Western News 31 August 2018

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Friday, 31 August 2018

ISSUE 67

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Rocketing Rangers Mount Druitt Town Rangers FC have been promoted to the National Premier League 1 for only the second time in the clubs 50-year existence, they celebrate after a 2-1 win in their final game of the season against the Western Sydney Wanderers. See full story page 14. Photo: Mark Beach

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Jelena Dokic returns to support teenage mental health

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ustralian tennis powerhouse and best selling author Jelena Dokic returned to Western Sydney last week to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst the local business community at the region’s largest Women in Business forum run by Coleman Greig Lawyers. As a long-time resident of the area and having previously studied at Fairfield High School, Jelena shared her incredibly harrowing story with all in attendance at Friday’s lunch, held at the ParkRoyal Parramatta.

Jelena opened up about her personal struggles, both with depression and mental health, as she relayed disturbingly vivid memories of her years as a professional tennis player under the aggressively watchful eye of her mentally and physically abusive father-come-coach, Damir Dokić.

Following the up close and personal interview facilitated by ABC Political Reporter Brigid Glanville, an all-inclusive panel discussion saw Jelena and Brigid joined on stage

by Dr Tim Sharp (aka Dr Happy) of The Happiness Institute and batyr’s Stephanie Vasiliou. This panel took a range of questions from forum attendees, with many finding the courage to speak about their own personal battles with mental health.

In line with the Women in Business

(L-R): Stephanie Vasiliou (National Program Manager, batyr); Luke Morris (Managing Director, Liptember) Liz Giblett (Head of Marketing, Coleman Greig Lawyers).

forum’s overarching message of support for people of all ages dealing with mental health issues, Friday’s Unbreakable event aimed to raise funds for the forum’s two charity partners, Liptember and batyr.

Coleman Greig is excited to announce that through the sale of raffle tickets, as well as a number of other successful fundraising efforts on the day, the event raised $7,500 for Liptember and batyr!

As a beneficiary of the Liptember campaign, funds raised through the Unbreakable event will be specifically used by batyr to run programs for years 9-12 students in Western Sydney.

As part of this significant financial contribution, Friday’s lunch attendees

have been asked to nominate which local schools they believe would most benefit from the batyr@school program.

“According to batyr, of every 30 students in Australia, 7 have mental health issues, although only 2 try to reach out for support, leaving 5 suffering in silence. As a mother of teenage children who themselves have grown up in North Western Sydney, I understand the importance of programs which look to raise awareness of mental health in schools – and am proud to have been involved in such an important fundraising event”, said Caroline Hutchinson, event MC and Principal of Coleman Greig.

With research showing that the best approach to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health is through direct contact with peers who have experienced similar struggles, the batyr@school program offers young, relatable speakers who are able to bring students stories of hope, resilience and courage, specifically relating to their personal struggles with mental health.

Similarly, Liptember is a campaign specifically dedicated to educating the public on women’s mental health, whilst raising funds towards women’s mental health research and support programs.

Coleman Greig’s Women in Business forum would like to thank all in attendance at Friday’s Unbreakable event with Jelena Dokic. This event was not only a resounding success with regard to the funds raised in support of our charity partners Liptember and batyr, but is also a strong representation of the steps being taken by the Western Sydney business community to eradicate the stigma associated with mental health issues.

For more information on Coleman Greig’s Women in Business Forum, please contact: Bill Montgomery - Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Coleman Greig Lawyers.

P: 02 9895 9257 bmontgomery@colemangreig.com.au

Get involved in September Eco Festival

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his September Blacktown Council is hosting the Sustainable September Eco Festival – a month of events and activities designed to showcase sustainability in action. Learn practical ways you can save money, live healthier and protect the environment.

Council has planned a lot of activities that you can get involved in including: Sustainable living workshops • Sat 1 Sept - Backyard Chickens • Sat 8 Sept - Worm Farming and Composting • Sat 8 Sept - Kombucha ($20) • Mon 10 Sept - Guilds Workshop • Sun 16 Sept - Planting out a garden ($20 per family) • Tue 18 Sept - De-clutter & simplify life without costing the earth • Sun 23 Sept - Foraging for edible weeds with Diego Bonetto Environmental tours • Sat 8 Sept - Guided morning bird walk • Sun 16 Sept - Sustainable House Day tour Family activities • Sat 8 Sept - Guided morning bird walk • Sun 16 Sept - Planting out a garden ($20 per family) Places are limited and booking is essential. Book online at sustainableblacktown.eventbrite.com

or phone 9839 6055 during office hours.

Plant Giveaways: • Sat 8 Sept - Travelling Plant giveaways - Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope Gardens • Sat 15 Sept - Travelling Plant giveaways - Harvey Park, Quakers Hill • Sat 22 Sept - Travelling Plant

giveaways - Blacktown Showground, Blacktown For the Bushcare events you can get involved at: • Sat 1 Sept - Bushcare: Doonside Cresent and Tregear Reserve • Sat 1 Sept - Sustainability Hub working bee • Sun 9 Sept - Bushcare: Dr Charles McKay Reserve

• Sun 9 Sept - Bushcare: Banks Reserve and Nurragingy Reserve • Sat 15 Sept - Bushcare: Snowy Reserve • Sun 16 Sept - Bushcare: Knudsen Reserve • Sun 16 Sept - Sustainability Hub working bee • Sun 23 Sept - Bushcare: Faulkland Cresent and Whitehaven Reserve

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Western News 31 August 2018 Issue 67

Dressing up and digging deep to help our farmers

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Photo: Noel Rowsell

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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he staff at Minchinbury Community Hospital shed their usual medical garb last week and went to work dressed in Aussie dinky-di farming attire.

The boots, hats, jeans and flannies

were all in aid of a very good cause; to help raise much needed funds for our farmers who are facing horrendous drought conditions.

The day was a great success, with the hospital staff and management getting behind the fundraiser.

“The staff and patients were all very willing to donate on the day,”

said Joan Borg, Multidisciplinary Liaison Officer.

“We raised $1,200 at the hospital and the owner of Minchinbury Community Hospital, Doctor Thomas Wenkart, has happily agreed to match the amount!

“So we have raised a total of $2,400. The money will be given to Aussie Farmers Foundation. This

foundation was established by Aussie Farmers Direct and are committed to supporting farming communities directly,” Joan said.

It’s great to see communities rolling up their sleeves to help our fellow Aussies in challenging times.

Well done Minchinbury Community Hospital, what a great initiative!

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

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N my former life which I call BMW - Before Moving West - I had a part-time job at a place called Joseph Dahdah & Co in Surry Hills.

The boss, who we called “Mr Peter” was a mad Panthers fan and as many footy fans will know, ended up being the Panther’s jersey sponsors for a while.

My main friend at work was a bloke we called Davo. Everyone loved him, he was like having round-the-clock comedy without having to buy a ticket.

He could imitate any person perfectly. Mr Peter would storm into the office in a foul mood because Panthers had lost, and wouldn’t realise that Davo was walking behind him imitating his every gesture. We’d all die laughing underneath desks and behind water coolers.

He had a never-ending stash of jokes and he was perfect at delivering the punch lines. Even if the joke wasn’t particularly funny, his telling of it would be gold.

We all pegged him as the type of person whose life was just one big long laugh.

That is until he never showed up for work one morning.

Later that day Mr Peter called a meeting and broke the horrific news that Davo had taken his own life the night before.

It was an enormous shock. At his funeral his mother told me that he’d kept diaries that revealed he had battled depression for years, and one cold winter’s night he took a cocktail of drugs that could have taken out ten people.

The point to all this is that people with depression don’t always wear it as a badge for all to see. Some find ways to disguise it, and battle their demons internally. Alone, which often leads to a devastating outcome.

These days many people with depression are declaring it and owning it.

The stigma of shame or embarrassment is evaporating. It isn’t something one chooses, or can just shake off and those of us who don’t have it have become more understanding It is vital that this attitude continues and improves if we are ever to conquer the demon.

September 13 is R U OK? Day. Take the time to let your loved ones know you care. www.ruok.org.au

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First lady, Mrs Agata Kornhauser-Duda (left), Polish President Andrzej Duda (second from left) and Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP (centre).

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olish President Andrzej Duda and First lady, Mrs Agata Kornhauser-Duda, visited Blacktown this week. It was the only Sydney community event during their first official visit to Australia.

The President made an appearance at the Church of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Marayong where they spent several minutes in prayer before meeting residents from the AustralianPolish community.

There are over 180,000 people of Polish descent living in Australia with more than 2,600 living in Blacktown City.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “It was an honour for our City and for our Polish community that the President specially organised to visit our community in his short three day visit to Australia.”

“This was his only community appearance in New South Wales and the local community put on a spectacular evening of song and dance.”

The President presented a group of Polish-Australian community leaders with state honours acknowledging their long-term outstanding contribution in the Australian-Polish community.

“President Andrzej Duda gave an inspirational address saying how proud he was of the Australian-Polish community on how well they have built churches, nursing home and community centres,” Mayor Bali said.

“He said many people were affected by not being able to return to their homeland during the communist era to support sick or dying relatives.”

“Poland is now a free and thriving economy and the strong relationship with Australia is due to the way the Polish community are participating in enhancing the Australian way of life,” Mayor Bali said.

› Nurse injured A man has been charged after he allegedly slashed a nurse with a knife while she was working at a hospital in Blacktown.

About 9.30pm on Monday 27 August, a 35-year-old woman commenced her duties as a registered nurse and was tasked with looking after a 47-year-old male patient.

About 10pm, the patient allegedly armed himself with two knives, attacking the nurse cutting her forearm and slashing her clothing.

She escaped when another patient intervened.

Officers from Blacktown Police Area Command arrived at the scene and disarmed the patient before arresting him; he was later admitted to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The man has now been charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The man, from Whalan, was expected to be released from hospital earlier this week; he was refused bail to appear in Blacktown Local Court.

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Polish President visits Blacktown on first Australian visit

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Conolly calls for common sense on school crossing supervisors

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ember for Riverstone Kevin Conolly has called for a more flexible, common sense approach to the assessment of applications by primary school communities for the employment of crossing supervisors.

“The employment by RMS of crossing supervisors is all about child safety.

“We shouldn’t let that goal be caught up in red tape or excessively rigid interpretation of the criteria.

“In the case of rapidly growing suburbs like The Ponds and Schofields we know that student numbers are not only growing year by year but month by month and even week by week.

“An assessment undertaken 5 or 6 months ago is no longer a valid measure of student numbers in these localities.

“I am urging the Minister for Roads to review the decision of the RMS not to appoint a crossing supervisor at Riverbank Public School, taking into account the extraordinary growth which is occurring.

“When the RMS decision was made on 19 July 2018 I immediately wrote to the Minister asking for her to review the matter.

“I have no doubt that student numbers at Riverbank will continue to grow for some time, so I’m asking for the decision to appoint a supervisor to be made sooner rather than later.

“I believe that it is time to review the decade-old criteria to ensure that they are working to achieve the goal of keeping children safe,” said Mr Conolly.

New pedestrian crossing secured for Glenwood Park Drive

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art of Glenwood Park Drive will be made safer for pedestrians with the announcement of a new marked pedestrian crossing for local residents.

The announcement comes following calls from community members regarding community safety and representations from Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland MP to Blacktown Council.

The current crossing consists of a pedestrian refuge located in front of Glenwood Village Shopping Centre on Glenwood Park Drive. The crossing is frequented by shop-goers, students from Caddies Creek Public School and local families, making it a busy pedestrian area.

The current pedestrian refuge can be dangerous for residents, particularly in peak times with high car traffic through the area.

Following representations from Michelle Rowland MP, Blacktown Council undertook a review of pedestrian and vehicle traffic through the crossing during peak times, which showed there was a clear need for the installation of a marked pedestrian crossing.

The new pedestrian crossing is now being installed at the location.

“I know first-hand that Glenwood residents like to keep active and fit walking around the suburb, so pedestrian safety is very important,” Michelle Rowland MP said.

“This new marked pedestrian crossing will make Glenwood Park Drive safer, particularly for families and young children.

“I’m pleased to see that pedestrian safety for local residents will be improved on Glenwood Park Drive,” Ms Rowland said.

Calling Blacktown’s budding bards Budding writers are encouraged to kick start their career as an award winning author by applying for the 2018 Mayoral Creative Writing Prize.

The annual competition run by Blacktown City Council carries a total pool of $1,600 worth of prizes.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said, “The competition is a great avenue for writers to think outside of the box and explore their creative writing skills.”

“Not only will the writers benefit, but schools will also reap rewards.”

This year’s theme for the competition is “I read” and winners will be chosen for the best poem and the best story in each age category: children aged 8 to11, 12 to14 and 15 to17 and adults.

Each winning child will also win $100 for their school.

Applicants must live in the Blacktown City Council

area and must apply by Sunday 30 September 2018.

Winners and highly commended writers will be invited to a special presentation at the Max Webber Library held on Thursday 29 November 2018.

For more information ask staff members at any of the Blacktown City Council library branches or visit: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awardsscholarships-and-competitions/2018-MayoralCreative-Writing-Prize#section-2

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ver 60 babies were welcomed into the local community on Friday 10 August at Michelle Rowland’s ‘Welcoming the Babies’ ceremony at Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope.

The event was also attended by the Mayor of Blacktown, Stephen Bali MP. Families who joined the event received a ‘Welcoming the Babies’ certificate, professional photo and a shrub to plant in their home gardens to celebrate the occasion. Blacktown Council kindly provided plants for each local family to plant in

their home gardens.

The event also included face painting and balloon animals, along with stalls and information from local organisations, including Stanhope Village, The Children’s Doctor, Tresillian, Blacktown City Libraries, Blacktown Key Venues, Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre, the Department of Human Services, Kinder Share, Playgroups NSW and the Australian Breastfeeding Association. “‘Welcoming the Babies’ brought together local families to celebrate the joy of our new arrivals,” Michelle Rowland MP said.

“Thank you to the wonderful local organisations who contributed to making ‘Welcoming the Babies’ such a great event for parents and families.

“This is the 5th ceremony I have held and it keeps getting bigger. It was a terrific morning for local families, celebrating the newborns in our community.

“Local citizenship ceremonies are regularly held to welcome new residents who become Australians by choice. ‘Welcoming the Babies’ is a way to welcome those who are Australian by birth in a unique civic ceremony,” Ms Rowland said.

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Babies welcomed into our community!

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Saints say YES to paper bags…brown paper bags!

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ast Monday afternoon St Marys Rugby League Club did what they do best – showing the local community how much they care by donating a massive $35,000 cheque to Christ Mission Possible.

This incredibly generous donation is solely to support the Brown Paper Bag Project by becoming the sponsor of the bags.

The Project was launched by Christ Mission Possible in 2016 and collaborates with teachers and principles to identify children within schools who do not have access to a nutritious recess snack or lunch. The Project then prepares a home-style lunch pack consisting of a sandwich, fruit, muesli bar and a juice and delivers them to schools in a brown paper bag.

In a matter of months, the weekly lunches created went from 100 lunches a week to just over 2,000 each week – and it’s still growing. Christ Mission Possible now partner with over 20 local schools, and the results are amazing; students participating have shown better attendance, grades are up, and the child’s behaviours have improved dramatically.

Marketing Coordinator Yvette Haines has worked closely with the charity over the past six months and has

L-R: From Christ Mission Possible - Lauri Marshall, David Collins, Kylie Kearney, Martin Beckett (CEO), Gaylene Grant, Yvette Haines (St Marys Rugby League Club) and Jessica Topham.

seen first hand the amazing work this charity does. “I’m so impressed with what this dedicated group of people do every single day” she said, adding that she is hopeful that the Club’s $35,000 donation will mean that there is one less thing the charity has to worry about. “All of the food for the lunches is sourced by Christ Mission Possible

and a team of volunteers make and pack the lunches, our contribution now means that they don’t have to pay for the actual brown paper bags”.

Christ Mission Possible CEO Martin Beckett is beyond thrilled to have Saints come on board as the Brown Paper Bag sponsor, saying “we know that a good breakfast can

change a child’s morning, but knowing that when the bell rings for lunch and recess, they have a lunch bag full of nutritious food can change their entire day”.

Christ Mission Possible volunteers and donations are always needed.

Find out what you can do at www.cmp.org.au.

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

R U OK Day is the national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day’s the day to ask “Are you OK?”. It’s about giving everyone the skills, motivation and confidence to start a conversation with anyone who might be doing it tough. Deputy Mayor of Penrith, Tricia Hitchen, is showing her support of the day and will be coming along to encourage all of us to play a role in keeping each other safe.

Judy Tweeddale from Fusion said, “We want to get our community asking, ‘Are you OK?’ and to reach out to anyone they’re worried about.” “We’d love to see people pop into the Fusion Café during the day to enjoy a free bbq and fun activities to help us become better at checking in with those around us.”

Recent national omnibus survey commissioned

by R U OK? revealed one in three people don’t feel comfortable asking the question, “Are you OK?” The leading reasons include: “I don’t know what to say”, “I wouldn’t want to make it worse”, I’m worried they might get angry, I’m not an expert”, It’s none of my business”.

CEO R U OK? Brendan Maher said, “We know that some conversations can be really tough. But in reality, you don’t have to be an expert to ask the

question. Asking shows someone you care about them and that can make a really positive difference in their life and be a stepping stone to accessing appropriate support long before they’re in crisis.

Fusion is a youth and community organisation which has a deep and ongoing commitment to developing resilience in individual lives and the community. Each week the team at Fusion Western

Sydney run programmes and activities to support vulnerable young people and families.

Visit the Fusion Café, cnr Queen and Station Streets, St Marys from 8am for R U OK Day on Thursday 13 September. All welcome. For more information about Fusion Western Sydney go to www.fusionwesternsydney.org.au and R U OK go to www.ruok.org.au

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Fusion Café asks R U Ok?

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Island Paradise

By BEN CRANNEY

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almost didn’t make it to one of my favourite places I’ve ever stayed at. I only had rough directions from our host, with the backup advice of ‘when you get close, ask for Yves, everyone knows me’. I was only 100m from his place when we asked. They didn’t know. It probably didn’t help that our uncultured selves weren’t quite sure how to pronounce his name. So we guessed the way, and, thankfully, we soon found Yves’ place.

We’d come to St Lucia, in

the Caribbean, to celebrate our anniversary. We stayed at a few places. Yves’ place, above Laborie in the south, where kids played on the street on stilts and I had the only mangoes I’ve ever enjoyed. Another overlooking Castries City, perfect for watching the sun set. And the third on Anse Chastanet beach, where we wanted to go for our honeymoon, but it was too far from Australia. This time, we were already in the area, so off we went. Our room had an incredible view across the sea to the Pitons, two steep mountains. They almost seem out of place amongst

the gentler slopes of the rest of the landscape and this adds to the effect.

And the best thing is, this view can be enjoyed from lots of places, not just honeymoon standard resorts.

From little bars clinging to the cliffs, to restaurants tucked into the hills, or the backseat of a car driving along the cliff hugging roads, or a hundred other stops along the way.

St Lucia is a little island, but it has a lot to offer. There was a Friday night street party that started with dinner under the sky and finished with a parade of folk dancing down the street on shoulder high stilts. On

Pigeon Island, there’s a ruined fort, built by the British, contested by the French, and, in World War 2, added to by the US for a naval base. From this fort on a clear day, you can even see Martinique, but when I visited, it was seas and skies into the haze.

There’s great bushwalking, sailing and sea kayaking, as well as zip lines across the forests, abandoned plantations to explore, beaches to laze on and even a volcano to drive into, although it’s really boiling mud pits. But the best thing is that, no matter where you stay, the views are honeymoon standard.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Be Careful What You Wish For People involved in psychic matters often have very different ideas about how the spirit world functions and how we work as individuals, but one thing most of us agree on is that if you want or need something, ask for help and you shall receive.

However, I would add a caveat to this. Although I think that generally one should ask Spirit for guidance about what is best for us and what is the path we are meant to follow, sometimes we have to be a bit wary in what we specifically wish for in case we have it granted.

When I lived in UK I was a huge soccer fan and fanatic supporter of Manchester United. In fact, just after we got married, I frightened my poor husband to death by screeching at the referee on the television that a player was offside. One day I was watching a really important match between my brave lads and Chelsea. It was nearing the final whistle and Man U were desperate for a goal.

“Come on Gran,” I urged. “Get them to score”, at which point a Chelsea player neatly netted a goal.

“Wrong team”, I cried. “Oh, sorry dear,” came the other worldly reply. “I’m afraid I don’t know a lot about football.”

My first husband loved boats and when I met him he had a super power boat which had competed in

Cross Channel races. We had great fun and I loved the time spent on the water. But the man I later lived with hated them. He got seasick, something I could never understand but probably not helped by the vast number of Bloody Mary’s he quaffed to stave off an attack of mal de mer. He had quite a few boaty friends who used to go for sailing holidays round the Greek Islands and I used to get very miffed that we couldn’t join them. “I wish you liked boats,” I used to moan.

Well, my wish was granted big time but it almost

rebounded on me. When I met David he told me he had a boat. “Goody, goody,” I thought. He took me to the marina to see it. Well, it was enormous! A huge motor trawler which he was planning to sail to Australia. He had had extra fuel tanks installed as well as a desalinator and even a washing machine. I was well impressed. He had his crew all set up and we planned that I would join them at Cairns and just do the lovely bit down to Sydney. However the best laid plans of mice and men! Both his crew let him down and so he decided I would be press ganged!

Oh God! That was surely not what I had in mind.

Six months at sea would not only send me stir crazy, but more importantly David would get to see my real hair colour.

I was panicking, my hairdresser was panicking, we were all panicking but then Gran & Co took pity on me and my coiffeur. We decided to get married rather than David embarking on his epic voyage - as far I was concerned a much better decision.

So, the next time you think that you would really, really like something to change in your life, just take a moment for a second thought. After all, you wouldn’t want to score an own goal, would you?

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

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WESTERN HISTORY

Blacktown Railway Station

By Jack Brook Blacktown and District Historical Society

W

ith the completion of the first section of the NSW Railways between Sydney and the original Parramatta Station at Dog Trap Road Granville in 1855, and the construction of the line to Goulburn underway, agitation for a railway to the western centre of Bathurst could not be ignored.

John Whitton, newly appointed Engineer-inChief for Railways, reported that he could prepare plans for a line via the Bathurst Road route.

However, in the meantime, it was decided to construct the railway to Penrith and a number of separate contracts were let to John Gibbons. The first section of line left the southern track a quarter mile east of the first Parramatta Station and was to end at Blacktown Road. Work was put in hand by the contractor on 20 October 1858 and was completed and ready to hand over to the Government at the end of June 1860.

Arrangements were made for the townspeople of Parramatta to join in an official opening of the railway on Monday 2 July. A special inspection train carrying railway officials left Sydney on Saturday 30 June 1860 and proceeded onto the new line where the bridges were tested under load. The contractor, John Gibbons, took strong exception to the absence of Engineer-in-Chief, John Whitton, who would be expected to give the certificate of fitness, and refused point-blank to accept the Railway Commissioner, Captain Martindale, as a fit and proper substitute.

Martindale did not take kindly to being dismissed by a mere civilian and the result was an unholy row.

On the following Monday, the citizens of Parramatta turned out with bands and beer and made ready for the arrival of the official party.

Captain Martindale arrived early and was greeted with the news that Gibbons had removed the rails at the Parramatta Junction end of the line, so that no train could get as far as the new Parramatta Station.

Martindale was in quite a fix! John Whitton was in Goulburn and the opening of the new line had been duly published in the Government Gazette for 2 July 1860. Captain Martindale made a quick decision and had his adversary arrested on the charge that “he had obstructed the course of the railway”.

Gibbons fronted the magistrate later in the day and defended himself by claiming he would not not permit the line to be opened before being duly certified by Whitton the Engineer-in-Chief. The hearing was adjourned to the next day. An amicable agreement was reached after Gibbons had spoken to the Minister in Sydney. Provided he restored the destroyed portion of the track to its original condition, all charges would be withdrawn.

The newspaper reports of the day mentioned that while the onlookers had been deprived of an official opening ceremony, so much fun and excitement was had by all, that everybody was satisfied except the two feuding officials. Whilst all the drama was taking place at Parramatta, those people waiting at Blacktown Road looking down the track waiting for the train to appear must have been wondering why it did not appear.

A subsequent inspection by the Engineer-in-Chief passed everything as satisfactory. The first timetable is dated 2 July 1860 but due to all the controversy, the date of opening was actually 4 July 1860.

Blacktown Station received its present name on 1 August 1862, appearing as such in the timetable of 1 September 1862. The word Road was deleted. The opening of the Richmond branch took place on 1 December 1864. The branch line was operated by short shuttle trains, hauled by diminutive 0-6-0 saddle tank engines built by Manning Wardle.

In 1877 a telegraph office was opened. The Railway Guide of 1879 states that “At Blacktown there is a miniature terminus for the Richmond and Sydney subsidiary branch, which here joins onto the Western Trunk line. Blacktown is a small but by no means unattractive place, chiefly depending on the railway, with two or three stores and inns of humble and unimportant character. As the train approaches the Blacktown Station, you first catch sight of a distant and limited view of the far-famed Blue Mountains.”

On 11 March 1886, the Parramatta-Blacktown duplication was opened to traffic. As the original timber underbridges and flood openings were at the end of their effective lives, it became imperative to renew them.

All the new structures were made up of steel, supported by brick piers.

Blacktown Station was completely remodelled as befitted an important rail junction. A large brick station building was erected on the Down platform (the Down line went westward, while the Up line went east to Sydney). One the Up side, there was a 20 feet double sided platform between the Up main line and the Branch, the western end being turned sharply with the branch to the north-west. On the platform was an awning and tiny booking cabin. Access to the Up platform was from Richmond Road level crossing at the western end of the platform.

The footbridge was not erected until 1911.

Continued next issue....

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Western News

T

Getting a Mortgage gets tougher

here are a couple of issues for those in the market for a house and those with a mortgage looking to refinance.

Tougher lending standards being driven by regulators and the banking royal commission, finance analysts issuing forecasts that house price falls in the biggest property markets are expected to slump more and to go for longer period than first anticipated.

Interest rate comparison site Mozo found mortgage holders who borrowed near their limit in recent years were finding it increasingly difficult to refinance their loans and were “trapped” with their current lender. “A mortgage prisoner is a homeowner who is unable to move to a more competitive mortgage deal, even if they’ve met every repayment, because they would not pass new affordability tests applied by the banks,” Mozo property analyst Steve Jovcevski said.

The reason typically, is because homeowners took out the loan before stricter lending rules applied.

Regulators have shut down riskier categories of borrowers thus pushing bank lenders to give more favourable interest rates to owner-occupier and

interest and principal borrowers and investors are forced away from interest-only loans leading to home prices sliding around the nation.

At the moment most borrowers feeling the pinch were cutting back on expenditure rather than selling the home. Property listings are increasing but taking longer to sell with auction clearance rates slowly declining this year. Corelogic’s Tim Lawless takes the view that in 2018 “we are likely to see lower to negative growth rates across previously strong markets, more cautious buyers and ongoing regulator vigilance of credit standards and investor activity”.

Household debt held by Australians has increased significantly in the past 10 years and household income is being funnelled into reducing debt while interest rates are low and taken away from general spending.

There will undoubtedly be ramifications for the broader economy if interest rates rise in the next few years. The question now it seems is not “If interest rates will rise?” but “When will interest rate rise?”

The National Australia Bank (NAB) now expects the Reserve Bank (RBA) will not begin its gradual rate-hiking cycle until at least mid-2019, half a year

@wealthwiz

later than its previous forecast.

Borrowers who are being refused a loan in some cases don’t understand and know or aware there may have been alternative option available. As a result a large group of Australians are being under serviced by banks and potentially getting lost in the financial system.

Borrowers continue to seek better service and a suitable solution from the Banks and are turning to Mortgage Brokers who can provide better proposition to cater for each consumer individual needs and most often provide a better deal.

With the current state of the housing market and a national affordability crisis, there has never been a greater need for a good financial advisor like Wealthwiz who understands the importance of considering the needs of borrowers and is committed to helping people achieve their financial goals.

If you need help with a loan, you can always have a one-on-one discussion at Wealthwiz.

Just give Alex a call on 0419 600 177 and tell us about your situation. The more we learn, the better we can help.

13 Western News 31 August 2018 Issue 67

Alex Soncini

REAL ESTATE

#wealthwizau

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SOLUTION: 17 August

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

Western News 31 August 2018 Issue 67

14

Western News

SPORT

The Rangers are rocketing up

By CONNER LOWE

P

remiers and now 2018 NSW Premier League 2 Club champions.

Sunday’s victory by Mt Druitt over Western Sydney Wanderers resulted in the club being promoted to the National Premier League 1, the first time since 1985.

A 2-1 win with goals to David Oleary and Luke Grima ensured a party at Popondetta not seen in a long time.

Mt Druitt have led the Competition in 1st grade from start to finish. A well-deserved recognition for their hard work and team performances.

However, Club Championship is based on the three senior grades all performing as one to collectively earn the most points as a club, with the winner being promoted.

The Rangers under 20’s and 18’s all had very strong finishes to their seasons and this ensured the club was promoted on the very last day of the Competition. Central Coast Mariners were hot on the heels but fell away over the last few weeks to allow Rangers to overtake them with two weeks to go.

Photo: Mark Beach

The club sent out a call to arms, promoting the day as an ‘Old boy’s reunion’ where ex-players coaches and supporters were asked to come lend support to get the club over the line. Over 800 people attended on the day, with the grandstands packed, the spirits were high, and the outcome was what everyone was looking for.

Stewart Montgomery, the Mount Druitt Rangers Director of Football, could not hide his elation saying it means so much for the club.

“It’s the achievement of a 4-year plan for our Seniors programme.

It supports the pathway for our already excellent Youth and SAP teams to ensure they have a direct progression from u/16s to Senior NPL1 competition,” he said.

“It allows our Youth the opportunity to play and compete against the very best in NSW Football. The hard work begins now as we must prepare to compete at the next level.

Stewart also wanted to mention

a special thank you to all who were involved around the club over the season.

“We would like to thank our players, coaches and admin team who work all year round to secure football outcomes like this.

“We must thank Blacktown Council, Mayor Steven Bali, Deputy Mayor Tony Bleasdale and our Ward Councillor Brad Bunting and the staff at BCC Keith, Rod, Matt for their ongoing support at Popondetta.

“To local State Members Prue Car and Edmond Attala for their support as well. Our Sponsors NOVA Employment, Saint Marys Leagues, The Carousel Inn and Greater Western KIA for their continued support.”

After 26 Rounds the club from Mt Druitt have begun their clean sweep of season 2018. Having already collected the Minor Premiership and now Club Championship, their eyes are firmly set on the treble by ascending the finals heap and lifting the Championship.

Rangers now move into the semifinals this weekend with the 18’s and 20’s playing on Saturday at Valentine Sports Park and the club would love to see as much support as possible on the day.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Rigidity (9) 6 Celebrations (5) 9 Jaunty (7) 10 A gland found near

the kidneys (7) 11 Varnish (7) 12 A thousand

thousands (7) 13 Pleased (9) 15 A literary style (5) 16 Breastplate (5) 19 Receiver (9) 22 Before long (7) 23 Rebuffed (7) 25 Small falcon (7) 26 Quip (7) 27 Gentle push (5) 28 Faiths (9)

solution 17/8/18

down 1 Thralls (5) 2 Modulate one’s speech (7) 3 Idiosyncrasies (7) 4 Moral principle (5) 5 Convulsive (9) 6 Front limb of a horse (7) 7 Stress (7) 8 Lustrous or brilliant (9) 13 Exuvia (9) 14 Deviating from the usual (9) 17 Lubricated (7) 18 Nemesis (7) 20 Sulking (7) 21 Trade stoppage (7) 23 The grave (5) 24 Hemispherical roofs (5)

Western News

SPORT

Western News 31 August 2018 Issue 67

Dunheved to host Farmers Drought Relief Fundraiser event

15

Action from the NSWVGA Stroke-Play Championships, which were played at Dunheved in March this year . Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

D

unheved Golf Club will be running a Four-Person Ambrose Event for Veteran Golfers (over 55) on Wednesday 3rd October, 2018 in support of the Farmers Drought Relief Appeal.

Pricing has been sent at an extremely reasonable $10 per head, with Cart hire at $20 ($10 per player) and pre-ordered lunches at $10.

The event will be an 8am Shotgun start, with organisers anticipating a field in excess of one hundred and forty players on the day.

The Dunheved course is one of the finest in Sydney’s western suburbs and in addition to constantly rating highly in Club rankings, was one of the host Clubs in this year’s NSW Veteran Golfers Association Stroke-Play Championships.

Nominations can be addressed to the Club on email office@dunhevedgolfclub.com.au or by phone on 02 9623 0239.

The Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation (JNJG) recently held the NSW State Age Junior Championship’s in Newcastle over four rounds, in which Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club juniors figured prominently.

Ryan Cadle was the 13 Years Nett Winner; Brielle Manapao Runner-Up 14 Years Scratch and third in Nett; Ray Costello third in 17 Years Nett Plate; Allana Assagby Runner up 10 Years Scratch; Harry Wilde Winner 16 Years Plate Scratch and third in Nett.

Brad Drew announces 2018 will be his last

A

fter five seasons as head coach of St Marys Rugby League Club, Brad Drew has announced that 2018 will be his last.

Brad’s knowledge, profile and coaching expertise has held a huge influence in the Club’s transition from the Penrith Junior League competition to the NSWRL Competitions of Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield.

St Marys Rugby League Manager, Adam Przybyla said “Brad has been instrumental in shaping the Saints into a force in both the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions over

the past three years”.

“His results speak for themselves. Brad took the Saints to the Ron Massey Cup Grand Final in his first season and then fell one game short of a Grand Final last season “We are very thankful for Brad’s professionalism and dedication to the Saints over the past five years and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours”.

With two competition rounds remaining, the Saints are currently in fourth position on the Ron Massey Cup ladder and sit in second position in the Sydney Shield competition.

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Western News Friday, 31 August 2018

SPORT

Wanderers Academy excite at the International Championship

By CONNER LOWE

W

anderers A c a d e m y excite at the International Championship A number of brave efforts have seen the Wanderers Academy finish in fourth place against some of the world’s best Academies in the 2018 Guangzhou International Championship.

The prestigious tournament, run by Chinese Super League giants Guangzhou Evergrande, brought together some of the best youth Academies from around the world to compete in a knock-out competition.

The Wanderers Academy were drawn in Group A and faced off against the hosts, Dynamo Kyiv from Ukraine and Palmeiras from Brazil.

The Wanderers quickly made a name for themselves in the tournament after smashing hosts Guangzhou Evergrande 4-1 in the opening match.

Goals by Dylan Ruiz-Diaz, Thomas Aquilina, Jacob Casha and Stephen Robillard secured the comfortable win for the Wanderers.

The next match saw the Wanderers take on Brazil’s Palmeiras and a first-half goal

by Palmeiras’ Gabriel Veron split the two sides in the tightly contested affair.

The Wanderers needed a win in their final group stage match of the tournament to qualify for the Semi Final and the squad’s persistence paid off against Dynamo Kyiv.

Gabriel Popovic and De Robillard got on the scoresheet late in the second half, holding off Kyiv and progressing through to the Semi Final.

In a sour ending to the Wanderers stint in the tournament, they were defeated 5-4 in their contentious Semi Final match against Spain’s Villarreal.

A hat-trick by Ruiz-Diaz as well as a goal from Casha was unfortunately not enough for the Wanderers to progress with Villarreal awarded a blatantly offside goal to clinch a spot in the Final of the youth tournament.

To make things worse for the Wanderers, they were reduced to 10-men in the dying minutes with goalkeeper Oliver Kalac wrongfully sent off for a clean tackle.

The Wanderers then finished the tournament by playing in the third-place playoff and were defeated by Palmeiras, finishing the tournament in fourth place.