Westernnews 7july2017

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Friday, 7 July 2017

ISSUE 38

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Jumping for joy Getting kids out of the house can be incredibly hard, particularly when it seems most of them are superglued to their phones, iPads and consoles, but one initiative will have children bouncing off the walls. Read more on page 5.

Photo supplied by: Western Sydney Local Health District

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Blood donors save shot cop’s life A policeman shot trying to save a doctor’s life says he would have died if it were not for volunteer blood donors.

Blue Mountains-based Senior Constable Luke Warburton needed to have 14 litres of blood transfusions after a struggle with an ice-affected patient at Nepean Hospital last January.

The decorated officer, from the NSW Police Dog Squad, shared his story at Blacktown City Council’s Red25 Blood Challenge launch at the Civic Centre on Tuesday.

Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said his story should inspire others to donate.

“Each time you donate you can help save someone like Luke Warburton,” he said.

“In fact, every time you donate you save up to three lives.

“So let’s dig deep, let’s save a life; it’s an easy way of doing it.”

Mr Warburton told a gathering of about 50 Council workers about the day a patient took a doctor hostage and held a knife to her throat.

“I was the first car out there and as a result of that incident I got shot through my lower abdomen and it pierced my femoral vein,” he said.

 Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali, Senior Constable Luke Warburton and Australian Red Cross Community Relations Officer Ronny Maroun.

“I hit the deck and there was a vast amount of blood that was pouring out of me.”

Police allege Mr Warburton and his partner, Senior Constable Tim Duffy, tried to subdue the man with capsicum spray, but he grabbed Mr Warburton’s gun.

The man fired two shots, with one of the bullets striking Mr Warburton’s leg and the other wounding a security guard.

Mr Warburton said things went “a little pear-shaped from there”, as he was rushed into surgery at the hospital where he was in an induced coma for three days.

“When I woke up out of that doctors told me they needed to give me 14 litres of blood in those three days,” he said.

“The human body has somewhere between 5-7 litres of blood at any one time, so to be

given 14 litres is a fair amount of blood.

“I was a blood donor prior to this incident and never thought I’d need it, I don’t think most people would, but I can assure you when the time comes, it comes in handy.

“It’s people like you who roll up your sleeves and give an hour of your time to donate blood that makes all the difference.”

The Red25 Council Blood Challenge is run by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and encourages staff at local councils to donate blood between July and September.

NSW council blood donations throughout this period are tallied against each other with the most blood donations from the one council winning the challenge.

Last year, donations from Blacktown City Council employees helped save 108 lives.

This year, Mayor Bali has set a goal of 100 donations, which could save 300 lives.

The Red Cross Blood Service van will be at the Blacktown Kmart car park from 20-21 July.

For more information or to get involved visit www.donateblood. com.au/red25 or call 1300 886 524.

3 Western News 7 July 2017 Issue 38

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

4 Western News 7 July 2017 Issue 38

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THE bitterly cold winter nights have certainly set in now, and the old ice pic is needed to get your car out of the driveway each morning.

As you jump in your nice warm bed tonight on your warm fluffy pillows, switching on your electric blanket if you have one, or pulling the ultra-thick doona right up to your eyeballs so that only your eyebrows feel cold, spare a thought for our homeless people.

In these freezing conditions, they are likely sleeping on cold concrete or grass, with a piece of cardboard for comfort.

And if you’ve gone out and purchased fancy bright pink floral ten-foot thick bedding for the winter, how about donating the old bed covers to a collection point for our homeless?

Thick winter jackets, beanies, gloves, socks and tinned hot meals are all things that will come in handy to those who don’t have the comfort we have to come home to.

There are so many local charities across our large region that will pass on the goods for you, or contact us if you’d like to know your nearest drop off spot.

If ever there’s a time where “The Haves” should step up and help “The Have Nots” it is during the coldest months of the year.

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Jumping for joy (and exercise)

By Keegan Thomson

GETTING kids out of the house can be incredibly hard, particularly when it seems most of them are superglued to their phones, iPads and consoles, but one initiative will have children bouncing off the walls.

Parents across western Sydney are being encouraged to sign-up their kids for a free, healthy lifestyle program, focused on making physical activity fun.

There is one added bonus to make the exercise fun and it is… trampolining!

The initiative is called Go4Fun and spaces are now open for the term 3 program which include wild and fun fuelled trampolining classes.

Go4Fun, designed for children aged seven to 13, aims to help kids become fitter, healthier and happier through a range of activities including games, quizzes and a healthy supermarket tour without the junk food.

Western Sydney Local Health District’s Centre for Population Health Deputy Director Christine Newman said the “program is really helping kids, and their parents, to make healthier choices.”

 Jai Satuala, with his mother Julia Satuala and sisters Jade and Jennifer Satuala.

Photo supplied by: Western Sydney Local Health District

“According to health data, in 2015, one in five children were overweight or obese and most children weren’t active enough – only 29 per cent were meeting physical activity guidelines,” Ms Newman said.

“Go4Fun is great because kids get the chance to meet new friends, play games that get their heart rate up and

learn tips for a healthy life; and we’ve seen some great results – many kids have seen their self-esteem and fitness soar. It’s so important for children to develop healthy habits early in life as these habits can stay with them into adulthood.”

More than 1000 families have participated in the program since its

launch in 2011 including 10-year-old Jai Satuala who participated in the Go4Fun program last term.

“I’ve been working really hard at my goals and making lots of changes at home,” Jai said. “I’ve got the whole family involved, including my two sisters.”

Jai’s mum Julie Satuala said she signed her son up for Go4Fun as she was worried about his eating habits.

“I was working full-time, and lost track of what he was eating; I wanted to do something about it,” Ms Satuala said.

“The best part of the program was the way they teach and encourage the kids; they gave Jai so much confidence and I’ve noticed a huge change in his attitude – he’s happier and he sleeps better. I’m glad I took the step [and signed up to Go4Fun]; it’s been a huge eye-opener.”

Term 3 Go4Fun will run over the 10week school term. Sessions are held once a week outside school hours. The program will run at locations across Cumberland, Parramatta, Blacktown and Baulkham Hills.

To book or for more information, call Go4Fun on 1800 280 900 or visit www.go4fun.com.au

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Western News 7 July 2017 Issue 38

Car: No fair toll for western Sydney

By Keegan Thomson

THE state opposition has again accused the Berejiklian government of flogging western Sydney drivers with higher toll prices than those who live and commute around the northern suburbs.

The Opposition claims information sourced from leaked government documents show that at the same time the tolls from the the M4 are set to be introduced, the government will spare any price hikes on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Harbour Tunnel.

The documents say an annual increase on the price of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel tolls and the removal of the M5 cash back scheme was “not supported” by the government.

The Opposition says this means western Sydney motorists will cop a toll of up to $4.56, which will be increased yearly, each time they commute on the M4 to Sydney and the northern suburbs won’t see any increase on their main route into the city.

To add further sting into the hip pocket of western Sydney commuters the tolls on the M4 are set to increase by four percent each year. It has been estimated that motorists would pay up to $2000 a year to use the M4.

Prue Car, Labor MP for Londonderry and she is fuming.

“This is the Liberals putting the Northern Suburbs above western Sydney once again,” Ms Car said.

“This government has no problem increasing the tolls paid for by western Sydney residents, but when it comes to the north shore they will go out of their way to save them,” she said.

The same documents hinted that the government had looked into suspending the M5 cash back

 Opposition Leader Luke Foley with Prue Car MP. Photo: Supplied.

scheme, which again will raise the price for anyone using roads around Sydney.

Each day hundreds of thousands of western Sydney residents use the M4 and the M5 toll to conduct business and commute to work, with these two major motor ways being two of the most efficient ways to get into the Sydney CBD. Another opposition MP, John Robertson, the member for Blacktown said the government was treating the people of western Sydney like fools.

“Once again the government is treating the people of western Sydney like fools - thinking they could seriously get away increasing the tolls on western Sydney residents whilst going out of their way to

save their friends in the north shore,” Mr Robertson said.

“But I’ll tell you what, the people of western Sydney are no mugs - they can spot a fake from a mile away - and this government’s commitment to infrastructure is all smoke and mirrors.”

Minister for WestConnex, Stuart Ayres was quick to hit back, citing the toll implementation record under previous Labor governments and suggesting there would be more to come under Labor.

“The suggestion that the NSW Government is sparing some parts of Sydney a toll increase while increasing other tolls is simply false.

“Luke Foley and Prue Car have a secret toll on the M4 ready to roll out the day after the election. They just don’t want to tell you about it,” Mr Ayres said.

“The tolls entered into under the previous Labor government mean that Penrith motorists are slugged $22 to take the quickest route to the city, $5,000 per year for those driving in each day for work.

WestConnex will provide a direct route for $8.60.

“Instead of playing the politics of envy, Prue Car should tell the people of Western Sydney, what will the toll on the new M4 be under a Labor Government?

“It’s rich for Labor to oppose using tolls to fund new roads – tolls are in Labor’s DNA,” Mr Ayres claimed.

Mr Ayres said Labor governments implemented tolls on the M7, Eastern Distributor and the Harbour, Cross City and Lane Cove Tunnels.

“Luke Foley knows that to finish the project that he has to charge a toll,” he said.

“The people of western Sydney haven’t forgotten Bob Carr sliding into Government on a lie after promising to remove the M4 toll and they won’t be conned a second time.”

New outdoor gym unveiled in Blacktown Fitness enthusiasts will have more spaces to dip, crunch, lift, press and stretch on new gym equipment at a Blacktown City Council park.

Mayor of Blacktown City Councillor Stephen Bali said four new fitness stations have been installed at Tregear Reserve.

“Council already has a number of outdoor gyms at parks across the City, and it’s fantastic locals living near Tregear Reserve can now enjoy the benefits this equipment provides,” he said.

“Not everyone has the time or the money to go to a gym. These outdoor exercise stations mean people can work out at no cost within walking distance of their home.

“It’s free, convenient and has the added benefit of being located in a wonderful parkland setting.”

Mayor Bali said the fitness stations included equipment such a cross trainer, leg lift bench, pull up bars, chest back press and squat press.

“This new outdoor gym is as good as it gets, featuring equipment that you would expect to find in a commercial gym,” he said.

“Blacktown is a sporting city and this new outdoor gym will help our community lead more healthy and active lifestyles.”

The gym equipment got a big thumbs-up from the Mt Druitt Clontarf Academy, which recently held a team fitness challenge at Tregear Reserve with students from the academy.

“We want to thank Council for installing this equipment,” Year 8 student TJ Summerfield said.

“It’s really useful, especially for people who can’t afford to go to the gym.”

Mt Druitt Clontarf Academy Director Luke Swain

 Mt Druitt Clontarf Academy students Lionel Murray, TJ Summerfield, Waarlan McDougall and Aaron Templeton; Mt Druitt Clontarf Academy Director Luke Swain; Mayor Stephen Bali; Megan Beckett from FACS and Cr Brad Bunting.

said: “The boys were impressed Council had put such nice equipment in a park.

“It was a great conversation starter for the group around how local government is attempting to encourage healthy lifestyles in the community, why this is important, and why we should take pride in our community and look after these machines.”

The total cost of the project was $89,162, jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government’s Department of Family and Community Services.

“Family and Community Services (FACS) are committed to supporting projects that create better

and stronger social housing communities through its Social Housing Community Improvement Fund,” said Megan Beckett, FACS Acting Executive District Director Western Sydney Nepean Blue Mountains District.

“SHCIF, a $20 million grant program, provides one-off grants for capital works or refurbishment projects, such as the new outdoor gym in Tregear Reserve, to improve the liveability and amenity of social housing communities.

“It is wonderful being here today to acknowledge the contribution this project will make to Blacktown and its social housing residents.”

Parkour inspiration comes to Blacktown Blacktown City Council is the first council in Western Sydney to build a Parkour-inspired place space, at Bidwill Park.

Parkour, developed in France, is a training discipline that uses exercise and fitness training movements derived from military obstacle course training.

The $150,000 Blacktown City Council-led project includes an obstacle climbing course, with Parkour pieces and spinning elements.

It was designed with help from students at Bidwill Primary School and Chifley College Campus Bidwill, who took part in Council-run workshops over two days last year.

“Council wanted to know what local kids wanted from a playground in their neighbourhood,” Deputy Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Tony Bleasdale said.

“Their ideas were directly incorporated into the planning and design of the innovative play-space we see today.

“This is an exciting attraction for local young people to get fit, have some fun and try out some Parkour moves.

“With the opening of this new play space local enthusiasts of the heart-stopping sport can challenge

themselves close to home.”

The Bidwill play space opening celebration included a thrilling performance by Western Sydneybased Parkour group, Team 9 Lives.

Team 9 Lives director Ali Kadhim said he hoped the demonstration would inspire young people to give Parkour a go.

“The Parkour space here is awesome, it’s everything young kids need to get started and I wish a grew up next to a park like this,” he said.

“It’s never too late and you’re never

too young to start. The time to start is now. Start with the basics, start small and learn with your friends.

“It’s all about having fun and building community spirit.”

The project was completed thanks in part to a $50,000 contribution from the Department of Family and Community Safety (FACS).

“FACS are proud to partner with local organisations to support projects that build stronger and safer communities,” FACS spokesperson Mychelle Curran said.

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“The new playground will be a great addition to the Blacktown community and will benefit social housing residents.”

State Member for Mt Druitt Edmond Atalla said: “Play spaces like this are more than just an economic investment – they are an investment in the quality of life for communities like Bidwill.

“I am delighted to see Blacktown City Council taking a leadership role in delivering exciting play spaces for the young people of Mt Druitt.”

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Western News 7 July 2017 Issue 38

Getting to know....

Wayne Willmington

Have your say Rooty Hill

Managing Director, Vintage FM with Conner Lowe

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What was your first paid job?

I worked in a general store and service station.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Having photos with beautiful ladies.

What is your biggest fear/phobia and why?

I cannot live without my mobile it keeps me connected to the world and my radio stations.

What is your worst habit?

Singing along to songs in public (I can’t sing).

Best advice you have ever been given?

If at first you don’t succeed then try again, everything is possible.

If you only had $50 left in the bank, how would you spend it?

I have no idea.

Favourite holiday destination and why?

Love the Gold Coast, the perfect place to getaway and unwind, and you are only just over 1 hour away.

Do you have a favourite sporting team?

The Panthers of course.

Name one reason that you love Western Sydney?

Its people are the best.

In three words, describe your perfect Sunday?

Have day off.

BLACKTOWN City Council’s travelling community forum will roll into Rooty Hill in July, giving the residents and ratepayers an opportunity to raise their neighbourhood issues with Council.

The July forum is the second time this year that Council has hosted a ‘have your say forums’ in the area to give residents and ratepayers a chance to engage with the Council.

Mayor of Blacktown, Councillor Stephen Bali, said the forums are run so everyone can raise their concerns.

“These forums are proving to be increasingly popular and our residents welcome the opportunity to raise their concerns with us,” Cr Bali said.

“We are back in Ward 4 and it’s the ideal opportunity for locals to meet up with me, my fellow Ward Councillors and Council experts,” Mayor Bali said.

Growing up in Doonside, the Mayor said he looks forward to connecting with locals on a further level and suggested that more people from his own community should come along.

“I grew up in Doonside and would like to

see more people from my own community meet with us and tell us what they think about Council’s work, how you feel about things in your area, and what you want to see Council do,” the Mayor said.

The Rooty Hill forum starts at 7pm on Wednesday, July 12 at the Rooty Hill School of Arts.

Residents and ratepayers will get a chance to hear about major upgrades to local parks and reserves, local road projects and about Council’s library services.

Mayor Bali will also present an update about the recent Parliamentary Inquiry into the Proposed Energy from Waste facility in Eastern Creek, and hear more about a Badgerys Creek airport community information day Council is co-hosting with Blue Mountains Council on Sunday, July 23.

“It is encouraging to see more and more residents taking advantage of Council’s faceto-face engagement and coming to meet with myself and my fellow Councillors,” Cr Bali said.

“Be involved, be informed and be heard,” he said.

Nominate a volunteer Surviving Suicide ‘A safe and therapeutic support group for people whose lives have been impacted by suicide’ Fortnightly FREE Support group at Hawkesbury House partnering with Western Sydney Suicide Prevention and Support Network Time 9.30am to 11.30am Hawkesbury House www.hawkesburyhouse.com 6 Christie Street Windsor The groups will meet on the following date: July 11 July 25 Aug 8 Aug 22 Sep 5 Sep 19 Oct 3 Oct 31 Nov 14 Nov 28 Dec 12 RSVP is appreciated on 02 4577 6454.

Readers requiring support or information about suicide prevention can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Member for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly MP is calling on the local community to nominate its most outstanding volunteers for a prestigious award.

“The volunteers in our community don’t expect anything in return for their service, but we as a community can make the effort to recognise and celebrate their contributions,” Mr Conolly said.

Nominations are now open in seven categories: Young (24 years and under) Adult (25 to 64) Senior (65+) Corporate Volunteer (Individual) Corporate Volunteer Team Volunteer Team Excellent in Volunteer Management “Every day I see volunteers giving their time and effort to make our community a better place – in our emergency services, our schools, our sports clubs, our hospitals and our parks,” said Mr Conolly.

Nominations for the 2017 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award will close 5pm, Friday, 14 July 2017.

For more information and to nominate, please visit the website at www.volunteering.com.au/ volunteer-awards/nomination.

Nominations can be completed online or by calling The Centre for Volunteering on (02) 9261 3600.

 Mr Conolly presenting a well-deserved award at the Volunteer of the Year Awards ceremony held in 2015

Sleep in your car to help our homeless Fusion Western Sydney and Platform Youth Services are once again gearing up for SLEEP IN YOUR CAR, an annual event for Homelessness Week (7-14 August) to raise awareness and funds for those experiencing, or “at risk” of homelessness.

SLEEP IN YOUR CAR is a Fusion initiative and will be held at eleven Fusion centres across Australia during Homelessness Week.

SLEEP IN YOUR CAR ‘western Sydney’ will be held on Friday 4 August in Station Street at St Marys Railway Station starting at 6pm.

Over 105,000 people around Australia are without a home and safe place to sleep on any given night, many of whom are young people. Homelessness is a complex issue. There’s no one single reason that results in a young person being without a place to call home. Often it’s the coming together of many challenges and circumstances that result in homelessness.

SLEEP IN YOUR CAR gives the community of western Sydney the chance to do something about the issue in our local area, celebrate the resilience of young people and convey a message that young people experiencing homelessness are

homeless but not helpless! With good support and accommodation young people can move forward and live independent and productive lives.

“This is the fifth year we’ve run the event and it just keeps growing.

Last year’s SLEEP IN YOUR CAR was the biggest yet which shows the community’s care, willingness and commitment to make a difference

where they can.

Even though homelessness is serious, the event is fun and engaging to help people think about the issue, its causes and solutions in a tangible way”. (Judy Tweeddale, Fusion Western Sydney) Starting at 6pm at in Station Street at St Marys Railway Station there’ll be music, a free bbq by St Marys Rotary and interactive activities run

by Fusion, Platform Youth Services and a range of local service providers who care for and get alongside those who are vulnerable in our community.

To register, donate or find out more, visit www.sleepinyourcar.com.au. or phone Fusion Western Sydney on 8805 5971. This is one way we can do something to make a difference for people who need our support most. For more information about homelessness visit www.homelessnessaustralia.org. au Funds raised from SLEEP IN YOUR CAR will go towards the much needed ongoing support and work of, not for profit organisations, Fusion Western Sydney and Platform Youth Services. Fusion is a youth and community organisation based in St Marys with a deep, ongoing commitment to developing resilience in young people and families focussing on early intervention and prevention. Platform Youth Services is a leading specialist provider of services for homeless young people or those “at risk” of being homeless in the Nepean, Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Hawkesbury. Both organisations care for vulnerable young people, their families and community.

9 Western News 7 July 2017 Issue 38

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Blacktown approves People’s Budget Blacktown City Council has approved what has been termed “The People’s Budget” The $610 million budget – the city’s biggest yet – was formally approved at last night’s meeting.

Moving its acceptance, Deputy Mayor Tony Bleasdale called it “the People’s Budget”.

“Despite the challenges we face

as we head toward a population exceeding half a million people – we have, I believe, delivered what should be known as the People’s Budget,’ Councillor Bleasdale said.

“We will deliver a City full of life and opportunity for our residents and the tens of thousands who will make it their home in the years ahead.

“It’s a budget which delivers first-

class services and facilities and has a vision for jobs: a vision which will be delivered in partnership with our local business community.

“And a vision for education – seeking to add a full-scale university campus to our great schools and TAFE institutes.”

Councillor Bleasdale highlighted the decision to prove a larger-than-

required pensioner discount for rates.

“By maintaining the rates rebate which we substantially increased for our 12,500 pensioners, and this caused us to be named as one of the most socially caring councils in NSW. “And - good news for all ratepayers - 80 per cent of Blacktown ratepayers pay rates that are nearly 10% less than the estimated State average, he said.

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Western News 7 July 2017 Issue 38

Car hits house Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a crash at Stanhope Gardens on Tuesday night.

About 10.45pm Tuesday, emergency services were called to Guernsey Way, Stanhope Gardens following reports a car had crashed into a house.

Police have been told two vehicles have collided at the intersection of Sunnyholt Road and Stanhope Parkway, causing one of the vehicles, a silver Lexus to travel through the front yard of Guernsey Way coming to rest in the front bedroom.

The driver and passenger of the Lexus, two women aged in their mid 30s, were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Hospital as a precaution.

The driver of the Camry, a 50-year-old man and his female passenger aged in her 30s, were uninjured.

The occupants of the home were unharmed.

Police from Quakers Hill Local Area Command commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The corner of the home sustained structural damage.

Inquiries into the crash are continuing.

Getting our young unemployed into the workforce

By Kerrie Davies

IT can be a vicious circle for our young unemployed trying to obtain a secure full time job, but a state government initiative aims to help job-seekers overcome the challenges.

Members for Riverstone and Seven Hills, Mr Kevin Conolly MP and Mr Mark Taylor MP have encouraged young people in the Blacktown area who are unemployed to take part in a $65 million NSW Government employment program to help them get training, overcome employment barriers, and secure lasting jobs.

Mr Conolly said the Youth Employment Program is part of the NSW government’s $100 million Smart Skilled and Hired initiative.

“This new Youth Employment Program will help eligible young people aged 15-24 get the training and support they need to overcome barriers to employment and secure jobs that will last,” Mr Conolly said.

“The Youth Employment Program is being delivered in western Sydney to target and reduce high youth unemployment in these areas,” Mr Taylor said.

“This program will help young people who are not already registered with Commonwealth employment programs and who are not in work or are underemployed.”

Mr Conolly said following a tender process, MAX Solutions Pty Ltd, MTC, Navitas English, and Yourtown

have been selected as Youth Employment Program providers in the Blacktown LGA. These providers will be employed on an outcomes-based contracting model allowing them to design tailored support plans for local participants across areas including life skills, accommodation and transport, training, and health and well-being, while also considering the needs of the local labour market.

The Deputy Premier and Minister

for Skills said the provider contracts will also have financial incentives linked to young people staying in employment for at least six months.

“The Youth Employment Program will be supported by employers and organisations to connect young people with training and jobs,” Mr Barilaro said. “Training, mentoring and work experience placements will help young people build their skills and experience to secure lasting employment.”

A 140 year old story still hits home

By Keegan Thomson

PA R R A M AT TA’ s Riverside Theatre has again delivered a great production featuring Indigenous and First Nations voices telling a story of survival of Aboriginal culture and self determination.

The play, Coranderrk, centres around the story of a strong community of First Nations people fighting against an oppressive government some 140 years ago.

In 1881 a tribe of Indigenous Australians went head to head with the Aboriginal Protection Board, fighting to be allowed to continue the selfsustaining farming community they had established on the scrap of country left to them by white colonialists.

The scrap of country was the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve, in Victoria, yet the government at the time felt the need to launch a parliamentary inquiry into the matter. The play itself was constructed from the transcripts of the parliamentary inquiry.

Across the hour long production, the actors played different characters in

 Trevor Jamieson plays a number of moving characters. Photo: Tyson Mowarin

the story in a courtroom like setting.

Trevor Jamieson delivered a stand out performance playing Barak, the leader of the Coranderrk Aboriginals.

Jamieson took the audience through the story and truly optimised the affect that white settlement has had, and is still having, on the Indigenous members of Australia.

Coranderrk’s director, Eva Grace

Mullaley, is a prominent Indigenous artist who has roots to country being a Widi woman from the Yamatji nation in Western Australia.

Ms Mullaley said Coranderrk is a very important story because it reveals an unembellished report of what happened to a group of Indigenous Australians during the first 100 years of white settlement in Australia.

“It is a very important play because it reveals the real history of Australia,” Ms Mullaley said. “It shows a new way of activism for first nations people of Australia way back in 1881.”

The dialogue within the play was pulled directly from transcripts and quotes from the the 1881 inquiry and when delivered in the play offered a harrowing account of life as an Aboriginal in colonialist Victoria.

“One of the powerful things about the play is that this is the real words from these real people,” Ms Mullaley said.

“The strength and the intelligence of the people of Coranderrk is noted in the inquiry and it comes to life in the play. Originally they were shown as savages and unintelligent but the transcripts show these Indigenous People are strong and astute.

“It is indisputable, it is in verbatim.

It was written by a whitefella but this can’t ever be called a myth because the words come from parliamentary documents. It can’t be called embellished, which is what I love most about it,” she said.

Share Your Shoes

 Sarah Harris, co-host of Network Ten’s Studio 10 and Smith Family ambassador donates a pair of her pre-loved shoes at Broadway Sydney for Share My Shoes

This July, customers of Stanhope Village will once again be greeted by a giant shoebox for Mirvac Retail’s community initiative, Share My Shoes, to raise much needed funds for Australia’s largest children’s education charity, The Smith Family.

Sarah Harris, co-host of Network Ten’s Studio 10 and Smith Family ambassador, is asking customers to look in their wardrobes to find a pair of shoes they can donate for a good cause.

“Everyone has a pair of lonely shoes in their wardrobe that they no longer wear, or love! Share My Shoes is the perfect opportunity to donate a pair of shoes and you’ll feel great knowing you’re helping The Smith Family support disadvantaged children with their education,” said Ms Harris.

From Monday 3 July to Sunday 30 July, customers can drop their preloved shoes into Stanhope Village’s giant shoebox. The donated shoes will be sold through The Smith Family’s stores, with proceeds helping to deliver educational support programs to 33,000 disadvantaged children and young people across Australia.

This year, Mirvac Retail shopping centres will aim to collect 24,000 pairs of shoes, double the number of shoes donated last year when the campaign first launched. For those who don’t have a spare pair of shoes to donate, or can’t bear the thought of parting with their old favourites, Mirvac will donate $1 to The Smith Family for every social media post featuring a ‘Shoefie’ – a shoe selfie – with the tag @ShareMyShoes. Through ‘Shoefies’, Mirvac aims to raise $10,000.

Stanhope Village will also award a $250 voucher to the best ‘shoefie’ each week during the Share My Shoes campaign, with fun themed floor

murals dotted throughout the centre providing a range of inspiring shoe backdrops for customers.

Lisa Curtin, Marketing Manager Stanhope Village, said, “Last year’s Share My Shoes initiative was a huge success thanks to the support of our customers and this year we are hoping to double our shoe donations! We encourage all of our customers to get rummaging through their wardrobes for The Smith Family, so that we can help them improve the futures of disadvantaged children by supporting their education.”

Steve Macready - Title: General Manager, NSW/ACT The Smith Family’s General Manager of NSW/ ACT, said Share My Shoes is a fun opportunity for the community to help disadvantaged children get the educational support they need.

“Right now there are 1.1 million children and young people living in poverty in Australia,” he said.

“Too often, the struggles that affect a child’s home life can flow into their school life, impacting their motivation, engagement and achievement of benchmarks.

“At The Smith Family we are focused on providing educational support to help children break the cycle of disadvantage.

“Share My Shoes is a wonderful campaign and each shoe donation or ‘shoefie’ will help us to give a child living in poverty the support they need to succeed at school.

“This July please support Share My Shoes and recycle to help break the cycle!”

T&Cs apply, to get a copy and further information visit www. stanhopevillage.com.au.

Shoes donated are to be clean and laces tied together.

11 Western News 7 July 2017 Issue 38

localnews

12

Legends of the West

By Keegan Thomson

School disco at Wilcannia Central School 1970 - Helen Barraclough is the student.

TEACHERS are the fabric of a community.

They undertake more work in a week than some major corporation CEOs do in a year and yet it seems like they’re never given enough praise, but finally one local teacher is receiving some much needed praise.

Allen Cullen is a local teacher who has been educating children with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities for nearly 50 years.

Recently his hard work and dedication was recognised with an OAM. Allen started off his journey as a teacher and a special education professional in a small town in the state’s north west.

“I’ve always been on the edge of special education, ever since I first started teaching,” Allen said.

“When I first started teaching I had a class of high school slow learners at Barraba High School.

“I was a primary school trained teacher but the slow learners section of the high school needed a teacher, so I was put into that class for a year, which was quite a challenge. I had to settle

into teaching and I had to also learn how to teach children with disabilities, or slow learners as they called them back then. It took me about six months to realise what I was trying to do,” he said.

Even with his primary teaching skills building up he still felt like a fish out of water when he first started teaching special education children.

“It was a challenge to begin with because my general primary training didn’t train me to teach special education. It is a skill you have to be very precise with and you have to task analyse what you’re trying to teach.

You need to break everything down into very small steps,” Allen said.

Propelled by his passion for education, Allen felt he needed to gain a better understanding of what it meant to be a teacher, so he applied for a transfer but ended up in a school a little further away in Wilcannia.

“I was there in Wilcannia Central School for two years teaching primary classes. There I was able to hone my skills as a teacher. It was a good mix of Indigenous and caucasian children and a good experience,” Allen said.

His teaching career then took him to a one-teacher-school in Spencer, in

the middle Hawkesbury, and then onto Woy Woy High. Once he was married, Allen moved to western Sydney, and it was here that he started to focus in on special education.

“After I married I moved to Penrith, and I took a remedial learning course and was moved into Mount Druitt High School, teaching reading skills to the high school students. It was there that the special education consultant for the school suggested I go full-time into special education,” Allen said.

“I applied and got the Deputy Master position at Holroyd School of Special Education at Merrylands.

I was there for seven years and I was even promoted to Assistant Principal, and then I was appointed the Principal of Cooinda Special School in Canley Vale. I was there for three years.

“After all that I moved to Niland where I was working with children who had mild intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioural disorders and autism,” he said.

Whilst at Niland, Allen was able to help set up an organisation that would impact thousands of Australian lives.

Using the work experience model set up at Niland, Allen set up Nova Employment, an organisation that

Allen Cullen helps get people with intellectual and social disabilities into work.

“We gave our students good skills to go into employment but when they left school they didn’t have the support. For quite a lot their work would breakdown or if they didn’t have work they would just end up drifting,” he said.

“We thought that something needed to be set up to keep track of the students and young adults so that they could get into employment and be supported throughout their initial stages of their new work.

“We could teach them the skills, try to give them some of the social skills, but they didn’t have it all. It is hard for some of them to get up and search for work. So we set up Nova to help find jobs for them and then provide support for them for the first six months or so of their employment,” Allen said.

After teaching at Niland for 15 years, Allen had done a lot of good at the school but was ready to move on. This was when he ended up at Kurrambee School, a place he would transform over the coming years.

“I was appointed Principal of Kurrambee School in 2003. I knew the school, I knew the Principal at the time, I knew it was a good school and I

was looking for a good school to be at before my retirement,” Allen said.

“When I was appointed Principal I also became the President of Little By Little, which is the charity that supports the school.

“At Little By Little we’ve been able to do more for the school, expand the bus fleet, update and make more bus runs. We’ve been able to make the school a better place for children who have diverse needs and we’re able to cater for those needs,” he said.

Currently Allen teaches one day a week at Kurrambee School and also works for Little By Little, offering up his time to do bus runs, fundraise and is a strong advocate for the organisation.

At the heart of everything Allen does is his passion to help children who are in the most need of help. Everything he does is motived by his drive to improve the lives of the children.

“I’ve always wanted to try to develop the children’s independence as much as possible so that when they leave school they can live worthwhile and meaningful lives in the community,” he said.

Allen Cullen is one teacher and community man who is well deserving of the status of Legend.

13

 Allen Cullen working hard at Kurrambee School.

Allen Cullen was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Kerrie Davies.

If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

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14 Western News 7 July 2017 Issue 38

A Picture Perfect local rock band

By Keegan Thomson

TWELVE years is a long time in the music industry.

Bands come and go and music careers rise then fall but despite this Picture Perfect, a western Sydney based rock n roll band, has delivered time and time again.

After forming in high school, some 12 years ago, two brothers and one of their mates came together with the intention of starting a band just to have a good time. Today they’re booking tours around the country and they’re just about to launch another hot EP. Gavin Bowles, lead singer and guitarist of the band, formed Picture Perfect with his drummer brother, Simon, and their bassist mate, Cameron Hill, back when they were students at Blaxland high school.

When speaking about the longevity of the band, Gavin said time has only made Picture Perfect tighter and stronger.

“It has become more fun over time,” Gavin said.

“We’ve grown together as a band, as mates, the music has also become better and you can really see it in our live shows. Our shows are tighter, we know what kind of music we want to perform and we know what music we want to be recording,” he said.

The band of brothers are gearing up for the launch of their new EP, Paint it Whack, and Gavin says it will be one of the most refined and honest outputs from the band yet.

“We were trying for a while to push into the mainstream avenues, like blogs, radio stations and print media but at the end of the day our music isn’t for everyone. We’re really trying to focus on reaching

the people who really care about our music,” Gavin said.

“We’ve just ended up saying lets just be honest and deliver something that is organic, and with that mentality we’ve got some really honest music on this EP,” he said.

Picture Perfect have always strived to deliver something that is fun to listen to and fun to watch.

Initially the band cut their teeth playing venues like Tattersalls but now Gavin and the boys fine tune their sets at gigs at Panthers. According to Gavin their pursuit for a good time is what keeps the band together.

“There are two ways to be a band. One is you either pose to look cool and you act a certain way because you’re trying to be something you’re not.

Or you can be honest and true to yourself. We have a sense of humour and we know were not going to be the biggest band ever but we want to have fun and we want people to have fun with us,” he said.

The recording and writing process for the EP was done over a year, and like all things over that time period, a lot changed within the band across that period.

“In the lead up to this new EP there have been some changes in our lives professionally and personally. Things do get harder to deal with the failing music industry, but as things get harder we become closer together,” Gavin said.

“You could be having a terrible day but you go to band practice, or you go into the studio to lay down some tracks, and all of a sudden the day turns awesome,” he said.

Picture Perfect will be launching their new EP, Paint it Whack, at the Hideaway Bar in Enmore on July 15, with tentative plans to perform later on in the year at possible venues across western Sydney. The event is free for all who wish to head along for some good old fashioned honest rock n roll.

SAMURAI SUDOKU INSTRUCTIONS Within each of the five 9x9 squares, each digit from 1-9 occurs once within each row, column and 3x3 block.

There is only one solution, and you can find it without guessing SOLUTION: 9th June

42.195km Marathon 21.1km Half Marathon 10km Run/Walk 5km Run/Walk 2km Kids Marathon

16 Western News 7 July 2017 Issue 38

Social media and death seems a strange mix... with TP I don’t know if it’s just me or whether there are others who feel sharing their grief on social media is a bridge too far. I’m not a social media user and therefore by definition not an over-sharer. But am I on a completely different page or indeed another book altogether when I say that I think it is in poor taste to discuss such things in front of the whole world? Am I just old-fashioned or even selfish in my belief that grief is a very private affair and not to be plastered across a shallow world of “friends” and “likes”?

Whilst social media can be a useful environment to share information between friends and family and to get in touch with long lost school friends, I really think that the social media environment beyond that is a far more sinister place.

There are real people who make it their life’s work to hurt other people and push them to unimaginable limits just for kicks. I sometimes wonder how this happens because if you haven’t allowed strangers to become “friends” online then how would this happen?

In the quest to become noticed people allow anyone in to add to their

accumulated “friend” list. I think that this is sad and pathetic and says more about the deprivation of our society than most realise.

How good can you really feel receiving birthday messages from so called “friends” when you know that they are only doing so after a prompt from the social media platform? But it doesn’t seem to worry them as they appear to just to be happy to have the “likes” and plentiful birthday wishes.

Perhaps I should have been born in

another time when hand written cards filled with heartfelt messages from real friends and family or telephone calls were sufficient shows of affection and care. I know that this was not really in that too distant a past and I prefer to keep it as my present.

Anyway back to my point about the outpouring of grief in this very public domain. I tend to think it is more about the person posting than the passing of the person. I have seen examples of people rewriting history of their

relationships with people who have tragically died stating that they are grieving more than anyone else and yet they had bullied that person mercilessly in real life. This posting of their imagined sorrow probably comes more from guilt and a ghoulish need to compete about who is the saddest.

Tweeting about death is even more dreadful, reducing a persons life to a trite 140 characters. It’s just awful.

I know that there are very genuine displays of grief online but I still can’t help thinking that for some, every word is selected with such care in order to illicit accolades from mutual “friends” or worse still in complete contrast a nasty cheap looking post with an obligatory RIP. I’m sure that I’m not alone in my sentimental old-fashioned approach to grief but there are probably as many out there who think that this is completely acceptable. I don’t believe there is a right or a wrong, but rather just a different way of viewing the world.

For me in life and death, I prefer my reality compared to a virtual one.

Opinion: Regulation sometimes a necessity

By Bart Bassett

When it comes to the most vulnerable in our society it is the job of government to ensure these people are protected; and regulation and rigorous compliance checks is the only answer.

There are two sectors in our community that receive funding or approval from both the state and federal government, they being early childhood learning as in preschools, and aged care services as in nursing homes. Both these sectors care for the most vulnerable in our society, meaning there should be no room for poor care. It should be what we would expect for our own family members, nothing less.

Recently a terrible story emerged regarding a man in a nursing home in the ACT being badly neglected, but this is not the first time stories have surfaced on deplorable treatment of our elderly citizens. Whilst most nursing homes are managed by caring management and caring hands-on staff, there are some facilities that do not live up to the standard of care we would expect to be given to our loved ones - and every other resident of a nursing home - which is totally unacceptable.

The federal government is responsible for funding aged care beds and they licence and fund facilities to assist with the cost of providing care and support for every individual who is in a nursing home. It is obvious that

the compliance checks of individual nursing homes are not adequate if mistreatment is occurring in the system.

There have been Parliamentary Inquiries over the years including more recently in NSW which made numerous recommendations; many of which must be acted on at the federal government level. There have also been numerous reports by not-forprofit organisations highlighting the concerns they have on how nursing home residents are treated and how nursing homes are not checked regularly enough for compliance to

standards of care.

This is not a new problem and it doesn’t relate to who is in power; it has been an ongoing problem over many many years and horror stories continue to occur - and these are only the ones we find out about. How many of our elderly are being mistreated and it is going unreported? That is the terrifying question and is one we shouldn’t have to be asking. The bureaucracy that oversees the nursing home sector has been too slow or unwilling to put in place greater compliance checking and random inspections.

It is hard to believe but there are no federally required staffing ratios or mandatory staff skills in the aged care sector. One of the recommendations put forward by the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into nursing homes was that the Commonwealth Government should require nursing homes to publish information about their staffing skills on the “My Aged Care” website, they also recommended the Commonwealth Government should address the wage disparity between registered nurses working in nursing homes and those working in the public health system.

It seems in many circumstances the only way to monitor adequate care is for family members to be vigilant on how their loved ones are being cared for in a nursing home. Unfortunately it is not always the case that nursing home residents see family members regularly.

In a civilised society like Australia we should expect much better care for our elderly citizens and the federal government should conduct a comprehensive review of the entire aged care sector; including care in nursing homes and questionable commercial behaviour in the retirement village sector as soon as possible. In the meantime adopting a more robust compliance and inspection regime will go some way in giving care and dignity to all our nursing home residents across the nation.

Historical Festival and Open Day FREE ENTRY Sunday July 16 at The Arms of Australia Inn Museum Cnr Great Western Hwy & Gardenia Ave, Emu Plains

Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Victoria Bridge and railway line from Penrith to Wentworth Falls

Displays, live music, food, stalls, fun for the kids and lots more

For more information contact Museum 4735 4394 email info@armsofaustraliainn.org.au

18

westernhistory

Western News 7 July 2017 Issue 38

PIKE, Theodore

Place and Date of Trial: Tried with an accomplice James Hollis by the first Middlesex Jury before Mr. Common Sergeant at Justice Hall in the Old Bailey on the 28th June 1820, London, England.

Charge: Indicted for stealing on the 15th June 1820 one handkerchief value 4/- the goods of James Bernard Bernard.

Age: 15.

Sentenced: To transportation for seven years.

Arrived‌On the Asia 1 (1) on the 28th December 1820 from England.

Trade or Calling: Shoemaker.

O

n 7th March 1822 Theodore was attached to John Campbell’s farm working on a clearing party at Parramatta. That same month his name appears on the proceedings of the Bench of Magistrates at Parramatta, when he is absent from his gang without a pass he was sentence to 50 lashes and to be returned to his gang.

By 1828 Theodore is employed as assistant overseer on a Road Gang working on Dog Trap Road, Parramatta. On the 10th December 1829 he was issued a Ticket of Leave which allowed him to remain in the District of Hawkesbury by permission of the Hawkesbury Bench on the 31st August 1829 the area on the ticket was altered in 1830.

Provided by Hazel Magann OAM

Once again Mount Druitt Historical Society are excited to announce that Sean Cusack our UFO speaker will be holding a function on the 15th July at The Manse, 23 The Avenue, Mount Druitt.

Those attending the talk should be at The Manse by 7pm for a 7.30pm start, supper included.

Cost of the evening $20 per person pay on the night.

Booking essential contact Hazel on (02) 8807 0169 to book your seat.

 View from domestic terminal

 Sydney from the skies

By Ben Cranney

One of my earliest memories is of a seaplane flying past. It blew my mind that a plane could take off from and land on water and since then, I’ve wanted to ride in one.

So when I finally got to a few decades later, I was very excited. It’s amazing how green Sydney is from up there, and the city and suburbs quickly give way to thick forest framed by little inlets and turquoise bays. Our flight took us out of the heads, over the sheer cliffs and crashing waves to Palm Beach.

It’s expensive, though, up there

 Clovelly

with the Bridge Climb, another way to get high above Sydney. The best bit of climbing the bridge is learning about the people who built it. How they risked death running across the girders or how white hot rivets would be thrown through the air and caught in petrol tins. They must have been fearless, especially to keep building despite a few deaths. Now days, they strap you in with enough gear to hold down a seaplane.

The thing is, most of the harbour can be enjoyed for cheap. Read up on the bridge builders’ stories, then, for $15, climb to near the top of the bridge via

the south-east pylon. Or take a picnic to the top of Shelley Beach and watch the waves pound the coastline before walking the shorefront to Manly. Or do the same at Dobroyd Head and then walk to 40 Baskets beach.

Wonder down from Neutral Bay to the harbour, stopping to enjoy the city backdrop at the numerous parks.

My favourite time is at sunrise in spring, to see the purple bloom of the jacarandas against the red sky.

Follow this with the most satisfying ferry ride where your sole purpose is to enjoy the view while everyone else is heading to work. In fact, catch any

 Sunset from tarongah zoo

ferry route for a different perspective of the harbour.

But my all time favourite lookout is the tower at the domestic cruise terminal, Sydney’s best kept secret.

Even during Vivid it’s empty, and I always feel like I’ve been let in on something exclusive or that someone will tap me on the shoulder and ask me to leave. Take the lift up and walk past the restaurant to find it.

So experience the best of the harbour for not much. And if a seaplane goes by, enjoy watching it go, knowing there are plenty of options to fill a few decades before taking a ride.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Reaching out to the other side Before I had any experience of the other side, I was quite tickled by the thought of those who had passed over sitting on clouds playing harps, but I always thought it must be a little antiseptic and boring. Since I became a clairvoyant my views have changed totally and I now think that when we do go over that rainbow bridge, we just enter another plane where life goes on much as normal albeit with a heightened sense of awareness and enlightenment.

I have talked to a number of people who have had near death experiences and with one glaring exception - my old Daddy who had a very bad trip they all talk about a sense of peace and happiness. They have gone towards a wonderful light where their loved ones are waiting and quite a few have said they were very reluctant to come back.

On the other hand, there are those who have unfinished business here or have got stuck. I had an experience of this not long ago when I was trying to clear a property with the help of my dear friend and very talented medium, Angelina Ginis. We found some poor lost soul lurking in a corner looking for his children. They had all died at the same time but had somehow

got separated and the poor chap was trying to find them. With Angelina’s guidance, we explained to him that his children were waiting for him in Heaven and we opened up the way to allow him to move on. It was one of the most moving experiences to see him approach the golden path with wonder and go so willingly towards the light.

But what happens when we cross over? Is it so different? Do we all

automatically become better and higher beings?

I usually try and find a few moments every day to talk to my Gran. I have my own special way of communicating with her and normally she comes to me quite quickly. The other day Gran was proving a bit elusive. “Come on, come on,” I said to myself. “Where are you Grannie?” Suddenly there was a bit of a whoosh and there was Gran, very elegantly hatted and gloved but

rather out of breath and disconcerted.

“Goodness,” she said fanning herself gently. “Here I am.”

“What happened Gran?” I asked.

“Sorry, did I interrupt something?”

“Well,” she said. “I was just in the middle of a game of bridge and I had quite a good hand.”

Bridge? Granny? As far as I know she certainly didn’t play Bridge when she was alive. Whist, yes, but not Bridge. When I asked a bit further about this new found talent, she said that David’s Grannie, an avid Bridge player, had introduced her to the game and she now thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact they made up a regular Bridge four with two more ladies.

This is a lovely thought that when we pass over, “life” does seem to go on in relatively the same way. But I still have a picture in my mind of my beautiful and much loved Golden Retriever who died just over a month ago, snoozing on a little fluffy cloud after a lovely day playing in the dappled sunshine of a bluebell wood. All he would need would be a little doggy harp and voila.

Back to the beginning.

The Unintentional Medium is available online or at all good book stores.

19 Western News 7 July 2017 Issue 38

Harbour views

localnews

20

realestate

Western News 7 July 2017 Issue 38

Alex Soncini

Small business finance without the bank

While SMEs account for 97 per cent of Australian businesses, it can still be difficult to make a case to a bank when looking for finance to start a new business or invest in the growth of an existing one. The good news is that applying for commercial finance through a bank is far from the only option.

Personal loans A relatively young enterprise that doesn’t have a track record of success may not be looked upon favourably by banks, which make lending decisions based on risk. A lack of documented history doesn’t aid a business loan application, so for those who still want to go through the bank they use for transaction accounts, a personal loan could be the way to go.

The downside may be slightly higher interest rates and lower loan amounts, but a personal loan can provide a good buffer for start-ups and application is

relatively easy.

“If someone told me that they’re going to run off and start a new business, I’d suggest, while still working in PAYG, to secure a personal loan before doing so,” as getting finance will be difficult.

“Banks like to see at least two years’ worth of company tax returns, which could prove problematic for new businesses.”

Private funding Private funding is when individuals lend generally through a trust account.

While it can be a little more costly than the average business loan, it carries the advantage of flexibility.

“If it’s a ridiculously difficult deal to put together, with no banks wanting to touch it due to not having the appropriate documentation or being outside LVRs, then [private funding] may be an option to be considered”. “In saying that, however, I would strongly

recommend speaking with a broker who has experience in private lending because, as a consumer, you’re kind of flying blind and you need to know that they’re going to be trustworthy.”

Raise the money Crowdfunding can help raise the funds needed to finance a startup or a product. The two main types are equity crowdfunding, where a share of the business is offered in return for funds, and rewards crowdfunding, where a product or service is pre-sold prior to the launch of the business or product.

While it may seem like the most hassle-free approach, with no applications or forms required to be filled out, it does entail high risk.

According to crowdfunding platform Indiegogo, the success rate for small businesses is extremely low, with only 3.1 per cent reaching their goals in 2015.

@wealthwiz

Talk to a broker Skipping the banks entirely and talking to a commercial finance broker means gaining access to myriad finance products and loan types, as well as expertise in matching your needs to the right loan type. An experienced finance broker, Wealthwiz can take a broad view of a business’s finance, assist in business planning, and use their deep knowledge of a client’s needs to look beyond a simple ‘lowest interest rate’ formula in selecting a finance product, ensuring that business owners have access to the capital they need, when they need it.

Securing finance is imperative for a business’s prosperity. Wealthwiz Wealth Management brokers can assist with business planning and finding the right type of finance to support growth and success.

Call Alex from Wealthwiz today on 0419 600 177.

#wealthwizau

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

CR O S S W O R D ACROSS 8 Boyfriend (4) 9 A synthetic fabric (5) 10 Skin irritation (4) 11 Supper (6) 12 Imposes (8) 13 Affability (8) 15 Whitener (6) 17 Show religious

devotion (7) 19 A passage from a

larger work (7) 22 Bovine mammary

glands (6) 24 Eternally (8) 26 Luxuriates (8) 28 Metric units of

mass (6) 30 Look amorously (4) 31 Author Mark _____ (5) 32 Relating to the ear (4)

down 1 A beautiful and graceful girl (4) 2 Satisfies thirst (8) 3 A natural cavity in a bone (6) 4 Precipitated rain and snow (7) 5 A small ornamental tin (8) 6 Stab (6) 7 Skin disease (4) 14 Egg-shaped (5) 16 Cavort (5) 18 Clear understandings (8) 20 A city in Alberta Canada (8) 21 Sexually gratifying (7) 23 Oozed (6) 25 Consuming food (6) 27 Wooden pins or pegs (4) 29 Heroic (4)

solution 9/6/17

Giants star awarded Jill Lindsay Scholarship

By Conner Lowe

Giants AFL Women’s star Maddy Collier was awarded the prestigious 2017 Jill Lindsay Scholarship during the AFL Women’s Industry Lunch in Melbourne last week.

The Jill Lindsay Scholarship is awarded to a female graduate of the AFL SportsReady Traineeship Program, who has aspirations and future potential to progress within the industry.

Collier, who was named in the Giants’ leadership group for the club’s inaugural AFLW season at just 21 years old, has previously worked at AFL NSW/ACT and is currently a listed Giants AFLW player, working at the club part time.

“It’s an incredible honour to receive this scholarship, particularly one named after such an important role model and contributor to our industry,” Collier said.

“When I was growing up in a regional area of NSW, and a Rugby League heartland, there was no opportunity at all for girls and women to play AFL. “I started playing AFL at 15 and within the first quarter I realised that the game was my passion.

“My passion to take this opportunity to be a history maker as part of the AFL Women’s competition drives me to be the best that I can possibly be and I embrace the fact that young girls from Auskick age to grown women now look to myself and other AFLW players as role models.”

Round

18&19

SYD SOU July 7 7.50pm

Collier was awarded $20,000 to assist further education and a laptop computer. In addition, Andi Pert, an HR consultant and executive coach, will mentor her for 12 months.

The scholarship is named after Jill Lindsay, who was the AFL’s longest serving employee having completed 41 years at the AFL in various roles.

Ms Lindsay was one of the game’s great pioneers.

She was the first female to become an AFL Life

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Member and was born locally in Ryde, graduating from Marsden High School in Western Sydney. Jill passed away after losing her battle with cancer in 2011.

Collier said she will use the grant to conduct female football clinics in regional and remote areas of the state as well as achieve further qualifications including her Level 2 Coaching Accreditation and a Certificate 4 in Coaching, followed by a Diploma in Sport Development.

CelebrityTIPSTERS PAN MAN

MEL PAR

BUL NEW

NZW PAN

CAN STG

NEW BRI

GCT CRO

MAN WES

SOU NQC

July 8 5.30pm

July 8 7.30pm

July 9 4.00pm

July 14 6.00pm

July 14 7.50pm

July 15 5.30pm

July 15 7.30pm

July 16 2.00pm

July 16 4.00pm

SCORE

Clr Stephen Bali Mayor - Blacktown City Council

134 Matthew Bennett - Bennett Western Sydney

156 Alex Soncini - WealthWiz Wealth Management

174 Paul Maher - Loxley on Bellbird

172 Troy - Urban City Consulting

166 Barry Locock - Turtle Landscape Supplies

142 Kimberley Talbot - CEO Richmond Club

156

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Western News 7 July 2017 Issue 38

Milestones reached for Western Magic

Western Magic - Round 11 Division One The boys had a massive game ahead of them against Camden with a win cementing a spot in the top five.

Milestones were achieved this week with Swan and Collins playing their 50th club game and Andrew Polkinghorne celebrating his 100th with the club, only the second player to do so in the club’s history.

New players into the side included Matt Newsom, Jared Mobbs and Matthew Field.

The game began with a tight opening, but the Magic managed to snap the first goal. Camden soon woke up and responded with five unanswered majors.

The momentum continued going into the second, with the boys able to gain plenty of possession, but not making the most of their scoring opportunities, which resulted in Camden holding the lead.

The last term depicted a thrilling display of footy and skills from both sides, with a goal kicked by Jack Schwarze to put the Magic up by one. Unfortunately, the Magic tanks ran low and Camden came through with two goals, securing the win.

Isaac Heath and Michael Collins were particular standouts for the Magic, with their positioning and marking across the field.

MAGIC: 10.11.71 CATS: 13.6.84 GOAL KICKERS: I. Heath 3, M. Collins 2, T. Dimech, A. Moeller, J. Schwarze BEST PLAYERS: I. Heath, K. Weir, J. Schwarze, A. Polkinghorne, M. Collins

Women’s The Magic women hosted the Wollondilly Knights and were expecting a tough, physical game.

Due to the Knights swarming tactics the Magic struggled to gain any clean clearances. However, the girls did capitalise on possessions when they could and ended the first term with a 25 point lead.

The second term appeared to be a duplicate of the first with great running, teamwork and decision making. Pressure from the Knights forced the forwards and midfielders to work for every shot on goal.

The third quarter had the girls play one of their best quarters of attacking football this year, kicking eight goals and three behinds, resulting in a lead of over 100 points leading into the last quarter. The Knights could barely put up a contest against the Magic’s dominating play.

The girls kept the Knights scoreless in the final term, with a superb defence impeding the Knights desperate attempts to score.

MAGIC: 15.17.107 KNIGHTS: 0.0.0 GOAL KICKERS: C.Corr 6, A. Weir, 3, D. Dimond, 3, M. Jansen, L PickeingRodriguez, N. Young BEST PLAYERS: C. Corr, J. Mann, M. Gebert, L. Booth, B. Gillespie, A. Weir

Reserve Grade Reserve grade had a huge game ahead of them, taking on top of the ladder, St George. First played second in an interesting line up that would determine how both sides stacked up against one another.

One milestone was reached for reserve grade with Scott Coombes playing his 50th game for the club in this vital match.

Right out the gate both sides competed fiercely for possession, with the Dragons taking a goal lead at quarter time.

The second term became almost identical to the first, with the Magic boys barely letting St George gain any foothold.

Tensions rose between both sides, turning the game into a very physical, hard running match.

The second half saw the boys continue to apply immense physical pressure and ferocity against the Dragons, who appeared to become somewhat hesitant in contests, but the opposition still managed to hold on, finding many free running players across the field.

The score line was almost tied with the Dragons only a goal ahead leading up to the final term. The Magic gave it their all, but the Dragons only just barely managed to hold on for the win. The response was all positive, however, with the boys in full realisation of the easy potential to beat the Dragons in their next match.

MAGIC: 8.8. 56 DRAGONS: 8.13.61 GOAL KICKERS: D. Mcintyer 2, M. Yuvarajan 2, S. Agostino, S. Coombes, L. Hyland, P. Barclay BEST PLAYERS: D. Nieass, T. O’neill, J. Darwall, D. Armstrong, N. Slan, J. Hyland

Western Sydney Wanderers to support Wish You Were Here project Western Sydney Wanderers to support Wish You Were Here project The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers are proud to announce their support of the Wish You Were Here community project to fund the Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

The Wanderers association with the foundation hopes to make a difference in the community by raising awareness and funding for Pancreatic Cancer research, treatment and detection.

In the last 40 years, there have been incredible improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of cancers.

Pancreatic Cancer however, falls into a category that is classified as having a low survival rate with only 10% of people surviving once diagnosed.

The Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation is the only foundation in Australia dedicated to Pancreatic

Cancer and wants to offer future patients hope of a better outcome.

The Wish You Were Here community project was named in tribute to all those that were taken

by Cancer.

The Western Sydney Wanderers will be supporting the Wish You Were Here team in both their Kokoda Track walk and their gala dinner on the 8th of November.

Western Sydney Wanderers CEO, John Tsatsimas, says that he is proud of the club’s efforts in raising awareness and supporting further Pancreatic Cancer research.

“Our goal is to support the people of Western Sydney in ways that create impact and change,” said Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas.

“We hope our support will lend a voice to the Wish You Were Here campaign and be another

opportunity for our Club to raise awareness and understanding around an issue that affects many but is not widely talked about.”

Con Kanellis from the Wish You Were Here team was enthusiastic about the project and the Wanderers’ support.

“The members of the Wish You Were Here team are excited and thankful at the support being offered by the Western Sydney Wanderers to our project,” said Kanellis.

“We have no doubt that through your support we will extend our reach to the community and increase awareness of this serious issue and we’d like to thank the team from the Wanderers for their support on this project.”

For more details on the Wish You Were Here project and gala dinner visit: wishyouwerehere2017. gofundraise.com.au/

MG Cup finishes with spectacular finals

By Conner Lowe

THE MG Cup has come to a finish in 2017 after an outstanding day of Rugby League played at Pepper Stadium in Penrith. There were three outstanding matches involving schools from all over Western Sydney in all three ages groups.

The first match of the day was between Erskine Park High School and Glenmore Park High School. The U/14’s match was always going to be close with both schools playing some entertaining footy throughout the MG Cup. Erskine Park were undefeated the whole competition and had a tough opening period with Glenmore Park scoring the first try.

As the match continued, both schools showed their talent and in the end although Glenmore Park fought a tremendous battle, Erskine Park scored with only minutes remaining to win the match 14-10 in a fantastic opening match to the MG Cup Finals.

The second match of the day was between St Columbus and Mt Druitt Chifley. This U/16’s game was always going to be a fantastic match. The game was competitive from the start with both schools having opportunities

to open the scoring. St Columbus eventually broke the deadlock with some fantastic passing to open-up the Mt Druitt defence. From then on it was almost one-way traffic for the Blue Mountains school. Although, Mt Druitt Chifley did score, it was all but too late as St Columbus won in a comfortable 36-6 victory.

The final match of the day was between Loyola Senior High School and Rooty Hill High School. The open’s game was terrific, both schools played fantastic footy and you never

knew who was going to be victorious until the match was over. Loyola Senior High School scored first, but Rooty Hill were always close to snatching the lead from their opposition. Only one missed conversion proved to be the difference at full-time. Loyola Senior High School won 18-16 in an outstanding match to conclude a fantastic day.

The MG Cup focuses on getting students from schools in Western Sydney to consistently attend school and be well behaved students to

participate in the MG Cup. Mark Geyer is the founder of the competition and came up with the idea to help students who aren’t necessarily the best behaved or struggle to attend school and give them a reason to behave and come to school.

The MG Cup was very successful this year with lots of schools from the Western Sydney area participating in all age groups. The MG Cup will return next year with plans to extend and add in more schools from Western Sydney.

Penrith to host international soccer game

An agreement between Penrith Council and Football Federation Australia will see Australia’s Westfield Matildas face-off against Brazil in Penrith later this year.

The first game in a two-match International Series will be played at Pepper Stadium on Saturday 16 September. The great rivalry between the two teams, ranked 7th and 8th in the world, is expected to produce a nail-biting match.

Speaking at the announcement, Penrith Mayor John Thain said the popularity of soccer locally,

particularly with women, was a key factor in bringing the game to Penrith.

“It’s especially exciting as Australia will bid to host the world’s largest and most prestigious women’s sporting event - The FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023,” Cr Thain said.

“Penrith has more than 14,000 registered soccer players and a large proportion of these are female so it makes complete sense to bring the world’s best to Penrith so our local players and supporters can watch and be inspired by them.

“We’ve also got passionate soccer fans of all ages who will be thrilled to have an opportunity to see an international game of soccer played in their own backyard,” Cr Thain said.

Soccer fans won’t be the only ones delighted with today’s announcement, with local businesses also expected to benefit from an increase in visitors to the City.

“Thousands of people are expected to attend the game, bringing a welcome economic boost to local businesses in the hospitality

and tourism sectors,” Cr Thain said.

“Penrith’s reputation for hosting major events will be highlighted to millions of viewers watching the game on television, online and social media.

“A number of other events are planned by the Westfield Matildas to engage with the local community while they’re in Penrith, “Cr Thain said.

For information on these and to secure your tickets to the game, visit http://matildas.footballaustralia.com. au/tickets

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Western News Friday, 7 July 2017

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Blacktown City extend lead at the top of the table

By Conner Lowe

Blacktown City extend their lead at the top of the PS4 National Premier League after defeating Parramatta FC 3-1 at Melita Stadium on Sunday.

The game was very much in favour of Blacktown City throughout the whole match with Parramatta unable to make too many clear-cut opportunities and stop the relentless attack of the league leaders.

Blacktown City started the game strongly creating multiple chances to go ahead in the match. Chances were being wasted as the league leaders struggled to find their finishing touch through the beginning of the first half. However, with so many chances created during the match it was only a matter of time until Blacktown City were able to break the deadlock.

In the 35th minute Blacktown City defender Zac Cairncross scored after some scrappy defending following a corner and tapped the ball in from a couple of yards out.

Minutes before halftime Blacktown

were awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge from Parramatta FC defender Yuya Samba on Blacktown striker Peter Cejka inside the box. The penalty was converted by Mallia and saw the away side double their lead before the first half was concluded.

Parramatta came out firing in the second half as they looked to make a comeback against Blacktown.

Parramatta FC were able to grab a goal back in the 51st minute, with an outstanding solo effort from Victor Anyimba. He was able to pick the ball up about 30 yards out and dribble his way into the box and finish calmly past the out-rushing Blacktown keeper to give the home side a fighting chance.

It was Victor Anyimba again who almost brought Parramatta FC level

with a shot that was blocked by Blacktown City defender Cairncross as the visitors held on to their one goal advantage.

Blacktown added pressure onto the home side and with 10 minutes remaining a Mallia corner flew over the Parramatta goalkeeper Corey Finch and found Connor Evans who was able to finish from close range and put an end to a hopeful Parramatta FC comeback.

The game finished 3-1 in favour of Blacktown City who extended their advantage at the top of the table to six points after second place APIA Leichhardt had a shock loss to Sydney FC on Saturday night.

Luke Roodenburg, the Blacktown City assistant was satisfied with the win following a loss midweek in the Waratah Cup semi-final.

“We were obviously disappointed by what happened midweek and it’s a difficult pitch to come and play on here so we’re delighted with the three points,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to a rest next week – then we have five games to win.”