Western News 4 August 2023

Council highlights community awareness on World Drowning Prevention Day

TUESDAY 25 July 2023

was the third official World Drowning Prevention Day. Blacktown City Council has used the day to raise awareness on drowning as a public health issue.

Speaking to an event at Council’s Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope, the Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM has paid tribute to the work of staff at Council’s aquatic and leisure centres in keeping the Blacktown City community safe, “From our lifeguards that perform water rescues to our emergency services personnel that assist with water rescues, to all the swim instructors that play a vital role in teaching safety in and around the water, thank you,” he said.

“World Drowning Prevention Day serves as an opportunity to highlight the chances we have to continue to implement life-saving solutions to prevent drowning in our community. The loss of any life to drowning is tragic and we remember those

who have died and the families and communities impacted.”

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death globally for children and young people aged 1-24 years. Every year, an estimated 236,000 people drown. In Australia, hundreds of families lose loved ones to drowning every year.

Mayor Bleasdale is urging the Blacktown City community to act to prevent drowning, saying “There are simple actions you can take like enrolling in swimming lessons, supervising children around water,

checking your pool fencing and gates, learning CPR and avoiding alcohol and drugs around water.”

Council appreciates the support of organisations like the Royal Life Saving Society, AUSTSWIM, Swim Australia and the Australian Pool and Ocean Lifeguard Association which continue to train and educate Council’s swim instructors and lifeguards.

Three of Council’s aquatic teachers are recipients of AUSTSWIM awards of excellence, including Aqua Instructor of the year award,

excellence in the infant and preschool teaching category and excellence in the adult teaching category.

Blacktown City Council’s key venues run swimming lessons for all ages. Council recommends that families ensure children and adults maintain their swimming skills during the winter.

Council’s Aqua Learn to Swim program for kids and Swim Sense programs for adults provide valuable lessons about swimming and water safety.

Council’s Aquatic and Leisure Centres at Blacktown, Stanhope and Emerton continue to attract major events and offer the community the latest in an exciting range of health, aquatic, leisure and recreation programs and services. This includes pools, gym, group fitness, creche, multi-sport stadiums, Aqua Learn to Swim program, Kidz Blitz school holiday program, tennis courts, squash courts, spa and sauna, and venue hire.

Indigenous elder and artist Danny Eastwood receives Key to Blacktown City

BLACKTOWN City has honoured the life, career and remarkable contribution made by Indigenous elder and artist Uncle Danny Eastwood with the award of the Key to the City.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM presented the prestigious honour to Danny in recognition of his 40-year career and dedication to the community.

“For decades, Danny has called Darug land home and has worked tirelessly in the Blacktown City community,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“A Ngemba man and influential artist, Danny’s artworks adorn schools, hospitals, trains, walls and pavements far and wide.

“Through his art, Danny shares important stories and messages about First Nations culture. His cartoons, which have featured in the Koori Mail for more than 2 decades, shine a spotlight on racism and challenge the damaging stereotypes of First Nations people and culture.

“Danny is passionate about using art to help inmates at Long Bay Correctional Centre, as well as to engage other Aboriginal elders, school children and community groups.

“In 1992, Danny Eastwood was named the NSW Aboriginal Artist of the Year and the following year, he won the National Aboriginal Artist of the Year Award.

“In 2008, he received the Parliament of New South Wales Indigenous Art Prize for his artwork, My Reconciliation

“In 2023, The Leo Kelly Blacktown City Arts Centre was privileged to host Danny’s latest exhibition, I Talk Through My Art and My Art Talks Through Me, curated by his son, Jamie Eastwood, and featuring works from his esteemed career.

“Every Friday at The Leo Kelly Blacktown City Arts Centre, Danny gathers with the Elders in Residence to create artworks and share his knowledge with the community.

“At almost 70 years of age, Danny’s passion for art and building community is unwavering. Despite several attempts at retirement, Danny continues to practise his art and use his talents to give back to the community.

“Danny Eastwood’s achievements position him as a true leader of his generation and he is without a doubt, Blacktown City’s artistic treasure.”

Are you the missing link? Missing Persons Week 2023

MISSING Persons Week 2023 has officially launched with the goal to shine a light on the investigative processes involved in dealing with unidentified bodies and human remains.

This year, State Crime Command’s Missing Persons Registry has received 42 reports, and 20 confirmed reports, of unidentified bodies and human remains found in NSW.

Of those 20 confirmed reports, the Missing Persons Registry has successfully identified nine of those people through varying investigative techniques, including advancements in the science of DNA.

Five were found to be medical specimens used for science and training, and six remain the subject of ongoing investigations.

Those six unidentified remains were found in various parts of the state: from Kiama to Moree and Byron Bay.

In March 2023, the New South Wales Police

Force implemented Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG), which has commenced for seven other unidentified human remains cases to date.

Detective Inspector Ritchie Sim, Manager of the Missing Persons Registry, said modern technology goes a long way in helping police find answers for the loved ones of missing people, but there is still more the public can do.

“This year for Missing Persons Week we’re making a call to action for members of the public to come forward and help us solve some of these mysteries through voluntarily providing their DNA,” Det Insp Sim said.

“There’s two ways people can provide their DNA – the first and foremost way is if you have a distant relative believed to be missing, you can come into any police station, cite their name or case number, and provide a DNA sample which will be placed on the National DNA Database and used to compare

with unidentified human remains.

“The second is if you’re a member of the public who wants to share their DNA for the purpose of helping the Missing Persons Registry identify bodies and human remains, you can supply your DNA through most public DNA databases such as GEDmatch or Family Tree DNA.

“There’s a misconception around providing DNA to police – that it could be used against you for criminal matters, and that’s just not the case.

“Throughout the week we’re going to be shining a light on some various outstanding unidentified remains and asking you, are you the missing link?”

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com. au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM and Blacktown Key Venues Staff

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM presents the Key to Blacktown City to Uncle Danny Eastwood.

Endeavour Energy switches on Western Sydney’s first community battery

Local residents in Bungarribee Blacktown invited to participate in the community battery trial.

ENDEAVOUR Energy CEO Guy Chalkley joined with the NSW Minister for Climate Change and Minister for Energy, The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC, local MP for Blacktown Stephen Bali, Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM and Frank Calabria Origin Energy CEO to formally launch Western Sydney’s first community battery, and are now inviting residents to join the program.

Endeavour Energy Chief Executive Officer Guy Chalkley said that community batteries are one of the ways Endeavour Energy is investing to help shape Western Sydney as a green energy hub.

“As the electricity network that has been powering Western Sydney for over 130 years, our customers and community rely on us to support their daily lives and livelihoods.

“The Bungarribee Community Battery is a first for Western Sydney

but the first of many more to come. It is an exciting innovation that will see our customers be both a part of, and benefit from the energy transition, whether they have rooftop solar or not, and whether they own their home or are renting.

“The installation of community batteries supports our target of becoming climate positive by 2040 and is part of our transition to a modern, clean energy grid that meets the changing needs of our customers with customers able to generate, store and share their energy,” said Mr Chalkley.

Seven Hills/Toongabbie/Wentworthville RSL Sub-Branch

COMMUNITY MEMBERS & COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS

On behalf of the Seven Hills Toongabbie Wentworthville RSL Sub-Branch we would like to invite all Veterans to our Veteran’s Day Commemoration Service at the Seven Hills RSL, on the 15th of August 2023 The Service will commence at 11am.

We will be commemorating the 50th anniversary of the then Governor-General Sir Paul Hasluck proclaiming an end to Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

More than 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam, over 3,000 wounded and 523 gave their lives in the longest conflict Australians were involved in during the 20th Century.

The Service will involve the laying of Wreaths as a sign of respect. If you wish to lay a Wreath at the base of our cenotaph, please contact Graham Larkham by either email graham28@aussiebb.com.au or phone 0418 247 831.

At the conclusion of the Service you are invited to attend the Club for a Luncheon.

The Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM welcomed the battery to Bungarribee and the environmental and financial wins for the community.

“Blacktown City Council strongly supports the use of community batteries. This is the first community battery installed in Blacktown City and I am delighted that it will support our residents in reducing their household energy costs and their household carbon footprint,” said Mayor Bleasdale.

Council enthusiastically welcomes more community batteries across our

City. The battery at Bungarribee will allow residents to access lower cost, environmentally friendly, renewable solar power without the cost of installing a battery or solar system,” said Mayor Bleasdale.

Origin will be providing the platform for customers to participate in the battery trial. Origin will also orchestrate the energy stored in the battery, including dispatch to the wholesale market, and work with Endeavour Energy to support electricity demand management.

Origin CEO Frank Calabria said, “We are pleased to be partnering with Endeavour Energy on this initiative, which recognises the value of batteries to customers and the rapidly changing energy market.

We look forward to providing customers in Western Sydney with the chance to participate in this trial and believe there are strong opportunities to help communities enjoy the benefits of community batteries,” he said.

Residents living within the Bungarribee trial area are invited to register their interest now at www.endeavourenergy.com.au or by phoning Endeavour Energy on 133 718. Further information on the community battery and trial location is available on the Endeavour Energy website.

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BY KERRIE DAVIES

AUGUST 18 is Vietnam Veterans Day. The pandemic years took away the opportunity to attend services to pay our respects to those who have served our country in the Vietnam War.

Recognising the sacrifice of our Veterans of the Vietnam conflict is something I rate as extremely important, for two reasons. One is that I get to see a lot of my really good mates (hello to all from St Marys Outpost!) and the other is that I feel a shame and embarrassment deep in my stomach for the way our returning services were treated.

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They left our shores believing they were doing the right thing for our country, sacrificing pretty much everything. If you think COVID-19 restrictions were bad, compare them to what our defence forces faced:

Travel: Sure! To a war-zone full of bombs and bullets

Freedom of movement: From the bunker to the dunny

Careers: Put on hold

Budding romances: Turned into pen-pals

Spouses: Fend for themselves

Leaving sick or elderly relatives: Just pray they outlive the war

Babies yet to be born: You’ll see your child in a photo when the postie arrives

Dreams: Forget it - just get out alive

But, they did what was expected of them and when they finally returned to Australia, the home they’d longed for, the treatment of them was horrendous. Many waiting long periods for government help would say it still is.

It is shameful to think people who put their lives at risk in the line of duty would face anything less than praise and heartfelt thanks, isn’t it?

We can’t erase the past but we can certainly mould the present and the future. What they sacrificed to serve our country is something that deserves our utmost respect and nothing less. On August 18 (and on any other day for that matter) say G’day and thank you to a Vietnam Veteran.

At least we can do that, with those who made it back.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

Take time to say #ThanksforCaring

SydWest Multicultural Services encourages the Western Sydney community to recognise those who care for older Australians and say “thanks for caring” ahead of Aged Care Employee Day (ACED) on Monday 7 August 2023.

“We’re asking our community to take a moment and think about the quiet achievers and the superheroes who provide care with professionalism, compassion and dedication for our loved ones and give them the recognition they deserve,” SydWest’s Aged Care Services Manager, Mereline Murimwa-Rarami said.

“It’s been a particularly challenging eighteen months for aged care workers, both in residential and home care services, leaving many families and friends unable to visit loved ones in care for weeks on end.

“It often fell to the carers, the nurses and other staff to make up for that loss of family contact and become that crucial connection for frail and vulnerable older Australians.

“So, in the lead up to 7 August, we ask you to take time to think of the nurses, personal care workers,

chefs, cleaners, gardeners, laundry staff, activities coordinators and administration staff when you next visit a loved one in aged care and say “thanks for caring”.

ACED will feature a #ThanksforCaring social media campaign with videos, stories and photographs that acknowledge Australia’s aged care workers.

In recognition of this important day, and to appreciate the hard work of its aged care workers, SydWest Multicultural Services is treating them to a scenic adventure cruise on the Nepean Belle Paddle-wheeler on Sunday, 6th August 2023. More than 60 aged care workers are expected to attend.

ACED is a national day which is registered with awarenessdays. com and acknowledges the more than 360,000 people who care for and support around 1.3 million older Australians who receive aged care services.

Individuals, employers, and community members wishing to take part can find information and resources on the ACCPA website www.accpa. asn.au/aged-care-employee-day

Vietnam Veterans Day: 18 August 2023

THE Vietnam War was the longest twentieth century conflict in which Australians participated; it involved some 60,000 personnel and grew from a limited initial commitment of 30 military advisers in 1962 to include a battalion in 1965 and finally, in 1966, a task force. Each of the three services was involved, but the dominant role was played by the Army. After the cessation of combat operations in 1972, a limited number of Australian personnel remained in Vietnam, and elements of the RAAF returned in 1975, carrying out evacuations and assisting refugees almost until the moment of South Vietnam’s surrender.

In the early years Australia’s participation in the war was not widely opposed. But as the

commitment grew, as conscripts began to make up a large percentage of those being deployed and killed, and as the public increasingly came to believe that the war was being lost, opposition grew until, in the early 1970s, more than 200,000 people marched in the streets of Australia’s major cities in protest.

By this time the United States Government had embarked on a policy of ‘Vietnamisation’withdrawing its own troops from the country while passing responsibility for the prosecution and conduct of the war to South Vietnamese forces. Australia too was winding down its commitment and the last combat troops came home in March 1972.

The RAAF, however, sent personnel back to Vietnam

in 1975 to assist in evacuations and humanitarian work during the war’s final days. Involvement in the war cost more than 500 Australian servicemen their lives, while some 3,000 were wounded, otherwise injured or were victims of illness.

The South Vietnamese fought on for just over three years before the capital, Saigon, fell to North Vietnamese forces in April 1975, bringing an end to the war which by then had spilled over into neighbouring Cambodia and Laos. Millions lost their lives, millions more were made refugees and the disaster that befell the region continues to reverberate today. For Australia the Vietnam War was the cause of the greatest social and political dissent since the conscription referenda of the First World War.

BY TOMAS HAMILTON

You’ve

‘Empower You’ app unveiled for improved support and connectivity for DV victims in NSW

VICTIMS of domestic and family violence in NSW now have access to an innovative new mobile phone application designed to discreetly document abuse and provide better access to support services.

NSW Police Domestic and Family Violence Portfolio Owner, Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, unveiled the ‘Empower You’ app on Sunday 23 July, which was developed as part of the commitment to ensuring better outcomes for victims of domestic and family violence across the state.

The concept of the app was presented by the Blacktown DVLO Team to senior officers as part of the Domestic and Family Violence Reform Project, which was established last year to change the way police respond to and prevent domestic violence.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the initial idea for the app came from a NSW Police officer with extensive experience in dealing with and supporting victims of domestic violence in Western Sydney.

“When we established the Reform Project, a call was put out to all staff to submit their ideas in terms of improving the victim experience and I couldn’t be prouder seeing this concept from the team at Blacktown come to life,” the Commissioner said.

“Sergeant Lisa Clemence’s

experiences with victims, particularly the story of a local survivor, Hayley, inspired the idea of putting all the right information in one place which is easily accessible at any time.

“She harnessed the coding and app developing skills of Sergeant Sam Morgan and together they created ‘Empower You’ to include a private diary, a coded emergency signal feature, which can also send their GPS location, simple connectivity to Triple Zero for emergencies, and links local support services.

“Not only does this app allow for victims to easily document abuse, which is often difficult to recall when in distress or when it occurs over long periods of time, we believe this app has the potential to save lives,” the Commissioner said.

The prototype for the app was then further developed by technical experts from the Force’s Technology Command to ensure the functionalities comply with legislation, which allows the data to be presented at court as evidence.

Assistant Commissioner Smith said it’s intended the ‘Empower You’ app will do exactly that – empower victims of abuse.

“The ‘Empower You’ app was designed to be user friendly, intuitive, and interactive, while still having the best safety features for user privacy and

discretion,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

“It has inbuilt features to keep it private on any mobile, including passcodes and quick lock, and has a modest-looking icon that’s designed not to alert perpetrators.

“The diary feature allows a victim to collect their thoughts – including photos of injuries and property damage, and screenshots of emails or messages – and document an incident when it happens, no matter how minor or whether they report it to police at that time.

“This is especially important in terms of coercive control, where we know a victim often feels helpless, so with ‘Empower You’, the abuse is clearly demonstrated, and the power comes back to the victim.”

The app has since undergone rigorous testing, which included intensive consultation with experts in dealing with domestic and family violence victims, service providers, advocates, and other key stakeholders.

Domestic Violence NSW’s Bridget Mottram congratulated NSW Police on the launch of the Empower You app and appreciated the opportunity to provide feedback as it was developed.

“Police play a vital role in responding to domestic and family violence in our community. This app is an additional resource for victim-

Empower You: Hayley’s story

HAYLEY was aged just 19 when she witnessed her uncle murder her nan and cousin at Lalor Park on Tuesday 8 September 2015.

Hayley said the night started out like any night, but when her uncle came home, he was not acting like himself.

She was in her bedroom when her nan called out to her, and on entering the lounge room, she saw her uncle was sitting on the lounge next her nan armed with a knife.

Thinking quickly, Hayley fled to the home of a neighbour to seek help and saw her grandmother run outside with her uncle in pursuit, still armed with a knife.

Her nan made it to the front yard of the neighbour’s home, where she was murdered.

Her uncle went back into the house, and knowing there were children still inside there, Hayley went to return. However, one of her cousins came to the neighbour’s door telling Hayley the uncle had her brother.

They waited for police inside the neighbour’s home with Hayley trying to keep her young cousin calm.

As soon as the police arrived, she

went outside and saw the body of her seven-year-old cousin on the lawn. He too had been murdered by her uncle.

Her 35-year-old uncle was arrested nearby after a struggle with police officers. He has since been convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to a maximum of 40 years imprisonment.

Hayley said that growing up there was a lot of domestic violence in her household. She believes it’s generational, knowing her nan and pop, mum and brothers all lived through violence, and it seemed to be

survivors who wish to report to police that may support and streamline the process,” Dr Mottram said.

“As the peak organisation representing frontline specialist domestic and family violence services in NSW, we look forward to our ongoing collaboration with police on a range of system reforms and improvements.”

The ‘Empower You’ app is available in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, and NSW Police officers have QR codes on their MobiPOL devices to link to the app in the stores to download.

Victims of domestic and family violence can also seek advice and services by contacting 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visiting: www.1800respect.org.au.

Reports of domestic and familyrelated crime or abuse can be made by contacting or attending your local police station. In an emergency or lifethreatening situation, contact Triple Zero (000).

Anyone with information relating to domestic and family-related violence is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

was a teenager, she said it would have been a handy tool when not confident or comfortable to come forward.

She knows people who’ve been victims in recent years, but their matters were thrown out of court because there wasn’t enough evidence, so to be able to write down what was happening safely, it gives an opportunity to come forward when you’re ready.

accepted as a behaviour they called normal.

It was common for her to wake up in the middle of the night to things being smashed and doors being kicked in, as well as screaming and yelling.

She said she would then just get up and go to school and act like nothing was wrong – living the saying of her nan, “what happens at home, stays at home”.

Eight years later, she is very aware that it is not normal, and she lives with the trauma of not speaking out.

If the app was around when she

With her sister by her side, Hayley approached Blacktown Council to establish a memorial for victims of domestic violence, so family members have a place to sit and remember their loved ones not as statistics of abuse, but the reasons for change.

The sculpture is a giant teardrop, which represents women, and a smaller teardrop, which represents children, along with infinity signs throughout and charms inside representing the loved ones from three families who have lost their lives to domestic violence.

Titled ‘Contemplate’, the sculpture was designed by artist Yu-Fang Chi, and unveiled in Memorial Grove (Blacktown Showground, Richmond Rd, Blacktown) in October 2022.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM and Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths with family members of victims of domestic violence, who led the project to completion.

Celebrating 20 years of delivering miracles

How a Blacktown Hospital midwife’s passion was born

BLACKTOWN Hospital

midwife Agatha Osifo was 11 years old and living in her home country, Nigeria, West Africa, when she learnt first-hand from her grandmother what a midwife was. She remembers visiting her grandma in the village and watching her look after pregnant women – all hours of the day and night.

“She was a traditional midwife,” Agatha recalled.

“I remember telling my Mum, ‘I really love Grandma’s job looking after pregnant women, it’s very fascinating’.”

With her grandma’s blessing, Agatha’s eyes were firmly set on a career in midwifery.

After relocating to Australia in her twenties, Agatha completed a Bachelor of Nursing and Diploma in Midwifery and has been working as a registered midwife at Blacktown Hospital ever since.

Agatha is now a seasoned midwife with more than 20 years’ experience behind her and has lost count of the number of babies she has delivered.

“I know I hold a record of 84 deliveries in one year,” Agatha said.

graduated from a Master of Midwifery with her husband, three adult children and two grandchildren by her side to celebrate her success.

I felt so satisfied on my graduation day and it was so rewarding when I finally got to wear that gown, Agatha said.

“Being able to support women through the birthing process and empowering them to make birth choices is my favourite part of my job.

“Birth is a beautiful thing.”

“ “

Every birth is unique, and I feel blessed to be the first person to touch this new creation each time.

Determined to offer her mothers the very best support and care and learn more about quality improvement and clinical leadership, Agatha undertook a Master of Midwifery at the University of Newcastle via correspondence in March 2021.

The pressure of working as a midwife

during the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact Agatha’s usually strong mental health, and just three months from completing her degree, contemplated not finishing her course.

“The pandemic period was not easy and there were times I almost gave up on studying,” Agatha said.

“It wasn’t an easy journey working full-time during the COVID-19 pandemic alongside submitting assignments whilst having the virus, but with support from my family and the university counselling service, I did it!”

On 12 July 2023, Agatha proudly

Original story published at: www.newcastle.edu.au/newsroom/ featured/graduation-how-amidwifes-passion-was-born

CROSSWORD

ACROSS

8. “S.O.S.!” (4)

9. Grossly unconventional (10)

10. Detestable (6)

11. Pecuniary (8)

12. Decorative case (4)

13. Worsen (10)

17. Weaving machine (4)

18. Bay window (5)

19. Fourth sign of the zodiac (4)

28. Assembly hall (10)

29. Double-reed woodwind (4)

DOWN

1. Willful (10)

2. A short pithy instructive saying (8)

3. Rambunctious (10)

4. Detail (4)

5. Area of cut grass (4)

6. One who modifies written material (6)

7. Russian emperor (4)

14. Exculpation (5)

15. Same backwards as forwards (10)

16. Semiconductor (10)

19. Title-holder (8)

21. An authoritative rule of conduct or procedure (6)

24. Astringent (4)

25. A chess piece (4)

26. Departure (4)

solution 21/7/23

Agatha at her Master of Midwifery graduation

Death by Drowning

By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

AN inquest was held by District Coroner John King Lethbridge and a jury of seven in August 1896 on the death of Elizabeth Warden, wife of William Warden who met her death by falling into a well. William, who was employed at Gillespie’s flour mill in Sydney said he was an engineer living at Luddenham. His wife was 58 years old and born in Ireland in 1843 and the last time he saw her alive was when they went to Sydney on Wednesday where he generally worked at his profession. She left him early to come home by the 1.80pm train that day and at that time she was in her usual state of health which was delicate and she suffered from asthma. When he returned from Sydney he heard of her death. He said that she fretted about living here but he brought her up here on account of her health and he never heard her say anything of doing away with herself. They lived happily together and one of his daughters and a son continually resided at home. She was at times irritable when suffering from asthma but not bad tempered and she was of sober habits. The Jury then went to view the well about 100 yards from the house and on resuming the inquest Elizabeth Jane Warden said that she was their daughter but she lived in Sydney with her father but was staying with her mother for a few days and she last saw her alive on the Saturday morning about eight o’clock. She was sitting on her bed getting dressed and she made her a cup of tea and her mother said she would have it in the kitchen as it was warmer there. Her mother said she would go and help her sister milk, but she told her not to do it as it was too cold, but her mother said nothing. Later, missing her from the kitchen she went to the cow yard where her sister was milking and asked her if their mother had been there but her sister said no, so she then turned around to look and saw her mother fall into the well. She said that her mother was suffering from asthma the night before and smoked some Himrod’s cure that used to make her cough but she never had any idea her mother would ever do away with herself and she never said anything to that effect. In the night her sister gave her a drink of water and her mother said it tasted horrible and asked if the water in the well would be better and she thought she went down for the purpose of seeing the water in the well. She could not say whether her mother fell off the plank as she was a long way off and she did not hear her call out or scream when she fell. She said she ran down to the well and her sister followed and they saw their mother hanging onto the pipe of the pump, so she went along the plank that spans the hole and fell into the water and held onto the plank with one hand and dragged herself along until she reached her mother. She put her arm around her and lifted her up and her sister got hold of one hand and held her there while she got herself out and took her skirt off and went back into the water and pulled her mother out with her sister’s help, and while getting her mother out she asked her to help herself more but her mother said she couldn’t as the water was cold. When they got her out they tried to make her stand up but she was not able to and she fell down saying, “poor Susie.” She told her sister to run home for a knife to cut her clothes off as they were wet and heavy, they got part of her clothes off and carried her through the fence. After her mother fell down at the well she never

moved or spoke again. She sent her sister for the ladder thinking they could carry her on it and just then George Eaton the baker called and he assisted her mother into the house where they made a fire in the room and put her mother into bed and rolled her in blankets and put a hot water bottle at her feet, but she showed no signs of life after that. Dr Shand of Penrith was immediately sent for but she didn’t know what was done afterwards as she was completely upset. She said that when her mother called out “Poor Susie” she meant her youngest sister who was fifteen when she was dragged out of the water and she appeared to have a sharper attack of asthma. She said her mother was not bad tempered and suffered a good deal from asthma. William Warden recalled to the stand said that when he said that his wife was irritable he meant she had difficulty in breathing during a severe attack of asthma, also the well had not been used since last winter. Allan Warden said he was a farmer residing at Luddenham and was the son, but he was not at home when his mother fell into the water. He said that he left about 7.80am that morning but just before he went he asked his mother how she was feeling and she replied that she felt a little better. About a week ago they all noticed that the water in the house tank was not fit to drink on account of it coming off the shingle roof and had been too long in the tank. His mother asked him if the water in the well would be better to drink but he told her it was a good taste but a bad colour. She said she would go down and see for herself if the water would discolour the tea and she said to him she was sure the water in that well would be better and she was ashamed to offer the tea made from the tank as they had visitors coming. He said that he never knew his mother to be of a despondent nature and they were all on friendly terms. George Eaton said that he was a baker residing at Luddenham and knew the deceased and about a quarter to nine he came there on his cart when Miss Warden ran through the house and called out that her mother had fallen in the well and was nearly dead, he ran down and her mother was lying on the ground on the house side of the fence, and along with Miss Warden they immediately caught hold of her and carried her up and put her to bed. He said he warmed a blanket by the fire and wrapped her in it and rubbed her arms and chest but she showed no symptoms of life from the time he saw her. Dr John Cappie Shand said he was a qualified medical practitioner residing at Penrith and was called to see the deceased. The family appeared to be very upset and he did not obtain any information from them as to how the deceased met her death. He said that her chest appeared to be severely expanded as if she had been making violent efforts for her breath and his opinion from the evidence was that she died from shock to the nervous system as an asthmatic person, due to submersion in cold water and her death was caused through the shock and not the drowning. After a short retirement the jury returned the verdict that Elizabeth Warden died from a shock to the nervous system owing to an accidental submersion in cold water and they wished to add that great credit due to George Eaton for his prompt assistance at the time. Elizabeth was buried at St Thomas’s Churchyard at Mulgoa and William died aged 81 years.

Sources: Nepean Times, Ancestry

 Photo of grave from Find a Grave website

How to finance your home renovation

ALEX SONCINI

WITH the ever-changing financial landscape, many Australians are reevaluating their plans to purchase and move into new properties and instead focusing on improving their current homes through renovations. If you’re among those dreaming of transforming your house from “banal” to “brilliant” but lack the necessary funds, don’t worry! Here are five home renovation finance options that can turn your dreams into reality:

1. Equity Release / Top Up Home Loan:

This is a popular way to borrow money for renovations, involving leveraging the current value of your home. In most cases, you can borrow up to 80% of your home’s value if you own it outright, but not the full value. Keep in mind that if the cost of your renovations exceeds the available equity, you may face challenges securing additional funds if needed later in the project.

2. Construction Loan:

If you’re planning a major home makeover, a construction loan might be a good option. These loans allow you to spread the cost over an extended period and typically offer lower interest rates compared to credit cards or personal loans. You’ll receive the loan amount in stages, known as “progress payments,” based on your building plans and a fixed price building contract with your builder.

3. Line of Credit:

A line of credit provides you with a revolving credit line that you can access up to your approved limit. You only pay interest on the funds you use, and as you repay your balance, you can reborrow the unused funds without reapplying. However, be cautious about overextending yourself in terms of serviceability, as the rates on this product are usually higher than construction or top-up loans.

4. Personal Loan:

For minor renovations with a capped budget of around $30,000, a personal loan might be suitable. Keep in mind that interest rates on personal loans tend to be higher than home equity loans, and repayment terms are usually limited to a maximum of seven years.

5. Credit Cards:

This option is only recommended for small renovation projects due to higher interest rates. Whilst interest rates on credit cards are usually higher than on mortgages, they might still be reasonable for very small projects that won’t incur significant interest costs.

6. *Home Builder:

The Federal Government introduced the Home Builder program in 2021, which has been extended to submit grant application to 30 June 2025. Home Builder provides eligible Australian owner-occupiers with $25,000 grants for building a new home or substantially renovating an existing one. The program aims to boost the residential construction market by encouraging new builds and renovations.

One important consideration for any renovation is ensuring that the money invested will add more value to your home than the renovation costs. Think about making changes that appeal to potential buyers, enhancing the chances of selling your house faster and at a higher price.

For personalised assistance and advice, feel free to contact Alex from

Pennant players enjoy spring weather

BY NOEL ROWSELL

** STONECUTTERS Ridge GC hosted Division 4 of the 2023 Super Senior Pennant competition on Monday 31st March, with Richmond defeating Penrith 5-3 in the local derby.

Division 3 was hosted at Camden Lakeside, with Wallacia defeating Campbelltown 4.5-3.5 and Camden (Studley Park) defeating Springwood 7-1.

Round 3 will feature Springwood vs Lakeside Camden and Wallacia vs Antill Park - both games at Campbelltown on 7th August. Division 4 will be at Liverpool on 8th August, with Richmond playing Castle Hill, Stonecutters Ridge playing Cumberland and Penrith playing Cabramatta

** Stonecutters Ridge GC also hosted Section 5 in Round 4 of the 2023 Eric Apperly Shield Pennant competition (21&Under) on Sunday and the host club’s talented young squad scored yet another powerful 6-0 victory (3rd time this season), this week against Cronulla, to sit atop the competition ladder, narrowly ahead of St Michael’s Silver on percentages.

The two clubs coincidentally meet this Sunday at Pennant Hills, in the final round of the regular season, with a draw being enough for Stonecutters Ridge to secure the Section title, but nevertheless chasing another win to ensure a playoff berth.

Kade Webber won 5/4, Michelle Yang 2/1, Ryan Cadle 9/8, Darcy Mackay 7/6, Miguel Villa 2/1 and Savannah Webb 8/7.

Section 4 was played at Pymble, with Penrith falling 6-0 to the host club and Richmond falling 4-2 to Cumberland. Reggie Papps 2/1 and Patrick Murphy 3/1 were the best performers for Richmond.

Connor Hamilton (Penrith) had a solid 6/5 win for Lynwood in its 6-0 win over Northbridge, Coby

Carruthers (Jordan Springs) had an impressive 8/7 win in Concord Blue’s 5-1 win over Liverpool, and Ti Fox (Richmond) had a 4/2 win in Concord Red’s 4-2 loss to St Michael’s Gold.

The final round of Section 4 will be played at Bonnie Doon, with Bonnie Doon playing Richmond at 7am and Penrith playing The Australian Red at 7.50am.

** Round 2 of the T.L. Warren and W. Gibson Pennant matches were

also played on Sunday, on a home and away basis. The scores from each division are:

T.L. Watson (home team listed first):

Twin Creeks 2.5-0.5 over Muirfield, Penrith 2.5-0.5 over Rosnay, Lynwood down 3-0 to Leonay, Wallacia 2-1 over Stonecutters Ridge.

W. Gibson (home team listed first):

Twin Creeks 3-0 over Muirfield, Penrith 2.5-0.5 over Rosnay, Lynwood 3-0 over Leonay, Wallacia down 2.50.5 to Stonecutters Ridge.

Indigenous Talent Program initiative

THE Western Sydney Academy of Sport, in partnership with Underwriting Agencies Australia (UAA) has developed the Indigenous Talent Identification Program for athletes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent designed to encourage an active lifestyle and provide assistance in advancing opportunities in sport.

In paying our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and with a spirit of recognition of the Traditional owners of Country, the Academy host the UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day annually.

The UAA and WSAS Indigenous Talent ID day is a sporting platform for athletes to be identified and where suitable and where possible to gain selection in one of the WSAS sports programs and/or additional sports of their interest. Those identified will be offered

the opportunity to advance to fully funded scholarship positions with the Western Sydney Academy of Sport Scholarship Programs or provided support as they seek entry into a new sporting pathway.

What is talent ID?

Talent ID is designed to identify people with specific skills, personal qualities and physical attributes that may lead that person to become a high-performing athlete. It is much more than just assessing a person’s physical capabilities, it includes the emotional side of performance, aspects like; desire, determination, resilience and so forth. These qualities are found in elite performance athletes.

How the Day Works

Participants will enjoy an introduction to multiple sports, where each student will play either games or participate in sport specific skills in a fun atmosphere

to showcase their skills within each sport. Every student will participate in each of the sports on rotation throughout the session. All coaches are of the highest quality and well versed in talent identification.

Talent Identified Students

Athletes considered to possess strong athletic ability and potential to participate in the Academy’s development programs, will be included in an assessment program that will involve Strength & Conditioning and fitness testing and further opportunities to display a commitment to progressing along the talent development pathway.

Indigenous Talent ID Day at Western Sydney University, Kingswood on 29 August 2023 8.30am - 2.30pm

Action from Round 2 of the 2023 Super Senior Pennant competition at Stonecutters Ridge GC. Left: Kim Goulding, Right: Geoff McGuire Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

The chase continues through 8 wins in a row

BY BOB TURNER

BLACKTOWN City FC continued their run for the 2023 NSW Premiership with a convincing 2-1 win last week against current number one team Apia Leichhardt. It was the eighth win in a row for Mark Crittenden’s men as the defending Champs are clearly hitting their stride at the ‘Money’ end of the season.

In round 25 Blacktown hosted arch rival Sydney United at Landen Stadium and outplayed their opponents for a 3-1 win in front of the largest crowd of the season. New import Nacho Palacios scored his first goal since joining Blacktown in Round 20. The other two goals came from the boot of AllTime leading goal scorer Travis Major, and another by Carlos De Oliveira, who stepped up in the absence of 2023 leading goal scorer Jak O’Brien who was ruled out for too many yellow cards. On top of the win, Blacktown City unveiled “GC’s Member Bar” out of respect for Life Member Graham Crawhall, a pioneer of the club.

Round 26 set up an all important clash for Blacktown as they travelled away to Lambert Park to put their win streak to the test against the Number one Apia Leichhardt. Blacktown were playing without 100 gamer and defensive ace, Lachlan Campbell, who had to sit out the game due to his tally of yellow cards. Despite giving up a penalty in the first half, Blacktown came out in the second half to dominate their opponents. It was the combination of the new kids on the block, Nacho Palacios and Reuben Awaritefe, who provided the scoring with Nacho picking up his second goal in as many weeks and Reuben scoring his first goal since joining the team in Round 20.

There are now four rounds remaining in the 2023 NSW Premiership race. Apia, with two losses in a row still sit on top with 56 points. Rockdale are a close second on 52 after a tough 1-0 win over fourth place Marconi

last weekend. Blacktown, with eight wins in a row, total 49 points and will work to keep their win streak going this weekend while they hope Apia continue to falter. Season 2023 is first past the post so there will be no exciting playoff series as there was last season. The next four rounds see Blacktown home to St George, away to Bulls, back home to host Wollongong on the 20th of August before ending their season away to Rockdale Ilinden in Round 30.

Round 27 has Blacktown at home as they host 5th place St. George. St George are hot as they have won four of their last five games with the latest a 6-0 drubbing of Mt Druitt Town Rangers last weekend to put Mt Druitt in danger of relegation. The two sides clashed in Round twelve with St George scoring in the dying minutes for a 2-2 draw. The two sides are intense rivals and with so much at stake for both teams a great match is on the cards. Game time on Sunday, August 6th is 3pm for the Men and 1pm for the Under 20’s. Both games are at the Home of Blacktown City FC, Landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills.

See you at the game and Go Blacktown City!

Lachlan Campbell 100th

Nacho Palacios and Reuben Awaritefe celebrate a goal Photos: Not24Get

Celebration continued

GC’s Members Bar

Camilla in charge in Greg Chalmers Junior Masters

BY NOEL ROWSELL

EXCITING 12-year old junior golfer Camilla Kim (Kellyville / The Australian GC) has added more silverware to her ever-growing trophy cabinet, taking out the overall Girls division of the

29th-30th July.

Camilla led by one shot on Saturday, following an outstanding 3-under par score of 72, then extended her lead on Sunday, despite shooting a 3-over par 78, to finish 3 shots clear of Sophie

Eppulston (Catalina GC) and Rebecca Yao (Avondale GC). Camilla was also in a class of her own in the 13 Years & Under category, winning by an 11shot margin.

Annoushka Maikap (Stonecutters Ridge GC) finished 14th overall and 7th in the 14/15 Years Age group.

Jake Thompson (Leonay GC) was in a tie for 19th after Day One, then fell away slightly on Sunday to finish in a tie for 25th, whilst Riley Cleminson (Stonecutters Ridge GC) finished 53rd. In the 14/15 Boys Age group, Jake finished tied for 7th and Riley in 21st spot.

Camilla Kim in action on Day 1.

Photo courtesy of Kass Rogan, Golf NSW

2023 JNJG Greg Chalmers Junior Masters, which was held at Shelley Beach GC over

Camilla Kim (Kellyville / The Australian) & Harry Whitelock (Royal Canberra) Girls and Boys champions at the Greg Chalmers Junior Masters. Photo courtesy of JNJG