Westernnews 3march2017

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Friday, 3 March 2017

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ISSUE 29

YOUR EIGHT-PAGE BLACKTOWN CITY SHOW 2017 LIFTOUT AND PROGRAM INSIDE THIS ISSUE!

ON WITH THE SHOW!

Coffee with a cop LOCAL police from St Marys and supported by Penrith Highway Patrol hosted this year’s Coffee With a Cop event at the Fusion Cafe at St Marys last Thursday.

Many friendly local community members including the Deputy Mayor of Penrith, Tricia Hitchen (a former Police Chief Inspector) wandered into the cafe as part of the annual New South Wales Police Force’s ‘Coffee With a Cop’ event where anyone was given the chance to visit the cafe, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee on the cops and have a casual chat with a police officer about any issues in their local area.

Inspector Branko Kubecka from St Marys Local Area Command said the event was great for community engagement.

“The event was a great chance to connect with the community and have a chat about anything which was raised. Many friendly people wandered into the cafe and enjoyed good coffee from the friendly staff at the Fusion cafe where many people realised the our police

Alleged child procurement and indecent assault

officers were very approachable and happy to help with good advice about crime prevention or just to simply have a chat,” Inspector Kubecka said.

Due to the welcoming response from the local community, St Marys Police will plan to host more future events in the local area which will be promoted in the local media and the St Marys Facebook site at www.facebook.com/stmaryslac

A MAN will face court charged over the alleged procurement and indecent assault of his young neighbour in Hebersham.

Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad commenced an investigation following reports a young boy had been indecently assaulted by a neighbourhood friend of the family.

Following extensive investigations, a 68-year-old man was arrested at a home in Hebersham, about 10.45am on Monday.

He was charged with indecent assault person under 16 years, and procure child under 14 years for unlawful sexual activity.

Police will allege the man had been procuring the child for a number of years, and recently indecently assaulted him during a visit to the family’s home.

He was refused bail and to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court.

The Child Abuse Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate crimes against children, including sexual assault, physical abuse and serious cases of neglect.

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/. Reports can also be made to the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111.

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 12/82 Victoria St Werrington Mail: PO Box 4001 Werrington NSW 2747 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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From the Editor’s Desk

by Kerrie Davies I CONSIDER myself a somewhat intelligent person and someone who would not easily be fooled or scammed. But last week I did temporarily get entrapped in a scammer’s web and, luckily, realisation came just before too much damage was done.

So I’d like to share the experience to warn others not to fall for the same.

Long story cut short, our email system was down following the changing of website hosts recently. I needed help to restore our emails and was told that as our emails were run by gmail, I needed to contact Google email support. Asking if I could be provided with a number for google support, the answer was a negative.

So, I googled Google Mail Support, and called the number on the first result that came up.

I must say scammers have become very sophisticated these days, as the number connected to a genuine sounding voice recording, telling me to dial 1 for accounts, 2 for support - etc.

After being patched through to support, I began explaining the problem to the “technician” on the other end. His Indian accent didn’t sound off any alarm bells, as that accent is pretty common these days when calling any telco or call centre.

Little did I know I was actually plugging in to India.

The helpful sounding voice sympathised with the problem, and said he’d be sending me an email with a downloadable file to fix the problem. I obeyed and downloaded it.

Next thing I knew, without asking any permission, he had remotely taken over my laptop. I watched in horror as the cursor began opening files without me operating it, and only then did I smell a supersized rat. I covered the mouthpiece (still trying to be polite for some reason!) and asked my husband Greg to google the number I’d called to see if there were any scam alerts. Sure enough, an abundance of reports sprang up - it was a scam based in India where the basic idea is to shut down the ability of your computer and then ask for money to load the program that will restore it.

I closed down the laptop mid-sentence and went straight into panic mode. How violating it feels!

And how stupid I felt, I was well aware of the “broken computer” scam, but it hadn’t even crossed my mind that I could actually become prey and be the one to call the scammer - I assumed they always called you. All they need to do to receive a windfall of clients is list their number on google under the brand name you are looking for.

I quickly called Dean Hamstead from The Byte Foundry, and like a Knight in shining armour he came to my immediate rescue.

He told me to get off the phone, call my bank, and anything else of importance and change passwords immediately until he could get to me.

He arrived promptly and sorted the problem, and thankfully I was not compromised - apart from the inconvenience and cost of now having to have my laptop reformatted to get the scamming S.O.B the hell out of my laptop.

So I thought I should share the story: it seems not even googling google is safe these days.

If you google something, its best to go to the website offering the number and check they are legit before calling.

The lovely lady from the fraud department of my bank said I was the fourth call that day with the same problem. Unfortunately the other three callers had handed amounts ranging from $400 to $700 to the friendly Indian “technician”.

I also recommend that you write down Dean’s number in case you ever fall victim to these scumbags. His professional solving of the problem was swift, affordable and no-nonsense.

He can be contacted on 0404 860 774.

Have you ever been scammed? If so I’d like to hear about it so we can spread the word of warning. It is the only protection we have against these mongrels who continuously reinvent their approaches to get their grubby hands on other people’s money. kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

Black Hawks spotted

Black Hawks over the CBD. Photo: Twitter

OVER the last week the Australian Defence Force have been conducting special training missions over and around the Parramatta CBD. The operations include four military black hawk helicopters flying, at high speed and low altitude, across western Sydney and into the CBD before they pause for a hover formation.

Each helicopter took turns to hover over buildings around Parramatta and then took off back towards Blacktown.

All up the training operation on Monday afternoon lasted nearly 45 minutes with the helicopters returning on Monday evening to follow up for night training.

They’ve been spotted all week long and will continue training until the end of the week.

A few weeks ago residents of many western Sydney suburbs including Parramatta and Blacktown were given a written letter warning locals of the operation.

In a statement, the ADF said locals might experience some noise impacts.

“Some flight paths are necessarily lower than normal and unavoidable noise may be noticeable for short periods,” the statement said.

“Residents should not be concerned if they hear or see any of these activities occurring.”

Some more suburban parts of western Sydney including Londonderry, Plumpton and Holsworthy may have noise impacts as the helicopters fly over the area.

Man stabbed POLICE are investigating after a man was stabbed in Bidwill on Tuesday night.

Emergency services were called to a home on Cupania Crescent, Bidwill, following reports that a man had been stabbed shortly before 10pm on Tuesday night.

Officers from Mount Druitt Local Area Command attended and located a 21-year-old man with numerous stab wounds to his body.

Initial inquiries suggest the man was injured following an altercation with another male.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being taken to Westmead Hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

A crime scene has been established and it will be examined by forensic officers.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact police via Crime Stoppers.

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Check out the hot new stadium

By Keegan Thomson

AS demolition on the old stadium begins, the details have been released about the designs of the new Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta.

The 31 year old stadium is making way for a new world-class, 30,000 seat Western Sydney Stadium, which will be the permanent home to the Parramatta Eels and the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the demolition of the historic stadium is bittersweet but the buzz around the new stadium continues to build

positive vibes for the future of sport in western Sydney.

“As we see the old stands being torn down we can rest assured Western Sydney Stadium will set a new standard for sporting experience in Sydney- a precinct of global significance we can all be proud of, designed with the entire fan experience in mind,” Mr Ayres said.

“Valuable items have been safely stored and smaller clubs across NSW like the Moree Boars and Blue Mountains Cricket Association have collected items like chairs and signage,” he added.

Draft designs for the promenades, seating areas, bars and pitch have been

released to the public for comment, with the plans showing off new green spaces and wide walkways.

“We’re now ready to release stage two plans this month and offer the community a chance to give their views on detailed design, construction and operation of the new stadium,” Mr Ayres said.

Local Member for Parramatta, Geoff Lee, said community feedback will inform the next stage of plans for the project.

“The new Western Sydney Stadium is the centrepiece of an infrastructure boom occurring across Parramatta,” Mr Lee said.

“Designed to respect Parramatta’s

cultural heritage, the Western Sydney Stadium precinct will offer pedestrian and public transport links and improved access to Parramatta Park.

“We are seeing cranes as far as the eye can see and the infrastructure to match and we strongly urge the community to have a say on this exciting new development,” Mr Lee said.

Currently, Sydney’s second CBD, is in the middle of a building boom with more than 25 cranes scattered across the Parramatta skyline.

Check out the Western News facebook page for a video of the demolition progress at Parramatta stadium.

Anti-drug campaign not enough

By Keegan Thomson

NSW Police launched a new campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of illegal drug use in Aboriginal communities across the state, but some say it is not doing enough.

The campaign entitled ‘Not Our Way’ was developed by the NSW Police Drug and Alcohol Coordination team in conjunction with Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers, key health industry stakeholders as well as local Aboriginal elders and community members.

Using both social media and traditional television advertising, the campaign consists of videos that address the rising issue and risks involved in using the drug ice. The campaign also targets the illegal use of pharmaceuticals, and the associated health and safety risks to both individuals and the wider community.

Western Sydney local and Aboriginal Darug elder, Uncle Greg Simms, said these styles of wide reaching anti-drug campaigns wont work across the community because they’re not focused enough on reform.

“You need people like reformed drug addicts to deliver messages to the community because anything else won’t really work.

“We have a lot of good police officers and a lot of good politicians in our community but they can do more. They’ve got to stand up and say, enough is enough,” Uncle Greg said.

Educational resources - including youth-focused story books as well as brochures on health services that specialise in drug and alcohol recovery support - have been created as part of the campaign but Uncle Greg says it

isn’t enough.

“In schools they speak on a basic level about drugs but you really need someone who has been there and done it to deliver a proper message.

“We need to get reformed addicts in and teach school kids what it is like and how much it destroys your life.

“People who’ve never overcome drug addiction issues have no idea what it is like,” Uncle Greg said.

The new campaign will be focused on the community doing more to prevent these issues from occurring, but Uncle Greg says the whole issue

can be curbed if the community only did more to look after each other.

“The community could play a big role in it too. People need to speak up and tell the police where drugs are being sold.

“What goes on in the community is everyone’s business. No matter if someone is financially suffering or they’re dealing with drug addictions we all need to come together to help people out,” he said.

Uncle Greg says maybe people might be put off drug use, drug dealing and drug manufacturing if the punishments were stricter.

“Anyone who deals drugs should be locked up for life,” he says. “Giving someone brain damage through drug use is just as bad as shooting someone.”

If you or someone you know is affected by drug use or addiction, please contact support services such as the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on (02) 9361 8000. Members of the community can contact ADIS at any time for confidential information, advice and referral services.

Blacktown Council’s Flappy the Fishing Bat flies high

By Keegan Thomson

FLAPPY the Fishing Bat is getting the recognition he finally deserves.

The Blacktown City Council’s ecological preservation project, entitled ‘Flappy the Fishing Bat’, was given an award for the protection of the large-footed myotis microbat, at the Greater Sydney Planning Awards.

Blacktown Mayor, Cr Some of Blacktown City Council’s Fishing Bat Project volunteers.

Stephen Bali, said the project was so successful because of Large-footed myotis microbats are curious the many relatable elements involved.

“By linking stormwater education to a fun, creatures and look more like flying mice than outdoor project with a dynamic mascot like ‘Flappy traditional bats and flying foxes. They weigh the Fishing Bat’ we created a popular project that about 15 grams and have a wingspan of around 25 centimetres. Their diet consists of fish which they helped engage our community,” Mayor Bali said.

The ‘Flappy the Fish Bat’ pilot program involved catch using their supersonic calls.

These fishing bats are endangered and are local catching, releasing and radio-tracking threatened large-footed myotis microbats, as well as providing natives to the wetlands around western Sydney with nest boxes and other habitat improvement around many in the scientific community reminding locals of the importance of preservation. wetlands.

“These tiny echo-locating bats, also known as “282 residents volunteered more than 840 hours to the project, with the majority reporting they fishing bats, thrive on healthy waterways and use would change their personal behaviour to improve their relatively large feet to catch small fish and water quality as a result of what they had learned,” aquatic insects,” said Cr Bali.

All in all project received a worthy commendation Mayor Bali said.

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A bat in the hand – the tiny Large-footed Myotis microbat.

for being a Great Community Led Project, at the Greater Sydney Planning Awards.

The judges said Blacktown City Council’s innovative project provided a strong benchmark for other organisations passionate about involving their communities in ecologically sustainable actions.

Chief Commissioner Lucy Turnbull and NSW Minister for Planning Anthony Roberts presented the awards and commented on the level of innovation the council and community demonstrated.

“We were very impressed at the high quality of the entries and would like to congratulate all of the winners,” Mrs Turnbull said.

“Their projects represent the best in good planning practice that leads to better quality design and more liveable communities.”

Throughout the project there was a strong level of community engagement from a number of charity groups and community organisations across western Sydney. Those groups include the Riverstone Local Dig Men’s Shed and SydWest Multicultural Services.

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Western News 3 March 2017 Issue 29

GETTING TO KNOW....

Alex Soncini with Conner Lowe

1. What was your first paid job?

Working for my parents.

2. What is your guilty pleasure?

Gelato.

3. What is your biggest fear/phobia and why?

Not being fit, always tried to be really fit, I’m a sport nut and I love being able to do everything and staying active.

4. What is your worst habit?

Repeating myself, I’m always double checking everything.

5. Best advice you have ever been given?

There is no problem that can’t be resolved, although you may not like the outcome.

6. If you only had $50 left in the bank, how would you spend it?

I would spend it on desserts, I’m a sweet tooth.

7. Favourite holiday destination and why?

Italy, the heritage and speaking the language is great. Also, the Italians like the sweet life so you can escape a bit.

8. Do you have a favourite sporting team?

Barcelona.

9. Name one reason that you love Western Sydney?

Very multicultural, it’s a good mix of people.

10. In three words, describe your perfect Sunday?

Family, eat, drink.

Whitelion to the rescue YOUNG people looking for work will have a better chance of finding employment after the opening of a new café at Mt Druitt Hub last month.

Grounded Café with the “best coffee in Mount Druitt” will help young people become job ready by providing barista and hospitality training.

It is a partnership between Charlie Coffee, youth support charity Whitelion and Blacktown City Council.

“We as a society need to care about each other. Not everyone has all the opportunities to gain a great job and earn lots of money,” said Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali.

“There are a lot of people who are struggling and they are only struggling because they haven’t had the opportunity.

“Whitelion and Charlie Coffee are giving people the opportunity.”

Blacktown Council, which owns the property where Grounded Cafe was opened, offers heavily subsidised rent to the tenants.

Charlie Coffee provides the skills and experience running a successful café business, and Whitelion finds young people looking for work experience.

“This is a social enterprise and social enterprise doesn’t happen without everyone coming together,” said Whitelion CEO Mark Watt.

“What we’re really trying to achieve is jobs for young people. A job is lifechanging. It gives people purpose, meaning and confidence.”

Whitelion success story James Naylor, 21, said the charity helped him find housing when he was living on the streets in 2015.

It was now trying to help him find work which, he said, was the key to turning young people’s lives around.

“If we want to work towards a better future this is what we should be doing,” he said.

“Grounded Café is an opportunity that the younger generation didn’t have before.”

A day in the life of... A mental health nurse

By Keegan Thomson

HOSPITALS are busy bee hives of activity with people coming in and out each day, with different doctors and nurses running different wards, operating different roles and moving about in different circles. One of the busiest batch of bees in the hive is the mental health staff who’re buzzing around chasing up different consults across the hospital whilst maintaining their own separate ward.

Tristan Chapman is a mental health nurse who treats people with severe mental illness and works clinically in a number of hospitals across western Sydney.

“My role is about bringing mental health care, treatment and support to the wards of the hospital,” Nurse Chapman said.

“We can go anywhere in the hospital to give treatment to anyone. It could be ICU, it could be cancer care, it could be drug and alcohol.

“Sometimes it might be that someone is suffering from the signs of a mental health issue and their medical team wants some psychiatry input into the care and treatment of a patient,” he said.

Working across the hospital means the types of patients and the illnesses, different patients are suffering from, will change depending on where on the campus he will be. This means Nurse Chapman needs to be able to adjust his clinical mind frame depending on the patient.

“It could be someone suffering from any type of mental illness,” he said. “Anything from depression, anxiety to psychosis.”

One factor to consider, when assisting and treating mental health patients is different patients respond differently to their time in the hospital, Nurse Chapman said.

“When the patients come in they might be suffering from an illness and something in the hospital has exacerbated it.

“Patients can be dealing with a lot of things when they’re in the hospital. This is a new environment and there is a lot of loud noises, lights and people, so it can trigger different reactions,” he said.

From the beginning of his medical training, Nurse Chapman knew he always wanted to be involved in mental health in the local health level.

Frustratingly he said mental health is a specialty that new doctors and nurse don’t often consider.

“A lot of students have this set idea about what kind of medicine they want to work in, and unfortunately they quite often write off working in mental health,” he said.

“It is a specialty that still has a lot of stigma around it.

“People bring their own points of views into this job, and those views are mainly from the media and from movies, and those view points are all about straight jackets and people locked up in rooms,” he said.

Nurse Chapman dismissed the idea that it takes a special kind of personality to work in mental health.

“People say it takes a special type of person to work in mental health, but I say it takes a special type of person to work in any profession,” he said.

“I see people working with children and I instantly know I could never work with children.”

Local students create masterpiece for Mount Druitt Hospital ABORIGINAL students from Mount Druitt’s Chifley College in collaboration with Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and Triple A (Adolescent Asthma Action) program will unveil an Aboriginal mural, entitled Smoking is not our Culture, at Mount Druitt Hospital tomorrow, as part of the schools’ Walking into Good Health project.

The concept was inspired by the students’ and the school’s Aboriginal education officers desire to encourage people to butt-out, and to communicate the dangers of smoking to the Aboriginal community.

The eye-catching mural will be unveiled and permanently on display at Mount Druitt Hospital. The design features a profile of the human body with emphasis on the lungs with the message “Don’t let your future go up in smoke”.

WSLHD Primary Health Care Education and Research Unit (PERU) director and Triple A Asthma school program founder Associate Professor Smita Shah said the students were passionate about the project.

“The hospital is the ideal location because that is where most of their friends and family members go if they need medical care,” she said.

“The Triple A Asthma school

program is a free, internationally acclaimed peer education program that improves asthma self-management and smoking resilience in young people.”

Chifley College principal Janet Harding said the students wanted to contribute to the health and wellbeing of their community.

“The message we want to promote is good health in good hands. This program is the work of our students who are doing this to promote the important message about the dangers of smoking throughout the school community and beyond,” she said.

For more information on the Triple

A Asthma school program, contact the WSLHD Primary Health Care Education and Research Unit on 9845 6505 or visit: https://www. asthmaaustralia.org.au/vic/educationand-training/i-work-in-an-educationsetting/school/school-programs/triplea-school-program

Prue Car: Stop treating western Sydney as a dumping ground

Ms Car joined with Penrith Labor Councillors Todd Carney, Ben Price and Greg Davies to call on the State Government to reject this proposal.

MEMBER for Londonderry Prue Car MP has joined with Penrith City Council Labor colleagues to call on the State Government to reject the construction of one of the world’s largest incinerators at Eastern Creek.

After receiving overwhelming feedback from local residents as well as concerns regarding environmental and safety impacts raised, Mrs Car said she joined with Labor Councillors Todd Carney, Ben Price and Greg Davies to call on the State Government to reject this proposal.

“The decision to approve the incinerator will be determined by the Liberal Planning Minister Anthony Roberts, and has attracted wide criticism due to its proximity to homes and the impacts this could have on the community,” Mrs Car said.

“At a Penrith Council Meeting on Monday night, a motion moved by Councillor Todd Carney called on Member for Mulgoa and Government Minister Tanya Davies to publically reject this project which lies in her electorate.

“Ms Davies has an obligation to stand up to her Government and fight for her community,” Mrs Car said.

“After receiving overwhelming feedback from residents, it is clear to me that Eastern Creek is not an appropriate location for this incinerator,” she continued.

“The State Government needs to stop treating Western Sydney as a dumping ground and listen to our community.

“Tanya Davies has a seat at the Cabinet table and it’s about time she

stood up against her Government’s assault on Western Sydney.”

Councillor Todd Carney said some western Sydney subrubs had been subjected to more than enough impact from waste facilities.

“They should not be burdened by yet another waste facility, one which is untested and unproven in Australia,” Cr Carney said.

“I call on the Member for Mulgoa to stand up for the people of Western Sydney by publicly rejecting this proposal and ensuring the Minister is fully aware of our community’s opposition to this project.

“Western Sydney is not and should never be the answer to waste issues in New South Wales, our community deserves better.”

Councillor Ben Price agreed.

“There appears to be significant questions that remain unanswered from the Environmental Impact Statement. The idea of energy to waste technology might have merit, however it is a new process and should be proven first at a location that isn’t close to our homes and schools,” he said.

“I will not stand by and let our community be used as guinea pigs for this experiment.

“I would have thought that the Member for Mulgoa, would have listened to the substantial concerns raised by her community and acted decisively.”

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Legends of the West

By Garion Thain

Mr Piccirilli (all four pictures) has a history with the business spanning back to 1962, wherein he began an apprenticeship.

GUIDO’S Hair Care has been a St Marys staple since 1947. The barber, notable for its storefront’s genuine 50s’ and 60s’ flair rare to the modern eye, has a very large and loyal customer base that sees the Queen Street shop thrive into its 70th year in 2017. Owning and operating the business is Guido himself, Mr Guido Piccirilli, who from his humble beginnings as an apprentice at the shop eventually worked his way up to buying the store that now bears his name. Mr Piccirilli was nominated as a local legend, and the longtime St Marys resident graciously offered some of his time coinciding with a refurbishment of the business for its 70th anniversary to look even more classic and artistic. Mr Piccirilli was excited to talk about his past with his business on the cusp of an equally exciting future.

“I first started working at the barber in 1962,” said Mr Piccirilli. “[The business] has been a part of the town and the scene of St Marys my whole life,” he continued, “we’re now undergoing our first major renovation in years.”

Despite renovating, the site of the barber has changed many times in its history.

“When it was opened by the former owner and my old boss, Mr Hackett, it started on the highway,” Mr Piccirilli said pointing subtly south.

“We moved into the old St Marys movie theatre for a while, there weren’t enough chairs for all the staff.

“Then we moved next door in 1964, before moving here.”

Mr Piccirilli proceeded to pull out a local business pamphlet from 1964, which featured classic ads for the Nepean Performing Arts Society, other businesses with suitably retro ad, and one for the hairdresser. Accompanying this pamphlet was a large, framed, quartet of photos from the early 60s’ days, Mr Piccirilli, then an apprentice, in all four.

He was quick to point to the barber’s chairs in the photos, then to the one next to him.

“These are exactly the same chairs from Hackett’s old shop,” he said.

“All of them are Australian made, from Melbourne. They stopped making them soon after and replaced them with American made chairs,” he continued.

“We’ve kept the all of the same chairs and the till.

“We respect what we do, which is why we’re happy to keep these all in use, in good condition, and keep up the nostalgia,” he continued.

This is nostalgia Mr Piccirilli holds himself, too, with his investment of time and labour in St Marys.

He says that he and Mr Hackett, who personally wanted to sell it to Mr Piccirilli, are the only two owners in its history.

“When I came from the old country, I didn’t have

Western News 3 March 2017 Issue 29

GUIDO-PICCIRILLI

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Mr Piccirilli is one of two owners of the Barber in its 70 yearhistory, the former owner wanting to sell it to him personally.

a job or speak a word of English. This guy taught me the trade, the language.

“There’s a saying, you fall in love with St Marys, well for me falling in love was part of the deal.”

Despite not having five chairs, Mr Hackett still “squeezed” Mr Piccirilliin regardless. While there were apprentices before and after, he stuck around.

Mr Piccirilli first found the job through his brother, who was also involved.

“The guy wanted an Italian kid,” said Mr Piccirilli.

“One of his old apprentices, a 17 year old Italian, had died in Melbourne saving a little girl from drowning. He was more than willing to take on

another [Italian],” he said.

That squeezed placement became a business ownership for Mr Piccirilli, who today sits on the edge of a transformation for his business’ façade to better reflect what it is. For Guido Piccirilli, his sincerity, talent, and devoted family and staff will surely help Guido’s Hair Care thrive, as a staple, for much longer.

Guido-Piccirilli was nominated as a Legend of the West by Penrith Mayor John Thain.

If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

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12 Western News 3 March 2017 Issue 29

The wait is over - it’s on with the show!

By Keegan Thomson

IT’S SHOWTIME! The excitement is well and truly building as we edge closer to the time for the opening of the Blacktown City Show! We have your special eight-page lift out right here, complete with the program, show and event details and some info on the wonderful sponsors. Western News is very proud to be associated with the show this year and we’ve had lots of fun putting the eight-page liftout together for you. Enjoy!

Here’s just some of what you will see at this year’s show!

Carol Heuchan - the voice of the show - All show long Her involvement with the show stretches back more than 50 years.

Originally Carol started out as a competitor in the horse events but made her way as MC to the main stage 8 years ago. She’s a poet, a compare and an entertainer.

Humphrey Dehnen - All Occasion Pyrotechnics - Saturday 9:00 PM This is the first year Blacktown Show has been treated to All Occasion Pyrotechnics. Humphrey Dehnen said this year will be special. “There will be lots of colours and effect that Blacktown hasn’t seen before,” he said.

Taylor - Rampt Mini FMX Saturday 5:30 pm

An adrenaline filled freestyle motocross show featuring some of the best riders on the east coast. Returning for the second year to the Blacktown Show, you’ll see backflips, supermans and a whole range of other stunts performed on 50 cc bikes. On the night you’ll see a team of crack riders performing tricks that will make your jaw drop.

Diamondstruck - Neil Diamond Tribute - Saturday 6pm High energy, covering all the greatest hits in a dynamic performance that will leave audiences wanting more.

Crunchy Granola Suite opens the show from Hot August night through to Melody Road, there is something every one.

Garry Walsh - Professor Wallace’s Puppet Theatre - All show long Starting in the early 1900s, Prof.

Wallace’s Puppet Theatre is the oldest travelling puppet show in Australia!

The variety puppet show is for the whole family and will bring a belly chuckling good time.

Warren Bell - Warren Bell’s Magic Show - All show long Returning for his fourth year running, Warren Bell’s Magic Show will leave audiences scratching their heads in amazement and wonder.

Featuring juggling, balloon animals and allusions, this modern take on

magic is the result of Warren’s more than 30 years of experience.

David Armstrong - Mt Druitt Indigenous Choir - Saturday 3pm A youth kinship choir based on family empowerment sings in local Aboriginal languages. Their songs honour the land and elders past and present. The children in the choir all learn their traditional languages and perform on a voluntary basis. This will be a moving and highly spiritual performance.

Rhonda Hall - Animals All Animal Farm Nursery - All show long Running for the last 40 years, the Animals All nursery will have a range of animals for kids to pat and learn from including five beautiful lambs, a calf and a whole bunch of other baby animals. On top of that there will be mince, pupps, chickens, ducklings and much more.

Ron Irving - Antique Machinery Display - All show long At the show you’ll be able to check out the technology of yesteryear at the Antique Machinery Display. Old engines, tractors, pumps and restored machinery to boot with a bit of a show and tell followed up by some questions.

One of the oldest pieces on display will be a water pump (still working) dating back to 1900.

Steve McEwan - Steve McEwan’s Reptile World - All show long A great mobile display showing off a variety of venomous snakes and pythons. Steve and his team will show how to avoid bites and what to do in the rare case that you’re bitten by a snake. If you’re feeling brave enough you can even pet a live python.

Anthony Attard - Hawkesbury Working Kelpies Fully trained dogs working with sheep, just like the outback. There will be a 14 week old little kelpie showing off his skills as a working dog. The kids can even get a hands on experience with some 8 week old puppies.

Karen Godfrey - Super Strong Bones Show - Saturday 12pm and 1pm An educational, fun and entertaining musical show for kids featuring a superhero! The show helps to get kids interested in their growth and development with tips about how kids can grow super strong bones. It is super colourful and will be perfect for all ages.

Western NEWS 2017 Blacktown City Show

Search for a Star Talent Quest SUNDAY 19TH MARCH 2017 OPEN TO ALL AGES

$1500 IN CASH PRIZES TO BE WON * Singers * Dancers * Musicians * Bands * Magicians * Comedians TO ENTER SIMPLY FILL OUT ENTRY FORM AND SEND TO:

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

Statewide Promotions PO Box 151, Pendle Hill NSW 2145 Entries close 10th March 2017 Successful applicants will be advised by mail FOR ALL ENQUIRIES: 0418 256 049

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

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2017

Blacktown City Show BLACKTOWN TOWN SHOWGROUND SHOWGROU Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th March 2017

IT’S SHOWTIME! The excitement is well and truly building as we edge closer to the time for the opening of the Blacktown City Show!

We have your special eight-page lift out right here, complete with the program, show and event details and some info on the wonderful sponsors. Western News is very proud to be associated with the show this year and we’ve had lots of fun putting the eight-page liftout together for you. Enjoy!

m p 0 .0 9 y a rd tu a S !

S K R O W E R I F E H T S S I M T ’ N DO cktown City Council la B he T e th by d re so on sp Proudly

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Western News 3 March 2017 Issue 29

The Voice of the Show – Carol Heuchan CAROL Heuchan is a lady of many hats. She has been a professional horsewoman for most of her life, training riders and show horses and competing successfully in thirty-four Royal Easter Shows.

She is also a highly qualified National Judge and has judged internationally.

In 2003, her first book was published and led her to the world of Bush Poetry which she took by storm, amassing a swag of awards. Twice Australian Champion and nine times Laureate award winner, five books and five CD’s (all award winning), she is also the winner of the richest prize in poetry history – a thirty-four thousand dollar tractor!

Carol has been on the winning team in the World Poetry Debate and has been part of numerous Australia-wide radio programs and featured in the ABC television series “Bush Slam”, shown many times on national prime time television.

She has just completed her ninth International performance tour of the U.S. and has another awaiting confirmation.

Carol also has numerous bookings for some of the biggest events in the Southern

City of Blacktown Pipe Band Sponsored by BEST DENTAL

Hemisphere for 2017.

Needless to say, Carol Heuchan is in great demand as an entertainer, compere, writer, guest speaker, judge of horses and poetry, and horse events commentator (anything to get out of housework, she says!)

You may have heard her voice at the Royal Easter Show where she was the very popular Main Arena Commentator for six years. Carol has had a long association with Agricultural Shows – even serving on the committee of this very Show in the past. Combining this connection and passion with her talent at the microphone, ensures Blacktown Show will be worth listening to!

FORMED originally in 1975 as the St John Ambulance Brigade Pipes & Drums under Pipe Major Don McLeish the band was immediately placed in Grade 2.

It was not long before the band began to shine on the competition arena. They have been graded Grade 1 since 1983 and are the ONLY Grade 1 band in NSW. Sponsorship from Blacktown City Council has been forthcoming since 1984 when the band changed its name to the City of Blacktown Pipe Band.

The band and its members have had the opportunity to perform on stage or record with the following artists: Sir Paul McCartney, John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes and recorded and released two fund raising CDs of their own.

Learners and new members are always welcome and information can be gained on (02) 9623 2250.

More information at: www. blacktownpipeband.com

RAMPT MINI FMX is a family owned and operated business that has a passion for freestyle motocross and pushing the limits.

Local to Newcastle in the Lake Macquarie region, the Kelly’s have a strong team of riders who are constantly bringing the biggest and latest tricks to crowds around the country.

We pride ourselves on bringing a smile to every kid’s face, along with the WOW factor to any event.

With the safest gear and state of the art portable freestyle motocross set up, nothing will stop this team from reaching their limits.

Owner and team rider BJ Kelly has been performing stunts and freestyle performances for over eight years and has been an integral part of Australian freestyle scene.

Events over the years have started to incorporate freestyle performances more and more and this has added significantly to their crowd attendances and created a buzz that most children and adults look forward to.

Their performances are seen as a highlight and add an exciting and liberating energy to any event.

The Wood Chips Fly Sponsored by Blacktown RSL ONE of Australia’s oldest professions, and one of Blacktown City’s favourite sports in earlier times, is again one of the star attractions at this year’s Blacktown City Show.

In the early days no-one thought of woodchopping as a sport, just another novelty show attraction.

Brawny, hard-drinking axemen took part in informal contests, but

there were no rules as such.

Gradually rules did evolve and by the beginning of the century, woodchopping became established as an important event at any big show in Australia and New Zealand.

The advent of the chainsaw ended the era of the axemen in the forests but the sport lives on and is still thriving in Australia.

Antique Machinery

Sydney Antique Machinery Club is back again this year.

They will be easy to find by the sound of old engines running like they did when Grandpa was a boy.

Come and have a look and a yarn with the Club members who have brought a few samples of their hobby for you to enjoy. In a good restoration they run as badly as they did when they were new! Tell them about your own favourite memory of old machinery from when you were growing up in the (so called) good old days. The Club was formed to bring together people with an interest in old machinery, particularly old engines and tractors and the equipment driven by them.

The Club promotes the preservation and restoration of this equipment and its members provide advice and assistance to each other. The Club meets monthly at Hawkesbury Showground, between Windsor & Richmond and organises one major rally each year on the third weekend in September.

They also attend many events run by other organisations, and conduct displays of their machinery.

A 1/3 scale Fowler traction engine, built by one of the members, will be moving around the Showground and is worth a close look when you see it.

Western Sydney Historical Truck Club

IN 2008, two machinery and truck enthusiasts started talking about old trucks and clubs and, in the absence of a club in Sydney, decided to form one themselves.

They set about planning, and historical registration was granted by the RTA and The Western Sydney Historical Truck Club (Inc) had its first meeting in December 2009 and hasn’t looked back since.

The Club holds its major event, “Haulin’ The Hume”’ every two years, where trucks travel the old Hume Highway to reminisce the good ol’ days and to raise funds for Autism Spectrum. Many of the truck drivers, transport industry companies and sponsors have family members affected by autism, so there is no hesitation by people to support the event. We have trucks from all over Australia who travel from their home State just to participate in this one event.

Today, the Club has 112 members who enjoy regular get-togethers which include breakfast runs, family run days and sometimes just a barbecue-andmovie night.

They also attend events in support of other clubs and groups in country areas, throughout the year.

They try to have something every month and they are always well attended.

15 Western News 3 March 2017 Issue 29

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Western News 3 March 2017 Issue 29

Animal Farmyard Nursery Fun Sponsored by Red Lea Chickens and Century 21 Seven Hills

Introducing …

The Hawkesbury Working Kelpie Stud Show

Prof. Wallace’s Puppet Theatre Sponsored by Blacktown RSL Hey Kids! Guess who’s coming to this year’s Black - town City Show?

It’s Prof. Wallace’s Puppet Theatre!

Prof. Wallace’s Puppet Theatre is one of the oldest continuous performing acts in Australia.

The origins go back over 100 years when your great grandparents were kids.

He is not only part of puppet history but a part of Australian history.

The magic Juggling Fun Show A POPULAR spot at the Blacktown City Show with the young at heart is the Animal Farm Nursery.

We would like to welcome Rhonda Hall, the principal of All Animals – Animal Farm Nursery, who is again organising this year’s display.

Rhonda will have many new animals at the Show as well as the old favourites.

With over 20 years experience, Rhonda said her main aim is to let children relate to animals in the most positive way.

It also gives children a chance to groom, feed and care for a great variety of animals, teaching them respect for all creatures and minimises the chance of accidents, Rhonda said.

“Finally we try to leave them with wonderful memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

Be sure to visit All Animals Animal Farm Nursery at this year’s Show.

Buy a bale and support Australian farmers.

Sponsored by Seven Hills Plaza AN all Australian show ready to wow their audience!

The shows are entertaining for all age groups from 2 to 102 years young.

Be amazed at the kelpies’ work ability, stamina and energy – not to mention the pups’ early abilities.

More than this, the shows are educational, entertaining and enjoyable.

You can go home and try out the training tips they share in the show on your own dog! www.hawkesburykelpies. com.au

Magic is the ideal entertainment for children and indeed the whole family, The Magic Juggling Fun Show is a funny, colourful interactive show in which anything can happen. Silk handkerchiefs, ropes cards and even eggs seem to appear from thin air!

Newspapers are torn and restored in a flash.

The ancient mystery of the Chinese linking rings is given a humorous update. It all seems impossible but seeing is believing.

As well there is juggling of balls, hoops and clubs, there’s even plate spinning. The Magic Juggling Fun Show also sees many eager young audience members being called on to assist in the entertainment, sometimes with disastrous … but hilarious results. This show is guaranteed to capture the imagination of audiences of all ages because …. people Love to Laugh !!

Rachael Fahim — SINGER / SONGWRITER

DIAMONDSTRUCK | The Neil Diamond Tribute Show

THE Blacktown City Show Society would like to extend our congratulations to Rachael Fahim, winner of our Search for a Star Talent Quest in 2013.

Rachael has been named the 2017 Star Maker of the year at Tamworth Country Music Festival.

The Star Maker winner will spend the next 12 months with guaranteed performances at Major Festivals across Australia.

Since she started singing at 8 years of stage, Rachael has won many awards along the way but this award will get her one step closer to her Country Music Dreams.

Experience the music of Neil Diamond Live!

Mt Druitt Indigenous Choir

THE choir has now become very popular and sang at thirty venues last year – not many choirs have this many opportunities.

They perform by invitation at functions around the city and country.

The local Aboriginal language Dharug is being taught to the choir, as well as the English songs, so they can portray the links directly to their culture in performances. Their website is www.onegoodday.org.au.

STEVE McEwan’s Reptile World is an informative, entertaining and educational display featuring a variety of local lizards, pythons and venomous snakes.

Hear from Steve how best to avoid snake bite and see the first aid demonstration, as well as seeing some of the world’s most venomous snakes in complete safety.

Take the opportunity to pat some of the lizards or a python before each exciting show starts and learn about Australia’s unique reptiles.

FEW artists could claim the prestige of having composed music which is as recognised and cherished as that of Neil Diamond.

His international following of adoring fans fill venues to capacity, to enjoy the magic of his words, and the warmth of is voice, at any opportunity.

DIAMONDSTRUCK recreates the passion and the excitement of Neil Diamond’s most popular compositions, taking the audience on an emotional journey as Neil’s lyrics, often penned from the experiences of his life, unfold through the voice of Anthony Stone.

Anthony adds his own influence to

his performance, but his inspiration and heartfelt-connection to Neil Diamond’s lyrics is quite apparent in his rich vocals.

DIAMONDSTRUCK have their audiences singing, clapping and dancing the night away to some of the greatest songs of all time such as.

Sweet Caroline - Song Sung Blue Cracklin Rosie - Forever In Blue Jeans - Red Red Wine - I’m A Believer - Holly Holy - Cherry Cherry - Solitary Man September Morn - Crunchy Granola Suite - Love On The Rocks - I Am I Said Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon - Kentucky Woman and Hello Again to name a few.

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NSW North Coast: Past Port Macquarie

By Ben Cranney

A WHILE back, I wrote about a weekend in Tamworth and wanting to cut across the mountains to Port Macquarie. We didn’t have the time then, so we went up that way and a bit further north another time.

The highway out of Sydney, three lanes of relatively straight concrete, would be boring if it wasn’t for the below average drivers keeping us on our toes. Tailgating at 110k, trucks cutting people off and even forcing one driver off the road, and an inside lane that would have been perpetually

deserted if it wasn’t for frustrated drivers resorting to inside overtaking because of Sunday drivers in the outside one.

And then you get off the highway and find the spots that hold their own without poor drivers. Narrow roads of the tourist drives leading to little gems like rusted out bridges and old train carriages at disused stations.

Bushwalks through forest backing on to farm stays, where we would have happily stayed for days. Or the view from any number of headlands along the way, including Yamba, where we watched a few people trying to

impress each other by jumping off the headland into the rocks just as the swell came in. If you look for it carefully, you may even find yourself in a community that is disconnected from the electricity network.

We went four wheel driving on the Queens Beach, just to the north of Port. The beach goes on and on and there wasn’t a person around to help when we got bogged in the loose sand.

High revs and spinning wheels put us dangerously close to cooking an already steaming engine. A makeshift road made of drift wood gave us some purchase, and we limped back

to firmer ground.

The Northshore car ferry took us into Port and we made our way to The Stunned Mullet for a great meal with a better outlook, although there our other good eating options in the area, including the Buddha Bar in Crescent Head, or even strawberry picking at Ricardoes Tomatoes for a feed in their café (disclaimer: Ricardoes’ son is my mate, but it is a great day for tourists – just follow the brown sign).

And of course, after you’ve finished with Port, you could head inland over the mountains, towards Tamworth to check out some of remote NSW.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Aaron and the Angel WHEN we first moved to Australia we lived in the Eastern suburbs which, being a totally urban creature, I absolutely loved. However, retirement bagan to pall slightly and we bought a business in the Hawkesbury. After months battling the Parramatta Road in the rush hour, my husband decided that we should move nearer the business.

To say I didn’t want to leave Sydney was a massive understatement. I was carried off kicking and screaming to “the country” with promises that we would only be there for a year!

We moved into a house which the realtor was canny enough only to show us at quiet times of the day. The first night we were there I went to bed in lovely silence. The first morning I was awoken at 5.30am to a cacophany of cars, utes and tractors. This was a main road during rush hour. The noise of the racetrack was punctuated by the mooing of the local dairy herd which was in residence in the opposite field, a rather worrying discovery for me as I am certainly not happy around our bovine friends and a wire fence punctuated by the occasional tree did not seem to be a very reliable barrier in case of stampede.

Once I had got over the initial crisis, I settled down quite happily and became involved in whatever ladies get involved in in country areas. One miserable wet day, I couldn’t wait to get home from a lunch. I had just

walked through the front door and kicked off my shoes when there was the most God awful bang. David and I both shot outside to see a car wrapped round one of the only trees along that stretch of road. Our neighbour Ron had been working in his garden and beat David there by a short head. The poor chap was obviously dead having crashed sideways into the tree at about 120 kilometres an hour. It turned out later that he had overtaken a car on a double white line, seen another approaching and tried to turn back in. Unfortunately, he was a relatively

inexperienced driver and could not manage to keep control on the wet oily road.

By this time there were four vehicles on the scene, Aaron’s car, the overtaken car, the oncoming driver’s car and a ute that Aaron had whizzed by at high speed further back down the road. However the guys from the ute left once we had called 000 and the other driver had to get kids from school so it was just the two vehicles left.

I looked towards the car to see a lady leaning through the passenger

window and holding his hand. She had cropped white hair and was dressed in a loose black top and trousers. She was talking to him. I was not close enough to hear what she was saying, but assumed she was a passer-by maybe with medical training.

By this time, neighbours had started to emerge and once the police arrived we were standing around discussing what had happened.

“Who was the lady in black talking to that poor boy?” I asked the assembled crowd. “And where is she now?” Nobody had any idea. At that point we didn’t know his identity and also there was no doubt he was dead.

“I don’t know,” said Ron, an expoliceman who knew everyone in the street. “But she said that she was just saying a little prayer to welcome Aaron to Heaven.”

Where had she gone? How did she get there? Not in the ute or either of the other two cars. It was a long way from anywhere so unlikely she had just been out for a walk. She appeared suddenly and silently and disappeared the same way. How had she known his name? Had she come to take his hand and welcome him into Heaven as she said? There really must be angels and I think we were blessed to see one in action.

The Unintentional Medium is available online or at all good book stores.

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THE G SPOT

I AM impressed that many people have advised me that they have grasped my G-spot very well, meaning I have avid fans and regular readers of my column. I am always very proud when people ask how my G-spot is going? There will be a cult following and T-shirt very soon, I can see it now.

Well today kids I am going to enlighten you with some helpful hints and insight about events. Yep, hold on to ya knickers this is going to be more exciting than being poked in the left eye with a blunt stick, I promise.

After working at many an event over my 26 years in security, nothing excites me more than working amongst sweaty crowds, bumping into 50,000 people crammed in like sardines on a 40 degree day, screaming babies and that special person that just wants to be the serial bonehead all day, just to make the life of a security officer, just a little more memorable (Sigh).

The bag check bonehead - This is the person at an event that decides that they want to hold up everyone on the entire planet because they don’t want to present their bag to security. The queues build and then they proceed to argue, and wonder why they get refused entry and thrown out. They go into the foetal position and cry like a baby on the way out.

The abusive bag check boneheadthe person who abuses every security officer because they can’t read 75 signs that say BAG CHECK AREA - PRESENT

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

BAGS. They then flare up like a ruptured eagle on heat, and flap their arms whilst talking, it’s impressive - no seriously it is - I look forward to it every event. NOT! The, “I can get my alcohol through the bag check” bonehead - Gotta love these - These are the wonderful people that think that sticking a slab (carton of beer) under a new born baby is perfectly acceptable, and wonder why we call them unfit for parenting when we find it. I love the wine bladder down the pants trick, now that’s a good one. It’s a dead giveaway because I have never seen a normal bloke built like that in the front area. Ahhhh yes and the camel pack full of grog, that’s a good one..sigh.. next. Then it’s the confi scation stage of the found grog, OMG that’s like asking for an amputation of a limb. They scream, cry, find God, throw themselves around, yep it all happens in the bag check area.

Lost children - It is amazing how many lost children there are at events, and then when you ask the parent “What were they wearing” the answer is “Umm I dunno”. So let me get this straight we have 20,000 people here, we dunno what ya kid looks like and we dunno what they are wearing - fantastic!

So here’s my suggestion, take a photo of the child in the morning, grab a hospital-type wrist band and write your phone number on the child’s band. Yay! You also have the “I want my children lost” type parent, yep you have that right, we look after the child that is “allegedly” lost whilst they are

drinking in the bar. You would be surprised how many parents do this. I suggest the uppercut with a Bruce Lee high kick.

Oh, it’s also a good idea, to tell your child what your name actually is, Mummy does not help us much over the PA, we will have 50,000 women running towards the radio control area.

The losing power visit - These are (What I call) the people who almost sprinted into the event, however all of a sudden (allegedly) have lost all movement in both legs and arms at he end of the event when they see the security or fi rst-aid golf carts zipping around. They have every (alleged) disability under the sun and no energy to walk back to their cars at the end of the day. However, yes and I say however, its like Jimmy Bakker (The evangelist) has hit their foreheads in the car park and the divine miracle has occurred once driven back in the security cart.

(Amazing!)

So there you have it folks, no eagles were injured during the writing of this article (Tick), Confiscation of alcohol does not mean that you get it back, no matter how hard you cry and suck your thumb in the foetal position, gurgling like a baby (Tick) If you are going to have a fake injury to get a lift back to the carpark ensure that you actually carry it through until you are in the car (Tick) and remembering how many kids you have taken to the event is always a good look, getting home minus one is not pretty (Tick).

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Local Leading

Ladies

Celebrating western Sydney region’s female success stories on International Women’s Day

PRUE CAR MP

Shadow Minister Prue Car was elected as the Member for Londonderry in March 2015. Prue grew up in Penrith and prior to her election to Parliament she served eight years on Penrith City Council. During her time on Council, Prue was a passionate advocate for a number of local issues including leading Penrith Council’s opposition to the transfer of radioactive waste from Hunters Hill.

Prue was appointed to the NSW Shadow Cabinet in March this year, where she currently serves as Shadow Minister for Skills and Shadow Assistant Minister for Education. In this role, Prue has been leading the NSW Opposition’s campaign to save TAFE and fighting cuts to schools right across the state.

LINDA KEMP

Complete Recruitment Solutions Anybody who has met Linda Kemp from Complete Recruitment Solutions would know how exceptional this local leading lady is.

She’s a breath of clear fresh air when present at any event, is always happy and smiling and she knows a thing or twenty about recruiting, which is the profession she’s been in for close on 45 years.

Born in England, Linda left the Mother Country in 1979 bound for our sandy shores. And those who’ve had the pleasure of dealing with her would agree, England’s loss was Australia’s gain.

A fellow of the RSCA, Linda has been a major sponsor and supporter of numerous events, charities and business organisations including Women With Altitude, Penrith Valley

Chamber of Commerce, Queen of Hearts and NADO just to name a few.

Following the opening of Complete Recruitment Solutions in 2006, the business Linda created has seen massive growth and has become one of our region’s largest recruiters - employing around 150 people in casual work each week and twelve permanent staff.

And Linda’s efforts have been recognised many times over; she and CRS have been the recipients of many state and national awards.

Recently CRS celebrated their tenth birthday milestone, signaling a decade of immense contribution Linda and her company have made to our local community.

GINA FIELD

Nepean Regional Security Gina Field is the Managing Director of Nepean Regional Security and the President of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce. She is also a Nepean News columnist, and her monthly G Spot column has become one of the most read pages in our publication. Readers adore Gina’s “no BS” take on life and she has developed quite a fan base.

Starting her own company as a home-based business in 1998, NRS is now one of the most awarded security companies in the state.

Gina has featured in magazines, TV commercials, and business radio channels and on a TV program called “Business Sense.”

Being hailed as a business tycoon by the Daily Telegraph for her business success, Gina has provided security for blockbuster movies and celebrities such as Hugh Jackman and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Recently being awarded the Bronze (3rd in the world) as Executive of

the Year in the International Business Awards, Gina put Penrith on the world stage. She is also the President of the Chamber of Commerce.

She was chosen to be a spokesperson for small business in the “Too Big to ignore’ campaign and was awarded a certificate of achievement by the Prime Minister of Australia at Parliament house.

Gina was a recipient in the 2014 Australia Day awards for her contribution to small business and her own business success.

Gina and her company have won 18 industry awards to date and she is an exceptional representation of a female succeeding in a male dominated industry.

An outstanding local leading lady, we are a very lucky region to have her. Gina has also been announced as a finalist in the Women of the Year awards 2017, with the result due next week. Good luck Gina!

Western NEWS Ok, so it would look incredibly wanky if we wrote here that the girls who produce your Western News publication are fabulous specimens of the female breed - because you know that it’s us writing it!

But we are pretty proud of what we manage to pull together every fortnight - so we thought we’d throw our melons in here too. From left to right we are: Editor Kerrie Davies, Sales Manager Korena Hale (middle) and Graphic Artist Stacey Fortescue.

We are all ex employees from another paper that went into receivership - but we rose from the ashes

KERRIE DAVIES KORENA HALE STACEY FORTESCUE

like a beautiful flock of phoenix and here we are, and here we’ll stay!

We aren’t the most girly-girls in town - we love to sink a beer or two after each deadline and when we aren’t working on the paper we get together at every opportunity. We basically work and play together and somehow never get sick of the sight of each other so it all works out pretty damn well.

Of course we couldn’t do it without the boys Keegan, Conner, Garion, Stewy and Bart - but hey this is our golden moment not theirs!

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localnews local

Western News 3 March 2017 Issue 29

Good home wanted for my precious vote with TP CORY Bernadi says we need another political party and I agree totally.

I think a lot of people are sick of voting for one of the major parties who then go and make cosy little deals with fringe parties on either side of the ideological spectrum. We have Labor holding hands with The Greens and The Liberals in the throes of a fledgling romance with Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party.

What about people who don’t want either brand of politics and their extremist views thrust upon them? What if you are truly more inclined to support things down the middle with a little bit of everything from a pragmatic perspective. You may want to vote for a party which acknowledges that there needs to be growth and development in order that we have somewhere to live. Yes you should ensure this is carried out in a an environmentally sustainable way but where will we live without the housing? We can’t refute that we need healthy and educated people in our community contributing to society and that governments should recognise the importance of providing education that leads to employment and preventative health measures means less money needing to be spent

once health has deteriorated. I’m not talking about government paying for people to undertake basket weaving for pleasure. If it doesn’t lead to a job forget it. We need to take care of our service men and women more carefully as currently we are not doing a good enough job. Our retirees have already put in a full lifetime of work and efforts and are being poorly

treated by government.

What about a party that unanimously supports the marriage equality for the LGBTI community? Surely this should be a matter of course? What about a party which believes in putting infrastructure into places where it is needed and that is leading the charge to create new town centers and cities which are more than 100km from

current town centers? Governments need to see the value of decentralising government departments and offering incentives to staff and companies in the corporate world to relocate.

Bring us now to the human face of the plight of refugees. It is not ok to listen to nasty rhetoric which makes statements which are fear mongering and not true. Yes I agree that we must screen all potential refugees but we do need to figure out a far more humane way to deal with people who feel as though fleeing their country is their only option. The party would probably also ensure that all vulnerable people are protected. This group would include, children, elderly, disabled, people who are victims of domestic violence.

So if you hear of anyone who is setting up a party which supports people who want to work hard and make money, people who want to build houses to live in areas which mean we can work near home and one which supports vulnerable people in our community and one which means education and health are at the top of their agenda then sign me up!!

Opinion: We need a fresh approach to election funding

By Bart Bassett

POLITICAL donations in NSW has again become headline grabbing in the last few weeks.

Political donations is such a difficult area to comprehend that is it any wonder the mainstream media get so excited about trying to bring down politicians regarding donations? My question is why is it that certain media and even the Liberal/National Party never seem to shine the blowtorch on Labor in this area of donations and alleged access for donors?

Let’s point out the obvious and that is the Labor Party funds a huge amount of their election campaign expenses through Union donations.

Union officials seem to have an open door policy to Labor shadow ministers and MPs, so why hasn’t there been any concerted effort at highlighting donations/union fees or any other contributions from developers that go toward the Union movement and in turn support the Labor Party during election campaigns?

I find it so hypocritical that Labor want to point the finger at the Liberal Party and call for ministerial diaries to be released and question anything to do with donations toward the Liberal Party but they remain very coy when it comes to diaries of their own members.

In addition, when you consider that so many Labor parliamentarians come

from the Union ranks how can the issue of donations and access through the Union movement continue to be swept under the carpet?

If the public want a political system that doesn’t require donations to politicians and political parties and to ensure the ever increasing cost of election campaigns is kept in check, then a serious public debate needs to be had on full public funding and no donations from anyone including Unions. However in Australia it now seems impossible to have any serious debate regarding reform in any area as it is a case of ongoing internal Party warfare on all sides. There’s also personal vilification and attack from our politicians toward each other with the sole aim of destabilisation and having people removed from their position in an attempt to win at the next election and the whole cycle continues in a never ending downward spiral.

Australian politics including at the State level has become so focussed on the political class attacking each other whilst the poor everyday punter trying to make ends meet is forgotten in the daily political melee, which has become more like a second rate sitcom than serious policy debate for the good of our long-term future. Total despair comes to mind, bring on the revolution! I forgot, the revolution is here and it comes in the name of micro parties like One Nation.

2016 Fed election advertising spend reported by ABC News Source: Ebiquity

E N T E R T A I N M E N T “IF it wasn’t for suffering from anxiety and stress, I may never have started Connections Fairs. Over the years’ anxiety was quite debilitating and I had to find a way to alleviate it. I chose to learn to meditate and I have never looked back”, says Cheryl Cattarin, the event organiser. With a background in natural therapies, Cheryl created Connections fairs because she is well aware of how anxiety, stress, grief, sadness, despair, depression, etc can hold people back from fulfilling their goals and dreams and she wanted to provide opportunities for people to experience another way of dealing with life…a more positive way.

“There are some amazing natural therapies available for people to experience and learn from. By learning new skills, we can bring more hope, happiness and wellbeing into our lives. In the daily struggle to stay on top of things, most people are in survival mode”, she says. “What we do with the fairs is provide a nurturing environment where people can learn to meditate, change negative thinking to positive thinking, learn how to achieve their goals and connect with likeminded’, she says.

There are pampering modalities too, like reflexology and energy healing

Western News 3 March 2017 Issue 29

How stress and anxiety led me to create Connections Fairs

Sunday 2nd April

treatments. Or if you have loved ones that have passed, then listening to the mediums on stage or getting a reading may be one way to connect with your loved ones and reduce grief.

It’s a full day’s event with wellness workshops throughout the day and psychics on stage. Florence King, one of Australia’s most popular psychic mediums, as seen on the ABC program “Psychics in the Suburbs”, will be appearing on stage at 1:30pm. With over 30 booths to browse selling new age wares and many tarot readers its worth keeping the whole day available.

More information and tickets at: www.ntgf.com.au

Secretdebate

CUTS TO PENALTY RATES - A NECESSARY EVIL OR JUST PLAIN EVIL?

He Says.................................. ..................She Says Let me say that I don’t believe in cutting wages for anyone, especially when the philosophy behind it is totally flawed.

Have a look at the arguments for: 1. It will make business more competitive Competitive with who, if every hospitality business has the same wage liability then they are already competitive?

2. It will provide more jobs On what basis? Employers employ people to assist in running the business. Cheaper wages won’t encourage more employment than necessary to run the show. The next step in that argument is to reduce everyone’s wages. Theoretically if we all took a 10% pay cut we could find jobs for another 10% of people and wipe out unemployment. Does any one really believe that or would it simply mean employers make more profits?

3. More businesses will trade on Sundays Business will trade Sunday if they can make money out of it. If a business relies on a reduction of wages of say $100 for the day, then they have bigger problems, no one these days can trade for 10-12 hours on a $100 margin.That’s not taking into account the surcharge that applies for these days. Will that be reduced, not likely?

4. It will boost the economy Let’s say there are 30,000 people working in hospitality that will lose $30 per week.

That’s 30,000 times $30 or $900,000 per week.

That is about $50 million per year they can no longer spend. How does that equate to economic benefit?

This whole wage reduction argument is based on ideology not facts.

It is a sham and let’s be honest it is just the thin end of the wedge, so look out all.

The next step is to pull wages back to be competitive with cheap East Asian labour. I am sure that landlords and banks would be more than happy to reduce rents and loans to account for any reduction in wages in order to help Australia’s economy, I am also sure that pigs can fly.

WIN!

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A REALLY important ingedient to having a robust economy is in stimulating the growth of small buiness.

Most small businesses don’t take off immediately. It takes time and money to grow them, and growth means jobs.

If we don’t have attractive conditions for people to take the leap of faith and try their hand at creating a business, we will have less people willing to take the many risks one has to take to enter into what is often an unknown territory to them.

And if we don’t encourage the risk-takers, we rob ourselves of the much-needed jobs that they will ultimately provide.

As our population rises, jobs in private enterprise are paramount to making it all work. What other options are there, we all work for the government?

On top of that, like it or not we’ve moved into more of a 24/7 cycle. Many retailers are now open seven days a week and I challenge anyone to say that it isn’t convenient.

And it actually suits a lot of people to work weekends, why should they receive pay at double and a half times anyone else? The argument that kids get ripped off is silly.

They go to school, if there weren’t jobs available outside of studying hours they wouldn’t be able to work at all.

The luxury times of snagging a job paying a packet for working on the days that nodoby else does are gone. Times have changed, there’s no such thing as non-work days in many industries of today.

Imagine me taking the progressive line! You read it right here, it is time to move with the times on this one.

Who do you agree with? Send your vote to nepeannews@aol.com for a chance to win a table for 4 at the Major Oak Theatre Restaurant including dinner and show.

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Western News 3 March 2017 Issue 29

Country escapes and city celebrations

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

26

By Brooke Boyce

SOLUTION: 20th January

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

WHETHER you’re looking to get out of the city to let off some steam, or hit the heart of it (where all that glitters is truly gold) – this weekend has something for everyone.

For a trip to the country, and back in time, head south of the city to the picturesque Highlands for the Thirlmere Festival of Steam. Running over Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March, the festival spills out from the Trainworks to nearby locations in Thirlmere village.

Think vintage car displays, steam train talks, model train exhibits, steam train art displays, and a photography event in the evening to capture the locomotives under the stars. There will also be market stall (including Wollondilly fresh produce), and Memorial Park will be host to Music in the Park, so bring a picnic blanket and make the most of a full day out.

For the kids, catch the street parade at 1pm, and join in on one of the many steam train workshops, activities and mini train rides.

Don’t miss out on a 50-minute ride on one of the two steam locomotives

operating along the original Thirlmere Heritage Railway to Buxton or Picton. Steam train rides will depart frequently.

This is a paid event, but combo tickets are available – Trainworks entry and train rides are $25 for adults, $20 for concessions and $15 for children.

And as for glitter? Hit the heart of the city this Saturday night to celebrate Mardi Gras. Book a table at a restaurant on Oxford Street to watch the world-famous parade pass by.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Law enforcement assistants (8) 5 Evaluate (6) 9 Dimmed (8) 10 Coiffure (6) 12 Draw out (5) 13 Hindrances (9) 14 Main course (6) 16 Savior (7) 19 When the moon blocks all sunlight (7) 21 Expel (6) 23 Bizarre (9) 25 Forest god (5) 26 An introductory section to a story (2 words) (6) 27 Found on roofs (8) 28 Harm to property (6) 29 Baffle (8)

solution 17/2/17

DOWN 1 Avoid (6) 2 Employees (9) 3 Not those (5) 4 Something very ugly (7) 6 Swordsman (9) 7 Enlist (5) 8 Financial supporters (8) 11 Utilizer (4) 15 Atoning (9) 17 Fazed (9) 18 Revolted (8) 20 Beige (4) 21 Excavator (7) 22 Found on most pencils (6) 24 Assertion (5) 25 The mountain of the Ten Commandments (5)

westernhistory western

28 Western News 3 March 2017 Issue 29

DOWER, John

(Alias Donell, Doner, Dowds) Hazel Magann OAM

J

OHN Dower a labourer, at the age of 21 years was tried at the Waterford Summer Assizes City Court Ireland in 1820. He was indicted for highway robbery found guilty and sentenced to transportation for life. He arrived in Australia.on the Lord Sidmouth (2) on the 19th February 1821 from Cork, Ireland.

Transcription of Trial: ……….WATERFORD SUMMER ASSIZES CITY COURT Tuesday – Sergeant BURTON, who came down in consequence of the illness of BARON GEORGE presided in this Court.

Martin Dower and John Dower (brothers) were next put to their trial, for feloniously assaulting and robbing Michael Fitzgerald and Thomas Fitzgerald, on the 30th December last, on the Turnpike rod, within one mile and a half of this City.

The first witness was Michael Bryan (an approver) who swore, that he knew the prisoners, whom he identified. He said that he saw them about Christmas last in the Town of Carrick; that shortly afterwards he came to this town, to endeavour to get work, and met the prisoners here; that the prisoners, two other men, and himself agreed “to go on the road to rob”. He said there was no plan to rob any particular person, “but any one that came that way”; the prisoners were armed with pistols. They went to the road about seven or eight o’clock in the evening, and met with two men riding one horse. He said the prisoner, Martin Dower, and another of their party, both of who were armed with pistols, stopped the horse, and desired the riders “to deliver up all they had”; upon which one of the riders, a young man, jumped down off the horse, and the other rider, was an old man, and father to the young man, was thrown off by one of the party. He said that they took from them their coats and hats, together with the horse, saddle and bridle; that three of the party returned to Waterford; and that Martin Dower, one of the prisoners, and another of the party, went on with the horse towards Carrick, where they all agree to meet on the following morning. He said that they did meet accordingly, and that Dower said he had left the horse at his liberty near Portlaw, and had lodge the bridle and saddle at a friend’s house in Carrick-beg. He said that he did not lodge informations until he was taken up, which did not occur for three months after the robbery; did not know the names of the men who were robbed.

The prisoners had no counsel, and consequently had no benefit that might be derived from a cross-examination.

Thomas Fitzgerald was the next witness sworn. He said that on the evening of the 30th December last, between 7 and 8 o’clock, he

N E PE A N HIST RY ONLY

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and his father, Michael Fitzgerald, were on their way home from this City, were stopped by four or five men; could not positively say to the number. He said that they were both riding on one horse; that, on their being stopped, he jumped off the horse, upon which one of the party presented a pistol, and desired him to give up his coat and hat; they also took his father’s coat and hat, and they the horse they rode; he said they used no threatening language; merely desired them to give up the articles which they demanded. He said they rubbed their hands outside of his father’s pockets to feel if he had got any money, but took none; that he saw but one pistol; he said the horse returned home the next morning; that a short afterwards he got the saddle at the Mayor’s Office; that he could not swear that either of the prisoners were of the party.

He was then asked by one of the prisoners, if he had not known him before, to which he answered that he did know him, some years ago, in the service of Mr. Sullevan, of Ballyleggat; and admitted that, if the prisoner was one of the party, from his previous knowledge of him, he would probably have known him.

Richard Phelan swore that he knew the prisoners; that about Christmas last, rather late at night, when he was in bed, the prisoner, Martin Dower, came to his house, at Carrickbeg, carrying a saddle; that he asked Dower where it came from, at the same time remaking it was late to be out. Dower answered that he came from Waterford. He said that Dower worked for him for some time, that he was in his (witness’s) debt 6s., and that he told Dower he would keep the saddle until he should pay off the debt; shortly afterwards the saddle was demanded by Mr Wright, High Constable, and given to him by witness.

The prisoner called no witnesses. After a short deliberation, the Jury found a verdict of Guilty. Sentence of Death was passed on both the prisoners. The humane Judge said that, partly in consideration of their time of life – partly in consideration of their not having committed any atrocious outrage on the party robbed – and partly in consideration of no other charges existing against them, he should recommend them to the mercy of the Crown. The time named for their Execution is the 7th of October next…….

On 2nd April 1821 John was assigned to John Campbell Esquire on his property Ardmaddy, Rooty Hill. The following year on the 7th January he applies for permission to marry Sarah Newham.

In 1825 he was sentenced to a term at Port Macquarie and was transported there per the vessel Sally. John is back in the employ of Campbell from April 1822 until June 1823 the next we hear of John is on the 17th March 1825 when he fails to attend Muster. By 1828 he was the overseer’s assistant on Iron Gang–10 in the District of Melville.

Would you like to read about the history of the Nepean?

Now you can purchase a LIMITED EDITION book featuring our history pages and more for just $10 plus postage and handling.

Help keep our history preserved by purchasing your copy. ORDER NOW!

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Female team puts in a giant performance

THE roar of thunder was heard last Saturday as the Greater Western Sydney Giants marked a page in the history books alongside 4,000 spectators at Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney.

The Giants played their first home game in Round 3 against Fremantle as part of the historic 2017 Women’s AFL competition and, in a nail biting finish, the teams drew at 43 points all.

Blacktown Mayor, Councillor Stephen Bali was ecstatic with the turn out, “It was great to see so many residents from Blacktown turn out to show their support for NSW/ACT’s only professional female AFL side.

“The 2017 NAB Women’s AFL competition marks a new and exciting era in Aussie Rules Football,” he said.

“We are so proud the GWS Giants Women’s team have chosen

Blacktown as their home.

“It was a fantastic family day out, and I hope the next game on Friday 3 March can be bigger and better!”

The Women’s Giants will return to the Sportspark on Friday 3 March 2017 to take on Melbourne FC, before the GWS men’s team boys take on the Sydney Swans at 7.40pm.

“Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney has hosted many

great AFL events and I cannot wait to see the first Sydney Derby game for 2017 in Blacktown!” said Mayor Bali.

There will be plenty of activities for the kids, including fan zones, Auskick Clinics and kick to kick after the game.

Tickets are now on sale from Ticketmaster, starting from just $5 for children and $20 for adults.

realestate real

ALEX SONCINI

STAMP DUTY PROVES A SIGNIFICANT COST BARRIER FOR SYDNEY HOUSING MARKET. SHOULD IT BE SCRAPPED?

HIGHER priced properties in Sydney is not the only obstacle stopping people from entering the property market.

Varying from state to state, another factor contributing to the high entry cost to housing is Stamp Duty, particularly in Sydney. Stamp Duty is levied by each state and payable by the purchaser when a property is transferred. Based on the median dwelling value across each capital city, stamp duty estimates can range from a high of $32,680 in Melbourne, $31,763 and to a lesser amount of $9,000 in Brisbane.

Median dwelling values vary per state as shown by data compiled by Core Logic with Brisbane $470,000, Canberra $568,000, Darwin $465,000, Hobart $343,500, Perth $482,000, Adelaide $415,000, Melbourne $600,000 and Sydney $800,000.

Stamp duty costs are calculated as a percentage based on sale price and as dwelling values move higher, stamp duty costs can rise disproportionately faster due to bracket creep. Over the past five years dwelling values in Sydney have increased significantly with a significant similar rise in stamp duty costs.

The high transactional costs associated with housing are likely to be one factor that is contributing to first home buyers not being able to get into the market and

To get a better understanding contact to Alex a slowdown in some areas across the state.

While stamp duty is generally the largest Soncini at Wealthwiz for a free home loan review on transactional cost associated with buying a property, 0419 600 177 or email at alex.soncini@wealthwiz. there are other costs such as building and pest com.au.

Home Loan Deals contact to Alex Soncini 0419 inspections, conveyancing, removalists and more that also need to be factored in and are likely to be 600 177. diminishing participation in the housing market.

A factor which cannot be dismissed is changing lending requirements with many lenders requiring increased deposit amounts variable rate# comparison rate^ 3 year fixed rate* comparison rate^ where 20% deposit being a substantial sum to save.

Buying a property is certainly not as variable rate˜ comparison rate^ 3 year fixed rate** comparison rate^ difficult as it used and needing the large sum of funds for the extra costs can be difficult to save DISCLAIMER Bank Ltd ABN 40 087 652 060. Australian Credit Licence 239686 is the credit issuer. Approval or raise. There are options such as family guarantee Auswide is subject to meeting our credit assessment criteria. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Prior to entering into a credit contract with us you should read our Credit Guide. #This offer represents a special or using existing equity in your home to purchase ‘life-of-loan’ discount of 1.54% off the applicable standard variable rate. *This offer represents a special discount of 0.55% off the applicable standard fixed rate - upon expiry of the fixed term, unless refixed, another property. the rate reverts to a discount variable rate determined by the applicable tier of the Freedom Package at Wealthwiz Wealth management can review your the time of settlement. These offers are not available for investment purchases or interest only payments. ~This offer represents a special ‘life-of-loan’ discount of 1.73% off the applicable standard variable rate. situation to assist you purchasing a property and **This offer represents a special discount of 0.24% off the applicable standard fixed rate - upon expiry of fixed term, unless refixed, the rate reverts to a discount variable rate determined by the applicable tier guide you through the entire loan process. We do the of the Freedom Package at the time of settlement. These offers are available for investment purchases including interest only payments. All offers apply to a new ‘Home Loan Plus’ with Freedom Package of all the work for you, for example, deal directly with $150,000 or more. Offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not available for existing loans, with an LVR over 90%, construction loans or loan ‘pre-approvals’. An annual Package Fee applies. other banks to discharge a mortgage and we have the loans +Break costs may apply. ^Comparison Rate is based on a secure loan of $150,000 or more over 25 years.

This comparison rate applies only to the example given. Different amounts and terms will result expertise to handle all your financial needs, not just WARNING: in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees and cost savings such as fee waivers are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. your mortgage.

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

29 Western News 3 March 2017 Issue 29

sport

30 Western News 3 March 2017 Issue 29

MY WORDS WITH MARK GEYER

PANTHERS HEADING FOR MORE GLORY IN 2017 OK here we go!! The NRL is back baby, and boy isn’t this ex Panther one happy chappy.

Even more giddy for the fact I think the mighty mountain men are in for one hell of a season. Not only will there be jockeying for playing positions given the depth that now abundantly exists, there’s also that carrot dangling to finish higher than the 5th spot they finished 2016 on.

A quick peruse of the 2017 suggests the Panthers starting 17 will be one very impressive outfit. Just look for yourself. There’s Moylan, Hiku and Whare (welcome back boys) Peachey, Blake, Martin, Cleary, Watene-Zelezniak, and injured Mansour all hoping to fill jerseys 1-7. Then there’s the forwards depth.

Merrin, Cartwright, Latu, Gillard, Yeo, Wallace, Fisher-Harris, Leota, and new recruits Tamou, Rein and big Tim Browne to throw into the mix.

Boy! Nice headache for coach Griffin to have picking a starting forward pack out of that lot. There’s also young guns breathing down the neck of their more favoured colleagues which creates a fantastic playing environment.

NSW Cup coach Garth Brennan, who himself will one day be a first grade coach, has the job of nurturing the next brigade of Panther, a job he more than excels at. With that its time for some fearless predictions. Let’s see where I think every club will finish as we dive head first into one of the most eagerly anticipated seasons I can remember. I’ll start from the bottom and work my way up.

16th - Knights. Still in a rebuilding phase that won’t see them enjoy any real success for another season or two.

15th - Dragons. You get the feeling things have to go horribly bad before they can come good for the Dragons. 15th is probably that point.

14th - Tigers. The uncertainty surrounding their four best players will affect them, as will the daily

Panthers heading for more glory in 2017

saga of their coaches plight.

13th - Manly. Although they have two of my favourite players in the comp, the Trbojevic brothers, you need more than that to win footy games.

12th - Eels. Don’t know why I have them so lowly ranked, just can’t get excited about their 2017 chances.

11th - Bulldogs. Again, very much like the Eels, but I think the Dogs inability to score points will ultimately hurt them.

10th - Broncos. Think they’ll miss Corey Parker more than any club will miss an individual player.

No top 8 this year for Wayne’s men.

9th - Rabbitohs. Although this is an improvement from last year I still think they’re an outside back short.

8th - Warriors. I think the Warriors will limp into the 8, after that anythings possible.

7th - Titans. Look for their halves and prop Ryan James to steer them into semi action. Oh, and a bloke called Hayne.

Only one of these men will be smiling come October

6th - Roosters. Based on last years standings (15th) I have the Roosters as my big improvers for this season.

5th - Canberra. Along with Penrith my favourite team to watch last year. And how goods the Viking Clap??

4th - Sharks. Will be interesting to see how they cope now being the hunted instead of the hunters.

3rd - Cowboys. Any team with J Thurston in it has to be considered for glory.

2nd - Panthers. Yep that’s right, take away my ex player badge I think the Panthers will make this seasons grand final.

1st - Melbourne. And the team the Panthers will play is the juggernaut known as the Melbourne Storm!!

There you go, what do you think? Hope I’m right.

Go the Panthers. See you at the game...

MG (random Westie) OAM

Wanderers chance of progression in ACL looking slim

By Conner Lowe

THE Western Sydney Wanderers chances of progression through to the knockout stages of the Asian Champions League campaign already look slim after their opening two games.

The Wanderers have scored one goal and conceded nine in their opening two games against Shanghai SIPG and Urawa Red Diamonds.

The Wanderers schedule wasn’t favourable with an away game at Perth on Saturday and travelling to play in China on Tuesday. Tony Popovic was forced to rotate the squad and starting line-up due to fatigue and injury from Saturday night’s game.

The Wanderers are yet to get going this season with poor form in the Hyundai A-League and a poor start to the ACL. The Wanderers currently sit 6th on the A-League ladder and in finals contention but with the ACL adding fixtures to their schedule and only six games left of the A-League season the Wanderers may struggle to stay within the top six.

Pre-match Tony Popovic, Head coach of the Western Sydney Wanderers spoke about how

important it is to play in the Asian Champions League and competing well in the A-League.

“Firstly, we take importance in the Champions League and also our domestic competition is very important because if you have success in the domestic competition you then have the opportunity of playing in the Champions League,” he said.

“We’ve won the Champions League with a lot of spirit, a lot of belief, a lot of togetherness and we have some very good players.

“We’re delighted to be here once again in the Champions League. We’re past winners and it’s our third time playing in the Champions League,” he continued.

The Wanderers still have four games left in the group stage and if they have any hope of progression into the next stage of the tournament they will need to win in Korea on match day three of the ACL against FC Seoul who are also winless in the group.

The Wanderers now will look ahead to their next game against Adelaide United who are currently sitting bottom of the ladder in the A-League. The Wanderers are yet to win a game at Spotless Stadium this year and are looking to move past their 5-1 defeat against Shanghai SIPG and get back to winning ways.

sport

Western News 3 March 2017 Issue 29

Patton re-signs with Giants

By Conner Lowe

KEY forward Jon Patton has recommitted to the GWS Giants, signing a contract extension through to the end of 2020.

Patton’s signature comes hot on the heels of the re-signing of key defender Adam Tomlinson and attacking backman Zac Williams.

After being the Giants’ first-ever draft selection in 2011, Patton is heading into the 2017 season coming off a career-best year which saw him play 23 games and kick 38 goals.

Patton said he was keen to reward the faith shown in him following two knee reconstructions early in his career.

“The club stuck by me when I was struggling with injuries and now I’m really happy to put pen to paper on a long-term deal to stay at the club,” Patton said.

“Our playing group is building something special and I believe we’re heading in the right direction.

“I love living in Sydney, this is my home, and I love representing the Giants.”

The 23-year-old has re-signed for an additional three years after the 2017 season, meaning he’ll be 27 by the time his new contract ends.

Wayne Campbell, GWS Giants General Manager of Football said it was another exciting signing for the club after Patton’s best season yet.

“Jon is an important member of our team and a very popular member of our playing group,” he said.

“He’s coming off his most consistent season in his career and is working hard to become the best player he can be.

“We’re thrilled he wants to remain a Giant longterm and are excited to see what he’ll produce on-

31

field in 2017 and beyond.”

Patton’s re-signing comes on another milestone day for the club as WestConnex was announced as a foundation community partner as part of the Giants Care program, with the Giants Training and Administration base at Sydney Olympic Park being re-named the WestConnex Centre.

CelebrityTIPSTERS

ROUND UND CRO BUL SOU STG NQC GCT NZW MAN SYD NZW BRI NEW MAN CAN WES STG

1& 2

BRI MEL WES PAN CAN SYD NEW PAR BUL MEL NQC GCT SOU CRO PAN PAR

Mar 2 8.05pm

Mar 3 6.00pm

Mar 3 8.05pm

Mar 4 4.30pm

Mar 4 7.00pm

Mar 4 9.00pm

Mar 5 2.00pm

Mar 5 4.00pm

Mar 9 8.05pm

Mar 10 6.00pm

Mar 10 8.05pm

Mar 11 3.00pm

Mar 11 5.30pm

Mar 11 7.30pm

Mar 12 4.00pm

Mar 12 6.30pm

SCORE

Clr Stephen Bali Mayor - Blacktown City Council

0 Matthew Bennett - Bennett Western Sydney

0 Alex Soncini - WealthWiz Wealth Management

0 Paul Maher - Loxley on Bellbird

0 Troy - Urban City Consulting

0 Barry Locock - Turtle Landscape Supplies

0 Kimberley Talbot - CEO Richmond Club

0

Western NEWS Friday, 3 March 2017

sport

Blacktown farewells local champion of football BLACKTOWN City said goodbye to a champion of Football last night, as Jack Taylor, CEO of Blacktown Districts Soccer Football Association (BDSFA) hung up his boots after 38 years of service.

Jack started his football journey in 1979 at what was then Bidwill Soccer Club in the Mount Druitt area. From there he moved to Doonside Hawks Soccer Club.

In 1987, during his time as Doonside Secretary, Jack was elected to the role of Secretary of the Blacktown & District Soccer Football Association (BDSFA) in 1987.

While his title changed in 2007 to Executive Director, Jack has managed the operations of the Association for the past 30 years.

“Blacktown City and the wider football community have been left with big boots to fill. Jack Taylor served with integrity and honesty. He always put the sport first and this allowed BDSFA to grow to a fierce 10,000 player and 23 club strong association under his watch” said Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali.

“Jack’s legacy to the Blacktown Association and the community is the Blacktown Football Park – a first class home for BDSFA.” “Jack worked with Council and State Governments on his vision for a new home for the Association for many years before the State Government granted the BDSFA $5 million towards their new home”.

This grant, along with money raised by players of

the district over many years, enabled Council and BDSFA to make Blacktown Football Park a reality in 2010”.

Jack received a Football NSW State Award in 1995 and life membership of the BDSFA in 1997.

In 2017 he was recognized for his service to sport at the Blacktown City Sports Awards, receiving the Mayoral Shield.

Under Jack’s leadership, BDSFA led the way in governance, participation and safety.

The BDSFA was first to embrace defibrillators at

their venues, and focus on equal female participation in his club. Jack brought the model constitution issued by the NSW Government to BDSFA and encouraged all clubs to adopt a similar version for themselves, an idea the clubs embraced.

Jack was the driving force behind BDSFA’s impressive child-safe culture and compliance with the NSW Working with Children Check.

For more information, visit www.blacktownsportspark.com.au or contact BDSFA on 9675 1211.