Western News 7 July 2023

Making Blacktown City safer, her way

BETTER surveillance, public art, targeted cleaning and working together to activate spaces, have been identified as some of the ways to make Blacktown City safer, thanks to feedback from local women through the Safer Cities: Her Way program.

More than 70 women took part in a series of ‘walkshops’, or walking workshops, in the Blacktown and Mount Druitt town centres discussing personal safety and exploring ways to improve perceptions of safety in public spaces around transport hubs for women, girls and genderdiverse people.

Blacktown City Council has partnered with Transport for NSW on the Safer Cities: Her Way program and is one of 10 pilot councils selected to participate in the program. Council will receive up

to $1 million in funding to increase perceptions of safety in the City.

Blacktown City Councillor Kathie Collins OAM joined a daytime walkshop through the Blacktown CBD, hearing from local women.

“As a female Councillor, I am particularly passionate about finding ways to make our City spaces feel safer for women and girls, especially at night,” Councillor Collins said.

“This program gives women and girls a voice in discussions about their safety and will help develop trial projects to address their concerns.”

“Whether this be through improved street lighting, public art, extra seating or signage, there are many ways we can make our City feel safer and more welcoming.”

Groups took part in both day time and night time

Seven Hills/Toongabbie/Wentworthville RSL Sub-Branch

COMMUNITY MEMBERS & COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS

On behalf of the Seven Hills Toongabbie Wentworthville RSL Sub-Branch we would like to invite all Veterans to our Veteran’s Day Commemoration Service at the Seven Hills RSL, on the 15th of August 2023

The Service will commence at 11am.

We will be commemorating the 50th anniversary of the then Governor-General Sir Paul Hasluck proclaiming an end to Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

More than 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam, over 3,000 wounded and 523 gave their lives in the longest conflict Australians were involved in during the 20th Century.

The Service will involve the laying of Wreaths as a sign of respect. If you wish to lay a Wreath at the base of our cenotaph, please contact Graham Larkham by either email graham28@aussiebb.com.au or phone 0418 247 831.

At the conclusion of the Service you are invited to attend the Club for a Luncheon.

walks in Blacktown and Mount Druitt and were encouraged to provide their feedback while walking along a route from the train station, through the town centre and ending at the local hospital.

Participants provided feedback through an online survey and interactive map on which they were asked to drop pins at locations where they felt safe and unsafe.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said, “This initiative is a great way for Council and Transport for NSW to look at how we can better involve women and girls in the ways we design public places.

“Their feedback will be used to design a series of trial projects that help make Blacktown City a better place for women to live, work and move around.”

Women take part in a day time walkshop in the Blacktown CBD as part of the Safer Cities: Her Way program.

Women share their thoughts on ways to make the Blacktown CBD safer.

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BY KERRIE DAVIES

ILOST my beautiful mother to cancer six years ago. Although she was an absolute trooper throughout her journey, it was a challenging, and at times, harrowing experience. One thing that sticks in my mind is her optimistic outlook and her praise of the nurses and volunteers she came in to contact with. She liked being able to talk to them about things she didn’t feel comfortable sharing with family. I daresay they were the not-so-optimistic moments.

The Cancer Council Information Service volunteer is a crucial role, providing support and information to people affected by cancer and health professionals within Blacktown Hospital. This includes linking patients and carers to Cancer Council support services and resources.

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Letters to the Editor: Web: Western News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.wsnewsgroup.com

Main responsibilities include: • Informing and providing people within Blacktown Hospital of Cancer Council services and resources available to them. • Respecting the privacy and confidentiality of others • Treat all personal information acquired as confidential • Avoid giving medical advice, including alternative therapies • Wear the supplied uniform and identification badges • Enter deidentified data onto the provided tablet for each interaction • Complete stocktake of booklets and other materials within the treatment centre and ordering publications when needed • Taking part in evaluation surveys and representing CCNSW in collated surveys on an ad hoc basis.

Ideal volunteers will have: • Great communication and listening skills • Knowledge of, or ability to learn: The services provided by CCNSW and other organisations and Use of computers/tablets • Confidentiality • Ability to attend provided training and bi-monthly team meetings • Have a commitment to the cause of Cancer Council NSW Desirable: • Some previous experience with cancer, ie: have had cancer personally or involved with a family member/friends diagnosis.

If you are interested, please call Natalia on 9354 2009 or email natalia.arnas@ nswcc.org.au for more information. Please note there is a one-off compulsory training session which will be held in Parramatta (close to train station) on Thursday 20th July.

You can make a difference, helping people at the time they need it most. If this is you, call today!

52 years volunteering at Blacktown Hospital Saying goodbye and thank you to Gwen Tomlin

AFTER over half a century of volunteering and amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Gwen, aged 93, has decided to bid farewell to her pink uniform and officially retire from her role as a Pink Lady at Blacktown Hospital.

Gwen Tomlin has selflessly served the hospital, its staff, and the communities of western Sydney for an impressive span of 52 years.

Gwen’s volunteering journey began in 1969 at Parramatta Hospital before she joined Blacktown Hospital in 1971.

During the early days, the Pink Ladies engaged in a range of tasks such as caring for adoptable infants, folding cloth nappies, washing patients’ hair, tending to flower vases, measuring salt for salt baths, and filling bottles of Betadine.

“Everyone has been really nice, welcoming and supportive to me and the Pink Ladies,” Gwen said.

“It was a pleasant job and that was the reason why I stayed for so long.”

Gwen devoted every Wednesday to her volunteer work at Blacktown Hospital, accompanied by her volunteer partner, Teddy Kubica, who would drive her to the hospital each week.

Together, as Pink Ladies, they would collect files from ward clerks and transport them to the medical records department. They were also responsible for restocking gloves and disinfectants in certain wards.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping people and have made lots of life-long friends along the way.”

As a cherished member of the Blacktown community, Gwen, a great-grandmother with three children, nine grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, looks forwards to spending more quality time with her family.

Study finds apple pollination in Australia reliant on introduced species

NEW research led by Western Sydney University, in partnership with Hort Innovation, has delivered the most comprehensive assessment of pollination in apple crops in Australia by exploring pollination services provided by native and non-native bees for apple cultivation in Australia.

Published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, the study observed the foraging behaviour of over 69,000 invertebrate flower visitors to orchards for three years in the Blue Mountains and Central West regions of New South Wales to assess the effectiveness of pollination services.

As part of the study, a novel pollinator efficacy metric was developed to assess the services provided by bees which was customised for individual orchards in the study - this enables farmers to predict which kinds of bees are likely to be on-site based on proximity to native forests, habitat disturbance and weather conditions.

Lead author Dr Simon Tierney from the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment said that native bees enhance pollination services in the Northern Hemisphere, especially for cultivated apple crops, yet little is known about pollinators in the Southern Hemisphere.

Dr Tierney explained the study is the most comprehensive assessment of pollination of apple crops in Australia and has international relevance because apples are the 10th most valuable global crop and account for about 10 per cent of the value of the national fruit market, hence, the results were impactful.

“Understanding the natural history, behaviour and family tree of bees is crucial for understanding pollination services because these animals coevolved with flowering plants which represent approximately one-third of the average human diet (fruits and vegetables) and has ramifications for a range of global food industries which are a source of major economic importance, especially within Australia,” said Dr Tierney.

“The apple orchards assessed in our study were found to be dependent on two bee species, one native stingless bee and the introduced western honey bee, but more broadly Australian apple production faces the potential vulnerability of being reliant upon a single species – the honey bee.”

The study highlighted that Australia houses a unique native bee fauna that consists of very old southern Gondwanan heritage and more recent arrivals from the north when the Australian tectonic plate bumped into southeast Asia.

However, as none of the top four bee pollinators for wild apples originating from Central Asia naturally occur in Australia, pollination services are more exposed to health risks from invasive parasites and associated disease.

“Without these naturally occurring Northern Hemisphere bee pollinators there may be an overdependence on pollination services from the nonnative honey bee whose health is currently under threat from an invasive parasite, the Varroa mite,” said Dr Tierney.

“While the only other alternative native pollinator, a stingless bee, is effective, they only become important only on relatively warm spring days on farms that are within hundreds of metres of native forests and the distribution of stingless bees is restricted to the tropical and subtropical eastern seaboard of Australia. Whereas, more than 80 per cent of Australian apple production occurs in temperate climates.”

In light of these new findings, the research team is advocating for continued long-term studies of pollinators of important food crops more generally and deployment of the pollinator metric developed in this study which enables customised assessments of pollination services for individual orchards based on climate, natural resources close to farms and an in-depth understanding of historical bee distributions and biogeography.

Hort Innovation chief executive officer Brett Fifield said this research is an integral part of the horticulture sector’s efforts into safeguarding pollination in Australia.

“Understanding the role honey bees and other native pollinators have in pollinating crops is vital information for the horticulture sector,” Mr Fifield said.

“These research insights will allow the horticulture sector to tailor its responses to pollination challenges.”

This study, ‘Bee pollination services and the burden of biogeography’, was part of the project ‘Healthy bee populations for sustainable pollination in horticulture’ funded by the Hort Frontiers Pollination Fund, part of the Hort Frontiers strategic partnership initiative developed by Hort Innovation, with co-investment from Western Sydney University, Syngenta Asia Pacific, Bayer Crop Science, Greening Australia, Croplife and contributions from the Australian Government.

For more information, download the paper relating to this study at https://royalsocietypublishing.org/ doi/10.1098/rspb.2023.0747

Statement from the Mayor of Blacktown City Council, Tony Bleasdale OAM About the release of preliminary flight path information for Western Sydney Airport

BLACKTOWN City Council holds significant concerns for the impact of flight paths on residents in our City.

The protection of residents from noise is a concern I take very seriously. This is particularly significant, given that Western Sydney Airport will

operate without a night time curfew on flight movements.

Council has been promised an official briefing and we will seek to fully understand the impact on the City of Blacktown and it’s 415,000 residents.

I am concerned that the 415,000 residents in Blacktown City will only be offered one public consultation meeting to allow them to engage with the process of determining flight paths. There must be enough consultation to allow residents to fully understand the

negative impacts of aircraft noise on them and to understand the mitigations the Commonwealth proposes.

Council remains concerned that, as the Airport grows, so will the adverse impacts, from which our residents must be protected.

Antipodean pollination services: Australian allodapines and European honey bees are distant relatives that converge to pollinate apple (Central Asian origin) in a Blue Mountains orchard. Image credit: Dr Simon Tierney

Mount Druitt welcomes nine new Probationary Constables

NINE new probationary constables have commenced duties in Mount Druitt after graduating at an Attestation ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy in April and June this year.

The nine probationary constables form part of Class 357 and Class 358 who will also complete 12 months’ on-the-job training and study by distance education with Charles Sturt University.

Minister Catley welcomed the new probationary constables to the NSW Police Force and thanked them for the important work they will be doing in protecting and serving the public.

“I would like to congratulate the nine probationary constables on becoming the newest members of our Police family; the enthusiasm, drive and commitment they will bring will be a great asset to the local communities of Mount Druitt Local Area Command” Ms Catley said.

“There’s no escaping the reality that policing can be challenging – it is a role like no other and the incoming probationary constables are entrusted with great powers and responsibilities. But with the right support to guide them here within the local police stations and communities, I look forward to watching them develop and thrive.

“As Police Minister, I pay tribute to the hard work and dedication each of these new officers have shown to get to this point.”

Member for Mount Druitt and Parliamentary Secretary for Police & Counter-terrorism, Edmond Atalla MP, also paid tribute to the hard work and commitment undertaken by these probationary officers in the pursuit of their Police careers.

Mr Atalla said “I am delighted that Mount Druitt has been allocated nine new probationary constables, it is a rewarding and honourable career and I am sure each one will make a positive impact on our community.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the nine probationary constables, whose commitment to public service is commendable, and I wish them all a successful and fulfilling career ahead.”

The probationary constables officially graduate with an Associate Degree in Policing Practice once they have passed all academic and operation standards. The officers will then be confirmed to the rank of constable.

While many recruits are Australian-born, this year the graduating cohort is also made up of students from diverse backgrounds including India, Iraq, Nepal, Egypt and Argentina.

Inmates provide lasting tribute to NSW SES volunteers

INMATES at Parklea Correctional Centre have put their woodworking skills to good use, creating lasting tributes for the families of NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers who have passed away.

The NSW SES has had a long-standing tradition of giving the families of volunteers a folded NSW SES flag at funerals to represent the service they have provided to the community during natural disasters.

NSW SES Commander Awards and Ceremonial Unit Peter Lalor had been looking for a way to display the flags and was grateful Parklea inmates could come to the rescue with a solution.

‘We’ve been gifting a folded flag to families at funeral services for many years in recognition of service, but what do you do with it?” Mr Lalor said.

“I wanted families to be able to display the flag and thought if it was put in a nice wooden box with a plaque it could go on the mantlepiece and be a lasting memento.

“I’m very pleased with what the inmates produced and the impressive quality of workmanship, and I look forward to exploring further uses for their talents.”

Parklea’s Acting Governor Brian Gurney said Parklea had a range of workshops in a number of industries as part of its reducing reoffending strategy where inmates could learn new skills and spend their time productively, including a cabinet shop.

“When Peter came to me asking if our inmates could make a box to display the flags, I was confident we would be able to provide a suitable solution,” Mr Gurney said.

“He sent me some plans, which I emailed to our cabinet shop overseers, and they had something made up by the end of the day.

“Within a week they had made 12 triangle wooden boxes with a Perspex front so you can see the flag inside.”

Mr Gurney said it was fantastic to see Parklea inmates take to this project with such enthusiasm and pride.

“It’s their way to give back to the community, and some of them have benefitted personally from the help the SES provides during times of natural disasters and other emergencies.

“We are always looking for worthy community initiatives and we look forward to working with the NSW SES on this and other initiatives in the future.”

Parklea has been operated by MTC Australia on behalf of Corrective Services NSW since 2019.

Guy Blinman, Peter Lalor and Brian Gurney

SES flag box with flag

First look at Australia’s first purpose-built Biocontainment Centre

AUSTRALIA’S first purpose-built Biocontainment Centre at Sydney’s Westmead Health Precinct has been unveiled.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the NSW Biocontainment Centre is highly specialised and was built to treat and safely isolate patients with rare highly infectious diseases, known as high consequence infectious diseases.

High consequence infectious diseases are a range of acute infectious diseases with high case-fatality rates or special significance such as Ebola or MERS.

While other prevalent infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza are important, they are not included in the range of diseases managed at this unit.

Minister Park said the purpose-built biocontainment centre at the Westmead Health Precinct clearly demonstrates how important it is for NSW to be capable of keeping people safe and providing the best care possible.

“The centre is equipped with six specialised quarantine class and negative pressure beds and helps us effectively respond to future pandemics and provide high level care to both adult and paediatric patients,” Mr Park said.

“The community can be assured that, with this facility, NSW is ready to act and keep the community safe.

“I am really pleased to see clinicians from both Westmead Hospital and the Sydney Children’s Hospital network embracing this model of care, which is the first of its kind in Australia.”

The state-of-the-art facility includes a critical lift to transport contagious patients directly from the Westmead Hospital helipad or an ambulance straight to the biocontainment centre.

It will also use three steam steriliser autoclaves to

process contaminated waste and has its own sewage treatment plant to treat contaminated patient waste.

The floor of the centre has also been purposedesigned in different colours to identify which areas are ‘clean’ or ‘contaminated’ for additional safety.

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said the Westmead Health Precinct is home to some of the state’s most talented clinicians.

“We have some of the best and brightest working here in the Westmead Health Precinct,” Ms Davis said.

“It makes sense this facility is based here, where our highly trained clinicians stand ready to manage any cases of these highly contagious diseases.”

Specialist medical, nursing, pharmacy, laboratory, and allied health staff trained to manage patients through strict infection prevention and control practices are available to the unit when required.

WSLHD’s Acting Chief Executive Rebecca Nogajski said the centre plays many roles, operating as the state-wide referral and outreach facility for patients with suspected or confirmed HCID, as well as the education and training hub for preparedness and safe practice in managing these diseases.

“This centre is self-contained, able to provide high-level emergency care, as well as access to specialist therapies such as phage therapy,” Dr Nogajski said.

“The Centre stocks rarely used antibiotics, antivirals, antitoxins, vaccines and other key therapeutics.

“It also offers expert infectious diseases advice, including referral to relevant diagnostic testing and locations of testing, links with NSW Health Pathology and management able to be utilised as a 24/7 service in the early phases of the response.”

Cathryn Cox PSM, Chief Executive of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, said the centre’s specialist staff are highly trained in managing patients.

“We look forward to collaborating with all our colleagues across the Precinct, and NSW, to deliver a coordinated, specialised response through this centre of expertise, with a focus on containment and high-quality care of patients and their families.” Ms Cox said.

The centre is a shared facility of Westmead Hospital, part of Western Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network supporting the whole state in this specialised service.

The Westmead Health Precinct is one of the largest health, education, research and innovation precincts in Australia and is a key provider of jobs for the greater Parramatta and Western Sydney region.

More than $3 billion has been committed by Government and our precinct partners to upgrade and expand the Precinct’s health services, education, research and innovation facilities over the coming years.

On the road to healthy smiles

WSLHD dental van caring for western Sydney primary school children

WESTERN Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is at the forefront of addressing oral health issues and ensuring accessible dental care for local communities.

More than 63,000 Australians are hospitalised each year due to preventable dental conditions, making it the third leading cause of acute preventable hospital admissions in the country.

WSLHD’s Primary School Mobile Dental Program (PSMDP) has been actively working to provide dental services to children who may otherwise lack access to dental care.

The program offers free school-based dental checkups and a comprehensive preventive care package, including fluoride treatment, dental education, x-rays, cleaning, and fissure sealants.

Students requiring further dental treatment can be referred to fixed clinics at Westmead Centre for Oral Health and Mount Druitt Hospital Oral Health Clinic for ongoing care.

Equipped with two mobile dental vans and additional fleet vehicles, the team provides dental treatment and ensures the safe transportation of equipment and staff to various sites.

Dr Katie Metcalfe, a senior dentist and Head of the PSMDP unit, has witnessed the consequences of untreated dental issues in children.

“I regularly see children who have untreated infections and decay affecting multiple teeth,” she said.

“I treated a 12-year-old girl last year who had never seen a Dentist and had pain from an infected tooth.

“She said her parents were saving to take her to see a Dentist.”

WSLHD recognises the significance of this issue

and is committed to reducing the burden of oral diseases among its residents.

Tooth decay, a largely preventable lifestyleassociated disease, affects a substantial portion of the population.

According to the National Adult Oral Health Survey in 2017-2018, 89% of adults in Australia experienced tooth decay (Do & Luzzi 2019).

Disturbingly, 42% of children aged 5-10 had tooth decay in their baby teeth, and 64% of older children faced tooth decay in 2014 (AIHW 2016).

However, regular dental check-ups significantly lower the decay rates compared to children who only seek dental care when there is a problem (AIHW 2022).

To promote good oral hygiene at home, WSLHD recommends the following practices:

• Brush teeth twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.

• Spit after brushing and avoid rinsing to allow the fluoride to protect the teeth.

• Maintain a balanced diet and limit consumption of sugary foods and drinks.

• Visit the dentist every 6-12 months for regular check-ups.

WSLHD remains committed to improving dental health in its communities, ensuring that every child has access to quality dental care and promoting preventative measures. By focusing on prevention and accessibility, WSLHD strives to create a healthier and brighter future, one smile at a time.

The PSMDP team tirelessly organises and travels across WSLHD, visiting primary schools in the Auburn, Blacktown, Hills Shire, Holroyd, and Parramatta local government areas.

By offering a dental exam in the school setting, the parents don’t need to take time off work and there is minimal interruption to their schooling.

Dr Katie Metcalfe

“

Getting western Sydney kids moving!

AN essential part of a child’s growth and development is their ability to perform fundamental movement skills (FMS).

Physical activity has many benefits for children, including better bone and muscle development; emotional, mental and social well-being; improved learning, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Building children’s competence in FMS not only improves their confidence, but also increases their desire to participate in games, sports, and other recreational activities as they get older.

Between the ages of 3 and 5, children need opportunities to learn these fundamental skills, as these opportunities don’t occur without intervention or direction.

The skills include running, jumping, galloping, side sliding, leaping, skipping, hopping, catching, kicking, striking a ball; dribbling a ball; overarm and underarm throwing.

Early childhood educators are encouraged to provide daily opportunities to teach FMS as part of NSW Health’s Munch & Move program, which is supported by our Centre for Population Health’s Health Promotion team.

Health Promotion Early Years Program Manager, Janelle McNicholas said research shows that children are more likely to improve

their FMS when engaged in a learning experience that is stimulating and supportive.

“In a child’s early years, FMS is all about exposure to the skills, exploration, opportunity, guidance and most importantly – fun!” said Janelle.

In May and June, our Health Promotion team supported over 60 educators from 42 early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in

western Sydney in ways to teach FMS through practical dance workshops.

The workshops provided opportunities for educators to learn practical ideas on how they can easily implement FMS into their educational program using dance.

Encourage children to express themselves by creating opportunities to include their favorite dance moves when planning FMS physical activity experiences.

Following the workshops, 98% of participants said they had a better understanding of children’s physical activity needs and had learned how to perform the 13 FMS.

One participant said, “This was hands down the most fun and most informative experience I have had through training! I met so many wonderful women and absolutely loved stepping out of my comfort zone and learning so much all about FMS! Can’t wait to get back to the team and get them to have as much fun as we did with the dancing element! Honestly, I could say so many wonderful things about each of you, but I’ll keep it short. Amazing!!”.

“I just wanted to say a big thank you to your team today. Myself and my team member … joined you for the Munch and Move workshop at Merrylands and it was highly engaging and most of all FUN! We definitely got a workout,”another participant said.

Yellow Wiggle and Westmead Hospital Cardiologist team up to save Australian lives

WHEN former yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in January 2020 during The Wiggles’ charity concert at Castle Hill RSL, it was an off-duty nurse who saved his life through CPR and the use of a nearby AED (automated external defibrillator).

He was urgently transferred to Westmead Hospital, where Senior Staff Specialist Cardiologist Professor Pramesh Kovoor and the Cath Lab team inserted a stent into his coronary artery to essentially avoid any damage to the Wiggle’s heart muscle.

Greg is one of the lucky ones; only 10 per cent of people in Australia survive a sudden cardiac arrest.

Following this realisation, Greg created “Heart of the Nation”, a charitable initiative to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest, and the critical role that members of the community, combined with rapid access to an AED can make in increasing survival rates.

Prof Kovoor and his son Dr Joshua Kovoor, a resident medical officer in Adelaide, have teamed up with Greg as honorary consultants for the Heart of the Nation and are petitioning for defibrillators to be made mandatory in all public buildings including schools, libraries and sporting facilities.

In 2020, only 26 per cent of out-ofhospital cardiac arrests attended by NSW Ambulance had a heart rhythm responsive to defibrillation.

AED, and helping to place more AEDs into areas where they can be accessed by the greatest number of people in times when they may be needed.”

the example set by SA and move to implement similar laws mandating the public availability of AEDs in their communities,” said Prof Kovoor.

They are also working toward the implementation of a world-uniformed, easily recognisable bright sign to enable easy identification of AEDs.

“We surveyed 2,538 people at Westmead Hospital and found that the Heart of the Nation yellow-red sign was preferred by 73.0% participants as easier to identify in an emergency such as a cardiac arrest compared to the currently used green-white sign 27.0%,” said Prof Kovoor.

Prof Kovoor is no stranger to pioneering work in the cardiology field.

AEDs only deliver a shock if it can detect a heart rhythm, and in 2020 when he suffered his cardiac arrest, around 20,000 others were not as lucky as Greg and did not survive.

“ “

“Heart of the Nation implements programs and initiatives that aim to fill the gaps in the community – promoting the locations of AEDs, educating the community that you don’t have to be certified, trained or qualified to use an

Prof Kovoor even keeps an AED in his car.

On 30 November 2022, the South Australia (SA) Parliament passed the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Bill 2022, making SA the first state or territory in Australia, and one of few in the world, to mandate the public provision of AEDs. The Bill will come into effect for government and public buildings in 2025 and a variety of private buildings in 2026.

“Greg, Joshua and I feel that for the benefit of all Australians, other states and territories should follow

In 2004, in partnership with the NSW Ambulance Service and Royal North Shore Hospital, the Prof established a system of triaging potential heart attack patients in the ambulance, rather than the Emergency Department (ED), to ensure patients were sent to a hospital with a Cath Lab team who could have an operating theatre ready to go.

This ground-breaking work at Westmead Hospital has saved many lives and has been adopted across the country, becoming the standard of care.

“The shorter the delay, the better,” said Prof Kovoor. “It’s really a nobrainer.”

Greg Page and Prof Pramesh Kovoor in 2020

Buried in a King’s Vault

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

MOST of us know that the church and cemetery of St Mary Magdalene Anglican church in St Marys has a very old historical significance, especially as it was built by a NSW Governor’s family and as such has many of their ancestors sleeping in the graveyard. One such ancestor was James Lethbridge Templer buried in the King Family vault. James was born in Bridport in Dorset in England in November 1811 and the eldest of thirteen children. His parents were James Templer and Catherine Lethbridge. Catherine’s parents were Christopher Lethbridge & Mary “Polly” Copland. He was educated at a grammar school at Charmouth then at Charterhouse. His poems, some dating from his youth, were privately published in London in 1872 by his brother John Charles Templer. At the age of fifteen he entered the maritime service of the East India Company and was rapidly promoted. In 1835 he sailed to China as Commander of his uncle’s ship the Minerva. He resigned his command and began trading in the East but was unsuccessful and left China in 1839 to visit family in Sydney. In his handwritten journal started in China an account of a voyage to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) and New South Wales in the ship the “Young Queen”. He was a prolific artist and filled many sketchbooks in his short lifetime. The Mitchell Library holds a copy of an Australian sketchbook depicting the landscape and buildings of the Penrith area where his uncle Robert Copland Lethbridge had settled. James was given painting lessons by his mother. He was an admirer of Conrad Martens whom he met in Sydney in 1839 and made several copies of Martens’ work. James was a competent painter of both landscape and animals and was said to possess “an absolute passion for the horse and hound” and his album also contains drawings of a kangaroo hunt where he took part. He had a keen appreciation of horseflesh and his journal documents his efforts to paint various horses from the stables of the Australian Agricultural Company for his Uncle, especially a finished watercolour of “Beagle” an Australian Bred Horse and the Property of Captain Phillip Parker King, R.N & dated December 1839 held by the Mitchell Library together with other watercolour portraits of horses. James made a sketch of St Stephens Church in June 1839 a month before the Church at Penrith was officially consecrated. This rare drawing is one of a series of sketches he made that year while staying in the district. During the latter part of 1839 when he stayed with Phillip Parker King’s family at Tahlee near Port Stephens he came into close contact with the local Aborigines. At this early period when settlement was making further advances into areas traditionally occupied by the Aborigines and when great tension existed in the more remote areas of the colony, James’ journal shows a real interest in Aboriginal custom and ceremonies. On a number of occasions he records the employment of Aborigines as crewmen on local boats and ferries and also gives a detailed account of a ceremony (‘corroboree’) presented apparently as an exhibition for the entertainment of visitors. This account includes details of body painting in preparation for the event but finishes with the observation that the performance probably lacked the liveliness and authenticity it might

have when conducted out of sight of European spectators. Towards the end of his stay at Port Stephens he reports the details of a Christmas feast given to the Aborigines at Carrington Flat. This comprised of a whole Bullock (roasted in 4 quarters) along with a couple of large plum puddings and lots of tea and damper. In October 1840 while living in Sydney James decided to pursue a career as a cattle and horse breeder at Erskine Park where he had a problem with a runaway worker convict named Thomas Coker aged 28 who had come on the “Captain Cook” from Uxbridge whose occupation was a butcher and soldier and worked for James who had given him a pass to Parramatta on his behalf where he absconded and was on the run for nine days before being apprehended. In 1844 the first District Agricultural Show was held at St Marys on a portion of the land owned by Andrew Thompson and James wrote the following poem called SPEED THE PLOUGH:-

In the days of my youth when the trumpet of war, by Gallia’s usurper was sounded afar

The patriot toast at each Englishman’s board, after “ King, Church, and State” was “Success to the Sword”

But the fierce foemen vanquished his victories’ vain, merry peace smiles around us triumphant again

And the first bumper toast that we will drink now, will be “Victoria the Queen and Success to the Plough”

Rejoicing in peace see the well-tilled field, its plentiful store to the husbandman yield.

His labours with increase abundant repay, while manure its fertility keeps from decay.

Where heretofore one vast dense forest appeared, trees are fallen logs burned and the land is now cleared

Age leaving a rich crop of wheat even now, then “Here’s Prince Albert’s Health and Success to the Plough”

Though o’er us the fell storm of ruin has past, our English energy will conquer at last

We’ll not tamely be driven by Government sway, but its imposts despotic expose to full day

Our Queen will the husbandman’s labours protect, his exertions rewarded and his freedom respect

Whilst the Church his full claim to her care will allow, then “Here’s England’s Church and Success to the Plough”

For the husbandman’s wealth is the wealth of the State, without agriculture would England be great?

Dependent on others to bring her her food, can such short-sighted maxims one moment hold good?

Even here, if on Chili for wheat we rely, and her crops fail where can we get a supply?

All the wheat all the grain we consume let us grow, then “Here’s to St Marys and Success to the Plough”

Sadly, in August 1845 James aged 33was killed instantly when returning with some friends from a picnic in Richmond when he was thrown by his horse against a tree.Sources: Trove, Nepean Times, Ancestry, State Library of NSW, Sketch of James courtesy of National Library of Australia.

What is refinancing and when should I do it?

ALEX SONCINI

REFINANCING is a smart financial move that can help you make the most of your assets and save money. In the everchanging interest rate environment, staying informed about refinancing options is crucial.

This year interest rates have been gradually increasing, making it important to assess your current mortgage situation.

Whether you want to lower your interest rates, access your property’s equity, or consolidate debt, refinancing provides tailored solutions to suit your needs. By understanding the advantages of refinancing, you can make informed decisions to optimise your financial situation and navigate the changing interest rate landscape.

What is Refinancing?

Refinancing allows you to replace your current loan with a new one that offers more favourable terms. It is a strategic approach to managing your finances and maximizing your savings. Whether it’s refinancing your mortgage, personal loans, or car

loans, exploring this option can help you achieve your financial goals.

Benefits of Refinancing in Sydney. By considering refinancing, you can unlock numerous benefits tailored to meet your needs.

• Lower interest rates: Taking advantage of favourable interest rates can significantly reduce your monthly payments and save you money in the long run.

• Access to equity: Sydney’s thriving property market means you may have built up valuable equity in your home. Refinancing allows you to access this equity, providing funds for home improvements, investments, or debt consolidation.

• Debt consolidation made easy: If you have multiple debts with high-interest rates, refinancing allows you to consolidate them into a single, more manageable loan. This simplifies your financial obligations and potentially lowers your interest expenses.

• Flexible repayment options: Refinancing provides you with the opportunity to choose repayment

plans that align with your budget and financial goals. Whether you prefer a fixed-rate mortgage for stability or a variable rate for flexibility, refinancing offers tailored options.

When to Consider Refinancing. Considering refinancing can be advantageous in various circumstances.

• Lower interest rates: If interest rates have decreased since you obtained your loan, it may be a good time to refinance and take advantage of potential savings.

• Unlocking equity for financial growth: Sydney’s property market offers opportunities to build equity in your home. Refinancing allows you to access this equity and utilise it for

home improvements, investments, or other financial endeavours.

• Simplifying your finances: Consolidating high-interest debts into a single loan through refinancing can simplify your financial obligations and potentially reduce your overall interest expenses.

Refinancing presents a valuable opportunity to optimise your finances and achieve your financial goals. By partnering with Wealthwiz, you gain access to expert guidance and tailored solutions to make the most of your refinancing journey.

Contact Alex from Wealthwiz today at 0419 600 177 or alex.soncini@ wealthwiz.com.au and unlock the financial potential that awaits you.

“Lender terms and conditions apply. The data, information and commentary provided in this publication is of a general nature and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the relevant contributors and should not be construed as specific advice or relied upon in lieu of appropriate professional tax advice.”

Three stripes for three years

Wanderers announce three-year partnership with Adidas

WESTERN Sydney Wanderers FC have today announced a three-year partnership with global apparel and football giants Adidas.

The partnership will see the three stripes worn proudly across the club’s Isuzu UTE A-League, Liberty A-League Womens, Powerchair, Wanderers Academy and Community Programs until the end of 2026/27.

Founded close to 100 years ago, Adidas are one of the world’s most recognisable brands and became a household name in 1954 after designing the world’s first pair of football boots.

The Red & Black now join a highly esteemed list of clubs to wear Adidas including the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

The kits for the upcoming season have been designed in partnership with Ultra Football, Australia’s largest multi-branded football store with locations in Sydney and Melbourne.

Western Sydney Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson said he was delighted to kick-off the partnership with Adidas.

“We are very proud to welcome Adidas and their global team to the Wanderers family as we look to have a successful partnership over the next three seasons,” said Hudson.

“Adidas are a world-renowned branded and we are also excited to work closely with Matt and his team from Ultra Football as we move into a new era of football culture and merchandising.”

Ultra Football General Manager Matt Adams said he was excited to launch the upcoming range.

“Western Sydney Wanderers shares similar value to Ultra Football, building its brand by football fans, for football fans,” said Adams.

“Ultra Football takes great pride in connecting Adidas, one of the globes greatest sporting brands, and Western Sydney Wanderers together.

“Our teams are very excited to launch an exciting adidas range of products, to the Wanderers member and fan base.”

CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Disclosing unintentionally (8)

5 Awe (6)

9 In a strong manner (8)

10 Declared (6)

12 Dancer (9)

13 Keyboard instrument (5)

14 Self-satisfied (4)

16 Sops up (7)

19 Makes known (7)

21 Inlets (4)

24 A piece of armor to protect thighs (5)

25 Vista (9)

27 A type of beetle (6)

28 Handling (8)

29 Appeared (6)

30 Becomes bony (8)

DOWN

1 Pulsates (6)

2 Slanders (6)

3 Savor (5)

4 Rhythmic (7)

6 Unmistakably (9)

7 Widows (8)

8 Incivility (8)

11 Festivity (4)

15 Act up (9)

17 Tooth doctors (8)

18 Not faithful (8)

20 Sodium chloride (4)

21 Robbers (7)

22 An island in French Polynesia (6)

23 Masses (6)

26 Ragout (5)

The chase is on!

BY BOB TURNER

BLACKTOWN CITY FC kept their 2023 Premiership hopes alive last week with a convincing 3-1 away win over Sydney Olympic for their fourth win in a row. The week before Blacktown took care of first place team, Marconi Stallions, at home with another dominant 3-1 scoreline. Round 23 will see Blacktown City back home at Landen Stadium when they will host Sydney FC in another critical encounter.

Travis Major, Jak O’Brien and Charles Mendy have provided the majority of goals up front in the last few weeks as Blacktown City has been healthy for the first time this season. Head of Football, Mark Crittenden has also added two key signings at the transfer window two weeks ago including International Nacho Palacios from Atletic Sant Just in Spain and young striker Reuben Awaritefe. Both have had an immediate impact on the club, lifting the depth, quality of play and team motivation.

The NSW Premiership race is tight and Blacktown City has a great deal of work to do with only eight rounds remaining. Apia Leichhardt lead the competition outright on 47 points closely followed by Marconi and Rockdale on 42 points. Blacktown currently sit on 37 points with an 11 win, 4 draw and 7 loss season to date. Destiny is in their own hands as they have remaining games against Apia in round 26 and Rockdale in the last round of the competition.

Head Coach, Mark Crittenden, has been a Master at rallying his troops in the money end of seasons. He did it last season as Blacktown hit their stride when it counted to win the 2022 Championship. “It’s not over yet, you put 6, 7, 8 games together and a couple of things go wrong at the top end – you never know what might happen” said Coach Crittenden. “We’ve done it before, we’ve won 10 games unbeaten, so we’ll just try and go out there every week. Even if we can’t win the league,

we’ll still get in and try to cause havoc for everybody else,” he added.

Following the win against rivals Marconi and Sydney Olympic in the last two weeks, Blacktown City will have four remaining home games to build their Championship assault. Blacktown will host Sydney FC on the 9th of July, Sydney United on the 23rd of July, St George on the 6th of August, finishing their home stand with the Wollongong Wolves on Sunday, the 20th of August. All home games are played at 3pm at Landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Ave, Seven Hills.

Blacktown Women continue to grow in only their second season of competition. Led by Head Coach David ‘Dok’ O’Keefe, in the last three games the women have had a solid 2-0 win against Camden, a 1-1 draw with Marconi and last week another 1-0 win over Sutherland. Last week Blacktown held League leading Hills United to a 1-0 scoreline.

This Sunday, July 9th, Blacktown will host Sydney FC at Landen Stadium. Sydney FC are coming off a 1-0 win over Sydney United last week which elevated them to fifth place on the ladder, just behind Blacktown on 36 points. Sydney had a 1-0 win over Blacktown in Round 8 which sets up

an exhilarating Round 23 encounter. Game time is 3pm with the Under 20’s at 1pm.

Sunday, July 23rd, Blacktown will host Sydney United in a ‘Back to Blacktown’ homecoming for all former Blacktown players. To added a special touch, the Board of Blacktown City FC will unveil the Graham Crawhall ‘GC’ Members bar on the day. GC was a

‘Life Member’ of Blacktown City, Manager to Mark Crittenden for over 20 years and last year was awarded the Valentine Medal for services to Football NSW. Sadly, GC passed away earlier this year and Blacktown City will pay special tribute to one of their most memorable members by unveiling his own Members bar! Go Blacktown City!

Charles Mendy

Nacho Palacios. Photos: Not24Get

Travis Major

Locals clubs contest Eric Apperly Shield Pennant

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THREE local western Sydney golf clubs have entered teams in the 2023 Eric Apperly Shield Pennant competition (21 Years & Under), with Penrith and Richmond both drawn in Section 4, alongside Pymble, Cumberland, Bonnie Doon and The Australian (Red).

Stonecutters Ridge is drawn in Section 5, alongside Cronulla, Pennant Hills, Killara, Royal Sydney and St Michael’s (Silver).

The competition commences on Sunday 9th July and runs through to the 6th August, followed by an Elimination Playoff on 13th August, then semi-finals on 20th August and the Final on 27th Augustall playoff venues / times to be confirmed.

Richmond and Penrith clash in the first round, which will be played at Cumberland, and Stonecutters play Royal Sydney at St Michael’s.

The local squads are: Penrith: Blake Murray, Brent Gadd, Zavier Button,

Kyle Armstrong, Ryder Jerzyna, Jessica Fog, Aydan Crowe, managers Blade Gadd, Michael Organ., Stonecutters Ridge TBA, Richmond: Reggie Papps, Matthew Gallaher, Pat Murphy, Imogen Carter, Tate Chambers, Charlton Carter, Matteen Mashal, Mason Gounder.

There are also a number of local

juniors playing for Sydney clubs again this season, with Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs), Grace Lee (Glenmore Park) and Chayse Thorpe (Richmond) all playing for reigning premiers Concord Blue, whilst Tyler Nesci (Leonay) will play for Concord Red, Blake Hodges (Erskine Park) will

play for New South Wales, Camilla Kim (Kellyville) will play for The Australian.

Full details of the competition and the draw / results can be found on the Golf NSW website www.golfnsw.org.au/events-champs/ eric-apperly-shield/

Blake Hodges and Camilla Kim will play for New South Wales and The Australian respectively in Eric Apperly Pennant. Photos courtesy JNJG