Blacktown city has been decorated with a colourful knitted art installation as part of the annual campaign to raise awareness of domestic and family violence.
Blacktown City Council officially launched its ‘knit Bomb’ project last month to highlight the scourge of domestic and family violence during the United nations women’s 16 Days of activism against Gender-Based Violence.
this year marked the fourth year of the project, with hundreds of knitted squares adorning key landmarks in Blacktown, Mt Druitt and Riverstone over the coming weeks.
Blacktown city Mayor, tony Bleasdale oaM, said the project was part of council’s long-standing commitment in condemning domestic and family violence in Blacktown city.
“Blacktown city council has been a supporter of this campaign for four years, with the aim of making a public statement against domestic and family violence,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“Sadly, in Blacktown city, women and children continue to suffer at the hands of family members or current or former partners.
“we know starting a conversation around this serious issue is an important first step in putting an end to this violence and the knit Bomb project is intended to raise awareness of this scourge on our community.”
the campaign is spearheaded by council’s women’s advisory committee, with the Blacktown library knitting Group and more than 50 community knitters dedicating hours of their time creating the knitted pieces throughout the year.
this year, council was delighted to feature an incredible wooden cubby house, created by inmates at Parklea correctional centre and decorated with knitted pieces.
the piece symbolises a safe house and follows their stunning contribution last year of a teapot and tea cups and saucers.
Vibrant knitted pieces have been installed on trees, poles, benches and railing posts around the city centres in Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Riverstone, with Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Riverstone Police Stations also being ‘knit bombed’.
the knitted pieces will later be washed and sewn into blankets to be donated to hospitals, nursing homes and charities.
Deputy Mayor and chair of the Blacktown city women’s advisory
each year.
“I am overwhelmed by the hard work and talent that goes into creating the pieces for our knit Bomb display each year,” Cr Griffiths said.
“as part of this year’s knit Bomb, we were delighted to also partner with Dillwynia correctional centre, a prison for women in Berkshire Park.
“Inmates at Dillwynia created 6 artworks for us to display as part of the 16 Days of activism against Gender-Based Violence. they will be exhibited in Max webber library and council’s administration centre, both in Blacktown city centre.
“I thank everyone who made our 2022 knit Bomb possible and helped us deliver a vital message against domestic and family violence.”
On Wednesday 23rd november, members and friends of the Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs of Blacktown City organised, after 2 years of cancellations due to COVID-19, the 13th Annual Blacktown Seniors’ Christmas Party, held in Council’s Bowman Hall and catering for Seniors from Aged Care facilities around the Blacktown Local Government Area.
There were 21 volunteers helping set up the Hall on the Tuesday and on the day of the party, there were 34 volunteers who helped make this day an outstanding success.
Over 210 Seniors and carers, from 16 aged care facilities, were provided a hot meal and dessert, whilst entertainment was provided by the Dennis Demello Duo.
In addition, 43 students from the Marayong Heights PS Choir, including 10 x K-2 dancers and 13 x Years 3-6 Senior Cowboy Dancers, also provided entertainment.
There were also 23 pupils from Mitchell HS who helped seat guests, serve their meals and clear up, as well as joining in on the festivities. The students provided a reassuring indication the District’s young people are still civic minded.
And of course, a Christmas Party
wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa, with gifts for each Senior which were distributed by the students from Mitchell HS.
The event received financial support from:
• the Workers Blacktown Group
through the ClubGRAnTS Scheme,
• Guardian Funerals and
• items were also supplied by McDonald’s Family Restaurant at St Marys north,
• Woolworths Seven Hills who donated all the ingredients for the
sweets that were served on the day
• Luke Kohler – founder and Director of Sydney Direct Produce Rotary President Elizabeth Amper welcomed attendees and organisers and also welcomed Councillor Tony Bleasdale OAM Mayor of Blacktown City, Mr Frank Mossfield AM former, Federal Member for Greenway and his wife Sue and Blacktown City Councillor Julie Griffiths, representing the Honourable Michelle Rowland, who was an apology.
In his speech, Mayor Bleasdale advised there were over 61,000 Seniors in the Blacktown Local Government Area, with a population of 410,000 residents, and this represents over 14.8% of the City’s population.
In addition, Vice President Terry O’Loughlin and Directors Brett Fielding and George Vella from the Blacktown Workers Group were volunteers on the day, all very willing to be involved and interested to see what the Seniors got up to at their Party.
Rotary and Inner Wheel greatly appreciate Blacktown City Council’s generous gesture in providing the Bowman Hall free of charge for the day.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Mayor of Blacktown City, George Nicolaidis OAM. George was elected 9 terms to represent Ward 4 on Blacktown Council between the years of 1965 and 2004, serving as mayor from 1974-1976.
Beyond his great service to our City as a councillor, George’s contributions to the City of Blacktown were immense. He was a tireless advocate for the need for better infrastructure to support the growing population in the City; a battle that Council continues to fight to this day. He was a member of the Mount
since 1975, and represented the Society on the Council Historical Committee.
He undertook his own extensive historical research on the development of Blacktown, spending countless hours in the archives at Mitchell Library and here at Council. George came to write numerous historical books and articles about Rooty Hill, Mount Druitt, and the Blacktown area, including a history of Blacktown City Council.
George was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2013 for the wideranging contributions he made to his community. And he was awarded the key to the City earlier this year.
We extend our deepest condolences to his only son, Theodore, and wife Zhi Ping.
The funeral will be held Tuesday, 13 December at Pinegrove – West Chapel, commencing at 12.30 pm.”
The Wanderers Foundation has announced their inaugural Christmas Appeal with all funds going towards promoting and advocating for All Abilities Football in the Western Sydney region.
Launched in 2020, the Wanderers Foundation allows the Western Sydney Wanderers FC to directly make a difference through initiatives that make a positive impact in the community.
Over the last two years, the Foundation has had an impact on over 10,000 individuals in the Western Sydney community and has a multitude programs focusing on female football, multicultural engagement, the indigenous community, disadvantaged youth and All Abilities Football.
This Christmas, the Foundation has launched its official appeal for All Abilities Football with the financial support from the community allowing to:
• People with an intellectual disability or autism, as well as people with a physical disability to help them increase their confidence, mobility and social connections
• The Wanderers Powerchair Team
• The Wanderers Inclusive Football
Program, which the Foundation currently runs in schools and is in the process of expanding across the Western Sydney region
The Wanderers Foundation wants to give hundreds of families and individuals in the All Abilities space the opportunity to play football in a safe and encouraging environment.
With a target set of $100,000 for the Appeal, the Wanderers foundation is calling on those in the Western Sydney community to give back.
Western Sydney Wanderers CeO Scott hudson hopes that the Foundation’s 2022 Christmas Appeal can change lives.
“Our Christmas Appeal, through the Wanderers Foundation, wants to change the lives of individuals in the All Abilities space and there’s no better way to do this than through giving them a pathway to enjoy and express themselves through sport and football.”
All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible if donating through the Wanderers page on the Australian Sports Foundation website. For more information contact foundation@ wswanderersfc.com.au
The party continued for Mount Druitt hospital’s milestone 40th birthday with a formal dinner celebration held at West hQ on Wednesday, 30 November.
With MC Daniel Doody from Channel 10 adding some star-power to the event, guests enjoyed a night of powerful speeches, dancing and even a game or two, as colleagues and volunteers from the past four decades shared fond memories of the hospital’s history.
“It’s a really exciting night. To see staff, volunteers – and even past staff and volunteers – come back to celebrate the event is a really great demonstration of the connection between Mount Druitt hospital and the local community,” Acting General Manager
Blacktown Mount Druitt hospitals, Brad Ceely said.
Community was a strong theme of the evening, with speeches from volunteers, former surgeons, Auxiliary President Jean hitches, Deputy Director of Nursing Kirsty Wallis, and WSLhD Chief executive Graeme Loy.
A highlight of the evening was Studio 10’s Daniel Doody’s crowd work as he interviewed members of each table to hear about their individual memories of the hospital and reminisce about everything from the first Nepean Therapy Dog to walk the halls, to the many vibrant personalities who brightened up work days.
There was even a video message from Triple M host and Penrith Panthers legend Mark ‘MG’
Geyer speaking about how the lovely Mount Druitt hospital staff patched up him and his siblings many times over the years. Many guests spoke passionately about their own experiences and reiterated that if it wasn’t for Mount Druitt hospital, they may not have been still with us today.
Guests were also treated to musical performances from Rooty hill high School students, who performed Don’t dream it’s over by Crowded house, Isn’t she lovely by Stevie Wonder, Just the two of us by Bill Withers and Best Part by Daniel Caesar.
After the evening’s formalities were concluded, the DJ started playing some traditional dance tunes and many guests took to the dance floor with everything from the Nutbush to ballroom dancing on display.
WeSTeRN Sydney University has officially launched an evidence-based smartphone app for youth mental health that turns listening to music into a tool that could help young people to better understand and manage their moods and wellbeing.
The interactive ‘MoodyTunes’ app was co-designed by young people and researchers from the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, with funding received from the Mental health Commission of New South Wales.
Lead researcher and app developer, Dr Sandra Garrido from the University’s MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development and School of Psychology said the app draws upon evidence-based psychological therapies and over 10 years of research highlighting the important role music, and the arts, can play in wellbeing.
“The average young person listens to music for up to five hours a day, even more during bouts of depression or challenging periods,” said Dr Garrido.
“Our app builds on this natural attraction to music and capitalises on the strategies that young people are already drawn to when feeling down, like listening to music, to promote help-seeking behaviour in a subtle and sensitive way.
“With existing digital mental health interventions having as little as 10 per cent engagement, MoodyTunes
is designed to help young people use music to learn effective mood management strategies in relevant and engaging ways,” she said.
MoodyTunes works in the background as users listen to music in Spotify by prompting them to record the effect that music has on their moods, in turn, creating playlists of the music they love which best supports their wellbeing.
Preliminary research and testing of MoodyTunes have found that young people find the concept highly appealing, something that they would use frequently, and believe it could help them learn more about mental health and effective mood management.
Mental health Commissioner of New South Wales, Catherine Lourey said funding the development of the app reflects the Commission’s desire to provide universal access to appealing and engaging ways for young people to better manage their wellbeing.
“This app is a great example of a practical tool that could help young people, including vulnerable youth, better manage their mood and increase their mental health literacy. The innovation of Moody Tunes is its simplicity, coupled with the fact it has been designed by young people for young people and by those who have lived experience of depression.
“Alarmingly, 9 out of 10 young
people with depression do not get professional help, so an easily accessible and simple tool like MoodyTunes could prove vital in a young person’s life,” she said.
NSW Minister for Women, Regional health and Mental health – The hon Bronnie Taylor said youth mental health has been bought to the forefront in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with initiatives like MoodyTunes helping to shift attitudes and increase mental health literacy.
“We know that youth are less likely to seek help than adults due to stigma and negative societal attitudes towards seeking professional help. MoodyTunes will empower young people to manage their own needs and take those crucial first steps to seeking professional help,” she said.
MoodyTunes has been developed in collaboration with The Black Dog Institute and the Children and Young People unit of the Mental health Branch of the NSW Ministry of health.
The app was officially launched on 30 November by The hon Bronwyn Taylor, NSW Minister for Mental health, Regional health and Women; and Catherine Lourey, NSW Mental health Commissioner, at Western Sydney University’s newly opened Westmead Innovation Quarter.
MoodyTunes is available now and free to download from the Apple App Store for Apple devices, and Google Play Store for Android devices.
BLacKToWN city council’s aquatic and leisure centres have once again been recognised for outstanding service to its local community.
as 2022 draws to a close, the teams at Blacktown Leisure centre Stanhope, Blacktown aquatic centre, charlie Lowles Leisure centre Emerton, Riverstone Swimming centre and Mount Druitt Swimming centre have been collectively recognised with 7 awards during the calendar year.
The team at charlie Lowles Leisure centre Emerton was flying high as it won the Mount Druitt/St Marys Local Business award for ‘outstanding Fitness Services’.
Mount Druitt Swimming centre also made the final list, as did the Kidz Blitz Holiday Program for “outstanding Specialised Business” and aqua Learn to Swim for its ‘outstanding Education Service’.
council was also awarded the 2022 aquatic and Recreation Institute’s ‘children’s Program award’ for the Kidz Blitz program – a fun and interactive school holiday program for children aged 6 to 12 years at Blacktown Leisure centre Stanhope, Blacktown aquatic centre and charlie Lowles Leisure centre Emerton.
Parents who enrol their children in the program find it is an affordable, fun and active way for their children to spend their school holidays. Daily activities provide educational, sporting and creative opportunities and caters for lots of different interests. There is even an active swimming component built into each day of the program.
Blacktown aquatic centre was front and centre
on the awards scene this year, as a finalist in the aquatic & Recreation Institute’s Facility of the Year and at the aUSactive National awards program for Multi-Service Business of the Year.
aqua Learn to Swim teacher, Tania Sheehan, took out the National aUSTSWIM Teacher of adult award and fitness instructor, Marlee King, was a finalist in the Aqua Professional of the Year award.
and capping off a stellar year for council’s venues, Blacktown Leisure centre Stanhope was recognised for its ongoing relationship with the North West Disability Services, receiving the 2022 John & Pam Slattery Exceptional contribution award, for “consistently being supportive of participants and staff in the swimming programs”.
Blacktown city Mayor Tony Bleasdale oaM recognised these achievements and remarked: “We are very proud to be part of a team that brings a community together.”
LocaL high school student leaders rubbed shoulders with state political leaders in NSW Parliament recently whilst participating in the Riverstone Electorate Senior School Leadership Forum.
The forum is an annual event hosted by Mr Kevin conolly, Member for Riverstone to inspire high school students in leadership roles to think more broadly about leadership in our community.
“It is also an opportunity for me to recognise the hard work that school captains and leaders give to their school communities,” Mr conolly said.
20 students and supporting school staff representing all 10 local high schools and colleges located in the Riverstone electorate attended the Leadership Forum at NSW Parliament House. Whilst the forum could not be arranged for the last 2 years due to coVID pandemic restrictions, the response to have every eligible school in the electorate represented at this forum was very heartening and encouraging.
During the afternoon in the NSW parliament the students from Wyndham college, Riverstone High School, Glenwood High School,
St John XXIII catholic college, australian christian college, The Ponds High School, Norwest christian college, Quakers Hill High School, St John Paul II catholic college and Rouse Hill anglican college had the opportunity to discuss leadership with The Hon. Rob Stokes, Minister for Infrastructure, cities and active Transport.
They assembled in the gallery of both the Legislative council and the Legislative assembly to listen to Question Time in each of the chambers and saw the Premier and government ministers in action. They completed their afternoon with a short tour of parliament, in all a rare experience for the students and staff.
“I would say the event helped increase my confidence about what leadership is and what it looks like,” said courtney from St John XXIII catholic college.
“It was a chance to see leadership in a different way to what we see at school, it was good to see how Government is actually run,” said Myia from Quakers Hill High School.
“I hope this experience may have opened their eyes to wider possibilities for their own futures,” said Mr conolly.
The growing Rouse hill community is set to benefit from a range of new health services, with the release of the Master Plan for the $300 million Rouse hill hospital.
health Minister Brad hazzard said the new hospital on the corner of Commercial Road and Windsor Road Rouse hill will include emergency services, inpatient and outpatient services that will be designed to take advantage of digital innovations in healthcare.
“The Master Plan for the Rouse hill hospital ensures communities in north western Sydney will have access to the very best health care much closer to home,” Mr hazzard said.
“The new hospital will be specifically designed and built to embrace advanced digital technology and innovative models of care to bring world-class care right into the home.”
These innovative models include:
• One Health urgent and emergency care that means a co-located emergency department, urgent care centre and general practitioner services with access to pathology, pharmacy and medical imaging services
• One Health short stay care medical assessment services (up to 48 hours) for patients requiring further investigation, stabilization and direction to an appropriate care pathway
• InTouch Care which will provide digital healthcare connectivity across all settings including the hospital, the community and in the home
• Prehabiliation, Rehabilitation and Lifestyle Medicine which delivers therapy, education and interventions that support management of chronic conditions and improving health outcomes.
Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said the selected site and Master Plan for the new hospital campus ensured convenient and easy access to hospital services for the community.
“The Master Plan for the new hospital shows the building’s location on the hospital campus and how it relates to parking zones, public transport, access roads and other retail and community services. It also
identifies future clinical expansion zones,” Mr Conolly said.
“The design will also emphasise comfort and wellbeing in order to benefit patient recovery, with courtyards providing access to pleasant views, sunlight and fresh air.”
Member for Castle hill Ray Williams said the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) has also been lodged.
“The SSDA will allow enabling works to start onsite such as installing road access and in-ground services including water, electricity and gas,” Mr Williams said.
“I look forward to seeing early
works commence in early 2023 following the review and finalisation of the clinical services plan and planning approval.”
The new hospital will include:
• inTouchCare
• Urgent and Emergency Care
• Day Surgery Unit
• Adult & Paediatric Short Stay
• Ambulatory & Outpatient Care which includes Women’s health, Ante/Post Natal Care, Cancer Care, Renal Dialysis, Mental health, Infusion Centre and Paediatrics
• Prehabilitation, Rehabilitation & Lifestyle Medicine Service
• Multi-storey car park
The new Rouse hill hospital will complement Blacktown and Mt Druitt hospitals and Westmead hospital to ensure comprehensive health care throughout the north west. Western Sydney has benefited from the recent $700 million Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Expansion Project which included a new emergency department, women’s and newborn health services, intensive care unit, operating theatres, and psychiatric emergency care service.
Western Sydney Local health District will work in partnership with Health Infrastructure on the next phases of the project with the aim of commencing construction on the project in early 2023.
The NSW Government is investing a record $11.9 billion in health infrastructure over the four years to 2025-26. Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 health capital projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway.
MOUNT
Dawson Mall will undergo a multimillion-dollar transformation with a new stage, play equipment, seating and shade structure for the community to enjoy.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM marked the beginning of construction on the project at a
sod turning recently, with the project expected to be finished mid-2023.
“This upgrade of Mount Druitt Town Square will provide a muchneeded boost for this busy public thoroughfare in the heart of Mount Druitt,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“Once completed, there will be a new stage for community
performances, new play equipment for the kids, and a new shade structure, lighting and seating.
“The upgrades will be a colourful addition to Dawson Mall and will be situated just next to the Mount Druitt hub.”
A feature of the transformation will be an innovative, rainbow-coloured
rope shade structure, which will snake through the new town square.
It will also include a new table tennis table, landscaping and tree planting.
The project has been supported through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund.
Inmates at Parklea Correctional Centre have nailed it again, putting their trade skills into action by creating a wooden safe house to help raise awareness and promote discussion about domestic violence. the concept, developed in partnership with Blacktown City Council as part of its annual Knit Bomb Project, uses visually vibrant statements to say “no” to family and domestic violence.
Last year the council asked for a tea pot and two cups and saucers to be created to symbolise having a cuppa to start a conversation. this year they requested a small home made from timber to represent a safe house.
Correctional officers supervised three inmates who work in the prison’s cabinet shop to construct the house, which measures 1.5 metres by 1.2 metres and has a 600mm pitched roof and chimney.
the impressive house was then “knit bombed” by the talented members of the Blacktown Library Knitting Group, overseen by Blacktown City Council’s Women’s advisory Committee, who had knitted or crocheted squares in various colours and sizes and sewn them together.
It will be on display at the Village Green until mid-December, next to Blacktown City Council Chambers. Other items, such as trees, light poles, posts, and benches around the area, have also been “knit bombed” to mark 16 days of activism against violence in november.
Governor Paul Baker said staff and
inmates were pleased the council had again invited them to be involved in this important community partnership and social awareness campaign.
“We have been involved in a number of Blacktown City Council initiatives and we recently donated wooden toys our inmates made to a council childcare centre in Blackett,” mr Baker said.
“Our giant tea pot and teacups received fantastic feedback last year and provided an eye-catching conversation starter, while providing meaningful work for the inmates and assisting in their rehabilitation.
“this initiative provided another great opportunity to work with Blacktown City Council and for our inmates to give back to the community, while raising awareness
of domestic violence in its many forms.
“Our officers who train the inmates in the cabinet shop have come up with a professional design to create a welcoming home, reminiscent of a cubby house where children play and make happy memories.
“the inmates have done a fantastic job building it and they should all feel very proud.
“We look forward to being involved in other community projects where we have the capacity and capability.”
Blacktown City mayor, tony Bleasdale Oam, said Council was proud to partner with Parklea Correctional Centre to make a colourful public statement against domestic and family violence.
“sadly in Blacktown City, women
and children continue to suffer at the hands of family members or current or former partners,” mayor Bleasdale said.
“starting a conversation around this serious issue is an important first step in putting an end to this violence, and the Knit Bomb Project is part of Council’s commitment in raising awareness of this scourge on our community.
“We were delighted to have the support of Parklea inmates again in this year’s Knit Bomb Project, and I am continually overwhelmed by the hard work and talent that goes into creating the pieces for display each year.”
Parklea Correctional Centre is operated by mtC australia on behalf of Corrective services nsW.
Maxwell was born in January 1902 at Norton Summit, South australia, the fourth of seven children to John Tomlinson Playford and orchardist, and his wife Rose eliza née Inglis, both from South australia. Maxwell was educated at Norton Summit Public and Norwood High schools. He studied mining and metallurgy at the University of Adelaide and qualified as a fellow in 1924 of the South australian School of Mines and Industries. During 1923 he worked at Port Pirie and Broken Hill. In 1924 he became a research metallurgist at the Mount lyell Mining & Railway Co ltd at Queenstown in Tasmania. Promoted to mill Superintendent in 1928 he redesigned and rebuilt the old inefficient mill that dramatically reduced the emission of sulphur dioxide. One bold innovation was the installation of an 8-foot diameter ball mill, a giant for its time and was regarded as an extraordinary achievement for a young man that revealed his confidence, his brilliance in research, determination in execution and qualities of leadership with an ability to win the trust of his superiors. In March 1929 he married agnes Jessie anderson a 20-year-old art teacher. He was a Baptist and regular churchgoer who lived by the highest standards. Tall and good-looking with black curly hair, he enjoyed gardening, photography, mountaineering, bush-walking and children. He was a member of the australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy in 1934 and wrote numerous technical papers on metallurgical subjects. He was appointed plant superintendent at Great Boulder Pty Gold Mines ltd, Kalgoorlie, western australia in February 1934 and later that year, he joined Wiluna Gold Mines Ltd as chief metallurgist. Because of the ore containing arsenic at wiluna, it was found not compatible with the cyanide process (the common method of extracting gold) so he built a smelter where lead was added to collect the gold and silver which was easily separated. From March 1938 he was assistant general manager of Mount Morgan ltd, Queensland where he again improved metallurgical performance. In 1941 he was hoping to contribute more directly to the war effort when he joined the Commonwealth Department of Munitions. after working for the Directorate of explosives Supply in Melbourne for a short time he was sent to england and america to learn the latest methods of production. australia’s defense needs were on low priority in the early 1930’s with the Great War of 1914-1918 at an end. A rifle factory established by lord Kitchener, Britain’s Secretary of State for war, had been opened in lithgow in 1912 and there was some manufacture of ammunition in factories like Maribyrnong in Melbourne, but these establishments had been left to run down. The first Menzies’ Government came into power in 1939 and set in place events leading to the establishment of
an ammunition fill for Australia and St Marys was chosen due to the road and rail links that were reasonably good and land to the north was relatively cheap and sparsely populated, there was also a good manpower supply available in Parramatta and Sydney. The area was acquired by resumptions listed in Commonwealth gazettes in three parcels during the years 1941 to 1943. Production commenced in November 1942 and gradually increased as more of the buildings were completed. altogether some 850 buildings comprising a complex for processing, storing explosives and filling ammunition occupied an area of 504 hectares, rather more than a quarter of the land acquired. The factory had its own sewerage treatment works, hostels and canteens and was designed to cope with three shifts of up to 4,000 persons per day and there was 132 staff and 153 waged employees, the first order being a production of Flare Floats for the RAAF. The workforce built up to peak at 324 staff and 2,175 waged employees with a total of 2,499 in September 1943 including Maxwell who was appointed Manager of one of the largest munition plants in australia. The old farmhouse and buildings of “Dunheved”, formerly the property of Governor Philip Gidley King’s family was used by the construction and factory staff and known at that time as “The Homestead”. Late in 1943 the building became derelict and was finally demolished in 1947. Maxwell died in October 1943 in a private hospital in Sydney of acute encephalomyelitis (Encephalitis is caused by herpes and can lead to severe brain damage and death. Another common virus that can cause encephalitis is mumps). He was buried in the cemetery at Norton Summit. He was survived by his wife and their adopted daughter. His funeral was mentioned in the “News” adelaide S.a and reads:- “Funeral of Premier’s Cousin - Maxwell ernest Playford. mine engineer and cousin of the Premier (Mr Playford), was buried at Norton Summit cemetery. He died in Sydney last Sunday at the age of 41. At the time of his death he was in charge of one of the largest munitions works in australia. The funeral was attended by the Premier and members of the Playford family and representatives of the Ministry of Munitions, mining companies with which Mr Playford had been associated and the School of Mines and the australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy”. His estate was sworn for probate at £6,988.
Sources: G. Blainey - The Peaks of Lyell (Melb, 1954), Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy - Proceedings, Sept-Dec 1943, p xlii, Advertiser (Adelaide), 12 Oct 1943, Book by me “The St Marys’ Munitions Story”. Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
The Reserve Bank of Australia continues to raise interest rates this year, bringing a gloomy end to the year for many homeowners. The prospect of more interest rate rises is likely to come next year.
As borrowers struggle with ongoing rising interest rates, many homeowners are feeling trapped with their mortgage and the term “mortgage prisoner” has evolved in the media.
The cost of mortgages has risen steeply, borrowers are losing buying power and while house prices everywhere are sinking as a result, this will raise some loan-to-value ratios higher than 80%, making refinancing without lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) difficult.
Finance researchers have suggested that even if house prices drop 15 per cent as widely forecast, the rate rises have made life tougher overall for firsthome buyers. That’s because lenders considering mortgage applications apply an assessment rate that is higher than the actual home loan rate for repayments, meaning a loan people could afford in May is now unaffordable in the lenders eyes.
Refinancing is becoming harder, especially for those who were stretched when they first got a loan when prices were near record highs.
If the price of your property has fallen and pushed your loan to value ratio (LVR) above the 80% mark, then most likely when you refinance for a better product or lower rate, you won’t be able to without
having to pay LMI. This is a large expense that no borrower wishes to incur when borrowing.
The biggest hit will be for the group of homeowners, the 30-40 per cent of customers who took out a fixedrate loan in recent years at deeply discounted rates.
Many fixed rate loans will switch back to variable rates in 2023 and borrowers won’t experience the gradual monthly increases the rest of the market has, instead they will be hit by a bus of $600-$1000 increase a month as their loan reverts to the standard variable rate.
Many homeowners are already experiencing mortgage stress and with more rate rises, higher living costs, wages stagnation and Christmas spending will only compound the situation and more borrowers feeling stuck in mortgage prison.
The time to react is now and be proactive to improve your battered borrowing power.
You can try and safeguard against increases in rates from the Reserve Bank by switching to a new lender or negotiating with your current lender.
You may want to be loyal to your lender, but chances are your lender won’t reward that loyalty with its market-leading rate. Many borrowers may find refinancing difficult because of falling property prices and the increase in interest rates since May.
At this point you can sit on this rate or call your current lender to ask if they can offer you a better deal. Most often lenders reserve their best rates for new customers, not existing ones.
Borrowers should understand that lenders examine discretionary spending when assessing creditworthiness and will assess you not at the current variable rate, but at a rate approximately 3 per cent higher meaning borrowers must be able to meet repayments at assessment rates ranging between 6% to 8%.
The offers for refinancing have decreased since the start of the year, but there are products with competitive interest rates available. even a marginally lower interest rate could save you thousands of dollars over time, so don’t underestimate the importance of searching for a good deal. In saying this, consider the whole loan product and associated fees and charges rather than just the interest rate.
A factor to consider is to try to avoid extending your loan back out to 30 years, as this could potentially increase the cost with the extra interest accounted for.
It’s more important now to have a discussion with a broker and discuss your options whether you’re refinancing or wanting to purchase a property. The mortgage market today is competitive, with plenty of bank and non-bank lenders offering a variety of loan options to all types of borrowers.
Refinancing can be an opportunity to review your situation and look for a better rate.
If you aren’t sure how to proceed after your fixed period ends, it might be a good idea to have a chat with Alex from Wealthwiz to discuss your options. We’re here to help.
The final round of the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup championship was run at The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, SA on the 25-27th November.
This is not a favourite track for 12-year old elijah Andrew (Marayong), and it took him all of Friday and Saturday to regain his confidence, following so closely after his huge accident in Race 3 at his last round at Phillip Island in October.
After Elijah’s first full season racing road bikes in the OJC, he finished a respectable 16th place from a total of 23 OJC competitors. In spite of his youth, he has a smooth riding style, achieves consistent lap times and is definitely a rider to watch in the future.
In reflecting on the 2022 season, elijah said “This year of racing in the national premier championship OJC has been a real privilege and a success for me as I have learnt so much.
“Next year, I will be striving for the win, and I’m confident you will be seeing me on the podium many times throughout the year.
“I would also like to say thank you to Motorcycling Australia, Yamaha bLU cRU, OJC mechanic Nick Leith, series coach Garry McCoy, my dad Noel for making this fantastic opportunity possible, my friends, personal sponsors, and everyone who has
supported me this year. Thank you, let’s do it all again next year”.
The 2023 ASBK and OJC Championships commence with the pre-season Official Test Days
2022 season.
on the 1st & 2nd February 2023, at Sydney Motor Sport Park.
You can follow elijah on Instagram and Facebook @elijahandrewracing.
Five local juniors qualified for the 2022 Bonville champions trophy, which was held at the Bonville Golf resort over 30th nov2nd December.
coby carruthers (Jordan Springs) and Grace Lee (Glenmore Park) both represented concord Gc, Annoushka Maikap represented Stonecutters ridge Gc and camilla Kim and ryan Fletcher represented Lynwood cc the champions trophy is a World Amateur Golf ranking (WAGr) and Golf Australia Junior order of Merit (GA ooM) event, for players who won a Jack newton Junior Golf tour event throughout the 2021/22 season.
the tournament was due to be played over 72 Holes in three days, with a cut after 54 holes. All players who missed the cut would work as a caddy for another player in the final round.
Grace played superbly early, finishing the first and second rounds as the leader in the Girls tournament.
the wheels fell off during the third round, as Grace shot a 7-over par 79 to drop back into 2nd spot behind ella Scaysbrook (the Australian Gc).
Bad weather forced the cancellation of the final round. leaving Grace stranded in a share of 2nd and unable to make a last-gasp run at the title. ella took the title, 1 shot ahead of Grace and Hollie Fuller (Grafton Gc), who were locked in a tie for 2nd place. camilla Kim missed the cut and finished in 12th place, whilst Annoushka finished in 17th place.
in the Boys division, rupert toomey (Huntingdale GC) led through the first two rounds but a hot 3rd round from taj egea (Brookwater Gc) left the two boys locked together at the top of the leaderboard at the end of the third round, with coby carruthers also making a move to sit just one shot in arrears.
unfortunately, coby’s challenge ended with the cancellation of the final round, with Rupert subsequently defeating taj on the third hole of a sudden-death playoff and coby settling for 3rd. coby was also the only boy to shoot two of his three rounds under par.
Ryan Fletcher finished in a tie for 5th.
AnuMBer of local juniors will compete this weekend in the 2022 Blue Mountains Junior Masters, which is held under the auspices of the Jack newton Junior Golf (JnJG) Foundation.
Darcy Mackay, ryan cadle and riley cleminson have all entered from Stonecutters ridge Gc, along with
nepean locals Blake Hodges (nSW Gc), tyler nesci (concord Gc) and Jake thompson (Leonay Gc), whilst Jesse Hardaker (Wentworth Falls cc) will represent the upper Blue Mountains.
the tournament runs over the 10th11th December, with all players playing 18 holes on each day.
By Noel Rowsell
Wendy
with
and
Jenny Madsen (roseville Gc) won Division 2 (Silver) with 69, ahead of Julie Fairley (canowindra Gc) on 70
Alison
The Socceroos in the recent World Cup have certainly generated a great deal of publicity for our country and the sport of football. It has also created a flurry of positive publicity for Blacktown City Football Club with the inclusion of five Blacktown City Juniors in the National squad. The goal of Blacktown City is simply to build the club into the most profiled sports team in the city it represents.
Reigning NSW National Premier League champions, Blacktown City, can lay claim to producing, at least in part, 20 per cent of the Socceroos’ 26-man squad in Qatar. Five Socceroos including skipper Mat Ryan, star midfielder Aaron Mooy, central defender Milos Degenek, striker Mitchell Duke and young gun Keanu Baccus –came through the ranks of Blacktown City, which has long been regarded as one of Australia’s top developmental clubs. Australia’s goalkeeping coach, John Crawley, is another notable ex-Demons junior, who also captained and coached the team at senior level. There would not be another semi-professional club in the world at this very moment that could lay claim to helping contribute 20% of a National team make-up.
After the 4-1 loss to France in the opening game of the World Cup, the knives were out for Socceroo head coach Graham Arnold and the lack of Aussie spirit displayed in the loss. These negatives were quickly turned to positives with back to back wins over Tunisia and Denmark to qualify for the final 16 in only the second time in Australian Football World Cup history. In the second half of the game against Denmark, not only did Captain Matt Ryan hold his opponents scoreless but all five former Blacktown City Juniors were on the field together in a rare occurrence for any football nation.
Full credit to Blacktown’s head of Football, Mark Crittenden, who has overseen many of these up and coming youngsters during his tenure at the club. Mark has set the culture of Blacktown City as one that not only wins but is committed to the development of young players. he has a disciplined and ‘Old School’ approach that has stamped Blacktown City’s authority as one of Australia’s premier football production lines.
The Socceroos might have lost 2-1 to the powerful Argentina in round of 16 of the prestigious World Cup, but football in Australia, with the Women’s World Cup to follow next year, is on the rise. So
too is Blacktown City! Blacktown City capitalised with major media outlets throughout the country on the fact the club were solidly represented in the Socceroos squad.
Both the Senior Men and Women are back in training for a very important year for the club. Blacktown City is set to celebrate 70 years of football existence next year and there is much to be excited about. The club will welcome a new ownership group of Blacktown City Sports Centre as well as new Operations Manager, Travis Major. Major scored his 100th goal for the club in this year’s Championship game and will combine both playing and administration in 2023. In addition, to celebrate its 70 year milestone, Blacktown City has designed a new logo for the coming season.
The Board of Blacktown City FC is working to capitalise on its Anniversary, new Stadium ownership, new operations Manager and new logo in combination with the increased promotional status
generated through Australia’s World Cup campaign. The goal is to fill the Blacktown City Sports Centre on a regular basis and create a sporting atmosphere that makes the city of Blacktown proud. “The quality of the product is proven, the intensity is there, the drive is there, and the quickness of the game is there,” said Club Chairman Bob Turner. “We are building on the available ingredients to take Blacktown City to the next level in a promotional sense,” Turner added.
Blacktown City FC will continue to build on its reputation and service to the community it represents. Go Blacktown City!
Historic car racing is one of motor sport’s best kept secrets, and the Historic sports and racing car Association of NsW (inc) (HsrcA) is one of Australia’s leading car clubs, catering specifically for historic racing, sports and touring cars.
Established in 1981, the aim of the HsrcA is to preserve, restore and compete in the cars members either grew up with, or admired from afar. What were once regarded as old, obsolete, noncompetitive cars and thus of little value, survive to compete at circuits around Australia.
The Club caters for cars from the early 1920’s, through to the racing and sports cars of the 1980’s and organises and runs major historic race meetings each year, at circuits such as Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) and Wakefield Park. In addition the Club holds regular meetings, various social events and club plate runs, and also publishes its own magazine, ‘The Oily Rag’.
SMSP hosted the club on 3rd-4th December, featuring sports sedans, Formula Vee, F5000 & Qr sports & racing, Formula Ford, Group S, Group N and Group L, M & O. results from the weekend can be viewed at http://racing.natsoft.com.au/results/#2
