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It’s full-steam ahead at Nurragingy. Pictured: Roger Jones, Mayor Bali and fellow rail modellers Chris Ford of Quakers Hill and Kevin Schmitz of Dean Park. Cover story page 7
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Have you seen Katherine? POLICE are seeking public assistance to locate a woman missing from St Marys for several days. Katherine Ackling-Bryen, 37, was last seen dropping her two children at school, before attending a shopping centre on Charles Hackett Street at 11.30am last Friday (19 February 2016). It appears Ms AcklingBryen returned to her home on Great Western Highway, St Marys, and left again between 1pm and 3pm. Police from St Marys Local Area Command and Ms Ackling-Bryen’s family hold concerns for her wellbeing. Police are now appealing for public help to locate Ms Ackling-Bryen, who is described as Caucasian, medium height, medium build with brown hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a grey top, black tracksuit pants, light blue hat, and sunglasses. A photo of Ms Ackling-Bryen has been released publicly in an attempt to locate her. Anyone who sees Ms Ackling-Bryen or knows her current whereabouts is urged to contact St Marys Police Station on 02 9677 7499.
Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 12/82 Victoria St Werrington Mail: PO Box 4001 Werrington NSW 2747 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com. au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
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From the Editor’s Desk
The always happy, smiling faces of the Boletawa family. Pictured here in Fiji last year with my sons, Billy and Kurtis.
LAST week I wrote about my friends from Fiji. the Boletawa family from Nadi, who spent almost two years living in a tent while they rebuilt their home after it was flattened in a cyclone. After lots of hard labour they finally rebuilt a home but as they had very little money, it was made from whatever debris they could find and unfortunately, it was unable to withstand the devastating cyclone that hit last weekend. They now have a flattened home again! It’s a vicious cycle, as there is no affordable home insurance scheme in Fiji so without funds to buy proper cyclone-safe building materials its is a catch 22. Bole, Vina and their kids Lucy and Billy would do anything for others. I spoke to Bole after the cyclone hit and asked him how much it would cost to put a roof over their heads. “It won’t cost us anything Kerrie, we will just spend the next few months collecting trees and dumped materials, it will just take time,� he said. Dumped materials will likely be materials that blew away from other people’s homes. “But Bole,� I said, “your last home built from debris wasn’t strong enough to withstand a cyclone. What would it cost to buy proper cycloneproof material?� “Oh Kerrie that is way out of our means, it would be like nearly a thousand dollars!� was his reply. I got to thinking, if the kind-hearted people of our area could spare just a couple of dollars, we could get that thousand dollars together in no time and get this family who’ve been through hell into a half decent home. I feel guilty to think that last week I was annoyed that our foxtel receiver box stopped working, and these people don’t even have shelter. It sure is a crazy world we live in. Can you help? If you could spare just $5 it would be an enormous contribution. The goal I have set is $1000, and we are nearly half way there. Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/ynqpa9mc
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Imagine arriving home to find this is all that’s left of it. Picture of the Boletawa family home last Sunday
Mayor’s dirty photo shoot! A MEDIA photo-shoot turned into a real live clean up when the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali arrived at Charlie Bali Reserve, Doonside last week. “We went there to stage a photo shoot to promote clean up Australia Day and discovered someone had dumped a truck tyre and some other bits and pieces in the last couple of days,” Mayor Bali said. “The council crew was there to give the park its scheduled clean, but we ended up cleaning up more than the usual papers and drink cans this time. “Given the recent coverage about building refuse dumping, it seems there is an increasing need for the community to get behind Clean Up Australia Day. “Clean Up Australia day is Sunday 6 March and I will be back at Charlie Bali reserve, which despite the hard work of our council outdoor staff, still attracts unwanted rubbish,” Mayor Bali said. “Showing pride and keeping public places clean is everyone’s responsibility and Clean Up Australia Day is only one way to do this. “Blacktown City Council runs a “picitup” campaign and the “adopt a park” program, and I ask people to get involved in them. “Start by going on line and registering with the Clean Up Australia campaign.” You can either register a new cleanup site or join an existing clean-up site
All welcome! Wednesday, 2 March 2016 6:30 to 8:00pm Sausage sizzle from 6:00pm Come along and tour our school and meet our wonderful teachers and students Facebook: www.facebook.com/EvansHighSchool Web Page: www.evans-h.schools nsw.edu.au 166 Walters Road Blacktown 2148
PHONE: 9621
3622
by visiting the Clean Up Australia Day website - www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au Clean Up Australia Day is the nation’s largest community-based environmental event. Over the last 25 years, volunteers have donated 27.2 million hours towards caring for the environment by removing an estimated 288,650 tonnes of rubbish from 145,754 sites across the country. Last year, some 800 volunteers from across Blacktown City collected nine tonnes of waste from 41 registered sites on Clean Up Australia Day,. Mayor Bali said Blacktown City Council has proudly supported Clean Up Australia Day events since the beginning. “We encourage individuals, families, community groups, and schools to get involved this year. “Litter harms the environment and makes our area look dirty. ‘By volunteering, you will help ensure Blacktown City remains a place we can all be proud of’. Clean Up Australia Day is on Sunday, 6 March 2016. You can also participate in Business Clean Up Day on Tuesday, 1 March 2016, or Schools Clean Up Day on Friday, 4 March 2016. For more information, visit www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au
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What a woman! STATE Member for Mount Druitt, Edmond Atalla has announced and congratulated local woman, Ivanka Pelican of Graceades Community Cottage, on being awarded the 2016 Mount Druitt Local Women of the Year Award. “This Award is about recognising the work of an outstanding local woman, who dedicate their time and experience to members of the community,” Mr Atalla said. Ivanka holds the position of the Community Development worker at Graceades Community Cottage in Bidwill. As the sole full time worker, Ivanka’s role includes an array of duties and responsibilities, such as program development, identifying and meeting community needs, and building partnerships with local service providers. Graceades Community Cottage provides information and referral services, family support, use of resources and IT equipment to disadvantaged individuals and families.
Ivanka donates her time and energy selflessly and has helped countless troubled youngsters and adults to go on to be productive members of the community. “Ivanka is a well-respected member of the Mount Druitt Community; she is a truly unique and inspirational character and this award is well-deserved honour,” Mr Atalla said.
Three lives claimed in Marayong crash A CRITICAL incident investigation has been launched after a serious crash following a pursuit at Marayong this morning. About 1.10am last Saturday, officers attached to Quakers Hill Local Area Command attempted to stop a white Holden Commodore sedan for the purposes of a random breath test as it was travelling on Railway Road. The driver allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated. A short time later the vehicle left the roadway, near Shedworth Street. Two women died at the scene. Another two women and a man were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics, before being taken to Westmead Hospital. One of the women has since died in hospital; while the other man and woman are in a serious but stable condition. A crime scene has been established at the location, which will be examined by specialist forensic officers and police from the Crash Investigation Unit. A critical incident team from North West Metropolitan Region will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident. That investigation will be overseen
by the Professional Standards Command. All information will be provided to the Coroner who will determine the cause of death of the three people and make any findings about the events leading up to the incident. No further details are available at this time; however, police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Anyone who can assist police should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The 33-year-old male driver was taken to Westmead Hospital, where he is receiving treatment for serious injuries. A critical incident team from North West Metropolitan Region is investigating all circumstances surrounding the incident. As a result of their inquiries, the 33-year-old man was charged with Skye’s Law, Police Pursuit- not stop, drive dangerously cause bodily harmmisconduct in charge of motor vehicle, and drive recklessly/furiously/speed dangerous. A court date is yet to be determined. No further details are available at this time; however, police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Anyone who can assist police should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The forgotten pinch points on our local roads By Bart Bassett
OVER the past few weeks we have heard a lot about congestion and lost productivity because of severe traffic congestion in and around Kingsford Smith Airport. Yes, there is a severe problem there and it must be fixed but there are also numerous problems in Western Sydney which are ignored and they too must be prioritised. WestConnex, NorthConnex. Sydney Metro Northwest are all essential projects which should have been built decades back and I congratulate the Government on building them, but too many traffic congestion pinch points are being ignored by Government MPs from Western Sydney. Let’s start with the Old Windsor Rd corridor from Windsor Road Northmead to Sunnyholt Rd Parklea - a major arterial road many of our readers use on a daily basis. That section of road is regularly congested throughout the entire day, not just in peak hour -but I have not read or heard one comment from MPs in that area on their plans or timetable to fix it. Then there is the all-day congestion on the Prospect Highway at Prospect between Blacktown Road and M4 as well as all-day congestion on Reservoir Rd between the M4 and Great Western Highway. Both of these pinch points are severely impacting
on productivity as both of these roads lead to and from major road links connecting industrial areas like Pemulwuy and Huntingwood. Then there is the on-again offagain solution to the Garfield Road Riverstone level crossing. Congestion at this location is horrendous and requires immediate rectification to support the massive increase in population that has already occurred in Northwest Sydney. Who thinks a
level crossing from last century on a major connecting road is acceptable in a key growth area of Sydney! Government policy is about creating jobs in Western Sydney to support residential growth and reduce the great distances people are facing on the commute to work - but to achieve that goal businesses must know they can operate efficiently if they relocate to Western Sydney to create those jobs. The current situation means the
first time a decision maker from a company drives to these employment hubs to inspect opportunities they will be immediately put off by the congestion and obvious problems with no timetable for upgrade. Come on, it is time RMS and The Government acknowledged these pinch points are hindering job creation as well as productivity and announce in this year’s State budget a timetable for improvement.
Full steam ahead - What a hoot! BLACKTOWN City Council has given the green light for a miniature railway to operate at Nurragingy Reserve. “These miniature trains are big enough for people to ride on and can pull up to two tonnes of carriages and people,” said the Blacktown City Mayor, Councillor Stephen Bali. “There will be a mixture of electric, steam and diesel powered locomotives of varying types and sizes pulling passenger trains. “Trains appeal to adults and children of all ages and these trains have the special appeal that you can ride on them.” In a three way agreement, Blacktown City Council, the Western Sydney Parklands Trust and North Western Model Engineers Inc have signed a licencing agreement and the railway should be operating by the end of the year. North Western Model Engineers President Roger Jones said he was really impressed by the “can do”
Roger Jones explains the finer points of miniature rail to Mayor Stephen Bali
attitude of Blacktown City Council. “We approached other councils and all got back were problems. Blacktown Council was incredibly positive – all they asked was how can we make it happen and how will it work for the community,” he said. “Our group is keen to start the project and we are grateful
to Blacktown City Council for all their support.” The first stage will be a large double loop which will take passengers on a 10 minute ride through the park. “If the attraction proves a success, there is no reason why it cannot expand and become a transport service in Nurragingy, taking people between the car park and
events like last weekend’s Lunar Festival,” Mayor Bali said. “The Miniature Railway could also be expanded to take people on environmental tours – the tracks have less impact on the environment than a walking track,” he said. North Western Model Engineers Inc. is formed of a group of people who are keen
to build and operate a ride-on miniature railway to benefit the community on a ‘Not for Profit’ basis. Most of the Foundation Members of the club were staff of The Train Shed, the Thomas the Tank Engine children’s park at Luddenham, which recently closed due to the preparation work related to Badgerys Creek Airport. Many of the members are also residents living in the Blacktown LGA. “I am very pleased that Blacktown City Council has secured the model trains. The trains provide an additional enjoyment for the park as well as having volunteers of youth and adults giving their time to work and service mini rail system.” Mayor Bali said. “Unlike the big gauge trains, our services will be cheaper and more frequent!” “All Aboard! I look forward to seeing everyone enjoying themselves on the Nurragingy Express.”
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20,000 celebrate
BLACKTOWN City Council’s 2016 Lunar Festival attracted its largest crowd this year, with more than 20,000 gathering at Nurragingy Reserve for the evening’s festivities. “We made the decision to change the focus from Chinese New Year to Lunar Festival, and it’s clear this has resonated with the wider community,” said the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Mayor Bali. “It highlights the diversity of our community and shows we enjoy celebrating each other’s festivals and that Blacktown really knows how to organise wonderful public events. “In the last couple of weeks we attracted tens of thousands to our
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Australia Day Celebrations on The Rooty Hill and now our Lunar Festival is increasing in popularity. “The fireworks at the end of both celebrations are regarded as some of the best in Sydney, particularly as you are right underneath and they are much more immediate. “The Lunar New Year is recognised and celebrated by people of China, Korea, Mongolia, Tibet and Vietnam,” he said. “It was a great opportunity for the people of Blacktown and beyond to enjoy the stunning Chang Lai Garden in the picturesque Nurragingy Reserve, while celebrating this important event on the calendar,” Mayor Bali said.
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Baby Rhyme Time BEGINNING on Tuesday March 1, why not pop along to Baby Rhyme Time held at Blacktown City Libraries? Develop your baby’s language skills for FREE with the Baby Rhyme Time Program. Have fun singing, clapping and dancing with other parents and babies. Weekly sessions are available for parents and babies (0-2 years) during the school term. For more information visit www. libraries.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/ Whats_On/Events/Childrens_ Activities_and_Events
Play Chess LIBRARY members aged 12+ can borrow a library chess set for 90 minutes and play with friends within the library. Limited sets are available. Use your library card at the service desk on the ground floor to borrow a chess set. For more information contact Max Webber Library on 9839 6677. Max Webber Library, corner Flushcombe Road and Alpha Street, Blacktown
Tips for coping with hot weather WITH the mercury soaring in Blacktown and surrounding suburbs this week, our emergency services are urging everyone to take extra care and to follow some simple tips for staying cool. “Extreme hot weather can cause serious health problems – most people don’t know that more Australians have died as a result of heatwaves than because of floods, bushfires or cyclones,’ says Australian Red Cross’ State Manager Emergency Services Diana Bernardi. “Older people, pregnant women, children, those with a disability and people taking medications are among those who are more at risk.” Extreme heat can also cause major disruptions to daily life, such as electricity cuts, the closure of schools and workplaces, and disruptions to public transport. “Everyone is affected by the heat in different ways, but there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the effects,” Ms Bernardi said. “Top of the list is keeping out of the heat and making sure you drink water regularly.” Red Cross’ tips for coping with the heat: Drink regularly: even if you don’t feel thirsty. Water is the best option.
Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and sugary or fizzy drinks as they make dehydration worse. Eat little and often: rather than large meals. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water. Stay indoors: in the coolest rooms of your house or in the shade during the hottest part of the day. Take cool showers and splash yourself with cold water several times a day, particularly your face and the back of your neck. A loose, cotton, damp cloth or scarf on the back of the neck can help you stay cool. Air flow: make sure there is sufficient air circulation, either
from an air conditioner or by leaving a secured window or door open. Find the shade: if you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes, preferably made of natural fibres. Wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 to exposed skin. If you will be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you. Look out for your neighbours: if you know someone who might be susceptible to heat stress, stop by and make sure they know what to do to stay cool. For more information on how to get prepared for emergencies large and small visit redcross.org.au/prepare.
Explosive growth in Sydney Business Park By Garion Thain
SYDNEY’s North West region is a growth centre expected to be a large component of the city’s infrastructure development in the next nine years, with 177, 000 new residents expected to move to and occupy the area this forthcoming decade. Already, the Marsden Park Industrial Precinct is the largest employment precinct in Western Sydney. It should come as no surprise then that the Sydney Business Park in Marsden Park is experiencing rapid growth, and expected to become a massive employment hub in a few short years. The campus-style development has already seen the popular Marsden Park Ikea, a Bunnings and Masters among others open their doors to consumers in the west. There is Lindt warehousing and factory outlet, as well as Shell and McDonalds. Aldi is currently under construction along with a large bulky goods retail complex and Costco will be starting construction soon. The 256 hectare development has a value of $2.9 billion. The development is unique as a business and shopping megaplex of sorts – a grand oddity of scale
The gargantuan Sydney Business Park is expected to be developed over 12 years, with the development reaching completion in 2025.
and variety in relation to what most Sydney residents are traditionally used to, but there is enough faith in it for heavy investment in the infrastructure surrounding the park, including a recently secured transport corridor and upgrades to the adjacent Richmond Road. The booming park is being constructed a single minute’s drive from the M7, in an effort to help lure consumers. The aforementioned significant infrastructure upgrades have already begun, with a certain amount already completed at this time. A $46 million Richmond Road upgrade is now fully operational, and the second stage $56 million works are underway.
The upgrade includes four major intersections and a minimum of four lanes to the M7. Currently underway are the three stage South Street Schofields Road upgrade linking Richmond Road and Windsor Road. These upgrades will support east-west arterial connections through the North West Growth Centre from Marsden Park to Rouse Hill with integrated bus priority. The transport corridor mentioned prior extends the North West Rail Link corridor from the station at Cudgegong Road past Schofields Station, and into the Sydney Business Park itself. The growth of the business park is
paramount to the growth of Marsden Park as a growing development. Recently, the Marsden Park Industrial Precinct was elevated to the status of ‘Strategic Centre’ in the Department of Planning’s & Infrastructure’s latest Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney, released in December last year. The first business opened in December the year prior to said strategy. The park is currently 27% completed, with stage 2 construction underway. The park’s 12 year development is expected to conclude in 2025. The Sydney Business Park is developing as a true destination shopping experience.
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By Kerrie Davies
HILLS District Mums and Hills District Dads, in conjunction with The Australian Brewery, invite you to a day of shopping, fun and entertainment for the whole family! This event is a fundraiser for local charity Give and Take, assisting local families facing hardship and tough times. Browse the markets, bag a bargain from a car boot, enjoy a Brewery craft beer tour and relax over a buffet breakfast. Kids will be entertained with a jumping castle, face painting and music. If you’re keen to open your car boot on the day, arrive from 8am and make a gold coin donation – first in, best dressed. “Hills District Mums is so pleased to be partnering with the Australian Brewery to raise funds for our charity partner Give and Take. HDM has been a long term supporter of Give and Take,” Justine and Jenni from Hills District Mums (HDM) said. “We have a Facebook group of close to 11,000 local mums and some of these women have fallen on hard times or been the victim of domestic violence. “While HDM provides a safe online environment to seek advice and support from others, we’re so pleased we can then connect women in need with Give and Take, to receive that all important physical support too. “We’re hoping the day’s a huge success, with local families coming along and enjoying a great day out while digging deep for a worthy cause!”
exceptionally grateful and able to put it to good use. “Our most urgent needs include a ute with a tow bar, and funds to cover emergency accommodation for victims of domestic violence and homelessness, as well as the purchase of essential items for those in financial distress who aren’t eligible for assistance through other agencies. Next on our wish list would be funds for our marketing material as it helps us to raise further funds and increase awareness. Longer term, we’re aiming to raise funds to run a youth/ volunteer camp.” The fun-filled day will include face painting, jumping castle and local singer-songwriter CassidyRae Wilson, who has performed around the world, will be performing live.
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Family fun day out for a great cause
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THE DETAILS: 8am-10.30am – Breakfast is available in the
Local singersongwriter Cassidy-Rae Wilson will be performing live
Brewery - Full Buffet - $20per adult $15 per child in Tap House Date: Sunday 20th March
Mel Belle from Give and Take said there were many people in urgent need of help. “We continue to be blown away by the support we receive from the Hills District community,” she said. “How will we use the funds raised? Where do I begin! “Whatever the amount raised we’ll be
Time: 9am-2pm Venue: Australian Brewery – 350 Annangrove Rd, Rouse Hill Charity Give and Take If you’re interested in a stall, please email hello@hillsdistrictmums.com.au
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Legends of the West By Greg Martin
Proud to be a Saint – Warren Smith.
ONE of the funniest shows on Idiot Box in the early 60’s – 1960’s, that is – was Car 54 Where Are You? - a series about two lackadaisical New York cops who were forever AWOL in their patrol car when any job needed to be done. Well I don’t know where Car 54 has got to but I do know the whereabouts for a few weeks each year of Car 2760! Car 2760 has been St Marys Leagues Club’s entry in the annual Variety Club Bash for 13 of the past 15 bashes which were founded in June, 1985 by businessman, explorer and philanthropist Dick Smith. That first event raised $250,000 for Variety and since then over $200 million has been raised by and annual bash through the bush. Car 2760 – the number is the post code for St Marys – has made a huge contribution to that amazing figure, raising close to $730,000 to help those in our society less fortunate than ourselves. But Car 2760 and St Marys Leagues Club do much more than just
raise funds for charity on the Variety Club Bashes. Along for the ride with the crew each year is around $17,000 worth of footy gear such as jerseys, shorts and socks and sporting equipment including balls for a number of sports including league, soccer, basketball and netball. Along the bash route, Car 2760 visits schools and sporting clubs in small bush towns such as Condobolin, Brewarrina, Gundagai, Manildra and Broken Hill to distribute muchneeded sporting gear and equipment. The crew also take along sporting memorabilia which can be auctioned or raffled by the various sporting associations to raise funds. Aboard Car 2760 in eight of those bashes as a member of the four-man crew has been St Marys League Club’s long-serving president, Warren “Ratu” Smith. Other regular bashers include long-time club vice president, Ron Coskeri and his and Warren’s fellow directors, Mick Hilton and John Burns. The sprightly 75-year-old Warren has been a truly wonderful servant to not only both the St Marys licensed
and rugby league clubs but to school and rugby league clubs all over the nation and further afield to Fiji. Ratu? As you learned readers are well aware, Ratu is the Fijian term for someone of chiefly rank and to Fijians, Warren Smith is just that. “Ever since 2006 when we took the first St Marys under 13 years squad on what has become an annual end-of-season trip, Saints have been strong supporters of rugby league in Fiji,” Warren explained. “Saints sponsors a five-team club in Lausoka which campaigns as the Yasawa Saints – we provide the club each year with five sets of shorts, socks and jerseys and we also provide jerseys to several other village teams. “The Fijians gave me the Ratu title early in the piece as a mark of their respect for me and the club I represent.” Warren was given another honour by the Fijians when Saints hosted a Rugby league World Cup qualifying game between Fiji and Italy at St Marys Stadium in 2012. In recognition to Warren’s contribution to Fiji Rugby league and the people of Fiji, FRL chairman, Peni Musunamasi, presented Warren with
WARREN SMITH a Tabua which is a polished tooth of a sperm whale that is an important cultural item in Fijian society. They are traditionally given as gifts signifying esteem. For his services to rugby league and the community in general, Warren has been showered with honours down the years. An Order of Australia (AM) for services to sports in 2006, life membership of the St Marys Rugby League Club, recipient of the Leagues Club Australia Directors Plaque recognising 25 years continuous service (2011) as well as that body’s prestigious Jack Martin Award (2014). The Jack Martin Award recognises outstanding achievements within the club industry. Under Warren’s watch as president since 1990, St Marys Leagues has grown to become one of the biggest and best clubs in the country, boasting membership of 44,000. The club prides itself on its promotion of rugby league and currently fields 45 teams from under 6s through to A Grade in the Penrith District Junior Rugby League competitions. And next year they intend putting
teams onto the paddock in the NSW Rugby League third and fourth tier and fourth tier competitions, the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield. Warren has been involved with the Saints since 1973 at all levels in both the junior league and licensed club – player (“just a couple of games”), highly successful manager and match and tournament organiser, footy secretary, board member and since 1990, revered president. Born and raised in Lismore, Warren came to Sydney as a 15-yearold to work as a telegram boy for the old PMG (Australia Post). “I pushed a bike for a couple of years but ended up in working in the manufacturing and sales of plywood industry for 40 years before retiring in 2005,” Warren said. He and his wife, Robyn, who sadly passed away in 2008, moved to Tregear in 1971 where the family was soon boosted by the arrival of daughters, Joanne and Debbie and in more recent times, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. As we are restricted to just two pages with these Legends yarns, it is impossible to fully list Warren’s achievements for his club, St Marys
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That’s Warren Smith giving Car 2760 a bit of a scrub during a river crossing in the 2011 Variety Club Bash.
and the wider community. Suffice to say, he really is a Legend of the West. I asked Warren his reasons for putting so much time, effort and expertise into doing what he does. “Simple really, I love being involved in sport- rugby league in particular - and I love helping people out,” he told me. “With the kids playing footy, well I just think it is wonderful to see them go out and enjoy themselves on the field and develop not only as
footballers and good sports but as citizens.” Amen to that!
Warren Smith nominated as a Legend of the West by Donna Lee If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com
TO FIND OUT HOW A LOCAL SOLAR EXPERT CAN HELP YOU, CALL 4760 0809
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Western News 26 February 2016 Issue 4
The good life with TP BACK in the ’70s there was a very popular BBC sitcom called The Good Life. It was about a young couple, Tom and Barbara Good, trying to live a completely sustainable lifestyle in suburban London, much to the bafflement of their middle-class neighbours. But it seems that this idea of selfsufficiency has really caught on over the last 30 years and a lot of us are now craving our own version of “the good life”. I smile ruefully when I think of the image of young hipsters making homemade tomato puree to go on top of the hand-made pasta. I smile because in my eyes they are living the dream. But it’s not a new dream. Many have been living it for generations. Long before Tom and Barbara Good. For too long we’ve built busy lifestyles around the knowledge that we can get our food easily from supermarkets. In our haste we haven’t noticed (or have chosen not to notice) how floury and tasteless the apples are. Or the growing number of processed and packaged foods that we mindlessly
throw into the trolley. We don’t seem to consider whether the vegetables are actually in season. Or the huge amount of preservatives that we’re feeding our family. Or do we? The demand for growers markets and organic foods is stronger than
ever before. Does this indicate a burgeoning age of enlightenment? Personally, I can’t think of anything more satisfying than getting close to nature, getting your hands dirty and harvesting your own fruit and vegetables. It’s incredible how much can be
produced in even a small area. And a larger area means you can feed extended family and friends as well. Growing your own food is not only good for the mind and body (and environment) but good for the soul as well. So many of us have become completely detached from the rhythms and cycles of nature. But there may be an imminent change in our collective consciousness. More of us are actually starting to think about where our food comes from. This idea is also being promoted through mainstream media, with television programs dedicated to carving out a subsistent life on the land. And even if this message is coming from huge commercial franchises like Masterchef, the end result is still positive and should be about getting our hands dirty, and reconnecting with the land. So even if you start modestly by growing some fresh herbs in little planters on the kitchen windowsill or the balcony, it’s still a step in the right direction. It’s still a step towards the good life.
Secret debate PROTESTERS - FOR OR AGAINST?
He Says........................... .........................She Says PROTESTERS, are they grubby, unwashed dole-bludgers or concerned residents seeking justice? The view tends to be clouded by whatever the media portrays them as or whether you support their stance. The beauty of democracy is that everyone has an opportunity to put forward their view. I know that at first glance the term “protester” will have readers straight away siding with my opponent and conjuring up pictures of the crazy lefties. I bet those same readers would not view in the same light the “Convoy to Canberra against a Carbon Levy”, or the “No Badgerys Creek Airport nor the current “No Radioactive Waste at Kemps Creek” groups. Protesters tend to be portrayed in line with whatever side the media and their corporate buddies take. People at times have no other option than to take their issues to the streets to bring about change.
WIN!
Unlike major mining companies or corporate giants, they do not have the resources to saturate us with massive media advertising to put their views. I can remember the media view of the “filthy hippies” and their Anti-Vietnam War protestors, but they forced the Government to change their stance. I bet not too many people regret that change. How about those insolent women led by Emmeline Pankhurst who finally got the right for women to vote or the changes to apartheid in South Africa and the United States bought about by citizens who wanted change. At least those people took an interest in what goes on around them rather than throw up their hands and leave it to others. Next time you read about a protest or listen to radio and television put their spin on it, think about the reasons behind the media spin and judge the actions in your own mind.
I’M sorry, but I am sooo over protesters. Beside the fact that they often consist of a misinformed bunch of jobless louts, its obvious that many don’t have the faintest clue about the issue they’ve honed in on. People will form groups and protest absolutely anything these days, and I’m inclined to think that the mob mentality that breeds as the group grows is more focused on showing what bogans they are or getting their mugs on telly than actually addressing the issue they claim to stand against. Personally, watching rowdy bunches of sheep bellowing replies by rote to a bloke with a foghorn doesn’t encourage me to get behind a cause. Furthermore, I find it appalling when the protest ends up in a violent brawl or
Who do you agree with? Send your vote to nepeannews@aol.com for a chance to win a table for 4 at the Major Oak Theatre Restaurant including dinner and show.
with defaced property. Of course protests over the years have played a part in changing history, such as how wars are perceived. But its the way in which many protesters try to get their voices heard that have turned me off. For instance, I found it sickening that protesters against the Vietnam War took their anger out on the soldiers who were risking their lives representing our nation and I found it disgraceful when more recently one of our most famous icons, The Sydney Opera House, was graffitied with anti-war sentiment. We live in a democracy and therefore it’s an important component in our society to have a point of view that can be expressed. But aggression-filled yobbos chanting in mobs is not the answer.
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COME and see firsthand what it takes to transform a playful puppy into a responsible Guide Dog at this year’s Wet Nose Day. Wet Nose Day aims to give the public a rare insight into what’s involved in the more than $35,000 process of breeding, raising and training a puppy to become a Guide Dog. If you’re a dog lover, Guide Dogs supporter, or just looking for a family friendly day out, come along and enjoy the fun-filled activities of the day. You will have the chance to cuddle some adorable puppy recruits, watch a puppy pre-school, and also witness some Guide Dog demonstrations. With demand for Guide Dogs growing, Wet Nose Day also aims to encourage more Sydney-siders to consider volunteering to become Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Puppy Raisers. Puppy raising volunteers care for a Guide Dog puppy for a year, from when it is eight weeks old to 14 months old, playing an invaluable role in preparing it for its potential career as a Guide Dog. “As well as providing lots of love and cuddles, a puppy raiser’s job is to introduce their pup to the sights,
sounds and smells it is likely to encounter as a Guide Dog. Integral to this is teaching the pup social skills and basic obedience,” said Karen Hayter, Guide Dogs NSW/ ACT’s Puppy Breeding and Raising Manager. “Guide Dogs play an incredible role in enabling people with vision loss to get around on their own so they can enjoy a full, active life just like everyone else in the community. “We’re incredibly grateful for the dedication of our wonderful volunteer Puppy Raisers – their generosity turns other people’s dreams into a reality.” There are an estimated 300,000
Australians with uncorrectable vision loss, 100,000 of whom live in NSW and the ACT. These figures are predicted to increase by more than 50% by 2030. Here’s what’s in-store for you on the day Get some “puppy love” from our gorgeous Labrador puppies Watch a live puppy pre-school Witness some Guide Dog demonstrations Get a photo with Gulliver, the world’s largest Guide Dog Win a $100 gift voucher to our Guide Dogs Shop in the lucky “doggie door” prize
Western News 26 February 2016 Issue 4
Puppies on parade: wet nose day
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Plus we’ll have a range of food options and some live entertainment And there are some great activities to keep the kids entertained as well! Let them test their navigational skills in our Blindfold Challenge Have their face painted in the design of their favourite “pooch” Enter them in the Guide Dogs colouring-in competition, where the can win the opportunity to name their very own Guide Dog puppy. Sunday, February 28 at Lizard Log Park, Western Sydney Parklands, Abbotsbury. For more details contact Nicole Bauche 0413 753 241, nbauche@guidedogs.com.au
By We are a Penrith-based business that is rapidly expanding due to a number of new government & corporate contracts which allow us to provide a number of job opportunities for local people to join our busy team. Do you have trades skills that fit our role? Looking for a challenge and IMMEDIATE START? Send your resume now to hr@hix.com.au or call 4721 7500 for more information.
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We are seeking a Plumber who: • Is meticulous with their work & has a range of experience across maintenance and projects • Is neat and tidy • Is genuinely concerned about customer needs & wants to perform all work to create a successful outcome • Is keen to be part of a team but can also work effectively alone • Works safely at all times and is committed to Work Health and Safety • ALWAYS leaves the site clean, tidy & safe and promptly completes all paperwork required • Is keen to learn more and to train apprentices • Has a range of experience in domestic and commercial plumbing which may include Hot Water, Pipe relining, backflow prevention etc • May have a Rail Industry Worker Card or be willing to undertake this training
ARE YOU THIS PLUMBER? … then Supakwik is your new home !! We provide vehicle, uniforms, SmartPhone ( as a part of our electronic job management system) a safe work environment and flexible start and finish times. If you would like to join our team at Hix Group Pty Ltd please send your resume to: HR@hix.com.au or contact Jason Brown on 0247217500 for more information
Must be meticulous in your work, have good customer service skills & be willing to use a Smartphone as a part of our Electronic Job Management System.
BLIGH PARK
3
QUALITY FAMILY HOME CASTLEREAGH
1
2
$000,000
Very neat and tidy family home benefiting from recent upgrades. 3 bedrooms, all with built-in robes. Freshly painted and new carpets throughout. Open plan kitchen with large meals area. Air conditioner and gas heating. Large laundry with external access. Double garage with internal access and single drive through to rear yard. Covered pergola area. 453sqm. Short walk to Windsor Park Public School and Bede Polding High School. Ideal investment. Currently tenanted on an expiring lease.
Price:
$579,500
Inspect:
By Appointment
Details:
Matthew Bennett - 9835 3355
RIVERSTONE EXTRA LARGE BLOCK CASTLEREAGH
3
2
2
$000,000
Level and fenced land - approx 4047 square metres (1 acre). Located in the Marsden Park North Precinct with future development potential. Corner position. Very comfortable 3 bedroom cottage with 2 bathrooms and a double garage. Perfect entry level investment property.
LONDONDERRY
4
HOMESTEAD WITH CHARACTER CASTLEREAGH
2
2
$000,000
In a quiet, no-through rural location. Very spacious weatherboard and brick 4 bedroom family home on approx 1 acre (3968 square metres). High ceilings with ornate cornices. Polished timber floors. Plantation shutters. Open plan living and dining area with slow-combustion fireplace, French doors open onto the covered, outdoor entertaining deck. Split-system air conditioning. Updated kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, 900mm gas stove and dishwasher. Federation-style bathroom with ball and claw slipper bath. Rumpus Room. Large garage area. Fully fenced and established, level yard with pool. Close to town conveniences.
Price:
$860,000 - $890,000
Inspect:
By Appointment
Details:
Rhonda Schellnack - 4578 1234
SCHOFIELDS
5
3
5
EXECUTIVE HOME WITH DEVELOPMENT UPSIDE CASTLEREAGH $000,000 Well presented Masterbuilt homestead situated on 2.5 acres in quiet location. Full brick with extensive timber features. 4 bedrooms with en-suite and formal and informal living areas. Separate self contained granny flat. Triple garage plus separate 4 bay shed. Level site. Pretty gardens, All arable. Future development potential situated in Schofields West growth centre precinct. Neighbouring lot also for sale.
Price:
Expressions of Interest
Price:
Just Listed
Inspect:
By Appointment
Inspect:
By Appointment
Details:
Maurice Mantovani - 4573 1228
Details:
Ken Chua - 9835 3355
Ken Chua - 9835 3355
KURRAJONG (02) 4573 1228 80 Old Bells Line of Road RICHMOND (02) 4578 1234 239 Windsor Street MARSDEN PARK (02) 9835 3355 Cnr Richmond Road & South Street www.bennettproperty.com.au
LONDONDERRY
3
SUBDIVISION POTENTIAL CASTLEREAGH
1
2
$000,000
Superb parcel of level grazing land. 11 acres (approx 4.47 hectares) with potential for immediate subdivision into two lots (STCA). Approx 150 metres wide road frontage. Very comfortable older style cottage with 3 bedrooms and a verandah. Spacious living area with slow-combustion fireplace and air conditioning. Only minutes from Richmond and Penrith. Excellent Opportunity in this popular location!
LONDONDERRY
4
FIVE ACRES CASTLEREAGH
$000,000
AUCTION 12 March 2016 1pm On-Site
Price:
Auction 12 March 2016 12pm On-Site
Inspect:
Saturdays 12 to 12.30pm
Inspect:
Saturdays 1 to 1.30pm 332-334 Nutt Road
Details:
Michael Bennett - 4578 1234
LONDONDERRY LANDBANK OPPORTUNITY CASTLEREAGH
3
Level and flood-free five (5) acres with 2 dams. Fenced to paddocks with town water. Very comfortable older style cottage with 4 bedrooms. Spacious living area. Separate self-contained garden studio/granny flat with disabled access. In an established garden setting with a fenced yard and mature trees. Bird aviaries and chicken run, garden shed. Two stables and a day yard. Tack Room. In a popular rural area. Close to St Pauls Grammar School.
Price:
648 Londonderry Road
1
Land Size: 5 Acres Details:
4
1
5
$000,000
Approximately 6 arable and flood free, level acres adjoining Richmond Greyhound Racing Club. Fully fenced with brick gated entry. Very comfortable 4 bedroom brick, family home with sc fireplace and reverse cycle airconditioning. Spacious living area and a separate rumpus/TV room. Updated bathroom and kitchen. Covered outdoor entertaining area with a pool. Town water and an additional rainwater tank. NBN connected. Assorted farm shedding with cattery/bird aviary. Double tractor bay. 4 x brick greyhound kennels or stables. Machinery shedding. Dual occupancy (STCA). Rural location, only minutes from Penrith and Richmond.
Scott Lee - 4578 1234, Maurice Mantovani - 4573 1228
LONDONDERRY
4
ENTERTAINERS CASTLEREAGHDELIGHT
3
2
$000,000
Magnificent, full brick family home (approx 45 squares), Ducted air and quality inclusions. Superb, open plan Billiards Games Room with a step-down home theatre, and s/c fireplace. Full-sized wet bar wine cellar and tasting room, guest toilet. Stunning open plan kitchen and family meals area. 900mm gas cook top. Downstairs guest bedroom with an ensuite and walk-in robe. Study/home office. Upstairs living area and 3 large bedrooms. Luxury main bedroom with a parents retreat, open plan bathroom, quality fittings, walk-in robe, dressing room. On 5 level and fenced grazing acres with dam. Only minutes from Richmond.
Price:
$2,300,000
Price:
JUST LISTED
Inspect:
By Appointment
Inspect:
By Appointment
Details:
Rhonda Schellnack - 4578 1234
Details:
Rhonda Schellnack - 4578 1234
KURRAJONG (02) 4573 1228 80 Old Bells Line of Road RICHMOND (02) 4578 1234 239 Windsor Street MARSDEN PARK (02) 9835 3355 Cnr Richmond Road & South Street www.bennettproperty.com.au
westernhistory western
18 Western News 26 February 2016 Issue 4
EARLY DAYS OF MT DRUITT & COLYTON Memories of Kitty Ryan 1976
T
HE village of Mount Druitt derived its name from Major George Druitt who had a Government grant of land about 1000 acres by deed dated 18th December 1837. The first Colyton School was on the Great Western Highway where the Colyton Post Office stood for many years. The first school teacher was Edgar Fuller 1861 to 1899. Then this school moved to the present site with Mr Aston being the next teacher. Both teachers still have descendants living in the local area. Colyton had a few shops being Miss Violet Wainwright who had the Post Office from 1901 to 1961. Vandals burnt this building down on the 6th May 1964. In 1900 Balgay Cannery was established on Roper Road by the Methven family. In 1934 saw the arrival of the Water Boards mains to the district. In 1936 Blacktown Shire Council had electricity available these two amenities where when the district suddenly increased in development. Mount Druitt Railway Station was opened on 1st July 1881when provision was made for three trains in both directions to stop on weekdays and one to stop on Saturdays when required. The station was demolished and a new one was built in the 1940’s.
N E PE A N HIST RY ONLY
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The current station moved when Lend Lease built the “Great Western Shopping Centre” in 1974. In 1900 my grandparents Mr Gustav Lix and his wife Mrs Louise Julie Lix purchased the property known as “Neoblie” on the Great Western Highway at Mount Druitt, still standing majestically. I was only a very small child with my sister Louise when we came to live with our grandparents, we also attended Colyton Primary School. In 1950 Mount Druitt had its first Mail delivered by Mrs “Reilly on horseback then followed by Charlie Notley in the horse and cart. The Mount Druitt Hall was opened in 1925. The money was raised by the community with gymkhanas, dances and euchre parties. It was used from 1946 to the eighties by “Uncle” Dick Simpson who ran the “Vogue” picture show. In 1970 the Main Roads Department started to widen the highway between Minchinbury to Bennet Road, Colyton, making it a six lane highway as it is today. In 1971 we sold “Neoblie” to the State Planning Authority. Also 1973 seen a four lane road over the railway line to the Great Western Highway in a southerly direction Carlisle Avenue was born and in a northerly direction to the very end of onto Luxford Road, Bidwell.
Would you like to read about the history of the Nepean region? Now you can purchase a LIMITED EDITION book featuring our history pages and more for just $10 plus postage and handling. Help keep our history preserved by purchasing your copy. ORDER NOW!
9834 5579 or email m nepeannews@aol.com
In turn you will help maintain our region’s history sources as 50 per cent of proceeds go to the Nepean and St Marys Historical Societies
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TRAVEL: Discovering the wonders of China By Ben Cranney
I’VE always wanted to go to China. I couldn’t say why. I just have. So when I got the chance last month, I jumped. The question was, how do you spend two weeks in a place that has the Silk Road, the Great Wall and Giant Pandas? I wanted to see everything but was happy with anything, so flight price partly dictated the destination. The only definite was Harbin in the frozen north. As a Russian refuge after the revolution at the start of the 20th century, it’s an amazing mix of Russian and Chinese culture. Russia really comes out on the main drag, with its cobbled stones, street vendors selling delicious pork sausages and classic music playing through hidden speakers. If soaking up street atmosphere isn’t your thing, there are plenty of ways to fill your time. For the thrill seekers, the kilometer-wide frozen river to the north was covered in kite boarders, tube riders behind 4WDs, ice skaters and dog sledders. Just walking across the river was an experience for an Aussie, although the giant cracks were a worry. For the history buffs, there’s Unit 731, to learn about Japanese occupation during World War 2 and the horrific human experiments that were conducted. For the animal lovers, the Siberian tiger park. There’s something special about watching a playful 300kg cat from the inside of a mini van with windows made of something suspiciously like chicken wire. For the shoppers, there’s a rabbit’s warren of stalls built under the city, away from the cold, inviting you to get lost for hours.
19 Western News 26 February 2016 Issue 4
travel
Instagram: exploringtheworldscranneys
But the star is undeniably the snow and ice festival. At a water bottle freezing -28, nothing melts. Every year, up to 16,000 workers descend on the city to build castles, temples, ships and towns out of snow and ice. Up to 30 meters tall and lit up like Sydney’s Vivid on steroids, it’s spectacular. You just have to deal with the cold. The trick is to layer, protect your extremities and every hour or so, head
inside to thaw out. There are three main ice and snow sights, and you probably need a couple of hours at each. For the furthest and most spectacular, some of the hotels have enterprising locals running free shuttle buses if you buy entrance tickets from them. Just remember where they are picking you up from! It’s a long, cold walk back.
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E N T E R T A I N M E N T
Western News 26 February 2016 Issue 4
Bringing your entertainment pleasure to new heights AS part of its four-month national tour, Emily Bronte’s much-loved gothic masterpiece, Wuthering Heights, will storm into Riverside Theatres on 22 and 23 March with its only Sydney performances. Wuthering Heights tells the story of Heathcliff, a mysterious boy who is rescued from the street and brought to Wuthering Heights, where he develops a passionate bond with Catherine Earnshaw. As time passes, Heathcliff and Catherine’s relationship deepens to the point of dangerous obsession, until one day, Catherine marries another man. Overcome with jealousy, Heathcliff flees the Heights only to return, years later, ready to exact revenge on those he believed ruined his one chance at happiness. Created by Shake & Stir, the company behind the critically acclaimed productions of George Orwell’s Animal Farm and 1984, Wuthering Heights is the next adaption in the company’s awardwinning cannon. Shake & Stir’s Artistic Director, Nick Skubij who adapted and directed this bold new work said, “Aside from being an outstanding story of revenge, love and loss, we chose Wuthering Heights to re-imagine as, with every Shake & Stir production, we aim to invigorate classics for a new audience.” “Theatrically we are also pushing the boundaries and thanks to our esteemed design team Wuthering Heights will surprise and shock in all the right ways – we are literally bringing the natural elements into theatre,” adds Skubij. Featuring a breathtaking design and a stellar cast, audiences are invited to settle in for a fresh and seductive adaptation of a classic story, and witness a rare opportunity to see this sweeping saga live at Riverside Theatres. Dates: 22 and 23 March at 11am (plus Q&A) and 7.30pm Tickets: Adult $49 / Conc $44 / 30 and Under $35 Bookings: From the Box Office (02) 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au Venue: Riverside Theatres – Corner of Church and Market Streets, Parramatta
22
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
Western News 26 February 2016 Issue 4
Teddy! Chuck! Put down your iphones and talk to me! INTERNATIONAL comedy star, David Strassman, will have audiences in stitches with his hilarious brand new show “iTedE”. iTedE is an uproarious take on our technology-laden lives. The sharp-tongued Chuck Wood and loveable Ted E. Bare have been thrust into the world of social media, constantly on their iPads and iPhones, not interacting with the real world. With everyone connected to the internet 24/7, will Strassman get them back under control? Strassman’s most technically advanced stage production yet, iTedE introduces new technology that brings the world’s most advanced puppetronics to the stage. Combined with cutting edge lighting and jaw-dropping production, Strassman and his well known puppet characters will bring mayhem and theatrics to a set designed by one of New York’s most renowned stage designers, Luke Cantarella. Since his early performances in the 1990s, Strassman has been embraced in Australia and completed numerous television appearances as well as his own show on Channel Nine called ‘Strassman’, with subsequent series on ITV England and TV3 New Zealand. iTedE will be sure to delight audiences with side-splitting comedy, jaw dropping puppetronics and a visual feast on stage. It’s the ultimate great night out. ROOTY HILL | Sun 6 March 6pm | Rooty Hill RSL Book at www.rootyhillrsl.com.au or 02 9677 4916 BLACKTOWN | Fri 11 March 7pm | Blacktown Workers Club Book at www.workersclub.com.au or 02 9830 0600
CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 Note (4) 9 A literary genre (5) 10 Tools for punching small holes (4) 11 A finger or toe (6) 12 Labelled with digits (8) 13 Often (8) 15 Having rounded protuberances (6) 17 An acknowledgement of payment (7) 19 Not a departure (7) 22 A scornful smile (6) 24 Blast offs (8) 26 Perfect or complete (8) 28 Burns (6) 30 Fruit of the blackthorn bush (4) 31 Exercise (5) 32 Taro (4)
DOWN 1
Prefix indicating change (4)
2
Dress shop (8)
3
Breed of penguin (6)
4
Type of nut (7)
5
Legislator (8)
6
Shaman (6)
7
Skid (4)
14 Genus of rhubarb (5) 16 Courageous (5) 18 Grazing lands (8) 20 In a rage (8) 21 Hemophiliac (slang) (7) 23 Boarded (6) 25 Makes angry (6) 27 Light or tulip (4) 29 Current (4)
solution 12/2/16
E N T E R T A I N M E N T No need to search to hear timeless hits By Kerrie Davies
of friends, through the heady days of the sixties as teenage idols, The Searchers have comfortably settled into a position well deserved by a band whose sound has influenced some of the most important artistes of our generation. The hit songs were “Sweets For My Sweet”, “Sugar And Spice”, the Jackie DeShannon remake of “Needles And Pins” and “When You Walk In The Room”, “Love Potion Number 9”, a cover of The Orion’s “Don’t Throw Your Love Away”,
SUDOKU: MEDIUM
“Someday We’re Gonna Love Again” and “When You Walk In The Room”. THE Searchers have contributed enormously to the British music industry, with record sales well in excess of 45 million and were the second group from Liverpool, after The Beatles, to have a hit in the U.S. when “Needles and Pins” charted. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the performance at Rooty Hill RSL, Saturday March 5, bookings 9625 5500.
WORD SEARCH
THE SEARCHERS emerged as part of the 1960’s MerseyBeat scene along with The Beatles, The Hollies, The Swinging Blue Jeans and Gerry and The Pacemakers. Their distinctive jangling sound of the twelve string guitar and the rich harmonies embellished with their immaculate vocals have without doubt assured The Searchers of a lasting place the history of popular music throughout the world. Frank Allen spoke with Western News ahead of the western Sydney leg of their Australian tour, which will see the band playing at Rooty Hill RSL on March 5. “We love being in Australia, amongst other things the weather here is fantastic,” the British performer said. “So far on the tour we’ve played in a few country towns ahead of heading to Sydney and the reception has been fabulous!” Frank said audiences can expect a fun-filled show that explores the history of the band, tribute songs to those they’ve toured with and lots of interaction. “I enjoy every minute of presenting our show. My favourite song to perform would have to be ‘When you walk in the room’,” Frank said. “I’ve had many highlights during my career, but the stand outs would be performing at Wembley Stadium with Cliff Richard in 1989 to more than 80,000 people, the Royal Variety show and of course our New York tour where we did six shows a day, seven days a week!” From their early beginnings in the late fifties as a skiffle group formed by John McNally and a bunch
Western News 26 February 2016 Issue 4
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Storm ready to rage
Our amazing sportspeople
Blacktown Storm captain Simeon Murray will lead one of this year’s most exciting lineups in the 2016 Waratah Youth League competition. Photo courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
THE Mt Druitt-based Blacktown Storm Division One Youth League Men’s team are shaping as serious contenders for the 2016 Waratah Youth League premiership title. Head coach Greg Radford said there is some outstanding talent in this year’s squad, including 18-year old rookie Deng Acuoth (6’11”/210cm), captain Simeon Murray (6’4”/190cm), Stephen Gorjok (6’4”/190cm) and Junior Madut (6’2”/185cm). In addition, Radford is eagerly awaiting the arrival of towering centre Martin Bleeker (6’9/203cm), who is currently in the United States in his Freshman year at the NAIA school Briar Cliff University in Iowa.
To round out this extraordinary squad, Australian schoolboys representative Macuach Maluach (6’4”/190cm) will join the squad from Newington College, where he is a scholarship holder under the tutelage of renowned coach Rex Nottage. Macuach was recently selected in the Australian Schoolboys team, following a dominant performance in the Premier Division of the Australian Schools Championships in December 2015. Macuach also attended Basketball Australia’s Athlete Development Camp in January, recognised as one of the country’s top Under 19 players.
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DOUBLE world record power lifter Bethany Parker, from Kings Langley, is the 33rd Blacktown Sportsperson of the Year. Bethany – aged 16 – set three Australian records to qualify for the Asia/Oceania Powerlifting Championships in Uzbekistan breaking 11 Asia/Oceania Records and two World Records at the championships. All the more remarkable, as she did not start the sport until early last year. Bethany received the honour at Blacktown City’s 33rd Sports Awards Gala Dinner, held on Saturday 13 February 2016 at Rooty Hill RSL Club. Some 60 sports women, men, young people, administrators and coaches were nominated for awards in nine categories, representing 20 sports. “The Sports Awards provide a great opportunity to shine a bright light on the tremendous individual achievements and recognise the effort and time people put into their sport”, said the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali. Bethany did not take up powerlifting until early 2015, and was previously a New South Wales State Athletics (and Little Athletics) competitor and representative for the
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throw events of shot put, discus and javelin. Congratulations to Bethany Parker, as well as the other winners on the night: Sports Coach of the Year: Mark Crittenden - Soccer. Sports Administrator of the Year: Daniel Clifford - AFL. Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Patrick Gleeson - Athletics. Sports Volunteer of the Year: Thomas Trost - Equestrian. Sports Encouragement Awards: Antonia Diaz Ballas (Trampolining), Brooke Bonnell (Athletics & Cross Country) and Kunj Changella (Cricket). Blacktown City Team of the Year: Blacktown City Football Club Open Men’s 1st Grade Team. Blacktown City Club of the Year: Eagles Softball Club The Mayoral Shield: Bob Malone (Rugby League) “Congratulations to each and every nominee in the 2015 Sports Awards. To have been nominated is a fantastic achievement in itself and you should all be very proud of yourselves and your sporting accomplishments. I wish you all the best of luck in your future sporting endeavours”, Mayor Bali said on the night.
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27 Western News 26 February 2016 Issue 4
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Western News 26 February 2016 Issue 4
COACH’S CORNER
BROCK SHEPPERD NRL Level 3 High Performance Rugby League Coach Masters of Coach Education, Sydney University Listen in to the Fifth and Last NRL Podcast, available every Wednesday in the Podcast App, iTunes and on audioBoom b.shepperd@hotmail.com
NRL COACH POWER RANKINGS AND 2016 SEASON PREDICTIONS
OVER the past fortnight I have run the rule over the sixteen coaches as we look ahead in anticipation for the start of the 2016 NRL season. After several hours of research, deliberation and conversation I have ranked the coaches based on: their previous achievements, influence on team / individual player performances and their future prospects. 1. Wayne Bennett – Broncos. Career Win Percentage: 62%. Premierships: 7. Bennett is the most successful coach in NRL history and is entering his 29th consecutive season as a head coach. He has won multiple premierships spanning three decades. Bennett has an incredible ability to simplify what can at times be a complex game. He has adapted his coaching style through several generations of players, constant changes to the games rules and complex tactics. 2. Craig Bellamy – Storm. Career Win Percentage: 66%. Premierships: 3. Bellamy enters his 14th consecutive season with the Storm and currently holds the longest active coaching appointment at the one club in the NRL. He has led the Storm to the Finals in every season except 2010 when the club was engulfed in a salary cap scandal and later stripped of their 2007 and 2009 premierships. Bellamy has a reputation for developing elite talent such as Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis and Israel Folau through to the highest level of the game. His greatest attribute as a coach is his ability to improve and get the best from journeyman players whom have struggled at other clubs. 3. Trent Robinson – Roosters. Career Win Percentage: 70%. Premierships: 1. Robinson enters his 4th season at the Roosters looking to win his fourth consecutive minor premiership. He has been able to extract consistent performances from his team over a long period of time. This highlights his tremendous ability to keep his players feeling fresh and challenged. Having lost some key players over the offseason 2016 may see Robinson’s stock rise even higher if he can continue to extract consistent performances with a less talented roster. 4. Paul Green – Cowboys. Career Win Percentage: 66%. Premierships: 1. Green has transformed the mental toughness and intelligence of the Cowboys and within two seasons has turned them into a premiership winning outfit. Green deserves a lot of credit for the Cowboys having reached the summit as he challenged the discipline and culture of the team and has been able to develop key position players to fit around Johnathan Thurston. Thurston has won consecutive Dally M Medals under Green. 5. Michael Maguire – Rabbitohs.
Career Win Percentage: 64%. Premierships: 1. Maguire enters his 5th season at South Sydney having never missed the Top 8 and delivering the club their first premiership in 43 years. He is well renowned for his intense approach and there can be no argument he has elevated the players under his tutelage. Maguire would not have been content with the clubs premiership defence and will need to re think his high intensity approach particularly if his players start to exhibit the tired and fatigued body language they demonstrated for much of 2015. 6. Des Hasler – Bulldogs. Career Win Percentage: 59%. Premierships: 2. Since his high profile switch to the Bulldogs Hasler has been able to get them to within 80 minutes of a premiership on two occasions only to fall at the final hurdle. In recent seasons the Bulldogs style of play has become predictable and opposition teams understand how to nullify their strengths. Hasler has a reputation as an analyst and innovator and the Bulldogs are in desperate need of some innovation to spark some creativity in their key position players. 7. Anthony Griffin – Panthers. Career Win Percentage: 53%. Premierships: 0. Griffin was only moved aside in Brisbane due to the return of Wayne Bennett. During his four seasons at the Broncos he made the finals on three occasions. Griffin was given due praise during 2015 for his contribution to the development of the large crop of Broncos juniors who came within one tackle of winning the Premiership. He arrives in Penrith at a vital stage in the development of another large crop of juniors pushing for an NRL birth and considering his prior record in doing so he seems the logical man for the job. 8. Neil Henry – Titans. Career Win Percentage: 46%. Premierships: 0. The perfect acquisition to rebuild the Titans roster and only an NRL loophole prevented him from securing Daly Cherry-Evans in 2015. Controversial losses in big finals games overshadowed Henry’s tenure at the Cowboys but look at what Paul Green has achieved with what Henry left behind. Prior to his stint up north Henry had the Raiders playing the best brand of football ‘Green Machine’ fans had seen since the glory days of the 90’s. 9. Shane Flanagan – Sharks. Career Win Percentage: 48%. Premierships: 0. An experienced campaigner who had a successful return to the Sharks in 2015 following his ASADA imposed ban. Technically and tactically I do not see him competing with the elite coaches in the NRL. However Flanagan has an aggressive and demanding
approach which suits the Sharks roster. Considering their offseason acquisitions and strong finish to 2015 there will be high expectations on Flanagan and the Sharks in 2016. 10. Brad Arthur – Eels. Career Win Percentage: 43%. Premierships: 0. Arthur heads into his 3rd season in charge at the Eels looking to take the club to their first finals series in five years. He is held in high regard by some of the games elite players and the fact he was able to lure Kieran Foran away from the Sea Eagles speaks volumes of the respect he held amongst the playing group at his former club. Arthur has great pedigree having served as an assistant coach at both the Storm and the Sea Eagles and will be under immense pressure if he cannot elevate the Eels into finals contention this season. 11. Paul McGregor – Dragons. Career Win Percentage: 47%. Premierships: 0. Exceeded expectations in 2015 as he led the Dragons into the finals for the first time since Wayne Bennett departed the club in 2011. McGregor’s foundation as a strength and conditioning coach shone through as he transformed the Dragons into a very tough, mentally resilient and fit football team. The challenge ahead will be in whether McGregor has the ability to improve the Dragons attack in order to create enough points to beat the big guns in the competition. 12. Ricky Stuart – Raiders. Career Win Percentage: 49%. Premierships: 1. He is the coach who often evokes the most bar room discussion due to his honest appraisal of his team or of the referee’s performance. Stuart has led the Roosters to a Premiership and New South Wales to an Origin Series win, he also coached the national side for a three year period which culminated in a controversial exit after he abused a match official. He had a lot of early success with a red hot Roosters team, but failed stints with the Sharks and the Eels prior to landing at the Raiders will place him firmly in the crosshairs if they do not make the Top 8 in 2016. 13. Jason Taylor – Tigers. Career Win Percentage: 43%. Premierships: 0. Hasn’t had the easiest run as an NRL coach having been at the Rabbitohs during their rebuilding phase, yet he managed to lead them to the finals in his first season. Taylor was sacked two seasons later after a physical altercation with a player while out partying with the team at their end of season celebrations. Taylor enters his second season at the Tigers under pressure after an awful 2015 season and a very public fall out with Robbie Farah. The axe is looming and he will need some wins early in order to buy himself time. 14. Nathan Brown – Knights. Career Win Percentage: 53%.
Premierships: 0. Has admitted publicly he was well out of his depth during his first stint as an NRL coach as he failed to lead a star studded Dragons side to a Premiership. Brown was moved on in favour of Wayne Bennett and so ensued a stint in the Super League where he rebuilt the Huddersfield Giants into a force and won a competition with St Helens. Returns a far more experienced coach yet it remains to be seen whether he can transform the Knights into a finals contender. 15. Andrew McFadden – Warriors. Career Win Percentage: 43%. Premierships: 0. McFadden is the coach under the most pressure heading into the 2016 season as he attempts to lift his team’s performances to match the expectations which come with such high profile recruits in Issac Luke and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. If the Warriors start the season slow he may not see it out, if he manages to see off the early pressure he will need to get the Warriors into the finals to keep his job for 2017. Trent Barrett – Sea Eagles. Exempt from my rankings as 2016 is his first season as a head coach in the NRL. For The Record… 2016 Season Predictions Premiers: Broncos – They have the best coach and providing they stay injury free one of the best rosters in the NRL. Throw in the pain and motivation that last season’s Grand Final loss should provide and I expect them to be very hard to beat. Top 8: Broncos, Cowboys, Storm, Sharks, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Eels and Warriors. Dark Horse: Warriors – They have a roster capable of winning the competition. However they also have a history and culture which suggests they consistently underachieve. Improvers: Eels – Boast an elite spine in Gordon, Norman, Foran and Peats. They have a forward pack with a great mix of youth and experience which should dominate teams to lay a platform for plenty of blue and gold victories. Sliders: Bulldogs – Attacking style is in need of a complete overhaul. Huge forward pack is susceptible to fatigue at the back end of each half with the drop in interchanges. Not convinced by their spine with the exception of Moses Mbye who is an exceptional talent, Morris doesn’t look comfortable at fullback, Reynolds lacks composure and stability and Lichaa looks solid but not elite. Holden Cup: Panthers – I was fortunate enough to work with Cameron Ciraldo as a coaching assistant with the Panthers premiership winning Holden Cup team last season. A large portion of that squad remains eligible for selection again this year which places the Panthers in a very good position to win back to back titles.
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Penrith Panthers celebrate 50 years of footy By Stewart Moses @TheRiffMarn
HEADING into the club’s 50th year, Panthers Executive General Manager says the club experiences over that time has enabled the foundations to be laid as the club prepares to undergo changes that will help it become one of the biggest if not the biggest sporting organisation in the country. “It’s a wonderful milestone, at 50 years we’ve established a base, we’ve established a history for the club and we’ve established what the Panthers are and who we want to be,” Gould said. “I first came to the club forty years ago but I was there at the first game the Panthers ever played so to watch the development of the club and the growth of the club has been exciting.” “It’s been wonderful to have been involved with it but the biggest development is the growth that’s yet to come as our club is about to emerge over the next five-ten years as the biggest in Australia.” One major change that already occurred even before the pre-season preparations to the club’s 50th year had a chance to commence was the sacking of NRL coach, Ivan Cleary and the subsequent quick appointment of former Brisbane Broncos coach, Anthony Griffin. Gould is more than happy with the progress made under Griffin given the relatively inexperienced squad currently at his disposal, adding that the best years for this current squad, are yet to come. “I think he’s come to our club at the perfect time for the age of our roster and a lot of young players are going to benefit from the experience of what he brings to the club,” Gould said. “We are sort of at the stage of our development where last year we let a number of older players who we
29 Western News 26 February 2016 Issue 4
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Panthers Executive General Manager, Phil Gould AM, gives his assessment of the Panthers at last week’s Penrith Council function. Photo: 77 Media.
brought in to do a short term job for us, go.” “I think there were nine players left (in our top 25) and of that I think we’ve replaced them with probably six or seven of our own development players which is a great result for the system.” “What I’m really pleased about is probably the top thirty players in our club at the moment every one of them we’d like to keep for at least another four or five years and I think that’s where the club is really going
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to develop.” “We’ve already had extraordinary results in a short space of time winning two NYC titles and the next crop that come through from (the 2015) side that won the NYC and those that will play NYC this year are going to be really well prepared and they will start to emerge in 2017 and 2018 so I’m very optimistic about the longer term.” “It’s a young squad this year and whatever they get, they’ll get great experience.”
In a message for fans, Gould reiterated that this is a young side that Penrith supporters can and should really want to identify with as the club celebrates the 50th year milestone. “Come and be part of it, be proud of the Panthers, celebrate the team and understand that we’ve got a young side that has a great future ahead,” Gould said. “Enjoy a day out at Pepper Stadium, where it’s one of the real great game day experiences in the NRL.”
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30 Western News 26 February 2016 Issue 4
MG ON THE MARK
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WITH MARK GEYER
WE’RE READY TO ROLL!
WHAT seems like a summer that’s gone on forever somewhat dissipates upon the arrival of the NRL season next weekend. Sure we’ve already had the Auckland 9’s, the Indigenous v All Star game, the Charity Shield, and the world club challenge but nothing beats rugby league when there’s two competition points on the offer. Two teams with plenty of spotlight on them, for more reasons than being our most western geographically are the Penrith Panthers and the Parramatta Eels. The Panthers have a squad to get excited about. Their off-season recruitment has been decisive without being over the top, and the filtering of young locals continues to impress. But facts are facts, last seasons 11th placing ( which could have been last if beaten by the Knights in the final round) is just not good enough. The hierarchy know this, the coaching staff know this, the players know this, and of course the fans are also well aware. I’m excited to see Trent Merrin now a mountain man, same goes for ex Manly utility back Peta Hiku. But it seems young Tigers pivot Te Maire Martin is the man who has created most fanfare of late. Already compared to another young kiwi at the same age ( Benji Marshall) young Martin is sure to keep the heat on incumbent half pairing of Pete Wallace and Jamie Soward. Throw in young Nathan Cleary and the Panthers have an abundance of halves ready to dominate. Now bring on the Raiders in round one and let the games begin! Our neighbours, the Parramatta Eels have started 2016 in great form. Winning the 9’s was unexpected but they looked very tidy in their win over the Panthers last weekend at Pepper Stadium. While the Panthers were subtle in their off-season recruiting, the Eels were sledgehammer like. Keiran Foran, Michael Gordon, Clint Gutherson, Cameron King, Beau Scott, and Michael Jennings signifies a significant change in personnel come this season. Again though, like the Panthers, they just hovered above the wooden spoon ‘death row’ late in the year finishing 12th on 22 points only one win above eventual cellar dwellers Newcastle. But it feels different already in Parra land. With the above mentioned signings comes an expectation that things are about to change. And if it doesn’t this or next year given their roster and coaching staff - it just may never. I’m really looking forward to watching the revamped Eels this year, and their opening two comp games even more gets the tingles going when they face last years grand finalists the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys. Not a bad way to test your
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Nothing better than spending the day with my girls watchin some footy..
new resolve hay? Good luck to all teams in this years competition. Let it be the best ever! See you at the game...
MG (random Westie) OAM
Wanderers back on top By Chris Layland
THE NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers regained top spot in the Hyundai A-League after a 1-1 draw against rivals Sydney FC in the Sydney Derby on Saturday night. Dario Vidosic opened the scoring for the Wanderers in what will be one of the best team goals of the season and they were unlucky not to take a lead into half time after an unfortunate own goal to Scott Jamieson. The second half was more of an even battle with both sides having chances to win the match without converting. Tony Popovic made a number of changes to the starting line-up defeated by Wellington last Sunday, with the most significant perhaps Liam Reddy being handed a baptism of fire in place of Andrew Redmayne. And the former Parramatta Power shot-stopper played his part in an enthralling first-half encounter in
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Sunday’s match saw Wanderers head into the game confident of a result that would see them return to the top of the table. Photo: Courtesy wswanderersfc.com.au
which Reddy came up with a series of big saves, most notably to deny David Carney after the midfielder was released one on one. The Wanderers dominance of possession has been one of the cornerstones of their success this season but Popovic was been eager to point out the side’s efficiency on the transition last week and it was a
vintage counter attacking goal that broke the opening ten-minute arm wrestle. Sydney were nearly in on goal at the other end through Holosko but a quickly taken release from Reddy found Andreu who launched a sublime raking ball to Mark Bridge on the left. Bridge’s perfectly weighted cross glided between the opposition
centre backs and met by Vidosic who glanced a sensational looping header over Vedran Janjetovic to notch his second Sydney Derby goal of the season. The technique from Vidosic was first-class, and reminiscent of Jaushua Sotirio’s disallowed goal against the Sky Blues on the same ground back in Round 3. Vidosic’s opener rattled Graham Arnold’s side and the Red & Black might have doubled their lead when Dimas found himself free in the box after some nervy defending, but curled his shot over with his weaker left foot. Sydney steadied the ship before halftime and managed to equalise when Alex Brosque’s flick was diverted goal wards by Scott Jamieson. In the second half neither side were able to replicate the energy and excitement of their first half display with the match stagnating into a tense half with limited opportunities.
31 Western News 26 February 2016 Issue 4
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Western NEWS Friday, 26 March 2016
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HARPO’S MARKS
WHEREAS the early settlers on Norfolk Island spent seven years at hard labour, I spent seven days of peace and tranquillity on the Pacific Ocean atoll in the week before Christmas. Norfolk’s population at the moment hovers around 1500 and 120 of those are members of Norfolk Island Golf Club which is superbly situated in the historic Kingston precinct where the first and second convict settlements were established. Despite its size, Norfolk Island caters for a large variety of sports. These include rugby league, cricket, athletics, pistol and clay target shooting, squash, mini-golf, fishing, kayaking, trekking, netball, lawn bowls, pony club, Touch, tennis, paintball and archery. Rugby League has been played on the Island since “around 1910-12” according to one of the old-timers I met over a few schooners at Norfolk Island Rugby League Club. The club’s secretary-manager, Kim Davies, says currently there are currently no senior sides but the junior ranks are as strong as ever. “Obviously because of our population
we can’t field a multitude of teams but we put two teams onto the paddock each week in under 7s, under 10s, under 14s and in open schoolboy competitions,” Kim said.
AND I was surprised to learn that Norfolk Island boasts the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest cricket ground. The MCG and Sydney Cricket Ground are blow-ins compared to Norfolk Island’s Kingston Oval – “ The G” hosted its first match in 1855 and the SCG in 1877! Whereas according to the meticulously kept diary of Ensign Abel Dottin William Best of the newly arrived 80th Regiment, cricket had been played at Kingston Oval since at least 1836. In his diary, Best stated that a game was played between his regiment and the 50th Regiment on October 10, 1838 and mentions that the 80th Regiment had been practising on the pitch for two years. BUCK Rogers was bucking out of his skin when he rang to tell me rugby league has returned to Londonderry. The Londonderry Greys will campaign in the 2016 Penrith Junior District Rugby
League season and will field teams in the under 6s, under 14-15s, under 17s and A Grade. League in Londonderry was last played more than two decades ago and Buck and his colleagues have been unstinting in their efforts in resurrecting the game in the village. Buck wears many hats with the Greys – president, club and first grade coach. Richmond Greyhound Club is the new club’s major sponsor but others putting in their hard earned to help the club get up and running include greyhound studmasters, John Carruthers (Magic Sprite) and Anthony Azzopardi (Smooth Fancy), Drew Galea Carpentry and Brad Evans Electrical. The Greys’ home ground will be Londonderry Oval and the first training run of the season will be held at the oval at 7pm on Tuesday, February 2. Anyone interested in playing or supporting the club in any way should contact Buck on 0417 255 394.
HIGH MARKS: Buck Rogers and the Londonderry Greys. LOW: Nick Spurious. He should wear boxing gloves to bed!
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