BlaCKtoWn City aquatic centres will be heated using cutting-edge technology, reducing energy usage up to 60 per cent and paving the way for a greener future.
Council recently marked the installation of new heating systems at Charlie lowles leisure Centre emerton and Blacktown leisure Centre Stanhope, with the aim of reducing reliance on natural gas.
Blacktown City Mayor tony Bleasdale oaM said the new systems featured heat pumps, which operated like an airconditioning unit in reverse.
“as Mayor, i am committed to reducing energy usage and emissions across all of Council’s facilities, including our aquatic and leisure centres,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“Due to sharp rises in the cost of natural gas, Council explored avenues to reduce this usage through the installation of heat pumps, which use a quarter of the energy used by natural gas for heating.
“the installation of the heat pump at Stanhope has led to a 60 per cent reduction in our natural gas usage for pool heating, which is equivalent to 3.1 gigajoules of gas each year.
“this project is one part of Council’s overarching commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 in all our operations.”
Council’s Director of City assets, paul Belz, said Council’s 3 main leisure centres were accountable for 80 per cent of Council’s entire natural gas consumption in 2021-22.
“We identified that pool hall ventilation was the main contributing factor to our high natural gas usage at emerton and Stanhope, and worked with the manufacturer to design and install a new heat pump that linked with existing systems,” Mr Belz said.
“these heat pumps have been uniquely designed to extract heat from the surrounding air, process it through a refrigeration cycle and transfer the enhanced heat to the area requiring the heating.
“through the new heat system, water is used to capture the heat from the pool hall exhaust system, with the heat then processed through the heat pump. the enhanced heat is then ejected into the pool hall, making for a comfortable experience for all pool users.”
Blacktown City Council’s strategy to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 includes:
• A 100 per cent renewable electricity contract, commencing in January 2025
• Installing 1.4 megawatts of roof-top solar panels
• Retrofitting old building and street lights with LED lights
• Using more energy-efficient air-conditioning units
• Using electric heat pumps in lieu of gas boilers
• Council is also researching renewable fuels for its major fleet and encourages staff to select hybrid and/or full electric vehicles where possible.
Care volunteers
provide practical, emotional and social support to patients, families and carers in the Supportive and palliative Care unit at Mount Druitt Hospital and on C71 Medical oncology at Blacktown Hospital.
they provide a warm and reassuring welcome to new patients on the ward or unit, and offer support, such as a cup of tea, a vase for flowers, a relaxing hand massage, a tour of the ward/unit, or provide a neutral listening ear during difficult times.
the service ensures that families are supported as well, and can assist with activities such as mindfulness colouring books, diffusers with essential oils, CD players and music, hand knitted rugs, memory kits for children and providing access to
ipads or card and board games.
“the role of our volunteers is to make a patient’s stay as comfortable as possible,” said Mount Druitt Hospital palliative care volunteer coordinator, Kylie Clark.
volunteers attend several days of training so they know how to best
support patients or carers who are distressed.
“We hope all families, carers and patients feel able to ask a volunteer for assistance at any time during their stay; they will always do their best to assist,” said Kylie.
the service also trains Biography
volunteers who are trained to capture patients’ life story.
“they sit with patients to listen and record their stories and then transcribe and edit the story,” said Kylie.
“photos are included and at the end of the service, they print and bind the story for the patient and family to enjoy.
“this is a meaningful and lasting legacy which assists patients to process their experiences and pass this on to loved ones.”
in early 2022, 12 Blacktown Mt Druitt Hospital (BMDH) Supportive and palliative Care volunteers were trained to support the service.
to express your interest in becoming a volunteer, please visit www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/ Blacktown-Mount-Druitt-Hospital/ Support-Us/Volunteer
Mayor of Blacktown City Tony Bleasdale
OAM and Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths have officially unveiled a memorial for victims of domestic violence and their families.
Known as Memorial Grove, the garden recognises the pain and trauma borne by the victims of domestic violence and their loved ones.
The project was an initiative of Blacktown City’s Women’s Advisory Committee, led by Chair Cr Griffiths, and brought together family members of domestic violence victims, artists and community representatives.
Mayor Bleasdale said the project was driven by the families of women and children who had lost their lives to this senseless violence.
“A few years ago, a brave Kylie Druitt and Hayley and Ireland Rhodes attended a Women’s Advisory Committee meeting and spoke of their pain in losing
a loved one to domestic and family violence.
“These women sought a space close to home where they could honour the memory of their loved ones. Through their bravery and sharing their trauma with us, Memorial Grove was born.
“This memorial offers a safe, quiet place of reflection where the families of victims and all members of the community can gather and remember those whose lives were tragically cut short.”
The memorial features a central sculpture, seating and a pathway surrounded by trees within the Blacktown Showground Precinct. Inside the sculpture hangs a wind chime, with personalised tributes to victims.
Cr Griffiths said: “Designed by artist Yu-Fang Chi, the sculpture is titled Contemplate and explores the impact of a droplet falling on the surface of water.
“This sculpture takes on multiple meanings,
and invites us to reflect on the source of life, of transformation, as well as tears.
“The piece is inspired by the curved shape of a water droplet and captures the themes of contemplation and healing.
“This memorial is a small step in our shared journey of healing and I hope it provides some comfort for the families of victims within our community.”
Hayley Rhodes led one minute’s silence in memory of victims at the official opening, with families, police, local domestic violence service representatives and women’s advocates in attendance.
Mayor Bleasdale said: “As Mayor, I truly hope this memorial will provide a place of healing and also inspire transformation - the transformation of our City into a much safer place for our women and our children.”
Bart
As a journalist, I’ve covered many stories about local people who say they owe their lives to Dr Charlie Teo.
I’ve interviewed numerous brain cancer survivors, including children and their families. The common theme has been that their diagnosis was extremely poor prior to consulting with Dr Teo, and they’ve gone on to defy the odds and go back to living.
I’ve met Dr Teo and I’ve attended fundraisers that were hosted by a friend of mine, Ann Willmington, who is one of Dr Teo’s success stories.
The success stories claim Dr Teo is a life-saver; a miracle worker; a hero. some media this week portrayed him as the opposite of that. In an interview this week Dr Teo said he’s looked after around 11,000 cases. Eleven thousand! He admits that he has made mistakes. And there has been big ones, leaving the handful of families showcased on TV understandably devastated.
I am not in any way minimising the tragic losses, but we’re not talking about a simple medical procedure here. We’re talking brain surgery. It’s obvious that it would come with an extremely high level of risk. Dr Teo has masses of patients who’ve had great outcomes, why are they not acknowledged when discussing his work? Perspective seems to have been tossed out the window.
Dr Teo spent this week like many before him who’ve found themselves in the middle of a media shitstorm. Vigorously defending his name that was formerly held in the highest regard.
Ann Willmington wrote a facebook post sharing her story. In short, back in 2008 she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and given 18 months to live. Dr Teo explained to Ann and her family that the risks of paralysis were very high, and chance that the operation would be a complete success sat at 20%.
“Now over 14 years later I am strong,” Ann said. “If it wasn’t for Dr Teo I would not be here today.”
We shared Ann’s post on facebook. There was an immediate shower of support for Ann’s post and for Dr Teo. There were also dozens of other patients of Dr Teo’s telling of similar success.
The loss of life or negative impact for the small group of featured patients following brain surgery performed by Dr Teo is utterly devastating. The gift of life for the overwhelming amount of Dr Teo’s patients that have had great outcomes is absolutely fabulous.
The numerous successful outcomes should at least rate a mention in stories about Dr Charlie Teo, not be overlooked or ignored.
It is that time of year again, when Christmas Shopping becomes a priority. Are you looking for something handcrafted for that special gift for Christmas? Well, we have the stall for you! the ladies of toongabbie CWA have been busy making beautiful Christmas craft for our stall at Winston Mall on Friday 25th November, starting at 9am. We will also be at Bunnings Seven Hills (Cnr Old Windsor Road & Abbott Road) on thursday 8th December from
6pm. Don’t forget to pop these dates in your diary now.
In addition to special Christmas gifts, we will also be selling our usual knitted and crocheted items, hand towels and beautiful coat hangers as well as our famous CWA cookbooks, that are very popular for Christmas presents.
further information on all of the activities of CWA of NSW toongabbie Branch, email toongabbieCWA@ gmail.com
“i STarTEd volunteering at Mount Druitt Hospital in 1973, before the hospital was even built.
i was treasurer for the health services committee which was formed to get health services into the Mount druitt area.
Originally this was establishing a health outreach ‘poly clinic’ to take patient overload. We wanted Mount druitt to be a hospital for the people.
after this, we formed a ladies committee to start fundraising for medical equipment, which is now known as the auxiliary service.
i have been the treasurer of the
auxiliary since the start. Over the years, we’ve held bus trips, raffles, dinners, lunches, bingo days and street raffles to raise money. To date we’ve raised almost $1 million for the hospital.
Originally there were about 60 of us, but this number quickly grew. We also established the hospital gift shop which was open from 10am to 4pm, 7 days a week, so i was here a lot.
i do all the buying for the hospital and still do today. My favourite thing to buy are the flowers for the gift shop.
i’ve always been proud of this hospital. We have good people
here and amazing services like the palliative care unit.
i’ll continue to volunteer for as long as i’m able.”
– dulcie Harrison is a volunteer and treasurer of the Mount druitt auxiliary service and a former OaM recipient for her amazing contribution to the hospital.
Celebrating 40 years of Mount druitt Hospital
‘Humans of the Hospital’ is dedicated to the inspiring humans working at Westmead, Blacktown, Mount druitt auburn and Cumberland hospitals in western Sydney.
this month, our Council embarked on a wide-ranging community consultation program on a possible application to the independent Pricing and regulatory Tribunal (iParT) for a special variation of property rates (SrV).
iParT set the percentage rate increase for this year (2022/23) at 0.7% and for the next year (2023/24) at 3.7%. These increases are well below the current inflation rate of 6.1%. Under NSW legislation, councils can apply for a Special rate Variation to seek a higher rate increase.
Feedback from our community is Council’s most valuable planning tool. Hearing from our community on important matters is vital to helping Council make the decisions that best serve our City.
after listening to residents and businesses at our public information sessions and reviewing the community feedback we have received, it is quite clear to me that now is not the time for an additional rate rise in Blacktown City.
Rising interest rates and inflation are putting increasing pressure on household budgets and the cost of doing business in the current economic climate is putting a significant strain on families and businesses.
i am also aware that current rBa forecasts predict that inflation will increase even further in the coming months.
i simply cannot ignore the combined impact of all of these factors.
Having listened to our residents and businesses, as well as the rBa experts, i cannot support an
application for a special rate rise above iParT approved rate cap. i will be asking my fellow Councillors to support me in this decision.
i am determined to take every possible action to avoid adding to the growing financial difficulties being faced by our residents and businesses. at the same time, i will ensure Council maintains services and facilities to the highest possible standards to ensure the wellbeing of our residents and businesses.
Unlike some councils, Blacktown City Council has not applied for a Special Rate Variation in nearly 10 years and our rates are among the lowest in New South Wales, but now is not the time for an extra rate increase.
Cr Tony Bleasdale OAM Blacktown City MayorFederaL treasurer, the Hon Jim Chalmers MP says the albanese Labor Government’s first Budget is responsible, right for the times, and begins to build a better future for Australia.
Mr Chalmers said the Budget delivers on our commitments including: responsible cost-of-living relief which doesn’t put additional pressure on inflation.
targeted investments to build a stronger, more resilient, and more modern economy.
Beginning the long-term task of Budget repair.
“a deteriorating global outlook, high inflation and energy prices, and rising interest rates make this a time of great challenge for Australians, with impacts on the economy and the Budget,” Mr Chalmers said.
“our best defence against this combination of challenges is a Budget that is solid, sensible and suited to the conditions we confront.
“the Budget implements our commitments to the Australian people to deliver cheaper childcare, feefree tAFE, cleaner and cheaper energy, and a future made in Australia.”
Mr Chalmers took a swipe at the previous government in his statement.
“After years of wasted opportunities and warped priorities under the former Government – that delivered energy chaos, stagnant wages, a skills crisis, and a trillion dollars of debt with not enough to show for it – this Budget marks an end to the wasted decade,” he said.
“it confronts the challenges that have been ignored for too long and seizes the opportunities that won’t wait any longer.”
The Government is delivering a $7.5 billion, fivepoint plan that delivers targeted cost-of-living relief for households without adding to inflation.
“Our plan puts some money in people’s pockets, boosts productivity and grows the economy. It’s carefully targeted, carefully timed, and delivers an economic dividend,” Mr Chalmers said.
the plan includes:
• Cheaper childcare for more than 1.2 million families.
• Progressively expanding Paid Parental Leave to six months by 2026.
• Cheaper medicines by reducing the PBs maximum general co-payment to $30 a script.
More affordable housing – including a new National Housing Accord to build more affordable and well-located homes for Australians.
• Getting wages moving again – including supporting the increase to the minimum wage; supporting a wage rise for aged care workers; fixing the bargaining system; and investing in the capabilities of our people and the capacity of our economy.
the treasurer said the Budget begins to build a stronger, “more resilient and more modern” economy with investments in:
• Fee-free tAFE and vocational education places – 180,000 places in 2023 as part of a $1 billion agreement with the states and territories.
• 20,000 new university places over the next two years for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Advancing gender equality, including leading a national push to close the gender pay gap.
• investments in cleaner and cheaper energy and transmission networks through our Powering Australia Plan and rewiring the Nation.
• A future made in Australia with the $15 billion National reconstruction Fund.
• An investment pipeline of more than $120 billion in transport infrastructure over the next decade.
• expanding access to the NBN and improving mobile coverage.
• Supporting small business with energy efficiency grants and tailored mental health and financial counselling programs.
• Allowing older Australians to keep more of their pension when they work.
• More funding and more staff to slash the visa backlog to help employers fill labour shortages.
• safeguarding our farmers and primary producers from biosecurity threats.
• improving our disaster resilience and preparedness.
• investments to protect our precious environment, including stepping up our defence of the Great Barrier reef.
Mr Chalmers said this was investing in what’s important to Australians
“Because of our responsible Budget management, we can pay for the things that Australians value most, including:
• Delivering our commitments for better health care and better aged care.
• repairing the National Disability insurance scheme and securing its future.
• Growing defence funding beyond two per cent of GDP over the forward estimates and strengthening our relationships in the region.
• a record Commonwealth investment over six years to end violence against women and children.
• investments to Close the Gap and begin preparations for a referendum on a Voice to Parliament.
• investing in better support for our veterans.
• Establishing the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
“this Budget begins to build a better future – with more opportunities for more people, in more parts of Australia,” the treasurer said.
the Budget documents are available on the budget.gov.au website.
Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions next week on Great Western Highway as work continues on the Prospect Highway upgrade.
Construction of the new bridges over Great Western Highway requires full closures of the eastbound lanes between the Prospect Highway off ramp and Blacktown road.
these closures will take place across two 8pm to 5am shifts between sunday 30 october and tuesday 1 November, weather permitting.
in the event of bad weather, work may also take place from tuesday 1 to Wednesday 2 November.
A detour will be in place during some of these closures with eastbound motorists directed to exit Great Western Highway on the off-ramp to Prospect Highway to travel northbound.
Motorists then turn right onto Blacktown road at the intersection to re-enter the Great Western Highway. Electronic message signs will be activated in both directions with traffic control and further reduced speed limits in place during work hours for the safety of workers and road users.
Motorists are reminded to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control. transport for NsW thanks the community for their patience during this time.
For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NsW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
WOMen in nSW who undergo fertility treatment with an accredited private provider will be eligible for a cash rebate of up to $2,000 from 1 October, thanks to the nSW Government.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the rebate is the first of its kind in australia and builds on earlier nSW Government initiatives that make fertility treatments more affordable.
“Around 12,000 eligible women will benefit from the new fertility treatment rebate as part of the nSW affordable IvF Initiative from this month onwards,” Mr Kean said.
“Families navigating their fertility journey don’t need to do it alone – we are backing them with an $80 million investment over four years to increase access to affordable fertility treatments.
“This funding will mean more women won’t have to choose between looking after their household budget and starting a family.”
To be eligible for the fertility treatment rebate, women must:
• Be a resident of NSW
• Have incurred an out-of-pocket cost from an accredited private provider from 1 October 2022.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said falling pregnant for many women is stressful enough without the added challenge of finding additional funds for fertility treatment.
“The nSW Government has led the nation in its
efforts to lower these costs so that families can have access to our world-leading fertility specialists,” Mr Hazzard said.
“nSW is now one of the most affordable places in the world to have fertility treatment.”
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said one in every six couples experience fertility issues.
“Fertility challenges can be absolutely heartbreaking and a huge financial burden. The NSW Government is lowering the cost of treatments, helping more women on their journey to start a family,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This new rebate builds on the nSW Government’s $42 million 2019 election commitment for affordable IvF, which is helping so many families.”
Professor Luk Rombauts, President of the Fertility Society of australia and new Zealand (FSanZ), welcomed the continued investment and commitment from the nSW Government to support people on their fertility journey.
“This rebate is an opportunity to provide more equitable access to fertility treatments and builds on
the existing pre-IvF testing rebate that has already helped so many people across nSW,” Professor Rombauts said.
This rebate is separate to the existing one for preIvF fertility testing and is not available for out-ofpocket costs for lower cost treatments in publicly supported fertility clinics in nSW.
The $80 million expansion to the nSW affordable IvF initiative also includes:
• Extending the rebate for pre-IVF fertility testing
• Expanding statewide access to lower cost IVF treatment through publicly supported clinics
• Boosting fertility preservation services for patients with a medical need
• Providing up to five days paid fertility treatment leave for teachers, nurses and other public servants across nSW.
The rebate eligibility criteria is listed at www. health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/MCFhealth/ maternity/Pages/affordable-ivf.aspx.
The new fertility treatment rebate of up to $2,000 will open for applicants to make a claim from 1 January 2023. Women who have undergone an eligible procedure from 1 October 2022 will be able to submit a claim when the rebate scheme opens.
More information on how the nSW Government is working to improve affordability and access to IvF services in nSW is available online at www.health. nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/MCFhealth/maternity/ Pages/affordable-ivf.aspx
Have you been scammed?
“Hi Mum” or “family impersonation” scams, victims are contacted - most often through Whatsapp or via text message - by a scammer posing as a family member or friend.
The scammer will claim they have lost or damaged their phone and are making contact from a new number. Then, once they have developed a rapport with their target, the scammer will ask for personal information
such as photos for their social media profile or money to help urgently pay a bill, contractor or replace the phone.
If you’re contacted by someone claiming to be your son, daughter, relative or friend, start by calling them on the number already stored in your phone to confirm if it’s no longer in use. If they pick up – you know it’s a scam.
For more information visit www.scamwatch.gov.au it’s me”
an exhibition featuring a unique collection of artworks, gifted to Gough and Margaret Whitlam in 1979, will be shared with Blacktown arts and available to the public at The Leo Kelly Blacktown arts Centre.
The collection, first unveiled at the Whitlam Institute, in Western Sydney University in June 2019, will be on exhibition from 18 October to 13 november 2022.
DeDICaTeD to the DeDICaTeD: Whitlam, the arts and Democracy, includes works by John Olsen, Brett Whiteley, Lloyd Rees, John Coburn, arthur Boyd and more, and is inscribed with a message of thanks to Gough and Margaret Whitlam for ‘the marks they have made on the australian canvas’.
This major exhibition documents how Gough Whitlam viewed the arts not just as a means of enriching the quality of life, but as a fundamental human right and a precondition for a healthy democracy.
Gough Whitlam was the Prime Minister of australia from 1972 to 1975 and led the enactment of a series of far-reaching political reforms.
Whitlam Institute Director, John Juriansz, said “The Whitlam Institute is delighted to share this extraordinary collection with the people of Blacktown.
“Whitlam’s belief in a more confident and independent cultural identity for australia is as relevant as ever.
“This Australian-first exhibition underscores why a thriving artistic community is important for a healthy democracy.
“The Whitlams’ Folio is one of around 37,000 items in the Whitlam Prime Ministerial Collection, which is unsurpassed by any other in australia.”
“The new exhibition also documents how Gough Whitlam viewed the arts as a fundamental human right and a precondition for a healthy democracy. In his words, ‘a society in which the arts flourish is a society in which every human value can flourish’.”
Blacktown arts embodies the legacy of the Whitlam administration, striving to help artists shape the cultural environment and identity of Blacktown and beyond.
“We are looking forward to sharing it with the community through this important new exhibition, which offers a superb insight into the legacy of the Whitlam Government,” Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OaM said.
A touring exhibition of The Whitlam Institute within Western Sydney University.
Curator: Guy Betts
This exhibition draws extensively on the Whitlam Prime Ministerial Collection. We wish to acknowledge the assistance of: The Whitlam Family, The Folio artists and their families, Kim Williams AM, Patricia Amphlett OAM, Professor Barney Glover AO, Vice Chancellor – Western Sydney University, The Australia Council for the Arts, those who shared their knowledge and recollections for the exhibition video.
Wednesday, 18 October to Sunday, 13 november 2022
The Leo Kelly Blacktown arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown, nSW 2148
Special exhibition Closing with drinks: Sunday, 13 november, 1 pm to 4 pm. all invited.
Rotary Club of Windsor held its annual Rotary Charity Raceday at hawkesbury Racecourse on Thursday 20th October, with 250 Rotarians, friends and guests hosted in the Ted McCabe Function Room and enjoying a full card of 8 races at the picturesque track.
held in 2014, the Windsor Rotary Charity Day was held yearly until Covid disrupted plans for the past two years, but resumed in great style and with great success in regards to fund-raising, with approximately $50,000 raised on the day.
of each $5 raised will go back to supporting groups which sold tickets in support of Rotary, with the balance split between major beneficiary **Pink Finss, the Windsor Rotary Youth Trust Foundation and various local charities.
Trust Foundation supports local students in various fields each year, including sport, arts and education.
This year Race Day sponsors were Windsor RSL, Alpha Chemicals, Grange Growing Solutions Pty Ltd, Peter Kelly Flooring, Clarendon Tavern, Jacfin Employment Developments, Turtle Nursery and Landscape Supplies and Bendigo Bank.
The Rotary Club of Windsor meet at the Lynwood CC at 6pm on Wednesday evenings and are always happy to welcome new members.
The following event at hawkesbury Race Course is the most fashionable event on the hawkesbury Racing calendar, with Ladies Day being held on Thursday 3rd November.
Almost $500,000 in prize money will be on offer for connections throughout the eight-race program, featuring the $160,000 Listed Lander Toyota Ladies Day Cup run over 1600m. Off the track, there will be plenty of live entertainment and fabulous prizes on offer for ‘Fashions on the Field’ (FOTF).
This year’s FOTF competition will be hosted by Sky Racing’s Kiersten Duke and there will be two categories - Best Dressed Lady, plus a Millinery Prize.
A total prize pool of over $3,000 is up for grabs, including accommodation for 2 nights at Rutherglen estate, generously donated by De Bortoli Wines.
Registration for the competition will be held at the registration booth located near the main entrance between 11.30am and 1.00pm, with judging to take place from 2:00pm.
The support from our loyal sponsors has been fantastic once again for Ladies Day and includes Lander Toyota, Blake Marine, Fowler Civil Contracting, Belle Property hawkesbury, Irresistible Pools & Spas and All Aspects Roofing.
Gates open 11am and the first race is at 12:55pm. Tickets start from just $20 and limited hospitality packages are still available.
What: Lander Toyota Ladies Day, Thursday 3rd November, hawkesbury Race Club, 1 Racecourse Road, Clarendon, NSW 2756.
More Information & Tickets: www. hawkesburyraceclub.com.au or call (02) 4577 2263
**Pink Finns - Helping women, men and families of the Hawkesbury who are diagnosed with cancer.
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
In January 1900 a magisterial enquiry was held at Penrith Court House before Arthur Judges J.P., on the death of William John Vine, an engine driver on the railway who was found lying dead in the bush about 100 yards from his residence at Hornseywood at Penrith having been shot through the head. At the enquiry Austin Joseph Upton said that he was a wood carter and resided in Penrith and was at Hornseywood riding near the residence of William when he saw the body of a man lying face down on the ground and noticed blood on his left arm and saw a gun close in front of him on the ground with his right arm extended. He said that he didn’t examine the body that was lying in full view of William’s residence. Austin then rode over to the police station and informed Senior-Sergeant Thorndike and accompanied him back to the spot where he pointed out the body that was William who he knew well. He said that when he first saw the body it was about a quarter past 12 (midday). next to give evidence was Senior-Sergeant Thorndike who said he was informed by Austin that a man was lying near Mr Vine’s residence on the ground, so with Constable Connors, Austin and others they proceeded to the spot about 100 yards from William Vine’s residence and he saw the body lying face downwards with a hole above the left temple and a large quantity of blood that had come away from the wound. The hat belonging to William was four feet from the body in direct line with William’s feet. His body was fully dressed with the exception of a coat and slippers instead of boots. He was dressed in his working clothes but he did not touch the body until Dr Barber came shortly afterwards and then he saw a wound on the right side of the head apparently from a bullet. He examined the gun and found it to be empty, having been discharged recently about 12 hours ago, and on searching the body he found no money but a box of gun caps, knife and tobacco. On examining William’s residence, he found his railway time book fully made up to the 23rd of January and his engine man’s daily report made up and signed. There were five sheets of notepaper beside it, a led pencil, 8 pipes, keys, and some other articles evidently having been laid out in order and the flask of powder was standing in the midst of them. He could find no shot or bullets in the house and the hat produced had the left rim shattered, evidently by the missile on its exit from the head. He had the body of William removed to his residence. He said that he had known William for about 10 years and always knew him as a sober man and had never seen the sign of liquor on him. All the beds in the house were made up and did not appear to have been occupied on that night. Next, William Henry Vine said he was a fireman on the railway and resided in Penrith and was a son of William and from something he heard he went to a place near his late father’s residence where he saw his father lying dead in exactly the position described by the last two witnesses. He said he last saw his father alive on Monday morning and of late his father had often complained of financial and family troubles owing to his wife’s long continued illness and also a death in the family which seemed to affect him very much, but he never heard him threaten to do away with himself. He was frequently saying he had more trouble than he could bear. There was no one in the house at the time of his father’s death as his mother came to his house on that day. His father was born in Wilmington, Sussex in England and came to Australia aged 2 years with his parents on the immigrant ship “Fairlie” in August, 1848. He was the owner of property in Penrith but it was not all free of debt. His father’s life was insured with the A.M.P. Society for £100
and he left a Will and a family of nine who were depending on him. He recognised the gun having seen it in the bathroom of his father’s residence and that his father used marbles for shooting flying foxes and he was a sober man. William’s daughter Letitia Jane Horstman said she last saw her father alive at her shop last Tuesday night and his behaviour seemed very strange. He asked her for foolscap or any kind of paper which she gave him, he then took out his purse and asked for newspaper to roll the paper in, when she came back with the newspaper he clasped her husband’s hand without speaking and threw down (6 shillings-6 pence) in silver on the table and said it will pay for the paper, but she did not want payment, then he clasped her hand, said nothing and left the shop. Charles Randall spoke next saying he was the acting shed foreman on night duty at the railway shed at Penrith, he lived in Penrith and he knew William for about 30 years. William was at work and came in that day from Orange and came into the office that night at 8 p.m. which was a very unusual thing for him to do and he expressed his surprise at seeing him. William said he came in for a chat and to get an order for his money that he handed to him. He put his hand on my shoulder and said that he wanted me to come to his funeral and Charles said he would if William would come to his. He then told me he had made out a very simple Will as far as his family was concerned. Charles advised him to place the Will in the bank but then he was called away, so they shook hands but he was not sure whether William said good-bye or good night. Dr Alexander Barber next said that at about 1.30 p.m., Austin Upton called and asked him to attend by order of Sen-Sergeant Thorndike at Hornseywood about 50 yards from the residence of William where he found him lying in a prone position. He found a gunshot wound penetrating from the right to left side of the head, the left wound was a little higher than the right and at the exit opening, and he found the gun lying on William’s right side pointing towards the body with the right hand extending towards the gun. He said William had fired the gun and inflicted the wound himself and judging from the size of the gun and the position of the body the wound was self-inflicted. Arthur Judges was of the opinion from the evidence that William came by his death from a gunshot wound that was self-inflicted during a temporary derangement of his mind. William’s wife Mary died in June that same year. They had eleven children.
Six interest rate rises in six months are pressuring many households, with more likely to come, sparking a refinancing hunt for more home loan savings.
Australians have enjoyed a lengthy run of record low rates, and many borrowers are expected to hunt for lower mortgage interest rates to reduce the cost of your mortgage, but some will miss out because of harsher loan serviceability requirements.
You can try and safeguard against increases in rates from the Reserve Bank by switching to a new lender or negotiating with your current lender.
You may want to be loyal to your lender, but chances are your lender won’t reward that loyalty with its market-leading rate. Many customers may find refinancing difficult because of falling property prices and 2.5 per cent of official interest rate rises since May.
At this point you can sit on this rate or call your current lender to ask if they can offer you a better
deal. Most often lenders reserve their best rates for new customers, not existing ones.
Borrowers should understand that lenders examine discretionary spending when assessing creditworthiness and will assess you not at the current rate, but at a rate approximately 3 per cent higher meaning borrowers must be able to meet repayments at assessment rates ranging between 6% to 8%.
Now is the time for carefully planning your next move, do your homework on other lenders, check your finances, budgeting, cutting discretionary spending as lenders will review these when considering a loan application.
The offers for borrowers refinancing have decreased since the start of the year, but there are products with competitive interest rates available. Even a marginally lower interest rate could save you thousands of dollars over time, so don’t underestimate the importance of searching for a good deal. in saying this, consider the whole loan product and
associated fees and charges rather than just the interest rate.
A factor to consider is to try to avoid extending your loan back out to 30 years, as this could potentially increase the cost with the extra interest accounted for.
it’s more important now to have a discussion with a broker and discuss your options whether you’re refinancing or wanting to purchase a property. The mortgage market today is competitive, with plenty of bank and non-bank lenders offering a variety of loan options to all types of borrowers.
Refinancing can be an opportunity to review your situation and look for a better rate.
Especially if you’re coming off a fixed rate loan that you’ve had for several years, and it may be time to shop around the lending market.
If you aren’t sure how to proceed after your fixed period ends, it might be a good idea to have a chat with Alex from Wealthwiz to discuss your options. We’re here to help.
Rich M o N d Gc will host the 2022 Australian PGA Senior championship over the 4th-6th November, with a number of past winners included in this year’s field.
Past winners Michael harwood, Michael Long, Peter Senior, Andre Stoltz and Guy Wall will all be playing, with Senior, Stoltz and Wall all having the first opportunity to defend their titles, so to speak, as coVid restrictions kept both Senior and Stoltz away for two years, whilst Wall is the defending champion from 2021,” said craig hodge, Group operations Manager Registered clubs.
“There will be 108 players, with possibly 30 playing a Pre-Qualifying event at Richmond Gc on Wednesday
2nd
6th
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contingent, we also have a number of international players from the USA, canada, Thailand, New Zealand and the UK,”
TWo local Golf clubs have entered teams in this year’s Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) Junior Pennant and Encourage Shield competitions, which are being played through october-November.
Stonecutters Ridge has entered two teams in the Junior Pennant. The division 1 (Blue) team is darcy Mackay, cooper ison, Annoushka Maikap, Savannah Webb, Joanna Lee, Jackson Northey and Ashton Brown. They will play castle hill, Woolooware, cromer, cumberland and Bankstown.
The division 2 (Green) team is Zayne Mienke, Marie claire domingo, Bradley Ellis, Riley cleminson, Ruby ison, Aayush Verma. They will play Northbridge, Lynwood, Liverpool and campbelltown.
Penrith Gc has entered one team in the Encourage Shield and will play Lynwood, North Ryde (Red) and Pennant hills in division 3.
The State Junior Pennant and State Encourage Shield were introduced to provide an opportunity to all Junior Golfers in NSW to participate in a competitive match play team event. Each district
Golf Association has the opportunity to enter a team in both events each year, for the chance to become the NSW champion Junior Match Play Team winners.
in 2009, Jack Newton Junior Golf conducted the first State Encourage Shield event, involving the finalists from Sydney and the winners from the central coast and illawarra districts. By 2013, there were more than 100 clubs, from 13 districts, involving more than 600 junior boys and girls participating in the knockout rounds and finals. In 2013, the first State Junior Pennant was conducted, with 32 clubs from Sydney and 5 districts participating.
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Asa result of ongoing safety concerns for paddlers, land crews and volunteers, a decision has been taken to cancel this year’s Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, which was to commence on 29th October.
The organising committee of the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic Association has taken this decision, in concert with its safety network partners, including NsW state Emergency service, Marine Rescue NsW, WICEN NsW (A unit of Volunteer Rescue NsW), together with First Aid and Physio team led by Nick stepkovitch.
This decision revolves around the condition of the Hawkesbury River itself, as a result of flooding, together with the damage caused to the infrastructure at the land-based safety checkpoints along the river.
The most recent flood, a lesser event than the March and July floods, was the fourth flood in the region this year.
“We appreciate that the cancellation will cause hardship for those who have already made travel plans but your safety is paramount,” said Kent Heazlett, Event Coordinator / Race Control .
“Entry fees will be refunded and the event will be back in 2023, so put the weekend of the 28th and 29th October 2023 in your diary now.”
The history of the race begins in 1977, when a group of paddlers were
inspired by Joan and Bruce Morison’s tales of the 1950’s Nepean Weir to Brooklyn non-stop canoe event.
Chris Cunliffe-Jones, Richard & Lyn Van Putten plus Doug & Marg silke decided to run a similar event, along the river they’d paddled during their Outward Bound courses.
In those days, the school had been based at Fisherman’s Point (opposite Bar Point). Kurt Hahn, the founder of Outward Bound, had not only coined the motto, “To serve, to strive and not to yield” he believed that whilst it is wrong to coerce people into opinions, it is a duty to impel them into experiences’.
The Classic was created with those words in mind. This desire to create an experience that could be shared by others soon germinated into action, with immediate support from the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, st Johns Ambulance Brigade,
the Multiple sclerosis society, landowners involved in checkpoints, Joan and Bruce Morison of the NsW Canoe Association and Arthur Crichton and stuart Ferguson of southern Cross Equipment.
Drawing on the ex-students’ experience of expedition planning and with the help and expertise of the initial supporters, a basic safety system was set up. This included fifteen checkpoints to monitor paddler progress.
At four of those checkpoints, land-crew had to be available to support their paddlers. These crews were at Paradise Gardens, Dargle ski Gardens, Rosevale ski Gardens (Wisemans Ferry) and spencer.
All craft tracking was completed by pencil, paper and RVCP marine radio and thus the Outward Bound Hawkesbury Canoe Classic was born.
Whilst technological advances
have streamlined many of the procedures, the basic structure of the event hasn’t changed in 45 years, which is a testament to the foresight and planning of the initial committee.
In 1977 the Classic began with a bang, attracting 250 paddlers to the starting line. This rapidly ramped up to over 500 paddlers through much of the 1980’s, then for a stretch either side of 2000, the race crept over 600 paddlers, with the record peak of 620 paddlers occurring in 2004.
Interest in the Classic concept waned to below 400 paddlers in 2014, so it was very pleasing to have over 500 paddlers entered for the 40th edition in 2016.
Just 150 had entered for this year’s event at time of cancellation, with concerns over both the weather and river conditions undoubtedly stopping a great many competitors from entering.
a couple of false starts to the spring season, the Polo community has come together once again and revised the spring calendar for Windsor Polo Club (WPC).
Tournaments will kick off in the Hawkesbury with the Killarney PC season Opener 2.0 on the 29th & 30th October.
The highlight of the Hawkesbury spring calendar is the Winten Cup, which is being held on the 10th, 12th & 13th November.
Club chukkas at Windsor Polo
Club also resumed on saturday 22nd October and bookings should be made through the WPC website.
The New Spring Tournament Dates are:
29th & 30th October – Killarney Polo Club (4,0 & subzero)
5th & 6th November – Windsor Polo Club (4,0 & subzero)
10th, 12th & 13th November – The Winten Cup (4, 0 & subzero)
19th & 20th November – Muddy Flatts Polo Club
26th & 27th November – Killarney Polo Club (4,0 & subzero)
3rd & 4th December – Windsor Polo Club (4,0 & subzero).
12-year old elijah andrew (Marayong) set Phillip Island alight on Saturday afternoon, in race 3 of the bLU crU Oceania Junior Cup, which was held as part of the 14-16th October round of the australian Superbikes MotoGP.
elijah’s father Noel andrew reports elijah got away to a decent start in race 3 of the weekend (with one of his trademark wheelies) and was in 18th place at sector one.
Following a mixed bag of results from the first two races of the weekend, Noel said “It was as though Noah had something to prove (in the final race of the round). Drawing on all of his experience and recent training with australian motorcycling legend Troy Corser, elijah fought his way up to 2nd place, setting the fastest race lap time to that point (eventually the 3rd fastest lap of the race).
“a 3-way battle between the 3rd, 4th and 5th-placed riders was captivating, until the 3rd-place rider ryan Larkin lost control breaking into
turn 4, also bringing down both elijah and Cameron rende.
“elijah came off the worse for wear and was stretchered off the circuit and taken to the MotoGP track Medical Centre. Following initial checks, he was transferred to Melbourne’s royal Children’s Hospital for further x-rays, scans and tests. after 18 hours in hospital, he was given the all clear and discharged, although battered and bruised.”
The weekend’s action had begun with both Practice and Qualifying sessions on Friday, with elijah qualifying in 17th position for race 1, which was held on Friday afternoon.
elijah got a good start, jumping three riders by Turn One and then continuing to pass riders, using slip-steaming to great effect on the straights.
He was up to 8th place and riding well when he made a rookie mistake, mistaking the lap count and backing off before the chequered flag as if the race had finished.
after a few riders passed him at full race speed, he quickly realised the race was still going and got back in the action to finish in 11th place, happy with his ride but gutted with his mistake.
race 2 on Saturday morning
featured good track conditions but started disastrously for elijah.
Lining up on the grid after the warm up lap, ready to start the race, he accidentally bumped the gear lever into neutral, causing him to get off the line in last place.
He subsequently fought his way back into 14th place over the 7 laps but was slip-streamed across the finish line, dropping back to 16th position.
“What a huge weekend,” said Noel andrew. “The takeaway for elijah is that he has the outright pace and ability to fight his way to the front pack, the capability to race there and hold his own and is truly now a top 5 racer in this competition.
“We’re looking forward to the final 2022 round at The Bend Motorsport Park in November.”
Elijah finished 19th overall for the round and is currently in 15th spot overall for the Series.
Fellow western Sydney rider William Hunt (Mulgoa Rise) finished 17th in the round and is currently in 12th spot for the Series.