offices. - $95,000,000 • New Police and Community Youth Centres (PCYC) Community Facility in Mount Druitt including 2 multi-purpose courts, gymnasium, meeting rooms and offices. - $25,000,000 • Mount Druitt Swimming Centre Renewal.

Demolition of existing structures, new indoor aquatic facilities to enclose the 25m pool, new inclusive amenities and changerooms, splashpad/ waterplay Kiosk, tiered seating, shade structures. $50,000,000 • Ashley Brown Reserve renewal and expansion, Lalor Park. 2 baseball diamonds, 1 football field, 1 half football field, pedestrian and cycling tracks, new community sport and recreation amenities building, canteen and café. - $30,000,000 • Traffic signals installation at Flushcombe Rd and Bungarribee Rd, Blacktown - $17,100,000 • Seven Hills community resource hub. A multipurpose cultural centre including market, exhibition and outdoor event spaces, library and youth centre.

- $30,385,000 • Blacktown Aquatic Centre, Boyd Street, Blacktown. Refurbishment of the pool arrival area, new gymnasium and indoor heated pool. New spa and sauna, landscaping and new shade structures playground and water play facilities. - $60,000,000

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Blacktown City Council’s $650m plans for new pools, cultural centres, libraries and parks

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Western News 24 June 2022 Issue 164

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Why some bubs are less likely to breastfeed: Westmead Hospital researcher cracks the code

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ongratulations to Westmead Hospital Neonatal ICU Registered Nurse, Rachel Jones, for recently winning the New Investigator Award: Neonatal Nursing at the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) Annual Congress.

Rachel’s ground-breaking research in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) identified the most vulnerable groups of mothers and babies, who are at risk of not being fully able to breastfeed when they leave hospital. This allows for resources to be targeted while they remain in care.

Rachel’s Westmead Hospital colleague, clinical midwife consultant, Sarah J Melov, was also crucial in this award-winning research with it being a continuation on from preliminary work she completed at WSLHD looking at women with diabetes and breastfeeding outcomes.

Both studies found that infants who come to the nursery for a short period are 61% less likely to fully breastfeed when leaving hospital compared to those who do not.

The research examined infants born over a threeyear period from January 2018 to December 2020, and investigated how they were breastfeeding when

discharged from hospital when compared to those who were admitted to the nursery for a short period.

“How a baby is feeding upon leaving the hospital is a key indicator for long-term breastfeeding success,” said Rachel.

“If the baby was admitted to the nursery, irrespective of length of time or why, this became a leading risk factor for the infant to not fully breastfeed on hospital discharge.

“The biggest risk factor was found to be if a baby has had a short admission to the neonatal nursery.”

Rachel added that staff must find ways to reduce avoidable nursery admission to avoid a mother and infant from being unnecessarily separated.

“Bonding and attachment through skin-toskin soon after birth has a profound effect on breastfeeding success,” said Rachel.

Winning this award was significant to Rachel as she sees it as a great opportunity to “shine a spotlight on the need to reduce the level of separation of mothers and babies as much as possible soon after birth.”

Up, up and away! Big benefit for emergency patients in Westmead and Blacktown hospitals with rapid program re-launch

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he Allied Health Rapid Assessment, Intervention and Discharge – Emergency Department (RAID-ED) program prevents hospital admissions and helps get patients home sooner.

The RAID-ED service sees allied health staff teaming up with Westmead and Blacktown hospital’s emergency departments and it’s here to stay following its successful pilot project in 2020.

The service is available seven days a week and relieves some of the pressures off the medical and nursing staff working in emergency who need to treat acute patients.

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) allied health workforce manager, Chrissan Segaram, said it was exciting to have permanently embedded this model of care and is “a big win across Westmead and Blacktown hospital’s emergency departments for allied health”.

“The biggest benefit to the patient is having the ability to provide holistic care as soon as a patient presents to our emergency department,” said Chrissan.

Westmead Allied Health RAID ED program launch.

“We can assist with patients who present with chronic complex conditions and require a multidisciplinary approach to their management and care.”

The program is designed to improve the patient experience as patients will receive treatment that is more timely as medical staff will be able to make quick decisions about the need to admit and discharge patients from the emergency department.

WSLHD director of allied health, Jacqueline Dominish, explains that this has been reflected in positive patient comments received such as, “the RAID team have restored my faith in our health system and our whole family is very grateful to the team”.

“Additionally, in a recent staff survey conducted, 80% of medical and nursing ED staff expressed that the RAID-ED team have had a positive impact on their work,” she said.

Since October 2020 the RAID-ED team have seen over 6,500 patients and have: • Discharged nearly 60% of patients they have seen directly from ED • Provided follow-up care for 30% of patients discharged • Reduced the overall average length of stay for triage categories 2 to 5 by 34 minutes and 70 minutes at Westmead and Blacktown ED respectively • Reduced the number of patients waiting greater than 24 hours at Westmead and Blacktown ED • Improved patient reported experiences (PREMS) with RAIDED at Westmead scoring 100% and Blacktown 90% • 86% of patients have felt they have been treated with kindness and respect.

WSLHD’s critical care network director, Dr Tom Solano, said the program is a wonderfully innovative program that shows the true power of multi-disciplinary team work to enhance patient experience.

“This is such a strong example of staff truly collaborating for the benefit of the patients”, he said.

The staff will work with teams to: • Identify vulnerable or recurrent patients who present to the emergency departments • Provide rapid assessment, intervention and discharge plans in collaboration with other health professionals • Initiate early referrals to relevant community health agencies once discharged from hospital, and • Build stronger relationships with our community stakeholders in WSLHD in particular the HITH team.

Western News

local news

“The NSW state budget has delivered funding for the Rouse Hill Hospital project, housing, roads and a new fire station in Sydney’s north west as well as an expansion of Rouse Hill Regional Park, but most of all it has delivered a massive injection of funds into school projects across the growth areas of north western Sydney,” said Kevin Conolly, Member for Riverstone.

This budget’s allocations to already announced school projects are: • Glenwood High School upgrade $50 million • John Palmer Public School $35 million • New primary school Tallawong $15 million • Galungara Public School stage 2 $9.2 million • Marsden Park High School $10.6 million New commitments have also received planning allocations: • New primary school for Nirimba Fields $445,000 • New primary school for Melonba $1.7 million • Riverbank Public school Stage 3 upgrade $354,000 • Schofields Public school upgrade $56,000 • Rouse Hill High school upgrade $487,000 • New primary school Box Hill (Gables) $1.7 million These new and upgraded school projects are part of the largest ever investment in school infrastructure in NSW history.

They follow the delivery in previous years of many new schools: The Ponds High School, Riverbank Public school, The Ponds School, South Creek school, Northbourne Public School and Galungara Public School as well as upgrades at several other

schools across the region.

This year’s state budget contains $11.7 million to commence construction of Stage 1 of the Rouse Hill Hospital, as planned.

“The commitment made in 2019 was to commence construction of Stage 1 of the hospital by 2023. This is exactly what is occurring,” said Mr Conolly.

There is also $7 million to commence construction of the Denmark Link Road project.

An allocation of $5.2 million has been included to

build a new NSW Fire and Rescue station at Marsden Park.

An allocation of $10 million has been included to enable planning for the upgrade of Richmond Road between Elara Boulevarde and Heritage Road.

“The NSW Liberal Nationals Government is continuing to provide the infrastructure and services to support the people of NSW, especially in growth areas like the north west of Sydney,” Mr Conolly said.

Sue Kennedy - Author Academy

By Noel Rowsell

S

ue Kennedy is the founder and principal of the Author Academy.

Her goal with the Academy is to empower a potential writer to become a published author, by guiding them step by step to completing their book.

As an author coach and publisher, Sue offers her expertise which has spanned over three decades and she also has an extended team of professionals to assist a budding author.

Now in business for more than 30 years, in addition to being an author coach, Sue is also an accomplished writer, editor, publisher, ghost writer and artist.

“I always wanted to write,” said Sue. “Everyone has a story and I empower people to bring that story to fruition.

“I was at a low point in my life at one stage and considered taking my own life. I looked into the eyes of my two dogs and saw the love and trust they had in me and I realised I had to pull myself together.

“I researched, wrote a book and then self-published it, learning how along the way.”

Sue wrote three books in a short

Sue Kennedy with students from one of her disability classes at Nepean Community College. Photos supplied

space of time and has now written a further 7 (10 in total), in addition to teaching others how to write and publish.

She began teaching seniors, disabled students and small business owners at Nepean Community College, helping them learn and understand the everincreasing digital world.

Sue has created many courses and pre-Covid, was teaching 5 days per week and up to 3 courses per day.

She also found time to run the Author Academy, run her own publishing company, (The Book Printing Company) and paint.

Sue has an online bookstore and holds readers’ summits, the next being during Readers Week in August.

She currently has a stable of 20 plus authors in the Academy, including

Jessica Bonham, who has written and published a fantasy fiction trilogy (Unveiled, Awakened and Renewed).

“I’ve published 100’s of authors over the years,” said Sue. “At the time of writing my books it would have been so much easier if I had an author coach to show me, teach me, and guide me through the process of writing each of my books.

To guide me through each step of getting it ready to publish. I never knew that there was even such a thing as an author coach. As I unpacked my journey, I realised that it was time to share my success and guide others, through a step by step process, to find their soul language which illuminates their path and lights the way for others, by sharing their story through the written word.”

A bout of Breast Cancer in 2019 did little to slow Sue down and following Chemotherapy, a Lumpectomy and Radiation treatment, Sue is doing well and the cancer was removed successfully.

Sue also holds painting workshops and says you can achieve ‘healing through art’.

She has an Art Therapy Diploma, an Advanced Therapy Diploma and a Clinical Art Therapy Diploma.

Sue works extensively with women who have come through trauma and find it hard to stabilise their lives, by giving them the way through their situation through writing and painting.

Sue Kennedy

Western News 24 June 2022 Issue 164

North west schools funding surge

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Western News 24 June 2022 Issue 164

12

WESTERN HISTORY

Western News

Railway Deaths

I

By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

n the early years of the railway, accidents among their employees were much higher than today. In January 1896 an accident happened to Railway Guard Frederick William Hainsworth. Fred was born in 1849 in Farnley, Yorkshire, England the son of William and Ann Hainsworth (Frankland). At the age of 25 in 1874 Fred was given an appointment for work at Leeds station for the Midland Railway Company.

This Company was one of the largest in Britain in the early 20th century, He came to Australia as an unassisted immigrant on the ship ‘Elamang’ arriving at Sydney in March 1877 and was employed in the NSW Railway Department as a porter at Bathurst, also that same year he married Annie Devany at Quirindi (Orange) and they moved to Penrith in 1878 where Fred was employed as a guard on the railway here, where he was known as a good worker and was universally respected by both the Department and his fellow employees. Fred’s accident happened at Bathurst. Fred noticing the door of one of the train carriages was still open as the train started leaving the station, he went along the side and closed it but was caught by some of the bridge timber and wrenched off the train dropping onto the open bridge. He was taken to the hospital where his injuries besides a broken leg were numerous and mostly internal. He recovered consciousness before his death with Annie by his side the whole time.

Fred was forty-seven years of age. His body was brought back to Penrith by train and he was buried in St Stephen’s Cemetery at Penrith. The funeral procession consisted of members of the Western Pioneer Lodge I.O.O.F., his fellow employees and the principal Officers of the Railway Department as well as several leading citizens, but it was not as large as it would have been due to the notification of his passing not reaching many of Fred’s old friends who did not know he had died until after he was buried. Annie was left with eight children, their ages ranging from about 19 to a baby. Fred’s life was insured for £200 and a comfortable family cottage in Belmore Street in Penrith. Another death of a well-known Emu Plains family man Henry James Cornell was accidentally killed on the railway line at Parramatta in April 1922. Henry was born at Emu Plains in June 1865 to William and Harriett Cornell (Farrant). In September 1896 at the age of 31 Henry married Christina Willis at the Holy Trinity Church Newtown (Erskineville). The family resided in Argyle Street at Parramatta and Henry had been engaged for some time as a ganger. Henry was working in the vicinity of Parramatta station and finishing work as usual at five o’clock, he went to the tool house and locked his tools away.

Immediately after he set out along the railway line in the direction of his home and not far from the bridge spanning Church Street he was struck by the train from Richmond that was due at Parramatta about seven minutes past five and was thrown clear of the line. The train was immediately brought to a standstill and showed that Henry’s feet and legs were hanging over the embankment with the rest of his body on the pathway at the side of the line and when he was picked up he was pronounced dead. Although his flesh was not torn he had sustained terrible injuries and Henry’s body was conveyed to Parramatta Morgue. Just prior to the accident, Henry’s son was standing on the corner of Church and Argyle Street and he saw his father leave the western end of the railway bridge on his way home.

Almost immediately after he learned that an accident had occurred, he raced to the spot fearing his father might be the victim. His fears, alas, were soon confirmed. Just how Henry happened to be on the line is not quite clear as a western bound train left Parramatta station three minutes past five and Henry walked up behind it but this train had passed the one

Photo of the 1930’s Penrith Coal Loader courtesy of Australian Railway Historical Society

from Richmond near the bowling green and as the accident occurred a few yards from the bridge, Henry must have had a clear view of the line.

The only solution is that Henry was deep in thought and crossed over or was already walking on the up-line unconscious of the train’s approach.

Sometimes Henry would ride home with the assistant ganger on a railway tricycle but on this occasion the assistant ganger got away before the western train. At other times Henry was in the habit of walking along the line as he did on this ill-fated day. Although severely dented, Henry’s watch was still working when taken from his clothing by Constable Vogel.

Henry had been in the railway service since he was sixteen years old and had been working around Parramatta for many years. It is stated that just prior to the fatality, Henry was in his usual good health and spirits.

He was 56 years of age and was buried at Rookwood Cemetery in the Anglican section. The last sad accident in November 1924 was that of a young man from St Marys named Hilton Russell Francis who was killed at Penrith railway yard in a railway pit. Hilton was born at St Marys in 1895 to Harry and Alice Frances (Morrison) who were married in 1890 at Ashfield. Hilton was a casual worker assisting to elevate some coal, and for this purpose was standing in the pit with the upper portion of his body out of the pit and leaning across between the front and back wheels of a truck when the truck moved and crushed his arm and body and he died before he reached the hospital. The Coroner’s Report stated that Hilton, 28 years of age had “sustained spinal injuries accidently received through being crushed by a moving truck while working at the Railway Coal elevator at Penrith Railway”. Dr Higgins was in attendance and the Coroner was Mr Judges. Hilton is buried at St Mary Magdalene Anglican cemetery at St Marys. At that time, Hilton was the youngest son of his widowed mother Alice. Hilton’s dad Harry was an Alderman on St Marys Municipal Council in 1914 and the stepbrother of Mr R T Ball (Minister for Works). Harry worked in his younger days for the Bennett Brothers coachbuilding firm in St Mays and afterwards was employed by George T Bennett as a wheelwright where he was working at the time of his death from congestion of the lungs at the age of 48 years and is also buried at St Mary Magdalene cemetery. The family lived in Putland Street at St Marys. Photo of the 1930’s Penrith Coal Loader courtesy of Australian Railway Historical Society.

Sources: Nepean Times, Trove, Ancestry, Find a Grave website, 1961 English Census, BDM Register (NSW),Sydney-Australia Cemetery Headstone Transcriptions (1837-2003),Sydney-Australia Anglican Parish Registers (1814-2011), Australia-Marriage Index (1788-1950),Coroners Index (1821-1937).

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Western News

What is an alt doc home loan and how can it help me?

A

n alt documentation loan (alt doc) or a low documentation loan (low doc) are mortgages that can be taken out using different sorts of paperwork to the kind needed for a full documentation (full doc) loan. Self-employed borrowers, who can find it difficult to provide standard documentation as proof of their income, often use these sorts of alternative loans.

The low down on alt doc loans Once upon a time, a ‘low doc’ loan was just that: a mortgage that could be taken out using less documents to get it. But, after the global financial crisis (GFC) and the tightening up of lending rules that came after it everything changed.

After the GFC in 2008 the introduction of National Consumer Credit Regulations in 2009 changed how low doc loans could work. One of the most important parts of it was that a lender can’t lend to a customer unless they (the lender) have met what are called the ‘lender’s responsible lending obligations’.

This means that today every loan has to pass a test that says the borrowers are in a position to manage their loan repayments. As a result of this rule, low doc loans became quite a lot like regular full documentation loans. The main difference being not the amount of documents but the type of documents that can be used as evidence to satisfy

a lender’s loan suitability and credit assessment criteria. That’s why they get called Alt Doc. If, for example, you can’t provide up to date tax returns, some big non-bank lenders will consider that you can provide alternative income documents to support your loan application. When they assess your ‘Alt Doc’ application some of the things they will look for are: • Has your business been ABN registered for at least 6 months?

• Has your business been GST registered for at least 6 months?

• Business Activity Statements (BAS) • Bank Account Statements • An Accountants Letter.

@wealthwiz

Of course, different home loan products need different levels of supporting documentation. For this reason, the best thing to do is to talk to us. We’ll go through the income verification documents you do have, talk to you about what the options are and work with you to find a home loan provider that meets your needs.

If you’d like more information on alt doc loans talk to us today about how we may be able to put you in touch with a lender that can help if the major banks say ‘no’ to your loan application. Contact Alex on 0419 600 177 for advice to help you navigate the loan market for self-employed borrowers.

Disclaimer: The data, information and commentary provided in this publication is of a general nature and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the relevant contributors and should not be construed as specific advice or relied upon in lieu of appropriate professional fax or financial advice. The original content source is from Pepper Money. It is designed for publication through Accredited Brokers. The information in the article is believed to be reliable at the time of distribution, but neither WealthWiz nor its accredited brokers warrant its completeness or accuracy. For information about whether a non-bank loan may be suitable for you, call us on 0419 600 177.

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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Delight (8) 5 African antelope (6) 9 Quiescence (8) 10 An unbroken mustang (6) 12 Avoid (5) 13 In a burdensome manner (9) 14 Cooking appliances (6) 16 Very light rain (7) 19 Normally found at the start of paragraphs (7) 21 Esteem (6) 23 Hexagonal cells (9) 25 Female organ (5) 26 Existing at birth (6) 27 Pace (8) 28 Oily lubricant (6) 29 Arcane (8) down 1 Anguished (6) 2 Assessed (9) 3 Chance or lot (archaic) (5) 4 Turbulent (7) 6 Imitating (9)

solution 10/6/22

7 Pakistani copper coins (5) 8 Liturgical assistants (8) 11 Small ball with a hole through (4) 15 Grape plantations (9) 17 An ancient Persian prophet (9) 18 Illumination (8) 20 Not moving quickly (4) 21 Inky typewriter parts (7) 22 Shortsighted (6) 24 Having high moral qualities (5) 25 Group of 8 (5)

13 Western News 24 June 2022 Issue 164

Alex Soncini

REAL ESTATE

Western News 24 June 2022 Issue 164

14

Western News

SPORT

Pennant Golf Update

By Noel Rowsell

S

tonecutters Ridge GC and Leonay GC have both qualified for the playoff rounds of the 2022 Golf NSW Men’s Master Pennant competition, following the completion of the final round on Sunday.

Local teams claimed four wins in the final round, led by Stonecutters 6.5-1.5 win over Kogarah, allowing them to leapfrog from fourth to first in Division One, Section One and claim the Section title.

Stonecutters will now contest the playoffs and should meet Monash in the semi-finals, with the winner progressing to the Division Final.

Leonay also grabbed a crucial 6-2 win over Bankstown, with the four match winning margin allowing Leonay to pip Bankstown for the Division 3, Section 3 title.

Leonay advances to the playoffs and should meet Springwood in the semi-

finals, with the winner advancing to the Division Final and also winning promotion to Division 2 in 2023.

Other local results were: Dunheved 5-3 over Lynwood, Penrith down 8-0 against Asquith, Twin Creeks down 5-3 to Liverpool, Glenmore Heritage Valley up 6-2 over Beverly Park, Richmond drew 4-4 with Campbelltown and Wallacia lost 6-2 to Woolooware.

Twin Creeks CGC (Div 1) and Wallacia CC (Div 3) both finished at the bottom of their respective Sections and will need to contest Relegation playoffs, in a bid to stay up in their respective divisions.

In Women’s Major Pennant action, the Division 2 Women’s Final between Stonecutters Ridge GC and Pymble GC was played at Riverside Oaks on Sunday, with Pymble winning 3.51.5 to claim the Division title and win promotion to Division 1 in 2023.

“We (Stonecutters) had our three juniors play and Savannah Webb lost 5/3, Michelle Yang 2-down and

Andrew Moore and Todd Oster in action for Stonecutters Ridge GC against Kogarah GC on Sunday. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Annoushka Maikap 2-down, which was a great experience for our young players,” said team captain Lia Lavelle. “Annabelle Ellina won 2-up and my game was halved.”

The Men’s Major Pennant Relegation playoffs are now also about to be played, with Penrith travelling to

Cronulla this Sunday for the first leg, before both teams return to Penrith the following Sunday for the second leg. Twin Creeks travel to Bayview on Sunday, then host the same club on Sunday 3rd July. The overall losers of the two matches respectively will be relegated to 2nd Division in 2023.

Local professional has his sights on the Touring Life

By Noel Rowsell

D

unheved Golf Professional Josh Clarke is about to make a determined effort to increase his involvement in both the Australian and Asian Tours.

Josh will head to Melbourne at the end of June to play in the Australian Q School, which is being run at Moonah Links.

He will them head to Thailand to attend the Asian Q School, with a hope of winning a berth on that circuit.

Originally a Windsor junior, Josh moved to the strong St Michael’s GC to play Pennant Golf, winning 2 x Eric Apperly Shield (U23) Pennant titles, followed by 4 years in Major Pennant and finishing with an impressive two x Division 1 titles and twice finishing as

the Division 1 Runner-up.

Josh also won four NSW Vardon events, which undoubtedly influenced his decision to turn professional.

He played two full seasons on the Australian Tour but has never forgotten his roots, also working in the Dunheved GC Pro Shop for the past 10 years.

The cost of qualifying in Australia and Asia will be relatively expensive and Josh is hoping to attract sponsors to help defray some, if not all, of the cost.

He is hoping to push himself as a brand, with sponsor’s logos on his clothing, golf bag, etc.

Josh’s budget for Australia is $6,000 and for Asia approximately $10,000.

Interested businesses or individuals wishing to sponsor Josh can contact him at joshua.clarke3893@gmail.com or by phone 0403 274 662.

Josh Clarke is ready to become a touring professional. Photos by Noel Rowsell

2022 NSW CHSSA Secondary Golf Championships

By Noel Rowsell

Ryan Cadle (Stonecutters Ridge GC) has been selected in the Sydney West team for the NSWCHSSA Secondary Golf Championships at Yamba. File photo by Noel Rowsell

Yamba Golf & Country Club is currently hosting the 2022 NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association Secondary Golf Championships, from 20th - 24th June.

There are a number of local juniors who have been selected in the Sydney West team which will contest the Championships..

These include Ryan Cadle (The Ponds HS / Stonecutters Ridge GC), Chayse Thorpe (Colo HS / Lynwood CC, Samantha Hoad (Glenwood HS / Castle Hill GC), Noah Reitsma (Glenmore Park HS / Wallacia CC), Jessica Fog (Glenmore Park HS / Penrith GC) and Shayla Coburn (Blaxland HS / Camden GC), along with Jordyn Dean

(Castle Hill HS) and Blake Noorbergen (Model Farms HS).

CCC selections are Coby Carruthers, Darcy Mackay, Connor Hamilton and Blake Hodges (all from St Dominic’s Kingswood), whilst Grace Lee (Glenmore Park / Concord HS & Michelle Yang (Stonecutters Ridge / Marsden HS are both members of the Sydney North team.

The list of School Districts entered for the Championships include CIS, CCC, Sydney West, Sydney East, Sydney North, Sydney South West, Hunter, Western, Riverina, North West, South Coast and North Coast.

The Championships run over 20-22 June, followed by the Match Play Championships from 2324 June.

Western News

SPORT

By Bob Turner

I

n season 2021 Blacktown City led the way in the Football NSW main Men’s competition.

Clearly on top of the table with five rounds to go, Covid put an end to the season. 2022 started with a bang for Blacktown City as they won the first two games despite losing players in both games to Red cards. In week three Covid once again hit the team with the majority of players going down and the week three game postponed for two weeks while players recovered.

Blacktown steadily built back to its best on the boot of rookie Striker Jordan Smylie who led the league in the Golden boot award up to round nine.

Unfortunately, for both Smylie and Blacktown, he broke his foot in Round 10, which left the team devoid of a true Number 9. The Men found themselves in difficult times with goals becoming more and more difficult. The defence was holding up but a failure to score meant close games.

Through it all Head of Football, Mark Crittenden, kept his team positive and continued to rely on the culture that has become a trademark of Blacktown City Football – Grit and Determination.

In an unbelievably tight race with seven teams in contention for top honours, round 16 was a critical one for Blacktown up against Sydney United at their home ground. The week before in round 15 Blacktown suffered a heartbreaking loss to Apia, 1-0, which took Apia to Number One on the ladder and dropped Blacktown back to Seventh. Sydney United needed a win to stay in contention as did Blacktown. Blacktown had the better of the first half with multiple scoring opportunities that failed to find the back of the net. Mario Shabow was the hero of the day for Blacktown as the forward met a Charles Mendy’s pass in the 52nd minute to score his first goal of the 2022 NPL NSW Men’s campaign.

Manly currently leads the competition on 31 points followed by Apia on 30, Marconi on 29 and Sydney Olympic on 28. Sydney FC and Blacktown are tied in fifth place on 27 points setting up an exciting run to the finish line for the top Men’s football competition in NSW. With six rounds remaining it is a tough fight for top honours and positioning for the top five playoff positions.

Blacktown City has its destiny in their own hands starting with a home clash against Northbridge this Sunday at 3pm. The month of July will determine Blacktown’s chances with away games to Sydney FC (July 3rd), Manly (July 9th), Wollongong (July

Photos courtesy of Steven Lynch at Not24get.

24th) and Sydney Olympic (July 31st). The only other home game for Blacktown will be against Sutherland on the 16th of July.

The Under 20 Men continue to dominate their competition coming off a 5-1 win over Sydney United last week. They lead the League with a 10-31 record to sit on 33 points. Next best is Sydney FC on 29 that sets up an important clash in Round 18 in a top of the table game with Sydney. The success of both the Senior Men and Under 20’s has Blacktown once again sitting on top of the Football NSW Club Championship on 174 points. Next best is Sydney FC on 162.

The Blacktown Senior Women continue to improve and gain experience in their first year of

competition with four wins in their last six games.

The goal for Coach David O’Keefe is a top ten finish and at the halfway point of the season they are in 11th position. This week will be a test taking on the Number One placed team - Hills United.

Next Home Game for Blacktown City FC is this Sunday, June 26th at Blacktown City Sports Centre.

This game will be up against Northbridge in a must win game to stay in contention. A win with three competition points could elevate Blacktown to Number Two on the ladder. Game time is 3pm with the Under 20 Men at 1pm. The last Home Game of the regular season is Sunday, June 26th in Round 21 Vs Wollongong. See you at the Park!

Go Blacktown City!

KICK OFF 3PM SUNDAY 26TH JUNE

Western News 24 June 2022 Issue 164

Title race tightens

15

Western News Friday, 24 June 2022

SPORT

Historic Car Racing at Sydney Motorsport Park

Action from the 2022 Historic Sports and Race Car Association Sydney Classic at Sydney Motorsport Park. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

S

ydney Motorsport Park was alive with racing action over the 10th-12th June, with the Historic Sports & Race Car Association (HSRCA) staging the Sydney Classic.

Friday was practice day, provided by the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) for the drivers of various makes and models to shake out the cobwebs and fine tune engines before two full days of racing on both Saturday and Sunday.

The two race days featured 10 Qualifying Runs for each of 10 different classes, comprising Group S, 5 Litre, L M & O Sports & Racing, Group C & A, Q & R Sports & Racing Invited, Regularity, MG and Invited, Group N & Invited, Formula Ford & Formula Vee and Supersprint.

The race action commenced at 9am on Saturday, with Supersprint book-ending the day with Qualifying in the morning and Run 2 at the end of the day.

The lunch-time break was however a special time of the day for visitors from MS Australia, who enjoyed some hot laps of the tracks with various drivers.

Sunday’s action began with Group N & Invited, with Group S eventually ending the weekend’s events in the final race of the weekend at 4pm.

Impressively, the 2022 HSRCA Sydney Classic had 210 cars contesting the full range of race and speed events over the weekend.

“We’d like to extend a huge thanks to all of our competitors for supporting the meeting in such excellent numbers, bringing out beautifully prepared vehicles and driving them

with the appropriate combination of respect and vigour,” said HRRCA Media Manager Seth Reinhardt.

“None of that would be able to happen, however, without the army of volunteers and supporters who contributed to the 2022 HSRCA Sydney Classic.

A huge amount of work goes into making a race meeting like this happen – especially one as large and complex as this – and we would not be able to do it without you. Thank you!

“Also thank you from Rod, Wayne, Noel, Robyn and the HSRCA committee for your support of the Sydney Classic. Put September 10 & 11 in your diaries and join us for a weekend away at the Spring Festival at Wakefield Park.”

Full results of all 10 x qualifying runs and 30 x races from the HSRCA Sydney Classic can be found at www.racing.natsoft.com.au/results/#2