Kevin Betts Stadium expansion a boon for basketball, wheelchair sports
BASKETBALLERS and wheelchair sports enthusiasts are set to enjoy an exciting future at Kevin Betts Stadium in Mount Druitt after Blacktown City Council began work to expand the venue.
Two indoor courts will be built adjacent to the existing structure, doubling current capacity and providing greater opportunities for people to be fit and active.
A lobby connection will allow easy, covered access between the new courts and existing building. More amenities will be provided.
Getting to and from the venue will be made easier. More parking will be provided and the driveway upgraded.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said basketball and wheelchair sports at the stadium are at capacity and the expansion would allow more people to participate.
“The demand to play at Kevin Betts Stadium is an example of how seriously the Blacktown City community takes its sport,” he said.
“We want to reward that enthusiasm to be active and ensure everyone who wants to play can do so.”
Basketball and wheelchair sports will be popular events at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will only generate more interest in participation.
City of Blacktown Basketball Association and Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT are major users of the
stadium and will be able to better satisfy demand for their competitions once the work is complete.
The expanded stadium is due to be completed in mid-2025.
There will be some changes to stadium access whilst the work is underway.
Council and the NSW Government’s Office of Sport are contributing about
$5 million each to fund the project.
Council has a fine track record of serving its sporting community. In June, Blacktown City was named Council of the Year at the Sport NSW Community Sports Awards for its outstanding service.
This was the third time in the past four years Council had received the honour.
Multi-faith cemetery relieving burial space shortage
BLACKTOWN City Council is providing much needed burial space amid a Sydney-wide shortage by refurbishing a heritagelisted church and cemetery to serve people of all faiths.
St Bartholomew’s Church and Cemetery at Prospect is providing expanded burial, cremation and funeral services as part of bigger plans to meet long term community needs.
Council’s vision will expand the site, formerly owned by the Anglican Church, and relieve pressure on the state government to find more land.
The first stage of works provided the first new interment sites at the venue since 1972. This comprised 1400 burial plots and wall niches. Accessibility improvements, an internal road and parking spaces were also provided.
Council has masterplan approval for a second stage which would extend the cemetery across 7 hectares of land to the east.
This would be a longer term project that would provide at least 6,000 burial plots.
Further community consultation will be carried out before any work begins. A timeframe for this stage is still to be determined.
“People mourning a loved one shouldn’t be burdened with the challenge of finding a suitable venue.
“Blacktown
Council is doing
“We want to ensure people have a place to honour loved ones with dignity and respect.”
In 2021, a review of cemeteries and
crematoria commissioned by the
was running out of burial space.
The recommendations included consolidating the Crown sector, strengthening the industry regulator and acquiring more land.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said Council was stepping up to address an infrastructure challenge that affected many Sydneysiders.
City
the heavy lifting to address another of Sydney’s infrastructure challenges.
NSW Government warned Sydney
Mayor Bunting at St Bartholomews Cemetery.
Sydney’s Great West Walk gaining leafy green corridor
ONE of Sydney’s longest walking routes will be greener and cooler thanks to a tree planting project being carried out by Blacktown City Council and the NSW Government.
People on the 65 kilometre Great West Walk, which runs through Blacktown City to the Blue Mountains, can enjoy more shade and native flora and fauna following work on a popular stretch.
Council has planted 238 additional eucalyptus trees along a section of the Breakfast Creek corridor between Quakers Hill Parkway and Falmouth Road.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said people loved the leafy improvements to the Breakfast Creek corridor.
“Wandering through this corridor and taking in the sights and sounds of Blacktown City is one of the many delights of the Great West Walk,” Cr Bunting said.
“I’m delighted people can now do that and enjoy a cooler and more enjoyable experience.”
In addition to keeping walkers cool, the increased tree canopy will improve biodiversity and habitat.
In a later stage, more trees will be planted along the corridor from Falmouth Road to Breakfast Road.
This will provide walkers with a continuous corridor of canopy stretching from Quakers Hill Parkway to Breakfast Road.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces the Hon Paul Scully MP said Council was playing a vital role by increasing local tree canopy to provide muchneeded shade which will reduce urban heat.
“This funding will help support important work being done around Blacktown to improve the environment as well making the area more beautiful for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Mr Scully said.
“I am pleased that Blacktown Council has received $775,000 as part of the Greening the Great West Walk program to support their local environmental efforts.”
Representing the Minister, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali said tree planting initiatives like this will improve the longterm health of residents.
Highlights of the Great West Walk in Blacktown City include Blacktown Showground, Nurragingy Reserve and Rooty Hill Historic Site.
Mayor Bunting said the ‘Greening the Great West Walk’ grant supported Council’s efforts to cool the city.
“Providing more tree canopy cover is just one of
Seven Hills/Toongabbie/Wentworthville RSL Sub-Branch
On behalf of the Seven Hills Toongabbie Wentworthville RSL sub-Branch we would like to invite all Veterans to our Veteran’s
Day Commemoration Service
at the Seven Hills RSL, on the 15th of August 2024. The Service will commence at 11am.
On this day we honor all of our veterans in the name of our Nation, who placed their lives on the line for our freedom. We must remember that men and women were ordinary people who left their families, their homes to go to places of wars to protect our country and our way of life.
It is this day Seven Hills-Toongabbie-Wentworthville RSL sub-Branch honors our veterans and remember their great deeds, let us also salute those who are currently fighting for our freedom.
On the 15th August 2024
The Service will involve the laying of Wreaths as a sign of respect. If you wish to lay a Wreath at the base of our cenotaph, please contact me by phone on 0418 247 831.
At the conclusion of the Service you are invited to attend the Club for a Luncheon.
the ways Council is limiting the effects of extreme temperatures on the community.”
Council and Western Sydney University are conducting the first urban heat monitoring study across Blacktown City to better inform work to mitigate extreme temperatures.
Council is also reviewing its Development Control Plan to ensure builders use materials that reduce heat, and is working with the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils and the Greater Sydney Heat Taskforce to identify new ways to limit heat impact.
For more information on the Greening the Great West Walk program visit: www.planning.nsw. gov.au/policy-and-legislation/urban-greening/ greening-the-great-west-walk
Cr Kushpinder Kaur Cr Julie Griffiths AM Mayor Brad Bunting at Breakfast Creek, Quakers Hill.
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From the Sport Editor’s Desk
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Undisputed Queen of the Kayak sports
JESSICA Fox OAM has rewritten the history books several times in her illustrious career, yet her gold medal performance in the Canoe Slalom K1 Final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was, as the French would say, ‘extraordinaire’.
Jess has now won five individual medals in her Olympic Games history, joining Ian Thorpe, Leisel Jones, Shirley Strickland and Australian Chef de Mission Anna Meares as the only other Australians to achieve this feat.
Jess also stands alone as the only Australian to win four consecutive Olympic medals in the same event (Silver, London 2012, Bronze, Rio 2016, Bronze, Tokyo 2020, Gold, Paris 2024). She also won Gold in the Women’s Canoe (WC1) in Tokyo.
Speaking with 9Now immediately following the event, Jess said “That was the most incredible moment of my life. I knew when I crossed the line it was a good time but in a Final, you never know. Everyone can lift their game.
“I was just happy to put down a good run, then it was the longest wait of my life.
“I’ve been crying for the past half an hour. I was stressed with nerves, then I was crying tears of pure joy and emotion. It was so moving. There were so many Australians in the stands, some I knew, and some I didn’t, but I feel like I really needed their energy today and they pulled me through.”
Footnote: Anna Meares has won an individual medal at four consecutive Games, but her successes came in different events.
Photo: Gary Bowden / Paddle Australia
Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee
MINISTER for Communications and Member for Greenway, the Hon Michelle Rowland is encouraging all local young wordsmiths to enter this year’s Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee.
The Spelling Bee is a free online competition for Australian school students in Years 3 to 8 across all states and territories.
Minister Rowland said the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee is a fun competition that can help promote an appreciation of words and language in students, as well as develop broader confidence.
“It is a great way for schools and their students to develop a passion for prose, which helps improve literacy, comprehension and critical thinking.
“I would love to see all our local schools in North West Sydney getting involved in the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee and demonstrating the talent of this region’s students,” Minister Rowland said.
Minister Rowland said schools in Greenway can register to take part in this free competition by Friday, 23 August by visiting: www.spelling-bee.com.au
The national champion in each age group will travel to Canberra to meet the Prime Minister, and also win an iPad, a HarperCollins book pack and a $1000 voucher for their school.
WSLHD’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
WESTERN Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) commitment to battling cancer shone brightly during Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, with three separate events raising muchneeded funds for the Cancer Council.
Blacktown Hospital’s Cancer and Haematology Centre
Organised by Blacktown Hospital’s Cancer Care Coordinators, the team raised more than $2,800. The event featured raffles, lucky door prizes and an abundance of sweet treats, providing several ways for people to get involved.
It wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of WSLHD staff, the local community and businesses who donated baked goods, volunteered their time or got involved in other ways.
Special thanks to: Big W Blacktown; Big W Rouse Hill; Energy Australia; Hunny Pots Early Learning Centre; Just Paws in the Hill; MKLane Kaftans; Mini farms Glenwood; Mr and Mrs Pearse; Pendle Hill Bakery; Plumpton Hotel; Scenic World Blue Mountains;
celebration, raising over $1400.
They’re the ones going through this journey, and it’s their care that we’re trying to improve with the funds raised. “ “
Crown Princess Mary Cancer Care Centre At Westmead Hospital’s Crown Princess Mary Cancer Care Centre (CPMCC), patients joined staff in the
This event held particular significance as the funds raised directly benefit patients receiving treatment at the centre.
Operations Manager for Cancer Services, Anne Caboche spoke about the importance of the Cancer Council to CPMCC’s patients.
“The Cancer Council provides amazing support for our patients, particularly the information packs that they provide. It gives them a sense of hope and direction, and that’s what we really want for our patients,” Anne said.
Cancer Council Community Coordinator, Jade Bridgeman said, “Events like this allow us to showcase our support services in a light-hearted way, over a cup of tea and cake.
“Donations are crucial for running our support services, including the 13 11 20 information line, cancer counselling, and transport to treatment.
“We are very grateful to Anne and her team for championing this event.”
Westmead Inpatient Pharmacy team
Spearheaded by Clinical Pharmacist Margaretta (Maggie) Lin, the team organised a morning tea that exceeded its fundraising target, raising more than $1000.
“It has always been a tradition for our team to support Cancer Council’s annual Biggest Morning Tea,” Maggie said.
“Unfortunately, cancer has affected many of us whether it be family, friends, or even our patients.
“These events help raise awareness and also give staff an opportunity to support the community.”
Infrastructure must be priority in rezoning Sydney’s
BLACKTOWN City Mayor Brad Bunting has called on the NSW Government to guarantee residents that any rezoning of Glenwood and Stanhope Gardens would include infrastructure to support the expanded community.
The NSW Government’s Kellyville and Bella Vista draft rezoning proposal, which includes Glenwood and Stanhope Gardens, would add 20,700 new homes and as many as 50,000 new residents to the precinct.
Blacktown City Council is frustrated that the proposal for the narrow corridor contained no plans for new community facilities, parks or increased road capacity.
“Blacktown City has already accepted more than its fair share of new homes to try and help Sydneysiders overcome the housing crisis,” Mayor Bunting said.
“To be clear, the NSW Government’s rezoning plan proposes adding a population greater than the Strathfield Council area (45,593) without additional community facilities.
“The NSW Government needs to provide a detailed infrastructure plan to ensure this community remains liveable.”
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s own documents state good planning requires that community facilities, open space, and road congestion be addressed.
Mayor Bunting has urged residents to have their say on the proposal before the public exhibition period closes on Friday 9 August.
People can make a submission here: NSW Government’s Kellyville and Bella Vista state-led rezoning proposal before Friday 9 August 2024.
Warren Kirby, the Member for Riverstone, and Council will hold a community information meeting at The Ettamogah Hotel, Kellyville Ridge, at 3pm on Sunday 4 August.
Mayor Bunting backed residents who are concerned that worsening traffic congestion and a lack of community facilities will result if the NSW Government does not revise its proposal.
Blacktown City Council already faces significant
challenges providing:
north-west
1. Playing fields. Heavy demand forces some teams to train late at night due to limited availability. Community requests for year-round cricket competitions cannot be met due to a shortage of fields.
2. Community facilities such as community halls and childcare centres. Council analysis in 2020 of infrastructure needs for Sydney’s North West Growth Area warned that the lack of planned community facilities would significantly impact liveability.
3. Libraries. An important resource and place for students and others to study. Council is unable to fund enough libraries for its population (an estimated 435,000 and the biggest in NSW) due to NSW Government restrictions on how developer contributions may be used.
4. Blacktown City’s five swimming pools are increasingly inadequate for its population in the summer. Rising temperatures in Western Sydney and more people living in units are expected to increase demand.
Transplant recipient kids urge Australians to get behind DonateLife Week
THIS DonateLife Week (Sunday 28 July to 4 August), Australians are being asked to register as organ and tissue donors and be the reason someone else gets a second chance at life.
The Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney launched the DonateLife Week 2024 at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.
Assistant Minister Kearney was joined by Harlen, 2; Leila, 8; Aru, 7; and Madison, 7 who received liver, kidney, lung, heart and heart tissue transplants. The kids’ life-saving transplants were only made possible through the gift of organ and tissue donations.
Last year, 28 children aged under 18 became life-saving organ donors when they died, whilst 80 children aged under 18 received an organ transplant. One organ donor can save the lives of up to 7 people, and many more
through eye and tissue donation.
There are currently around 1,800 seriously ill Australians on the waitlist for a potentially lifesaving organ transplant, including 16 children aged under 18 who are waiting for a kidney transplant,
who need Australia’s help.
But opportunities for transplants are missed because Australians don’t register and talk to their family about organ and tissue donation. And it’s not because Australians don’t support donation – 4 in 5 say they do.
Registering as an organ and tissue donor is critical. Families are much more likely to agree to donation when their loved one is registered as a donor and have spoken to their family about their wishes.
It only takes one minute to register at donatelife. gov.au. You can also register or check if you’re registered on your Express Plus Medicare app.
DonateLife Week runs from Sunday 28 July until Sunday, 4 August, with events and activities taking place throughout the country.
Sydney Guard Rolling; The Home Loan Shop; and Undercover Hair.
Huge response to Women’s Forum delivers ideas for positive change
AN overwhelming response to the 2024 Blacktown City Council Women’s Forum has delivered an enormous collection of strong ideas and connections that will help make the community more inclusive.
More than 200 women attended the forum, held this year at the larger venue of Bowman Hall. They heard from community leaders and discussed solutions to a range of issues on Monday 15 July.
Speakers included Council Women’s Advisory Committee Chair Cr Julie Griffiths AM, Blacktown Police Area Command Detective Inspector Kylie Evans, SydWest Multicultural Services CEO Elfa Moraitakis and Australian Catholic University Blacktown Dean Dr Valentine Mukuria.
Previous recipients of the Blacktown City Woman of the Year award, Angela Van Dyke (2024) and Emie Roy (2023), also had speaking roles.
In feedback sessions, women worked together and suggested solutions to challenges they face in fields such as education, health, financial literacy and more.
All feedback ideas will form part of a forum report outlining recommendations and calls for action.
The report will be presented to the Mayor and Councillors, Council’s executive team and federal and state MPs to guide strategic decision making.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting participated in the forum and was delighted by the huge response.
“The forum was fully booked and it is great to see women seizing the opportunity to work with us on providing greater opportunities,” he said.
“We will use the feedback to better inform the delivery of Council services and advocate for other measures.
“We want women to have equitable access to opportunities. Helping women achieve their goals not only
benefits them but society as a whole.”
The forum helped make a donation to nominated charity Share the Dignity, which distributes sanitary products to women at risk of homelessness, domestic violence and poverty.
Participants were asked to bring sanitary products to donate and responded generously by donating more than 200 items.
Public Notification: Western Sydney University’s Cyber Incident
WESTERN Sydney University has updated its community on its ongoing investigation into unauthorised access to its information technology (IT) network.
Since the unauthorised access to the University’s IT network was discovered in January 2024, the University has been undertaking forensic investigations in line with its due diligence and legal obligations to determine the full nature, scope and scale of the incident.
As a result of the ongoing investigations, the University has published a public notification on its website (www.westernsydney.edu.au/cyberincident) about unauthorised access to the University’s storage platform, known as the Isilon storage platform (Isilon). In particular, the University is drawing its public notification to the attention of its community, which includes but is not limited to our former and current staff and students.
Western Sydney University appoints new Dean of the School of Law
WESTERN Sydney University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Catherine Renshaw as the new Dean of the School of Law.
Professor Renshaw, who has been serving as the Interim Dean of the School of Law since the beginning of 2024, brings a distinguished background in higher education and international human rights law to the role.
Professor Deborah Hatcher (Acting) Provost congratulated Professor Renshaw on her appointment acknowledging her steadfast commitment to the School and the University.
“Under Professor Renshaw’s leadership, the School of Law will continue to thrive and achieve new heights in research, education, transnational education, and engagement with the community and the profession,” said Professor Hatcher.
“Before entering academia, Professor Renshaw practiced as a lawyer at large commercial law firms and at the Legal Aid Commission of New South Wales. At a time of significant change in the legal profession, Professor Renshaw will bring to the education of the next generation of lawyers a deep commitment to developing the skills, ethics, and capacity for critical analysis of law students. As a distinguished expert in human rights and democracy in Southeast Asia, Professor Renshaw will also greatly enhance our world-class teaching and research, fostering the next generation of legal experts.”
Since joining Western Sydney University in 2020, Professor Renshaw has made significant contributions. She has developed strategies for student retention, implemented a support program for early career researchers, and will soon establish an External Advisory Committee for the School of Law.
As Associate Dean Research, School of Law, she led initiatives to enhance research productivity and excellence, resulting in increased citations and publications in prestigious journals. Her leadership was pivotal in the School’s recent achievement of a 2024 QS World Ranking for Law.
Professor Catherine Renshaw said she looked forward to continuing to collaborate with colleagues and students at the School of Law.
“The School of Law is producing high-quality graduates and robust, impactful research, with a strong commitment to the communities of Greater Western Sydney. I’m proud to continue advancing teaching and research outcomes alongside my colleagues,” said Professor Renshaw.
In her research capacity, Professor Renshaw is a founding member of the Australia-Myanmar Constitutional Democracy Project, facilitating numerous workshops aimed at promoting democratic reforms and human rights in Myanmar before the coup d’état in 2021. She has an ongoing commitment to Australia’s engagement in the region.
Forum speakers
Attendees Angelina and Fe enjoying the forum.
National Missing Persons Week 2024: Always searching for her
THE AFP is shining a light on long-term missing women this National Missing Persons Week (NMPW), calling on the Australian public to come forward with new information that could help provide answers to their loved ones.
The AFP’s NMPCC has launched the Always Searching campaign, focusing on eight cases of missing women from around Australia. National Missing Persons Week runs until 3 August, 2024 and serves as a reminder to all Australians that anyone can experience the anguish and hurt of a missing loved one.
About 50,000 missing persons reports are made to police every year, and about 2500 people remain missing long-term.
AFP Commander Forensics Joanne Cameron said this year’s National Missing Persons Week theme shined a spotlight on the commitment of police across all states and territories to follow every lead.
“The Always Searching campaign is an important reminder to members of the public to report any information to police, because no matter how small the detail may be, it could be the missing piece of the puzzle that brings peace to the family of a missing person,” Commander Cameron said.
“With the important ongoing conversation and public focus on combating violence against women, the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre has chosen these cases to remind the public that the police are committed to following every lead to bring justice for the families of missing loved ones.
“Police from around Australia work tirelessly to resolve these cases and find missing people. I encourage anyone who may have information about a missing person to share it via Crime Stoppers, either on their website www.crimestoppers. com.au or by calling 1800 333 000. This can be anonymous.”
Eight missing women were nominated by the AFP’s state and territory counterparts to be featured in this year’s campaign.
• Laura Haworth - missing since January, 2008, last seen in Queanbeyan, NSW.
• Anne Marie Jeffery - missing since August, 2020, last seen in Lake Arragan, NSW.
• Angie Lee Fuller - missing since January, 2023, last seen in Alice Springs, NT.
• Tanya Buckland - missing since August, 2013, last seen in Warwick, Queensland.
• Susan Goodwin - missing since July, 2002, last seen in Port Lincoln SA.
• Nancy Grunwaldt - missing since March, 1993, last seen in Scamander, Tasmania.
• Julie Garciacelay - missing since July, 1975, last seen in North Melbourne, Victoria.
• Chantelle McDougall - missing since July, 2007, last seen in Nannup, WA.
In Australia, a missing person is defined as anyone who is reported missing to police, whose whereabouts are unknown, and where there are fears for the safety, or concern for the welfare, of that person. A long-term missing person is someone who has been missing for more than three months.
National Missing Persons Week
Members of the community who share their stories and support online throughout National Missing Persons Week 2024 are encouraged to use the hashtag #NMPW2024 and follow NMPCC on Facebook, Instagram and X for the launch of Always Searching.
Anyone with information relating to a missing
person should contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppers.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
About the NMPCC
The AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre plays an active role in coordinating national police efforts and educating the Australian community to reduce the incidence and impact of missing persons in Australia.
The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre is a non-operational arm of the AFP, which put simply, means the team is not involved in the investigation of missing persons. All investigations are undertaken by the relevant state and territory police.
In support of NMPW, the AFP NMPCC coordinates an annual police campaign with state and territory police, highlighting a different theme each year to raise awareness of the significant issues associated with missing persons and profile longterm missing persons to reduce the incidence and impact of missing persons in Australia.
The annual police campaign complements other campaigns, events, initiatives and memorial services run by families with a missing loved one, advocacy networks, government and non-government organisations, and members of the public.
Community invited to speak at Senate Hearing on Aircraft Noise
BY TONY ADAMSKI
THE Australian Senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee (RRAT) will be holding a public hearing on the impact and mitigation of aircraft noise. The event is set to take place on Friday, 9 August 2024, at the Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, located at 597 High St, Penrith, adjacent to the Penrith Council Chambers.
Community Members’ Session –3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
The community session, scheduled from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, is a significant opportunity for local residents to voice their concerns and suggestions regarding aircraft noise. Participants will be invited to the table in groups of five or six, based on the order in which they expressed their interest. Each speaker will be given 3-4 minutes to present their views. Currently, there are five people
listed to speak, and additional spots are still available. Community members wishing to participate should email their interest to rrat.sen@aph.gov.au.
Registration Details:
• Expressing Interest: Those interested in speaking should indicate whether they would like their name published on the website ahead of
time, if they have made a submission to the inquiry (which can also be listed), and if they consent to being filmed or photographed by any media present. Note that consent for media presence is optional.
• Invitation and Procedural Information: Once interest is expressed, participants will receive an
invitation with important procedural information and will be asked to return a Hansard witness form to ensure proper attribution in the Hansard transcript.
• Day-of Registration: Prospective speakers may also have the opportunity to register on the day of the hearing, but early registration is advised to avoid disappointment.
The Joan has a seating capacity of 377, and community members are encouraged to fill the auditorium during the session to ensure a strong presence and robust discussion.
Full Hearing Program
The hearing will run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For more information and to view the full program, visit the Public Hearings page on the Parliament of Australia website.
This hearing represents a crucial platform for the community to influence policies affecting their lives, and a strong turnout will underscore the importance of addressing aircraft noise issues.
Laura Haworth
Angie Fuller Tanya Buckland
As cost of living bites, Western Sydney University offers a helping hand to students with fresh pantry staples
WITH the Spring semester getting underway Western Sydney University is launching a food hub at its Kingswood campus, known as Western Pantry.
Western Pantry will provide students with access to fresh and healthy produce and pantry staples, free of cost.
Running as a pilot, the Pantry will initially be open on Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings, with students able to access the service once a week and select approximately five items throughout their visit.
Students will be encouraged to take one to two items from each section which may include milk, canned goods, breads, cereals, rice, spreads, sauces, fresh produce and more.
Western Sydney University’s VicePresident (People and Advancement), Mr Angelo Kourtis, said the important community-based initiative is all about helping students as food insecurity continues to be a growing concern around the country.
“Not all students come to university with a full toolkit, and rising costs of living means many students are at risk of not having ready access to fresh and nutritious food,” said Mr Kourtis.
“As the University named number one in the world for our social, ecological and economic impact for
the third year in a row in the Times Higher Education Impact rankings, this initiative is a great example of our ongoing commitment to equity, access and inclusion and tackling issues, such as food insecurity, head on.
“By providing easily accessible, free food on campus, we are helping our students feel energised, nourished and ready to tackle their studies.”
The process will be as simple as students picking their items off the shelves and taking them to a ‘checkout counter’ where they will scan a QR code which records their student ID.
As much as possible fresh produce will be sourced from local farms, market gardens andfood rescue organisations.
Student Community Program Coordinator Ms Miranda Zhang said
the initiative builds on the existing programs at the University.
“As part of our Community Dinners program we have already served over 7,500 dinners to students across 10 of our campuses this year, and more than 7,700 breakfasts across eight of our campuses thanks to the Free Student Breakfast program,” said Ms Zhang.
“Our food security programs not only fill an important need for fresh, nutritious food for our students, it’s also a wonderful engagement opportunity for them while they are studying with us. We are seeing more students spending time in breakfast areas, more volunteer and employment opportunities for our students on campus and real-life skills being developed.”
Western Pantry is Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) funded with the Student Community Food Security Programs team overseeing the coordination and logistics of the pantry. Volunteers will help stock shelves and student casuals will be employed to assist with QR code check ins and other tasks during operational hours.
In addition to initiatives provided through SSAF, students have access to a comprehensive range of services at the University, including welfare, counselling, and wellbeing support.
CROSSWORD
Unlearned (8)
Dwelling (10)
Relocate (8) 17. Engrave (8) 18. Corps de ballet (8)
Ancient ascetic (6)
Withstand (6)
Unbending (6)
Countertenor (4)
Not Much Changes
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
IN August 1945 an opportunity for servicemen presented itself when the Federal Government’s decision to speed-up demobilisation and increase the home building rate that made the expansion of training facilities for ex-servicemen a matter of urgency. The President of the Master Builders’ Association and also a member of the NSW Regional Reconstruction Training Committee said they required at least 15,000 building tradesmen to be trained in the first three post-war years if the projected building targets were to be met. He said that about 4,200 ex-servicemen had begun professional or technical training and lately there had been a record number of 800 applicants. An expanded training programme for men in the building and associated industries was becoming a pressing need due to the building industry losing about 15,000 men during the war through enlistments and wastage because of their increasing age. Many men who had gone into other priority work had said that they would not return to building because they were getting on in years and preferred easier indoor jobs. With the labour outlook of grave concern to the industry it was suggested that the authorities should make a bold and imaginative approach to returned soldier rehabilitation by taking over the munitions factory at St Marys, one of Australia’s biggest munition establishments as a training centre as there were modern kitchens, mess rooms, refrigeration, change rooms and bathrooms with the big service hostel adjoining that could be taken over and there were 350 “duration cottages” nearby. Transport for those who did not want to “livein” would not be difficult to arrange. Five thousand men had been transported to the centre daily during the factory’s construction. The trainees would need to study for about six months to reach 40% efficiency and after that they could be released to their chosen callings and their employers receiving a subsidy until they became fully efficient. This proper training scheme for the various types of skilled tradesmen who will be needed went right to the heart of the home building problem, with the
supply of tools and instruments for rehabilitation training and for equipping the trained workers that improved with the local production of steel carpenters’ planes stepped-up to 1,000 a week and chisels and files made in fair quantity and braces from local makers. A century or so ago Australian’s were waiting for the preparations for the permanent survey of the Federal Capital site at Yass near Canberra that didn’t eventuate. If you fancied a home at Coffs Harbour you could have bought land for around £450. In Sydney, Farmer & Company’s Mail Order Department gave you the privilege to “stay at home and shop with ease”. You could suck on Hudson’s Eumenthol Jujubes for a sore throat and give Alderbury’s milk food to your baby that was affordable then, and for the discerning Australian male there was always a tipple of Robert’s Famous “The People’s Whisky” and Anthony Hordon sold Briar Pipes with “Tip Top Tobacco”. P&O Royal Mail Steamers and the White Star Line boasted a London return ticket at around £123. The Aberdeen Line did one better by offering a “round the world trip” for around £126. We have come a long way but sometimes it feels like we are back again after the war years with some of us having the hardship of watching the budget and to be able to feed the family and have a home to return to from a job if you are lucky to have one. But like those early days we all hope things will improve for all of us in the near future, so hang in there.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald, Nepean Times online and online research.
IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL…
@wealthwiz
Photo of the St Marys Duration Cottages on Kalang Avenue courtesy of Penrith City Library.
ALEX SONCINI
ISmart Saving Strategies for Property Investors
F you’re diving into the exciting world of being a landlord in Sydney’s dynamic property market, it’s crucial to have your financial ducks in a row. One key aspect that property investors should prioritize is saving up for a rainy day. Having savings is vital for success in Sydney’s dynamic market and practical strategies will help you build a solid financial foundation.
The Power of a Cash Cushion
The Power of a Cash buffer being a landlord comes with its fair share of surprises, like unexpected maintenance issues that can quickly drain your bank account. That’s why having a savings is a game-changer. It helps you tackle those unforeseen problems head-on and keeps your investment property in tip-top shape. Plus, having some extra savings can be a lifesaver if you experience a temporary loss of rental income or face employment uncertainties.
Building Your Savings Stash
Building a healthy savings reserve doesn’t have
to be a daunting task and here are some practical tips.
• Set up a “buffer” account: Open an offset account linked to your mortgage, where you can stash your savings. This way, you can access the funds easily while also reducing the total interest you pay on your loan.
• Create a budget and savings plan: Take the time to analyse your living expenses and determine how much you can save each month. Having a clear budget will help you identify areas where you can cut back and boost your savings.
• Aim for a savings buffer that covers three to six months’ worth of loan repayments and living expenses. This provides a comfortable safety net to handle any unexpected hiccups.
Managing Short-Term Needs and Debt
Sometimes, you may find yourself needing funds for property improvements or repairs, but your savings haven’t quite caught up yet. In those situations, consider these options:
• Personal loans or credit cards: While not ideal, they can offer short-term solutions for urgent funding. Just keep in mind that they often come with higher interest rates and fees, so be sure to have a clear plan to pay off the debt as quickly as possible.
• Refinancing and equity: If you’re in a tight spot, refinancing your property and tapping into its equity can provide the funds you need. However, make sure to review and update your savings strategy alongside your repayment plan.
As you embark on your property investment journey, don’t forget the importance of building a healthy savings cushion. By implementing smart saving strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to handle unexpected expenses, maintain your property’s value, and navigate potential financial challenges.
For personalized guidance and solutions, reach out to the experts at Wealthwiz.
Call Alex today on 0419 600 177 to get ready to make your mark in Sydney’s exciting property market!
Twin Creeks win Master Pennant Title in local derby
BY NOEL ROWSELL
TWIN Creeks
Golf & Country Club was a hive of activity on Sunday, with all divisions of the 2024 Golf NSW Men’s Master Pennant competitions being contested, in winds reaching up to 40km/h on the day.
The four Finals were scheduled to be played at various neutral courses some weeks back, but Sydney’s adverse weather forced their postponement.
The subsequent draw brought all four divisions to be played at Twin Creeks as a central venue, thereby providing a potential home course advantage to the home club in Division 2.
Twin Creeks and Penrith met in the Division 2 Final, with both sides having already won promotion to Division 1 for 2025.
The match was almost a mirror image of the last time these two clubs met in a Final, when Twin Creeks defeated Penrith in the 2020 Major Pennant Division 2 Final.
Penrith started well, with Graeme Howland defeating Colin Gallen
7&5, before Glenn Johnston levelled the contest for Twin Creeks, defeating Robert Zadravec 2&1.
Greg Corben pushed the home team out to a lead once again with a 2&1 defeat of John Bright, then Colin Stockley levelled the contest for
Penrith once more, defeating David McMillan 3&2.
The swings and roundabouts continued in the following match, with Ian Ashcroft again putting Twin Creeks in front, with a 3&2 win over Jeff Gadd, followed by Tyrone Emtage
defeating Peter Morris 5&4 to give Twin Creeks a 2-match advantage.
David Quirk (Twin Creeks) and Denis Day (Penrith) tied, as did John Glasheen (Twin Creeks) and Dale Turner (Penrith), resulting in Twin Creeks claiming the Division 2 title with a 5-3 team victory.
The full Twin Creeks squad is: Glenn Johnston, David McMillan, John Glasheen, David Quirk, Greg Corben, Colin Gallen, Ian Ashcroft, Tyrone Emtage, Stephen Waite Michael Hogan, Wayne Vassallo..
Division 1 – Mona Vale defeated Monash 4.5-3.5; Division 3 – North Ryde defeated Cumberland 5.5-2.5; Division 4 – Massey Park defeated Fox Hills 5-3.
Golf NSW has also released the list of undefeated players from the regular season of Master Pennant, which includes 6 players from western Sydney clubs.
Division 1: Nicolas Ferrer (Stonecutters Ridge), Darren Bain (Dunheved); Division 2: David Quirk (Twin Creeks CGC), Graeme Howland (Penrith), Colin Stockley (Penrith), Division 3: Wayne Palmer (Richmond).
Local Juniors in action at Junior Masters
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE 2024 JNJG Greg Chalmers
Masters was held over 27-28 July at Shelley Beach GC, with eight local western Sydney juniors in the field.
Richmond GC was represented by Harrison Oram, Leonay GC by Jake Thompson, Fletcher Birks and Noah Kozminski, Penrith GC by Riley Cleminson, Dunheved GC by Luke
Carruthers and Glenmore Heritage Valley GC by Farmaan Dhillon.
Farmaan led the way for the local contingent, finishing 8th outright, along with 4th in Scratch and 1st in Nett in 14/15 Years Girls.
Jake was the best of the local Boys, finishing tied 24th outright and 14th in 14/15 Years Boys.
Round 3 of the 2024 Eric Apperly Shield Pennant was held on Sunday, with the following results for local clubs.
Avondale vs Penrith TBA, Stonecutters Ridge 5-1 over Bankstown.
Round 2 of the 2024 T.L. Warren and W. Gibson Pennant competitions was also held on Sunday, with the following results for local clubs.
T.L. Warren (home teams listed first): Barnwell Park lost 3-0 to Fox Hills, Lynwood lost 2-1 to Randwick, Balgowlah lost 2-1 to Twin Creeks, Brighton Lakes lost 2-1 to Wallacia, Beverly Park lost 2-1 to
Stonecutters Ridge, Penrith 2.5-0.5 over Antill Park, Cammeray 3-0 over Springwood, Macarthur Grange 2-1 over Leonay.
W. Gibson: Barnwell Park defeated Fox Hills 2-1, Lynwood defeated Randwick 2-1, Balgowlah defeated Twin Creeks 2.5-0.5, Wallacia drew 1.5-1.5 with Brighton Lakes, Beverly Park defeated Stonecutters Ridge 3-0, Penrith lost 3-0 to Antill Park, Macarthur Grange 3-0 over Leonay.
Panthers to enter Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership
BY PANTHERS MEDIA
Penrith Panthers is pleased to announce the club’s entry into the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership from the 2025 season.
THE Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership is the NSWRL’s premier women’s open-age competition, developing female players for the national stage.
Panthers is dedicated to building a strong and successful Women’s program. From 2025, the club will boast a team in the Lisa Fiaola Cup (Under-17s), Tarsha Gale Cup (Under-19s) and Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership (Open Age).
Aligned with the club’s built-fromwithin philosophy, Panthers will develop local talent to provide female players with a pathway into the club’s future inclusion in the NRLW competition.
Panthers is also excited to announce that 18 women’s players have signed contracts with the Panthers to play in the Lisa Fiaola Cup and Tarsha Gale Cup next season.
The club will hold open trials for the Lisa Fiaola (4.30pm) and Tarsha Gale (6.45pm) programs for season 2025 on Wednesday, 11th September at Doug Rennie Oval.
Women’s rugby league is the fastest-growing segment of the game with female participation across Panthers Juniors up 34 percent this year.
“Entry into the Harvey Norman
Women’s Premiership is another exciting step for the women’s pathways program at the club,” Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said.
“Women’s rugby league is thriving in the Panthers district, and as a club, we want to ensure that junior players have a pathway to the highest level.”
The club is pleased to announce experienced coach Karen Stuart as the inaugural Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership head coach.
Stuart has a wealth of rugby league experience, having played and coached at the highest level. The former international represented Queensland and the Jillaroos during her playing career, before progressing to coaching, in which she led Queensland, New South Wales and Australia.
The former Jillaroo has worked with the Panthers over the past two seasons as the inaugural head coach of the Panthers Rugby League Women’s (PRLW) in 2023 and Tarsha Gale Cup this season.
Panthers is dedicated to building the women’s game from the bottom up. We are ensuring the right pathway across the women’s game in our district and investing in developing local talent.
Panthers General Manager of Rugby League Shane Elford
Darren Bain (Dunheved) and Wayne Palmer (Richmond) were both undefeated in the Master Pennant regular season. Photos by Noel Rowsell
Junior
Blacktown City finals push
BY BOB TURNER
BLACKTOWN City has four regular season games remaining in the 2024 season. Despite a rash of injuries, Head Coach Mark Crittenden continues to find ways to keep his side in the hunt for the playoffs. The last few weeks have been testing with as many as nine contracted players sitting in the stands rather than on the pitch with a variety of injuries.
“There have not been many games this year that I have had the same starting eleven on the field”, said Head of Football Mark Crittenden. “We have been challenged each week with one of those seasons but to the credit of the team, we have rallied each round to be competitive. Blacktown has a culture of next man up and that attitude has prevailed throughout this testing season”, Coach Crittenden added.
There are four rounds remaining in the 2024 regular season and the playoff push for Blacktown City is very much in their own hands. A convincing 3-0 win last week against the West Sydney Wanderers elevated Blacktown to equal third on the ladder with Apia on 48 points. This Sunday, August 4th, Blacktown City will host Sydney Olympic in a critical game for both teams. A win could cement a playoff position for Blacktown and at the same time dash the playoff hopes of Olympic. Blacktown and Sydney Olympic are always heated clashes and this week will have extra pressure on both teams. Game time is 3pm with the Under 20’s at 1pm.
The following two weeks, Blacktown will be on the road to NWS Spirit and then take up the challenge to Number two side Marconi who have won their last five games in a row. Blacktown will finish out the regular season at home against Hills United on Sunday, August 25th.
Rockdale leads the NSW Premier League on 62 points. Their 2-1 win over Apia last week with a last second goal, all but guaranteed Rockdale with a firstplace finish. The hot run of Marconi has elevated them to second place on 56 points. Blacktown and Apia are tied in third on 48 points and another win should secure a playoff berth for both teams.
The top six teams will make the playoffs and currently Wollongong and Sydney United are equal fifth on 43 points. Chasing them for the final two spots are St George City on 40 points and Sydney Olympic on 39, which makes the game this Sunday against Blacktown vital to stay in the hunt.
Coach Crittenden is slowly welcoming back some healthy bodies and at the transfer window welcomed
back former Blacktown City standout, Jackson Bandiera. Defensive anchor, Lachlan Campbell, went down to injury in the early rounds of the competition but came back on the pitch last week against the Wanderers. Adam Berry is due back this week after a long injury spell, but Blacktown will still be without Captain Mario Sabow (hamstring) and leading goal scorer, Jak O’Brien (knee). Coach Crittenden is hopeful to have the full squad available by the playoffs to make a solid run at the Championship.
Blacktown City women have had a tough few weeks losing their last four games to drop to tenth on the ladder. It has been a challenging few weeks for Head Coach Michael Hawthorne but he has kept his side in a positive frame of mind looking to build for the future. “We are on a constant learning curve in only our third season but adding a few new players for next season will make a significant impact on the team for 2025”, said Coach Hawthorne.
It is not often Western Sydney attracts the Number One Men’s coach in the country, but Blacktown City have secured just that when Socceroos Coach Graham Arnold will be the guest speaker at the
Blacktown City 70+1 dinner on Friday, the 16th of August. Joining him will be John Crawley, former Blacktown City Captain, and current
Tables and individual seats are available and can be booked through the Blacktown City website. The price includes a three-course meal at the Hudson Hotel, drinks, and commemorative gifts. Blacktown City FC Corporate Night, Friday, August 16th, 2024, 7pm at the Hudson Hotel.
Go Blacktown City!
Travis Major
Captain Mario Shabow. Photos: Not24Get
Socceroo Goalkeeper Coach.
Triple triumph for Junior Golf Stars
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE 2024
NextGEN Amateur July tournament at Newcastle GC has been a triumph for western Sydney golfers and Concord GC.
Chaewon (Grace) Lee (Glenmore Park / Concord GC) won the Future Female division by 3 shots, shooting 80/67/72. Chaewon shot a course record in the second round and would ultimately share the overall winner’s title with Junior Female winner Rachel Lee (Avondale GC).
“Congratulations to our 2022 series champion, Chaewon Lee, on a brilliant course record 67 (-6) in yesterday’s (Monday’s) 2nd round,” said Peter Shaw, Director APAC.
“Chaewon’s score beats the previous record, which had stood for over 22 years and, incredibly, marks the 8th course record in our past 7 events.”
Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs / Concord GC) won the Future Male division by 2 shots, shooting 78/69/71. Coby’s second round 69 was a headturning rollercoaster of a round, featuring 2 eagles (one a hole-in-one), 4 birdies, 7 pars and 5 bogeys. Kade Webber (Stonecutters Ridge GC) finished 4th, Blake Hodges (Erskine Park / NSW GC) tied 11th, Tyler Nesci (Leonay / Concord GC) tied 15th and Alexander Payne (Stonecutters Ridge GC) 26th.
Ti Fox (Richmond / Concord GC) won the Junior Male division by 5 shots, shooting 74/70/80. Ti
had streeted the field after the first 2 rounds, holding a commanding 8-shot lead going into round three. Whilst he struggled somewhat on the final day with an 80, the 3rd round ultimately proved challenging for all of the
Junior Men, with the best score on the day a modest 77. Sean Sammons (Stonecutters Ridge GC) finished tied 6th.
Richmond GC veterans dominated the July round of the Western Sydney
Region Veteran Golfers Association (WSRVGA) Inter-club competition, which was held at Penrith GC on 23rd July.
In the men’s 2BBB competition, Colin Cheyne and Gary Willett (Richmond) amassed a very creditable 47 points to defeat their clubmates, James Bullock and Chris Sharpe, on 45.
The Richmond duo of Jane Mackie and Lynette Luttringer (43 points) took out the 2BBB Ladies competition, narrowly ahead of Carol Field and Debra Moussa (Penrith) on 42.
However, whilst Richmond dominated the teams events, Glenmore Heritage Valley dominated the prize winners in the individual competitions.
Men’s A Grade - Gavin Johnson (Glenmore HV) 32c/b, Danilo Maretinez (Stonecutters Ridge) 32; Men’s B Grade - Warren Beard (Dunheved) 38 points, Lal Jayawardene (Glenmore HV) 36; Men’s C Grade - Greg Garland (Glenmore HV) 38c/b, Christopher Thorley (Dunheved) 38.
In the Ladies Singles competition Dorothy Wilmington (Glenmore HV) won with 34 points, ahead of Tatana Khanna (Springwood) on 33.
In the club Team’s event, Richmond (Gary Willett, Chris Sharpe, James Bullock, Lynette Luttringer) combined for 144 points, narrowly ahead of both Dunheved and Glenmore, each with 142 points.
The next WSRVGA Inter-club event will be held at Glenmore Heritage Valley on Wednesday August 14th.
Lights up for the Jonas Bradley Tennis Courts
BLACKTOWN City Council has completed the installation of brand new lighting for the tennis courts at Jonas Bradley Reserve in The Ponds.
The lights are now turned on and the community can extend their play at the courts at night.
The Mayor of Blacktown City Brad Bunting said: “Tennis is a sport everyone can enjoy, and an investment of $97,200 to light the tennis courts means it will be easier for current users to play at Jonas Bradley Reserve.”
Mayor Bunting, Councillors Chris Quilkey and Moninder Singh along with the MP for Riverstone Warren Kirby picked up racquets and played under the lights to celebrate the upgrade.
Mr Kirby said: “This upgrade at Jonas Bradley is a perfect example
of
together
community amenity.”
Committee, to enable night training and matches.
“We strive for every local resident to have the ability to regularly play and exercise,” said Mayor Bunting.
To assist with the improvement of our facilities, the NSW Government has funded specific upgrades to a range of sporting infrastructure in Blacktown City through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program.
Council contributed $60,000 to the new lights, with the remaining cost of $37,200 covered by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grant funds.
Council encourages residents to book a court, grab a racquet and have a hit with family and friends.
Stay tuned for further information on upgrade projects to sporting facilities throughout Blacktown City.
L-R: Coby Carruthers, Chaewon Lee, Ti Fox. Photos supplied by NextGEN Amateur.