Western News 7 December 2018

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Friday, 7 December 2018

ISSUE 74

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› Car rolls – Rooty Hill A woman has been flown to hospital in a serious condition and her passenger injured following a single-vehicle car rollover in Rooty Hill last weekend.

Just after 1.30pm on Saturday 1 December, emergency services were called to the intersection at Gardner and Willis streets, Rooty Hill, after a Ford Focus hit a concrete drain and rolled.

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Michelle Rowland has it in the bag

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The female driver was trapped, before being released and flown to Westmead Hospital suffering leg injuries. She remains in a serious but stable condition.

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ichelle Rowland MP, Federal Member for Greenway, has been collecting donations of spare handbags and personal sanitary items as part of the ‘It’s in the Bag’ initiative.

‘It’s in the Bag’ is a Share the Dignity project which collects donations of spare handbags and distributes them with personal sanitary items to women in need.

Share the Dignity began in 2015 and is a campaign run across Australia

to collect personal sanitary items for women experiencing hardship and fleeing family violence.

Michelle Rowland’s office in Seven Hills has been a drop off point for ‘It’s in the Bag’ this year, and has been accepting donations of spare handbags and women’s sanitary items.

“I encouraged local residents to join the ‘It’s in the Bag’ initiative again this year to help support women who are doing it tough in our community,” Michelle Rowland said.

“Particularly as Christmas draws near, we are reminded of the importance of kindness, and donations to ‘It’s in the Bag’ will directly help provide basic necessities to women in need over the festive season,” Ms Rowland said.

“I am always encouraged and humbled by the generosity and community spirit shown by local residents of all ages and backgrounds who open their hearts to those in need,” Ms Rowland said.

The male passenger was taken to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition.

Officers from Mt Druitt Police Area Command attended and established a crime scene.

Investigations are continuing and anyone with information is urged to come forward.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

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UST when I think I’ve heard it all and there’s nothing left to roll my eyes at, out trots the movement from “new age” style parents who say that allowing your child to believe in Santa Clause will traumatise them because it’s a lie.

Kids will be forever scarred by the conspiracy that you, as a parent created and left them out of, they say.

What absolute garbage!

Personally I find it traumatising that there are parents out there who want to drop the Santa bomb and spoil the magic of Christmas for their children.

And what’s more, these “informed” children will no doubt roll up to school and share their discovery with the children of those parents who were happy to allow their kids to enjoy a childhood full of imagination.

If you are raising a child that you think will be traumatised by the magical aspect to Christmas, then I’m sorry to say that I think you’re in for much bigger problems down the track.

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Ropes Crossing

From the Editor’s Desk

Prospect

A child who is able to become a “victim” at a young age over a fairy tale that is filled with fun and excitement will not be very well-equipped when life doles out actual problems.

If a child feels traumatised by the eventual revelation as they head toward high school age, perhaps a good life lesson for them would be to take them to a cancer ward in a children’s hospital, or show them pictures of children who are starving in under-developed countries; and teach them what actual traumatic situations are, and what actual victims look like.

Western society is getting sillier and sillier by the day.

As we dip into December I wish you and your family all the excitement and magic that goes with it, and now that we are only a couple of weeks away from Santa Clause making his appearance, make sure you have your Christmas list ready!

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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lacktown City Woman of the year Anyier Yuol is encouraging the community to nominate outstanding local women to be considered for the 2019 Woman of the Year award.

“I would encourage a lot of people to get involved,” Ms Yuol said.

“Definitely apply. Don’t be afraid.

If you think you have the skills: get involved.”

Ms Yuol was named the 2018 Blacktown City Woman of the Year in March at a special event to mark International Women’s Day. “Winning the award gave me that boost of confidence and gave me the opportunity to publicly speak up about the issues that are important within our community, within Blacktown City and the communities that I work with,” Ms Yuol said.

Nominations for the 2019 Blacktown City Woman of the Year opened on Monday, 3 December and close on Wednesday 30 January 2019.

Blacktown City Women’s Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Julie Griffiths, said the award is Blacktown’s chance to celebrate women within the local community who have made a difference.

“As chair of the Blacktown City Women’s Advisory Committee, it

Blacktown City Women’s Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Julie Griffiths award Ms Anyier Yuol the 2018 Blacktown City Woman of the Year in March.

is exciting to watch women from a diversity of backgrounds gathering together and network,” Cr Griffiths said.

“It’s an opportunity to recognise the importance of women playing important roles and acting as inspirations to the younger generation of women living and working in our city.”

The 2019 Woman of the Year will be announced at Blacktown City Council’s International Women’s Day breakfast in March 2019.

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Ms Anyier Yuol and Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali MP.

March to commemorate women’s achievements and highlight women’s equality worldwide.

Nominations can be submitted online by visiting: www.blacktown. nsw.gov.au/Community/Awardsscholarships-and-competitions/ International-Womens-Day Nomination forms are also available from Council’s Information Desk, Blacktown Civic Centre, Flushcombe Road, Blacktown, or by calling 9839 6000.

Blacktown City Woman of the Year 2019 nomination criteria: A woman aged 16 years and over

who is currently living or working in Blacktown City.

A woman who has: • Made an outstanding contribution to their local community • Inspires others to contribute to their local community • Risen above adversity to reach their goals • Consistently demonstrated exceptional and progressive leadership • Mentored and inspired other women • Demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity.

Western News 7 December 2018 Issue 74

Nominate Blacktown’s Woman of the year

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Western News 7 December 2018 Issue 74

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Western News

Local schools to be airconditioned

T

he NSW Liberal Government have announced that more than 900 schools across the state will have new air conditioning systems installed in their classrooms and libraries; the first schools to benefit from the Cooler Classrooms Fund setup by the NSW Liberal Government.

Ten local schools are among the more than 900 schools that have been named as the first to receive the funding under the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s record $500 million program – the largest investment of its kind in NSW history.

“I am delighted to announce that 10 of these existing schools are located in the Riverstone electorate!” said Member for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly.

Mr Conolly said that this is the result of the first round of applications which took place throughout Term 3 this year. A second round will open in the New Year.

“This program is in addition to our commitment to provide air conditioning for all new schools and school upgrades, and the existing policy of providing air conditioning to demountable classrooms,” said Mr Conolly.

“Delivering air-conditioning to more schools than ever before is only possible due to the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government,” said NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Schools that have an average maximum January temperature of 30 degrees or more – will now automatically receive air conditioning in their classrooms and libraries, while all other schools can apply for funding under the Cooler Classrooms

Fund on a needs basis. Previously only schools with an average maximum January temperature of 33 degrees or more were air conditioned.

Minister for Education Rob Stokes said, unlike Labor’s plans, the NSW Liberals’ Cooler Classrooms program was both economically and environmentally sustainable.

“We’re installing solar panels and ‘smart systems’ alongside the air conditioning units, so schools can offset their additional energy use and efficiently heat and cool their schools,” said Mr Stokes.

In addition to the hundreds of schools benefiting under the Cooler Classrooms program, air conditioning will be delivered in all new and upgraded schools – including Schofields Public

School - under the Government’s record $6 billion school building program over the next four years.

“Every one of our 170 new and upgraded schools, including more than 2000 new classrooms, will also receive the new sustainable air conditioning systems,” Mr Stokes said.

Schools in the Riverstone electorate which will have their classrooms and libraries air-conditioned under Round 1 are: • The Ponds High School • Riverstone High School • Riverstone Public School • Quakers Hill High School • Riverbank Public School • Glenwood High School • Marsden Park Public School • Casuarina School • Vineyard Public School • Wyndham College “I will be going in to bat for the remaining schools in the Riverstone electorate to receive air conditioning in future rounds of the program,” said Mr Conolly.

“This is something I’ve been lobbying for over a number of years and I’m delighted to see the goal in view.

“It’s only a Government that runs a healthy economy and strong budget that can be trusted to deliver on improvements like air conditioning for schools. Promises are cheap, but delivery is another thing.

“The NSW Liberal Government has demonstrated that it can manage money to meet the real needs of people in our communities.”

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By Noel Rowsell

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ambridge Park Lions Club, under the auspices of the Lions Children’s Mobility Fund (LCMF), has donated a Rifton PACER Walker to Amiah-Grace Tuakalau, a young four-year old girl who lives in Minchinbury and who has Cerebral Palsy.

Greg English, Chairman of the LCMF, District 201N, Cambridge Park President Alan Bideleux, Past Cambridge Park President Charles Armstrong and his wife Pat were all on hand representing the Lions Club of Cambridge Park to present the Walker to the Tuakalau family.

Amiah-Grace is the daughter of Numa and Felila Tuakalau, who Members of the Cambridge Park Lions Club present the Rifton have lived in Minchinbury for the Walker to Amiah-Grace Tuakalau. Photos by Noel Rowsell past seven years and are preparing to send their two daughters (four year old Amiah-Grace and three-year old Alyahna- brain, either during pregnancy or shortly after Grace) to pre-school. birth.

The walker is a wonderful donation to the family, Greg English, Chairman of the LCMF, District allowing Amiah-Grace greater mobility and lowering 201N said “The (LCMF) foundation was started a number of risks from the disability. in 1998 and Lions in Australia have raised over Cerebral palsy (CP) is a physical disability that $12,000,000 to purchase walkers of different types affects both movement and posture.It is a permanent for children with cerebral palsy. Sydney alone has life-long condition but generally does not worsen purchased over $2,000,000 worth of walkers, which over time and is due to damage to the developing is around 400 walkers”.

Benefits of the Rifton PACER Walker for children like AmiahGrace are life changing!

Along with increased motion, decreased spasticity, improved physical development of joint and bones and better lung function, the walker improves visual awareness, a higher level of cogitative growth and promotes a more active lifestyle.

Cambridge Park Lions Club is delighted to be able to assist with this walker which will allow Amiah-Grace more freedom to enjoy Pre School and many other social activities with her family.

This Rifton PACER Walker for Amiah-Grace is one of many projects the Cambridge Park Lions have supported, using funds raised within the local community at BBQs, activities and the weekly Chocolate Wheel at Westfield Penrith.

The Cambridge Park Lions Club was chartered in July 1979 and will celebrate 40 years supporting the local community in 2019!

If you would like to join the Cambridge Park Lions crew to make a difference, and have some fun along the way, send an email to cambridgeparklionsclub@ gmail.com or phone 0408 530 531.

Western News 7 December 2018 Issue 74

A brand new walker for Amiah-Grace

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› Blacktown mum celebrates $25,000 scratchie win

High interest in Milk Bank

A Blacktown mum is happily planning a family Christmas reunion thanks to one of the top prizes of $25,000 she scratched on a $2 Festive Fun Instant Scratch-Its ticket.

The happy woman purchased her winning ticket at St Martins Village Newsagency, 7 St Martins Crescent, Blacktown.

“This is a good surprise for me!” she declared while speaking with a NSW Lotteries official this week to claim her prize.

“While I was at the newsagency I saw there were some new Christmas tickets so I bought five of them and scratched them at home.

“This one was in the middle of the bunch, I also managed to scratch a $3 win and a $10 win so it was a very lucky day.

“I’ve been holding on tight to this ticket ever since. I kept this ticket in my handbag, close to the bed all night while I slept until I could come here and claim it.”

“I can’t believe it really. This is really exciting.”

The woman revealed she planned to use some of the windfall to visit some of her cherished family currently living overseas this festive season.

“It’s come at the best time. It will be a wonderful Christmas.”

St Martins Village Newsagency owner Qing Zhang said he was cheering in store when he found out they sold a top prize winning Instant Stratch-Its ticket.

“It’s very exciting, we love it when our regular customers win!” he exclaimed.

u l n e r ab l e product safety and quality, and in premature babies, line with Blood Service practice, including those at will screen donors, collect, Nepean Hospital, will have a process and test donated breast better chance of fighting off milk, to ensure recipient safety life-threatening infections and is not compromised,” says Mrs disease with the launch of a Sulfaro who was also formerly state-wide first donor human the Nurse Unit Manager at milk bank in NSW. Nepean Hospital’s NICU. Run jointly by the Australian New mum, Jenna Gregory, Red Cross Blood Service and gave birth to baby Mason NSW Health, the newly built prematurely and needed donor facility will pasteurise donor milk to supplement her own breast milk for babies who supply. have a very low birth weight Ms Gregory strongly New mum, Jenna Gregory with her son Mason and need specialised care. encourages any mother facing Australian Red Cross Blood a similar situation to hers to Service Milk Bank Manager, Chris Sulfaro says consider the use of donor breast milk. the introduction of a breast milk bank in NSW will “It is properly screened and stored in the safest bring easier access to a safe and reliable supply of of environments and you can guarantee that what’s pasteurised donor breast milk to the nine Neonatal being provided is the best nutrition on offer. Mason Intensive Care Units (NICU) across the state, had immediate improvements when moving to including Nepean Hospital. donor milk and you could visibly see he was “The Milk Bank is going to be a game changer. heading in the right direction,” says Jenna.

It means a far more consistent supply to every “To the women who have donated I can’t thank unit and will have a positive impact on the lives you enough. You made what was already a hard of many premature babies and their families for road that little bit easier. You truly are angels.” the better.”

Since its launch over a week ago, hundreds “The World Health Organisation recommends of mothers have come forward with offers of pasteurised donor breast milk as the next best donations to the Milk Bank. source of nutrition for a baby when there is Mothers who produce an excess of breast milk insufficient supply of mother’s own milk.” and live a healthy lifestyle may be eligible to “The Milk Bank will operate in alignment with donate and can contact the Milk Bank at milkbank. international best practice standards to ensure com.au for further information.

V

”

May the blessings of Christmas fill your heart and home with joy now and throughout 2019.

Merry Christmas to all!

”

Prue Car MP “ Member for Londonderry

A Very Merry Christmas to you and your family. All the best for 2019 and enjoy the holiday season!

“

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

Kevin

Conolly MP

State Member for Riverstone Phone: (02) 8883 3499 Fax: (02) 8883 3355 Mail: P.O. Box 65, Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768 Email: riverstone@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Western News

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› Dharruk murder

ount Druitt Hospital’s kiosk is switching it’s selection of menu items to healthier, affordable and tastier options as part of the improvements across NSW Health facilities food outlets.

The delicious, tasty options being considered for the kiosk include popcorn, tuna and cracker snack packs, tuna and rice lunch kits, muesli bars and mini pizzas.

Western Sydney Local Health District Heathy Eating Active Living program co-ordinator Rachael Graham had the fun task of sourcing people to participate in the taste testing of these delicious items.

Rachel didn’t have to search too far – on hand was cleaner Rachel Tucker who particularly liked the popcorn.

Staff and visitors were encouraged to taste each item and provide their feedback. The overall winner was the mini pizzas which had a health rating of four stars.

The health star rating is a nutritional rating which identifies products with high nutrient quality.

The kiosk is the only food outlet within the district which is entirely run by the hospital volunteers, with all profits returning to the hospital.

Police investigating the death of Erol Tokcan earlier this year have charged a man with murder.

Police and emergency services were called to a home on Livingston Avenue, Dharruk, about 9.45pm on Friday 9 March 2018, after reports of a home invasion.

A group of men entered the home and threatened 38-year-old Erol Tokcan, before stabbing him and fleeing the scene.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital, where he later died.

Officers attached to Mount Druitt Police Area Command with assistance from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad established a crime scene and commenced an investigation.

Following inquiries, about 3.55pm on Wednesday 28 November, police arrested a 23-year-old man at a home in Whalan.

A search warrant was executed at a home on Elke Way, Toongabbie, with several items being seized.

The arrested man was taken to Riverstone Police Station where he was charged with murder.

He was refused bail to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court Inquiries into the incident continue.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

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Healthy food and drink hospital ambassadors Jenny Suthar and Christine Mason support the healthier range for taste and affordability.

Mount Druitt Hospital kiosk volunteer Barbara Margerison who has worked at the kiosk for two years supports the healthy change.

Fellow kiosk volunteer June Burnard who is responsible for ordering the stock was keen to take part in the taste testing.

“It’s important for us as a hospital to have healthy options for our patients, staff and visitors” Mrs Burnard said.

“We are in a health facility and

need to set a good example.

“I started volunteering at the hospital when my husband was a patient. I didn’t want to leave him.

I was impressed with the dedication and passion from the kiosk volunteers that I wanted to work with them. I started not long after my first visit and I haven’t looked back.”

Check out the new affordable tasty menu items at the kiosk next time you’re at Mount Druitt Hospital.

If you would like to be an ambassador of the healthy food and drink framework, please email rachael.graham@health.nsw.gov.au

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Western News 7 December 2018 Issue 74

Thumbs up for healthier Mount Druitt kiosk menu

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Western News 7 December 2018 Issue 74

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Western News

Morocco’s movie sets and deserts

Ait Benhaddou

The Sahara

By BEN CRANNEY

T

he desert was calling. It was 48 degrees and Mustafa, our guide, couldn’t wait to get out into the dunes. The heat didn’t matter. The freedom of the desert did.

As we bumped along on camels, he told us how his family were no longer nomads because of the difficulty in crossing the Algerian border. And

how they now made their money from tourism, but he dreamed of roaming the sand sea again. I could see why. It was beautiful.

We’d got here, Erg Chebbi in Morocco, via a mini bus tour from Marrakesh. Tour is a loose definition.

It’s a way to get there, and if you see something you want to stop for, best speak up, because otherwise, they’ll just speed on.

We stopped at Aït Benhaddou.

Before being the film site where Russel Crowe’s Maximus received his gladiator training and where Khaleesi freed the slaves of Yunkai, it was a caravan stopover and trading post. Only a small handful of families still live here, but it was easy to see why their ancestors chose it. With a river on one side, and built around a hill with a view for miles, they would have been able to control who came in and out.

At our half way accommodation, we visited the palm groves and crops around a stream. I’d wondered about the obsession of gardens in this country, but here I got it. Growing something beautiful and green in a place this hot and dry was the ultimate skill and status symbol, and the plants dropped the temperature by 10 degrees. It was a refreshing walk, and it got me ready for the energy sapping experience of haggling at the carpet

shop for a rug I didn’t know I wanted.

Back in the desert, we sat on top of a dune with our toes in the sand, and watched the landscape change colour under the sunset from from yellow, to gold, to deep orange. My wife managed to steer the conversation to Mustafa’s love life. ‘There aren’t many women out here’, he said. It was the perfect spot for a bit of romance, though, provided you avoided the scorpions. We ate dinner under the stars, and watched a magical sunrise at breakfast, when the sun seemingly popped out of nowhere, having been trapped behind a mountain that was hidden by the morning haze.

And despite the heat, the scorpion threat, and being bruised and sore from the camel ride, I think I understood a bit about why Mustafa dreamed of his nomadic lifestyle.

Next time: Christmas!

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel It’s the most wonderful time of the year

There is a great advert on television at the moment for a supermarket when the whole family get together with pork roasts, hams and a pavlova which the elderly couple have left on the roof of the car for the whole journey and which arrives unscathed. It does make me feel very homesick for my family and friends back in England and for the many wonderful Christmases past. Here I am on the other side of the world, but you know what, quite a few of those friends are making their presence felt.

My dearest friend in the whole world, Joy, passed away about a month ago. Now Joy really didn’t believe in what I did and thought it was all a bit of nonsense, but maybe she has now changed her mind. I had an email from her son this morning telling me about the funeral and he said that during the wake in their local pub, as they were laughing, drinking, reminiscing, the lights flicked on and off a few times - something that had never happened before. Could this be Joy joining in her own party?

Well, we certainly had some wonderful evenings together and she loved a party. Was it my darling friend joining in? It could just be an electrical fault but was it?

As I am preparing for Christmas I often hear her voice chatting to me just like old times. But you know, this is the time of year when those who are no

longer with us corporally like to come back and join in the festivities. I talked in a previous article about the old Celtic festival of Samhain when the veil between the two worlds is at its thinnest allowing spirits to pass through and I always feel that the time between the end of October and the end of the year is when our dear departed get especially frisky.

I had a friend in London called Anthony. He was a very suave young realtor and had been netted by a still glamorous older Polish woman who spoilt him rotten with delicious Polish cakes and Lord knows whatever kind of Polish TLC. I used to go

and view houses for him so that his clients would think he got more interest in their properties and we became quite good friends. One day we were having coffee and he told me that they were having some problems at Magda’s penthouse. Huge, and I mean huge, planters were being thrown about her terrace in the middle of the night. Anthony would clear them up in the morning and lo and behold, same thing around 3a.m. I asked him if they had told the police although how anyone could scale ten stories every night without getting caught was slightly incredible. “No darling,” he said. “What’s the point? Just the spirits getting frisky. You know what it’s like at this time of year and besides they never break anything. They just want to have a bit of fun. They’ll calm down when Christmas is over.”

And so, as I am in the kitchen surrounded by mince pies or Christmas pudding in the making, I have my lovely chats with darling Joy and as I think about the true meaning of this time of year, I think of those other loved ones who are in Spirit.

Will I set plates of food for them on Christmas Day? Maybe that is going a bit too far, but I am sure they will certainly be around the table raising a glass of champagne with us.

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

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

A

S we head into the festive season, Sylvia and Darren Falls and their son Kurt will be forced to spend another Christmas without their beloved daughter Candice. It has now been eight years since she was tragically killed in a car accident on the Great Western Highway at Colyton, so we thought we would re-run her story in the hope that it reinforces the dangers of speeding to our young residents.

December 11, 2010 began just like any other day for Sylvia and Darren Falls; but it ended more tragically than any parent could imagine and would be forever marked as the day they lost their beautiful daughter Candice.

Bubbly, popular, beautiful and just 19 years old, Candice was killed on impact when she was ejected from the back seat of a speeding car when it hit a pole at 2.15pm on the Great Western Highway at Colyton. She was ten weeks pregnant.

Sylvia Falls was shopping in St Marys that fateful day as the sirens screamed up the highway, and as she got home at approximately 5pm she received a call from a friend.

“Is Candice okay?” asked the caller, “I just saw ‘rip Candice Falls’ on facebook.”

Not realising at first that ‘rip’ meant ‘Rest in Peace’ Sylvia wasn’t overly alarmed as she called Candice’ mobile phone - a call that would never be answered.

Sylvia and Candice had been shopping together the night before and she’d spoken to her daughter at 1.45pm to see if she wanted to go to Ripples as it was a hot day. Little did she know as she hung up from that call her beloved daughter had less than an hour to live.

Candice, her boyfriend, a male friend and a female friend were planning to go to Cables and after calling Darren, Sylvia called the female friend. The friend had actually never been picked up, because it was on the way to pick up the fourth passenger that the car had crashed and ripped in half – never reaching its destination.

Meanwhile, Candice’ father, Darren was in the city when he received the call from Sylvia.

“Why are people writing ‘rip Candice’ on facebook?” Sylvia asked.

In an effort not to alarm her, Darren down-played the meaning and dismissed it as something silly kids write – but immediately began calling hospitals and friends to see what he could find out. When he finally located a friend who knew what had happened, the response was the most chilling words Darren would ever hear.

“She’s gone, man, she’s gone,” the

friend said.

The two shattered parents headed towards Westmead from opposite directions; Darren in shock at the news that their daughter had gone and Sylvia worried about how bad the accident was and whether Candice was hurt – unaware that her daughter had actually lost her life more than three hours before.

“I headed to Westmead to be with her, little did I know she was already at the Coroner,” Sylvia reflected sadly.

The parents met at Westmead hospital and the news was confirmed; the two injured boys were there but Candice was at the Coroner. Her short life of 19 years had come to a heart-wrenching end. Police arrived at 8.30 and officially confirmed their daughter was deceased.

“It’s a long time to wait,” Darren said. “Even though we knew long before then that there was no hope, we wanted details, we were saying

just give us something.”

For Sylvia, the news of her daughter’s passing was the beginning of a nightmare that was about to get worse; Candice needed to be formally identified.

“I felt I needed to see her, so I thought it best that I go,” Sylvia said.

“I wish now that I hadn’t, as that picture will remain with me forever.

It didn’t look like Candice. She’d been gone for many hours by then and the swelling from her brain injury and the efforts to revive her made her look nothing like my daughter. The shock really set in from seeing that she was wearing the clothes that she’d bought while we were shopping together the night before.”

Although the exact speed of the car is unconfirmed, it has been said that the car was travelling “in the high hundreds” along the stretch of road that has an 80 kilometre speed limit.

Candice never stood a chance in the

crash, and now her vibrant personality and winning smile has been lost to the thousands of people she touched during her short time on earth.

But her memory will never be forgotten.

Still to this day, many cars in the area display a sticker honouring Candice as a reminder that speed kills. Many young drivers still don’t heed the message.

In an accident that was over in seconds, Candice lost her life, her parents were robbed of their only daughter, her brother Kurt was robbed of his only sister, her boyfriend lost his girl and baby - and a hole was left in the hearts of a thousand others.

For Sylvia, the days are forever etched with the horror of the loss of her only daughter and the occasions that will never be celebrated.

“Not a minute goes by that I’m not thinking of her,” Sylvia said.

“It is a horrible, horrible thing to have to endure. I know that there is nothing that we could have done to prevent it, but I can’t help but think ‘what if’ and ‘if only’.

“Every single day a new thought pops in my head that brings the shock all back again. I used to have a pigeon pair, now I have an only child; I will never celebrate her 21st, or enjoy grandchildren from her.”

“We just need to get the message out there – don’t show off, be responsible in a vehicle and don’t speed. “ Candice Falls is gone from this life forever.

Her death serves as a stark reminder that speeding is never cool. Things you think you need to get to in a hurry could never be as important as protecting your life or those with you and around you.

Speed kills. RIP Candice.

Western News 7 December 2018 Issue 74

Getting nowhere fast: speed kills our children

11

Western News 7 December 2018 Issue 74

12

WESTERN HISTORY

Maxwell Ernest Playford and the St Marys ADI

M

axwell was born in January events leading to the establishment of an 1902 at Norton Summit, South ammunition fill for Australia and St Marys Australia, the fourth of seven was chosen due to the road and rail links children to John Tomlinson Playford and that were reasonably good and land to the orchardist, and his wife Rose Eliza née north was relatively cheap and sparsely Inglis, both from South Australia. Maxwell populated, there was also a good manpower was educated at Norton Summit Public supply available in Parramatta and Sydney. and Norwood High schools. He studied The area was acquired by resumptions mining and metallurgy at the University listed in Commonwealth gazettes in three of Adelaide and qualified as a fellow in parcels during the years 1941 to 1943.

1924 of the South Australian School of Production commenced in November Mines and Industries. During 1923 he 1942 and gradually increased as more of worked at Port Pirie and Broken Hill. In the buildings were completed. Altogether 1924 he became a research metallurgist some 850 buildings comprising a complex at the Mount Lyell Mining & Railway for processing, storing explosives and Co Ltd at Queenstown in Tasmania. filling ammunition occupied an area of Promoted to mill Superintendent in 1928 504 hectares, rather more than a quarter  St Marys’ munition workers float in Sydney parade in the 1940’s. Courtesy of Penrith Library. he redesigned and rebuilt the old inefficient of the land acquired. The factory had its mill that dramatically reduced the emission own sewerage treatment works, hostels of sulphur dioxide. One bold innovation was the installation of an and canteens and was designed to cope with three shifts of up to 4,000 8-foot diameter ball mill, a giant for its time and was regarded as an persons per day and there was 132 staff and 153 waged employees, extraordinary achievement for a young man that revealed his confidence, the first order being a production of Flare Floats for the RAAF. The his brilliance in research, determination in execution and qualities of workforce built up to peak at 324 staff and 2,175 waged employees leadership with an ability to win the trust of his superiors. In March with a total of 2,499 in September 1943 including Maxwell who was 1929 he married Agnes Jessie Anderson a 20-year-old art teacher. He appointed Manager of one of the largest munition plants in Australia. was a Baptist and regular churchgoer who lived by the highest standards.

The old farmhouse and buildings of “Dunheved”, formerly the property Tall and good-looking with black curly hair, he enjoyed gardening, of Governor Philip Gidley King’s family was used by the construction photography, mountaineering, bush-walking and children. He was a and factory staff and known at that time as “The Homestead”. Late in member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy in 1934 1943 the building became derelict and was finally demolished in 1947. and wrote numerous technical papers on metallurgical subjects. He was Maxwell died in October 1943 in a private hospital in Sydney of acute appointed plant superintendent at Great Boulder Pty Gold Mines Ltd, encephalomyelitis (Encephalitis is caused by herpes and can lead to Kalgoorlie, Western Australia in February 1934 and later that year, he severe brain damage and death. Another common virus that can cause joined Wiluna Gold Mines Ltd as chief metallurgist. Because of the encephalitis is mumps). He was buried in the cemetery at Norton ore containing arsenic at Wiluna, it was found not compatible with the Summit. He was survived by his wife and their adopted daughter. His cyanide process (the common method of extracting gold) so he built a funeral was mentioned in the “News” Adelaide S.A and reads:- “Funeral smelter where lead was added to collect the gold and silver which was of Premier’s Cousin - Maxwell Ernest Playford. mine engineer and easily separated. From March 1938 he was assistant general manager of cousin of the Premier (Mr Playford), was buried at Norton Summit Mount Morgan Ltd, Queensland where he again improved metallurgical cemetery. He died in Sydney last Sunday at the age of 41. At the time performance. In 1941 he was hoping to contribute more directly of his death he was in charge of one of the largest munitions works to the war effort when he joined the Commonwealth Department of in Australia. The funeral was attended by the Premier and members of Munitions. After working for the Directorate of Explosives Supply in the Playford family and representatives of the Ministry of Munitions, Melbourne for a short time he was sent to England and America to learn mining companies with which Mr Playford had been associated and the the latest methods of production. Australia’s defense needs were on School of Mines and the Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy”. low priority in the early 1930’s with the Great War of 1914-1918 at an His estate was sworn for probate at £6,988. end. A rifle factory established by Lord Kitchener, Britain’s Secretary Sources: G. Blainey - The Peaks of Lyell (Melb, 1954), Australasian of State for War, had been opened in Lithgow in 1912 and there was Institute of Mining and Metallurgy - Proceedings, Sept-Dec 1943, p some manufacture of ammunition in factories like Maribyrnong in xlii, Advertiser (Adelaide), 12 Oct 1943, Book by me “The St Marys’ Melbourne, but these establishments had been left to run down. The Munitions Story”. Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys first Menzies’ Government came into power in 1939 and set in place & District Historical Society Inc.

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Western News

D

Top money saving tips for this Christmas

ecember is a time when shoppers are tempted to stack purchases on the credit card with the pressure to buy that special gift for loved ones as Australians will spend over $40 billion dollars in retail stores this Christmas. The festive season could be less of a financial burden if you plan and follow some simple rules prior to the feared credit card bill arriving in January so your Christmas was a merry one.

Here are tips to save this Christmas* Plan Plan what gifts you are giving to avoid the “late dash” when you visit the shops. Start early with your shopping to avoid the last minute rush as this generally means you will be paying more at the counter than what you had planned as you are under pressure to buy whatever you can get your hands on.

The Xmas Card Why not use technology and save

money on Christmas cards and make a Christmas Video. Smart phones similar devices allow for easy videoing that can be sent via instant messaging or email to friends and family at no cost.

Shop online You don’t have to visit the shops as many major retail stores have online presence and stores. This will save you time and purchasing gifts you didn’t really want.

Shop Around Compare items and products on the internet and/or in catalogues. You can use google by entering the name of what you are buying following by the word “buy, price”. This will give you a list of retailers with price comparisons to hook yourself a bargain.

End of Year Sale time Spend less before Christmas Day and give a small gift and buy better gifts in the new-year sales.

Alternatively give a gift card as this allows buying gifts after Christmas

when the sales are on where you can get more value for your dollars.

Secret Santa Everybody loves a secret Santa and it’s a great way to save money on gifts as it means one quality gift as opposed to many gifts for the family.

Give an experience Everyone has someone in the family who has everything and doesn’t need anything. Why not organise something different, a picnic, a day the beach and invite family and friends for them. A present doesn’t always need money to make it valuable Cook Even if you’re not the next Jamie Oliver or Nigella Lawson, you could cook a great gift! A Christmas pudding or treats are not only a Christmas favourite but will help the recipient when it comes to filling the table. You will save you money with a little investment of your time.

Cash is King It may be tough if you have planned

@wealthwiz

your gifts in advance or buying online but there is no reason why you can’t leave your credit card at home and just take cash. A little bit of discipline may avoid the credit card shock in January.

Share the load If Christmas is at your place this year, ask family members to bring a plate to help reduce the load and cost of Christmas lunch or dinner. Ask everyone to bring a plate to create a buffet style meal.

Christmas brings family and friends together and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful festive season to create some special memories.

Contact Alex on 0419 600 177 for advice who can help you navigate the loan market to find a loan solution that best meet your needs.

13 Western News 7 December 2018 Issue 74

Alex Soncini

REAL ESTATE

*Wealthwiz advice is general in nature and readers should seek their own professional advice before making any financial decisions.

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Western News 7 December 2018 Issue 74

14

Western News

SUDOKU: EASY

SOLUTIONS: 23 November EASY

HARD

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

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 Intense sorrow (9) 6 Deleted expletive (5) 9 Blow up (7) 10 Sowed (7) 11 A tropical cereal grass (7) 12 Trade stoppage (7) 13 Regards with suspicion (9) 15 Pertaining to the

Hellenic Republic (5) 16 Without

companionship (5) 19 Fazed (9) 22 Sharp turn (7) 23 Smooched (slang) (7) 25 Inane (7) 26 Piano music with a

syncopated melody (7) 27 Contemplates (5) 28 Subverts (9))

solution 23/11/18

down 1 They often grow on heads (5) 2 Asserts (7) 3 Instructor (7) 4 Whipping, clotted or ice (5) 5 Female imperial rulers (9) 6 A small weighted cloth bag (7) 7 The Muse of music (Greek

mythology) (7) 8 Firmly fastened with a device (9) 13 Controls the size of a camera

aperture (9) 14 Wastes (9) 17 Beginnings (7) 18 Depletes (7) 20 Notion (7) 21 Prolonged unfulfilled desire (7) 23 Bush (5) 24 Sediment (5)

Western News

SPORT

By CONNER LOWE

F

ive months after a tragic accident that threatened to end his racing career, New Zealand’s Terenzo Bozzone has shown his class, returning to the winner’s circle, holding off local hero Sam Appleton with a dominant performance at Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney.

Women’s winner Radka Kahlefeldt was unchallenged in her first look at the Penrith course and the super mum continued to inspire athletes across the globe with a post to post win and a dominance that has become a natural part of her stunning 2018 season.

Voted number one for Overall Athlete Satisfaction by thousands of athletes around the globe, Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney got the thumbs up from the newly crowned champions, who, like the other 1500 athletes competing, revelled in the perfect race conditions at the International Regatta Centre.

For Bozzone Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney was a journey into the unknown and he arrived in Australia hoping his body would respond to the

challenge of racing at the elite level and remember what it was supposed to do on race day.

“It was only two weeks ago when I started to be able to run on the road, so I was super excited that I could toe the line here. Doubts didn’t cross my mind because my expectations going into the race were pretty low. I was just happy to be racing,” he said.

“I am a racer and I love doing this

and after the accident, when I woke up in the hospital the thought came into my head ‘If you want this to be over, this is a pretty good excuse’. But I didn’t need to think twice about it, or even for a second. I still have a lot of unfinished business in this sport. I love it and I love the adventures we get to do.,” Terenzo said.

Radka Kahlefeldt’s win on debut at Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney didn’t

surprise anyone as Team Radka, Ruby and Brad have taken all before them in 2018. The ever smiling Radka dismantled the field early on and she was relentless, controlling the race at her leisure and now heads to Ironman 70.3 Taupo to finish her year.

“Leading start to finish is a great feeling but it is very hard to pace yourself the whole time on your own.

But I really enjoyed the event. I loved the swim, the bike wasn’t boring it was good fun. But the run is pretty tough, and it is such a long straight.

You see the finish line, but it is still two km to go.” She said.

“I love this venue it is beautiful and thank you very much to everyone for coming down, to the volunteers and race organisers. It is an amazing event, my first time here and I loved it.”

Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney was an extremely successful event with all competitors thoroughly enjoying the race day and fans filled around the course. The organisers of the event hope the remainder of the Ironman’s can match the atmosphere and sportsmanship of Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney.

The A-Z of Christmas - best time of the year!

By MARK GEYER

A

s we all gather around our loved ones for what I think is the best and most important time of the year let’s go through the alphabet and relate it to the greatest time of the year Christmas!

A. A is for advent calendar. What office or school classroom hasn’t got one to countdown to the most special day of the year?

B. B is for backyard cricket where no house seems to go without their own version of a “Howzat” call.

C. C is for Carols, every time I hear a Christmas carol it takes me straight to a place. A happy place.

D. D is for decorations. Lots go out of their way to make their homes look more and more like a massive Christmas tree. Decorations, which usually start being hung in early December, usually signals Christmas time.

E. E is for Eggnog. For you older readers you now exactly what am talking about for all you younger readers ask your mum or nan to whip up a batch.

F. F is for Family. It’s what the very essence of Christmas encapsulates for me. I feel for those not surrounded by theirs at this time of year.

G. G is for giving. It’s the season of giving and don’t we love it. Hope your reading this Geyer’s.

H. H is for what else but ham. It’s

the ultimate Christmas food. Have it cold, fried, grilled or any other way you want it but what’s Christmas with out ham?

I. I is for Ice. You’ll need plenty to keep your Christmas drinks the way you want them, cold!

J. J is for Jerusalem, the town synonymous with this time of the year. And also my favourite Christmas carol.

K. K is for Kris Kringle. The ultimate family gift of giving. Good luck with what yours may bring.

L. L is for leftovers. One of my favourite things about Christmas Day is how much bloody good food is leftover for our Boxing Day lunch.

M. M is for mistletoe. Every doorway should have one above it, everybody should kiss their loved one right under it..... at least once.

N. N is for Naughty or Nice. I was told from a very young age I had to

be one or the other to get presents, nothing has changed now I’m a dad.

O. O is for “Oh No”, “there’s 2 days until Christmas and I’m only halfway through my gift buying.

P. P is for presents. That feeling I still get at Christmas Eve as the anticipation builds is a major highlight.

Q. Q is for Question. Every year in every household where there are kids under 12 THAT QUESTION is still asked.

R. R is for Rudolph, the most famous of all the Reindeers.

S. S is for Santa Claus. As he makes his way to our fair city let’s hope all of you and especially your kids get exactly what you want.

T. T is for Twelve Days of Christmas..... 4 calling birds, 3 French hens, 2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree....

U. U is for Unwrap. Watching my

kids unwrap their presents on chrissy day is a year long highlight.

V. V is for visitors. You always seem to have lots more this time of the year.

W. W is for Whalan, the suburb where I grew up and the very place I learnt just how special Christmas time is.

X. X is for X-ray. With all the new bikes, skateboards, scooters and anything with wheels let’s hope you’re not getting one of these over Christmas.

Y. Y is for You. Because without You your family and close friends don’t enjoy Christmas like they should.

Z. Z is for Zzzzzzz. It’s what you need after everything I’ve just written.

MG (random Westie) OAM

Western News 7 December 2018 Issue 74

Bozzone and Kahlefeldt blitz on debut at Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney

15

Western News Friday, 7 December 2018

SPORT

Wanderers to host historic match against Leeds United

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Western S y d n e y Wanderers will take on Leeds United at the new Western Sydney Stadium on Saturday 20 July to officially open the stadium for football.

Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas, alongside NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres, club legend Dean Heffernan and Wanderers goalkeeper Jada Whyman, announced the club’s first match at the new stadium against storied English football club Leeds United on Saturday 20 July.

Tickets for the Western Sydney Wanderers v Leeds United friendly will go on sale next month.

John Tsatsimas, Western Sydney Wanderers CEO said the match will be the first opportunity for Wanderers fans to experience the new stadium against the famous Leeds United Football Club.

“Our incredible members and fans have waited a long time to see this stadium come to fruition and we cannot wait to play our first match there against a club with so much history

and tradition in Leeds United,” said Tsatsimas.

“This will be a historic event for the club and the people of Western Sydney and we look forward to working in partnership with the Stadium to bring this match to life.”

NSW Minister of Sport Stuart Ayres said as many as 5000 Leeds fans are

expected to travel to Sydney for the historic match, joining many thousands of Wanderers fans who will be thrilled to see their team in action at the magnificent Western Sydney Stadium.

“This will be an occasion that every football fan in Western Sydney will want to be part of as the Wanderers line up against one of English football’s

most famous clubs,” Minister Ayres said.

“The 30,000-seat Western Sydney Stadium is on track to open in April 2019 and Wanderers versus Leeds United will be a major sporting event in Western Sydney that will showcase the best live event experience in the country.

“The NSW Government is delivering major infrastructure which sets communities up for decades.

Western Sydney Stadium is part of a multibillion dollar infrastructure spend on schools, hospitals, public transport, roads and cultural facilities.”

Angus Kinnear, Leeds United CEO said the match will mark another milestone in the centenary season of the club.

“We are delighted to confirm that our club will travel to Sydney and play the Western Sydney Wanderers as part of our Australian pre-season tour in July 2019,” said Kinnear.

“This match will be a fantastic part of our centenary season and we expect between 4000 to 5000 of our passionate supporters from all over the world to travel to Sydney and we look forward to seeing them all there.”