Western News 8 July 2022

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Friday, 8 July 2022

ISSUE 165

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Zig Zag Back on Track

The dedicated and committed volunteers at Zig Zag Railway are among thousands of train / rail enthusiasts eager to see the heritage rail line re-open later this year. See page 11 for full story.

Western News 8 July 2022 Issue 165

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Rally sends strong No Incinerator message

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lacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM has thanked local residents who gave up their Sunday afternoon to ‘Say No’ to the construction of any large-scale incinerators at Eastern Creek in Western Sydney.

At the invitation of Mayor Bleasdale, a large group of local residents gathered at Minchinbury Oval last Sunday to hear from a range of speakers including federal MP and Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Hon Chris Bowen.

Speakers at the rally also included Mayor Bleasdale, the Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali, the Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla and representatives from the Greens and the No Incinerators for Western Sydney residents’ group.

“We had a range of speakers with a range of views but they were all united in their opposition to building any large-scale incinerators at Eastern Creek.” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Council has been fighting against these incinerators for nearly 8 years. In 2018 plans for an energyfrom-waste incinerator at Eastern Creek were thrown out by the NSW Planning Department and the Land and Environment Court.

“In March 2019, then Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on radio that an incinerator would never be built

Part of the big crowd at Sunday’s Say No to Eastern Creek Incinerator rally.

at Eastern Creek and then last year, the NSW Government announced its Energy from Waste Infrastructure policy that clearly ruled out any new energy from waste incinerators being built in proximity of residential areas in Sydney “But now, Next Generation is asking the Land and Environment Court to consider an amended development application for a proposed Incinerator at Eastern Creek.

“I can’t explain why, but the NSW Government has simply failed to put its policy announcement into action.

Simple regulations would put an end to building these incinerators in the Sydney basin – that’s why we organised the rally to tell the Government to bring in the regulations immediately,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Minister Bowen described the proposed incinerator as; “This

ridiculous, stupid, idiotic proposal.”

“This community doesn’t deserve to have an incinerator planted right in the middle of us. It’s not hard, both sides of politics support the ban, they can just do it by regulation, they said they’d do it in a press release, but a press release doesn’t stop an incinerator,” Minister Bowen said.

Kim Wright from ‘No Incinerators for Western Sydney’ told the meeting; “The ACT has banned incineration, if it’s not OK for the ACT, it’s not OK for the rest of us.

“Let’s be clear about one thing.

Our elected politicians (NSW Government) have the ability to stop this, but they don’t.”

Both local Members of NSW Parliament, Edmond Atalla and Stephen Bali said their number one priority was to see the Government bring in the regulations immediately

Mayor Bleasdale addressing Sunday’s Rally.

Edmond Atalla MP

which would prevent any incinerators being built in Western Sydney.

Mayor Bleasdale told the rally; “The people of Western Sydney need a ‘full stop’ on these incinerators.

New South Wales Treasurer, Matt Kean, you announced the policy, now it’s up to your government to give it teeth, bring in the regulations!”

Western News

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he team from Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) will spend a week at Blacktown Workers Club next month promoting diabetes awareness and prevention for National Diabetes Week (July 10-16).

For the third year, National Diabetes Week’s (July 10-16) ‘Heads Up on Diabetes’ campaign focuses on challenging diabetes-related stigma.

But western Sydney is a diabetes hotspot with disease rates higher than the NSW average, so WSD will focus on highlighting the high rates of type 2 diabetes in our region.

Western Sydney Diabetes is a collaborative initiative led by Western Sydney Local Health District and Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WentWest), PwC, Diabetes NSW&ACT and Department of Planning and Environment to address the Western Sydney diabetes hotspot.

From July 11 to 15, WSD staff will be in the foyer of the club to talk to members and their guests about diabetes and provide information on diabetes prevention, and present Feltman, a diabetes education tool.

From 9am-4pm, the team will be joined by community groups which promote healthy living and eating, including Live Life Get Active, Hearing Australia and Blacktown

WSD Primary Prevention Manager Janine Dawson and eEngagement and Education Manager Heloise Tolar with the sugar cabinet, which will be on display at the Club to show how much sugar is in some of our favourite foods.

Council, which will also run a free yoga session for people with diabetes on Friday at 10am.

At 11am each day, an expert will deliver a presentation: • Monday, July 11: WSD Director and Senior Endocrinologist Professor Glen Maberly will speak about how to manage and reduce your risk of developing diabetes; • Tuesday, July 12: Donalee Rose from Hearing Australia will talk about the impact of diabetes on hearing; • Wednesday, July 13: WSD Primary Prevention Manager Janine

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Dawson will discuss diabetes prevention and the resources available; • Thursday, July 14: WSD Dietitian Victoria Silvestro will discuss diabetes prevention; and • Friday, July 15: Blacktown Optometrist Joe Nazarian and Lilly Psomadelis from Sight For All will speak on diabetes’ impact on sight.

“Once you know you have diabetes you need to make sure you are getting regular HbA1c tests and working with your GP to ensure you are using the most up to date medications and keeping your blood sugars under

control,” Prof Maberly said.

“But you can prevent diabetes if you act early, simply through increased physical activity, a healthy diet and losing weight.

Group CEO, Morgan Stewart, said Blacktown Workers Club Group is committed to working with WSD to help prevent diabetes and its progression in the community.

“We will be supporting initiatives that encourage healthy eating, active living and social cohesion,” Mr Stewart said.

WSD Primary Prevention Manager Janine Dawson said WSD is delighted to partner with the club to highlight what the community can do to reduce their risk of developing diabetes.

“There are a great many local resources and programs that Blacktown residents can take advantage of to get fit and healthy,” Ms Dawson said.

“We’re looking forward to making more of the visitors to the club aware of these options, with the aim that everyone will find something that they will enjoy doing.”

Visit www.diabetesaustralia.com. au/national-diabetes-week/ for more information about National Diabetes Week 2022.

Details: www.westernsydneydiabetes.com.au

Western News 8 July 2022 Issue 165

Western Sydney Diabetes: National Diabetes Week 2022

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Western News 8 July 2022 Issue 165

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Western News Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 Sports Journalist: Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Graphic Design: Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com

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From the General Manager’s Desk

By BART BASSETT

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ell, flooding in the Hawkesbury-Nepean floodplain has happened once again. And I believe it will continue to happen to this extent or even worse unless the Warragamba Dam Wall is raised. Analysis of the flood early this year showed if the Warragamba Dam Wall was raised to the planned level of 14 metres above its current height the flood height at Windsor would have been over 3 metres lower, that’s a lot of property that would have stayed dry.

I hear the argument put forward by some people that it’s not worth raising the dam wall because it won’t stop every flood. The idea of raising the dam wall is to reduce the intensity of major flooding. As a community we accept hazard reduction is necessary to reduce the intensity of bushfires knowing it will not stop all fires - so why are people refusing to accept the same rationale for raising the dam wall?

When Warragamba was built, it was built as a water storage facility, not a mitigation dam and even to this day that is exactly what the operating procedure is, for the dam to be kept as full as possible to supply Sydney with quality potable water.

The recent occurrences of east coast low weather systems and Warragamba Dam at close to 100% capacity over the last few years should be a real wake up call to the NSW State Government to finally get on with the obvious job of making it a mitigation dam as well as a storage dam and for the new Federal Government to support the initiative to help protect life and property in western Sydney.

The other important infrastructure objective to assist during times of flood is good flood evacuation routes and upgrades to existing roads that are impacted by flooding, which could easily be upgraded to provide a real cost effective benefit, but that should not replace or delay the need to get on with serious mitigation options.

I strongly believe that saving life and property downstream of the dam wall wins out significantly compared to the occasional temporary inundation above the dam wall in the catchment area. I actually can’t believe this debate has been dragging on for such a long period of time, which then in turn creates inaction.

Let’s just make a decision and get on with the job please - because one thing we can be sure of is flooding will continue to happen just like it always has - and the people of western Sydney deserve better.

Western News

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isaster assistance is now available in 23 local government areas (LGAs) following severe storms and flooding from 27 June 2022, which continue to impact large areas of Sydney and the New South Wales coast.

The LGAs are Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Canterbury Bankstown, Campbelltown, Central Coast, Cessnock, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Kiama, Lithgow, Liverpool, Northern Beaches, Penrith, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, The Hills, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said the flooding has led to a large number of evacuations throughout Metropolitan Sydney, the Hawkesbury and the Central Coast.

“The Australian and New South Wales governments have worked very cooperatively through this latest flood emergency, to ensure defence and other resources were deployed early and fast.

Western News 8 July 2022 Issue 165

Funding available to natural disaster declared communities

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New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, said significant recovery support would be required to help support communities once the major weather event passes.

Assistance available under the DRFA may include: • Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply); • Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged road and essential public assets; • Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations; and • Freight subsidies for primary producers.

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.

To apply for a concessional loan or primary producer grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.aulaunch Information on disaster assistance can be found on the National Recovery and Resilience Agency’s website at www.recovery.gov.au

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Western News 8 July 2022 Issue 165

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Blacktown City home to 1 in 65 Australians Census reveals

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ational census data has confirmed that Blacktown City is the largest, and one of the most diverse and fastest-growing council areas in New South Wales.

The newly-released figures, obtained in the August 2021 Census, reveal that Blacktown City’s population has grown by almost 60,000 residents, from 336,962 in 2016 to 396,776 in 2021, with Department of Infrastructure and Planning estimating that figure to now be in excess of 403,000.

This means about 1 in 65 Australians now call Blacktown City home, an increase from 1 in 70 in the 2016 Census, making Blacktown City the largest Local Government Area in New South Wales by population.

Interestingly, Blacktown City’s population growth in this five-yearperiod surpasses the entire size of some Sydney councils.

The average number of private dwellings has also surged from 110,800 to 133,887 in five years, up 30 per cent, with the number of families exploding from 85,519 to 104,171.

The latest data also paints a picture of Blacktown City’s culturally and ethnically diverse communities, with residents from India comprising the top country of birth after Australia.

While just over 50 per cent of Blacktown City’s population identified as being born in Australia, almost 12

Blacktown City is home to one of the most culturally diverse communities in NSW.

per cent were born in India (47,090 people) and 6.4 per cent were born in the Philippines (25,292 people).

The top languages spoken at home in Blacktown City, other than English, included Punjabi, Hindi and Tagalog, with these languages representing almost 53,000 speakers.

The number of residents identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander has also grown from 9,523 in 2016 to 11,812 in 2021 - which represents an almost 25 per cent increase in just five years.

Demographers have suggested that these figures do not represent an actual increase in numbers but rather reflect a

society where people of First Nations heritage are much more comfortable in acknowledging their ancestry.

The median age of residents in Blacktown City has also increased slightly, from 33 to 34 years.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said he was proud to lead one of the most diverse councils in one of the most multicultural cities in Australia.

“As Mayor, I have always been extremely proud to lead a City as vibrant and multicultural as Blacktown,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“The figures from the 2021 Census show that we are a relatively young

City that is a drawcard for families and new migrants.

“I was also extremely heartened to see a growth in residents who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders since the last Census.

“Blacktown City is proud of its Darug history and our status as the largest urban Aboriginal population in New South Wales, so it is fantastic to see our Indigenous community represented in this way.”

In the 2021 Census, respondents were asked two new questions about long-term health conditions and Australian Defence Force service.

About 35 per cent of the Blacktown City population reported living with a long-term health condition, with the most common being Asthma, Diabetes, Arthritis and Mental Health conditions (including depression and anxiety).

Close to 93 per cent of the population has never served in the Australian Defence Force, with 570 residents currently serving in regular or reserves forces.

Blacktown City’s median household income came in at $2,107 per week, which is above the Australian median of $1,746 per week.

Data showed 42.9 per cent of private dwellings were owned with a mortgage, 34.3 per cent were rented and 20.2 per cent were owned outright.

Stan Grant on strengthening Aboriginal workforces in western Sydney

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steemed journalist and Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi man, Stan Grant, has supported discussions around how to bolster the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD).

Amid a panel chat facilitated by Stan at Blacktown Hospital, the WSLHD launched its Aboriginal Workforce Plan on 27 June 2022.

Stan said discussions like these are critical because “if you don’t hear the voices, if you don’t know who you’re talking to, you can’t possibly devise a strategy to meet their needs.

“It’s about building an overall relationship with the communities and creating opportunities for people to enter into the workforce, stay in the organisations and to have those pathways to feel integrated,” he said.

The panel included WSLHD’s Belinda Cashman, acting district director, Aboriginal Health Strategy, Aboriginal Executive Unit; Andrew Fraser, Aboriginal workforce coordinator; Graeme Loy, chief executive; Ryan Kondek, Aboriginal mental health liaison officer; and Louise Maclean, speech pathologist.

Graeme Loy said increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders employed in the district is “important to do because when our workplace meets appropriate

Stan Grant facilitated the panel chat at Blacktown Hospital

representation, we can better meet the needs of our patients and staff.”

He also stressed the need to create “a welcoming environment for patients in our Aboriginal communities to automatically feel safe.”

Stan led the independent discussion and made the point that everything we’re talking about now in Australia is on trying to build stronger futures and realigning relationships to acknowledge the fact that there is great hurt.

“There is a lack of trust and there’s suspicion, sometimes even hostility, because of the legacies of our history,” Stan explained.

Carol Muthunesan, WSLHD

Aboriginal care facilitator, said the discussion is “really important because we need more Aboriginal people working in designated roles and getting people trained so we can help Aboriginal people achieve their dreams.”

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What the WSLHD is doing is unravelling the legacy of that history and dealing with the impact of that to build stronger relationships for the future.

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Elka Tinker, WSLHD Aboriginal health population trainee, added that the challenge “is always straddling two worlds and the more we can help non-

indigenous people understand where we’re coming from, by adopting deep listening to help bridge the gap, the communication between two groups will be more open and trusting.”

Lynette Mieni, WSLHD Aboriginal health practitioner, shared this sentiment saying “it’s extremely vital to get the communication channels up and running to ensure the information that’s given is clear and concise so that everybody is on the same page.”

Stan believes the two most important matters for any organisation to consider are “trust and being valued” and encourages others to “challenge themselves, their ideas and preconceptions to become more culturally aware of and more able to understand other people’s world views”.

Western News

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ight police dogs and their handlers graduated alongside 200 new probationary constables at a recent Police Attestation ceremony in Goulburn.

Acting Police Commissioner David Hudson officiated by swearing in the 200 new probationary constables, four detection police dogs and four general purpose police dogs which will be accompanied by their instructors.

The police dogs completed the NSW Police Detection and General Purpose Novice Courses in 2019 and 2021, but have not been able to graduate until now due to COVID restrictions.

The 200 probationary constables were deployed to police stations across the state from Monday 27 June 2022 where they will complete their year of on-the-job training.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said every Attestation ceremony was a significant occasion for the Police Force and the community.

“I congratulate our newest probationary constables, who will be deployed to areas where they are needed the most,” Mr Toole said.

In 2019 the NSW Government announced a record investment in police, with an additional 1500 officers over four years and committed $60 million to upgrade the Goulburn Police Academy.

“We are proud to offer our continued support to the NSW Police Force to ensure it has the very best people, training facilities, and technology to keep our communities safe,” Mr Toole said.

Acting Police Commissioner David Hudson said the ceremony was an important opportunity to recognise the commitment of Class 353, as well as their families and friends.

“Behind every police officer and every probationary constable is a family and a network that plays a critical role in supporting our people,” Acting Commissioner Hudson said.

“It’s more important than ever that we ensure our police have our utmost support so that they can enjoy long and successful careers.

“It’s also a unique and special occasion when we see new police dogs enter the Force. The value police dogs bring to policing – including criminal investigations and critical

incident response is significant and should be recognised.”

Acting Assistant Commissioner Toby Lindsay said a career in policing was exciting and rewarding.

“As a probationary constable engaged in general duties policing you can expect to be working with and helping the community,” Acting AC Lindsay said. “You will also undertake a wide range of investigations including motor vehicle accidents, stealing offence, assaults and more.

“In addition to general duties policing, there are more than 100 specialist roles in support of our frontline police and community.”

FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT CLASS 353 A total of 200 recruits were sworn in. The class comprised 134 men and 66 women.

In addition, four detection police dogs and four general purpose police dogs graduated alongside their handlers.

The students will attest with the rank of probationary constable.

Recruits reported to their stations for work from Monday 27 June 2022.

They will then complete 12 months on-the-job training and study by distance education with Charles Sturt University. They officially graduate with an Associate Degree in Policing Practice once they have passed all

academic and operation standards.

The officers will then be confirmed to the rank of constable.

Of the probationary constables who attested, 169 were born in Australia and 31 were born overseas.

Their countries of origin include India, England, Iraq, Belgium, New Zealand, China and South Africa.

Four recruits are indigenous, with one joining through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program.

Class 353 comprises: • 18-20 – 38 • 21-25 – 100 • 26-30 – 36 • 31-35 – 15 • 36-40 – 5 • Over 40 – 6 OFFICER ALLOCATIONS BY POLICE AREA COMMAND AND POLICE DISTRICT NORTH WEST METROPOLITAN REGION – 40 Blacktown PAC – 4 Blue Mountains PAC – 3 Hawkesbury PAC – 2 Kuring Gai PAC – 3 Mt Druitt PAC – 4 Nepean PAC – 3 North Shore PAC – 5 Northern Beaches PAC – 6 Parramatta PAC – 4 Ryde PAC – 4 The Hills PAC – 2

Service nsw office coming to Tallawong!

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ember for Riverstone Kevin Conolly has welcomed the announcement that the new Service NSW centre to open in the electorate in 2023 will be at Tallawong.

Mr Conolly and Minister for Customer Service, Victor Dominello visited the site where the new office will be located - right across the road from the Tallawong Metro station entrance.

“I’ve been advocating for this service to be available to the growing local community, and I am pleased to see the arrangements finalised,” said Mr Conolly.

When the centre in opened, locals will no longer have to travel to Blacktown, Mt Druitt or Castle Hill to reach a Service NSW centre.

“Having a Service NSW centre located at Tallawong is great news for the local community; it’s more convenient and will save customers precious travel time,” Mr Conolly said.

Construction of the Deicorp building where the Service NSW office will be located is underway and is on schedule to open in 2023.

The development includes parking for Service NSW customers who come by car.

Western News 8 July 2022 Issue 165

Police Force swears-in 200 officers and eight police dogs

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Western News 8 July 2022 Issue 165

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Western News

Keep western Sydney emergency departments for emergencies

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mergency departments (EDs) across NSW are currently under significant pressure due to high numbers of COVID-19 cases (which has also caused ongoing staff unavailability) and now a spike in flu cases.

If you are seriously injured, seriously unwell or have a life-threatening medical emergency, you should call Triple Zero or attend an emergency department without delay.

However, it is important for people to utilise other health services such as their GPs and specialist centres for chronic conditions to ensure emergency departments are kept for emergencies.

“This allows us to have more access and space to see the patients who are experiencing emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, car accidents, and so on,” explains Westmead Hospital emergency physician Dr Kavita Varshney.

“Likewise for people who have been experiencing symptoms for weeks and months, such as rashes and musculoskeletal issues; these conditions should be reviewed and monitored by a GP.”

If you are not sure if you should go to an emergency department, services such as Healthdirect.gov.au/ symptomchecker or Healthdirect 24/7 – 1800 022 222, are available for free on for fast, expert advice from registered nurses on what to do next.

“

If you are living with a chronic condition such as asthma, chronic obstructive airways disease, diabetes or hypertension, it’s important to have a GP who is monitoring these conditions and who is providing ongoing review and care; keeping track of where you’re up to, ensuring you know what medications should be taken if things get worse and when to present to the ED.

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“The hospital and ED are here for you, and if you need to access them, please do – we’re just trying to make sure everyone is getting equitable and timely access to their healthcare,” says Kavita.

“If you need referrals to specialists, your GP can absolutely help with that.

“Save ambulances and emergency departments for saving lives.”

A lifetime commitment to western Sydney: Blacktown Mount Druitt doctor farewelled after four decades

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aring, compassionate, authentic, dedicated, professional and a gentleman are just some of the words used by colleagues to describe beloved western Sydney Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) Dr Michael Datyner.

After a career that spans four decades, endocrinology and geriatric medicine practitioner Michael has retired with his sights set on “holidays, catching-up on sleep, reading and spending more time with family and grandchildren”.

On 28 June, the Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospital (BMDH) medical staff council (MSC) hosted a retirement function for Michael to thank him for this lifetime commitment and dedication to serving the communities of western Sydney.

In early 1980, Michael began his career at Westmead Hospital and completed training as a consultant physician in general medicine, including a year in endocrinology.

Following this, he worked as a clinical superintendent for medicine, worked part-time as a staff specialist and later as a VMO at Mount Druitt Hospital, where he was instrumental in establishing the diabetes service. He also started a private practice in Rooty Hill.

Michael has worked across two disciplines, endocrinology and geriatric medicine, reflecting his commitment, desire, and passion to help the vulnerable communities of western Sydney.

Blacktown Mt Druitt Hospital Visiting Medical Officer Dr Michael Datyner retired on 30 June 2022

“The reason I gravitated toward endocrinology was the influence of and mentoring by Professor Cres Eastman AO, who was the Head of Endocrinology at Westmead Hospital while I was training,” said Michael.

After the Mount Druitt and Blacktown hospitals were linked in the 1990s, Michael’s role changed with general medicine no longer supported, so he joined the geriatric medicine team. Michael continued his work in endocrinology through his private practice with a mix of faceto-face and telehealth consulting and inpatient care.

“I recall the terrific place Mount Druitt Hospital was in the early days when it functioned as a local general hospital, and I really enjoyed working there, but it was necessary for it to change to better meet the needs of the community” reminisced Michael.

“A career highlight of mine has been being involved in the stage one and two developments at Blacktown

Hospital, as the new hospital surroundings allow us to provide better and more functional care to the local community whom we serve.

“There was a great sense of collegiality with the community having their involvement in the planning; it was an exciting time for everyone with the focus on what was best for the community.”

During this time, Michael also commenced in a succession of clinical leadership roles up until more recently, when he was the BMDH divisional director for acute medicine from 2016 to 2021.

Michael has many memories from over the years with patients and their families and will miss hearing their life stories.

“Working at BMDH has been a wonderful privilege over the years, and I have enjoyed the opportunity to care for our community and do feel bad in some ways for moving on; but it’s not often that patients see the same

doctor for nearly 40 years,” exclaimed Michael.

“I’ve admired many colleagues and have been delighted to see the progression of medical students and junior doctors in their careers; becoming outstanding clinicians, ready to care for the community and address patient’s needs.”

BMDH director of medical services, Dr Alison Loughran-Fowlds, commended Michael for making a lasting impression on so many of the junior and senior doctors by sharing his knowledge, expertise, support, and being a role model and mentor.

“Four decades of working for western Sydney communities is an outstanding achievement and something to be proud of,” Alison said.

“We appreciate and thank you for your support and the friendship you have shown to so many and wish you and your family a healthy, prosperous and happy retirement.”

Western News

ENTERTAINMENT

By Noel Rowsell

T

he dedicated and committed volunteers at Zig Zag Railway are among thousands of train / rail enthusiasts eager to see the heritage rail line reopen later this year.

The numerous sagas behind the line’s closure back in 2012 would test the most ardent rail fan and it is a credit to the numerous volunteers who turn up every week to mend, maintain, replace or renew locomotives, rolling stock (carriages), stations, sleepers and track.

Originally constructed as part of the main Western Line, the Zig Zag was opened in October, 1869.

The Zig Zag Railway lost accreditation in 2012, then the State Mine Fire, part of the October bushfires in 2013, caught the volunteers at Zig Zag off guard, coming in from a new direction for the first time in memory and causing carnage throughout the system.

The railway suffered millions of dollars of damage, which included ten passenger carriages and four accommodation carriages. The most extensive damage caused by the fires was at Bottom Points workshop, where most of the south side was destroyed.

This included the spare parts stores,

The spectacular scenery, rolling stock and volunteers of the historic Zig Zag Railway.

Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

offices and most of the machine shop. Electrical equipment to operate signals was totally destroyed, as was the repeater tower for the safety radio communication system and the internal telephone lines and exchange.

One thousand new railway sleepers were also lost, as was the caretaker’s converted accommodation carriage Hard work, long hours and endless enthusiasm from the volunteers saw the rail line begin to emerge from the ashes, then mindless vandalism to several carriages and other equipment put the whole project on the back foot.

More selfless dedication and hard work from the volunteers, who had shown amazing fortitude against the crushing circumstances, once again saw the railway headed toward redemption.

2019 and 2020 would however have yet another sting in the tail. In late-December 2019, the Zig Zag Railway was hit by the Gospers Mountain bushfire.

The station buildings and most of the rolling stock survived, with the exception of a few already vandalised carriages. The toilet block, storage areas, communications hut, signalling equipment, water and power supplies and main office, with the past 45 years of records, were all destroyed, along with an estimated 1500 sleepers, all of which pushed the reopening a few years back.

2,500 new sleepers have now been replaced and once again the railway is approaching the era of a new dawn, opening to the public in late-2022.

“We have an amazing team and

a great project manager,” said Lee Wiggins, CEO of Zig Zag Railway.

“We’ve received State Government funding and recently put in a new car park at Clarence Station.

“The other challenges include rebuilding rolling stock, restoring the engine which had been idle for some time and governance changes.

“The management team is working hard in the background, we’re working closely with the Regulator, training volunteers and running rolling stock along the line.”

“Now’s the time for anyone that has ever thought about getting involved to give us a call,” said Zig Zag Chairman Ben Lawrence.

“Zig Zag is a volunteer organisation, it takes a lot of people to be able to restart our operations and then run consistently, so we need your help.

“We have roles available from the basic maintenance of the railway – like mowing lawns, gardening and painting to the operational roles of train controller, signaller, fireman and eventually driver, if that’s your goal.

“You don’t have to have experience – we provide training for all operational roles.. All it takes is to join as a member and put your hand up, we’ll help you do the rest.”

Enquiries can be made by going to the Zig Zag website: www.zigzagrailway.com.au

Western News 8 July 2022 Issue 165

Anticipation is high for re-opening of Zig Zag Railway

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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Not the youngest (6) 4. Silver-tongued (8) 10. Financial officer (9) 11. Drive forward (5) 12. Twangy, as a voice (5) 13. Failure (9) 14. Connection (7) 16. You (archaic) (4) 19. Largest continent (4) 21. Helps (7) 24. Cheekiness (9) 25. Foul-up (5) 26. A type of dance (5) 27. Profitable (9)

28. Delight (8) 29. 6-person group (6) down 1. Ensnarl (8) 2. Bandaging (8) 3. Rope fiber (5) 5. Biggest (7) 6. Rapidity (9) 7. Hire (6) 8. Ability (6) 9. Triple (6) 15. Diligent (9) 17. A writer of literary works (8) 18. Edible (8)

solution 24/6/22

20.

21.

22.

23.

25.

Shaped like a ring (7) Central Intelligence ______ (6) First-rate (6) Freeload (6) Climb (5)

Western News 8 July 2022 Issue 165

12

WESTERN HISTORY

Western News

Lethbridge v Brady

I

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

to old fishing hands and a stranger would not n January 1894 a magisterial enquiry likely select such a spot for fishing. With the was held at the Penrith Court House evidence given by Dr Brady at the enquiry

by Coroner John King Lethbridge on it was thought that Mr Lethbridge should the body of a man found in Mulgoa Creek. not have so hurriedly brought the enquiry Sergeant Thorndike gave evidence that he to a close by recording as he did, an open went out to the Creek and found on the bank verdict on his own account, especially as near an oak tree, a brown check tweed coat the medical officer stated distinctly that and vest and a straw hat in the water and the the exuding of blood from the right ear is dead body of a man floating with his head usually indicative of fracture of the base of half out of the water and with the help of the skull, but it was impossible for him to tell others at the scene he recovered the body. The whether such was the case “without a post man was about 5ft 9in and well-built with fair mortem examination” and he added that he complexion, dark brown hair, a short clipped would make the necessary examination to thick beard and reddish-brown moustache, not further delay the finding, but the Coroner blue eyes, thick eyebrows and a broad nose.  The 1930’s photo of Mulgoa Creek courtesy of Fairfax archives glass negatives online. would not consent. Mr Lethbridge may His body was dressed in a coloured cotton or may not have been right on the score of shirt, cotton undershirt, drawers, thick tweed expense, as a post-mortem cost around three guineas, but with a view of trousers same colour as coat and vest, partly worn Balmoral boots and really finding out if there had been any foul play, the examination should in the coat and vest he found a white cotton handkerchief, 2 knives, a have been made so as to clear up the mystery at once. On 27th January a bunch of 8 keys on a white metal chain, a briar pipe, matchbox, 2 pieces connection was found to the deceased when a gentleman came to Penrith of tobacco, a box of matches, a small pocketbook, pencil, a hand fishing and recognised the handwriting on the letters found near the deceased line, a piece of paper that was apparently the top of a race book. He found was that of “Lansdell”. He was well known and well connected and in no money or valuables in the pockets of the trousers or anything that receipt of remittances from England where he had a large number of would lead to his identification. Dr Brady gave evidence and said that he relatives. The gentleman was well acquainted with the deceased and his was a legally qualified medical practitioner, practicing in and residing at relatives and had no hesitation in identifying him by the particulars given Penrith and he viewed the dead body of the man at the hospital morgue by the police and his clothing, as well as by the handwriting of several and after shifting the body he found three superficial wounds over the torn letters in the possession of Sergeant Thorndyke. The gentleman left eyebrow and the tongue was partly protruding, the eyes were a light said he saw the man a few days before his body was found, saying the hazel or grey colour, the pupils normal and from the right ear blood was deceased was of an unusually quiet disposition and he could not swim. exuding but there were no external marks of violence as the exuding of (Ed - On doing some further digging I found:- His name was Alexander blood from the right ear is usually indicative of a fracture of the base of Woodward Lansdell, born in Canterbury, Kent in 1846 to Henry and the skull but he could not ascertain what was the cause of death without Julia Lansdell. At the age of 38 he came to Australia as an unassisted a post mortem. On manipulating the head, he found no rigor mortis, the immigrant on the “Port Jackson” from London to Sydney in January, 1884 head on the neck was quite flexible and on examining this he could find (3rd class), his occupation down as “Clerk”. (furthermore - The letters no external marks or fracture. It seems at this stage after some argument play a significant part in this story, because at the magisterial enquiry and several sharp words between Coroner Lethbridge and Dr Brady, the they were missing from the very well documented evidence collected Coroner said that he saw no occasion for a post-mortem examination and and remained so after the enquiry, but somehow on the 27th of January he would “give his own opinion” and he did, and found as follows “From they turned up when the “gentleman” came to Penrith and were found the evidence adduced, the deceased name unknown in the Mulgoa Creek in the possession of Sergeant Thorndyke!!). One of the letters deciphered in the District of Penrith in the Colony of NSW on the 17th January 1894 was from William Harding in Paddington, Sydney dated 15/12/1892 to was found dead without any marks of violence appearing on the body and William Cuddon (Jnr) in Christchurch, NZ on behalf of Alexander who that death was caused by suffocation by drowning, but how or by what was about to go to New Zealand in search of employment there. He had means he came to be drowned there is not sufficient evidence to enable been out of employment for some time here working as a canvasser and me to say”. On the 20th January the way the magisterial enquiry ended traveller for Sydney firms. The part of the river where his body was found gave rise to reaction from the public who did not like the way it ended was called Elliott Creek, part of the Mulgoa Creek. The probate wasn’t as there was not the slightest evidence as to who this man was. He was released until 1898 in London to his brother Reverend Henry Lansdell, of respectably and cleanly attired and had the appearance of having a home personal effects and £91 and it gave Alexander’s address in Sydney as 55 somewhere. The body was well nourished but still there were no papers, Elizabeth Street. ACCIDENT OR FOUL PLAY? letters or money, or was any of his clothing marked in any way to lead to his identification. When the body was first seen by the police there were Sources: New South Wales, Australia, Unassisted Immigrant Passenger Lists, some superficial wounds and blood that was exuding from the right ear, 1826-1922, NSW, Australian Government Gazettes, 1853-1899, Ancestry, Trove, but there did not however appear to be any marks of violence or were Evening News (Sydney, NSW), Nepean Times, Sydney Morning Herald, England & Wales National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995. there any traces of a struggle. Apparently that location was known only

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Western News

Credit score calculations what they mean for you?

L

enders now have access to more information than ever about your clients’ credit history. In this article, we’ll break down what Comprehensive Credit Reporting is and the impact it might have.

What is Comprehensive Credit Reporting (CCR)?

Credit bureaus compile credit reports based on feedback about credit behaviour from banks and other credit providers. Credit reports contain a credit rating between zero and 1200 as a measure of creditworthiness.

CCR is the information that lenders can access via credit rating agencies about your clients’ credit history. The introduction of CCR changed the type of consumer credit information that can be collected and reported. Previously, Australia only had a negative credit reporting system but now this includes positive information.

This includes whether your clients’ have a mortgage, mortgage repayment history going back two years, credit card limits and repayment history, and

repayment history on car or personal loans.

It has been mandatory since 2019 for the big four banks to use CCR more fully and apply it when making credit assessments. It is still optional for smaller banks and other lenders however many are providing account information.

Who does this impact?

In short, this impacts all eligible consumer credit accounts. These are accounts which provide or can provide consumer credit such as home loans, personal loans, car loans, credit cards and overdrafts.

The consumer credit accounts include more than 80 per cent of all mortgages and credit cards in Australia which have been reported and the big four banks and lenders who have opted in must continue to keep the information up to date.

How does it impact you?

Those with good overall credit histories could eventually get a lower interest rate and those without may be charged a premium rate or find it more difficult to obtain credit.

It should increase competition

leading to better deals on mortgages, personal and business loans in the long run.

The inclusion of ‘positive’ information can balance the ‘negative’ information previously reported.

It will provide greater transparency on a borrower’s credit history and their ability to pay a loan.

Therefore, if you have a good credit history – paying down their mortgage, haven’t missed a payment on their car loan and their credit cards are under control – you might be able to demand a better deal on interest rates, or shop around armed with their data.

What can you do to ensure a strong credit report?

• Regularly review their credit report • Report any errors • Pay bills and make loan repayments on time • Pay their credit card off in full each month • Lower credit card limits • Consider consolidating debt • Limit credit enquiries, as frequent applications can look bad on your credit report

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• Remove your name from utility bills if you move • Be cautious about identity theft.

How to download a credit report?

Request a copy from a credit reporting body like Equifax, illion or Experian.

The good news is, there are situations where negative credit listings such as defaults and court judgments can be removed from a credit file which will dramatically improve a credit score, however that’s another topic on its own.

The bottom line is a good credit score has never been more important as lenders are becoming more risk conscious and lending policies are getting tighter. Due to this I recommend everyone checks their credit score before applying for finance as no one likes nasty surprises.

To get a better understanding of your credit situation or get a copy of your credit report contact Alex Soncini at Wealthwiz for a free home loan review on 0419 600 177 or email at alex.soncini@wealthwiz. com.au.

#wealthwizau

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

SPORT

Title chase is a real arm-wrestle

By Noel Rowsell

2

5-year old Mario Tambakis (Berkshire Park) is currently the undisputed #1-ranked Heavyweight Left-handed Arm-Wrestler in Australia, and is also ranked 7th in Right-handed.

Undefeated in left-handed bouts in 2022, Mario won the 2022 Melbourne Cup on 26th March, the Over The Top Down Under title on 30th April and the WA State Title on 28th May. Whilst suffering two losses this year right-handed, Mario has still won two right-handed titles, being the WA State Title in May and the 2022 Melbourne Cup in March.

His left-handed record this year is 13-0 and, in his career, he is 25-2. His overall career across both hands is an impressive 67-19 win-loss, winning an overall 9 titles across NSW, Victoria and Western Australia.

Blessed with movie star looks, Mario is described as a quietly-spoken gentleman, who lives at home with his parents and brother.

Australia’s #1-ranked Left-hand Arm-Wrestler Mario Tambakis (Berkshire Park) is chasing a NSW title on 23rd July. Photos supplied

Mario joined the Sydney Spartans Arm-Wrestling Club in 2016 and trains alongside a group of 25-30 arm-wrestlers every Wednesday night, under the guidance of NSW Arm-Wrestling Director Oz Caglar.

His next objective is to win the right-handed heavyweight division at the NSW Championships on 23rd July, which is being held at Bankstown RSL. Vision of Mario’s mostrecent competition can be

found at: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=5dt5pFqEbXc “I hope he (Mario) gets some recognition for the successes he has brought to the sport (of ArmWrestling) in Australia and our local area,” said Mr Caglar.

“He (Mario) is only 25 and is bound to be a internationally-recognised elite athlete in the sport of arm-wrestling.”

The NSW Arm-wrestling Championships are on 23rd July, from 11am – 7pm and is open to Right & Left Arms.

It is a Double-elimination competition, featuring Men’s Under 80kg, 80-95kg and Over 95kg.

Weigh-in and registration is from 11:00am, General Admission is free, competitors $30 per arm or $50 for both, fantastic trophies and prizes for all competitors.

More details on the NSW Championships can be found at www.armwrestlingaustralia.com/ event/2022-nsw-armwrestling-titles/ or the Facebook page www.facebook. com/events/1396088947556744/

13 Western News 8 July 2022 Issue 165

Alex Soncini

REAL ESTATE

Western News 8 July 2022 Issue 165

14

Western News

SPORT

Local clubs to contest Eric Apperly Shield

By Noel Rowsell

T

hree of the local western Sydney Golf Clubs will contest the 2022 Eric Apperly Shield Pennant competition.

First contested in 1952, the Eric Apperly Shield is an inter-club and district teams competition, open to metropolitan and regional clubs.

Played from July to September, the competition is for female & male golfers who are 21 years of age & under.

Named after one of NSW Golf’s pioneering greats, the Eric Apperly Shield is considered the State’s preeminent inter-club competition for elite junior Golf.

Penrith and Stonecutters Ridge have both been drawn in Section 2, alongside Oatlands, Concord Blue and New South Wales, whilst Richmond will play in Section 3, alongside The Lakes, Avondale, St Michael’s Silver and Northbridge.

The competition runs from 10th July to 7th August, with the Elimination Preliminary Final on 14th August, Semi-Finals on 21st August and Final on 28th August - venues to be confirmed.

The Richmond squad is: Ti Fox, Reggie Papps, Matt Gallahar, Ben Izzard, Mason Gounder, Charlton Carter, Bradley Ellis, Hayden Carver.

The Penrith squad is: Blade Gadd, Michael Organ, Blake Murray, Lachlan Baker, Zavier Button, Brent Gadd, Reserve Ryder Jeerzyna, manager Josh Gadd.

The Stonecutters Ridge squad is: Will Blomley, Ryan Cadle, Ray Costello, Darcy Mackay, Kade Webber, Harrison Wilde, Cooper Ison (development player), manager Ray Clapham.

Three additional local juniors will also compete for Concord GC in this year’s Eric Apperly Shield, with Grace Lee (Glenmore Park), Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs) and Tyler Nesci (Leonay) all being selected into the Concord squad.

Ryan Cadle. Photo supplied.

Local clubs host under 12 State Age Championships

By Noel Rowsell

S

Action from Penrith GC during the 2021 JNJG 12 Years & Under State Age Championships. File photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

tonecutters Ridge GC and Dunheved GC will co-host the Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) Foundation 12 Years & Under State Age Championships, which will run over 12th-15th July.

11-year old Camilla Kim (Lynwood CC) will be one of the hot favourites in the Girl’s division, following her outstanding performance last year in the 11 Year’s age group.

Camilla shot 11+ over her two rounds to not only win her age group by a staggering 22 shots but also beat the leader of the 12 Year’s age group by 10 shots.

The only two players to beat Camilla’s score in 2021 were the boy’s 12 Years age group winner, Jonathan Hong (Macquarie Links GC), and the boy’s 11 Years age group winner, Blake Cranston (Toukley GC), who both finished at +10.

Other local players competing this year include Richmond GC twins Evelyn and Harrison Oram, along with Savannah Webb from Stonecutters Ridge GC.

Pennant Golf a washout All Pennant Golf in western Sydney was understandably a washout on Sunday, with Leonay GC and Twin Creeks CGC both closed due to the weather conditions.

The Major Pennant Division 1 relegation game between Twin Creeks and Liverpool has been postponed to the 17th July, whilst the Division 4 relegation game between Leonay and Randwick was also called off, although there has not been any official advice on a postponement date as yet.

Provided the weather improves quickly, Penrith GC will host Cronulla GC this Sunday in the second leg of their Division 1 relegation match, with Penrith holding an advantage following a 4-3 win at Cronulla on 26th June.

The Master Pennant Division 3 Final between Springwood CC and Woolooware GC was also abandoned, with a new date to be advised by Golf NSW.

Western News

SPORT

Western News 8 July 2022 Issue 165

Football Fireworks in July!

By Bob Turner

T

he business end of the Football NSW NPL1 Men’s competition for 2022 is sure to provide plenty of fireworks with eight of the twelve teams still in Championship contention and only four rounds remaining in the regular season.

Blacktown City FC has destiny in their own hands and the return of goal scoring King, Travis Major, has provided a huge lift. His hat trick on debut in his first game back against Northbridge in Round 17 is an indication Major has lost none of his touch from 2021, where he led the Golden Boot Award before Covid cancelled the season.

Travis Major is the all-time leading goal scorer for Blacktown City FC with 92 goals in his illustrious career with the club, 96 after his heroics in Round 17 and a goal against Sydney FC last week. At the end of the 2021 season, Major signed to play in India which concluded last month. He is a welcome return for Head of Football, Mark Crittenden, who found a suitable replacement striker in young Jordan Smylie for the 2022 season. That is until Smylie broke his foot in Round 10 after leading the Golden Boot award in his first nine games. Since that injury Blacktown has struggled for goals but Major changed all that with a goal in the first few minutes of the game last week against Northbridge.

He scored two more goals through the game that led Blacktown to a much needed 3-0 win and three more Championship points. In that same game, Charles Eriku made his debut for the Senior team and became the 501st player to wear the Black and Red strip of the Senior Blacktown City FC Men. Jordan Smylie is scheduled to return to the lineup in round 20 setting up a nice situation for Coach Crittenden with plenty of firepower up front. In another coup not just for Blacktown City but the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition, Blacktown has signed Danny Choi for the remainder of the season. The 27-year-old Blacktown City veteran makes his comeback after spending four years abroad playing professionally in Portugal.

The crafty and talented South Korean born attacker will no doubt add that X-Factor to Mark Crittenden’s squad who certainly mean business following the signings of both Major and Choi. Choi was a constant menace for opposing defenders in the NPL NSW Men’s competition where he donned the City jersey from 2014 right through to 2018. Click on the link for highlights https://fb.watch/d_5RnPm5va/ After Round 17, Manly led the competition on 32 points followed by Apia Leichhardt and Sydney

Captain Matt Lewis. Photos courtesy of Steven Lynch - Not24get.

Olympic on 31. Blacktown City with a win over Northbridge moved up to be equal with Marconi in third spot on 30 points. A draw with Apia saw Sydney FC slip back to sixth place on 28 points with an all-important clash with Blacktown on Sunday, the 3rd. Rockdale on 26 points and Sydney United on 22 are still in the hunt for Championship honours but will need nothing but victories in the remaining games. It will be an exciting run to the finish line for the elite Men’s football competition in NSW, with only four rounds remaining for top honours and positioning for the top five playoff positions.

The month of July will determine Blacktown’s chances but they will have to do most of their work away from their home at Blacktown City Sports Centre. Blacktown’s Championship drive started last weekend in a Round 18 clash against Sydney FC on Sunday, July 3rd. Sydney FC were leading the competition for a number of weeks and proved a tough opposition as the teams finished in a 2-2 draw.

Next up for Blacktown in Round 19 will be a crunch National Premier League fixture with an away game to current second place, Manly, on Saturday, July 9th, at 3pm. Promoted as a ‘Back To Manly’ celebration, the day will be the opening of the freshly renovated Manly Warringah Football Club and launch of their newly upgraded synthetic pitch. Manly had a tough 1-0 loss to Marconi last week to drop them from top spot. In front of their own fans Manly will be looking for more than the 2-2 draw against Blacktown earlier in the season.

Sutherland will be next for Blacktown on Saturday the 16th of July at 3:30pm followed by the final game of the 2022 regular season against Sydney Olympic on Sunday, July 31st, at 4pm. Catch all the action live on NPL.TV. The final home game of the regular season for Blacktown will be against Wollongong on Sunday, the 24th of July, in Round 21 of the 22 week season.

15

Travis Major.

Wollongong are not a playoff contender but are well equipped to be a disrupter to other Championship teams like Blacktown City FC. Game time is 3pm with the Under 20 Men at 1pm.

Blacktown City FC Under 20 Men continue to dominate their competition losing only one game for an 11-4-1 league leading record. Their clash last week with Number two placed Sydney FC was the biggest test of the season resulting in a 2-2 draw.

The combined success of both the Senior and Under 20 Men have Blacktown City leading the Football NSW Club Championship on 204 points. Second best is Sydney FC on 182 which makes last week’s games crucial on several fronts.

Blacktown City Women continue to make solid progress in their debut season of Senior football.

With four wins in the last eight games, their efforts in the last two weeks have been telling as they gave both league leading Hills United and Gladesville a run for their money. In the opening weeks of the season, Hills United and Gladesville gave Blacktown football lessons with convincing wins.

In the last two rounds, the Blacktown Senior women still went down but the score line in both games was 1-0. Coach David O’Keefe is solidly building with the goal to match the success and respect of the Blacktown City Men within three years.

Friday, August 5th, will be a night not to miss as Blacktown Council, Blacktown Workers and Blacktown City FC combine to host the best in Football at the Blacktown City Corporate Football Dinner. The venue is Blacktown Workers Club and confirmed guests are John Crawley - Socceroo Goal Keeper Coach, Andrew Redmayne – Socceroo Goalie and MC Adam Peacock.

For more information go to www.blacktowncityfc.com.au and/or book your table at Admin@blacktowncityfc. com.au.

Go Blacktown City!

KICK OFF 3PM SUNDAY 24 JULY

Western News Friday, 8 July 2022

SPORT

Muddy Flats Polo Academy

By Noel Rowsell

H

osted and organised by the Windsor Polo Club, Muddy Flats Polo Academy is running the first of several ‘Introduction to Polo Clinics 2022’ on 6th-7th August.

Perhaps you have never played polo, maybe never even sat on a horse.

Muddy Flats’ coaches will provide a safe and secure environment and will have you hitting a ball from your polo pony within the hour.

The plan is to run 6 clinics per year, limited to 10 participants per clinic, which will offer a pre-clinic private lesson, 2-day clinic with professional coaches (Saturday & Sunday), 3 hours per day, lunch and refreshments, all polo related equipment and NSW Polo Association Players Insurance.

Windsor Polo Club Vice President and Captain Adam Meally has played Polo professionally and is one of the coaches at the clinics, along with Anto White OAM (from the Belltrees property in Scone) and Glen Gilmore.

Polo action from the Winton Cup in 2021 at Windsor Polo Club - file photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Anto has been involved in the sport his entire life and is the 6th generation of Whites to live on Belltrees, whilst Glen is a 7-goal Polo professional and has captained the Australian team for the past 10 years.

“The plan is to bring new people into the sport. Most people don’t own a horse and the clinics will provide horses for all levels of riders, from

the beginner just starting out to the professional, who is looking to sharpen their skills.

“Windsor Polo Club is the biggest public Polo Club in NSW, it is community-based, not-for-profit and is a wonderful location for likeminded people to gather and enjoy the camaraderie of the sport.

“The graduates of the Academy will

enjoy 5 weeks of Academy Chukkas, playing alongside seasoned Polo players.

“We plan to have a roster of 10 coaches on the books, with 2-3 coaches working at each clinic,” said Adam.

To find out more, go to the Windsor Polo Club FB page or the Windsor Polo Club website: www.windsorpoloclub.com.au