Westernnews 6july2018

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Friday, 6 July 2018

ISSUE 63

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Winter bites

Western News 6 July 2018 Issue 63

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Western News

Lendlease unveils new level of retirement choice

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enior Australians considering a move into a Lendlease retirement village now have a new level of choice to help them pay for their retirement.

Lendlease has introduced new ways retirees can pay for their retirement living to enhance choice and flexibility and allow them to decide what is most suitable to their situation.

The new options comprise a prepaid plan, a refundable contribution and, for villages with serviced apartments, payas-you-go. These new contract options

complement the traditional model, known as a Deferred Management Fee – also known as an exit fee – which remains the most common contract choice in the industry.

Lendlease Retirement Living Managing Director, Tony Randello said the new contracts will help provide more people with more choice when making this major lifestyle decision.

“When residents move out with the refundable contribution, whether it’s after six months or 15 years, we give

them back the total amount within 60 days of departure,” he said.

“Refundable contributions are designed for people who want something simple and want the sense of security of what they’re going to end up with when they move out, and there’s no deferred fee.

Pay-As-You-Go is targeted at those who can afford to buy into a retirement village but don’t want to sell their home - so far its only available at villages with serviced apartments “The Pre-Paid plan will appeal to

those with an investor mentality or to those who want to leave something behind for their children as you pay the management fee upfront, and retain the entire capital gain or loss when the property is sold.

“Our new contracts are part of Lendlease’s commitment towards improving our residents’ experience and to assist those contemplating a move into retirement living, whether for themselves or for a loved one.”

Lendlease’s new retirement living contracts are designed to provide customers with a variety of choice previously unavailable across most of the industry. Existing and potential residents at various villages across Australia have helped design the contracts to enhance choice and flexibility. In addition, the new deals can be applied to both existing and new retirement village developments and will be on offer at a majority of Lendlease villages by July.

The new contracts are also designed to broaden the appeal of living in a retirement village to more people.

People can choose certainty with the refundable contribution, capital growth with the prepaid plan, flexibility with the pay-as-you-go model for serviced apartments or simply retain more capital upfront by choosing the traditional exit fee model.

Lendlease owns and operates 71 retirement villages and is one of Australia’s biggest retirement village operators.

Grants for Quakers Hill preschools

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ember for Riverstone Kevin Conolly has welcomed the news that two preschools in Quakers Hill will benefit from a total of $30,000 in funding shared equally to go towards enhancing the quality of their service.

Mr Conolly visited both centres this week to announce and congratulate Blacktown City Council and preschool centre staff on being successful in applying for the NSW Government’s Quality Learning Environments fund, namely: • Kids’ Early Learning Quakers Hill Preschool at 121 Farnham Rd, and • Kids’ Early Learning Blacktown City Quakers Hill North at 7 Lalor Rd. “These preschools are showing an ongoing commitment to ensuring children in the local area have access to top quality early childhood education, which, as the local Member, makes me very proud,” Mr Conolly said.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Sarah Mitchell said she is extremely proud of the Quality

Learning Environments fund and the response from the sector has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Not only will this funding improve the quality of the learning environment for children right across the state, parents can also rest assured that their children are having the best

start to their educational journeys as possible,” Sarah Mitchell said.

“These preschools will be able to use this funding to replace their floor area with lino based material, allowing a more flexible and wear resistant use of their indoor play area,” said Mr Conolly.

The Quality Learning Environments program was introduced in 2018 and is part of the NSW Government’s $332 million Start Strong Program which was introduced in 2016 and has been extended to 2021.

For more information, visit the Department of Education website.

Western News

LABOR: M4 cash-back to make a come-back

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ick kids were treated to a special visit recently by police attached to Hawkesbury Police Area Command to spread some joy at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

The group of officers, were joined

by North West Metropolitan Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones APM who toured the wards.

The annual visit allows police to connect with the community and help put a smile on the faces of children who are going through a tough time.

Donations from the community, including more than 3000 tubs of PlayDoh, of which 1600 were collected by a local 12-year-old boy, were presented

to the Child Life Therapists who use it with patients on the wards.

Assistant Commissioner Jones said the event was a great way to brighten the spirits of the children and their families.

“This visit is a great opportunity to support the community and be part of a positive distraction for the kids,” “It’s always such a pleasure to see the big smiles on the kids’ faces when we visit and the bravery and determination they show us is truly inspiring.” Assistant Commissioner Jones said.

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead treats 70,000 sick and injured children from NSW and beyond each year.

ONDONDERRY MP Prue Car said an elected Foley Labor government would return thousands of dollar in tolls a year with the re-introduction of the Cashback on the M4, an announcement she says will “deliver a fairer deal for families struggling with the cost of living under the Liberals.”

Ms Car said Labor’s M4 Cashback for private vehicles will remove the burden for hundreds of thousands of western Sydney motorists who are now paying up to $4.74 per trip since the government re-introduced the toll on the widened section of the M4 last August.

She said western Sydney motorists commuting daily along the tolled stretch are paying more than $2,275 in tolls a year.

Labor’s “Lightening the Load M4 Cashback” will operate on the same rules as the M5 Cashback introduced by the NSW Labor government in 1997. MsCar said it builds on Labor’s already announced Tolling Transparency policy which delivers a fairer deal to Sydney’s road users.

Mr Foley made the announcement

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Sick kids gets special cop visit

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to the Labor faithful at Sydney’s Town Hall, the very same venue and occasion that Bob Carr used 22 years ago to announce his plans for a Cashback on the M4 and M5.

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

Western News 6 July 2018 Issue 63

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From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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NOTHER day, another announcement that a local newspaper is no longer printing.

It was announced on Wednesday across social media, in the newspaper and on their website that the St Marys Mt Druitt Standard will cease printing this month.

It adds their publication to the now long list of local news outlets that have already ceased, including a number of Fairfax publications across western Sydney.

It is always sad to see the deterioration of an industry before your eyes.

As newspapers owned by large corporations close their doors across Sydney, jobs in print media for editors, journalists, photographers, graphic designers and salespeople become slim pickings.

Sadly so does the quality of your local news.

While there’s an obvious digital shift and push, the quality of your local content, where the achievements and causes of our own local residents are championed, will undoubtedly suffer.

The reality is Little Johnny who scored 7 tries in his local footy game at St Marys will be of no interest to the wider media. Even on social media, it is only going to be shared among the local club members who probably saw it anyway.

Local papers are the ones to spread the good local news.

Jill and John Doh raising money for local charity will also suffer if there’s no local media to get the message out to the people who are going to care enough to dig deep for the cause - which of course is other locals.

Residents would lose the grasp on what is happening with the local council, what our local MPs are doing, and perhaps more importantly not doing, and before you know it the coming together of communities begins to fade.

Marketing for local businesses will also suffer. While ads can be put on social media, often they are aimed at people who already know the product anyway. Just advertising a product on the company’s own page is just preaching to the already converted. If they only have 2,000 likes then they’re really just showing that 2,000 who liked them anyway, rather than suggesting the product indirectly to people flipping through another product.

Western News has no intention of going anywhere.

We love delivering the news. We are independent, not answerable to a long chain of corporate bureaucracy and you can talk directly to any one of us.

Businesses, we come to you, cap in hand, as one of the last remaining printed publications in our area, to remind you that in order for us to survive we need support through advertising. Our prices are very reasonable and our service is fabulous. And we incorporate digital advertising anyway, so we still offer the best of both worlds.

Please consider us.

Thank you! kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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› Nation’s finest

ings Park resident Stephenie Hancock will lose her locks for cancer next month.

The year three student at Kings Langley Public School has been raising money for Cancer Council through Do It For Cancer.

Stephenie’s mum Danielle was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer when Stephenie was four,” Danielle said.

“I had an operation to remove my left breast and also underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

I then elected to have my other breast removed as well.”

Danielle is now cancer free, but her experience had a profound impact on Stephenie.

“When I found out mummy had cancer, I wanted to give her my hair, but she said maybe I could give it to other kids,” Stephenie said.

Stephenie, 8, will donate her cut off hair to Variety’s Hair with Heart initiative.

Hair with Heart requires donated hair to be at least 35.5 centimetres long.

Donations of hair are made into specialised wigs for those who have lost their hair due to a medical condition such as alopecia.

Stephenie has also been raising

Doonside family day care educator Amandeep Kaur, has been recognised as one of the nation’s finest early childhood educators.

Amandeep has been announced as the Parramatta & Western Suburbs regional winner in the 2018 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.

Amandeep who is registered with Vision Family Day Care is one of over 18,000 family day care educators who play a wonderful and vital role in the lives of more than 112,000 families around the country.

Now in its seventh year, Family Day Care Australia’s Excellence in Family Day Care Awards acknowledges the incredible work done by family day care educators each and every day, as well as showcasing the amazing bonds shared between family day care educators and the children they work with.

The awards celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of family day care and how strong relationships and a nurturing home learning environment make family day care the natural choice for quality early childhood education and care.

Amandeep now goes in the running to be named as a national finalist in the awards.

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money for Cancer Council in the lead up to her hair chop.

She has received great support from her school friends and her teammates at the Parklea Soccer Club.

“I wanted to raise $500, but we have already raised almost $1700,” Stephenie said.

“I play for the under 9s team and we put a donation box next to

the clubhouse. We also put one at school.”

Do It For Cancer is a Cancer Council community fundraising initiative that supports people to fundraise any way they like.

To support Stephenie in her fundraising efforts, visit www. doitforcancer.com.au/fundraisers/ stepheniehancock/steph--s-bighaircut

Western News 6 July 2018 Issue 63

Steph to shed locks for cancer research

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Western News 6 July 2018 Issue 63

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Western News

Local wins vocational student of the year award

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AFE NSW Nirimba student Kealoana Stevenson was awarded Vocational Student of the Year at the prestigious 2018 Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Training Awards presentation last week.

Kealoana took out the prestigious Vocational Student of the Year award at the Training Services NSW event.

TAFE NSW students claimed two of the six awards on offer, including the Apprentice of the Year, and Vocational Student of the Year.

Member for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly has congratulated some of the region’s “training champions” after an impressive display by TAFE NSW students at the Training Awards.

“This is a wonderful result for TAFE NSW and I have no doubt these winners will go on to be great ambassadors for the region and their industries,” Mr Conolly said.

“While we rightly celebrate achievements on the sporting field, it’s just as important to celebrate achievements in the classroom and the workplace.

“TAFE NSW plays a critical role in shaping the careers of students across a whole range of important sectors.

“There are half a million jobs in the pipeline right now which do not require a university degree so there has never been a better time to utilise the NSW Government’s world-class vocational education and training system.”

The seven categories at Friday night’s event included; Apprentice of the Year, Trainee of the Year,

› School shed fire Police have commenced inquiries after a fire broke out in a storage shed at a school in Quakers Hill recently.

Emergency services were called to the school on Bali Drive about 8.40pm Monday 25 June where they located a storage shed well alight.

Fire & Rescue NSW officers extinguished the blaze which destroyed the shed and the sporting equipment inside.

Police from Quakers Hill Police Area Command secured the crime scene and inquiries into the cause of the fire have commenced.

Police are treating the fire as suspicious and would like to speak with anyone who may have been near the school between 8pm and 8.45pm Monday night and saw anyone who may have been acting suspiciously.

Vocational Student of the Year, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year, VET in Schools Student of the Year.

The Western Sydney & Blue Mountains is one of 10 Training Services NSW Awards regional events held annually to celebrate the achievements in excellence of apprentices, trainees and students across the state.

The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by Training

Services NSW to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector. The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, trainers/ teachers and training organisations.

Music has always been a passion of Kealonana’s for as long as she can remember. After completing the Diploma in Music, she had a desire to learn more in order to fulfil her dream of becoming a successful solo artist, so she enrolled in the Advanced Diploma of Music Industries.

At first the course pushed Kealoana

out of her comfort zone, she had a shyness about her and expressing her voice on stage wasn’t easy, but her confidence grew and in 2017, she won a grant from Blacktown Performing Arts and is using the prize money to record her first EP. Kealoana also represented Western Sydney Musicians at the 2017 Sydney Gala Project where she performed two of her original songs for Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull.

Kealoana will now be considered for the NSW Training Awards event in September.

Life-changing lotto win for retired Riverstone man

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even days after his winning numbers were drawn, a Riverstone man made the startling discovery this week that he won $1 million in last week’s Monday & Wednesday Lotto.

The man held the only division one winning entry nationally in Monday & Wednesday Lotto draw 3774 on Monday 18 June 2018. It scored the guaranteed division one prize of $1 million.

While the man’s entry was registered, NSW Lotteries’ attempts to deliver the dream-come-true news were unsuccessful until he checked his ticket.

“Thank you! I appreciate it!” the Riverstone resident exclaimed when a NSW Lotteries official confirmed his win.

“I got a letter last week from NSW Lotteries but I get a lot of stuff in the mail so I didn’t pay much attention to it until I went to put my next ticket in.

I thought I’d ring up and find out if it was legit.

“I never really watch the draws, I just go in the next week to check my ticket.

“I partly believe it, but until you get the money in the bank you’re not quite sure.”

The retired man described his windfall as a “relief” and would help him enjoy a great retirement.

He also plans to share the prize with those people at the top of his Lotto List – his children.

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased his 6-game QuickPick entry from Riverstone Newsagency, Shop 7, Riverstone Marketown, 12 Riverstone Parade, Riverstone.

Riverstone Newsagency’s Nancy Yang said she was thrilled the winner had been united with their prize.

“We only took over the shop about four months ago so it’s great news for

us to sell a division one,” she said.

“We’re really happy for the winner and we’re proud we helped make someone’s dream come true.

“We hope we can make a lot more millionaires in our store – and hopefully one of them will be me!”

The six winning numbers in Monday & Wednesday Lotto draw 3774 on Monday 18 June 2018 were 9, 16, 23, 20, 25 and 32, while the supplementary numbers were 1 and 42.

Across Australia, there was only one division one winning entries – the entry from New South Wales.

The Lotto’s division one winning tally has now reached 197 so far this calendar year, including 47 won by NSW Lotteries customers.

Western News

local news

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t is hoped a treatment for disabling tremor, commonly seen in Parkinson’s disease but also many other conditions, using botulinum toxin injections (Botox™, Dysport™, or Xeomin™) will help people across Australia who live with the condition.

A study is underway at Westmead Hospital to assess how well Botulinum Toxin injections, ease the symptoms of tremor in the muscles around the shoulder and elbow.

The study is being led by Dr Victor Fung, who is Clinical Associate Professor at Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney and the Director of the Movement Disorders Unit at the Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital.

“Tremor is a very common neurological problem, it affects five to six per cent of people over the age of 70 but it can actually appear at any age and there is a large unmet clinical need in terms of treatment for tremor,” Dr Fung said.

“Over 75 per cent of people with tremor will experience some sort of disability from that tremor and the disability affects day-to-day life … things such as eating, drinking, the ability to put on make-up, do up buttons, activities such as playing golf, or writing.”

The study, a Research and Education Network (REN) clinical trial, commenced in July 2017 and involves 15 people who receive injections.

There have been a number of attempts at using botulinum toxin to treat tremor, most of which have involved treating muscles in the forearm, however the results have been disappointing, failing to translate into improved function and increased quality of life.

“So what we’re doing differently with this tremor is we’re really focusing on disabling tremor that is generated from muscles around the shoulder and elbow and those muscles can basically

be injected more successfully, finding a balance between making those muscles weak enough to dampen tremor without making them so weak to cause disability,” Dr Fung said.

Former school teacher Philip Webster, 74, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease three years ago.

“I noticed my hand trembling, my fingers particularly trembling and my arms starting to shake,” he said.

Philip, who had taught writing, found he could no longer put pen to paper.

“Now I’ve been part of this trial I’ve noticed an improvement since the injections,” he said.

“I’ve now been able to take notes, been able to write a sentence – slowly – it’s not as fluent as it used to be, but it’s much better and that has been one of the major improvements.”

By injecting botulinum toxin into a muscle it stops the nerve communicating with the muscle effectively and that makes the muscle weak.

“So what we’re doing with some of the tremor, is we’re trying to identify what are the main muscles that are actually driving that tremor,” Dr Fung said.

“We inject those muscles to weaken them whilst leaving the good muscles alone,” he said.

The study period for each person is six months, with the last three people to be injected in the next few months.

“There are people within the study that are reporting that they did experience benefit,” Dr Fung said.

“People will report that, for example, they are able to feed themselves more easily, they are able to cut their food more easily, they are able to drink from a full or near-full cup as opposed to not being able to drink from a cup at all.

“And from our previous experience we are hoping that two out of three people at least will experience some sort of benefit.”

Western News 6 July 2018 Issue 63

Hope for those with disabling tremor

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Western News 6 July 2018 Issue 63

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Plenty of local FUN during these MILO THE Milo the mini tug MINI-TUG Winter Fun!

Come along and have a cozy ride on Milo the Mini Tug and enjoy the beautiful river with your loved ones this winter. All age groups enjoy the old world charm of this unique little boat.

Kids especially like having a drive on the way back to the Wharf at Windsor.

Milo can take 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children at a time... We usually do half hour cruises for $40 per adult and $20 for children but you can also book Milo to cater for a picnic on the river too!

Refreshments available on board!

Take the family for a ride on the beautiful river. Kids will love the charm of this little tug and they even might get to have a little drive, imagine their delight!

Rides are for just the right amount of time out on the water, not too short and not too long, and even though it is winter the days in the sun have been quite pleasant!

Australian history Another great idea is to whisk the family back in time and spend a day at the Australian Pioneer Village, where they’ll enjoy an amazing day seeing old buildings, old fashions and of course horse and carriages!

Saturday & Sundays 10am-3pm. Other days by appointment only.

Call and book 0415 206 502 or 4579 1214 bookings@tizzanaminitugs.com.au

THE AUSTRALIAN PIONEER VILLAGE July school holidays we are open on the 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th July School Holiday Theme - Nature Come along and join in our many Nature activities, crafts and games – see our Volcano erupt throughout the day.

22nd July – Teddy Bears Picnic This is a very popular Event – join our stations with all our Teddy Bear themed crafts, activities or food.

Bring your Teddy Bear for a day of fun.

We are open 10-4. Entry costs $5 per adult, $3 per child and $15 per 2 adults and 2 children

school holidays Andy and Terry’s treehouse just keeps growing! Join CDP Kids, the team behind The 13-, 26- and 52-Storey Treehouses Live on Stage return with the newest, biggest, brightest blockbuster in the series, The 78-Storey Treehouse.

Featuring at the Joan Sutherland on 17 and 18 of July.

Something sweet to take home

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And something to entertain..

Now that you’ve got the treats to take home, how about something to entertain the kids for some fun time at home? Mega Games in Penrith is bursting with new cards, puzzles and board games. They have something for everyone, so get down there and check out the wide range.

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Western News 6 July 2018 Issue 63

The 78-Storey Treehouse

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Western News 6 July 2018 Issue 63

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Western News

Ios: Home of Homer and Hangovers Ios at sunrise

Flowers in the village

By BEN CRANNEY

L

ast summer, I spent a week in the Greek Islands, on Ios and Mykonos. Ios was first, and I got there via Athens, on a five hour ferry that sailed past turquoise bays, whitewashed churches, and even a couple of dolphins.

Ios town’s square sits between two little mountains crowned by churches.

It’s beautiful, but the locals work hard at keeping it this way.

Jet lagged, I was up at 5am on my first morning and I thought I’d watch the sunrise from one of the churches.

As I climbed up through the winding alleys, I found myself following a little stream of water that wound past the all night bars. Higher and higher I went, until I got to the source. A Greek grandfather in his underwear, hosing down the previous night’s vomit.

Unfortunately, he hadn’t hosed the drunks down the hill, and the peaceful sunrise I’d hoped for was ruined by the drunks waiting for the sun. They sang pop songs, hymns and limericks.

They rung the church bells. And they yelled at each and across the valley that all their noise was disrespectful to the locals, a logical jump only a drunk

A man and his donkey

could make.

It was beautiful, though. The sun stayed hidden behind the mountain for an age before bursting over the deep blue and white buildings of the town, and the brilliant purple and pink of the Bougainvillea flowers.

Flocks of goats ran through fields fenced by dry rock walls, their bells echoing across the valley. A couple sat on the church roof on the opposite hill, enjoying the relative peace. And Seamus sung about things that 18 year old boys obsess about.

The nightlife is a lot of fun, and it’d be easy to spend the whole time by

poolside dance floors during the day, and alleyway bars by night, but there is much more to see. With a car (don’t be tempted by the quad bikes, they are slow and uncomfortable in the wind), there’s a lot to explore, including Homer’s grave. Standing at his grave, it was easy to see why his heroes weren’t content staying put. Islands littered the seascape, and made me wonder ‘what’s over there?’.

And then, if you’re not exhausted, find out what is over there, by taking the ferry to Mykonos, for another mix of culture and fun. I’ll share that next time.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel That Old Black Magic Last Wednesday, during another one of our fabulous spiritual discussion groups, we were talking over a range of things when the lovely Angelina suddenly threw us a curve ball. “What does the word “witch” mean to you?” she asked us.

I was quite amused by our reactions because one by one we all said that it was that old stereotyped image of the hag with the large wart on the end of a hooked nose, hunched over a cauldron containing Lord knows what awful ingredients, but of course that was just indoctrination from our childhood and really not all witches are bad because energy can be used for good or evil. We were slightly sheepish about our residual beliefs garnered by exposure to the works of the Brothers Grimm. Actually, when I was tiny, I always thought they got their name because their stories were so grim, but back to the topic in hand and back to the original question.

I love the discussion groups because they do open my mind up to all sorts of ideas and since last week, I have been pondering my own thoughts on what constitutes a witch.

Now I have a very healthy respect for the concept of magic and I think most of us have a little yen to be able to cast spells like the beautiful Kim Novak in that wonderful old film Bell, Book and Candle.

How incredible to be able to make the man of your dreams fall in love with you by communing with your cat familiar. Or think of the popularity of the Sixties series Betwitched where all you had

to do was twitch your nose and the dishes were instantly done. No more housework - how good is that?

But is this the reality? I have thought long and hard about white witches and Wicca. Now I don’t pretend to know very much about this, but Wicca is a recognised religion very linked to the natural world. White witches cast spells for good, but is this simply harnessing love and positive energy to help others? And if so, is it any different from the power of prayer? What about Voodoo? When the witch doctor points the bone and condemns someone to death, does that person die because the bone has actually been pointed or because he believes he has been cursed and so just gives up?

I have talked to many people over the years who believe love overcomes all and that if you are a good person you will only attract good and loving spirits. Well, sorry folks, but I don’t necessarily agree with that. I do believe that evil is out there, call it negative energy, call it the power of darkness or call it the Devil himself, but it exists.

For some reason there is quite a temptation to dabble in the Black Arts from an early age. I remember as a young child, there was an old tomb in our local churchyard, and legend had it that if you ran round it three times backward, the Devil would pop out. Nobody dared do more than two and a half laps. But seriously, if you dabble, you can stir up a whole lot more than you bargained for. As my old clairvoyant, Mrs Caesar, explained to me, the worse the person, the lower the Astral Plane they land on and if we play around without any guidance, we are very likely to invoke some sort of malevolent influence. When I first developed any interest in things spiritual, I personally had quite a few bad and very scary experiences, so please, do not dabble. By all means open up to the Spirit World, but just ask for protection from whatever God you believe in. By all means, keep trying to twitch that nose and please, if the dishes do wash themselves as a result, let me know. Or better still, come round to my house and give me a demonstration.

The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.

Western News

local news

By CONNER LOWE

T

wo outstanding local residents, Ken and Marj Freeman of Lalor Park, have been awarded Order of Australia medals for their service to the community of Blacktown. The pair has been acknowledged in the past for their community work when awarded Blacktown citizens of the year in 2007 as a couple and were recently acknowledged in parliament in a special speech given by Michelle Rowland MP. Ken and Marj are long-term locals of the Blacktown community as they moved to the area in 1966 and since that time, they have been active members of the local community.

Their local community involvement began in 1966, the year Play School first aired on Australian television, with a quest and ultimately, a campaign to install street lighting on what was then a semirural street.

Their involvement with the Blacktown community since that time spans many decades with service to countless community organisations.

Their work has included service to Blacktown Meals on Wheels from as far back as 1970 and volunteer efforts with the Probus Club of Blacktown City, which are still going on today.

This is in addition to an ongoing

involvement with the fantastic Blacktown Relay for Life, the Cancer Council and the ‘Simply Voices’ Blacktown Seniors Choir. Their involvement with the ‘Simply Voices’ choir is in visiting local nursing homes to bring joy and happiness to others.

Ken Freeman spoke about how he felt to receive the Order of Australia medal for his work in the community with his wife.

“It’s an absolute thrill to be awarded the Order of Australia Medal. Of course, people that work in their community, don’t do it to be rewarded,

but it is nice to be recognised,” he said.

“We have been nominated to receive the OAM’s individually and it’s not often that couples are rewarded individual, so that’s a thrill. We are individuals but we are a team as well.

“Currently we are involved with the local Health District in Western Sydney, which involves Westmead, Auburn, Blacktown and Mt Druitt hospitals.

“We have been involved with the Health District for four years now and are planning to use our experience as public speakers to present power

points to individuals to help improve their health and life.”

Marj is also a survivor of breast cancer, she was first diagnosed at the age of 38, and the fact that she is still going strong is a testament to her determination and also to Ken’s support. They’ve been determined, of course, to continue helping others alongside their own personal trials, and that’s a true testament to their great character.

Marj Freeman spoke about how the Blacktown area has changed over the years and the additions of different cultures into the community.

“You really don’t do things expecting to be rewarded, but because you really like the place you live in and the people you interact with,” she said.

“There have been so many wonderful new things in Blacktown over the years, since we moved here in 1966.

“Now with people from other cultures and backgrounds moving into the area we have the most wonderful restaurants, music and the arts. Everyone has their own things to contribute to the community and it’s so pleasant to interact with them.”

Congratulations, Ken and Marj, on being awarded Order of Australia medals in recognition of your dedicated, ongoing service to the Blacktown community.

Next genertion of Rotary leaders

T

he Rotary Club of Blacktown City has welcomed their 201819 board at their changeover last week.

2017-18 President Russell Ashley has handed over the reins to the club’s youngest ever president, Michael Stubley.

At the age of 28, Michael has grown up in the Blacktown area his whole life, living in Kings Langley and joined the Club in 2015.

“As a youth in Rotary, the club has given me the greatest of opportunities and I am grateful to be able serve them as president,” said Mr Stubley.

“There is often a misconception that Rotary is filled with older members and not for youths. I hope to change this in my year as president, to encourage the younger generations to give back, get involved and help one another.”

Each year, the Rotary Club adopts a theme which is chosen by the incoming president. This year’s theme is ‘Live to Give’.

“It is easy to get caught up in a fastpaced society but we must remember to take a step back and remember who we are as Australians,” said Mr Stubley.

“At the core of our values is the

Manie Stalker, a Club member, was also awarded a Paul Harris Fellow for his tireless work in the community through the volunteering with a number of youth programs in the district.

The Club also has an annual ‘Service Above Self Award’ which is given to a club member who has put the Rotary ethic ahead of their own personal considerations and goes beyond the norm in representing Rotary to the community. This year’s award was given to a long-standing club member, Rob Smith, who is consistently present in the community and manages the catering functions of the club for local events.

desire to be a good citizen, to improve the wellbeing of our peers and to serve the community.

“I encourage all members of Blacktown to get involved in whatever level they can to support the community, to live to give.” [a copy of Michael’s inaugural speech attached].

At the changeover, the Club also

formerly recognised the contribution of three individuals of the Blacktown community.

Deng Adut, a former child solder in Africa turned lawyer, was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow for his service to the Blacktown community. This year also marks 20 years since Deng came to Australia as a refugee and called Blacktown home.

The new 2018-19 Rotary board: President Michael Stubley Immediate Past President Russell Ashley Vice President Melvin Gray Secretary David Bamford OAM Treasurer Zena Sneddon Vocational Director Joan Idugboe Community Services Director Rob Smith International Service Director Pam Carne Youth Services Director Danica Zegarac

Western News 6 July 2018 Issue 63

Blacktown locals receive Order of Australia Medals

11

Western News 6 July 2018 Issue 63

12

WESTERN HISTORY

Lest We Forget World War 1 Diggers from Blacktown District (Part 3)

By Jack Brook Blacktown and District Historical Society

H

ere we honour some World War 1 diggers who had lived in Blacktown and surrounding district. Many of these men gave their lives for their country and should never be forgotten. This is the third and final tribute in the series.

Hasting Ferdinand Brest (Lance Corporal) Hastings was the son of George and Mary Hooper Brest, who resided at ‘Ivyholm’, The Meadows, Seven Hills. He was born at Frederickton on the Macleay River in northern NSW and attended the local school. ‘Post Office Official’ was recorded as being his calling.

Following his enlistment at Frederickton, he was drafted to the 45th Battalion Australian Infantry. Prior to enlisting, he had spent one year in the Light Horse and four years in the Cadets. December 1915 saw him embark on a ship for service overseas.

He like many of his comrades was never to see his home country again.

On the 19th September 1918, he died of wounds received in battle at St Quentin, France. At the time of his death he was 22 years, 3 months of age. He was interred in France - 528 Roisel Communal Cemetery Extension. Memorial Panel: 139.

Arthur Henry Willmot (Private) At the time of his death Arthur was only 20 years old. He was killed in action at Pope’s Hill, Gallipoli, on 1st December 1915.

Christmas would have been awfully sad for Arthur’s parents, Thomas and Clara Ellen Willmot of Bungaree Road Toongabbie. They would have expected to see their son prosper in life. He had attended Sydney Grammar School, passed the Junior Examination at Sydney University and was a Cadet Draughtsman in Railway Service NSW. Arthur lived with his parents at Toongabbie. Arthur’s father, Thomas, was a foundation member of Blacktown Shire Council and was the first President from 1906-1910 and served a second term 1912-1913.

Arthur enlisted at Parramatta and went to join his unit, the 19th Battalion Australian Infantry. Within 16 months he was dead. He was laid to rest at Gallipoli 31, Shrapnel Valley Cemetery, Anzac. Memorial Panel: 90.

Eric John Howard (Private) Eric enlisted at Seven Hills on 15th January 1916 and was allocated to the 31st Battalion. He was 22 years and 5 months of age. Eighteen months later he was dead. After embarking at Melbourne on 14th March 1916, he and his battalion disembarked at Suez on 15 April 1916. Whilst there, he was transferred to the 1st Pioneer Battalion. On 25th May, Eric was

aboard ship at Alexandria and heading for Marseilles, disembarking there four days later. While in action at Pozieres, France, he was badly wounded on 24 July 1916 and died the same day. The following is an extract from C W Bean’s ‘Australians at War’.

“Pozieres is a small hamlet on the Amiens - Bopaume Road. It was a key and stubbonly defended point in the German lines when the 1st Australian Division, including the 1st Pioneers, moved up to relieve the British troops. The 24th July 1916 dawned beautifully fine. The infantry was ratting the village dugouts, throwing in bombs and shooting and bayoneting the Germans as they ran out. The Pioneers went back to developing several main communication trenches. About 7am, a German artillery barrage commenced. Trenches were collapsing and burying men alive under the weight of the bombardment. The wounded were many and those not physically wounded were seriously shell shocked and incapable of coping effectively against the onslaught of explosive ordnance.”

It was during this onslaught that Eric was killed. Sidney Howard and Evelyne Howard (née Best), Eric’s parents, would never again see their red curly haired son who had attended The Meadows Public School at Seven Hills, and became a fireman on the railways. Eric was interred in France - 74 Puchevillers British Cemetery. Memorial Panel: 171.

Keith Randolf Godbee (Private) Born at Seven Hills, Keith enlisted at Toongabbie in October 1916. He had attended Parramatta Public School and later was employed by the NSW Government Tramways. During his working life, he found time to train with the Citizens Forces reaching the rank of Corporal. Following his enlistment he was drafted to the 35th Battalion, Australian Infantry.

Keith died of wounds received at Villiers-Bretonneux, France, on 4th April 1918 aged 22 years and 5 months. There are two reports of his death.

One stated that “he was wounded by the same shell which wounded me and killed Private Connell”. The same report revealed that Keith was a “big built chap of about 21 with fair hair”.

A second report written by Private Carberry said “he came over with me on the 7th reinforcement to the 35th Battalion in the Anchisos sailing from Sydney in January 1917. On the 4th April we were at Villers-Bretonneux in billets. A shell hit the billet in which Godbee was and he was hit badly.

He was taken to the D/Station and I heard he died there, I saw him being taken down on a stretcher”.

Keith’s parents were Isaac Franklin Godbee and Elizabeth Godbee of Wentworthville. Keith was buried France - 37, Picquigny British Cemetery. Memorial Panel: 125.

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Western News

13

Why your business loan was rejected?

There’s no way of knowing whether you’ll be approved for a business loan and the whole process can be stressful.

If you have been rejected for a loan then the first step is to find the reason why and getting a reasonable answer from a lender can be difficult.

Small businesses are considered a higher risk than medium and large enterprises, small business owners often have more trouble securing a loan. Due to the risks involved, strict guidelines are imposed on business finance, so securing approval can be difficult for small businesses nonetheless not impossible.

Here are a few mistakes to avoid to increase your chances of approval.

Not knowing your credit score Many consumers may not realise the importance of a credit score. Not only is it taken as a reflection of your ability to make repayments, it also highlights your financial history which is why understanding what it is and how it can be improved can be vital.

As of the 1st of July 2018 Comprehensive Credit Reporting (CCR) will come into action. CCR or ‘positive reporting’ refers to additional

information being provided to, and held by, Credit Reporting Bodies in Australia. These changes include repayment history information and consumer credit liability information.

Repayment history information includes: • Repayment history for credit accounts such as credit cards, home loans and personal loans • Whether you have made a payment or minimum payment required • Whether the repayment was made on time or not Comprehensive Credit Reporting means that a more complete picture of an individual’s credit profile can be held on their credit file and licensed credit providers can access this comprehensive information in order to make more informed lending decisions.

I personally have seen cases where individuals and businesses were oblivious that they had a credit default until it was time to submit an application.

Lack of planning Understanding the assessment criteria and having a well-prepared

application increase your chances of approval. The key things to be aware of when it comes to your application are a healthy debt to income ratio, existing business assets and a justified cash flow position, the broker explains. “This ensures that the lender has a full picture of what has happened and what the future forecasts are.”

Aside from providing these financial statements and forecasts, be prepared to discuss the purpose of the finance and how the business will service the loan. “Business owners need to articulate how they are going to use the capital and demonstrate how repayments will be made.”

Bad strategy Longevity in a business is what lenders want to see and, in order to showcase that, a good strategy supported by financial statements must be in place, and those statements should be geared towards demonstrating strong earnings.

“Many businesses are focused on minimising taxes and not maximising earnings,” advises the broker.

“While there are tax advantages, not

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managing your business in order to demonstrate maximised earnings can have a negative impact when it comes to applying for a loan.”

Not having the right advice An experienced finance broker can take a broad view of a business’s finance, assist in business planning, can provide you with a solid understanding of what needs to be included in your application, matching the right finance product, ensuring that business owners have access to the capital they need it.

A broker understands that running a business can often leave you with little time, so ensuring you have someone qualified and trustworthy to do the legwork can be the difference between a success or decline.

Securing finance is imperative for a business’s prosperity. Alex Soncini is a MFAA accredited broker who can assist with business planning, equipment finance, property and business loans to support growth and business success.

The first step towards finding business finance is calling Alex from Wealthwiz on 0419 600 177.

Western News 6 July 2018 Issue 63

Alex Soncini

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Western News 6 July 2018 Issue 63

Western News

WORD SEARCH

THE SOLAR SYSTEM MILKY WAY

EARTH

URANUS

SUN

MARS

NEPTUNE

MERCURY

JUPITER

PLUTO

VENUS

SATURN

SUDOKU: EASY

ENTERTAINMENT

14

SOLUTION: 22 June

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

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Resolute (9) 6. Doglike nocturnal

animal (5) 9. Inability to

understand language (7) 10. A short piece of

nonfiction (7) 11. A mechanical device (7) 12. Glorified (7) 13. A musical instrument

with 3 strings (9) 15. Result (5) 16. Selected (5) 19. Jury-rigged (9) 22. Dampen (7) 23. Broke suddenly (7) 25. Collective farm (7) 26. Things done (7) 27. Unpleasant odors (5) 28. Sad (9)

solution 22/6/18

down 1. Involuntary muscle contraction (5) 2. Moral (7) 3. Extract or purify (7) 4. Alert (5) 5. A formally registered symbol for

a product (9) 6. Flapjack (7) 7. Arouses (7) 8. A change (9) 13. One who takes bets (9) 14. Vaccinated (9) 17. A very small container (7) 18. Deviations of routes (7) 20. City in Washington state (7) 21. Ungodly (7) 23. North American diving duck (5) 24. Drugged (5)

Western News

SPORT

By CONNER LOWE

B

l a c k to w n City won a crucial match against the National Premier League leaders Sydney Olympic at Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Blacktown side came out 1-0 victors as they look to cement their position in the finals and build form coming into the end of the season.

The first half was full of chances for both sides to break the deadlock with keepers at both ends keeping their team in the contest with fantastic saves.

Blacktown had the first real opportunity of the match when Roberto Speranza broke forward from defence and delivered a fantastic ball into the area only for it to be cleared away by the Olympic defence.

Olympic then had a chance not long after to take the lead only for Tristian Prendergast to save Pavicevic’s shot after he broke through the Blacktown defence.

The half opened up with both sides having chances to take the lead, it went from end to end with Prendergast and Henderson making vital saves to keep the scores deadlocked at half time.

Blacktown City would go on to take

the lead in the 51st minute after Joey Gibbs was finally able to find the back of the net after several opportunities were missed in the first half. Gibbs latched onto a ball from Devante Clut and fired a shot low into the bottom left

to finally break the deadlock.

Olympic switched on after going behind but Blacktown goalkeeper Prendergast was unbeatable in goals, saving everything that came in his direction.

Blacktown almost certainly should have doubled their lead, putting the result well out of Olympics reach but Matt Lewis missed the target after a great darting run to the front post.

Olympic almost levelled with 10 minutes remaining after Spanish striker Alejandro Sanchez made a fantastic run through the middle of the pitch only for his shot to end up on the wrong side of the post.

The game finished 1-0 in Blacktown’s favour putting an end to a very entertaining match from two of the best sides this season.

Mark Crittenden, the Blacktown City coach spoke about the chances his side created during the match and the improvement in the performance.

“We were the better team today and deserved the win,” he said.

“I thought we had enough chances to win a couple of games today and probably created more in the opening 20-minutes than in our four previous matches.

“That was the best first-half we’ve had in a long, long time and were unlucky to go into the break all square.

“Olympic are leading the competition because they are a good football team and you don’t get where they are without being so.”

Western News 6 July 2018 Issue 63

Blacktown City defeat leaders Sydney Olympic

15

Western News Friday, 6 July 2018

SPORT

Stonecutters fail to fire in Inter-Club Event

By Noel Rowsell

V

ictoria sent it’s harsh Winter weather north to NSW for the Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association (WSRVGA) Inter-Club even in June, with 142 players braving often freezing conditions comprised of rain, winds, rain, occasional sunshine and more rain.

Unsurprisingly, only 6 players bettered their handicap on the day although Wallacia GC’s Steve Francis took all the adverse conditions in his stride, scoring a red-hot 42 points for a runaway four-shot victory in A Grade.

Allan Renshall (Stonecutters Ridge GC) and Jim Lyons (Richmond GC) both posted scores of 38 points to win B and C Grade respectively, whilst Mrs Carolyn Lozier (Richmond) had 36 points to win the Ladies division.

Wallacia GC (148 points) prevailed to win the Inter-Club point score, led

by Steve Francis, David Knox, Don Firth and Ted Malicki.

Stonecutters Ridge GC members Kim Stockbridge and Fred Croydon in action at the WSRVGA Inter-Club at Dunheved GC on 19th June.

Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Dunheved GC (147) finished second and Richmond GC (143) third, whilst the Stonecutters team of Allan Renshall, Steve Loader, Steve Betts and Fred Croydon finished in sixth position.

Richmond GC and Wallacia GC currently share the honours in the race for the Guardian Funerals ‘Club of the Year’ honours, locked together on 583 points, well clear of third-placed Dunheved GC on 565 and Stonecutters Ridge on 557.

The next Inter-Club will be held at Leonay GC on 24th July.

2BBB: Winners Roger Price, Bob Pillay (Dunheved) 46 points), Runners-up Steve Francis, Steve Small (Wallacia) 45.

Medley 2BBB: Winners Robert Ayre, Mrs Jan Martin (Dunheved) 47 points, Runners-up Mrs Elaine Williams, Mrs Dianne Bowen ( Dunheved) 44.

Singles A Grade: Winner Steve Francis (Wallacia) 42 points, Runnerup Keith Strathdee (Glenmore) 38.

Singles B Grade: Winner Allan Renshall (Stonecutters) 38 points c/b, Runner-up Mahdo Prasad (Dunheved) 38.

Singles C Grade: Winner Jim Lyons (Richmond) 38 points c/b, Roger Price (Dunheved) 38.

Ladies: Winner Mrs Carolyn Lozier (Richmond) 36 points, Runner-up Mrs Diane Bowen (Dunheved) 34.

Inter-Club: Winners Wallacia GC 148 points (Steve Francis, David Knox, Don Firth, Tod Malicki.