Western News 28 September 2018

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Friday, 28 September 2018

ISSUE 69

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Western News 28 September 2018 Issue 69

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Sydney Electrical Contractors win an award at NECA Industry Excellence Awards

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ydney Electrical Contractors is proud to announce that they have been recognised for their continued commitment to and execution of high quality of work by being awarded a Certificate of Commendation at the NECA 2018 Excellence Awards for the category of ‘Small Contracting Business (Company)’.

Contractors needing to pass two rounds of judging. The first, which had many applicants, and consisted of a written application and had to address particular criteria including business sustainability, work health and safety, business growth plans, performance improvement plans and commitment to training.

Held on Friday the 14th September at The Star in Sydney, the Excellence Awards are the most prestigious awards offered in the electrotechnology industry and celebrate excellence in quality, technology, innovation, management, WHS and commercial expertise.

Sydney Electrical Contractors were one of only sixty successful applicants to reach the second round. This round saw two judges Bruce Kennedy and Ian Neeson, attend the nominated site and complete a thorough site inspection.

Sydney Electrical Contractors submitted an entry for the work completed at 24/7 Fitness at Westpoint Blacktown into the Small Contracting Business category, which is defined as a “A small contractor, employing less than 10 technical employees demonstrating a wide range of skills and excellence in electrical contracting.”

Both Bruce and Ian are highly experienced in the electrical field and between them have over fifty years’ experience and they didn’t miss a thing, spending over an hour inspecting the details of the site and verbally addressing the selection criteria with Robert and his client.

“Achieving 2nd place in our industry’s excellence awards and against such strong competition really proves the quality of work and service we provide” said Managing Director Robert Theodoridis. “Our focus is always about quality, in every aspect of our business, from the work we do, to the people we employ and the growth we have mapped out for the business, our focus is always based on high quality and to have that recognised today amongst our peers and competitors is very exciting.”

When asked what helped them achieve this honourable mention, Robert said he feels there were two key aspects that gave them the edge. “Firstly, we installed energy efficient lighting in conjunction with an automated sensor and timer system, which enabled the business owner to save 30% on their overall electricity costs. Secondly, we installed an Access Control & Security System which enabled the owner to remotely access and manage the premises from anywhere in the world.”

Receiving this award in such a competitive industry was no easy task.

The process of selection is lengthy and rigorous, with Sydney Electrical

For more information about the Sydney Electrical Contractors and the NECA Excellence Awards head to www.sec24hr.com.au

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t was a night of glitz and glamour as more than 300 guests galloped into the Grand Pavilion at Rosehill Gardens for Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) red carpet Quality Awards ceremony.

The Quality Awards are held annually to commend the health heroes who are innovating and changing the game in healthcare in western Sydney and right around the world.

Westmead Hospital’s emergency department clinical nursing unit manager Susan Barbosa and Blacktown Hospital’s business analytics and performance director Luke Elias hosted the ceremony for the second year in a row, the Sydney Jazz Collective entertained guests on arrival while guests took advantage of the social media props to take selfies using the #WSQualityAwards hashtag.

WSLHD clinical governance director Luke Sloane congratulated the finalists and winners of the awards.

“This year we received 45 entries that are changing and improving the way we deliver healthcare across our District. They’re all making a difference to patient care, safety and health outcomes,” Mr Sloane said.

“We also commemorated Professor Richard Haber, a recently retired clinician who has treated almost 40,000 patients, and Ljubica Simic who has been dubbed Western Sydney’s happiest cleaner.”

The NewsLocal People’s Choice Award winner was the ‘think before you bin it’ project, an initiative which has saved thousands in Auburn Hospital’s waste budget. The project received more than 3,700 votes.

The District’s outgoing chief executive Danny O’Connor addressed

guests for the last time as he prepares for retirement after more than three decades in public service and eight years at WSLHD. “As you go forward through these extraordinary times of change, hold on tight to the foundational values that define our purpose and success,” Danny said.

The winners of the 2018 Quality Awards were: • Patients as Partners winner - IPOP - Interpreter Project in Outpatient Clinic

• Delivering Integrated Care winner - GREAT (Geriatric Rapid Evaluation and Treatment) service • Keeping People Healthy winner - The X-Men - exercise classes for prostate cancer • Collaborative Teams winner Protecting our Aboriginal kids, now and into the future • Education and Training winner - Increasing Dysphagia Awareness in Mental Health • Research and Innovation winner tied winners - Pharmaceutical Supply Chain and Medicines Optimisation and 6S Success! A Redevelopment lean storeroom initiative. Building capability and collaboration to ensure a successful transition • A Safe and Healthy Workplace winner - A State of Biopreparedness • Patient Safety First winner Fundus photography in the ED: Saving lives, eyes and time • Chief Executive Award winner Faster screening for stroke • Board Chair Award winner - IPOP – Interpreter Project in Outpatients • WentWest Award winner Protecting our Aboriginal kids, now and into the future • NewsLocal People’s Choice Award winner - Think before you bin it.

Western News 28 September 2018 Issue 69

Sheer delight at health awards night

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

Western News 28 September 2018 Issue 69

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

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HE deaths that occurred following the Defcon.1 concert in western Sydney were absolutely tragic and nobody wants to hear that young lives have been cut short in any circumstances. Our hearts break for the families of those who passed, knowing that life for them will never be the same again.

I believe that when Premier Gladys Berejiklian put out a statement, which you can read on page 6, that it was made with good intentions and an immense feeling of sorrow about the loss of life.

As tragic as the loss of life is, and as alarming as it is to hear that drugs are so entwined with this type of music festival, I’m not sure the right answer is to ban the event.

That really does nothing to address a drug problem - it is not like that is the only place kids could get their hands on them, is it?

It also seems unfair to the majority of revellers who don’t touch drugs.

Here we are trying to teach young people that they are in charge of their own destiny yet they can no longer enjoy the event due to the actions of other people.

Vineyard

Schofields

From the Editor’s Desk

Kids and young adults have to learn that a long healthy life is about knowing the risks certain activities will present, and to make knowledgeable decisions on whether or not to take those risks.

We aren’t doing them any favours by legislating against learning how to live your life and weigh up decisions that have the potential to cause a great impact. That’s an extremely important part of growing up.

Another reason why I think banning an event such as this is, although obviously something of far less importance that human life, is the economical impact that not allowing an event to take place will have on the local area.

There’s jobs and there’s also the income local businesses receive from the influx of people attending the event from all over the state.

We can’t ban everything that presents any kind of risk - we’d end up with nothing left!

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C

onstruction on Western Sydney Airport has begun and the Prime Minister says it will boost jobs, create much-needed infrastructure and strengthen the economy.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Western Sydney Airport will provide a gateway to the world, not just for people but for job-producing freight as well.

“For half a century Sydneysiders have talked about a second airport. By tomorrow, bulldozers will be moving and work on the Western Sydney Airport will be underway,” the Prime Minister said.

“This airport will remove the handbrake from the Western Sydney economy.”

“This is job generating infrastructure.

Most times when infrastructure is built, there is job creation in the short-term and then it tails off when the project is completed. But with this project, job creation will accelerate when the airport is completed.”

The Prime Minister said the Government had achieved all the approvals over the last four years and congratulated Western Sydney Airport Company, which it established to make the airport at Badgerys Creek a reality.

Minister for Finance and the Public Service, Senator Mathias Cormann said the Government’s investment of up to $5.3 billion in equity in Western Sydney Airport will have long-term economic returns.

“The airport will be at the centre of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, which will be a global hub of innovation for sectors including defence and aerospace, freight and logistics, agribusiness, pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

“We have already seen industry leaders Qantas and Virgin commit to being at the airport from the day of opening and significant investment from the defence and science sectors committed.”

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, said the project is not just about building an airport, but about bringing jobs, education, industry

and innovation together to create a prosperous and sustainable future for the people of Western Sydney.

“Western Sydney Airport is all about boosting jobs, busting congestion and bringing opportunities to the region,” Mr Tudge said.

Around 11,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase and around 28,000 within five years of opening.

“The airport is already driving further investment in the region, including billions of dollars of Commonwealth and NSW Government investment in road and rail connections, including the M12 motorway and North-South Rail Link,” he said.

“The rail link is part of the historic Western Sydney City Deal, a 20-year agreement that will make the region around the airport a better place to live, with better transport, education,

liveability and job creation.”

“Through the City Deal, all levels of government are working together to deliver a modern and vibrant Western Parkland City, an employment-generating Aerotropolis, and congestion-busting road and rail infrastructure, all of which will enhance liveability for people in Western Sydney.”

Western Sydney Airport will cater for up to 10 million passengers when it opens, but a gradual expansion to two runways means it will eventually cater for up to 82 million passengers, the size of London Heathrow and JFK in New York.

Initial earthworks are due to be completed by the end of 2019.

Western Sydney Airport has called for expressions of interest for the first of three major earthworks and airside civil works packages, which is expected to be awarded in mid-2019.

Western News 28 September 2018 Issue 69

Breaking Ground on Western Sydney Airport

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Blacktown Night Markets are back!

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lacktown’s Village Green is once again the Friday night foodies’ Mecca.

Following their overwhelming success, the Blacktown Night Markets will return on Friday 28 September and reoccur on the last Friday of each month.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen

Bali said, “The night markets were launched in 2016 and have been a continuous hit with the community “The markets are a great way to relax at the end of the week and there is a wonderful atmosphere as families take advantage of the wide variety of cuisines on offer.”

Music, food truck lane, and

dedicated street food and dessert sections, will all be back. There will be plenty of new faces as well as old favourites.

La Flamenca Paella, Fusion Feast, Torch Me Creme Brulee and Red

Chef Pastries, are just some of the popular vendors add to the delicious offering at the markets.

The Night Markets will be at the Village Green on Friday 28 September, from 4pm to 10pm.

Premier’s response following festival deaths Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she has established a high level expert panel to provide advice on how to keep people safe at music festivals.

Ms Berejiklian’s announcement comes after two people died on Saturday night and many others were treated for drug-related injuries at the Defqon. 1 music festival in Penrith.

Police Commissioner, Mick Fuller APM, NSW Chief Medical Officer Dr Kerry Chant and Chair of the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority Philip Crawford will provide

the NSW Government advice on: · Whether new offences or increased penalties are required to stop drug dealers endangering lives; · How music festival promoters and operators can improve safety at their festivals; and · Whether improved drug education is required to address the increase in illegal drug use in our community.

“We need to do everything we can to protect the safety of concert goers and people attending music festivals,” Ms Berejiklian said. “That is why I have

tasked our health, law enforcement and regulatory experts to advise Government on what can be done immediately to improve safety at these events.

“I want people to be able to enjoy music festivals – they are an important part of NSW’s entertainment scene.

But unfortunately, the operators of this particular festival have had a poor safety record with four deaths in the last five years and many more being treated for drug-related injuries. This is simply not good enough.

“Festival goers have a right to enjoy these events without fear of harm.

Parents and families expect us to do whatever we can to keep their children safe.”

The Premier has requested that the Panel provide its advice within four weeks but of course the Government will consider any recommendations from the panel to take action before the conclusion of its review. The panel will conduct targeted stakeholder consultation, including with the music industry and local government.

Ready to play on new equipment

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Mayor Stephen Bali MP and Councillor Julie Griffiths with happy residents at Thomas Kelly Reserve, Lalor Park.

uakers Hill and Lalor Park residents are enjoying the chance to slide, climb and swing with their new and improved parks.

George Alder Reserve, Quakers Hill, and Thomas Kelly Reserve, Lalor Park, each received a $120,000 upgrade. Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland helped complete the package with $7,000 for each park through the Stronger Communities Grant Program.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the playgrounds are vital for our community.

“The playgrounds contribute to the positive lifestyle of a community and are valuable spaces for children to learn and play.”

Ms Rowland said: “It’s wonderful to see these local upgrades providing great community spaces for families.”

Council’s Access Advisory Committee played a role in ensuring the Thomas Kelly playground was

accessible for all.

“Thomas Kelly Reserve has an integrated footpath to the play space ensuring all abilities have access, and the playground equipment suits various ages and is educational,” Mayor Bali said.

“The equipment at George Alder Reserve has also been well received by the community and includes a new swing set, multi-play unit with a double slide, climbing rocks, net panel and a spinner.”

Council gains funding to speed up Planning Review Blacktown City Council has been successful in gaining NSW Government funding of up to $2.5 million to speed up its review of its main planning strategies and controls.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said councils were required to review and update their Local Environment Plans (LEP) and Housing Strategies following changes to NSW Planning laws.

“Following the release earlier this year of the Central City District Plan as part of the Greater

Sydney Region Plan, councils are required to review their LEP and develop a Housing Strategy to manage short, medium and long term housing growth.

“Some Councils were provided with extra funds to accelerate the planning reviews, while others including Blacktown City, had to go through a lengthy application process to secure the funds.

“Council officers prepared the application for funding and submitted it in June and I’m pleased to say that following their hard work, we have been successful in our bid for the extra funding.

“The $2.5 million will be used to fund resources and extra studies to enable Council to get the best possible planning and housing outcomes for our community. It will also reduce the time needed to complete the review from three years to two.

“Blacktown City is undergoing massive population growth as well as developing industrial parks and upgrading our city centres. We want to make sure that the development and expansion is controlled, environmentally sustainable and underpinned by the world’s best practise planning,” Mayor Bali said.

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T

hursday 13 September was national R U OK Day and local youth and community organisation, Fusion Western Sydney showed its support by running an event in the Fusion Café to raise awareness of how we can better check in with those around us and support those who may be struggling.

The day began with a free bbq (courtesy of St Marys Shopping Village and Bakers Delight) and lots of fun activities to raise awareness of R U OK Day and the role we can all play in checking in with those around us.

Deputy Mayor of Penrith Councillor Tricia Hitchen and Welfare Co-Ordinator of the Penrith Panthers showed their support of the day by encouraging all of us to step out and play a role in keeping each other safe.

Judy Tweeddale from Fusion said, “It was great

to see so many from the community come along to show their support and chat to those around them.”

“There was a real feeling of positivity and a sense that people wanted to make a difference.” “Highlights of the day included local rapper xGRiiPZ perform his newly written rap for R U OK Day and seeing people take the time to sit with a coffee and write an R U OK postcard to someone they hadn’t seen for a while and show they care”.

The day ended with a fundraiser Trivia Night for R U OK in the Fusion Café with local Queen Street St Marys businesses gathering together to show their support of this important issue.

Suicide prevention is an enormously complex and sensitive challenge. Funds raised will further the work of R U OK with at-risk communities by developing resources and collaborations to enhance community wellbeing and help more people ask R

Western News 28 September 2018 Issue 69

Fusion Café supports R U OK Day

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U OK? And start a conversation that could change a life.

Fusion is a national youth and community notfor-profit that has been around for sixty years with a vision to see transformed communities where young people and families thrive. Fusion Western Sydney provides preventative and resilience building programs for vulnerable and at risk young people both in local high schools as chaplains and wellbeing workers, and in after school programmes and skills based training programmes including Fusion Coffee and Fusion Radio.

The Fusion Café is a social enterprise supporting the work of Fusion Western Sydney with vulnerable young people and families in western Sydney. For more information about Fusion Western Sydney go to www.fusionwesternsydney.org.au and R U OK go to www.ruok.org.au

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Western News 28 September 2018 Issue 69

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Western News

The G Spot

s it just me or have we become too over sensitive and easily offended?

We are offended at being offended so we don’t offend someone to be then tainted as an offensive offender.

I don’t know if anyone has watched the movie Braveheart with Mel Gibson in a skirt, but posting a personal opinion on social media is like Mel taking on the entire enemy holding his skirt up and swinging a single sword trying to take as many down as he can.

He dies by the way..... but, he tried at least, ya gotta give him that.

I now type up this column and delete line after line because I think, oooh too harsh can’t leave that, oops the environmentalist will get upset with that line (delete), the feminists will hate this line (delete), The millennials won’t understand (because they don’t look up from their phones anyway) -delete, the mums, the unemployed, the religions, the cultures, the bogans, the ferals, the drunks and the list goes on and on delete, delete, delete. Sigh.

So all we end up with is a two-lined column full of crap, pretty much like this one. Hopefully I haven’t offended

someone so far? I will probably get a private message saying Mel was in a kilt not a skirt, but we get the gist, right?

A monthly column that used to flow for me like water off a leaf, is now as disjointed as the current Government and the Government wanting power.

Opps, Can I say that?

So I then turn to the newspaper for some ideas or creative juices of what to write for the column and find that unless you are a vegan-loving, greens leftie or have a chain saw to get the knife out of our premier’s back, there’s not much of interest on the news front, oh and I forgot the part about the NSW Police not knowing where 200 sexual predators are located.

But besides that, news is rather slow.

No Creative juices there.

So you are probably wondering what this all has to do with security?

Not much really, I could talk about the DefQon event, however that is a taboo subject as well and my opinions on that will probably see my house burnt to the ground with the swastika spray painted on the Council strip out the front.

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

What I will say is, don’t necessarily believe everything you read in the media, just saying. Some of it was so beefed up that the farmers were asking for the cows back. Oh, and no I am not knocking farmers, it’s a joke.... settle!

Put the pitch fork away.

So perhaps I could speak about the beauty and the magnificent splendour of alarm systems? (Crickets) how fantastic and great they are? (Crickets) and that you really should have one installed in your home or business (Crickets).

It amazes me ya know, people spend all this money on houses and cars and all of this luxury crap and then say can you please sharpen your pencil on the price of an alarm, like go figure, wanting French champagne on a beer budget. We are not quoting on wiring up the Taj Mahal Palace however it’s a good idea that if you have a nice house and stuff, get something that is going to at least protect the asset. Don’t even get me started on the buy off the shelf and install yourself stuff. But I guess if people are silly enough, then knock yourself out with that.

That’s my opinion anyway, as Braveheart would say. Then when the house is broken into or burnt down and the insurer says “oh did you have a licensed installer and back to base alarm monitoring” the self-installer slash home owner happily says “ No” and then frantically looks at section 21.1.b.c.a.2 page 176 of the insurance policy in a font of 6 where it says “Licensed alarm installer only” or VOID. So who’s sharpening the pencil now?

Hang on, just let me do a quick read of this column first to make sure all of the minority groups are okay with this so far, give me a few minutes. Might have to delete a few lines, I’m baaack, seems okay, maybe a few words here and there, but I will take the hit on that.

Well so there you have it, a column pretty much about nothing, zip, zilch, zero, it has as much grunt and grit as a Datsun 120Y going uphill with the aircon on, Sorry to all the Datsun owners and the Datsun club of NSW for the mention, hope you forgive my lack of empathy.

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member of the St Marys community and is honoured to support a cause so close to the hearts of so many,” she said.

“Through our various events and initiatives within the Club throughout the month of October, we look forward to making as significant a contribution as possible to the great work done by the “Pink Up Your Town” committee and the McGrath Foundation.”

The McGrath Breast Care Nurses help individuals (and their families) experiencing breast cancer by providing physical, psychological and emotional support. The McGrath Foundation funds 120 McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia, mostly in regional and rural areas where such treatment may be hard to find. The McGrath Foundation has supported more than 64,000 families since 2005, however their mission is to reach out and help every family going through breast cancer.

St Mary Band Club have also made over $96,000 in donations to various community groups, initiatives and projects in 2018. The Bandy loves to help the community in any way possible and raise funds for those in need. Get around to the St Marys Band Club and help them raise money for the McGrath Foundation.

By CONNER LOWE

T

he St Marys Band Club has jumped aboard the ‘Pink Up Your Town’ initiative by taking part in the ‘Pink Up St Marys’ initiative throughout October.

The “Bandy” as most people know it, has been involved with multiple events to help raise funds for charity. The initiatives the St Marys Band Club will be holding are: • A Pink Up Morning Tea on Wednesday 10th October (tickets $25) • A Pink Glitter Kids Disco on Saturday 6th October (Gold coin donation) • A Go Pink Trivia Night ($10 per team) • 2 x Go Pink Bingo Days • Pink beverages across the Club, a pink shelf at the café and Chef’s Special chicken breast at Family Table • Club decorations including giant pink bows, staff in pink t-shirts and donation boxes throughout All the proceeds will be donated to the McGrath Foundation.

The St Marys Band Club CEO, Marlene Shipley spoke about how the Club wants to help and make a contribution to the community.

“St Marys Band Club is a proud

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel You Gotta Have Faith

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ell, here we are again for column time. Sometimes I swear that God has pressed the fast forward button as time goes so quickly, but maybe that’s just age creeping up on me!

Being a creature of habit, I tend to write this at the same time on a Sunday evening and I have to say that it is very rare indeed that I have much of an idea what I will write about until I actually sit down at the computer.

Sometimes inspiration comes a little earlier, but generally a few minutes before I start typing, I just ask Gran - nay, sometimes even plead with her - to give me an idea and I have to say that up until now, she hasn’t let me down. And so I have to remember that even if I am getting in a bit a flap, she will come through and help me.

I had a really good friend in England who started her career as a very highly ranked tennis player and then when she retired she became a relocation agent for a big private bank where she was doing very nicely, thank you. However, she discovered Reiki and her world changed. This was back in the days when Reiki was just beginning to enter the edge of our consciousness and certainly was not as popular as it is today, but Belinda believed very strongly that she should leave her lucrative job and concentrate on healing. Today she is a renowned horse whisperer but back then she had hardly any clients and found it extremely difficult to make ends meet, but she had incredible faith. She would say to

me at the start of the week that she only had enough money in the world to last to the weekend. This would send me into a panic and I would promptly offer to lend her some, but the reply would always be, “No, I’m okay thank you. Spirit won’t let me down. The money will come.” And do you know, it always did.

Now, I think most of us would find it extremely hard to have such blind faith. I was talking to a very close friend and colleague this week and we were discussing self-doubt, how traumatised we had been by it when we first started out reading for people and how the ghost of it still crept up on us sometimes. I think my biggest area of doubt

was when I first started automatic writing.

For those of you not sure what that is, it involves holding a pen very lightly on a piece of paper and letting Spirit take over.

Whenever I do it, the writing is mainly my Grandmother’s. Sometimes it is my late husband and sometimes that of my darling friend Annie whose handwriting was a total joke among her friends. After many years, I have learnt to accept this wonderful gift and not to question, but having come late to the presence of the world beyond, I had a terrible time at first accepting that it was indeed loved ones who had passed over and not a fanciful product of some sort of psychological fantasy.

One aspect of my job that I love is talking to people who are just starting to get in touch with their psychic side and the most oft asked question is, “How do you know it really is Spirit talking to you?” My answer is rather like that of my friend who’s son kept asking how do you know when you fall in love and she always said, “You’ll just know.” So if you are unsure where life is taking you or if you are just starting out on your own psychic path, listen and have faith in what you are experiencing.

So, I will see you all in two weeks time, but meanwhile, thank you very much Gran for this week’s column.

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

Western News 28 September 2018 Issue 69

St Marys Band Club jump aboard ‘Pink Up Your Town’

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Western News 28 September 2018 Issue 69

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Oktoberfest: the world’s largest beer festival

Mates

Over the rooftops

By BEN CRANNEY

O

ne of my favourite memories is from Oktoberfest. Some Chinese tourists asked me in German if they could take a photo with me. They assumed that because of my height and being dressed in lederhosen, I was a Bavarian native.

They switched to English when

they realised I wasn’t, but they still thought I looked more Bavarian than the Germans and we took the photo.

Oktoberfest is one of the best festivals I’ve been to. We got there late in the day, which is a mistake, because the beer halls are all full by then, with hardly even standing room.

Luckily, an Austrian table befriended us and showed us the ropes. The

food and drink come to you, tipping ensures they’ll come again, and one litre glasses of high strength German beer go down very easily.

Long periods of table service mean you don’t realise how drunk you are until you stand up. The lederhosen came in handy here, as a few drunks in our group were puppeteered home by their leather straps. It’s funny how two drunks can’t walk independently, but together, they somehow stay upright.

Don’t be put off if beer’s not your thing. The pork knuckles, bratwurst and pretzels are delicious, the rollercoasters a lot of fun (I’m not sure who thought it was a good idea to mix beer, heavy food and a loopde-loop) and the singing and dancing with the oompah bands infectious.

And Munich itself is so much more than beer and meat. Visit the park next to the Bavarian Parliament, a peaceful

The Glockenspiel

respite from the city and the festivities.

Listen to the Glockenspiel chime and watch it’s life size, handmade figures re-enact two 500 year old stories, including a joust to celebrate the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V (an auspicious day, given that he was the founder of one of the main breweries at Oktoberfest). Then climb the bell tower of the new Town Hall for a fantastic view over the red tiled city.

Spy out the Church of our Lady, the cathedral built with funding from the Devil after the architect promised not to put any windows in. Then visit the church and its soaring windows, and see the footprint where the Devil stamped his foot in outrage when he realised that he’d been deceived.

And maybe refuel at one of the year round beer halls to see how it’s done the rest of the year.

Next time: Mary Poppins and Military Occupation

Western News

local news

P

et lovers should mark their calendar for the annual Blacktown Pet Festival on Sunday 7 October at the Blacktown Showground.

World famous animal trainer for film and television, Peta Clarke, will host the event and there will be special demonstrations from renowned dog trainer Kelly Gill.

“Owners and their furry, feathery or scaley friends alike will unite for an action packed day celebrating pets and the families who love them,” Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said.

“As the owner of a world champion sleeping dog, I totally understand the bond between pet and owner.

“Snoopy the ‘mayoral mutt’ is flat out in the back yard preparing himself for the pet festival,” Mayor Bali said.

The pet-friendly day promises to be full of fun with a range of entertainment and activities to help owners look after their companions and raise community awareness about responsible pet ownership.

There will be a range of free services including microchipping and vet checks.

“I strongly encourage residents and ratepayers to take advantage of the free microchipping,” Mayor Bali said.

“If your pet wanders, microchipping will make it so much easier to get owner and pet back together again.”

Sing and Dance for Lah-Lah’s 10th Birthday

G

ather up your little ones, pull out your best stripy gear and get ready to celebrate at the biggest party around!

Pre-school musical favourites Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band are turning 10 and are celebrating at The Joan on Friday 12 October as part of their national tour.

Come and party with stars of ABC KIDS! Little ones will be singing and dancing to popular Lah-Lah hits including Brush Your Teeth, Shake It Like This, Cinderella Samba, Band On the Bus and their ARIA nominated single Having Fun - an hour of singing and dancing fun, full of joy and laughter.

With their infectious songs and success travelling far and wide, Lah-Lah are growing their fanbase across the globe through the broadcast launch of Lah-Lah’s Adventures music video clips on US cable TV Channel Universal Kids, as well as Lah-Lah’s Adventures TV Series, which screens in Australia on ABC KIDS and CBeebies, and across the UK on Virgin Media.

There will be an opportunity for the audience to meet the band and cast after the show – musicians will come down into the audience where children can touch and play the musical instruments in an immersive and one-of-a-kind experience for your little ones.

Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band is one of Australia’s best-loved bands for the under seven crowd, so make sure you come along and join them for what will be their grooviest party yet!

Tickets: Adults $25, Children $20, Family $76. Suitable for ages 2 – 7 years.

Pet Festival attractions include: • pet fashion parade • jumping castles • free pony rides and animal farm • Australian wildlife display • free vet checks • free micro-chipping • free face painting • free Live Caricatures • pet stalls and displays • Animal Holding facility animal adoption stall • mobile dog wash.

The Blacktown City Pet Festival is an initiative of Blacktown City Council’s Animal Holding Facility. It delivers a valuable service to the community by providing somewhere safe for lost animals to be kept whilst trying to reunite them with their family or re-home them.

Residents can visit the Animal Holding Facility between 8.30am - 4.30pm weekdays, 9.00am – 1.00pm on Saturdays and 9.00am – 11.00am on Sundays.

For more information call 9839 6000, or for more information about the Animal Holding Facility call 9839 6161 or visit www.blacktown. nsw.gov.au.

Date: Sunday, 7 October, 2017 Time: 10am to 2pm Location: Blacktown Showground Precinct, Richmond Road, Blacktown

Western News 28 September 2018 Issue 69

It’s going to be a PAWsome day out!

11

WESTERN HISTORY

Western News 28 September 2018 Issue 69

12

Nurragingy and the Reverend Clarke

By Jack Brook Blacktown and District Historical Society

T

he facts about Nurragingy are well documented. He was born c1783 and therefore was only about five years old when the First Fleet arrived in 1788. The smallpox epidemic which swept through the Darug lands within eighteen months of European settlement spared Nurragingy. His parents may not have been so lucky, but we do not know. Before he reached the age of 33, he was a noted elder of his clan, the Gomerigal, or as it was later named, the South Creek Tribe. To Governor Macquarie and the military, he was Chief of the South Creek Tribe.

Due to his, and his friend Colebee’s “fidelity to Government” and their good conduct when acting as guides to the military in 1816, the two men were promised, and later received, 30 acres of land to share. When the land grant was registered on 31 August 1819, it was made out only in Colebee’s name. This is rather odd because by 22 November 1819, Governor Macquarie had commissioned Sylvanus Williams, Nurragingy and Colebee’s neighbour, to build a log house for Nurragingy and his wife Mary, adjacent to the Richmond Road. Colebee of the Boorooberongal clan of the Richmond area did not settle on the land, while Nurragingy did and cultivated it for a few years, he also received some cattle from the Governor.

Why wasn’t Nurragingy’s name on the title deed? Well, that is open to debate. It is not known when he passed away, but he was still living in August 1841 when he was recorded in the Return of Aborigines taken at Windsor. His probable age was given as 58 years. He had two sons, Bobby and Billy.

The only insight into Nurragingy’s personality previously documented was when he revealed a sense of humour whilst trying to persuade Archdeacon Thomas Hobbes Scott to sell his cattle for him so he could in his own words, “buy a long coat and a cocked hat, and be swell” a colonial phrase for a well dressed convict. The latest information was found in a book published in 1982 titled “The Remarkable Reverend Clarke”. It indicates that Nurragingy spoke English well and was an inquisitive, intelligent, well mannered man.

A quote from the book said “A much appreciated visitor to the Clarkes was Narguigui (Nurragingy) chief of the South Creek

 Clarke emigrated to Australia with his family in 1838, and became known as the ‘Father of Australian Geology’. Photo: © Australian Museum

Tribe, quite a gentleman, never drinks! He would come to the door usually to sell them honey, saying very precisely ‘How do you do, Mr Clarke, Madam?’ and inquire after the baby, ‘my country’s child’. He wanted to know why his people had short flat noses, while white people had long ones. Through this very intelligent man Clarke was able to add to the list of Aboriginal words he admired so much, and in return took the chief into his study, showing him the globe and pointing out the positions of Australia and England, ‘five moons apart’.” ...To be continued next issue

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Western News

T

Self-Employed and looking to buy a home?

he way we work here in Australia has really changed over the last 20 years. More people are working for themselves, doing more than one job or working different sorts of hours.1 Real working life in Australia is pretty varied. 17% of Aussies are self-employed, with around 1 million being independent contractors. And we don’t all do a 40-hour week; nearly a third of us work part time.2 That’s why proof of ‘standard income’ is often something we don’t have when it comes to applying for a home loan.

Yet research shows that 26% of Aussies that were turned down for

a loan were declined because of employment status3.

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

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

What’s the alternative?

Go to an MFAA Approved Credit

Adviser such as Wealthwiz, rather than a bank. Credit advisers have access to specialist lenders that assess applications on a case-by-case basis and tailor their products to selfemployed borrowers and contractors, while bank lenders do not.

Loans to the self-employed do differ from standard loans in a few ways, apart from the application process. Lenders offset the extra risk they are taking when lending to a selfemployed borrower or contractor by charging slightly higher interest rates and placing some extra rules on loanto-value ratios (LVR) and insurance requirements.

Generally, you can expect an

@wealthwiz

interest rate for such a loan to be one to two percentage points higher than for a full-documentation loan.

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

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

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

13 Western News 28 September 2018 Issue 69

Alex Soncini

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SUDOKU: EASY

Western News 28 September 2018 Issue 69

14

SCHOOL ALIEN AVATAR BLADE RUNNER BRAZIL COCOON CONTACT CUBE DARK CITY

DUNE GATTACA INCEPTION METROPOLIS MOON ROBOCOP SERENITY SOLARIS

STAR WARS STARGATE SUPERMAN PREDATOR THE MATRIX TRANSFORMERS TRON

SOLUTION: 14 September

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

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Dolphin (8) 5 Slaps (6) 9 Shot up abruptly (8) 10 Capital of Canada (6) 12 Scavenging (9) 13 Barf (5) 14 Shadow (archaic) (4) 16 Purposes (7) 19 Romantic (7) 21 Passport (4) 24 Coops (5) 25 Global (9) 27 Not senior (6) 28 Marrow squash plant (8) 29 Messy (6) 30 Insincere praise (8)

solution 14/9/18

down 1 Examine (6) 2 Amply (6) 3 Classical music theatre (5) 4 Appearing (7) 6 Incites (9) 7 Disputant (8) 8 Most intelligent (8) 11 Tangelo (4) 15 Intersection (9) 17 Wolverine (8) 18 Supposedly, a policeman’s

favorite (8) 20 Seeded (4) 21 Realistic (7) 22 Manly (6) 23 Prove true or correct (6) 26 An old gold coin (5)

Western News

SPORT

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Western S y d n e y Wanderers are delighted to announce the return of former Wanderer Dean Heffernan as the Wanderers Academy U/20’s head coach and assistant of the Foxtel Y-League team.

Heffernan returns to the club after a successful stint as Central Coast United’s inaugural Technical Director where he oversaw the full Central Coast United program from U/9’s to State League.

The defender-turned-coach currently holds an FFA A-Licence and has also been working closely with the club over the last two years as one of the PFA’s Player Development Managers.

Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas believes Heffernan is an exceptional addition to the

Wanderers Academy.

“Dean has been an outstanding contributor to the Wanderers on and off the pitch for a while now,” said Tsatsimas.

“From his playing days with us to the professional development/welfare role he has with our players he has

shown leadership and class and fits in strongly with our culture and values.

“We welcome Dean to this new role with our Academy.”

Heffernan said he couldn’t turn down an offer to coach at the Wanderers elite Academy set-up and is looking forward to being back at a club

he feels passionate about.

“It’s a massive opportunity to be the Wanderers Assistant Coach of the Foxtel Y-League team and coach of the U20s. It’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass up on, coming back to the club to learn from people like Arthur Diles and Ian Crook to progress further as a coach,” said Heffernan.

“My time here in 2014 was very memorable. We had a great bunch of players in the squad and it was a time where it was all relatively new and fresh.

“Obviously we had the Champions League campaign as well so we had a big squad, but it was a tight group.

“I still talk to a lot of those players and I have many fond memories of being a player at the club and now to come back in a coaching capacity is a massive opportunity. One that I’m really excited about and can’t wait to get started.”

Western News 28 September 2018 Issue 69

Heffernan joins Wanderers Academy coaching line-up

15

Local Clubs Contest Junior Pennant Series

By Noel Rowsell

L

ocal Golf Clubs Stonecutters Ridge and Dunheved will both field teams in the upcoming NSW Junior Pennant competition, which commences on 7th October.

The Junior Pennant competition in the Sydney Metropolitan area is a six-person team match play event for boys and girls combined.

The format has all members playing handicap match play and clubs competing in this competition will be divided into Divisions.

Stonecutters will be competing in Division One, alongside Nepean District clubs Leonay GC and Penrith GC, plus Lakeside Camden, Wentworth Falls and Camden.

Dunheved will compete in Division Five against Bankstown, Beverley Park, Campbelltown, Liverpool and

Pennant Hills.

The winning team from each Division will then compete against other Division winners in the quarter finals, semi-finals and the final.

The overall metropolitan winner will then compete in a state final series against teams from District Golf Associations around NSW to find the overall State Junior Pennant Champions.

The opening round is on October 7, with Stonecutters playing Leonay GC at Penrith and Dunheved playing Beverley Park GC at Bankstown.

The Dunheved team is: Harrison Zussa, Blake Hodges, Patrick Edenborough, Aka John, Mason Gounder, Connor Hamilton, manager Jarred Hodges.

The Stonecutters Ridge Junior Pennant team is: Miguel Villa, Maddy Hagerty, Zac Willard, Matt Rebulado, Ryan Cadle, Matt Webber, Cameron Rios, manager Danny Hagerty.

Stonecutters Ridge GC junior representative Brielle Mapanao in action during the 2017 SRGC Junior Classic. Photo courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

The full draw can be viewed at http://www.jnjg.com.au/files/2018_ Junior_Pennant_Draw_Revision_3__22nd_Aug.pdf Stonecutters Ridge will also be contesting the Encourage Shield competition and their team is: Darcy Mackay, Joshua Ursino, Jackson

Northey, Xavier Casipit, Max McAdams, Cooper Ison, Andrew Kneeves, manager Jeff Casipit.

Stonecutters Ridge will also be running the highly successful SRGC Junior Classic on 10th October and entries are now open via club reception on 96277081.

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AFTER

Western News Friday, 28 September 2018

SPORT

Hamill announced as Wanderers captain for 2018/19

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Western S y d n e y Wanderers have announced Brendan Hamill as the club’s captain for the upcoming Hyundai A-League season.

Born and bred in Western Sydney, Hamill started playing football for his local side Chipping Norton FC before being identified for various state league and youth representative teams.

The commanding defender returned home to Western Sydney following stints at Melbourne Heart (City) and K-League side Seongnam FC in 2014, making his Wanderers debut against Guangzhou Evergrande in the AFC Champions League Quarter Final in 2014.

Hamill went on to play a key role in the club’s Champions League conquest including a number of authoritative performances before going on to impress in the Hyundai A-League and FFA Cup. Last season, Hamill was named part of the club’s captaincy group

alongside veteran Mark Bridge.

The Western Sydney local has featured in 76 matches, scoring six goals, during his five seasons at the club.

Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said that Hamill embodies what it means to be from Western Sydney.

“Brendan exhibits all the qualities that a Western Sydney Wanderers captain should,” said Wanderers CEO

John Tsatsimas.

“I could not be prouder that a player born and bred in Western Sydney is leading us into this campaign.

“His commitment and passion for the club has been quite evident over the period of time he has been a Wanderer and we look forward to seeing the rest of them, in particular the younger players, following in his lead.”

Head coach Markus Babbel believes

Hamill is the perfect fit to lead the group for the upcoming Hyundai A-League season.

“Brendan Hamill is our captain because since I have come to the club he has been fantastic,” said Babbel.

“He’s solid at the back, he speaks well with the team and he shows all the things that I expect from our club’s captain.”

“I’m very happy he’s doing well.”

Hamill says he’s grateful for the opportunity to lead the team in season 2018/19.

“I’m honoured to represent the people of Western Sydney, I’m honoured to represent the club,” said Hamill.

“To lead the team is a massive honour but to do it in an environment where I was born and bred is huge for me, it’s huge for my family and I’m excited.

“We’ve got a huge challenge ahead but I’m looking forward to it. I’ve got great leaders around me and we really want to attack that title this year.

“This club is all about winning titles and chasing honours, so it’s no different this year.”