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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
Friday, 7 June 2019
ISSUE 86
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Winter Blows In
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n advanced trainee from Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals has emerged top of the class after sitting a grueling exam schedule for new doctors. Blacktown Hospital fellow Dr Waseem Hassan, who works at one of the busiest emergency departments in Western Sydney, has been recognised for achieving the highest score out of 170 candidates from Australia and New Zealand. It takes about 12-18 months to prepare for the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine’s (ACEM) exam. Dr Hassan received this year’s prestigious ‘Buchanan Prize’ for topping the exam. It’s the first time a clinician from Blacktown or Mount Druitt hospitals has been recognised by ACEM for such exceptional performance. The Ponds father of two said he studied between 8-12 hours per day while working 4-6 days a week. “It is a fantastic feeling to know all my work and the sacrifices of my family have been recognised and rewarded,” Dr Hassan said. “To prepare for these exams I sacrificed lots of family time which was really hard. I felt like I was not able to give them enough of my time. “I have been very fortunate to have
a fantastic support group of mentors and consultants at both Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital emergency departments.
“To rise up to their expectations and return with this award to acknowledge their input of time and effort is very satisfying.”
Dr Hassan said he hopes to be a role model and encourage high performance in staff. “The work we do in the emergency department is amazing, we save lives and comfort the sick and that is never easy,” Dr Hassan said. “I encourage other training emergency department clinicians to not give up. The work environment is challenging, but fear of failure should not prevent you from excelling and achieving your goals.” A $700 million expansion project has finalised at Mount Druitt Hospital and stage 2 of the redevelopment at Blacktown is almost complete. Stage 2 will include a new emergency department for Blacktown Hospital with more emergency and short stay beds and a new psychiatric emergency care service. Mount Druitt Hospital’s ED expanded as part of stage 1 of this project, featuring a new resuscitation bay, a refurbished procedure room and a new ambulance bay. Stage 2 will also include a new intensive care unit, eight new operating theatres, purpose-built wards for expanded birthing, maternity, women’s health and newborn care and more. For further information about the hospital redevelopment, visit www.bmdhproject.health.nsw.gov.au/
Western News 7 June 2019 Issue 86
Blacktown doctor scores top prize for emergency medicine exams
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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Western News 7 June 2019 Issue 86
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From the Editor’s Desk By KeRRIE DAVIES
T
he bitterly cold winter nights are starting to set in now, and it won’t be long before 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 and lay back 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 cold conditions, they are likely sleeping on cold concrete or grass, with a piece of cardboard for warmth. And if you’ve gone out and purchased new, bright, ten-inch thick bedding for the winter, how about donating the old bed covers to a collection point for our homeless. Or the next time you go shopping and spot gloves and beanies for a few dollars each, if you can spare it why not purchase a pair or two for someone who can’t afford them? 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, and it can really make a difference to someone’s life – particularly at this time of year. If ever there’s a time where a kind gesture is appreciated by those in need, it is during the coldest months of the year.
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By GREG DAVIES
I love a sunburnt country A land of sweeping plains Of rugged mountain ranges OF DROUGHTS AND FLOODING RAINS
Western News 7 June 2019 Issue 86
Don’t waste water
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Familiar, yes however the flooding rains are still some time away it seems but the droughts are here, so now it’s time to rethink the use of our most precious resource, water. With the dam now at around 50 per cent, Sydney Water has introduced Stage 1 Restrictions. The restrictions are not that onerous and relate to using a bit of common sense. Don’t use the hose to wash the driveway, use a broom; when washing your car use a hose with a trigger nozzle and don’t water the lawn with a hose before 10am and after 4pm. That’s just a summary and as I said its pretty much common sense. You can probably think of more ways to assist the restrictions with a little imagination. Remember, however, if you break the rules you will be contributing to the government’s coffers as the Sydney Water rangers will be patrolling and issuing fines. Ignorance is not a valid excuse either, so make sure you are aware of what is and what isn’t allowed. Let’s all just “Do The Right Thing” For more information on restrictions visit the Sydney Water website.
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Western News 7 June 2019 Issue 86
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Western News
Community forum visits Rouse Hill
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lacktown’s new university campus and upgrades to local roads and traffic will be among the leading topics for discussion at the Blacktown City Council community forum in Rouse Hill next week. Residents from across Ward 1 will also get a chance to hear from their Ward Councillors and raise any issues affecting their neighbourhood at the forum on Tuesday, 11 June at the Rouse Hill Anglican College, 7 Worcester Road, Rouse Hill. Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “Our program of community forums is a good opportunity for residents to meet Council staff and Councillors. “We invite people from Rouse Hill and surrounding suburbs to attend the forum and tell us what really matters to them.” Information will also be available
on Council’s programs, services, venues, festivals and events. Mayor Bali said: “The forums have proved to be effective for residents to see what Council does and at the same time people get to engage face-to-face with Councillors and Council staff.” Council hosts Ward forums and pop-up sessions throughout the City giving residents a chance to engage directly with Council. “I am pleased to see more residents from across Blacktown City are attending the forums and pop-up sessions, and I encourage residents in Ward 1 to join us next week,” Mayor Bali said. Ward 1 Forum details When: Tuesday 11 June 2019 Time: 7 pm to 9 pm Location: Rouse Hill Anglican College, 7 Worcester Road, Rouse Hill (cnr Rouse Road)
Mayor Stephen Bali MP encouraged residents to attend the next community forum at Rouse Hill College next week.
Customer Service Focus at Blacktown Hospital
B
lacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals redevelopment isn’t just about great new world class facilities but also about customer service. The frontline customer service teams completed their “First Hello” training this week, learning new techniques to improve their interaction with patients, visitors and other staff. The course was specially designed for Blacktown Hospital as part of the hospital expansion service readiness.
“The biggest challenge for us is the range of issues we have to deal with and the variety of circumstances,” said workforce coordinator Katrina Langman. “We hope this experience has given our frontline staff greater insight, and more skills to help manage interactions with customers,” she said. “They have the ability to make a real difference in people’s experience. We are so proud of the work they do.” Congratulations, team!
The Art and Life of Alex Kolozsy – Sculptor | Exhibition
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lacktown resident of over 30 years, Vitéz Dr. Alex Sándor Kolozsy, will be exhibiting 50 of his artworks at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre. Alex arrived in Australia in 1958 on the Dutch ship, Johan Van Oldevarneveld, with 3,000 Dutch and seven Hungarian migrants. Two years earlier he was a young freedom-fighter in Budapest repelling the invasion of his country by the Russians, taking over a tank in front of the Parliament building and hoisting the Hungarian national flag, despite being wounded. This same flag is part of the artist’s personal memorabilia to be featured in the exhibition alongside his sculptures, drawings and paintings. The artist’s inspiration has come from the classical European tradition of sculpture. “I think Rodin is one of my favourites,” says Kolozsy. “I do not copy, but over the years I have developed my own impressionistic figurative style.” “My sculptures are not smooth,” he says. “I have a certain texture on the surfaces, and I refine the
highlights, and I aim to reflect the spirit and soul of the person in their portrait, which is the most important aspect of my work.” The exhibition features bronze artworks of many well-known Australian figures, including the late artist, Tom Bass, and musician, Johnny O’Keefe, and famous places including the Kokoda Trail.
Dr Kolozsy has many permanent public sculptures across Australia, including a memorial to the pioneering women of Australia located at Jessie Street Square in Sydney. Dr Kolozsy was awarded an International Gold Medal in 1981 by the Arpad Academy in Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1991 he was awarded a Cultural Doctorate in Visual Arts from Benson, Arizona. His work is held in the Royal Art Collection, London, the Presidential Collection, Washington, National Portrait Gallery, Canberra and the Australian Parliament Art Collection. Last year he was knighted as vitéz by the Hungarian Parliament. He is currently Sculptor-in-Residence with the Blacktown Showground Society. Exhibition Dates 23 May – 27 June 2019 The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission to the exhibition is free.
Western News
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W
e s t e r n Sydney based Liberal Senator Marise Payne has been re-appointed to the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs. She has also been appointed as Minister for Women. “I’m honoured to have been sworn in to the Morrison Ministry as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women. “I’m looking forward to representing Australia and our interests, and being a voice for women and girls at home and abroad,” Senator Payne said last week. Senator Payne was appointed to the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs last year, following the resignation of her colleague, Julie Bishop. Local residents, business owners and politicians from all sides of politics were in agreement that Senator Payne was a great choice to take on the role of Minister for Women. Joining the Liberal Party in 1982,
Senator Payne has been an inspiring role model for women; racking up some impressive history-making female-firsts during her political career.
*Valid until 30th June 2019, not to be used in conjuction with any other offer.
She was the first female Federal President of the Young Liberals and she was also Australia’s first female Defence Minister. Senator Payne also received the
highest number of votes of all NSW senate candidates in the 2016 federal election. Her senate position was not up for election in May, but will be at the next federal election.
Western News 7 June 2019 Issue 86
Senator Payne: inspirational role model
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Western News 7 June 2019 Issue 86
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local columnists
Western News
Comfortable flying
...windows are for views...
Remember... By BEN CRANNEY
T
here are a lot of theories about the best way to get upgraded on a flight. Dressing well’s never worked, so stay in your tracksuit. Being tall doesn’t work, so if you are, make peace with being cramped. Being a doctor doesn’t work, because my wife’s never been upgraded, although that could be my plebeian ‘Mr’ holding her back. I was upgraded on my first ever flight overseas. Qantas called and said ‘Mr Cranney (making me think titles are important), we are sorry, but we have overbooked the flight.’ I thought
I’d been kicked off ‘til he said I’d be flying business. I guess the apology was because he knew I’d never be upgraded again. So, maybe you’ll get lucky, but if not, you can try and make the flight more comfortable. If you’re a sloucher, or tall enough that you need to slouch for your head to actually be supported by the headrest, bring something to stuff under your lower back for support. Be aware that some cheap seats don’t have adjustable headrests, so consider a travel pillow. If you’re a bit shorter, think about a seat without a headrest, so the bottom of it doesn’t push your head forward. Don’t take the middle
seat if you are flying solo, or you’ll be squashed from both sides. If you’re nervous, or have a small bladder, get the aisle. Some exit row seats are close enough to the wall that you can put your feet up, great for avoiding fluid accumulation in your feet. Bring food if you’re a fussy eater, and even if you’re not. After security, fill more water bottles than you planned especially because some international airlines charge you for a drink. Eurowings, a discount airline with a reputation that makes passengers sigh with relief when they land, make you pay. Try not to judge me, but I pointed out that water was a basic human right. ‘Not on Eurovings’, she responded, like a German Miss Trunchbull. If it’s a really long flight, saline nasal spray, eye drops and face moisturiser will also help you stay hydrated. If you want to go straight into the new timezone, get a flight that lands in the morning. Then force yourself to stay awake until early evening. Sleeping for the whole flight (don’t
...and aisles are for loos.
watch movies for the hell of it), or adjusting to the new time zone once you’re on the plane will also help. And if you find yourself dreaming of business clase, take your mind off it by planning your adventures. Next time: Lake St Claire
The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Shining Bright
I
just love hotels. I love everything about them, well, apart from a Fawlty Towers in Perth but that’s another story. I love the fact that someone makes my bed for me, I love room service and I love all the little goodies in the bathroom, so whenever my husband suggests a couple of days away, my heart lifts with expectation, especially as he is so brilliant at choosing nice hotels. A few years ago, we had to go to Melbourne on business. David did his usual research on the internet and came up with what seemed to be a gem. The entrance looked magnificent complete with sweeping red-carpeted staircase and a chandelier that would have made the Phantom of the Opera jealous. We had a rather tedious journey to Melbourne with lots of delays and so I was ready to wallow in the arms of luxury. We arrived at the hotel to find a very welcoming but somewhat small reception. Where was the staircase? Where was the chandelier? Well, no matter there was a lovely book-lined room with a fire burning brightly. We got in the lift and as the doors opened at our floor, I did a massive double take. The corridor was identical to the one in that masterpiece of ghostly gothic horror, The Shining! Who can ever forget Jack Nicholson’s supernatural villain breaking down the door while brandishing an axe and shouting “Here’s Johnny” grinning at his most devilish. Now, art deco corridors feature largely in this film, filling up with rivers of blood and inhabited by ghostly children and so you can imagine how uneasy I felt stepping into
an identical setting. We scuttled to our room which was incredibly cosy. No ghosties there then. But every time I set foot outside, I felt extremely uneasy. I told myself it was just the memory of the movie, but in my heart I felt there was more to it than that. But there was a mystery to solve. Where was the staircase? Where was the chandelier? When we went down for dinner, we asked the concierge why the entrance was so different from that on the internet. It turned out that the building had been split in two, one half housing the hotel and the other having been turned into apartments and the residential part had the grabbed the grandeur. “What a shame,” I said. “It looked really lovely.” The concierge looked around furtively, rummaged in a drawer and produced a rather large key. “I’m not
supposed to do this, but come with me.” Curiously, we descended a back staircase to the basement. He led us along another of those creepy corridors and then up more stairs where we emerged into the glorious splendour we had been expecting. The concierge kept looking nervously about him as it was totally verboten for hotel guests to venture into that part of the building and the basement corridor was only for the use of the staff who looked after both areas. As we made our way back downstairs, I was getting colder and colder and experiencing strange feelings of fear, hopelessness and dread. “Something terrible happened here,” I said. “Someone was killed here.” “Funny you should say that,” said the concierge. “There was a young woman murdered. A lot of the staff won’t come through here on their own and definitely not after dark.” Now I know that the corridors didn’t run with tsunamis of blood or spectral twins appear when the lift door opened, but it was very obvious there was an unquiet presence in the hotel. But hey! I was on holiday. Once we had braved the corridors, our room was lovely and the little library cosy and stocked with great books. Whatever was lingering there wasn’t really doing any harm except having fun frightening the maids, so live and let live - or should I quote James Bond and say live and let die. The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.
Western News 7 June 2019 Issue 86
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WESTERN HISTORY
Andrew Hardie McCulloch (Snr) By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
H
e was the epitome of the ruthless wheeler dealer in saleable land, who always had inside information. An anti-hero of the 1870s and 1880s. He was a solicitor, conveyancer, real estate speculator and pastoralist who practised in Sydney from 1867 until 1904. He was born in Scotland in September 1820 to Thomas and Sarah McCulloch (Nee: Allan) who married in February 1816 in Glasgow. His father Thomas was born in Scotland in 1787 and came out to Australia as a convict, convicted for 14 years on the “Speke” in December 1820. His occupation at the time of sentencing was “stocking maker” (or weaver) also at this time he was considered a respectable settler. Thomas was one of 19 “Scottish Radicals” transported as part of the trials for “high treason” in Scotland under a Special Commission held at Stirling in the year 1820. The ship arrived in Sydney in May 1821. The “Radical War”, also known as the Scottish Insurrection of 1820, was a week of strikes and unrest. The end of the Napoleonic Wars brought economic depression, and in 1816 some 40,000 people attended a meeting on Glasgow Green to demand a more representative Government to end the Corn laws that kept food prices high. The industrial revolution affected handlooms (weavers in particular) and unrest grew, despite attempts by the authorities to employ jobless men and open relief centres to relieve hardship. His wife Sarah came to Australia in November 1823 on the “Jupiter” with Andrew aged three and his brother Thomas (Jnr) thanks to the Government plan to re-join relatives. Thomas (Snr) was free and living in Clarence Street in Sydney. He was fully pardoned in August 1835 and went on to make a modest contribution to the colonies as a businessman and craftsman. He was also the great-great-grandfather of Eleanor Dark the author, who wrote “The Timeless Land” in 1941. Thomas died in March 1863 at the age of 75 years and is buried at St Johns’ Anglican Church cemetery in Ashfield. Andrew married Elizabeth Thompson Griffin in 1841. The Australian newspaper in 1844 states: - Andrew Hardie McCulloch of Elizabeth Street in Sydney in the colony of NSW, at present serving under articles of Clerkship to Mr George Allen of Elizabeth street in Sydney. This gentleman is one of the Attorneys of the Supreme Court of NSW. I do intend to apply to their Honours the Judges of the said Court on the last day of the next term, to be admitted an Attorney Solicitor and Proctor of the said court. When the O’Connell Estate at St Marys was being divided up, all but sixteen hectares was sold. In 1855 some of this land (eleven lots) was sold by mortgagees to Andrew, who in 1856 re-sold to Charles Hadley, George Hope, George Dempsey, James Cummins, Henry Nash and William Cummins. In 1858 Andrew was one of two Executors’ of John Tindale’s will that was being contested in the Supreme Court by Martyn & Schroder “Auctioneer & Commission Agents” who lost their case for the amount of over £558, and were ordered to return that amount or sufficient disposable property to the Estate, but they were made insolvent. Greater access to the Blue Mountains came when the railway was extended to Weatherboard (now called Wentworth Falls) and opened in July 1867. Sir Henry Parkes bought a large acreage at Faulconbridge in 1876. Sir James Martin, who was both a friend and ministerial associate of Parkes bought a total of 900 acres in 1876-7 between Faulconbridge and Linden and adjoining Parkes’ holdings. He re-sold some of it in October 1878
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to Sir Alfred Stephen (Chief Justice of the Supreme Court) who built a wooden house, but in 1882 due to financial difficulties he sold the house and land to Andrew who purchased the parcel of land for £13,000. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the owners of the properties on this estate were boasting some of the grandest gardens in NSW, developed with the guidance of the curator of the Sydney Botanic Gardens. The estate had a fascinating history created by some of Australia’s political, educational and social elite. Andrew’s “Eurama” house was originally referred to as “Weemala”, an Aboriginal word meaning an expansive view but later it changed to “Eurama Castle”, a Greek word with a similar meaning. The architect of Andrew’s estate was George Mansfield and the builder was Patrick (Paddy) Ryan who had constructed the stonework that was locally quarried. Andrew furnished his country house using the exclusive Sydney firm of Lyon Cottier and Co. The gardens and a tennis court and a dam wall constructed to create a lake were set out at this time. The property was sold in 1889 to John Cliff. None of the original estate survived due to bushfires early in the twentieth century. “Eurama” stood as a stone ruin, gutted by a bush fire in 1968. In August 2015 an attempt was made to sell off the property spanning 93.56ha now called the Eurama Castle Estate (a country-style house and tower) and made up of 15 lots that holds the remains of Eurama. The place called the “playground for the rich and famous of the time” had an asking price of $1 million. The auction advertisement of the uninhabitable ruin said that “despite the house being in ruins, there are standing slabs of its original sandstone walls and established trees wrap around it. A portion of the gully that met an ornamental lake used for small sail boats is still there and there are still two swimming pools there that were cut into sandstone as well as a man-made dam from possibly 100 years ago.” In November 2015 the property was sold for $1,225,000 to the Donghua Group under mortgagee instructions. Andrew (Snr) died in January 1905 aged 84 and Elizabeth died in 1888 at their residence “Tara”, Ocean Street at Woollahra and both are buried in a vault in the Anglican section of the Waverley cemetery at Bronte. His son also Andrew Hardie McCulloch (who was the grandfather of Eleanor Dark) died in 1947 in Mosman aged 88 years and is also buried in a vault near to his parents. Sources: Heritage Newsletter of the Blue Mountains Association of Cultural Heritage Organisations Inc, Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, British convict transportation registers 1787-1867, Sydney Gazette 27 Nov 1823, Census of New South Wales November 1828, National Library of Australia, Trove, Ancestry, Australia Death Index, 1787-1985, NSW Government Gazette.
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Western News
SUDOKU: EASY
SUDOKU: EASY
11 Western News 7 June 2019 Issue 86
SOLUTIONS: 24 May EASY
ENTERTAINMENT
INSTRUCTIONS EASY
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 Letters (4) 9 Angry (5) 10 Fertilizer ingedient (4) 11 An outline (6) 12 Imagines to be true (8) 13 In a psychotic manner (8) 15 The Six Million Dollar Man (6) 17 Runs off (7) 19 Lose heart (7) 22 Cultural (6) 24 A black flavored candy (8) 26 Break-and-enter (8) 28 Graduates (6) 30 Skid (4) 31 Lofty nest (5) 32 A river in central Europe (4)
solution 24/5/19
down 1 Made from the residue of grapes (4) 2 “Praise the Lord” (8) 3 A Hindu festival (6) 4 A female spirit in Irish folklore (7) 5 Capable of being done (8) 6 Dinner jacket (6) 7 Round red root vegetable (4) 14 Something that happens (5) 16 Relating to the lower body (5) 18 Parcels (8) 20 Fragrances (8) 21 Killers (7) 23 A solid lump of a precious metal (6) 25 A place of worship (6) 27 Website addresses (4) 29 Apprehends (4)
Western News 7 June 2019 Issue 86
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REAL ESTATE
Alex Soncini
W
Western News
HOW TO BENEFIT FROM REDUCED RATES
ith official cash rates at rock bottom, now is the time to get ahead with your home loan. Overpay on your monthly repayments: just because interest rates decrease, doesn’t mean you need to drop your repayment amount. In fact, why not increase your repayments as if rates were already higher, or alternatively, round up your repayment to the nearest hundred dollars. Just putting an extra $50 on your home loan repayment every month can save you close to $14,000 in interest over the life of a standard loan (based on a loan of $300,000, 5%
interest rate and 25 year loan term) . Fix your loan: You can lock in all or part of your loan for the long term so you can enjoy a low rate for years to come. A fixed loan provides security against the uncertainty of rate rises, keeping in mind that if rates go up by 1.0 per cent, your monthly repayment would increase by around $220 for a $350,000 30-year loan. Use offset or redraw: these home loan features allow you to build a buffer against interest rate rises by providing a facility for you to place extra saved funds for a ‘rainy’ day. With an offset account, you can earn interest on your savings, which is offset against the interest you’re
paying on your loan. Interested in how to benefit from reduced rates? As your mortgage broker we can show you how - call Alex on 0419 600 177 today. At Wealthwiz, we understand that buying a home is one of the most exciting times of your life. Whether you are buying vacant
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Western News
SPORT
13
By CONNER LOWE
T
he Women’s World Cup is the pinnacle of sport for women around the world and the Matildas are every chance to go all the way in France. Teigen Allen, who just finished her W-League campaign with Melbourne Victory and currently resides in western Sydney was selected in the 23-player squad to travel to France. Teigen isn’t new to the spotlight after making her debut at 16-yearsold against Vietnam at the Asian Cup and now at 25-years-old she will be
entering her 2nd World Cup for the Matildas. Teigen spoke about the long road she has taken to get to France and how she will treasure every second spent with the Matildas at the World Cup. “Being in and out of the team for the past couple of years and missing out on the past World Cup and Olympics I have gone through some pretty tough times with football and an ankle reconstruction that kept me out for nearly a year,” she said. “I have come to realise football gives me a feeling nothing else can fulfil.
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“It was a tough road to get back to where I am now, but every second was worth it. I had a goal to be here and I wasn’t going to stop at anything. I put the hard yards in and pushed myself and now I’m just embracing every second and living in the moment. “Representing my country feels like it is everything I’m living for. I appreciate every moment with the National team and will cherish these moments for the rest of my life.” The Women’s World Cup is being hosted in France, playing host to 52 matches across nine host cities, including Paris, Montpellier,
Nice, Valenciennes, Lyon, Reims, Le Harve, Grenoble and Rennes. Australia who are ranked 6th coming into the World Cup will be in a group with Brazil ranked 10th, Italy ranked 15th and Jamaica ranked 53rd. The Matildas campaign kicks off against Italy on 9th of June, followed by a game against Brazil on 14th of June and then to finish the group stage the Matildas play Jamaica on 19th of June. Teigen believes that travelling to France is her greatest achievement and the Matildas are ready to bring the World Cup home. “I have achieved a lot with football, but this is by far more meaningful than any achievement, as the road to be where I am now has shaped me and made me realise how much I wanted it and how hard I worked to be where I am,” she said. The team and I have given everything possible in training and at games. “We are ready to make history and bring the World Cup home!” The Matildas will be hoping to win the Women’s World Cup for the first time, and with the likes of Teigen and the rest of the squad, this is the year to make history.
Western News 7 June 2019 Issue 86
Teigen ready for the world’s biggest stage
St Marys Freight Hub Community Information Pacific National will be hosting a community information desk at St Marys Village Shopping Centre about the proposed St Marys Freight Hub on: Thursday 13th June (3:00pm-6:00pm) Friday 21st June (10:00am-2:00pm) The proposed St Marys Freight Hub will be built on industrial zoned land at Pacific National’s vacant site bordering the main Western train line and Dunheved Industrial/Business Park. The freight facility will have the potential to: ◆ Create employment in the community with 60 jobs during construction and more than 150 new full time jobs
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Western News 7 June 2019 Issue 86
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Western News
SPORT
Villa on winning team in North vs South Cup By Noel Rowsell
M
iguel Villa (Stonecutters Ridge GC) was one of twenty-four junior golfers chosen to compete in the annual Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) Foundation ‘North vs South Cup’ at Riverside Oaks GC from 24-26th May. Villa and Leonay GC junior Coby Carruthers were both chosen in the North team, which would ultimately take out the event by 14 points to 10. Villa played alongside Bailey Milford (Coonabarabran GC) on the first two days, in both the Foursomes and the Four-Ball events. The duo would suffer losses on both days, with Andrew Brown (Wollongong GC) and Cameron Jackson (Bathurst GC) winning each event by a 3 and 2 result. Villa played Jackson in the singles on Sunday but could not break his losing streak, falling 5 and 4 but still enjoying an overall win with the North team.
Miguel Villa (Stonecutters Ridge GC) in action at Riverside Oaks in the JNJG Foundation North vs South Cup. Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
Carruthers partnered Zachary Camilleri (Shelley Beach GC) in the Foursomes and the duo fell 4 and 2 to Ethan Harvey (Kiama GC) and Michael Nguyen (Gungahlin Lakes, ACT). The North duo had better luck in the Fourball,
defeating Harvey and Max Jenkins (Wagga Wagga GC) 4 and 3. Carruthers faced Harvey again in the Singles, finishing 2-down after fighting back strongly from an early deficit, then losing the final two holes.
Blacktown City thump United 58 to jump to third By CONNER LOWE
B
lacktown City has roared back into Premiership contention after fighting back to claim a massive 4-2 win at Sydney United 58 on Sunday afternoon thanks to a pair of Daniel Bragg goals from the penalty spot. Patrick Antelmi put United ahead inside a quarter of an hour, before Bragg equalised from the spot barely three minutes later. Joey Gibbs nodded Blacktown in front early in the second half before Bragg scored his second, while Leroy Jennings added a fourth before Matt Sim came off the bench to score a late consolation for the hosts.
The result moves Blacktown up to third on the table on 23 points. Only one point behind second placed APIA Leichhardt Tigers and seven behind league leaders Wollongong Wolves. It was just the revenge the visitors were looking for after they were dumped out of the FFA Cup round 6 clash when United 58 won 2-1 to progress to the final stage of the Cup prior to the round of 32. Blacktown City took their time on the ball in the opening exchanges, winning a corner which was cleared at the near post before Adam Berry dragged a shot across the goal after driving up through the midfield. There were seemingly few clear-cut opportunities to break the deadlock before Sydney United did just
that. Tariq Maia strode up the left flank and lost the ball before Liam Rose nicked it back on the edge of the box; taking a touch before cutting a pass back for Patrick Antelmi to sweep past the goalkeeper with a clever finish. The hosts held the lead for all of three minutes before Blacktown levelled at 1-1. Rose brought down Leroy Jennings as the Blacktown man skipped into the area, leaving Tim Danaskos little option but to award a penalty. Daniel Bragg stepped up to spot and smashed the ball into the top left corner of the goal to restore parity. The game settled somewhat after a frantic start, though play tended to swing from end to end with little patience in the midfield. Maia might have tested Tristan Prendergast in the Blacktown goal but took too long to get his shot away as he tried to dribble through a crowded box, while Joey Gibbs had a chance at the other end which was easily held by Thomas Manos. Blacktown pushed to go ahead before the break, with Jennings, Bragg and Gibbs looking dangerous down the right as the visitors rolled forward. Lachlan Campbell was particularly adventurous in attack, and very nearly opened up the Sydney United defence only for Jennings to hit a weak shot at the keeper. Joey Gibbs was not so wasteful when the ball came to him at the back post ten minutes after the restart, burying Dakota Askew’s cross past a helpless Manos to give Blacktown the lead. A further ten minutes into the half, and Blacktown had their third: new signing and fan favourite Tomislav Uskok handled the ball in the area to give away a second penalty, which Bragg dispatched with ease. Blacktown threatened every time they went forward. Mani Gonzalez nearly pulled off a spectacular solo goal as he skipped across the top of the box before playing a one-two at the near post, but the return ball was cut out by Matthew Bilic. Leroy Jennings added a fourth as the clock wound down, stabbing the ball past Manos after a freekick was flicked on towards the back post by Grant Lynch. Sydney United substitutes Matt Sim and Christian Gonzalez combined to snatch a late consolation goal but nonetheless it was a damaging blow for the hosts.
Western News
SPORT
with MARK GEYER
State against state, mate against mate
I
sit here writing my column on Monday morning at Sydney Airport as I await my flight to Brisbane for game 1 of the 2019 series. It’s hard to believe that State of Origin turns 40 next year! What an amazing concept it has been. In 1980, as a 12 year old, I asked my dad if I could stay up ‘late’ and watch this new interstate competition. “You sure can mate,” he replied. Until that game in 1980 I hadn’t given rugby league games between NSW and QLD much thought. NSW always seemed to flog them and the crowds were relatively poor. Game 1 in 1980 would change that forever. As immortal Arthur Beetson lead his QLD team out onto Lang Park those in attendance and at home on the lounge were intrigued. At 36 surely ‘Big Artie’ was way past his best? And surely this would be merely another walk in the park for NSW? Uh uh. Actually far from it. My early confusion of teammates
“Pardon you want to fish where”?
playing against each other was quickly cleared up when Mick Cronin ran the ball and his teammate from Parramatta, Artie Beetson smashed him. And then threw in a late uppercut for good measure. “Dad, what’s going on here, how can two teammates be fighting each other?” I asked, “They are calling it State against
The great Artie Beetson in 1980
State, Mate against Mate for a reason son, this is something I’ve never seen before,” dad exclaimed, “And how bloody good is it,” he threw in with raptures. From that moment I wanted to play State of Origin. QLD won that very first match 2010, and it wasn’t until 1982 that the 3 game series was introduced, with
14th-23rd June
QLD winning the first 3 series until Steve ‘Turkey’ Mortimer’s Blues won our first in 1985. Four years later in 1989 I got my first taste of it. And it was everything and MORE it was advertised as. As we round the bend and head into its 40th year, State of Origin has never been bigger or better. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, think again. It continues to serve up monumental moments and images, one I was lucky enough to be involved in involving a “King” :-) Who will write their own chapter of origin history in this years series? Chances are it happened on Wednesday night. Chances are it will continue to happen long after rugby league’s major show piece hits its 40th, 50th and 60th birthday. State of Origin is well and truly mate against mate state against state, it’s also the gift that keeps on giving! See you at the game.
MG (random Westie) OAM
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Western News 7 June 2019 Issue 86
MGon the mark
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Western News Friday, 7 June 2019
SPORT
Mount Druitt Town salvage point against Olympic By CONNER LOWE
M
o u n t Druitt T o w n Rangers have salvaged a point in a 2-2 draw with Sydney Olympic on Sunday evening at Belmore Sports Ground. Last time these two clubs met it was Sydney Olympic who torched Mount Druitt 6-2, however a much better defensive display by the Rangers allowed for a great result on the road. Although Sydney Olympic still managed to double the shots of Mount Druitt, it was Carlos Saliadarre’s efforts between the sticks that helped the Rangers walk a way with a point. It was an entertaining first half as both sides hunted for the opening goal, with their defensive efforts on show. Sanchez was the most lively and dangerous for Olympic and came close to opening the score in the 20th minute, however Saliadarre was able to make the save. However, Sanchez didn’t wait much longer to pounce opening the score a minute later, slotting the ball perfectly through
Trimble’s legs and into the goal. Mount Druitt Rangers had Saliadarre to thank for only being one goal behind with several great saves including a great free kick from Nikola Kuleski from just outside the 18-yard box, but he was equal to it and tipped it over the bar. The equaliser came just after the half
hour mark, with a fantastic strike from Boyadjian. The ball fell to his feet on the edge of the area and he thumped the ball home to level the score. The game remained a stalemate at half time, with each side looking likely to snatch a goal and take the game in the second half. It was Olympic to take the lead
at the start of the second half with Sanchez scoring almost immediately to begin the second stanza. Olympic skipper Jason Madonis sent an overhead ball to Sanchez who was making an attacking run down the left flank. The Spaniard maneuvered his way to a dangerous central position at the edge of the area before firing home his second of the evening. Mount Druitt Town weren’t to be ruled out of the contest and equalised in the 76th minute through substitute John Roberts. A misdirected header from Will Angel saw Mount Druitt collect the ball just outside the box and flick a header on to Roberts. A lack of communication between Mitchell Stamatellis, who was maintaining a tight defensive run with Roberts, and Olympic custodian Paul Henderson saw the attacker head the ball over them both and into the back of the net. Both teams searched for the winner in the closing stages of the game, but neither was able to come out on top, with the game closing at a 2-2 draw.