Western News 27 October 2023

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Friday, 27 October 2023

ISSUE 199

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Western News 27 October 2023 Issue 199

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Calls for Sydney to save water

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YDNEY Water is urging people to stay vigilant as water usage spikes by 17 per cent and dam levels begin to fall.

As we head into what is expected to be one of the hottest summers on record, following the driest winter in 37 years, customers are urged to minimise their water use as Sydney faces a potential cycle of restrictions and inevitable drought.

With no significant rainfall since November 2022, there has been water depletion across Greater Sydney’s dams, including a six per cent drop at Warragamba.

Warragamba Dam, which supplies the majority of Sydney’s drinking water, has dropped to 94 per cent capacity since November 2022, when the dam was last operating at 100 per cent.

In the past week, dams have collectively dropped 0.5 per cent.

Olympic Canoeist Jess Fox OAM will front a new campaign to help educate the public that we can no longer rely on rainfall.

“Everyone needs to understand, the future of water depends on all of us.

It’s easy to take water for granted, but with a changing climate and a growing population, the time has come for us to tackle demand,” Ms Fox said.

Sydney Water Managing Director, Roch Cheroux, said $30 billion will be spent over the next 10 years upgrading existing networks and infrastructure as part of a long-term operating plan.

“While we are not going into drought next week, we are doing everything we can as an organisation to secure the future of water for Sydney.

“Drought in Australia is cyclic and inevitable, and recent advice indicates we are moving into a phase where rain is expected to hit historic lows over the next 12 months.

“It’s not about today; it’s about

tomorrow; it was only four years ago we experienced one of the worst droughts in history,” Mr Cheroux said.

Early analysis indicates if the dry weather continues, Sydney could be under Level One water restrictions in just 12 months by November 2024, or early 2025.

Sydney Water Head of Water Supply and Production, Ben Blayney, said when dam levels start to fall, they can drop quickly.

“There is a perception that the dams are full and Sydney’s water supply is endless. The message is we cannot

wait until the dams are empty to take action,” Mr Blayney said.

“What we can see as part of our daily monitoring processes is a series of red flags. These are the same trends we experienced going into the last drought.

“The unpredictable weather patterns we’ve seen over the past two years are just a taste of what’s to come. We need to act now so we are better prepared to minimise the impact of the next drought.

“That’s why we’re asking Sydneysiders to work with us to save every precious drop,” Mr Blayney said.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said as we head into another dry period we need everyone to pitch in and do their part to conserve water.

“Small changes in habits like turning the tap off whilst brushing your teeth or only running the dishwasher when its full can make a big difference, so with El Nino declared I encourage everyone to take a look at their water habits and assess if there are actions they can take to reduce water use,” Minister Jackson said.

“The future of our water resources is in all of our hands which is why we need to use water more responsibly to help safeguard supplies during these warmer months.”

Busy month for veterans in St Marys!

BY TONY FRYER

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CTOBER has been a busy one for veterans in St Marys … and November will be much the same!

On Wednesday 18th, we held our ‘Veterans Health Week’ activity at Tench Reserve, comprising an address by one of our eminent local Psychiatrists, Dr Gus Pusic on the subject of ‘Mental Wellbeing’; this was followed by a walk (distance of their own choosing) and a freshly prepared take-away grilled fish and salad to finish the activity. Veterans and their partners took the opportunity to chat in small groups during the walk and over lunch – encouraged by Gus as a very worthwhile strategy of maintaining mental wellbeing.

More than 40 veterans and partners met for this annual activity where Mental Wellbeing was this year’s theme. Being mindful of one’s own self; and watching out for your mates in the same way.

This was only one of the many strategies that were discussed in relation to getting help for others, whilst looking after self.

A huge ‘Thank you’ especially to Gus for giving up his valuable time, and also to Katelyn and her staff who were so very welcoming at EastBank Fish n Chips (aka ‘Riverside Bar and Dining’), allowing us to use the restaurant for the presentation and then (after the veterans did their walk) serving up the best grilled fish and salad. Thanks also to all who took time out to participate.

Then the following day (Thursday 19th) was the State-Wide commemoration for War Widows and Widowers Day, an annual event that NSW introduced in 2022. At St Marys, the RSL subBranch together with the Outpost Veterans Support Centre, invited local war widows and widowers to a remembrance commemoration followed by a light lunch. The Service was conducted at our Guns War Memorial and was attended by 35 locals, including more than 20 War Widows & Widowers. President of the St Marys Outpost, Vietnam Veterans Association, Tony Mullavey, commenced the proceedings and welcomed all attending. Maureen Clements delivered the Prayer of Remembrance before Tony, together with Cyril Law, President of the St Marys RSL subBranch, accompanied Maree Young to place the group Wreath of Remembrance. All then took turns to place a rose. Joan Miller recited the Ode before the Last Post, minutes silence and the Rouse were sounded. Cyril then closed the Service and invited all to join him in a lunch inside the St Marys Diggers Club. 21ACU cadet Lillie Brown looked after the flag raising for the participants - thank you Lillie.

A third activity will be held on Thursday 26th October where the winners of this year’s Colin Shepherd OAM Memorial School Scholarships will be announced and Certificates presented by Colin’s widow Judy and our valued RSL sub-Branch supporters, Mayor Clr Todd Carney and Mrs Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek. Fifteen Year 10 students from five schools will be this year’s recipients. The schools are Cambridge Park High School, Colyton High School, Emmaus Catholic College and St Clair High School from our local area, and Gilgandra High School which came ‘under our wing’ through the close relationship our sub-Branch has built with Gilgandra RSL sub-Branch.

And of course we must make mention of the upcoming annual Remembrance Day Commemorative Service on Saturday 11th November. As is usual, the St Marys RSL sub-Branch will conduct this Service at our Guns War Memorial in the grounds of St Marys Diggers Club. All in our local area are very welcome to join in the Service and spend the moment in reflection on the sacrifice that many of our military personnel have undergone during or resulting from conflict in maintaining the freedoms our Nation enjoys today.

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Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Mayoress Nina Bleasdale, Deputy Mayor Chris Quilkey, Councillor Bob Fitzgerald, Russ Dickens’ OAM family, BARC Senior Coordinator Rose Horton, former Animal Holding Facility Lead Ian Burr with his grandchildren at the new Dr Russ Dickens Veterinary Clinic.

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LACKTOWN City Council has paid tribute to late vet and former Mayor of Blacktown City, Dr Russ Dickens OAM, naming a new veterinary clinic in his honour.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM officially launched the clinic, located within the new Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre, known as BARC. The clinic will serve as a teaching practice for students, through partnerships with Western Sydney University, University of Sydney and

Richmond TAFE. It will service the needs of the animals at BARC and is currently not open to the public.

Mayor Bleasdale joined family and friends of Dr Dickens at the Blacktown City Pet Festival on Sunday for the unveiling.

“Russ devoted his life to animals, through his vet practice, his research and his contributions through Council,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“He was a passionate vet, who dedicated himself to his Blacktown veterinary clinic for many decades.

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Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale with Deputy Mayor Chris Quilkey, Councillors Bob Fitzgerald OAM and Kushpinder Kaur, and wife of the late Dr Russ Dickens OAM, Lorina Dickens.

“He was one of the first vets in Australia to study disease in koalas and provide critical advice for their management.

“Russ served as a Councillor for 36 years, including a term as Mayor, between 1980 and 2016.

“He was a passionate volunteer, who dedicated much of his time to helping animals at the Council Animal Holding Facility.

“Russ Dickens was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australian in 1992, and in 2020, I was proud to award him the Key to Blacktown City.

“I wish that Russ could be here to see this wonderful facility, but his legacy lives on through the clinic, BARC and all the animals he so passionately cared and advocated for.”

Western News 27 October 2023 Issue 199

Animal clinic honours beloved late Blacktown vet

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BY KERRIE DAVIES

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OME of my closest family members are teachers. It has given xxxxx me an opportunity to hear first hand about what they find rewarding and what they find challenging, and it has given me some insight into what they face day to day as they go about doing

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From the Editor’s Desk their jobs.

After a lengthy heated exchange between teachers, unions and the NSW Government, teachers recently received a significant pay-rise. But now an even bigger problem has emerged. The Daily Telegraph this week reported that nearly 10,000 lessons every day were being left without a dedicated teacher. People will debate why that is, with some blaming it on the previous wage for a teacher and some blaming the compulsory Covid vaccination rules that were in place in an attempt to tackle the pandemic.

Whatever the reasons are, we have a huge problem; a shortage of this level is pretty catastrophic.

It is a pressing concern with far-reaching consequences. It most certainly deprives our kids of quality education, hinders their academic progress and it also puts extra strain on existing educators.

Insufficient teachers equals missed opportunities, unfulfilled potential, and a compromised future for our kids and grandkids.

Not only is it about securing their future, but also the future of our community.

Teacher recruitment is imperative if we are going to meet an increasing need. The job needs to be an attractive one; and that involves more than what one gets paid. Our progressive environment also presents challenges for teachers. Rules on discipline and increased parental ‘input’ have had a considerable impact on teachers doing their jobs. That’s kind of unattractive to someone wanting to choose a career that will make a difference. What’s the answer? I don’t know, but I do know you have to acknowledge a challenge to have any chance of overcoming it.

Teachers play a crucial role in shaping our future. The good ones are not just educators but also guidance mentors. My Year 7 English teacher at Dover Heights Girls School, Mrs Shepherd, pulled me aside after class one day. She told me that I should consider paving my way towards a career in journalism, because I was an “analytical thinker.” I actually ran home and looked it up in the dictionary as I had no idea what that meant. But as you can see I followed her advice, and that’s exactly what I eventually chose as a career. I’ll never underestimate the value of a good teacher!

Western NEWS

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Let the children play

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HE NSW Government is celebrating the right of every child to play and do the things they love this Children’s Week.

Children’s Week is held from 21 October to 29 October. This year’s theme is ‘Children have the right to relax, play and take part in activities they enjoy’.

Research shows that access to play and relaxation are important parts of healthy human development. Play shapes the way children interact with the world around them. It enables children to learn new skills, make friends and build self-confidence.

The NSW Government has a range of programs to ensure children have the best start in life. Initiatives include Brighter Beginnings, which contains a comprehensive program to provide four-year-old children with a suite of developmental checks before they start school.

Local councils and communities are also supported in creating worldclass play spaces through the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Prue Car said the skills and experiences our youngest people gain in their early years lay crucial

foundations for learning, wellbeing and success.

“Every child has a right to get the best start in life,” Ms Car said.

“Early childhood teachers and educators play a crucial part in helping make that possible - through quality play-based learning, tracking important milestones in development and by listening to and laughing with our youngest learners.”

The Children’s Week Council of Australia strongly advocates for and promotes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child.

For more information about Children’s Week, visit https://childrens-week.org.au/

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Dr Adrian Sheen: Making a Splash in Men’s Health

BY KERRIE DAVIES

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N order to help men everywhere to take charge of their prostate and bladder health, well-known local Dr Adrian Sheen, founder of the Doc Sheen brand, has unveiled the WIDDLEOMETER®.

The revolutionary medical device was launched this week at Terry White Chemmart Penrith Compounding.

The Widdleometer is an “early warning system” for prostate and bladder issues. Its official release date to the general public is set for 1st November.

The Widdleometer was developed by Dr Sheen, who has been a family doctor in western Sydney since 1981.

The Widdleometer is designed to be used in the privacy of your own home. As an early warning system, it is important to note that it does not diagnose particular illnesses, but provides an indication of potential health concerns. It encourages men to seek medical investigation. Aimed primarily at men over the age of 50, the Widdleometer offers an easy and quick way to check on urine flow. A poor result can signal the need to see a doctor.

It promotes early intervention for any potential issues while educating men on better health outcomes. Dr Sheen said that the Widdleometer is a “leap in the right direction”.

“It is crucial that men become more in touch with the health of their prostate and bladder, as it is something that is too easy to ignore,” Dr Sheen said.

“Around 50 per cent of men aged 50 have an enlarged prostate, and 80 per cent of men aged 80.

This can introduce a range of problems including reduction in urine – sometimes a complete stopping of the flow, infections, and consistently needing to get out of bed at night to go to the bathroom.

“Prevention of illnesses related to the prostate and bladder is something that is very important to men and I’m extremely hopeful that the Widdleometer will contribute greatly to men’s health.”

Sunit Ruparelia, owner of Terry White Chemmart Penrith Compounding, who hosted the launch, noted that the Widdleometer has “great potential” for

improving men’s health.

“If we can make this product a staple in Aussie households, treatment for these issues can be implemented earlier, greatly reducing the impact on health,” he said. “Urine flow can be a really good indicator of the state of the prostate and bladder, which will help doctors improve the lives of so many men.”

The WIDDLEOMETER® is scheduled to be available for purchase from 1st November 2023, at select pharmacies and online at Amazon.

News access in young Australian lives

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OUNG Australians access news regularly from multiple sources but their preferred and most trusted source is their family, a new survey has found.

Whilst families are young people’s top source of news, the survey shows a consistent rise in news engagement via social media platforms, particularly video-based platforms.

The nationally representative survey – a collaboration between Western Sydney University, University of Canberra and Queensland University of Technology – asked 1,064 Australians aged eight to 16 years in June 2023 about their news practices and experiences.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Tanya Notley from the School of Humanities and Communication Arts and Institute for Culture and Society at Western Sydney University said this year’s findings reaffirm the important role news plays in young people’s everyday lives whilst highlighting opportunities and challenges.

“Encouragingly, more than three quarters (78 per cent) of young people report that they often or sometimes engage in one or more forms of proactive news consumption whereby young people are making a decision to go out and get news,” said Associate Professor Notley.

Key findings of this year’s longitudinal survey, which is the third to be implemented with previous surveys carried out in 2020 and 2017, include: 1. Four in five (83 per cent) young people had received news from at least one source the day before the survey.

2. Most young people often or sometimes get news from family (85 per cent), teachers (71 per cent) and friends (66 per cent). Family are also young people’s

most preferred and trusted source of news.

3. Video-based platforms YouTube (68 per cent) and TikTok (42 per cent) are the social media platforms most frequently used by young people.

4. Only two in five (40 per cent) young people aged 12-16 reported that they were familiar with the term algorithm in relation to news.

5. Less than one in five (16 per cent) young people have a high level of trust in Australian news media organisations.

6. Just two in five (41 per cent) young people believe they know how to tell real news from fake news (misinformation).

7. Only one in four young people (24 per cent) said they had received a lesson at school in the past year to help them work out if news stories are true and can be trusted.

8. Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of young people agree or strongly agree that it is difficult to find news relevant to people their age.

The findings show an overall increase in the

number of young people who report getting news stories from social media when compared with past surveys. However, when asked about their experience of getting news on the social media platforms they use, only a small proportion use social media intentionally to find or get news.

Despite a modest increase in the number of young people who had received a news literacy lesson in school in the past year, the majority did not receive any lessons to help them determine if news content is true and trustworthy. Furthermore, many young people do not feel that news is made for people their age, which also suggests an important opportunity for news providers.

“The shift in young people getting more news from social media highlights the need for media literacy education that emphasises learning about visual literacy and algorithms,” said Associate Professor Notley.

“As in previous years, we found that young people are interested in the news, but they do not trust mainstream media organisations, and they do not believe that they are understood by these organisations. To increase trust and news engagement it is clear that news organisations need to engage more with young Australians in ways that are meaningful, fair and supportive.

“The research findings show that young people who have a high level of interest in news are also more likely to take action on the issues that matter to them, which is important for a functioning democracy.”

Funding for the study was provided by the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD), Western Sydney University and Meta Australia.

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USTRALIAN Red Cross Lifeblood is appealing to anyone with Type O blood to book a donation in the next two weeks as its own stocks of both blood types reach their lowest point in a year.

An extra 500 blood donations of O positive and O negative blood are needed every single day over the next fortnight to boost supplies for patients in need.

Lifeblood Executive Director, Strategy and Growth, Stuart Chesneau said demand for both O blood types was continuing to increase, despite more people donating than ever before.

“This year we’ve seen demand increase by more than three per cent, making it the highest in a decade, and we expect it to continue to grow in the coming years.

“To ensure we continue to meet the needs of patients across the country, we need everyone who is eligible – more than 13 million people – to become blood and plasma donors.

“We also need our existing donors to donate more often. If they could give just one more donation each year it would make a huge difference, especially to the lives of those who receive it.”

Stuart said O positive and O negative were the blood types most frequently ordered by hospitals.

“These two blood types are essential: O Negative is the universal blood type and is used to treat patients when their blood type is unknown.

It’s often stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters to be used to treat trauma patients who can require huge quantities of blood in a short amount of time.

“Fewer than seven per cent of the Australian population is O Negative, making it one of the rarer blood types, however its versatility means it makes up 16 per cent of the blood ordered by hospitals.

“O Positive, meanwhile, is the most common blood type in the community, with 40 per cent of people having this blood type, meaning it’s the type most needed by patients should they require a blood transfusion.

“Around 50 per cent of people in Australia have type O blood, so if you have one of these blood

types there’s a good chance someone in your family will too. We’re asking people to talk to their family members and encourage them to donate,” Stuart said.

To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood. com.au or download the Donate Blood app.

Breakdown: Number of O type donors still needed every day: AUSTRALIA: 500 NSW: 180 VIC: 135 QLD: 70 WA: 65 SA: 20 TAS: 18 ACT: 7 NT: 5

Piping up a storm in a busy year

BY KERRIE DAVIES

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HE Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band is a community based pipe band who practice in Vineyard.

Members are mostly local, hailing from suburbs including Doonside, The Ponds, Blacktown, St Clair and Cranebrook. They’re looking at attracting new members and people who would like to engage the band services.

It has been a busy year for them!

During July and August three of their members participated in The Royal Edinburgh Military tattoo.

Pipe Major Barry Gray was part of the hand-selected 75 performers who auditioned from around the world, who make up the world wide contingent that is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums.

Piper William Cavanough was invited to guest with the Scots School Albury Pipe Band who participated in the Tattoo, he also competed in two competitions whilst there.

William is now a current Scottish 4B Champion. The band also obtained

1st place in the Grade 4B World Championships as well as being crowned Champions of Champions for the band who amasses the most points over the 5 Championships held throughout the year.

Member David Walker went to Scots College Sydney as a boy. The bands “old boys” participated in

the Tattoo to mark 50 years since the school’s first trip to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

In September they travelled as a band to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to compete in the Highland Gathering there that draws a crowd of over 9,000 people.

The band gained first place in the

Open Mini band Contest. And 3rd place in the open full band contest.

For a self funding musical community group they perform at some very prestigious events and travel to many places including interstate and overseas. If you’d like more information please contact Barry on 0412 602 983.

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Urgent call for Type O blood donors

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Know the signs of Type 1 Diabetes

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N November 14 at 4 pm at Nepean Hospital Dr Leong and his Nepean Paediatric Diabetes Team will be launching Multicultural translated video and poster resources in a presentation entitled “The United Nations of Diabetes: DKA Prevention: “Down DKA to 10” a 3-year Campaign to reduce the rates of DKA in our Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District from our current rates of DKA from 38% to no more than 10% of children with newly diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

We have translated the “4T DKA Prevention Poster” into 12 different common world languages in collaboration with JDRF, QLD Health, and Diabetes Australia.

We have developed an educational video for families and the community in English with subtitles in 4 different languages outlining the 4T (“Toilet, Thirst, Tired and Thinner”) symptoms of childhood diabetes for the whole community, including general practitioners (GPS), school nurses and teachers and community nurses and parents of young children in the general community to help in the earlier diagnosis of diabetes in children and to prevent the potentially fatal complication of DKA. This way children with both T1DM and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and their families will start their journey with diabetes in a more positive manner with less anxiety, worry, and fear of diabetes and its health impact on their child.

To watch our educational videos go to these two links: https://youtu.be/YZBBEeDBaqs?feature=shared Long 17 min version https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NNFDqUYR2mk&feature=youtu.be Shorter 7min version

Outstanding Allied Health professionals honoured at Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Westmead hospitals

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LACKTOWN, Mount Druitt and Westmead hospitals celebrated International Allied Health Professions Day (officially 14 October, 2023) to connect, care, and inspire patients and one another.

Allied Health professionals play a key role in the delivery of health and well-being to the western Sydney community and are represented by: • Child Life Therapists • Dietitians • Diversional Therapists • Occupational Therapists • Physiotherapists • Podiatrists • Pharmacists • Psychologists • Social Workers • Speech Pathologists BMDH Director Allied Health Chris Horley said these professions play a crucial role in BMDH’s multidisciplinary teams ensuring collaboration in patient centered care and the delivery of patient goals no matter how big or small are achieved.

International Allied Health Professions Day celebrations at Westmead Hospital in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD)

“We have gathered today to celebrate our successes and acknowledge and recognise your hard work and achievements,” Chris said.

“Your collective dedication, compassion and expertise in your professions ensure the highest levels of care is consistently delivered to our patients.

“BMDH had the highest number of award nominations across WSLHD. The sheer volume of nominations clearly highlights the respect and admiration you have for each other and the tireless work you do for our community.”

The award ceremony followed a heart-felt thank you from former BMDH patient Samuel Mercardo.

Samuel was admitted to Blacktown Hospital in August 2022 after he was paralysed from the neck down following a diagnosis of Guillain Barre Syndrome. After 11 months at BMDH, Sam was able to walk out of Mount Druitt Hospital and return to his home with support and thanks to the hard work of the BMDH Allied Health Team, nursing, and medical teams.

“The staff treated me like family and not a patient. Everyday it’s like meeting someone who will actively walk and have a conversation with me and I’m sure the staff didn’t realise how much that helped me,” Samuel said.

“You give us (patients) hope

and see us not just as a patient or a statistic to work with every day, but with a person who is struggling and sometimes depressed but your conversations give us hope.

“I’m walking and standing by the grace of God, my family but also the hospital staff.”

Sam spoke about a discussion he had an Allied Health staff member that the pay is not the main reason on why our staff stay and continue to work at BMDH. “It’s because the staff have seen us at our worst and then they see us feeling better or recovered. The moment they see us stand up or walk these are the joys they feel that is priceless and with a smile on their face.”

This year the theme of International Allied Health Professions Day is “Stronger Together” highlighting the benefits of multidisciplinary teambased care.

Western NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

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N inmate from Parklea Correctional Centre has won an Aboriginal art competition and his work will be used to help reunite people from the Stolen Generations.

The competition was held by LinkUp (NSW), which was founded in 1980 to assist all Aboriginal people who have been directly affected by past government policies, separated from their families and culture through forced removal, or been fostered, adopted or raised in institutions.

Link-Up (NSW) holds the Cooee Festival each year in Western Sydney to highlight its work and bring people together. Previously the organisation has used its own artwork to promote it, but this year they decided to seek new Indigenous talent to provide an opportunity for an Aboriginal artist to gain exposure and earn money for their work. *Jack, a Barkandji Wiradjuri man, has been named as the winner and will receive a $1,000 prize for his painting, which will be used to promote the 2024 Cooee Festival via social media and on merchandise.

Link-Up (NSW) Marketing and Events Supervisor Jo-Ann Bird said they received 60 entries for the competition, which was whittled down to five, and the Elders from the organisation’s board chose Jack’s work as the winner.

“Jack’s painting was absolutely amazing and so detailed, it was just

what we were looking for - the colours, the story, it was deadly,” Jo-Ann said.

Parklea Governor Wayne Taylor said it was very exciting for an inmate at Parklea to be recognised for their art in this way, and the win would have a positive impact on Jack’s confidence and self-esteem.

“Creative programs are an integral part of our education and reducing reoffending strategies, and we encourage inmates to take part in them, as they help to improve their mental health and wellbeing,” Governor Taylor said.

“The programs also give them something meaningful to do with their time and art allows people to express their feelings and creativity and it has a calming effect on them.

CROSSWORD

“Receiving this recognition will hopefully give Jack the confidence and encouragement he needs to continue with his art and perhaps explore this as a career option when he leaves prison.”

Inmates who participate in the art program are provided with equipment for free, and receive professional tutorials, help from specialised staff, and support from other inmates who act as peer mentors.

Jack’s love of art was sparked in 2006 after he participated in the Brush Up program at a juvenile facility. He then learned traditional Indigenous art techniques from an Elder and has continued to paint ever since.

He decided to enter the LinkUp (NSW) art competition after

ACROSS 1. A kind of religious song (9) 6. Young eel (5) 9. Creative person (7) 10. Many different kinds (7) 11. Article of clothing (7) 12. Not failure (7) 13. A burrowing animal with bony armor (9) 15. Superfluous (5) 16. A slight push (5) 19. Improvised (9) 22. Legal proceeding (7) 23. A mythical creature (7)

encouragement from Parklea’s Cultural Adviser.

Jack said he was happy and over the moon to win the prize, as it was the first time he’d won an art competition.

“It still hasn’t kicked in yet, as I’ve never achieved anything like this,” Jack said.

“My dad is really proud of me and that made me even more happy.

“Winning this has boosted my confidence and I now want to keep painting.”

Jack spent two weeks solidly working on the piece, which is a message about the importance of learning culture from Elders to keep it strong.

He said the footprints in the middle of the painting represented a pathway for Indigenous youth and young adults to follow to learn culture, such as dance, ceremonies and corroborees. The yellow ochres represent landscapes, rocks, mountains, sand and dirt and Elders teaching young men. The red and brown ochres represent women teaching young women culture, dance and ceremonies.

“All Indigenous art has a story behind it and I used my skills to tell it,” Jack said.

“Following in the footsteps of Elders is a very important thing for any Aboriginal Indigenous person.

“We need to keep doing these practices daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly to keep the culture strong.” *Name has been changed.

25. Etch (7) 26. Inflexible (7) 27. III (5) 28. Artificial (9) DOWN 1. Informal language (5) 2. Temporary (7) 3. Rather (7) 4. Tip over (5) 5. Farm animal (9) 6. Otalgia (7) 7. Ferocious (7) 8. Impervious (9) 13. Abrogation (9) 14. Infinite (9) 17. Widow (7) 18. Teach (7) 20. Popeye ate this (7) 21. Inaccurate (7) 23. A connected series of links (5) 24. Shenanigan (5)

solution 13/10/23

Western News 27 October 2023 Issue 199

Inmate wins Aboriginal art prize

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Western News 27 October 2023 Issue 199

12

WESTERN HISTORY

Western NEWS

“Val” comes home to St Mary’s Library

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

FTER nine long years “Val” is back where she belongs. When the gathering “storm clouds” of the Second World War became threatening, Australia started once again to look to its defense. The first Menzies’ Government came to power in 1939 and set in place events leading to the establishment of an ammunition fill for Australia and St Marys was chosen because the road and rail links were reasonably good, and land to the north was relatively cheap and sparsely populated and there was a good manpower supply available in Parramatta, Sydney and the Penrith District.

The now defunct Encore Historical Sewing Group decided we would sew a replica of the women’s uniform that was worn at the ammunition filling factory at St Marys, so in September 2009 an attempt was made to start on this project. By 2013 the project was finished and our “Val” was placed in a glass cabinet and put into the St Marys Library, but due to the upcoming changes at the library a year later she was moved to Penrith Library Research Room where she stayed until October this year. I asked for help from a very high official so that “Val” could be returned to her rightful place at St Marys, things started moving. Members of the sewing group decided in 2009 on re-creating a replica of the uniform worn by the women workers at the munitions site and we all agreed that it would be an excellent project for the group, so we set about gaining more information about the uniform via research and photos, as well as dialogue from some of the women we knew that had worked at the munitions during the 1940’s and 50’s.

In February 2010 the members were delighted when we found out that we were successful in gaining CAP funding from Penrith Council for the re-creation of the uniform. A lady named Margaret Dunn who worked at the munitions for 25 years said she was happy to help us out with details of the uniforms that were made of heavy black flannel material, baggy long trousers with a drawstring waist, a white blouse and a black jacket made of the same fabric as the trousers. The women workers wore black berets, and the women Charge Hands wore grey berets as well as a black arm band with a “C” emblem on it for “Charge Hand” and their shoes had wooden tacks. All the women’s jewellery, including wedding bands had to be removed before work began as they could cause sparks. We didn’t realise at that time just how much time and research it took up with finding everything needed to make the uniform, but the members were confident that we could sew the uniform and make it as authentic as possible, so we all took up different tasks to find out just what was needed. It was also suggested that we check our private collection of old buttons for navy coloured bone buttons and contact

was made with “All Buttons Great & Small” regarding leather buttons asking them to send out samples. A lady called Val Stirton had also been most helpful as she said she worked in the supply office where the women were given their uniforms. She said she worked at the Munitions after the war from 1952 to 1977 and the uniforms were still the WW2 issue. She thought everything was wool or maybe even flannel and the underwear was woollen too and that wool was best in the case of fire. The shirt worn was either khaki or white and it had a Chinese collar and no cuffs, and it was cut as just a straight piece of fabric with sleeves and a drawstring at the neck. Shoes were leather with leather sprigs, and they were tan in colour.

They wore a black “snood” to cover the hair.

All buttons were leather, and the trousers were made with a front flap and did up each side with a button and loop and underwear was supplied and the bra had bone fittings and they wore cotton socks. Val said that in the change room they put their good clothes on a hook until knock-off time and workers in the TNT part of the munitions had to shower after every break. After hearing from “All Buttons Great & Small” who didn’t have the buttons, we contacted a place in the UK for the leather buttons we needed, and they sent them to us. In February 2011 we received another successful CAP funding from Penrith Council for the purchase of an ex-rental mannequin and we decided to name her “Val” after Val Stirton.

Finally in November 2011 measurements were taken for the making of the glass cabinet to house “Val”. In 2012 Councillor M.P., Tanya Davies and Mayor Greg Davies were invited to see “Val” all dressed up in her full ADI uniform and to discuss our issues on where “Val” will be housed. After five years we finally requested that she was put into a glass case and into the St Marys Library closer to where those women would have worked, and also because of the history of the St Marys area. So you can see that a lot of different information and a lot of confusion had taken up a great amount of the members time, as well as personal sickness, holidays and family problems and Covid, but keep in mind that we found ourselves delving into an area that has little information available– with black & white photographs and conflicting information about the uniforms, as well as a time span of 60 years!!

We tended (not deliberately) to gravitate towards projects that challenge and take a few years of research and hard work to come to fruition! But we ALWAYS got there in the end! A book on this project is available for sale at $10+postage. There is also a book on the Ammunition Filling Factory for sale at $15+postage. Contact me on (02) 8840-8771 or email the St Marys Historical Society at stmaryshist@gmail.com.

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Western NEWS

REAL ESTATE 13

ALEX SONCINI

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VERY home buyer is unique and has different priorities when it comes to finding their dream home. But it can be near impossible to find a property that ticks all your boxes, and it’s also easy to get distracted by a new or renovated home, incredible views, closeness to your favourite place, beach or cafe.

So, how can a buyer stay focused on the core elements of a property and a neighbourhood that can’t be easily changed, but will have an enduring impact on the lifestyle and finances after you move in?

1. What mortgage repayments can I comfortably afford?

Most often everyone wants a more expensive property than their budget allows, regardless of whether they have $600,000 or $6 million to spend.

To avoid budget blow-out, buyers need to determine what their maximum budget is and what their preferred budget is. One needs to review and know what the resources are available to them if they were to lose their job or something else happened that affected their ability to earn an income.

Calculating your borrowing power is an important part of applying for a home loan that can be as simple as using an online borrowing power calculator. Lenders typically determine borrowing power by considering factors such as the size of your deposit, your income, and any ongoing financial commitments.

Everybody loves to dream big but try to stay within your capabilities. Knowing the amount of money, you have and expect gives you a clearer perspective of the process before you start looking at homes. It’s up to you to figure out what are your goals and prioritise.

2. Do I want a house, a townhouse or an apartment?

Buyers can be adamant about their preference for dwelling-type and with Australia running low on housing, you may have to compromise between dwelling type and other aspects of your life.

Your strategies will depend on your choice: • do you want an established home?

• or do you want to build/renovate one to your taste?

An established home is more likely to have social amenities surrounding it. These are parks, churches,

shops, transport, and even neighbours. So, if it is social entertainment you want, you’ve got it. On the other hand, you can like the environment but not the home, so you need to renovate. Check out the feasibility of renovation before getting knee-deep.

Many buyers have a mix of prerequisites, for example a big block for their kids to play on and want to be within walking distance of a train station. Some buyers want an inner-city apartment to be close to bars and restaurants.

One major item to consider whether the property you’re buying is a short or long-term strategy. Their will be life changing situations as for instance, if you’re a young couple looking at apartments and you don’t want to move once you have children, you’ll need to think beyond the requirements of two working adults and size.

A lot of buyers will find it difficult to fast-forward into the future.

3. How do I spend my free time?

If you spend most of your free time curled up on the couch with a book, that couch can be in a home located almost anywhere. But if you’re a gym junkie, a foodie or a parent of active young kids, you’ll probably be looking for nearby amenities to make your weekends more relaxing.

The trick is to figure out where you spend most of your free time.

Is it at the park? The local cafe? The gym or aquatic centre? Exploring bush trails? Playing golf? Visiting art galleries and museums? Will the kids need soccer or netball clubs, karate or dance classes?

Some of us need space for hobbies at home while others make good use of local facilities. Make a list of your must-haves and use it to narrow down your preferred location.

4. Do I need to be close to schools, work or public transport?

A short commute to school or work comes down to two main factors, access to public transport and the distance you live from school and work hubs.

Access to public transport tends to be a priority for many buyers no matter if they are a owner occupier or investor.

Travelling to work by each day can be very time consuming and no one wants to be in a car for an hour each way. Many want convenience and

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everything at their doorstep to enjoy living and lifestyle.

If you’ve got school-aged kids, living close to your work will limit your options as you review the local school catchment areas and the boundaries for your property search.

5. Do I need to be close to my network of family and friends?

If you’re not hunting for a home close to friends and family, as your mum helps with looking after the children, or you look after your elderly parents.

There are plenty of reasons we choose to live close to our family and friends.

The more distant and disconnected you are from your family and friends will impact your assessments on where you live from being in a country town to living in the city.

6. Is convenience the key?

Its hard to imaging living without any convenience and the affect on your daily life.

Who does not want to be close to work, school, family, parks, beaches or public transport?

We move towards what’s most convenient most often.

In many cases people know what they want and have difficulty prioritising their needs. This can cause stress in deciding the qualities for your lifestyle and change your perceptions of what you want versus what you need.

7. Seek advice From upfront buying costs to taxes, mortgage applications, interest rates and settlement requirements, there’s a lot of information to review and appreciate before making any big decisions.

Speaking with a mortgage broker can help you understand the buying process, get your finances in order and find the right home loan for your circumstances, contact Alex today on 0419 600 177 or email to alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au.

Western News 27 October 2023 Issue 199

Key questions home buyers should ask themselves to find their property

Disclaimer: The data, information and commentary provided in this publication is of a general nature and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the relevant contributors and should not be construed as specific advice or relied upon in lieu of appropriate professional fax or financial advice. The information in the article is believed to be reliable at the time of distribution, but neither WealthWiz nor its accredited brokers warrant its completeness or accuracy. For information about whether a loan may be suitable for you, call us on 0419 600 177.

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

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Western News 27 October 2023 Issue 199

14

Western NEWS

SPORT

Ellerstone White captures 2023 Countess of Dudley Cup

BY NOEL ROWSELL

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HE Finals of the Countess of Dudley Cup and Hector King Cup were played at Windsor Polo Club over 16th-17th October, with 12 teams competing in the 10goal event and a large number of teams competing in lower grades. The winners of the various trophies on offer were: Sir JJ Garvan Cup - Town & Country (Jeremy Bayard, Stirling McGregor, Bud Sorby, Sam Hopkinson) defeated Windsor Pines 4 goals to 2 L.T. Watson Memorial Cup Windsor Cutcliffe (Paul Cutcliffe, Adam Meally, Robert Ballard, Jimbo Fewster) defeated Windsor Troika 8 goals to 7 Countess of Dudley Cup Ellerston White (Blake Grimes, Cody Grimes, Matt Grimes, Alfie Hyde) defeated Goulburn Bannaby Angus 9 points to 5 Vychan Trophy (for team of best 3 ponies, played by a player 2 goals or less, at the Countess of Dudley Cup Tournament) Ponies “Nyx, Remi & Autumn” - Played by Cody Grimes Owned by Ellerston Lady De Chair Trophy (Champion Pony at the Countess of Dudley Cup) Pony Optic Played by Matt Grimes - Owned by Ellerston King Family Trophy - Forbes (Bruce Gavin, Greg Babham, Chris Lund, Lachie Gilmore) defeated Ellerston Grey 11.5 to 8 Hector King Cup - Arunga (Chris Daily, Dylan Jones, Adam Tolhurst, Bautista Panelo) defeated Auckland Polo 8 goals to 7

Ellerston White (Blake Grimes, Cody Grimes, Matt Grimes and Alfie Hyde). Photo courtesy of NSW Polo.

Curtis Skene Trophy (for most improved player) Dylan Jones Curtis Skene Pony Prize (for the best 2 ponies, played by a player rated

Selection from the lower grades on 8th October.

Photos by Noel Rowsell.

3 goals or less) Ponies “Wade & Elvo” - Played by Dylan Jones - Owned by Andrew Williams The annual Winten Cup (4-goal)

is being held this weekend.

Full details can be found on the Windsor Polo website www.windsorpoloclub.com.au

Andrew Grzetic wins three-way contest for Dunheved Senior Title

BY NOEL ROWSELL

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I F T Y- E I G H T golfers aged 50 years and over contested the 2023 Dunheved Senior on Tuesday 17th October.

The annual tournament is a Golf NSW Senior Order of Merit (SOOM) event and as such, always attracts a high-quality field, with a staggering 41 of the 58 players competing this year on a single-figure handicap or better.

Thirteen golfers finished within 4 shots of victory, led by Andrew Grzetic (NSW GC), David McMillan (Twin Creeks GC) and Adam Cornell (Royal Sydney GC) all locked together in the lead on 75, followed

by David Payne (Highlands GC), Glenn Osborne (Cronulla GC), Rowan Easterbrook (Oatlands GC) and Denis Day (Penrith GC) all on 76.

Grzetic would take this year’s title, ahead of McMillan, then Cornell, whilst Day would comfortably win the Over 65’s title, ahead of Warren

Andrew Grzetic, Scratch Winner

Russell Kellam, Best Nett from Dunheved Member

Warren Marsh, Scratch Runner-Up 65+ years

Marsh (Cronulla GC).

Round 2 and 3 of the 2023 Golf NSW Junior Pennant and Encourage Shield were held on Sunday 15th and 22nd October respectively, at various locations around Sydney.

Junior Pennant 15/10 – Division 2 at Penrith GC: Cronulla 4-2 over Penrith, Cumberland 3.5-2.5 over Campbelltown, Liverpool 4-2 over Camden Lakeside. Division 3 at

Stonecutters Ridge GC: Castle Hill 3.5-2.5 over Lynwood, Pennant Hills 4.5-1.5 over North Ryde.

Junior Pennant 22/10 – Division 2 at Cronulla: Cumberland 4.5-1.5 over Penrith, Campbelltown 4-2 over Liverpool, Cronulla 5-1 over Camden Lakeside. Division 3 at North Ryde: Lynwood 3.5-2.5 over Pennant Hills, Stonecutters Ridge 4-2 over Castle Hill.

Encourage Shield 15/10 – Division 5 at Muirfield CC: Richmond 4-2 over Castle Hill, Oatlands 5-1 over Lynwood, Muirfield 3.5-2.5 over Pennant Hills.

Encourage Shield 22/10 – Division 5 at Pennant Hills GC: Castle Hill 4-2 over Lynwood, Muirfield 4-2 over Richmond, Oatlands 4-2 over Pennant Hills.

Western NEWS

SPORT 15

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HE NSW Government has announced that sport clubs across NSW can now apply for more funding under the Local Sport Grant Program.

The Program provides $4.65 million funding to NSW sporting organisations with $50,000 available

per electorate and grants up to $20,000 available to individual clubs.

In 2022/23 $3.5 million was awarded for 592 projects, including development clinics, uniforms and sporting equipment.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said this follows the Minns

Government’s significant investment in grassroots sporting organisations including: - $30 million to providers of grassroots sport through the Level the Playing Field Program to support the continued growth of women’s and girls’ sport and recreation

- And a four-year $14.5 million Football in Schools Program to partner with A-League clubs Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur FC to provide football, education and wellbeing programs in local schools.

“The NSW Government understands the vital role community sport plays in keeping people healthy, active and socially connected” Mr Kamper said.

“Never was this more evident than during recent natural disasters and the pandemic.”

“Sport is a way of life in the Mount Druitt community,” said Mount Druitt MP, Edmond Atalla.

“This program helps our local clubs, which run on the efforts of an army of volunteers and canteen sales, buy vital equipment like uniforms and deliver programs that help more people enjoy the benefits of sport.

“So, if your club has a project or program that it has been wanting to deliver, I urge you to apply for a grant.” Applications in the 2023/24 Local Sport Grant Program close 27 November 2023.

For further information visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sportgrant-program

Western News 27 October 2023 Issue 199

Funding increased for local community sport

2024 SEASON COMMENCES FOR MEN IN FEBRUARY & WOMEN IN MARCH LANDEN STADIUM 5 QUINN AVE, SEVEN HILLS ADULTS $15, UNDER 16 FREE.

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Western NEWS Friday, 27 October 2023

SPORT

Elijah scores top ten result at Phillip Island

BY NOEL ROWSELL

13-YEAR-OLD Elijah Andrew (Marayong) has not only achieved his best race finish but also his best round finish at Phillip Island on Saturday 21st October, placing 6th in Race 1 and an unlucky 15th in Race 2, for 9th place overall.

Race 3 was cancelled due to high winds and the rearrangement of the MotoGP races.

Running as the only support group for the MotoGP weekend, the young riders from the Oceania Junior Cup group again provided hard-fought, entertaining and close battles on their identical machines.

Elijah’s 6th placing in Race 1 was the best finish of his career to date and another good result looked on the cards for Race 2, until another rider coming from an off-track incident collided with Elijah, knocking him off the track.

Elijah recovered but could not make up the lost positions, finishing in 15th position for the race and 9th overall for the weekend.

The OJC riders return to Phillip Island this week 27th-29th October.

Photo courtesy of Jeff @actionsportspa