Western News 26 October 2018

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Friday, 26 October 2018

ISSUE 71

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Festival fun

Don’t miss the annual Quakers Hill Festival on November 3.

There will be a range of activities and entertainment for the whole family, including stalls, stage performers, blacksmithing, rides and workshops.

It is an exciting family day out with great company, great food and fun.

Western News

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S

taff at Blacktown City Council have been crowned Australia’s top blood donors, winning this year’s Red Cross Councils’ Blood Challenge by making 268 donations in just 12 weeks helping to save 804 lives.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said coming first in the 2018 Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s Red25 Councils’ Blood Challenge was an achievement to be very proud off.

“Congratulations to everyone who took the time to donate blood, platelets and plasma to this important cause. It’s a demonstration of Council staff’s selfless commitment to helping the community.” Mayor Bali said.

“Last year we had a total of 87 donations and this year we saw a dramatic increase of more than 200% in donations bringing our total to 268.

“The result is amazing considering our goal was to reach 100 donations within the 12 week period.

“Blacktown City Council also topped the list of new donors with 59 community members and Council staff rolling up their sleeves to give blood for the first time.

“This is a magnificent effort by all who were involved in this wonderful project. Some of our staff made multiple donations,” Mayor Bali said.

Blood Service spokesperson Ronny Maroun thanked all the donors who took part in the Challenge.

“We’d like to thank Blacktown City

Council staff for their commitment to saving lives, their support is critical to meeting the need for blood donations in Blacktown,” he said.

Western News 26 October 2018 Issue 71

Blacktown donations save 804 lives!

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To celebrate the achievement, Red Cross mascot, Billy the Blood Drop will visit Blacktown City Council’s Rooty Hill Depot.

U 4 s t e Mark SUNDAY 8AM TO 1PM Car Park at the Arena Sports Club 140 Rookwood Rd, Yagoona

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

Western News 26 October 2018 Issue 71

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Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

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Prospect

From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

G

iddy Up it’s Melbourne Cup, the race that stops the nation.

I’m not very good at picking winning horses, but I do happen to have an extremely good record at picking political results, much to my husband Greg’s annoyance.

I have managed to cash in on some things that Sportsbet saw as long-shots - like a Trump win, a Hanson election and ScoMo as PM. I even predicted back in the Howard days that Tony Abbott would end up Prime Minister, and I predicted Cory Bernardi would split from the Liberals a good year before he did.

But my “never-fail” winning streak came to an abrupt end on the weekend when I put my money on Dave Sharma.

Yes there was a lot of noise about punishing the government - punishing both major parties in fact - and the popularity of Kerryn Phelps to consider.

But I still thought I knew my old electorate of Wentworth pretty well and expected a - perhaps narrow - win for the Liberals.

Wrong, wrong, totally wrong.

And while the result will be blamed on a thousand different things, depending on who you talk to, two things should be strikingly obvious.

The blindingly obvious lesson to be learned is if you are part of either major party you had better clean your factional wars up and unite as a team.

Make some compromises behind closed doors and emerge as a united front or you’ll be swept into oblivion by a household-name independent.

The second is a no-brainer. Four examples and yet the lesson has still not been learned. The electorate does not like their Prime Minister to be knifed.

It doesn’t matter if it is Rudd, Gillard, Abbott or Turnbull, voters can’t stand that caper.

They hate it and will not hesitate to take an eye for an eye and wield their own knife in retaliation.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Western News

M

ember for Riverstone Kevin Conolly has presented Don Goodship with a well-earned Community Service Award in recognition of his ongoing involvement as a volunteer in his community.

Don has been volunteering at the Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre’s Mens Shed for over 8 years now. Having recently celebrated his 90th birthday Don is not short of energy to help out his community fellows, devoting 3 days a week at the Mens Shed, lending a hand to members or sharing his skills and knowledge in engineering, woodwork and gardening advice. He has become a central hub of the Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre’s Mens Shed.

Don’s work at the Mens Shed follows a lifetime of community involvement and advice as a local councillor, P & C committee member and mentor to people with disabilities.

“I congratulate Don Goodship on his generous and enduring voluntary contribution to the community,” Mr Conolly said.

For more information about the Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre’s Mens Shed call 9627 3622.

For more information about NSW Government Awards, visit http://www. dpc.nsw.gov.au/programs_and_services/ awards_for_community_and_public_ service.

› Teen charged over alleged sexual assault A teenage boy has been charged over the alleged aggravated sexual assault of a man in a car park at Mt Druitt last week.

About 1am on Sunday 14 October, a 53-year-old man was in the car park of a shopping centre on Carlisle Avenue when he was approached by a 16-year-old boy, who was unknown to him.

The boy produced a knife and allegedly threatened the older man. The man attempted to flee but the boy chased and caught up to him.

The man was then allegedly sexually assaulted by the boy.

After the incident the man contacted police. He was taken to Blacktown Hospital for treatment, however had suffered no physical injury.

The boy was arrested a short time later on Luxford Road, Whalan.

A large knife was located in his possession.

He was taken to Riverstone Police Station and charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault – threaten actual bodily harm on victim with weapon.

He was refused bail to appear at a children’s court.

5 Western News 26 October 2018 Issue 71

Mens Shed volunteer wins Community Service Award

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Western News 26 October 2018 Issue 71

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Western News

Council approves next stage of major developments

Artist’s impression of the planned International Centre of Training Excellence

B

lacktown City Council has taken a major step towards transforming Blacktown City into one of the leading cities in Australia giving the go ahead for two major infrastructure projects to go to the next stages of consultation, planning and development.

Councillors have voted unanimously to embark on extensive community consultation and progress detailed planning and business cases for the proposed International Centre of Training Excellence (ICTE) at the Blacktown International Sportspark, and the Warrick Lane Precinct project in the Blacktown CBD. The proposed Warrick Lane Precinct will be a modern mixeduse development anchored around a new public plaza to be built above an underground car park catering for 450 vehicles. The precinct will link seamlessly to Main Street and offer new retail and commercial opportunities in the CBD and the potential to house a university campus and new Council offices.

The ICTE will be a world-leading multi-sport facility providing high

performance training, education, sports medicine, research, accelerated recovery and rehabilitation that will be available to everyone.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the vote by Council to progress both projects to the next stage was a significant milestone for the future of the whole community.

“The ICTE and the Warrick Lane Precinct are both vital projects forming major parts of our vision for transforming Blacktown City into a modern metropolitan city of talent, a magnet for economic and social investment and growth,” Mayor Bali said.

“We are driven to build facilities that can be seen as ‘elite for all’ so Blacktown City can establish itself as one of the leading centres in Sydney and provide opportunity for all our residents.”

The next stage of the planning for the ICTE and Warrick Lane Precinct will involve major Expenditure Reviews of both projects in line with NSW Government guidelines for Local Government spending on major projects.

Artist’s impression of the proposed Warrick Lane Precinct

Council staff and consultants will finalise all design documentation and cost estimates for both projects to a stage where they are ready to go to tender.

Council will also undertake a full round of public consultation to further gauge community support and get valuable feedback on both the ICTE and Warrick Lane Precinct projects.

“We have been consulting with the Blacktown City community and businesses for two years on the Warrick Lane redevelopment and now we’re seeking feedback to make sure our plans match community expectations.

“Council has consulted widely on the planned ICTE including a forum with local sporting organisations and healthcare providers.

“We had input from experts including leading British sports physiologist Dr Stephen McGregor, former Socceroo goal keeper Ante Covic, Paralympic athletics champion and coach Louise Sauvage and Co-owner of the Western Sydney Wanderers David Slade,” Mayor Bali said.

The $100-million ICTE project at the Blacktown International Sportspark involves the construction of a performance, health, recovery and research building, infrastructure and sporting fields upgrades and academy accommodation for 100 people.

The Warrick Lane precinct first stage development will create a multi-level underground car park for 450 vehicles, an open plaza, flanking buildings and other infrastructure upgrades to the value of $76.5-million thereby paving the way for further development in the future.

“These projects will result in transformational changes to Blacktown City and we would welcome any State and Federal Government funding support, however we have the financial capacity to undertake these projects with very minimal debt that can be paid off relatively quickly,” Mayor Bali said.

The International Centre of Sporting Excellence is due for completion in 2021 and the Warrick Lane Precinct first stage is planned for completion in 2020.

Faith-based schools’ right to employ teachers of faith

M

ember for Riverstone Kevin Conolly has backed Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other faith-based schools in their stance on employing teachers who share their faith and values.

“The first and foremost educators of children are their parents,” said Mr Conolly. “The parents’ right to decide how a child is educated is a human right, not a concession from the state.”

“States run schools with the consent of parents, and with the involvement of parents, but are not free to supplant the will of parents.”

Mr Conolly said one of the most fundamental human rights agreements underpinning internationally recognised human rights is the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Like almost all countries in the world, Australia is a signatory.

Article 18 of the Covenant reads: ARTICLE 18

1. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.

2. No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.

3. Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.

4. The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to have respect for the liberty of parents and, when applicable, legal guardians to ensure

the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions.

“Point 4 makes clear that governments must “have respect for the liberty of parents … to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions.” he said.

“If parents are going to be able to “ensure” the education that their children receive conforms with their own convictions they must have the opportunity to choose schools with teachers who will espouse those same convictions.

“This right is not an “optional extra” – it is a fundamental human right.

“Respecting parents’ rights in this way does not infringe the basic rights of anyone else. No applicant for a job has a “right” to employment in a role which they are unwilling or unable to fulfil.

“Applicants do have the right to have their suitability for a position assessed fairly based on criteria which are relevant to the position. As a teacher’s capacity and willingness to actively participate in the faithbased education provided by a religious school is a relevant criterion, considering this factor in employment decisions is not unfair discrimination.

Mr Conolly added that any legislation arising from the Religious Freedom Review chaired by Phillip Ruddock should recognise this reality.

“Legislation should provide clarity that faith-based schools may adopt the policy of employing teachers willing and able to impart the faith and values of the school community,” he said.

“Such clarification should not be expressed as “exemptions” from antidiscrimination laws but recognition that such a policy is fair conduct, falling outside the definition of discrimination in the first place.”

Western News

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ducation Minister Rob Stokes and Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly visited Schofields Public School earlier this week to turn the first sod on the school’s multimillion dollar upgrade.

When complete, the project will deliver the school community 27 new classrooms, including three special education classrooms, a new library, canteen, covered outdoor learning area, and upgraded staff and administration areas.

Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said the school will be able to accommodate about 600 students once the upgrade is complete in mid-2020.

“This is a major step forward in the redevelopment of Schofields Public School, and I look forward to watching these works get underway,” Mr Conolly said.

Mr Stokes said the NSW Government was

building on the state’s world-class education system so students were ready for the jobs of the future.

“We’re building schools that will be able to serve our communities for generations to come and this major project at Schofields Public School is a great example of that,” Mr Stokes said.

This project is part of the NSW Government’s record $6 billion school building program over the next four years, which will deliver more than 170 new and upgraded schools to support communities throughout NSW. This is the largest investment into public school infrastructure by any state government in Australian history.

Link of artist’s image of the completed school: https://drive.google.com/drive/ f o l d e r s / 1 p 7 J m U R h Q k 5 P a p Y- o V 1 r _ s00Pgc5lVHDU

Western News 26 October 2018 Issue 71

First sod turned on Schofields Public School redevelopment

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› Festival fun Blacktown City together with the community invite you to the Quakers Hill Festival on November 3! The event will take place between 10 am to 3 pm in the Quakers Hill Commuter Car Park, Douglas Road, Quakers Hill.

Grab the kids and come down to celebrate our community spirit. The festival will feature: • free rides, including a jumping castle • live stage entertainment by local talent • food and market stalls • blacksmith demonstrations • face painting • kids activities

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Western News

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A

round 35 Airforce Cadets from the 323 Squadron at Glenbrook joined Penrith Council last weekend to remove graffiti from buildings and community facilities around the St Marys RSL. The work was part of the statewide Graffiti Removal Day held last Sunday, in which over 2000 volunteers removed graffiti from over 400 sites across NSW. Michael Bros, Commanding Officer, 323 Squadron described the event as a great success and fun way for his Unit’s members to make a

difference to the local community.

“This was a great opportunity for our members to improve the appearance of the local community and fight vandalism, while having fun.” Mr Bros said.

“It was also a chance for our members to see first-hand the impact graffiti vandalism has on our local community.”

“We estimate we removed about 300 square metres of graffiti. While we did not remove everything we have made a real difference.”

“The day would not have been possible without the NSW

Government, Dulux, Selleys, Techniclean, and Australian Rail Track Corporation and I would like to thank them for their support,” said Mr Bros.

He also pointed out Graffiti Removal Day was only part of the solution in the fight against graffiti.

“While the Day was a success in removing graffiti, it is important to remember it is only one day of the year, but the fight against graffiti continues throughout the year.

“To stop graffiti vandalism we need members of the community to report it as soon as they see it, by calling the

Graffiti Hotline 1800 707 125. This means it can be removed quickly, preventing vandals from getting any kind of exposure.”

“Besides reporting graffiti people can also suggest ongoing preventative measures such as murals or planting trees.”

People interested in suggesting ideas to prevent graffiti or volunteering their time to help remove graffiti on an ongoing basis are encouraged to contact Graffiti Removal Australia on either 1300 665 310 or info@graffitiremovalday.org.au or Penrith Council.

Keep your large lawn areas in top shape

W

ith all the wonderful rain, the grass is really starting to grow.

Nothing says more about you than the way you keep your property looking and well-maintained lawns are the first thing that grabs attention.

If you have small acreage, or just lots of lawn to keep in top condition, you need equipment to keep the grass trimmed. At the same time, you don’t want to spend all day keep the grounds of your property looking their best.

Just in time for the spring and summer season, the full range of the latest Toro mowers is on sale at a special three-day car park sale at Semco, 55 Kurrajong Road, North St Marys between Friday 26th and Sunday 28th of October.

The experts in mowing will be there to show you how you can save time and get a quality finish every time, with the least amount of effort.

There is a Toro mower for every application; from property owners to mowing contractors, with all the latest machines on display and price deals that make it easy to own Toro, the preferred choice of many professional lawn care specialists world-wide.

Construction machines and more For landscape contractors and property owners, there will also be a big

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range of Toro trenchers, loaders, stump grinders and more. Toro specialists will be at the big three-day Semco sale to introduce you to the latest gear to make your job easier and more

productive.

You don’t need to wait. You can call Steve now on 0419 468 590 to check out the Toro gear that will be right for you.

TimeCutter

Western News 26 October 2018 Issue 71

Air Force Cadets wipe out graffiti in St Marys

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Western News 26 October 2018 Issue 71

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local columnists

Western News

Sport around the world

By BEN CRANNEY

E

arlier this year, I was in France during the FIFA World Cup. There’s something special about being in the country when it wins a major sporting event. I was in a taxi during the semi final, unable to follow the French radio. But I still knew France was doing well, because every time something happened, the city would erupt. Screams and cheers roared down streets from the overcrowded pubs on every corner.

People were hanging out of car windows as they zoomed down the roads, followed by trucks with horns blaring and flags waving. The city felt like it was on the edge of a joyous riot, and it didn’t sleep that night.

I watched the final in a provincial town of about 2500 people. I thought it would be quieter, but air horns in the pub, banging chairs, throwing drinks and dancing into the night in the main square proved me wrong.

Picking the winner takes a bit of luck. Not even the Kangaroos are a sure thing. But visiting the country that is hosting a major tournament is just as fun. The passion of the crowd at the European Athletics Championships creates an atmosphere that rivals any sporting event. The entrance ticket is worth it just to be in the middle of big groups of Italians, Germans, Spanish

French flag in the square

Hong Kong 7s

and Greeks as they try to out sing each other. And to top it off, when everyone left the stadium, I meet my athletics hero and spied many other stars, casually walking along as if they were just another fan.

In Hong Kong, the Rugby 7s are an institution. Everyone is an instant expert. Everyone ‘knows’ who will win (Fiji is the safe bet). Everyone has a hated team (generally us or the French). The south stand dress up and sing the day away. And the teams play with such skill and agility that you’ll think its actually this version of Rugby that gets played in Heaven.

If any of this sounds a bit intense,

relax at the English county cricket. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Green grass, talented players, drinks, sunshine and old timers watching every ball as if it was the Ashes created an atmosphere in a

game where I’d never found one before.

And if you know who is going to win the rugby next year in Japan, let me know.

Next time: Sport around Australia

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby I have just come back from a lovely little break in Canberra and then Albury where I had been invited to give an author’s talk and book signing. I have always liked Albury and I think it is one of those towns which have a really nice atmosphere. The rain had stopped by the time we arrived and so I went off to the local library with quite a spring in my step. The talk was very well received and afterwards I stayed behind to talk to some of the people. I always take my pack of Tarot cards with me to display as they are very beautiful and there is a bit of a story as to how I acquired them.

When I first started working as a clairvoyant almost forty years ago, I used to work with hands, not as a palmist, but as a means to have contact with the client. One day my daughter came with a pack of Tarot cards which she had found in the local news agency. At this point I have to digress a little and say that I have always been terrified of losing these cards as I can’t read from any other packs and so I have looked in countless shops specialising in Tarot and all things esoteric but have never been able to find them again. Eventually, David found them on the Internet and got me a second pack, but I really can’t read as well from them as the scruffy old ones.

Anyway, back to Albury. One lady was especially interested in the cards and how I worked and quite a few asked me if I was staying on for a couple of days so they could book readings. They were quite disappointed that I was going home the following morning, but cheered up a bit when I said I could

do telephone or email readings and afterwards it got me thinking how my method of working has evolved over the years and how very often this has come about through necessity.

As I said earlier, when I first started out I used to hold my client’s hands. Only once was this misconstrued and that was by a very small gentleman who hadn’t realised he had booked a reading and thought he had booked a session with a hooker! A very short-lived mistake on his part!

When Lulu gave me the cards, I didn’t use them for a while as I didn’t have a clue about Tarot and kept meaning to get a book to find out. One day a very good friend of mine and a fantastic Tarot reader, Little Sue, came for coffee. She looked

at the cards, looked at me and said “Give me a reading.” I explained I didn’t know what I was doing, but she wasn’t taking no for an answer. “Just put them down one by one and tell me what you see,” and so that was the start.

My telephone readings also came about by accident. I lived in South London but a lot of my clients lived in North of the City. When I moved to the country even further south, one of my clients was so upset. “What am I going to do?” she wailed pathetically. And so I suggested we try it out by phone. That was a great success and before I left England I had clients in France, Italy, Germany, Zimbabwe, the US and most importantly Canada which is how I met my lovely friends and mentors Sarah and Diana Monaghan.

The emails started because a friend of my daughter in the UK wanted a reading, but to pay for an hour’s phone call would have been prohibitive, and so I suggested we give it a go and it worked.

What I do is use a mixture of cards and spirit writing, email the reading to the client and then answer any questions either by email or telephone.

So what next? What will my next step be?

Readings by thought transference? Who knows?

The only thing I do know is that my way of working is very different from my early experience with the disappointed little man who thought he had come for a happy ending.

The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.

Western News 26 October 2018 Issue 71

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WESTERN HISTORY

William Lawson’s Reflections on Aborigines

By Jack Brook Blacktown and District Historical Society

T

he following is an extract of a long letter written

by William Lawson of Prospect concerning the aborigines sometime after 1837.

“Messers. Blaxland, Wentworth and myself crossed the Blue Mountains in 1813 or 1814 during three years of great drought of 1812:13:14. Our cattle and sheep at the time were dieing (sic) in hundreds, I may say thousands, for want of grass and water, we were then confined to the County of Cumberland as no outlet was then known. No doubt the Discovery of the Awful Crisis saved the colony from perishing.”

One gets the feeling that desperation drove them to find a way over the mountains in the fervent hope of finding lush pastures for their livestock. They performed the task of crossing the mountains in about six weeks and saw no natives. Their camps were evident and due to the great quantity of wood shavings found there from sharpening their spears, the explorers concluded the aborigines were preparing to attack them.

Lawson mentions that William Cox made the road over the mountains by following the line of trees marked by the three explorers. Governor Macquarie’s journey to Bathurst over Cox’s road in 1815 and his establishment of a settlement there gets a brief mention. Cox was placed in charge of the settlement initially but Lawson relieved him of his duties and took command in 1819 and held the position until 1825 - “with several detachments placed at Spring-wood, and Cox’s River.” He had orders to protect “the Blacks and Establish a good understanding between them and the white people which I succeeded in; the whole time I held command.” At the time of writing the letter Lawson said the herds of cattle and sheep were “now spread over the face of that country.”

On his arrival at Bathurst he did not see an Aboriginal for some months.

Then “one day a Chief of the Bathurst tribe came to Government House by himself, he seemed very much terrified and alarmed. His name was Evan, a man about 60 years of age, much marked with the smallpox.” He only stayed a short time and was very uneasy. Lawson gave him a blanket and some flour. A week later Evan brought in his tribe (clan) of about twenty or thirty in number. He told Lawson that a number of “Black men” had been shot and chased into the river by the “Kangaroo Dogs” where the men drowned.

Lawson believed Evan because he was aware that many hunters crossed the river in the night to steal potatoes’ large quantities, prior to this happening in 1817 or 18. The old chief impressed Lawson, he found him “a most faithful creature,” accompanying him out in the bush two months at a time.

Evan and many of his tribe were killed about 1826, after Lawson had left Bathurst. A number of men who Lawson had known were killed and he believed some were scalped. However the scalping of men was not, I believe, an Aboriginal custom. Evan’s tribe did not commit these crimes wrote Lawson, but Saturday’s tribe. Saturday alias Windradyne was a “ferocious and cruel fellow.” (Martial law was proclaimed and Saturday and his followers were hunted down. It was recorded that numerous Aboriginal men, women and children were butchered. Following the lifting of martial law on 11th December 1824 and the ending of hostilities between the Wiradjuri people and Bathurst settlers “an amicable intercourse” had been re-established. The fearsome warrior was brought to Parramatta to take part in the annual conference and feast where the tribal leaders met the Governor. Saturday was an unwilling participant).

During the period of martial law Lawson accompanied Major Morriset,

who was in charge of the mounted police, searching for the killers. Over a period of six weeks not a single Aborigine was seen.

It was Lawson’s opinion that “the quarrels between the Blacks and Whites” arose from the stock-keepers taking Aboriginal women, “although the husband often gives his consent, on receiving a blanket, flour, meal or clothes. Sometimes, they get nothing / but cheated / this make the Blacks angry - most of these poor creatures are now diseased. Their tribes are dwindled to a very few with smallpox, measles and disease.” His opinion was that “this race of men will be scarcely seen in fifty years!”

The older men of the tribe had a great objection to the young men leaving to work for settlers. The various tribes (clans) were often at war with one another and the young Warriors were needed. However when they were sent for they immediately obeyed the call.

Lawson had an Aboriginal man in his employ, his mother had died when he was young. He was brought up with white people. Employed as a bullock driver, he drove a team between Mudgee and Sydney. Lawson found him to be “faithful, sober, honest and as useful as any white man.”

Two young men belonging to one of the western tribes lived at Prospect with Lawson for nearly two years and went out to their work quite contented as regular as the white workers. One day a fellow tribesman from over the mountains called saying they must return home as war was brewing. They told their employer that they were sorry, they must go, “or stand punishment or the tribe would kill them.” They never returned but Lawson had seen them since living with the tribe. It was Lawson’s opinion that “the character of the natives in their wild states are roguery, cunning, deceit and ferocity when injured. If any one of their tribe is destroyed by a white man, or one of another tribe, they will never be satisfied until they have their revenge on the first white or black they meet, but they have a strong attachment for persons where they are treated kindly - and a great love for their children. I believe nothing would induce them to part with their children when little.”

Mentioning Governor Macquarie he wrote that the Governor built huts at Black Town, gave cows to them and men to assist them in working, clearing and enclosing their ground. They stayed for quite some time but in the end they preferred the wandering life. “They are a people who don’t think and provide for tomorrow, sometimes in wet and cold weather they will not look for food until they are compelled from starvation.”

Lawson mentions “our Prospect tribe” saying only four remain, a man, his wife and two daughters. His wife was some years in the school at Parramatta, she could read, sew and was quite domesticated, “after all that (went bush) and now are bad as any of them.”

Benelong’s trip to England is mentioned and another Aborigine, Dan who went with Caley the botanist, to England for a few years. Lawson met him there “on the Parade in St James Park”, he asked how he liked the fine things in England.

He replied, “I am anxious to return to my country, I find more pleasure under a gum tree sitting with my tribe than I do here.” Sometime after his return home, Dan was hung for the violent rape of a white woman.

Lawson concludes that unless the children are taken from their tribe while very young there is no chance of them “civilising and bringing them to habits of labour to maintain themselves.” The repercussions of that policy led to the pain of the Stolen Generations.

The final few words of his letter are “ I am but a poor scribbler and I fear you will hardly make it all out.”

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Western News

T

How to buy a home when you’re self-employed

he way we work here in Australia has really changed over the last 20 years. More people are working for themselves, self-employed, doing more than one job or working different sorts of hours.

Many self-employed borrowers come up against the challenge of not being able to simply present payslips and tax returns to back up their loan applications. But this need not stop you buying your dream home.

Many lenders offer loans for selfemployed borrowers who can’t hand over payslips and employment records. This means that, rather than the usual documentation, you prove your ability to service a loan using bank statements, declarations from your accountant and financial records.

Of course, as with any mortgage application, you must still prove that

your income outstrips your spending and you can service the loan. Getting this right is more than presenting a lender with a few quick sums on the back of a napkin; it can take a solid six to 12 months of preparation.

Here are some quick tips: • reduce debt: pay down credit cards and personal loans, and be sure to lower the credit limits as they are paid down, as lenders assess the total credit available to you as a potential debt level, not just the amount you owe; • cancel credit cards that you don’t need (this will affect credit scoring); • speak to a credit adviser about how the structure of your business and your taxable income will impact your ability to borrow; • do your taxes when you should, and always pay your tax assessments on time;

• save: saving a deposit is obviously important, and showing your ability to live within your means while saving is too. This is key to serviceability – you want to show at least a sixmonth history of high income and low expenses; and • go to an MFAA Approved Credit Adviser, rather than a bank. Credit advisers have access to specialist lenders that assess applications on a case-by-case basis and tailor their products to self-employed borrowers and contractors, while bank lenders do not.

Loans to the self-employed do differ from standard loans in a few ways, apart from the application process. Lenders offset the extra risk they are taking when lending to a selfemployed borrower or contractor by charging slightly higher interest rates

@wealthwiz

and placing some extra rules on loanto-value ratios (LVR) and insurance requirements.

Generally, you can expect an interest rate for such a loan to be one to two percentage points higher than for a full-documentation loan.

Most lenders will also insist on an LVR of no more than 80 per cent – meaning that under no circumstances will they lend more than 80 per cent of the property value, as assessed by the lender.

In cases where the loan amount is for more than 60 per cent of the property’s value, some lenders also require self-employed borrowers to pay for lenders’ mortgage insurance.

Contact Alex from Wealthwiz on 0419 600 177 for advice who can help you navigate the loan market for selfemployed borrowers.

13 Western News 26 October 2018 Issue 71

Alex Soncini

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MAYOR

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00, 00, 00 & 00

KEVIN CONOLLY

State Member for Londonderry

Drawn By ........................................

2, 8, 14 & 20

MP

MICHELLE ROWLAND

Phone: 9833 1122 Phone: 98331122 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

EDMOND ATALLA

5, 11, 17 & 23

State Member for Mount Druitt

Drawn By ........................................

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Western News 26 October 2018 Issue 71

Western News

WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU: HARD

ENTERTAINMENT

14

60’s Songs BABY LOVE BLUE VELVET CARA MIA CHERISH CRYING DOWNTOWN ELENORE FIRE

GROOVIN HEATWAVE HOLIDAY MEMPHIS MY GUY PUPPY LOVE RUNAWAY SOUL MAN

STAY TEEN ANGEL THE TWIST VALLERI WHITE RABBIT WINDY YESTERDAY

SOLUTION: 12 October

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

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 People of faith (9) 6 Male reproductive cell (5) 9 Entrails (7) 10 Scented (7) 11 Anagram of “Deserts” (7) 12 Homosexual woman (7) 13 Committing an act of

treachery (9) 15 Bearskin (5) 16 Empower (5) 19 Disaster (9) 22 Capuchin monkey (7) 23 Slid (7) 25 A loose African men’s

tunic (7) 26 Artist’s studio (7) 27 Abominable snowmen (5) 28 Homesick (9)

down 1 Constructed (5) 2 Merciful (7) 3 The joined continents of Europe

and Asia (7) 4 Made easier to bear (5) 5 Limelight (9) 6 Husbands and wives (7) 7 Strange or rare objects (7) 8 Mislead (9) 13 Fortunately (9) 14 Added into a group (9) 17 Putting money into your

account (7) 18 Issues an injunction (7) 20 A fire-breathing monster of Greek

mythology (7) 21 Barking in a high-pitched tone (7) 23 Large amounts (5) 24 An order of classical Greek

architecture (5)

solution 12/10/18

Western News

Zoo2Zoo Ride for Black Dog Institute

By CONNER LOWE

S

ydney Thunder has signed Saskia Horley on a threeyear deal ahead of the 2018/19 Rebel Women’s Big Bash League.

The 18-year old is an impressive young all-rounder, captaining the Australian Under 19’s Twenty20 squad earlier this year in South Africa.

This is Horley’s first WBBL contract after transitioning through the Cricket NSW pathway program.

“I’m really excited. I wasn’t contracted last year and watched the girls play on all sides, so it is really exciting now to have the chance to hopefully debut this year and have the chance to be on TV is pretty exciting,” said Saskia Horley.

“I’m an off spinner so I bat depending on the team I’m in, but I’d say middle to low order. I’ll be looking to turn the ball as much as possible and would say probably my opportunity is in bowling.”

Horley is contracted to the NSW Breakers in the Women’s National Cricket League and also plays for Gordon Cricket Club in the First Grade Sydney Cricket Association Women’s competition, picking up 2-23 in her first game of the season against Penrith.

Sydney Thunder General Manager

Three of the zoo2zoo riders negotiate the final bend before Yellowmundee Park

Lee Germon said he was looking forward to seeing Horley continue her development as part of the Thunder Nation.

“Saskia has shown herself to be a cricketer with not only talent but the character that is important when we select players to represent our Thunder Nation,” said Lee Germon.

“Saskia will learn plenty and develop significantly by being part of our squad that contains not only some of Australia’s but the world’s best players.”

Horley will be a great addition to the Thunder’s WBBL team and will hope she can help guide the team to the finals.

Sydney Thunder’s WBBL|04 campaign commences on 2 December against the Melbourne Renegades at Junction Oval. Tickets for WBBL games in Sydney are now on sale at sydneythunder.com.au/tickets.

By Noel Rowsell

T

he Black D o g I n s t i t u t e ’s ‘zoo2zoo’ bike ride took place over 12th14th October, with over forty riders tackling the 430km route, which started at Taronga Zoo Sydney and finished two days later at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.

An early 5.30am start on Friday saw the riders en-route to Yarramundi for a brief refreshment stop, before another stop at Yellowmundee Park to view the spectacular Nepean River and Lakes.

The riders would continue up the mountain to Wentworth Falls for another pit stop, before riding on to Blackheath as the final destination for Day One, with accommodation at the Ivanhoe Hotel and a group

dinner at Blackheath Golf Club.

Day Two began with a stretch of rolling hills, to be followed by the twisting descent into Lithgow and a stop at the “Tin Shed”.

The riders then headed to Bathurst and Orange, then to Molong for Saturday night’s stop.

Molong RSL was the venue for Saturday’s group dinner and a presentation from a representative from the Black Dog Institure (BDI).

Day Three began with a 7am departure to Cumnock for breakfast, then on to Yeoval, followed by a 38km section of climbs, descents and picturesque scenery before arriving at the Wanbangalang Educational Environment Centre for the final refuel.

The final 30km stretch into Dubbo united all the disparate groups together as one peleton for the arrival at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

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15 Western News 26 October 2018 Issue 71

Sydney Thunder sign talented youngster

SPORT

Western News Friday, 26 October 2018

SPORT

The Wanderers start new season with a draw

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Western Sydney Wanderers have begun their 2018/19 Hyundai A-League season with a draw against Perth Glory, at NIB Stadium on Sunday.

The Wanderers produced a stirring second-half display to salvage a 1-1 draw against the Western Australian club after a very dismal opening 45 minutes.

Tony Popovic’s first game in charge of the Glory, was against his old club the Wanderers and it looked like getting off to the perfect start as Perth dominated the first half and led through Andy Keogh’s 26th-minute strike.

The Wanderers found themselves lucky to only be behind 1-0 at half time as Perth looked most likely to run away with the game following the interval.

But after a lacklustre opening 45 minutes, the Wanderers were excellent after the break and got a share of the points thanks to Roly Bonevacia’s equaliser midway through the second half.

It was a fantastic lofted ball from Tarek Elrich, which saw Roly get in behind the Perth defence and he was able to slot the ball comfortably into the bottom left to bring the Western Sydney side level.

It could have been even better for the visitors had Oriol Riera not blazed over the bar from close range

when it seemed easier to score with just 16 minutes to go.

With the game in the balance it was only the woodwork that stopped Glory taking the lead on the hour mark as Alex Grant’s header from Neil Kilkenny’s corner thumped the crossbar.

Glory substitute Chris Ikonomidis also had a chance to win it late-on in a frantic finish, but it ended all square.

The Western Sydney Wanderers will now switch their focus to Saturday’s Sydney Derby at Sydney Cricket Ground.