Westernnews 4august2017

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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Friday, 4 August 2017

ISSUE 40

Check out our website www.wsnewsgroup.com

And they’re off!

Our local kids had a great time competing in the running festival last weekend. More inside.

How do you want your friends to remember you?

With a prepaid funeral, just the way you are.

Not only will prepaying and preplanning your funeral protect your loved ones financially and emotionally, it also ensures that it’ll be representative of the life you’ve lived; that all the details will be tasteful, just the way you like it - almost as if you were there in fact...

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Western News 4 August 2017 Issue 40

Volunteer for Daffodil Day on August 25 Cancer Council is encouraging Mount Druitt and Blacktown residents to show support for someone affected by cancer by volunteering their time on Friday, August 25 for Daffodil Day. Now in its 31st year, Daffodil Day is one of the largest fundraising events in the Southern Hemisphere and Cancer Council is calling on people to join the volunteer team.

Volunteers can help sell fresh daffodils and Cancer Council merchandise at stalls across the Blacktown and Mount Druitt areas.

Glenwood’s Linda Bunting is a Daffodil

Day volunteer team leader at Westfield Shopping Centre in Mount Druitt.

A cancer survivor, Mrs Bunting started volunteering after her mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Margaret was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989 and had a mastectomy and removal of her lymph nodes,” Ms Bunting said.

“She would have been 20 years cancer free but secondary cancer was found in her lungs.

Margaret had her lung removed in early 2012, and started chemo.

“She continued to volunteer with Cancer Council NSW and never missed a Daffodil Day. Margaret confronted her illness with her usual zest and positive attitude, never once complaining.”

Sadly, Margaret passed away in April 2015.

Linda has also had her own breast cancer scare. In November 2013, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and in January 2014 had her right breast removed.

She said Daffodil Day was an opportunity for people to get out of their comfort zone.

“It’s a feel-good thing – it’s really humbling,” she said.

The funding is immeasurable. We can’t do without it. Become involved. It’s really simple. We really need more volunteers. It’s a wonderful thing to be a part of.”

To volunteer in Blacktown, Mount Druitt or elsewhere, visitwww.daffodilday.com.au/ volunteer

 Cancer Council Volunteer Larry O’Connell (right, aged 64, St Clair) and Blacktown Cancer patient Phillip Bromham (left, age unknow, Dharruk) taken at the Cancer Council Information Service at Blacktown Cancer & Haematology Centre, Blacktown Hospital.

Community to celebrate award-winning Ponds park

 Savannah and Arryana Smith from The Ponds, Aidan and Leah Powell from Kellyville Ridge, and Darshan Redhi of Blacktown enjoy the new playground, with Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali.

A giant tree house, in-ground trampolines and a flying fox are all part of an award-winning playground set to open in The Ponds.

Blacktown City Council invites the community to celebrate the opening of the new playground and park, on Saturday, 12 August.

There will be a barbecue sausage sizzle and plenty of fun for kids including a jumping castle and face painting.

“The new park recently won the Playspace Award at the NSW/ACT Parks and Leisure Australia awards, and it’s easy to see why,” Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said.

“It is a tremendous landmark that will be here for years to come.

“Contemporary, eco-friendly and unique; children of all abilities will be able to take part in imaginary play.

“And with the on-site amenities including picnic areas and barbecues, families can now stay and play for longer.

“I am looking forward to the opening next week and hope to see lots of people there.”

Local residents, including children and parents, were consulted in the design of the play space.

Their suggestions, which included in-ground trampolines, a flying fox and a large slide, were incorporated into the design.

“By carrying out this engagement, the residents have a real sense of ownership over their park and get

 An artist’s impression of the new playground in Piddington Street, The Ponds.

to have the experiences they want,” Mayor Bali said.

“The final design provides spaces for our existing and incoming residents to get to know each other, and we look forward to seeing our community enjoy this award winning new park.”

Blacktown mother of three, Julie Redhi, said she loved how the playground catered for children of all ages.

“This playground has a lot of diversity: there’s the toddler area and play equipment for older kids, which is a bonus when you’re on a family day out,” Mrs Redhi said.

“I’ve been to a lot of playgrounds in the area and this is one of the best. I’ll definitely be coming back here.”

Mayor Bali said Council would call on the community to help name the new park, which is located in the award-winning suburb of The Ponds, close to the new Cudgegong metro station, schools and community facilities.

The playground is the latest addition to the booming suburb, with Council currently developing a 74 lot subdivision close to the park.

The first 11 lots will be auctioned on 12 August by Abode Agents, Kellyville.

“Council is proud to offer the newly developed land in The Ponds to the market,” said Mayor Bali.

“We are proud to contribute to the housing supply by releasing ready to build developed land.”

Seven Hills chef tastes success!

A Seven Hills chef has had his cooking skills recognised in Australia’s longest running culinary competition for young chefs. Harsh Budhwar (aged 19), an apprentice chef at Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney went hat to hat at the TAFE NSW (Ryde Campus) in the 2017 Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award and took home a gold medal.

One of eleven heats across the country, the NSW cook-off saw 15 teams step up to the plate, going all out to deliver their best dishes on the day to be judged against nationally recognised culinary standards.

Harsh (and teammate Patricia Dominic Dacayo) created a twocourse menu of pan seared lamb strip loin with leek and rosemary ash, marble puree potato and carrot, onion petals and pickled mushroom, green beans, capsicum and red wine jus for their main and a vanilla and strawberry mousse in a chocolate sphere with orange sweet polenta cake, mint jelly, pistachio soil, lemon chantilly cream, mint sauce and textures of strawberries for their dessert course.

Harsh, who entered the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award to see how he would stack up against other young chefs, said, “I’ve never done anything

like this before. I wanted to try this competition so I could put my skills to the test against other young chefs.”

Executive Chef at Nestlé Professional, Mark Clayton says, “Taking part in the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award makes you push yourself to the next level. Competing is vital to the professional development of young chefs, you learn so much from this type of experience.

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Putting yourself up to be judged on your culinary talent is tough, but this is ultimately how you hone your skills and build your networks.”

The Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award has been running for 52 years and is Australia’s longest running culinary competition for young chefs. 2017 has seen more chefs enter across the country than ever before, with this year’s finalists set to go on to be some of the industry’s brightest talents.

The winning team from the NSW heat, Tyler Khor and Davy Dai, have secured themselves an all expenses paid trip to the National Final in Sydney this September, where they will battle it out in front of a live audience in purpose built kitchens at Fine Food Australia. This year’s national winning team will be awarded a once in a lifetime culinary trip to Vietnam.

Follow the action at facebook.com/goldenchefs

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

4 Western News 4 August 2017 Issue 40

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Prospect

From the Editor’s Desk

by Kerrie Davies I AM not a fan of reality TV. I’d rather stick a fork in my eye than sit through an episode of The Bachelor.

Group dates, rose ceremonies and the concept that a bunch of beautiful women would all fall head over heels in love with the same man does my head in and watching the atrocious over-acting from “real” people makes my eyes bleed.

But I am sometimes drawn - in small doses - to reality shows like RBT. At least the people who find themselves cast in this show are a little bit more real as there’s no carrot dangling before them representing stardom.

Nonetheless, I still find myself exasperated at times while watching.

Recent episodes have featured people pulled over for various reasons, who then unleash a tirade of verbal abuse at the police officers.

When did this become okay?

On the few times I’ve been pulled over I can tell you my short dialogue has always featured words like “yes sir” and “no officer”. I’ve apologised when I’ve been in the wrong, and I’ve even thanked them at the end for pulling me over. Why? Because community safety hinges on our police ensuring that drivers do the right thing. And because I was brought up to respect authority, so I ensure that my words show that.

Sadly, if you watch RBT you’ll see some drivers who think it is perfectly reasonable to call the police pr..ks, dogs and pigs - and that’s just what you can hear amidst a string of beeps covering up harsher expletives. They unleash their rage because they got caught doing the wrong thing - but can’t own it. Everything must always be somebody else’s fault, right?

How is there not a penalty for this level of disrespect?

And what is worse, they quite often have children in their cars, setting a mighty fine example.

I’d like to see the police fire back at these arrogant jerks. They should be able to say “Here’s a hefty fine for you, a hundred dollars for each disrespectful word that just came out of your mouth. You’re a tosser and your kids deserve better. Thank you, enjoy your day.”

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

Missing Persons Week

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New statistics show teenagers between the ages of 13 and 15 are reported missing to NSW Police more than any other age group each year.

The year’s Missing Persons Week campaign ‘Still waiting for you to come home’ highlights the high number of young people who are reported missing to police each year and the impact on the family and friends.

In 2016, 13 to 15-year-olds accounted for nearly 30 per cent of the 10,909 missing person reports made to police.

So far in this year, there have been 5,790 missing persons reports, of which 49 per cent are under the age of 18.

Launching the 2017 campaign, Acting Superintendent Missing Persons Unit Commander Kristy Walters said the impact on families and friends is significant.

“For families of missing persons, not knowing if their loved one is safe is a traumatic experience that never goes away,” Acting Superintendent Walters said.

“When someone goes missing, it not

only affects their immediate family, but it can have a ripple effect on their networks and wider community.

“The detectives who work tirelessly with families to try and locate their loved ones who are still missing are also profoundly affected by their plight,” Acting Superintendent Walters said.

Acting Superintendent Walters said it’s hoped by highlighting missing person cases throughout the week will generate new information that could help bring them home.

“I encourage people to reach out and check in with your loved ones – it could be that one simple gesture that gives someone the support they need to manage their situation.” Acting Superintendent Walters said.

A simple yes could save a life “After six years of dialysis my life was on hold,” kidney recipient Carlo Muscatello said.

“Now, I’m doing things I never did before. I still think about the donor and what it meant for him to say yes.”

Mr Muscatello, from Kings Langley, received a life-saving and life-changing kidney in 2011 at Westmead Hospital’s renal transplant unit, one of only two such units in Australia.

Mr Muscatello told his story as the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) announced its support for DonateLife Week 2017, Australia’s national awareness campaign to promote organ and tissue donation.

WSLHD donation specialist nurse Monica Walker said this week is an opportunity for people to share their wishes with family.

“It’s important people understand exactly what is involved so that people can make their organ and tissue donation wish count,” she said.

“Every family member must know each other’s decision, if they are ever asked to confirm your donation wish.

“Registering your donation decision is important because it leaves your family in no doubt of your decision to save lives as an organ and tissue donor.”

Thanks to a new registration process, it is now faster and easier to register your donation decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR).

Monica said there are many people on lists waiting for a lifesaving organ.

“With around 1,400 Australians currently on transplant waiting lists, and a further 12,000 people on dialysis, we need to optimise every donation opportunity to save more lives.”

DonateLife week is led by the Organ and Tissue Authority as part of the national DonateLife campaign and supported by community events and activities across Australia.

For more information or to register your wishes: www.donatelife. gov.au

Attempted armed robbery Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was threatened at knifepoint in Sydney’s west last weekend.

About 10.30pm on Friday 28 July, police have been told a 21-year-old man was with an 18-yearold woman in a park on Cooyong Crescent, Toongabbie.

Two men approached them from behind with one holding a knife to the 21-year-old man’s neck and demanding cash.

He managed to push the knife away and ran towards Toongabbie Railway Station.

The man was not injured.

Police attached to Parramatta Local Area Command are investigating and urge anyone with information to come forward.

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By Keegan Thomson

A young man from Hassall Grove has proved why you should always check your lotto ticket after he found out he was unknowingly holding a million dollar ticket in his wallet for over a week.

The unsuspecting winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he was alerted to the unclaimed prize money after a friend shared a post on social media saying the winning ticket was purchased from Hassall Grove Newsagency.

“I saw on Facebook someone shared that someone had won with a Hassall Grove entry but hadn’t claimed it and that they’re looking for them. I thought I’d check my ticket,” the winner said.

“I googled the numbers on my phone. I couldn’t believe it. It was just in my wallet all week, lucky I didn’t lose it,” he said.

It seems the ticket was destined to be a winner, with the lucky bloke saying he used family birthdates as the special numbers he picked out to be winners.

The lucky western Sydney local is a regular ticket buyer and said he has been using the same set of numbers

to mark his entries for the past four years.

“They’re birthdates and things like that,” he said.

“The biggest I’ve won with those numbers until now is $1,200.”

The man confessed he didn’t know how he would spend his windfall, but said it would make a huge difference to him and his family.

The winning ticket was purchased from Hassall Grove Newsagency with

the owner Elias Barjel saying he was thrilled the mystery had been solved and the winner was eventually united with their prize.

“This is the first division one winning entry we’ve sold since taking over the store in September 2015,” Mr Barjel said.

“We’ve had a big sign up and balloons in the outlet to let all of our customers know,” he said.

Mr Barjel said he is now offering a

word of advice to all of his customers who buy lottery tickets.

“We’ve been encouraging them all to check their tickets,” he said.

All up Mr Berjel is more than happy about the fact that the winner of the ticket is a local and said it is great to see the money going to a deserving person.

“It’s great to know it’s gone to a local and will really make a difference to them,” he said.

WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

Western News 4 August 2017 Issue 40

Hassall Grove local discovers he’s a millionaire

Toys

SOLUTION: 7th July

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

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The lasting impact of a trivia night

Westmead Hospital is the busiest centre for newborn care in NSW. Nearly 6000 babies are born at the hospital each year and of those, around 1600 will require specialist care in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

On May 6, 2016, Noah was born at Norwest Private Hospital.

Unfortunately he was not breathing when he came into the world and the doctors and nursing staff spent over 3 hours trying to stablise him. Noah was then rushed to NICU at Westmead Hospital where the close relationship between the Dogao family and the team of doctors and nurses began.

Little did Chris and Ann-Maree Dogao know that they would be

spending the first 10 weeks of Noah’s life in NICU, where the team worked tirelessly caring for him 24 hours a day.

“We can never thank the NICU team enough not only for the care they gave to Noah, but also the support they gave us as parents,” said Noah’s father, Chris Dogao.

In April this year, the Dogao Family generously hosted a trivia night to raise money for NICU, which will now go towards refurbishing the parents room in the ward.

The community of mothers and families of critically ill newborns spend days, weeks and even months in the Unit, and they require a relaxing and calming environment to have

a rest during the time spent at the Hospital while their little ones are being treated and cared for.

These mothers, quite often have to wait many days before being able to hold their babies in their arms for the first time so support from their partners and loved ones makes a huge difference to them. For this reason, siblings and fathers of the newborns are allowed to visit 24/7, and having an inviting area that feels warm and homely during their visits is something that the NICU team want to be able to offer.

There is an existing parents room in NICU, however despite the room being clean and tidy, it is now worn out and does not provide the

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comfort that the NICU team would like to offer to the mothers and their families.

Thanks to the Dogao family hosting this fantastic event that raised $13, 666, Westmead Medical Research Foundation is funding the refurbishment of the room where parents and families like Noah’s spend so much of their time, while the little ones are given the best possible care.

Just imagine how much more they can do with the generous support of the community.

If you would like to find out more on how to support projects such as this, please contact Marlene Nasr, Events Manager on 1800 639 037 or visit wmrf.org.au

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Western News 4 August 2017 Issue 40

Three vehicles hit A man will appear in court next month after being charged with drink driving and allegedly hitting three vehicles at Blacktown last week.

About 2.15pm on Thursday 27 July 2017, a 44-year-old man was driving a black Jeep Cherokee on St Martins Crescent.

Police will allege that as he drove west through a car park he struck two stationary vehicles and continued in a southerly direction.

The man allegedly drove through a hedge garden, off a metre high retaining wall and eventually came to a stop after he allegedly struck a third vehicle.

Emergency services were called and located the driver nearby where police will allege he provided a positive breath test.

The man was arrested and conveyed to Blacktown Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis returning a reading of 0.326.

The man was charged with high range PCA and his licence was suspended.

He was granted bail to appear at Blacktown Local Court on Friday 18 August 2017.

Palliative Care for western Sydney

By Keegan Thomson

As part of last month’s NSW state budget, the NSW Government has announced $100 million in additional funding over the next four years in palliative care services across NSW, with $38.9 million for palliative care services in the Western Sydney region.

“I am delighted to announce that with this funding commitment, the NSW Government has been able to partner with palliative care provider Silver Chain Group to deliver a community-based palliative care service in the Western Sydney Local Health District,” said Kevin Conolly MP, Member for Riverstone.

The NSW Government recognises that the majority of patients with life-limiting illnesses want to be cared for in a home setting, rather than in hospital. Through implementing this new, flexible care approach, patients and their families in the Western Sydney region can elect to be cared for in a home setting, with access to hospices and hospitals when needed.

Silver Chain Group’s community based service will provide 24 hour, 7 day a week on-call specialist palliative care at home. This will include practical support for daily activities, support for families and carers and bereavement support. The service will focus on people in their last three months of life.

In addition to supporting the patient’s clinical needs, the service may include counselling, pastoral care and social and spiritual care for the patient and their family. It

may also include equipment needed to provide the patient with care in their own home.

“This innovative service will be provided over seven years to support more than 8,340 patients in the Western Sydney region,” said Mr Conolly.

The Silver Chain group is an established nongovernment organisation with extensive experience in delivering community-based palliative care services.

For more information go towww.health n s w. g o v. a u / s i i / p a g e s / p a l l i a t i v e - c a r e . a s p x or call the Silver Chain Contact Centre on 1300 758 566.

Secret debate

Rant hour: What CHEESES you off?

He Says.....................................................She Says People who believe they are owed a living: you aren’t, you are entitled to opportunity but you have to grab it. Unemployed and can’t get the job you want?

Take a different one until you can find the one you want.

People with jobs find it easier to get other jobs. No one begrudges supporting anyone with a hand up when they are down, that doesn’t mean they want to support you forever.

You are the the best person to help yourself.

People who incessantly cry about the bin system.

Recycle all your cartons, stop carrying on about the green bin being too big and use the thing for what it’s meant for.

Food scraps, lawn clippings or anything organic. Once you learn to do this, you will also find your red bin no longer stinks because it’s not

WIN!

meant to have organic things like food scraps in it. Simple.

How can so many people find that hard to comprehend!?

Impatience: What is it with people who can’t wait for anyone?

Drivers who move up to the next car stopped in traffic so that someone wishing to enter the traffic is blocked from doing so. Is one extra car length going to get you to where you are going any quicker?

People who jump on elevators or trains before waiting for those who want to get off. News Flash geniuses, the train or lift wont get you there any faster because you board first.

If your life is it that rushdependant, get a new one before your heart attack, or is it that you are just plain rude?

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.

People who are always victims. Everyone has issues and problems every now and then but those people who seem to thrive on being victims really give me the irrits. Break out the violin!

If all you ever do is whinge and whine about every aspect of your life, it’s probably never gonna get any better. Keep doing the same thing and sure as eggs are eggs, you’ll get the same result.

Nobody owes you happiness, self-worth or riches - not even the government. Quit moaning and get out and find it yourself.

People’s facebook statuses.

Seriously! Sometimes I check my newsfeed just so I can get annoyed. I’ve broken the ones that pain me the most into three categories. The teaser: “I can’t believe that just happened” followed by 20 people asking “What?” - but no further response from the poster. Play your mind games on someone

else’s time - I don’t have time to keep checking back to see whatever insignificant thing it was - only to be disappointed that it ended up something silly. Or worse, that you never elaborate at all - and just keep everyone guessing except those privileged enough to receive a private inbox. Spare me. The awkward sharer: “I wish my boyfriend wanted to spend time with me instead of his mates. I just wish I mattered to him.” Perhaps if you spoke about those sort of things behind closed doors you’d get a decent boyfriend instead of one who is happy to have a girl who SHARES EVERYTHING ON FACEBOOK! Learn the term private information. And live it. The foody: Oh and I don’t really want to see what you had for dinner every night. I don’t get to eat it so why make me suffer?

Especially when I’m hungry, that’s just cruel.

WHO’S WINNING Religion - fact or fantasy?

HE WINS

Council catch up with Keegan Thomson DIVERSITY is a backbone of the community of Blacktown, with the sitting Council being a prime example of what diversity looks like in the greater western Sydney community.

Councillor Susai Benjamin says he is a “Sri Lankan born Aussie” who proudly represents Blacktown on the Council.

For Council Catch Up this week I caught up with Cr Benjamin to chat about why diversity in Blacktown is so important and what the Council can do to bring more growth to the region.

Ever since the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Blacktown has developed itself as one of the most competitive sporting hubs in the Sydney basin.

During the July Ordinary Council Meeting a multi-cultural team of soccer players were commended for their efforts by the Mayor.

“Sport is very good at keeping people engaged. There are a number of young people involved in unusual and anti social activities and sport can help keep these young kids engaged,” Cr Benjamin said.

These teams, no matter what code of sport, also bring people together from all walks of life and from all cultural backgrounds. It develops a sense of community, Cr Benjamin says.

“You look at any sporting team, there

 Cr Benjamin with his wife Dr Anne Benjamin (left)

are people from different cultures and areas of Blacktown who’re coming together for the reason of sport. It brings the marginalised people, the new migrants and the established people together and it builds harmony,” he said.

One topic that continues to resonate with western Sydney locals is the question of development and growth.

How can western Sydney sustain the heavily increasing population? One of the proposed solutions is the Western

Sydney Airport.

Cr Benjamin’s idea of answering the question of development in the Blacktown region includes the very timely and popular notion of “Local people with local jobs”.

“People are talking about giving local people jobs and I want to pursue that,” he said.

“Why should someone who lives in Blacktown have to go to Gosford, Wollongong or Sydney CBD for work? We need to keep the skills of

the people of Blacktown in Blacktown through some sort of incentive.

“We need to save people on travelling time so that they can spend time with their family because if you can work locally it can make a big difference on many levels,” he said.

One place that could bring local jobs to the people of Blacktown is the future Western Sydney Airport and yet Council is vehemently apposed to its development.

Cr Benjamin didn’t say if he supported the notion of jobs growth from the Western Sydney Airport but he did say that the government needs to look into other options.

“Labor and Liberal could do a little bit more on alternative arrangements,” he said.

“Why don’t we look into the fast train option, why is that off the table?”

The aim of Council Catch Up is to nut out the thoughts and goingson surrounding Council issues with different Councillors each issue of Western News. I want to take community issues to the people who’re voted into office to represent the people of western Sydney. If you have any issues you’d like covered email me keegan@nepeannews.com. au .

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Western News 4 August 2017 Issue 40

Cultural highs, culinary delights and confused tourists: Beijing’s Bonanza

By Ben Cranney

I was climbing the Great Wall at Mutianyu, Beijing. Gazing over the wall snaking over the mountains, I imagined being on guard duty, camped in minus 15, waiting for the enemy. But it wasn’t until I got to the end of the rebuilt section, where the wall turned wild, that it really captured my imagination. Snow, ice, trees and crumbling towers blocked the path. An elderly fellow sold prayer ribbons and a thousand buyers before me had tied them to a tree, where they fluttered in the wind. Walking here was magical.

There’s a fair appetite to be earnt walking the wall, and Beijing is a food

lover’s delight. The sheer variety is almost overwhelming, as is ordering in Chinese. Matching Chinese characters from the guide book with the menu seemed like a good idea, until I remembered that this was the country of calligraphy. Is that curved character the angular line of the dish I want? I ended up with some interesting things.

Some language is universal, though.

A power outage led to an almighty ‘F@&K!’ from the kitchen and smirks from the other customers and staff.

Watch the sunrise over the Forbidden City from the pagoda at Jingshan Park, before making your way past retirees dancing to 80s disco music on your way to Tiananmen

Square, where you might see military marches or 100s queuing for Mao’s Mausoleum. Head into the Forbidden City itself, where you’ll instantly feel engulfed by centuries of political intrigue as you wonder the courtyards, learning the stories of long gone people.

Visit the Drum and Bell Towers, ancient time keeping monuments, for an imposing drum performance.

Then take a rickshaw to the Tibetan Buddhist Lama Temple to see local worship. Be sure to set the price first, and even then, you might get hit with a request for a tip at the end. Mine was for being ‘too big’.

Visit the Temple of Heaven, via

the Imperial Walkway Bridge, as the Emperors did themselves, before wondering the surrounding park, full of aerobics exercisers, tai chi practitioners, 50 year olds on jungle gyms, and 70 year olds smoking cigars and playing cards. If you’re in the area at night, take in the jaw dropping acrobatics show down the road. One blind folded performer stumbled on the outside of a hamster wheel eight meters above the ground and caught himself so perfectly it wasn’t clear if it was done on purpose.

Then curl up for the night in a hotel in the hutongs, Beijing’s ancient streets, and dream of mismatched letters and imposing buildings.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE When I am in need of something, I am a great believer in asking the spirit world to help me achieve it.

For example, last week I had overcommitted myself financially. Now ladies, I am sure you will agree with me that there are some things that, shall we say, should be shrouded in a little mystery as far as our husbands are concerned and so I tend to finance these little necessities with what I refer to as my Estee Lauder money.

Anyway, I had signed myself up for some treatments and suddenly I realised I was a bit short of cash.

Although there is no way David would begrudge me this, I didn’t want to ask him for the money, so I asked Gran instead. Well, it was amazing!

Within a short space of time thanks to readings and a couple of book sales, the exact amount of money fell into my lap.

However, you do have to be a bit careful what you wish for as sometimes Spirit do take it a bit too literally. My first husband had a speed boat which I loved and we had a great time even in the challenging conditions of the English Channel. When I met my ex, he had lots of boatie friends who used to spend holidays sailing round the Greek Islands but he hated boats of any kind and suffered from seasickness, not helped by the amount of Bloody Marys he quaffed to help

quell his maladie. I was talking to one of the wives who was moaning about yet another holiday afloat. “You are so lucky,” I said. “I would love a husband who was keen on boats.”

Well, enter the Grannie. When I met David he had a very large boat that he was planning to sail back to Australia - an eight month trip on the briny with not a hairdresser in sight.

Gran had heard my wish and granted it big time but not quite in the way I had envisioned. Another word was in order. “Gran,” I said. “I can’t just up sticks and take to a life on the ocean

waves. I have a dog, a cat, assorted rabbits and a daughter - not in that order of importance naturally - and besides he will see what my hair really looks like.”

“Sorry dear,” said Gran. “I will see what I can do.”

Plans went ahead. I tried very hard with the boat and actually qualified as a Day Skipper although I felt I was more incompetant crew. I kept praying hard that I wouldn’t have to go. I offered to meet David in Bali or Queensland and just do the nice bit, but he said he would love me

to accompany him. Eventually my prayers were answered. Pirates were becoming more and more of a menace in certain waters. David thought long and hard and came to the conclusion that it was a bit risky for a couple no longer in the first flush of youth to risk it no matter how willing we were to have a go. There was some talk briefly of mounting a machine gun on the front, but this was short lived. Then a couple of nasty hi-jackings occurred.

A bit of a drastic move on Gran’s part, but it did the trick and we had the boat shipped out here instead of sailing it.

And so, when asking for help from the spirit world, it is quite a good idea to be specific. Before I came to live in Australia, I was a great soccer fan, Manchester United aka The Reds being my team of choice. One day I was watching my brave lads playing Chelsea in a nail-biting final.

Both teams were playing their little hearts out and it was a very close run thing. “Gran, help. Let them score a goal.” “Alright dear,” she replied and Chelsea neatly netted a goal. “Wrong team,” I cried. “It’s the ones in red, not blue.” “Oh, sorry dear,” she said.

“I’m afraid I don’t know a lot about football.” Specify, especially when your team’s at stake.

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

Free seminars

By Keegan Thomson

AFTER 10 years in the business Toongabbie Legal Centre is celebrating their longevity with a special series of free legal seminars.

The seminars will be held over the next nine Saturdays with the topics of the seminars spanning a broad number of different legal issues and institutions that affect the lives of people living in western Sydney.

The seminars over the next two weekends will host sessions on the practical approaches of how to make representations to the police, professional negligence, how to sign a contract and power of attorney and guardianship documentation.

Councillor Susai Benjamin of the Blacktown City Council is the Honorary Director and Acting Principal Solicitor at the Toongabbie Legal Centre and he said the seminars are a perfect way to celebrate.

“We want to celebrate our survival in western Sydney,” Cr Benjamin said.

In encouraging everyone to take advantage of these free seminars, Cr Benjamin said there are a number of reasons why people ought to come

along to these sessions.

“It is tailored to the ordinary people of western Sydney who have little or no understanding of how the legal system works,” he said.

“We will explore all the angles of legal matters and explain the ins and outs of different legal professions to people so that if they ever need help with legal matters they will have a fundamental understanding of the processes.”

Another great benefit of these free community legal seminars, according to Cr Benjamin, is that young and developing legal students can gain experience working in their field before they go out practicing.

“Young legal professionals will be able to connect to the community through these seminars and that will make them better lawyers,” he said.

To help accommodate the local residents the seminars will be hosted at a number of different locations across western Sydney, with the August 5 function at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall in Seven Hills and the August 12 event at Lalor Park Community Hub in Lalor Park. Anyone who wishes to attend any of the free legal seminars should contact the Toongabbie Legal Centre on 1300 373 353.

Marathon winners MATTHEW Cox and Kirsten Molloy have taken two on the trot at the Westlink M7 Blacktown Running Festival on Sunday, July 30.

For the second year in a row, Mr Cox from Moorebank won the men’s marathon in 2 hours 23 minutes 51 seconds, slightly slower than his marathon winning finish last year.

Ms Molloy from Port Macquarie also enjoyed consecutive wins, taking out the women’s marathon in 3 hours one minute and one second this year.

“Congratulations to Kirsten and Matthew on a race well run,” Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said.

“The Westlink M7 marathon is a gruelling track, so to win two years in a row is an impressive feat.”

The marathon attracted 146 participants and the half marathon attracted 234 participants, starting and finishing at Blacktown International Sportspark yet more than 900 people turned up to be involved in the event on the day.

This year’s Blacktown City Councilorganised event was one of the most popular in the running festival’s 12year history, Mayor Bali said.

“This year we had 948 people participating in the Westlink M7 Blacktown Running Festival,” Mayor Bali.

“We also had five international runners, including three from Kenya, one from Hong Kong and one from

Ireland, lining up to compete.”

Blacktown City Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee Chairman, Councillor Brad Bunting, said the fact the marathon was held on the Westlink M7 shared pathway contributed to the event’s success.

“The Blacktown Running Festival is one of the few traffic-free marathons in Australia, meaning runners have a smooth running event without having to worry about kerbs, gutters or traffic,” Cr Bunting said.

“It also means that motorists are not inconvenienced by road closures.

“This is partly why the event is so popular; with runners from all over Australia and across the world gearing up to compete every year.”

First “local” across the line was Jonathan Hayes of Blacktown, clocking in at 3 hours 41 minutes and 15 seconds, placing him 41st in the marathon.

First “local” woman across the line was Caroline Wooden of Lalor Park, with a time of 4 hour 56 minutes and 49 seconds , placing her 108th.

Five of the runners completed the marathon for the 12th time, having competed every year since the Westlink M7 Blacktown City Running Festival was first staged in 2006.

They were Jane Trumper from Dee Why, Anne Owen from Oatley, Gary Aitkenhead from Naremburn, Bob Fickel from Sutherland and Eric Schmierier from Terrey Hills.

11 Western News 4 August 2017 Issue 40

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12 Western News 4 August 2017 Issue 40

South Creek T

he waterway once known by the aboriginal tribe who spoke the Dharuk language of our district was originally known to them as “Wianamatta”. Fourteen tribes or clans made up this language group and the people who inhabited both sides of South Creek were known as the Gomerrigal-Tongarra clan. South Creek runs for around 64 kilometers (from Cornwallis (Windsor - where it flows into the Hawkesbury River) to the Bringelly Hills (Oran Park) and is part of the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment located on the Cumberland Plains now referred to as “Greater Western Sydney”. South Creek-St Marys developed because of the rich alluvial soil on the banks of South Creek with an abundance of water and with its location near the Great Western Road it became a convenient stopping place for the passing road traffic. The Hawkesbury-Nepean River is one of the major river systems of NSW, draining a catchment area of 22,000 square kilometers with exceptionally heavy rainfall in this area leading to severe flooding.

A map issued by Governor King showing the inundation of the flood in March 1802 records that the water was on an average of 8 feet above the ground, the heights of the Hawkesbury river above the ordinary bed being from 40 to 50 feet. The quantity of ground that flooded was calculated at 42,000 acres. In 1805, a flood at South Creek destroyed an experimental plantation of hemp & flax that Samuel Marsden was hoping to establish as an export industry. In March 1806 Governor King reporting to Earl Camden on the state of the colony said that “nearly all the grain planted on the low ground at Hawkesbury was flooded in February and more than 6,000 bushels of maize was lost”. A week later Surgeon Thomas Arndell wrote to Governor King from the Hawkesbury that “he was sorry to report that the flood was reaching dangerous heights and the settlers were removing to higher ground”. On 28th March Samuel Marsden reported to Governor King that no one would believe that the Hawkesbury flood caused so much devastation unless they saw it for themselves. The back part of Richmond was destroyed and the Hawkesbury and the Nepean almost joined. In April grain losses totalled £22,368, Stock losses £7,454, buildings destroyed £5,425 with a total of £35,247 suffered by the 1,495 settlers and labourers in the Hawkesbury River area. The rain finally stopped and the water subsided and food was brought to the sufferers from Government storehouses that were beyond the reach of the flood.

The natives saw signs that the flood was coming and told the inhabitants, but not liking to be taught by “untutored savages” (sic) they neglected their advice. The flood caused a great loss of wheat and maize the staple products of the period. At the time the flood came, the wheat had been cut and stacked and the maize was nearly fit for harvest. The loss of vital foods not only caused the settlers to “abandon themselves to despair” but the whole colony tottered on the brink of starvation until the next harvest.

The river took 200 wheat stacks and carried them down with incredible speed and stock of all description was seen floating about on the tops of stacks that couldn’t be saved because the boats of Andrew Thompson (of Windsor), Thomas Biggers and others were constantly employed taking the settlers families from the roofs of the houses where many had clung for hours waiting for assistance and expecting to be washed into the flood water. Seven people were drowned but some saved, like the woman with new born twins who was rescued when floating rapidly down the river upon a heap of straw that was due to disintegrate. Thomas Leeson, a farmer at Cornwallis lost 150 bushels of wheat, 100 of barley, 2 horses and about 70 pigs, his houses and a barn were also carried away – all his family possessed. Leeson and his family and eleven other people took refuge from the rising water on a barley mow. As the water continued to

rise the barley mow floated and was carried by the current nearly seven miles to Wilberforce where Richard Wallis rowed out and with great difficulty transferred them in approaching darkness and safely landed them. Some people had taken refuge in the house of a settler named Chalker. The water rose higher than ever before and Chalker, Scott, two women and a five-year-old boy were obliged to take to a boat. The boat turned over and Scott and the women instantly perished. The child threw his arms around Chalker’s neck who swan nearly a mile with the boy to high ground. In 1811 for the first time, an appeal for assistance from the public was made in Sydney. The sum of £500 raised by voluntary subscription purchased provisions issued weekly to 500 distressed people until the harvest commenced on November 1817. Snakes abounded in the district because of these floods and were killed in great numbers. As the water rose they were seen clinging to any floating substance. In 1857, several developments took place to elevate the severity of those floods.

Telegraphic communication was available as well as new agricultural methods that changed the district and the structure of the colonial economy that rose above the subsistence level of the early days. In earlier days, a flood at any time of the year would ruin either the maize or wheat crop or both however, the agriculture of the district was now based almost entirely on the production of maize with very little wheat grown, meaning that a July or August flood did no harm as the annual crop was safely harvested. The series of floods commencing in 1870 and continuing for a decade were ones that did great harm to the river itself. That year saw two major and 13 minor floods. The silting of the river had gradually brought an end to the river trade to Windsor wharf during the 1880’s. In March 1903 James Haining caught a perch that was caught with live bait in South Creek at St Marys which was probably due to the drought that rendered the creek to a water hole. There was talk in the town to have the Prospect supply channel turned into South Creek which was temporarily done when some repairs were carried out at Hoxton Park around 1900.

In St Marys in 2005, the removal of the disused concrete roadway on the Kingsway opened up 34 kilometers of fresh water habitat for native fish in the area and improved water flow. The project was managed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and funded by the Environmental Trust and the Penrith City Council. This old road crossing that was used for vehicle access across the creek was acting as a barrier to the movement of fish and flooded frequently and was found no longer necessary as the new road bridge built was now in use.

SourcesL; (“Place Names and Their Origins Within the City of Penrith”, Penrith City Council, 1985), Blacktown City Council website, Wikipedia website, Nepean Times, St Marys Star, Drawing of S T Gill courtesy of Mitchell Library titled “Falls on South Creek near Penrith” circa 1850’s.

Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc

Have fun at Skyline Drive In raising funds for Jeans for Genes This year, for something new and exciting, Skyline Drive In Blacktown are running a live fundraising event for Jeans for Genes and they hope that everyone of you will get involved! The Miss Pinup Jeans for Genes Fundraiser Fair is sanctioned by the Children’s Medical Research Institute as an official Jeans for Genes Event!

Help them to raise much needed funds to find the cure for childhood diseases

with all proceeds from ticket purchases going straight to Jeans for Genes.

Join them for a 50’s inspired fair day with a fashion parade, stalls, best dressed competition, music, games for the big kids as well as the little ones, custom cars and a whole lot more!

Amazing live performances from the The Elvis Meets Tom Show, Voodoo Rhythm Shakers and No Brakes.

Free admission to kids under 12!

Alex Soncini

Why property investors need savings?

Urgent maintenance is an unavoidable aspect of being a landlord, so having a cash buffer set aside will help you deal with any unexpected problems.

When renting out an investment property, having access to extra cash is vital for two reasons: to cover the costs of maintaining the property, giving it the best chance of remaining tenanted; and to cover the cost of the mortgage should you lose your employment or rental income “A buffer ensures that you are not stretched to your financial limits, but rather comfortable while on your investment journey,” advises a finance broker.

Ideally, your buffer would sit in an offset account against your mortgage, so that you have immediate access to the money while at the same time reducing the principal, and therefore the total interest payable on, your loan.

“Before calculating a buffer, I ensure

my clients have a budget and savings plan in place that identifies their accurate living expenses and ability to save,” the broker says. “I would personally recommend a buffer of three to six months’ worth of loan repayments and living expenses.”

For those who find themselves needing to improve a property without a buffer, there are short-term options available. Personal loans and credit cards may cater to urgent funding, but they do attract higher interest rates and fees.

“It’s imperative to have a strategy in place to pay back this debt as soon as possible,” advises the finance broker.

“An example could be to refinance your property and draw down equity to pay back the loan, but ensure that you revisit your buffer strategy as well.”

Wealthwiz finance brokers are experts in matching property investors with the right loans to match their changing needs. Call Alex today on 0419 600 177.

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13 Western News 4 August 2017 Issue 40

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14 Western News 4 August 2017 Issue 40

Mount Druitt Fishing Centre opens this weekend pool across the two weekends, and this year they were all taken within a fortnight of bookings opening.

“There are grandchildren there who are being taught how to fish by grandparents who were taught how to fish at the FishIn.” “Those booked in for the second week should not worry about the pool being fished out.

“Another 400 Salmon Trout will be leaving the mountain waters of Sandy Waterfall Creek, on the Goobragandra River just outside of Tumut, to be added to the waters of Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, next Thursday.

The Fish In runs from 5pm to 8.30pm on the next two Friday and Saturday nights (August 4, 5, 11 and 12).

There are heaps of prizes to be given away each session including the major prize – a Family Fishing Adventure in any location of your choice within NSW. Friendly volunteers from NSW Fisheries will also be present at each session to answer your fish enquiries and to give advice and information.

This event is proceeding under a permit from NSW Department of Primary Industries.

By Conner Lowe

The fishing season opens this weekend and the pool at Mount Druitt Fishing Centre has been stocked with trout.

Held over two weekends, the 25th Blacktown Council Family Fish-in is again a sell out and several hundred fishers have booked their slots at Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, which has become a fishing centre for the next two weekends.

“All sessions have been filled and we are looking forward to seeing lots of people having lots of fun together, said the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali.

“At one stage, Council wanted to close the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, but then there was a change of mind and I am proud to be the Mayor who fought to keep the centre open,” he said.

“For 25 years people have been coming to the pool to fish – it’s a really quirky idea that has kept going and going,” he said.

Although all sessions over the next two weekends are fully booked for fishing, spectators are welcome and entry to the pool is free.

“There are 600 fishing spots around the

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Clr Stephen Bali Mayor - Blacktown City Council

174 Matthew Bennett - Bennett Western Sydney

192 Alex Soncini - WealthWiz Wealth Management

206 Paul Maher - Loxley on Bellbird

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192

What it takes How many of us live a chaotic life? In between the traffic, running errands for family, paying bills, being busy at work. It gets to much sometimes. It gets overwhelming.

The world we live in, isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. It won’t calm down. It will get even more wild. Even faster, even more chaotic.

I’m a martial arts student, and a teacher. I’ve been committed to learning since the day I started.

For me it will be a life long journey. I meet many students and teachers everyday, all of them from different walks of life. One common question I’ve asked them all is “What do you get out of your training?” There is never a consistent answer. Ever.

I usually get answers like “To win trophies” or “To fight competitively” or “To become a black belt”.

To me, those answers are great goals to set in place, but they aren’t the reason.

My reason is to find peace in chaos. I am not a competitive fighter, but I have experienced competition style fighting. I am not a collector of trophies, but I have achieved much in my training.

The reason I continue to learn from my instructor, and I continue to teach, is because I want to have peace when life gets chaotic. My definition of

With

Paul Gittany

peace is not sitting in the lotus position meditating on the beauty of the sun like you would find some yoga practitioners. My definition of peace in chaos, should I find myself in a real life altercation, to be familiar with the chaos of it. Competitive fighting or defending yourself is always a big unknown. You can never be guaranteed of how the fight will go.

The combination of environment, opponent(s), and mindset are just some of the things that will produce infinitely variable outcomes within and of a fight.

To put it plainly, it’s an experience which is not something to be absolutely controlled.

Imagine being in a situation where you are out of control. The typical, and first reaction many of us (including myself) have, is fear. Fear leads to hesitation, hesitation leads to self destruction (because of failing to act). You will be hurt badly if you hesitate because you fear. Fear will always be inherent, but I believe becoming comfortable with that fear will lead to peace. Living with it, means that in a moment of chaos, you have found peace.

You don’t have to be in the ring or on the mat in a tournament fight to practice this. You could apply this at work or anywhere else. Having faith in your own abilities to ride this wave of chaos, instead of

 Mr Paul Gittany, senior instructor (left) and Mr Peter Kelly (right), master instructor at Ragnarok Combat Academy.

drown in it, is the peace I am talking about. We can’t stop chaos. We can’t change or control it. But you can live with it, by controlling how you act.

And then, not only will you be unaffected by the chaos, but with enough training, you will become a master of it.

This is why I train. This is why I teach. To pass this important lesson on to others. That there is such a thing in peace in chaos If you’re interested in learning Peace in Chaos, you can contact myself or my instructor Mr Peter Kelly at www.ragnarokcombat.com

ragnarok combat www.ragnarokcombat.com

Magic Live Out ‘Never Give In’ Motto Western Magic - Round 14 Division One To the boys, every game was now a final and despite Balmain’s low place on the ladder the Magic knew that they were still a very well drilled side at home.

The boys jumped off early with plenty of possession, but then eased off, allowing Balmain to come back into contention. The game proved to be very scrappy and messy, where clearances proved to be a struggle.

Heath dominated in the air and Hines dominated on the ground.

The boys scored with almost every forward entry made from a clearance.

The Magic came through with the win, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement and tidying up to be done in the coming weeks.

MAGIC: 17.13.115 TIGERS: 9.6.60 GOAL KICKERS: I. Heath 6, D. Hines 5, D. Lim 3, J. Moore, T. Dimech, J. Mann BEST PLAYERS: I. Heath, H. Lelliott, D. Lim, B. Akmens, D. Hines, A. Polkinghorne Women’s Low numbers meant the Magic ended up playing 16 with two on the bench, this was so that some energy and run was still left in the Magic tanks in the dying minutes.

The Bombers came out full of run and were impressive in their attack.

This jolted the girls into gear after their first conversion. The Magic managed to steer the game back into their control in the last few minutes of the first term.

The second term saw some good attacking movements that ended with seven scoring shots, taking a 20-point lead into the main break.

The third quarter proved to be one of the most difficult played this year. The Bombers were fired up after the main break and came out with much more ferocity and aggression. Our forwards, however, continued to show their dominance with some great contested marking. The Bombers rebounded from their half multiple times, but the Magic defence continued to cause turnovers.

The niggling and scraps through the middle of the ground reached peak

15 Western News 4 August 2017 Issue 40

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heights, but the Magic girls continued to play their game of footy. After the last break, positional changes were made to provide a little more run and to lessen the load for some.

Bek Mann was move up to half forward and quickly formed a good attacking partnership with Lauren and Hannah, who had been dominate all night. Another great win for the girls.

MAGIC: 8.16.64 BOMBERS: 3.3.21 GOAL KICKERS: H. Green 2, J. Mann, B. Gillespie, R. Leard, K. O’hagan, L. Houghton, O. Suman BEST PLAYERS: L. Houghton, H. Green, J. Mann, A. Lim, O. Suman, A. O’keeffe Reserve Grade Second pace played third in a hotly anticipated match against Pennant Hills, the new team introduced into the

Division Four competition.

The boys knew this game was going to be a tough challenge, with Pennant Hills scoring with the first minute of the game to take the early lead.

The Magic took a while to settle with the long and narrow field taking some time to get accustomed to.

The backline put in a stellar effort all day to stop the run of the opposition.

Particularly standouts of this effort included 50-gamer Henry Button and Division One player, Joey Saunders.

The way the backline connected with the midfield was exceptional and this gave the Magic forwards plenty of opportunities to convert.

Centre clearances worked a treat as Ben Cribben continued winning the tap outs and clean hands from Ash Moeller and Oscar Glass helped in boosting scoring chances.

The final quarter allowed the Magic boys to play their game of footy, spreading the ball across the flanks and wings, allowing them to come away with the win. This game showed plenty of promise, as the boys begin heading into finals.

MAGIC: 19.10.124 PENNO: 10.2.62 GOAL KICKERS: A. Moeller 6, R Di Mauro 3, T. Morgan 3, L. Hyland 3, A. Perkins 2, J. Lane 2 BEST PLAYERS: a. Moeller, d.

Mcintyer, a. Perkins, t. Morgan, o.

Glass, r. Di mauro

Western News Friday, 4 August 2017

sport

Blacktown City snatch a late draw against Rockdale

By Conner Lowe

Blacktown City, the NSW NPL Premier League leaders, were able to grab a late goal in a 1-1 draw at Lily’s Football Centre on Sunday.

Blacktown City almost caught the visitors off guard from the start of the match with Yuta Konagaya dribbling through the Rockdale defence in the opening 25 seconds of the match only to be denied by Rockdale’s keeper Ante Covic.

The game became very tight with Rockdale quickly finding their feet after the opening attack from the home side. Rockdale’s left winger Alec Urosevski almost scored a great counter attack from the visitors with his shot only just going over the bar.

With Blacktown’s big FFA Cup match with Central Coast Mariners midweek they were happy to play the ball around the defence and midfield and keep possession. This meant that Rockdale’s best option for attack was through the pace of their wingers

and catching Blacktown out on the counter attack.

Both teams went into halftime scoreless and looking unlikely to find an opening goal in the match. During the start of the second half Blacktown City had a good chance to score through Joey Gibbs with his effort only able to hit the side netting.

Blacktown City came out into the second half looking to grab a goal but were denied on numerous occasions

by Ante Covic who was outstanding

during the match. Covic’s fantastic keeping paid off as Rockdale went ahead in the 67th minute thanks to Jonathan Grozdanovski who finished well after a scramble in the box.

Blacktown piled on the pressure looking for an equaliser and it came in the 77th minute finished from close range after a great flick on from Gibbs was fumbled by Covic and finished by Daniel Araujo.

Both sides pushed hard for a winner in the final ten minutes and Covic was

forced to make yet another key save in the 83rd minute to deny Araujo.

While Blacktown City stopper Tristan Prendergast had to make a great stop in the 88th minute to deny Rockdale a late winner.

Luke Roodenburg, Blacktown Assistant Coach spoke about the draw was a fair result for his side and the midweek FFA Cup match.

“We did well to fight back after conceding the goal. We were confident we could get something from the game and in the end, I think to get a draw isn’t the worst result for us,” he said.

“We are focused on winning the premiership and even though APIA narrowed the gap between us with their result last night it didn’t change our approach to this game.

“It is a big week for us with a chance to play the Central Coast Mariners in the FFA Cup on Wednesday before backing up against APIA on Sunday.”

The result means Blacktown City will have a chance at securing the Premiership next week when they take on second place APIA Leichhardt Tigers.