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Western News 7 January 2022 Issue 152

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Blacktown City shines for Christmas Lights Competition

lacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM has congratulated the ‘shining stars’ of the 2021 Blacktown City Christmas Lights Competition. Households right across the City got into the festive spirit and lit up their properties for the popular competition. More than $4000 in cash and prizes was awarded across several prize categories, including: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Overall City winners, Best Overall Townhouse/Villa Property, Ward Winners, Encouragement Award, Champion of Champions and Best Street. First Place Overall City Winner was awarded to Jessica Colley for her outstanding display at 7 Garbett Place, Doonside. Jessica was also crowned the winner for Ward 3. Mayor Bleasdale commended Jessica and all winners for their wonderful entries, “This year we had an incredible 98 entries that have all brought some festive cheer to our streets”. “Our judges had a difficult task selecting the winners from such an amazing pool of finalists. “After the extremely difficult year we’ve had in Blacktown City, with COVID-19 restrictions keeping us away from our loved ones and the

The spectacular display of the Overall City Winner in the 2021 Blacktown City Christmas Lights Competition – 7 Garbett Place, Doonside.

things we enjoy, this competition has brought some much-needed joy into our lives. “It brings me great pleasure to see the time and effort households put into their entries year after year. “Congratulations to all winners - thank you for spreading so much Christmas cheer in your communities.” The 2021 Blacktown City Christmas Lights Competition was proudly sponsored by Hoyts, Commercial Christmas and Good Luck Plaza.

Winners • 1st Place Overall City Winner – Jessica Colley of 7 Garbett Pl, Doonside • 2nd Place Overall City Winner – James Smith of 11 Chapplin Cr, Quakers Hill • 3rd Place Overall City Winner – Jeremy Dearie of 19 Climus St, Hassall Grove • Ward 1 – Matthew Fitz of 16 Coobowie Dr, The Ponds • Ward 2 – James Smith of 11 Chapplin Cr, Quakers Hill • Ward 3 – Jessica Colley of 7 Garbett Pl, Doonside • Ward 4 – Les Szyfer of 31 Coghlan Cr, Doonside • Ward 5 – Jeremy Dearie of 19 Climus, Hassall Grove • Nominator’s Prize – Jason Butler of 20 Climus, Hassall Grove • Encouragement Award – Alanah Lawlis of 45 Doonside Cr, Blacktown • Champion of Champion Winner – Peter Overton of 7 Mallee St, Quakers Hill • Best Overall Townhouse/Villa – Lisa Kerr of 3 Faldo Cr, Schofields • Best Street – Climus St, Hassall Grove

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he holiday season is here, and families in Blacktown City can enjoy plenty of fun activities and events to keep everyone entertained. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said there was no better place for family fun and entertainment this summer than right here in Blacktown City. “After the extremely tough and challenging year we’ve had, families in Blacktown City are looking forward to coming together and enjoying the things they’ve missed out on for so long,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “I encourage families to have a look at the great activities and programs available these summer holidays in our City. “Blacktown City Libraries will host a range of activities for children, while kids can also enjoy swimming lessons at our aquatic centres or get creative at Blacktown Arts. “Celebrate Australia Day in Blacktown by enjoying breakfast with the wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park. “Families can also enjoy an evening of spectacular entertainment for Council’s annual Australia Day Concert and Fireworks at the Rooty Hill, featuring singer Dami Im and classic rockers The Angels.” Blacktown Arts’ Creative School Holiday Program will return in January with 6 low-cost art workshops. Children can enjoy the summer break being creative with experienced, local facilitators. Blacktown City Libraries has a fantastic lineup of activities for kids of all ages these holidays,

including craft workshops and a ukulele workshop. Children can get active at one of Blacktown City’s aquatic and leisure centres through the Acceler8 swimming program and junior tennis summer holiday clinic. The popular Kids Blitz program, for children aged 6 to 12, will also return, with arts and crafts, pool games, sport, science and dancing activities on offer. Bookings are essential. Families can also enjoy a range of recently-

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upgraded playspaces across Blacktown City, including Corbin Reserve in Quakers Hill and Glenwood Reserve in Glenwood, which recently opened after major revamps. For a full list of events and activities in Blacktown City these summer holidays, check out the Council School Holiday Guide here: www.createsend.com/ t/j-2152706223E9C1612540EF23F30FEDED?fb clid=IwAR3KFP9Rgt5dSJX0t0QyrGo_6NZU7a vq4cZibmHW1LWFtdX9WgFymhOk7iA

Western News 7 January 2022 Issue 152

Summer holiday fun in Blacktown City

Western News

Western News 7 January 2022 Issue 152

Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 Sports Journalist: Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Graphic Design: Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com

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From the Editor’s Desk By KeRRIE DAVIES

s the early hours of 2022 dawned, any hopes of a Covid-free year ahead were dashed by a rapidly rising positive case tally. In the short space of time that it took to remove one Premier and install another, we’d gone from needing a permit to venture 5 kilometres from our door, to basically self-assessing our own risk as well as the risk we pose to others. The government message has changed dramatically; we are no longer watching Gladys’ cautionary finger, but rather Dom’s wide open gestures. To be fair, it does appear that we are dealing with a different beast. We are pretty much 95% vaccinated under Dom’s watch (although credit for that hard work goes to Gladys and co) and Omicron seems to lack the ferocity of Delta. This time last year a lot of people were saying, “I don’t actually know anyone with Covid, do you?” Now it is more common to hear “So many people I know now have Covid.” As I write this, the daily cases are up in the 30,000’s, but that doesn’t even begin to tell the real story given the testing situation. If you’re lucky enough to find an open facility you best settle in for several hours and some are being turned away after a long wait and driving home untested. Turning to a rapid antigen test diagnosis is no less a mission; because as soon as the shelves are stocked with the tests they are selling out. Those who do happen to get through for a PCR test, are waiting several days for the result to come through. In what is sure to feel like a particularly sharp thorn in the Premier’s side, one of those who waited several days for a positive result was Deputy Opposition Leader, Prue Car. The reported case numbers come from PCR results, so they don’t include those who are still waiting for a result, those who test positive themselves at home or those who just give up and Dr-Google-diagnose themselves. So we face 2022 feeling a bit of uncertainty once again. On one side there’s optimism emerging from the fact that Omicron seems to be similar to a fierce but fast flu, but we’ve also got the challenges of testing, alerting, isolating and managing the strain. We can’t afford a diabolical impact on our health system now that it has been well and truly unleashed. It will be another ‘watch this space’ period in our lives. The jury is still out on how this will all pan out. Let’s hope they are called back in pretty soon and the outcome is a favourable one. Happy New Year.

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lacktown City Council will welcome back many returning councillors as well as some new faces after results were declared in the 2021 Local Government Elections. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM congratulated all elected councillors after the NSW Electoral Commission confirmed the results on Monday 20 December 2021. “Congratulations to all new and incumbent councillors on being elected to Blacktown City Council,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “I am incredibly humbled to be elected by the great people in Ward 5 of Blacktown City for my seventh Council term. “I look forward to continuing to serve Blacktown City as Mayor and carry on the great work from the last term of Council. “The strong vote for my team, with 10 of the 15 elected councillors, is a clear demonstration of what the people of this City want for their community. “Thank you to the voters for placing your trust in us – I promise, we will continue to be a strong voice for you and always put the people of Blacktown City first. “Due to the postponement of the elections due to Covid-19, the coming term will be shorter than usual, but I

Western News 7 January 2022 Issue 152

2021 Council election results

look forward to working with new and familiar faces to make our City an even better place to live, work and play.” Mayor Bleasdale was comfortably re-elected as a councillor in Ward 5 after first being elected to Council in 1996 and will remain as Caretaker Mayor until Council holds its Mayoral Election in January. Councillor Brad Bunting was also re-elected in Ward 5 whilst Livingston Chettipally was also voted onto Council for his first-ever term. Councillors Christopher Quilkey, Jess Diaz and Moninder Singh will return in Ward 1. Outgoing Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths was re-elected in Ward 2, while Kushpinder Kaur and Michael Stubley have each won a first term on Council. In Ward 3, Susai Benjamin and Kathie Collins will return as well as former councillor Allan Green. In Ward 4, Councillor Carol Israel will return for her second term on Council in addition to Peter Camilleri. Also in Ward 4, new councillor and NSW Police Chief Inspector Bob Fitzgerald was elected. Blacktown City Council will hold an extraordinary meeting to elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor early this year.

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Western News 7 January 2022 Issue 152

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Blacktown City Libraries receives prestigious multicultural excellence award

lacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM has congratulated Blacktown City Libraries on receiving a prestigious award from the NSW Public Libraries Association. Blacktown City Libraries was awarded the Multicultural Excellence Award for their Language Ambassadors Project, which aimed to promote the library’s collection, events and services to culturally and linguistically diverse local communities. “Blacktown City is an incredibly diverse city, with residents from more than 180 countries who speak more than 180 different languages,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “The library project was a marvellous way to ensure everyone in our community, regardless of language, was able to connect with their local library, thanks to the support of our cultural community leaders. “This project was especially important during the past two years of

Manager Library Services, Laurence McDonnell, presents the NSW Public Libraries Association Multicultural Excellence Award to Multicultural Services Librarian Joelmon Zungar.

COVID-19 lockdowns, when Council was forced to close its libraries and shift online. “Well done to everyone involved in this fantastic initiative.” The project involved a series of videos featuring influential leaders from Blacktown City’s multicultural communities to help promote the

library resources in language. The videos were then promoted across Blacktown City Libraries’ social media pages to engage with the multicultural community during lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. Manager Library Services, Laurence McDonnell, proudly presented the trophy to Multicultural

Services Librarian Joelmon Zungar following an online awards ceremony. Mr Zungar said, “Our language ambassadors are leaders who showed their community how to find support on how to cope with living in a new place when English is not their first language. “It can be daunting for people, so their testimonials about how our libraries meet the needs of Blacktown City’s diverse community is invaluable.” Four videos, in Chinese, Punjabi, Urdu and Serbian have been completed, with future videos to come in Hindi, Filipino, Tamil, Italian and Sudanese. Blacktown City Libraries has resources available in more than 30 different languages. English Conversation Classes are held across the year and library members have access to improve their English through various online resources. Watch the videos here: https://www. youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0qOdF gwd8wd77fMRJW71Z--qKP5ILyqN

Western Sydney Health Forum reflects on 2021 and looks to a promising future

ommunity members from across western Sydney have been given the opportunity to see what’s been achieved by Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) in the past year and ask questions about challenges and the future of healthcare at the 2021 Western Sydney Health Forum. Hosted by NewsLocal senior journalist Jake McCallum on Friday, 10 December, the hourlong live virtual panel featured WSLHD chief executive Graeme Loy, emergency physician Dr Kavita Varshney, WSLHD executive director operations Alison Derrett and WSLHD COVID-19 vaccination lead Megan Byrne. Graeme Loy opened the event with a recap of the various COVID-19 challenges faced by western Sydney and acknowledged all frontline workers for their “amazing and outstanding” work in keeping the community and each other safe. “This year we delivered more than 600,000 vaccinations, called on over 130,000 interpreter services, worked with hotel quarantine, vaccination centres and the community, and treated more than 13,000 members of the community who were COVID-19 positive,” reflected Graeme. “On our busiest peak day, we had 4,191 COVID-19 positive cases in our community and we had a really broad model of partnership across the state that stepped up together.

so impressed “withI was the western Sydney community. It was an amazing response – we couldn’t have done it without you. There is no one who hasn’t impressed me. Graeme Loy, chief executive

“

The $300 million greenfield Rouse Hill Hospital project was the first topic of conversation for the panel

with questions around plans, hospital services, and specialties. “The community and clinicians want integrated care for a seamless experience,” said Graeme Loy. “The challenge we have set ourselves is, what is it that we can give to Rouse Hill that no one else has got – what are the extra steps we can take to make it better than what the system currently offer? “An emergency department is a no brainer but the challenge for us is looking at how can we make it work really well into the future.” The District’s new Strategic Plan, Our Place, Our People was discussed – one of the three flagship pieces of work that will be done

over the next 12 months – and how it focuses on improving patient and staff culture. Other topics included palliative care in western Sydney, the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations for 5 – 11-year-olds and western Sydney’s Aboriginal community, WSLHD Board appointments, future Town Hall forums for staff, the importance of sustainability and a focus on community connections throughout the next 10 years. Graeme also reflected on how the District came in on budget, describing it as “nothing short of amazing” given the current climate and was an achievement that “takes everyone in the organisation to pull off”.

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By Noel Rowsell

he Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association (HDAA) has announced the 2022 Hawkesbury Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman of the Year winner, 18-year old Micquella Grima. Micquella is from a farming background and lives on a small property in Orchard Hills. She attended Montgrove College from K – Year 6, then Caroline Chisholm College from Years 7 – 12, before commencing a double degree (through distance education) at the University of New England (UNE), Armidale. Micquella is studying for her Bachelor of Agriculture / Bachelor of Business (majoring in Agribusiness) and in 2021, received a number of scholarships supported by UNE, as well as the Rural Foundation Scholarship funded by the Royal Agricultural Society. Micquella currently works for both Llandilo Produce and Stockfeeds and Supercheap Automotive Australia. She is the owner of Hope Hill Cattle Company (commercial and stud beef production, based in Sydney and eventually to be in Gilgandra NSW.

Micquella is also currently a committee member and the NSW Youth Representative for the NSW branch of Angus Australia, after having received the 2021 Norman Lethbridge Agriculture Award. A beef and cattle farming background throughout her young life set Michelle on her current path, having grown up travelling between both Cattle and Sheep stations, cropping as well on cotton properties throughout NSW. Micquella has worked for a number of Stud cattle producers, showing their beef cattle at Royal and Ag-Shows throughout NSW and into QLD. “Once completing my studies, I aspire to enter a career in either Agronomy or Livestock Nutrition & Genetics,” said Micquella. “The Hawkesbury Young Woman of the Year competition was something I wanted to have a go at.” “It was disrupted in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid, so the previous winner Eliza Babazogli held the title for two years.” The Hawkesbury Agricultural Society has advised Micquella will be representing HDAA at the Zone 2 final, which will be held at Milton in February 2022. If Micquella is selected at the Zone Final, she will go on to represent the Zone at the Royal Easter Show.

Micquella Grima is the HDAA Young Woman of the Year for 2022. Photos supplied

Distractions lead to fatal danger for children around water Data reveals household chores and socialising found to be the most common causes of breaks in active adult supervision

idsafe is urging parents and carers to actively supervise children around water in a bid to reduce the number of drowning deaths. The call comes as thousands of families are enjoying backyard BBQs and pool parties over the summer holidays. Research into fatal toddler drowning incidents conducted by UNSW Sydney, James Cook University and Royal Life Saving Society of Australia, found that household chores - everyday tasks such as checking on dinner, taking the out the rubbish or putting the washing out were the most common distractions which led to lapses in supervision of children around water (41%). This was followed by talking or socialising (11%) and electronic distractions (9%). Campaign ambassador and Australian Olympic swimming champion, Matt Welsh, OAM, highlighted how quickly toddlers can get into trouble around water. “Toddlers are naturally curious and love water, yet they don’t understand the dangers it can pose. A split second is all it takes for a child to gain unsupervised access to the water area

and 20 seconds is all it takes for a toddler to drown”, said Mr Welsh. Mel Anderson knows just how quickly and silently drowning can happen as she almost lost her 10-monthold son while at a Christmas family barbeque. She has shared her story in a new video titled ‘Through My Eyes’ which has been released as part of Kidsafe’s annual ‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ backyard pool safety campaign. “One second Matt was playing on the ground at my feet and the next, as there was no pool fence to prevent him crawling over to the pool, he fell silently into the water. I felt sick - I thought he was gone,” said Ms Anderson. “Thankfully, my Dad had just completed a first aid course the week before and started performing CPR straight away. I’m told it was the difference between life and death for my son. I am so grateful that he is still here with me but the after effects of that day still traumatise me.” “I’m sharing my story so others don’t have to live it.” Despite significant reductions in toddler drowning deaths over time, drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of accidental death for Australian children under 5 years of age. Kidsafe recommends designating supervisors so there is no miscommunication over who is keeping watch of children around water. “At social gatherings such as BBQs and pool parties, there are lots of adults

around and it can be easy to assume that someone else is actively supervising the kids, when in fact, nobody is,” said Mr Welsh. “For toddlers, active adult supervision means keeping them within arm’s reach at all times around water, without any distractions.” “To help make sure children are actively supervised at all times, we recommend appointing designated supervisors whose role it is to supervise children in and around the pool. Rotating this role throughout the day ensures everyone gets a chance to enjoy the festivities.” Along with active adult supervision, compliant pool and spa barriers play an important role in keeping toddlers safe. “Maintenance and compliance of pool and spa barriers is vital because they are exposed to the extremes of

weather all year round which can lead to rust, loose or missing bolts or screws, and wear and tear over time,” said Mr Welsh. Kidsafe’s Summer Pool Safety Tips: ● Actively supervise children in and around water at all times. For toddlers, this means having an adult within arms’ reach ● Appoint designated supervisors at BBQs and pool parties whose role it is to supervise the kids in and around the pool. This role can be shared throughout the day so that everyone gets a chance to enjoy the festivities ● Ensure your pool barrier is secure and in proper working order ● Ensure no climbable objects are near the barrier e.g. pot plants, chairs, BBQ’s or pool pumps which could allow a child to climb over the barrier ● Never prop the pool gate open, this allows children easy and often unsupervised access to the pool area ● Don’t rely on inflatable pool toys to keep children safe - they are not life saving devices ● Learn CPR and update your skills regularly ● Be mindful of other potential outdoor water hazards, as toddlers can drown in as little as a few centimetres of water - including eskys with melted ice, wading/inflatable pools and ponds For more information on Kidsafe’s ‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ campaign and to download a comprehensive pool safety checklist, please visit Kidsafe Australia’s pool and spa safety website.

Western News 7 January 2022 Issue 152

Micquella Grima - 2022 HDAA Young Woman of the Year

Western News 7 January 2022 Issue 152

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Western News

Warning issued over high-dose “Superman” ecstasy circulating in Sydney

SW Health is warning of high-dose MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy tablets, circulating in the community after pills seized by NSW Police contained two times the average dose of MDMA per tablet. The tablets are round, blue in colour and are marked with a superman logo. Acting Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, Professor Andrew Dawson, said consuming high doses of MDMA has been linked to cases of serious illness and death in NSW. “It can cause severe agitation and paranoia, raised

body temperature, seizures or fits, irregular heart rhythm and death,” Prof Dawson said. “While one MDMA tablet or capsule alone can cause life-threatening toxicity, the risk is greatly increased if high doses or multiple MDMA tablets or capsules are consumed over a short period, or if MDMA is consumed in combination with other stimulants, such as alcohol and cocaine. “Hot and humid weather will also increase the dangers, as MDMA causes the body to dangerously overheat, potentially leading to organ failure, loss of consciousness and death.” Professor Dawson urged anyone who was unwell

from MDMA to immediately call Triple Zero. “Importantly, look after your mates. If you feel unwell, or if your friend feels unwell, do something about it. Don’t ignore it. You won’t get into trouble for seeking medical care,” he said. For information about the potential adverse effects of MDMA, please contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. For support and information on drug, alcohol and other substance, please contact: The Alcohol and Drug Information Service: 1800 250 015. This is a 24/7 service offering confidential and anonymous telephone counselling and information.

All eyes on sun safety this summer with only 61% of adults wearing sunglasses

SW Health is urging people to protect their eyes this summer as warmer weather increases the risk of exposure to harsh Ultraviolet (UV) rays. Long-term exposure to even small amounts of UV radiation can increase your risk of developing cancers, cataracts or even loss of eyesight. Sydney Eye Hospital Ophthalmologist Dr Weng Sehu wants sun seekers to take necessary precautions when enjoying the outdoors.

“

Choosing the right sunglasses is key to reducing the risk of eye damage. Look to purchase sunglasses with a high UV protection rating and a wraparound lens style that fully protects the eye. Dr Weng Sehu, Ophthalmologist Sydney Eye Hospital

“

“We know to slip, slop, slap to protect our skin from the sun, but Australians often forget about the threat UV rays pose to their eyes,” Dr Sehu said. In the latest NSW Adult Population Health Survey, only 61 per cent of adults reported always or often wearing sunglasses when out in the sun during the four weeks prior to the survey. This dropped to 43 per cent among young people aged 18-24. Women were more likely than men to always or often wear sunglasses (67 per cent of females compared with 55 per cent of males). These simple precautions can reduce the risk of

eye damage this summer: • Choose sunglasses with full UV protection: Look for glasses labelled either UV400 or 100 per cent UV protection, to block the full spectrum of UVA and UVB rays. In Australia, glasses are scored from zero (fashion eyewear) to category four (highly specialised glasses with sun-glare and UV protection). Look for glasses labelled at least category three.

• Pay attention to the lens style: Wraparound styles provide better eye protection. When playing sports choose shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses to avoid eye injuries. Sunglasses also can protect from UV damage on the eyelid which has the thinnest skin on the body and is prone to skin cancers. • Always wear a hat outside: Even on cloudy days – because clouds don’t block all spectrums of UV light.

Western News

WESTERN HISTORY

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

ohn Aplitt (Aplett) was born at Castlereagh away with a slight advantage and it was a grand in April 1852. His father and grandfather were race for half the distance when John ran clean away born at Castlereagh on the Nepean River. from Bob Watson. Watson’s defeat was a great When his father died at Penrith in 1860, his mother blow to his friends and supporters who believed remarried and the family moved to the diggings at that there was not a man in the world who could Parkes where he grew up and where he worked at beat him”. In 1876 after his notable success again gold mining, being a steady hardworking young over R F Watson at Parkes, John married Frances man and very popular on the old Kurrajong and Nicholson (who was the sister of a runner). In bushman’s Lead. His height rose to 5ft 10½ inches. 1878 before a following race occurred, John made John’s first appearance was in a pedestrian handicap it clear to a correspondent of the Sydney Mail & foot race at Parkes in December, 1873. The winner NSW Advertiser that he was spelling his name was to get £3. He received a 3 yds start and he wrong and it was John Aplitt not Applett the name ran a dead heat with James Bergin a pedestrian of that he was generally known in sporting circles. considerable local fame. His next appearance was That return match took place at West Maitland in 1874 in another handicap match also at Parkes in November 1878 of 200 yards for £500 in the and this time there were nine competitors but he locality of the Northern district of NSW where won easily. In this race he so astonished his Parkes Watson was well known. R F Watson was born in friends that they thought him quite able to beat Londonderry in Ireland and stood 5ft 10½ inches. Gam Thompson the then crack runner at Forbes to On the day of the meet at West Maitland there was run 200 yds for £50 aside and John won easily. In at least 7000 spectators and excitement ran high as August 1874 he ran against Donald Nicholson at to who would win. Thousands of pamphlets were  Drawing of John from unknown 150 yards, giving him 8 yds start that he also won. sold by enterprising bookmakers’ clerks for some newspaper John’s friends thought him worthy of competing time previous to the race. Watson won on that with some more famed antagonists, so they backed him to run against occasion in a canter by two yards, this being John’s only defeat in his Charlie Baxter at 250 yards for £l00. Although he had to run against long and meteoric career as a pedestrian. John took part in many other a noted runner for the first time in his life, John treated Baxter as he matches and handicap races, the more important was a match with Ben did his predecessors taking the lead and keeping it to the finish and Carver of Kurrajong in 1880 at Sandy Gallop, Clarendon near Windsor beating his opponent by about nine yards. Next in December 1874 he for 50 yards at £100 with John winning easily. (The area is now the was matched to run against David Meehan of Forbes at 150 yards for aerodrome). Another match for the same amount and distance took £50. On this occasion his opponent forfeited to him the first deposit place the same year at Fairfield, Windsor with Jack Warwick and John of £10 and consequently the match fell through. His next match was again winning easily. In 1880 John had many races at the Sir Joseph to run against H H Manning of New Zealand, a quarter of a mile over Banks ground at Botany. A race with Charles Carver of Moree for £100 four jumps 3ft 6in high for £25. This event took place in January 1876 aside at 150 yards saw John winning easily. In the same year and place at Parkes with Manning the favourite at the start, but John as before John easily beat Pat Callaghan of Maitland over 150 yards for £150. astonished even his own friends by winning. Sometime after this he was Later, John and Frances took up a Merowie Hotel near Hillaton on the again challenged by David Meehan to run 150 yards for £100 and John Lachlan, they later sold out the hotel and bought the Mount Hope Hotel, accepted. The race took place at Forbes in July 1876 with John winning later trying to sell in 1882 but the sale elapsed. John also became a mail by about seven yards and without the slightest apparent distress. He was carrier with a lengthy connection, having around six horse teams on the next challenged by Jim Watson (known as the Melbourne flyer) to run roads at one time. Later in 1897 they were living at Byrock in Bourke, 200 yards for £100 in September 1876. Watson was favourite at first but then Goodooga and lastly at Brewarrina where they settled down. It was as the day of the race drew near a greater amount of confidence was said that John was one of the greatest (if the greatest) pedestrian runner shown for John that proved was not misplaced as he again won with in Australia. John died in November 1936 aged 84 years at a private ease by about seven yards. John had now reached the top of the tree and hospital at Stanmore NSW. He had retired in 1930 and was living in his friends thought that after the many victories he had scored, he could Auburn with his son Donald. His remains were brought to Orange for stand alongside any man in Australia. A challenge in October 1876 was burial as this was the fulfilment of a promise made by his family to lay sent to Robert Watson an Irishman then considered to be the champion his body in the Church of England cemetery beside that of Frances who of Australia. The challenge was for 200 yds to race at Parkes for £300. died while spending a holiday in Orange in December 1933. Until that The match took place in the presence of 1000 spectators in November, year, they had not been to Orange since they had spent their honeymoon the largest number of people that had witnessed a foot race in that part there. He was a brilliant runner from 100 to 200 yards, a brilliant athlete of the State. Bob Watson started favourite at 5’s and 6 to 4 but although and a good sportsman who outlived his contemporaries of the running Bob (or “Scone” Watson as he was more popularly known) had never tracks. been beaten but his colours were lowered by John who beat Watson by Source: Nepean Times, The Referee Sydney “Great Australian about seven yards in 9¼ seconds. In describing the match at Parkes, it Athlete”, Australian Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, Ancestry website, was written in the paper there that “After 13 or 14 false starts John got Trove.

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Western News 7 January 2022 Issue 152

Old Time Castlereagh Runner

Western News 7 January 2022 Issue 152

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Western News

Lifeblood 2021 showcases our care and commitment to the health of western Sydney

By Western Sydney Local Health District

hen 2020 came to a close, we thought it was a year never to be repeated. 2021 may have proved those predictions wrong but our health heroes stepped up again, this time to an even greater challenge. This year’s edition of Lifeblood captures our biggest moments of 2021 – each photo a shining example of our health heroes making a difference. The unknowns of a global pandemic rivalled with the dedication and sacrifice of our District; proof of what we were capable of in the most difficult of circumstances. Western Sydney was the epicentre of the Delta outbreak – a more devastating and virulent strain of the virus, and subsequent pressure on our health system like we have never seen before. Our incredible staff tackled COVID-19 – through testing, treating and vaccination. Public squares became testing clinics, our hospitals transformed both wards and their models of care, and places – from community halls to concert arenas – became vaccination centres. In the face of the most difficult circumstances, the western Sydney community proved the doubters wrong – they stepped up, rolled up their sleeves and were vaccinated in astonishing numbers to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our entire community.

Frontline workers from across western Sydney worked exceptionally hard to vaccinate Sydneysiders against a virus that has claimed so many lives around the world. Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre, the biggest vaccination in the state, delivered over 360,000 doses. Our vaccination outreach program helped vaccinate vulnerable and priority populations at churches, temples, homeless shelters and even meat processing facilities. At the same time, our resilience and versatility came to the fore in as we improved services, increased our commitment to research, looked after our staff, and planned for the future of healthcare. We opened the Central Acute Services Building along with revitalised facilities at Cumberland

Hospital and the new Merrylands HealthOne community health centre. Westmead Health Precinct’s Cultural Gathering Place was unveiled to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and the community alike. At the heart of our District’s work is care. We are always there for the community when they need us most. While our work may not stop, we can take the time to stop and reflect on those who have made our District as successful as we are. 2021 has truly been a year like no other and while we can’t predict what 2022 will be like, we know Western Sydney Local Health District and its health heroes can manage, confront, and overcome any challenge we might be faced with.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Margin or tolerance (6) 4 Sicknesses (8) 10 Drinks (9) 11 Risk or danger (5) 12 Corrodes (5) 13 Concepts (9) 14 Lack of attention (7) 16 So much (4) 19 Young males (4) 21 Ease (7) 24 Comprehensive (9) 25 Groups of two (5) 26 Consumed (5) 27 Nightstick (9) 28 Wizard (8) 29 The act of detecting something (6)

down 1 Doing arduous work (8) 2 Conceive of (8) 3 The sharp edge at the junction of 2 surfaces (5) 5 Asserts (7) 6 Experiential (9) 7 An evergreen tree (6) 8 Cause a liquid to spatter (6) 9 Appalled (6) 15 Powerful language (9) 17 A disease caused by a lack of B1 (8) 18 Private (8) 20 Saliva (7) 21 Remorseful (6)

solution 17/12/21

22 23 25

Wild cats (6) A large black diving duck (6) Hockey disks (5)

Western News

Did You Overspend over the Christmas Period?

he Christmas Holiday season was welcome relief after a tumultuous period with Covid and lock downs. Many Australians were wanting to celebrate and enjoy and may have overspent. A recent poll of consumers has shown many have used credit facilities including “buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) products to cover their expenses in the lead-up to Christmas. Consumers returning to work may review their Christmas shopping lists and holiday spending waiting for their credit card and BNPL statements to arrive. The many gifts around might make them feel glad. They might bring a smile to the face as well. However, smiles and emotions are of little value when you need to pay bills. This is especially so, when you’re on a tight budget – as many Australians unsurprisingly are. However, these credit services could easily affect a users’ credit scores, particularly if they perform credit checks or if there are missed payments. Although the Buy Now, Pay Later form of payment is widely promoted as ‘interest-free’ there may be costs associated with account management, late fees and other charges which can add up quickly. Therefore, as Christmas makes way for the New Year, now is the time to prioritise paying off your cards and BNPL debt. Tips for Regaining Your Financial Fitness and Peace of Mind The New Year often becomes a period of stress and anxiety as people try to cope with their bills in January. For many people, the problem does not remain confined to having a large amount of credit card or BNPL debt. Some people don’t even have sufficient reserves of cash for paying their

monthly household bills. This can lead to stress and unhappiness. Therefore, here’s a list of tips to help you deal with your excessive Christmas Holiday shopping bills. That too, while you get your finances back on track. Manage Credit Card Debt and BNPL accounts Focus on paying credit cards that have the highest Annual Interest Rate and or high BNPL debt first. You might find that you can’t realistically repay your balances within three months. In this scenario, consider getting a credit card that levies no interest on balance transfers for 12 – 24 months. Pay the nominal transaction fee (approximately three percent of the amount transferred). You will be able to save more money on this card. Remember that your existing card will charge you interest once you cross the interest-free period. Similarly for BNPL debt, pay within the specified timeframe or late fees will apply. Consider getting financial help and advice if your credit card debt amounts are $10,000 or more. The counsellors will work with your credit card company to formulate a repayment plan that fits your budget. Sell any Unused Stuff You Might Have Many people often have things that they don’t use. When you need additional cash, consider selling these items. You could sell them online via sites like Gumtree or eBay. Make some money, while you get rid of some of the clutter that surrounds you. Some stores even accept unopened and unused items that retain their price tags. You could receive a refund or a store credit in return. Similarly, if you have gift cards that you don’t plan to use, sell them online. Consider a Part-Time Job Depending on your schedule, consider getting a

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part-time job. Investing a few hours each day of the week could give you sufficient earnings to pay off your debt at a faster pace. Control Current Levels of Spending Cut your current levels of spending. Avoid eating out and eat at home. Similarly, make your own coffee instead of spending money at the local café. Don’t Use Plastic or BNPL Until you repay all your bills, avoid making any further purchases on your credit card or BNPL. Only use your debit card (or cash) for making purchases. Doing this would ensure that you avoid adding to your existing levels of debt. This will enable you to clear your debts faster too. Make a Budget Prepare a budget that tracks your income and expenses for each month. In the expenses, list your priority bills first i.e. mortgages, phone bills, electricity, gas etc. Then, place some money into an emergency or savings account. Thereafter, utilise the remainder for repaying your debts. Avoid overcommitting yourself when it comes to repaying your debts. Instead, pay off your debts at a rate that you can adhere to consistently. Utilise all (or a combination of) the methods listed above. This could help you pay off your bills and debts faster than you thought you would. However, you would do well to heed the lessons of overspending and avoid a recurrence in the subsequent holiday season. Just because you’ve been fortunate enough once, does not mean that you will be able to tackle your debts similarly the next time. Speak to a Wealthwiz Wealth Manager who can help you understand your financial needs and options. Contact Alex Soncini on 0419 600 177 or alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au.

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13 Western News 7 January 2022 Issue 152

Alex Soncini

REAL ESTATE

Western News 7 January 2022 Issue 152

SPORT

Western News

Panthers trial game fixtures confirmed

he Panthers will step up their preparation for the 2022 NRL season with trial games against the Sharks and Eels. Panthers fans will get their first taste of footy with a clash against Cronulla at Commbank Stadium (formerly Bankwest Stadium). The match will form part of a double header at the venue, with kick-off currently scheduled for 4pm Sunday 20 February. The traditional Battle of the West

trial game fixture is pencilled in for 5pm Saturday 26 February at BlueBet Stadium. More details about the trial games including ticketing information and final confirmation of kick-off times will be released early in the new year. Don’t forget to secure your seat for the final season at BlueBet Stadium with a 2022 Panthers membership. With plenty of home games set to sell out, a Panthers membership is the only way to ensure you’ll be there for every blockbuster.

Panthers partners with SKINS Australia

enrith Panthers is pleased to announce that SKINS Australia has signed a two-year deal to become the club’s official compression garment supplier. The partnership will see Panthers players utilise SKINS compression sportswear to assist recovery and boost performance through the 2022 and 2023 seasons. “SKINS is delighted to be partnering with the Panthers in their quest for back-to-back titles,” SKINS Australia Commercial Sales Manager Allan Sassoon said. “For the last 25 years SKINS has been the unrivalled pioneer in the field of sports compression and continues to challenge the conventional boundaries of generic activewear. “We are excited to be supplying the Panthers with the latest in SKINS compression ranges, supporting and assisting them as they strive for peak performance.” Panthers High Performance Manager Tom Lovell said the SKINS partnership was a valuable one for the club.

“SKINS compression sportswear is one of the important tools in our ‘recovery kitbag’ which, along with quality sleep and nutrition, plays a key role for our squad,” he said.

“The ability of our players to physically and mentally recover from the rigours of training and competition is critical to ensure they can consistently achieve peak performance.”

Nsw updates covid settings and makes rapid antigen tests free The NSW Government is taking precautionary steps to maintain its safe and measured approach as we continue to learn to live with COVID. The following adjustments to the NSW Government’s pandemic settings have come into effect: From 12.01am Friday, 24 December: • Masks will be compulsory in all indoor non-residential settings, including for hospitality staff and in offices, unless eating or drinking. From 12.01am Monday, 27 December 2021: • QR code check-ins will be compulsory, including for hospitality and retail; and • Hospitality venues, including pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes will move to 1 person per 2 sqm rule indoors, with no density limit for

outdoor settings. All settings will remain in place until Wednesday, 27 January 2022. Extending QR check-in requirements will remind people that if they receive a notification they should be tested if they feel unwell. They should also get tested if they are directed by NSW Health or if they have symptoms. Further to these measures, the Government is asking people to reduce mingling where they can including when eating and drinking, work from home where possible and hold events outside. The NSW Government will continue to monitor these settings. The NSW Government will also procure Rapid-Antigen Test kits and make them available for free to people

across the State, to give additional options to people and allow those who need to get a PCR test to do so. Premier Dominic Perrottet said these measures would help take the pressure off our health system and keep the community safe until more people could get their booster shots. “We said we would tailor our settings as the situation evolved and these steps will help take the pressure of our health system, so the people who need care can access it,” Mr Perrottet said. “Our frontline health workers have done an enormous job keeping us safe over the past two years and we can’t thank them enough. “Vaccination remains the key to keeping people safe and out of hospital. It is vital people continue to

roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated and receive their boosters.” Health Minister Brad Hazzard thanked people for continuing to come forward in large numbers to get tested and urged everyone to follow the restrictions. “We thank people for coming out in large numbers to get tested but we need to make sure that tests are available for people who really need it,” Mr Hazzard said. “If you don’t have any symptoms, please don’t get a test just for the sake of it. The best thing people can do is follow the rules outlined today. The health and safety of the community continues to be the highest priority. “I want to again thank NSW Health for the work they are doing in response to the pandemic.”

Western News

SPORT

By Bob Turner

lacktown City FC received an early Christmas present to propel their 2022 journey. The Tuesday before Christmas, State Member for Seven Hills, Mark Taylor, announced that Blacktown City had been successful in their grant application to build female changerooms and additional amenities under the main grandstand at their home ground. The application was a vast undertaking by the Board of Blacktown City and this announcement is another major step forward to capture the hearts and minds of Blacktown. The home Stadium on Quinn Avenue in Seven Hills, is regarded as one of the best football grounds in Sydney. A major flaw in the facility has been the age and state of the existing changerooms. To accommodate the major push by the club to quickly develop its women’s programme to match the long history of the men, an application was sent to the NSW Office of Sport through the NSW Government’s ‘Greater Cities Sports Facilities Fund’. Blacktown City FC Women is a key centrepiece for Blacktown City with a goal to elevate its women’s programme to NPL1 status within three years. The successful application for new changerooms will provide a huge boost in the development and recruitment of female players. The major component of the application was to create new changerooms and amenities under the Main Grandstand. This has been on the wish list of the club since the grandstand was erected over 20 years ago. With the support of the NSW Government and the NSW Office of Sport, that wish will now become reality. A key component of the grant submission is the catalyst for Blacktown City FC’s Infrastructure Master Plan of four stages of development. The submission is also in line with Blacktown Council’s goals to make Blacktown a sporting city and provide world class facilities: The Office of Sport grant will be applied to the ‘Fit-Out’ of the space underneath the main grandstand. The Change room upgrade includes amenities and toilets to substantiate Stage Two of Blacktown City’s Master Infrastructure Plan to facilitate additional fields, participation and competitions at Ashley Brown Reserve for the Blacktown community. The goal is to have the new structure completed by November this year. The club is now in search of a new Naming Rights

partner for the stadium to replace what has been known as ‘Lily Homes Stadium’. After taking full operational control of their Stadium in Seven Hills late last year, the club renamed the facility “Blacktown City Sports Centre” with a view to expand the offerings of the facility to a multi-functional and multi-cultural location! Bookings for casual hire, tournaments and competitions have already increased and the successful grant application will now increase demand for the facility. Anyone wanting to book the all-purpose field please enquire at Enquiries@ blacktowncitysportscentre.com.au Stage Two, in unison with the continued increase in crowds and sponsors for the Senior Men and Women, will generate funds for Blacktown City to be self-sufficient financially and able to continue development of the main stadium to provide a niche, 5,000 seat multi-purpose and multi-sport stadium for the community and city of Blacktown. Planning is well underway to achieve the overall direction to fill the stadium on a regular basis. The on-field ability has been a constant for the Men’s programme and the Board is now committed to capitalise with a marketing campaign to let the city

Western News 7 January 2022 Issue 152

Blacktown City Stadium update!

of Blacktown know they have a winner! Theme for 2022 is “BRING IT HOME BLACKTOWN” as the organisation proudly represents one of the largest LGA’s in the country. For Blacktown City FC “WE TAKE PRIDE IN OUR NAME!” The biggest goal for Blacktown City is a full house on March 6th next year to open the 2022 NSW NPL 1 Men’s season. Big call and ambition but great motivation. The club does have hurdles to overcome but they have far more positives than negatives to operate from. The Season Launch for both the men and women is scheduled for Thursday, February 18th, 2022. Season 2022 will progress a remarkable journey to capture the city Blacktown City FC represents. While the lockdown frustrated the teams progress in 2021, it did allow time for the New Board to establish a pathway for future success. Full operational control of their Stadium, establishing a firm women’s programme and now a successful grant application to enhance their home ground are all positive ingredients to build on. Blacktown City is ready to build – and Build fast! 2022 will be a year to “Bring It Home Blacktown”! Go Blacktown City!

see you in season 2022

Western News Friday, 7 January 2022

SPORT

Tournament golf back in swing By Noel Rowsell

he 2022 Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation (JNJG) Harvey Norman Sydney Week of Golf will run from 10th 14th January and is one of the only 5-day, 90-hole tournaments played anywhere in the world. Limited to 280 players, the tournament is sponsored by golf equipment manufacturer Taylormade and will be played on five different courses in five days, including Cabramatta (10th), Liverpool (11th), Brighton Lakes (12th), Cumberland (13th) and Muirfield (14th). The following JNJG tournament will be the 2021 Greg Chalmers Junior Masters, which was postponed last year and will now be played at Shelley Beach GC on 22nd-23rd January. The first of this year’s major junior tournaments teed off earlier this week, with the prestigious Harvey Norman ACT Week of Golf running from 4th-7th January. This event has both World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and Golf Australia Junior Order of Merit (GA OOM) status and, as such, was limited to just 92 players. It drew entries from the best juniors throughout Australia and, as a result, positions in the tournament were allocated via a handicap ballot. Local players competing in the ACT event include Kade Webber and Darcy Mackay from Stonecutters

Stonecutters Ridge GC juniors Ryan Cadle and Kade Webber in action during the 2021 NSW Junior Championships. Photos by Noel Rowsell

Ridge GC, along with Tyler Nesci (Leonay / Concord GC), Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs / Concord GC) and Grace Lee (Glenmore Park / Concord GC). Kade and Coby were partnered with one of Australia’s most highly-acclaimed young golfers, Jeffrey Guan (The Australian GC), in the 7:39am group on Day One. Results will be posted in our next edition.

In regards to senior tournaments, the first local event scheduled in the New Year was to be the Glenmore Cup (Vardon men, Jean Derrin women and Seniors Order of Merit) but it has been postponed to a date to be advised. The other local event in January is the South Creek Cup, an annual Vardon event, which will be held at Dunheved GC on Saturday 29th January.