Western News 24 November 2023

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BEST Open

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM was joined by Olympic champion, Cathy Freeman OAM, to officially open the Blacktown Exercise, Sports and Technology (BEST) Hub. See page 2 for full story.

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COVER STORY

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Blacktown City’s $100-million BEST officially opened by Olympic legend

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LACKTOWN City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM recently joined Olympic champion, Cathy Freeman OAM, to officially open the Blacktown Exercise, Sports and Technology (BEST) Hub. The newly constructed $100-million BEST is fully-funded by Blacktown City Council – and sits within the Blacktown International Sports Park, venue for the Sydney 2000 Olympics softball and baseball competitions.

BEST provides state-of-the-art facilities for training, sports medicine, rehabilitation, research and education as well as providing accommodation, a large café-restaurant and an innovative fun play space for kids of all ages and abilities.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale said; “BEST is a $100-million investment in the health and future of the communities of Blacktown City and Western Sydney.

“BEST is a game-changer for sports in Western Sydney providing the very best facilities in sports sciences, training and rehabilitation.

“BEST was designed in collaboration with partners; the Australian Catholic University (ACU), Sydney West Sports Medicine, AFLNSW and WentWest.”

Mayor Bleasdale said.

In opening BEST, Cathy Freeman said, “If this facility was here when I was a kid, without a doubt I would be here every day with my stepfather training and making the most of these facilities.

“I love the fact that there is such a diverse community in Blacktown City, including a vast First Nations community who will be able to use BEST and make it work. Best

provides an opportunity and value for the community to connect,” Cathy Freeman said.

ACU’s Exercise and Sports Science and High-Performance Sport programs are now located within BEST, utilising Australia’s most innovative integrated sport, health and education precinct.

ACU Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Zlatko Skrbis said; “Our partnership with Blacktown City Council’s BEST has produced an invaluable resource for Blacktown and Western Sydney.

“BEST has the capability to provide injury recovery and treatment, accommodation, active lifestyle engagement, exercise and Sport Science education and research in one place which is invaluable for our students and staff.” Professor Skrbis said.

Blacktown City Council is fortunate in having Dr. Neil Gibson as the Project Director at BEST. Neil was responsible for the design and development of Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, Oriam. He has been a consultant to both the Scottish and English Football Associations, as well as Scotland’s Commonwealth Games teams.

“Neil is widely regarded as among the best in the world in his field and we are fortunate to have him. The BEST in the industry leading the BEST sports training, recovery and sports sciences education facility in Australia,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

The design team of ARM Architecture and Co-op developed the extraordinary BEST design. BEST was constructed by Buildcorp, with Architectus designing the landscape

and physical literacy area.

Buildcorp Group Managing Director, Tony Sukkar said “It was a privilege and an honour for Buildcorp to complete this amazing facility in collaboration with Blacktown City Council, providing community facilities, medical and allied services, and playing fields and accommodation.

“We have proudly engaged over 1000 workers across 55 trades on the site, many from the local area. Having travelled the world, I can say BEST is a benchmark for high performance for teams, better than anything around the world,” Tony Sukkar said.

The Blacktown Exercise, Sports and Technology (BEST) Hub consists of: Strength and Conditioning suite; Featuring a range of cutting-edge equipment that has been curated to offer the very best in training and rehabilitation. The Strength and Conditioning suite will be available for those rehabilitating after injury or recovery from surgery as well as athletes and teams. BEST is also equipped with synthetic indoor and outdoor running tracks.

Aquatic recovery pools: A split level pool with deep water for tethered swimming and aqua running, an area for water-based recovery sessions and hot and cold plunge pools, all designed to promote recovery post exercise.

Auditorium: Multi use space suitable for conferences, meetings or functions, fully equipped with audio visual technology.

All-weather playing field: Designed to be enjoyed by kids and big kids alike, as well as being a valuable facility for training, strength and conditioning and injury rehabilitation.

Physical literacy space (Playground); Designed in conjunction with medical experts, to improve physical, psychological, social and cognitive skills. It’s also the most exciting playground for kids of all ages.

The Lodge: A stylish, modern hotel, ideal for athletes, bootcamps, wellness retreats, corporate team building, or anyone visiting Western Sydney. Guests can enjoy bespoke catering options, customised training regimes, as well as fitness and aquatics centres.

Café; The fully licensed Parklands Café is open all day and is the ideal place to grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely meal with friends.

More information on the Blacktown Exercise, Sports and Technology (BEST) Hub: www.bestblacktown.com

Western NEWS

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HE festive season is nearly upon us bringing the launch of Blacktown City’s Christmas Lights Competition and the Mayoress’ Christmas Gift Appeal.

Entries in the popular Christmas Lights Competition are now open, with residents encouraged to decorate their house, townhouse or villa, or nominate a neighbour’s property.

Residents can even join together and enter the “Best Street” category.

More than $4000 in cash and prizes is on offer across the range of categories, including: Best Townhouse or Villa, Encouragement Award, Ward Winners, Best Street and, of course, the coveted Champion of Champions prize.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the competition was a great way of bringing the festive spirit to our neighbourhoods.

“Council’s Christmas Lights Competition is the perfect opportunity for residents of Blacktown City to light up their streets,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“The Best Street category is a wonderful way to get involved with your neighbours and I’m blown away each year by the standard of entries.

I can’t wait to see the displays in this year’s Christmas Lights Competition.”

Mayoress Christmas Gift Launch.

Entries remain open until 6 December 2023 with preliminary judging taking place from 6-13 December.

Meanwhile, the Mayoress of Blacktown City, Nina Bleasdale, is calling on residents to share the festive spirit by donating a gift to families who are doing it tough, through this year’s Mayoress Christmas Gift Appeal.

“This year has been challenging for so many in our community, with cost of living pressures hitting household budgets hard. The Gift Appeal is one way we can help those less fortunate enjoy a merry Christmas,” Mayoress Bleasdale said.

Gifts can be donated for children

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www.roadmaptolife.com.au We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

We celebrate, value, and include people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.

The spectacular display from the Overall City Winner in the 2022 Blacktown City Christmas Lights Competition – 12 Bracken Street, Marsden Park.

aged from 0-16 years and can include new and unused toys, books, clothing and non-perishable goods.

Council is partnering with 3 local charities for this year’s appeal Butucarbin Aboriginal Corporation, Mt Druitt Ethnic Community Agency, and North West Community Services Inc. Donated gifts can be left under the tree at various places in Blacktown City, including: • Council’s Blacktown Administration Centre and Mount Druitt Hub • Council Aquatic and Leisure Centres • Council-operated childcare centres

• Blacktown City Libraries • Westpoint Blacktown • And Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre.

Gifts (unwrapped) will be accepted until 5pm on Thursday, 7 December, so they can be distributed in time for Christmas.

For more details and gift suggestions, visit the website; www. blacktown.nsw.gov.au/AboutCouncil/What-we-do/MayoressChristmas-Gift-Appeal To enter the Blacktown City Christmas Lights Competition, visit: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/ Community/Awards-scholarshipsand-competitions/Blacktown-CityChristmas-Lights-Competition

Western News 24 November 2023 Issue 201

The festive spirit lights up Blacktown City

Western News 24 November 2023 Issue 201

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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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BY KERRIE DAVIES

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E are rapidly reaching a point where home ownership is becoming an elusive dream for the average Australian in western Sydney. The cost of renting a home is ridiculously high also, but today I’m going to write about those who want to buy, but just can’t.

The rising interest rates and overblown price tags are making it very hard for anyone starting out to get the deposit together and get a bank loan approval.

Most “starter” homes in our region are now valued at over $1 million. With a 10 per cent deposit required in most cases, that’s over $100,000 needed just to be considered for the strict lending criteria.

I was recently chatting with a friend whose son is focussed on buying a home in Penrith. He’d sacrificed nights out and scratched off take away meals and put all excess funds towards living the dream. He had saved $40,000. His father said to him, “that’s great, that’s your Stamp Duty covered, now you can start on saving a deposit.” How disheartening!

There’s an argument that ‘back in the day’ interest rates were up over 15 percent yet many people in my (old) age group were somehow still able to afford a home.

But it was a completely different time, influenced by so many different factors.

The cost to buy was a lot less. Our ‘essential’ living expenses were completely different; they didn’t include mobile phones, home wifi or gym memberships.

Let’s be honest, we lead much simpler lives back then.

Admittedly, buying your own home has always required a level of sacrifice. I remember it well. We couldn’t afford furniture. For months we sat on milk crates joined by a plank of wood with cushions on top. We slept diagonal so as to avoid the section on the mattress where the springs had sprung. And we rented a TV and video. That was about the extent of our possessions! Nothing fancy pants whatsoever, but at least we had started the ball rolling. We were buying a place, even though it had paint peeling off every room in the house and rising damp, at least when the rate notices arrived, it had our names on it and not a Landlord.

The surging property prices in our region have created a daunting barrier for aspiring homeowners; those willing to make the sacrifices can’t even get to the point of sitting on a milk crate in a home with their name on it.

It seems the gap between income levels and housing costs has widened to a point where the ownership dream is increasingly slipping away from the grasp of hardworking Australians. And that is very sad.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

Western NEWS

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Providing the highest standard of rapid response care

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AREFLIGHT was honoured to host a visit from leaders in NSW Government recently, a key step forward in their ongoing discussions toward the next contract for CareFlight’s Rapid Response Service. Along with current Chair Dr Andrew Refshauge and Deputy Chair Brad Hazzard, they were delighted to host NSW Premier Chris Minns, Health Minister Ryan Park and Member for Parramatta Donna Davis, in the Premier’s words, “a big, long tour”.

As well as meeting the Rapid Response crew and learning about the operations first-hand, the Ministers also visited CareFlight’s Education facilities, speaking with team members and viewing a demonstration of the crash-car training simulator. The Premier and the Health Minister remarked on how impressed they were by the team’s work at CareFlight.

“CareFlight’s rapid response team is a seriously impressive unit - what an honour to meet them at their base,” Health Minister Ryan Park said.

“These specialist doctors, nurses and paramedics provide the highest standard of rapid response care to

critically ill and injured patients right across NSW. “Premier Chris Minns and I are so proud of the work these incredible clinicians do every day, serving their community and caring for people in their time of need.”

Donna Davis MP, and former Mayor of Parramatta, also commented on the visit.

“CareFlight is an incredible multifaceted service that is so much more than flight rescue. It was great to check out the helicopter, education vehicles and meet the team with the Premier and Minister for Health, with a couple of former NSW Health Ministers.”

Careflight looks forward to continuing the positive engagement with our partners in the NSW Government, and providing further updates as they progress in the future.

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Vaping Roundtable the first step in combatting growing community-wide issue

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CHOOL leaders and health experts convened recently for the Minns Labor Government’s roundtable on the growing issue of vaping in NSW schools.

Delivering an election commitment to host the panel and discuss solutions, the Vaping Roundtable heard firsthand accounts from students, teachers, principals and evidence from health experts and researchers, about vaping behaviour and how it is affecting young people.

The Roundtable also heard about the impact vaping is having on schools, and the role the wider community plays in supporting young people.

Vaping is harmful, especially for non-smokers and young people, with direct health risks including nicotine addiction, nicotine poisoning, burns and injuries from devices exploding, and lung damage, according to a comprehensive systematic review from the Australian National University.

New data shows one third of children aged 14 to 17 have vaped or used an e-cigarette, and nine out of ten young people found it easy to access vapes, according to University of Sydney Associate Professor Becky Freeman, who presented to the Roundtable on behalf Generation Vape and Cancer Council NSW. Representatives from NSW Health, Cancer Council NSW, the Advocate for Children and Young People as well as students and primary and high school principals addressed the panel, with members of the public, independent and Catholic school sectors also represented.

Vaping is a complex, communitywide issue which is having an acute

impact on school-aged children.

Where there are opportunities for the NSW Government to help, we are determined to have a positive impact.

The Minns Labor Government thanks all the contributors, and will now consider all it heard, including solutions that can be implemented in education settings.

As we chart a path forward, a number of actions have been proposed, including creating a vaping guide to assist teachers and help students trying to quit, updating the curriculum so it better addresses the dangers of vaping, creating an online support platform for students, and building better referral pathways between schools and community services.

This is part of other reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government to protect children from the harms of illegal vapes, including $6.8 million invested over three years to crack down on the sale of illegal vapes and to increase support for

young people who are addicted to vaping.

The NSW Government’s work will complement other measures introduced by the Australian Government, which includes the commitment to restrict the sale of vaping products.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said they’d heard from students, teachers, principals and health experts about the significant concern vaping is causing across the NSW schooling community.

“Vaping among young people is a community-wide issue that is only increasing in its negative impact,” Ms Car said.

“It is clear from what we heard today than an evidenced-based approach is needed to tackle this problem.

“This is a complex issue and we need to work together as a community to tackle this serious problem.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said vapes can have harmful impacts,

especially on young people’s growing brains and bodies “We will continue to crack down on retailers who illegally sell nicotine vapes,” he said.

“Ask any parent, and they will tell you that these products are pervasive.

We are determined to get in front of this growing public health crisis.

“In the intermediate term, we have ramped up our compliance capacity, whilst boosting our cessation support for young people. But where we can improve our efforts moving forward, we will, and this Roundtable is critical to bringing together the leading expert advice in tackling the prevalence of vaping.”

Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Chief Health Officer said NSW Health is increasingly concerned about the harmful health effects of vaping, particularly for young people.

“Vapes can cause harm to the health and development of young people, including changes to brain development, impaired learning and memory, and may worsen stress, depression and anxiety,” Dr Chant said.

“NSW Health is committed to increasing support to help young people quit vaping. We have developed the ‘Do you know what you’re vaping?’ campaign and Vaping toolkit to increase awareness among young people and provide parents, schools, and health and community services with strategies to protect young people from the harms of vapes.

“NSW Health has also released a new guide to support health professionals and others who work with young people to assist young people to quit vaping.”

Finalists and exhibition announced for 2024 Blacktown City Art Prize

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HE Blacktown City Art Prize exhibition returns to kick off 2024 at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre with vibrancy, excitement and the community of Blacktown at its heart.

For the first time, Blacktown City is embedded from the outset, with special consideration given to artworks that celebrate, express and reflect upon the diverse history, environment and First Nations stories of the region.

83 finalists have been chosen from western Sydney and across Australia.

Finalists are in the running to win the Blacktown City Art Prize Main Prize, First Nations Artist Prize, Local Artist Prize, Early-Career Artist Prize, and the People’s Choice Prize.

The independent judging panel were impressed with the standard of this year’s entries, and commented that the selected finalists are a small window into exciting contemporary art-making across Sydney.

They said the finalists’ works are a

Photo: Liza Moscatelli

celebration of personal expression of what it means to connect and relate to one another through a diverse range of mediums and bright, bold colours.

Blacktown Arts received a total of 381 entries from across Australia.

The Mayor of Blacktown, Tony Bleasdale OAM said: “This prestigious yearly Prize showcases the creativity of Blacktown, western Sydney and beyond, and provides local artists with the opportunity to exhibit alongside artists from across Australia.

“I congratulate all artists who have been selected as finalists and I look

forward to being inspired by their works.

“I am proud of the commitment by Blacktown Arts in providing artists the opportunity to share, develop and enrich their practice in what is regarded as the leading regional art prize in Australia,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

All artworks in the exhibition will be available for purchase at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.

Make sure to catch the exhibition this summer and vote for your favourite artwork in the People’s Choice Prize. The winner will be

announced in the final week of the exhibition.

Please note that voting for the People’s Choice Prize will be available in-person only.

Awards for the Main Prize, First Nations Artist Prize, Local Artist Prize, and Early-Career Artist prize will be announced at the prize-giving ceremony on 17 January 2024.

The 2024 Blacktown City Art Prize offers a total prize pool of $22,500 and acquisitions across five categories.

Prizes include: Main Prize (acquisitive): $15,000 First Nations Artist Prize: $2,000 Local Artist Prize: $2,000 Early-Career Artist Prize (acquisitive): $2,500 People’s Choice Prize: $1,000 Key dates: Exhibition: 16 January to 5 April 2024 Awards ceremony: 17 January 2024 For the list of finalists and further information, visit blacktownarts. com.au/bcap

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HE NSW Government say they are getting on with the job of providing Rouse Hill with a hospital for the future. Delivered in one stage, the Rouse Hill Hospital will respond to the health needs of the communities in north west Sydney for decades to come.

Health Minister Ryan Park visited the Rouse Hill Hospital site on Tuesday, 24 October, confirming the government’s funding commitment of an additional $400 million to deliver an expanded scope for the development, bringing the total budget for the hospital to $700 million.

“Our government is committed to delivering a hospital of the future at Rouse Hill that will lead the way in patient-centred care, innovation and research,” Mr Park said.

“Rouse Hill Hospital will be one of the first hospitals under our government to combine the best contemporary healthcare facilities with services that support our highly skilled workforce, including childcare and health worker accommodation.”

Community members who are interested in taking part in consultation around the Rouse Hill Hospital development are invited to register their interest by completing an online form here: https://forms. office.com/r/TNhF9j8Qp8

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said now is a great time for further community involvement.

“The success of the new Rouse Hill Hospital relies on the active involvement and valuable insights of our community, ensuring its design and function is welcoming, accessible and supports the wellbeing of patients, visitors and staff,” Mr Kirby said.

A dedicated project website has also been launched to keep the community informed of progress. The www.rousehillhospital.health.nsw. gov.au website will feature the latest news and updates and an opportunity to sign up to a regular newsletter.

Labor spokesperson for Kellyville, duty MLC Peter Primrose, said Western Sydney is one of NSW’s fastest growing regions and the new Rouse Hill Hospital is a vital piece of health infrastructure to meet the community’s needs.

“A key area of focus for the Minns Labor Government is in ensuring that as the communities of greater Western Sydney grow, the necessary infrastructure and services grow with them,” Mr Primrose said.

Mr Park said a key component of the Rouse Hill Hospital development will be attracting a skilled multidisciplinary health workforce.

“As a first step in building this workforce, I am excited to announce the appointment of Julia Underwood as General Manager of the new Hospital,” Mr Park said.

“With more than 26 years’ experience working for NSW Health, Julia’s most recent role was Director of Redevelopment at Campbelltown Hospital. Julia has the unique skills required to support the delivery of this state-of-the-art hospital.

“As General Manager, Julia’s focus will be on establishing the executive

team at Rouse Hill Hospital as well as operational, governance and built environment plans.”

The final scope for the Rouse Hill Hospital Development will be determined through the planning process. It will adopt a full hospital campus model and is expected to include: • An Emergency and Urgent Care Department • In-patient beds • Day surgery unit • Short stay medical assessment services • Pathology, pharmacy, and medical imaging services • A health hub for virtual care and hospital in the home services • Prehabilitation, rehabilitation, and lifestyle medicine • Outpatient and Ambulatory Care services including paediatrics, renal, maternity services and women’s health • Administration, staff support and back of house services • Car parking facilities.

The design and consultation phase for the Rouse Hill Hospital will continue throughout 2023. Main works construction is on track to start in 2024.

Submit your ideas here: https://forms.office.com/r/ TNhF9j8Qp8

Three teens charged over bushfire POLICE have charged three teenage boys with deliberately lighting a fire in Sydney’s northwest last month.

In November 2023, detectives attached to Riverstone Police Area Command established Strike Force Clennam to investigate a series of deliberately lit bushfires in and around The Ponds bushland between October and November 2023.

About 7pm on Sunday 29 October 2023,

emergency services were called to Peel Reserve bushland following reports of a large bushfire.

Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze before any nearby properties were damaged.

Police commenced an investigation into the cause of the fire, and about 11am today (Friday 17 November 2023), police arrested three teenage boys – two aged 14 and the third aged 16.

They were taken to Riverstone Police Station

where they were all charged with intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to its spread and shoplifting.

The 16-year-old boy was charged with an additional charge of possess unauthorised pistol.

They were granted strict conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Tuesday 28 November 2023.

Investigations under Strike Force Clennam continue.

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Western News 24 November 2023 Issue 201

Help build the Rouse Hill Hospital of the future: Have your say

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From AI to human experience: Presenting the future of healthcare at western Sydney forum

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RAEME Loy, Chief Executive, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) recently attended the Greater Western Sydney Future Health Forum 2023 alongside Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park and more than 300 clinicians, academics and industry stakeholders to discuss the challenges around supporting a sustainable healthcare system in a rapidly growing western Sydney.

Speaking at the 2023 GWS Future Health Forum, delivered by the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue in partnership with local health districts, The Hon. Ryan Park MP said the investment was critical to support a sustainable healthcare system in Sydney’s booming west.

“Greater western Sydney is one of our state’s fastest growing regions and will be home to more than six million people by 2041,” Mr Park said.

“As the communities of greater western Sydney grow, the NSW Government is committed to ensuring their essential services, like healthcare, grow with them.”

The event was an opportunity to discuss some of the key challenges in western Sydney including the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical care, how to embrace change and celebrate success, fostering relationships with other stakeholders such as non-government organisations (NGOs) and the importance of bringing everything we do back to the human experience.

Multiple panels were conducted discussing key healthcare issues for western Sydney.

WSLHD CE Graeme Loy participated on the Wicked Problems of the West panel discussion,

alongside Sonia Marshal (Acting Chief Executive SWSLHD) and Lee Gregory (Chief Executive, Nepean Blue Mountains) discussing the complexity and diversity of the region.

“One of the key challenges we have is around developing care models which are closer to people’s homes,” Mr Loy said.

“For example through our InTouch program and Virtual Care we can make sure people are treated in their own home, preventing unnecessary presentations to the emergency department, and also ensuring exemplary human experience.”

Adam Leto, Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue CEO, facilitated the discussion and welcomed the focus on providing tailored healthcare services to meet the growing and diverse needs of one of Australia’s fastest-growing populations.

“It is critical that we continue to take a holistic approach to providing the healthcare services the communities of the west need and, importantly, to plan for future needs,” Mr Leto said.

Key issues explored during the

forum’s speeches, panel sessions and presentations included: 1. Understanding the role of planning, design, transport and amenity in improving health outcomes 2. The role of sport in improving community health outcomes, and leveraging the private sector for grass-roots growth 3. Infrastructure and services

needed to help safeguard communities from the effects of extreme heat 4.

Untapped opportunities within the care economy to spark productivity, improve efficiencies and address cost-of-living pressures 5. Attracting investment, supporting research innovation health and retaining talent in western Sydney.

At the event, Dialogue Chairman Christopher Brown AM presented the Patrons’ Prize for Corporate Civic Leadership to Richard Alcock AO, former Chair of the Western Sydney Local Health District.

“It was an honour to recognise the invaluable contribution of these distinguished healthcare leaders,” Mr Brown said.

“Their tireless efforts and professionalism have enriched the region’s health services, while their leadership has inspired the next generation to continue to advocate for the communities of greater western Sydney.”

Western Sydney at epicentre of the state’s housing crisis, new report reveals

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NEW report has found Western Sydney is at the epicentre of the state’s housing crisis, with the squeeze only likely to worsen as the region prepares to accommodate nearly two-thirds of Greater Sydney’s overall population growth over the next two decades.

“Both the quantitative data and the stories from those on the ground point to one thing – a housing crisis in Western Sydney,” said report author Mr Tom Nance.

“A confluence of factors – low property completion rates, soaring housing costs and a lack of meaningful progress on social and affordable housing development – has led to the crisis.”

Released by the Centre for Western Sydney, the Home Truths: The Real Housing Story in Western Sydney

report shines a light on what it claims are years of housing failures.

It reveals that social and affordable housing in the region only meets 44 per cent of demand at present, with an estimated shortfall of nearly 76,000 dwellings. It claims that without immediate action, this gap will blowout to a deficit of more than 160,000 homes by 2041.

The report also found the proportion of households using social housing was higher in Western Sydney, at 5.3 per cent compared to 3.0 per cent for the rest of Sydney.

“Once an accessible safety net for households, social housing has been replaced with a long waitlist with the expected waiting time for social housing in many parts of the region exceeding ten years. And this is simply unacceptable,’’ said Mr Nance.

The report found growing housing

stress experienced by the region’s key workers has the potential to have a significant impact on Western Sydney’s economy.

Larger family sizes in Western Sydney, as well as inter-family and inter-generational living, are creating demand for social and affordable housing dwellings which have four or more bedrooms.

Mr Nance said: “Urgent action is required to address this critical issue for our city. It will take a collective effort from all three levels of government, as well as industry and community, to overcome this unprecedented challenge.”

“The construction of social and affordable housing dwellings that reflect an appropriate mix of dwelling types is critical, to ensuring that people, including key workers and those on low incomes, can access

housing that suits them and enables their participation in everyday life.”

Outlining five key priority areas, the report calls for all levels of government and policy platforms of advocacy and lobby groups, to support the delivery of appropriate housing for current and future residents in Western Sydney.

This includes critically incorporating affordable housing development for key workers as part of health, education and innovation precinct designs, to safeguard the retention of the region’s essential workforce.

To view the Centre for Western Sydney’s Home Truths: The Real Housing Story in Western Sydney report, visit the web page at www.westernsydney.edu.au.

The Centre is the leading evidence-based authority on Western Sydney.

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Overall City Champion Fortunato Vella with Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Councillors and landscape designer Charlie Albone

Winners of the 2023 Blacktown City Garden Competition

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The winning front garden of Fortunato Vella, of Prospect

ROSPECT’S Fortunato Vella was named Overall City Champion for the second year running for his outdoor oasis, whilst 2022 joint winner Geoff Kubbere, of Oakhurst, was named runner up.

Avid gardener Fortunato also received first prize for Best Front Garden, Best Garden in Ward 3 and second prize for Best Back Garden.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said Fortunato was one of Blacktown City’s finest gardeners.

“The Blacktown City Garden Competition is a chance to celebrate the green thumbs of our City, and acknowledge the hard work of our residents, businesses, schools and community groups, who play a big

part in beautifying our City,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Congratulations to Fortunato for his back-to-back win. His ongoing success in the Garden Competition shows his talent and his green thumbs!

“The entries we receive continue to astound our judges each year and this is something all entrants should be extremely proud of.

“Thank you to the winners and all entrants for sharing their gardens with us and spreading joy with their neighbourhoods.”

The 2023 competition received 80 entries across 14 categories, with landscape designer Charlie Albone presenting the awards at a special ceremony.

Charlie Albone is an award-winning

landscape designer and popular national television personality. After thirteen years on “Selling Houses Australia”, Charlie joined the Seven Network’s “Better Homes and Gardens’ Entries were assessed on key elements including design, construction, maintenance and sustainability.

Categories included Best Educational Facility Garden, Best Edible Garden, Best Australian Native Garden, Best Sustainable Garden and many more.

Winners shared in a cash prize pool worth more than $3000.

2023 Blacktown City Garden Competition winners Champion Garden: 1st place Fortunato Vella, 2nd place Geoff Kubbere, 3rd place Eddie & Margaretta Rutkowski Best Front Garden: 1st place Fortunato Vella, 2nd place Geoff Kubbere, 3rd place Hannelore Nawiesniak Best Back Garden: 1st place Eddie & Margaretta Rutkowski, 2nd place Fortunato Vella, 3rd place Geoff Kubbere Best Individual Residential (unit or townhouse): 1st place Rajani Shrestha, 2nd place Muhammed Ali Best Community Garden: 1st place Mt Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (Neha Teli), 2nd place Bidwill Community Garden (Marjorie Mead)

Best Education Facility - High School/Primary/Early Learning: 1st place Mitchell High School (Barrie Stooke), 2nd place Chifley Collage, Bidwill Campus (David Giblin), 3rd place Blacktown North Public School (Sue Bishop) Best Australian Native Garden: 1st place Blake Ormsby, 2nd place James Skondrianos Best Garden by a Senior Citizen: 1st place Eddie & Margaretta Rutkowski, 2nd place Charlie Camilleri Ward winners: Ward 1 Dennis Ringrose, Ward 2 Matthew Iwaszkiewics, Ward 3 Fortunato Vella, Ward 4 Virginia Russell, Ward 5 Geoff Kubbere Best Edible Garden – Residential: 1st place Blake Ormsby Best Edible Garden – School: 1st place Chifley College, Bidwill Campus (David Giblin) Best Edible Garden – Other: 1st place MTC Australia Parklea Correctional Centre (Sanjeev Kumar) Best Interesting & Unusual Plants: Winner Dennis Ringrose Best Sustainable Garden: 1st place Blake Ormsby, 2nd place Chifley College, Bidwill Campus (David Giblin) Best Garden by a person/ group with a disability: 1st place Greg Lustre, 2nd place Sir Trevor Garland Best Themed or Novel Garden: 1st place Virginia Russell

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Baffle (8) 5. Plot (6) 9. Consecrated (8) 10. Overrun (6) 12. Sickened (9) 13. Cowboy movie (5) 14. A swinging barrier to a room (4) 16. The end of a journey (7) 19. Terrified (7) 21. Assist (4) 24. Overweight (5) 25. Pure (9) 27. Welcome (6)

28. Dreadful (8) 29. Cerumen (6) 30. Wristband (8) DOWN 1. Toward the rear (6) 2. Butternut (6) 3. Not tight (5) 4. Voter (7) 6. A wide hallway in a building (9) 7. Not compulsory (8) 8. Completely (8) 11. Inspiration (4) 15. Musical group (9)

solution 10/11/23

17. Antonym (8) 18. Undertaking (8) 20. Not our (4) 21. Not professional (7) 22. Emblem (6) 23. Second Coming (6) 26. The words of a song (5)

Western News 24 November 2023 Issue 201

Blacktown City celebrates Garden Competition winners

Western News 24 November 2023 Issue 201

12

WESTERN HISTORY

Western NEWS

Drowning At Castlereagh

I

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

N February 1911 the body of Samuel Sheens was found by the search party on Saturday morning, entangled in a fallen tree about two miles below where he went in the Nepean River. The Coroner Arthur Judges held the inquest at the Penrith Court House where the following evidence was taken. Allan Sheens said that he was a labourer and lived at Castlereagh and Samuel Sheens was his brother who was born at Castlereagh in 1873 and they lived with their parents Henry & Emma Louisa Sheens (Byrnes) who were married in Penrith in 1871. At half past five on Wednesday evening he heard that Samuel had drowned in the river and he went to Penrith and informed the police. Along with Constable McLean and others they commenced to search in the vicinity of the spot where Samuel was said to have drowned and they searched but found nothing.

The search continued on Saturday morning when at half past nine a neighbour Mr Clark and several others discovered Samuel’s body in the river near Mr Galvin’s residence about 2½ miles lower down the river from where Samuel went in. His body was visible above the water, lying face downwards on a log that had been covered by the water but now became visible. Mr Purcell, Mr Willett and others moved the body to Samuel’s father’s home. Robert Sheens said that he was a dealer’s assistant and lived at Castlereagh with his parents and on Wednesday last at half past 11am he went with his brother Samuel down to the Nepean River to see where their cattle was, and we could see that they were over the river on the island. Samuel said he would swim across for them and bring them back and he undressed for that purpose and walked out as far as he could about 10-15 yards and then started to swim. As he swam the stream carried him down the river and he disappeared around the bend just below the spot.

Robert said that he went around some trees and down the bank for a good distance but could see nothing of him. He then went home and told his father and they went down to the river and searched along the banks. The river was in flood and the current was very strong but he did not think anything about that because Samuel had often gone across when it was just as high. Samuel’s father Henry Sheens said that he was a farmer and lived at Castlereagh and Samuel Sheens was his son aged 38 years and lived at Castlereagh. Samuel had always lived at home and on Wednesday last his son went to the river to catch a horse (sic) and that was the last time he saw him alive. A little before 12 o’clock his youngest son Robert came home and said that he couldn’t see Samuel, so he went to the river and searched for a good while but could see nothing of him so he sent his son up to inform the police. Constable McLean came down but they could do nothing except search until dark and was continued daily until his body was found on Saturday. The Constable said that Samuel had crossed the river with another lad only the day before when the river was quite as high. Samuel was always a happy man and unmarried. He said that at 6 pm on the 15th, Allan Sheen informed him that his brother Samuel had tried to swim the river and that they were afraid he was drowned. He accompanied him to the river and searched along the banks until dark without success and resumed the search at 6 am next morning and continued daily until his body was found. He said that Samuel was an excellent swimmer and bore an exemplary character. Dr Higgins said that on Saturday the 18th

 Drawing of the Beejapore in Sydney harbour courtesy of Ancestry.

he examined externally the body of Samuel Sheens at Castlereagh and his body was in a state of advanced decomposition. His tongue protruding through the lips and swollen so much that it was quite impossible to apply the froth test for drowning. There was a bruise on the right thigh and the body presented the usual appearance of death from drowning. In his opinion death resulted from asphyxia caused by drowning. The coroner found that Samuel Sheens died from asphyxia caused by drowning and that such drowning was accidental. The funeral cortege left the residence of Samuel’s parents at 3.30pm and the funeral was one of the largest in the district for some time, probably between 400 and 500 persons present including some 50 members of the Pride of the Forest Lodge, U.A.O.D. The presence of so many at the last sad rites included members of all religious denominations and gave silent evidence of the respect in which Samuel and his relatives were held. Samuel was buried in the Methodist cemetery at Upper Castlereagh (formerly Wesleyan Chapel), the Reverend C Jones officiated and delivered a lengthy address at the graveside while the Druids’ service was read after.

Samuel’s father Henry James was born in Louth, Lincolnshire in England in 1844 to Samuel & Jemima Sheens (Lingard). Samuel died in England in 1847 and Jemima aged 40 went on to marry James Beedall in 1848. The family sailed to Australia as assisted immigrants on the “Beejapore” in February 1853, along with Henry Sheens aged 7 who could read, George Sheens aged 17 a farm labourer, Elizabeth Sheens aged 15 a nursemaid who could read, and Charles Sheens aged 11 who could read. The Beedall family along with Jemima (now Beedall) who could read and write, included Hannah aged 3 and Sarah aged 1½. James Beedall aged 36 was a farm labourer, born in Swinford Worcester and could read and write, the son of Thomas and Hannah both deceased.

Sources: Nepean Times Sat 25 Feb 1911 p. 2, NSW Department of Justice and Attorney General, NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages, National Library of Australia. Trove, Sydney Morning Herald Tue 21 Feb 1911 p. 8, Ancestry, 1851 English census,

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Western NEWS

REAL ESTATE 13

ALEX SONCINI

What are the benefits and drawbacks?

TECHNOLOGY has become an integral part of our lives, and it has brought about many positive changes. However, it is important to remember that technology is not always the best solution for your situation. Sometimes, the best solution is a human one.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used in the home loan industry to streamline the application process, reduce approval time, and improve credit assessments offering mainly speed and less hassle with the process.

The products offered are often basic and risk adverse with valuations relying on an online valuation potentially being very conservative and require lower LVR’s below 80% as to not include LMI (Lenders Mortgage Insurance) which will limit the maximum loan amount you can borrow.

The technology used can be expensive, complex, and difficult to use, and it can also have unintended consequences and solutions. As AI algorithms are programmed it may be biased against certain groups of people, such as low-income earners or self-employed with potential bias and not providing solutions. Another concern is that AI may replace human workers in many areas of the industry, leading to significant job losses or off shoring the back office.

Therefore, it is important to strike a balance

between the use of technology and the importance of Actual Intelligence (AI) i.e., human intelligence in solving problems.

Mortgage brokers can provide a more personalised and human touch to the home loan process. They can help borrowers navigate the complex world of home loans, understand the different types of loans available, and choose the one that best meets their needs.

Mortgage brokers can also help borrowers with bad credit or other financial issues and find lenders who are willing to work with them. Additionally, mortgage brokers can help borrowers save money by finding the best interest rates and loan terms available.

In conclusion, whilst Artificial Intelligence

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(AI) has the potential to greatly enhance the modern lending process, actual Intelligence (AI) is important in the home loan industry because it allows borrowers to make informed decisions about their finances. Borrowers need to be able to understand the terms and conditions of their loans, as well as compare different loan products and choose the one that best meets their needs.

Actual Intelligence (AI) is what allows us to understand complex concepts, make decisions based on incomplete information, and adapt to new situations.

Mortgage and finance brokers can provide a more personalised and human touch to the home loan process, helping borrowers navigate the complex world of home loans and find the best loan product for their needs.

Connect with Alex at Wealthwiz on 0419 600 177, an MFAA accredited finance broker, to explore your options and make a well-informed decision that aligns with your financial goals and circumstances.

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 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 loan may be suitable for you, call us on 0419 600 177.

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SPORT Norris Captures Aust PGA Senior Championship at Richmond

BY NOEL ROWSELL

P

AUL Munnings from the PGA of Australia reports Jason Norris used some distraction techniques and an aggressive mindset to triumph at the 2023 Nova Employment Australian PGA Senior Championship, which was held at Richmond GC over 1012th November.

Firing a second straight round of 6-under-par 64 to reach 14-under-par for the week, Norris secured a fiveshot win over joint runners-up Peter Lonard and Stephen Allan, to join the likes of Lee Trevino, Orville Moody, Peter Fowler, Rodger Davis and Peter Senior on the Championship trophy.

“What an event to win … I’m so excited,” Norris said, clutching the trophy and looking at the names to come before him.

“I just saw a name that I was lucky enough to have a lunch with, Billy Dunk. He’s on it a couple of times.

“What an event, anything with ‘Australian’ in front of it is awesome.”

A surprising three-putt bogey at

2023 Champion Jason Norris.

Photo courtesy of PGA of Australia

Peter Lonard and Stephen Allan (tied 2nd)

the 11th offered the chasing pack the slightest glimmer of hope but a birdie on 13 got this year’s champion back on track.

“It was very tough, and Peter (Lonard) started playing really well on the back nine. The normal Pete we know, he can just sling birdies on every hole coming home,” Norris said.

“So I just tried to stick to one shot at a time and just enjoy the day.”

Norris pulled away in the closing

stages with a hat-trick of birdies, reaching the 18th tee with a four-shot lead and ultimately winning by five shots.

“I think a good thing for me is, last night I decided to, in the back of my mind, think about the Australian PGA and the Australian Open, just a chance to get into there, this might help my chance,” Norris said.

“That was a good way to take my mind off this event.”

A brilliant shot to the front edge of

John Senden and Peter Fowler (tied 5th).

Photos by Noel Rowsell

the green and a straightforward par was the result, with Lonard resigned to finishing runner-up at the Australian PGA Senior Championship for a third time.

2023 champion Norris was presented with this year’s trophy by past champion and PGA of Australia Chairman Rodger Davis.

“He’s (Davis) the king, isn’t he?

What a legend,” Norris said. “He’s also on the trophy as well. Nice of him to come and celebrate with us.”

Western News 24 November 2023 Issue 201

Home loans, Artificial Intelligence (AI) versus Actual Intelligence (AI)

Western News 24 November 2023 Issue 201

14

Western NEWS

SPORT

Fitting award for one of Richmond’s finest

BY NOEL ROWSELL

T

HE 2023 ‘Services to Golf in NSW’ Award has been presented to retiring Golf NSW Board Member and highly respected Rules Official, Mr Frank Gal (Richmond GC).

This award honours Frank’s tireless contribution to the sport as an administrator and his untiring dedication to the game, as a rules official, at events ranging from junior competitions and inter-club Pennant to both State and National Championships.

Frank joined Richmond GC in 1961 and has since been a continuous member, apart from a 7-year absence.

He represented Richmond GC at Junior Pennant, Nepean A Grade Pennant, Major Pennant, Master Pennant and Super Senior Pennant, also representing in the Nepean District junior team twice in the 1960’s.

From 1992 – 2014, Frank was a Director of Richmond Golf Club, also serving as Captain for 5

Frank Gal receives his award from Michael Medway, Chairman of Golf NSW. Photo supplied by Golf NSW

years, Vice President for 6 years and Treasurer for 5 years.

He is currently on the Golf Management Committee of Richmond GC and has been in that

role since 2014, serving again as Captain for 4 years and Chairman for 4 years.

At a State level, Frank worked from 2000 – 2010 on the NSW Golf Association Council, serving on several committees, including Rules and Amateur Status committee, Match committee, Handicapping & Course Rating, Planning & development and the NSW Open.

He was a Director of the NSGWA from 2004 – 2010, Director of Golf NSW from 2010 – 2023 (current), Chairman, Rules and Amateur Status committee from 2005 – 2014.

At a national level, Frank served on the Golf Australia Rules of Golf & Amateur Status committee from 2006 – 2014 and was a member of the Review Group, charged with development of the National Rules Accreditation program and resources.

Frank is also a Golf Australia National Referee, attend the R&A Referees School 2009 (pass with distinction) and has been a Referee at National, State and Club level since 2000.

Camilla Kim wins Sub-Junior Girl of the Year Award

BY NOEL ROWSELL

T

HE 2023 Jack Newton Junior Golf Presentation Night was held recently at Concord GC and 13-year-old Golf prodigy Camilla Kim, formerly of Kellyville, was one of 21 outstanding junior golfers and organisations to be recognised for their achievements in the sport over the past 12 months.

Camilla won the 2023 Sub Junior Girl of the Year award, after showcasing consistency and effortlessly achieving victories throughout the year, including an incredible five Junior Masters events.

Her dominance extended to major events, with an 8-shot victory at the A.C.T Week of Golf and a remarkable 22-shot win at the NSW Junior Championships 13 Years Division.

To cap off her outstanding season, Camilla outperformed older competitors to claim the overall title in the 2023 Jack Newton International Sub-Junior Classic, securing her first major JNJG trophy, with more

Camilla Kim with her 2023 award. (Photos supplied by Golf NSW)

undoubtedly to come.

Endeavour Sports HS was undoubtedly one of many sporting schools which recognised Camilla’s talent and potential and she accepted a scholarship, now attending in Year 7, which has also involved a residential move into the south of Sydney.

Camilla’s golfing journey began as a 6-year-old, attaining her first

handicap at the age of 8, and now sitting on a hugely impressive +1.3 handicap.

A former member of Lynwood CC, Camilla moved to The Australian GC, where she is enjoying golf under the tutelage of coach Gary Barter and the amazing Foundation system at the club. She is also now a junior member of Cronulla GC.

Camilla’s short-term golfing ambition is to achieve a World Ranking by the end of this year and her long-term ambition is to ultimately turn professional.

“This year was pretty chaotic, with a lot of travelling for many tournaments,” Camilla said. “But I am really happy to achieve and win many major things, not just in NSW but also in other states in Australia.”

Camilla’s sporting hero is another golfing champion, former World #1 Lydia Ko (NZ), and if Camilla follows Lydia’s example, we will all one day be glued to our electronic devices watching her dominate Women’s golf around the world.

Annoushka Maikap (Stonecutters Ridge) has performed best of the three local juniors who competed in the 2023 Brett Ogle Junior Masters, which was held at Goulburn GC over 18-19th November.

Annoushka shot scores of 74/73=149 to finish 5th overall in the Girl’s division and 3rd in the 14/15 Year Age Group.

Historic racing cars at Sydney Motorsport Park

BY NOEL ROWSELL

S

YDNEY Motorsport Park (SMSP) will host the Historic Sport & Race Car Association (HSRCA) 2023 Summer Festival over the 25th & 26th of November

The meeting will offer races for all of the usual fifth category vehicles, as well as speed events for vehicles manufactured up to the 1990s and invited cars deemed compatible with those groups.

For the 2023 Summer Festival, the

HSRCA is pleased to introduce Early Modern Regularity. Inspired by the Early Modern category of the Classic Sports Car Club in the UK. Early Modern Regularity is a new category for the HSRCA and offers regularity competition to production

touring and sports cars, with a build date between 1990 and 2010, as well as run-on models at the discretion of the HSRCA. Further information on the schedule, ticket prices, etc can be found on the HSRCA website at https://hsrca.com

Western NEWS

SPORT 15

BY NOEL ROWSELL

T

HREE local athletes are competing in the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games, which commenced on 17th November and conclude on 2nd December.

Ryan Koenig (judo) commenced his program on 20th November, Desleigh Owusu (triple jump) will commence on 27th November and Benjamin Camua (taekwondo) will commence on 28th November.

Ryan Koenig (Penrith) first stepped on the judo mat as a four or five year old, whilst watching his mum (Kylie Koenig) train and compete for Australia. He was inspired to follow in her footsteps and credits one of his career highlights to represent Australia in competition overseas, with his mum as a national coach watching on.

Ryan has fought back from three knee surgeries in 24 months and has had two top-three Junior Asian Cup men’s -73kg results in 2023, finishing second at the U21 Hong Kong Asian Cup and third at the U21 Macau Asian Cup. Desleigh Owusu (Marsden Park) started her athletics career competing for Werrington Athletics Club. She found great success representing Blacktown Girls HS, where she took home gold in the triple jump at

Western News 24 November 2023 Issue 201

Local athletes competing at Solomon Islands Pacific Games

Supplied by Taekwondo NSW, RC Sport Photos (Judo) and Athletics NSW respectively.

the Combined High Schools (CHS) Athletics Carnival in year 12.

In 2019, Desleigh broke the Oceania U20 triple jump record with 13.42m, placing her 4th in the Australian open’s rankings at the age of 18. Desleigh placed first at the 2023 National Championships, where she jumped 13.33m. She then went on to earn a spot on the Sydney University Athletics team headed for the World University Games in Chengdu, China, where she placed 10th overall, jumping 13.49m.

Benjamin Camua (Mt Druitt): Inspired by Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith’s characters in the movie Karate

Kid, Benjamin took up Taekwondo as a 10-year old and is now an Australian champion. His recent successes include: 2023 Australian Taekwondo National Championships - Gold; 2023 Australian Open Bronze; 2022 Tahiti Open - Gold; 2022 WT Presidents Cup - Oceania - Silver; 2022 Australian Taekwondo National Championships – Gold; 2022 Australian National Team representative – World Taekwondo Championships.

Footnote: Ryan Koenig (Judo) won the Gold medal in the 66-73kg class, defeating Cedric Robert Jaszczyszyn (Noumea) in the Final.

Desleigh Owusu.

Photo courtesy of David Tarbotton

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Western NEWS Friday, 24 November 2023

SPORT

Pickleball: a smash hit in Blacktown

I

T’S fast, it’s fun and anyone can play it. It’s Pickleball!

Quickly becoming a firm favourite among the racket sport community, Pickleball took over Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope in early October hosting the 2023 Australian Pickleball Championships.

Following community demand, Pickleball has been added to the sports available to users of the Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope.

Council ran a “teaser” trial of the sport with nearly all sessions experiencing double digit attendance. As a result, the Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope will offer the sport in 2024.

The Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM said “We are looking forward to the ongoing support from our community at Social Pickleball”.

In 2024 the season recommences on Wednesdays at 7pm from 10 January. The price is $9.15 per player, per entry.

Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope is a registered affiliate of the Pickleball Association of NSW and now offers social pickleball to the Blacktown community on a weekly basis.

“Social pickleball is an opportunity for individuals of all skill levels to learn and master the sport so why not come and give it a go. You will be glad you did, we are a proud sporting city and Council is committed to the promotion and support of all sports,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Pickleball popularity is growing, over 690 players from every state in Australia and some from overseas, attended the Australian Championships in October, the largest Pickleball tournament ever held in Australia.

That event was followed up with Blacktown

Tennis Centre Stanhope hosting a second major league Pickleball tournament, the Pacific Pro Sydney ’23, which saw Australia’s ‘elite’ Pickleball players battle each other for a prize pool of $60,000.

Pickleball is rapidly becoming the fastest growing sport in Australia with an estimated 15,000 players at 70 clubs and associations nationwide and it is expected to grow to 25,000 players by the end of 2026.

Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope and Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope are Blacktown City Council’s flagship aquatic, leisure and tennis centres featuring 4 heated indoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a 4-court indoor stadium and 16 tennis courts.

For more information about Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope and Social Pickleball, please visit www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/blcs

www.richmondclub.com.au