Westernnews 7october2016

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RALLYING FOR RESEARCH

Experts say that in western Sydney, half of the population either has or is at high risk of diabetes, describing the prevalence as a “burning platform.” The local community is listening to the warning and raising money for research. See story p7

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Cr Bali returned as Mayor

Power shift

By Keegan Thomson

COUNCILLOR Stephen Bali has been re-elected Mayor of Blacktown after a 10 to five vote along party lines, defeating Liberal Councillor Linda Santos.

This will be Mayor Bali’s third term in the top job, and during his acceptance speech he thanked the council and the city for their trust in him.

“Being elected for a third term as Mayor of Blacktown City is a great honour and I sincerely thank the Councillors of this city for their faith and trust,” Mayor Bali said. “My pledge is to continue to be a strong advocate for the city and a voice for western Sydney.”

Even though she was defeated in her campaign for Mayor, Councillor Linda Santos congratulated Mayor Bali saying the community could rely on the council to deliver results.

“You’re not electing someone who is Labor or Liberal, you’re electing a councillor,” Cr Santos said.

“We are acting for the whole people, for all the good people of Blacktown. I hope together we can work for the whole welfare of the

By Kerrie Davies

Mayor Stephen Bali with Deputy Mayor Tony Bleasdale. Photo: Supplied.

people of Blacktown,” she said.

In his speech Mayor Bali mentioned how the revamping of council’s committee structure will mean there will be more room for input from the local community and the rate payers of Blacktown.

“The ideas powerhouse for our council will come from a restructured series of advisory committees,” he said. “We want to benefit from the knowledge and experience of our broader community so that our decisions are based on a solid understanding of the issues that face council and our community.”

Veteran Councillor Tony Bleasdale was elected as Deputy Mayor and is preparing to serve his first term in the deputy position after serving council periodically for the last 20 years.

In his speech to council as Deputy Mayor, Cr Bleasdale said he was honoured to be elected to the position.

“I’m looking forward to my term of office, supporting Mayor Bali and using my position to benefit Blacktown City,” Cr Bleasdale said.

Mayor Bali will serve in the top job of Blacktown council for the next four years.

THE political landscape at the Hawkesbury was rocked by a seismic shift at the recent council elections. The local Liberal vote declined enough to lose a council seat and the Labor vote increased enough to claim it. The region has traditionally been somewhat a conservative stronghold, and many pundits are attributing the collapse in votes on the Baird Government’s unpopular decisions of late. Only four Liberals were elected to the 12-seat Council, considerably lower than previous years, and not enough to secure the Mayor and Deputy Mayor roles that they’ve held for decades.

The Independent-Labor-Greens alliance has resulted in the elevation to Mayor for independent Mary Lyons-Buckett and Deputy Labor’s Barry Calvert.

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Prospect

From the Editor’s Desk

by Kerrie Davies

THE October long weekend brought with it a couple of nice little gifts; day light saving, slightly warmer weather and the NRL premiership rightfully being owned by a Sydney team, the Sharks.

We went to a local BBQ to watch the game, and, even though the guest list consisted of people from various racial backgrounds, when the anthem was played we all stood, in a simple backyard in suburbia, and sang our hearts out.

We all love this country regardless of whether we were born here, or whether our original ancestors were born here or elsewhere.

Like just about every country in the world, we have a history that has not always been one to be proud of. Some people who have walked these lands long before us have done some horrid things. It is our past and nothing can ever be done to scratch it out of our history; but we can change the future.

The way forward must come from ideas that unite us, not divide us.

Mundine’s calls to boycott our national anthem were not followed, and I’m glad. Unity can never come from a place of bitterness. There are so many other ways that our scars can be healed, but we need to take lessons from the unrest occurring in other countries, and tackle it as a united team.

Mere talk of a protest against our anthem was already proving divisive as it swept across social media.

I mean, who would such a protest have even been be aimed at? Our great nation, Australia, whom the song is about?

She is just an innocent bystander... her ravishing beauty standing for thousands of years accommodating the human species, observing how we’ve battled through good times and bad. She has watched over our proudest achievements, our greatest challenges, our joy, our sadness and even our shame. But her welcoming arms pass no judgment, she cares not about the colour / race/ religion of her inhabitants.

She sees us as one. We still have much to learn from her.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

Powerful role model

Homeward bound

By Kerrie Davies

WESTERN Sydney based Senator Marise Payne, Minister for Defence, has been named as the fourth most powerful woman in the country.

Senator Payne claimed position number four in the Australian Women’s Weekly Power List, which is published annually.

Joining the Liberal Party in 1982, Senator Payne has been an inspiring role model for women in politics, racking up some impressive history making femalefirsts during her political career.

She was the first female Federal President of the Young Liberals and she is also Australia’s first female Defence Minister.

Senator Payne also claimed the highest number of votes of all NSW senate candidates in the 2016 federal election.

The number one spot on the Power List went to Senator Payne’s colleague, Julie Bishop, the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party and the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

IT is a big day for Lalor.

After eight weeks and one day under the loving care of Wellpet Vets Nepean, Lalor, the pup who was rescued near-death from a drain in Blacktown is finally going home with her new adoptive parents, Linda and Mark.

Linda and Mark were the people who found Lalor. Blacktown Fire and Rescue had used their equipment to cut the cover off the drain, a firefighter climbed down into the pit and retrieved the shivering, fur-less, bleeding and badly neglected dog. The sight was “absolutely heart wrenching,” as described one of the fire crew.

The dog was so frail she could not lift her head up. She was immediately taken to Wellpets Vets Nepean.

Lalor’s recovery was funded by the generous local community who raised $10,000 to save her; and her journey has been a fabulous success!

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Riverstone MP Kevin Connolly sees the light MEMBER for Riverstone Kevin Conolly MP has announced that another essential road upgrade for Sydney’s north-west has been delivered with the $3.9 million Westminster Street and Railway Terrace intersection upgrade at Schofields now open to traffic.

Mr Conolly said the NSW Government is delivering its commitment to boost capacity, efficiency and quality of the road network in the short term to help support the more than 200,000 people who are expected to move to the north-west region by 2045.

“The Westminster Street Bridge is currently the only grade-separated rail crossing of the Richmond rail line north of Quakers Hill and is often a congested route for motorists to cross the Richmond rail line,” Mr Conolly said.

“The intersection upgrade will help to increase traffic flow and improve access with the installation of traffic lights to make it easier and safer for vehicles turning from Bridge Street onto Railway Terrace during peak traffic times.

“As part of this work Railway Terrace has been widened to two lanes in each direction at the Westminster Street and Railway Terrace intersection.

“Pedestrians and cyclists who cross at this location are also benefiting from new pedestrian crossing facilities provided as part of the traffic light installation at the intersection.

As part of a cooperative approach to the needs and growth in the area, a portion of a future shared path link on the western side of the Railway Terrace has been built, which will link with Blacktown City Council’s planned pathway network.

“The existing five tonne weight limit will remain in place on Westminster Street Bridge and motorists can still turn right at Kensington Park Road and St Albans Road as alternative routes.”

Mr Conolly said the work complements other major road projects currently under way in Sydney’s fast growing north-west which will deliver further benefits for the region.

“We’re continuing to build large-scale projects for the area with the $340 million Schofields Road

upgrade between Veron and Richmond roads at Schofields now in full swing, and work on the $135 million Richmond Road upgrade at Marsden Park nearing completion, and on track to be completed before the end of the year,” Mr Conolly said.

The Schofields Road upgrade is expected to be completed in mid-2018.

For more information on road upgrades in Sydney’s north-west visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/ roadprojects

The facts about desexing your pet

Nepean

Veterinary REPORT

with Dr Antony Karolis and the team at WellPet Vets phone 1300 WELLPET

Senior Veterinarian and CEO WellPets Vets Mountains, Nepean and St Clair

Why should I desex my pet?

WellPet Vets offer desexing services to most small domestic animals.

These include; Cats, Dogs, Rabbits, Ferrets, Rats and Guinea Pigs.

Desexing your pet prior to them reaching puberty (this is approximately 4-6months of age) greatly reduces the incidence of; • unwanted pregnancies, • hormone related, unfavourable behaviour traits, (e.g. urine marking) • serious health issues such as testicular or mammary cancers later on in life.

How long does the procedure take?

Generally Desexing is considered a “Day Procedure” and so your pet will be in hospital for the day. We perform all routine procedures from Monday to Friday. Your pet will need to be fasted for the procedure. This means for most pets (Note, pockets pets will be different and you should speak to your vet or vet nurse about their requirements) food should be withheld from 9pm the evening prior to their surgery, until their admission, however the water bowl can remain available.

Your pet will have a 15min

admission appointment booked for the morning of the procedure. At this appointment you will meet the surgery nurse on duty that day and they will take you through the procedure your pet will be having and discuss any concerns you might have. They will also ask you to sign a consent form and a receptionist will organise your deposit before you leave your pet with us. You will then receive an update via phone from your pet’s surgical nurse after your pets surgery and when your pet is in recovery. They will at this time, book a discharge appointment for your pet that afternoon.

Is desexing my pet safe?

At WellPet Vets we take the safety of Anaesthesia and your pet very seriously. However, with every anaesthetic there is a mild risk. We compensate for this by using the latest and safest anaesthetic protocols and

drugs. We also have a qualified Veterinary Nurse monitoring your pet’s anaesthetic and vital functions throughout the procedure.

We can lower the risk of anaesthetics further by doing two things: 1. The first is preanaesthetic blood work. This is a series of blood tests done in the hospital to screen your pet for any abnormalities prior to giving your pet any medications.

2. The second thing we can do is use IV fluids prior/during and after the procedure. This keeps your pets internal organs supported by helping maintain an adequate blood pressure and flushing out the anaesthetic drugs in their system. This helps them recover faster.

Unfortunately, although we feel and recommend that pre-anaesthetic blood work and IV fluids are very important for EVERY procedure, they are not currently industry standard and therefore incur and additional fee. Please speak to your surgical nurse upon admission to elect for Preanaesthetic testing and IV fluids to be performed for your pet.

If you would like more information on desexing your pet or to make an appointment please contact our friendly team on 1300 WELLPET.

Loxley on Bellbird Hill donates $33,000 to diabetes research

By Keegan Thomson

A CHEQUE for $33,000 was presented to Associate Professor Wayne Hawthorne and Westmead Medical Research Foundation’s Partnerships Manager, Susie Saba on behalf of Loxley on Bellbird Hill.

The money was raised at the inaugural, Dine In Style Fundraising Degustation Dinner, a fundraising event for diabetes research and care which was held at Loxley on Bellbird Hill.

All the 140 tickets for the event sold out.

The generosity and goodwill of the event’s Gold Sponsors, Nova Employment, Pepe’s Ducks and Del Rio Riverside Resort along with local businesses and individuals were recognised and sincerely appreciated

by Loxley on Bellbird Hill’s manager, Paul Maher.

Paul Maher and Loxley on Bellbird Hill have been long term supporters of My Westmead, the fundraising and charity arm of Westmead Hospital.

My Westmead works to provide ‘bench to bedside’ treatment and care, ensuring that breakthroughs and discoveries made by researchers are translated into actual outcomes for

the patients.

Susie Saba, the Partnership Manager at the Westmead Medical Research Foundation, said she was over the moon when the team at Loxley on Bellbird Hill came up with the fundraising idea.

“We were delighted when Paul and his team had the idea of supporting My Westmead with an event at their beautiful venue,” Ms Saba said.

“For the generosity of everyone who helped raise $33,000, I just want to say thank you,” she added.

During the cheque presentation Associate Professor Wayne Hawthorne gave a tour of the Westmead Institute for Medical

Research, whilst detailing how the funds raised will help My Westmead support diabetes research and care.

“We have come so far in treatment options for Type 1 Diabetes, but we won’t stop until we find a cure,” Professor Hawthorne said.

Associate Professor Hawthorne, who was also guest speaker at the event, leads a specialised team of professionals committed to providing patients with the best possible treatments for Type 1 diabetes.

They are working to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes and to help patients that suffer from secondary complications such as renal failure.

North St Marys matters IF you’re a North St Marys resident you can help create a vision for your suburb’s future.

Don’t miss the launch of North St Marys Matters – where residents will come together and celebrate what makes North St Marys a great place.

The launch will be held on Saturday 8 October at North St Marys Neighbourhood Centre between 12noon and 2pm. Loads of creative activities will be available as well as a gourmet BBQ and a live performance by Roz Webb and her band. Come along and let us know what matters to you – this is your opportunity not only to explore what matters to people in North St Marys but also to have your say.

The initiative is part of the Penrith Neighbourhood Renewal Program.

To see the progress report on the Neighbourhood Action Plans for each of the 12 suburbs, go to penrithcity.nsw.gov.au.

For more information contact lila.kennelly@penrith.city

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Council catch up with Keegan Thomson First Sikh elected to Blacktown council

Councillor Diaz apologises for “Judas” remarks

IN A SIGN of western Sydney’s growing multiculturalism, Councillor Monider Singh has become the first Sikh person to be sworn into the Blacktown City Council.

Councillor Singh is the first Sikh in Australia to swear an Oath of Office on the Sikh Holy Book, the Guru Granth Sahib, and is the second Sikh to be elected into local government council in NSW. In his opening speech, the IndianAustralian citizen said he was very humbled to be elected on council and he is very proud of Australia’s open multicultural heritage.

“I am very proud to be a Councillor of this great city and today am equally proud to be an Australian,” Councillor Singh said.

“My adopted country, which not only allows everyone to practice their faith, has given me the opportunity to take my oath on the Sikh Holy Book,” he said. “I stand here a very humbled citizen.”

Across Blacktown there are about 7000 Sikhs, which represent nearly 3 per cent of the city’s population.

Within greater Sydney Sikhs make up less than 0.5 per cent of the population.

COUNCILLOR Jess Diaz was booed and jeered at as he delivered his apology speech to council after remarks he made last year towards former Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson.

Last year Councillor Diaz was ordered by the NSW Office of Local Government to apologise to former Councillor Donaldson after he called her “Judas” and “a disgrace” during a council meeting.

Councillor Diaz has also been ordered to personally apologise to former Councillor Donaldson and to the community.

It is unclear whether or not Councillor Diaz will follow through on his two remaining arranged apologies.

Originally Councillor Diaz was given the directive to apologise to council before the end of 2015 however he pushed his apology back until the beginning of the new council sitting.

Councillor Singh, who is a Quakers Hill resident and Ward 1 Councillor, said during his inaugural speech he would like to bring greater community engagements to the council.

“It is my intention while I am a Councillor to literally take the council to the people,” he said. “I am resolved as part of my role at council to initiate a program of regular community forums and meetings through Ward 1.”

Councillor Singh said he wants to set aside time each month to visit railway stations, spend time in shopping centres and sit in coffee shops so he can communicate with and speak to the public.

Listen to our very own Keegan Thomson with News Hour - Monday mornings from 9am to 10am www.wowfm1007.com.au

After the apology, former Councillor Donaldson told Fairfax she felt the timing of the speech was well orchestrated.

“I think it goes to the character of the man that he waited until I wasn’t there to give an apology,” Cr Donaldson said.

In his speech, Councillor Diaz said he has not apologised personally to former Councillor Donaldson simply because he felt he was innocent.

“According to former Councillor Atalla, former Councillor Donaldson took offence and I was hounded by the Labor dominated council to make an apology to Councillor Donaldson,” he said. “I resisted to do so for I felt that I have not done anything wrong.”

As he gave his speech he was berated by fellow Councillors and the members of the packed gallery.

It is understood Mayor Bali expects Councillor Diaz to offer an apology in person to former Councillor Donaldson.

Snakes slither into spring

By Keegan Thomson

WITH the warm start to Spring, snakes are waking up early from their winter hibernations and we’re all being warned to be on the look out.

Freya Kade, from Australian Snake Catchers, says we’re now at peak snake time.

“We’re now at the start of snake season, spring is their breeding season, so you can expect to see a few more snakes about,” Ms Kade said.

“The weather has been helping, with all the rain followed by drier weather making the snakes more active,” she said.

Ms Kade said on average she and her husband are being called out to about five snake catches a day.

Right now is the best time to start preparing your yard for any snakes, Ms Kade said.

“Snakes eat mice and rats, so make sure you keep your yard clean and clear of anywhere that mice, rats or snakes could hide,” she said. “Keep your pet’s food in a container up high, make sure you have mowed lawns and keep wood piles away from your house.”

Australian Snake Catchers wrangling a dangerous and highly venomous red belly black snake from last week. Photo: Facebook

With the very active start to the snake breeding season, vets are putting out warnings about the dangers of snakes to pets.

Australia’s peak veterinary body, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) says animal owners should take precautions to prevent deadly encounters with snakes.

AVA President, Dr Robert Johnson

said snakes tend to be at their most active towards the end of a hot, sunny day.

“Snake bites tend to occur in the late afternoon or early evening, however, when on the alert for snakes it’s important for people to remain vigilant throughout the day,” Dr Johnson said.

He said the best way to keep your

POLICE FILES Man and woman charged following Blacktown siege

A man and woman have now been charged following a police operation in Blacktown on Monday, October 3.

Just after 2.30pm, officers from Blacktown Local Area Command attended Marana Street, Blacktown, and attempted to speak to a man in the garage of a property.

It’s alleged the man was armed with a knife and in the company of a woman at the location.

Police secured a perimeter and with the assistance of Police Negotiators and the Tactical Operations Unit, a 33-year-old man and 28-year-old woman were arrested about 4.45pm.

They were both taken to Blacktown Police Station where the man was charged with the use of a weapon to avoid apprehension and two counts of assaulting a police officer.

He was refused bail and appeared at Blacktown Local Court on Tuesday, October 4.

The woman was charged with hindering police.

She was given conditional bail and will appear in Blacktown Local Court on Thursday 27 October 2016.

M4 assault charges

A man has been charged following an alleged road-rage incident at Eastern Creek over the long weekend.

About 10.15am on Saturday, October 1 a grey Toyota Landcruiser travelling west on the M4 Motorway, allegedly hit a blue Subaru Liberty.

It’s alleged when the cars stopped and the driver of the Toyota, a 52-year-old man became aggressive towards the driver of the Subaru.

Following the incident, a truck also stopped to assist.

Police will allege the 52-yearold man threatened bystanders before punching one person

and striking two others with a stick.

Police from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command attended the scene.

It’s alleged the man continued acting aggressively, throwing an object at a marked police car.

He was arrested and taken to Mt Druitt Police Station where he was charged with menacing driving, common assault, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and being armed with intent.

The man has been refused bail and appeared at Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday, October 2.

Police investigating fire in Bidwill Inquiries are continuing into a fire in the early hours of Sunday morning.

About 3am on Sunday October 2, emergency services were called to a townhouse on Amaryllis Way following reports of the premises was alight.

Fire & Rescue NSW officers attended to the blaze; however, the townhouse has been completely destroyed.

Police from Mount Druitt Local Area Command have established a crime scene, which will be forensically examined.

pets safe is by keeping them away from areas which are prone to snakes.

“They tend to be attracted to areas where there’s a good supply of rats and mice, wood piles and piles of rubbish,” Dr Johnson said. “Outside, keep a close eye for snakes in bushy areas or near water. It’s best to try to keep horses, cattle and sheep away from bushy areas if possible.”

Outside dogs and cats are particularly prone to snake bites, but Dr Johnson had some suggestions for people with pooches.

“Dog owners should avoid snakeprone areas, particularly if they are walking their dog at the end of the day. Snakes can also venture into backyards, and over the spring and summer months even city dogs and cats can be at risk,” he said.

One of the surefire ways to tell if an animal has been bitten is if they’re irritated and agitated, if they’re vomiting or shaking or if they’re bleeding from any puncture wounds.

You should take your pet to the vet if your animal is bitten by a snake.

You can find out more about Australian Snake Catchers and get regular updates from them by liking their facebook page.

Getting to know ...

Paul Maher

Loxley on Bellbird Hill with Conner Lowe

1. What was your first paid job?

St Monica’s (selling bingo tickets for 20c an hour) 2. What is your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate (dark chocolate) 3. What is your biggest fear/phobia and why?

Social phobia, I get really nervous making speeches.

4. What is your worst habit?

Talking too much, you should listen more than you talk 5. Best advice you have ever been given?

In business today the formula is you should get really close and work with the community and also work with other businesses not compete with them.

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

I would spend it on my first beautiful grandchild, Pippa Faith Maher, I love her so much.

7. Favourite holiday destination and why?

Hamilton Island, because Robert Oatley bought the island and invested lots of money for infrastructure there and supplied jobs to 5,000 Australian people.

Also, it’s an amazing place with the great barrier reef as the back yard.

8. Do you have a favourite sporting team?

The mighty Parramatta Eels (followed by the Panthers) 9. Name one reason that you love western Sydney?

The amazing heritage, the beautiful environment and the way we are able to share all of it with the rest of the world through tourism so we can show the world the beautiful place that we live.

10. In three words, describe your perfect Sunday?

Family, Sunday lunch and a baked dinner.

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Greyhound ban to cost kids footy 17k

By Keegan Thomson

THE wider ramifications of the NSW Premier’s ban on greyhound racing are being felt across western Sydney with a kids football club in Londonderry next in the line of fire.

President of the Londonderry Greys rugby league club, Buck Rogers is anxious about a possible $17,000 funding blackhole opening up if the Richmond Race Club goes under due to Premier Mike Baird’s greyhound racing ban.

“If the greyhound club falls then we lose our support and then all of a sudden $17,000 disappears from the coffers of the rugby league club,” Mr Rogers said.

More than 100 children and adults play for the Londonderry Greys across five different divisions, with more than 50 other volunteers, coaches, trainers, referees and club staff involved in the operations of the club.

Mr Rogers doesn’t just have the club’s financial interests at heart, he also has his own personal and emotional interests on the line as well.

“I used to play for this team, my

Londonderry Greys footy club next in the firing line. Photo: Coralee Brunsden

daughter used to play for this team, and about 30 years ago it all went under,” Mr Rogers explained. “Last year, after my daughter died, I decided to get it all back together and get the team training again.”

The $17,000 in sponsorship comes from a deal with the Richmond Race Club as well as the money the team raises through weekly raffles held at the greyhound club race days.

“All up it could be well more than $17,000, I just don’t know because we run lots of fundraising at the race club, and if it closes we won’t have that as

our primary fundraiser,” he said.

Even with the uncertainty of the future of the industry looming large, CEO of the Richmond Race Club, Brad Adam has backed the Greys for the 2017 season, saying he will find some way to offer support to the football club.

“With the looming legislation to be implemented in July next year unfortunately the deal with the Londonderry Greys is going to have to be put pack on the table and questioned,” Mr Adam said. “But I can assure we will offer some form of

support to the club in the 2017 season.”

However he said his hopes for a longer and more “synergetic” deal between the Greys and the Race Club will be put on hold for the foreseeable future.

“We’ve been a major support of the team, this was their first year back and they’ve been outstanding,” he said.

“We’ll be able to support the club for the next season but we’re unsure as to what will happen after that.”

Member for Londonderry, Prue Car has been a vocal opponent of the greyhound racing ban and has come out in support of the Londonderry football club.

“The tragic consequences of Mike Baird’s cruel closure of the greyhound industry will be felt right across the state,” Ms Car said. “Greyhound clubs that support footy teams like the Londonderry Greys may be forced to close, leaving local sporting clubs in the lurch.”

Recently there have been reports Premier Mike Baird might be rethinking the size and scope of the greyhound racing ban due to the statewide backlash and a plunge in the polls, however late last week Mr Baird said the date of closure was “locked in.”

Special cane helps Akira find her feet AKIRA Fortt, a toddler from Riverstone who is vision impaired, is finding her feet in the world thanks to orientation and mobility training through Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. The confident youngster, who used to wobble when she walked, is now taking steady steps with the help of a special cane.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Orientation & Mobility Specialist, Haylee Tumanik, has been showing Akira’s parents how to use a ‘teaching cane’ which Akira holds on halfway down for support.

“The teaching cane is for children who aren’t quite walking independently yet but can still grip onto a cane and understand its movement,” Haylee explained.

Akira was born with Microphthalmia, a developmental disorder of the eye. While she has some usable vision, her lack of depth perception made her reluctant to begin walking.

“Before we contacted Guide Dogs we were quite frustrated, but then Haylee started helping us and she was just so positive. Suddenly it was all about what Akira can do, not about what she can’t,” Danielle said.

With a teaching cane now in hand, Danielle and her husband have been blown away by the transformation they have seen in Akira.

“It was an instant change, something just clicked and she’s taken off. Her strength and stability have increased dramatically and her confidence is growing every day,” Danielle said.

“We try and make it fun for her. So if it’s bath time we’ll say ‘it’s time to get the teaching cane out’ to make it exciting.”

While Akira is making progress, using a teaching cane has provided a learning experience for Danielle as well.

“Holding the teaching cane with Akira, I’ve been really amazed at how noticeably the sounds and vibrations change when you go over different surfaces,” Danielle said.

While Akira and her family have only recently begun receiving Children’s Services from Guide Dogs, Haylee said that getting around freely and confidently is just as important to children who have impaired vision as any other child.

“Learning how to use a cane at a young age

allows children with vision impairments to build confidence so that they can move around independently in both familiar and unfamiliar environments,” Haylee said.

“This is important as it gives children the ability to explore on their own and understand the world around them.”

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is promoting its free orientation and mobility services in the lead up to International White Cane Day on October 15.

A child is never too young to receive assistance from Guide Dogs – over the past year, the organisation has provided specialised services to more than 500 infants, children and teenagers who are blind or vision impaired.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s expert Orientation and Mobility Specialists develop training programs that are tailored to each child’s individual needs, age and skill level.

“Our services are provided in the home, at preschools and schools, and within the community.

Each program grows with the child, starting with pre-cane skills, moving through to cane training, public transport travel, and use of residual vision and other senses,” Haylee said.

“Instructors work with everyone involved in the child’s life to reinforce this training - at home, preschool, school and in the community.”

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT also provides information and support for families, child-care centres, schools and other agencies.

Every day 28 Australians are diagnosed with uncorrectable vision loss, including nine who become blind.

For more information about the children’s services offered by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT visit www.guidedogs.com.au

A new domestic violence plan for the west

By Keegan Thomson

BLACKTOWN and Mount Druitt have been named as domestic violence ‘hot spots’ according to a new government action plan aimed at curbing family violence across western Sydney.

Liberal Senator for New South Wales, Marise Payne told Nepean News that under the government’s Women’s Safety Package, $100 million in funding Photo: Kieren Tilly is being directed at resources to break the cycles of violence.

The package will include funding for specialised education programs, extra money for support groups and and expanding of training for frontline workers such a police, doctors, emergency department staff and social workers.

“I have seen workers in all those areas across Western Sydney bring their special brand of support and professionalism to care for people at their most vulnerable, when under attack in the family home,” Senator Payne said.

Senator Payne said everyone can play a part to help break the endemic cycle of family violence across the west.

“Domestic violence is an issue for families across Western Sydney, indeed across Australia. The vision of the Coalition’s 12-year strategy is for women and children to live free from violence.

“It is the responsibility of all, government and community, to help break the cycle, and we are also providing additional resources to help teachers, parents and students learn more about respectful relationships,” she said.

Some of the counselling and frontline services which will receive extra funding from the government under the package include 1800RESPECT and mensline.

Recently, the government launched a $30 million national campaign to change young people’s attitudes to women and violence. All up there have been more than 32 million online views of the TV ads with the campaign website receiving more than 400,000 views.

Even though Senator Payne now holds the defence portfolio, she has worked previously as Minister for Human Services. She said no matter how much or how little we put in, we can all make a difference in ending the domestic violence epidemic.

“Previously as Minister for Human Services I worked with the Department of Human Services to start the ENOUGH programme in the department, to support both staff and customers who are experiencing family violence. From day one, the positive feedback and uptake was clear. In all walks of life we can try to make a difference,” Senator Payne said.

Angel’s fundraising bake sale Angel’s handmade posters for her bake sale. Photo: Jenish Gopal

By Keegan Thomson

IF you’re looking for something sweet to eat on the weekend but you’re worried about giving into your guilty pleasure then head to Hebersham and pick up a homemade treat from Angel’s fundraising bake sale.

Angel Gopal, 8 years old, is doing something very special to end her school holidays. She’s putting her mind to the broader community and the disadvantaged by setting up bake sale selling homemade cakes, slices and other goodies with her friends to raise money for the Westmead Children’s Hospital.

Angel’s father Sanjay will be on board to lend a hand but he says she was the one who came up with the idea.

“She came to me and my wife with the idea and she was so excited. She’s made a few posters to go with it all, and she’s even going to making all the cakes for the stall as well,” Mr Gopal said.

The stall will be set up on Saturday October 8 from 4:00 in the afternoon at 81 Bindaree Street, Hebersham - but you’d better get in quick because all the best cakes, slices and biscuits will surely sell out quick.

We will check back in with Angel to see how her bake sale went in our next issue.

Real Festival: Put it in your calendar

By Keegan Thomson

THE banks of the Nepean River will transform into a hive of activity when the inagural River, Environment, Art and Lifestyle (Real) launches.

Real Festival will be a two-day celebration of tasty and exciting food, live music, art and mindful living.

This two-day festival is one one of the biggest multi-day events to grace the shores of the Nepean River.

Penrith’s new Mayor Councillor John Thain said it will be a delight to

see the Nepean River come alive in this way.

“Our community told us they’d like to see the Nepean River used for more activities and events. Their feedback has helped to inform the concept and design of this festival,” Cr Thain said.

With four key themes; river, environment, art and lifestyle, there will be something for everyone at the event which includes about a dozen food trucks, live music performances, yoga classes, environmental talks and children’s activities.

The program for the event looks chockablock with the Friday night

activities including food trucks, live music and lots of relaxed weekend vibes.

Two of the food trucks which will be offered up at Real Festival were on offer at the events launch. I can safely say the food that will be offered at Real will be ridiculously good.

Make it a priority to check out the knafeh, a delicious Middle Eastern dessert.

Anyone heading to the event on the Saturday should expect lots of activities for the children and lots of wildlife.

Indigenous Rangers from Muru

Mittigar will be on hand to give talks about bush tucker and local wildlife and plants, there will be workshops on wildlife and plenty of other outdoor activities.

Entry into the event is free with the Mayor hoping the event will welcome new visitors into the area.

“We look forward to delivering this innovative event for our community, welcoming new visitors to the region and showcasing our beautiful Nepean River throughout the event,” Cr Thain said.

Real Festival will be held from November 4 to 5.

11 Western News 7 October 2016 Issue 20

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12

Legends of the West

By Keegan Thomson

WE’RE all guilty of throwing a few pieces of gold and silver shrapnel into a collection box and calling it our ‘charity work’ but local legend John Gorman has gone to the far corners of this country to do his bit to help others.

Each year for the past 25 years John has taken part in what could only be described as a reincarnation of the Hanna-Barbera Whacky Races, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Outback Car Trek.

Starting in some location in outback Australia and ending a week later in another part of the dusty, open country, the Outback Car Trek

each year raises money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, but John cheekily admits the reason he first became interested in the event wasn’t exactly the charity work.

“Adventure was the real reason I got into all this,” John said.

“Me and a few mates just wanted to do one and we tried to get in with the Variety Club, but that was booked out, so we found the Royal Flying Doctor Service Outback Car Trek and thought we’d give it a go,” he said.

Talking through the rules and regulations of the epic bush bash, John said the start the of the trip is different each year, meaning there is a new adventure to be had on every trek.

“Your entrance fee is a donation and you need to fundraise that, then the trek starts in the bush. You might start at Alice Springs and finish at Broome or somewhere like that. It is different each year. It is all dirt road in the outback and all the cars have to be pre 1970s,” he said.

Out of all the treks he’s been on one of the most memorable was the drive from Narrabri in north-eastern New South Wales to Port Douglas in tropical north Queensland, a return

trip of around 7000 kms.

“We started the trip in Narrabri and we ended in Port Douglas, all up it was about seven days but after it I drove all the way back home again,” he said enthusiastically.

For the trip he raised over $60,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and he admits he’s getting pretty good at fundraising.

“We’ve got a pretty good team and we’re getting pretty good at raising money. We raised about 60 grand last year which was our best year so far. We had a pretty good year last year, we managed to get a few good sponsors on board,” he said.

John’s car is also a talking point with his career as an auto upholsterer inspiring him to do something pretty special to his car, which is a little famous around western Sydney.

“I covered the car in fur so it can look like the Dumb and Dumber dog car,” he said with a grin.

“If I had a dollar for every time I’ve had people ask to have a photo with the car I’d be a pretty rich man,” he joked.

Using the experiences he has gained on the many treks, John and some mates have even launched their very

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JOHN GORMAN

own charity bush bash, but with old school postie bikes instead of classic cars, called the Late Mail Postie Bike Ride.

“I’ve got my own little charity ride organised, one that we set up on postie bikes. We take some blokes out from Mudgee and head into the bush up north. All up we cover around 1,500 kilometres in about a

week,” he proudly. “We get some old postie bikes and we raise money for Wings4Kids, which is a little charity that flies sick kids from the bush to the hospital in the city.”

He admits the experiences he’s had have been pretty unique and he has had a very wide look at the dry and dusty country we all live in.

“I’ve been pretty spoiled to have

been able to go on a few of them now.

It is a great experience to get behind the wheel and see the country go by,” he said. “There is something special out there. The people are ‘no BS fair dinkum’ kind of people.”

If you’d like to donate to The Late Mail Postie Bike Ride you can search the Late Mail Postie Bike Ride on everydayhero.com/au/.

John Gorman was nominated as a Legend of the West by Jim Hill.

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

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14 Western News 7 October 2016 Issue 20

WSLHD and Red Belly Blacks back campaign WESTERN Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and female Aboriginal rugby team, the Red Belly Blacks, have joined forces to encourage Indigenous women to ditch the ciggies during pregnancy.

Smoking among pregnant Aboriginal women in western Sydney continues to be a problem, with nearly a third of Indigenous new mums at Blacktown Hospital still smoking while pregnant.

In 2015, the smoking rate for Aboriginal pregnant women in NSW reached 45 per cent, compared to just seven per cent for non-Indigenous women.

In western Sydney, almost one in two Aboriginal mums-to-be smoke.

The startling data prompted WSLHD’s Population Health team to partner with the Red Belly Blacks to promote the Quit for New Life campaign at the weekend’s Koori Knockout, aiming to reduce smoking in pregnant Aboriginal women and their families.

The program, which is available at several western Sydney health centres, offers counselling, support and free nicotine replacements for pregnant and postnatal Aboriginal women and their housemates, keen to give up cigarettes.

Red Belly Blacks manager Jennifer

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Murray said the team was thrilled to get behind the initiative.

“We are behind this campaign 100 per cent; all the players have been very supportive,” she said, “It’s a message we really want to promote – it’s so important for us to be healthy, especially being Indigenous, as we do have a lower life expectancy so we’re really excited to get the word out there.

“Having the Quit for New Life logo and details on our jerseys during the Koori Knockout was a great way for our community to see that message – we’re really proud to be involved.”

WSLHD Population Health deputy

director Christine Newman said the partnership was a great opportunity to highlight the health issues around smoking during pregnancy.

“Tobacco smoking is still the single biggest killer and cause of disease in Australia and smoking prevalence is significantly higher among Aboriginal people,” she said.

“Smoking while pregnant or exposure to smoke can be very dangerous to both mum and baby; it contributes to an increased risk of complications such as spontaneous abortion, labour complications, still birth, low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome.

“Quitting can be a challenge but we want pregnant and postnatal women to know there are services available to help women and their families who want to give up smoking for good.”

The Quit For New Life program is available at the Western Sydney Aboriginal Health Unit at Mount Druitt Hospital, Blacktown Hospital’s antenatal clinic, Mount Druitt Community Health Centre, Marrin Weejali, Ngallu Wal, Yawarra Aboriginal Child and Family Centres and Yenu Allowah.

For more information or to quit, contact the Aboriginal Quitline on 13 7848 or visit www.icanquit.com.au

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with Linda Kemp

How to prepare and conduct an interview BY this stage you’ve written an awesome job description, advertised the role, shortlisted the candidates that look most suitable… now it’s time to prepare for the interview.

Even the most successful business managers and owners are not necessarily experts when it comes to interviewing…so what can you do to increase the chances of a good outcome from the interviews?

It’s important to prepare in advance, these are a few tips that can make all the difference.

• Take some time to read through the job description and employee specification and make any adjustments that you feel necessary • Create an ‘interview questionnaire’ with the name, time and date at top and columns for questions, ratings, your comments. Have a copy attached to each resume so you can make notes as you go. Questions can include general aspects i.e. ‘why did you apply for this role?’ and specifics of the job description/skills required, e.g. if it includes handling customer complaints ‘tell me about a time when you have had to handle a serious complaint, how did you handle it?’ Try to have 8 -10 questions including ‘What would make you the best candidate for this role?’ or similar • Ensure that you have a balance of questions to understand how the candidate would handle different aspects of the role • No matter how much experience the interviewee has, they will probably be nervous, take that into account

• Ensure you don’t keep the candidate waiting, you have made a specific time for the interview, they may have a limited parking time or have taken time off work for the interview, be mindful of that • Greet the candidate, introduce yourself and any members of the interview panel and give a brief introduction about the company and the role • Discuss their background, going through their resume clarifying points re. previous roles, (make notes on the resume so to remember the answers later when recapping) • Explain that you’ve a number of areas that you’d like to cover and go through the interview questionnaire • Be objective, ask each question clearly and ensure that you give the candidates time to answer • Ask if they have any questions and where possible answer those questions thoroughly • Clarify their availability and salary expectations, thank them for their time, and let them know that you will be making a decision by xxx date/time • It’s a common mistake to assume that all of the candidates will want the role…they may not • Review your notes and make your selection based on all the information including notes, references and skills testing (if you are finding it difficult to choose, consider holding second interviews with the candidates you have selected). Good Luck!!

Western News 7 October 2016 Issue 20

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Western News 7 October 2016 Issue 20

Technology: how far we’ve come with TP I HAD to access an old computer to get a copy of a photo the other day and I believe that IT boffins would laugh at the technology and most probably call it antiquated. Not quite an antique but certainly outdated. I would have to agree as the little paper clip with big eyes was still there to give tips on how to navigate my way around the system. Anyone who remembers that were probably not born in the last 20 years.

Once I pressed the start button it was so slow to boot up that I had time to get on a load of washing and was thinking that there must be little monkeys on push bikes trying to kick it into gear. I clicked the Word document I wanted and had plenty of time to get a cup of tea while it was opening. I made the error of sitting and waiting once and I think I hummed all of the 9 verses to Don Mcleans “American Pie”. For those of you who don’t know the song thats a long time!

Technology has come so far in the past 30 years in terms of its speed, application and especially in the amount of time used engaging with it.

I recall in the dark ages our computer teachers in high school excitedly instructing us on the cleverness of the

latest Apple computers which sported a black screen and green text. I wasn’t feeling it. It didn’t do anything as far as I was concerned and the little formula that they gave us to make it do the most basic of things didn’t thrill me.

So for years I resisted any engagement with technology at all.

I was happy with this - it suited me fine. Give me my books and pens any day. Sadly my blissful ignorance of

all things technological was met with a necessity to come to grips with it.

I was forced into the clutches of the modern world the day I discovered that no university assessments would be accepted in hand written form. I now had to learn a whole new skill set to just get through Uni. I know you young people would be thinking “who would want to hand write it?!” I agree with you now but back then I couldn’t type two words per minute and it was

like the world had imploded.

Funnily enough I don’t think I would have liked the hand writing either as I watched my mother hand write all of her Uni assessments and let me tell you cut and paste had a whole different meaning in those days. If you had one error in your work you had to start the page again and Mum would literally cut and paste bits of pages together to form up her essays and write and rewrite for hours.

Today we use so much technology in so many aspects of our lives. We need it to do our jobs, to stay connected with family and most importantly to Google! We expect it to work 100% of the time and become indignant if it fails us. Even I have become a speed clicker on the mouse and get really ticked off if my computer has not responded with the same speediness as my clicked instruction.

So in the time it took to have several cups of tea and collecting the washing in I was able to turn on the computer, locate my photo, save it to an external drive and shut it down. It took me ten minutes to write this on my smart phone and one second to email it for printing. Times are changing.

Opinion: Community input sought for future Western Sydney rail

By Bart Bassett

THIS newspaper along with many other stakeholders have been calling for a commitment on a rail line connecting the South West Rail Link, Western Sydney Airport and the Sydney Metro Northwest for some time. A discussion paper is now out titled Western Sydney Rail Needs Scoping Study-Discussion Paper and it contains a number of rail options including option 6 which is the connecting of the links mentioned above.

As we have outlined before the linking of the north and south of western Sydney will provide both economic and social benefits with increased job and education opportunities as well as business investment unprecedented in the history of western Sydney.

It is easy to talk about creating jobs in western Sydney to match residential growth but it is a much harder goal to achieve. A cross regional rail link will provide the impetus for investment and relocation of businesses to western Sydney if public transport is available to allow an easy commute for workers in the outer suburbs of Sydney. It will also help reduce the current road gridlock and overcrowding of the western rail line if other job

opportunities present themselves on a large scale and we take the focus from traveling from the west to the

east for jobs and have those jobs located on a cross regional north/ south employment arc.

Now is the time for all of us in western Sydney to speak with one voice and call on both the State and Federal Governments to commit to option 6 and provide timelines for the construction. This way, investors and corporate decision makers can be encouraged to start planning on moving to western Sydney where we already have a vast array of skilled people who want jobs closer to home.

Surely even government can see that in the long run this will be a great investment not only in improving the lives of western Sydney residents, but will take the pressure off our existing road and rail connections connecting western Sydney to the east.

The consultation period is now open and will close on 28 October 2016. The final report will include a shortlist of preferred rail service options, and will be considered by both the Australian and New South Wales governments in early 2017.

I encourage you to have your say on the Western Sydney Rail Needs Study Discussion Paper at www. westernsydneyrail.transport.nsw.gov. au.

As I have said before, cross regional transport in western Sydney is the answer to Sydney’s future economic prosperity and congestion busting plan. Let’s get western Sydney moving!

18

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Western News 7 October 2016 Issue 20

A day in the life of... A gallery director

By Keegan Thomson

WHILST wandering around a gallery it is easy to forget how much blood, sweat and tears go into the preparation and maintenance of a museum, but according to Dr LeeAnne Hall, the director of the Penrith Regional Gallery, it about the team work and variety.

“It is a very broad job and I work with a big team of people,” Dr Hall said. “The kinds of things I do here include, maintaining the gallery site, the heritage gardens and curating exhibitions. We have an education program that is attached to it all that I oversee and I should also say we have four exhibition spaces which are all thematic, so I manage those as well.

“Museums and galleries are constantly evolving places with new exhibitions coming in and old ones going out and with this ever changing environment each day can be dramatically different to the next,” Dr Hall added.

“Everyday is different, and this job has periods of heightened activity, and that will generally be around installation weeks,” she said. “When

Dr Lee-Anne Hall Photo: Keegan Thomson

we’re installing usually you’re flat-chat getting everything in and organised, and then there is all the promotional work that comes along with it as well.”

Even when an exhibition is in place, she said the job is very dynamic with not much time to stop.

“Some days I might have a few talks to give, I might have some reports to write, there are always millions of emails to reply to and there are always meetings to attend with teams, artists, external boards and individuals,” she said. “Quite often I’ll eat my lunch at my desk just so I can follow up on a few emails.”

According to Dr Hall, one important skill to have as director of a gallery is the ability of foresight.

“We are always looking forward to what shows are coming up next and what shows will be on in the future,” she said. “At the moment we have exhibitions booked at least two years into the future, with some of our big ones involving a lot of planning and preparation, so it is important to constantly be looking forward.”

Above all the things she does in her job, one of the things Dr Hall enjoys the most is the interactions and exhibitions she does with local

and international artists.

“Maybe my favourite part is curatorial, and working with artists,” she said.

“We work with many artists here, and most of the artists here being alive and involved in their artwork all of the time.

“Working with artists is really pleasurable because you’re involved with people who are always thinking, who are really deeply engaged with ideas and who are masters of their craft,” she said.

According to Dr Hall the increasing professionalising of the gallery and museum industry has made it hard for up-and-comers to get into the industry without tertiary education credentials, but she said there is always room for volunteers.

“People can get into the industry through volunteering,” she said.

“There are still plenty of jobs in different aspects of this industry particularly in education, all it takes is a little persistence.”

With the constant involvement with the public, artists and employees, the role of a museum director is one that involves plenty of passion for the arts and for people.

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Kuala Lumpur’s cultural mix

By Ben Cranney

A MALAYSIAN I recently met was telling me how upset she gets about people only visiting her home country when they are in transit to somewhere else. So when I told her that I’d spent time there, even if it was just a few days in Kuala Lumpur, she was very excited.

My favourite spot was probably the Batu Caves, one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India. This place is enough of a reason to leave the airport. A huge, gold painted statue of Lord Murugan, the god of war, stands

at the bottom of the 272 steps that lead to the caves. The steps are also watched over by a band of monkeys. Put your food away for the climb, or you’ll lose it. The monkeys target bright, sweet things, and many were snacking on stolen fruit and lollies. The Hindu sweets sold at the bottom are delicious, but try them afterwards unless you are happy sharing. Inside, the sheer scale of the caves will blow you away with the main ‘Cathedral Cave’, dwarfing any cathedral I have ever been too.

We continued our Hindu-Malaysian experience with lunch in Little India, served with no frills on stainless steel

trays. It was so good, I considered turning vegetarian. We then got lost in the Indian bazaars, stocked floor to ceiling with jewellery, clothes and scarves bright enough for a monkey to try and pinch.

KL is a real cultural mix. From the stunning mosques and Moorish influenced buildings, to the markets and restaurants of China Town, there is plenty else to see and do. The cultural experience continues whenever you go for a drink, where service depends on your religion. This doesn’t slow the nightlife, with plenty of great clubs to choose from. The rooftop bars and

clubs are particularly popular, and well worth a visit for the night time views and to show off any purchases from KL’s shopping havens. I think we lost a day in the KLCC, next to the Petronas Towers, trying to stock up on clothes at prices much better than Australia. And if you prefer to keep your sightseeing outdoors, I’ve heard great things about feeding elephants at the elephant sanctuary, or visiting the multitude of bird species at the bird park.

So book a stopover. Use it to relax a bit more before coming home and see a place that you hadn’t planned on visiting.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Who Goes There?

TODAY I met my lovely friend Jean for coffee and she was telling me about a little old lady who pops her head round the bedroom door, peeks in and then disappears. This rather reminded me of my ex’s mother, a darling, tiny, white-haired lady who was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

When she got up in the night to go to the loo, she would forget where her bedroom was and wander round the house in a long white flannelette nightie opening doors and peering into rooms frightening the occupants to death until they realised it was Poppy.

However, back to things spiritual.

Jean and I were discussing who this could be. Jean did not recognise her as an old family member and her house was a new build with no previous buildings on the site. As we talked, I got the feeling she was attached to an object in the house and was checking up on that which, after a bit of a chat, Jean agreed was possible.

This got me pondering on a question I am often asked. Do spirits stay in the one place or do they follow you around? I know our spirit guides and loved ones are always with us. Gran had a bit of trouble adjusting to “life”

in Australia, but once she met my husband’s grandmother, she settled in very nicely. But how do we explain the ones who stay home?

There is a theory that if a violent action has occurred, some sort of energy is released and imprinted on the walls, a bit like a photographic

negative, so anyone happening on the scene may be able to see a picture of what has gone before. This could well be, but that only explains away a part of it.

Jean and I were also discussing our experiences in the Tower of London it was a good long cup of coffee! We

had both expected to be surrounded by miffed spirits on Tower Green where so many beheadings had taken place but neither of us felt anything there.

However, the Church of St Peter ad Vincula, where Anne Boleyn is buried gave us both a serious attack of the willies. Why there and not where the headless hordes are milling around?

We decided that not only was there a lot of anger, as one might expect, but there was also unfinished business. I don’t envy Henry VIII in the afterlife with a vindictive Anne on his tail.

This could explain the fact that a lot of sightings claim that the poor old ghost is looking for something and can’t find any rest until his problem is solved.

So dear reader, if you come across a sad wraith walking the corridors in the dead of night, ask him what he is looking for. Maybe you can help him solve his problem and send him to the light - or maybe, like The Canterville Ghost you will leave him wondering for the next 400 years why you didn’t rush off, screaming, and spoil his fun.

The Unintentional Medium is available online and at all good bookstores.

19 Western News 7 October 2016 Issue 20

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Western News 7 October 2016 Issue 20

E N T E R T A I N M E N T The ultimate display for Chrysler fans

By Conner Lowe

ANOTHER great event is scheduled for the Museum of Fire when the NSW All Chrysler Day will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Sunday 16th October.

This is not only a great car display but a much needed fund raising event for the Museum of Fire that will go towards the preservation of this great display of the Fire Services of the past.

The gates will open at 8am and everyone is welcome to come along and not only see some of the best Chrysler vehicles but also take a tour through the Museum of Fire for the low entry fee of $20 to put your car on display or just $5 per person as a spectator.

Colin Murphy, the event organiser of the NSW Chrysler day promises that the day will be full of vintage to modern day Chryslers and insists that the day is to be enjoyed by all.

“Anyone who wants to attend is more than welcome, you won’t be disappointed with the cars on show.

While also being able to view the museum of fire with the entry fee paid at the gate, it is a very enjoyable day

out,” Colin said.

Colin also would like to share the history of the Chrysler car in the west of Sydney with over 200 cars to be on show.

“In previous NSW Chrysler days we have had up to 280 cars on show for the public, with this being the first NSW Chrysler day at the Museum of Fire, we are hoping for over 200 Chryslers for display,” he said.

If you own a Chrysler vehicle get it

out of the garage and bring it to the show, this is a great opportunity to show it off and maybe win one of the many trophies that will be presented on the day.

There will also be food vendors selling gourmet snacks, hot and cold drinks available all day.

If you’d like to see some of Australia’s motoring history from the early 1920’s Chrysler, Dodge, Desoto and Plymouth cars and the very well-

known Valiant and Charger models, circle the date on your calendar.

The 1970’s saw some of the best muscle cars ever built in Australia and everyone remembers the slogan “Hey Charger” so pop out to the Museum of Fire for a great day out on Sunday 16th October.

For more information, visit the All Chrysler Day website at www.allchryslerday.com or phone 0416 290 487.

WORD SEARCH

20

COMEDY MOVIES AIRPLANE ANALYZE THIS ANTZ ARTHUR BANANAS BEST IN SHOW BILLY MADISON BLUES BROTHERS BOWFINGER BULWORTH CADDYSHACK DAVE

DUCK SOUP EMMA FARGO GET SMART GROUNDHOG DAY HAPPY GILMORE HOME ALONE HORSE FEATHERS ICE AGE JUNO KINGPIN

LIFE OF BRIAN MASH OFFICE SPACE PARENTHOOD PATCH ADAMS POLICE ACADEMY RAISING ARIZONA RATATOUILLE REAL GENIUS ROXANNE RUTHLESS PEOPLE

SABRINA SPLASH STIR CRAZY STRIPES THE JERK THE PINK PANTHER THE TRAMP TOMMY BOY TOOTSIE WAYNES WORLD WORKING GIRL

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Western News 7 October 2016 Issue 20

Keegan’s Kitchen

SUDOKU: EASY

22

One dish salmon and veggies ... makes 2 WITH everyone struggling to find time in their lives one dish recipes are more popular than ever. All you need is a baking dish, some food, an oven or cook top and a little bit of time and you’ll have yourself a delicious dinner.

This one dish recipe has a spring edge to it so we can all get into the great tastes of spring.

INGREDIENTS: 400g new potatoes - halves 2 tbsp olive oil 8 asparagus spears - halved 2 handfuls of cherry tomatoes 6 baby carrots 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 salmon fillets - 140g approx. handful of basil leaves

SOLUTION: 23rd September

INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates

METHOD: Heat the oven to 220c and tip the potatoes and the baby carrots into an oven proof dish. Drizzle with oil and roast for about 20 minutes or until they’re golden. Mix the asparagus halves with the potatoes and then return to the oven for 15 minutes.

Toss in the cherry tomatoes and the vinegar. Nestle the salmon fillets into the vegetables and drizzle with the left over oil. Season with some salt and

pepper for good measure. Return to the over for about 10 to 15 minute or until the salmon is cooked. Throw the basil leaves over the dish and serve immediately.

Extra tip: If you’re serving for a big batch you can always serve with some fresh steamed kale.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Salve (8) 5 Bequeathed (6) 9 Thrashes (8) 10 Tame (6) 12 Parts of plants that are under the soil (5) 13 English and French, for example (9) 14 Published (6) 16 Urine container (7) 19 Winged monster (7) 21 Moves stealthily (6) 23 A formal party (9) 25 Blunder (5) 26 Induces vomiting (6) 27 Flying (8) 28 Name derived from the name of a person (6) 29 Working in a job (8)

solution 23/9/16

DOWN 1 Exclaim (6) 2 Anxiously (9) 3 Fogs (5) 4 Goaded (7) 6 Immunize (9) 7 Telling untruths (5) 8 Chest of drawers (8) 11 Round handle (4) 15 Sadly (9) 17 Moral perversion (9) 18 Break the heart of (8) 20 Fastener of wood (4) 21 Reassert (7) 22 Decided innocence or guilt (6) 24 System of beliefs (5) 25 Make rotten (5)

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Secretdebate

PLEBISCITE ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY – YAY OR NAY?

He Says........................ ............................She Says FORGET about whose side of the fence you are on, one has to ask why we would need to spend $2 billion dollars of tax payers money to run a poll on what is a foregone conclusion.

We just went through an expensive federal election and now we want to spend a fortune on a plebiscite to find out what people want.

It would appear the people already know what they want, it is only the Turnbull Government who want to justify a massive spend so that they don’t have to make a decision themselves.

Let’s have a look at all the Turnbull government decisions over the past twelve months, zzzzzzzzzzzzzz that’s right none, zero, zilch.

We are a Country in desperate need of a leader and Nero fiddles whilst Rome burns. So many decisions needed and we waste time and money on a marriage equality debate that should be just bought on in Parliament, the majority will vote yes and we can get on with the business of running a country.

Hospitals in western Sydney need at least a billion dollars in extra funding to enable them to cater for our existing population, let alone the growth of the future. Many other public health facilities would be in the same boat, but we can’t spend that much money because it would break the budget. Finding $2 billion to appease a few right wing conservatives however, is not a problem.

You were elected to run the country, you are being paid to run the country now for goodness sake run the country or jump out of the driver’s seat and let someone in who can drive.

WIN!

I AGREE with the plebiscite idea.

While it seems that few are against marriage equality and it sounds like something that could be quickly changed to suit the times, we are after all, making a pretty significant change to the Marriage Act. So I think a plebiscite will legitimise the whole thing. If it goes through, then the homophobes can never say “well nobody asked us what we wanted, the government just went ahead and did it.”

The public will have spoken.

I also don’t believe an overwhelming result from the public would be in any danger of not going through parliament. It would be a brave and foolish politician who goes against the public mood.

I do not particularly agree with the argument that debate on the issue will expose gay people to hurtful opinions. Seriously? Some of my best friends in the world happen to be gay and that would not be something new – they’ve been hearing homophobic opinions their entire lives – they’ve never been completely shielded from it, and let’s face it - there’s nothing that can be said that they’ve never heard before.

There are schools of thought that relate to marriage equality which aren’t directly answered in the action of just passing it. For instance, would marriage equality open the door for programs like “safe schools” that have caused some angst for parents? Would there be a push to degenderise things in the name of fairness?

Would terms like Mum, Dad, Husband, Wife become socially unacceptable terms?

I think it is a discussion that needs to be had, and I think we are grown up enough to have it.

Who do you agree with? Send your vote to nepeannews@aol.com for a chance to win a table for 4 at the Major Oak Theatre Restaurant including dinner and show.

WHO’S WINNING

Sonia Kruger remarks - stuff up or beat up?

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DO I REALLY NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT?

PROPERTY SALES AND LEASING, NOW OPEN IN MARSDEN PARK 9835 3355 | www.bennettproperty.com.au

By Matthew Bennett, Bennett Property Group

WE understand the temptation to cut out the middleman, but trying to sell your home yourself is sheer madness. You need the expertise of a professional and the numbers don’t lie.

Properties for sale without professional representation remain on the market longer and end up selling at a lower price than those listed with a property professional.

An experienced real estate agent has built a career around knowing local market oddities and attributes.

Thanks to such knowledge, combined with relationships made over the years, they can provide you with historic comparable data, realistic listing prices and other insights into the suburb in which your property is located, which

cannot be easily found online.

Opening and showing your home to prospective buyers could sound like a fun experience for you, for the first few times anyway. However, once you have had multiple appointments with various prospective purchasers (and, let’s face it, a few time-wasters)

on your day off, the fun will soon fade. A professional real estate agent knows how to efficiently run an ‘open home’ because they’re able to take the emotion out of the process and make interested purchasers see that your family home could one day be their family home.

Real Estate Agents have access to platforms that your average vendor simply does not. Apart from membership to the most widely used websites such as www.realesate. com.au or www.domain.com.au an experienced agent also has access to networks that are not accessible from outside of the real estate industry, including a database of suitable and qualified buyers, which means that a buyer can often be matched with a property before it has even been publicly promoted.

Even the best negotiators haven’t got the skills nor the experience to handle buyers, when it comes to their own home. The emotional attachment to your own home means that you may take negotiating personally and lose out on a sale.

Remember, this is a business transaction - perhaps the biggest one of your life – so you need a professional on board.

Bennett Property Group have been in business since 1948. With three offices located throughout North West Sydney, and a team of highly experienced and qualified sales staff, we have the expertise to ensure that your property receives the attention it deserves when it comes time to sell.

To discuss the options available to you, call us today on 9835 3355.

ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL NON-CONFORMING AND LOW DOC LOANS YOU’VE probably heard the saying: ‘you can’t fit a square peg in a round hole’, and home loans follow the same principle. With more people falling outside traditional bank criteria for regular borrowers, the nonconforming and low documentation (low doc) loan business is booming.

Home loans of this type now make up around 7 percent of all home loans in Australia and is now worth approximately $8 billion as borrowers struggle to put together.

Non-conforming home loans are designed for borrowers who do not meet traditional bank criteria such as those with a poor credit history, non-residents, seasonal workers and low or no deposit holders. 100% and 100%+ loans, which fall into the ‘low

or no deposit’ category, have become increasingly popular as borrowers struggle to put together the required deposit to purchase in a property market that has seen rents increase dramatically this decade.

These loans have allowed people who don’t have the traditional deposit but do have the income to meet the loan repayments the opportunity to purchase property. Low Doc loans are specifically for borrowers who are self-employed, contract or casual workers, as well as for small business owners.

As the name suggests, they are for people who may not have the supporting documentation, particularly in reference to income, to support a traditional loan application.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of people in part-time or casual employment has increased over the past decade, which has been a key factor in the increase in popularity of non-conforming loans (www.abs.gov.au Table 6105.0).

Our own non-conforming loan market has come under the spotlight because of the similarity between the types of loans, and there has been some concern that the trouble in the sub-prime market experienced in America in 2007.

If you do have a non-conforming loan, or are considering entering into an agreement for one, it always pays to be careful and if you are concerned, contact Wealthwiz for a free home loan review.

@wealthwiz

#wealthwizau

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25 Western News 7 October 2016 Issue 20

realestate real

ER N B TO TIO C O UC A

ELARA

ER N B TO TIO C O UC A

4

2

2

RICHMOND

2

1

-

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!

DECEASED ESTATE - WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY! CASTLEREAGH $000,000

Inspect:

Saturday 8 & 15 October, 1:30 – 2:00pm

Inspect:

Saturday 8 & 15 October, 1:00 – 1:30pm

Address:

20 Setaria Street

Address:

127 Windsor Street

• Brand new family home in new housing estate • Four bedrooms, main with ensuite and walk-in robe • Double lock-up garage with auto-door and workshop area • Tastefully decorated in a neutral colour palette • Low maintenance yard; undercover entertaining area • Ducted air conditioning plus ceiling fans in bedrooms, alarm

• First time on market in over Half a Century • Charming weatherboard cottage with many original features • High ceilings, timber floors, open fireplaces, wide verandahs • Huge back yard with good side access • Renovate and make it your own or re-develop site (STCA) • Ideal for professional rooms with good main road exposure • Close to shopping centres, city train and University • MUST BE SOLD!

Land size: Approx 375 square metres

Land size: Approx 827 square metres

Auction:

Tuesday 18 October, 6:30pm, The Sebel Resort, Windsor

Auction:

Tuesday 18 October, 6:30pm, The Sebel Resort, Windsor

Details:

Matthew Bennett/Nicole Cooney - 9835 3355

Details:

Michael Bennett - 4578 1234

ER N B TO TIO C O UC A

QUAKERS HILL

ER N B TO TIO C O UC A

4

2

2

GROSE VALE

2 1 LAND! VACANT

SPACIOUS INTERIORS & AWARD-WINNING DESIGN

BREATHTAKING VIEWS CASTLEREAGH

Inspect:

Saturday 8 & 15 October, 2:30 – 3:00pm

Inspect:

Saturday 8 & 15 October, 2:00 – 3:00pm

Address:

19 Gwydir Avenue

Address:

34 Horans Lane

• Impressive four-bedroom brick home on large 596sqm block • Award-winning Mirvac design with multiple living areas • Four spacious bedrooms, master with WIR and ensuite • Quality finishes, timber accents and bay windows • Covered entertaining area with established gardens • Mountain views from upper level, double garage • Fabulous opportunity in this location!

• First time ever offered for sale!

• Prestigious location, in quiet no-through road • Mostly cleared and arable. Build your dream home • Ridge top position with fabulous northerly aspect • Wide road frontage • DECEASED ESTATE – MUST BE SOLD!

$000,000

Land size: Approx 596 square metres

Land size: Approx 1.81 hectares (4.4 acres)

Auction:

Tuesday 18 October, 6:30pm, The Sebel Resort, Windsor

Auction:

Tuesday 18 October, 6:30pm, The Sebel Resort, Windsor

Details:

Matthew Bennett/Ken Chua - 9835 3355

Details:

Michael Bennett - 4578 1234

KURRAJONG (02) 4573 1228 80 Old Bells Line of Road RICHMOND (02) 4578 1234 239 Windsor Street MARSDEN PARK (02) 9835 3355 Cnr Richmond Road & South Street www.bennettproperty.com.au

AGNES BANKS

4

1

2

NORTH RICHMOND

FANTASTIC VALUE - POPULAR LOCATION

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME NOW! CASTLEREAGH

Inspect:

Saturday 8 & 15 October, 2:00 - 2:30pm

Inspect:

By Appointment

Address:

4 Randall Street

Address:

1 Tench Close

• Very comfortable single level brick veneer home set on a generous block • Large open plan family room. Separate formal lounge & dining area • Ducted air-conditioning. Four bedrooms, 3 with built in robes • Tasmanian Oak kitchen, s/s dishwasher & island bench/breakfast bar • Manicured gardens and covered entertaining area • Fully fenced backyard with garden shed. New double carport • Only minutes to Richmond Town Centre, local schools & public transport

• Great sized vacant block of land • Corner block on the peak of the road • Prime location, walking distance to schools, shops and parks • Captivating mountain views amongst picturesque rolling valleys • Fully serviced with town water, sewer and NBN • Start building your dream home today!

Land size: Approx 757 square metres

Land size: Approx 525 square metres

Price:

Just Listed

Price:

Just Listed

Details:

Rhonda Schellnack - 4578 1234

Details:

Rhonda Schellnack - 4578 1234

EMU PLAINS

3

1

2 1 LAND! VACANT

1

NORTH RICHMOND

FABULOUS LOCATION!

LARGE LIGHT-FILLED FAMILY HOME CASTLEREAGH

Inspect:

Saturday 8 & 15 October, 12:00 – 12:30pm

Inspect:

Saturday 8 & 15 October, 1:00 – 1:30pm

Address:

18 Bellbrook Avenue

Address:

37A Flinders Place

• 3 bedroom home with ducted air & polished floors on lovely corner block • Close to every convenience: station, schools and shopping village • Updated bathroom with corner spa bath. Solar hot water • Great outdoor undercover entertaining area • Walking distance to Nepean Performing Arts School • Short drive to Penrith, easy access to the M4 • Fantastic opportunity for first home buyers or investors!

4

• Large split-level home with timber features and high ceilings • Spacious bedrooms; main with ensuite and walk-in robe • Updated interior including new carpets and fresh paintwork • Covered outdoor deck with views to the river • Low maintenance, fully fenced back yard • In a quality cul-de-sac location

Land size: Approx 607 square metres

Land size: Approx 924 square metres

Price:

$610,000 - $660,000

Price:

$830,000 - $850,000

Details:

Karen Rigg - 4573 1228

Details:

Matthew Bennett/Nicole Cooney - 4578 1234

$000,000

2

2

$000,000

KURRAJONG (02) 4573 1228 80 Old Bells Line of Road RICHMOND (02) 4578 1234 239 Windsor Street MARSDEN PARK (02) 9835 3355 Cnr Richmond Road & South Street www.bennettproperty.com.au

westernhistory western

28 Western News 7 October 2016 Issue 20

LIVING LAYERS The interior of the arcade with an L-shaped table decorated for the ‘hunt’ lunch at Rouse Hill on 18 July 1895. Flags and banners are suspended from the roof. The water pump can be seen on the right , despite the olive branches and other foliage used to camouflage it.

..Continued from last issue

E

ACH generation to live at Rouse Hill made additions, improvements and adaptations. The second generation, Edwin and Hannah Rouse, extended the geometric grid of the first garden and planted notable trees, such as the now grand Moreton Bay figs. Widowed in 1862, Hannah also added the two-storeyed service wing. Third-generation Edwin Stephen and Bessie Rouse painted the house its distinctive ox-blood colour, added an internal bathroom.

They also built new stables, which, designed by society architect John Horbury Hunt, epitomised the family’s enduring interest in horses and horse breeding. As a wedding gift to Bessie and Stephen, Bessie’s father had the tall tank-stand beside the house installed, allowing the garden and Bessie’s delicate palms and ferns to be watered. Together with their children, Kathleen and Nina, and Nina’s husband George Terry, Edwin and Bessie took on the role of local squires, and by the 1890s Rouse Hill House had become a social and community hub.

The rear arcade, an enclosed area under a curved corrugated metal roof added between the two service wings, was the site of many a theatrical performance, amateur concert, charity fundraiser and wedding celebration. In 1895, the Rouse’s hosted a lavish lunch for the Sydney Hunt Club, of which they were keen members, decking out the arcade with banners, flags and extravagent floral arrangements.

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ROUSE HILL: Another Good Concert. On Friday night last the spacious Arcade at Rouse Hill House ... was filled to overflowing, and the entertainment proved an excellent one, quite as good as some of the best concerts held in Windsor … Mr Eric Terry, a good comedian, caused heaps of fun with his “sneezing song”...

Windsor and Richmond Gazette, 17 February, 1906

Would you like to read about the history of the Nepean?

Now you can purchase a LIMITED EDITION book featuring our history pages and more for just $10 plus postage and handling.

Help keep our history preserved by purchasing your copy. ORDER NOW!

9834 5579 or email m nepeannews@aol.com

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sport

By Kerrie Davies

AS the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and that’s exactly the place we find ourselves at as the weather starts to warm up - the footy season is over!

So too, is the Western News footy tipping competition, and this year the winner is... drum roll.. oh dear we have a tie!

The accolades and the shield will have to be shared between the two winners, who were Tony Wright from Choices Blacktown and our Mayor, Stephen Bali.

Matthew Bennett made the race an exciting one as he lead throughout most

of the competition, right up to the finals, with the Mayor nipping at his heels.

As we all held our collective breath, it all came down to the final round when the Mayor and Tony inched past him to steal the glory.

Barry “Turtle” from Turtle Nursery and Landscape Supplies never gave up the good fight and finished in third place behind Matthew Bennett.

Jarryd from Kid’s Zoo has earned an extra utensil for the kitchen this year, taking out the unenviable title of Wooden Spooner.

After a fun, close and competitive competition all season, we thank all our enthusiastic tipsters and hope you’ll all jump on board again next year!

Western News 7 October 2016 Issue 20

The two-tipster tango

29

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30 Western News 7 October 2016 Issue 20

MY WORDS WITH MARK GEYER

SHARK ATTACK! 50 YEARS IN THE MAKING AS over 40 people stacked into my house on Sunday, the room was split 50/50 on just who everyone thought would come away victors on the biggest stage of the rugby league calendar in the grand final.

Surely after 50 years trying, the Sharks deserved it? But the Storm are the bestdrilled and perhaps most professional club in the land, and just happened to have two of the top five players in the world in Smith and Cronk, Oh, and the games best coach in Bellamy.

Given that, both sides started the game remarkably close in all betting.

The game started like all great grand finals, with plenty of bash and spite. This is the last game of the year! Then on the 8th minute after having all the running, the Sharks opted for 2 points and a penalty goal instead of continuing the surge. Smart move in hindsight.

Seven minutes later, off a clever scrum move, Ben Barba dove over to make the score 8-0, and stayed that way until half time.

Absorbing contest, but one got the feeling the Storm would bounce back.

And that they did. Ten minutes into the second half big prop Jesse Bromwich plunged over to reduce the score to 8-6, with 30 to go. Game on.

Fourteen minutes later in the 64th minute, Melbourne’s best player of the grand final Will Chambers went over, Smith converted Storm up 12-8 with under 15 to play. Surely the Storm will etch out a victory from here? History will tell you they wouldn’t. Because with 10 minutes to go Sharks prop Andrew Fifita somehow miraculously found the stripe, under the posts, with four Storm players trying in vain to keep him out. 12 all, kick to come in front, which Maloney nails.

Sharks 14 Storm 12 with a frantic nine minutes

of play to go. And what a nine minutes it was. The Sharks held on to write themselves into rugby league history.

Congrats to all involved. Speaking from experience it’s the most euphoric sporting accomplishment a rugby league player will ever encounter. And the great thing is that it stays with you FOREVER!!

And another thing.

After an astonishing ending to the day, last Sunday didn’t start off on the best note. After dominating all year our Panther cubs were run down from behind

24 HOURS

to lose the u/20’s grand final in devastating fashion.

Leading 28-6 at half time, Cameron Ciraldo’s men looked unbeatable but succumbed in unbelievable fashion losing 30-28 against a feverish Roosters outfit.

Heads up though, the future looks mighty bright for our Penrith juniors and will be there ‘or about’ next season too.

MG (random Westie) OAM

0415 982 093

Storm juniors chosen for high development camps

By Noel Rowsell

FOUR junior representative players from the Blacktown West Basketball Association have been selected into NSW Basketball’s High Performance Programs.

Under 16 representatives Isaac Gundi, Paul Tako and Sila Tako have all been selected into the Developing Athlete Program, whilst Under 18 representative Hayden Blankley has been chosen in the State Performance Program.

All four athletes will work with other talented players from throughout the Metropolitan Area.

The Blacktown West Association’s Under 12, Under 16 and Under 18 boys all competed at the State Cup in September, with the 12’s and 18’s both winning through to their respective grand finals.

There would not be a fairy-tale ending, with the U12 boys losing to the Sydney City Comets and the U18 boys falling to the Northern Suburbs Bears.

Shane Heal (3rd from right) sits alongside fellow Legends of the NBL who all played for the Sydney Kings.

Photo courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

The U16 boys finished in second spot in their pool.

Former Australian representative and NBL legend Shane Heal will be visiting the Kevin Betts Stadium in Mt Druit during the week, working with

junior players from the Association.

Heal has a close affinity with Sydney, having both played and coached at the Sydney Kings during his NBL career, winning the 2002-2003 title with the club as a player.

Heal’s international career highlights include representing Australia at the 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games, captaining the team in 2004.

He also represented Australia at several World Championships.

Huge night set for local boxers

By Conner Lowe

A LOCAL Mount Druitt boy is set to be the highlight of the Big Fight night at St Clair Leisure Centre on Saturday 8th October. The event promises to be full of hard hitting fighters from amateur to professional boxers set to fight throughout the night.

Mount Druitt boy Val Borg will take on his Indonesian opponent Rusmin Kia Raha over an intense eight rounds in an International contest. This fight alone is set to raise the roof, but with other great fights throughout the night, it’s sure to be one hell of a night.

Paul Nasari is the event organiser for the Big Fight night and although was confident in Val Borg, also knows that Rusmin Kia Raha is a quality fighter with a lot to prove in Australia.

“Val Borg comes with quality, unlike boxers who will take an easy route through their careers Val will fight anyone and is always looking to fight the best and always wears his heart on his sleeve,“ Paul said.

“With a record of 13 wins and two losses and multiple titles including both the NSW and Australian lightweight title, this fight is definitely set to bring the house down,” he continued.

Local MMA fighter Randall Ray will be swapping the MMA gloves for the boxing gloves as he takes on Campbelltown’s Danny Rio in a heavyweight contest over four rounds.

This contest is set to be huge with these two powerhouse fighters looking for a big win.

Paul believes that Ray Randall is a quality fighter in both his MMA and boxing careers and believes that his ability in the ring is outstanding.

“Ray Randall is an excellent fighter, he is able to fight in both the MMA and boxing, whereas many can only do the one, he is a phenomenal fighter and always looking for a big fight in both sports,” he said.

With local heavyweight Ben Wrotniak on the cards and a pro debut from amateur sensation Satali Tevi Fuimaono who has been the amateur

world champion in Ukraine in 2013 and 2014, this fight night is definitely not one to miss.

Paul concluded that this is not a night to miss with many talented amateur and professional fighters on display on Saturday night.

“The fans are in for a real treat, so many great fighters on display in both the amateur and professional fights and the main event between Val Borg and Rusmin Kia Raha is set to tear the place apart in the main event,” he said.

The doors will open at 5pm with

the night set to kick off at 6pm. Eight amateur fights filled with local boxers will start this huge night of boxing, before the pro boxers set the roof alight.

Hooters restaurant Penrith will host the weigh-in at 6pm on October 7th.

Everyone is welcome to come watch and cheer the boxers on before their fights.

Hooters who are proud sponsors of the event will be catering on the night.

For tickets call Paul on 0413812274 or Hannah on 0411760839.

31 Western News 7 October 2016 Issue 20

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Western NEWS Friday, 7 October 2016

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Sydney derby to break A-League record

By Conner Lowe

THE Western Sydney Wanderers will face arch rivals Sydney FC in the opening round of the Hyundai A-league. The fixture will be held at ANZ stadium on Saturday 8th October with kick-off at 7:50pm.

The past four seasons have seen every Sydney derby sell out and with a capacity of 83,500 at ANZ stadium is set to break the largest attendance record which was set in the 2007 grand final between Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United with 55,436 people in attendance.

Since the Western Sydney Wanderers introduction into the A-League in the 2012/13 season, the two clubs have met 12 times with the Western Sydney Wanderers falling behind their rivals with 3 wins, 3 draws and 6 loses.

The Wanderers have had a good preseason leading up to the opening match of the A-League winning all the friendly matches in Asia and recruiting

well with the return of Kerem Bulut and Jarrod Tyson and signings Jack Clisby, Nicolas Martinez, Jumpei Kusukami, Steven Lustica, Bruno Pinatares, Jacob Melling, Aritz Borda.

With this opening game set to be the biggest derby, the Western Sydney Wanderers are hoping for a perfect start to the season and to beat their biggest rivals will be even better.

Western Sydney’s new defender Jack Clisby is hoping to break into the first team for his club debut and talked about the game on Saturday.

“I will be fighting for my position this week and I will be doing everything I can to make sure I’m as available as I can be and the rest is up to the boss,” he said.

“Both Sydney teams are really

competitive, I’ve really got a feeling that this will be a massive game, It’s meant to be the biggest crowd in the A-League so far, so it’s a great way to start the A-League campaign,” he continued.

Jonathan Aspropotamitis is a defender for the Western Sydney Wanderers and is one of their youngest players. Jonathan expressed the importance of a good preseason and talks about the chance of playing in his first Sydney derby.

“We worked hard this preseason and it’s been nice and tough which we want and it’s good to be rewarded with a big game to start off the year,” he said.

“The game looks good from a viewer’s point of view and so if I do get the chance to play on Saturday, obviously I need to keep a clear mind and relish the opportunity and do the best I can to help the team win,” he continued.

Tickets are still available at ticketek: h t t p : / / p r e m i e r. t i c k e t e k . c o m . a u / s h o w s / s h o w. aspx?sh=WAN0117&v=AUS

OPEN NOW Richmond Club 6 East Market Street Richmond, NSW 2753 Tel (02) 4578 1144 www.richmondclub.com.au