Photos by Noel Rowsell
Blacktown’s Finest Awarded the Key to the City
BY NOEL ROWSELL
AUSTRALIAN diving legend Melissa Wu (Bungarribee) and Paralympic gold medallist Tim Hodge (Kings Langley) have each been awarded Blacktown City’s highest honour, the Key to the City.
Mayor Brad Bunting presented the awards to the Blacktown City residents at a Council meeting on Wednesday 30th October, in recognition of the pair’s outstanding athletic achievements.
Earlier this year, Melissa became one of a handful of Australians to compete in five Olympic Games and has won medals across the world.
Tim swam at his third Paralympics this year, winning two gold medals and a silver.
“Melissa and Tim have excelled in their sports and shown us what can be achieved with hard work and sacrifice,” Mayor Bunting said. “They are fine representatives of Blacktown City and active members of our community.
“Many of us have been cheering on Melissa and Tim over the years and I am pleased we can recognise their success with the Key to the City.”
Locally, Melissa and her siblings operate the HrdKAW weightlifting gym at Kings Park and provide youth scholarships that help children improve their fitness. Tim trains at Blacktown Aquatic Centre and is a previous winner of Council’s Young Citizen and Sportsperson of the Year awards.
Blacktown City Council is supporting the next generation of athletes by providing facilities such as the Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub at Rooty Hill. It is also extending Kevin Betts Stadium at Mount Druitt and building the Blacktown Disability Sports Centre at Rooty Hill.
Correctional officer right move for new recruits
EMBARKING on a new career can be a daunting prospect, but for Michelle Rawling and Mark Shuetrim, becoming an officer at Parklea Correctional Centre has been worth the gamble.
Michelle began her career as a hairdresser and then spent 20 years as a stay home carer for children and elderly parents, while Mark spent 25 years in car finance. Both wanted to do something different and out of their comfort zone.
Michelle was interested in becoming an officer as she didn’t require previous experience and training was provided through MTC Australia’s 10-week preparation course.
She said she enjoyed the training, especially the practical component, which includes self-defence, firearms, endurance training and perhaps the most challenging part, being exposed to chemical munitions.
“I was a bit apprehensive, but once we got through it, we didn’t want to leave. During the training, my class bonded really well, the teamwork and camaraderie made it fun. Even gassing wasn’t as bad as I’d expected.”
Michelle said she “absolutely loves” everything about working in a prison.
“It was a bit confronting at first, dealing with the inmates, but I’ve learnt be honest with them and help them and they will respond to you in the same way.
“The office work is not your normal 9 to 5 stuff, it’s more about processes and procedures, which I really enjoy.
“I look forward to coming to work each day and I think I finally found a job I will be happy in for some time.”
Despite her friends and family’s reservations, Michelle would recommend the job to others who have the right characteristics and values.
“You need to have resilience, a moral code and strong mind and be able to say “no” a lot. Fitness helps too.”
Mark was attracted to corrections for its structure and community service.
“I like the consistency of what we do and the procedures, the teamwork and camaraderie, and that we’re doing a positive thing for the community,”
Mark said.
“What makes it enjoyable is working with a really positive and helpful team and that makes it easier.”
In his previous role he had managed staff and was dealing with customers.
“I’m still working with people, it’s just different customers I’m dealing with now. It’s about relationship management and communication, and people who work in customer service or retail already have these skills.”
To be a good officer Mark said you need confidence, good communication skills, and take the job seriously, but also have a sense of humour.
“You have to get on with people and work as a team and take responsibility for your actions,” Mark said.
“Everyone brings something different to the job and there’s opportunities for people from all walks of life.”
MTC Australia’s Initial Training Course is a rigorous 10-week training program, which covers subjects such as policies and procedures, deescalation and use of force tactics, mental health and general first aid. Trainees also participate in simulated search and emergency response exercises and weapons training.
Applications are now open to become a correctional officer. Go to: www.mtctrains.com. au/careers/
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting awarding the Key to the City to Melissa Wu and Tim Hodge. Photos supplied by Blacktown City Council
Tim Hodge with father Stephen, brother Mitchel and mother Cheryl
Melissa Wu with siblings Joshua and Madeline
Blacktown City hailed a model for sustainability after awards triumph
BLACKTOWN City Council has been hailed as a leader in environmental action after being named ‘Overall Sustainable Cities Winner’ at the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW awards this month.
Council’s improvement to the environment and leadership of community participation ensured it was named the winner ahead of councils from across NSW.
In addition to the top award, Council won the communication and engagement category for a project promoting best practice recycling and waste management to people living in apartments and units.
Council also won the heritage and culture category for the Makers Space project with First Nations artist Tarni Eastwood at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting was delighted the efforts were recognised.
“Our team is leading the way on environmental sustainability because we recognise it’s not just a local issue, it’s a global one,” he said.
“We are doing all we can to ensure people can continue to enjoy the natural beauty we have here because our community has told us how much they value it.”
Mayor Bunting said the win was a credit to the Blacktown City community given the teamwork between Council and local groups who also entered the awards.
Caddies Creek Public School at Glenwood was highly commended in the Young Legends category for its work preventing mud and debris
entering a stormwater drain.
Multicultural womens group Communities in Fellowship Together, also based in Blacktown City, was a finalist in waterways protection.
Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Sustainable Cities Assessor Peter Clark said the collaborative approach between Council and the
community was a driving force for success.
“Blacktown City Council’s dedication to sustainability serves as an inspiring model for cities everywhere,” he said.
The Keep Australia Beautiful Awards have recognised leading councils since 1994.
Western NEWS
Editor:
General Manager: Sales: Sales:
Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:
Distribution Map
Western News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.
Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644
Bart Bassett 0412 955 745
Bart Bassett 0412 955 745
Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777
Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202
Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893
Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.wsnewsgroup.com
Banks abandoning the community in Blacktown City
BLACKTOWN City Councillors have taken a stand for our community, calling on the Commonwealth Bank to reverse its decision to close yet another local branch in the Blacktown City area.
The latest closure, the Doonside Branch is scheduled to close at 4pm on 29 November this year.
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Brad Bunting, expressed concern over the impact this decision will have on residents who rely on access to local banking services, “Many of our residents, particularly those who lack transportation, including elderly and disabled residents, depend on nearby branches and accessible ATMs,” he said.
“When Commonwealth Bank closed the Rooty Hill branch, residents were directed to Doonside. Now, Doonside is being closed, pushing people even further away from essential services.”
“The Doonside closure follows a string of others in the area, including branches in Rooty Hill, Toongabbie, and Blacktown. This pattern, coupled with similar closures by other major banks, has failed to consider the needs of Blacktown’s rapidly growing population.”
Remembrance Day 2024: Lest We Forget
ON 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare. With their armies retreating and close to collapse, German leaders signed an Armistice, bringing to an end the First World War. From the summer of 1918, the five divisions of the Australian Corps had been at the forefront of the allied advance to victory. Beginning with their stunning success at the battle of Hamel in July, they helped to turn the tide of the war at Amiens in August, followed by the capture of Mont St Quentin and Pèronne, and the breaching of German defences at the Hindenburg Line in September. By early October the exhausted Australians were withdrawn from battle. They had achieved a fighting reputation out of proportion to their numbers, but victory had come at a heavy cost. They suffered almost 48,000
casualties during 1918, including more than 12,000 dead.
In the four years of the war more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas, and more than 60,000 of them had died. The social effects of these losses cast a long shadow over the postwar decades.
Each year on this day we observe one minute’s silence at 11am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.
Mayor Bunting said, “It’s time we push back, the banks assume everyone lives in a digital world, but that’s simply not true for many of our residents. They need accessible banking. It’s time banks put people before profits. Local workers are losing their jobs, and residents are losing vital services.”
Across Australia, the big four banks have closed 1,446 branches since 2018, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. In 2023 alone, Westpac closed 167 branches, followed by Commonwealth Bank with 73 closures, ANZ with 72, and NAB with 63.
Mayor Bunting called on banks to listen to the community they serve.
“Banks are ignoring the views of their customers, our residents. Blacktown City is calling on the Commonwealth Bank and other financial institutions to remember their service obligations to the community.
“We are also urging the Federal Government to consider a moratorium on further closures. Blacktown City has diverse communities that need infrastructure and services, and banks are a vital part of that.”
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Brad Bunting and the Deputy Mayor of Blacktown City, Bob Fitzgerald outside the Commonwealth Bank Doonside branch.
New machine makes it easy to return and earn at Ropes Crossing Village
LOCAL residents have a new location to recycle their eligible bottles and cans with the opening of a new Return and Earn machine at Ropes Crossing Village Shopping Centre.
The new return point is the 26th in the Blacktown area. This means it’s now even easier for the local community to redeem their eligible bottles and cans to receive a 10c refund.
Recyclers can print a voucher for the refund amount which can be redeemed for cash at Coles, or they can opt for an e-voucher or payment directly into their bank or PayPal account using the Return and Earn app.
Locals can also donate their refund to one of many charities listed on the Return and Earn app such as local group, Blacktown Area Community Centres (BACC) - Emergency Food Hampers. Funds raised through Return and Earn support their work in assisting families experiencing disadvantage in the Blacktown area.
Return and Earn has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups in NSW. More than $62 million has been raised from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme launched in 2017.
More than 12 billion drink containers have been returned for recycling through Return and Earn’s network of over 640 return points across NSW since the scheme began, resulting in more than $1 billion in container refunds back to the community.
The Ropes Crossing Village Return and Earn machine is located in the car park at 8 Central Place, Ropes Crossing.
“Blacktown City residents are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned more than 669 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began,” said Prue Car MP.
“I know this new location will be well received by the community, and I encourage everyone to make Return and Earn a part of your regular recycling routine. Together we can all contribute to a more sustainable future, where the materials that our bottles, cans and cartons are made of are kept in use and out of landfill.
“Not only does it help the environment, but it gives people a great chance to give back to our local charities or receive a bit of extra cash in their pockets.”
Seven Hills RSL sub-Branch showcases impressive War
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE Seven HillsToongabbieWentworthville
RSL sub-Branch has a remarkable collection of wartime memorabilia on show in its display area on the ground floor of the RSL club in Best Road, Seven Hills.
This outstanding project was instigated by Joseph Bayssari (Seven Hills RSL General Manager), Graeme Quinn (sub-Branch President), Peter Harrington (sub-Branch Senior Vice President) and Peter Sparrow (subBranch Minutes Secretary).
Among the prize items purchased at an auction in Cowra were Howitzer guns, from both WWII and the Vietnam War, a Weapons Carrier truck, light horse models with original saddle bags dating back more than 100 years, and models of various war ships, including one of the HMAS Derwent, a ship on which Peter Harrington and other Seven Hills RSL sub-Branch members served.
The War Memorabilia display area is truly impressive, being a very informative and important piece of Australian history. Chris Gammage (sub-Branch Honorary Secretary) has gone the extra mile, working tirelessly
to research each memorabilia piece and provide a write-up for each display. In addition, the War Memorabilia area features an animated touch screen kiosk, allowing visitors to select a video tour of each war in which an Australian has served.
“We invite any youth organisation to contact us for a guided tour and guests of the Club are also encouraged to visit the display. It is important for us to preserve these pieces of Australian
Seven Hills/Toongabbie/Wentworthville RSL Sub-Branch
The Seven Hills Toongabbie Wentworthville RSL sub-Branch will be holding their Remembrance Day Commemoration Service at the Seven Hills RSL on Monday 11 November, 2024. The Service will commence at 11am.
At the conclusion of the Service those who attend the Service will be invited to attend the Club for a Luncheon.
On November 11, 1918 at 11:00am sharp, the bells of all the churches in France began to ring in celebration that the war was finally over. Those 52 months, 1560 days of hell changed the world in every aspect with the demographic, geopolitical, economic, social and cultural that has opened wounds that would take a long time to heal.
By the time the war had ended it was estimated that nearly 10 million soldiers were killed. When Armistice was signed in November 1918, 416 809 Australian had enlisted for service. 62.000 Australian were killed and almost 75.000 of the participating men who returned home had been deemed “Unfit for Service”
Many Local residents of the Seven Hills, Toongabbie and Wentworthville area took up the call. The names of those residents from these conflicts who never returned are etched in the Seven Hills, Toongabbie RSL Memorial Garden, Grantham Heritage Park War Memorial, the Toongabbie and Wentworthville Memorials.
Since WW1 our service personnel have died in the conflicts of World War 2, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam and Afghanistan dash, they must not be forgotten. Australia’s involvement in the war on terrorism and the dangers our servicemen and women who now have the responsibility to defend our country in the hour of need, we must always remember them, it is paramount that we remain committed to peace and always be prepared to defend our freedom and way of life.
history and pass this information on to the next generation,” said former sub-Branch General Manager Graeme Quinn.
As time passes, the number of Australians who have personally experienced war is becoming scarcer and scarcer, with all its horror and loss, but also with the sense of camaraderie and triumph.
The passing of these servicemen and women results in the loss of
any first-hand experiences from past conflicts, including their memories and understanding of the way conflict has affected our families and local communities.
However, with the collection of memorabilia in the form of medals, photographs, artworks, diaries, letters, film, vehicles, models and an assortment of other artefacts, those Service Men and Women will always be remembered. Each of the items on
Photos by Noel Rowsell
REMEMBRANCE DAY ~ 11
Memorabilia Collection
display is a commemorative reminder to following generations of the sacrifice on our behalf.
An RSL sub-Branch spokesperson said “We believe the collection and layout is perhaps the best outside Canberra and Hyde Park Memorials. There are items here from the Boer War through to current conflicts. The display is open to all, free of charge, and we are always looking for veterans to join the sub-Branch.”
Footnote: The display won the 2018 “Service Clubs of NSW” award and in
May 2024 it was given a Community Recognition Award for services to veterans and to educating the younger people in the community.
“As a non-political organisation, we (Seven Hills RSL sub-Branch are well placed to be a conduit for information and wonder but, at the end of the day, we preserve the spirit of those who served,” said Mr Gammage. “There are items in our display that are irreplaceable, there is information about service to the country that is unique, there are slices of history that are found nowhere else.”
Seniors have their say at Blacktown City Seniors Forum
SENIORS have shared their hopes and ideas for a better community for people aged over 65 at the 2024 Blacktown City Seniors Forum.
People from 17 seniors groups were invited to Blacktown City Council’s Civic Centre on Thursday 24 October to discuss priorities with their peers and learn more about healthcare and retirement services.
Expert speakers included Wentwest GP Clinical Lead Dr Michael Crampton, Services Australia Aged Care Specialist Ruma Kathpalia, Older Womens Network board member Alice Mantel and Blacktown City Council Manager Community Michael Maxwell. They shared their knowledge and answered questions.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the ideas and feedback would shape Council services to better serve seniors’ needs.
“Council is always trying to improve how we can help our seniors with the challenges they face, whether that is keeping healthy, feeling connected or other issues,” he said.
“We have many ways that we engage with our seniors and the Blacktown City Seniors Forum is another way we have collected feedback to guide Council decisionmaking.”
The findings from the forum will be compiled for a report to Council and its Senior Citizens Advisory Committee. This will help inform priorities and the allocating of resources.
Citizens Advisory Committee
and
CROSSWORD
The Blacktown City Senior Citizen Awards
Seniors Festival
End of the War 1918
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
WAR Celebrations. The usually quiet tone of Mulgoa was enlivened by the enthusiasm displayed by its residents, joined by the Wallacia contingent upon the receipt of the inspiring news that “The Armistice’’ had been signed and hostilities had ceased at the seat of war. On Monday evening and running into the small hours of Tuesday morning the village slept unknown to the energies of the hastily formed Tin-Can Band who had some choristers of note in its ranks as they serenaded most of the houses of the village. As the outcome of this outing the public arranged to again celebrate the glorious event on Wednesday eve (a public holiday). It all kicked off by a procession composed of adults and children led by the much improved (owing to practice) Tin-Can Band with most of them were in fancy costumes. The procession started from opposite the house once known to the weary traveller as the Irrigation Hotel, but since the licence has lapsed it is now dubbed the Irritation Hotel and caused great amusement to the many groups of spectators enroute. Having reached the local hall the procession disbanded and the hall soon filled with happy faces bent on celebrating the occasion to the full. The Chair was taken by Brudder Sam who carried out his duties creditably. Songs, recitations and speeches by volunteers were well received by the packed house. The manner in which the many fancy dresses, &c., were admired would compensate for the trouble each had taken in preparing them. After the Concert programme had been completed the remainder of the evening was devoted to games, dancing, etc. A competition for the best fancy dressed child was held and the prize of a beautiful easy chair for a child was won by little Dorrie Raymate of Wallacia who represented “Britannia.” The chair was generously donated by Mr Rank who manufactured it locally. A very enjoyable evening was spent and now the instruments of the band are put carefully away awaiting the return of our local lads from the front for whom a warm welcome home is promised. At Emu Plains on hearing the glorious news of peace with victory being a great gratification to the whole community is a welcome relief from intense anxiety to those who have near and dear ones actively engaged on the battle fronts. There are not many families at Emu without a soldier representative. In Penrith Lieutenant N C Bunton (President) and Mr H P Ashburner (Hon. Secretary) of the Penrith District Sub-Branch of the Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia write as follows, ‘’To the citizens of Penrith and District now that hostilities have ceased and it is only a matter of time before peace is with us once more, we should consider very seriously what we are going to do to fittingly receive the boys when they come back. As far as Penrith District is concerned nothing better could be done than to financially assist the Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia in our district to look after their interests and to provide them with a rendezvous where the comradeship formed under fire may be perpetuated, and at the same time raise up a memorial for those of our lads who have fallen in our defence. There are many ways in which the League has assisted the boys and their dependents and the work of assistance is going to be increased a hundredfold when the troops come home again. Such problems that will arrive must be tackled resolutely and being rightly in the hands of the returned boys themselves. It is hoped and firmly believed these will be satisfactorily dealt with. Our success will depend wholly on two things, namely the close co-operation of the returned boys themselves and the whole-hearted support of the people. If a club room and office is
provided there will be no difficulty in keeping the boys together and the provision of this club room depends absolutely on the generosity of our people. While providing the club room we must not look upon it as we would an ordinary affair of brick and mortar but must remember always that it is to stand as a lasting memorial for those of our loved ones who have cheerfully laid down their lives on our behalf and in our defence.
The local sub-branch of the Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League is already moving in the matter. As a result of their efforts to date the sum of £16 is in hand while a patriotic lady of this town has collected from her friends outside the district a further sum of £15. The sub-branch will be providing soon a series of attractions to help along the fund and it is hoped you all come forward in your numbers and fill the hall to overflowing when these entertainments are announced. In addition to this support any person who feels that he or she can help along the fund can send in their donations to the Secretary in Henry Street in Penrith which will be duly acknowledged. The boys rely on your co-operation and feel that you will be, as you always have been generous in a good cause. At a meeting of the St Marys Council on the Monday night previous a communication was received from the Public Health Department with regards to the threatened outbreak of influenza and asking the cooperation of the Council in combatting the chance of the disease coming amongst us. The aldermen were fully alive to the seriousness of the danger as many people travel daily between Sydney and St Marys and they would urge residents to take all precautions in the way of generally cleaning up all premises both private and public and in the liberal use of disinfectants. If necessary the Council will place their office at the disposal of the authorities in the event of the outbreak coming to the town where these disinfectants could be procured by residents. A motion was supported by all the aldermen that an advertisement be inserted in the local Press urging people to liberally use disinfectants and to adopt every possible precaution to combat the possibility of an outbreak here. Unfortunately it did arrive in the Penrith District. Photo of unknown Australian Soldiers in WW1 courtesy of Australian War Memorial.
Sources: Nepean Times Saturday 23 November 1918, Saturday 30 November 1918,
IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL…
Unknown Australian Soldiers in WW1 courtesy of Australian War Memorial.
SONCINI
RRentvesting - enter the property market without sacrificing your current lifestyle
ISING property prices are making it tough for millennials to buy their dream home in prime locations. Many are forced to choose between sacrificing their inner-city lifestyle and homeownership. But fear not, there’s a strategy that lets you have your cake and eat it too: Rentvesting.
Rentvesting involves buying an investment property in a more affordable area while continuing to rent in your preferred location. This strategy is gaining popularity among young adults due to the flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional homeownership, you’re not tied down to a specific location, allowing you to enjoy the busy city life or the charm of a beachside suburb.
The beauty of rentvesting is that the rental income from your investment property can ideally
cover your rent, making it a financially neutral proposition. This allows you to enjoy your current lifestyle without the extra burden of mortgage repayments.
More and more first-time buyers are embracing this approach. Instead of being confined to traditional homeownership, they’re building wealth by investing in affordable areas whilst renting in their desired location. Existing properties, rather than new ones, are often preferred due to their potential for higher capital growth.
However, it’s important to remember that rentvesting isn’t a magic bullet. Financial discipline is key. Focus on delayed gratification and living within your means. Avoid extravagant spending whilst building your portfolio.
Whilst rentvesting offers a compelling path to property ownership, it’s not for everyone. It challenges the traditional notion of homeownership. Unlike the “Great Australian Dream” of owning a large house outright, rentvesting embraces strategic debt as a tool for wealth creation, provided you manage your budget effectively.
If you’re considering rentvesting, seeking professional financial advice is crucial. An expert can help you assess your financial situation and determine if this strategy aligns with your goals.
To ensure you have the means to make ‘rentvesting’ work for you, contact Alex from Wealthwiz on 0419 600 177 for advice on optimizing your financial strategy that will allow you to maintain your current lifestyle.
Western Sydney University calls for more action to address the unfinished business of the overall cost of degrees
REDUCING student debt and changes to when graduates start repaying their loans are significant steps to help tackle costof-living pressures but unfinished business remains on the initial high cost of degrees, Western Sydney University said.
Responding to the Federal Government’s planned changes to the minimum payment threshold under the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) and plans to reduce student debt by 20 per cent, Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, said the University calls for more action to deal with the overall cost of degrees.
“These are extremely welcome steps but we urge the Federal Government to go further to fix our broken higher education system. We continue to call for immediate action to deal with the root of the debt spiral problem,” said Professor Williams.
“Reducing student debt and other
changes to HELP will significantly ease financial pressure on our students, not only helping them and their families but also benefitting our Western Sydney community, which is at the epicentre of the cost-of-living crisis.
“But the system for setting student fees in the first place is broken and
deeply unfair. Today’s changes do nothing for new university students facing inflated fees.
“To ensure the doors to opportunity are open for all students and the nation tackles intergenerational inequality, we continue to call for a commonsense and fair approach to the initial cost of university degrees.
THIS November don’t miss the excitement of seeing your favourite Wiggles characters on stage at Sydney Zoo!
Catch Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, and Captain Feathersword live in the zoo’s amphitheatre. Join them for a mega mix of Wiggly classics like “Rock-A-Bye Your Bear,” “Hot Potato,” and “Do the Propeller.”
While you’re at the Sydney Zoo, see over 4,000 animals, dive into our Aquarium, and discover the world’s largest Reptile & Nocturnal house.
All this Wiggly fun is FREE with your zoo ticket. Plus, kids tickets are only $19.99.
“We are encouraged by the Prime Minister’s comments that the government will ‘work hard to deliver a better deal for every student in the years ahead’.
“The legacy of the Coalition’s Jobready Graduates Package means too many arts and humanities students continue to be priced out of even pursuing their dreams.
“The fact that a three-year Arts degree now costs $50,000 is actively discouraging some students from considering or staying at university.
Arts degrees are an entry point to university for Indigenous, low SES, and first-in-family students along with many women.
“We need action on all fronts: student loan repayments and the overall cost of degrees.”
“Students cannot wait for a yet to be established Australian Tertiary Education Commission to potentially deal with the high cost of arts and humanities courses, we need to fix this unfinished business now.”
Junior Pennant and Encourage Shield Update
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE penultimate rounds of the 2024 JNJG Junior Pennant and Encourage Shield competitions were held on Sunday 3rd November.
Heading into the final round of the competition on Sunday 10th November, the earlier results for the season, in each competition, are as follows:
JUNIOR PENNANT: Penrith
3.5-2.5 win over St Michael’s; 3-3 draw with Lynwood; down 4-2 to Castle Hill; Stonecutters Ridge down 5-1 to Warringah; down 4-2 to Mona Vale; drew 3-3 with Castle Hill; Lynwood 3.5-2.5 win over RydeParramatta; drew 3-3 with Penrith; down 4.5-1.5 to St Michael’s.
The final round features Penrith vs Ryde-Parramatta and Lynwood vs Castle Hill, with both games played at St Michael’s, whilst Stonecutters Ridge will play Oatlands at Oatlands.
ENCOURAGE SHIELD: Richmond drew 3-3 with Cromer; won 4-2 over Cronulla, won 4-2 over Roseville; Penrith drew 3-3 with The Ridge, won 5-1 over Hurstville, won 3.5-2.5 over Woolooware; Stonecutters Ridge lost 4-2 to Woolooware, drew 3-3 with The Ridge.
The final round features Penrith vs Stonecutters Ridge, which will be played at Woolooware, and Richmond vs Killara, which will be played at Roseville.
Local Golfers consolidate lead in Order of Merit
BY NOEL ROWSELL
TI Fox (Richmond / Concord GC) and Kade Webber (Stonecutters Ridge GC) have both consolidated their positions at the Top of the NextGEN Amateur Tour Order of Merit Junior Male and Future
Male categories, with both young men finishing in a tie for 2nd place outright in the most recent tournament at Pymble GC.
Ti also won the Junior Male (U18) division, finishing 4 shots clear at the top of the leaderboard. With just one round left to play in this year’s Order of Merit, Ti is on 2,900 points and has cleared out from Darcy Mackay (Twin Creeks / The Australian GC), who sits in 2nd spot on 2,112.50.
Kade finished in a tie for 2nd in Future Male (18-25) to increase his lead in the Order of Merit. He is currently on 3,300 points, ahead of Daley Loumanis (St Michael’s GC) on 2,650 and Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs / Concord GC) in 3rd spot on 2,550.
Footnote: The final event at Lynwood, scheduled for 4-6 November, was cancelled.
Ti Fox and Kade Webber in action at Castle Hill. File photos courtesy of Ewan Porter / NextGEN Amateur Tour
Richmond GC Encourage Shield Squad. Photo supplied
Finalists named for Motorcycle NSW Awards
BY NOEL ROWSELL
MOTORCYCLING NSW has announced the finalists across a large number of categories in this year’s Motorcycling NSW Awards. These award categories recognise various outstanding skills, passion for the sport, exceptional leadership, other invaluable contributions by members of our community, as well as clubs.
Whilst all of the category finalists have been named, only a select few have been identified by location. Local finalists include:
Junior Male Rider of the Year (Road / Race) Finalist – Elijah Andrew (Marayong); Male Rider of the Year (Road / Race) Finalist – Jonathan (JJ) Nahlous (Glenwood); President / Chairperson of the Year FinalistMathew Stoneman (Blacktown Junior Mini Bike Club); Volunteer of the Year Finalist - Roula Thimiopoulos (Blacktown Junior Mini Bike Club); Youth Volunteer of the Year Finalist - Raphaella Thimiopoulos–Wilson (Blacktown Junior Mini Bike Club).
The Motorcycle NSW Awards will be held on Saturday, November 16 at Bankstown Sports Club.
The mi-Bike Insurance Australia Australian Superbike Championships (ASBK), presented by Motul, will be held at The Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, SA over 8-10th November.
This year’s Grand Finale has gone to the next level, with the event to
also feature Australia’s biggest allbike Drag Racing event - The Drag Bike Nationals, presented by Harley Davidson.
Several local riders will be competing over the weekend, including Jonathan (JJ) Nahlous (Glenwood), Jake Farnsworth (Glenhaven) and
Jack Favelle (Cattai) in the Michelin Australian Supersport Championship, Elijah Andrew (Marayong) in the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) and the ShopYamaha R3 Cup, and Adam Jordan (East Kurrajong) and Zac Russo (Sackville North) in the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup.
45th Annual Hawkesbury Canoe Classic
RACE Organiser Kent Heazlett reports the 45th Hawkesbury Classic Paddle was held over the weekend of the 26-27th October, with 110 paddlers taking part in 86 craft. Once again it was magical weekend, and this year’s event has been heralded as a fantastic success.
Starting at Macquarie Park, Freemans Reach, the majority of paddlers ventured down the 111km stretch of the Hawkesbury River to
finish at Mooney Mooney, whilst others contested the shorter 65km stretch to Wiseman’s Ferry (called the Wiseman’s Dash). Conditions on the river overnight were excellent, albeit a little dark.
At the pre-paddle briefing, paddlers and supporters were inspired to hear from two fantastic young people in 24 year old Dylan Littlehales (Paralympic Silver Medallist) and Ritika Saxena, the 29 year old Research Scientist who was the recipient of an Arrow / Hawkesbury Classic PhD Scholarship, and is now part of a team at Murdoch Children’s
Research Institute that recently made a global breakthrough in the field of stem-cell research.
The fastest male paddlers down the river were Trent Martin, from Central Coast Ocean Paddlers in 8 hrs 48 mins 29 seconds with Jason Ware from Penrith close behind in 8 hrs 53 mins. The fastest woman was Naomi Johnson (Lane Cove River Paddlers), with a time of 9 hrs 39 mins 10 seconds.
In the non-competitive Brooklyn or Bust category, Gene Burns and Jason Morton recorded a great time of 8 hrs 54 mins 44 seconds. The final
finisher had an elapsed time of 17 hrs 20 minutes.
The event is supported by an amazing 300 volunteers, includng NSW State Emergency Service (SES), Marine Rescue NSW (Hawkesbury), WICEN NSW, Paddle Clubs, the Nepean Blue Mountains Prostate Support Group and a hundred other individuals.
Paddlers and their supporters raised $50,000.00 this year for the Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation and in doing so, have added to the already staggering $4.5m raised by past Classics over a 30-year period.
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Elijah Andrew and JJ Nahlous are two of the Finalists in this year’s awards. Photos courtesy of Pit Lane Studio (JJ Nahlous) and RobMoto Lens (Elijah Andrew).
Photos by Noel Rowsell
Arunga narrow victors in 2024 JK Mackay Cup
KIM McDougall from M Polo Management reports “The sun was shining, and it was another cracking Spring weekend in the Hawkesbury. What a JK Mackay Final it was, with Arunga securing the win by 1 goal.”
Played over two weeks at Windsor Polo Club, the JK Mackay tournament featured Arunga, Troika, Stone Real
Estate and Pondtail Farm, with the Final played on Sunday between Arunga and Troika.
James Parry-Okeden (Arunga) secured the MVP prize, as Arunga won a low-scoring contest 5 goals to 4.
JK Mackay Trophy: Arunga ( Chris Daily, James Parry-Okeden, Agustin Ruiz, Alec White) defeated Troika 5-4.
“In another news from the nearby Arunga tournament, the biggest bridesmaids of the season finally got a win,” said Kim. “Artarmon Mazda/
Wilfin made it into the most finals of any team this season and kept narrowly losing, until yesterday - 5th time was the charm.”
Arunga 0-2 Goal Winner: Artarmon Mazda/Wilfin (Archer Buchert, Sam Willis, Tim Garner, Thomas Martin) defeated Cutcliffe Polo 14-8.5 (played over two days).
Subzero Winner: Just Horsen About (Genny Mackenzie-Hammond, Chris Matthews, Fran Townend, Ray Bruce) defeated Ilala Stud 6.5-3.
2025 SEASON COMMENCES FOR MEN IN FEBRUARY & WOMEN IN MARCH
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Photo courtesy of NSW Polo Association
Action from the JK Mackay Final. Photos by Noel Rowsell
