Western News 2 February 2024

FREE

Western NEWS PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Friday, 2 February 2024

ISSUE 206

Qualified Counselling and Accredited Mediation Services

0493 509 142

SEE AD FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON PAGE 3

FOLLOW WESTERN NEWS ON FACEBOOK

Back toSCHOOL

Western News 2 February 2024 Issue 206

2

NEWS

Western NEWS

Blacktown City’s 2024 Australia Day Awards

A

SUPER community fund raiser, a law student named in Australia’s top 100 Future Leaders list, a 17-year-old environmentalist and the organisers of a Seniors Christmas lunch – have all been recognised in this year’s Blacktown City Australia Day Awards.

Council recognised 4 outstanding recipients at a special ceremony as part of Blacktown City’s official Australia Day celebrations.

Special guests at the ceremony included Minister for Communications and Member for Greenway, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Councillors and the Blacktown City Australia Day Ambassador Brad Farmer. Colin, in previous material I read that the Hon Ed Husic MP would be in attendance (but perhaps just at the Citizenship Ceremony?). Amend as necessary.

The Awards pay tribute to the outstanding work of people in the Blacktown City community across four categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Environmental Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year.

Mayor Bleasdale said; “Blacktown City’s Australia Day Awards are the most sought-after and prestigious publicly-recognised awards in our city.

“These awards pay tribute to the incredible, selfless work by members of our community, recognising their outstanding contribution to community service and achievements across many areas.”

The President of Blacktown City Lions, Rachael Hanlon was named – Blacktown City’s Citizen of the Year.

Rachael Hanlon is described as ‘the heart of Blacktown City Lions’. The community organisation has raised over $400,000 in support for our community and delivered $500,000 worth of food donations in the past ten years.

Rachael Hanlon said, “It’s an unexpected honour to be named as Blacktown Citizen of the Year, I want to say a big thankyou to the people who work with me, you are only as

good as your team and collectively we are able to do so much for Blacktown City and its residents.”

Ebony O’Connor was named Blacktown City’s Young Citizen of the Year. Ebony is a law clerk and award-winning student at Western Sydney University studying for her Bachelor of International Studies and Bachelor of Laws.

Ebony has been named in the Australian Financial review as a Top 100 Future Leader and is proudly a former Blacktown City Council Youth Ambassador and former College Captain and Dux of St. Andrews College, Marayong.

Speaking at a previous Citizenship ceremony, Ebony said; “It is our differences that make us whole and there is no place where this is more representative than Blacktown, a place that accepts all and judges none.”

Seventeen-year old Ariana Goanta was named Blacktown City’s Environmental Citizen of the Year.

Ariana brought her environmental activism to a practical and local level by creating a compost bin and composting system that can be used by her whole street.

The Rotary Club of Blacktown City Seniors Christmas Lunch has been recognised as Blacktown City’s Community Event of the Year.

For more than 15 years, the club has organised a free Christmas lunch and entertainment for residents of nursing homes throughout Blacktown City with year’s event attended by 280 people from 15 nursing homes.

Blacktown City’s Australia Day Awards recipients: Rachael Hanlon – Citizen of the Year Rachael is the President of Blacktown City Lions. Over 10 years she has, with the Lions, raised over $400,000 and delivered $500,000 worth of food donations.

This year, under Rachael’s presidency, the Lions have raised money for a piece of disability play equipment for a local inclusive playground, purchased a trained therapy puppy and provided wheelchair friendly outdoor furniture at a local park.

Rachael was instrumental in building a long-term relationship with the Plumpton Rural Fire Brigade and has helped the brigade purchase more than $30,000 worth of equipment.

Ebony O’Connor – Young Citizen of the Year Ebony O’Connor was elected the 2022/23 student representative for Western Sydney University’s Academic Senate Committee. Ebony previously sat on WSU’s Women’s Collective. Ebony was recognised in the Australian Financial Review’s Top 100 Future Leaders list. She is a finalist for the Ashurst Law Award and a member of the US Consulate Youth Advisory Council (Sydney).

She was also named as a 2024 New Colombo Plan Scholar for Japan.

The New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program is Australia’s most prestigious and competitive scholarship program.

This was preceded by her selection as 1 of 8 Australian students for the Mitsui Educational Foundation study tour of Japan.

Despite achieving the highest honours from an Australia-wide

selection pool, Ebony has always and will always be grassroots Blacktown.

She is a former Blacktown City Council Youth Ambassador and a member of Blacktown City Council’s Youth Advisory and Sister Cities’ committees.

Ariana Goanta – Environmental Citizen of the Year Ariana is a 17-year-old environmental campaigner who enthusiastically encourages recycling at many different levels.

Ariana has created a compost bin that all her neighbours can use.

She also assists and guides other residents who want to start their own composting system. Ariana also runs her own group on Facebook where she educates people about our oceans, animals and ways to recycle and reuse.

Ariana is a recipient of a grant from the Jane Goodall Foundation which she is using in her campaigns to support local wildlife, whilst encouraging tree planting and recycling. Ariana is also a prolific fund-raiser for a number of animal welfare charities.

Rotary Club of Blacktown City Inc. & the Seniors Christmas Lunch - Community Event of the Year The Rotary Club of Blacktown City hosts its Seniors Christmas Lunch in December. This event has been held for over 15 years, with residents of nursing homes throughout Blacktown City invited to attend a free lunch and Christmas entertainment. This year’s event was attended by 280 people from 15 nursing homes. At the event, guests are given a Christmas lunch and gift from the Rotary Club and are entertained by professional musicians as well as children from a local primary school. The Club also assists with transport for the event.

Western NEWS

NEWS 3

A

USTRALIA DAY in Blacktown City began with breakfast at Featherdale Wildlife Park and ended with western Sydney’s best firework display at Rooty Hill.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM joined Communications Minister and Member for Greenway, Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Member for Chifley, Hon Ed Husic MP, Blacktown’s Australia Day Ambassador, Brad Farmer AM, Councillors and local families for a 7 am Aussie flag raising and breakfast surrounded by kangaroos, koalas and a host of native wildlife.

Mayor Bleasdale said; “What better way to start Australia Day than at Featherdale Wildlife Park surrounded by our wonderful native animals and birds. Featherdale Wildlife Park is a well loved and iconic attraction within our city.

More than 200 Blacktown City residents later swore their allegiance to Australia at Council’s official Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at Bowman Hall in Blacktown.

Blacktown City has one of the most diverse populations in Australia, representing more than

180 nationalities, and as such, the ceremony took on a colourful multicultural vision as many families wore traditional national dress.

The Citizenship Ceremony opened with an extended Welcome to Country and corroboree. Speeches came from Mayor Bleasdale, Minister Rowland, Minister Husic, Australia Day Ambassador Brad Farmer and Blacktown’s Youth Ambassadors; Darshanik Aryal and Giovanna Tabanag.

Mayor Bleasdale said; “I firmly believe that Australia Day is a day of both celebration and reflection by all Australians.

“Blacktown City Council believes it is a day when we welcome our most recent arrivals as they swear their allegiance to Australia and, at the same time, we acknowledge our First

Counselling | EMDR Therapy Trauma | Adolescent mental health Parenting support Grief and Bereavement | Mediation Online therapy for personal convenience via Zoom or FaceTime

Book an appointment and get your life back on track.

Email: info@roadmaptolife.com.au

Phone 0493 509 142

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

We celebrate, value, and include people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.

Nations peoples as the traditional owners and custodians of this land.

“Today we should reflect on our history, the highs and the low points, respect the stories of others and celebrate our achievements.” Mayor Bleasdale said.

The Australia Day Ambassador for Blacktown City, Brad Farmer AM, Australian advocate, author and conservationist attended all Australia Day events. Brad Farmer said, ”The calibre, capacity and commitment of all Australia Day finalists and winners is truly outstanding and demonstrates just what a truly great success story Blacktown is. Without doubt, the activity packed Australia Day here was the best of any Council area I’ve enjoyed as an Australia Day Ambassador in over 11 years across Australia.”

Following the Citizenship Ceremony, Blacktown City Council honoured three residents at an Australia Day Awards ceremony. Council also acknowledged the Rotary Club of Blacktown City naming its Seniors Christmas Lunch as the Community Event of the Year.

Blacktown City’s celebrations culminated in the Australia Day concert at The Rooty Hill.

Many thousands of people turned out for the alcohol-free, family-friendly event.

The fun filled afternoon and evening featured live stage performances, amusements rides, food stalls, water games to cool off and a very popular circus workshop.

The concert was headlined with a great performance by the group Baby Animals after which Vtribe got the party going with a fabulous show in the afternoon.

Australia Day literally ended with a bang as the sky was lit up with the biggest fireworks display in Western Sydney.

Mayor Bleasdale said “Blacktown City Council’s Australia Day Concert and Fireworks is always a great evening out for the whole family and I think this year was definitely the best ever.”

Western News 2 February 2024 Issue 206

Australia Day 2024 in Blacktown City

Western News 2 February 2024 Issue 206

4

Western NEWS Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 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 Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com

Distribution Map

Vineyard Riverstone Rouse hill

Western News is not tossed onto your front lawn.

Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

Marsden Park Kellyville Ridge

Schofields Shanes Park Colebee

Ropes Crossing

Quakers Hill

Hassall Grove

St Marys

Dean Park Glendenning

Emerton

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

Prospect

From the Editor’s Desk

BY KERRIE DAVIES

A

HH February... the silly season is well and truly over for another year. Kids are back at school, most of us are back at work and knuckling down for the year ahead.

New citizens have been welcomed to this fabulous country and I truly hope they have a wonderful life here and enjoy all the great things that this country provides. Seeing the smiles on faces and the pride at becoming part of this nation was certainly uplifting.

I wish that we could all take some of that enthusiasm with us into the year ahead. I hope that we can again be observed as the happy-go-lucky country of people who smile and laugh their way through life. I’m not referring to the Australia Day debates and debacles here - I’m talking about the general vibe of all Australians.

Growing up I had an English stepfather whose mates used to call him a “whingeing pom” any time he voiced the slightest complaint. Like a good Aussie, he took the bagging in his stride, laughed along with it and for my memory, thoroughly enjoyed the banter. Because that’s how we always rolled in Australia. We ribbed each other and didn’t get offended. We laughed at what was clearly meant as a joke. And we embraced what happened around us, good or bad. “She’ll be right mate” wasn’t just an expression, it was our way of life.

I feel we are in danger of earning the mantle “Whingeing Aussies” And if you have a look around social media, you’ll see that’s not meant as a joke. Every new thing in the area brings out a thousand naysayers. Every word a politician utters is ripped to shreds before they finish the sentence.

We live in a truly magical country that is rich with opportunities. We have services available to help our citizens facing every adversity imaginable.

And we are a growing country, constantly improving what’s already here and building new things to enjoy.

Can’t we just be happy about some things?

My wish for 2024 is that we Aussies who are already living here and reaping the benefits can put a smile on our dial as bright as those just about to start their lives as Australians.

Western NEWS

NEWS 5 Western News 2 February 2024 Issue 206

WSLHD staff honoured in Australia Day awards

W

ESTERN S y d n e y Local Health District (WSLHD) staff have been awarded the nation’s highest honours, with a selection of staff acknowledged this Australia Day for their outstanding service and achievements in healthcare.

Clinical Professor Paul Harnett has received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division, for significant service to oncology as a clinician and researcher.

Paul is the current Director of the Crown Princess Mary Centre and has been since 2011.

Previously he was the founder of Translational Oncology Laboratory and Gynaecologic Oncology Laboratory.

Professor Anthony Walter Harris has received a Member of the Order of Australia in the general division for his significant service to mental health as a clinician and academic.

Anthony is a senior staff specialist in Psychiatry (and has been since 1998), is the Chair of One Door Mental Health and is the current Head of Speciality, Psychiatry at Sydney University.

Dr Matthew Vincent O’Sullivan has received a Member of the Order of Australia in the general division for significant service to medicine, particularly in the field of infectious diseases.

Dr O’Sullivan is the head of the Department of Infectious diseases, and the Director of the NSW Biocontainment Centre for High Consequence Infectious Diseases and a member of the Specialist Advisory Group on Covid-19.

“I would like to congratulate our colleagues who have been recognised in our Australia Day awards this year,” WSLHD Chief Executive Graeme Loy said.

To view the 2024 Australia Day honours list, go to www.gg.gov.au/ australia-day-2024-honours-list.

If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their contributions to society, find out how to nominate them here.

Michael Vassili

Barristers and Solicitors Family Law – Criminal Law – Civil Law All Litigation in All Courts throughout Australia

First interview is Free

1300 557 819 (24 HOURS - 7 DAYS)

admin@cityprosecutor.com.au www.cityprosecutor.com.au

Rouse Hill – Blacktown Seven Hills – Melbourne

www.blacktown.n

www.blacktow

n.nsw.gov.au/lunar

ktown.nsw.gov.au/iwd

www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/seniorsweek

NEWS

Western News 2 February 2024 Issue 206

Western NEWS

8

the tragedy that broke the heart of a nation

ANITA COBBY

BY KERRIE DAVIES

I

WAS a teenager when five loathsome monsters took the life of beautiful Anita Cobby, and like everyone else old enough to remember this horrific crime, it is etched in my mind forever as a stark reminder that unspeakable evil does exist.

A young nurse in the prime of her life, Anita was snatched from the side of a Blacktown road by a carload of despicable creatures before being raped, tortured and murdered.

The brutality the 26-year-old endured at the hands of the five men devastated her family, reduced the most hardened police officers to tears and broke the heart of a nation.

It has now been 38 years since the crime that shocked Australia and made Anita Cobby a household name for the saddest of reasons.

It was on February 2 1986 that Anita took that fateful walk from Blacktown station to her home.

She usually called her father to pick her up, but on this night, the phone box was broken.

The five criminals stopped and she was pulled into the car. After torturing her in what must have been the most terrifying car ride, Anita was taken to a field in Prospect where she was systematically raped and tortured further, before finally having her throat cut by the ring-leader and left to die a lonely death.

News first broadcast into our loungerooms that the young nurse was missing. Then, the devastating news that she’d been found so brutally murdered.

Australia’s collective heart broke all the more when we saw Anita’s parents, Garry and Grace Lynch, who were so lovely and showed so much dignity throughout their ordeal. It hurt to see such sweet, warm-hearted parents in unimaginable pain.

The details of what Anita was subjected to were revealed in an autopsy report. Many people who never knew her, including emergency services, journalists and political leaders set out to read the report - but found the circumstances so horrendous that they couldn’t finish it. One can only imagine how heart-wrenching it was for her parents.

Retired Detective John Wakefield was second in charge (2IC) at Blacktown at the time Anita was found.

“The day her body was located will always be etched in my mind. I remember the crime scene as if it was today,” Mr Wakefield said.

“A murder scene tells a story; the last moments and what they did to her will always stay with me.

The look on her face, the state of her body.

“It was such a shock for the man who owned the dairy where she was found. Nobody could expect to come across a body like that.

“When the team of detectives arrived, we found the cattle around her. They were poking her, as if to try to wake her.”

Not long afterwards, Mr Wakefield was transferred to Penrith, but he always kept an eye on the case.

The horror of Anita’s murder will also live in the mind of retired Chief Inspector Gary Raymond forever. He believes the memory of her tragic death delivers a strong message.

“Anita’s tragic passing serves as a message against violence. It has also served as a reminder to women in particular, on safety and security. It became somewhat of a catch-cry from mothers all over the country, ‘don’t walk home alone, remember Anita Cobby.’

“We all wish women could walk anywhere at anytime and be safe.”

Mr Raymond worked around the clock at Blacktown trying to generate leads on who the perpetrators were.

“My main job was to ‘turn the streets over.’ That basically means go talk to the people on the street, including the prostitutes and the drug users.

“The streets talk - part of good detective work is to knock on the doors, go in the pubs, even the brothels - and find out every bit of information you can.”

Anita’s abductors were in a stolen car at the time of the crime, and the ‘streets did talk’ information came from an informant that the Murphy brothers had stolen a car.

Another important piece of information came from a neighbour who noticed a burning smell and then saw them burning clothing in an incinerator.

“A detective’s job is to join the dots. People should always report suspicious activity, even if it seems insignificant. It could just be the missing piece of the puzzle,” Mr Raymond said.

Once arrested, community outrage at the criminals responsible for Anita’s death rose to a level never seen before in this country. The court appearances of the five men (John Travers, Michael Murphy, Leslie Murphy, Gary Murphy and Michael Murdoch) were always packed with members of a very angry public calling for their heads.

“I was upstairs in the detective office, when it

came over the speaker that every available officer was to head to the front to address crowd control,” Mr Raymond remembered.

“There was, I’d guess, about 200 people protesting.

Blokes on top of the carpark hung a noose. The crowd started chanting ‘Hang the bastards!’ Then they tried to get at the cars that they were in.

“One memory I’ll always have, is of a very elderly lady in the crowd. She was very thin, had grey hair up in a bun - she looked a bit like a nun. She began screaming ‘hang the bastards’ and lunged at the car.

When I asked her to move back, she grabbed my coat and screamed at me, ‘have you got a fu**ing daughter? I have, let me at them!’”

“I understood the emotion. I looked at her and gently said, ‘justice will be done.’ It was certainly a level of anger that I had never seen before and have never seen since.

“People were angry and also afraid. Before we’d arrested the Murphys and were looking for them, blokes were picking up their wives from the station armed with baseball bats. They’d scream, ‘if we find them we’ll cave their heads in!’

Mr Raymond spoke of calling in to see Anita’s parents after the autopsy.

They’d been told the details.

“They were just such lovely, beautiful people,” Mr Raymond said. “I can still see Grace entering the room in her apron. Garry stared at me for a long time, and then grabbed my hands in his and said, ‘Gary, something good has to come out of something so bad.’ We all cried and cuddled.”

All five men, who had over 50 previous convictions between them, would be found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment, never to be released.

Travers, Murdoch, and two of the Murphy brothers, Les and Gary are in NSW prisons. Michael Murdoch died of a liver condition in February 2019.

The Lynch family endured a nightmare that was so utterly unbearable, yet they focused their time in the subsequent years reaching out to other families struggling to cope with homicide.

They established the Homicide Victims Support Group with Christine and Peter Simpson, parents of Ebony Simpson.

Ebony was just nine years old when she was abducted after alighting from her school bus before being raped and then tossed into a dam in Bargo and left to drown.

Finding themselves to be members of a club nobody would ever want to be in, Anita’s parents and Ebony’s parents were united in a grief that only those who’ve lost their children from horrendous homicide could understand.

Garry and Grace have both passed away now.

Named in her honour, “Grace’s Place” has since opened and is a world-first residential trauma recovery centre for children affected by homicide.

Documentaries on Anita’s murder have aired over the years, and a book has been published called ‘Someone Else’s Daughter.’

Sadly the title came from a quote by Garry Lynch (Anita’s father) who said, “I could wish it was someone else’s daughter, but I can’t, can I? They would then have to go through what we’re going through.”

He was a very decent and honourable man. A stark contrast to his daughter’s brutal killers.

Western NEWS

NEWS 9

B

LACKTOWN City Council is on the lookout for young people aged between 15 and 18 to represent the City in 2024.

Council has conducted a ‘Youth Ambassador’ program since 1983 and applications for the 2024 program are now open.

Council will select two young people to serve as Ambassadors for a period of 12 months representing the city at Citizenship Ceremonies, Civic Receptions and Youth Forums, as well as being part of Council’s Sister Cities and Youth Advisory Committees.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “If you are a young person who enjoys public speaking, meeting new people, helping your community and would like to represent the youth of Blacktown City then this is the program for you!”

Former Youth Ambassador and this year’s Blacktown City Young Citizen of the Year, Ebony O’Connor said: “My tenure as Blacktown Youth Ambassador in 2019/2020 continues to open doors for me today and has equipped me with the skills and networks to engage young people in my community.”

Applicants must be 15 – 18 years of age, live in Blacktown City, have a sound knowledge of Blacktown City and are required to provide a brief summary on why they should be considered for selection as a Youth Ambassador.

Applications close Wednesday 21 February 2024. Full details: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/ Community/Our-people/Children-and-youngpeople/2024-Youth-Ambassador-Program

Western News 2 February 2024 Issue 206

Become a Blacktown City Youth Ambassador

2023 Youth Ambassadors Darshanik Aryal and Giovanna Tabanag at the 40th Anniversary of the Youth Ambassador program.

2024 BLACKTOWN CITY SHOW Be the Blacktown City Show Young Woman of the Year 2024

Search for a Star Talent Quest Western NEWS

BLACKTOWN CITY SHOW

SUNDAY 10TH MARCH 2024

9TH & 10TH MARCH

FREE ENTRY TO ALL GIRLS 18-25 YEARS

Sponsored by

OPEN TO ALL AGES

$1500 IN CASH PRIZES TO BE WON

Details on show website www.blacktownshow.com

* Singers * Dancers * Musicians * * Magicians * Comedians *

For application form contact Dianne Martin, Co-ordinator Phone 0418 862 392

TO ENTER SIMPLY FILL OUT ENTRY FORM AND SEND TO: SP Statewide Promotions PO Box 151, Pendle Hill NSW 2145 Entries close 23rd February 2024. Successful applicants will be notified by mail

Entries Close 23/2/24

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES: 0418 256 049

Blacktown City Show Young Woman of the Year is sponsored by

NAME: …………………………............................................................................

AGE: ......................

ADDRESS: ………………………………….................................…………………………......................................

PHONE NUMBER: ………………………............................. TYPE OF ACT: …….........….....................

Ebony O’Connor 2023 Winner

Western News 2 February 2024 Issue 206

10

NEWS

Western NEWS

Tertiary Scholarships Applications now open

B

LACKTOWN City Council is offering scholarships to the value of $1,500 to 15 local tertiary students.

In announcing the scholarships, Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “Council is proud to champion the diversity, talent and achievements of our tertiary students as they pursue their chosen fields.

“We know that support from family, friends and the wider community is critical to success in higher education, and Council is committed to helping local students achieve their academic goals.” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Rachel Lafrenais was awarded a Tertiary Scholarship last year; “I felt very privileged to receive the scholarship. It motivated me to go on and gain my Certificate 4 TAFE qualification in Mental Health.”

“I’ve now got a fulltime job in the industry and I’m planning to study part time for my Diploma,” Rachel said.

Blacktown City Council’s Tertiary Scholarship ‘Class of 2023’. Rachel Lafrenais is fourth from the left.

Applications are now open for the 2024 Scholarship intake. Applicants must live in Blacktown City, and have completed the full year of study in 2023 and be continuing their studies this year.

One scholarship specifically assists

students of physiotherapy, sports medicine or health sciences.

The ‘Anne Aquilina Scholarship’ is named in honour of former Mayoress Anne Aquilina, the popular Blacktown physiotherapist and academic and late wife of the first Mayor of Blacktown

City Council, Hon. John Aquilina.

Applications will close on Monday 29 April 2024. Full details can be found at: www.blacktown. nsw.gov.au/Community/Awardsscholarships-and-competitions/ Tertiary-Scholarships

134 junior doctors to start on-the-job training in Western Sydney

T

HE Mount Druitt community will benefit from a major boost to its local medical workforce – with 134 of medical graduate interns starting work in local public hospitals this month – the Minister for Health Ryan Park announced on Thursday.

Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice in order to become independent practitioners.

The interns will work with and learn from NSW Health’s experienced and highly skilled medical staff in one of the world’s best health systems.

The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on-the-job training.

They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional

Westmead JMO 2024 intake. L-R: Natalie Mikhael, Christopher Tang, Sharuja Jegathees, Isabelle Chacty, Sukrit Khanna

and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience.

They also rotate across different specialties during the intern year, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.

The NSW Government is undertaking an ambitious plan to rebuild the state’s health workforce,

including through: • Implementing safe staffing levels of nurses and midwives beginning in our emergency departments; • saving 1,112 temporary nurses by making them permanent; • abolishing the wages cap and delivering record pay increases for nurses, paramedics and other

health workers as well as salary packaging; • beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities; and • doubling the health worker study subsidies.

Member for Mount Druitt, Edmond Atalla MP said; “The Minns Government is working hard to address the 12 years of neglect our health workers have suffered under the previous Liberal/National government.

“I very much welcome the allocation of 134 interns to the Western Sydney Local Health District, which is essential in improving and supporting our health workforce. An improved health workforce will see improved health outcomes for our communities,” Edmond Atalla MO said.

Powerful anti-vaping campaign

Y

OUNG people are being reminded ‘every vape is a hit to your health’, as part of a new campaign launched by the NSW Government.

Developed in consultation with young people and medical experts, the campaign amplifies the voices of people aged 14 - 24 who have experienced the harms of vaping.

The campaign also uses powerful advertisements to encourage young people to consider the proven health harms of vaping, such as nicotine addiction, lung damage, breathlessness, nicotine poisoning and burns from exploding vapes.

It comes as the latest NSW Population Health Survey shows current vaping among people aged 16-24 has significantly increased to 16.5 per cent in 2021-22, up from 4.5 per cent two years prior.

The ‘Every vape is a hit to your health’ campaign builds on NSW Health’s successful ‘Do you know what you’re vaping?’ campaign and Vaping Toolkit, and provides a range of support pathways for young people.

For support and advice about quitting vaping young people are encouraged to contact their general practitioner, download a quit vaping app, or call Quitline on 13 78 48.

Londonderry MP Prue Car, who is also Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning said vaping is a serious issue and it is having a significant impact on students and young people.

“It is important that as we work together to tackle the scourge of vaping, we lead with an evidencedbased approach, and bring the experiences of young

people to the forefront,” Prue Car said.

“This is part of our strategy to tackle vaping, particularly addressing the impact on young people.”

For more information on the ‘Every vape is a hit to your health’ campaign, developed by Cancer Institute NSW, visit: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/vaping

Western NEWS

NEWS 11

B

LACKTOWN Arts is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Blacktown City Art

Prize.

The Main Prize winner is Catherine O’Donnell for her artwork Gilded Communities. Once synonymous with state housing and western Sydney, this style of fibro houses is now slowly being phased out and replaced.

By gilding these small models in gold leaf, the houses become treasures, speaking to issues around housing affordability, architecture, and suburbia.

The winning artwork was chosen from 81 finalists and comes with a prize of $15,000. It will also be acquired for the Blacktown City Art Collection.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “Blacktown City Council is committed to celebrating the artists, cultural organisations, diversity, and the creative communities of western Sydney.

The Blacktown City Art Prize is a highly acclaimed art prize and I congratulate Catherine O’Donnell for creating this year’s winning entry”, Mayor Bleasdale said.

For 28 years, the Blacktown City Art Prize has provided artists with an opportunity to exhibit, share and develop their works while at the same time demonstrating Blacktown City Council’s commitment to the arts and the major role the arts play in the life of our City.”

This year, judges were excited to announce one Highly Commended place to Virginia Keft for This colony thrives in a landscape of NO. The winner of the First Nations Artist Prize was awarded to Nathan

Catherine O’Donnell, Gilded Communities. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Dawson for his artwork Loss of Identity/Culture. Highly Commended for the First Nations Artist Prize was given to Jacqueline Jacky for her work The Place that they had (Part 1).

The Local Artist Prize was awarded to Anjali Sharma, for her artwork Momentary Threads of Youth. Highly Commended for the Local Artist Prize was given to Jack & Noel with their work Red Soil of Blacktown.

The winner of the brand-new Early-Career Artist Prize was awarded to Mina Lee, for her artwork Here comes trouble. There were 2 highly commended artists for this category – Tahlia Henderson for her work Seeking Shelter in a Sudden Drenching and Carissa Karamarko for her work Surprise Birthday Cake.

Local Art Prize winner Mina Lee

for her artwork Here comes trouble.

Photo courtesy Blacktown Arts.

The Blacktown City Art Prize exhibition opened the 2024 Blacktown Arts program at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.

The works span a range of styles and media including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and photo and mixed-media.

The independent judging panel comprising of Venessa Possum (artist and CEO at Blue Mountains Culture and Resource Centre), Amani Haydar (author, visual artist, and advocate for women’s health and safety) and Luke Létourneau (Curatorial and Collections Lead at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre) commented that “The 2024 Blacktown City Art Prize is a joyful expression of colour,

place and identity. We were impressed with the calibre of entrants and it was not an easy feat picking the winners!”

This year, Blacktown Arts received 381 entries from across Western Sydney and Australia.

Visitors can vote for their favourite artwork in the People’s Choice Prize.

The winner will be announced in the final week of the exhibition.

Included in the Local Artist category at this year’s Blacktown City Art Prize is a work highly commended by the judges, Red Soil of Blacktown

by Jack and Noel, both inmates at Parklea Correctional Centre. Their work is included in the 83 pieces selected for exhibition.

Alongside the Art Prize, Blacktown Arts is showcasing over 70 artworks from the 2024 Young Artist Prize.

Young people aged 3 to 14 years from Blacktown City have created artworks in response to the theme of ‘Creating Cooler Cities.’

Best interpretation of ‘cooler’ city, Erin Faraon, Blacktown is my cool town, Age 8 Most expressive use of colour Breonna Konidana, Our Mother Nature, Age 12 Most creative use of sustainable materials, Ved Patel, My Flower Vase, Age 4 Best green environment, Cooper Butcher, My Green Blacktown City, Age 9 Best expression of Blacktown City, Naduli Kuruppu, Cooler Westpoint, Age 12 The Blacktown City Art Prize and Young Artist Prize exhibitions are open to the public at the Leo Kelly Arts Centre in Blacktown until Friday 15 April 2024. Entry is free and all are welcome.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 6 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 19 22

School terms (9) Shop (5) Appalled (7) Fickle (7) Increased twofold (7) Choice of words (7) Insurgent (9) Different (5) Shot from a bow (5) Corrosive in tone (9) Female imperial ruler (7) 23 Failure to meet an obligation (7) 25 Orange-red dye (7)

26 A tropical cereal grass (7) 27 Writing tables (5) 28 Computer input devices (9) DOWN 1 Sedate (5) 2 Determine the size (7) 3 A piece of needlework (7) 4 Finished (5) 5 Resolute (9) 6 Sandstorm (7) 7 Flightless bird (7)

solution 19/1/24

8 13 14 17 18 20 21 23 24

Western News 2 February 2024 Issue 206

2024 Blacktown City Art Prize winners announced

Bizarre (9) Cemetery (9) Farm animal (9) Regrets (7) Garlands (7) Conflagration (7) An easy victory (slang) (7) Dirty (5) Makes docile (5)

Western News 2 February 2024 Issue 206

12

WESTERN HISTORY

Western NEWS

Burnt to Death

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

I

N December 1945 a single man named John William said that shortly after 8 p.m. on December Joseph Xavier Wright aged 31 returned to 14th he walked outside his home and saw a fire in St Marys. John was born in May 1914 at a shed on Wright’s property. He also mentioned Boolaroo, Lake Macquarie in NSW to parents that he had already seen Mrs Wright leave her Albert Ernest and Elsie Xavier Wright (King). His place about 7.50 p.m., so he immediately went father was born in 1886 in Durham, England and over to the shed where the fire was burning from they married in September 1910 in Tynemouth, the floor to the roof in the north-eastern corner.

Northumberland in the Trinity Wesleyan Chapel.

He said that the shed was an open front building.

The family lived at 3 Shepherd Road, Colyton He went in and could see the body of a person (Mt Druitt). John enlisted in 1940 (NX56481) at in the middle of the fire. He picked up a bag that Paddington. He served in the 2/20th Battalion, was lying in the shed and threw it over the top Australian Infantry. In early 1941 the Battalion portion of the body and pulled it out of the fire and was deployed to Malaya where they formed part of out of the shed and in his opinion, it was John’s the garrison there. In December when the Japanese lifeless body. He said that when he first saw John’s invaded, the battalion fought a brief campaign body he was lying on his back with a 4-gallon tin along the east coast of the Malay Peninsula before on each side of it. He saw that it was the body being withdrawn back to Singapore in early 1942. of John Joseph Wright and when he arrived at They were heavily engaged after the Japanese the shed he formed the opinion that the fire was landed on the island and were eventually captured caused through petrol or some other inflammable following the Fall of Singapore. Most members of liquid and when he removed John’s body he got the battalion became prisoners of war and a large some water and extinguished the fire where it had number died in captivity. John was captured by the caught on to some boards nearby. The Coroner Japanese in February 1941 and remained a prisoner said that in his opinion, John had been handling of war until the Japanese army surrendered. He one of the drums of petrol and might have was due for discharge after being released. Now accidentally spilt some of the contents on him and at home, John was burnt to death in a car shed at he possibly struck a match to look for something the home about 8.10 p.m. On the day of John’s in the shed and his clothes became ignited with death his widowed mother left the house, leaving such tragic results. John’s army history showed John and an elderly lady at home. About 8.30 p.m. that he had had 26 bouts of malaria and was in a neighbour William Thomas Richards who lived a very nervous condition having spent years of about 150 yards away saw fire coming from the possible torture and privation in a prisoner of war shed on the Wright property and ran down where camp, and in the shock of finding himself ablaze he saw John enveloped in flames and he threw he probably collapsed onto the floor of the shed in some bedding over the top portion of John’s the position in which he was found, and he is not body and pulled him out, but John was already of opinion that John did this deliberately because dead. William found two tins in the shed that had  Photo of John courtesy of Australian of the love and esteem in which he was held by his National Archives war service website. contained petrol and there were indications that mother and members of the family. Therefore, the there had been an explosion. There was no car in Coroner found that John Joseph Xavier Wright on the shed at the time having been left near the house during the day.

December 14, 1945 died from severe burns accidentally received John’s brother Arthur also had returned home after being a prisoner to the body, but how his clothing became ignited the evidence does of war in Germany. The inquest was held by the District Coroner not allow him to say further. The funeral was largely attended with Mr E F Rule who found that death was accidental but the evidence the service conducted by the Rector Reverend H Sloman and John did not allow him to say how John’s clothing caught alight. John’s was buried in the Church of England portion of St Marys general mother Elsie said that about July 1940 prior to enlisting in the AIF cemetery, section F, Grave 13.

John had been employed as a station hand. She said that she thought Sources: Nepean Times Thursday 20 December 1945, Thursday John must have gone to the shed to get some petrol to put in the car 14 February 1946, Find a Grave website, Ancestry. and had apparently struck a match that caused the petrol to ignite.

IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL… Wealthwiz can help you: • refinance a home loan * • vehicle and equipment finance ** • investment property strategy advice • debt restructuring

Digital verification makes life easier, no need to leave your home.

Talk to Wealthwiz now. *Comparison rates from 2.79% ** Instantly write-off assets before 30 June 2020.

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

Western NEWS

Want to go from renting to ownership in 2024?

HOW TO MAKE YOUR JOURNEY TO HOME OWNERSHIP SUCCESSFUL

I

F your new year’s resolution is to leave the rental market behind, now is the time to start making it happen.

Shifting from renting to ownership is a big change and there’s plenty to do before you begin searching for a property to buy.

Here are some important steps to take on your path to successful home ownership.

Understand your borrowing power Calculating your borrowing power is an important part of applying for a home loan that can be as simple

as using an online borrowing power calculator.

Lenders typically determine borrowing power by considering factors such as the size of your deposit, your income and any ongoing financial commitments.

More borrowing power means more options and actions such as reducing the limit on your credit card can help you increase your borrowing power.

Get home loan pre-approval Home loan pre-approval can help make sure you don’t miss out on securing your dream property when the time is right.

Most pre-approvals will be subject to you finding a suitable property.

While you’re not obliged to take the loan, having pre-approval shows sellers you’re serious about buying.

Some lenders offer an indicative

pre-approval online. While this isn’t a formal pre-approval, it can be a useful guide as to whether the lender is likely to pre-approve you for the loan.

Be prepared to wait With demand outweighing supply in the current property market, those looking to buy this year may need more patience.

And because buying a home is a big investment that comes with high changeover costs, you want confidence in your purchase decision.

Seek advice From upfront buying costs to taxes, mortgage applications and settlement requirements, there’s a lot for first home buyers to learn before making any big decisions.

Speaking with a mortgage or finance broker can help you understand the buying process, get your finances in

@wealthwiz

order and find the right home loan for your circumstances.

If you’re thinking about buying a property, contact Alex today on 0419 600 177 or email to alex.soncini@ wealthwiz.com.au.

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

For information about whether a loan may be suitable for you, call us on 0419 600 177.

Western News 2 February 2024 Issue 206

ALEX SONCINI

REAL ESTATE 13

#wealthwizau

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

Innovation Roof Restoration

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE LOOK OF YOUR ROOF?

BEST RATES IN TOWN!

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

Call Kurtis on

0475 555 000 for a FREE QUOTE

Licence No. 251151c

All work comes with a 5 year guarantee

Western News 2 February 2024 Issue 206

14

SPORT

Western NEWS

2024 South Creek Cup

BY NOEL ROWSELL

T

HE 2024 South Creek Cup was held at Dunheved GC on Saturday Jan 27, with a field of 244 starters, 71 being Vardon players, 3 Colts and 7 Juniors, with a further 32 players on single digit handicaps.

The South Creek Cup winner was Jonah Metuangaro (Twin Creeks GC) with a 2-under-par score of 70, ahead of Joe Lozada (Dunheved GC) 72; Colt winner Blake Hodges (a Dunheved junior and now at New South Wales GC) on 75.

The John Fearnley Cup winner (Junior) was Ian Kim (St Michael’s GC) on 74.

The Captains Cup winner Daniel Casson (Dunheved) had a nett score 67 c/b (off a handicap of 11), ahead of Adam Jaramillo (Dunheved GC) 67 (handicap 15).

Action from Saturday’s 2024 South Creek Cup. Photos by Noel Rowsell

JNJG U12 Tour Event at Springwood SPRINGWOOD CC will host the Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) Under 12 Tour Blue Mountains golf tournament on Sunday February 4.

The tournament is an 18-hole event, limited to 48 players aged 11 Years and Under.

All players must be current members of a golf club and hold an official 18 Hole Golf Australia handicap to take part.

Tee times will be from 12noon to 2pm, with all players to play with other players in the same age division as themselves.

The tournament will be broken down into four different divisions: Boys 10 Years & Over, Boys 9 Years & Under, Girls 10 Years & Over, Girls 9 Years & Under.

The Divisions may change pending on the number of registrations in each division and the exact number of prizes for each division will be confirmed once registrations close on January 31.

Local interest will centre around Carter Bryant (Richmond GC) and Hunter McMillan (Twin Creeks GC).

Blacktown City Council supports community water safety

D

ROWNING deaths in Australia have increased alarmingly.

The 2023 National Drowning Report showed that over 300 people drowned in Australia in the last year.

Blacktown City Council, through its aquatic and leisure centres, is determined to do what it can to help reduce those numbers and Council’s annual free Swim Sense program is playing an important part at a local level.

Swim Sense is a free 4-day water safety education program aimed at adults living in Blacktown City who cannot swim and/or who are not confident swimmers. The program teaches important water safety awareness and skills to build their confidence and competence in and around any aquatic environment.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said “Council has provided the Swim Sense program to assist our community. Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death worldwide, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths. It’s very important that people of all ages and backgrounds learn to be safe and become confident swimmers.”

Swim Sense programs are held each January at the Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope, Blacktown Aquatic

Swim Sense participants and a Blacktown Leisure Centre Swimming Instructor

Centre, the Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton and the Riverstone Swim Centre.

Swim Sense is one of a number of water safety initiatives championed by Blacktown City Council.

These include the award-winning Aqua Learn to Swim program for everyone aged 6 months and over, life jackets being available at all our

aquatic venues and a partnership with Waverley and Randwick City Council’s in promoting Bondi Rescue’s Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins Float to survive initiative.

Mayor Bleasdale said, “Blacktown City’s Swim Sense and Aqua Learn to Swim programs are benefiting our community. No matter what your age, it’s never too late to learn to swim. It’s

just as important for adults as it is for children.”

“We are proud of our passionate and dedicated Council staff, all of whom go above and beyond to meet the needs of the local community.”

For more information about water safety at Blacktown City Council, please visit our website: www. blacktown.nsw.gov.au/watersafety

Western NEWS

SPORT 15 Western News 2 February 2024 Issue 206

Season on Show!

BY BOB TURNER

T

HE NSW 2024 NPL 1 season is only three weeks away and Blacktown City FC is determined to continue their hot streak to finish off the 2023 season.

After numerous injuries early in the season, Coach Mark Crittenden’s men found the groove to finish the last twelve games of the season without a loss. Chasing League Leaders Apia Leichhardt down the stretch, Apia held out for Premiership honours as Football NSW had ruled not to have a playoff structure to finish the season.

That decision has been rectified and the Men’s NPL 1 competition, as in all other years, will now have playoffs with the top four teams qualifying.

Blacktown men’s 2024 campaign will commence on Sunday, February 18th at Landen Stadium.

The opponent for Blacktown City will be the 2023 Premiers Apia Leichhardt in what has build as a Blockbuster start to the season. Game time for the Senior Men has been altered to 6pm with the Under 20’s to play at 4pm.

Landen Stadium is situated at 5 Quinn Ave, Seven Hills.

Head of Football, Mark Crittenden, has assembled a squad capable of duplicating his 2022 Championship with the nucleus still intact from that season. Defensive stalwarts, Grant Lynch, Lachlan Campbell, Ben Berry and Nick O’Brien will anchor the back line. To date in pre-season form they have been stingy in their defense of the goal and Tristan Prendergast in goal has shown once again to be one of the best goalies in the competition.

Head Coach, Mark Crittenden, is excited at the potential for the upcoming season.

“We have maintained the nucleus of the team from the past three seasons so the understanding of the structure and game plan is positive.

Adding

Players left to right – Lachlan Campbell, Jak O’Brien, Travis Major, Mario Shabow, TJ Burnie, Tristan Prendergast, Grant Lynch

Mitch Mallia and Danny Choi after season ending injuries last year is a huge plus and we have already seen their influence in pre-season games this year,” said Coach Crittenden.

“A few new recruits will provide plenty of back up but will make my decision making for the first eleven a difficult task each week,” he added.

Blacktown City will be putting the 2024 team on show Wednesday, February 8th, at Landen Stadium. All are welcome to watch one of the final training sessions as the team prepares for Apia Leichhardt the following week. Everyone is welcome to attend at 6pm.

The Blacktown City FC family was saddened to hear of the passing of the Legendary Lang Walker this

past weekend. The clubs ‘Principal Partner’, Walker Corporation has been built over a number of years by a man who has exuded vision beyond comparison. Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo, Broadway Shopping Centre, Rhodes and Parramatta Square are only but a few of the many transformation projects led by Lang. Next on his list is Blacktown to redevelop the city centre in the same fashion as Parramatta Square. While Lang may not now lead the charge, the culture he has instilled into his organisation will fulfill his dream to make the city centre of Blacktown the envy of major cities.

See you on the 8th and 18th of February at Landen Stadium!

Go Blacktown City!

Head of Football Mark Crittenden

2024 SEASON COMMENCES FOR MEN 18 FEBRUARY & WOMEN IN MARCH (SENIOR MEN AT 6PM & UNDER 20’S AT 4PM)

Western NEWS Friday, 2 February 2024

SPORT

Kade Webber wins 2023 Golf NSW Vardon Trophy

BY NOEL ROWSELL

19-YEAR-OLD Stonecutters Ridge GC junior Kade Webber has claimed the 2023 NSW Vardon (Men) trophy, winning by just 0.01 over Jordan Springs local Coby Carruthers (Concord GC).

Kade has enjoyed a stellar year, also winning the Stonecutters Ridge Men’s Club Championship, the Stonecutters Cup and the Pacific Harbour Open.

He finished runner-up in the Adidas Junior 6’s World Final, third in the South Australia Amateur Stroke Play,, tied fourth in the Northern Territory Amateur, tied fourth in the Portsea Open, Quarter Finalist at the NSW Amateur and tied 29th at the Australian Amateur.

When asked about current or future plans to venture into the professional ranks, Kade said “I’m not planning to turn professional anytime soon, as I would like to win a few more big tournaments, gain more experience, get my game in better shape, travel and play bigger events.

“Once my world ranking gets below

Kade Webber. Photos courtesy of Golf NSW

500, I might start to consider going to Q School in Europe or Asia.”

Kade played an impressive 27 qualifying rounds in the Vardon Trophy, finishing with a winning average of 71.62, whilst Coby played 32 qualifying rounds for an average of 71.63.

The NSW Vardon Trophy is one of the Golf NSW’ most important trophies. Past winners include USPGA Tour star Cameron Davis, three time PGATA winner Jordan Zunic, Japanese Tour star Brendan Jones, Brett Ogle, Paul Gow and 13-time winner, Tony Gresham of Pennant Hills GC.

Grace Lee (Glenmore Park / Concord GC) was another impressive performer from Sydney’s western suburbs over the calendar year, finishing in 8th spot in the Jean Derrin Trophy on an average of 70.88.

The winner of the Jean Derrin Trophy was Claire Shin (St Michael’s GC), with a 66.18 average from 14 qualifying rounds.

The Jean Derrin Trophy also boasts an impressive honour roll. Past winners include current LPGA Tour players Grace Kim and Sarah Kemp, Sarah Oh, Nikki Campbell, and sixtime winner Edwina Kennedy.