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Friday, 3 April 2020
ISSUE 106
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Virtual Travel
During this time of no overseas travel we can all still enjoy the wonders of the world by enjoying travel stories from our own travel reporter. See page 10 for this edition’s travel escape experience.
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2020 Blacktown City Show also a victim of Covid-19
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he weekend of March 14-15 was the 97th Anniversary of the Blacktown City Show which is a major attraction and the longest running event in Blacktown’s history. A spokesperson for the Show said, “with the amount of additional promotion we had with local radio stations, over 25 McDonald’s stores in the west handing out show leaflets and a 16 page show feature in the Western News we should have attracted even larger crowds than we have in the past; but the Coronavirus fear obviously kept them away. Approximately 90% of site holders who didn’t attend and contestants who were entered in the Talent Quest who didn’t attend, came up with the same reasons: they did not wish to be exposed to or have their staff exposed to the Coronavirus. “At previous shows where we experienced a lot more rain, we still attracted big crowds so the rain was not responsible for the poor attendance,” the spokesperson said. The small crowd that did attend experienced some great entertainment throughout the day with performances from Blacktown Girls High, and St Andrews College Marayong. Other groups that performed included the Blacktown City Judo Club, the Bolivian Dance Group, Blacktown City Community Band, and Natasha’s Arts Theatre.
Winner: Rose Lewis
Runner-up: Chloe Staub
All the traditional things one would expect to see at an Agricultural and Horticultural show were there such as the Arts and Crafts, Cooking, Photography, Horticulture, Woodchopping, Black-smithing, Working Dog Demonstrations and Sheep Shearing. The children were thrilled with the Animal Farm Nursery, Reptile Display and were entertained by their Superheroes including Batman, Spiderman and Wonder Woman, Joey Presto’s Magic Show and Professor Wallace’s Puppet Theatre. Saturday night’s entertainment was of the highest standard featuring Elvis in Concert with David Cazalet and Yodelling Princess to Queen of Country Johanna Hemara, culminating in the Blacktown City Councils Fireworks Spectacular. Sunday was highlighted with the Search for a Star Talent Quest and The Car Show and Ute Muster. The Charity Auction held at the conclusion of the show raised $2432.00 for struggling farmers. The winner of the Blacktown Showgirl Quest was Rose Lewis and the runner up was Chloe Staub. The spokesperson for the Blacktown Show said, “the Blacktown Show Society would like to thank everyone who participated in the show.”
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sea of bright colours replaced the usual teal uniforms as Blacktown Hospital’s Allied Health staff found another way to lift spirits while they band together to tackle COVID-19. The initiative – dubbed Dare Day – was embraced by teams including social work, physiotherapy, speech pathology, nutrition, dietetics and occupational therapy. Social work department head Bobbi Henao Urrego said staff thoroughly enjoyed dressing up (or down) on the day. “We wanted to do something which was easy and identifiable while lifting spirits of our patients and colleagues,” Bobbi said. “The criteria was simple: we asked staff to wear something which was opposite to what they would normally wear. “Our patients told us they really enjoyed seeing our staff in the bright colours and some of them didn’t recognise us without our uniforms. “Wearing the colourful clothes definitely lifted morale during these uncertain times and it was also a great distraction from our own worries and concerns. ”
Western News 3 April 2020 Issue 106
Allied health swap uniforms for mufti to raise spirits
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Bobbi reminds patients, carers and staff to look after each other and to do your bit. “Everyone plays a role with hand hygiene and physical distancing – remember to social distance but also remember you can be social without being physically close,” Bobbi said. “Check in on your friends’ and family’s emotional wellbeing, and take care of yourself including asking for help if you’re struggling. Remember that we can’t care for those coming to us unless we care for ourselves first.”
Our Services: • Surgical Specialities • Inpatient Rehabilitation • Day Rehabilitation • Hydrotherapy Pool • Wellness Classes • NDIS Minchinbury Community Hospital Phone 9625 2222 Cnr Great Western Highway & Rupertswood Rd, Rooty Hill www.mhsminchinbury.com.au
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Public health orders
Public health orders have been issued to protect the community and reduce the spread of COVID-19 infection.
Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644
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You must stay at home unless you are going to • work (where you can’t work remotely) • school or an educational institution • shop for food and essentials • get medical care or supplies • exercise You may only leave home with a reasonable excuse, including to • avoid injury or illness or escape a risk of harm • deal with emergencies or on compassionate grounds • access childcare • provide care or assistance (including personal care) to a vulnerable person or to provide emergency assistance • attend a wedding or funeral (subject to 5 and 10 person limits) • move to a new place of residence, or between your different places of residence • donate blood
• undertake legal obligations • access social services, employment services, services provided to victims (including as victims of crime), domestic violence services, and mental health services • continue existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children for children who do not live in the same household as their parents or one of their parents • go to a place of worship or to provide pastoral care if you are a priest, minister of religion or member of a religious order.
Penalties for breaching orders Breach of orders made under the Public Health Act 2010 is a criminal offence and attracts heavy penalties. In the case of an individual, the maximum penalty is $11,000, or imprisonment for 6 months, or both and a further $5500 penalty may apply for each day the offence continues. The NSW Police may also issue onthe-spot fines of $1000 for an offence. In the case of any corporation, the maximum penalty is $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty may apply for each day the offence continues.
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Western News 3 April 2020 Issue 106
We need your help Limit one visitor to stop the spread of COVID-19
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estern Sydney Local Health District has implemented new limits on hospital visits to help protect patients and staff from COVID-19. “Only one visitor per patient may enter Westmead, Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Auburn or Cumberland hospitals at a time. Please avoid bringing children under 12. We understand the inconvenience and frustration this may cause. These strict and temporary measures are to protect patients, staff and the community from the new coronavirus pandemic. Upon entering the hospital and
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any ward, please wash your hands using the sanitiser provided. If you have been overseas in the previous 14 days, please respect the Australian government’s directive for you to self-isolate at home. Do not enter our hospitals. If you are unwell with a fever or flu-like symptoms, do not enter our hospitals. Call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical assistance, call triple-0 or go to the emergency department. Thank you for your understanding and assistance in keeping our community healthy.”
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NSW COVID-19 response headquarters
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xperts from across the NSW Government have been brought together under one roof to lead the state’s coordinated, emergency response to the evolving COVID-19 situation. Experts from more than 20 critical agencies including police, education and transport joined NSW Health in the purpose-built operations centre at the Rural Fire Services headquarters in Homebush. Get the latest COVID-19 information and advice here. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) would allow all arms of government to respond quickly to COVID-19. “Having all of our experts across many government agencies under the one roof will allow us to respond
quickly to this emerging health crisis in a coordinated way,” Ms Berejiklian said. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said this was another proactive step from the NSW Government to slow the spread
of COVID-19. “Embedding health operations teams with other critical agencies will ensure clear, up-to-date information and communication to action decisions to protect the wider community,” Minister
Hazzard said. The SEOC will be led by deputy police commissioner, Gary Worboys, who said this will be a central hub where experts can monitor the situation in real time and coordinate response efforts. “The SEOC will be operating 24/7, with the team accessing the advanced technology at RFS headquarters, including live information, intelligence sharing, digital mapping, as well as public information and media broadcasting resources so we can quickly get critical information to the public,” Mr Worboys said. “COVID-19 is affecting so many parts of our state, from transport to education and business, and it is critical for the SEOC to bring everyone together to share information, develop effective plans and take immediate action.”
Meet the future generation of health managers at Western Sydney Local Health District
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our health management graduates are getting mentored by the best in the business, as they undertake a two-year traineeship with senior executive staff across Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD). The interns will rotate between a variety of management areas, including the executive unit, hospital operations, human resources and finance, during a full-time health management graduate program over two years. Erynn Johnson, 23, is currently working in the Office of the Chief Executive, after recently moving from Sydney from Canberra for the opportunity. “The health management graduate program provides a great opportunity to develop and grow your management skills within a health service,” Erynn said. “We are receiving so much support and mentoring from the chief executive Graeme Loy and the executive team. “Working alongside Graeme, I have exposure to whole of district corporate and clinical operations which is quite a unique experience.
Health managers of the future Emma Koster, Ashleigh Hampson, Leila Brennan and Erynn Johnson.
“My rotation within the Office of the Chief Executive has been invaluable to my development as a future leader and manager within the health system. “The district is undergoing a lot of transformational change and growth, which makes this role a very exciting opportunity to be involved in.” The interns perform duties such as preparing complex briefs for hospital management and NSW Health, contributing to business cases, analysing data, managing finance
matters, coordinating strategic meetings for senior staff and getting involved in some large scale projects. WSLHD Office of the Chief Executive director Tiffany Sly said the program will help the graduates gain skills and experience “for a challenging and successful career” by being immersed in day-to-day health management, as well as attending training sessions, health conferences and developing a support framework. “These motivated and talented people combine their studies with on-
the-job work commitments in either an operational or finance directorate,” Tiffany said. “We hope to see these enthusiastic student graduates flourish and retain full-time employment with the district. Health is a rewarding and important career, and we hope to capture and train up talented staff to focus on health management.” Each postgraduate student is undertaking a Masters of Health Service Management with the University of Tasmania.
Medical devices industry COVID-19 update The Medical Technology Association of Australia is working closely with federal and state governments to ensure that the manufacture and supply of life-saving medical technology is maintained throughout the COVID-19 pandemic response. As a member of the Coronavirus Industry Roundtable which is meeting regularly to discuss and address supply chain issues, MTAA has been asked by the Federal Government to lead the industry effort to coordinate the supply of essential medical equipment. MTAA is coordinating with medical
equipment suppliers and manufacturers, including non-members of MTAA, and other relevant industry associations to identify sources of supply and also to provide advice to Government regarding any constraints or obstacles to securing and maintaining supply. This includes identifying current stock, likely quantities that can be obtained through existing supply channels, new sources of supply and potential quantities, and opportunities to increase domestic manufacturing. These groups will all be focused on providing the Federal Government
with advice around supply chain and logistics issues, as well as working directly with state governments to gauge supply and the potential for shortages. As part of maintaining the supply chain, MTAA is working directly with individual state governments to ensure that medical device services, including technical support and training, are able to continue to operate. We are also working to ensure that vital technical support services, including service/maintenance/repairs and intraoperative technical support,
can still be provided by technicians during medical procedures. “We are incredibly grateful to the many medical technology companies dedicating significant resources to the effort at a time when their own companies are under an extreme amount of stress,” said Ian Burgess, MTAA CEO. “The medical devices industry is 100% focused on helping to ensure the continued supply and distribution of vital medical supplies and maintaining Australia’s healthcare system,” Mr Burgess said.
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Open 7 days and still operating under the Government’s guidelines Family Owned and Operated in Western Sydney, Specialising in Quality Customisable (Bespoke) Australian made Lounge & Sofas with the best prices in Sydney!
Showroom Location: MINCHINBURY Unit 1/11-15 Eddie Rd Minchinbury 02 9625 3630 Showroom Location: VINEYARD Unit 3/2 Rob Place, Vineyard (Just off the Windsor Rd) 02 4577 7251
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he Kohnertz family have been locals in the western Sydney area for over 50 years and their family of three generations have been providing customers from all over Sydney and country areas with Quality Australian made Lounge and Sofas for over 50 years now. They are a small Family Business called Known For Lounges, with two showrooms located in Minchinbury and Vineyard. The family ‘Marc, Toni, Bridgette and Ben Kohnertz’ have been working hard together over many years to make Known For
Lounges known for what it is today. Like many small businesses, the future is difficult for them but they are keeping a positive outlook through all of this. They have built up their brand over the years in the local community and are pushing forward to come out the other side of this epidemic stronger and better than ever! Anyone in need of a lounge during this time, check out Known For Lounges in Minchinbury and Vineyard. Due to the current circumstances they are following the government guidelines of social distancing with all customers in the showrooms and are regularly cleaning and sanitising, if you have any questions before your visit please don’t hesitate to email or call them!
When dealing with a small family business customers know whom they are dealing with and little details don’t go unnoticed, they make sure they offer their knowledge to anyone who walks through both showrooms and are willing to help anyone needing their expertise. They have so much passion for creating beautiful lounge and sofas and providing an outstanding easy buying experience. Being able to custom make products at such a high quality and short time frame really makes them different from all the big name shops. With the current situation affecting small businesses the family is doing everything they can to stay positive during this time and continue to stay open and keep providing the local
Western News 3 April 2020 Issue 106
The Family Known For Lounges – Support a locally owned and operated business - www.knownforlounges.com
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community with Australian made lounges at affordable prices during this time! With over 50 lounge and sofa styles in both the Minchinbury and Vineyard showrooms they have sofa models available for immediate pick up or delivery and they are still offering their specialty in custom (Bespoke) made Australian lounge and sofas to be made into any size, configuration, comfort and colour, with the options of Quality fabrics or Full Leathers. Chaise lounges from $1190 Large L shape lounges from $1790 Corner lounges from $1999 Reclining corner lounges from $1999 Reclining suites from $1499 Home theatre Reclining lounges from $2290
www.knownforlounges.com
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Breakthrough test in fight against COVID-19 at Westmead Health Precinct
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estmead Health Precinct is leading the race with the development of a cutting-edge serology test that is key to slowing the COVID-19 pandemic. NSW Health Pathology’s Director of Public Health Pathology, Professor Dominic Dwyer, said the serology test can identify the presence of telltale antibodies produced to fight the virus, indicating that a person had been infected at one time. “While this is not a test used for the diagnosis of individual cases, serology testing will help public health experts investigate how the virus is spreading in the community, so they can gain better insight into the full scope of the outbreak,” Professor Dwyer said. While current diagnostic testing is still the fastest, most reliable way to screen individual patients for a suspected COVID-19 infection, they only return a positive result if the person is still sick with the virus active in their system. Serology testing shows if someone has been infected with COVID-19 previously and recovered prior to testing, enabling clinicians to better understand the way the virus is spreading. It builds a scientific picture of the extent of the virus in the community and will help guide the evolving public health response to the outbreak. “Knowing the true number of COVID-19 cases and the extent of the virus’ spread is crucial to slowing this pandemic and making informed public health decisions,” Professor Dwyer said. “Thanks to this breakthrough, we are much better placed to answer questions we could not have answered before through the current diagnostic testing,” Professor Dwyer said.
Public Health Pathology director Professor Dominic Dwyer.
Serology testing will help experts better understand how the virus spreads in certain populations such as aged care residents. It is also being used to monitor exposure in healthcare workers, which can assist with infection control and personal protective equipment guidelines. NSW Health Pathology’s expert team at Institute of Clinical Pathology & Medical Research (ICPMR) Westmead developed serology testing using two highly specialised scientific methods. The first method, antibody neutralisation, uses a serum from the patient’s blood sample to test against a sample of the virus. If the serum kills the virus, it means the person has certain antibodies that
indicate they have been exposed to the virus in the past. The second method, immunofluorescence, involves adding a chemical dye to the patient’s blood sample that lights up the antibodies under the microscope and shows them binding to the virus. ICPMR is part of the Westmead Health Precinct, one of the largest health, education, research and training precincts in Australia. Spanning 75 hectares, the Westmead Health Precinct includes four major hospitals, three worldleading medical research institutes, two university campuses and the largest research intensive pathology service in NSW.
Pet owners, do the social distance & learn new skills to save your pet in an emergency
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s the country is socially distancing, as we all do our bit to flatten the curve, many are looking for useful ways to spend extra time at home. Pet lovers can gain new skills to save their pet, before they reach the vet this month as Red Cross First Aid offers a new online course teaching essential cat and dog first aid basics. Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world(*) with almost two-thirds of households having at least one pet at home. Two in three families with a cat or dog consider their furry friends part of the family**, but how many have the skills to help in a medical emergency? Dr Philip H Brain, a small animal medicine specialist with 30 years of experience, working at the Sydney Animal Specialist Hospital (sash) says, “You never know when or where your beloved pet might need you to deliver first aid. “The Red Cross Pet First Aid course will help you deal with injuries, help prevent illness and could save the life of your pet whilst you seek veterinary attention.” Animal lovers Cheryl Bond and her family live in Sydney’s northern beaches and they share their property with six horses, chickens, three dogs and a cat. She says the online course would have helped her read the signs better when her dog of 16 years passed away this year. “When my dog Sara crashed in the middle of the night, I was on google typing ‘how fast should my dog breathe’, and even if I could measure it, I had no idea of a normal breathing range, and you naturally panic in the middle of an emergency event. “If I had of done the online course, it would have
empowered me to know the signs, as you can’t always call a vet at 3am. “The course was extremely useful. You learn things like the difference between a breathing and panting rant, and the appropriate heart rates for different sized pets, and the best ways to apply a chest compression depending on your breed of dog,” Cheryl says. Take an online Pet First Aid course
To take an online Pet First Aid course simply go to redcross.org.au/petfirstaid You can buy one of the Pet First Aid Kits there too. The course costs $35 or you can add a kit and bundle the two together for $69.95. Australian Red Cross is a trusted provider of first aid, delivering first aid and mental health training through nationally recognised courses.
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att Poll’s latest work represents thousands of years of working stones used by Aboriginal people. Moving in … The Tools of Knowledge are lifted into place on Level 1 at the front of the new Westmead Hospital building. The official unveiling underlined Matt’s mindfulness of the synergies between Aboriginal culture and the arts. “Stone tools, being the Tools of Knowledge, represent how generations provided for their families,” the Indigenous artist and curator said. “They represent sustainable land use, and ingenuity associated with craftsmanship that goes into tool making. “Stone tools today can sometimes become legal documents in that they prove long-term occupation of particular places. They’re multifunctional, they shape so much of the way we see Sydney’s Aboriginal past today. “For the stones to have an everyday use as functional seats and become a space for inter-generational knowledge sharing was crucial in creating and designing the Tools of Knowledge.” Matt said the project acknowledged the fact people had thrived in Sydney for countless generations. “Stone tools are a remarkable and sophisticated technology that our Indigenous Elders used for thousands of years in the Greater Western Sydney region.” He said local Darug member Jamie Eastwood found 30,000-yearold stone tools through archaeology heritage reporting in Parramatta Park about five years ago.This marked the
Stepping stones to history … Matt Poll inspects the sculptural seats titled Tools of Knowledge now in place in The Cultural Gathering Place Garden of the Central Acute Services Building (CASB).
starting point for researching the other stone tools found near Westmead that are held in museums today, and from which the three stone axe forms were derived. The project also represents another important step as Aboriginal culture continues to be incorporated into the Westmead Health Precinct. “The initial process was about us as Aboriginal artists working with the local communities on ideas to embed their important messages into the new hospital,” Matt said. “We wanted to build local voice into the space, and ensure the craftsmanship and sculptural elements of the tools were a focal point in the design. But also to metaphorically refer to the strength and resilience of the western Sydney Aboriginal community.” Designed by Matt and fabricated
in collaboration with Bloodhound FX studio, the work was constructed by western Sydney company, PebbleCrete, further cementing the importance of incorporating local communities. Located on Level 1 at the front of the new hospital building, the seats form part of The Cultural Gathering Place Garden along with Sounds of Water and the ceremonial smoking pit, All That Remains. Matt said all of the works in the gathering place responded and reverberated with each other. “They embody cultural safety and acknowledge the elemental knowledge of open spaces as they relate to the living cultural practices of all Aboriginal people today.” Westmead Redevelopment project director Carla Edwards said the art projects symbolised culture and
connection while creating a safe and welcoming environment for all people, countries and kinships. “The arts program supports the Aboriginal Legacy Strategy in delivering culturally welcoming, safe and connected spaces to support Aboriginal people and their community while accessing healthcare and employment at Westmead,” Carla said. She said the works of The Cultural Gathering Place plus The River and Night Sky helped celebrate Aboriginal history, language, science and knowledge. Tools of Knowledge is one of 14 art projects that make up the Westmead Redevelopment Arts & Culture Strategy. The strategy – a partnership between Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and the University of Sydney – ensures art is embedded into the DNA of the Westmead Health Precinct. Matt Poll also works as curator at the Indigenous Heritage and Repatriation Project with the Macleay Collections at the New Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney.
Moving in … The Tools of Knowledge are lifted into place on Level 1 at the front of the new hospital building.
Blacktown City Council – further COVID-19 closures
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ollowing new directives from the Federal and NSW governments, and acting on the latest health advice intended to slow the spread of COVID-19; all playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms in parks and reserves in Blacktown City, will close. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said, “Council has a duty of care to residents and staff to ensure all the necessary actions are being undertaken to slow the spread of the virus. “Council will enact, where it can, all the recommendations and regulations put forward by the Federal and NSW Governments meaning all playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms will be closed from Tuesday. “I also strongly advise all our residents to limit both indoor and outdoor gathering to two persons with the exceptions of people of the same household going out together. “And I also urge those people over 70, those over 60 with existing health conditions and indigenous Australians over 50 with existing health conditions, to self-isolate at home.” Mayor Bleasdale said. “These latest measures have been put in place to keep reinforcing the practice of social distancing which is so necessary in the fight to contain the spread
of COVID-19 and is consistent with all existing closures and restrictions.” Mayor Bleasdale said. Closures and restrictions enacted by Blacktown City Council • All playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms in Council’s parks and reserves - closed • All community and senior citizens centres – closed • Meals on Wheels will continue from the Blacktown Senior Citizens Centre • All sporting fields and courts including tennis courts – closed • All leisure and swimming centres – closed • All Blacktown City Libraries – closed • The Home Library Service will continue to operate • Libraries’ online resources including eBooks and eMagazines are available to Library members. • Blacktown Customer Information Centre (BCIC) - closed • Council’s Development services gateway counter – closed • Development Applications can be submitted by email or USB drive • Council’s Administration Centre, Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown - closed
• Animal Homing Facility, Blacktown – access by appointment only - call • Blacktown Council Nursery – closed • All events, festivals, citizenship ceremonies and gatherings controlled by Council or in Council venues up to 30 June remain cancelled or postponed. Council remains operational, and customer service will be maintained through online and phone services. Council’s garbage collection, clean-up services, street sweeping, road maintenance and cleaning will continue and all parks and reserves will be maintained. Council operated child care centres (KEL) will continue to operate, in line with NSW Government schools policy. • Council website: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au • Council’s COVID-19 response: https://www. blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Services/Health-and-safety/ Response-to-Coronavirus • Email: council@blacktown.nsw.gov.au • Online requests: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/ Services/Report-and-request • Customer service phone inquiries.9839 600 • For appointments with the animal Holding Facility ph. 9839 6161
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Cultural garden’s Aboriginal art cements local knowledge
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local COLUMNISTS Western News
What’s in a name?
Don Sergio’s alleyway
Valparaiso streets By BEN CRANNEY
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here’s a local beer in Valparaiso called Kunstmann. Why is there a German sounding beer in Chile, you ask? Because prior to building the Panama Canal, Valparaiso was an important trading port for ships moving between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Between the wealth this generated, and sailors passing through who just decided to set themselves up here, this lead to a considerable range of immigrants from all across Europe. In fact, the different hills of Valparaiso are still known by which Europeans settled and built on them. The best way to see the city is through one of the many walking tours. I took the one run by students
dressed as Where’s Wally. There’s no set price, with a tip suggested at the end. You’ll learn about the different communities on the different hills, about the creative arts that have taken root throughout, perhaps most obvious through the exceptional street art. In fact, I don’t think you could find a more thoroughly painted place in the world. There’s a threat hanging over any property owner that if they don’t commission a mural of some sort, their wall will be badly graffitied. The result is a living museum, painted on a UNESCO canvas. The hills are quite steep, so there’s some ancient funiculars to get you up and down. Be sure to walk some of it, though, to help make sure you don’t miss things. Wander through the alleys of the
Can you find him?
right hill, and you’ll find yourself at Pablo Neruda’s house. Now a museum, it is a miniature version of Valparaiso, a tall, narrow thing, rising up as if the builder was told to make as much as possible from the tinniest plot of land. It has beautiful views over the harbour, and is one of the few places around the world that has given me a sense of longing to retire to. Not because I’m a super-fan of Neruda, I don’t really know any of his work, but because it felt like the kind of place where you’d find your muse but be so content with
the view, you’d happily ignore her. Keep walking, and you’ll find yourself at the hidden door of some of the alfajores shops, sweat coated biscuits stuck together with dulce de leche. The Where’s Wally tour might take you to Don Sergio’s place, the only alfajores shop you need to know about. He also does fantastic empanadas, if you want a proper meal before desert. Between these two foods, he’s contributing in his own way to the name of the city. It means Paradise Valley, and it definitely is.
The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel The Restart Button
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hey say a week is a long time in politics, but my goodness, look at what has happened in the two weeks since I wrote my last column. Coronavirus is decimating Italy especially and reaching all round the globe. The UK where my daughter lives is in lockdown with Covid-19 making no distinction infecting the Prime Minister and the heir to the Throne. Unemployment is skyrocketing and the economy is in freefall. We are comparatively fortunate here in Australia in as much as we are an island and the Government took quick measures to close down our borders. We also probably have the best medical care anywhere in the world. But let’s just backtrack a little. For most of last year, my very dear friend Margaret was warning me of some terrible event that would overtake the world and cause us to rethink our way of life totally. She said things would change to such an extent that stuff we readily took for granted would no longer be available. Well, we have all seen the havoc caused in supermarkets by the rush on loo paper! Margaret does not get her information from the spirit world but rather through extra-terrestrial contact and so I imagined either meteor attack or alien invasion. I certainly did not foresee this terrible peste that has befallen us. David and I are semi self-isolating in as much as we poke our noses out occasionally to get some fresh milk or vegetables. We follow the guidelines and keep our distance from others and have the
cleanest hands in Christendom and hope we will stay safe as we are in the high risk category. But, you know, at the risk of sounding like Pollyanna, there is a little beacon of hope shining. If I don’t think of the dreadful threat around us, I am quite enjoying this enforced isolation - or nesting as my lovely friend Katherine calls it. I have been sleeping late - obviously my body needed to slow down a bit - reading, catching up with chores, watching numerous episodes of Masterchef in the afternoon without feeling guilty, and, most importantly, catching up with friends. We have all been leading such busy lives that often we don’t make time to get in touch with those we love. I have spent the last couple of weeks having long chats with my very dear people, checking up on them but
more importantly telling them I love them and they have been doing the same with their friends. In spite of all that has happened, I am very hopeful. I feel strongly that there will be a very positive announcement soon about a breakthrough in the treatment of the virus. After all, this is a world wide event and scientists all over the world are working their butts off to come up with a cure. I could well be wrong, but my personal belief is that we will start getting back to a semblance of normality sooner than we think. Back in 2008 a clairvoyant wrote a book in which she said that in 2020 a terrible virus would spread rapidly and globally but it would disappear as quickly as it started. Please God, she was right. Airlines and factories have closed but as my very wise friend Sarah* in Canada said, maybe the lack of pollution will help us push the restart button. This is making us all rethink our lives and realise what is important to us. Hopefully, we will come out of this as more caring and loving individuals as our priorities change. So, let us join together in the power of love and and pray that this nightmare will be over soon. Okay God. We have listened. Time to press that restart button. Stay safe. *www.soulwardbound.ca The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.
Western News
local news
armony Day is normally an opportunity for Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) staff to come together, share cultural food and wear national dress. But with COVID-19 precautions in place to protect staff, visitors and patients, our organisation found a way to celebrate our incredibly diverse community and foster the sense of belonging for everyone. Blacktown Hospital maternity liaison officers Athena Kandris and Nawal Nadar said the spirit of the day is about respecting and embracing differences so people feel safe and not discriminated against. “These celebrations are more than just eating delicious food and listening to music – it’s all about having conversations with your work colleagues, friends and family,” Athena said. “Multiculturalism represents a mixture of different cultures, their customs and traditions which make everyone unique and creates respect.” As the first face who greets visitors, Westmead Hospital information desk receptionist Carol Hollands has met many people representing many
Westmead Hospital receptionist Carol Hollands places Harmony Day signage at the main entrance of the facility.
cultures and nations from around the world. She has worked at Westmead Hospital for more than 30 years, providing information, giving directions or taking phone calls. Carol, along with staff across all of our Western Sydney Local Health District hospitals, have displayed
Carol decorates the information desk with international flags at Westmead Hospital.
international flag bunting at the front of each hospital facility. “Harmony Day is a special day for me it’s where we celebrate the different cultures and join together as a community,” Carol said. “I can understand it can be very stressful and difficult for families to navigate throughout the hospital,
especially if their first language is not English. One way we respect multiculturalism every day is by having interpreters available to ease that stress. “I love what I do and it gives me great satisfaction helping people find their destinations or loved ones.”
Blacktown Hospital maternity liaison officers Athena Kandris and Nawal Nadar.
New community service powers for pharmacists New South Wales pharmacists now have extra powers to serve the community as the State fights COVID-19. Minister for Health and Medical Research, Brad Hazzard said a special authority granted to community pharmacists would enable them to dispense medicines without a prescription. “This new authority comes at a crucial time for NSW, when we are looking at keeping our entire medical
ecosystem free of red tape,” Mr Hazzard said. “It gives our trusted community pharmacists the ability to dispense when people are not able to contact their GP to arrange a prescription at a time when we want everyone to stay home as much as possible. “Pharmacies are also now able to operate 24/7.” The NSW Government has also prioritised addressing the over-supply of prescription and over-the-counter
medicines. “For example, salbutamol (such as Ventolin brand) inhalers must now only be supplied (when over- thecounter by the pharmacist) as a single pack for a medically diagnosed lung condition,” Mr Hazzard said. “The NSW Government recognises the role of community pharmacists as frontline health workers supporting the community,” Mr Hazzard said. “I want to remind the community to not panic buy, not abuse staff, and be
respectful of people who hold a very special place on the frontline of our fight to keep the community safe and well. “Families can also take advantage of an initiative I announced earlier this year, that pharmacists can now administer flu vaccines to anyone over 10 years.” Advice to pharmacists is available at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/ diseases/Pages/covid-19-pharmacy. aspx
Western News 3 April 2020 Issue 106
Celebrating Harmony Day with a difference in Western Sydney H
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Western News 3 April 2020 Issue 106
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WESTERN HISTORY
Western News
A Colourful Character
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
I
n a grave at Pinegrove Cemetery is Guido Carlo Luigi Baracchi, born in 1887 at South Yarra in Melbourne. He was the son of Pietro Baracchi, an Italian nobleman, Florentine gentleman, professional astronomer and ‘weather prophet’ who was a household name in Melbourne during the late Victorian craze for meteorology and employed by the Victorian government in astronomy. Guido’s mother Kate (née Petty) was born in Victoria. Guido was educated for a year at Melbourne’s Church of England Grammar School and later went on to study classics at the University of Melbourne but failed to graduate. In 1913 while visiting Europe he became a guild socialist (a political movement advocating workers’ control of industry through the medium of trade-related guilds in an implied contractual relationship with the public). On returning to Melbourne he began working closely with Percy Laidler of the Victorian Socialist Party and with Andrade’s bookshop the main distributor of Marxist literature in Melbourne. At the outbreak of World War, I he took a leading part in the anti-war movement. His outspoken opinions created a hostile reaction from his university authorities and some fellow students who dunked him in the university lake. In 1917 he became a member of the Victorian Labor College and joined the International Industrial Workers, a successor to the banned Industrial Workers of the World. Around this time, he was making a name for himself as a wealthy playboy, half-baked intellectual and revolutionary dilettante. In 1917 he was enamoured of one lady called Lesbia Keogh, a writer of poems and known to him also as same sex lover with an attraction to socialism. Guido was becoming tired of Lesbia and in 1918 he married pantomime actress Kathleen Tobin in a civil ceremony in Melbourne, also the same year he was found guilty of ‘making statements likely to prejudice recruiting causing disaffection among the civil population’ and he was fined and gaoled for three months for refusing to meet the conditions required by the court. In 1920 he became a foundation member of the Communist Party of Australia. After four years of marriage he divorced Kathleen in 1922 and departed to Europe with a dress designer named Harriett Elizabeth ‘Neura’ (née Whiteaway-Zander) and they married in March 1923 at the register office in St Giles, London. He belonged to the German communist party in Berlin. In 1924 he joined the Communist Party of Great Britain and the next year back in Melbourne he advocated the dissolution of the Communist Party of Australia on the grounds that it had too little support to survive and because of this action he was charged with ‘right wing deviation’ and expelled from the party. Guido used some of his considerable wealth inherited from his parents and took Harriett on a luxury tour of Asia. During 1926-29
he lectured in economics at the Victorian Labor College, confessing later that his 1925 proposal had been a mistake and he sought readmission in 1932 to re-join the Communist Party but was refused. But later he was entrusted with some papers to be taken secretly to the Soviet Union. In 1933 accompanied by his de facto wife the playwright Betty Roland, they reached London and immediately left for a twentyone day visit to Leningrad and Moscow. The visit became a stay of more than a year during which they both worked. Guido as a translator in the Co-Operative Publishing Society for Foreign Workers and Betty as a journalist on the Moscow Daily News. Two years later they returned to Australia where Guido regained his party membership. In 1939 Guido spoke out against the Stalin-Hitler Pact. Guido and Betty lived together in Melbourne for two years before moving to Sydney where he became co-editor of the Communist Review. Being admirers of Walter Burley Griffin, they bought land and built a house (designed by Griffin’s partner Eric Nicholls) at Castlecrag. In the meantime, he had changed political direction. He had previously denounced World War II as an imperialist war, different reasons to those advanced by the leadership of the Communist Party in Australia who had initially supported the struggle against Nazism and because of this he was suspended from his party positions and required to answer ten questions about his political beliefs which he did so at great length, citing authorities such as Marx, Engels, Lenin and Trotsky. Approving reference to Trotsky was enough to guarantee expulsion, which occurred in 1940. In 1942 Guido and Betty’s relationship broke down and in August 1946 at the courthouse in Manly he married a nurse, a divorcee Ula, née Gray late Maddocks. He joined the small but eloquent group of Trotskyists in Sydney, speaking at their public meetings and contributing to their publications. For the rest of his life he continued to study and advocate Marxist ideas with a Trotskyist slant. He joined the Australian Labor Party with the aim of influencing its policy in a socialist direction. Following his divorce from his third wife in July 1962 in the registrar’s office at Chatswood, he married another divorcee and artist Ethel Victoria Carson. As a wealthy man he was an unusual figure in the bohemian artistic and radical political circles in which he moved. He was once described by The Sun newspaper as ‘Melbourne’s Lenin’ and spoke at the Party’s 50th anniversary celebration in Sydney in 1970. While campaigning for the A.L.P. at Penrith he collapsed and died in December 1975 aged 88 years. Sources: The Intimate Archive: Journeys Through Private Papers By Maryanne Dever, Ann Vickery & Sally Newman, Argus Melbourne, Trove, Writers Archive online, Guido Baracchi Archive, Introduction to Guido Baracchi By Bob Gould, 2003.
WE CAN HELP YOU @wealthwiz #wealthwizau WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au
ENTERTAINMENT
INSTRUCTIONS
Fill the grid so that every column, every row & every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
SUDOKU: MEDIUM
Western News 3 April 2020 Issue 106
SUDOKU: EASY
13
SOLUTIONS: 20 March EASY
EASY
CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Comestibles (7) 5 Anarchic (7) 9 Attache (9) 10 Persian (5) 11 Killing oneself (7) 12 Indulge oneself (7) 13 Badmouthing (9) 15 Father (5) 17 Washer and _____ (5) 19 Coming forth (9) 22 Get over an illness (7) 25 Plodded (7) 26 Angry (5) 27 Come out in the end (9) 28 Lubricates (7) 29 Makes unhappy (7)
down 1 Embrace (archaic) (7) 2 At first (9) 3 Raising up (7) 4 Similar to a cobra (9) 5 Scallions (5) 6 Spoke in ignorance (7) 7 Mistake (5) 8 With a sneer (7) 14 Majesty (9) 16 Belittle (9) 17 Flitting (7) 18 Critical evaluations (7) 20 Uttered a low animal-like noise (7) 21 Without ceasing (7) 23 Rub (5) 24 Tall woody perennial grasses (5)
solution 20/3/20
Western News 3 April 2020 Issue 106
14
REAL ESTATE
Alex Soncini
I
Western News
Concerned about servicing your loans?
f you are concerned about servicing your loan, reach out to your local mortgage broker for help. As Australians everywhere take a close look at their financial circumstances, mortgage brokers stand ready to lend a helping hand. Whether experiencing financial hardship through job loss, a reduction in work hours, or business disruption, an increasing number of Australians may be struggling to balance their books as a result of the Coronavirus, and in many cases are wondering how they will continue to pay the bills. Difficulty with repayments According to research conducted by Finder in early 2020, about one in five mortgage borrowers, or about two million Australian households,
were struggling to make repayments, despite record low interest rates. And with the challenging circumstances that have emerged since, it is anticipated that these pressures will only increase forcing more people to require financial assistance. Financial relief strategies In this difficult time lenders have responded by announcing financial relief strategies. In an official Australian Banking Association (ABA) statement, CEO Anna Bligh said, “Banks stand ready to support customers and if anyone is in need of assistance, they shouldn’t wait but come forward as soon as possible”. Different lenders have different assistance options. These may include, waiving fees on early term deposit
withdrawals, interest rate freezes on loans, options to defer or restructure home loan repayments, and emergency credit card limit increases. It is important to remember that mortgage brokers have the knowledge, experience and relationships necessary to assist people experiencing or expecting to have trouble paying their home loans as a result of changing circumstances. In times like these, the importance of mortgage brokers in assisting customers with hardship and facilitating access to credit cannot be overstated. For many Australians – particularly those in rural or regional areas – brokers may represent the only source of assistance. Expertise of brokers is of critical support
@wealthwiz
Brokers’ expertise in helping customers navigate the complex home lending market – and their intimate understanding of their customers’ personal circumstances - means they are uniquely positioned to provide critical support for customers when discussing hardship and available options with lenders. Our personal approach means we can discuss common sense solutions with Lenders who are more open to provide alternative products to customers. If you have any questions or concerns about your existing loans, need further guidance on hardship assistance, or have other questions about your loan arrangements, give Alex a call on 0419 600 177.
#wealthwizau
WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au
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Western News
local news
By KeRRIE DAVIES
D
uring the unprecedented circumstances we currently find ourselves in, many of us will be working from home, or at least spending a lot more time there. The Australian Government has called a halt on gatherings, effectively bringing down the curtain on all the events that were lined up, as well as the shows in theaters, pubs and clubs. We’ve now been told to also implement social distancing and not leave the home unless it is absolutely essential. So if you’re a party animal, a clubber or you just like to get out and about, you will have to reassess the next few weeks at least. Once you are settled in your jarmies and in the comfort of your home, can I make a suggestion? Turn the telly off and get off Facebook. Take some time out from the round the clock doom and gloom coverage, the scramble to get grocery items and the toilet paper punch ups. I guarantee it was all still be there later on when you check back in. Instead, you could use the time to do all those things around the house that never get done. You know, things like cleaning under the fridge for the first time since you bought it, or going through your clothes and tossing out the jumper you had in high school. How about dusting off the old board games or watching that Box Set of DVD’s you just never found the time to get through.
If you have kids, how about using the time to teach them to play the games you played as a kid, read some books together, cook some goodies or plant some veggies? Or, use the time to teach them some skills that the usual rat race never allows the time and patience for; like how to iron a shirt, sew a button or cook a pizza. If you have pets, here’s something to think about:
what you see as days ahead of boredom stuck at home, they’ll see as the highlight of their life. To a pet that spends most days home alone, your undivided attention is the greatest thing that could have happened. So, take this opportunity to do all the things you usually would never have time for. It will be lots of fun and what’s more, it is good for the soul.
Virtual fun run raised money for cancer
A
first-of-its kind virtual fun run was held recently to raise money for the Westmead Hospital oncology ward. Event organiser Lynette Gillies has hosted Run 4 Jess for eight years in memory of her daughter-in-law Jess Clark, who passed away from cancer in 2013. The event is usually held at CV Kelly Park in Girraween and this is the first time it was hosted virtually online. “Given the COVID-19 situation, the health and safety of everyone is our priority,” Lynette said. “People were invited to go for a walk, run or skip anywhere they liked, including the backyard, home or nearby park. “It was a great way to see the places people exercise, and it was a great way to keep everyone safe and still have fun for a great cause. Ms Gillies encouraged everyone to wear Jess’s favourite colour green, and to run or walk two kilometres or more at your favourite location. Westmead Hospital Foundation chief executive officer Joe Conneely said he’s thrilled that Run 4 Jess went ahead in the virtual world. “It was great for everyone to get involved, have some fun while helping patients at Westmead Hospital,” he said. Money raised by Run 4 Jess will be used to purchase new patient
information system displays for the Oncology Ward at Westmead Hospital. The Run 4 Jess fun run raised $815.00 on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22ndMarch. Event organiser, Lynette Gillies said, “Our virtual fun run was a huge success with 30 people participating and donating $815 to Westmead Hospital Foundation for Westmead Hospital’s Oncology Ward”. “People loved doing the fun run online, and asked, ‘why don’t we do this every year for those who can’t be there,’” said Lynette. “Next year we are going to add the virtual event to our fun run in the park to give everyone an opportunity to participate, especially people interstate and overseas,” said Ms Gillies. Westmead Hospital Foundation
chief executive officer Joe Conneely said, “Thank you to all the people who embraced the virtual online event and supported Westmead Hospital’s Oncology ward. Your donations make a real difference to the lives of people
living with cancer”. Donations can be made westmeadhf.org.au/donate
at
*Please note photographs shown were from last year’s event
Western News 3 April 2020 Issue 106
All those things you never had time for
15
Western News Friday, 3 April 2020
SPORT
A message to Wanderers members and fans from John Tsatsimas
F
irstly, I hope you and those around you are staying safe during these strange times. We are in the midst of an unprecedented global event. We are faced with an evolving crisis that is affecting all of our families and friends, our businesses and our community. These are trying times for all, and on behalf of the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club, I take this opportunity to extend to all our members and fans our heartfelt best wishes on getting through this period. Our members and fans are the beating heart of our club. During these past weeks the club has been inundated with messages of goodwill and we thank you for your continued support now and into our future. We assure you that right now we are fighting for the survival of this football club and professional football in this country. We need your support now more than ever to get us through this extraordinary time to keep our club strong. During this challenging period, we would like to provide you with an update on the current state of play for the Hyundai A-League and we certainly appreciate your understanding and patience as we continue to work through the complex issues that COVID-19 (coronavirus) presents for our club, our sport and way of life.
On Tuesday 24 March, Football Federation Australia (FFA) announced that it had postponed the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season effective immediately as a consequence of ongoing developments resulting from the spread of COVID-19. This decision was based on advice from the Australian Federal and State governments, consultation with medical experts and discussions with Professional Footballers Australia, our club and the other Hyundai A-League clubs. The goal at this stage is to reschedule games as soon as it is reasonably possible to do so in order to complete the season. FFA will review the situation over the coming weeks and conduct a further assessment on the status of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on 22 April 2020. As a club, we will continue to provide you with updates as they become available, including what any decision on 22 April means for your 2019/20 season membership. We really hope to have uplifting news on our next communication. Once again, thank you for your continued support and stay safe. Sincerely, John Tsatsimas Chief Executive Officer Western Sydney Wanderers FC
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