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Friday, 29 April 2022

ISSUE 160

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Happy 50th

Featherdale

Photo: Noel Rowsell

Western News 29 April 2022 Issue 160

COVER STORY

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Featherdale Wildlife Park

celebrates 50 years By Noel Rowsell

eatherdale Wildlife Park opened to the public in 1972 and is celebrating 50 years of operation. Originally a Poultry Farm owned by Charles and Marjorie Wigg, who purchased the property in 1953, it became a Nursery in 1972, run by the Wigg’s son-in-law Bruce Kubbere. The property ran as both a nursery and a wildlife park but quickly became a popular destination as a wildlife park. The site covers 3.39 hectares (8.1 acres) and houses the world’s largest collection of Australian Fauna, including birds, reptiles, marsupials and other species. Approximately 99% of the zoo’s extensive range of wildlife is Australian, with the odd international occupant, such as Macaws. In November 2019, Featherdale Wildlife Park management bought Mogo Zoo on the NSW South Coast and in 2021, took over the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. Mogo houses exotic animals, whilst Hunter Valley is a mixture of exotics and native animals. Whilst Featherdale suffered through the disastrous effects on the tourist industry through two years of the Covid pandemic, Mogo also

had to battle severe bushfires, with 14 staff from the Wildlife Park working without outside assistance to save the Park from destruction. Based upon numbers calculated in 2016, Featherdale attracts over 800,000 visitors per annum, which equals a staggering 15,000 visitors per week. Managing Director Chad Staples said “Many local families are now into their third generation of visitors to Featherdale. We are also a staple destination for local schools and visits are curriculum-based. “As 2022 is the 50th year of operation, we will be staging a series of events involving the local community. “The Park has developed and matured along with western Sydney. We offer an introduction to Australian animals and also the opportunity to get close up and personal.” Interest in positions at all zoos, including Featherdale, is at an all-time high and young people wishing to work in the industry need to be studying at TAFE for their Certificate 3 in Captive Animal Management, along with holding down a position in the industry and working at least 20-30 hours week, either paid or unpaid. Information on prices, visiting hours, functions and events can all be found on the Park’s website: www.featherdale.com.au

Various fauna at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Photos by Noel Rowsell

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estern Sydney University’s worldclass Solar Car Team will take to the open road as part of an exciting roadshow through regional New South Wales from 26 to 30 April. Driven by more than the sun, the student-led team will take their passion for sustainability and education to the Illawarra, Goulburn, Bathurst, Molong, Dubbo, the Hunter Region and Eastern Creek, traveling 1300 kilometres as part of a round trip starting at the University’s Kingswood campus. The students will drive their most successful car to date ‘UNLIMITED 2.0’ – which won the prestigious American Solar Challenge, in sections of the trip to kick-off preparations ahead of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2023, visiting several primary and high schools and iconic racing venues along the way. Brad Nadalini, Team Manager and Project Officer, said despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, the team was thrilled to be back on the road doing what they do best. “We’re excited to take this opportunity to travel to regional NSW with the aim of inspiring the next generation of sustainable thinkers and getting ‘race ready’,” said Brad. “We will be touring various renewable energy zones, running school and community engagement events and doing laps at various race tracks to spread our message about renewable energy and the future of transportation. “History has shown we’re capable of designing and building world-class solar cars but ultimately, it’s the team that wins the race. The roadshow will

provide us with a fantastic opportunity to train our new recruits in running a solar vehicle ‘on road’, which will help us develop the skills needed to take home the trophy in the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.” The roadshow will pass through the NSW Renewable Energy Zones of Goulburn, Bathurst, Lithgow, Dubbo and the Hunter Region, to stimulate conversation around sustainable solutions. In addition to sustainability, the roadshow will also encourage participation in Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through events hosted by the team, gearing up the leaders of tomorrow. Genevieve Bryant, an integral part of the team’s Media and Communications division, said women are making significant and growing contributions to STEM. “We’re seeing an increasing number of female

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www.roadmaptolife.com.au We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

team members – mechanics, drivers and creatives – who are all making waves in our team and as part of international solar car racing,” said Genevieve. “Solar Car is a fantastic hands-on project that we share with schools to encourage further participation in the STEM disciplines. We’re very proud and excited to take the solar car to students in these regions.” Western Sydney University’s Solar Car Team is made up of 26 students from the fields of Engineering, Industrial Design, Computer Science and Visual Communications. The students manage every aspect of the production and design of the vehicle, as well as sponsorship, marketing and the administrative elements of their involvement in international competitions. Producing four cars, over a rich ten-year history, the team placed 6th overall and were the first Australian team to finish the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 2017. In 2018, the team became the first international team to win the American Solar Challenge, beating Michigan University’s 18year winning streak. The team also broke the record in 2019 for the lightest solar-powered vehicle ever to race weighing only 116.8 kilograms. Supported by the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment at Western Sydney University, the team utilise world-class facilities at the Advanced Manufacturing Precinct based at Kingswood campus to manufacture their high-tech vehicles. Learn more about the roadshow, and stay in touch with the team via social media, on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Western News 29 April 2022 Issue 160

Solar car visit set to recharge the west

Western News 29 April 2022 Issue 160

Western News General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 Sports Journalist: Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Graphic Design: Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com

Rouse hill

Kellyville Ridge

Schofields Shanes Park Colebee

Quakers Hill

Hassall Grove Dean Park Glendenning Plumpton

Stanhope Gardens Parklea

Kings Park Marayong

Woodcroft

Kings Langley Lalor Park

Mt Druitt Rooty Hill Minchinbury

Blacktown

Seven Hills

Arndell Park Toongabbie

Eastern Creek

But there’s one thing about this election in particular that I don’t love, and that is social media.

Personally I love a great debate - my own marriage thrives on it.

Marsden Park

Emerton

In fact, to put it into perspective in comparison to most people I know, Canberra is my Hollywood and all the political talk-back shows are my MAFS. I love it all.

On Facebook debates flare up on the various news sites, ours included, and lots of people get to have their say.

Riverstone

St Marys

I love politics, and I especially love campaigns and elections.

Every candidate, regardless of the team they are batting for, gets ripped apart daily by those who don’t agree with them.

Vineyard

Ropes Crossing

My goodness what an eye-opener it is to the rude, the crude, the cruel, the politically uneducated and worst of all, the political bullies.

Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

HILE I understand most people would rather have their teeth pulled out than get absorbed in a federal election, I’m the first to admit I’m one of those weird people who love every minute of it.

Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644

Distribution Map

From the Editor’s Desk

Prospect

Online political trolls, however, are rampant and they always manage to spoil a good debate. They pounce on those who have any point of view that’s different to their own, calling them names, labelling them and doing their best to bully them into submission. So often I see reasonably polite contributors either bow down to the bullies and sugar coat their own views in attempt to appease - or they disappear from the debate altogether because they have better things to do than stay trapped in the viper’s nest. It is great to live in a country where everyone gets to have a say. Let’s hope it stays that way, but I must admit I sometimes fear for the future. On May 21 when you are standing in the privacy of the voting booth, you get to cast your vote for who YOU believe is best for the job, not who a social media bully thinks you should. Make it count.

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pnsrc.co, 107 Projects, Blacktown Arts and Blacktown City Council present Blacktown Block Party. Featuring the west’s most exciting artists and creatives, Blacktown Block Party transforms The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre into a playground of dance, music, markets and creative workshops for the whole family on Saturday 30 April. Featuring: • Live music from B Wise, Becca Hatch, Jess Jade, SPVRROW and Like Mind Society • DJ Performances by DJ CMJ, DJINN, Alice and Carolina Gasolina • Olympic-level breaking and all-style dance competition with Australian Breaking Association • Kids entertainment by Yaw and Friends • Workshops in poster making by

Western News 29 April 2022 Issue 160

Blacktown Block Party

The Poster Centre, First Nations weaving, DJing 101 with Carolina Gasolina and dance with KCC Faculty • Markets stalls from 8th Street Vintage, By the Creator, Ashphalt & Co and Pretty Collection and more! Blacktown Block Party is proudly presented by Blacktown City Council, Blacktown Arts, 107 Projects and opnsrc.co. Blacktown Block Party has been generously supported b the NSW Government through the CBD Revitalisation Grant, and Streets are Shared Spaces, and Department of Planning, Environment and Industry. When Saturday, 30 April 2022 | 11:00 AM - 07:00 PM Location The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown

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Western News 29 April 2022 Issue 160

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Youth voice delivers water refill stations

estern Sydney high school students are enjoying a healthier drink option and reducing their environment footprint thanks to a partnership between Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), schools and local doctors. Generous donations by the Mount Druitt and Hills doctors’ associations, with additional funding from each high school, allowed for the purchase, delivery, and installation of water refill stations in Chifley College Mount Druitt Campus, and Colyton, Erskine Park, Model Farms, Nepean Creative and Performing Arts, and Plumpton high schools. The initiative was the brainchild of local high school students who participated in WSLHD’s peer-led health leadership program Students As LifeStyle Activists (SALSA) and Youth Voices, delivered by the Prevention Education and Research Unit (PERU). Nepean Creative and Performing Arts high school prefect Kazia Murphy, a former SALSA peer leader, explained the students needed a new option after bubblers were closed due to the risk of COVID-19 transmission. “The cool water is extremely beneficial in summertime as we do

Kazia Murphy, Year 12 Prefect and ex-SALSA Peer Leader at Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School.

get very hot days and it is hard to keep cool during physical education lessons,” Kazia said. Erskine Park High School principal Brenda Quayle added: “Our schools used student voice to determine a key need for students to have access to cold drinking water for their health and wellbeing, recognising that students should never have to pay for access to fresh water.” The new water refill stations not only encourage students to choose water as a healthy beverage but also

decrease the purchase of bottled water. “It’s a health and environmental win for the school community,” said Dr Kean-Seng Lim, president of the Mt Druitt Medical Practitioners Association. PERU director Professor Smita Shah thanked the local general practitioners for their generosity, as well as Brenda Quayle for negotiating and coordinating the purchase and delivery of water refill stations. “It is heartening to see our

empowerment strategy of youth voice being actioned and supported by health and education,” Professor Shah said. “This is a great example of the collective effort of the community towards prevention of chronic health diseases and equity, despite the challenges of COVID-19.” SALSA is an award-winning program designed to motivate students to increase physical activity and improve diet by empowering participants to be health advocates among their peers. PERU has run the program in western Sydney high schools for over 15 years, reaching more than 21,000 students in that time with the support of the Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WentWest).

Parramatta bishop performs mass at Parklea on Holy Thursday

ost Rev Vincent Long van Nguyen OFM Conv, the fourth Bishop of Parramatta, has washed the feet of inmates in a gesture of respect, humility and love as some of the most marginalised members of our community. He made a pastoral visit to inmates and prison staff at Parklea Correctional Centre on Holy Thursday, 14 April. Bishop Long washed the feet of 10 inmates as part of a Catholic Mass, which imitates Jesus Christ performing the same ritual for the twelve apostles at the Last Supper. He told the inmates prison ministry was close to his heart. “The washing of the feet ritual is a powerful reminder for all of us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus – to live our lives not in rivalry or dominion, but of service, love, collaboration and partnership,” Bishop Long said. Governor Paul Baker said he was pleased Bishop Long had chosen Parklea to hold Holy Thursday mass. “Parklea has five chaplains on our team of various faiths to ensure we are able to provide spiritual and emotional support to our inmates, their families and staff,” Mr Baker said. “The chaplain’s role is to listen and provide counsel to inmates and their families when they need help, and when COVID restrictions permit, church services are held in our chapel. “Having Bishop Long take time

out of his busy schedule to deliver the mass here at Parklea is an important boost for the inmates when most people are spending the Easter weekend with their families. “His communion with the inmates is a reminder that we are all equal in God’s eyes and everyone should be treated with decency and respect. “I also see the primary purpose of chaplaincy services as offering hope to those who feel their future is hopeless – the promise of a brighter future is one we can all identify with.” Parklea Catholic chaplain Richard Korkor said Bishop Long’s visit showed the inmates they are not forgotten. “During his ministry, Pope Francis has visited people on the margins, and he has washed the feet of prisoners,”

Mr Korkor said. “I believe that Bishop Long mirrors the Holy Father’s ministry and mirrors the person of Christ to these inmates in giving a voice to the voiceless, and an opportunity to be seen and heard. “His visit represents, not just to the staff and management, but to the inmates, that they are in people’s thoughts.

“After a particularly tough two years, the bishop’s visit represents a feeling of hope, a moment of reprieve.” Following the liturgy, Bishop Long spoke with prisoners over a cup to tea and hot cross buns. This is the fifth time Bishop Long, as Bishop of Parramatta, has visited a prison on Holy Thursday.

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War survivor teaches resilience to western Sydney youth

rom war-torn Sudan to western Sydney, Daniel Apat’s incredible life journey has led him to improving the lives of others who have gone through trauma. “I was born during the war. I grew up during the war. I have lost family members due to the war. And I left South Sudan because of the war,” Daniel said. “At the time it was all a matter of survival. You would either be alive or killed by the enemy, or a wild animal, or you would die of hunger. “My learning from that phase was to be more resilient, because I have seen a lot of dangers.

Life was never easy. “Death was always near.

“

So I had to appreciate when I reached another day.

Daniel Apat is a Multicultural Health program officer who specialises in helping young people.

techniques that can be helpful to them,” Daniel said. “When I got to Australia the first thing I learned was to never shy away from asking people. Never shy away from asking for help. I never sailed on my own, so I feel that a lot of what I do today is directed to those people who ask for help like I did. “What I can say to everyone out there, especially the young ones, is that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Seek for help if you need to because there is help out there. WSLHD provides specialist multicultural support for survivors of trauma including war, terror and

poverty through the Transcultural Mental Health Centre. Mental health support is available 24/7 through the following services: • Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511 • Lifeline – 13 11 14 • Beyond Blue – 1300 22 46 36 • MensLine – 1300 78 99 78 In an emergency always call triple zero (000).

“

Daniel came to Australia alone via Uganda on a humanitarian visa and studied English at TAFE before attaining his Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology. He has since attained post-graduate qualifications in psychology and social work. His role as a Multicultural Youth Health Officer sees him engaging with young people between the ages of 12-25 through Western Sydney Local Health District’s Multicultural Health team. The resilience Daniel learned through his youth is what he now tries to teach to young people in western Sydney – many of them who have survived similar ordeals. “Most of them come from war torn countries like myself. I can identify myself with a lot of those people. I tell them what I have been through and how I overcome the problems. I teach them

I did find my light at the end of the tunnel.

Aboriginal high school training program helps western Sydney close the gap

boriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students from western Sydney are launching their health careers thanks to a new training and career partnership. Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) has teamed up with Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) Group Training to provide a school-based traineeship program. The first intake of 10 students signed up this year to undertake a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance whilst completing their year 11 & 12 studies, gaining relevant employability skills and workforce experience with both IAHA and WSLHD. Among them were Mount Druitt twin Tyson and Jack Winters – nephews of WSLHD senior Aboriginal health worker Nicole Winters. “I’m pretty excited for the patient interactions, to meet new people from all walks of life. And it’ll be good to interact with the colleagues in health and ask questions about what it’s really like. “I’m thinking of being a physio because I’ve had a lot of injuries in the past, so I just really want to help people with their injuries.” WSLHD Allied Health director Jacqueline Dominish congratulated the students as they began their traineeship. “We are very excited about these enthusiastic young people coming to work with allied health in our District,” Jacqueline said. “We look forward to supporting them to achieve their future career goals and hope they stay with us over the longer term. They will be a very valuable

WSLHD Allied Health director Jacqueline Dominish welcomes local Aboriginal high school students to the start of their traineeship.

addition to our workforce and the quality of care we provide to patients, and help improve the cultural safety of our clinical services.” March 17 was National Close the Gap Day 2022, acknowledging the work needed to close the health and education gap between Aboriginal and nonAboriginal Australians. Research shows Aboriginal consumers have better outcomes when an Aboriginal health clinician is involved in their care – which is why WSLHD created a NSW-first position last year dedicated to

recruiting more Aboriginal health practitioners. This latest partnership will strengthen local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce development strategies, including through providing paid employment opportunities for school-based trainees, mentoring, leadership development and career planning. For more information about IAHA’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy and IAHA’s Group Training Organisation please visit www.iaha.com.au.

Western News 29 April 2022 Issue 160

“There is always a light at the end of the tunnel”:

Western News 29 April 2022 Issue 160

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Western News

Increased protection for emergency workers in NSW

eople who assault frontline health workers, correctional and youth justice officers and emergency services staff and volunteers will face tougher penalties under new offences the NSW Government has committed to introduce this year. The NSW Government is supporting, in full or in principle, all of the recommendations in the NSW Sentencing Council’s report Assaults on Emergency Services Workers. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government will go further than the recommendations from the report by ensuring that firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and NSW State Emergency Service frontline workers will be covered by the new offences. “We are committed to increasing protections for our emergency services workers and ensuring that sentencing for assaults and other actions against these workers is appropriate. “They keep us safe and we will do whatever we can to keep them safe too.” Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the new offences of assaulting frontline workers will align with existing penalties for assaulting NSW police officers and other law enforcement officers. “Our frontline emergency service workers, including our men and women in blue, put their lives on the line every day, going above and beyond to protect and serve the community,” Mr Toole said. “Aligning the penalties for assaulting emergency service workers with the penalties for assaulting NSW police officers reflects their importance in our community, and will help safeguard against unruly culprits who think they are above the law.” Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the creation of new offences for assaulting frontline health workers will help protect paramedics and hospital staff who commit their working lives to saving lives. Attorney General Mark Speakman said the state’s

Virtual reality scenario

frontline emergency workers have dealt with some difficult challenges in the past two years. “Our frontline health workers, emergency services staff, and correctional and youth justice officers often face risks as they bravely serve our community,” Mr Speakman. “Those who perpetrate disgraceful acts of violence on these dedicated individuals should face stringent consequences.” Minister for Corrections Geoff Lee said that Corrective Services and Youth Justice officers play a vital role in supporting inmates and keeping the community safe. “There is no excuse for violence against these workers,” Mr Lee said. “Correctional staff should be able to have confidence that the justice system, for which they work so hard, will also support them if they need it.” Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the NSW Government is committed to ensuring that emergency services workers are protected. “Through fire and flood, our dedicated volunteer

and paid firefighters and State Emergency Service members do all they can to protect people and property. “They deserve our gratitude, respect and laws that will help keep them safe,” Ms Cooke said. The Government aims to introduce legislation to give effect to these reforms by mid-2022. In preparing its report, the NSW Sentencing Council consulted victims’ advocates, legal experts, the NSW Police Force, Corrective Services NSW and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Submissions were received from a range of stakeholders, including Legal Aid NSW, the Public Service Association of NSW and the Australian Medical Association (NSW). The Sentencing Council is led by former Royal Commission chair and NSW Judge of Appeal, the Hon Peter McClellan AM QC. It includes the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Senior Public Defender, an Assistant Police Commissioner, the Commissioner for Corrective Services, the CEO of the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT and experts in criminal and sentencing law.

Nominations now open for Western Sydney University Alumni Awards 2022

estern Sydney University is calling for nominations for its Alumni Awards 2022. The prestigious awards showcase the outstanding achievements of graduates from Western Sydney University across a range of award categories, including the coveted Chancellor’s Alumni of the Year Award. Chancellor, Professor Peter Shergold AC said the Alumni Awards are about acknowledging the University’s highly successful graduates as well as honouring the University’s long and proud history. “With a network of more than 200,000 graduates around Australia and throughout the globe, we are delighted to once again call for nominations to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our graduates and the many and varied ways in which they enrich our communities,” said Professor Shergold. “Our graduates are an integral part of the University’s story – our past, our present and our future. I encourage alumni from all our antecedent institutions to consider nominating for an Alumni Award

Winner of the 2018 Chancellor’s Alumni of the Year Award, Professor Iona Novak, pictured with Western Sydney University Chancellor, Professor Peter Shergold AC. Photo Credit: Sally Tsoutas.

and sharing their inspiring journeys with us and with the communities of

western Sydney and beyond.” There are seven award categories in

total, with six open for nomination by members of community and graduates of Western Sydney University and its antecedent institutions: • Chancellor’s Alumni of the Year Award • Professional Excellence Award • Breakthrough Alumni Award • International Alumni Leadership Award • Indigenous Alumni Excellence Award • Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alumni Award • Hawkesbury Alumni Award The winners will be announced at Western Sydney University’s premier event, the Town and Gown Gala 2022, being held on Saturday 29 October 2022 at the William Inglis Hotel, Warwick Farm. The winner of the Hawkesbury Alumni Award will be announced at a separate Alumni event being held at Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Campus later in the year. For more information on how to submit an award nomination and eligibility criteria, please visit the Alumni Awards website and view the nomination booklet. Nominations close at 5pm (AEST) on Monday, 20 June 2022.

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s the Delta outbreak rapidly made its way through western Sydney in July 2021, the Western Sydney Local Health District inTouch COVID Care team was tasked with caring for thousands of COVID-19 positive patients in the community in home isolation. The rapid rise in cases demonstrated the strength of WSLHD, expanding a team through the adaptability of staff virtually overnight from right across the District, and adopting new technologies and ways of working at the same time. The inTouch COVID Care team is made up of various health professionals including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and psychologists to assist patients at home. Care includes, but is not limited to, the management of clinical symptoms, providing emotional and psychological support to patients and helping with medicine and food deliveries. The team, who were predominately working from home themselves, needed a system where clinical and medical staff could ensure patient confidentiality, continuity of care and transparency. “At the peak of the Delta outbreak (5 September), 4,200 COVID-19 positive patients were being managed in the community and in our care,” said Western Sydney Local Health District inTouch Covid Care medical lead Golo Ahlenstiel. “The way the staff across Western Sydney Local Health District mobilised via Microsoft Teams was one of the critical enablers to keep our mortality and hospital rates low.” Golo praises Microsoft Teams and the way it allowed the inTouch team to communicate safely and in a confidential and reliable environment that couldn’t be breached. Western Sydney Local Health District staff are the most active users of Microsoft Teams across NSW Health. “The ‘aha’ moment for us was when we realised we could look after 2,000 inTouch patients a day with just eight doctors,” said Golo. “On average we had one doctor for every 250

patients and we had 190 staff deployed from across the district to work in the inTouch team. “The old way of working: phone, text messages, fax, emails are fine for one-to-one interactions, but not on this scale. “We needed an immediate solution. We needed the clinical team to be able to rapidly escalate and deescalate to medical staff members quickly. We needed to ensure closed feedback loops regarding patients, and that everything was documented and tracked. “Microsoft Teams streamlined communication and allowed us to cut through patient load and get answers and action quickly.” WSLHD Director Integration, Partnerships, Enablers & inTouch Care, Joanne Medlin, says one of the most impressive features of Microsoft Teams

for patient care is data sharing and enterprise voice calling which allows staff to call patients directly via Teams. “Staff don’t have to use a telephone, remember phone numbers or have equipment as everything is integrated through the computer which greatly enhances records and communication,” said Jo. “I don’t think we would have been able to give the quality of care we provided without it. “In a pandemic, you have to adopt and adapt and that’s exactly what we did – innovate and be the change that needs to be made.” The inTouch team still uses Microsoft Teams every day to enhance patient care in its chronic disease management patients and in central referral services.

Richmond man takes the cake with $316,000 Keno win!

fter winning a Keno prize of more than $316,000 while catching up with friends last Tuesday, a Richmond man celebrated by shouting them all some tea and cake. The Hawkesbury player held a Keno Mega Millions 9 Spot winning entry in game 328 on Tuesday 19 April 2022 and took home $316,098.60. Speaking with an official from Keno, the ecstatic man explained he was still trying to comprehend his surprising win. “I’d popped into the club for some lunch with some friends, and while we were eating, I decided to play some Keno,” he shared. “I’m not a big Keno player, but I like playing now and again. “Because I was busy eating, I had no idea about the win until I checked my ticket. “I was stunned when I heard I’d won. I was clueless about it until that moment, so it was a big shock. “It certainly made me very happy. It’s lovely! “I guess you can say we celebrated

– but probably not in the traditional, wild way. We had some tea and cake. “I’m not sure what I’ll do with the windfall yet. I thought I’ll pop it in the bank for a rainy day. “I’m sure my wife will have a few ideas!” The winning entry was purchased at Richmond Club, 6 East Market Street, Richmond.

Richmond Club duty manager Michael Newis said his entire team was ecstatic for their latest major prize winner. “It’s very exciting for our team and the winner,” he said. “Hopefully, the winner enjoys his prize. We’d love to send our congratulations to him and his wife.

“It was a fantastic atmosphere when the winner discovered the news. “We can’t wait for our next major win! Hopefully, it’s even bigger next time.” In 2021, Keno players across the eastern states of mainland Australia celebrated more than 36.2 million wins collectively worth more than $590.3 million. During this time, Keno crowned 13 millionaires and multi-millionaires who collectively took home more than $31 million. Six of these major winners were from New South Wales and the ACT, including Crescent Head neighbours who was pocketed a Keno Mega Millions 10 Spot prize of more than $5.8 million. Players in New South Wales and the ACT enjoyed more than 17.36 million Keno wins totalling more than $292 million at pubs and clubs across the state in 2020. Keno players can also enter into the monthly second chance draw for the chance to win one of five $1,000 prizes by scanning their ticket at win. secondchance.keno.com.au.

Western News 29 April 2022 Issue 160

Caring for patients online a great success using Teams

Western News 29 April 2022 Issue 160

WESTERN HISTORY

Western News

Colyton Public School

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

his school is located on the Great Western to find his father who was staying for the night with Highway at Mt Druitt beginning in 1861 his brother, and while he was proceeding towards in Simpson Hill Road. In 1864 the school Colyton, Thomas Baker’s horse fell but he escaped was transferred to another building and in 1883 with only slight injuries. Mrs and Miss Aston and the location of the school was moved to its present Mac Learmonth remained with Collet through the site. In 1900 the school received a new Principal night where he recovered consciousness during the named John Aston (Jnr). John was born at Bilston, following day and was deemed fit to travel so he Staffordshire in England in 1862. He married Jane was moved to his parents’ residence where their Dr Elizabeth Gutteridge in 1884 in Yorkshire and Bowman was waiting for him. It was said that he was together with Ann Aston John’s mother they came progressing “very favourably”. In May 1909 a wellto Australia on the “Abergeldie” arriving in Sydney attended meeting of residents was held at the school where he entered the Department of Education and for the purpose of forming a Committee to carry out started to teach at Cobbora and a few years later celebrations in connection with Empire Day. Mr at Coolah. Next posting was Ourimbah and his George Innes presided, and among those present were last was as Principal of Colyton Public School. In Mesdames Fuller and Davis, Misses Emmert, Page, April 1894 Mr S. E. Lees officially opened a library Frost, Innes, Messrs T Dixon (secretary), John Aston, in connection with the Colyton Public School. J Lix, J E Dodds, C Davison, J J Methven, J Dunne, Those present included eighty or ninety scholars, H Talbot, W Adamson, R Methven and W Evans. It Reverend A. C. Corlette, John King Lethbridge and being resolved that these members should form the  Copy of Self Portrait by John Aston a number of parents and friends of the scholars. Committee. On the day patriotic songs were sung and courtesy of the family. Short addresses were given by Mr Lees, Reverend exhibitions of physical exercises under the direction of Corlette and Mr Lethbridge, each referring to Headmaster John. Patriotic addresses were delivered the benefits to be derived from reading good and useful books and by several speakers. At eleven o’clock the children were marched to the congratulating the scholars and Mr Miller the teacher for possessing flagpole where the union jack was hoisted and everyone singing “God such a splendid collection. Colyton being the first public school to Save the King” then the children marched to the picnic grounds for establish a library in the Nepean District. There were some forty or refreshments after which sporting games continued. In May 1913 the fifty good useful books with the promise of Mr Miller for many more. Centenary Celebrations for the crossing of the Blue Mountains proposed In 1907 at the Rooty Hill School of Arts, John was presented with a a chain of bonfires linked from the Canoblas at Orange to Prospect Hill handsome silver inkstand and pen and a razor strop by the residents and the proposal was being considered favourably by the head teachers of the district with the presentation made by James Angus. John was a and pupils of schools and had been asked to co-operate, and in reply talented painter who painted a portrait of a resident Mr L H Witts that to the first batch of requests were Mount Druitt and Colyton public he entered in the Archibald prize in 1938 but was unsuccessful, the schools who would be about the last link in the chain having signified winner being Nora Heysen the daughter of Sir Hans and Lady Selma their intention to set their end of the chain going. John retired from the Heysen. She was the youngest person to be awarded the Archibald school in 1925 and it was common in those days that an “illuminated Prize. John was also an inventor and built the first X-ray machine in address” was presented at the retirement of prominent people. In John’s the district that Dr Day used in his surgery on the highway in St Marys. case a group of citizens from the district arranged the address, together He also developed his own photos in his dark room and had a “magic with a wallet of bank notes. This address is currently held by his grandlantern” that entertained the local children with his glass slides. He daughter Mrs Betty Trist. The signatories on the address are - John dabbled with innovations using electricity and he made a machine to Angus, W H Cruse, T Dixon, James Dunne, E Fuller, V Wainwright, G. test local children’s reactions. In July 1908 Diphtheria reared its ugly Turner, J. Methven, R Methven, K Smith, J Smith and W Wallace. John head and a meeting of the Blacktown Shire Council saw several cases attended St Mary Magdalene church and used shorthand to record the of diphtheria among the children attending the school and considered sermons so that he could study them at his leisure. John moved from the a recommendation that the school to be thoroughly disinfected and school residence on the Highway at Colyton with his wife Jane and their whitewashed. Also, in December that year, Collet Baker the son of three children Harold, Nance and Nell to “Kimberworth” in Melbourne Thomas Baker of Wentworthville met with a serious accident on the Street, Colyton/St Marys. The two-story home on Ropes Creek had a Western Road near the school when he was found lying unconscious studio for his painting and photography interests where he painted the by Miss Aston, daughter of John and taken to the Aston family home portraits of many local citizens for their family records. He died in St where everything possible was done for him. The doctor sent for and Marys in 1953 aged 91 years. because of the serious nature of his condition, the doctor paid two home I wish to thank David and Betty Trist (Nee Cobcroft) for their visits during the early hours of the morning. Messrs H Aston and W generous loan of the family history from where most of this history Page rode on their bicycles to Wentworthville to inform his parents of page information comes from. Copy of Self Portrait by John Aston the accident. They were also informed his father was only three miles courtesy of the family. from St Marys with some cattle and this is where his son was riding to Sources: Blacktown Memories website, Sydney Morning Herald, at the time he met with his accident. John and Mac Learmonth drove Evening News, Nepean Times, Lithgow Mercury.

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Western News

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

new financial year which is not far away is often a time to take a closer look at money matters. It’s when we find ourselves digging through receipts, looking at old bills and trying to find places where we can save some money. One place where people forget to look also happens to be their biggest household expense: their mortgage. And I believe the reason why people don’t look closer at their home loan is because the idea of refinancing seems too difficult, too confusing, or is perceived as probably not worth it for the effort. If you’re one of those people, it’s time to ask yourself some questions. What’s my rate? In my experience, many people know what their monthly payments are, but they don’t actually know their interest rate. Do you? Take a look – if it starts with a “3”, you can probably do better and I’d advise shopping around. What does the market say? Use a comparison site and find out what’s on offer. The current market for variable rate mortgages runs from around 1.99 per cent to 4.29. Three-year fixed rate mortgages range from the middle threes to well over 5 per cent. There’s

a lot of difference, which means there’s solid scope for savings. What could I save? Use the comparison sites to calculate several results. If you have a mortgage with a higher variable and if you refinance you could save thousands a year. What must I have? Have a good repayment record with your current lender and ensure you are not currently in arrears. Also, know that if you’re

half-way through a fixed-rate loan you may be charged a break fee to leave. Make sure it’s worth it. What are my other costs? A new lender will likely charge upfront fees, and there may be some costs to exit your mortgage. Also, if you have less than 20 per cent equity in your new loan, you’ll pay lenders mortgage insurance, which increases your costs. Who do I see? Go to a mortgage

@wealthwiz

broker or approach a lender directly. Brokers are refinancing experts who know how to streamline the process and can access many products from various lenders than your current lender can offer. How long will it take? What do I have to do? Both a broker and loans manager will give you a run-down of the process, the application, the documents they want you to provide, and the time it typically takes. Is it worth it? You must answer this yourself. The total interest paid on a $300,000, 30-year mortgage at 2.99 per cent is around $62,000 more than the same mortgage at 3.99 per cent. You have to decide it this is worth the effort of refinancing. Got a question? Call Alex on 0419 600 177 for advice who can help you navigate the home loan market. Wealthwiz is here to help. * Lender terms and conditions apply. The data, information and commentary provided in this publication is of a general nature and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the relevant contributors and should not be construed as specific advice or relied upon in lieu of appropriate professional tax advice.

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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Make mention (6) 4. Guardian (8) 10. Treatise (9) 11. Virile (5) 12. Famous (5) 13. Naive (9) 14. Melodious (7) 16. Biblical garden (4) 19. Holds up (4) 21. Maintain (7) 24. An abrasive material (9) 25. Pore (5) 26. A South American bird (5) 27. Assessment (9) 28. Permanency (8) 29. Semiformal evening dress for men (6)

down 1. Chew over (8) 2. Constancy (8) 3. Stiff (5) 5. Jock (7) 6. “Thinking machines” (9) 7. Physician (6) 8. Grumble (6) 9. Call off (6) 15. Step (9) 17. Louvered window (8) 18. Gravure (8) 20. Highest female voice (7) 21. Banding (6) 22. It’s surrounded by water (6)

solution 15/4/22

23. Marked by injustice (6) 25. Disorganized (5)

Western News 29 April 2022 Issue 160

Is now the time to refinance your property?

Western News 29 April 2022 Issue 160

Western News

SPORT

Beech Bums enter Outback Air Race

The three Beech Bums with Bonnie; the RFDS hangar at Broken Hill, Tibooburra Airport in Australia’s Outback. Photos supplied by Bill Tomlin By Noel Rowsell

ocal resident Paul Robertson (Rouse Hill) is competing in the Outback Air Race (OAR22) in August this year, looking to raise much-needed funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). He is competing with two close friends, Whitney Rousham (Glenmore Park) and Bill Tomlin (Gladesville) and the trio are affectionately called the ‘Beech Bums’, so named as they are flying a Beechcraft plane. The intrepid trio will depart from Bankstown Airport bound for Darwin in mid-August, with the race set to commence on 29th August. The course will see a variety of aircraft (Cessna, Piper, Mooney, Beechcraft, Helicopters, Seaplanes and experimental home builds) travel from Darwin - Gulf Country - Cape York Peninsula - Shute Harbour Gladstone - Roma - Goondiwindi - Coffs Harbour, finishing on 11th September. All aircraft are fitted with GPS

Bill Tomlin, Whitney Rousham, Paul Robertson

trackers, showing their location and time data. Due to the vast differences in aircraft operational capabilities, Whitney said the race is more of a time trial and navigation exercise. An anticipated 40 teams and aircraft, along with 100 pilots and crew, are expected to start in this year’s race. The Beech Bum’s aircraft is a

Beechcraft Bonanza A36 (nick-named Bonnie) and is part-owned by Whitney and Paul, along with other pilots. Bill is the official photographer, diligently capturing all of the action and spectacular sights of NSW on the trio’s many and varied trips around this state in particular, whether through his camera, Go Pro or drone.

Whitney and Bill are both former teachers and Whitney took up an interest in flying late in life, gaining his pilot’s licence at the age of 50, receiving lessons from a former school pupil who was instructing at the RAAF base at Richmond Flying Club at that time. Paul, a former police officer, also has a strong connection to flying and is a Grade 1 Flying Instructor. The Beech Bums have set a modest ‘minimum’ fund-raising goal of $6,000 but have already amassed just under $5,000 to date. The Outback Air Race came into being in 1996 and has run every 3 years, although 2021 was cancelled due to Covid. In that time, over $3.5m has been raised for the RFDS and this year’s race aims to raise over $600,000 for the Service. The race is being sponsored this year by The Lottery Office and donations (which are tax deductible) can be made through the team website www.beechbums.com or directly through the OAR22 website https://outback-airrace.raisely.com/team-beech-bums

Mapanao in top ten amateurs at Australian Women’s Classic By Noel Rowsell

ngland’s Meghan MacLaren has staged a triumphant return to the Coffs Region with a thrilling one-shot win in a gripping final round of the Australian Women’s Classic at Bonville Golf Resort. Former Stonecutters Ridge GC junior Brielle Mapanao (Quakers Hill / The Australian GC) shot rounds of 71, 75, 75 = 221 in the rain-shortened event to finish T40th overall and T6th among the amateurs. Brielle started brilliantly in the first round, matching it with some of Australia’s and International best female golfers but found the going very heavy on day 2, when play was abandoned due to heavy rain. Brielle finished her second round in a tie for 21st place but a final round of +3 (75) was not going to be enough to stay in touch with the leading players, albeit her status among the amateurs was in the Top Ten - tied for 6th. In other Golf news, the Richmond Cup Vardon event was postponed due to the ongoing wet weather in the Hawkesbury region and the state of the course due to recent heavy rain. A new date is still to be confirmed.

Former Stonecutters Ridge GC junior Brielle Mapanao (Quakers Hill) in action during the Australian Women’s Classic. Photo supplied by David Tease

Western News

SPORT

By Bob Turner

lacktown City FC Men & Women continue to pick up steam as the 2022 season rolls

on. Last Sunday, the Senior Men and Women once again played a double header at Blacktown City Sports Centre with the Men overpowering Manly 3-1 and the Women showing their continued development and progress to fight second place UNSW for the full 90 minutes before losing out 1-0. The Blacktown Under 20 Men continue to set the pace as they accounted for Manly 3-1 to remain the only undefeated team in the competition after eight rounds. For Blacktown City Senior Men, Jordan Smylie stole the headlines once again in a two goal haul that ultimately decided Blacktown City’s professional 3-1 win over Manly United. Smylie was joined by Hiroaki Aoyama and Manly skipper Jimmy Oates on the scoresheet as Round 8’s ‘Match of the Round’ fell the way of Mark Crittenden’s men. For the second week running, Blacktown burst out of the blocks with a goal inside ten minutes when Jordan Smylie scored as Jackson Bandiera whipped in a dangerous delivery that wasn’t dealt with by the Manly defence, allowing Smylie to pounce and prod home from close range. Two goals to Smylie brings Jordan’s total to eight goals on the season and equal share of the Golden Boot award. Coach Mark Crittenden felt the first half display was a solid effort from his side that sees Blacktown back on track in the chase for top honours. “We came out of the blocks with a determined and solid effort earning a couple of quick goals to put Manly on the back foot”, said Crittenden. “We are getting back to the early season form after Covid set us back and this week against Apia and then Sutherland on Sunday will continue to be a true test for us”, he added. Blacktown City FC will play the first leg of the newly named Australia Cup this Wednesday, the 28th, at Blacktown City Sports Centre. Their opponents are NPL 1 Men’s Competition leaders Apia Leichhardt FC with the winner advancing to the next round and the loser knocked out of the National competition. Apia defeated Blacktown City 1-0 in round four of the State competition. Blacktown will

then be back at Blacktown City Sports Centre on Sunday, the 1st of May, to host Sutherland in Round Nine of the State competition. Blacktown’s Senior Women continue to develop under the watchful eye of David ‘Dok’ O’Keefe. A true test last Sunday was to compete with the Number Two team in the Football NSW League One Women’s competition, UNSW FC. Compete they did to hold UNSW to one goal. Coach O’Keefe was pleased at the progress his young side is making in Blacktown’s first year in the competition. “We have steadily been improving on a weekly basis and UNSW was a true test for us”, said Head of Women’s football Dok O’Keefe. “We battled for the full 90 minutes against a tough side that has been a leader in our competition. Our pathway took another major step forward in this match”, he added. Blacktown City Senior men will now host Sutherland in Round Nine in another crucial game to continue to climb the Number One Men’s competition in NSW. Sutherland are coming off a loss last week against Rockdale so will be determined to challenge Blacktown to get back in the winners circle. Game time is 3pm at Blacktown City Sports Centre (formerly Lily Homes Stadium) with the Under 20 Men at 1pm. The Senior Women will play Nepean FC away. Go Blacktown City!

KICK OFF 3PM SUNDAY 1st may

Western News 29 April 2022 Issue 160

Blacktown City rolls on!

Western News Friday, 29 April 2022

SPORT

Hawkesbury Cup Day sets the standard By Noel Rowsell

awkesbury Race Club (HRC) will stage its biggest racing day on the calendar, the Hawkesbury Cup Day, this Saturday (30th April), with the action including a 10-race program. The highlight races are being staged early in the day, beginning with three Group 3 races (the $200K Hawkesbury Guineas 1400m, $200K Hawkesbury Gold Cup 1600m and $175K Hawkesbury Crown 1300m for fillies and mares) as the first three races on the card. Now in its 17th successful year of running since commencing in 2006, Hawkesbury Cup Day (Stand Alone meeting) has proved a major success and featured some of Australia’s best trainers, jockeys and horses led by World Champion Sprinter Chautauqua, Zoustar, Alverta, Fravashi and Solicit among many others. With over $1.4 million in prizemoney on offer on the day, the program also features the Listed Hawkesbury XXXX Gold Rush 1100m for quality sprinters

and now the addition of a Midway Benchmark Handicap Race. HRC Marketing Manager Kim McDougall said “The support from our sponsors has been fantastic. We are very excited to welcome back inaugural sponsor Richmond Club. We’re delighted that CEO Kimberley Talbot (who last year received the NSW State Award for contribution to the community) recommended to her Board to continue their outstanding support of our club by sponsoring the Hawkesbury Gold Cup this year.

“Our other loyal Cup Day sponsors that have also returned for 2022 are Blacktown Workers Club Group, St Johns Bowling Park Club, Living Turf, XXXX Gold and TAB. Also, special mention to local business Blakes

Marine, which has been a continual sponsor of Hawkesbury Cup Day for the past 16 years. “After what has been a very difficult start to 2022, with flooding in the Hawkesbury region, we are very grateful for the support and looking forward to a much needed day of celebration, racing, fashion and great hospitality. “Off the track, we have plenty of exciting hospitality and entertainment planned for the day. “There will be live music, food trucks and of course ‘Fashions on the Field’.” Gates open 10am. Function rooms open 11am. First race 11:15am. WHERE: Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Road Clarendon 2756. TICKETS: www.hawkesburyraceclub.com.au