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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
Friday, 24 May 2019
ISSUE 85
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Trip down memory lane Take the family for a trip down memory lane Sunday 9th June. See page 14 For details.
Western News 24 May 2019 Issue 85
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Western News
Three big cheers for our valuable volunteers
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olunteers from all walks of life will be celebrated by the NSW Government as part of the Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program. To coincide with the beginning of National Volunteer Week, Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward opened nominations this week, for NSW residents to nominate a tireless volunteer in their community. “Volunteers are the backbone of our society, and without their contribution our communities would not thrive like they do,” Mr Ward said. “The Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program celebrates all volunteers – from students selflessly working with charities to veterans who’ve dedicated decades of their lives to causes close to their heart.” In NSW, more than 2.1 million people volunteer, contributing a combined 240 million hours of their time each year, valued at $5 billion to local communities. There are four categories open for nominations under the program, including: • People with a lifetime of volunteering experience – over 40 years;
Blacktown Council Nursery volunteers
• People with over 25 years of volunteering experience; • Significant volunteering at any age; and, • Student volunteering. Since 2015, 28,600 volunteers have been recognised under the program
for their contribution. “It’s so important for all of us to acknowledge this invaluable work, and I urge all NSW residents to nominate someone who’s making a difference,” Mr Ward said. The Premier’s Volunteer
Recognition Program is part of the NSW Government’s Volunteering Strategy 2016-2020. To nominate a volunteer or to find out more about the program, visit:www.volunteering.nsw.gov.au.
New era of aged care for Hawkesbury
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awkesbury Living’s $13 million luxury aged care extension herald’s a new era for quality standards in aged care in the Hawkesbury, CEO Kimberley Talbot announced today. Named Rivera Place, opening 11 June, Ms Talbot, said this is the fourth major extension to the site. “This three-storey heritage-inspired building fronts March Street and historic Richmond Park, with views to the Blue Mountains,” she said. “The purpose-built contemporary living design has a 4 ½ star fit-out to deliver the best facilities, care and lifestyle choices for our seniors.” Rivera Place’s affordable superior services feature: • 18x 39-square suites; 7x 29-square single suites; all have ensuites • Single and optional two-bed companion suites • Bar fridges in most rooms, internet corners • Personal phones, TVs • Kitchenettes with unlimited access to tea and coffee making on each level • Open alfresco areas with lounges and dining
rooms on each level • Stunning resort-style fittings and fixtures • Function room areas for family celebrations • Sweeping outdoor verandahs, landscaped gardens • The latest inpatient lifters to reduce skin damage or falls • Maggie Beer inspired food menus; 5 star chef service • New Burlodge Food delivery system installed throughout the entire site • Courtesy bus connects our residents with club services – bingo, social trips The existing entrance to Hawkesbury Living is being outfitted with a new, welcoming reception area and a comfortable coffee shop featuring barista coffees, teas and delicious treats. Ms Talbot said the design of Rivera Place was inspired by our returned servicemen, especially those from the Somme Valley. “From the front door right through the complex, down to the hand-picked fixtures and ornaments, we
celebrate our elder generations, and remember those who served for our country,” she said. “Our Wall of Happiness enhances the home-feel environment with personal photos and images of our residents taken upon their entry to their new home. “Rivera Place is designed for specialist care for those with complex or multiple behavioural and memory conditions, such as depression, alcoholism, post traumatic stress, dementia and the needs of returned servicemen and women. Our mantra is “Trust In Care” and that’s our promise.” Rivera Place also has ancillary services, creating a hub for the community, improving social inclusion for residents and keeping them connected in the community. It links directly with the Richmond Club and Richmond Golf Club’s schedule of events and activities. Rivera Place, a reflection of our Hawkesbury identity – River – and our generations – Era – opens on Tuesday, 11 June. For more information contact us on 4578 2966 or www.riveraplace.com.
Western News
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LDER Australians are being urged to get vaccinated against whooping cough to protect themselves and other vulnerable populations in the community such as young babies, following recent whooping cough outbreaks in New South Wales and Tasmania. Leading retail pharmacy network TerryWhite Chemmart says Australians over the age of 65, as well as young babies under the age of 12 months, were the population’s most vulnerable to whooping cough, a serious respiratory illness that can cause hospitalisation and sometimes death. In March this year, 23 cases of whooping cough were reported on the mid North Coast of New South Wales, 11 of which were reported in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area. In January, 124 cases of whooping cough were reported in Tasmania. Both outbreaks prompted official health warnings. “There is a misconception in the community that whooping cough is a childhood disease but it can occur at any age,” said TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacist Krystel Tresillian. “Although there is an established vaccination program, regular outbreaks still occur in Australia as evidenced by the recent outbreak in Port Macquarie.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is easily spread through the air when an infectious person coughs or sneezes and people with whooping cough can be infectious for up to three weeks without appropriate antibiotic therapy. “Older adults who are diagnosed with whooping cough are more likely than younger adults to develop serious complications, including pneumonia, fainting and urinary incontinence. According to statistics, one in 10 diagnosed cases in older adults end up in hospital. “People who should consider a whooping cough vaccination include those in close contact with new
born babies, such as grandparents or relatives, those with existing respiratory conditions or people over the age of 65.” She said immunity waned as people aged and at least one booster vaccination was recommended for people who hadn’t been vaccinated against whooping cough in the past 10 years. Just like the flu shot, trained and qualified pharmacists at TerryWhite Chemmart can administer a whooping cough vaccination* in-store, without a prescription. The vaccination service is completed within minutes in a private consultation space, followed by a short period of observation.
“Reported cases of whooping cough generally increase at the end of winter from July onwards, so now is the perfect time to get vaccinated,” Ms Tresillian said. People can book an appointment online at https://bookings. terrywhitechemmart.com.au/clients/ directory/ or at their local TerryWhite Chemmart at a date and time that is suitable to them. Walk-ins and weekend appointments are also available in some pharmacies, so check with your local TerryWhite Chemmart. Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the respiratory system, caused by Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis begins with symptoms similar to a cold, including a runny nose and a cough. The cough persists, often for several weeks, and becomes increasingly worse often resulting in severe bouts (paroxysms) of coughing followed by vomiting (post-tussive vomiting), or a gasping inspiratory breath which causes a “whoop” sound. The cough is usually worse at night time. *TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacists can perform whooping cough vaccinations for customers aged over 16 years old in NSW, please speak to your doctor. Service fees apply.
Western News 24 May 2019 Issue 85
Whooping cough outbreaks spark warning
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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Western News 24 May 2019 Issue 85
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Prospect
From the Editor’s Desk By KeRRIE DAVIES
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ell, I must say, I really didn’t think I’d be writing about a Coalition win today.
Just like Brexit and Trump, the polls have set us up to expect one thing and then entirely the opposite has been delivered. Coalition supporters everywhere had themselves geared up for a loss. Labor supporters everywhere were salivating at the smell of victory. It was a result that well and truly stunned people across the country. So what went so right for Scott Morrison and so wrong for Bill Shorten? I think Scott Morrison eventually managed to endear himself to the people. Not the rusted-on left who’d already decided they’d vote Labor, of course, but to those in the undecided pool, He managed to show people he could be calm, managed and in control - yet at the same time a bit knock-about and very Australian. The combination seemed to work, along with policies that voters seemed to like. Reward for hard work is always going to be something that most people can relate to. Bill Shorten’s performance, I can assure you, will be questioned, pondered, chewed up and spat out during the post-mortem. To have tasted victory and then had it yanked away at the final hour is something that will have many Labor supporters demanding an answer. Truthfully, I was never a fan of Bill Shorten, but here’s my ten cents worth on why voters turned their backs on him and his party. Firstly, I know I wasn’t Robinson Crusoe on not really liking him. Many that I spoke to, some even rusted on Labor voters, couldn’t warm to Bill Shorten. So okay, I’m not going to sugar-coat it - he had the personality of a plank. That was the first thing that went wrong for Labor. It is very hard to buy into the policies of someone that you don’t instinctively like or trust. Secondly, I think Labor has lost its way a little. Whether it is Labor’s way or it was Bill’s way remains to be seen as the party moves forward without him at the helm. I’ll bet almost nobody in this country wants those less fortunate to suffer. Anyone with a heart likes to know that in this country a helping hand will be stretched out to those who are doing it tough. But the stark reality is that Bill’s franking credit ideas, combined with raising unemployment benefits gave one the idea that under Labor, you’ll be rewarded for not working at all yet penalised for being a lifelong contributor to the this country. Bill’s lip that would curl up in disgust as he talked about the “top end of town” didn’t help him either. Just because you’ve had a red hot go and become successful doesn’t automatically make you a grub. My belief is that’s where it fell apart for Labor. The party that is always telling us that we must not be divisive, was coming across as very divisive on class. Us and them. The haves and the have nots. But the election is all in the past now and it is time for both sides to look forward. For Scott Morrison, an added gift for his leadership is that all threats to the throne have essentially been removed. No known leadership contenders will be headed for Canberra. And labor will select their new leader and it could well be Anthony Albanese. So it’s Scomo versus Albo. Could only happen in Australia!
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Western News 24 May 2019 Issue 85
Medieval Fayre a blast
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eople in their tens of thousands flooded into Nurragingy Reserve over the weekend for Blacktown City Council’s annual Medieval Fayre. “Blacktown’s first Medieval Fayre was held in 2005 and attracted 5,000 people over two days,” Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said. “This year, 75,000 turned out for this free, two day extravaganza. “The Fayre showcased all things medieval, including combat displays, live musicians, colourful pavilions and a working blacksmiths hut. “The Jousting Competition was once again the highlight of the event, with riders from around the country seeking to claim the prestigious title,” said Mayor Bali. “It was thrilling to watch fully armoured knights on horseback thundering towards each other with their lances aimed high, attempting to unseat each other.” The Fayre featured the medieval banquet, which also proved to be a big hit. “Everyone was dressed in medieval gear and ready to take part in the festivities as we filled our goblets and watched sword fights, dancers and fire performers put on a spectacular show,” Mayor Bali said.
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On Saturday the Reconciliation Walk and Gathering also took place, playing a vital role in recognising our City’s identity as home to the largest number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW. The week-long celebration will continue with a range of events and concludes with the Streets Alive and Parade Day and the Australian Tenors Gala Evening on Saturday, 25 May.
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Lakeside life soon to be a reality as work commences
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esidents who buy into the new lifestyle offered at The Gables in Box Hill will soon be able to add ‘largest lake in The Hills’ to the list of features and benefits of living in this masterplanned community. The first sod was turned on The Gables’ lake at a ceremony recently attended by The Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, Hills Shire Councillor Dr Peter Gangemi, Celestino Development Director Matthew Scard and JK Williams Managing Director Leigh Hartog. The four-hectare lake, similar in size to Darling Harbour’s Cockle Bay, will be the jewel in the crown of the 830-hectare Box Hill community, surrounded by green space, pathways and the nearby buzz of The Gables Town Centre. Construction of the lake is the first step in the realisation of The Gables Town Centre, which will bring shopping, dining, entertainment, workspaces and residential options to Box Hill. Celestino Development Director Matthew Scard said the lake, which is expected to be completed in early 2020, will be a focal point for the Town Centre. “Naturally the lake will provide a range of water views for those working, dining and living around it. However, its design also carefully considers a mix of pathway types, planting and green space, as well as steps to the water’s edge, a jetty and boardwalk, seating and a lookout to create a place of vibrancy, serenity and sanctuary.” The lake has been meticulously planned using Water Sensitive Urban Design principles to ensure harmonious integration into the landscape and a sustainable future. A series of eight offline raingardens will contribute towards water quality and much needed water circulation to ensure improved lake health all year round. Sandstone generated from the earthworks will be reused onsite for elements including the lake base, edge and foreshore. Mayor Byrne said that a key focus for Council is
to create vibrant, active and inclusive communities where people can live, grow, play and raise a family. “Council is always keen to see developers provide great infrastructure for our community, like parks, playgrounds and sporting fields that enhance our residents’ quality-of-life,” Mayor Byrne said. “This new lake will provide a benefit to the people who will call this area, currently known as The Gables, ‘home’. “In the meantime, Council will continue working with Celestino to ensure the community gets the best use out of these assets for the longer term in a sustainable way.” More than 300 homes are now occupied in Celestino’s masterplanned community. About The Gables The Gables is located in Box Hill, situated in The Hills district within Sydney’s North West Growth Corridor. Covering over 330 hectares, The Gables is a masterplanned community comprising over
3,600 dwellings, a proposed 4 hectare central lake set adjacent to a town centre, 85 hectares of active and passive open spaces, a community facility, two sporting fields, a primary school, new roads and associated infrastructure. For more information about The Gables, visit www.celestino.net.au/thegables/
Blacktown wouldn’t be the same without volunteers
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athy Briggs is proud to be known as one of the longest-serving volunteers at the Blacktown City Council’s Animal Holding Facility. Having assisted staff members within the cattery section over the past 6 years she has grown very fond of felines and highly recommends that residents take on the role of a volunteer. “My highlight while working as a volunteer here at the AHF is seeing the unwanted and scared animals transform into friendly animals who get adopted by loving families,” Ms Briggs said. “There is a real sense of family among the other volunteers and volunteering brings me satisfaction and a sense of purpose knowing that I am contributing to the community.” Blacktown City Council has around
Kathy Briggs within the cattery at the Animal Holding Facility
300 volunteers across numerous venues including the nursery, parks and libraries. Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said volunteers were an integral part of Blacktown City. “Council volunteers are important as they help staff enhance the services provided to the community. We have volunteers that care for sick and abandoned animals, keep local parks clean, teach computer skills, provide visitor support at the Blacktown Arts Centre and help at the nurseries.” National volunteer week is from 20 May 2019 – 26 May 2019. It is an annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contributions of volunteers. “Volunteer week is a fantastic time to thank all volunteers for their contribution to the community”, Mayor Bali said.
Two men arrested on firearm charges in Doonside Two men have been arrested after a vehicle was allegedly shot at in Sydney’s west earlier this week. About 2:25pm (Monday 20 May 2019), it is alleged that two men approached a red ute travelling east on Doonside Crescent, Doonside. One of the men is alleged to have produced a firearm and discharged it
towards the ute. The two men returned to their vehicle, a red Hyundai Getz, before driving away from the scene. Officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped the car a short time later in Rooty Hill. The pair were arrested and taken to Blacktown Police Station.
There were no reported injuries. A 25-year-old man was charged with discharge firearm etc intend to cause grievous bodily harm, fire firearm likely injure persons/property and acquire etc firearm - subject to prohibition order. A 23-year-old man was charged with discharge firearm etc intend to cause
grievous bodily harm and fire firearm likely injure persons/property. Both men were bail refused to appear in court. Police are also appealing for anyone with dashcam vision or witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Blacktown Police station on 9671 9199.
Western News
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very patient that entered Westmead Hospital’s emergency department (ED) in early May was part of a new era – though they wouldn’t have known it. At 9am on Tuesday 7th May, one of the state’s busiest EDs went live with electronic medication management (eMeds), replacing paper records for the majority of treatments and marking the 100th implementation of the state-of-the-art system across NSW Health. Western Sydney Local Health District’s Chief Medical Information Officer, Dr Naren Gunja, said earlier roll-outs at Auburn and Blacktown hospitals over the past two years had helped Westmead Hospital plan for this moment. “Westmead Hospital is part of one of the biggest digital health transformations in Australia,” Dr Gunja said, referring to the statewide implementation of electronic medical records and medication management systems. “This technology is about improving patient care and medication safety, which is a key priority. It’s also getting us ready for further technological advancements that will come as part of the Westmead redevelopment.” The LHD’s Chief Digital Health Officer, Barry Mather, said the success of the launch, in partnership with eHealth NSW, was the culmination of a three-year project to realise a major milestone in Western Sydney Local Health District’s Digital Health vision. “This initiative is a significant contributor to enhancing safer patient care within Western Sydney LHD and aligns us with functionality at other NSW Health hospitals,” he said.
*Valid until 31st May 2019, not to be used in conjuction with any other offer.
The move from paper to electronic records allows for improved patient safety and clinical quality in several areas, including removing transcription errors and flagging potential medication clashes or allergies. Other elements of Westmead Hospital’s upgrade included the initial roll-out of the electronic medical record (EMR) in the wards, and electronic anaesthesia and surgical patient tracking in operating theatres. Change will continue over the coming weeks in other Westmead Hospital departments, including an electronic cardiology system.
The implementation of eMeds across NSW Health continues apace, with plans for a further 102 hospitals to go live by June 2020. This was made possible by the 2017/18 State Budget’s investment in digital health, which allocated $236 million towards extending the eMeds roll-out across the State’s public hospitals. eMeds is an additional function of NSW Health’s electronic medical record and provides a complete, real-time digital picture of patient medications as they are prescribed, reviewed, dispensed and administered in hospitals.
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State’s biggest digital transformation goes live at Westmead
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Western News
Western Sydney has a new Junior World Champion By BART BASSETT
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e recently heard about a new junior world champion from western Sydney so Western News conducted an exclusive interview with Amy Watson who is a champion indoor skydiver. What area of Sydney do you live in? Dean Park How many brothers and sisters do you have? 1 brother, Zac How old are you? 13. What got you interested in skydiving? I saw iFly advertised on The Today Show when Stevie Jacobs did a live weather cross. What age were you when she first tried indoor skydiving? I had my 9th birthday party at iFly When did you first start to train professionally? I really started to train professionally in February 2016 with the then Freestyle World Champion, Inka Tiitto.
How many hours per week do you train? Training varies a lot depending if I am training for an upcoming competition, if so then the training really intensifies for example I did 20 hours in February in 3 different tunnels, Sydney, Paris and Belgium as my new coach lives in France. Where do you train? iFly Downunder at Penrith. What other fitness regime do you use to compete at the highest level? Out of the tunnel I concentrate on stretching and general good exercise and diet. What year and what competition did you first compete in? With only 7 hours experience I competed in the 1st Australian Nationals in 2015 and placed 2nd. What competition and year did you first get in top 3 finish? In 2016 I became the Australian Junior Freestyle Champion and then went to Poland to get ready for the World Cup. While I was there I competed in the Polish Open and won the Junior Freestyle event. I was then placed 4th at the 2016 World Cup. In 2017 I competed in the USA Open and won the Junior Freestyle event beating the 6 times USA Junior
Freestyle Champion I also retained my Australian Champion title. In 2018 I competed at The Wind Games in Spain and won Gold in Junior Freestyle and then at the Australian Open I won both Junior Freestyle and Open Freestyle events making me the outright Australian Champion for Freestyle. What was your most recent event and what was the result? In April this year I competed in the 2019 World Indoor Skydiving Championships in Lille, France where I won the Junior Freestyle event making me the Junior Freestyle World Champion for Indoor Skydiving What is you next competition? My next competition will be the Australian Open in August. What is your goal into the future? Indoor Skydiving failed to be included in the 2024 Olympics so there is now a new bid for it to be included in the 2028 Olympics in America. I would love to represent my country in the Olympics and I would also like to inspire other young people into this sport. Congratulations Amy on being a great Australian representative and we wish you all the best for your future endeavours.
NSW Crime Stoppers celebrates 30 years
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or 30 years, NSW Crime Stoppers have played a critical role in helping solve crime across the state, with the assistance of the NSW Police Force and the community. The organisation has been a global leader in the Crime Stoppers family since its inception in 1989 and has been acknowledged for the following significant milestones: The first in the world to enable online reporting The first in the world to enable mobile phone reporting The first in the world to create a social media platform recognised as world’s best practice the last four years in a row The first in the world to develop and implement a defensive cybercrime strategy through public education The first in the world to have a 24/7 operational call centre The first in Australia to take information on domestic violence NSW Crime Stoppers forms part of a global network which helps solve a crime every 14 minutes around the world. The NSW organisation is contacted every six minutes, with information leading to an average of four arrests per day. In the last 20 years, contact to NSW Crime
Stoppers has increased from 150 reports each month to almost 8000 per month, with that number likely to continue to rise. According to the Crime Stoppers Economic and Social Impact of Crime Stoppers Report February 2018, the added economic value of Crime Stoppers in 2017 was $60 million with $11.15 added value for every dollar invested. In all of this, Crime Stoppers could not continue to exist and contribute to crime solving if it weren’t for the collaborative efforts of the NSW Police Force and the community. NSW Crime Stoppers CEO, Peter Price AM, said we cannot underestimate the valuable contribution the community plays in solving crime. “We know from history that public support helps police intervene in criminal activity and disrupt organised gangs who are responsible for a range of crimes. We all want our children, families and friends to feel safe in our own homes and communities,” Mr Price said. “We don’t want to know who you are, we just want to know what you know. We’re asking you to be a mate and look out for the welfare of others by reporting to Crime Stoppers.” NSW Crime Stoppers is holding community engagement events in Sydney, Lismore, Wollongong
and Dubbo to call on residents to continue to support police by providing information. At the events, the local police and local communities will be commended for their 30 years of collaboration. Sydney City Police Area Commander, Acting Superintendent John Maricic APM thanked the community for getting behind the work of the NSW Police Force and NSW Crime Stoppers. “Our officers see the impact of crime on the community on a daily basis, and we want the public to continue to help us disrupt and prevent illegal activity, so we can achieve more positive outcomes,” A/Supt Maricic said. “We know that a whole-of-community approach is necessary to effectively tackle criminal behaviour, which is why it is so important to recognise the achievements from the past 30 years. “Never underestimate the important role you can play in helping police arrest those involved in criminal activity – your phone call could be this missing piece of the puzzle that is essential in solving a crime,” A/Supt Maricic said. NSW Crime Stoppers is looking forward to another 30 years of partnering with NSW Police and local communities to continue making NSW a safer place to live.
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ell known for their incredible support of local charities and organisations, giving away over $1 Million dollars in community support each year, St Marys Rugby League Club have donated a whopping $12,000 to the McGrath Foundation so every Saints player could take the field in pink socks over the weekend. Over 900 players tackled this worthy cause and proudly donned their pink socks to show their support and help raise vital funds for the McGrath Foundation. The McGrath Foundation has become one Australia’s most recognised and respected charities since Jane and Glenn McGrath’s very public experience with breast cancer. When Jane was diagnosed with cancer for a second time, she had the support of a breast care nurse, who both empowered and comforted her, and her family. This experience set the mission for the Foundation, which has become an enduring commitment: to ensure every family experiencing breast cancer has the support of a Breast Care Nurse, no matter where they live – for free. The Foundation relies on the heartfelt support they receive from individuals,
communities, corporate partners and government to continue providing and growing their nurse support across the country and increase breast health understanding. While more than 70,000 families have been supported since 2005 through the Foundation, more nurses are needed to meet the growing rate of breast cancer diagnosis in Australia. This is why St Marys Rugby League Club is such a strong supporter of the Foundation. Find out more about the great work the McGrath Foundation does, or how you can help at https://www. mcgrathfoundation.com.au/
A message from Jane McGrath “I was just 31 when first diagnosed with breast cancer. Glenn and I were inspired to create the McGrath Foundation after my initial recovery, to help support other Australian women touched by breast cancer. It wasn’t until I was rediagnosed, that I was fortunate enough to have access to a breast care nurse for the first time. It was like having someone hold my hand through one of the worst nightmares of my life. My breast care nurse allowed me to be Jane McGrath – the friend, the mother and the wife – not just the breast cancer patient. She was someone who could provide both Glenn and I with informed, sensible answers to the many questions we had during the often complicated and confusing treatment process.
Through my experience with breast cancer, the mission for the McGrath Foundation became clear: to raise money to place breast care nurses in communities across Australia, as well as increase breast awareness in young people, particularly young women. Breast cancer doesn’t care how old you are, where you live, whether you’re a career woman or a mother. Breast cancer is a disease that currently affects one in eight Australian women of all ages and backgrounds. Please help the McGrath Foundation support people across Australia. Together, we can make a difference.” Jane sadly passed away on 22 June 2008.
Western sydney crooks to get cctv close-up
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mall businesses and community groups in western Sydney are set to put the spotlight on crime, with applications now open for NSW Government CCTV grants. The $5 million program, which was first announced by Premier Gladys Berejiklian in February this year, will help more than 1000 businesses and organisations upgrade their security. Attorney General Mark Speakman said the initiative demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to local community safety. “Criminals will have fewer places to hide, with more CCTV sending a clear message that if you choose to do the wrong thing, you will be detected and caught,” Mr Speakman said. “We also want to increase community confidence for both business owners and local residents across the region, by
cracking down on anti-social behaviour to make their suburbs even safer.” Minister for Police David Elliott said the footage captured will be a vital investigative resource for local police to help catch criminals. “Aside from the evidentiary benefits, CCTV footage also helps detectives gather intelligence while acting as a general deterrent to help reduce the likelihood of further crime,” Mr Elliott said. Eligible small businesses and community groups can now apply for up to $5000 in funding, with applications to be assessed by the NSW Police Force and the NSW Department of Justice. Gina Field, Managing Director of Nepean Regional Security has been in the security business for 31 years and she welcomes the announcement.
“I welcome and commend the NSW Government for the safety package initiative to enhance the feeling of being safe in areas,” Gina said. “Security is a very important part of our lives now and we need to embrace the future of cameras in a collaborative way in conjunction with licensed security installers, physical security presence and Police services. Gina acknowledged that while CCTV may not actually stop crime, they do act as a deterrent and can assist in the apprehension of offenders. “In my experience cameras have reduced and solved crimes in various areas, however people need to be mindful that cameras are data (time, date, stamp) gathering pieces of equipment and may reduce crime, but may not actually stop the crime,” she said.
“Over Christmas the small business yard across the road from our security office was broken into and through our cameras the offenders were able to be identified, arrested and had the stolen merchandise returned to the business owner.”
Western News 24 May 2019 Issue 85
The “Mighty Green & White Saints” turn Pink!
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Western News
Keeping it cheap
Street food is cheap food
Accommodation doesn’t matter with views like this By BEN CRANNEY
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hen travelling on the cheap, a way to save money is washing by hand. Of course, sometimes, it doesn’t dry in time. When this happens, I carry it in my hand luggage so other clothes don’t get wet. This makes for some interesting encounters. At the airport in La Paz, Bolivia, there is a security check done by stern looking men with sterner looking machine guns. They checked my bags by hand. The guard put his machine gun in one hand and reached in to my bag. And with the tip of his index finger and thumb,
he pulled out a pair of damp frilly knickers with love hearts on them. He looked disgusted. Did he think they were mine? Or that I was a creep? In my head I was already locked up. ‘¡Son de mi esposa!’ I said, trying to defend myself, telling him that they belonged to my wife. Except she wasn’t with me. She’d chosen a faster queue, and was well ahead. Thankfully, she’d noticed something was up, and I pointed to her and he grudgingly waved me through. There are lots of ways to save money when planning a trip. Sometimes booking through a website in a different language or
currency can save a few dollars. I’ve saved over a hundred euros by using the Spanish (.es) version of a website instead of the Australian version. Sometimes, this fails. If the currency you booked in is different to the local currency, and you don’t have cash in the booked currency, you may get with a very poor exchange rate, losing your savings. Compare prices of different airports in the general area you want to go to. kiwi.com is good for this. Or look for other forms of travel. rome2rio.com is great for this. Don’t get stuck on an expensive airport transport, especially if you’re with lots of people. The Tasmanian skybus is $19.50, while an Uber was about $40, making Uber better for 3-4 people. Ask the hostel manager or concierge where to eat well and cheaply, and for free (or tip based) walking tours. Look into multi day public transport tickets or entrance passes. Book in advance if you know where and when
Use the clothes line when you can
you are going. Or use something like iknowthepilot.com if you are flexible. And take a plastic bag so that you can check in your wet washing. Next time: getting an upgrade
The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Soul Food
W
henever I get up before dawn, which I must admit is very rarely, I’m quite blown away by how beautiful it is to see the sun rise and I swear I will do this every day. However, some of us are larks and some night owls and I definitely fall into the latter category. I find it incredibly hard to wake up. I emerge blinking like a mole and unable to communicate in anything more than grunts for at least an hour. For some reason, last Saturday it was harder than usual to escape the arms of Morpheus. I tottered into the kitchen and just about managed to ask David what he wanted for breakfast. He said something back to me of which I only deciphered the word “porridge”. “Fine. I can do this,” I thought. I gazed blearily into the pantry and emerged with the oatmeal. Ten minutes later, I had somehow sleep-cooked my way to a pan of porridge. I went looking for David to find him in the shower - information contained in the rest of the sentence I hadn’t taken in! I went back into the kitchen. I peered into the murky depths of the porridge which was by this time setting like concrete. Normally I am quite good at righting wrongs in the kitchen, but in my semisomnolent state, I was at a loss. What to do? Should I throw it away and start again? I became aware of a presence at my elbow. “Don’t worry dear. Just add a little hot water and
give it a good stir from time to time.” It was my husband’s grandmother who can always be relied upon to get me out of trouble in the culinary department. “Thank you Prucel” I said as she faded quietly away. When David emerged from the shower, he was very impressed with the porridge. “How did you manage to keep that just right?” he asked. I smiled enigmatically and from behind me I heard a little giggle. This isn’t the first time Prucel has come to my rescue. I remember having to cook a salmon the
size of a small dolphin for a party and didn’t have a clue how long I had to cook it for. The damn thing was so big I had to cut off its head and tail just to get it in the oven, giving the oven door a good kick to make sure the beast didn’t escape. Just as I was starting to panic, there she was, complete with cooking times. It was perfect. At the party, I sat back, basking in compliments and trying to be smugly self-deprecating in a very English way. I did take the credit, but I certainly thank Prucel privately for saving my reputation. I know when you have been cooking for as many years as I have, you develop a sort of sixth sense about food or should I say it’s an amalgam of all our senses to know when things are done or need attending to. I always set a timer as I am getting a bit scatty, but it is very strange that even though I can be in the middle of doing something completely different, a couple of minutes before that timer goes off, I hear a little voice in my ear or feel a tap on my shoulder. Countless times we sit down to dinner and the timer buzzes. “What’s that?” asks David. “Oh, just the timer to say dinner’s ready,” I reply but I know that it is my ghostly Granny-in-law giving me a nudge. Timers? Who needs them when you have a Granny in the kitchen. The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.
Western News
local news
Western News 24 May 2019 Issue 85
Blood, Sweat & Tears
A
cclaimed artist and Blacktown resident of over 30 years, Vitéz Dr. Alex Sándor Kolozsy, will be exhibiting 50 of his sculptors and oil paintings at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre. The exhibition features bronze artworks of many well-known Australian figures, including the late artist Tom Bass, and musician Johnny O’Keefe, and famous places such as the Kokoda Track. Mayor Stephen Bali said the exhibition was an opportunity to see a world renowned artist located in Blacktown. “We are delighted to be showcasing the artworks of an important migrant artist who has made Blacktown his home for the last three decades.” The artist’s inspiration has come from the classical European tradition of sculpture. “I think Rodin is one of my favourites,” Kolozsy said. “I do not copy, but over the years I have developed my own impressionistic figurative style.” “My sculptures are not smooth. I have a certain texture on the surfaces, and I refine the highlights, and I aim to reflect the spirit and soul of the person in their portrait, which is the most important aspect of my work.” Kolozsy arrived in Australia in 1958 on the Dutch ship, Johan Van Oldevarneveld, with 3,000 Dutch and 7 Hungarian migrants. Two years earlier he was a young freedom-fighter in Budapest repelling the invasion of his country by Soviet Russia, taking over a tank in front of the Parliament building and hoisting the Hungarian national flag, despite being wounded. This same flag is part of the artist’s
11
Kolozsy - Sculptor, Two Vases 1995 (left), Kolozsy – Sculptor, Zsuzsa 1989 (right) Photo: Jennifer Leahy
personal memorabilia to be featured in the exhibition alongside his sculptures, drawings and paintings. Kolozsy - has many permanent public sculptures across Australia, including a memorial to the pioneering women of Australia located at Jessie Street Square in Sydney. Kolozsy – the sculptor was awarded an International Gold Medal in 1981 by the Arpad Academy in Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1991 he was awarded a Cultural Doctorate in Visual Arts from Benson, Arizona. His work is held in the Royal Art Collection, London, the Presidential Collection, Washington, National Portrait Gallery, Canberra and the Australian Parliament Art Collection. Last year he was knighted as Vitéz by the Hungarian Parliament. He is currently Sculptor-inResidence with the Blacktown Showground Society
Exhibition dates: 23 May – 27 June 2019 The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission to the exhibition is free. ABOUT BLACKTOWN ARTS Blacktown Arts is a recognised leader in the development of contemporary arts in Australia. We support artistic innovation and offer exciting, new experiences for audiences through an award-winning curated program of exhibitions, performances, workshops, residencies and events. We are committed to making dynamic, culturally diverse work that reflects Blacktown, its history and its communities. We place Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities at the heart of our program to develop new work drawing on issues of local and global significance. This is how we make art.
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Western News 24 May 2019 Issue 85
12
WESTERN HISTORY
An Early Daisy Bates
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
E
liza Hamilton Law-Dunlop was born in County Armagh in Ireland in 1796. She was the daughter of Solomon Hamilton & Martha (nee Costly). He was a Barrister-at-Law and an AngloIndian Judge of the late Supreme Court at Calcutta who died in the year 1820. Eliza married James Sylvius Law (around 1812) who was an astronomer and they had a son and a daughter. Eliza’s earliest documented public musical engagement took place in April 1818 when she was still Mrs Law and aged around 21. A verse prologue she had written specially for an occasion was read at a benefit concert organised by the Belfast Anacreontic Society for the harpist Patrick Carolan. After James died, she married David Dunlop of County Antrim at Port Patrick in Scotland in 1823, who was a bookseller and stationer in Coleraine. He was born in 1794 and his parents were Captain William & Jane Dunlop. In September 1837 the family departed Liverpool on the “Superb” via Hobart Town and arrived in Sydney in February 1838 with their four children – David (Jnr), Augusta, Wilhelmina and Rachel. On the 10th June that year he was appointed as the Police Magistrate at Penrith, but in November 1839 he was transferred to Wollombi as its first Police Magistrate on a salary of £250 per annum. In 1840 he was taken prisoner by bushrangers at the property of John Martin Davis and later rode to Maitland to organise a pursuit party and pursued the bushrangers before losing their tracks in the vicinity of Warawollong. He held this position until January 1847 when he was succeeded by Major Benjamin Sullivan. He built a stone house “Mulla Villa” in Wollombi. As a minor poet Eliza contributed to the literary life of the Hunter River circle. Her acquaintance with the European literary world gave her a place of prestige. Some of her early verse was published in such magazines as the Dublin Penny Journal and she continued to publish in the Australian and the Maitland Mercury. Her Australian lyrics were set to music and from 1842 appeared in the Australian Melodies series. A volume of her collected works known as “The Vase” remains in manuscript at the Mitchell Library. Eliza also took a great interest in the welfare and folk-lore of the Aboriginals in her husband’s charge and was one of the few people to appreciate the literary worth of Aboriginal songs and poetry. She won the confidence of the Aboriginal elders, particularly the chief Boni, (King Boney) and translated some of the verse into English. She also wrote on Aboriginal themes. Outraged by the Myall Creek massacre in 1838, she wrote her lament, ‘The Aboriginal Mother’ that was her best known and most discussed lyric and was her response to what has become known as the Myall Creek massacre. The massacre had occurred on 9 June, but only came to attention of the press and public with the beginning of the trials of the perpetrators in November. Amid a great public outcry, mainly in support of the eleven accused, the first trial for the murder of just one of the victims, held on 15 November, resulted in acquittal by a sympathetic jury. At the second trial, on further charges, which ran from 26 to 29 November, a guilty verdict was achieved, and on 5 December the sentence of death was passed on the prisoners. Seven of the perpetrators
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were duly executed on 18 December, though, as a result of public hostility toward the sentences, the remaining prisoners were set free. Whether David as a stipendiary magistrate knew anything of the case or the impending trials earlier than November, is not known, although, the high level of secrecy surrounding the early stages of the investigation suggests probably not. Allowing several days for the newspaper reports of the first trial to reach them from Sydney, Eliza and David probably only became aware of the event in detail toward the end of November, and apart from this single appearance of the lyric itself, there is no other documentation, so far discovered, linking them in any way with the original public controversy following the massacre and executions. No public reply to it, or private comment upon it, has so far been identified, which is hardly surprising, given the sheer amount of commentary surrounding the executions of the convicted perpetrators on 18 December, five days after the song appeared. Eliza’s public intervention was both unique and brave. Although she signed it simply “E. H. D.”, many well-informed readers, and no doubt most interested journalists, were well aware that the author was the wife of David Dunlop, the troubled police magistrate at Penrith. But if they said little or nothing at the time, at least some of those who objected to Eliza’s characterisation of the event, conceivably had good enough memories to hold it against her in future. In 1839 she wrote her song lyric in “Stories of an exile No. 8” (The ford of Emu Plains) at Government House at Emu Plains. She also did valuable work in preserving Aboriginal vocabularies and was assisted by other members of her family, notably her daughter Rachael. Sketches of the Penrith district by her daughter Georgina Law who was a governess in the Hassall family and who died at Wollombi in 1879, are in the Mitchell Library. David resided at Mulla Villa until his death when he died suddenly in March 1863 leaving an aged widow to mourn the loss of her beloved and faithful consort of nearly forty years. David was a forceful man with strong convictions and was far ahead of his time in the treatment of aboriginals. He advocated the wisdom of contracting with any willing aborigine for the completion of a limited and specific task, and then letting him return, dignity unimpaired, to his own tribal business. He was also a difficult and quarrelsome man by nature, having been removed from office in Penrith after many disagreements with the unpaid magistrates. He was initially popular with the free settlers by improving convict behaviour through his stern disciplinary measures and he was an efficient administrator who involved himself heavily in the affairs of the district. But being autocratic and abrupt he soon made enemies in the district with people who were influential enough to have him removed through representation to Governor Gipps. Eliza survived him until June 1880. She was buried in the Church of England cemetery at Wollombi alongside David. Photo of Emu Plains Government House courtesy of Penrith Library.
Sources: Australian newspaper, Sydney Morning Herald, State Library of NSW, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, Arborealis, “A little bit of History” website, Free Settler or Felon Search online, Trove.
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Western News
SUDOKU: EASY
SUDOKU: EASY
13 Western News 24 May 2019 Issue 85
SOLUTIONS: 10 May EASY
ENTERTAINMENT
INSTRUCTIONS medium
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
CROSSWORD ACROSS 9 Oval (7) 10 Breed of horse (7) 11 A musical interval of eight tones (7) 12 Artist’s studio (7) 13 A gradual increase in intensity (9) 15 An attribute of a people or era (5) 16 A chronicle of past events (7) 19 Clothing (7) 20 The golden touch (5) 21 Learn by heart (9) 25 Gracefully slender (7) 26 Spilt (7) 28 Used to spin yarn (7) 29 Utmost (7)
solution 10/5/19
down 1 With bravery and valor (6) 2 Carefree (6) 3 Idler (4) 4 A unit of instruction (6) 5 A mathematical curve (8) 6 Wildlife warden (10) 7 One who completes the task (8) 8 Mezzanine (8) 14 Puzzles like these (10) 16 Without shelter (8) 17 Skid (8) 18 Complained whiningly (8) 22 Young ladies (6) 23 Clothes fastener (6) 24 A shifty deceptive person (6) 27 A cereal grass (4)
Western News 24 May 2019 Issue 85
14
REAL ESTATE
Alex Soncini
T
Western News
Competition more likely on home loan rates
he Coalition’s 2019 election victory is expected to bring more heat in the competition amongst home loan providers. Lenders are most likely to enhance their offers to borrowers, especially due to the Coalition’s promises to retain negative gearing and introduce a first-home buyer deposit scheme. The election victory will probably stop any future discussions on negative gearing which should bring confidence back in the property market. There has been movement by smaller lenders slicing up to 50 basis points off popular three-year term rates in response to recent cuts by the majors and the likelihood of increased competition of lowering rates. The Reserve Bank of Australia held off a rate adjustment this month however many landers are forecasting a rate cut very soon in the coming months from a record low of 1.5%.
There are a couple of issues for those in the market to purchase a property and those with a mortgage looking to refinance. Tougher lending standards being driven by regulators and the banking royal commission, finance analysts issuing forecasts that house price falls in the biggest property markets are expected to slump more and to continue. With the current state of the housing market and a national affordability crisis, there has never been a greater need for a good financial advisor like Wealthwiz who understands the importance of considering the needs of borrowers and is committed to helping people achieve their financial goals. We know how hard it is to find a home loan or refinance especially if you are self-employed business owner.
We proudly help thousands each year overcome all the red tape and barriers put in their way. If your home loan rate does not start with 3 then you should thake the initiative to discuss. If you need help with a loan or have
@wealthwiz
any questions you can always have a one-on-one discussion at Wealthwiz. Just give Alex a call on 0419 600 177 and tell us about your situation. The more we learn, the better we can help.
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Western News
SPORT
By Noel Rowsell
T
he May round of the 2019 Western Sydney Region Veterans Golfers Association (WSRVGA) was held at Stonecutters Ridge GC on 8th May and started in ideal Autumn weather, with bright sunshine bathing the 144-person field (123 men, 21 women) for the 8am shotgun start. Mother Nature however had a surprise in waiting, with +60km/h winds soon buffeting the course throughout the morning and proving the undoing of a large number of players. The strong winds made shot-making and club selection paramount and not surprisingly, two A Grade players finished at the top of the Men’s field, with Graham Anderson (Wallacia GC) and Gerald Smith (Springwood CC) both finishing with 40 points, with Anderson taking the honours on a countback. Dunheved GC would take out the prestigious Team award on the day with a total of 151 points, ahead of Stonecutters Ridge GC on 148, Wallacia GC 143, Penrith GC 141, Richmond GC 135, Leonay GC 134, Springwood CC 134 and Glenmore
Action from the WSRVGA Inter-Club Event at Stonecutters Ridge GC. Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
Heritage Valley GC on 128. Full results: A Grade Men: Winner - Graham Anderson (Wallacia) 40 c/b; Runner-up Gerald Smith (Springwood) 40; B Grade Men: Winner - Peter McBride (Stonecutters) 39 c/b; Runner-up Peter Green (Dunheved) 39; C Grade Men: Winner - Allan
Renshall (Stonecutters) 37; Runner-up Stephen Cromer (Leonay) 36 A Grade Women: Winner - Mabel (Mei) McCormick (Leonay) 32 c/b; Runner-up Sue Evers (Springwood) 32; B Grade Women: Winner – Judy Loader (Stonecutters) 35; Runner-up Denise Chant (Wallacia) 34.
2BBB Men: Winners - Peter Green & Peter Whiddon (Dunheved) 47 pts; Runners-Up Barry Polinsky & Vincent Lyons (Springwood) 45. 2BBB Medley: Winners - Ross Chant & Denise Chant (Wallacia) 43 points; Runners-Up Steven Loader & Judy Loader 43 (Stonecutters).
Blacktown gruel out a victory against Hakoah By CONNER LOWE
B
lac k t o w n City have grabbed a hard-fought win against Hakoah Sydney City East FC 1-0 at Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday. The opening opportunity of the game didn’t arrive until the 16th minute when a free-kick from Shohei Okuno rolled along the carpet and missed the intended target by a narrow margin. Some nice play in the 24th minute from Hakoah Sydney City East saw Dominic Cox eventually serve the ball on a platter to Addison Sayan who fired his rocket just wide of the goal much to the relief of the home fans. A few minutes later Cox again played king-maker when he set up Okuno who hit his volley just over the goal from a great position. Blacktown City, after absorbing the pressure from Hakoah, then created some great chances of their own. They almost hit the target in the 26th minute when Joey Gibbs delightfully chipped the ball over for Emmanuel Gonzalez, but his attempt was majestically saved by Ryan Norval who needed two bites of the cherry to get the ball under his control. A minute later the ball flowed up the same end and Gibbs this time sent his diagonal shot crashing into the post past a diving Norval. A double chance to Blacktown then eventuated in the 32nd minute and really the home side should have taken the lead there and then. A rocket by Gonzalez was parried by Norval but
only as far as Leroy Jennings who forced Norval into another great reflex save to deny the home side the breakthrough. Blacktown City’s best chance came in the 39th minute. A shot by Lewis from the right met the hand of Steven Katsionis just inside the box and referee Stephen Lucas awarded the home side a penalty. Gibbs stepped up to take the penalty but Norval saved it low down to his right sending the ball actually across the face of goal in the other direction. It was to be the last action of a wonderful, freeflowing half of football despite neither side being able to break through. In the second half Blacktown City did though take the lead in the 54th minute when a fantastic cross by Lewis was met by Daniel Araujo who clinically
headed home from the centre of the box to give the men in black the lead. In the 66th minute though Hakoah should have equalised when a beautiful cross by Gautier from the left was met by the head of Oliver Green at the back post but, despite his best efforts to direct the sphere into the goal, Tristan Prendergast was able to get it away for a corner. In the 72nd minute Hakoah received a penalty in very similar way to Blacktown’s in the first half. Handball was called against City defender Grant Lynch. In the same way that Blacktown failed to convert, so too did Hakoah. Gautier’s rather tame spot kick was saved by Prendergast down to his left. Blacktown almost doubled their lead with 10 minutes left when Gibbs played a nice ball to Jennings who slammed it into the post with venom and the rebound was hit wide by Desilva who seemed almost surprised with the golden chance in front of an open goal. But in the end, it didn’t matter for Blacktown as the earlier goal was enough to secure them the full haul of points. Blacktown will look forward to the derby against Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Popondetta Park on Saturday 25 May, Kick-off 7pm. Blacktown City will look to grab a victory and potentially jump into the top 4.
Western News 24 May 2019 Issue 85
Golfers blown off course in Inter-Club Event
15
Western News Friday, 24 May 2019
SPORT
Mt Druitt Rangers fall at the last hurdle to APIA Leichardt By CONNER LOWE
M
t Druitt Town Rangers were unfortunate not to leave Lambert Park with a point on Sunday after a terrific performance against APIA Leichardt Tigers. A late strike by Corey Biczo, was the difference between the two sides as the APIA walked away with as 3-2 victors. APIA had the first opportunity of the match through their defender Kouta who managed to force his way onto the ball just outside the 18-yard box but dragged his shot to the far post, where Saliadarre could only push the ball as far as Payne, but the keeper managed to block the following shot for the corner. Although APIA looked to be controlling the game it was Mt Druitt Town who opened the scoring through a fantastic strike by Toufic Allameddine. Fernandez found Allameddine with an inchperfect ball from the midfield, with the Mt Druitt forward taking a touch before curling a shot over the goalkeeper and inside the far post. Mt Druitt continued to pose a threat on the break through Alex Boyadjian and Fernandez, who slipped between the lines well to keep the APIA backline busy. However, APIA were too persistent to not be awarded with a goal before halftime and equalised just a couple of minutes before halftime. Sean Symons won the ball back in midfield and played a cleaver
one-two with Parisi before calmly firing across the keeper into the bottom corner. Mt Druitt came close to taking the lead through Allameddine who strongly headed a cross from Fernandez, however it was cleared on the line by Necevski and ran out for a corner. It was then APIA who managed to find a goal and go 2-1 up just before the hour mark. A great ball over from Parisi to Biczo, who was able to bring it down and cut it to the edge of the box where Ucchino finished strongly for the Tigers. Former Western Sydney Wanderers player Roberts
proved the difference a few moments later when he drove down the right again, this time finding Fernandez with his cutback for the Mt Druitt midfielder to fire home an equaliser. APIA appeared frustrated after giving up their lead but found a final gear as the match came to an end, and Biczo was in the right place at the right time to sweep the ball into the net with five minutes on the clock. Mt Druitt Town Rangers will now look towards their game against Blacktown City at Popondetta Park, on Saturday 25 May, kick-off 7pm.