NSW voters have spoken and they’ve decided that Labor will govern our state for the next four years with Chris Minns to be our new Premier.
Prue Car, local member for Londonderry will be the Deputy Premier in the new state government.
Before election day was over, in what could only be described as a bloodbath for the Coalition, Labor had easily raked up enough votes to know they would be forming government.
On Monday Premier Chris Minns said Labor’s first piece of legislation will be to protect Sydney Water in the constitution.
“There’s not a moment to lose, and my team and I are ready,” Mr Minns said.
“Ready to deliver for the people of our state, no matter who they voted for.
“And ready to take immediate action, to tackle the challenges our state is facing. We will work for you, every single day.
AuSTRALIAN Red Cross Lifeblood is making a twin appeal for blood and plasma donors to boost supplies now and through the Easter period.
Right now, Lifeblood needs 3,600 people to donate blood over the next week, in particular people who are A, B and O Positive and universal O Negative
Lifeblood is also asking people to book a donation between Good Friday and Easter Monday to ensure an ongoing supply of blood and plasma for patients who will need it during the long weekend.
Lifeblood Executive Director Cath Stone said that despite record numbers of people donating blood and plasma, demand from hospitals is at its highest level in nearly a decade.
treat patients when their blood type is unknown. It’s often stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters to be used for trauma patients who can require huge quantities in a short amount of time.
“Fewer than seven per cent of the Australian population is O Negative, making it one of the rarer blood types, however its versatility means it makes up 16 per cent of the blood ordered by hospitals,” she added.
Ms Stone said Lifeblood was also asking people to book a donation now for the Easter period, which is often one of the most challenging times of the year for Lifeblood.
“And that starts right now.”
Former Premier Dominic Perrottet thanked his family, volunteers and former leaders when he conceded. He also announced he would be stepping down.
“It has been an absolute honour and privilege, the greatest honour and privilege that I have had in my entire life,” Mr Perrottet said.
Sunday 16 April 2023 9am to 2pm
Bring yourself, your friends and your family to our Family Fun Day Enjoy a Rotary Sausage Sizzle, face painting, balloons, a jumping castle and a bric-a-brac stall Most importantly, make a $10 donation to our Cord Blood Research Project and walk 2km around THE CAFÉ GREEN
or Use QR Code to donate
the rural Fire service will be on display for the children
The Family Fun Day and Walk is organised by the Inner Wheel Club of Blacktown City, on behalf of Inner Wheel District A53
“We now have more donors than at any point in the past 10 years, however demand for all blood groups, especially O Negative continues to increase as hospitals catch up on surgeries post-pandemic.”
She said donors of all blood types were needed every day of the year, but that the blood groups being called for today make up about 90 per cent of the Australian population.
“Right now, we need 3,600 people to donate blood over the next week.
“In particular, O Negative has the universal blood type and is used to
“The need for blood is often unplanned and urgent and Easter is often a time when many of our donors take a break. This year, more than 40 of our donor centres around the country will be open on Good Friday so we are asking people to book in and come back for another donation when they are next eligible, to ensure we can keep hospital fridges well stocked.
“With one in three of us needing donated blood or blood products in our lifetime, the life you save could be that of friend or family member,” she said.
To book visit lifeblood.com.au, download the Donate Blood app or call 13 14 95.
Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644
Bart Bassett 0412 955 745
Bart Bassett 0412 955 745
Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777
Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202
Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893
Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.wsnewsgroup.com
The voters of NSW have decided who they want as their electorate representatives in our readership catchment. A big congratulations to Prue Car in Londonderry, edmond Atalla in Mt Druitt, Stephen Bali in Blacktown, hugh McDermott in Prospect, Mark Taylor in Winston hills (formerly Seven hills) and new member Warren King in Riverstone.
The flow of the votes across the state indicated very early that NSW was ready to welcome Chris Minns as their new Premier and leader of a new government.
At the time of going to press everything pointed towards a sweeping success for Labor with huge swings across the state, however some key seats were still in doubt. All political eyes will be on those final numbers because it could still leave Labor needing to form a minority government if they fail to win a couple more of the remaining key seats.
In my view the greatest highlight in this election is in having Member for Londonderry, Prue Car, appointed Deputy Premier. It was evident from the minute counting began that Prue Car was going to blitz it in her seat of Londonderry. As the ballot count unfolded her swing was almost 10 percent, resulting in her storming home by a Londonderry mile. And she deserves the win. Prue has worked extremely hard - not just as the Member for Londonderry, but as a Shadow Minister and the Deputy Labor Leader. She’s juggled all her roles successfully, even when life threw her some pretty shocking challenges. She’s strong and passionate and I believe her political career will take her as high as she wants to go with it.
It is a new start for NSW.
Democracy is in action, let’s hope the right choice has been made.
Good luck and all the best to all our returning members and new parliament members.
The NeW Dinosaur Safari will lead you on a thrilling prehistoric adventure through Sydney Zoo, where you will discover all your favourite life-size, moving, and roaring dinosaurs.
Travel back through time and come face to face with a Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Velociraptor, the awesome Allosaurus and of course, the mighty T-Rex!
If you look closely, you might even spot similarities between the animals at Sydney Zoo and these ancient creatures: the way they look and move, how they hunt or even how they rear their young.
Your little adventurers will be roaring with excitement.
Dinosaur Safari is FRee with your Sydney Zoo ticket, Membership or Unlimited Pass. But hurry – tickets are selling fast.
Check out these incredible prehistoric beasts throughout April, before they go extinct!
highlights
Dinosaur Trail
Grab your Safari Map and explore Asia, Africa and Primate Boulevard in search of dinosaurs big and small!
Follow the footprints and you’ll have no trouble spotting the towering T-Rex, but can you find the tiny Triceratops baby.
7NEWS Safari Car
Capture your adventure with this FRee unique photo opportunity! Grab your family and friends and jump in the 7NeWS Safari Car or climb inside a giant dinosaur egg and pose for a prehistoric picture.
Safari Shop
Visit the Safari Shop to stock up on some T-riffic gifts! Your little adventurers will be roaring with
excitement over the dinosaur showbag, adorable dinosaur water bottles, palaeontologist kits, and so much more!
Creative Kids Voucher
This prehistoric program provides kids with a roarsome day out at Sydney Zoo. Participants will spend time with a zoo artist learning how to use shapes, shading and colour to draw their favourite dinosaurs, reptiles, and birds!
Dinosaur Safari at Sydney Zoo is an accessible and inclusive event, designed specifically with no hills or steps, for everyone to have a fun time.
Ticket information
FRee with your zoo ticket
Kids day tickets only $19.99
FRee parking
Open 9am – 5pm
Buy tickets: SydneyZoo.com/Dinosaur-Safari
The annual easter egg hunt and family fun day presented by St Marys Town Centre will be back at Coachman’s Park for 2023. The local community are invited to enjoy a day of free magical fun and entertainment including an easter bunny dance party, face painting, magic shows plus special guests elsa & Olaf.
There will also be a bunny food making activity the kids will love and a performance by Minchinbury dance academy, BAM Performing Arts.
Children are invited to wear their best easter hat to participate in the easter hat parade and dress up to join the popular easter egg hunt - visiting Queen Street St Marys Town Centre retailers to collect easter treats! With great prizes to be won, it is sure to be a day the whole family will enjoy.
When: Saturday 1 April 2023
Time: 10am to 2pm
Location: Coachmans Park, St Marys
To register and receive an easter hunt bag and instructions plus view the full program of events, visit eventbrite via the QR code.
The Australian Street Rod Federation Nationals is a biannual event bringing together hot Rod and Custom car enthusiasts from all over the country for a long weekend of fun and games. The Nationals or the “Nats” as they are fondly known will be held over easter 2023 at hawkesbury Showground.
The 2023 Nationals is the 25th running of this event that first commenced in 1973 at Narrandera NSW. The last time it was held in the hawkesbury was 2001 with a massive turnout of entrants and locals alike enjoying what was a fantastic event.
The 25th Nationals was supposed to be held in 2021 in Albury NSW but along with many other events, we had to cancel due to COvid. So, this event is the culmination of over 4 years of planning and work, and it’s going to
be hUGe. We are very fortunate that our many sponsors have come along for the ride and stayed with us through it all and finally we get to showcase them all in the Traders Pavilion over the duration of the 25th Nationals.
There will be over 800 hot Rod and Custom cars on display throughout the weekend, along with A tribute to 100 Years of T Buckets. We have two international guests with Matt Murray from iron Trap Garage, Pennsylvania USA (check out his YouTube channel, it’s definitely worth the look) and Greg Stokes from GMS hot Rods in New Zealand. They will both be hosting a “meet and greet” on Saturday and Sunday so don’t hesitate to come and say hello.
There will also be amusement rides for the kids (or the big kids), market
stalls, our sponsors trade stands, a major raffle will be drawn Sunday afternoon, buy a ticket for just $5 and you could win a composite hot Rod Body courtesy of C & W Components valued at $18K to start your own hot Rod Project!!
Food Trucks including Black Bear BBQ, Mate Burger and Kd’s Coffee are just the tip of the culinary iceberg. We have bands on the big stage with the Stray dogs and hellcat iii playing, just to name a few, backed up superbly by dJ Antony. The music will be epic.
The Sydney Swing Katz will be performing on our 100 square metre dance floor on Sunday as a prelude to our Best dressed Parade being coordinated by viva La vintage Photography, Australian Pin Up Pageant and Lana Rose Fashion. everybody is welcome to enter the
Best dressed Parade with some great prizes on offer.
There really is something for everyone and is the best value family day out over easter!!
There is plenty of FRee parking via gate 4 of the showground, or if you prefer to use public transport Clarendon Station is the closest to the venue and there will be a FRee shuttle bus running right to the entrance for your convenience.
On Saturday and Sunday we invite the public to our Family Fun day and the gates are open from 10am to 4pm. Tickets for the public event are available at: www.123tix.com.au/ events/35869/25th-australian-streetrod-nationals and are $25 for adults and kids UNdeR 15 ARe FRee
We look forward to seeing you all “At the Nat’s” .
tHE Sydney Dragway at Eastern Creek is where you will find everything that will fascinate people who enjoy being around big machinery. Every year the earthmoving industry shows off its biggest and best at this event which is now Australia’s largest earthmoving Expo. open every day from April 21 and 23, there are demonstrations of the latest advances in earthmoving machinery.
If you are in a business that involves digging, trenching, maintaining public spaces, mowing, maintaining equipment, lifting or would you just like to see big machines up close and personal, then this is the place you need to be!
this is Australia’s once in a year opportunity to see all the latest equipment in one place. Not only that; it’s a great place for the whole family where there’s lots of free entertainment, live music, action events and loads of great food stalls.
If you like action, the freestyle kings motorbike team will be performing its death-defying stunts throughout the Expo. there’s loads of parking and easy access to this major event which always draws a big crowd.
Free parking
Where else can you go where for just $10 per adult and children under 16 free, you can spend such a great day entertaining the family? there is also plenty of free car parking.
Large crowds of people who come from the earthmoving, construction, grounds maintenance, safety, financial services, asset management, transport and material handling industries visit the Expo to make informed purchasing decisions.
Visitors will be treated to a huge line up of the biggest brands, representing an amazing selection of equipment, vehicles, specialised machinery, attachments, technology and services.
A great Expo site
the Sydney Dragway site guarantees your visit to Diesel Dirt & turf will be a comfortable and easy experience for you and your family. Whether you visit for one, two or three days, there is loads of free paved car parking, easy access to the exhibits and plenty of places to relax and enjoy a wide variety of food and entertainment.
Mark your calendar
the dates for the 2023 National Diesel Dirt & turf Expo Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd and Sunday, 23rd April 2023. Entry is just $10.00 per adult and there’s free parking and free entry for children under 16. You can buy your tickets on line or log in to https://regonsite.eventsair.com/thenational-diesel-dirt-and-turf-expo-2023/ visitor/Site/Register. More information at www.dieseldirtandturf.com.au
About 50% of adults in the Local Health District covering blacktown and adjoining local government areas are living with diabetes or at risk of the condition.
twelve per cent of adults in the Western Sydney Local Health District, about 91,500 people, have type 2 diabetes.
Another 38% of adults, or 290,000 people, are at high risk of contracting the condition.
the latest estimates are in Western Sydney Diabetes’ Year-in-Review 2022 report.
they underscore why Workers Lifestyle Group is funding a $500,000, five-year community campaign for diabetes prevention and early detection, says group CEo Morgan Stewart.
Workers Lifestyle Group, in partnership with Western Sydney Diabetes and Novo Nordisk, launched the Western Sydney Changing Diabetes campaign in December. the campaign promotes
regular health checks along with healthy diets, cooking and activities to its 53,000 members.
“Diabetes is Australia’s largest disease burden and Western Sydney is a diabetes hot spot, yet 80 per cent is preventable by early detection and lifestyle changes,” Mr Stewart said.
“At the campaign launch, we heard that an average 2kg weight loss can prevent 30% of at-risk people developing diabetes.
“Western Sydney Changing Diabetes is about primary prevention, for the Western Sydney community and for members and staff at our Workers blacktown and Workers Sports clubs.
With the support of sponsorship from Novo Nordisk, Workers Lifestyle Group is hosting fortnightly Western Sydney Diabetes detection testing for members and guests through the HbA1c blood test, which can detect the risk developing type 2 diabetes within a few minutes.
Novo Nordisk has also supported the installation of SiSu health stations at the Workers and Sports Clubs for members and guests, for broader health checks and tracking of health improvement as Club patrons engage with the health promotion activities. the 12% incidence of type-2 diabetes among Western Sydney adults is significantly higher than the state-wide average, which NSW Health estimates at 11%.
About 22% of people attending blacktown Hospital have diabetes and 30% of adults attending hospital emergency departments and GPs in Western Sydney have pre-diabetes (high blood sugar likely to progress to type 2 diabetes if untreated), according to the Western Sydney Diabetes report.
Diabetes is the main cause of preventable blindness, raises the risk of heart failure by 4 times and doubles the risk of strokes, heart attacks and dementia.
AshAred vision that will transform Blacktown City has been announced with the signing of an historic agreement between Blacktown City Council and Walker Corporation.
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM said, “The future of the Blacktown CBd is now secure. This is our next significant step in the transformation of the City that will shape this region for generations to come.”
“This is a very important step for Council, but an absolutely giant leap for the community of Blacktown City”, said Mayor Bleasdale.
Mayor Bleasdale said “The CBd development by Walker Corporation will deliver over 1,000 construction jobs over 5 years in Blacktown city centre. It will permanently add 4,500 jobs in the Blacktown CBd – this is an enormous increase from the 10,000 jobs which are currently there.
This project will generate $920m economic value every year to the City, providing a huge boost to the CBd businesses and the economy of the City which is currently $22.35 billion per annum.
Mayor Bleasdale said, “The need for this is clear, Blacktown City is home to a population of more than 400 thousand people, and our Council is planning to support one of the largest and fastestgrowing cities in Australia. We have laid the plans for projects that will support our growth and provide vital employment opportunities in Blacktown City.”
“Walker Corporation has a vision which fits perfectly in the strategic plan Council has, to build the modern Blacktown City. We want to see the
talent and energy of Blacktown residents given access to world class infrastructure and quality jobs in the heart of the community in which they live.”
“Council welcomes the experienced Walker Corporation investment into our CBd. We are confident that working together for the people and businesses of our City, we can deliver a CBd masterplan that underpins the building of a robust local economy,” Mayor Bleasdale said. Walker Corporation’s investment into the Blacktown CBd will meet a range of objectives set by Council. Our residents will benefit from high
value jobs generated in the CBd. Local businesses will flourish with expanded workforces, and the changes in the CBd will be a catalyst for expansion and development of new business opportunities in the City.
“Through careful design planning, our Council has built strong partnerships with organisations like Walker Corporation and the Australian Catholic University. “With those strong partnerships, Council will be a significant partner in landmark projects across the City, generating the future our City’s residents deserve,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
The Women Veterans Network Australia (WVNA) will be holding its ANZAC day service on 22 April 2023 at Memory Park, Penrith NsW, commencing at 10:30 am.
The service will have a female MC, Catafalque Party, Chaplain and Indigenous acknowledgement of country, along with all other spoken parts of the service.
The WVNA is sincerely grateful for the support of the City of Penrith rsL sub-branch and Penrith rsL Club. The Bankstown, Blaxland/Glenbrook and st Marys sub-Branches have also contributed to the WVNA Western sydney, to ensure it can continue to hold the ANZAC day ceremonies.
The origins of WVNA began with a community Facebook page, sharing posts of general interest to women veterans.
In July 2015, the rsL QLd funded a Women Veterans symposium in Brisbane, which prompted pivotal conversations between exservicewomen, who then established the Women Veterans Network Australia (WVNA) on 25 July 2015, as a network of closed Facebook groups for women veterans.
WVNA grew from a desire to provide a safe, cohesive and engaging environment for current and ex-servicewomen to connect and
share information and resources via social media. The similar or shared experiences, regardless of type, locality or number of years of service, create a fundamental bond that begged to be encouraged and cultivated.
WVNA is a group of current and exserving women from the Navy, Army or Air Force, either in a full time or reserve capacity, regardless of whether they have been deployed or not, who come together in friendship, support and understanding. If you are an ex-serving or current serving woman and want to connect with others, please contact sydney@wvna. org.au. WVNA members are proud to wear their medals on the left and very proud to have served in the Australian defence Force.
There are now several established groups around Australia providing a forum to share local information and come together for activities to foster a social connection of understanding
and support with other local women veterans.
As the number of women and their roles in the AdF evolve and increase, so does the number who will experience transition in the future, increasing the need to provide assistance to ease transition, assist with readjustment and reduce the risk of social isolation. All women who have served are encouraged to join WVNA groups to connect in both local and national forums, for networking and support. We have all served equally, however our needs are our own, as only other women know.
The findings from the Royal Commission into Veteran suicide cited that ex serving women are 107% more likely to die by suicide than the general population of women. (AIHW Serving and ex-serving ADF members who have served since 1985: suicide monitoring 1997 – 2020). Whilst the
actual numbers are much lower than male suicides, they are significant and may be an emerging issue as the numbers of women slowly increases in the services.
Building connections within the WVNA community is about listening and supporting women when someone reaches out. It is important for them to know that they are not alone and that we are there for each other.
One of the ways the Western sydney WVNA group has come together is by commemorating a Women Veterans ANZAC day service. The group who meet on the last sunday of the month decided early in 2021 that they would like to hold an ANZAC day service for women veterans. To say it ‘grew legs’ was an understatement; with senator, the hon Marise Payne giving the main address. There was not a dry eye in the house. From the catafalque party, chaplain and MC all being current serving women.
The Blacktown City Creative Arts Fund is now open and accepting applications from local artists, artist groups, and incorporated community organisations until 13 April 2023. Grants of up to $5000 are available to support the creation of new work as well as professional and skills development.
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM said ‘Culture is the lifeblood of our city and it should be a part of everyone’s daily life. Our City is proud to celebrate the excellence and diversity of artists and our creative communities. The Creative Arts Fund supports artists and organisations to successfully develop and manage their own art and cultural projects. I look forward to seeing the creativity of our local artists come to life.’
established in 2015, the Creative Arts Fund has supported hundreds of artists and organisations in Blacktown City.
The fund facilitates new works across a range of media and enriches cultural life in the local area.
Aiming to build artistic capacity, and to develop social connections between artists and communities, the Fund also encourages artists to explore partnerships as opportunities for
knowledge-sharing and collaboration with community.
Grants are available to local artists at any stage of their career working across a wide range of media, including:
• Performance
• Music
• Film
• Digital arts
• Multi-arts
• Dance
• Literature, and Photography
We also encourage applications supporting professional development for artists and small organisations. Previous successful applications to the Creative Arts Fund, for example, have supported music development, children’s books, a digital web series for children, exhibition projects, and mentorship sessions with practicing artists.
Applications are assessed on a number of criteria, including the originality of the project, the clarity
of the project description, the benefit of the work to the Blacktown community, and the quality of any proposed community engagement.
We are delighted to share that 2023 marks the first round of a streamlined application process.
Written guidelines for applicants, including further information on eligibility and selection criteria, are also available through the Blacktown Arts website https://blacktownarts. com.au/2023-creativearts-fund/
ACROSS
1 The dropping off things you ordered (8)
5 Practical (6)
9 Not broadly (8)
10 A type of mineral glass (6)
12 Sporting venue (5)
13 Illuminate (9)
14 Elevated open grasslands (6)
16 The _______ Falcon (7)
19 Asserts (7)
21 Cut in two (6)
23 A gradual increase in intensity (9)
25 A flat-bottomed boat (5)
26 Make lovable (6)
27 Pedalled (8)
28 Feels or detects (6)
29 Top of the arm (8)
dOwn
1 Refusal (6)
2 Bigness (9)
3 A stringed instrument (5)
4 Curlers (7)
6 Scrawls (9)
7 Not second (5)
8 Throat candies (8)
11 A round fruit with a single pit (4)
15 Dry up (9)
17 Confined on all sides (9)
18 Galleys (8)
20 Male offspring (4)
21 Studious (7)
22 Sex (6)
24 With the end toward the observer (5)
25 Swampy lake (5)
In January 1914 the Penrith District Coroner held an inquest into the death of James Hugh McGuirk who was born in December 1874 at Lithgow. Present at the inquest was Joseph Patterson who was alleged to have inflicted injuries causing the death. James’s deposition was taken before he died at the nepean Cottage Hospital, stating that he was a labourer on the railway and lived in Jane Street in Penrith and he was in full possession of all his reasoning faculties and knew that he was about to die due to his injuries. He was currently at home from work as there was nothing for him to do for a couple of days. He said that one night he and his wife had a bit of an argument because he wanted to write a letter but his wife took the pen upstairs, so partly in fun he followed her to get it back and while she tried to throw the pen over the balcony they started wrestling and he accidentally hit her with the back of his hand that gave her a black eye. He said that his wife is very hot tempered and she took the blow as if it were meant to inflict bodily harm. Her brothers Joe and Albert Patterson came to the house in the afternoon and Joe noticed that his sister’s eye was a bit black and he asked her what had happened. At this time James said he was not present to their conversation but was upstairs and of course did not hear the question, but his wife told him afterwards saying she was still serious about the fight. She said that she told Joe that he had punched her in the eye, and without waiting for any explanation Joe punched him in his head, face and body but James said he did not retaliate in any way being unable to, because two of the blows were on his side and he was suffering from that. James said he had not taken any drink during the day and there had been no unpleasantness between him and his wife, even though she was very cool towards him. He said he did not fall against anything when Joe struck him and Joe held him with one arm and struck him with the other. James then said that he believed that Albert heard the punch from Joe and came and parted us. At the inquest Dr Higgins said that he was summoned to James’s residence and found him in a critical condition. There was a fresh wound on his cheek that was bleeding and another on his forehead that wasn’t recent and he was suffering considerably from shock and a fracture of his left rib, so he strapped James’s chest to ease the pain that indicated haemorrhage and he had considerable pain over the kidney and he advised James’s immediate removal to the hospital. Later on in the evening he consulted with his colleague Dr northcott and they came to the conclusion that the left kidney was ruptured and the haemorrhage was from the rupture and also at the same time about one ounce of blood was passed through the urethra as they found that James was suffering from a faulty heart and there was every indication the other kidney was diseased. They decided that if they operated on James he would probably die on the table, so they decided not to. James died the next morning and they both performed a post-mortem examination. They found that both lungs smelt very foully of stale beer and the heart showed fatty degeneration, the right kidney was small and diseased, the left kidney was large and very soft and completely split in two, and all of James’s organs showed indications of chronic alcoholism of long standing and the probability was that James would not have lived
long under any circumstances. The splitting of the kidney could have been done by a blow but he did not think it was likely, and death was undoubtedly due to a ruptured kidney and the state of the organs was likely due that he struck something in falling backwards. James’s wife Mary stated that they were married at Blayney in 1904 and had five children together and she saw James at the Hospital before and after death. She said that James returned home that night at 10 pm and the first question he asked her where was his tea and she told him she hasn’t got any and how did he expect her to have his tea when he did not leave her any money and he struck her first on the head and then in the eye. After that she didn’t see him because he went to bed. The next day when he asked again for food she said again how did he expect her to get food when she had no money and after that he stayed at the house but went out most of the day. On Thursday night he told her he was going to work in the morning but he went somewhere on Friday coming home at night. He went again on Saturday morning and came home asking again for his tea and she told him she had enough of him because he left their little children here to starve as they had nothing to eat nearly all day and she told him that she intended taking another maintenance order out against him. Joe had advised her previously to take out a maintenance order and her husband knew that she did take out a prohibition order 18 months previously that had expired six months ago, and she said she didn’t see him until Sunday morning when her brothers came. She said that only one blow was struck by Joe that was on the side of the head and James fell on the bed and his side fell against the spring mattress that was exposed. She said her husband was a shunter in the railway service and finally dismissed all on account of drink, the last twelve months the average amount of money she received from him was 10 shillings a week and with that she had to keep the house and pay the rent when she could and she could not keep things going if her brothers did not come to her assistance. Sergeant Thorncroft said that Joseph Patterson surrendered himself and he charged him with inflicting grievous bodily harm but since James’s death he withdrew that charge preferring a more serious charge of feloniously slaying. Joe was remanded to the Coroner’s Court from the Penrith Police Court. After all depositions were taken the Sergeant said he deemed it advisable to have a further deposition taken from James but they arrived at the hospital too late. He knew that Mrs McGuirk had taken out a prohibition order against her husband who, at all accounts, was a man of intemperate habits and he had been informed that James was not too kind to his wife. The Coroner’s finding was that James Hugh McGuirk died from rupture of the kidney in January 1914, the injury caused by a blow struck by Joseph on the previous day that feloniously killed James who was buried in the Penrith General Cemetery at Kingswood. Later at the Parramatta Quarter Sessions, Joseph on bail appeared in answer to a charge of feloniously slaying James Hugh McGuirk at Penrith but after all the evidence it was found there was no case to answer and Joseph was liberated.
Sources: Nepean Times, Family Search (Mormon website), Ancestry, Trove.
The Reserve Bank this month lifted the official cash rate to 3.6 per cent, the highest level in more than a decade, which is pressuring the finances of many households. This is the largest and fastest rate rise ever implemented historically by the RBA. We may not have seen the end of increases as the RBA may believe there is still a need to continue to increase rates if there is still strong domestic data.
Given the high home loan interest rates, with more rate hikes likely to come, is sparking a refinancing hunt for more home loan savings as mortgage holders shop around for a better deal.
Borrowers who have not refinanced could be missing out on hundreds of dollars in savings.
Australians have enjoyed a lengthy run of record low rates, with almost a quarter of all borrowers paying 6.5 per cent or more on their variable rate loans, based on Canstar modelling, which is 1.81 per cent higher than the cheapest loan rate.
For these borrowers, failing to shop around for a better deal can add $570 or more each month to a standard $500,000 loan over 30 years and for those borrowers with higher rates than 6.5 percent refinancing to the lowest priced loan could lead to savings of more than $1,000 a month on a $500,000 loan over 30 years.
Many borrowers seeking to switch lenders, refinancing to the “lowest” rate loan in the market
may not always be successful because of harsher loan serviceability requirements and lower loan to value ratios as property prices decline.
However, mortgage holders should continue the “hunt for a better deal” to reduce the cost of their mortgage as refinancing even for a marginally lower interest rate could save you thousands of dollars over time. Refinancing can save you thousands.
You may want to be loyal to your lender, but chances are your lender won’t reward that loyalty with its market leading rate. Most often lenders reserve their best rates for new customers, not existing ones and customers may find refinancing will get a better deal.
Borrowers should understand that lenders examine discretionary spending when assessing credit worthiness and will assess you not at the current interest rate, but at a rate approximately 3 per cent higher meaning borrowers must be able to meet repayments at assessment rates ranging between 7% to 10%.
Now is the time for carefully planning your next move, do your homework on other lenders, check your finances, budgeting, cutting discretionary spending as lenders will review these when considering a loan application.
Refinancing and loan renegotiation activity is likely to remain high, as borrowers seek to reduce their mortgage costs. There are many offers for
refinancers as loan applications for purchases have declined since the start of the year.
It’s more important now to have a discussion with a broker and discuss your options whether you’re refinancing or wanting to purchase a property. So don’t underestimate the importance of searching for a good deal, the mortgage market today is competitive, with plenty of bank and non-bank lenders offering a variety of loan options to all types of borrowers.
In saying this, borrowers must consider the whole loan product and associated fees and charges rather than just the interest rate. A factor to consider is to try to avoid extending your loan back out to 30 years, as this could potentially increase the cost with the extra interest accounted for.
Refinancing can be an opportunity to review your situation and look for a better rate.
Especially if you’re coming off a fixed rate loan that you’ve had for several years.
If you aren’t sure how to proceed, it might be a good idea to have a chat with Alex from Wealthwiz to discuss your options. We’re here to help.
By Noel Rowsell
WeeKeND racing is back at Hawkesbury Race Course this Saturday 1 April 2023, featuring live music, on-course food outlets and as always, a thrilling day of racing.
Gather some friends, enjoy a cold drink on the home Straight Lawn and you won’t miss a moment of the racing action.
The in-house Dining room will be open from 11.30am, along with other food vans and outlets.
Hawkesbury Race Club is pleased to be partnering with the charity ‘Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia’ as they host their function in the Ted
General
For more information or to book ticketing visit www.hawkesburyraceclub.com.au. Gates open at 11:30am, with the first race at 1:05pm.
By Noel Rowsell
Three local Golf clubs from the Western Sydney region (WSr) have won Pennant flags on Sunday at Riverside Oaks GC, in the respective Finals of the 2023 Golf NSW Men’s Major Pennant competition.
Glenmore Heritage Valley GC were the first of the local clubs to head out on course, facing Campbelltown GC in the Division 4 Final. Four hours later, Glenmore had secured a 4-3 win to claim this year’s Pennant flag and move to Division 3 in 2024 with bragging rights as Div 4 premiers.
The full Glenmore squad is: Andrew robb, Steve Zingle, David Bishop, Will hoven, Ben Michelmore, Steve hunt, Scott Dowsell, Matt Mayers, Gordon McCall, Matthew Talley, Damian Smith.
richmond GC were next out in Division 3, facing Massey Park GC. Once again, it would be a triumph for the local western Sydney team, recording a powerful 4.5-2.5 win to also move up a division (to Div 2) as the reigning Div 3 premiers.
The full richmond squad is: Matt Gallahar, Trent McMillen, Patrick Murphy, Dave Dennis, Red Davies, Jason Moss, Daniel Ayre, reggie Papps, Craig Ellings, Damion Miller, Ti Fox, Frank Gal (manager).
Stonecutters ridge GC would complete the impressive trifecta for western Sydney, scoring an
even larger 5-2 win over Cromer GC to win the Division 2 Final and move into the prestigious Division 1 ranks in 2024
The full Stonecutters squad is: Darcy Mackay, ryan Cadle, harrison Wilde, Daniel Williams, Kade Webber, Ryan Suckling, Jacob Carpenter, Daniel Beattie, Raymond Costello, Jackson Northey, Craig Baird (manager), Allan Ison (ass manager).
In other Golf news, the 2023 Women’s NSW Open was held on the Tuncurry Course at ForsterTuncurry GC. 18-year old amateur Grace Lee (Glenmore Park) made the cut with scores of 75 and 71 in the first two rounds, then shot 78 in the final round to finish in a tie for 18th spot, 13 shots behind joint leaders Momoka Kobori (NZ) and Claire Shin (NSW). Momoka would go on to win the title in a
sudden-death playoff.
Four local juniors competed in the inaugural JNJG U12 Tour event, which was held at Springwood CC on Sunday 26th March.
Evelyn Oram (Richmond GC) finished 3rd in the Girls 11 Years & Over age group, Hunter McMillan (Twin Creeks GC) finished 5th in Boys 10 Years & Under, Jack Gillett (Stonecutters Ridge GC) and Harrison Oram (Richmond GC) finished tied 7th and tied 9th respectively in Boys 11 Years & Over.
The next JNJG tour events will both be held at the Links Shell Cove GC and Kiama GC on 13th14th April. The two tournaments are the second JNJG U12 Tour event and the 2023 Illawarra Junior Masters.
INTERNaTiONaL Polo returns to the Hawkesbury district on april 9, with some of the world’s best male players on show for both Argentina and Australia at Windsor Polo Club.
A thrilling sporting event, that promises to be one of the highlights of your easter Sunday celebrations, and fans will witness some of the world’s most skilled polo players battle it out on the field in an exhilarating day of High Goal Polo.
This year’s International event is particularly exciting, as the argentinians are back to take on australia in what promises to be an epic showdown, making for an intense and unforgettable day.
In addition, the Australian Women’s team will take on England in the preceding match, whilst
a junior match between NSW and South Island, NZ will kick off the day, showcasing some of the brightest up-and-coming players in the sport.
In addition to the top-class polo on offer, the event also includes the opportunity for a delightful picnic experience, complete with delicious food and refreshing beverages. Grab your family and friends and settle in for a funfilled day of sport, relaxation, good company and on the field games like the Easter Egg Drop, Golden Horseshoe and Fashions On The Field.
So mark your calendars and join your friends on easter Sunday at Windsor Polo Club for a day of excitement, elegance and entertainment at the 2023 Polo International.
Details regarding tickets and polo hampers can be found at: www.windsorpoloclub.com.au/ polointernational?mc_cid=57fa6ad367&mc_ eid=ba774675df
By Bo B Turner
The 2023 NSW Men’s Premier League season is a tight race after eight rounds of the competition. Blacktown City is sitting in sixth place with a 4 wins -1 Draw -3 Loss record to date after a heartbreaking loss last weekend to Sydney FC 1-0. Rockdale are on a hot streak with seven consecutive wins to lead the competition after eight rounds. Next on the table is Apia Leichhardt who have yet to lose a game followed by both Sydney United and Sydney FC who both have notched up five wins.
The loss to Sydney FC last Friday was a tough one for Coach Mark Crittenden. Blacktown’s defense was solid giving up only the sole goal but were let down in the scoring department, showing the early loss of strikers Mitch Mallia, Jordan Smylie and Danny Choi through injury will be a challenge to overcome. Despite numerous opportunities, it was a case of “If Only’ as the week before Blacktown put on a goal blitz with five scores against the powerful Sydney Olympic to win 5-1. Both Travis Major and Jack O’Brien had two goals each in that contest.
Next up for the Men is Sutherland Sharks at home on Sunday, April 2nd at Landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Ave, Seven hills. Game time is 3pm with the Under 20’s at 1pm. Clip out the bonus entry offer of one free adult with a child to the Sutherland game.
Sutherland currently has a 2-2-4 record after a tough 0-0 encounter with Sydney United last weekend. Blacktown enters a critical few weeks with an away clash against Sydney United on the 10th of April before coming back home to host Apia Leichhardt on Sunday, the 16th of April.
Blacktown City Women are starting to show their second season will be a determined and solid one. They had a 1-1 draw last weekend against Sutherland and will take on second place hills United this weekend in a clash of rivals. Philippines National team import, Malea Cesar, has been a breath of fresh air for head Coach David ‘Dok’ O’Keefe. Recruited through his mate, Alen Stajcic, head Coach of the Philippine National team that will compete at this year’s Women’s World Cup, Malea is a constant threat that has elevated the overall play of Blacktown. Next home game for Blacktown will be Sunday, April 9th at Landen Stadium. Kick off is 4pm.
Blacktown City FC’s home Ground has ‘Officially’ been christened as Landen Stadium with the main stadium signage being put in place. Go Blacktown City!
Friday, 31 March 2023
There’s been a number of comparisons over the years between Phillip Island and sydney Motorsport Park (sMsP) and the past weekend was sMPs’s chance to really shine.
The weather at sMsP over Friday 23rd - saturday 24th March was just as unpredictable as ‘the Island’ and the rain arrived ahead of the warm-up sessions for all classes.
As a consequence, the event organisers spent an inordinate amount of time looking at the rain radar and thoughtfully making what proved to be unreliable predictions.
Over the two days of competition, the competitors and spectators alike were treated to
sunshine, rain, heat and cold across the full gamut of classes, includ ing the bLU crU Oceania Junior Cup, the Michelin supersport, the supersport 300,
For all weekend results see Computime.com.au
Action from the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup Race 3 . (R) features local rider Elijah Andrew #18).
Action from the Michelin Supersport Race 2 - photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
Alpinestars Superbike and the Sureflight Superbike Masters.
By Noel Rowsell
