Westernnews 27april2018

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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Friday, 27 April 2018

ISSUE 58

Check out our website www.wsnewsgroup.com

Incinerator Binned After fierce campaigning by the No Incinerator For Western Sydney group and politicians across western Sydney, the Department of Planning has recommended a refusal to the proposed incinerator.

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Mother’s Day, Sunday 13 May

Gifts that mum will cherish

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IND mum a gift that she’ll cherish forever this Mother’s Day in store at Jamjo Home and Gifts in St Marys.

Established in 2013 Jamjo Home and Gifts has a whole range of thoughtful and sentimental homeware gifts on offer at Jamjo Home and Gifts including something for even the most difficult to buy for mums.

For the mum who enjoys a little wind down with some slow and relaxing scents you can pick from an extensive range of candle products including brands like Ecoya, Palm Beach and Be Enlightened.

Jamjo Home and Gifts has a range of glass tea light holders from the always beautiful Koh Living line. Some of the exclusive patterns and styles include European cities

and Australian native wild flowers.

For all the glamorous mothers you can pick from the range of exquisite Crystal Carving bracelet range. The latest season’s scarfs have arrived at Jamjo with some of the range selling for as low as $5.95.

The team at Jamjo Home and Gifts offer complementary gift wrapping with all purchases so you don’t have to stress about any last minute wrappings.

Everyone who spends over $10 also receives a Jamjo’s Reward Voucher that can be used to receive great discounts on future purchases. Ask in store for more info.

Visit Jamjo Home and Gifts at 116 Queen Street, St Marys open weekdays 9-5 and Saturday 9-2.

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lacktown City Council is proud to announce that Emily Potloka, from Oakhurst, and Akano Amuda, from Mount Druitt, are Blacktown City’s 2018 Youth Ambassadors.

Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali MP congratulated the pair for their achievement and thanked the outgoing 2018 Youth Ambassadors, Maddalyn Bokenham and Jessica Szakacs, for representing the interests of the young people of Blacktown City during their term.

“I congratulate Emily and Akano for being selected as Blacktown City’s 2018 Youth Ambassadors,” Mayor Bali said.

“This year we had a record field of applicants and the quality of candidates was so high it was a very tough choice to make.

“It’s wonderful to see young people like Emily and Akano wanting to be actively involved as leaders in their community.

“I am looking forward to working with them for the next 12 months as they represent the interests of young people in our local area and, like their predecessors, make an active contribution to Council’s decision making process.”

Akano, aged 16, from Mountain

Youth Ambassadors Maddalyn Bokenham (2017), Emily Potloka (2018), Deputy Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Akano Amuda (2018) and Jessica Szakacs (2017).

View Adventist College, said he was motivated to become a Youth Ambassador in a bid to see Blacktown’s youth work together and was honoured to receive the title.

“After seeing the potential in our community to do something good, especially in our community, I wanted to take part,” Akano said.

“We have so much talent and just amazing ideas about our community, I thought that I’m a young person

myself and can connect and speak to the youth.

“My main goal is to keep the motto “we are one”: that’s my vision,” he said.

Emily, aged 16, attends Plumpton High School, and aims to pursue a career in law.

“It’s still been a bit surreal since being chosen…I hope to be a positive role model for the youth of Blacktown,” Emily said.

Blacktown City Council’s Youth Ambassador Program has been running since 1982 and is a chance for young people to represent the youth of Blacktown City at public events such as civic receptions and ceremonies, as well as taking part in various Council meetings.

“There’s a busy year ahead for Emily and Akano and I am sure it will provide many rewarding experiences, as well as contributing significantly to their personal and career development,” Mayor Bali said.

“Year after year, the program continues to have a positive effect on the young people of Blacktown City – helping to develop their leadership, public speaking and interpersonal skills.

“In turn, our excellent ambassadors have all left a positive legacy for the City – and I am confident Emily and Akano will do the same as they represent local youth over the next 12 months.

“Blacktown City Council sends sincere thanks to the 2017 Youth Ambassadors, Maddalyn Bokenham and Jessica Szakacs, who have done a fantastic job serving as the face and voice of young people in Blacktown City over the past year.”

Western News 27 April 2018 Issue 58

Blacktown’s 2018 Youth Ambassadors

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

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Prospect

From the Sports Columnist’s Desk

By MARK GEYER

The only thing I can predict with 100 per cent confidence in the current season of the NRL is its unpredictability!

Man oh man, talk about a year of surprises. And I love it!!

At the start of the year before a ball was kicked or touched by a player, I had Warriors coming last. I also had the Tigers running second last. I didn’t have St George or Souths in my top 8. I had the Bulldogs coming 5th. I had the Cowboys winning the comp. But I did have them playing Melbourne, so maybe ONE of my prophecies might come to fruition.

I know we’re only 7 rounds into a 26 week competition but honestly, trying to tick who wins each week in this comp is harder to pick than a broken nose.

How’s your tipping comp looking? The bloke in sales from Melbourne or the lady in accounts from Scotland leading by a mile?

It seems the more of a novice you are when it comes to this current rugby league season the better off you are when deciding who wins week to week.

Before you know it Origin will be upon us with that 6 week period being usually the easier time to select a victor, given which teams have certain players missing. But you watch, that’ll be even a harder tipping time.

I’m loving the Warriors form this year, I’m loving the dogged footy the Tigers and Knights are playing. I’m loving watching new players at their new clubs thriving and I love seeing games played in country areas.

Of course we can all find fault in our game, it’s the way of life in which rugby league as a sport is one great big soap opera, but you wouldn’t want it any other way would you?

With 7 rounds in the bank and my predictions so far failing miserably, let me have a go at the next 7 weeks.

Ok, this time come round 14 the Rabbits will be leading the competition. The Storm will be right behind them. The Panthers will be exactly where they are now in 3rd. With the Warriors making up the top 4. I think the Sea Eagles will be bottom of the ladder, just below the Bulldogs and Titans, and NSW would have just won state of origin 1 over QLD with 3 Panthers starring and Josh Ado Carr scoring the wining try close to full time.

But don’t bet on it....

See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM

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› The Ponds forum

ong-time community worker and Doonside resident Ruth Nicholson is Blacktown City’s 2018 Senior Citizen of the Year.

A member of Doonside Senior Citizens’ club since 2002, Ms Nicholson has devoted her life to helping others.

Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the award recognises her years of tireless work for the community.

“Ms Nicholson has dedicated her time to help those around her, whether it is to help with general cleaning, shopping, cooking, caring for sick family members or just being there for a chat,” Mayor Bali said.

“Ms Nicholson is known for being there when needed, whether it is for family or friends.

“She is highly regarded in the club and in the community as a wonderful person: not many could live without her.”

Mrs Nicholson received the honour at Blacktown City Council’s annual Seniors’ Week Concert, held at Rooty Hill RSL on Sunday 15 April.

The concert capped off a week of activities across Blacktown City to celebrate seniors as part of the 2018 NSW Seniors Festival from 4-15 April.

“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Council to thank all senior citizens for their contribution to the Blacktown City community,” said Mayor Bali.

“Blacktown City’s seniors volunteer at community festivals, organise charity events, help out at local schools and run non-profit groups such as Lions and Rotary clubs.

“They spend countless hours caring for their families, particularly their grandchildren, as well as complete strangers, not asking for anything in return.

“The Blacktown Seniors Festival is a small way of saying thank you for making Blacktown a better place to be.”

A COUNCIL forum will be held on Monday April 30 at 7 pm in The Ponds so all locals can voice their concerns and have their say on the development of Blacktown and their local area.

Residents get a chance to take advantage of the open forum session to raise neighbourhood questions directly with Councillors and Council staff.

“At the community forum in Riverstone last year, residents voiced their concerns about traffic safety, and I am proud to tell residents about the exciting plans we have for this area,” said Mayor Stephen Bali MP. “Hambledon Road is being upgraded

by Blacktown City Council from a two-lane rural road to a four-lane major urban road,” Mayor Bali said.

Council will have designs for the Riverstone Skate Park on display.

Council secured a $400,000 grant from the Australian Federal Government through the member for Greenway Michelle Rowland MP to deliver a new skate park in Riverstone.

“We want to hear from you. Your feedback is important so that we can deliver a facility Council, the community and the users will be proud of,” Mayor Bali said.

The Ponds forum starts at 7pm on Monday, April 30, at The Ponds Community Hub, 45 Riverbank Drive, The Ponds.

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Ruth Nicholson Blacktown City Senior Citizen of the Year 2018 and Deputy Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM.

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Western News 27 April 2018 Issue 58

Ruth Nicholson Blacktown’s 2018 Senior Citizen of the Year

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Western News

› Tender released STUDENTS and teachers at Riverbank Public School will soon benefit from a major upgrade that will provide new classrooms and improved facilities, funded by the NSW Government.

Works will now go out to tender for the project, which will include 14 new classrooms, a covered outdoor learning area (COLA), shade structures and expansion of administration and staff facilities.

Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly welcomed the project reaching this stage.

“We want our children to have the best education possible, and this project will help deliver the high quality education our children deserve,” Mr Conolly said.

“I’m pleased the NSW Government is delivering this important project.

Other projects in Riverstone include upgrades at Quakers Hill East Primary School; Schofields Public school; and Riverstone High School, as well as two new primary schools to be built in the Alex Avenue Precinct and Marsden Park.

International Day of Mourning

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lacktown City Council will stage a solemn ceremony to mark the International Day of Mourning for workers who die or are injured in the workplace.

Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Wayne Swan MP and Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland MP will be guest speakers.

“It is important that all workers should leave home confident they will return to their families and we mourn the deaths of those killed in workplace accidents,” Blacktown City Mayor, Stephen Bali MP said.

Mayor Bali, Councillors and senior Council staff will join Unions, WorkCover and members of the community for the annual commemoration.

The memorial will be held at Blacktown Showground on Saturday 28 April at 10am alongside the memorial sculpture erected by Blacktown City Council in 2017.

Mayor Bali said the commemoration service marks an important national day of reflection.

“The International Day of Mourning is a time when we remember, pause and commemorate workers who have died,’ Mayor Bali said.

“We are too often reminded of the

The commemorative plaque and workers’ memorial sculpture at Blacktowns Showgrounds.

horrendous and tragic outcomes of unsafe workplace incidents and it is therefore a time to remind ourselves to look after one another.

“It is a time to ensure that safety remains one of the highest priorities within our workplaces and an opportunity to highlight the preventable nature of most workplace incidents and ill health.”

If you would like to attend the ceremony, please RSVP as soon as possible via email kevin.poilly@ blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Incinerator binned by Department of Planning

By Keegan Thomson

T

HE proposed energy from waste incinerator for western Sydney has been smoked by the Department of Planning at state

parliament.

After months of vocal protests from local residents and opposition for Dial-A-Dump’s development from all local state MPs the Department of Planning said the incinerator would go against the NSW EPA’s energy from waste policy and the air quality impacts and risks to human health were unknown.

The decision on the waste from energy facility will now go back to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) where they will have the final say on the matter.

“The Department of Planning and Environment has found the proposed energy from waste facility at Eastern Creek should be refused and has referred the application to the Independent Planning Commission for final decision,” A spokesperson from the Department of Planning said.

“Key concerns were raised throughout the public exhibition period regarding the proposal’s impacts on local air quality, the risk to human health and the proposed facility’s proximity to residential houses.”

According to the government there were more than 1000 written responses from local action groups, councils and community members on the incinerator. A circulated petition received over 10,000 signatures.

Tanya Davies is the MP for the electorate of Mulgoa, the same electorate which the incinerator is planned to be developed in. She said she is happy to hear the results.

“I am unequivocally opposed to the Eastern Creek incinerator proposal and beyond pleased the Department of Planning has recommended the Independent Planning Commission refuse it,” Mrs Davies said.

“While the independent planning process has been drawn out and difficult, I urge the community to have confidence in it, and allow the IPC to follow due process and reject this proposal the right way – based on evidence. That’s the way we will see the end of this ridiculous proposal for good.”

MP for Penrith and Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres has also voiced his concerns against the project including during parliament, where he told

the government he didn’t support the incinerator.

Labor has stood up against the proposal as well, even going as far as to put a bill towards parliament that would deny any future energy from waste facilities being developed in the Sydney basin. The bill didn’t have the numbers to pass the house.

The energy from waste incinerator development will now go back to the IPC. They will deliver their final verdict on the matter within a number of months. The incinerator could prove to be a hotbed issue for the Berejiklian government who will be heading to an election in March 2019 so they will want to sort out the development as soon as possible.

Western News

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treets Alive and Parade Day will bring a vibrant array of colour to Blacktown CBD and local community groups are encouraged to join in.

Community organisations, sporting groups, religious organisations, local businesses, schools and educational institutions are invited to take part in the annual parade through Blacktown CBD. “It’s your chance to help demonstrate our City’s rich and diverse multicultural community,” Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said.

“Book your place and the opportunity to win $500 for Best Community Entry, Best Education Entry, Best Business Entry, Best Band Entry and the coveted award: Best Dressed.

Mayor Bali said Streets Alive and Parade Day is a valuable opportunity for the community to

Western News 27 April 2018 Issue 58

Streets Alive colours Blacktown

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get together and meet new people.

“Streets Alive and Parade Day is a celebration of community spirit,” Mayor Bali said.

“There will vibrant floats and displays as well as activities including ice skating on the Village Green, The Smurfs will put on a much loved show for the little ones, a wildlife display and a BMX and freestyle Moto-X show.”

In addition to all the activities and shows on offer during Streets Alive, there will be an array of food trucks, dessert vendors and amusement rides.

Streets Alive begins on Saturday, 26 May at 9am in Blacktown CBD. The Parade will start in the Warrick Lane Car Park, Blacktown, at 11am. It takes approximately 45 minutes to complete the parade route.

Applications for the parade will close Friday, 27 April. For more information visit blacktown. nsw.gov.au/festival

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253 new TAFE jobs for teachers

By Keegan Thomson

A

massi v e uptake in enrolments in trade qualification courses across the state has forced the state government to start a recruitment drive for TAFE teachers which will see more than 100 new jobs for TAFE teachers within western Sydney alone.

The MP for Penrith and Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres was on hand with the Minister responsible for TAFE NSW, Adam Marshall, as it was announced there will be a drive to create 253 new jobs across TAFE NSW. “Western Sydney is the beating heart of the state’s infrastructure agenda and is creating new job opportunities for a generation of skilled and dynamic young people,” Mr Ayres said.

The government says the construction boom across the state would require 21,600 additional skilled construction workers over the next three years to 2021, with 10,400 new workers needed in western Sydney alone.

Mr Marshall, Assistant Minister for

Prue Car. Photo: Facebook

Skills, said the drive to recruit more teachers will firm up the capacity at TAFE for the future.

“This Government is ensuring that TAFE has the capacity to train these additional workers, which is why we have established a TAFE Teacher Recruitment Taskforce,” Mr Marshall said.

“The Taskforce will recruit 253

new frontline teaching staff to skill up our workers of the future to build key infrastructure like schools and hospitals across metropolitan and rural and regional NSW.” The MP for Penrith said the $81 billion infrastructure program under way across NSW was creating a skills legacy for the state.

“The most exciting infrastructure

program in the country is being delivered right here, right now and we’re calling out for talented educators to ready a workforce to deliver the infrastructure of tomorrow,” Mr Ayres said.

“Students will gain a world class education to enable them to work on some of the most future focused infrastructure in the country, from underground tunnels to new public transport, hospitals, schools and a new airport.”

Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and MP of Londonderry, Prue Car says the government wouldn’t need a recruitment drive if they hadn’t previously cut TAFE jobs.

“The government would not have had to go on a recruitment drive had it not axed thousands of TAFE teachers and support staff,” Ms Car said.

“This is a band-aid solution for a problem they created.

“Since 2011 we have seen over 175000 fewer TAFE enrolments, 5700 teachers and support staff sacked, course fees through the roof and campuses across NSW closed,” she said.

Give the gift of vision and help create a bright future

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he Petbarn Foundation and Seeing Eye Dogs have teamed up to encourage Blacktown locals to help raise much needed funds to assist people who are blind or have low vision.

The Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal, which launches across Petbarn stores nationally on 7 May until 11 June 2018 aims to raise $800,000 to help cover the costs of breeding, caring for puppies, training and matching Seeing Eye Dogs for as many people as possible.

To support this worthy cause, locals can show their compassion by simply

visiting the Blacktown Petbarn store and making a donation towards the Appeal. People can also make a contribution online by visiting www. petbarn.com.au/seeingeyedogs.

Local Petbarn Blacktown Store Manager, Kelly Blackborrow, says: “We are very excited to be supporting Seeing Eye Dogs again this year and are strongly encouraging the Blacktown community to dig deep and help us reach our target.”

“Seeing Eye Dogs do more than just allow Australians who are blind or have low vision to retain their independence and mobility – they

alleviate the effects of social isolation and contribute to an all-round better quality of life,” Kelly continues.

Last year, through the support of the Blacktown community and Australians across the country, The Petbarn Foundation donated a massive $679,240 to Seeing Eye Dogs, which enabled 13 Seeing Eye Dogs to be raised and trained.

It costs at least $50,000 and takes up to two years to train one Seeing Eye Dog. Training begins when the dog is still a puppy and involves teaching them basic socialisation skills and obedience and, on maturity, each

dog then receives up to six months of intensive advanced training with a specialised Instructor. Throughout this time each puppy is fed precise and tailored super premium nutrition.

David Speyer, General Manager of Seeing Eye Dogs says: “It takes a lot of expertise, time, love, patience, and funding to raise these special dogs that will one day become the gift of independence for people who are blind or have low vision.”

“A Seeing Eye Dog allows people who are blind or have low vision to move more confidently and navigate obstacles with reliability and safety,” David continues.

To help kick start the 2018 Appeal, super premium pet food brand ROYAL CANIN® is donating $50,000 to the Petbarn Foundation, which will go directly to Seeing Eye Dogs. ROYAL CANIN® has supported the organisation for over ten years by providing precise and individualised nutrition to help ensure that Seeing Eye Dogs and puppiesin-training are fit for their important work.

The Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal will take place across all Petbarn stores nationally from 7 May – 11 June 2018.

To find out more or to donate contact Blacktown Petbarn: Petbarn Blacktown, Shop 5b Blacktown Mega Centre, 14 St Martins Crescent, Tel: 9622 8414 or visit www.petbarn.com.au or www.seeingeyedogs.org.au

Western News

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ast winter over 90,000 people in NSW were struck down by flu making it the worst flu season since the 2009 pandemic.

Most cases occurred in Sydney with over 42,500 people affected last year. The worst hit areas were Western Sydney, Nepean-Blue Mountains and South West Sydney local health districts, where more than a third of the state’s flu-ridden people were treated.

This week is World Immunisation Week, and Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (NBMPHN), is urging the community to get vaccinated against the flu before it’s too late.

Lizz Reay, CEO of Wentworth Healthcare said, “Vaccination is the single most effective way of preventing the spread of flu in our community.”

“To protect yourself and your family, you should get vaccinated every year.

The flu virus is always changing so the flu vaccine changes every year too,” she said.

“Last year’s horror flu season created a significant burden on our healthcare system, with more than twice the number of people with flu being admitted to hospital than is typical.

Getting vaccinated now will protect you before the peak flu period, which is usually around June to September” said Ms Reay.

Memorable music

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ichael O’Brien has been involved in the music industry for approximately 40 years and now local music lovers can benefit from his industry experience. .

Michael was initially at MJs Music at Fairfield for 26 years then Amici Music St Ives for 13 years before settling in at Seven Hills.

“For the past three years my wife and I have been at Amici Music Seven Hills Plaza which has steadily been growing as people become more aware of us,” Michael said.

“Music and movies has been my life-long passion and I get enormous joy and satisfaction fulfilling the needs of my customers.

“Our store has the reputation for offering the best possible service and stocks a large range of chart and

9 Western News 27 April 2018 Issue 58

Winter is coming!

Protect yourself from flu

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back catalogue CDs and DVDs with competitive prices.

Amici Music is well known for their great range of classic movies from the 40’s 50’s 60’s, westerns, war movies and iconic Aussie movies.

“We specialise in hard to find titles importing from England, Europe and America.

“Orders can be placed by phone, email or by visiting our store. We also offer a fast and efficient mail out service and accept all credit cards.

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Western News 27 April 2018 Issue 58

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Memories of Canberra A Bride and Groom at the Aboretum

Mates forever

By BEN CRANNEY

I

think my first trip to Canberra was part of the year 6 pilgrimage that every student in NSW seems to take, the one designed to give us some faith in our political system. We went through Parliament House, including the upper chamber where we formed two parties and debated some policy. We played at Questacon, a science museum with lots of interactive exhibitions. We learnt more about our country’s version of democracy at the Museum of Australian Democracy, with its

The Old Canberra Inn

interactive dress up displays, and about how Canberra was built from the ground up, with the husband and wife architect team Burley-Griffin designing the city. But my strongest memory is of the War Memorial. I walked down the Roll of Honour, trying to find a familiar surname to give some meaning to such a long list of deaths. Instead, I just got lost in the names. It wasn’t until I learnt the story of Simpson and his donkey and visited Simpson’s statue that I was able to create a small sense of understanding that the Honour Roll couldn’t convey.

Simpson and his donkey were stretcher bearers at Gallipoli. Simpson had actually come to Australia as an illegal immigrant, after he deserted the British merchant navy in Newcastle.

He went roaming the country and years later re-joined the armed forces with a slightly different name. He landed at Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915 and for three and a half weeks, he rescued injured soldiers from no man’s land, apparently whistling as he did it, before he was shot and killed. He was one of the many I thought worthy of remembering this ANZAC Day. The War Memorial can be an

overwhelming place, remembering all these conflicts. I went back to Canberra recently, and I found that a nice place to relax and reflect afterwards is the Aboretum, a massive plantation of trees that roll over sunburnt hills.

Or some of the old pubs, like the Canberra Inn, a 150 year old half way house along the 80k route from Yass to Queanbeyan. Canberra is also a good stop off on the way to the snowy mountains and you don’t need to drive far before you start to get a real alpine feel. But the thing I was most struck by was how similar it feels to Washington DC. I’ll tell you about that next time.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Hold my Hand I have to confess to another addiction. I am an avid reader. I will read anything, anytime, anywhere, even the back of cornflake packets if there is nothing else to hand. If I haven’t got a book nearby I tend to get stressed, so you can imagine what a boon it was to me when my daughter not only got me a Kindle but also showed me how to use it. She put me onto something called BookBub where you can get books either very cheaply or even free and consequently I download masses of books, some good, some bad and I read them all.

Recently I got stuck into a slightly indifferent book called ravenShadow. I won’t bore you with the whole story, but basically it is about a young Native American who tries to follow, in his words, the white road, but finds himself drawn back to his roots. His grandmother was a survivor of the massacre of the Sioux by the Seventh Cavalry at Wounded Knee and he joined the annual pilgrimage following the trail taken by his ancestors to their sacred site. During the journey he finds he is developing his psychic powers and is virtually compelled to go back in spirit to witness the dreadful events, and also to see for himself the Ghost Dance which the medicine men promised the tribes would make them able to withstand enemy bullets.

I know little about Red Indian culture, but one thing especially fascinated and resonated with me.

When he went deep into the spirit world, he had to make sure that there was someone next to his

corporeal body so that he could take his hand to get back safely to this world, and it made me remember just how important it is to have back up when doing deep psychic work.

Many years ago, my wonderful Aussie clairvoyant Stephen was in a circle of very talented and experienced mediums when something happened to break the tenuous thread that holds the spirit to the body during such seances and Stephen dropped down dead. One of the circle was a matron of a large teaching hospital and tried for ages to revive him.

After about twenty minutes she gave up and just as they were all sitting round crying and thinking about calling for a hearse, Stephen sat bolt upright lively as a cricket. When they had all got over the shock, he

told them that he had in fact met his guide, John who told him that it was not his time and that he should go back. Well, the reason Stephen had been “dead” for so long was that he had been having a terrible row with John as he said it was so lovely on the other side that he didn’t want to leave!

I don’t know how that circle had let go of him, but it just underlines the importance of having someone to hold on to when you are on a different astral plane.

We have to hang on tight so as not to break that fragile silver cord.

At our last spiritual discussion group*, we were talking about how to develop our communication with Spirit and how that communication comes about. My own belief is that at various times in our lives, the spirit world holds out a hand and it is up to us whether or not we take it. Maybe the time is not right and we ask that they contact us later, maybe we take it, but to me it is so comforting to know that they are just a moment away. So next time you feel someone stroking your hair or digging you in the ribs, just hold out your hand and see what happens. *Our next discussion group will be on Wednesday 23rd May at 6.30pm at Hawkesbury Natural Therapies Centre, Level 1, 187 Windsor Street, Richmond. Tel: 4578 8868 or email suzisamuel24@ gmail.com - and thank you so much to Rosemary and Erica who drove for two hours to join us.

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

Western News

local news

By Keegan Thomson

C

O U L D Blacktown be the next Hollywood?

Wayne Tunks, director and actor, has just finished up production on a six part murder mystery series that was filmed and produced across Blacktown and western Sydney and he certainly thinks so.

“It is such an easy to film place, there are lots of diverse neighbourhoods and environments around Blacktown so it is easy to see why more films should be shot here,” Mr Tunks said.

Mr Tunks directs and acts in his latest product, a gritty and dark mini webseries called After Nightfall, which has just been released online with all episodes streaming now. It was shot in Blacktown with the help of locals who’ve supported the series along the way.

“The council have been great, they’ve been really helpful with everything,” Mr Tunks said.

After Nightfall isn’t your conventional series. It is a webseries, a series that is only broadcast on the internet, and has only six episodes.

All up the whole thing only goes for one hour with the story being told across six ten minute episodes.

The series is about a murdered young boy and the hunt to find his

Wayne Tunks in After Nightfall. Photo: After Nightfall

killer. With such a short running time and a gripping plot the show is more bingeable than some of the shows on Netflix.

“The popularity of shorter formats and easier to access content is making webseries more accessible to the main stream,” Mr Tunks said.

Blacktown has been home to a number of big budget films over the last few years including the Mel Gibson war epic Hacksaw Ridge. Mr Tunks says that it would be great to see more Hollywood blockbusters

come to Blacktown but he fears there isn’t enough budget anymore.

“It is a lovely idea that Blacktown could one day draw in more big budget films and productions but if we want to see things like that out west we need to be spending more money,” Mr Tunks said.

“Unfortunately we don’t have the budgets at the moment to attract the big end productions.”

Despite this, smaller budgets can sometimes be a helper when it comes to attracting productions to

Blacktown. According to Mr Tunks there are a number of directors and producers eyeing off Blacktown for the sets for future webseries.

“There are a bunch of webseries out there and we really should be advocating for more small series to be produced out west,” Mr Tunks said.

“They cost less and are more mobile so you can access the whole diverse region around western Sydney.”

You can watch all six episodes of After Nightfall online at https:// afternightfallseries.com/.

Riverstone gears up for festival

T

HE highly anticipated Riverstone Festival and Street Parade have returned for 2018 and it’s not to be missed.

Blacktown City Council is working with The Combined Churches of Riverstone to present the 18th annual Riverstone Festival on Saturday, 12 May.

The street parade starts at 11am from Mills St Reserve and will showcase local community groups, car clubs, and marching bands.

There will be entertainment for the entire family including market stalls, on stage entertainment throughout the day, amusement rides and workshops.

Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali

encourages everyone in the wider community to come together for the celebration of one of Blacktown’s oldest suburbs.

“Festivals are a great platform for community members to come together and share a day filled with fun and entertainment,” Mayor Bali said.

“It provides a great opportunity to showcase local talent and the diversity of the district.

“Come along to Riverstone and discover the historical and rustic charm of the town.”

The Riverstone Festival celebrates the community spirit that is alive and thriving in our great district.

Western News 27 April 2018 Issue 58

Blacktown or Tinseltown?

11

Western News 27 April 2018 Issue 58

12

WESTERN HISTORY

88 Years in Blacktown District: Pioneer Tells

By Jack Brook Blacktown and District Historical Society

T

he following snippet is from the Cumberland Argus of 1 July 1935.

Memories of pioneer days before the first train to run west of Parramatta aroused excitement to fever pitch are readily recalled

by Mrs Sarah Ann Leabon, whose mental activity at 88 years of age might be envied by many younger people.

Born at Seven Hills on the site of the Grantham Poultry Farm, Mrs Leabon is said to be the oldest living Blacktown district native.

She has watched the area grow almost from the initial stages of its settlement to a flourishing centre and can give intimate details of life as the pioneers knew it.

Blacktown people are dissatisfied with the rail service. After all, this is 1935. But Mrs Leabon laughs as she thinks back into the past.

“When I was a little girl there was no railway at all to Blacktown”, she told an interviewer yesterday. “We used to go to Parramatta in the cart. There was a train to Liverpool and we would see the smoke coming out of the engine and we’d think it was grand. I remember when they were putting the line through here in 1860, we’d run a mile to see the ballast train coming to Seven Hills.”

Life was hard in those days. No electric light, no radio, no city water. As for social life, “I don’t think there was such a thing as a dance in those days,” said the old lady. “Too much work to do. We had to get our breakfast by candle light, no turning on the switch then.

We’d finish when the stars were shining. There was little community life. Families seemed to keep to themselves a good deal and in any case I don’t suppose there would have been a hundred people in the district.

“Better off in 1935?” Mrs Leabon smiled again. “Well, I should think you are. But I think the people are really lazy nowadays. They can’t work like we used to. What do I think of the girls? They’re mad now, half of them. All they think of is running after the boys.”

But there was a twinkle in the old lady’s eye all the same as she

denied that girls thought about that sort of thing in her day.

Among Mrs Leabon’s many vivid recollections are of highwaymen lurking in the scrub on the Western Road and the gathering of huntsmen at the “Fox Under the Hill” then a flourishing hostelry.

Married at 24, at St John’s Parramatta, she made her own wedding dress in one evening and then came to Blacktown with her husband in 1871 with Blacktown being made up of a hotel, a few houses and scrub covering what is now popular thoroughfares. That was Blacktown sixty-odd years ago. Herself one of a family of fifteen, she reared a family of four daughters of whom three survive in these circumstances.

She admitted yesterday that she and never been to a dance and had never been to a theatre. A visit to the pictures once at Penrith left her unimpressed.

“It wasn’t too bad, but it wasn’t anything very much,” she said.

Nevertheless, she confessed to a wish to go to the talkies (movies with sound). But for seven years Mrs Leabon has been confined to bed, partially paralysed.

“They’ll have to fix up some sort of machine for me to go out in,” she said, with a little laugh.

The laugh was characteristic of the pioneering grit which Mrs Leabon has met her affliction. From her window facing Blacktown Road she can see across the green paddocks to the bush beyond, scenery reminiscent of her earliest memories of the district with which her whole life has been bound up. But she does not live in the past alone, she is keenly alive to what goes on about her.

“When I want to remember anything I only have to tell her,” said her daughter, Mrs Harvey, with whom she lives, telling of the old lady’s mental alertness. “She’ll remember it for me.”

So despite affliction which might have been too much for one with less courage, Blacktown’s grand old lady carries on. She claims the admiration of all who know or have heard of her.

Western News

Finance Broker or bank?

When you’re looking for a home loan, you could go to a finance broker or to a bank. While a bank will only offer you its own products, a credit adviser is an industry expert who will take the guesswork out of finding the mortgage product that suits you and your needs.

It’s understandable that finance brokers are now the number one choice for consumers who are seeking a home loan or to refinance an existing loan. Businesses are also engaging finance brokers to help them with their finance needs from car and equipment leasing to loans to help their businesses expand.

What can a finance broker do for you?

The leg-work Finance brokers already know the industry, the lenders, their products and their requirements, saving you a lot of time and energy on research.

They will also put the time into finding out about your particular credit situation and have a wealth of experience to draw on to help you simplify it.

Translate industry jargon Finance brokers are able to make sense of what loan documents and lenders are saying – put it into layperson’s language, so to speak.

Get you what you want Advisers will determine your borrowing needs and fiscal ability, and choose the only an appropriate product to suit your requirements.

Give you a broader choice Being brokers, finance brokers have to offer a larger selection of loan products. While a bank can only offer you its own products, finance brokers can help you choose from a selection of loans provided by different lenders.

Help you compare apples, oranges and the whole fruit basket

Finance brokers have the knowledge and tools to compare often hundreds of products and you get a loan suitable for your circumstances and needs.

Find you a good deal Loan providers are always spruiking a special deal or two, and these could make a big difference to your repayments or success rate. A finance broker will know which of the deals on the market at the moment will be appropriate for you.

Act as your advocate A good finance broker wants the best for you, the client. They will be your cheer squad, middle-man, team player and coach throughout the process.

They’re in it for the long haul A finance broker won’t just love you and leave you – they will oversee and manage the loan’s progression right through to the end on your behalf. By

@wealthwiz

the way, ‘the end’ isn’t when you sign the documents and buy your property; you can expect your finance broker to keep track of you and your changing needs, helping you should you need to switch products or wish to purchase another property.

The key is to choose a finance broker who is MFAA-accredited. The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) is the peak national body representing professional finance broker across Australia, and all members must adhere to professional development standards and a stringent code of conduct.

An MFAA Approved Finance Brokers is much more than your average mortgage broker.

Speak to Alex Soncini from Wealthwiz Wealth Manager who is an MFAA Full Member and can help you understand your financial needs and options.

#wealthwizau

WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au

Are we all called to saint-hood?

By PAUL GITTANY

J

ohn Steinbeck’s novel published in the late 1930’s was a testament to the time of struggle for young men. I don’t believe much has changed. We’ve come nearly 100 years into the future from the time the book was published and we still live in a world where young men struggle to find their identity and purpose.

I’ve worked it out. I’ve worked out what three of the greatest fears are that men have. It’s ● Being useless ● Being irrelevant ● Being inadequate Ragnarok Combat Academy does teach superior self protection education, but we empower our students into decisive leadership within their personal and professional life.

The purpose of the training isn’t to just become a competent self protection practitioner, but it’s to eliminate fears to have a fulfilling life.

There’s no point in you signing up to any type of martial arts school in the hope that you will learn what you need.You need to ask yourself some important questions, and ask

the teachers at the school these few questions Ask the teacher “Do you teach sport or self protection or something else?”

“How old is your youngest black belt/qualified fighter/student?”

“What do you teach outside of the physical techniques?”

“What promises do you make to your students?”

Ask yourself Do I want to learn a martial sport, or learn to protect myself?

How much time can I dedicate to training?

How committed am I to continual development?

How will this contribute to my life outside of training?

Ragnarok Combat Academy answers these questions, and helps you answer your own. I don’t believe that any man, or woman, for that matter should have to go through life, unsure of themselves, the world around them, and how they can make handle life’s challenges with courage and decisiveness. The training provided at Ragnarok Combat Academy addresses just that through multiple training options.

Our main program puts student’s through the F.I.G.H.T. The method empowers students with Forbearance, Illumination, Gumption, Harmony and Tempering. Qualities which are typical of decisive leaders who’ve lived throughout history and faced the toughest of challenges. The reason history books contain the stories of these people is because despite the fear, despite the horror, despite the challenges that were thrown at them, they just kept moving. No matter what.

In a way, they became saints. Saints in the Catholic belief were broken people called to a higher purpose. But what enabled them to be saints, why were these individuals were recognised as saints long after their death?

Because they dedicated themselves to a higher purpose, and they just kept going. They did not give up no matter what. When a new student walks in the door for the first time, I greet them as someone with great potential. I believe through training, through application to study of their own abilities, and the realisation that protecting themselves enables them to protect others who can’t, becoming a saint is not that far away after all.

Ragnarok Combat Academy www.ragnarokcombat.com

13 Western News 27 April 2018 Issue 58

Alex Soncini

REAL ESTATE

Western News 27 April 2018 Issue 58

Western News

WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU: EASY

ENTERTAINMENT

14

SOLUTION: 13 April

GENERAL ANIMALS BEAR FISH DINOSAUR ZEBRA AARDVARK ANT BADGER

BAT CHEETAH CROCODILE CROW DOLPHIN EEL HEDGEHOG

HAMSTER MOLE OSTRICH PONY RABBIT RAVEN

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 9 Hunting guide (7) 10 Do away with (7) 11 A cry of praise to

God (7) 12 Male chicken (7) 13 Bush kangaroos (9) 15 Watered (5) 16 Mournful (7) 19 Convent (7) 20 Calamari (5) 21 In a normal manner (9) 25 Get over an illness (7) 26 Official emissaries (7) 28 Pertaining to melts of

liquid crystals (7) 29 A fire-breathing

monster of Greek

mythology (7)

solution 13/4/18

down 1 Shun (6) 2 A type of internal-combustion

engine (6) 3 Repair by sewing (4) 4 A Hindu festival (6) 5 Fort (8) 6 Not stereo (10) 7 Aversion (8) 8 Day after Wednesday (8) 14 Attestations (10) 16 Suffering (8) 17 Blast-offs (8) 18 Ability to read (8) 22 A plan of action (6) 23 A piece of mail (6) 24 Flunky (6) 27 Network of horizontal and

vertical lines (4)

Western News

SPORT

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Western S y d n e y Wa n d e r e r s season has come to an end earlier than expected after the club failed to make the finals. This is only the second time in the club’s history where they have failed to make the top six.

The Wanderers season was in shambles before the season started after head coach Tony Popovic resigned only two weeks before the season opener. This meant assistant coach Hayden Foxe took charge and after a decent start to the campaign was replaced by Josep Gombau in round six.

The change in management didn’t help the club and instead saw them

slide down the ladder and drop out of finals contention.

The Wanderers need to take the positives from a poor season from their standards. The Wanderers missed the finals by two points and despite the efforts of the players amongst the drama they fell short. To have three managers in one season is going to bring difficulties with style of play and adapting to a new system.

Unfortunately, for the fans of the club the Wanderers couldn’t adapt fast enough and inevitably missed the finals.

The Western Sydney Wanderers need to rebuild around the international players that they have. Oriol Riera was a highlight in a poor season after scoring 19 goals for the club in all competitions, a club record. Every season the Wanderers cull half the squad, instead of investing in players to go with the experienced and talented players they already have. Although it’s hard with the salary cap, the Wanderers must attempt to hold on to their Spanish imports for next season.

The new manager assigned will need to play creative and free flowing football. After Gombau departed the club this week, it’s clear that the Wanderers management want to see a positive change for the club and to improve from the performances this season. We have signed good young prospects from Melbourne City including Bruce Kamau and Ruon Tongyik for next season and hopefully more positive signings to come.

The addition of a quality coach will help lead the Wanderers back into finals contention for next season and maintaining the core players from the starting side as well as contributing talented players around them will help the club to reach its ambitions of winning an A-League title.

WS Stadium operator announced

By Keegan Thomson

T

he operator of the future Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta has been appointed in a key milestone for the project.

Minister for Sport and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said VenuesLive, the operator of Sydney’s ANZ Stadium and Optus Stadium in Perth will oversee day-to-day management of the Stadium which is under construction on the site of the former Pirtek Stadium at Parramatta.

The new stadium will be the home of local western Sydney rugby league teams including the Parramatta Eels and the soccer teams including the Western Sydney Wanderers.

The contract will see VenuesLive managing events and catering, securing event content and ticketing.

“In a little over a year we will deliver a world class entertainment precinct that will inject millions of dollars into the western Sydney economy and refine the fan experience,” Minister Ayres said.

“Western Sydney is no stranger to showing the rest of Sydney how it is done and this stadium will be no different, it will attract top name acts

and sporting blockbusters and boast the latest technology and seats closer to action than ever before.”

VenuesLive Chief Executive Officer, Daryl Kerry said Western Sydney Stadium will be one of the most notable venues in the state after it is open.

“VenuesLive is delighted to be partnering with the NSW Government to operate Western Sydney Stadium, which will set new standards in live sport and entertainment when it opens in 2019,” Mr Kerry said.

“We will leverage our team’s extensive management and operations expertise to introduce world-class events in Western Sydney and deliver a truly fans-first live sport experience.”

The Chairperson of Venues NSW, Christine McLoughlin, said the stadium and the new management will work together to deliver world class events to western Sydney.

“VenuesLive has demonstrated its capability to deliver fantastic events and outstanding venue management, and we are excited to be working with

VenuesLive as we look toward the opening of western Sydney Stadium,” Ms McLoughlin.

Western Sydney Stadium is being delivered by Infrastructure NSW in close partnership with Venues NSW, the owner and promoter of a portfolio of publicly-owned sports and entertainment venues in NSW. The new Western Sydney Stadium will hold a capacity of around 30,000 and is a part of the government’s $1.6 billion Stadia Strategy. It is set to open in 2019.

Western News 27 April 2018 Issue 58

Opinion: disappointing end to Wanderer’s season

15

Western News Friday, 27 April 2018

SPORT

Wanderers stars standout at award night

By CONNER LOWE

M

arquee striker Oriol Riera has capped off a prolific debut season in the Hyundai A-League by being named Player of the Year at the recent Wanderers Medal at Waterview in Bicentennial Park.

It was a record-breaking campaign for the number 9, with his tally of 19 goals across all competitions representing the most in a single season by a Wanderer.

As well as being named Player of the Year, which is voted by Wanderers players, Riera capped off a big night by also picking up the Wanderers Golden Boot and the Rod Allen Award: Media Player of the Year, as voted by media representatives.

Westfield W-League goalkeeper Jada Whyman claimed the top honours for the women being named both the Player of the Year and the Members’ Player of the Year.

The 18-year-old Australian youth representative was impressive in goal for the Red & Black in what was only her third season of professional football.

› Full list of award winners:

Youngster Abraham Majok was named Foxtel Y-League Player of the Year after his nine goals helped the club claim its first ever Foxtel Y-League Championship.

Goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic was crowned the Hyundai A-League Members’ Player of the Year for a stellar season in which he played every minute of every game.

Other awards saw Ben Keyte named Powerchair Player of the Year, Erica Halloway claim the Westfield W-League Golden Boot, Gabrielle Dracopoulos win the Chariman’s Award for her contribution to football in the community, while Angok Bol was named Wandercrew Volunteer of the Year.

• Hyundai A-League Player of the Year presented by NRMA Insurance: Oriol Riera • Westfield W-League Player of the Year presented by Western Sydney University: Jada Whyman • Hyundai A-League Members’ Player of the Year presented

by Coffee Emporium: Vedran Janjetovic • Westfield W-League Members’ Player of the Year presented

by Coffee Emporium: Jada Whyman • Foxtel Y-League Player of the Year: Abraham Majok • Powerchair Player of the Year presented by House with No Steps: Ben Keyte • Rod Allen Award: Media Player of the Year: Oriol Riera • Hyundai A-League Golden Boot presented by Nike: Oriol Riera • Westfield W-League Golden Boot presented by Nike: Erica Halloway • Chairman’s Award: Gabrielle Dracopoulos • Wandercrew Volunteer of the Year: Angok Bol