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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
Friday, 30 August 2019
ISSUE 92
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lacktown City Council is leading the Red25 Council’s Blood Challenge and in the process has contributed to saving 762 lives. In just under 2 months, the Blacktown community and Blacktown City Council staff have made a total of 254 donations. Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said it was great to see the community rolling up their sleeves for a good cause. “So far we have made 60 whole blood, 183 plasma and 11 platelets donations,” Mayor Bali said. “Donating blood does not take long but it goes a long way in helping save lives. “This year our plasma donations have tripled and it is great to see people taking the time out for a positive impact.” There is still plenty of time to donate before the challenge ends on 30 September, 2019. Donors simply need to ask that their blood donation be recorded on Blacktown City Council’s tally when they give blood. Mayor Bali said; “Help us smash our goal of 300 blood donations from Blacktown City Council this year!” Local resident and long-time donor Edwin Russell donated for the
500th time this year and his donation contributed to Blacktown City Council’s tally. Mr Russell said donating blood has become the norm for him and was not an inconvenience.
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“It is a good feeling [knowing] that I have been able to help so many people and I think it is something everyone should try. Mayor Bali said: “Mr Russell’s commitment to helping save
Western News 30 August 2019 Issue 92
Over 760 lives saved by Blacktown City Council residents and staff
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people’s lives through his many blood donations is a tremendous encouragement to all.” For more information and to donate blood please visit: www.donateblood. com.au/
Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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From the Editor’s Desk By KeRRIE DAVIES
W
hen I was a kid I was fortunate enough to live across the road from a lookout point. Cars would pull up all weekend and people would climb out with their binoculars and cameras to observe the spectacular ocean scenery with views that stretched to North Bondi. But the beautiful landscape was marred by a single tree on the grassy stretch because it was home to one very evil-minded character.. a magpie! At the risk of revealing a dark side of my personality, I confess that Sunday afternoon entertainment for me consisted of sitting perched at the window watching and laughing as sightseers stepped out of their cars, eyes transfixed on the view, oblivious to the swoop that was about to take place. I now seek to pay penance for my cruel and evil favourite childhood pastime, by warning people that this is the season to be on high alert when passing trees. Magpies, usually males, will indiscriminately peck the heads of unsuspecting passersby showing no remorse whatsoever for the traumatic episode they create! Be aware. Be very aware. I hope I have made amends for my wicked ways by coming clean about my heinous childhood trait and hopefully save at least one person from being the victim of an aggressive magpie - and perhaps also save them from being primetime entertainment for some kooky kid with nothing better to do! Your thoughts? Kerrie@nepeannews.com.au
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amilies in Prospect and Seven Hills have a brand new venue for outdoor fun following the construction of new parks. Snowy Reserve, Tuross St, Seven Hills and Prospect Park, Aldgate Street, Prospect, both received more than $100,000 for the installation of new equipment. Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali said the new parks will encourage families to head outside. “Blacktown City recognises the importance of allocating funds to build new and improved play spaces for our community,” Mayor Bali said. “Council dedicated $128,000 for Snowy Reserve and $113,000 for Prospect Park to ensure the
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Prospect Park and Snowy Reserve
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community has a place where friends and families can come together and enjoy the outdoors.” An extensive public consultation was conducted with the community ensuring both parks would be well utilised. “There is a range of equipment for the children to enjoy,” Mayor Bali said. “There is a multi-swing set, seesaw, a sitting race-car, a main play structure, featuring slides and bridges and climbing apparatus at Prospect Park. “Snowy Reserve will include both a junior play unit and a senior play unit with slides, climbers, standing platforms and a trampoline.”
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Mercure hotel now open at The Fiddler Booming Hills District welcomes Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill
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ccor and Lewis Land Group are delighted to announce the opening of their newest venture, Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill – a new-build hotel located in Sydney’s burgeoning Hills District. To mark the opening, guests are invited to experience the brand new Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill hotel and save 15% off the best available rate. The internationally branded midscale hotel opens in The Fiddler hotel precinct - a major dining and entertainment hub. Owned by the Lewis Land Group, the 19th century Rouse Hill pub, underwent a major redevelopment in 2010 and has been transformed into an award-winning outdoor venue for casual dining and events. Designed by Architect Mostaghim & Associates, Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill hotel boasts 78 modern guest rooms, including a mix of Deluxe Rooms, Family Rooms, Suites and four rooms catering to guests with reduced mobility, spread over four floors.
Accor’s Chief Operating Officer Pacific, Simon McGrath said the new Mercure is a strategic and welcome addition to the Group and will positively contribute to the economic growth of Sydney’s North West. “Sydney’s North West is booming and the opening of this new internationally-branded midscale hotel signifies Accor’s confidence in this bourgeoning pocket of greater Sydney. By injecting new hotel supply, the area will positively benefit from the economic and tourism growth associated with the creation of new jobs and services. “Congratulations to Lewis Land Group on the newest addition to The Fiddler precinct and our team
at Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill are excited to welcome both corporate and leisure guests with the brands renown authentic, locally inspired service and experiences,” said McGrath. Lewis Land Group CEO, Chris Calvert said that this partnership was a natural fit for the group. “Our vision to create exceptional communities in every market we operate is achieved with Mercure’s localised approach, ensuring we retain the heritage of our offer whilst tapping into new corporate and leisure markets. “This play and stay precinct is the number one accommodation and entertainment venue in the Hills District, if not broader Western
Sydney”. Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill also features a fitness centre and swimming pool, new conferencing and events spaces, while dining venues will be provided to hotel guests through The Fiddler’s existing entertainment precinct for a wide choice of a la carte dining and beverage options. Guests of Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill be able to earn points and privileges via Accor’s awardwinning loyalty programme - Le Club AccorHotels. The programme is free to join and can be used across more than 4,800 hotels, resorts and residences across 100 countries. Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill is located corner of Commercial and Windsor Roads, Rouse Hill NSW 2155. The hotel is approximately 45 minutes by road from Sydney International Airport and Sydney CBD. Mercure Sydney Rouse Hill joins a global network of over 50 Mercure hotels across Australia and New Zealand and over 800 worldwide.
Overpass raised at Rooty Hill forum
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ore than 60 people braved a cold winter’s night recently to attend Blacktown City Council’s community forum at Rooty Hill High School. Council presented information on traffic updates in the area and on its extensive library program. Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “Residents made it clear to Council that the Davis railway overpass on Francis Road at Rooty Hill and traffic congestion in the area continue to be serious problems for local residents. “As Mayor and a Doonside resident, I understand this issue. We will continue to lobby the NSW Government to widen the overpass,” he said. Other issues raised at the forum
included neighbourhood safety, climate change and a call for improvements to the Rooty Hill business district. Residents also used the opportunity to discuss the petition for lifts at Doonside railway station. “This has been a long campaign and I urge more people to sign the petition and to get their friends and neighbours to also sign,” he said. Mayor Bali said the community forums provided a good opportunity to get feedback from residents and once again infrastructure in Western Sydney continued to be an issue for the community. “The upgraded Mount Druitt Hospital and the soon-to-open Coliseum at Rooty Hill are great facilities but it is imperative that the surrounding roads are able to cope
Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP addresses the Rooty Hill community forum.
with the increase in traffic. Council’s next community forum is on Tuesday 8 October at the Tregear Community Centre.
Forum details: Date: Tuesday 8 October Venue: Tregear Community Centre, Ellsworth Road, Tregear Time: 7 pm – 9 pm Details: 9839 6914
Alleged serial graffiti vandal arrested by police – Toongabbie A man has been charged with 85 graffitirelated offences following an investigation into more than $17,000 worth of damage to property. Officers attached to the Police Transport Command (PTC) North West Transport Action Group, supported by Sydney Trains, commenced investigations into the alleged graffiti offences. About 7am on Thursday 22 August officers attached to the PTC North West Transport Action Group and North West Metro Region Enforcement Squad, executed a search warrant at a residential address on Fitzwilliam Road, Toongabbie. Police arrested a 36-year-old man who was wanted for 35 incidents across the North West region of Sydney over the last 18 months. Upon searching the home, police seized a total of 400 spray cans, clothing items used in
connection with the alleged offences, keys, cannabis and graffiti sketches. The man was conveyed to Parramatta Police Station where he was charged with 85 offences, including numerous counts of enter running lines, blacken face with intent, malicious damage (graffiti), possess prohibited drug, trespass and goods in custody. The man was refused bail and appeared in Parramatta Local Court. He was refused bail and remanded in custody. Anyone with information about graffiti related offences or other damage to property, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
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n emotionally-charged seminar about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis has provided hope, information and advice for local patients battling the conditions. The full-house event at Blacktown Hospital attracted more than 160 people who heard stories from people living with the debilitating and incurable conditions. IBD is a term for several chronic, gastrointestinal conditions that are rising in prevalence in children and adults, causing symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, internal bleeding, fever and fatigue. Blacktown Hospital patient Jessica (surname withheld) from Kellyville spoke at the event about her battle with Crohn’s disease for six years. “I’ve had around 15 surgeries over the last six years and two major surgeries” Jessica said. “I’ve had to cancel holidays because I needed emergency treatment. The last time I cancelled a holiday I ended up in hospital having part of my bowel removed. “If I waited any longer, my bowel would have burst and I probably would have died. “My condition is very complex – I have several appointments and tests
to manage my condition. On a lot of levels it is similar to cancer treatment, I’m treated in the same ward and I get infusions. “I’ve had to emotionally adjust over the last few years, but I’ve come to the realisation that I just want to be stable with my life and control the pain.” Blacktown Hospital gastroenterologist Dr Viraj Kariyawasam wants people to start taking the disease seriously, with the number of people impacted rapidly rising.
“At Blacktown Hospital we are seeing 350 patients a year and this number is rising. More than 4,500 people in western Sydney are affected,” Dr Kariyawasam said. “These patients have to deal with hospital visits, multiple CT scans, infusions, surgeries and not to mention the mental health impacts. “I know a patient who has had 24 CT scans in the space of five years.” Viraj said people often shy away from talking about their condition due to embarrassment. “People often feel embarrassed
because they go to the toilet 20 or 30 times a day,” Viraj said. “They sometimes wake up at night and go to the toilet up to ten times. It’s a horrible disease.” Viraj thanked everyone who attended the seminar at Blacktown Hospital. “Everyone was enthusiastic and wanted access to our services and clinical trials at Blacktown Hospital,” Viraj said. “There are only four biological agents available to treat Crohn’s disease and for people like Jessica, she is on the last one. “Thank you to the patients for sharing their stories, it’s time to put IBD on the map.” Blacktown Hospital IBD service started in 2014 and has grown over the last five years to now managing more than 200 complex patients who suffer from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The service runs three consultantled outpatient clinics each month, providing expert advice on inpatient care and a twice-weekly biologic infusion clinic. For further information about Blacktown Hospital’s IBD clinic, please email WSLHD-IBDHelplineBT@health. nsw.gov.au
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Blacktown Hospital: Life with IBD
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Council-led Trade Mission India sets flight
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lacktown City Council has teamed up with Austrade to send a delegation to India to explore export and trade opportunities. The delegation flew out of Sydney at the weekend and includes 9 business delegates representing 8 businesses from across western Sydney. Trade Mission India 2019 is being jointly led by Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali, former NSW Premier Nathan Rees and Austrade Commissioner in Chennai, India, Munish Sharma. Austrade has worked closely with Council to tailor the agenda of meetings and networking opportunities to provide the best opportunities for each business to establish successful trade relations. Mayor Bali said; “Blacktown City has one of the fastest growing economies in Australia while India has one of the fastest growing economies in the World. Trade between our City and India is a perfect fit.” “In addition to the business relations, our City has one of the highest populations of people from the Indian diaspora in Australia. “This presents a great opportunity to network with government, education institutes, sports institutes
Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP is leading Trade Mission India 2019.
and businesses,” said Mayor Bali. The civic delegation comprises Mayor Bali, the Hon Nathan Rees and Councillors Susai Benjamin and Moninder Singh. “I am very proud that our two Councillors of Indian origin have joined this mission at their own
expense. This shows the level of commitment they have to the community they represent,” said Mayor Bali. The joint delegation will visit Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi over an 8 day period. David Mumford, Director, RBK
Nutraceuticals operates a business in Seven Hills that exports to 15 countries. “Participating in the Trade Mission to India with Blacktown Council is a great opportunity to meet with pre-arranged qualified importers and distributors of health supplements with the goal of establishing a long term relationships and commencing export to India,” he said. Murray Bridle, CEO, Container Rotation Systems was the first business to sign up to the Trade Mission. “When this mission presented itself I jumped at the chance to be a participant in a well organised, government-supported and professional group to assist us to make our initial survey of the potential markets and help us proceed to possible export of our systems into this region.” Alongside the business program, Mayor Bali will undertake a number of civic and cultural appointments including a seminar at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi organised by the Australia, New Zealand and India Business Association, a meeting with the Tamil Nadu Minister for School Education and Sport in Chennai and a presentation to the Mumbai Stock Exchange.
Get Healthy at your local library: sign up for free health coaching throughout September
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esidents of Western Sydney are invited to sign up for a free, personal telephone health coach while thumbing through their favourite book at local libraries, as part of a campaign to get people off the couch and more active. For the third year running, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) has partnered with libraries in the Hills Shire Council, Blacktown City Council, City of Parramatta Council and Cumberland Council areas to spread the Make Healthy Normal message to library visitors through Library Health Month in September. The month-long program will offer visitors the opportunity to instantly sign up for free health coaching at 25 libraries across Western Sydney. Libraries will also promote other free health programs including Go4Fun and Stepping On, as well as play host to a range of free health talks and activities including the Sydney
Former WSLHD Population Health’s Belinda Duckworth, Blacktown Library manager Laurence McDonnell and WSLHD health promotion officer Melissa O’Neill.
Thunder Literacy program. WSLHD Centre for Population Health deputy director, Christine Newman said everyone is encouraged to visit their local library to sign up to
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and remind people of the importance of healthy eating and active living, and how free programs like the Get Healthy Service might help them,” Christine said. Since 2009, more than 9,600 people in Western Sydney have engaged with the NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service. On average, people lose 2.8kgs in weight and 4.1cm off their waist circumference. Qualified health coaches provide motivation, advice and support on healthy eating and physical activity to participants to help them achieve sustainable lifestyle changes. For more information, check out your local library’s website to find a free event or visit the Free Programs page at www.makehealthynormal. nsw.gov.au To view the list of libraries, visit: w w w. w s l h d . h e a l t h . n s w. g o v. au/Population-Health-Services/ S e r v i c e s - a n d - P ro g r a m s / K e y Partnerships/Key-Partnerships
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ember for Riverstone Kevin Conolly MP said he was delighted by the success of the Riverstone Junior School Leadership Forum in NSW Parliament recently. 30 students from 11 local primary schools attended the Leadership Forum at NSW Parliament House and had the opportunity to discuss leadership with The Hon Anthony Roberts, Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections and The Hon Shelley Hancock, Minister for Local Government. The forum is an annual event initiated by Mr Conolly to inspire junior school students in leadership roles to think more broadly about leadership in our community. “It is also an opportunity for me to recognize the hard work that school captains and leaders give to their school communities” Mr Conolly said. The students from John Palmer Public School, Kellyville Ridge Public School, Mary Immaculate Primary School, Parklea Public School, Quakers Hill East Public School, St John’s Primary School, St Joseph’s Primary School, Vineyard Public School, Riverbank Public School, Norwest Christian College and St John XXIII Catholic Learning Community were welcomed by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The students then watched question time in the Legislative Assembly Chamber and got to see the Premier and government Ministers in action answering questions from the opposition. “I believe it is important that our young leaders
have an understanding of how their democratic government functions,” said Mr Conolly. Mr Conolly then gave the students a personal tour of Parliament House. “This experience may have opened their eyes to wider possibilities for their own futures,” Mr Conolly said. Below are some of the student quotes from the day’s experience:
Taj (Parklea PS) – “My favourite part was Question Time. I enjoyed learning about all the different people and their roles.” Heather (Quakers Hill East PS) – “My favourite part was learning about all the Ministers and hearing them talk about leadership.” Sam (Quakers Hill East PS) – “I thought Question Time was pretty entertaining and interesting.”
Reproductive Bill sparks debate across the state By KeRRIE DAVIES
T
he NSW Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill to decriminalise pregnancy terminations is currently the topic of
fierce debate. It passed through the NSW Legislative Assembly last month - 59 votes to 31 - but has been delayed in the upper house following a call from some MPs who oppose the bill. Mulgoa MP and former NSW Minister for Women, Tanya Davies called on the public to contact the Premier if they were opposed to the legislation. “Abortion is a complex, highly sensitive and emotive topic,” Mrs Davies said. “Animal cruelty was given five months for public consultation. Abortion was given five days. “Due process was thrown out the window to rush through a bill without consulting our communities.” Other conservative members of the Liberal Party have declared they felt ambushed by the legislation, prompting Ms Berejiklian, who voted in favour of the bill, to apologise and delay it. While stating that she felt sorry that people felt rushed, the Premier admitted there was no good way to handle the issue which has sparked fierce debate across the state. Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly is one such MP who says he is “emphatically against the bill.” “Obviously, the human being most affected by a termination is the one whose life is being terminated.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian
Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly
Almost 100,000 signatures have been collected.
If human rights mean anything at all, they must start with the right of a human being not to be killed,” Mr Conolly said.
Federal Minister for Women Marise Payne
Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies
With debate raging across all platforms of media, a recent radio interview with the Premier sparked anger from women of both major parties when she was asked on air if she personally would have an abortion. Federal Minister for Women Marise Payne said a question like that was inappropriate. “I don’t think that it is appropriate to ask anyone, male or female, sensitive health questions like that and it’s not OK,” Minister Payne said. Federal Labor MP Tanya Plibersek agreed. “I understand this is a very personal issue and appreciate that many people have deeply held views but a woman’s reproductive health is her own business, including decisions about whether to discuss it publicly or not,” Ms Plibersek said. “The point the Premier quite rightly made is that any personal decision she might make should not be imposed on others. She handled this gracefully.” Meanwhile, calls to the public to back up the conservative opposition has resulted in a petition of almost 100,000 signatures. “The voice of the quiet Australians has been raised against the radical abortion bill with a petition of close to 100,000 signatures being tabled in Parliament calling on the Legislative Council to reject the Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill 2019 when it comes before the House to be voted on,” Mrs Davies said. “The NSW community have been shut out of this process as the bill has been rushed through the parliament but are now starting to be heard. “But keep it up. We only have three weeks to raise a tsunami of opposition.” Without a referendum or public consolation it is impossible to know which way the majority public view on the bill would tilt, however The Daily Telegraph reported last month that “almost a third of Coalition voters indicated in a new poll they would have voted differently if they had known about the controversial bill to decriminalise abortion before the March election.”
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Riverstone junior school leadership students visit nsw parliament
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In our own backyard
Fingal Spit from Tomaree Head By BEN CRANNEY
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’ve seen a reasonable amount of Australia, but it can be an expensive place to travel, and with so much to see, it’s easy to overlook places. Port Stephens is a good example of a place close to home whose beauty I had no idea about. One of the best places to see this beauty is from Tomaree Head. The view of the coastline here rivals any in the world. You can spy islands humans aren’t allowed to set foot because of the Gould’s Petrel, an endangered bird that only breeds on an handful of islands, all off the Port
Stockton Beach
Stephen’s coast. To the south is Fingal Bay, which connects to Shark Island at low tide. You can walk out here to visit the heritage listed Lighthouse, used to guide ships away from what looks like the entrance to the harbour. If you’re lucky, you might also see whales from any of these spots (roughly May to October). If you’re a fan of military history, you can visit the sites where the big guns were housed for World War 2. They aren’t much to look at now, but they are well stationed, with great views, and although they were never fired, it would have been a brave ship that tried to enter the harbour. For a different perspective of the
same area, have lunch at the Inner Light Tea Rooms, near a different lighthouse on Nelson Head. Or if you’ve already eaten at Rick Stein’s restaurant at Bannisters, come for the scones. There’s also a small museum full of antiques and nautical bits and pieces, which only costs a dollar. You can also visit the working Coastal Patrol radio base. The sand dunes at the Worimi Conservation Lands at Stockton Beach are another amazing land form. These are the longest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, and they hide all sorts of secrets. Middens, up to 12,00 years old, left by the Worimi People appear and disappear
as the dunes move. Shipwrecks sometimes pop up, or are washed ashore. Concrete pyramids now make the car park, but were another World War 2 defense. The dunes were used in Mad Max. And, as if the MadMax film crew had left behind some of its set, the last sanctioned squatters settlement in Australia is here too, built out of tin. No one is allowed to join the settlement anymore, and if any building is swallowed by the sand, it’s considered abandoned and the squatters give up all rights. Even if you don’t go looking for these secrets, it has a beautiful sunset that is perfect for enjoying while eating fish and chips.
The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel The Evil that Men Do
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must admit that I am a very lucky woman. After twenty-two years of marriage I still think I hit the jack pot with my husband. I know there are occasions I want to strangle him, but generally I am very blessed, not least because he comes up with intellectual challenges that really get the little grey cells working overtime and make me dig deep into my psyche to question my work and my beliefs. The other morning, I was happily munching on my breakfast croissant and rather sleepily telling him about the latest serial killer book I was reading. I do have to admit here to an avid interest in murder most foul and would love to be an FBI agent, an ambition only slightly hampered by the fact that I faint at the sight of blood. Out of the blue, he asked me what I thought evil really was and was nature or nurture responsible? I was just about to give some rather glib answer, when I paused for a moment. I don’t think anyone can give a definitive answer to such a deeply esoteric question, but I did try to collect my own very subjective thoughts. We often read that people are a product of their childhood. If they have been harmed or abused as a child, they will be likely to repeat the whole scenario and become offenders themselves. Youngsters subjected to the violence of groups such as ISIS will see nothing wrong in decapitating hostages in later life. However, I do believe that there is something much deeper than our upbringing and that is the very spirit of evil which endures. My own personal belief has been honed over the
years, both by reading and research and what I have experienced through my work as a clairvoyant. It is written in the Book of Enoch that some angels sinned and so God cast them out of Heaven. These fallen angels along with their leader Lucifer became enamoured with human women and mated with them to create a race of beings who would become known as The Watchers and who would ensure that their evil ways would continue on through the ages. As we believe that the regular angels are ageless and continue forever, so too can we believe that evil endures. The body of the Watcher dies, but the spirit lives on in another body. How do we describe the atrocities carried out under dictators such as Hitler, the killing fields of Pol Pot or the mass murder/ suicide of Jim Jones?
There is a wonderful Denzel Washington film called Fallen. He plays a detective who attends the execution of a horrendous killer. When Denzel visits him in his cell, the murderer, in a gutteral demonic voice, starts to speak in a language which turns out to be ancient Aramaic. Later in the execution chamber, the man looks straight at the witnesses and in quite a sweet voice starts to sing Time is on my Side. However, the same sort of horrific murders continue even after the perpetrators are captured. It is the evil spirit jumping from person to person. People who work with spirit are especially vulnerable to this sort of invasion which is why, before we embark on any kind of work where we have to open our consciousness, we ask for God’s protection against evil spirits. Having been the victim of possession which needed a huge amount of work with our local priest, I can tell you it’s not much fun! Now fallen angels are supposed to have great personal allure and ageless beauty - think of the currently popular vampire movies where there are all drop-dead gorgeous and eternally young - and certainly many killers such Ted Bundy played on their personal attraction to entice their prey. Now far be it for me to deny you a wonderful affaire with a a charming, beautiful amour, but please, if they start humming Time is on my Side, head for the hills! Immediately! The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.
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n between hospital visits to her premature baby, Mila, a determined mother has managed to squeeze in burpees and push-ups ahead of western Sydney’s largest charity fun run. New mum Ceren Sancak has balanced cycling, running and walking in between visits to her baby in Westmead Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Ceren said Mila was born premature at 28 weeks. Mila required almost two months of care in the NICU. Pregnancy generally lasts for about 40 weeks. “I was 28 weeks pregnant and one day I had some pain in my stomach and bleeding,” Ceren said. “We went to the emergency department straight away at Westmead Hospital and they did a quick examination and confirmed my water had broken.” After two months of care in the NICU following Mila’s early arrival, baby Mila is ready to go home. Ceren now wants to give thanks to the hospital staff for their care and support by signing up for the 2019 Coleman Greig Challenge, which
is giving everything they have,” Mila said. “This challenge is really very important to raise money to afford the needs of the staff.” The Coleman Greig Challenge is western Sydney’s largest charity event for children with special needs and newborn care. It donates funds to the Westmead Hospital Foundation, St. Gabriel’s School, Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children. The event is an opportunity for staff, local businesses and the community to support organisations making a difference to the lives of children and their families. About 800 people took part in the event at Parramatta Park in 2018. Registrations are available by contacting Westmead Hospital Foundation on (02) 8890 9014 or Free call on 1800 639 037.
raises funds for women’s health and newborn care at Westmead Hospital. Ceren encouraged everyone to
support the event. “I think everybody has to attend this challenge because the NICU staff
EVENT DETAILS: WHAT: Coleman Greig Challenge WHEN: September 20 2019,from 7am-9am WHERE: Parramatta Park CONTACT: (02) 8890 9014 or Free Call 1800 639 037
PARTICIPANTS WANTED: Western Sydney Local Health District to investigate impact of apartment living on young children Are you a parent with young children living in an apartment in the Parramatta local government area?
I
f so, Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) population health team wants to talk with you. WSLHD, in conjunction with the City of Parramatta Council, are conducting a study to find out what parents think about living in an apartment with their children and how this impacts children’s health and development. The study team is now inviting parents to be involved in the Healthy High Density for Kids project, offering their thoughts on apartment living and its impact on their ability to “live well”. Chief investigator and WSLHD population health director Christine Newman said the research is important to understand and plan for the needs of children and families living in apartments.
“We want to use the results of the project to help governments, urban planners, architects, property developers and public health professionals make decisions about child-friendly urban planning and housing design in Parramatta,” Christine said. “We know housing is important for our children’s health but there’s limited Australian research on the topic. Participants will help us understand if there are any health or development issues for children living in apartments. “Western Sydney is undergoing rapid infrastructure changes – where people live is changing and apartment living is on the rise; we want to know what impact that has on a child’s development – good or bad.”
Driver charged following double fatal crash at Doonside A man has been charged over a crash that claimed the life of an elderly couple at Doonside. Emergency services were called to Crawford Road, Doonside, about 10pm on Saturday 24 August, after a Nissan Pulsar and a Toyota Hilux ute collided at the intersection of Coveny Street. An 81-year-old woman, who was a passenger in the utility, died at the scene; while the 83-year-old male driver was critically injured and taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment. Despite the efforts of hospital staff, he passed away on Sunday afternoon. The 22-year-old male driver of the Pulsar was arrested at the scene before being taken
to Westmead Hospital, where he was checked over and underwent mandatory testing. On release from hospital, the Blacktown man was taken to Blacktown Police Station and charged with dangerous driving occasioning death (x2), negligent driving occasioning death, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and not give way to vehicle. The man, who is an Indian National with an international driver’s license, was refused bail to appear at Blacktown Local Court. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are being led by the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit.
To be involved in the study, participants must: • Live in a suburb within the Parramatta local government area • Live in an apartment building that is three or more storeys • Have a child aged between 0 and 5 years • Be happy to be interviewed by phone or in person by a member of the study team. For more information, visit: www.wslhd.health. nsw.gov.au/healthy-children/whats-new-inwestern-sydney/what-s-new-in-western-sydney All information collected for the study is confidential. To participate in the study, contact Melissa Mason or Natalie Virgona on 9840 3603 or email melissa.mason@health.nsw.gov.au or natalie. virgona@health.nsw.gov.au
Glenhaven home destroyed Emergency services remained on scene throughout the day last Sunday as firefighters continued efforts to extinguish a house fire that morning. Police and Fire and Rescue NSW responded following reports of a home well-alight on Fingal Avenue, Glenhaven, about 4am on Sunday 25 August. While firefighters were able to control the blaze, it was continuing to smoulder; the home has been destroyed. No one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries
have been reported. Officers from The Hills Police Area Command were conducting inquiries at the scene but were not expecting to gain access to the immediate area and establish a crime scene later that day. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or www.nsw. crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Western News 30 August 2019 Issue 92
Motivated mum’s fitness blitz to thank hospital staff
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Western News 30 August 2019 Issue 92
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WESTERN HISTORY
Old St Marys
without permission. Matthew, who was only 16 years of age pleaded guilty, but stated that he was on a road through the property. The PM said that if he was brought up on a similar charge, he would n 1882 in the Nepean Times, “Japonica” have to prove that it was a Government Road. He wrote about the “Battle of Victoria Square” was fined 12/4d costs with the Bench in favour of mentioned in my History Page in June last William to warn others from trespassing there. It year. The next year, the townsfolk commemorated is interesting to note that in 1887 in the Supreme the first anniversary of “the great battle for Court of NSW the estate of Thomas Harford Victoria Square at South Creek”. A whole bullock (mentioned earlier) a St Marys tanner regarding was roasted and everyone was invited to the free the proof of debts on his insolvency and whether food and athletic sports, such as several foot races Thomas would be allowed to retain his household arranged so people of all ages took part. That same furniture, wearing apparel, beds, bedding and tools month in Penrith Police Court, Joseph Blackmore of trade or whether they are sold to be payment was charged “with allowing eight of his cattle to of his debt totalling over £100. In 1891, Andrew stray about the streets of St Marys”, and a charge Morrison died in St Marys leaving a wife and a from Constable Abbott against Thomas Harford large grown family. He was born on Piper’s Farm and Thomas Parker for “Hindering the Police” near Luddenham where he lived and worked for who were trying to arrest a prisoner at St Marys and about 41 years and later moved to St Marys where being hampered by the men because they didn’t he opened a baker and confectioner’s shop. He want him to hurt the man. After a few eyewitnesses died after a lingering illness of twelve months, to the like of George Page and William Fleming, the Source: Nepean Times, mainly from consumption of the bowels and whole thing became farcical and it was eventually The Late Albert Evans photo. internal complaints at the age of 55 years. John called a “no case” and the case dismissed. A year Hackett’s little boy Raymond aged 13 months died later another bullock roast and sports day was in 1893 at his parent’s residence. His funeral was followed to the grave at held on “Victoria Square,” and there was a good attendance, not only St Mary Magdalene cemetery by about 100 people, among them several by the residents of the district but also by visitors from Sydney and the little girls wearing white crape. Another death occurred at Tottenham Hawkesbury. In attendance there was John King Lethbridge and several Park, three miles from St Marys when George Charker was found dead in Aldermen, and after the festivities a night ball was held in the Protestant bed. After an enquiry Dr Brady found that George died of senile decay. Hall. The annual bullock roast and sports day continued in 1886 and He was 75 years of age and well known in the district. Another old it was bigger than the last one. A Committee was formed and called resident, Mrs Fuller (Nee: Faithfull) was the wife of the schoolmaster the “Bullock Roast and Sports at St Marys,” including George Bennett at the Colyton Public School. She was very much loved and respected (judge), Thomas Tolhurst (referee), Nat McCook (starter), William all over the district and had been ailing for a very long time, suffering Garner (treasurer), James Richard Woodlands (secretary) and several mainly from senile decay and died at the age of around 80 years. She was others. At the time, it was said that “the Square” was in every way buried at St Mary Magdalene cemetery. Also that same year someone suitable for recreational purposes and Penrith and many other towns may wilfully set fire to the premises known as Brown’s Store opposite the well envy St Marys her little Park. The original fight for the park was St Marys railway station and Andrew “Andy” Thompson was making being remembered as the “standard of freedom,” that “Jack” Dowling considerable improvements to the tannery he purchased off Mr Forsyth. protected with the greatest valour and not likely to be forgotten. In those Erecting a large shed, to be used as a drying shed, built by well-known good old days gone by, when all sorts of things were said about the Park local carpenters “Sainsbury and Son”. A meeting of St Marys Council in and the Supreme Court action that finally decided it was the property of 1893 mentions Caddens Road, (also known as “Mystery Lane”) in such the public and not of a private individual named James Hackett. Back poor condition that a motion was moved to spend £10 to make it safe. then when John Morrison and William Garner first handled the butcher’s The problem was that Council didn’t know who owned the foot reserve knife and handed round chunks of roast bullock of luscious quality and along the side of the road and they had written to Dr Shand who owned Toby Ryan and John Harris “scooted” around, with 600 people present the adjoining property, asking him if he would consent to either sell or including John Harris (senior and junior), J K Lethbridge, Messrs:give the lane so that the road might be made six-feet wide. Dr Shand Morrison, Garner, and Gassman in their old position of cutting and declined to give his consent because he said “that part of the land was the carving up that bullock donated by James Bennett (Jnr) and old Billy most valuable of all, due to plenty of water on it”. The chairman of the Masters handing around the tempting pieces and picking out the nice Council mentioned his conversation with Mr Caddens who pointed out little pieces for his lady friends until there was little left but the skeleton. that it was not a private road as it had been purchased for the convenience The meat splendidly cooked by chef John Maskey and excellent music of the purchasers of the Penrith Hill estate. Photo shows the Bunya Pine throughout the day from the Brass Band. Constables Bressington and in Victoria Park 1971. Hopkins kept the peace throughout the day until at a particular time they St Marys Spring Festival - Please don’t forget to come and say hi at our were called away to a ruckus that was taking place across the road at stall 84 near the St Marys’ Library and our “Back to St Marys Reunion” the ”Volunteer Hotel”. Also in 1886, William Fleming was having a on Sunday 8th September (10am-3pm) at the Chambers building on St problem in the Penrith Court House with Matthew Connors trespassing Marys Precinct – Cnr of Mamre Rd & the Highway. on his enclosed land known as Bull’s Bush without a lawful excuse and By Lyn Forde, President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
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Western News
ENTERTAINMENT
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SUDOKU: EASY INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row & every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
SOLUTIONS: 9 May EASY
MEDIUM
FARM ANIMALS COW GOAT PIG BUFFALO CHICKEN SHEEP LAMB
GOOSE TURKEY DUCK HORSE CATTLE LLAMA BISON
HEN CALF ROOSTER BULL FOAL DOG
CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 Not sweet (4) 9 Rental agreement (5) 10 Test (4) 11 Name derived from the name of a person (6) 12 TV shows (8) 13 Ridicule (8) 15 Initiate into an office or position (6) 17 Craves (7) 19 Indigenous people (7) 22 Monkey-bread tree (6) 24 Limbo (8) 26 Envenom (8) 28 Take to be true (6) 30 Hike or journey (4) 31 Large serving spoon (5) 32 Current (4)
solution 16/8/19
down 1 Coil or circuit (4) 2 Alloting (8) 3 Graduates (6) 4 Bending or distorting (7) 5 Type of flour (8) 6 Charred (6) 7 Injury (4) 14 Mediterranean herbs (5) 16 System of beliefs (5) 18 In a strong manner (8) 20 Financially committed (8) 21 Twister (7) 23 Hinders (6) 25 Departs (6) 27 Being nothing more than specified (4) 29 Constructed (4)
Western News 30 August 2019 Issue 92
WORD SEARCH
Western News 30 August 2019 Issue 92
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REAL ESTATE
Western News
Is one phone call really all it takes to secure a lower interest rate? Alex Soncini
W
ith official interest rates trending downward, shrewd mortgage holders may take the opportunity to call their lender to ask for a better deal. But when even a small interest rate reduction means potential savings of thousands of dollars, is a simple phone call really enough to get you there? In 2019, ‘your interest rate should have a three in front of it’, is common advice for home owners considering the competitiveness of their loan settings. But while a number of lenders offer lower rates to new customers, it’s not always so simple for existing customers to secure the same outcome. If people want a better deal on their mortgage, there are basically two options: 1. Call your bank and ask them to
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Western News
SPORT
By CONNER LOWE
T
his season’s top two sides will do battle on Saturday afternoon in what shapes to be a National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 20’s decider to remember. Blacktown City led the competition from Round 6 and never looked back, finishing five points clear of the Sutherland Sharks who locked in second spot. City overcame a Daniel Bragg red card to trump Rockdale City Suns 2-1 with an Emmanuel Gonzalez winner deep into extra time and earn themselves a shot at their first 20’s Championship since 2015. Standing in their way are a Sharks side who have been there and done just that not once, but twice before under Nick Dimovski. Sutherland Sharks took the long route to the big dance this year, falling to Rockdale City Suns in a penalty shootout before rebounding a week later to defeat the Suns 3-1 and book themselves a date with the Premiers at Bankwest Stadium. They boast the competition’s top scorer James Temelkovski, who with a tally of 16 goals for the campaign and a brace last time out approaches the final in red-hot form. The sides have met twice this campaign, with
Blacktown earning early bragging rights with a 3-0 triumph in Round 4, before settling for a tense 1-1 draw at Seymour Shaw back in June. Andrew Montgomery, the Blacktown City boss is wary of the considerable Sutherland threat and what a match it could turn out to be. “Sutherland Sharks are a very good team with some players who can hurt you when you make mistakes,” he said. “I’m expecting another very tight
game between two of the best teams in the competition going at it. It should be a good spectacle.” 2019 has been far from straightforward for Blacktown City, who only retained a single player from last season’s 20’s Premiershipwinning squad and have utilised a grand total of 41 different personnel this campaign. However, any off-field discomfort has failed to restrict their on-field performances, and Montgomery is
confident that his outfit who cruised to the Premiership are primed to capture another prized piece of silverware. “The overarching message from Blacktown City is that we’re giving young players opportunities to shine, and the future is bright,” he added. “All of the boys have been very consistent throughout the year. “The Grand Final is exactly the same as what we’ve done all season: we’ll just do what we do and do it very well.”
Dunheved GC chasing hard in Club of the Year battle By Noel Rowsell
139 golfers from 8 Golf Clubs teed off in the latest Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association (WSRVGA) Inter-Club event, which was held at Springwood Country Club on 16th August. The field of 116 men and 23 women braved ice-cold early morning weather to be rewarded throughout the event by a brilliant sunny Winter’s day. Players were hoping for some respite following the previous tough round at Glenmore Heritage Valley GC but would be disappointed, with the Springwood course proving a stern test, both on and off the greens. The slick putting surfaces proved tricky for everyone early in the round but once the wind came up, putting simply became a lottery as players desperately tried to control the ball on the ice-smooth surfaces. As a result, only two players (Robert Gradidge & Frank Keith) finished above handicap, with both ‘smokies’ being new members from Leonay GC who guided their new Club to a win on the day. Despite grabbing it’s second win of the season, Leonay could not progress up the points ladder in the race for
Action from the August WSRVGA Inter-Club at Springwood. Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
Club of the Year honours, remaining in 5th spot. Penrith GC is a narrow leader with 867 points, only 3 points ahead of Dunheved GC (2nd), then Wallacia CC (3rd) and reigning Club of the Year Richmond GC (4th), whilst Springwood CC (6th), Stonecutters Ridge GC (7th) and Glenmore Heritage Valley GC (8th) round out the placings. Gradidge & Keith were the dominant players on the day, taking out the Men’s 2BBB, finishing first and second respectively in the C Grade singles event and also forming
half of the winning four-man team in the points score, along with Leonay team-mates Garry Denny and Steve Cromer. The full list of winners on the day are listed below: A Grade Men Singles: Winner Gary McSullea (Glenmore), 2nd place - Greg Williams (Dunheved), 3rd place - Steve Loader (Stonecutters); B Grade Men: Winner - Peter Curtis (Wallacia), 2nd place - Steve Pegler (Stonecutters), 3rd place - Paul Portelli (Dunheved); C Grade Men: Winner - Robert Gradidge (Leonay), 2nd place - Frank Keith (Leonay), 3rd
place - Kevin Hazel (Glenmore). Women Singles: Winner - Denise Chant (Wallacia), 2nd place - Sarah Dean (Glenmore), 3rd place - Dorothy Willmington (Glenmore). Men’s 2BBB: Robert Gradidge, Frank Keith (Leonay) 50 points, Runner-Up Kevin Hazel, Michael Dwyer (Glenmore) 44. Medley 2BBB: Tanya Towell, Steve Frizzi (Glenmore) 44 points, RunnersUp Steve Loader & Judy Loader (Stonecutters) 42. Team Prize: Leonay GC (Robert Gradidge, Frank Keith, Garry Denny, Steve Cromer).
Western News 30 August 2019 Issue 92
Blacktown City ready for a fierce final
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Western News Friday, 30 August 2019
SPORT
Duke announced as Wanderers Captain ahead of 2019/20 season By CONNER LOWE
W
hen Mitchell Duke signed for his hometown club back in January, he regarded it as a “massive privilege”. In terms of his football, the boy from the West had finally been able to connect with the heart and soul of his upbringing. Duke’s connection with his roots has today gone to another level, having been named the club’s sixth Hyundai A-league captain this morning. Duke joins Michael Beauchamp, Nikolai ToporStanley, Dimas Delgado, Robbie Cornthwaite and Brendan Hamill on the captain’s honour board. For the 28-year-old, the opportunity to represent his hometown in front of his family and the passionate Wanderers fans is something he will always hold close to his heart. “Coming to the Wanderers last season was a massive privilege for me because they have had so much success and have the most passionate fans in the league,” said Duke. “The Wanderers represent the region where I grew up. To now be named captain, that is something else. “To lead the boys out in a game, every weekend is just going to be a real highlight of my career. I feel very honoured. “It’s such an exciting time for the club with the new facilities and a new stadium, and I am very proud to be part of it.” Duke was voted captain by his fellow teammates
and has very strong thoughts on how he will approach his captaincy, a one in, all in approach, that is set to inclusive. “I’m excited to bring my leadership and I want to create this thing that it is not just me wearing the armband, leading the boys out, but it’s a team full of leaders no matter how old they are, be it 20 or 35,” explained Duke. “I want everyone to be a leader out there whether
they are on the pitch, on the bench or not selected. “I believe it is going to be an exciting year for the members, fans, the club, the players and for me. “To wear the armband, I can’t be thankful enough to the boys for thinking I am up to the challenge.” Duke has contributed significantly to a very successful pre-season for the Wanderers and will set his sights firmly on having successful A-League and FFA Cup campaigns.