Western News 7 August 2020 by Nepean News

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Friday, 7 August 2020

ISSUE 115

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Kids say Thank you

Children from western Sydney say thank you to the hard working health workers at Blacktown Hospital. See page 2 for full story.

Western News 7 August 2020 Issue 115

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Ready, set, swing! B

lacktown residents can now enjoy another new play space with installation of equipment completed at Bill Swift Reserve, just to the north of Blacktown city centre. The $112,000 refurbishment is a part of Blacktown City Council’s 2019/20 parks upgrade program. Blacktown City Council Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM said, “Council is committed to providing the best possible recreation facilities for our residents in nearly 800 parks and reserves across the City. “The new play space in Bill Swift Reserve provides a great open space area for local residents to get out and enjoy an active lifestyle.” The park at the Corner Sackville Street and Peter Street, Blacktown, now has a variety of new equipment including three swings (featuring a toddler swing and net swing), a multiplay climbing structure with a slide, a

Blacktown City Council Mayor, Tony Bleasdale and Blacktown City Council Deputy Mayor, Councillor Julie Griffiths check out the new equipment

spinning carousel, and a rocker. Changes were made to the final design of the park after a period of public consultation late last year. “Council has ensured the upgrade to Bill Swift Reserve supports the greening and accessibility of our

public spaces,” Mayor Bleasdale said. There is abundant shade across the park from trees and shelters as well as more seating and pathways. This, plus the variety of play and exercise equipment, ensures the reserve is accessible and inclusive

for all age groups. The refurbishment of Bill Swift Reserve is part of an overall $448,000 program of upgrades in parks across Blacktown City and is funded under Council’s Works Improvement Program.

Showered with love: kids express appreciation to health heroes

OVID-19 has left an impact on each family around the world. While these words may make us think of all the negative things, there is a silver lining. Despite physical distancing, this pandemic has brought people closer and made us think of important things, like gratitude. Since the beginning of the pandemic health workers and their hard work has been continuously celebrated. Western Sydney Local Health District was lucky to receive touching gifts: hundreds of letters of appreciation from kids and one very special visit. “Doctors and nurses work so much, but they need the support too,” said eight-year- old Piya, who came to Blacktown Hospital to gift her beautiful paintings to the health heroes. “During COVID-19 my life changed a lot. I could not see my friends, and I spent a lot of time at home painting. It made me happy and I decided to share it with those who took such a good care of all of us. I hope my paintings make all people at the hospital smile.” Piya was not alone in her endeavor to bring smiles to health workers – students of Westmead Public School send hundreds of letters, each of them having sincere messages of gratitude,

Blacktown school student donating her own paintings to the hospital.

jokes and even some funny riddles. “Do you know who is the most hard working? See the second word from beginning!”, “You are amazing”, “Thank you for everything you do”, “We are safe because of you”, “Thanks to everyone working in the Hospital” – these and many more kind and heartwarming messages have been

delivered to medical, administrative, kitchen and switchboard workers. When asked for her opinion about the letters Piya’s peers sent to health workers, the girl said it was a beautiful gesture. “Let’s all support our doctors and nurses by following some simple rules: wash and sanitize our hands,

and stay at home if you can. If you feel sad, try painting something bright!” Piya said. For latest information on COVID-19 updates, visit NSW Health website. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, get tested in your nearest testing clinic and self-isolate until you get results.

Western News

› Aero’s busy night on the job

lacktown City Council has partnered with Landcom to bring its Blacktown City Libraries’ Mobile Library service to Tallawong. The program was officially launched recently by Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale, OAM and Landcom CEO John Brogden. “Our Mobile Library is an extension of Blacktown City Libraries, reaching out to commuters and being there in places where people gather and might not be able to get to one of our other great libraries.” Mayor Bleasdale said. “The Mobile Library now operates at 10 locations once a week for periods of between 2 and 3 hours, offering members book loans, access to library resources, returns and collection of reserved items.” “Landcom is proud to be able to support Blacktown City Council’s Mobile Library, which will bring locals together to enjoy great books in a peaceful new outdoor setting near Tallawong Station,” Mr Brogden said. “This collaboration between Blacktown City Council and Landcom’s Sydney Metro Northwest Places, is a great example of how,

(L-R) Mr. John Brogden, Cr Moninder Singh, Mayor Tony Bleasdale and Cr Chris Quilkey welcome the Mobile Library to Tallawong.

together, we can build and nurture diverse, sustainable communities by providing essential services in leisure destinations with easy access to public transport”. The Blacktown City Libraries’ Mobile Library will be at Tallawong Pocket Park every Friday from 11am – 1pm. Other locations include; Seven Hills, Quakers Hill, Schofields,

Our Services: • Surgical Specialities • Inpatient Rehabilitation • Day Rehabilitation • Hydrotherapy Pool • Wellness Classes • NDIS Minchinbury Community Hospital Phone 9625 2222 Cnr Great Western Highway & Rupertswood Rd, Rooty Hill www.mhsminchinbury.com.au

Doonside and Rooty Hill railway stations, as well as a number of community hubs and neighbourhood centres. Full details of Mobile Library locations and times are available at: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov. au/Services/Libraries/Locationsand-hours/Mobile-library or visit the Sydney Metro Northwest Places website.

3 Western News 7 August 2020 Issue 115

Council partners with Landcom to bring its Mobile Library service to Tallawong

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On Sunday the 19th July 2020 EDD Aero was called out to attend two shooting incidents. The first was a shooting at Blacktown where a female had reported that she’d been shot in the upper right arm. She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital in a stable condition, A crime scene was established and a canvass on the surrounding area was conducted. The second incident occurred at Rooty Hill where several shots had been fired into a house. A search of the area by Aero resulted in him locating two bullet casings. Well done Aero, what a busy night for you !!!

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au Authorised by Prue Car MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

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Western News 7 August 2020 Issue 115

Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Sports Journalist: Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 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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Michelle Rowland MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR GREENWAY

Level 1, Suite 101C, 130 Main Street, Blacktown PO Box 8525, Blacktown NSW 2148 (02) 9671 4780 Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au MRowlandMP www.michellerowland.com.au Authorised by Michelle Rowland MP, Australian Labor Party, Suite 101C, Level 1, 130 Main Street, Blacktown NSW 2148

From the Editor’s Desk By KeRRIE DAVIES

ugust 18 is Vietnam Veterans Day. It is sad that the pandemic has taken away yet another opportunity to gather to honour those who have served this great nation. Recognising our Veterans of ‘Nam is something I rate as extremely important, for two reasons. I get to see a lot of my really good mates (hello to all from St Marys Outpost!) and I feel a shame and embarrassment deep in my guts for the way our returning services from this theatre of war were treated. They left our shores believing they were doing the right thing for our country, sacrificing pretty much everything. If you think COVID-19 restrictions are bad, you can multiply that tenfold for what our defence forces went through. But, they did what was expected of them and when they finally returned to Australia, the home they’d longed for, they were treated like crap. Can you imagine it? It is shameful to think people who put their lives at risk in the line of duty would face anything less than praise and heartfelt thanks, isn’t it? Let’s learn from that and not allow people to do the same to our Police Forces. They too are putting their lives at risk day in and day out. They deserve respect. What they don’t deserve is being head-butted, spat at and denigrated by the antimask wearers and the COVID deniers. They don’t deserve to bear the blame for things that have happened in America. Black lives DO matter and any questionable death in custody or otherwise, should always be investigated, and if someone in authority is deemed at fault they should be held accountable. But it is possible to want fairness for our indigenous people AND respect our Police Force. You don’t actually have to pick a side. You can expect both, and that’s how it should be. Lets not make our entire respectable Police Force pay for the sins of a few. We are much better than that. When you look at Police Forces around the world, our Police Force is exemplary. We should be proud of them, because the vast majority of them are nothing short of outstanding. We should never again have those who risk their lives on a daily basis feel anything less than respected. Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Western News 7 August 2020 Issue 115

Compliance rules for gyms

ew rules have been introduced across NSW requiring gyms and fitness centres to register their COVID Safety Plan, and have a dedicated hygiene marshall on duty at all times. Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said these extra measures are necessary to stop the spread of the virus and took effect from 12.01am on Saturday 1 August. “We cannot afford to take any risks or allow complacency to creep in. Businesses must take all reasonable steps to reduce the risk of COVID transmission or risk facing a fine or closure,” Mr Dominello said. “Gyms play a crucial role in the promotion of health and fitness across our community but they are not immune from this challenge. Without proper COVID safeguards, they may present a transmission risk and that is why we need operators to put their customers first by registering their COVID Safety Plan. “Whether it’s maintaining social distancing, cleaning equipment after

use or making hand sanitiser available for customers, these dedicated COVID Safe Hygiene Marshalls will play a pivotal role in keeping gyms safe and compliant.” NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said this is a critical time in our response to COVID-19. “Members of the community and business have important roles to play. Gyms support people maintain their health and wellbeing. I ask that patrons cooperate with Hygiene Marshalls to keep people safe,” Dr Chant said. For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au

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Western News 7 August 2020 Issue 115

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Health advice update on masks

he NSW Government is strongly encouraging greater use of masks in highrisk public settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The advice from the NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant specifically recommends: • The use of face masks in indoor settings where physical distancing is hard to maintain, such as on public transport or in supermarkets; • The use of face masks (where practical) in indoor settings with a higher risk of transmission, such as for the staff of hospitality and customerfacing venues i.e. cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs; and • During attendance at places of worship. Wearing a mask in any of these settings is not mandatory but is highly recommended, especially in areas where there has been community transmission. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said a mask is not a substitute for physical distancing. “People should continue to maintain their physical distance – it is our most effective weapon. However, if you find yourself in a situation where

you can’t maintain your physical distance you should wear a mask,” Ms Berejiklian said. “It is critical the community understands masks should be used in conjunction with other measures, and not as a standalone measure.” Masks should be considered a “fourth line of defence” after staying home if unwell and getting tested, maintaining 1.5-metre social distancing and good hand hygiene.

It is imperative the community understands if they have symptoms they should immediately be tested and self-isolate. The use of properly constructed cloth masks is acceptable. However, it’s important they are: • Ideally made from three layers of breathable fabric to ensure adequate protection; and • Washed after each use or at least daily. Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said masks are not suitable for everyone such as young children. “Currently in NSW, the rate of community transmission does not call for mandatory mask use in the general population,” Dr Chant said. “However, along with practising good handhygiene, people are encouraged to wear face masks particularly in indoor settings where physical distancing is hard to maintain, such as on public transport. Most of all, stay home if you are unwell. “NSW Health is continuing to monitor the situation and provide timely advice to the Government on the best defence against this oncein-a-100-year pandemic.” For more information please go to nsw.gov.au/ covid-19/face-masks

Free service for Italian retirees in Western Sydney Region at the Blacktown City Library Italian pensioners can now enjoy a free service offered by ITAL-UIL Patronato in the Blacktown Library. They are available to the public every second Monday of each month until the end of September from 10am to 11:45am New timetable from October 1st to the end of February the service will be every second Monday of the month (every 14 days) at the same time. For those in urgent need of service, you can call for an appointment at Gavina De Luca on 02 8753 1566. The Free Services includes assistance and practical solutions

› Check the queues at Woolies before you go It is an uneasy time for many and just the thought of doing the essential weekly shopping can bring on anxiety. Woolworths have been working with the Health Department to make sure their safety protocols and procedures are the best they can be. The single most important aspect of which is social distancing and with that in mind, they have introduced a new tool which lets you see how busy a store is almost in real-time, and when the busiest times normally are. It’s called Q-Tracker and you can check it out at www. woolworths.com.au “The safety and wellbeing of our customers, teams and communities remains our top priority. Thank you for your ongoing support as we all work together to keep our communities safe and limit the spread of COVID-19 in New South Wales,” said Brad Banducci CEO, Woolworths Group.

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Additional school crossing supervisors

afety for students at school across the Riverstone Electorate will be strengthened with three new school crossing supervisors to soon be appointed as students return to the classroom. Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly MP said that Riverbank and Schofields Public Schools as well as St Joseph’s Primary School were each preparing to welcome an additional school crossing supervisor. While Schofields and St Josephs will be receiving their first crossing supervisor, this will be Riverbank’s third crossing supervisor. These schools will be three of 80 schools across the state preparing to welcome a new school crossing supervisor as part of the NSW Government’s plan to fast track the appointment of 300 new school crossing supervisors within three years. “These appointments have been made possible thanks to the NSW Government’s $18.5 million commitment to increasing student safety around schools. The new crossing supervisors will monitor children as they walk to and from school,” said Mr Conolly.

“We look forward to welcoming our new school crossing supervisors over the coming months as they join more than 1200 others across the state helping to keep primary school students safe.” “Recruitment for these positions will open shortly and I strongly encourage dedicated people interested in serving their community to keep an eye out for the job ads,” Mr Conolly said. Higher fines and demerit points apply within school zones, and the Speed Advisor app is available to

alert drivers when they enter an active school zone. The Centre for Road Safety also provides road safety educational activities for teachers to use in the classroom and for families to share with their children at home on the Safety Town website https://www. safetytown.com.au/ For more information about the School Crossing Supervisor program please visit: roadsafety.transport. nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/schools/ schoolcrossingsupervisorprogram. html

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he NSW Police Force has launched the 2020 Missing Persons Week campaign, coordinated by the newly-formed Missing Persons Registry, to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons. Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign and will continue until Saturday 8 August 2020. Following a comprehensive review of operations, the NSW Police Force announced the establishment of the Missing Persons Registry (MPR) and the implementation of a number of new systems and procedures, which came into effect in July last year. The MPR is comprised of seven detectives and four analysts – including those with qualifications and expertise in psychology and data matching – and work to resolve current long-term missing persons cases and provide assistance to frontline police to improve the initial response to missing persons reports. NSW Police Commissioner Fuller said substantial improvements have been made since the establishment of the Missing Persons Registry, particularly in relation to the resolution of missing persons cases. “To have a loved one go missing has a devastating impact on family, friends and the wider community, and

while police do an outstanding job in providing support for the families, we are also committed to providing answers,” Commissioner Fuller said. “The Missing Persons Registry was created to ensure the NSW Police Force consistently delivers better outcomes for the families of missing persons. “Since its inception last year, reviews conducted by the Missing Persons Registry have led to 57 longterm missing people being located. “This year alone, ninety-nine per cent of persons reported missing to police have been located within 90 days, which can be attributed to the collaborative work by frontline police

and those within the Missing Persons Registry. “In addition, officers are using every technological advancement available to continue following lines of inquiry to solve missing persons cases that date back more than 70 years,” Commissioner Fuller said. Minister for Police and Emergency Services, The Hon. David Elliott MP, said it is not a crime to go missing, but families and friends need to know that police will always attempt to locate their loved ones. “With every person reported missing, there are family and friends left behind who need answers,” Minister Elliott said. “Most people are found within the first day, but that 24 hours would feel like an eternity to someone who has fears for the safety of a loved one. “Police will never give up the search and with the support of the Missing Persons Registry will continue to investigate long-term missing person cases thoroughly. “As this year’s Missing Persons Week commences, we are appealing to the community to come forward with any information they may have to help police bring some closure and peace to affected families,” Minister Elliott said. State Crime Commander, Assistant

Commissioner Stuart Smith, said the state’s longest open and ongoing missing persons investigation is the disappearance and suspected murder of eight-year-old Valerie Dawn Eastwell, from Gol Gol in the state’s south, on Sunday 15 August 1945. “In the past year, the Missing Persons Registry has digitised 57 years of missing persons records – comprised of 769 physical files and data related to 275 unidentified human remains,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said. “Effective and efficient management of missing persons cases – both short and long term – is our priority. For more information about the Missing Persons Registry, visit – www.police.nsw.gov.au/can_you_ help_us/missing_persons For more information about the Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC), visit – www. missingpersons.gov.au/ Anyone with information relating to a reported missing person is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers. com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Western News 7 August 2020 Issue 115

NSW Police Force launch Missing Persons Week 2020

Western News 7 August 2020 Issue 115

local COLUMNISTS Western News

The people you’ll meet, the stories you’ll hear

Croatia, where kiwis get too comfortable By BEN CRANNEY

n Washington DC, a bloke stopped me on the street to ask how tall I was. Six foot six, I said, speaking local. ‘Man, you could be a model. Turn around, turn around. Yeah, you got that ass’. I don’t, but even if I did, I’m not sure how he saw it, because I was wearing a pair of baggy old tracksuit pants. It was before tracksuit pants were in, too. But, even so, these ones would need derelicte to be a fashion trend to be acceptable, let alone model like. It seems to me that when you’re on holidays, away from work with more time on your hands, it’s easier to have these interactions with people

and maybe learn something from them that you wouldn’t otherwise get. Sometimes you get their stories, sometimes stories of people or places important to them. A genuine comment on someone’s looks was when two kiwi blokes in Croatia told me they wanted to marry my wife. ‘We’ve got a serious question to ask you, Ben’ they said. I wasn’t sure whether to flatten them or buy them a beer. I had a beer with a Mexican anthropologist, who was only interested in my wife as a person. He introduced me to some historical figures of Mexico City, including Frida Kahlo and Leon Trotsky. I didn’t know much about either of them,

Learning about bomb sweeps in the Galapagos

and as I walked through Trotsky’s house, where he lived in political asylum, trying to escape assassination attempts, I realised that this was one of the most influential people to have lived, who I only knew from studying Animal Farm in high school. A British police officer in the Galapagos christened me ‘hobo’, not because of my tracksuit, but because of a hole in my shoe. A London police officer wouldn’t get many perks, but there were some. She’d get bomb checking duty of places like St Paul’s. She’d be accompanied by an usher who knew, and shared, all of the history and gossip of the place, effectively getting an adrenaline charged personal tour.

Murder mystery M

Breakfast with an English engineer at a BnB in a tiny town in England’s southwest somehow got to talking about nuclear bomb testing in Australia, which he had worked on. I don’t think it was something he looked back on with pride, but it was a part of Australian history that I wouldn’t have otherwise known, but should have. And then you get on the social media page of these people you meet, and see there best curated selves. One of the kiwis who wanted the polyandry set up had his shirt off at every post, with some kind of Thor filter on, showing more six pack than any Kiwi deserves to have. I definitely should have flattened him.

By Tiffany Pascoe

In the Deep Series 2 Episode 4

itch woke up feeling a little groggy. He recalled a number of beers and a bottle. Or was it two bottles, of a rather nice red

wine? He threw his legs out of bed and got up. Rusty stirred awake and was standing alongside him, his tail whipping wildly in the air. Mitch got dressed into his running gear and popped Rusty’s coat on and he walked up the hallway towards the kitchen, where the smell of strong black coffee filled his nostrils. “Don’t tell me you have started sleeping in now mate?” Jibed Robbo. Mitch looked at the clock on the wall and replied with, “Well considering it’s five minutes past five in the morning, you must have wet the bed!” “Since when were you an early riser, Robbo?” Robbo laughed and offered Mitch a coffee. Mitch shook his head and said, “Might get that run in first.” “Suit yourself,” Robbo said as he poured his steaming hot coffee into a travel mug. He spilled some coffee onto some papers laying on the bench. Robbo mopped the spill up and said, “You know

the electricity bill here seems a bit steep. I think the power was left on when the other owners died to run the pumps for the livestock. But even still it’s like something is really sucking the power.” Mitch frowned and asked, “Have you checked all the pumps, etcetera out?” “This tour this morning will be my first real good look at the rest of the property, come on, I’ll drive alongside you.” Mitch laughed as they made their way outside the back door and into a chilly day. There was a heavy frost which crunched under foot. Robbo shot Mitch a look “You’re bloody mad!” as he stepped up into his boxy Range Rover. “We will go through that gate there,” he yelled over the engine, pointing to the gate at the back of the house yard. Mitch finished stretching and jogged over to the gate, opened it and closed it again. He started jogging next to the noisy vehicle in a westerly direction. There was a house about a kilometre away and Mitch pointed to it and asked who owned it. Robbo said that he thought he did. Mitch noticed a large blue shipping container in the paddock near the house. Robbo slowed down

as they drew closer to the paddock near the house and Mitch opened the gate. “Leave it open mate,” he called out as he drove through before stopping a few meters away from the container. Robbo got out of the car, and they took in the view. They were surrounded by vast lush undulating paddocks and the house and container. Robbo started saying “Not a bad view…” when Mitch said “Shh. Can you hear that?” Robbo fell silent and tuned into the whirr of electric equipment. “It’s coming from the container.” They walked over and saw that there was a very serious lock mounted under a lock box. “Did you get a key?” Mitch asked. Robbo bent down to take a closer look and said, “Not sure” before returning to his car where he pulled out a big bunch of keys. None of them fit. “What about the house?” They tried a few keys before they got into the house. It smelled musty. A plate, jam and a butter container were sitting on the kitchen table, there was a butter knife on the floor. The men looked at each other. “Not good,” they said at almost the same time.

Western News By KeRRIE DAVIES

ergeant Greg Donaldson, take a bow. Rather than peeling off endless tickets for non-compliance, this Top Cop recognised a recurring problem and did something about it. He took a giant leap outside the square to ensure financial circumstances didn’t prevent kids from being safe on the road. Children from disadvantaged families have been properly restrained in safe seating thanks to his ingenuity. Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s Sergeant Greg Donaldson, who is stationed in Mt Druitt, spearheaded an initiative to ensure disadvantaged families in the area had the correct child restraint seats for their younger passengers. Sgt Donaldson said the idea came to him when he continued to encounter the same drivers with noncompliant and poorly fitted child seats, children not fastened into them correctly and in many cases, no child seat at all. “I was finding that we were issuing tickets to the same people for this exact same traffic offence and I believed that more needed to be done to address the issue,” Sgt Donaldson said. “It was not a case of these drivers deliberately putting their children at risk – they did not have the funds to purchase the most up-to-date child restraint seats and were instead buying all they could afford; second-hand seats that were not up to safety regulations or installed correctly. “Now, with a fine on top of that, it was making it harder for them to afford a safe seat for their children. I wanted to fix that.” He resolved to address this issue by liaising with relevant stakeholders to source car seats to be

provided free of charge to those who needed them. “I began to work with local health clinics to help identify parents, particularly mums, who could benefit from having these car seats and training before the baby arrived,” Sgt Donaldson said. “We would rather the child is properly secured from the moment they’re born rather than encounter them not properly restrained during a traffic stop.” Sgt Donaldson also arranged for installation as well as education sessions to teach drivers on how to properly secure their children in the vehicle. The program is now being trialled in the Dubbo region with a view to roll it out across the state. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb, praised the great work by Sgt Donaldson. “We believe this is something that can benefit a great number of people in the community across the state,” Assistant Commissioner Webb said. “Sgt Donaldson has really made a difference in the Mt Druitt community and reduced the amount of infringement notices for this offence. “Our officers aren’t just here to issue tickets and arrest traffic offenders – we want to educate the community on road safety and have this early intervention to reduce the risk of injury or fatalities for road users. “This initiative is also a great conversation starter between the community and police; whether it be about other traffic matters or other incidents in the area,” Assistant Commissioner Webb said. Janaya Hickey became involved in the program at Mt Druitt shortly before the birth of her first child, daughter Lamiyah Anderson. “As a first-time mother, it makes me feel really good knowing that my daughter is safe in the car,” Ms Hickey said.

› Man falls from roof to another roof

A 32-year-old man working on the roof of an industrial site in Huntingwood has fallen four metres onto another roof when his ladder collapsed under him. The man sustained pelvic and leg injuries and was extricated from the roof by Fire and Rescue NSW. CareFlight’s Rapid Response Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance shortly before 12:00pm and landed in a causeway by the scene of the incident. CareFlight’s specialist doctor and NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic made their way to the scene where NSW Ambulance paramedics were providing initial treatment and Fire and Rescue NSW personnel were using a scissor lift to retrieve the man. After the man’s hour-long extrication, he was brought down to CareFlight’s clinical team who were able to perform a full assessment and ultrasound on the patient. CareFlight’s clinical team continued providing care as the patient was taken by road in a stable condition with NSW Ambulance to Westmead Hospital.

Balance At Work

orget micro-managing. Right now, under-managing is the thing to avoid! We’ve all been so busy sorting out what we’re doing with our businesses just to survive, and it’s sometimes easy to let people management tasks slide. Whether the impact of COVID-19 on your company has been positive or negative, it will have thrown out many of your best intentions and plans. “You’re all adults, just work it out for yourselves!” The above is an actual quote from a manager, relayed to me by an employee last week. We’ve probably all felt that way at one time about our staff. Although it’s tempting to throw your hands up in the air and prefer to ignore or postpone our responsibilities as managers, now is not the time to do so. We can try to kick the accountability can down the road, but it will eventually roll back often when it’s least welcome.

Your team needs your leadership with clear ‘guardrails’ so they can stay on track, especially while you are dealing with the immediate challenges you and your business face right now. They are anxious too. It won’t help them to do their best work if you give them a reason to doubt you are in control of the situation. You don’t have to micromanage to show you’re in control. How much more time would you have to do what you need to do if you were transparent with your team about your expectations, right from the start? Here’s an example: One of our SME clients set these business outcomes which will appear in every position description in that (manufacturing) organisation: • We deliver exceptional results for our clients because: • All our actions, relationships, and decisions

With Susan Rochester

are consistent with our organisational values and purpose; and • We are each accountable for following the systems, policies and procedures that apply to our positions, our projects and our teams. For this to work, everyone needs to know your business purpose and values, and have access to the systems, documented policies and procedures that are relevant to their work. If you don’t have these in place already, you could be setting yourself up for more severe pain in the future. The most important thing now you’ve made it this far is to keep moving forward. Don’t let those people management tasks you’ve set aside become the next big crisis your business has to face. Getting the balance right is a constant juggle. But managing people well is essential if you plan to succeed. If you’d like to share the load, you can always email or call me for a free chat.

Get in touch for a free consultation Call

0448 306 180

or email susanr@balanceatwork.com.au www.balanceatwork.com.au

15 Western News 7 August 2020 Issue 115

Top Cop drives carseat program for kids

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Western News 7 August 2020 Issue 115

WESTERN HISTORY

Western News

“Cumberland House”

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

everend Henry James Fulton and Ann Walker was the start of this family in Australia. Henry, Ann and their two children came when Ann’s aunt paid 120 guineas for one cabin for the five-months voyage in 1800. Their son John Walker Fulton married Elizabeth Cartwright in 1823 at Liverpool NSW. He was born on Norfolk Island in 1803 where his father was the chaplain there. John died in 1850 at Castlereagh. Elizabeth was born in 1804 at Cheshire England and came with her siblings and parents Reverend Robert Cartwright and Mary Boardman as passengers on the convict ship “Anne” in 1810. Elizabeth died at Castlereagh in 1890. Their son William Charles Fulton (Snr) was born in 1832 at Castlereagh. In 1860 he married Annie Butler Chisholm at Sofala where she was born in 1840. William (Snr) had moved there with his brother James Henry Brisbane Fulton where they had a store. In 1866 William and Annie left Sofala with their three infant children, William Henry, William Charles (Jnr) and Edgar John Brothers Fulton and came by coach to Penrith. William (Snr) bought the business of “Coulter and Burns” for sale on High Street. The residence was attached to the grocery department store they named “W and E Fulton’s emporium.” The family later moved to a residence opposite St Stephen’s church, later returning to the store residence, eventually settling at “Glencoe’’ they built around 1874. The building now standing at 413-423 High Street was named “Cumberland House” by William (Snr), the emporium becoming one of the largest retail stores in Penrith. Designed by local architect William Sykes, it was erected in the nineteenth century. The prominent upper part of this building is still intact with an Art Deco style but was later altered below the awning to form modern glazed shopfronts. Today there are several shops within the complex. Around 1872 the name was changed to “Neale and Fulton” owned by Henry James Fulton Neale (his mother was Ann Fulton) and William (Snr). William was elected an Alderman on the Penrith Municipal Council (1877-1879). He was also on the Committee of the early Nepean District Agricultural Society and the Nepean Cottage Hospital. He had a keen interest in athletics and took part in promoting professional races held in Penrith and attended the reunions of the St Marys “Old Buffers” cricket team where he had some close friends. He was said to be generous and open-hearted and helped many around the district. A brother, Edgar John Fulton was admitted to the Hospital for the Insane in Gladesville. In 1871 Edgar escaped wearing a black monkey jacket, tweed trousers with black stripes, boots with buckles and a black felt hat. The records showed he had a slovenly appearance. He died in December 1885 and William (Snr) was the beneficiary of his will. Edgar was buried at Mays Hill cemetery at Parramatta. William (Snr) retired around 1888 when he bought a property at Petersham on the Old Canterbury Road along with his son James Henry Brisbane Fulton who was living at Sofala. William (Snr)

died in his residence “Glencoe” in High Street in 1902 and is buried in St Stephen’s cemetery in Penrith. His grandfather Henry James was the first Rector there. Probate was granted to Annie and William (Jnr). Annie died in 1919 at “Glencoe” (death registered in Penrith in 1921) and is buried with William. In 1906 a memorial window at St Stephen’s church was unveiled to his memory. His son William Charles Fulton (Jnr) married Emily Barlow at Sydney in 1882. She was the daughter of William Barlow and Mary Payne. In 1890 William (Jnr) was announcing to the ratepayers of Penrith Ward that he was intending to put himself forward as an Alderman on the Penrith Municipal Council where he served from 1891-1898. He was elected Mayor from 1895-96 and part way through 1897 when he said to the ratepayers of North Ward that he hoped they were satisfied that he had done his duty for the years he had represented them and that he had done his best during the time he had been Mayor. William (Jnr) found the task of Alderman & Mayor a difficult one that required a great deal of time to manage and said that now “He must look after his own bread and butter” and promised in future to do as he had done in the past, his very best. In 1895 William was appointed liquidator for the purpose of voluntarily “winding up” the Nepean Dairy Coy. Ltd., in High Street Penrith. In 1899 William (Jnr), along with William Derrick of Penrith, submitted a patent regarding improvements in relation to bedsteads for surgical and nursing purposes. In 1908 the partnership of W & E Fulton was dissolved by mutual consent when Edgar retired from the firm. William (Jnr) paid all the debts owing from the business. It was around this time that William and Emily decided to leave Penrith to live in Grafton at Prince Street where he carried on as a shopkeeper there. Emily died in 1910 and is buried in Grafton. He later moved to Sydney where he was granted a Colonial Wine licence for the “Rose of Denmark Hotel” on Wellington and Pitt streets at Waterloo. William (Jnr) married a second time in 1915 and in 1918 he transferred the licence to David V Parker and took up the license for the “Square and Compass Hotel” in George Street Sydney from Peter Thomas Manning. In 1919 he transferred the license of the “A.J.C. Hotel” in Sydney Road Randwick to James Frederick Stewart. William died in 1931 at his home at Moira Crescent in Randwick after several weeks of illness. The service was held at the house then the cortege proceeded to the Crematorium at Rookwood. Years ago, William was a member of the Masonic Order affiliated with Lodge Nepean who were well represented at the funeral. Photo of William (Snr) courtesy of Fulton Family online. Sources: NSW Government Gazette, Nepean Times, NSW BDM online, Colonial Secretary’s Papers, Police Gazette, Daily Telegraph, NSW Office of Environment & Heritage, Ancestry, Australian Town & Country Journal, Sydney Morning Herald, Trove, Sydney Mail & NSW Advertiser, Clarence & Richmond Examiner (Grafton), Grafton Argus & Clarence River General Advertiser.

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Western News

local news

estern Sydney will benefit from a boost in jobs and the local economy, with construction underway on a $2.65 million social housing project in Blackett to provide homes for vulnerable older community members. Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly, said 17 local jobs will be supported during the construction of eight new seniors homes on Jersey Road. “The new social housing dwellings will deliver immediate economic benefits to the local economy and form part of the NSW Government’s investment to build more fit-forpurpose social housing,” Mr Conolly said Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said projects

like this provide much-needed jobs and income for the local construction industry and deliver homes for those who need them most. “They also demonstrate the smart approach we’re taking to growing our housing portfolio, by replacing ageing dwellings with well-designed homes that support the needs of local people and reflect the vision and values of the local community,” Mrs Pavey said.

Director of Tom Zeaiter Constructions, Tom Zeaiter, said his company has been able to employ more workers in delivering the project and welcomed another collaborative opportunity working with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC). “We’ve employed additional apprentices to grow our existing workforce to meet the needs of this

new development and look forward to working alongside LAHC and its stakeholders to deliver this project on time and on budget,” Mr Zeaiter said. Located near shops, transport links and essential services, the development includes two one-bedroom and six two-bedroom units, car parking and landscaping works. Construction is expected to be completed in early to mid-2021. A similar housing development underway at Murdoch Street, Blackett, will deliver 12 new homes for seniors and is expected to be completed in early 2021. These developments are part of the NSW Government’s Future Directions for Social Housing – a plan to drive better outcomes for tenants by providing more and better social housing.

New vocational facilities at Seven Hills High School Seven Hills High School has been selected to introduce specialist vocational education facilities as part of the NSW Government’s $34 million election commitment. Within three years, purpose built facilities and classes will allow students to pursue careers in Community and Health Services, Construction (Electrotechnology and Plumbing), and Transport and Logistics. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said equipping students to fill the jobs of the future is an important part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 recovery plan. “Specialised training facilities are critical to ensuring NSW students can receive world-class skills training and be provided the skills of the future,” Ms Berejiklian said. “COVID-19 has presented unprecedented challenges for our state. It’s crucial we look to reskill, retrain and support school leavers to access

opportunities in industries where there are skills shortages and emerging employment opportunities. “Seven Hills High School will now be well placed to take advantage of major projects in Western Sydney, including the construction of the Aerotropolis, which will require a steady pipeline of skilled tradies for decades to come.” Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the high school will operate with a renewed focus on Vocational Education and Training (VET) from 2023. “We have to inspire all students to consider VET as an alternative career pathway, including about 50 per cent of high school graduates who do not pursue a university pathway,” Mr Lee said. “Skills training is vital to propelling our State forward, particularly following the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Minister for Education and Early Childhood Sarah

CROSSWORD

Mitchell said this investment would put young people wanting to pursue a career in vocational education in the best position to develop their learning. “This development supports young people to engage in learning that builds skills and supports access to apprenticeships and traineeships. The school will continue to offer the full range of study options, VET courses will be additional options,” Ms Mitchell said. The selection of Seven Hills High School (Years 7 to 10) follows a comprehensive analysis of all potential secondary schools in the state – up to 45 per cent of students at nearby Wyndham College undertake at least one VET course as part of their HSC. More than 91 per cent of students transition from Seven Hills to Wyndham for Year 11 and 12. This initiative will benefit from work already underway by the NSW Government to address the barriers student’s face when choosing a VET pathway.

ACROSS 1 Solutions (7) 5 Trouble (7) 9 A preserve (9) 10 Author Mark _____ (5) 11 Connecting (7) 12 Hunting guide (7) 13 Assigned (9) 15 Elflike (5) 17 Thin and weak (5) 19 Personal discipline (9) 22 Class (7) 25 An easy victory (slang) (7) 26 Boredom (5) 27 Clear sky (9) 28 Sleds (7) 29 They inflict pain for pleasure (7) down 1 Disheveled (7) 2 Squeezes the throat (9) 3 Departing (7)

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Western News 7 August 2020 Issue 115

Delivering more new seniors housing in Blackett

Western News 7 August 2020 Issue 115

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

Western News

Concerned about servicing your loans?

f you are concerned about servicing your loan, reach out to your local mortgage broker or financial advisor for help. Wealthwiz can assist at having a close look at your current financial circumstances and ready to lend a helping hand. Whether experiencing financial hardship through job loss, a reduction in work hours, or business disruption, an increasing number of Australians may be struggling to balance their books as a result of the Coronavirus which has effected the Australian economy and continues to be a problem, and in many cases are wondering how they will continue to pay the bills. Difficulty with repayments According to research conducted by Finder in early 2020, about one in five mortgage borrowers, or about two million Australian households, were struggling to make repayments, despite record low interest rates. And with the challenging circumstances that have emerged since, it is anticipated that these pressures will only increase forcing more people to require financial assistance. Financial relief strategies In this difficult time lenders have responded by announcing financial relief strategies. In an official Australian Banking Association (ABA) statement, CEO Anna Bligh said, “Banks stand ready to support customers and if anyone is in need of assistance, they shouldn’t wait but come forward as soon as possible”. Different lenders have different assistance options. These may include, waiving fees on early

term deposit withdrawals, interest rate freezes on loans, options to defer or restructure home loan repayments, and emergency credit card limit increases. It is important to remember that mortgage brokers have the knowledge, experience and relationships necessary to assist people experiencing or expecting to have trouble paying their home loans as a result of changing circumstances. In times like these, the importance of mortgage brokers in assisting customers with hardship and facilitating access to credit cannot be overstated. For many Australians – particularly those in rural or regional areas – brokers may represent the only source of assistance. Expertise of brokers is of critical support Wealthwiz expertise in helping customers navigate the complex home lending market – and their intimate understanding of their customers’ personal circumstances - means they are uniquely positioned to provide critical support for customers when discussing hardship and available options with lenders. We can discuss common sense solutions with Lenders who are more open to provide alternative products to customers and selfemployed borrowers. Review your finances You should review your home loan; • Review rates; many lenders are offering low rates with comparison rates below 3%. • There are generous cashback offers of between $1,500 -$4,000 for refinancing, this money can be into offset for back up.

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Western News

SPORT

fter 5 years in the planning and construction, Australia’s first indoor motocross track is open for business at Eastern Creek. The story of the Sydney Indoor Motocross Dome (MX Dome) began when a family of Motocross enthusiasts, weren’t able to take to their bikes on a cold and rainy wintery weekend. Youngest son Luca threw an idea out to his parents Matthew and Barbara Bartolo about having somewhere indoors to ride. The idea stuck with Matthew and after years of planning, meetings and research both in Australia and overseas, the Bartolos submitted the project plans to Blacktown City Council for Development Application (DA) approval. “Blacktown City Council were really supportive of the project,” said Matthew Bartolo. “It took just 6 weeks for formal DA Approval to come through for this one of a kind project.” Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said, “Former Mayor Stephen Bali and I saw the potential for the MX Dome when Matthew Bartolo first came to see us many years ago. “The MX Dome provides riders of all ages with a safe, legal, controlled venue to ride in all weather conditions. “This facility is located in the heart of Australia’s premier motorsport hub

Western News 7 August 2020 Issue 115

MX Dome – an Australian first at Eastern Creek

(L-R) Stephen Bali MP, Matthew Bartolo, Barbara Bartolo, Minister Stuart Ayres and Mayor Tony Bleasdale inside the MX Dome.

which includes Sydney Motorsport Park for car and motorcycle racing and training, Sydney Dragway, Sydney Premier Karting Park and a number of automotive research and development businesses.” The inflated MX Dome cost more

than $5 million to construct and is anchored to concrete piers that were sunk 30-metres into the ground. The 12,000 square metre facility can be reconfigured to cater for a variety of events, holding up to 10,000 spectators.

Mayor Bleasdale joined the Minister for Tourism and Western Sydney, the Hon. Stuart Ayres and the Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali MP on a tour of the MX Dome to mark the opening of the facility.

Riders return to the Sydney International Equestrian Centre By Noel Rowsell

he Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) re-opened for business on the 25th July, for the first time since Covid-19 restrictions were introduced into the community. Camden Equitation Inc held an Equitation Event on the day, with competitors coming from the South Coast, Central Tablelands, Mudgee, Riverina and Camden districts. Camden Equitation Inc is a Working Equitation club, established since 2014 to promote the disciplines of Dressage and Working Equitation. The Club holds 5 official E.A.Dressage days at the Bi-Centenary Ground Camden per year which includes the A.N.W.E.L Working Equitation Dressage Tests. Working Equitation is a relatively new sport, which consists of a 3 or 4 four phases of competition, being Dressage, Manageability, Speed and Cattle. The club is holding 3 competitions throughout 202 at the SIEC, consisting of three phases only. Saturday’s event was the 2nd of these Competitions, with 56 competitors originally entered. However, due to the recent COVID-19 hotspots, some competitors elected not to attend for safety reasons and the numbers were reduced to 28, including both adult and children competitors. The Competition included a teams event, which consisted of teams of 3 riders and 9 different teams competing for the ‘Horse N Hound 3UP Cup’ and prize-money. A spokesperson for Camden Equitation said “We welcome new members to our Club and encourage Sponsorship from business to continue the club’s improvements and growth.” More information can be found on the Club website www.camdenequitationinc.com. ## Equitation - the Art and Practice of Horsemanship and Horse Riding.

Action from the Show Jumping training at the SIEC on 25th July. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Horses and riders from Yandoo Park, Ebenezer and Redleaf Lodge were also in Showjumping training on the day, with owners and riders pleased to be finally able to take their horses to a different venue for the first time in 4 months. Yandoo Park’s Jamie Winning-Kermond, 2008 Australian & NSW Young Rider of the Year said “It’s so important to take the horses to other venues, as it becomes quite mundane to continuously train at the same venue.” “There aren’t any competitions on at the moment due to the Covid-19 pandemic but we’re hoping to continue to train regularly at the SIEC in the interim.”

In addition to Jamie Winning-Kermond, there were a number of highly-rated Riders at the training session, including her husband Jamie Kermond, who represented Australia at the 2006 World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Aachen, the 2014 WEG in Caen and at the 2014 World Cup Final in Spain. In 2016 and 2017, Jamie also won the Australian National Championships with Yandoo Oaks Constellation (aka Napa) and in 2018, headed to the Hong Kong Masters, where he and Napa put in a brilliant performance to finish 4th in the CS15* Grand Prix.

Western News Friday, 7 August 2020

SPORT

Blacktown International Sportspark welcomes back NSW Blues and NSW Breakers

ig name cricketers from the NSW Blues and NSW Breakers have descended on the worldclass facilities at Blacktown International Sportspark for pre-season training, amidst the current COVID-19 restrictions. Key NSW Blues players include Australian stars Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Stark, David Warner and Adam Zampa, just to name a few. NSW Breakers, carrying their own stellar international contingent, including captain Alyssa Healy, Australian vice-captain Rachael Haynes and Ashleigh Gardner have also been settling into solid training at the Sportspark. Both teams began pre-season training at the Sportspark in July, and will continue training there throughout the season. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said, “Blacktown International Sportspark has been the chosen venue for many high-profile sporting teams recently that are looking to train and prepare for competition in a COVID-safe environment. “The indoor and outdoor cricket training facilities at the Sportspark make it the perfect training venue for these teams to ensure they are at the top of their game.” The Cricket NSW Practice Centre was established at Blacktown International Sportspark in 2009 and

underwent further expansion in 2018 to become the best training facility for cricket in Western Sydney. The centre contains 5 indoor practice lanes with a

synthetic surface as well as 24 outdoor turf practice wickets and 1 hybrid wicket, the first of its kind in NSW.

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