Western News 7 February 2020

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Friday, 7 February 2020

ISSUE 102

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Community Spirit

Blacktown’s Australia Day Awards acknowledge the great people who support the Blacktown community.

See page 2 for full story.

Western News 7 February 2020 Issue 102

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Blacktown’s Australia Day Awards

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food truck operator providing hot meals to the

needy, a student representative on the board of Western Sydney University, a woman who has rescued more than 1,500 animals, and a picnic in the park are the recipients of this year’s Blacktown City Australia Day Awards.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM paid tribute to the commitment to the community shown by all the nominees for this year’s Australia Day Awards, describing it as outstanding.

Speaking at the Australia Day presentation of the awards, Mayor Bleasdale said, “The outstanding level of dedication, achievement and community spirit displayed by all award nominees is a true reflection of the great people we have living in our City.”

Mayor Bleasdale presented four Australia Day Awards: Citizen of the Year Andrew Scott – CEO Carevan Blacktown Carevan Blacktown began operating in 2011 serving nutritious meals to the needy on the streets of Blacktown. The colourful food van can be seen each and every Tuesday evening outside Lalor Park Library serving hot meals, a cup of tea and a chat to whoever turns up.

Marayong resident Andrew Scott was a member of the original team

(From Left) Salina Giovenco-Ellem, Rose Lewis, Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Andrew Scott, Sue Huxtable Jones and Monique Manning (both from Disability Services Australia).

and became CEO in 2013. He is described as the driving force behind the all-volunteer organisation that takes meals prepared in local schools and donations of fruit and vegetables and provides a weekly meal, company and advice to the homeless and disadvantaged – no questions asked.

In addition to heading the team in the van on two nights out of four, Andrew Scott organises and collects food donations, maintains the van and does most of the administrative work involved in the charity that is staffed entirely by volunteers.

Young Citizen of the Year Rose Lewis – Western Sydney University Rose Lewis, also from Marayong, has just been elected as the student representative on the Board of Western Sydney University. She was named Outstanding Young Woman of the Year 2019 by Western Sydney Women.

Rose pushes for greater involvement of youth in research, contributing to 26 UNICEF reports as an intern and winning a People’s Choice award for her research on financial literacy in preventing gender-based violence.

Rose has been awarded scholarships

to travel to China, South Africa and Thailand to study and attend conferences and is planning to pursue a career in human rights.

Environment Citizen of the Year Salina Giovenco-Ellem – WIRES Salina Giovenco-Ellem from Quakers Hill has been a volunteer wildlife rescuer for the past four years with the local North West Branch of NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES).

During that time, Salina has rescued approximately 1,600 injured, sick and orphaned native animals and birds from many different species, including threatened and endangered species.

Community Event of the Year International Day for People with Disability – Picnic in the Park Disability Services Australia (DSA) first hosted Picnic in the Park in 2015 for International Day for People with Disability. Over the years more community and disability services have become part of the event.

Some 15 community and disability services in Blacktown LGA all work together to provide a fun and all inclusive event to celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities.

In 2019, 400 community members attended this fabulous free collaborative event at Blacktown Showground.

Council CEO honoured with OAM

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lacktown City Council CEO, Kerry Robinson has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in this year’s Australia Day Honours for services to local government and town planning.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM paid tribute to his CEO, saying the award was richly deserved and a true reflection of his devotion to serving his community and his high professional standards.

“Kerry is the administrative head of the biggest council by population in New South Wales with a staff of over 2,100, more than 395,000 residents, assets of over $7 billion and an annual budget of $736 million,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Kerry is a very proud son of Blacktown City. He grew up here, went to Doonside Primary and Doonside High School. He began a cadetship with Blacktown City Council in 1981 and returned to lead Council in 2013 following a distinguished career in the property industry spanning roles in government, the private sector and university.

“Kerry continues to show a deep commitment to improving the urban environment and the wellbeing of

the populations of the towns and cities of NSW as well as addressing the inequalities in government asset allocation and service delivery across Sydney.

“Kerry has also devoted considerable time and effort to many industry bodies and not-for-profit organisations as well as being a mentor and supporter to hundreds of current and former workmates,” said Mayor Bleasdale.

Kerry Robinson said it was an honour and privilege to receive the OAM. “I am greatly humbled and there are many more worthy people in the community, especially those who have

recently fought fires for months in support of their communities,” he said.

“I have only been rewarded because of the great teams of people that I have worked with and the mentors who gave their time to assist my career.

“I feel a passion and a duty to give back to the community which has supported me. My family was not wealthy and I was only able to access the opportunities which have built my working life because of the free tertiary education system implemented by the Whitlam Government.

“I intend to serve the Councillors and community of Blacktown for many years to come and will continue

to argue for equity in Governments’ service delivery for the whole of Western Sydney.”

Blacktown City Council CEO Kerry Robinson OAM. 1. Career highlights • 2013 – : Blacktown City Council: General Manager/CEO and associated Board roles.

• 2016 – : Deputy Chair: Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospitals Foundation.

• 2014 – : Link Housing Limited - Director (a not-for-profit community housing charity which owns or manages nearly 4,000 homes, in New South Wales.

• 2005 – 2013: Landcom: General Manager Development.

• 2006 – 2012: NSW Architects Registration Board: Board Member.

• 2001 – 2005: Landcom: Business Development Director and Senior Development Manager.

• 1996 – 2001: Lend Lease: Senior Development Manager, Project Manager and Urban Designer.

• 1992 – 1995: University of NSW: part time lecturer.

• Earlier: Development, real estate, research and planning roles with: Delfin Property Group; Raine & Horne Commercial; and, various Councils.

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meeting of mayors and council CEOs representing Sydney metropolitan councils has vowed to increase their support for fellow councils in bushfire devastated regions of NSW. The second Metropolitan Mayors’ bushfire response meeting was hosted by Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM on Tuesday (28 January) at the Blacktown International Sportspark.

The meeting brought together representatives from 21 councils as well as the NSW Office of Local Government, Local Government NSW and associated organisations.

The Local Government Bushfire Recovery Support Group has been established to match requests for assistance from bushfire affected councils with offers of help from nonaffected councils.

Spokesperson for the support group, Sydney City Council CEO, Monica Barone, warned councils that the requests for assistance will only increase over the coming weeks and months.

“Those requests are just starting to come in and we expect to get a lot more especially when the ADF support is scaled down in the coming months. That’s when councils will have to step in and help out with a lot

(from left) Stephen Bali MP, Bayside Mayor Joe Awada, Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos, Cr Linda Scott , Ryde Mayor Jerome Laxale, Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale, Randwick Mayor Danny Said, Graeme Kelly USU, Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour, Willoughby Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney ,Hunters Hill Mark Bennett.

of the clean-up and physical works.”

Mayor Bleasdale said, “Blacktown Council, along with City of Sydney Council and the Office of Local Government already have people working in the Recovery Support Group. They are working on a case by case basis, matching requests for assistance with offers of people and equipment.”

President of Local Government NSW, Cr Linda Scott said, “I have spoken to a great many mayors from affected areas and many of them are already seeing the benefits that

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this support group has been able to provide and they are very grateful for the support they have been receiving.”

The Deputy Secretary of the Office of Local Government ,Tim Hurst, told the meeting the NSW Government had appointed the not-for-profit organisation GIVIT to match requests for cash and equipment from the bushfire-devastated areas with councils, charities and individuals who might be able to help.

CEO of GIVIT, Sarah Tennant said, “People are incredibly generous, but unfortunately we have a lot of

communities now that are inundated with poor quality items and things that they do not need.”

“GIVIT is a ‘virtual warehouse’ where offers of goods, services and equipment are stored online and where charities, councils and welfare organisations can reserve what they require.

“Trusted charities can also list what they require on the GIVIT website.

GIVIT also manages donations of money and 100% of that money received is used to buy requested essential items.”

“Councils at the meeting agreed to accept the Government recommendation to use GIVIT as a platform to ensure that donations of money and goods reach those who need it most.” Mayor Bleasdale said.

The meeting voted to establish a web based network of ‘sister council relationships’ whereby individual metropolitan councils are aligned with bushfire affected councils to assist them in the recovery operations.

“A number of councils, including Blacktown, already have staff and equipment assigned to some of the worst hit councils, but we want to work with the Recovery Support Group to make sure that the help is coordinated, efficient and is what is needed,” said Mayor Beasdale.

Western News 7 February 2020 Issue 102

2nd Metropolitan Mayors’ Meeting - Bushfire response

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

Western News 7 February 2020 Issue 102

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From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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alentine’s Day is fast approaching - the most romantic day on the calendar.

I can’t speak for same-sex relationships nor the gents in a hetero relationship, but I’m going to bare all and make a declaration on behalf of my breed and say this day is one for the ladies!

Valentine’s Day represents a day of hope when there’s someone out there we fantasise will fall madly in love with us.

It is the day of judgement for those fellas who’ve just started dating us. And for those in long-term relationships and happy marriages, it can be the day of reassurance that we still feel loved and adored.

In troubled relationships, it is the day of reckoning.

But for the ladies who have no current love interest, it can be Single Person Awareness Day. (SPAD) If you’re in the loved-up category, it’s a good idea to be mindful of the feelings of those friends in the SPAD phase. They probably don’t want to hear all about the perfect roses, perfect chocolates and perfect hand-written poems you received from your perfect boyfriend... 27 times.

They’ll get it the first time you say it.

And, I have some tips for the lads, too. If you want a lady to know how you feel about her, take the punt and aim cupid’s arrow in her direction - send her some flowers! The worst that can happen is you’ll be a few bucks out of pocket, and if the same spark isn’t felt by her, at least she’ll always refer to you as “that sweet guy.”

If you’re in a new relationship and wondering if it is too soon, I have one point to make. It is NEVER too soon.

Married guys who think it is all commercial BS - get off the platform on this one - steal some flowers out of the nearest garden and present them to her.

Blokes who’ve not been the greatest partner they could have been - shell out a few bucks, get a bouquet and write some nice words in a card. A bit of sly cash and ten minutes worth of effort could reverse a multitude of sins in one hit. Do it.

And even though I think Valentine’s Day is a special day on many a female’s calendar, there’s definitely some guys out there who rate it too.

So girls, if you’re dating a SNAG, married to a romantic or not been the best partner you could have been yourself, shower your honey with love and show them what they mean to you. Happy Valentines Day! (Hopefully my husband reads this, ps I love red roses).

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Western News 7 February 2020 Issue 102

New IVF rebate gives hope to women in Western Sydney

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amilies in Western Sydney will now have a better chance of accessing In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), thanks to a grant announced by the State government.

Women seeking fertility treatment can now apply for a $500 rebate under the NSW Government’s $42 million election commitment to expand support for IVF services.

Westmead Hospital Fertility Centre medical director, Dr Howard Smith, Westmead Hospital Fertility Clinic chief executive agrees that fertility treatment officer Dr Lindsay Gillan and medical director can be an expensive and Dr Howard Smith. emotionally draining process.

“This support will halve the out- the barriers to IVF is now reduced.”

Westmead Hospital is one of three of-pocket cost of an IVF treatment cycle at Westmead Hospital, which NSW public hospitals who will be will help to ease some of the financial able to pass this saving onto patients, pressure felt by families,” Dr Howard including the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the Royal Hospital for said.

“The rebate will also cover any pre- Women.

For more information about the IVF fertility testing completed since 1 rebate visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/ October 2019.

“IVF is the only treatment option affordable-ivf For information about Westmead for some women who are finding it difficult to fall pregnant, so for many, Hospital Fertility Clinic click here or it will be reassuring to know one of call 8890 7484.

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Western Sydney wins Aboriginal health challenge again

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he competitive spirit is strong between two Western Sydney teams set on improving their

health.

After taking out first and third place in the first Aboriginal Health Knockout Challenge, two Mount Druitt-based teams have again claimed first and third in the next challenge – although they traded places this time.

There’s no doubt the teams fit their name Burbaga Burawa, which means “rise up and rise above” in Darug.

Prof Chris Rissel, Director of the NSW Office of Preventive Health, said the winners put in a substantial effort in the challenge, which is designed to promote healthy lifestyles and weight loss in Aboriginal communities .

“The winners have made really good lifestyle choices, worked hard to sustain them, and have been excellent role models in the community,” Prof Rissel said.

“Everyone who took part in the challenge should also be

Team members from Burbaga Burawa at the presentation ceremony.

congratulated for their achievements and encouraged to keep going.

“Losing weight reduces the risk of getting chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoarthritis.”

Winning teams Burbaga Burawa #2 (1st place) from Western Sydney, Stronger Than You Think (2nd place) from Queanbeyan and Burbaga Burawa #1 (3rd place) also from Western Sydney, collectively lost a total 622 kilograms.

During the course of the challenge the average weight lost was 3.9kg per person across all teams, which is a clinically significant improvement.

Winners are calculated based on total team weight loss percentage, with the first-placed team receiving $20,000, second-placed team $7,500 and thirdplaced team receiving $5,000 in grants for local community programs, which can be spent according to specific criteria for community equipment or infrastructure.

The challenge enables communities to take the lead on physical activity and nutrition activities that will work for them, to create healthier lifestyles.

The program aims to motivate Aboriginal people to manage their lifestyle-related risk factors for chronic disease and reduce prevalence of overweight and obesity through a weight-loss competition, physicalactivity and healthy eating challenges.

There is strong evidence that regular physical activity and healthy eating can be effective in reducing risk factors for chronic disease, and overweight and obesity in the general population.

In 2019-20, the NSW Ministry of Health allocated $36.6 million to programs to tackle obesity, with $24.7 million of this for the prevention of childhood obesity.

For more information please visit: www.nswknockouthealthchallenge. com.au.

The Ponds school gets $86,554 from the nsw government

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ember for Riverstone Kevin Conolly was delighted to join The Ponds School principal Leonie Donaldson and the committee of the Blacktown Ponds Lions Club in presenting a NSW Government grant for the installation of Sun safe shade sails for The Ponds School outdoor playground area.

The Blacktown Ponds Lions Club led by Rissa and Paul McInnes is the project sponsor and was instrumental in obtaining funding of $86,554 from the NSW Government as part of the My Community Grants program.

The shade sails will ensure that the students can play in the outdoor playground area throughout the summer months and provide much needed sun protection.

“Being physically active and sun

safe, will enhance the health and wellbeing of all the students at the school and I thank the Blacktown Ponds Lions Club for their support of this school in making this project happen,” said Mr Conolly.

Work will commence shortly and many thanks go to the Blacktown Ponds Lions Club for the support they are providing to The Ponds School students and their families.

The NSW Government is investing a total of $24.68 million in projects across NSW to help improve the wellbeing of the people and communities. My Community Project is made possible by the NSW Generations Fund. The fund helps keep the state’s debt at a sustainable level, while sharing the benefits of its returns with the people of NSW by funding community projects.

Get the blood pumping at a new fitness park

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harge your phones with ‘Green Power’ and speed up your heart rate at a new fitness park in The Ponds.

Blacktown City Council has installed new fitness equipment in Jonas Bradley Park that has the added benefit of allowing users to charge their mobile phones as they exercise.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the $84,000 project had been fully funded by Council.

“The state of the art equipment includes moving and static ‘stations’ with the cardio exercising equipment allows the user to generate electricity to charge their mobile phone or tablet while exercising,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“I highly recommend residents to make use of the equipment. It’s a win-win-win situation.

“Not only are you improving your health, enjoying outdoor activities but you’re saving on power bills by charging your mobile devices at the same time.”

The fitness park includes an Energy Charge Cross Trainer, an Energy Charge Hand Bike, Leg Press, Pull Ups, Chest Press, Leg Raise and Plyometric Boxes.

Councillor Chris Quilkey and Councillor Moninder Singh with local residents at the new fitness equipment in Jonas Bradley Park, The Ponds.

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he University of Sydney has shared its historic roots in education and training with the Westmead Health Precinct through the donation of two symbolic trees.

The trees are descendants of the original Tree of Hippocrates in Greece, where legend tells us the ‘Father of Medicine’ Hippocrates taught his pupils under the tree’s branches.

Clippings from the original tree have been planted at medical schools around the world including the University’s School of Rural Health at Dubbo.

Two trees, one for Westmead Hospital and one for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, were propagated from the University’s Tree of Hippocrates at Dubbo and donated for planting in the new Central Acute Services Building (CASB) forecourt.

The trees represent the University’s commitment to bring its 150 years of teaching expertise to the Westmead Health Precinct and collaborate with partners to shape health and wellbeing in western Sydney.

The University hosted Westmead Redevelopment partners at a tree planting ceremony on the forecourt of the CASB. The University’s Westmead Initiative director Professor Chris Peck is proud to be a partner in this exciting project.

“The CASB is our own Tree of

Representatives from WSLHD, Westmead Health Precinct, University of Sydney and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Hippocrates in many ways – it’s where we’ll bring together the best students, researchers, staff and clinicians to advance health and medicine and prepare the next generation of health professionals,” Chris said.

Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Graeme Loy accepted the donated tree on behalf of Westmead Hospital.

“Many thanks to University of Sydney for this wonderful symbol of the growth we are experiencing in the Westmead Health Precinct,” Graeme said.

“The trees have connected us to medical schools around the world, which is an accurate depiction of the global connections that exist and will continue to be made into the future at

Westmead.

“I look forward to the opening of our new CASB in October – this is a hugely exciting milestone and step forward for medical and research outcomes around Australia and the world.”

Westmead Clinical School manager Amanda Burke accepted the tree with Graeme, sharing her personal connection with the trees.

“I drove to Dubbo to collect the trees and cared for them for several months,” Amanda said.

“I even took them away one weekend when it was extremely hot, because I was terrified they might die in the heat!”

Acting Chief Executive of Sydney Children’s Hospital Network Professor Chris Cowell accepted the second tree

alongside Head of Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School Professor Louise Baur.

“I would like to thank the University of Sydney for this meaningful gift which symbolises scientific inquiry and represents an important partnership, bringing together leaders in research, education and clinical care to provide world-class health services for this generation and future generations,” Professor Cowell said.

The two donated Trees of Hippocrates will provide shade and greenery for staff, students, patients and visitors in the new CASB forecourt when the hospital building officially opens later this year.

One of 14 projects in Westmead Redevelopment’s Arts and Culture Strategy, the trees will be accompanied by an art installation to help protect them and provide interpretive signage to tell their story.

The Westmead Redevelopment project is transforming healthcare in western Sydney.

The $1 billion NSW Government project – the biggest health infrastructure project in the state – will transform the Westmead Health Precinct and deliver an innovative, integrated facility that will continue to deliver high-quality healthcare for decades to come.

Western News 7 February 2020 Issue 102

Sydney Uni donates historic trees to Westmead Health Precinct

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Senior’s Festival

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Warning signs of dementia T

he early signs of dementia are very subtle and may not be immediately obvious.

Early symptoms also vary a great deal.

Usually though, people first seem to notice that there is a problem with memory, particularly in remembering recent events.

Memory loss that affects day-to-day function It’s normal to occasionally forget appointments or a friend’s phone number and remember them later.

A person with dementia may forget things more often and not remember them at all.

Confusion about time and place It’s normal to forget the day of the week - for a moment.

But a person with dementia may have difficulty finding their way to a familiar place, or feel confused about where they are.

Problems with language Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person with dementia may forget simple words or substitute inappropriate words, making sentences difficult to understand.

Problems with abstract thinking Balancing a cheque-book can be difficult for anyone, but a person with dementia may have trouble knowing what the numbers mean.

Poor or decreased judgment A person with dementia may have difficulty judging distance or direction when driving a car.

Problems misplacing things Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or keys. A person with dementia may put things in inappropriate places.

Changes in personality or behaviour Everyone becomes sad or moody from time to time. Someone with dementia can exhibit rapid mood swings for no apparent reason. They can become confused, suspicious or withdrawn.

A loss of initiative It’s normal to tire of some activities. But dementia may cause a person to lose interest in previously

enjoyed activities.

Only a medical practitioner such as your local doctor or specialist can diagnose dementia.

If a firm diagnosis has been made, it is helpful to find out about dementia and the support that is available to help you manage.

Call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Spread the word, seniors!

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rom the 29th January this year, the State Government has introduced a two year trial of the “The regional seniors travel card”.

Whilst the card eligibility does not include our suburban region, there are no doubt thousands of local residents who have friends and family living in rural Australia who may want to take advantage of the new card to come for a visit.

If you do have family in these rural locations it may be worthwhile letting them know about the new assistance in case they are not aware as yet of the opportunities.

You can also help the businesses in our neighbouring areas who are rebuilding after the fires. Your rural friends and family will want to take a look around, right? There’s so much to see and do within a short drive and our region has so much to offer.

The card provides eligible seniors living in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW with a $250 prepaid card to help ease the cost of travel.

They can use the card at certain retailers to pay for pre-booked NSW

Trainlink Regional trains and coaches, fuel and taxis.

The travel card is valid for 14 months from the date the card is issued. The expiry date is available on

the front of the card.

Applications are now open and cards will be distributed from midFebruary 2020.

The regional seniors travel card

program is available for a 2-year trial period (2020-2021) and is one of more than 70 NSW Government rebates and savings that help with your cost of living.

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lacktown Hospital’s Bungaribee House registered nurse Joseph Toussaint is a skilled nurse for humans and the aquatic kind, Since May he has supplied and maintained a spectacular six foot 400 litre aquatic playground which is home to more than 70 exotic colourful fish.

Many patients in his care have schizophrenia, psychosis or are manic and some of them really enjoy watching the fish chase each other.

“Maintaining a clean, healthy, visually impressive fish tank is not easy. The secret is adequate filtration and not to clean the filter using tap water,” Joseph said.

“Some of our patients help change the water and keep the tank clean – they also like to feed the fish but I need to remind them they don’t require too much food.

“I prefer to oversee feeding the fish as someone once thought the fish would like some pizza.

“I’ve always liked having a fish tank filled with colourful fish – it has a calming effect on people with their memorising gracious movements weaving throughout the tank.

Joseph started work at Bungaribee House in April last year and has already left a lasting impression with the popularity of this underwater world.

Most of the tropical fish and

Western News 7 February 2020 Issue 102

Blacktown nurses’ mesmerising aquatic playland

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Joseph is delighted the aquatic playground brings joy to the patients and visitors.

accessories he has supplied from his own personal collection of striking colourful African Cichlids.

“Some people just sit in front of it watching them for hours,” he said.

“Tropical fish are fussy and can be difficult to keep alive. They can be an expensive and time consuming hobby for some people but they are worth it.

They can grow in size from 3cm to 15cm and they all get along.

“Many patients and their families ask me how do you keep tropical fish alive and the tank so clean. It’s easy with good filtration which removes the toxins out of the water at a fast rate, the water is heated to 28 degrees, a decent light and any tap water has to be dechlorinated.

Joseph keeps his tank under lock and key and is delighted the fish bring people so much joy and feel at ease.

“I’ve got a tank at home but it’s not as big as this – I would love to have one this size but just do not have the room for a six foot fish tank at home.”

Bungarribee House patients, visitors and staff are grateful for this aquatic wonderland and if anyone is interested in donating any fish or supplies to the unit, please contact WSLHD-CorporateComms@health. nsw.gov.au

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local COLUMNISTS Western News

Language and communication

Temple of Heaven Can you speak Aussie?

By BEN CRANNEY

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ometimes, the right word makes all the difference. It can make you not stick out as much, create better connections with a place and maybe even make you feel at home.

I only have a handful of non English words, so I’ll try and speak a ‘universal’ language by miming and smiling. It doesn’t always work. One time, I was searching for a restaurant in Beijing’s hutongs, centuries old criss crossing alleys that are easy to get lost in. The miming wasn’t working, so I tried to match the Chinese characters in the guide book with the ones on the restaurants. In the land of calligraphy, I had no chance.

Sometimes it does work. In Beijing’s Temple of Heaven park, a lady handed me a Christian brochure.

I know this because of the cross on it.

Everything else was in Chinese, and she only spoke Mandarin, so I have no idea what the message was. But if ever I felt a spiritual connection with a street side missionary, this was it, through the way she clasped my hand.

Getting the word wrong can make you look like a fool. In Seville, Spain, we were sold tickets for something that wasn’t open. We tried to complain, but instead we said we wanted to be sunburnt. The difference of a single letter, ‘quemarse’ and ‘quejarse’. Or a single digit, and paying $500 instead of $50 for a Hungarian meal. They were honest and returned it.

Sometimes, others make a fool of you. In Thailand, at the beach, a Canadian introduced himself. He found out we were Aussie, and started imitating us with a few nasally swear words. I tried to explain we don’t always speak like that, when another

You can get sunburnt here, but you can’t complain

Aussie walked past and called out to his mates ‘wait up ya f*****s!’

Sometimes, even with the best miming, it’s still easy to feel out of place. I did eventually find the Beijing restaurant, but I stood out the front for a while, unsure if it was it. A leaving patron nodded at me as if to say ‘go in, it’s delicious’. I did,

and found other patrons dropping cigarette ash and chicken bones on the floor, and I felt even more unsure.

The waitress smiled and I sat, but it wasn’t until the power went off, and an almighty curse, the same as I might use in English, flew from the kitchen.

I smiled and tucked in, because I suddenly felt more at home.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Soul Searching

D

o you believe in coincidence? I am still in two minds about it, but there are those in my line of business who say there is no such thing. They say that the Universe has a purpose for everything and if things coincide, it is for a reason. I am not entirely convinced by this argument as I feel that God is probably a bit too busy tackling the big things in life to be bothered with the tiny coincidental minutiae of our daily lives, but it does seem that at times circumstances collide for a reason.

Over the past few months, I have been learning a lot more about souls. Until recently I believed that we had a soul that stuck with us through this life and beyond - and indeed probably through many previous incarnations - but as a result of information that has come to me through various sources and through discussions with other spiritual people, I am now realising that the soul can be split into infinite parts. My first experience of this came when I was chatting to my lovely friend Diana in Canada, a lady who works very closely with souls and angels. We were talking about a mutual friend in the spirit world. “Have you been in touch with Annie lately?” I asked. “I haven’t heard from her for a while now.”

“Funny you should say that,” was the reply. “I was just talking to her the other day. She has been reincarnated as an eight year old girl in Portsmouth.”

Just your normal everyday conversation between psychics!

“But,” I queried. “How can she be reincarnated and talking to you at the same time?” This was the first time I had heard of the soul being able to be in two places at once but since then, I have come across it as an explanation for many things. There are examples of people being aware that are living a parallel life such as the lady in London being very aware of her alter ego living in New York State.

She researched this and found that this other self did in fact exist. I myself am very aware of another life in France. I can see the house. I can see myself buying food in the local market. I can see myself

asking the gardener to trim the lavender hedges either side of the front door and I can see myself planting my beautiful little potager for vegetables and cutting flowers. Is this a day dream or wishful thinking on my part? I am not so sure because it is so detailed and so unchanging in those very details.

During my time of soul searching, I have also been hearing about the successful cloning of horses and coincidentally I have met a lovely lady who is someone very high up in this scientific sphere .

Now this got me very excited as I still have a jacket from my old dog which I can’t bring myself to throw away and that has some of his hairs on it. Thinking of Jurassic Park I immediately thought I could get my beautiful boy cloned and have him back with me. I then started to wonder if cloning meant that it was just his physical characteristics that could be reproduced scientifically. Would he have the same personality which is what distinguished him from other retrievers or is a part of our soul compounded within our individual DNA? My scientific friend didn’t seem to think so, but who is to say? If the soul is so capable of splitting itself infinitesimally, could part of that soul come back into the cloned object? Who knows the answer, but I certainly know it has given me “paws” for thought.

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

By KeRRIE DAVIES

I was searching for my valentine And decided to make a list A man who’ll love me madly My charms he wont resist

And when I buy him jewellery He’ll wear it all with pride And when I want to have “a talk” He’ll stay - not run and hide

As I looked through my list Realisation dawned like day These things that I expected Meant my perfect man was gay

He’ll love me more than football He’ll love me more than beer He’ll love to take me shopping My feelings he’ll love to hear

He’ll want to sit and cuddle And always hold my hand And when I get pre menstrual He’ll always understand

The perfect man from my list On our mateship I’ll depend But the man I give my heart to Will be more than just a friend

He’ll love my girlie movies We’ll gossip about the stars We’ll sit and paint my toenails Talking fashion, and not cars

And when I look my worst He’ll see Marylin Monroe We’ll share tips on how to look our best Wherever we may go

When it comes to my valentine I’ll throw away this list I’ll accept that we’ll have differences Unconditional love will then exist

Happy ’s e n i t n e l a V D ay!

Seven ways to say I love you on Valentine’s Day they’re nagging you daily to trade the commodore for a BMW.

By KeRRIE DAVIES

S

truggling to work out the best gift to give your significant other on the 14th? We’ve prepared a list that might help you a little!

1. Flowers Although this gift is anything but unique, it is always appreciated.

Especially delivered in front of all the workmates. Gush, gush.

2. Cupcakes Ohh cutesy lovey-dovey messages seem so much less cringe-worthy when they are written on a cupcake. Perhaps that’s because you can extinguish their existence the instant you bite into them.

3. Teddy bears Nothing says “I wuv you” more than a cute fluffy bear. Unless you have been fighting lately. If that’s the case, never ever poke the bear with a teddy bear.

4. Fill the room with balloons This little plan really makes a great statement. Be careful not to crowd it with so many that you can’t make your way to each other. The sound of a busted balloon, especially in close proximity scares the crap out of people

5. Leave cute notes around This gift will cost you basically nothing and most people will adore you for putting this much thought into it. If they don’t adore you for it, get rid of them before you’re married and

6. Watch a romantic movie Nothing gets you in a romantic mood more than cuddling up to a great movie. And romantic movies don’t discriminate, there’s been a plot written for every kind of love that has ever existed.

7. Propose Now that marriage is finally open to everyone, what a great time to ask your love to tie the knot! If you are a romantic you will have just picked the ultimate day to do it. If you aren’t romantic you can insist that the wedding day is exactly in a years time and remove the risk that your new fiance might pick a date that clashes with Bathurst or the Bachelor Final. And when your wedding is on Valentine’s Day you can ruin every body else’s Valentine’s Day by making them drop their plans to focus on you!

11 Western News 7 February 2020 Issue 102

Valentine’s Day A Valentine’s Day poem

Western News 7 February 2020 Issue 102

12

WESTERN HISTORY

Western News

A lady called Miles

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

S

tella Maria Sarah Miles Franklin was born in 1879 near Talbingo in the Tumut district. Her parents, both born in Australia, married in November 1878 in “Lampe’s House” at Talbingo.

Her mother Margaret Susannah Helena (Nee: Lampe) was the greatgranddaughter of Edward Miles, who had arrived with the First Fleet in the Scarborough with a seven years sentence for theft. Margaret was known as a “well-regulated and rather humourless person”. Stella’s father John Maurice Franklin was born in 1848 at Waroo near Yass, he was said to be a “native-born bushman with a touch of poetry in his make-up”. His parents were Joseph Franklin and Mary (Nee Hogan).

Joseph was born in Ireland in 1818 and died in 1898 at Yass. Mary was born in 1817 and died in 1885. In 1887 in September, Stella’s father John was sworn in as a new Magistrate. At that time the family were living at “Brindabella station” in a valley on the western edge of present-day Canberra - 110 kilometres along treacherous mountain tracks from Talbingo. Stella (as she was always known in the family) was educated at home, when the family moved to ‘Stillwater’ on a small unsatisfactory holding near Bangalore, just a railway stop of about thirty minutes from Goulburn, this move proved to be an economic failure and

by August 1896 her father was in the Bankruptcy Court applying for voluntary sequestration. Stella went to the newly opened Thornford Public School at Goulburn as education was now compulsory in NSW up to 15 years of age. She was encouraged in her writing by her teacher Mary Gillespie, who would become a long-term supporter. Stella left the school in 1894. “Stillwater” was her home until 1902, and it was where, as a teenager, she wrote her most famous book “My Brilliant Career” under the name of “Miles Franklin” which was published in Scotland.

Around 1903 the family took up a farming enterprise at Cranebrook on the Castlereagh Road at Penrith. Here she wrote “On the Outside Track”. Stella’s father John did well at Penrith. He was known for his “high intellectual ability and his courteous, kindly disposition that endured him to all who knew him”. In February 1904 he was elected unopposed to represent Castlereagh Ward on the Penrith Municipal Council as Alderman for Lambridge and he performed his duties with due diligence until his health started failing in 1905, and in 1906 his business also failed but he kept going on the Council until September 1907 when he was forced to resign so the family moved to Chesterfield, and finally by 1915, giving up the land altogether they moved to the modest south-west Sydney suburb of Carlton. With continued failing health he was admitted to the “Brooklyn” private hospital in Kogarah where his wish to return home was granted and he died in October 1931 at his residence “Wambrook” in Grey Street at Carlton at the age of 83 years while Stella was in London. During Stella’s fathers time in Penrith, he was a supporter of the Women’s Political & Education League formed by Rose Scott. Stella now had an entrée into society where she met movers and shakers in the world of feminism and social action, such as Rose Scott in Sydney and Vida Goldstein in Melbourne, where Stella had taken up domestic service. Vida advocated Christian Science and emigration. Stella embarked on the “Ventura” for America in 1906 intending to work and publish manuscripts. She arrived in the debris of the San Francisco earthquake with introductions to feminists from Vida Goldstein. In late 1906 she reached Chicago. By 1908 she joined the National Women’s Trade Union League of America where she was part-time secretary to the League. In strenuous but exhilarating circumstances, she wrote furiously. Her health collapsed in 1912 after a trip to Europe. War in Europe clarified some things. She finally rejected

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marriage and unnerved by American chauvinism she reasserted her nationality and departed for England in October 1915, later resigning from the League. In London she found jobs in the feminist network while dabbling in journalism and ineffectually negotiating with publishers under a male nom-de-plume. In June 1917 she joined the Scottish Women’s Hospitals for Foreign Service in Macedonia which proved a stimulating but debilitating experience. She served as a cook in a 200-bed tent hospital attached to the Serbian army near Lake Ostrovo in Macedonia-Greece from July 1917 to February 1918, under the leadership of fellow Australian Dr Agnes Bennett. She believed that war was futile and a particularly male form of lunacy and thought that nothing had been learnt from World War One and the Second World War, that was followed quickly by the Korean War which confirmed her belief. Some of her most powerful works are those that expose most clearly her anti-war sentiments. She contracted malaria and returned to London in February 1918. In 1919-26 she was employed as Secretary to the National Housing and Town Planning Council where she mixed in liberal circles and enjoyed Australian contacts. Several annoyances and aging parents (and herself nearly 50 years old) brought her home in 1927. Back to London in 1931, then back to Australia in 1933 and probably almost in despair as a writer, she made the decision to complete the “Brent project” and to publish the six books under the pseudonym of “Brent of Bin Bin”. She believed that using a “pen-name” would generate a continuing mystery as each of the novels was published. It was a good marketing ploy, and, in many ways, she was well ahead of her times. She was even able to keep Brent’s identity hidden from her publishers. She praised Brent’s works publicly and privately as if she had nothing to do with them. In lectures, and on the radio, in articles, in letters, even in her own private diaries. She wrote to others in the guise of Brent while simultaneously writing to them as Miles Franklin. She even chaired a meeting of the Fellowship of Australian Writers in 1941 which discussed the very subject of Brent’s identity.

A prize-winning article called All that Swagger (1936) restored her Australian reputation. Spanning two literary generations, strengthened by warm friendships and a vast correspondence, spurred by American parallels, she re-entered literary life with zest. Living alone in later life she felt increasingly threatened by change. The dark side of Australian consciousness emerged in the late 1940s, she was horrified by another war and the onset of the Cold War and she endeavoured to uphold ‘our best traditions’. It was an honourable position but defensive, yet to be evaluated. Stella “Miles” Franklin died in 1954 at Drummoyne aged 74 and her ashes were scattered in Jounama Creek at Talbingo. She is remembered by her many publications and the Miles Franklin Literary Award, Australia’s most prestigious literature prize and established through her will ($8,922). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia photos shows Stella (second left) in America in 1912 aged 33 years.

Sources: Australian Dictionary of Biography, (National Women’s Trade Union League of America records-Library of Congress),(Scottish Women’s Hospitals collection-Mitchell Library), State Library of NSW, Familypedia & Wikipedia websites, Nepean Times, Propeller-Hurstville Newspaper, Queanbeyan Age, Tumut & Adelong Times, The Australian Star, Canberra Times, (Government Gazette NSW 1955-Will of Stella Miles Franklin).

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ENTERTAINMENT

INSTRUCTIONS

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

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

SOLUTIONS: 24 January EASY

HARD

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Hodgepodge (9) 6 _____ and output (5) 9 Revenues (7) 10 Perform surgery (7) 11 What a private does to an

officer (7) 12 Foolish (7) 13 Guiding (9) 15 Empower (5) 16 Not liquid (5) 19 History of a word (9) 22 Eight-seven in Roman

numerals (7) 23 Fortress (7) 25 Hunting guide (7) 26 Accounts (7) 27 Pilot a car (5) 28 One who disputes (9)

solution 24/1/20

down 1 Groups of two (5) 2 A file of reminders (7) 3 A group of North African

languages (7) 4 Fertile areas in deserts (5) 5 Wittingly (9) 6 Specify individually (7) 7 Braided (7) 8 Betrayal (9) 13 Revealed (9) 14 Enumerating (9) 17 Seventy-eight in Roman

numerals (7) 18 Vary (7) 20 Eight-armed sea creature (7) 21 Systematic (7) 23 Breed of dog (5) 24 Not a winner (5)

Western News 7 February 2020 Issue 102

SUDOKU: EASY

13

Western News 7 February 2020 Issue 102

14

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

I

Western News

Applying for a loan? Don’t just pay off the credit cards

t seems like a no brainer, right? You are buying a home, so you’ll pay off your credit cards to reduce your debt, but keep them active so you can buy some furniture or deal with emergencies even when you have a mortgage to pay. Wrong.

It’s obvious that a lender will consider your credit card debts and the monthly repayments on those when you apply for a mortgage. But what many people do not realise is that credit cards that don’t have any balance owing can also impact a lender’s assessment of what you can afford to borrow.

If you have a high credit limit, you also have a high debt risk in the eyes of your lender. As the logic goes, there is no stopping you from racking up debt on your credit card the day after your loan is approved. Say, on lovely furniture to fill that new house.

Brokers have to take account of three per cent of the total credit card limit for servicing, regardless of what the applicant owes.

For example, If a client had a $10,000 credit limit but only owes $1000, there is still the requirement to assess $300 a month and that comes directly out

of client liability. This can make quite a difference in some cases.

From this, it can be surmised that if you haven’t put a cent on your credit card for the past five years, a high credit limit will negatively affect your serviceability; $300 per month off a mortgage repayment means quite a bit over the life of a loan.

In fact, being able to repay an extra $300 each month on a 30-year $500,000 loan at 5.5 per cent interest will mean paying it off 5 years faster, and saving approximately $100,000 on the total cost of the loan. Alternatively, it may mean that you are able to borrow an extra $50,000.

The best thing you can do is lower your credit limit or cancel your credit account.

To maximise your borrowing capacity, you need to pay out your credit cards and avoid having any other debt and to be able to use your full amount of income.

For those who have to pay off their credit account before dreaming of cancelling their liability, it is, of course, imperative to make those payments on time to avoid negatively impacting your credit history.

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It’s important to appropriately manage your expenses well in advance of applying for a home loan, that way you can show the bank that you can afford to service a mortgage when the time comes.

Wealthwiz proudly helps many clients each year overcome all the red tape and barriers put in their way and if you need help with a loan or have any questions you can always have a one-on-one discussion.

Just give Alex a call on 0419 600 177 and tell us about your situation. The more we learn, the better we can help.

Special Offer For a free RP Data-Core Logic Property Report for your home or a property you’re interested in (Valued at $39.95), email Alex the address details of the property and the report will be provided by email

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WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au | www.wealthwiz.com.au

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Western News

SPORT

By CONNER LOWE

I

n the eye of Australia’s devastating bushfire situation, Paddle Australia’s Athlete Commission and the Australia Paddle Team have thrown their support behind a fundraiser for the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Disaster and Recovery Appeal and have set up a ‘GoFundMe’ fundraising page to raise funds for the affected communities.

Australian Paddle Team’s dual Olympian Jessica Fox is also behind the team fundraiser after already fundraising over $3000 for the NSW RFS at the end of last year with handmade Christmas cards.

“It’s a devastating time in Australia and with my cards for charity over Christmas I thought it was a unique way to try do some fundraising,” she said.

“While it took a lot of time to handprint over 200 cards it was a great cause and I enjoyed it and was so proud of my community for getting behind it and together we raised

$3100 for the RFS. “Since then the fires have escalated and more lives, houses and wildlife have been lost and the paddle Australia community and even international paddlers can really come together to make a difference with this fundraiser,” she added.

Fox hand-delivered her donation cheque to the Glenbrook/Lapstone Rural Fire Brigade in December and training at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium, which is located at the bottom of the Blue Mountains, Fox and other Australian Paddle Team athletes have been reminded on a daily basis of the fires with smoke a

frequent occurrence over the last few weeks.

The Australian Paddle Team has a close and personal connection to the emergency services involved in battling the blazes around the country and supporting the communities in need with canoe sprint Olympian Alyssa Bull a professional firefighter with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and fellow canoe sprint Olympian Jo Brigden-Jones a paramedic at NSW Ambulance, when they are not training for their Tokyo 2020 campaign.

“I believe it’s important for our athlete group to help fundraise for

our Australian communities who have been affected by the horrendous bushfires,” Jo Brigden-Jones said.

“The fires have been ruthless causing destruction to everything in their path. However, once they’ve passed the next challenge is to rebuild,” Alyssa Bull said. ““It is amazing to see the amount of support and donations coming from everybody across Australia and even internationally. As an athlete, I know it’s hard to even just pay bills with what we earn. It’s so heart-warming to still see so many Aussies, even those that haven’t been directly affected, trying to help in any way that they can,” Bull added.

Paddle Australia athletes and staff have put in donations with the athletes also using their national and international networks to further fundraise over the next few weeks and leading into Olympic and Paralympic national selection trials.

See the GoFundMe page here: h t t p : / / b i t . l y / AusPaddleBushFireAppeal

Wanderers title hopes slip after shock defeat

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Western S y d n e y Wa n d e r e r s have slipped six points behind league leaders Melbourne City after a shock 3-2 upset from Adelaide Untied at Marsden Sports Complex.

A sudden slip in form leaves Dean Heffernan’s second-placed side trailing Melbourne City by six points with three games to play, but the Wanderers remain in the mix to claim their first ever Finals Series berth.

The rock bottom side stunned the competition high fliers from the off with their crisp passing and fluid movement as Emily Condon rattled the crossbar on six minutes to leave the visitors rocked and that served as a warning sign of what was to follow.

In their first match without Irish midfielder Denise O’Sullivan following the end of her guest player contract, Western Sydney failed to stamp their mark on the game as Dawber’s 17th-minute strike and

Weber’s late first-half double left Wanderers reeling at the interval.

The visitors continued to be carved open in the second half but some desperate defending kept Western Sydney from further embarrassment until their late rally, but it was not enough to deny Adelaide one of the upsets of the 2019/20 season.

There were more nervous moments for Western Sydney in the sixth minute when Weber stole the ball from Alex Huynh and Condon crashed a shot against the top of the visitors’ crossbar, but the Golden-clad Wanderers finally threatened on 15 minutes when standin right-back Amy Harrison found Kirsten Hamilton and her driven delivery flashed past both Courtnee Vine and the home goal.

Moments later, the visitors had fallen behind when Huynh lost possession again deep in her own territory and Dawber made no mistake from 20 yards to fire Adelaide in front.

When Laura Johns cut through the middle on 39 minutes and found Condon on the right, the Lady Reds sent

shockwaves through their opponents as Weber tapped in a precision cross from close range.

Six minutes later, a minute into firsthalf stoppage time, Weber showed her lightning-quick pace once again to chase down Charlotte Grant’s long pass and add a composed finish to send Wanderers into the sheds three goals down.

It was almost four within five minutes of the restart, but an offside flag denied Weber a treble after a goalmouth scramble, before Huynh came to the rescue with a last-gasp tackle to prevent Dawber scoring a second and Newbon made herself big to take hattrick honours away from Weber as she ran clear on goal.

Wanderers toiled and were handed a chance for some redemption when Hamilton was tripped by Matilda McNamara in the box. The American forward launched her 81st-minute spotkick high into the night’s sky, but her compatriot Staab made amends in the 88th minute when she headed in Ella Mastrantonio’s delivery to grab one back.

Major Pennants set to tee off

By Noel Rowsell

F

our local Golf Clubs will compete in this year’s premier Major Pennant competition, which begins on 9th February and is played on a Home and Away basis.

Twin Creeks CC will compete in Division 2, Section 2 against RydeParramatta GC, Killara GC and

Manly GC. Stonecutters Ridge GC and Fox Hills GC will both play in Division 2, Section 3, along with the Lakes GC and North Ryde GC. Dunheved GC is in Division 3, Section 4 and will compete against Antill Park GC, Carnarvon GC and Springwood CC. Other Western Sydney Region clubs competing in this year’s Major Pennants include Penrith GC (Div

2, Section 1), Glenmore Heritage Valley GC (Div 2, Section 4), Richmond GC (Div 3, Section 2), Wallacia CC (Div 4, Section 3), Leonay GC (Div 4, Section 4) and Windsor CC (Div 4, Section 4).

‘Miguel Villa is one of several exciting young players in the Stonecutters Ridge GC Major Pennant squad’.

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

Western Sydney piled forward and bundled in another goal three minutes into stoppage time when Lais turned Kyra Cooney-Cross’ in-swinging corner into her own net. After one last push with the clock ticking to 95 minutes, a final chance fell to Harrison but the Wanderers captain could not control her volley.

The Wanderers have a two week break before commencing for the final three games of the season, where they will be hoping to see league leaders Melbourne City slip and take advantage to win their first ever minor premiership.

Western News 7 February 2020 Issue 102

Jessica Fox leads fundraiser in support of bushfire appeal

15

Western News Friday, 7 February 2020

SPORT

Rooty Hill local meets Garbine Muguruza and Sofia Kenin at the Australian Open 2020

T

ennis hopeful Bhavya Bhardwaj from Rooty Hill, was part of a once in a lifetime experience when she stepped onto Rod Laver Arena for the pre-match coin toss at the 2020 Australian Open.

Bhavya, aged 10, was selected to flip the ANZ Commemorative Coin to commence the women’s final match between Garbine Muguruza and Sofia Kenin.

The 2020 ANZ Commemorative Coin features former World No. 1 and 14-time Grand Slam Champion, Evonne Goolagong-Cawley AC on the ‘heads’ side, while the tails side features an engraved tennis ball alongside the ANZ logo.

Bhavya is among 180 lucky ANZ Tennis Hot Shot players given the opportunity to flip the coin and rub shoulders with some of the world’s best tennis players.

Evonne Goolagong Cawley said: “The coin toss at the beginning of an Australian Open match is always a special moment and I feel privileged to

be involved and see the joy on the kids’ faces as they experience this rare opportunity.”

Commenting on the initiative, ANZ Managing Director Retail Banking Katherine Bray says: “We are proud to support grassroots tennis through the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots program across Australia.

Seeing the next generation of ANZ Tennis Hot Shots tennis stars meet world class players through the ANZ Coin Crew is one of the reasons we are involved.”

ANZ Tennis Hot Shots is Tennis Australia’s official development program with a record 702,509 children between 3 and 12 years of age playing ANZ Tennis Hot Shots in 2018/19.

ANZ Tennis Hot Shots use smaller courts, lighter racquets, lower nets and low compression balls making it suitable for children of all abilities.

For more information about ANZ Tennis Hot Shots visit hotshots.tennis.com.au