Western News 5 February 2021

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Friday, 5 February 2021

ISSUE 128

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Western News 5 February 2021 Issue 128

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35 YEARS AGO

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Anita Cobby:

the tragedy that broke the heart of a nation

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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WAS a teenager when five loathsome monsters took the life of beautiful Anita Cobby, and like everyone else old enough to remember this horrific crime, it is etched in my mind forever as a stark reminder that unspeakable evil does exist.

A young nurse in the prime of her life, Anita was snatched from the side of a Blacktown road by a carload of despicable creatures before being raped, tortured and murdered.

The brutality the 26-year-old endured at the hands of the five men devastated her family, reduced the most hardened police officers to tears and broke the heart of a nation.

It has now been 35 years since the crime that shocked Australia and made Anita Cobby a household name for the saddest of reasons.

The horror of Anita’s murder will live in the mind of retired Chief Inspector Gary Raymond forever.

He believes the memory of her tragic death delivers a strong message.

“Anita’s tragic passing serves as a message against violence. It has also served as a reminder to women in particular, on safety and security. It became somewhat of a catch-cry from mothers all over the country, ‘don’t walk home alone, remember Anita Cobby.’

Mr Raymond has an analogy that he keeps close to heart all these years later.

“Compost is rotten, but you put it on the garden to make the flowers grow. This putrid crime has helped get the message out about violence against women.”

It was on February 2 1986 that Anita took that fateful walk from Blacktown station to her home.

She usually called her father to pick her up, but on this night, the phone box was broken.

The five criminals stopped and she was pulled into the car. After torturing her in what must have been the most terrifying car ride, Anita was taken to a field in Prospect where she was systematically raped and tortured further, before finally having her throat cut by the ring-leader and left to die a lonely death.

News first broadcast into our loungerooms that the young nurse was missing. Then, the devastating news that she’d been found so brutally murdered.

Australia’s collective heart broke all the more when we saw Anita’s parents, Garry and Grace Lynch, who were so lovely and showed so much dignity throughout their ordeal. It hurt to see such sweet, warm-hearted parents in unimaginable pain.

The details of what Anita was subjected to were revealed in an autopsy report. Many people who never knew her, including emergency services, journalists and political leaders set out to read the report - but found the circumstances so horrendous that they couldn’t finish it. One can only imagine how heart-wrenching it was for her parents.

Community outrage at the criminals responsible for Anita’s death rose to a level never seen before in this country. The court appearances of the five men (John Travers, Michael Murphy, Leslie Murphy, Gary Murphy and Michael Murdoch) were always

packed with members of a very angry public calling for their heads.

All five men, who had over 50 previous convictions between them, would be found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment, never to be released.

Travers, Murdoch, and two of the Murphy brothers, Les and Gary are in NSW prisons. Michael Murdoch died of a liver condition in February 2019.

The Lynch family endured a nightmare that was so utterly unbearable, yet they focused their time in the subsequent years reaching out to other families struggling to cope with homicide.

They established the Homicide Victims Support Group with Christine and Peter Simpson, parents of Ebony Simpson. Ebony was just nine years old when she was abducted after alighting from her school bus before being raped and then tossed into a dam in Bargo and left to drown.

Finding themselves to be members of a club nobody would ever want to be in, Anita’s parents and Ebony’s parents were united in a grief that only those who’ve lost their children from horrendous homicide could understand.

Documentaries on Anita’s murder have aired over the years, and a book has been published called ‘Someone Else’s Daughter.’

Sadly the title came from a quote by Garry Lynch (Anita’s father) who said, “I could wish it was someone else’s daughter, but I can’t, can I? They would then have to go through what we’re going through.”

He was a very decent and honourable man.

A stark contrast to his daughter’s brutal killers.

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our Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) staff and partners have been recognised on Australia Day for their outstanding service and achievements in healthcare.

The Australian honours system celebrates the outstanding achievements of extraordinary people in the community whose contributions to service have made a difference to their fellow Australians.

This year Westmead Hospital’s director of nursing and midwifery Kate Hackett received the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to health care delivery in Western Sydney.

She was joined by Westmead Hospital’s gynaecological oncology department head, Associate Professor Alison Brand, who was named a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to medicine, to gynaecology, and to medical organisations.

Westmead Centre for Oral Health clinical day lecturer Dr Susan Gaffney was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to dental professional organisations and to education.

Westmead Research Hub executive chair Professor Roger Reddel was appointed an Officer of the Order of

Westmead Hospital’s gynaecological oncology department head Associate Professor Alison Brand.

Westmead Hospital’s director of nursing and midwifery Kate Hackett.

Australia for his distinguished service to biomedical research in the field of adult and childhood cancer and genetics, and to tertiary education.

WSLHD chief executive Graeme Loy congratulated staff for this recognition of the achievements and milestones achieved throughout their successful and vibrant careers.

“Australia Day is the day where we reflect on our history and celebrate the Australian way of life, and it’s fantastic to also reward and acknowledge the dedication and commitment of extraordinary Australians including some of our very own staff and partners,” Graeme said.

Kate Hackett started her nursing

career in 2001 at Royal North Shore Hospital and relocated to Westmead Hospital in 2006.

The Ryde resident and married mother of two has been instrumental in leading and driving Westmead Hospital’s nursing and midwifery workforce.

Highly respected by her peers, she has helped prepare the hospital for emerging infectious diseases including COVID-19.

“I’m honoured to receive this public service medal,” Kate said.

“I’ve worked with some incredible people during our management of COVID-19 and this award is a reflection of the team’s commitment

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and expertise.”

In addition to the hospital’s COVID preparation, Kate is also a valued member of the WSLHD COVID-19 Clinical Expert Advisory Group and played a significant role in the redevelopment of the Westmead Hospital Precinct.

Associate Professor Alison Brand has worked at Westmead since 2000 and is a principal investigator of clinical trials, as well as a staff specialist at the hospital.

“I’m honoured to be recognised in this way,” Alison said.

“It’s a reflection of the wonderful team that I work with at Westmead Hospital and the ANZCOG clinical trials group.”

Professor Brand has been a board member of the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) since 2006 and a member since 2002.

Her other affiliations include a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) since 1999 and has been the training supervisor at Westmead Hospital since 2016.

If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their contributions to society, find out how to nominate them here.

Western News 5 February 2021 Issue 128

Westmead Hospital staff honoured on Australia Day

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Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sports Journalist: Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Graphic Design: Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com

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From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

A

fter a year most of us would prefer to forget, there is finally some light at the end of the Covid tunnel in the form of a vaccine.

It stands to reason some people will have reservations; some fear it was a little rushed and some fear that they’ll be called up first for the jab but they’d rather let others be the guinea pigs.

But some others have some ludicrous beliefs that just make no sense.

I’m talking about those who believe the government plans a kill-off injection to depopulate the country, those who believe we’ll be jabbed with microchips to spy on us and those who think politicians will be lurking in maternity wards to steal new and unborn babies to make vaccine concoctions out of their DNA. Sound bizarre? Too right it does.

But the even more bizarre thing is that this is the kind of misinformation that is being sprouted on social media pages. True story. Have a scroll through and you’ll see.

While most people are intelligent enough to know utter BS when they read it, it is important that people don’t leave themselves exposed by refusing the vaccination because they’re being constantly subjected to ridiculous theories.

Surely nobody wants the conditions we faced throughout 2020 to be normal life from now on?

Restricted to our homes, no visitors, lonely nursing homes and hospital wards, job losses, no events, no travel etc?

And all the uncertainty. Constant fluctuation on numbers to functions, weddings and funerals. You can go into QLD, no you can’t, yes you can again - it is a swinging door that seems to slam shut in your face every time you plan to enter. It’s very hard for businesses to stay afloat in these sort of conditions and even if you’re in a safe job it is almost impossible to plan anything in the weeks and months ahead.

If a vaccination is the answer to our uncertain future, then give me the jab.

I’ll trust our government does all the right checks, just like governments before them did so for all other vaccinations before this one.

Social media provides a very dangerous misinformation source for anyone gullible.

Whether you have agreed with them politically or not, no government in Australia has ever wanted to harm the people.

We are arguably the safest country in the world.

That’s not by accident, it is due to decades of good governing.

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Western News 5 February 2021 Issue 128

Virtual tour to where you’ll meet your baby

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OVID-19 has put a stop to many things, but life goes on in Blacktown Hospital maternity unit.

At the beginning of the pandemic the unit ceased all face-to-face parenting education courses, which included a tour of its main patient areas.

To help mums-to-be to prepare for childbirth, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) has introduced online classes and developed a virtual tour.

Blacktown Hospital clinical midwifery educator Larissa Dahlan said that it was important for patients to have a peace of mind when it comes to such an important day.

“Evidence shows that women who are familiar with the place where they are going to give birth will have less complications in labour,” she said.

“It takes off the pressure of unknown. Also, being aware of the services available allows future parents to plan better. We have birth baths and other nice features like

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Bluetooth device pairing – it’s good to know about them.

“They will have enough time to decide if they’d like to have water birth and put together a playlist.”

The tour covers the maternity assessment centre, birthing and maternity units, and newborn care for babies that need extra support after birth.

This resource will be available for everyone even after the recommencement of live tours.

Parents-to-be will have an opportunity to watch it at any time of the pregnancy and refresh their memory just before heading out to the hospital when the time comes.

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Blacktown City Council’s 2021 Australia Day Awards

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dedicated volunteer who oversees the distribution of millions of kilos of food to those in need, a passionate youth mental health advocate, a grassroots environmental warrior, and an inclusive NAIDOC Week event created among COVID-19 restrictions, are the recipients of this year’s Blacktown City Australia Day Awards.

Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM, paid tribute to the commitment to the community shown by all the nominees for the 2021 Australia Day Awards, describing the calibre of submissions as outstanding.

Speaking at the Australia Day presentation of the awards, Mayor Bleasdale said, “Australia Day provides us with the opportunity to recognise some of the outstanding contributions from the people and organisations, who call Blacktown City home.

Citizen of the Year, Ron Kelly

(L-R): Lea Simic, Lisa Hamilton (Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre), Mayor Tony Bleasdale, Angela Van Dyke (Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre), Dervis and Gulay Teoman, Ron Kelly.

“Their dedication, achievement and community spirit is a true reflection of the great people we have living in our City. Without their tireless efforts Blacktown City would not be the great place it is, to live, work and play.”

The 2021 Blacktown City Australia Day Awards went to: Citizen of the Year Ron Kelly – Foodbank Ron Kelly has volunteered at the Foodbank Distribution Centre for the last 6 years, making sure millions of kilograms of food is safely picked, packed, and sent out to tens of thousands of Australian families in need.

The Hebersham local has received outstanding recognition for his efforts recently, winning the Outer Western Sydney Senior Volunteer Award in 2020 through the Centre for Volunteering.

Mr Kelly is also part of the Outer Western Sydney Volunteer Team of the Year, which also won the NSW Volunteer Team of the Year in 2020.

“This award is a recognition for all the volunteers who put hundreds of hours of their own time at Foodbank packing and distributing much needed food and supplies to those in need in our community,” said Ron. Young Citizen of the Year Lea Simic – Headspace Western Sydney Lea Simic, a resident of Blacktown,

serves on the Youth Advisory Committee for both Blacktown City Council and the Western Sydney branch of the youth mental health organisation, Headspace.

In both these roles Ms Simic is a strong and active voice for young people, dedicated to improving youth mental health, access, and services across Blacktown City.

Ms Simic was awarded the Australian Defence Force 2020 Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award, was a finalist for Blacktown City Council’s Youth Ambassador Program for 2020/21, and has just completed the Scouts NSW’s Queen’s Scout Award.

“This award gives me the opportunity to shine the light on the needs of young people in Blacktown City. It is really important that youth have a voice in our City and I’m honoured that council has chosen me to be one of those voices,” Lea said.

Environmental Citizen of the Year Dervis Teoman Woodcroft resident Dervis Teoman is a grassroots environmental warrior who is passionate about recycling.

Mr Teoman takes great lengths to ensure sustainability starts in his own backyard, which is home to a worm farm, a fountain for wild birds, beefriendly trees, solar hot water, and 2 large water tanks which he uses to water his extensive garden of fruit

trees and a thriving vegetable patch.

A proud advocate of anything which will help the planet to flourish into the future, Mr Teoman even checks to make sure his adult children are recycling properly – and on occasion will look in their bins to ensure they are doing the right thing for generations to come.

Community Event of the Year NAIDOC Week – Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre The team at the Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre work tirelessly to maintain a sense of community in a suburb experiencing immense change and growth.

During the COVID-19 pandemic the Centre transformed their services to be available online, including two events which are very important to the community – ANZAC Day and NAIDOC Week.

The Centre’s NAIDOC Week event included online story time, cooking, crafts, and interviews. The Centre even put together NAIDOC Week packs which were able to be picked up from the centre to allow people to participate.

Even with COVID-19 restrictions in place, the dedicated team at the Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre created an event that engaged the whole community, one centred around connectivity and inclusion.

Western Sydney health workers received a sweet surprise on Australia Day

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ustralia Day was sweet for Western Sydney health workers this year.

More than 4,500 individually packed lamingtons with a heartfelt thank you note were delivered to staff working in Westmead, Auburn, Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals on the public holiday.

The network of Rotary clubs in Western Sydney was the face behind the surprise.

Parramatta City Rotary club president Barry Antees said the idea of gifting lamingtons to health workers on Australia Day came naturally.

“We wanted to thank our health heroes for their hard work in the past 12 months, and Australia Day seemed like a good opportunity.

“With lamingtons being an Australian icon, it was a match made in heaven,” Barry said.

“Having an opportunity to give back to people who

have already given so much to our community felt very special.”

Emergency department nurse Quin Lim was on duty when the sweet gifts were delivered to Auburn Hospital. She said it made her day.

“We did not expect any surprises on Australia Day,” she said.

“It made us feel appreciated by our community.

Thank you!”

All the lamingtons were purchased from small businesses to support the local community in Western Sydney.

Blacktown Rotary club president Melvin D Gray said he was humbled by the extra workload and diligence shown by all frontline workers in hospitals.

“On behalf of all our members, thank you for the opportunity of allowing Rotary to show appreciation to your wonderful staff.”

Blacktown Staff after receiving lamingtons from Blacktown Rotary club.

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or the Wong family, November 10 will never be just another day in the calendar. What started as a regular Tuesday, turned out to be one of the scariest days of their lives.

Meimeizi and Yunhua’s 14-monthold son Matthew was playing in the backyard when his mother was distracted for what felt like a moment.

The next thing Meimeizi saw was Matthew falling head first into a full water tank.

When she pulled him out, Matthew was unconscious. Living close to Auburn Hospital, the parents made a quick decision to run to the emergency department with Matthew instead of waiting for the ambulance.

Medical officer Dr Pramod Chandru said timing played a crucial role in Matthew’s resuscitation.

“We were lucky the family lived nearby and their neighbour knew how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation),” Dr Chandru said.

“The first 10 minutes were an absolute blur for me. As the team started resuscitation, I was making calls to arrange their further hospital stay and check-ups.”

The emergency department team revived the boy in three minutes.

“It was such a relief when we had the pulse and heard him start to cry,” Dr Chandru said.

Wong family and Auburn Hospital’s Emergency Department staff involved in Matthew’s resuscitation

“Seeing Matthew’s mother’s emotions change from distress and fear to relief really stuck with me. I can’t even begin to imagine what his parents went through.

“They both bowed to us when they were leaving the emergency department.”

Three weeks later, Matthew’s parents paid a visit to Auburn Hospital to meet again the team who saved their son’s life.

“Seeing Matthew happy and healthy really made my day. Dressed up and smiling, his mother looks nothing like that scared woman who carried her unconscious child into emergency three weeks ago,” Dr Chandru said.

“This was definitely one of the

highlights of my career.”

Many team members came to work on their day off to meet Matthew once again and give him an early Christmas gift – a wooden toy truck.

Meimeizi and Yunhua thanked the team and said they were forever grateful.

“Never stop watching after your child. Things can happen so quickly, you may not even notice. It is important to stay vigilant to keep your babies safe,” Yunhua said.

With the hot weather back in NSW, all children’s activities near the water must be monitored.

Auburn emergency staff specialist Dr Ker Fern Tan said it was important to keep it fun but safe.

“Drowning is one of the biggest risks during summer. Supervision and preventative measures are two important factors that can save many lives,” Dr Ker Fern said.

“Install locks and safety systems around swimming pools. Don’t leave children alone near the water, it does not matter how safe it looks. A child can drown even in a very small amount of water.

“In case of an incident, call 000 immediately. Early CPR can be lifesaving.”

For more information, visit www.kidsafe.com.au

Emergency Staff Specialist Dr Kevin Lai and Medical Officer Pramod Chandru – happy to see Matthew healthy and happy

Western News 5 February 2021 Issue 128

Dad of rescued toddler says ‘never stop watching after your kid’

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Western News 5 February 2021 Issue 128

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Every day is a great day to quit N

ew Year’s Resolutions come and go, but it’s never a bad time to make a positive change for your health – and your wallet.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in many different ways, including peoples’ smoking habits. Many people who smoke may face more new challenges, but an attempt to quit could be the answer to help offset some of these.

WSLHD’s Tobacco Control team has monitored smokers’ responses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some smokers in Australia and around the world have tried to quit to improve their lung and heart health.

Motivations for quitting have included: to reduce COVID-19 risks, to protect family members from breathing in second-hand smoke while at home, and to reduce financial hardship.

The team also found some people have increased smoking due to stress, anxiety, boredom at home and being isolated from loved ones.

For some people, having more

money through increased income support payments has factored into increased smoking. With those increases now over and cigarette prices continuing to increase, now is the best time to work out a plan to quit.

An average smoker can save up to $700 each month and $8,500 each year by quitting.

Dr Ankur Srivastava, Staff Specialist from WSLHD’s Mental

Health Services says there are much better ways to manage stress than smoking.

“There are many services available to help you manage stress in a healthy way.

“Smoking and addiction to nicotine make stress worse, quitting will improve your mental wellbeing. It’s always a good time to make an attempt to quit,” Dr Srivastava said.

Check out the COVID-19 and Smoking page on the WSLHD COVID-19 Community Resources website to find more information about healthy ways to manage stress, the benefits of quitting smoking and how to access free quit and mental health support services.

Break the cycle to improve your health and mood for a fresh start in 2021!

What are smokers doing during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Quitting

No change

Smoking more

Westmead Hospital staff light up iconic Opera House sails

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estmead Hospital anaesthetist Dr Kanan Shah and neonatal intensive care nurse Masieray Bangura received a much-welcome shock on Australia Day when their faces illuminated the sails of Sydney’s iconic Opera House.

The two were chosen as part of a tribute to frontline workers including firefighters and healthcare staff.

The Australia Day ‘Concert for the Country’ was broadcast live on ABC featured a host of famous Australian performers, with Kanan and Masieray’s photos appearing during Delta Goodrem’s rendition of I Am Australian.

Maiseray was stunned when her sister called to say she’d just seen her on TV. “It feels amazing. I feel very emotional, it’s just unbelievable and super exciting,” she said.

“To see my face with those words, ‘I am, you are, we are Australian’ is beautiful and very significant.

It was a precious moment for me, something I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.”

Dr Kanan Shah (centre) and nurse Masieray Bangura (second from left) featured among an Australia Day tribute to frontline workers.

WSLHD multimedia specialist Jara Pinheiro got a kick out of seeing his pictures projected onto the sails.

Masieray moved to Australian from Sierra Leone in 2004, and started working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Westmead Hospital four years ago.

She said she cares for every newborn as if they were her own, and was extremely grateful to be recognised for doing something she loves.

“All the frontline workers are in this together. It’s very meaningful.”

Kanan was out having dinner when she started receiving texts from friends who’d seen the coverage.

“It was a bit bizarre. There are hundreds of people who are more deserving than me. I wish every single frontline worker could’ve been up there,” she said.

“I am honoured and very privileged to represent anaesthetists and all hospital staff in this way.

If there’s one positive from COVID-19, it’s the recognition of healthcare workers.

“I love what I do and it’s nice that other people have a better understanding now.”

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he Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia.

Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said this news would add further confidence to Australia’s vaccine strategy.

“This is an important moment for our Blacktown and Mount Druitt communities, and for the whole of Australia,” Senator Payne said.

“The approval of the Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine comes after rigorous and independent assessment by the TGA, which shows it meets Australian standards for safety, quality and efficacy.”

A priority group of Australians are expected to now receive their first dose of the vaccine as soon as it can be received from Pfizer and the necessary checks are undertaken by the TGA, prior to its distribution.

The vaccine will be provided free to Australians, with a priority group of Australians expected to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in late February and early March.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the TGA approval was an important step in the fight against COVID-19.

“I welcome the TGA’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine, with our own Australian experts finding it is safe, effective and of a high standard,” the Prime Minister said.

“Australians should take confidence in the thorough and careful approach taken by our world-class safety regulator.

“Our priority has always been to keep Australians safe and protect lives and livelihoods.

Today’s

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that the TGA has provisionally approved the Pfizer vaccine

approval is another big step forward for our community, particularly in the protection of our most vulnerable people.”

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the world-class regulators at the TGA have been working tirelessly to introduce a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine in Australia.

“The TGA’s processes are I believe the best in the world and we have ensured that they are thorough.”

Minister Hunt said.

“The TGA has placed safety above all else.”

“Australia’s high bar has been met; the vaccine has been approved as effective in stopping severe disease.

I thank all those involved in the development and assessment of this COVID-19 vaccine, including the researchers, Pfizer, BioNTech and the medical experts at the TGA who have worked around the clock and over Christmas.”

“This approval and the upcoming roll out of the vaccine will play an important part in our ability to manage

CROSSWORD

the pandemic in 2021.”

“Australia’s vaccination program has been based on the medical advice from the medical expert panel led

by Professor Brendan Murphy. As a result we are in the fortunate position of having secured 140 million doses of vaccine, one of the highest per capita rates in the world. We will continue to review the medical advice and monitor and adapt to developments around the world,” Minister Hunt said.

The Government continues to work with Pfizer on the final date of delivery of vaccines, noting that Pfizer has experienced some temporary production delays from its European manufacturing plant as it ramps up production to meet extraordinary global demand.

The Government’s latest advice remains that the first doses of Pfizer are expected to arrive and be rolled out in late February. Final dates will be confirmed by Pfizer shortly and are subject to shipping and distribution.

In Australia the vaccine will be rolled out in five phases over the

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Extremely cold (7) Slave traders (7) Composure (9) Chieftain (5) Trap (7) Self-importance (7) Weak in willpower (9) Gapes (5) Electrical safety devices (5) Uses (9) Lethargy (7) Effeminate (7) A large stringed instrument (5) Rot (9) Orange-red dye (7)

coming months and, over time, will involve more than 1,000 vaccination administration sites.

The Australian Government, states and territories, regulators and the health and medical sectors are working together to finalise arrangements under the Australian Vaccination Strategy and detailed roll out plans.

As the rollout begins across 3050 hospital sites, people who need protection the most will get the vaccine first. This includes aged care and disability care residents and workers, frontline health care workers, and quarantine and border workers.

The priority groups have been determined based on the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) which oversees Australia’s highly successful immunisation program.

Senator Payne said it was essential that Western Sydney residents access official information about COVID-19 and the vaccine rollout “It is vital that our community continue to follow trusted and reliable information from health authorities in order to keep everyone safe,” Senator Payne said.

“I encourage anyone with questions about the vaccine to visit the Department of Health website for accurate and up to date information, and to ensure they have the COVIDSafe app downloaded on their phone.

“My Western Sydney office is on hand to assist members of the public with enquiries. Should members of the public have any questions, they can email my team at senator.payne@ aph.gov.au or call on (02) 9687 8755.”

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Arouse passions (7) Sheets of unbound paper (9) Move sideways (5) Lasting through all time (7) A resin used in incense (5) Prawns (7) Phrases (9) Good for you (9) Mediterranean sailing ship (7) Old Scottish for “Salmon” (7) Leaner (7) Long pins for holding meat (7) A synthetic fabric (5)

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29 Polls (7) down 1 The first 4 books of the New Testament (7) 2 Doubters of religion (9)

solution 22/1/21

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Australia approves Pfizer vaccine

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Western News 5 February 2021 Issue 128

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WESTERN HISTORY

Western News

A female convict and the York Family given him about £40 in notes that was part of the proceeds of a sale of wool. Constable Cornwall at Richmond remembers seeing the prisoner there and Michael said he was his Australian Royalty family starts a “ticket of leave man” but did not have with Mary Murray born in 1768. the necessary documents to prove this and She married William York in Bristol, he expressed great anxiety saying that if England. She was convicted for the theft I would let him go he would make me an of property and sentenced to a term of 7 ample remuneration because he was fearful years in July 1805 and sent on the “William he might lose his liberty for being out of Pitt” that arrived at Sydney Cove in April his district. He tendered a £l0 note that he 1806, then sent to the Female Factory at gave to me to get changed and hoping to Parramatta. Some information says that she avoid offering it to a third person himself was pregnant before she boarded because and we both proceeded to the “King William on the journey a son Charles York was born at sea. Mary’s husband died in England the  Emma & Charles York courtesy of Sutherland Shire Library 1V” hotel. At the hotel the conduct of the prisoner gave me suspicion and I took next year and about the same time Mary was him into custody where I found on him one £10 note and other monies assigned to Gregory Blaxland at “Brush Farm” in Parramatta where she subsequently identified by Henry York. The prisoner, in his defence, met William Cosgrove and they married (common law) in 1810. William stated the money was his that he had earned by hard labour and had been had arrived in Australia as a convict on the vessel Rolla in 1803. He was 23 years in the colony and had suffered much during that time”. The jury granted his Certificate of Freedom in the year of his marriage and joined returned a verdict of guilty. In 1845 William’s brother Charles, his son and the police force. He was killed nine years later. At the time of his death, stock keeper were stopped at the junction of the Mittagong and Argyle he was the District Constable of Parramatta, having previously been the Roads by a man armed with a musket and a pair of pistols. The man took Constable and Pound Keeper at Bringelly. In April 1819 he came upon all the money they had amounting to £3/17/6d. Charles thought that there three men and believing them to be bushrangers he enquired where they might be other men concealed near the road which accounted for them not were heading, but the men bolted, and William shouted police and called capturing the man. In 1855 Charles was a Director of the “Nepean Bridge on them to stop. One of them turned around and fired a shot at him from Company” who organised the replacement of the Nepean River punt the musket he was carrying, and William returned fire with his pistol, with a wooden toll bridge connecting Emu Plains and Penrith (7/1/2021 but the musket shot caused a fatal wound and killed William. The three History Page). Charles died in February in 1861 of 7 days exhaustion were caught and executed. Mary’s English son Henry was convicted of aged 56 and Maria died in 1884 at “Enfield Villa” Emu Plains aged 72 larceny at the Bristol Quarter Sessions in 1816 and sent on the “Fame” and both are buried at Emu Plains general cemetery. William born in to Australia arriving in 1817. In 1819 he was granted 34 acres of land 1827 ran cattle and sheep on 10,000 acres at Penrith where he built “York at Bringelly by Governor Lachlan Macquarie and received a Certificate Lodge”. He fattened up stock and drove them to his brother Charles who of freedom in 1824. He died in June 1881 and is buried in McCarthy’s was a wholesale carcass butcher and they operated “York Brothers” wool Lane Cemetery, Castlereagh. In 1821 Mary married George Crooks at scouring works at Waterloo. In 1849 William married Eliza Ryan and St Johns at Parramatta and they also had property at Bringelly. George, they had six children. In 1870 Eliza died and a year later William married born in 1782 came as a convict on the “Surry” in 1814 for 14 years. He Irish born Grace Kirkpatrick Craig. In 1873 while on a trip to Tasmania died around 1841 aged 70 and Mary died in 1842 at the age of 74 and William was locked up in a Hobart Asylum. On his return to Sydney, he both are buried at St John’s cemetery in Parramatta. Mary’s sons Charles was committed to the Gladesville Asylum. Grace saw her chance for a and Henry applied for land grants and Henry also received another 50 shopping spree and spent £400 at David Jones and Charles received a acres in 1825 at South Creek. In 1827 Henry and Charles received a court order to pay up. William died in the asylum in 1877 and two months grant together of 1,920 acres at the Shoalhaven River, Mungattee Station later his widow Grace abandoned “York Lodge” and her stepchildren. She and both were also farming at Emu Plains around 1831. Charles married died in Queensland in 1934. Charles York was born in December 1829 at Maria Chalker in 1826 at St Luke’s, Liverpool. Maria was born at South Creek/St Marys one of a twin (brother James). He married Anne Prospect in 1811 to William & Elizabeth Chalker (Nee: Shackle). In 1833 Donald in 1849 at St Andrews Scots Church in Sydney. Ann was born Michael Hoare was indicted for stealing from the house of Charles York, at Parramatta in 1833 to parents William & Ann Donald (Nee: Howard).

Regentville, Penrith of one £20, one £10, and one £1 note the property Anne passed away in 1863 in Sydney. A coroner’s inquest into her of his brother Henry. Michael belonged to the Bathurst Road-party and death concluded that she died as a result of an epileptic fit accelerated by was sent by the Government to assist in getting in the harvest. On being “drunkenness and debauchery” (sic) and later that same year he married called to give evidence Henry stated “he remembered having been in Emma Blackman. Charles died at Gladesville in 1880. possession of one £30, one £10 and other monies and remembered having seen the prisoner at the house of my brother Charles. I had the money Sources: NSW Settler and Convict Lists, Ancestry documents, Trove, BDM in my waistcoat pocket that I had pulled off and hung on my brother’s website, Sydney Gazette and NSW Advertiser, Surveyor General’s Office, Sydney saddle in the kitchen, but I did not miss the money until the following Monitor NSW, The Australian, State Library of Qld. Convict Transportation morning when it was discovered that the prisoner had absconded”.

Registers Database online, The Glebe Society online, Chalker/Charker family Charles corroborated the evidence of his brother Henry saying he had information online, BDM online.

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

T

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Western News

local news

B

lacktown City Council is inviting residents and business owners to have their say on a proposed sale of Council-owned land in Blacktown’s city centre.

The market-price sale of the large parcel of land will pave the way for the development of the previously announced Blacktown Brain and Spinal Institute.

The Blacktown Brain and Spinal Institute (BBSI) is headed by renowned neurosurgeon Professor Charlie Teo AM. The sale will provide funding for the temporary relocation of some Council administrative staff to ensure the continued delivery of services to residents and local businesses. It will also enable the eventual planned move to new purpose-built administration offices in the CBD, and facilities for a new Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.

Blacktown City’s population is predicted to top 550,000 by 2036 and Council has recognised that new facilities are needed to ensure staff can properly service a fast-growing, modern city in the decades ahead.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “This will be a major leap forward in the redevelopment of the Blacktown city centre.

“The Blacktown Brain and Spinal Institute will bring hundreds of millions of dollars investment into our City and at the same time, Council will be able to develop a landmark Administration and Cultural centre.”

The BBSI will be a world leader in medical research, practice, treatment and recovery, catering for surgeons, patients and their families from Australia and overseas.

The development is planned to include the medical research institute (with a university partner), a private hospital, a medi-hotel, retail space, and residential apartments.

“This is a very exciting project.

BBSI would be one of the most significant investments ever in Blacktown City, with an estimated total construction value of $800 million,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“We believe the project will attract hundreds of millions of dollars of capital investment, hundreds of longterm, highly skilled and support jobs, and millions of dollars of medical research, as well as contribute greatly to the rejuvenation of the Blacktown city centre.

“It will also provide facilities to support international medi-tourism which in turn has the potential to generate income from overseas, assisting the NSW economy,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Artists impression of the Blacktown Brain and Spinal Institute project

The BBSI would be located at the site of Council’s Administration Centre on Flushcombe Road, including the former WSROC building and surrounding car park, as well as the building currently housing the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre and part of the adjacent Blacktown Kmart carpark.

There is a commitment to retain these public parking spaces in the proposed development.

Proceeds from the land sale will ensure redevelopment of the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.

“Council is committed to retaining the Leo Kelly Arts Centre name in the form of a new arts and cultural space of equivalent, or greater, size and utility to the current facility,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Council is proud of its record in the arts sector in Western Sydney, and will continue to play a leading role.

“The late Mayor Leo Kelly was a pioneer in local government sponsorship and involvement in the arts, and his name will always be commemorated and associated physically in Blacktown City Council’s continuing support for the creative sector.

“Blacktown Arts is a recognised leader in the development of contemporary arts in Australia through its award-winning curated program of exhibitions, performances, workshops, residencies and events.

“Blacktown Arts works hard to reflect our City’s great cultural diversity and places Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities at the heart of our program to encourage and develop new work from local artists,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Blacktown City Council has resolved to adopt the BBSI project as a Transformational Project and to conduct a period of community consultation regarding the sale of the Council-owned land to facilitate the project.

The sale price will be on the basis of a ‘fair market’ process, all in line with NSW Government approval and governance rules.

“Council has a responsibility to the residents and businesses of Blacktown City to ensure that the redevelopment of our city centre is financially viable, responsible, world’s best practice, and in the best interests of our community,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

How can I give feedback on the proposed sale?

Residents and businesses are invited to “Have Your Say” on the proposed sale.

Community consultation on the sale will run for a period of 4 weeks; 27 January, 2021, to 24 February, 2021.

Information on the project will still be available following the end of the consultation period.

Where can I find more information about the BBSI and the proposed sale?

For information on the project and to “Have Your Say” visit: www. blacktown.nsw.gov.au/BBSI Council has prepared an extensive

‘Frequently Asked Questions’ which provides further information on the proposed land sale.

Members of the community who wish to ask questions relating to the proposed sale over the phone should call Council on 02 9839 6000.

Physical copies of the proposal can be accessed at the following locations: • Blacktown City Council Administration Centre, 62 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown • Max Webber Library, corner Flushcombe Road and Alpha Street, Blacktown • Our Library @ The Mount Druitt Hub, Ayres Grove, Mount Druitt • Dennis Johnson Library, corner Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens • Lalor Park Library, corner Freeman Street and Northcott Road, Lalor Park • Riverstone Library and Digital Hub, 1st Floor, Riverstone Village, corner Market Street and Riverstone Parade, Riverstone • Blacktown Aquatic Centre, 4 Boyd Street, Blacktown • Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope, Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens • Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, Ayres Grove, Mount Druitt • Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton, 35 Jersey Road, Emerton • Riverstone Swimming Centre, corner Market and Piccadilly streets, Riverstone • The Leo Kelly Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown

Western News 5 February 2021 Issue 128

Blacktown City community invited to “Have Your Say” on proposed Council land sale

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Western News 5 February 2021 Issue 128

14

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

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Western News

Job Keeper ending: How can I secure cash?

he Australian Government’s JobKeeper scheme has been of great support to businesses nationwide during the pandemic.

With JobKeeper payments now reduced and the end of the scheme looming, what does this mean for your business and cashflow.

Small business owners know all too well that the unpredictable nature of the industry along with the pandemic has changed the way lenders consider providing finance and can sometimes mean that quick access to lending products is no longer available.

Small business owners currently experiencing cashflow issues should review their financials and speak with an advisor and or accountant.

Where do you start? Wealthwiz is an MFAA Accredited Broker and present some of the options available to you when you’re faced with a cashshortage.

Solution #1: equipment finance For many small businesses, especially those in the hospitality industry, income and cash flow are heavily reliant on functioning equipment. So for restaurant owners who find their delivery truck has suddenly decided to call it quits, turning to equipment finance could be the best solution.

“Supported by most major and subsidiary lenders, rates are offered competitively at around five to eight per cent. Where a chattel mortgage, a mortgage on a commercial vehicle, is elected, borrowers own the asset from day one and can claim GST payments upfront, which enables greater cash flow within the business as well as interest and depreciation add backs,” says the finance broker.

“Ultimately, I would recommend this solution as

they are safe, structured and can have tax benefits associated with ownerships.”

Solution #2: unsecured business cash loan A fast and modern alternative to traditional banking methods, an unsecured business cash loan doesn’t require you to use a business or personal asset as security. It also has the advantage of speed with 90 per cent of their loans being approved and funded within 24 hours, advises Barter.

Not suited for start-ups, this option has stricter guidelines as approval is based on how long your business has existed, how long you’ve been at your current address, and on monthly sales. So if you find that you may fall short in covering rent for your company’s premises, this could be the solution most convenient for you.

Solution #3: equity release If you have an existing property, you can cash in on the equity of this premises to secure additional funds. Barter advises that with planning and an understanding of overall objectives, this can be an excellent solution as interest rates are much lower than commercial rates.

“This facility will give you certainty and reduce the overall minimum repayment. However, the risk is that your home is on the line, so there are important things that must be considered, the business plan, the equity available and an alternative plan if your business can no longer service the facility.”

Solution #4: payday loan For any business owner, especially freelancers, who need to cover everyday costs and expenses but are still waiting for a cheque to clear, taking out a payday loan may seem the ideal solution. They are easy to establish, with approval generally settled

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within 24 hours, are available in small amounts, and even those with bad credit histories can apply.

However, Wealthwiz recommends to only consider this as an emergency or last-minute shortterm solution. “These loans can ensure business maintains productivity and reduce downtime, which often overrides the additional interest costs.

Payday rates are high, usually around 20 per cent of the principal loan amount, and it’s vital that a business has good cash flow projections to ensure they can meet the repayments.”

Solution #5: merchant cash advance A fast transaction that’s designed to match your cash flow, a merchant cash advance is where a lender essentially purchases future transactions of the business and provides a lump sum payment in exchange for a percentage of future sales.

This should only be considered as a short-term solution as they are more expensive than traditional loans. This type of facilities are not suited for seasonal businesses, or those that experiences peaks and troughs, the amount advanced usually spans three months which may mean that it may not suffice.

If you find yourself in a situation where your business would benefit from quick access to cash flow, it is always recommended you speak with a broker before selecting which option to go with.

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Western News

SPORT

Chaewon Lee

Claire Shin

Kade Webber

Three of the local juniors who competed at the 2021 NSW Amateur Championships. File photos supplied by JNJG

By Noel Rowsell

M

agenta Shores GC and Kooindah Waters GC jointly hosted the NSW Amateur Championships from 25th -

29th January.

There are a number of events within the Championships, including the NSW Medal (Men) and the NSW Stroke-play (Women) titles, which are contested over the first two days at both courses.

At the completion of those two events, the leading 32 men and 16 women progress to the elimination rounds for the NSW Amateur Championship, which are contested under Match Play conditions.

Matches in the NSW Amateur are conducted over 18 holes, with the final decided over 36 holes.

Also incorporated into the 36 hole qualifying rounds is the Men’s NSW Champion of Club Champions Trophy, whilst the ‘Leo Wray Bowl’ for the 36 hole nett winner, the Country Championship

Cup and the Metropolitan Championship Cup are all played in conjunction with the Women’s Strokeplay Championship.

The NSW Amateur Championship dates back to 1898 and is one of Australia’s oldest golf tournaments.

12 Men and 4 women from western Sydney entered this year’s tournament, including Ryan Cadle, Kade Webber, Lyle Keith, Raymond Costello and Craig Baird from Stonecutters Ridge GC, Coby Carruthers, Stephen Andrews and Daniel Ayre (Dunheved GC), Michael Organ and Josh Gadd (Penrith GC) and Reggie Papps (Richmond GC) in the men’s division, along with Mikayla Edwards and Isabelle Mansfield (Penrith GC), Chaewon Lee (Glenmore Heritage Valley GC) and Claire Shin (Twin Creeks CC) in the women’s division.

Claire performed superbly over the first 2 days to finish in a tie with Grace Kim (Avondale) for second spot in the women’s division, 4 shots adrift of winner Kelsey Bennett (St Michaels).

Dunheved GC hosted the 2021 South Creek Cup on 30th January, with 231 starters broken into a morning and afternoon fields.

The morning group played through insistent rain, whilst the afternoon group started in the wet but once the clouds dissipated, temperatures and humidity levels soared, providing a new challenge for the late starters.

Josh Gadd (Penrith GC) won the event with 68 c/b, ahead of Jake Crowther (Asquith GC); the Nett winner (Captains Cup) was M White, ahead of B Linsdell; the Colt winner was Josh Gadd and the John Fearnley Cup was won by Coby Carruthers (Dunheved GC).

Action from the 2021 South Creek Cup at Dunheved GC. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Claire would also finish runner-up to Kelsey in the Leo Wray Bowl, with the two leaders the only players to finish under par in the Nett event.

Backing up in the Matchplay on Wednesday, Claire reached the semi-final stage, only to fall 2 and 1 to eventual winner and reigning 2020 champion Grace Kim. Jeffrey Guan (The Australian) continued his unbelievable run of victories in the men’s division, securing the NSW Medal and setting a course record 65 at Kooindah Waters on the opening day.

Coby Carruthers finished in a 7-way tie for 32nd spot in the NSW Medal, before unfortunately missing out in a mass playoff for the final spots in the Matchplay Championships.

Daniel Ayre was the next best finisher among the western Sydney players, ahead of Josh Gadd.

Guan dominated through the playoff stages in the Matchplay, only to fall 4 and 3 to Andrew Richards (Pennant Hills) in the Final.

Western News 5 February 2021 Issue 128

NSW Leading Players Contest the NSW Amateur Championships

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Western News

SPORT

Friday, 5 February 2021

Fight to the finish at Harvey Norman Week of Golf

By Noel Rowsell

A

number of players from western Sydney competed in the annual Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) Foundation ‘Harvey Norman Week of Golf’ last month, with the tournament running from 18th - 22nd January.

Played at Twin Creeks Golf & CC, Liverpool GC, Brighton Lakes GC, Strathfield GC and Muirfield GC on consecutive days, the Girl’s Championship would go right down to the wire in a thrilling dead-heat result.

Former Stonecutters Ridge junior representative Brielle Mapanao (Quakers Hill) had won the Girl’s Championship in 2018 and was wellplaced through the first 4 days of this year’s event but saved her best performance for Day 5, storming home with a 5-under par score to make up 8 shots on leader Rachel Lee (North Ryde GC).

The two girls ultimately finished the tournament locked in a tie for 1st, with Rachel prevailing in a playoff to claim this year’s title, with Brielle (2nd), Nara Shin (Lynwood CC) 3rd and Chaewon Lee (Glenmore Heritage

Brielle Mapanao (15 years girls winner) and Darcy Mackay (4th in 12/13 boys).

Photos supplied by JNJG

Valley GC) in 4th.

Brielle also finished 1st in the 15+ years division, ahead of Chaewon in 2nd position.

The Boy’s Championship would prove a ‘tour-de-force’ for the reigning 2020 champion Jeffrey Guan (The Australian GC), who streeted the field to finish at 15-under par over the 5 days, thus recording a runaway 14shot victory in an emphatic defence of his title.

Coby Carruthers (Leonay GC) was the leading local player in the Boy’s division, finishing in a tie for 8th spot overall at +9 and 3rd in the 14/15 years age group, ahead of Blake Hodges (Dunheved GC) in 15th position overall at +18 and 6th in 14/15 years.

Darcy Mackay (Stonecutters Ridge GC) placed 4th in the 12/13’s boys division (and tied for 33rd overall), whilst his clubmates Ryan Cadle (tied

24th overall) and Kade Webber (32nd overall) both had highly creditable results over the 5 days.

Ryan finished tied for 13th and Kade in 19th spot in the 16+ years boys division.

Major Pennants Golf The local golf clubs made a solid start to the 2021 Major Pennant season, winning 6 and drawing 3 of the 11 rounds played on Sunday 31st March.

The full list of results are: MEN Division One - Twin Creeks CC drew 3.5-3.5 with Liverpool, Penrith GC fell 4.5-2.5 to Bonnie Doon; Division Two - Glenmore HVGC drew 3.5-3.5 with Cromer, Stonecutters Ridge GC won 4.5-2.5 over Bankstown; Division Three Springwood CC drew 3.5-3.5 with Camden, Dunheved GC won 6-0 over Massey Park, Richmond GC won 4-3 over Asquith; Division Four Windsor CC won 5-2 over Roseville, Leonay GC won 5-2 over Carnarvon; Division Five - Wallacia CC won 4-3 over Riverside Oaks.

WOMEN Division One Stonecutters Ridge GC lost 5-0 to New South Wales GC; Division Two - Penrith had a bye.

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