BY KERRIE DAVIES
THE end of an era was marked recently with Blacktown Police Area Command
Duty Officer, Chief Inspector Bob Fitzgerald OAM, hanging up his handcuffs after 38 years of dedicated service.
As a 17-year-old growing up in Doonside, Bob observed a man breaking into his neighbour’s car. Bob challenged the man who ran from the scene and - without hesitation - he pursued the offender and detained him until the arrival of police.
Although working as an apprentice bricklayer at the time - following his first successful foot pursuit - Bob began to consider a career change to policing.
He subsequently joined the NSWPF in 1985.
After first being posted to commands in and around the Sydney CBD, he transferred to Blacktown Police Station in 1989 where he would spend the next seven years.
During the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Bob was the venue commander for the Blacktown Olympic Centre. This also gave him the opportunity to work with his own wife who was an Olympic volunteer at the same venue.
In 2007, he returned to Blacktown Police Station where he has been ever since.
But Bob actually commenced working at Blacktown Police Station even before joining the NSWPF! In the late 1970’s as a teenager he would assist his father who was employed as a cleaner at Blacktown Police Station. Bob has now exited the same police station but in a very different role.
Bob is well known to the local community as he is highly active in more than a dozen clubs along with not-for-profit organisations, charities and associations.
Since 2021, he has also been a councillor on Blacktown City Council.
Bob has received numerous national, state and community awards. He was NSW Volunteer of the Year in 2018; he’s been an Australia Day Ambassador and, last year, he was awarded Rotary Community Police of the Year for his work in the
community. The year was rounded off with an Order of Australia medal.
One of the highlights of his career was delivering a baby outside of St Mary’s Police Station in 1998: “We were inside the police station when this man came running in saying his wife was out the front in the family car going into labour,” recalls Bob.
“Several other officers and myself rushed out the front and sure enough she was about to give birth! Being the senior officer I got the job of delivering the baby,” laughs Bob. “Fortunately, one of the officers with me had a brand new police shirt on her desk that had just arrived in the packaging. We ripped open the packaging and wrapped the baby in the police shirt until the ambulance arrived. It was a great experience!”
The incident appeared in a local newspaper at the time where Bob was pictured with the baby who was named Rachel as her mum – Mrs Lisa Carroll –recounted the story.
At Bob’s march out parade he was accompanied by his wife and seven children – one of whom is a police officer himself – and seven grandkids.
Also, in attendance were more than 100 serving and former colleagues.
But Bob also had two unexpected guests at his sendoff – Mrs Lisa Carroll and her daughter Rachel! It was the first time he had seen them in 25 years. Mrs Carroll also brought along the original newspaper article and the police shirt that was used to wrap Rachel in.
This little surprise had been secretly organised by his colleagues.
Thank you for your service Bob and all the best to you and the family for the future.
NSW Police extend a very special thank you to Lisa and Rachel for their support and attendance.
BLACKTOWN City Mayor, Brad Bunting, appeared before the NSW Parliament last week, highlighting serious concerns about the current funding system’s inadequacy and calling for comprehensive reforms to meet the needs of Western Sydney’s rapidly growing communities.
Invited to appear before the ‘Inquiry into the ‘ability of local governments to fund infrastructure and services’, Mayor Bunting detailed the pressing challenges faced by councils and the necessity for improved financial structures.
“The current systems of funding local government are simply not fit for purpose,” Mayor Bunting told the inquiry. “They do not provide the finances required to address the challenges of city growth, climate change, and increasing community expectations around services and infrastructure.”
Blacktown City’s population has grown to 435,000
residents, and is projected to exceed 600,000 within 20 years, surpassing the Northern Territory, the ACT, and Tasmania. As the largest council in NSW and one of the fastest-growing council areas in Australia, Blacktown City supports around 31,000 businesses employing about 175,000 people, with an annual economic output of $24.8 billion.
Mayor Bunting welcomed the Parliamentary inquiry, seeing it as an opportunity to address fundamental financing issues for local governments.
“The current funding systems, based on what councils spent last year, must be reformed. This inquiry provides the opportunity to fix the developer contribution system, which currently fails to fund essential community infrastructure such as libraries, aquatic facilities, and meeting spaces.”
“This shortfall amounts to more than $630 million in Blacktown City alone.
“There is a clear need to develop better funding models to help strengthen Council and better enable it to handle the challenges of growth,” Mayor Bunting continued.
“This includes funding infrastructure, electric vehicles, hydrogen-fuelled heavy vehicles, more solar infrastructure, and improved customer service systems. Additionally, funding is needed for tree planting, providing cool refuges, improving cybersecurity, and building infrastructure capable of withstanding floods, and heatwaves.”
Blacktown City Council is committed to working with government agencies to create better outcomes for our community and NSW. Council will continue to advocate for the necessary reforms to support its growing population and the evolving needs that creates.
BLACKTOWN City Council has opened the Marsden Park Temporary Library to provide much needed community infrastructure in one of Sydney’s fastest growing suburbs.
The library offers easy access to 1,500 books and is a response to overwhelming community demand for Council’s Mobile Library.
Borrowers can also access resources from other Council libraries (Blacktown, Lalor Park, Mount Druitt, Riverstone and Stanhope Gardens) by using their member account online to reserve items and have these delivered to Marsden Park.
Visitors can enjoy picture books, junior and nonfiction, adult recreational reading, and community language titles in Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi and Hindi. An HSC collection is available for students.
Programs include the popular Baby Rhyme Time on Wednesdays and school holiday activities.
Returns can be made anytime using the chute outside.
Marsden Park has the second highest population growth rate in New South Wales (Estimated Resident Population, Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023) and this has prompted a need for more services.
Council is unable to fund a larger, permanent library due to 2012 legislation that has restricted councils from spending developer levy funds on community infrastructure.
Mayor Brad Bunting was pleased Council was working hard to address the challenge of providing services for a booming area.
“I am proud that Council is doing what it can to help people in Marsden Park overcome infrastructure challenges,” he said.
“We need more assistance from the NSW government to fund the building of community infrastructure, although there have been positive signs over the past 12 months.”
Council will monitor the use of the Marsden Park Temporary Library and make improvements where needed.
The library is at the corner of Northbourne and Elara Boulevard and open Wednesday (10 am to 6 pm) and Saturdays (9.30 am to 12 pm).
For more information, see Libraries.blacktown. nsw.gov.au
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BY KERRIE DAVIES
THE NSW Government says the 2024-25 NSW Budget will help open Western Sydney to the world, with more than $1 billion for roads connecting people and communities with the new International Airport and Bradfield City Centre.
In a statement the Minns Government said connecting Western Sydney International Airport, which is due to open in 2026, to communities is a key priority of the State Labor Government, and that this commitment builds on recently announced funding for the same roads by the Australian Government.
Elizabeth Drive, which will take travellers directly to the new airport and connect major arteries of Mamre and Northen Roads, will see the state contribute $400 million for a longawaited upgrade into a four-lane divided road.
An additional $500 million will allow the next stage of construction to begin on Mamre Road between Erskine Park and Kemps Creek.
Mamre Road, a key freight route and zone for commercial development, will be widened with extra lanes to meet future growth, providing upgraded and new intersections and
a new shared path for cyclists and pedestrians.
This Budget investment takes total Federal-State funding of Mamre Road to $1 billion.
The 2024-25 NSW Budget provides $115 million for Mulgoa Road to see a separated four-lane dual carriageway between Glenmore Park and Jeanette Street.
Planning and construction will be staged and sequenced to ensure the road network meets growth and travel demand, the government states.
“Western Sydney is the fastestgrowing region in the country, with a population expected to grow from two million to three million people over the next two decades,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car.
“The 2024-25 NSW Budget guarantees these critical roads advance by matching federal funding.
“This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better communities for NSW. To ensure we’re building infrastructure which produces stronger, well-connected communities.
“A plan to build a better NSW.
“By investing with the Australian Government, these roadways will service the new Western Sydney International Airport and the surrounding community.”
FOR over 20 years, the Rotary Club of Richmond has supported local community groups and charities through funds raised at the Hawkesbury Show. These funds are raised through gate management where a small percentage of ticket sales are calculated by the HDAA and presented to Rotary at the conclusion of the Show. As well, the Rotary Canteen & seating (next to the Rotary Windmill) was funded, built and gifted to the HDAA and is used on the occasion to raise funds for the community.
This year, $24,000 has been distributed to the following groups: Richmond Riding for the Disabled, Richmond Women’s Hockey, Hawkesbury Sister City Association, Rouse Hill Men’s Shed, Hawkesbury Men’s Shed, Ist Hawkesbury Scout Group, Oakville Scout Group, Glossodia Scout Group, Ist Grose Vale Scout Group, Ist Glossodia Venturers, Richmond ExServicemen’s Soccer, Kurrajong North
Richmond Rotary, Macquarie Inner Wheel and Hawkesbury Inner wheel.
President of the Rotary Club of Richmond, Rod Rose, was delighted by the result, and invited representatives from all groups to attend a recent Rotary meeting to receive a Partnership Honour Certificate, in appreciation of their support.
“The managing of the gates and serving patrons in the canteen is a ‘nonstop’ and extremely busy activity which could not be done successfully without such community support,” said Mr Rose.
‘This is the Rotary Ideal in action, seeking local community partners and helping them to raise much needed funds for their organisations. It is so humbling to hear members of these groups explain what the fundraising will be used for, and the wonderful purpose filled objectives that the funds will be targeted to, invariably, for the well-being of young people’.
NEW analysis of Stage 3 tax cuts reveals they will have little impact on areas in Western Sydney hardest hit by cost-ofliving pressures, again showing it is where you live that matters.
Research by the Centre for Western Sydney shows the Albanese Government’s revamped tax cuts in the federal budget further entrench inequity between Sydney’s east and west.
Under the changes to begin on 1 July this year, workers living in Western Sydney will receive an extra $1,524 a year on average – or $29 a week –compared to an additional $2,037 a year – or $39 a week – for earners in the Rest of Sydney.
“Where you live matters and our place-based analysis reveals that high-income regions benefit most from the Stage 3 tax cuts,’’ the Centre’s Chief Economist, Professor Neil Perry said.
“The tax cuts are primarily aimed at correcting historical bracket creep rather than providing direct cost-of-living relief. They are no match for the effects of inflation where it is biting most,’’ he said.
Western Sydney is the epicentre of the nation’s cost-of-living crisis, especially in local government
areas like Fairfield where two-thirds of workers earn less than $800 a week, which is less than the minimum wage.
Under the tax cuts, workers from Fairfield will take home an extra $1,197 a year – or $23 a week – compared to those on Sydney’s North Shore. For example, earners from Mosman, on average, will receive an additional $50 a week in their pay packets, or $2,612 a year – that’s more than double the tax cut of people in Fairfield.
Professor Perry said, “The fundamental reason Western Sydney receives less in tax cuts in absolute terms is that Western Sydney has lower incomes than the rest of Sydney.
“The lower incomes also mean that residents in Western Sydney have been hit harder by interest rate rises and inflation. The Future Made in Australia policy will help here by shifting resources and incomes to Western Sydney.’’
The Centre’s analysis highlights that men will receive a larger tax cut compared to women in Western Sydney (women $1,287 compared to $1,736 for men) and the Rest of Sydney (women $1,766 compared to $2,297 for men).
The tax cuts formed part of Treasurer Jim Chalmer’s tactical pre-election budget. Western
Sydney remains an intense election battleground with the rise of local independents, focussing voter attention on ‘kitchen table’ issues, fairness, and integrity.
The Centre’s Unlimited Potential project is examining how the three leaps of future industries, skills and communities can work together to transform Western Sydney’s economy into a global powerhouse.
Coordinated action across all levels of government is needed to attract international investment, create new industries and boost skills development to capitalise on the once-in-a-generation projects underway in the region, including the Western Sydney International Airport.
The Centre argues infrastructure spending needs to improve transport connections in Western Sydney. In addition, the government needs to support local businesses to take advantage of the Future Made in Australia funding by providing incentives to scale up and enter global supply chains.
“In this way, the government can help to attract investment and turn Western Sydney into a core rather than a peripheral economy and increase local, well-paying jobs,’’ Professor Perry said.
AROUND 40 per cent of poor health and premature death among Australian men can be prevented by healthier habits and this Men’s Health Week —10-16 June — we’re giving blokes the superpower to change their wellbeing for the better.
Healthy Male and Western Sydney University’s Centre for Male Health have joined forces to launch the Good Health Heroes campaign to educate Australian men on the health issues most likely to affect them and encourage prevention through sustainable lifestyle changes. Using data from Ten to Men’s longitudinal study on male health, it’s underpinned by research that highlights the conditions that men experience the highest burden of disease, which includes diabetes, various cancers, stroke, heart disease, injury, mental health disorders and reproductive and sexual disorders.
“We want to remind men that
looking after your health takes a bit of time and effort, but it’s not as hard as you might think and it’s far less difficult than dealing with a health condition,” Healthy Male CEO, Simon von Saldern says. “Start with small changes like a walk around the block each day or adding a new vegetable on your plate each week and work your way up.”
The campaign focuses on six key foundations of good health in men
— nutrition, exercise, connection, reducing risk-taking, health literacy and sleep — and champions selfmanageable, achievable and sustainable habits to improve their outcomes in each one. The campaign features a range of resources such as infographics, case studies and health practitioner education activities. The campaign is also supported by key experts and organisations such as the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Australian Fatherhood Consortium, Australian Men’s Health Forum, Australian Men’s Shed Association, Centre for Gender Equity in Health and Medicine, CPA Australia, Dads Group, Flinders University, Freemasons Centre for Male Health & Wellbeing, Gotcha 4 Life, Greater Western Sydney Giants, MATES in Construction, Movember, OzHelp, PANDA, Ten to Men, The Men’s Table, The University
of Adelaide, the Western Sydney Wanderers and Young Blood.
“It’s more important than ever to come together to highlight the importance of men’s health and the profound and positive impact that improving it can have on our whole community,” says Associate Professor Emma George, Director of the Centre for Male Health.
Men’s Health Week is an international initiative that takes place every June and focuses on all the factors contributing to men’s wellbeing. Over the week, key experts in the men’s health space highlight the challenges men face in prioritising their health and how both individuals and healthcare systems can overcome them.
For more information on Men’s Health Week, our Good Health Heroes and how you can get involved, visit www.goodhealthheroes.org.au
CLOSE to 150 former teachers are poised to return to public school classrooms this term, after accepting an offer as part of the Teachers Re-Engage initiative, aimed at arresting the teacher shortage crisis that gripped schools under the former Liberal National Government.
The progress comes after the NSW Government last year removed the public sector wage gap and gave teachers the largest pay rise in decades, whilst taking steps to reduce the burden of admin work that piled up under the former government.
Vacancies dropped by 20 per cent at the start of the 2024 school year compared with the same time last year, but there is still work to do.
Since November 2023, the NSW Department of Education has contacted more than 1,500 teachers who quit their jobs in the past five years to ask them to consider returning.
More than 260 have expressed interest in returning to service, with 145 now linked with schools to perform casual and temporary work in more than 600 schools across the state. Around 60 per cent of the returning teachers are coming out of retirement. Both the pay increase and workload reduction have been cited as motivations for returning.
The department has simplified the re-employment process for these teachers by providing support for
attaining accreditation, approval to teach, and a Working with Children Check.
Teachers re-engaged under the program will add to the department’s pool of qualified teachers who can cover gaps due to absences in schools, relieving pressure on other teachers and principals and reducing the amount of merged and cancelled classes in NSW schools.
Other employment options are also available to the cohort, including permanent teaching positions and working as small group tutors.
“We are doing everything we can to get more teachers in classrooms and Teachers Re-engage is part of our laser focus on reversing the
teacher shortage that built up under the Liberals and Nationals,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said.
“NSW started the new school year with a 20 per cent drop in the number of teacher vacancies, compared to the same time last year, but there is a long way to go.
“It’s wonderful to see the passion for teaching reignited among hundreds of experienced educators who thought they had taught their last lesson – but thanks to changes being made by the Labor Government, have decided to return.
“Ensuring every class has a qualified teacher in front of it is vital to improving student outcomes.”
BY KERRIE DAVIES
THE NSW Government has introduced legislation modelled on Queensland’s ‘Jack’s Law’ which will give Police powers to “wand” or “scan” people for knives without a warrant in designated areas.
The legislation is part of a package of what the government calls “common-sense reforms’ to target possession of knives, particularly among young people, reduce knife crime and boost community safety.
Under the new legislation, a senior police officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner or above can turn on wanding powers to be used in a designated areas including:
• Public transport station (including bus, train and tram stations) and surrounds.
• Public transport vehicles within two scheduled stops of a designated public transport station
• Shopping precincts
• Certain sporting venues
• Other public places, designated by regulation, including special events and places that are part of the night-time economy.
This will mean that, compared to Queensland’s ‘Jack’s Law’, NSW will have more designated areas and more flexibility to capture places in which events are held, such as the Royal Easter Show and entertainment areas.
The authority will last for 12 hours, with an option to extend as required.
Police can “wand” any person in a designated area and may request that person produce a metal object, if detected. Failure to comply may result in a maximum penalty of a fine of $5,500.
Importantly, wanding powers can be turned on for areas where there have been issues related to knife
crime or knife possession offences where one of the following have occurred in the last 12 months:
• At least 1 offence committed by person armed with knife or weapon.
• At least 1 serious indictable offence involving violence.
• More than 1 offence of knife possession or prohibited weapon possession.
In addition to wanding provisions, the legislation will also make it illegal to sell knives to a child under the age of 18, with exemptions for retailers selling to young people who need a knife for their work or study as well as increasing penalties for people selling knives to young people under the age of 18.
The package of reforms will help address kniferelated crime, get knives off streets and keep the community safer.
The reforms build upon responsible action taken by the NSW Government over the last year including:
• Doubling of the maximum penalties for various knife related offences in 2023.
• Ongoing review by the NSW Sentencing Council into sentencing for firearms, knives, and other weapons offences.
• Ongoing high impact NSW Police operations such as “Operation Foil” – an ongoing, targeted operation which last ran from 11–13 April 2024. It targets knife crime and anti-social behaviour with
51 knives/weapons seized and 145 people charged with weapon-related offences. In the last year alone almost 4,000 knives were seized in public places.
“My hope is that these common-sense reforms stop people from taking a knife into the community and prevent some of the devastating outcomes of knife related violence we have seen in recent months,” Premier Chris Minns said.
“The NSW Government is committed to tackling knife crime to keep our communities safe and these reforms send a strong message that knife crime is not tolerated.”
Minister for the Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said giving police the ability to ‘wand’ or ‘scan’ for knives in designated areas is a proactive step toward ensuring community safety.
“By detecting and deterring knife possession, we’re not just preventing potential crime, we’re also safeguarding lives,” Minister Catley said.
“The introduction of legislation inspired by Jack’s Law isn’t just about law enforcement. It’s also about instilling confidence in our community, showing that we’re actively working to keep them safe.
“These laws mark a crucial shift in our approach to combatting knife crime, especially among our youth. By introducing this legislation, we’re sending a clear message that knife crime will not be tolerated in our community.”
Attorney General Michael Daley said the Government is sending a clear message that it is a crime to carry a knife and under these new measures, you will face a greater chance of being caught if you carry one.
“I want to say to young people in particular: Do NOT take a knife with you when you leave home. The chances of being caught by police and ending up with a fine or in a court on possession charges are about to become much higher.
“It’s not worth the risk,” AG Michael Daley said.
CUMBERLAND Hospital is the largest mental health facility in New South Wales (NSW) and the oldest in Australia, with a strong history of incredible nurses who have significantly influenced mental health care across 175 years.
This year marks 175 years since Cumberland Hospital was gazetted on 28 December 1849.
Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is recognising the special place the hospital holds in the district by acknowledging past achievements and moments of historical significance, while also looking to the future.
In honour of International Nurses Day on 12 May, The Pulse has taken a deep dive into the rich history of nursing at Cumberland Hospital by looking back on the careers of five nurses from Cumberland Hospital who have profoundly changed mental health in NSW.
Please note: Over time, Cumberland Hospital was previously known by names such as Parramatta Female Factory, the Lunatic Asylum and Hospital for the Insane. These are used below as they are the historically
accurate names for the site, but do not at all reflect current mental health treatments in Australia.
Matron Elizabeth Statham
Elizabeth was formerly the matron of the convict-era Parramatta Female Factory and was then the first Matron of the Lunatic Asylum, Parramatta from 1847 to 1865. Elizabeth was responsible for managing female staff, patients and areas set aside for women.
Matron Jane Burn
In 1865, Mrs Jane Burn replaced Elizabeth Stratham as Matron of
the Asylum, and was the Matron for an incredible 27 years until 1892. She presided during a key moment, with the change of name from the Parramatta Lunatic Asylum to the Hospital for the Insane, Parramatta.
Matron Francis Spencer Francis was the first Matron who was a formally trained Nurse, having undergone her education under the Nightingale system at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. She was matron from 1892 – 1893, and in 1899 she was involved in the monumental establishment of
the Australasian Trained Nurses’ Association (ATNA).
Nurse Rebecca “Becky” Williams
In August 1911, Becky was one of only two graduates from Parramatta to sit the first Registration Examination for Mental Health Nurses conducted by the newly formed ATNA, receiving her certificate on 5 September 1911. During WW1 she volunteered her services and joined the Australian Imperial Force, and in 1915 she left Sydney aboard the R.M.S ‘Morea’ as a staff Nurse.
Ruby Buchanan
Ruby was a nursing sister around 1907 – aside from her everyday nursing duties, she would have helped to organise and run activities provided for the patients’ entertainment and emotional well-being, including balls, musicals and picnics. Nurses like Ruby engaged in their everyday nursing duties, as well as engaging in occupational and diversional therapy. This year, as we honour the dedicated and compassionate staff across our district, we also reflect on the incredible Nurses who have come before, pathing the way to a bright new chapter.
MOUNT DRUITT Hospital has marked National Volunteers Week with a ceremony to honour the substantial commitment of the dedicated volunteers to the hospital and its community.
Mount Druitt Hospital volunteers’ contributions span from wayfinding to fundraising for services and equipment.
Just recently, the kiosk volunteers were responsible for the donation of a $60,000 machine to the surgery department to assist with treatment of certain nerve issues in the neck.
The ceremony was also an opportunity to honour the ongoing service of Mount Druitt Hospital’s volunteers, with particular acknowledgements of:
• 5 years – Florence Singh
• 5 Years – Christina Davis
• 10 years – June Burnard
• 10 years – Mila Holzmann
• 15 years – Sam Samli
• 15 years – John Vella
• 25 Years – Loy Antao
• 25 years – Meryl Austin
• 50 Years – Jan Graham
• 50 years – Dulcie Harrison
“It’s really such a big honour to be able to just simply say thank you to all,” Mount Druitt Hospital Acting Deputy Director of Nursing David Glastonbury said.
“For those who haven’t been able to attend today, if you could pass on, on behalf of the Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital executive, a big ‘thank you’ for everything that you do and the significant contribution you make each time you come in.”
For Dulcie Harrison and Jan Graham, this is a particularly special
celebration, with the pair marking 50 years of service each as volunteers this year.
“For both of you, this 50-year milestone is remarkable,” Mount Druitt Hospital Acting Director of
Nursing David Glastonbury said.
“And it’s a testament to your commitment to Mount Druitt Hospital and to your character to really want to make the community such a better place through your contribution.”
WESTERN Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) staff have taken part in Paediatric Emergency Treatment and Advanced Life Support (PETALS), a new practical course aimed at providing participants with an introduction to managing paediatric emergencies.
The course was developed to improve emergency care of sick children and is aimed for senior registered nurses, residents and registrars working in paediatric areas and who respond to paediatric emergencies.
WSLHD Paediatric Clinical Nurse Consultant Tanya Stewart said the Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital (BMDH) course has been tailored to provide a practical, hands-on study day to upskill and build confidence for medical and nursing staff who work in paediatrics, Emergency Department (ED), Clinical Emergency Response System (CERS), after hours Clinical Nurse Educators across BMDH and Auburn hospitals.
WSLHD staff have been provided with a valuable hands-
on learning experience following the implementation of the PETALS program at BMDH, which was originally established by Northern Sydney Local Health District.
“This new program was well received at Blacktown Hospital recently and was attended by Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care staff who respond to CERS calls but don’t have paediatric experience,” Tanya said.
The inaugural PETALS course saw 100 per cent of participants stating that the course increased their confidence in dealing with paediatric emergencies and 100 per cent of participants stating that they would recommend this course to their colleagues.
The aim of the course is to prepare nursing and medical staff to recognise the sick child and signs of progressive
deterioration and on completion the participants should achieve the following objectives:
• Recognising the sick child
• Infant and child advanced airway management
• Respiratory emergencies specific to paediatric patients
• Vascular and intraosseous access and fluid management
• Essentials of teamwork in an emergency
Staff lauded the interactive and dynamic learning experience which helped equip them with confidence and practical knowledge:
“I think every medical officer in ED and the Paediatrics ward should complete this course.” PETALS participant
“It has been a very valuable and informative day.” PETALS participant
“It met all my expectations and more” PETALS participant
“A beautifully crafted program.” PETALS participant
“Working with the different cohorts was quite engaging and good learning from each other.” PETALS participant
MOTORISTS in the Riverstone Electorate are reaping the reward of their safe driving through the NSW Government’s demerit point return trial.
Data broken down by local government area (LGA) shows 52,511 drivers in the Blacktown Local Government Area have seen a demerit point removed from their licence for maintaining a 12-month spotless driving record.
In the nearby Hills Shire Council, 31,526 drivers have had a demerit point wiped – a meaningful reward for families and community members who depend on their cars.
More than 1.2 million drivers qualified for the demerit point reward for maintaining a clear record
during the initial 12-month period up to 16 January 2024.
The demerit return trial has been extended for a second year as the NSW Government continues to sharpen its focus on road safety in 2024 amid a rising road toll.
Minister for Roads John Graham said:
“If you drive for a living then the reward for safe driving could be the difference between ongoing employment and losing your livelihood.
“People are used to the stick of enforcement and double demerits, but this is the carrot of reward for good behaviour.”
“Every demerit point wiped from a licence under
this trial is the result of a full 12 months of safe driving by a motorist on NSW roads.
Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:
“Earning the removal of a demerit point can mean a lot, especially to motorists who rely on their cars to drive the kids to school or to get to work.”
“It’s great to see drivers rewarded for their safe driving. Our community knows how important road safety is and this program is driving that message home.
“With the demerit point return trial extended for another year, let’s keep the momentum going and ensure we’re focusing on driving safely every day.”
FRIDAY*, Gemma Navarrete and Yellowline have been named as the recipients of the 2024 Generations – Western Sydney Music (Early Career) Fellowship, giving these talented upand-coming solo artists and collectives the support, expert guidance and platform to help amplify their careers.
An artist-led professional development residency program, the Generations – Western Sydney Music (Early Career) Fellowship is one of the commitments included in the NSW Government’s 10-year Creative Communities policy. It is delivered in partnership by Create NSW, Powerhouse, Blacktown Arts, and Australian music management and events company Vyva Entertainment.
Each Fellow receives $25,000 funding plus inkind support during their six-month residency, including studio space in Blacktown and industry mentoring and networking facilitated by Vyva Entertainment.
An industry assessment panel selected the Fellowship recipients from a high number of quality applications. The three recipients in 2024 are:
• FRIDAY* (real name Fabian Odame) is a second-generation Ghanaian-Australian musician living in Western Sydney. FRIDAY* produces energetic anthemic numbers and connects with likeminded creatives in the process.
• Gemma Navarrete is a Chilean/Italian singersongstress from Western Sydney. She is known for her concise, poetic lyricism and RnB/pop-infused tunes that reflect the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.
• Yellowline is a collective that embodies the spirit of Western Sydney’s diverse Hip Hop community. Their music is an expression of their individual identities and a unified chorus that celebrates cultural diversity and shared aspirations. As a collective, Biggs685, ElijahYo, MRVZ, and MKAY aim to redefine the landscape of Australian Hip Hop, making it an inclusive space where positive and uplifting messages challenge the status quo and ignite change.
Create NSW Chief Executive, Annette Pitman said:
“Create NSW is proud to play a role in nurturing the incredible talent that is emerging in Western Sydney through our Generations Music (EarlyCareer) Fellowship. Selecting these remarkable musicians from a highly-competitive field, bursting with potential, was a difficult task and I congratulate FRIDAY*, Gemma Navarrete and Yellowline on what will be a career-defining residency.
Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins said:
“The contemporary music scene in Western Sydney is brimming with exciting talent. With support and guidance from program partners Powerhouse, Blacktown Arts and Vyva Entertainment, our 2024 Fellows have an incredible opportunity to take their careers to the next level.”
Powerhouse Chief Executive, Lisa Havilah said:
“Powerhouse is excited to work with FRIDAY*, Gemma Navarrete and Yellowline as part of our
ongoing commitment to sustain individual creative practice and support and nurture the creative industries across Western Sydney. We are proud to be delivering this program in partnership with Blacktown Arts and Vyva Entertainment to help amplify the incredible creativity emerging from Western Sydney.”
Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Brad Bunting said:
“Blacktown City welcomes live music and creatives to our City and its precincts. Blacktown is a hub for contemporary music, drawing artists from across Western Sydney and NSW to collaborate, celebrate and create. It’s all happening in Blacktown and we couldn’t be prouder of the next generation. Music is vital to the culture of Blacktown City and this partnership will amplify the next generation of leading artists and creatives.”
Visit nsw.gov.au/create-nsw
ASEA of smiling faces and a diverse mix of colour and cultures were signs of the success of Blacktown City Festival’s Streets Alive and Parade Day.
People turned out in their thousands to watch the parade through Blacktown town centre and enjoyed musical performances, rides, market stalls and face painting.
Mayor Brad Bunting was delighted.
“It was fantastic to see so many local groups performing, marching and mingling with their neighbours,” he said.
“Streets Alive and Parade Day gives people from our diverse community the opportunity to show who they are and what they do.
“We are lucky to live in a community where people can express who they are, and it’s one of the things that makes Blacktown City such a great place to be.”
The parade included Council staff and community members walking together to call for an end to domestic violence. They wore “Blacktown says no to domestic violence” shirts and were flanked by 3 Council garbage trucks that carried messages promoting support services including Blacktown Women and Girls Health Centre, 1800 RESPECT and WASH House.
FIREFIGHTERS, NRL stars and other top athletes are urging households across the state to make sure they have working smoke alarms fitted in their homes, as Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) launches its annual Winter Fire Safety Campaign.
New figures reveal that last winter, nearly half (49 per cent) of the 1,080 homes that were impacted by fire did not have a working smoke alarm, or any alarm, in place.
The most residential fires last winter occurred in Canterbury-Bankstown (243), closely followed by the inner city (Sydney – 241), the Central Coast (235) and Blacktown (228), with kitchen fires the most common.
Winter in 2022 was particularly deadly for house fires, with a record 17 deaths – more than four times the total of the previous winter – and 87 people injured. During that season, exactly half of the 959 houses that caught alight did not have a working smoke alarm.
FRNSW is amping up its efforts to warn people about the dangers of smoke alarm complacency, enlisting the help of sports stars in a social media campaign to better connect with communities and establishing its own awareness day, Smoke Alarm Action Day.
Sports stars including netball star Maddy Turner (NSW Swifts/
Australian Diamonds) and a range of NRL players including Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Jaydn Su’A (St George Illawarra Dragons), Stephen Crichton and Georgia Ravics (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), and Suia Wong and Keeley Davis (Sydney Roosters), will feature in social media video messages encouraging households to fit a smoke alarm in their home or have their existing alarm checked.
FRNSW will hold its inaugural
Smoke Alarm Action Day on 1 June to kick off the agency’s Winter Fire Safety Campaign and mark the commencement of a dangerous period for house fires.
FRNSW also conducts community outreach programs to engage culturally and linguistically diverse communities in smoke alarm and fire safety messaging.
Residents can book a home fire safety visit when firefighters can install smoke alarms free of charge and find
further advice on the FRNSW website at www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits
“Having at least one working smoke alarm installed in your home will help safeguard your loved ones and provide peace of mind,” Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said.
“But the alarms must be in working order to be effective, and we are finding this isn’t the case a lot of the time. In their home safety visits, firefighters have been finding outdated and broken smoke alarms, with some even hanging from ceilings by wires.”
“I encourage residents to book a fire safety visit from a firefighter, who can install an alarm for free or make sure your alarm is functioning properly.”
FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said stressed the importance of having working smoke alarms.
“We understand that people are busy these days but making sure you have a functioning smoke alarm in your home should be a priority, especially as we enter winter,” he said.
“We’re particularly concerned about the number of fires occurring in the kitchen, which was 44 per cent of cases last winter.”
“You’ve got to keep looking while you’re cooking – don’t get distracted and if a fire breaks out, whatever you do, don’t throw water onto it, the flames will flare up dramatically.”
“Keep a fire blanket near the kitchen to smother flames if they occur.”
24/5/24
5. Decorate with needlework (9) 6. Affirm (7)
7. An imaginary creature (7)
8. Pertaining to the assimilation of food (9)
13. The flesh of trout-like fish (9)
14. Equipment (9)
17. Pajamas with feet (7)
18. Interlace (7)
20. Compress (7)
21. An inscription on a tombstone (7) 23. Turbine part (5)
Derived from the sun (5)
PERCY Claude Fulton passed away at the Nepean Cottage Hospital after a short illness of about three weeks in November 1912. He was the fifth son of William Charles (snr) & Annie Butler Chisholm. Percy was born in Penrith in February 1872. His father William was born at Castlereagh in November 1832 and married Annie at Sofala in July 1860. He was an Alderman of Penrith Council but had to retire owing to an affection of the eyes. He died in 1902 aged 69. His funeral was the largest seen in the district for many years, with friends coming from every part of the district, as well as from the metropolis and suburbs. His remains were encased in a polished cedar silver-mounted coffin and buried at St Stephens Anglican Church, Penrith. He was the son of John Walker Fulton & Elizabeth Cartwright and the grandson of Reverend Henry James Fulton and Ann Walker. His father John was born on Norfolk Island in 1803 and died in 1850 at Castlereagh. His mother Elizabeth was born in 1804 in Cheshire, England and died at Castlereagh in 1890. The family were enterprising storekeepers carrying on a large business in Penrith and elsewhere. Percy’s brother William (Jnr) had a store in High Street in 1878 that was next to where his father William’s (snr) store at Cumberland House. Next door to him was Peter Smeaton’s boot and shoe store then Mr A Laing’s baker’s shop. Percy was a watchmaker and jeweller by trade and for years carried on that business successfully occupying part of the Emporium building. In August 1895 an advertisement in the Nepean Times read “Percy Fulton, Watchmaker and Jeweller, High Street, Penrith. (Next Door To Post-Office.) Watches, Clocks, Jewellery Etc., Repaired. Also, a Good Stock of Jewellery Always on Hand”. He also turned his attention to other matters. Percy had a great love of sport and at one time was considered a good cricketer, and his kindly disposition and sympathy towards others won him
hosts of friends. When the news of his death at the early age of 40 years became known, extensive regret was felt and sympathy with his death was faithfully forwarded from all quarters far and near. Percy remained unmarried and leaves to mourn his loss is a mother and five siblings, William, Edgar, Clarrie (Penrith), Ernest (Wellington) and Austin (Carroll) about 20 miles out of Gundagai and one sister Mrs Steel (Sydney). Over five hundred persons in all, relatives and friends out of respect for the historic family of Fulton attended the funeral on Sunday afternoon last. Among the immense following familiar faces were recognised from the outlying districts of Luddenham, Mulgoa, Castlereagh, Emu and other parts and nearly all the prominent men of Penrith and St Marys. The cortege left the residence of Mrs Fulton (snr) in High Street a little after 4 o’clock. First the hearse with its dead occupant almost hidden with wreaths, then the mourning coaches carrying the mourners followed by hundreds of sympathising friends mentioned. As they neared the old church on the hill, the solemn tolling of its bell was the only sound that broke the silence crossing the overhead bridge and turning into the straight road to the cemetery, the funeral procession with its whole length crept on silently until the hearse reached the entrance into the Penrith General Cemetery at Kingswood NSW. The coffin containing the body of Percy was borne to the grave by his three brothers, Edgar, Ernest and Clarrie and his nephew W Dickenson. Mrs John Price and Son were trusted with the arrangement of the funeral. Photo of grave courtesy of Find a Grave website.
Sources- Nepean Times Advertisement 24th August 1895, 16 November 1912, 8th August 1836, Australian Royalty online, Ancestry.
ALEX SONCINI
HE End of Financial Year (EOFY) is on the horizon, bringing sales galore and – yes –annual tax preparation that typically elicits little enthusiasm from anyone except accountants. Whilst accountants are the tax professionals, homeowners can benefit from knowing key deduction options and tax return tips that could save you money.
For homeowners, whether you’re paying off your own home, have an investment property or are a renter, there are tax deductions it may be beneficial for you to know about. Here are the four that you may want to consider:
1. Work from home deductions
Whether you are a homeowner or are renting, if you work from home you may be able to claim deductions for occupancy expenses such as your rent, interest payments on your home loan, land tax and Council rates as well as running expenses including phone and internet bills, heating, lighting, new equipment, office supplies such as printer ink and depreciation of equipment purchased in previous years.
There are several variables that may impact your ability to make a claim deductions, such as:
• If you run your business from home and have a dedicated home office, you might be able to claim for both occupancy and running expenses.
• If you do not run a business from home but still
have a home office, you might only able to claim running expenses.
• You may also only claim running expenses if you work from home but have no dedicated area in which to work.
2. Deductions on investment properties
If you own an investment property and it is rented out, you may be able to claim the interest charged over the year on your investment loan. You may also be able to claim interest paid on any loans that are directly related to depreciating assets for your rental property and for essential renovations and repairs to the property over the past financial year. Ensure you are aware of what you can and can’t claim though, as costs of many improvements to your property not considered essential might only be claimable in the year you sell the property.
3. Negatively geared investment properties
If you have made a net loss on your rental property over the past financial year (known as negatively geared) you may be able to offset the loss against your taxable income. A net loss occurs when the total expenses on the property (including interest on your investment home loan) exceed the gross income received from rent.
4. Claiming for investment property expenses
If you own a rental property as well as your principal place of residence then there may be other deductions you can claim such as property
management fees, advertising fees, local council rates, land tax, bank charges on your investment loan, maintenance costs and any legal expenses incurred. Under the 2017 Federal Budget, released in May, you may no longer be able to deduct travel expenses to inspect your property, so double check this and any other recent changes with your accountant.
Knowing what tax deductions you can claim can save you significant sums of money over time, but it is important that you seek professional taxation advice if you are not sure of what you can and can’t claim. It can be well worthwhile keeping your financial housekeeping tasks in order using a program such as MYOB or Xero so you can present your accountant at the end of the financial year with neatly detailed statements and all the evidence in the form of receipts to save them time, and therefore save you more money. You’ll also take all the stress out of EOFY and be able to enjoy the sales shopping instead of slaving over paperwork!
Got a question? Call Alex on 0419 600 177 for advice who can help you navigate the home loan market. Wealthwiz is here to help.
*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. Excerpts provided by ALI Group.
MASTER PENNANT: Stonecutters Ridge GC had yet another powerful win, in Round 3 of the 2024 Master Pennant competition, crushing Cromer 7-1 at Stonecutters.
Dunheved hosted Liverpool for a 5-3 win, Springwood hosted Manly for a 4-4 tie, Twin Creeks hosted Oatlands for a 5-3 win, Glenmore Heritage Valley was away to Lynwood and fell 5-3, Richmond hosted Leonay for a 5.5-2.5 win and Wallacia was away to Kareela and fell 5.5-2.5.
Penrith’s away clash with Ryde-Parramatta was washed out, leaving the result as a tie.
JNJG: Eighteen junior golfers from western Sydney golf clubs are registered for the 2024 JNJG Macarthur Junior Masters, which will take place on 9-10 June at Camden and Campbelltown golf courses. Those players are: Annoushka Maikap, Jack Gillett,
Savannah Webb, Marie-Claire Domingo and Sean Sammons (Stonecutters Ridge), Jessica Fog, Riley Cleminson, Riley Stasiuk and Nicole Son (Penrith), Fletcher Birks, Jake Thompson and Noah Kozminski (Leonay), Luke Carruthers and Kaiden Shuttleworth (Dunheved), Farmaan Dhillon (Glenmore Heritage Valley) and Nolan Zheng (Twin Creeks). Other local players include Chayse Thorpe (Concord) and Darcy Mackay (The Australian).
WSRVGA: Springwood CC hosted the Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association (WSRVGA) Inter-Club event on 31st May, making full use of the home course advantage to win the Teams event (Peter Filmer 44, Preggy Naicker 43, Jon Brownsell 36 and Chris Shorey 36) with 159 points, ahead of Dunheved, Glenmore Heritage Valley and Richmond, all on 154.
Bill Morris and Geoff Payne (Glenmore Heritage Valley) won the Men’s 2BBB with 51 points, ahead
of Eddie Chambers and Barry Rockcliffe (Dunheved) on 49. Barbara and Keith Stradlee (Glenmore Heritage Valley) won the Medley event on 47, ahead Juanita Robb and Dorothy Wilmington (Glenmore Heritage Valley) 44 c/b.
In the Men’s Singles competitions, A Grade was taken out by Peter Filmer (Springwood) with 44 points, ahead of Paul Gibbs (Dunheved) 40. B Grade was won by Bill Morris (Glenmore Heritage Valley) with 44 points, ahead of Preggy Naicker (Springwood) with 43. In C Grade, Eddie Chamber (Dunheved) won with 45, ahead of Bob Sproule (Leonay) with 39.
Richmond finished 1-2 in the ladies competition, with Margaret Powell (40) edging out Leonie Manczak (38).
The next event on the WSRVGA Inter-Club calendar is set down for Penrith GC on Tuesday 23 July.
THE Western Sydney Academy of Sport (WSAS) is excited to announce that registrations are now open for the annual UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day. This event is specifically designed for aspiring young Indigenous athletes, aged 13 to 17 years, who reside within the Academy’s geographic region. Set to take place on 27 August 2024 at the Western Sydney University Kingswood Campus, the Talent ID Day offers a unique opportunity for young indigenous athletes to engage in a variety of
enjoyable and purposeful sports activities and fitness tests. These activities, which include sports-specific activities, individual athlete assessments, education sessions, coaching sessions and skill-specific sessions, will be conducted under the supervision of Academy coaches and State Sporting Organisation talent ID staff.
Date: 27 August 2024 Time: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Location: Western Sydney University Kingswood Campus Cost: Free of charge - bring your passion
and determination to excel. All registered athletes will receive a lunch pack and an Indigenous Academy shirt.
To register for the WSAS / UAA Indigenous Talent ID Day, please visit: www.wsas.com.au/ nominations/itid/
For further information please contact: Denise Gaston – Marketing, Events, and Communication Coordinator Tel: 0428 473 970 or email: denise@ wsas.com.au
AFTER a tough 3-1 loss to Apia in Round 16, Blacktown Coach Mark Crittenden got his side back on track with a convincing 3-0 win over St George FC. The win keeps pace with the Premiership leaders in a leader board that is quickly separating the top teams for Playoff contention.
On Sunday afternoon, Blacktown City asserted its dominance and continued its course to challenge for this year’s silverware following their 3-0 victory over St George FC at Landen Stadium. Travis Major set up the first goal with a delicate chip into the box after good work down the right flank for Danny Choi to steal in at the back stick to head home the opener with the only goal of the first 45-minutes. Jak O’Brien, recently celebrating his 100th game for the club against Hill United, netted the second, when being in the right place at the right time to finish off another well worked City move. The goal of the game came two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the match when the ball was played into substitute Joey Gibbs who laid off a perfectly timed pass for O’Brien to lash home and it was lights out.
Earlier in the week, Blacktown City qualified for the coveted Final 32 of the 2024 Australia Cup with a resounding 5-1 win in Round 7 over Inter Lions on the Tuesday night. Danny Choi, showing he is working his way back into form, had two goals on the night. Grant Lynch, Joey Gibbs and Jak O’Brien also scored. Football Australia will announce the fixtures for the Main Round in late June once all other preliminary rounds are played. “One of the goals for 2024 was to qualify for the final 32 of the Australian competition and despite a number on injuries we have done that”, said Coach Crittenden. “The next task is to keep progressing and duplicate our form in 2017 where we defeated the Central Coast Mariners before losing out to the West Sydney Wanderers in the final rounds”, he added.
The win over the Inter Lions also keeps Blacktown in the running of the Waratah Cup, which determines the NSW Champion. Still in contention is Apia, NWS Spirit, Rockdale City Suns, Marconi, Phoenix and Sydney United.
The 2024 NSW Men’s Premiership race is tightening up with Rockdale, Apia, Wanderers, Marconi and Blacktown clearing away from the pack. St George City and Sydney United are close at range although United had a heartbreaking loss to Wollongong last week 3-2 after leading 2-0 in the first half. Rockdale and Apia lead the pack with 13 rounds to go. The West Sydney Wanderers found their form once again with a 2-0 win over Hills last week, despite playing with ten players the entire second half.
Next up for the men is an away game this Saturday to the dangerous Sutherland Sharks, followed by a mid-week home game against Manly on Wednesday, the 12th of June. Sunday, June 23rd will be a game not to miss as Blacktown will host League leaders Rockdale. This fixture will signify a ‘Back to Blacktown Day’ for all former Senior players of the club. All current Blacktown City Juniors will also be in attendance to witness the Senior Men host rivals and current NSW Premier Leaders, Rockdale. Game time is 3pm with Under 20’s at 1pm.
Blacktown City Women continue to power through their third season in Senior competition. Two weeks ago the women settled for a 0-0 draw with St George FC before pounding Camden last week 6-0. The Women are on the road this Sunday to Nepean. Their game last week was washed out through the rain and will be rescheduled.
In a rare treat for Blacktown City Juniors, current Socceroo Captain, Maty Ryan, will journey back to Blacktown City on Friday, June 7th, for a meet and greet with all the Blacktown City FC Juniors.
Blacktown City is where it all started for Maty Ryan who commenced his football journey in Under 11’s for
Blacktown City. His Junior career was boosted as an Under 15 when current Blacktown City Head of Football, Mark Crittenden, defied some criticism to stick with his young goalkeeper as he sensed something special in the youngster. Maty Ryan made his Senior debut with Blacktown City in 2010 and was quickly signed by the Central Coast Mariners the following year. A true Blacktown City Junior, the Socceroo Captain demonstrated support for where it all began with his appearance at the Hudson Hotel.
Home Game - Blacktown City
Men Vs Manly– Wednesday, June 12th, 7:30pm, Landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills
Home Game - Blacktown City
Men Vs Rockdale – Sunday, June 23rd, 3pm, Landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills
Home Game - Blacktown City
Men Vs St George City – Saturday, June 29th, 7pm, Landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills Go Blacktown City!
BY
COLIN Mitchell (The Links Shell Cove GC) and Victorian Sue Wooster (The National GC) have been crowned the 2024 Srixon Mid-Amateur Champions, after a thrilling final round at Wollongong GC.
Mitchell triumphed in a nail-biter, winning by one shot at the end of regulation play, whilst the highlycredentialed Wooster claimed the women’s Crown in a playoff over Gemma Dooley (NSW GC).
In a historic turn of events, the National Mid-Amateur title was held in conjunction with the SRIXON NSW Mid-Amateur Championship for the first time. This meant a double triumph for both Mitchell and Wooster, who were crowned the SRIXON NSW Mid-
Amateur Champions and the Australian Mid-Amateur Champions for 2024.
220 golfers teed off in the event (186 men, 36 women) with Western Sydney golfers numbering 20 in total (19 men,
1 woman).
The tournament featured a 36-hole cut, with 7 of the western Sydney players (6 men, 1 woman) qualifying for the third and final round. Suzanne
Fairhurst (Stonecutters Ridge GC) was the highest placed of the group, finishing in 5th spot in the Women’s division at +21.
Daniel Ayre (Richmond GC) led the local Men’s contingent,finishing in a tie for 35th place at +12, Dale Hughes (Penrith GC) 37th at +13, Dean Neill (Penrith GC) tied 41st at +16, David Bishop (Glenmore Heritage Valley GC) tied 53rd at +19, Jeremy White (Twin Creeks G&CC) tied 53rd at +19 and Dillyn Burazin (Dunheved GC) tied 68th at +23.
The SRIXON NSW Mid-Amateur Championship was open to amateurs 30 years of age and over, as at the first day of play, with a GA handicap of 12.4 and under for men, or 20.4 for women. Played over 26-28th May at both Wollongong and The Links Shell Cove golf clubs, the event was stroke play over three rounds of 18-holes.
AGROUP of players from Blacktown Stocksport are heading to the Gold Coast, QLD in July for the Australian Stocksport Target Championships. The championship will have the best competitors from NSW, Victoria, Queensland and the ACT, covering both Target Shooting and a Team event.
The Australian Distance Championships will be decided at Kareela Reserve, Doonside in September this year. These competitions will decide who will represent Australia in the Icestock World Championships, to be held in Austria in 2025.
Stocksport is a Bavarian sport, with a history dating back to the early 1500s. Known in German
as Eisstockschiessen, Stocksport is mostly played in southern Germany and Austria. It is normally a winter sport and is traditionally played on an ice surface. In Australia, all events are held on an asphalt surface and played all year round. Stocksport has been demonstrated at the Olympic Games on two occasions and recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for induction into the Winter Olympics in 2030.
There are 3 different disciplines to Stocksport, the first being Teams, which is played by 2 teams of 4 players, each taking turns sliding their stocks about 25 metres over a playing area known as a ‘Bahn’, aiming for a target called a ‘Daube’.
.The team with their stocks closest to the target wins that end. There are six ends played per game and scoring is similar to Lawn Bowls. The second
discipline is Target, where a single player takes 24 shots towards a target within the Bahn. Each shot has a maximum of 10 points and the player with the highest score is the winner. The third discipline, Distance, is where a player slides the stock very powerfully down the Bahn. The winner is the one who throws the furthest, and each player has 5 attempts. Stocks have an interchangeable nylon gliding surface, to which a handle and stock are attached, and weighs approximately 4kg.
Stocksport is played by people of all ages and abilities at Kareela Reserve, Eastern Road, Doonside, every Thursday night from 7 pm. New players are most welcome to come along and join in the fun. For more information contact Barry on 0406 769 650 or find the club on Facebook at Blacktown Workers.
