PARKLEA Correctional Centre has recently welcomed 35 new officers at the first swearing-in ceremony for 2023.
Parklea Acting Governor Brian Gurney said he was pleased to swear in the highest number of graduates MTC Australia had recruited in one intake, in a concerted effort to increase officer numbers and continue to run a safe, decent and secure facility.
“It is always a pleasure to welcome new officers into corrections as they play an important role in keeping the community safe and help reduce reoffending,” Mr Gurney said.
“After more than 25 years in the industry, I have found it to be a rewarding career and no day is the same.
“Parklea officers are as diverse as the community they serve, coming from varying fields, broad age ranges, and many different cultural backgrounds, which is what makes Parklea strong and unique.
“This enables us to work with inmates from similarly diverse cultures and backgrounds in what is often a challenging and dynamic environment.
“Our new officers now have the opportunity to embark on a satisfying career and make a difference through MTC’s decency and respect principles and BIONIC (Believe it or Not I Care) philosophy.”
The new officers are made up of 19 men and 16 women and range in
age from 21 to 51. They also have diverse cultural backgrounds and employment histories, including retail, warehousing and a chef.
Mr Gurney said the new recruits had undertaken a rigorous 10week training program, which covered subjects such as policies and procedures, de-escalation and use of force tactics, mental health and general first aid. They also participated in simulated search and emergency response exercises and weapons training.
“Our Initial Training Course provides new recruits with the knowledge, skills and values they need to safely and professionally respond to a variety of situations and manage people with different needs,” Mr Gurney said.
“I’m delighted to welcome our new
officers into the Parklea family and I look forward to working with them.”
Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said he was pleased to personally congratulate the graduates at the ceremony and talk to officers about the essential service they provide for the community behind prison walls.
“Today’s graduates join the more than 10,000 men and women who work in correctional facilities and community corrections across the state and I’m pleased to welcome them into the justice sector,” Mr Kirby said.
“Corrections staff play an important role in helping inmates break the cycle of reoffending by supporting them with various rehabilitation programs, training and work opportunities.
“Parklea inmates are able to
gain skills in a number of on-site workshops teaching cabinetry, metalwork, and printing, along with behavioural programs to address the issues that may have contributed to their offending.
“These initiatives play an important role to reduce re-offending, and would not be possible without the tireless work and commitment made by the men and women who work in corrections.
“I wish the new officers a long and successful career and that their efforts make a positive impact on inmates.”
This is the twelfth graduating class since MTC began operating Parklea Correctional Centre on behalf of Corrective Services NSW in 2019. To apply to become a correctional officer, go to: www.mtctrains.com. au/careers/
WESTER Sydney local and TAFE NSW Diploma of Civil Construction Design graduate, Gabrielle Durney, has been named Trainee of the Year at the TAFE NSW Excellence Awards, an achievement the former retail manager did not expect after making a career switch.
Women are under-represented in trades and the NSW government aims to bolster the lack of women entering the construction, electrical, engineering, automotive, and plumbing sectors via Women in Trades initiatives like the Trade Pathways Program. Currently, women make up only 2% of qualified trade workers, according to data gathered for the Productivity Commission White Paper.
Today, Ms Durney is a Structural Drafter at Northrop Consulting Engineers and is an advocate for women in construction. She is currently a mentor for the Property Council of Australia’s Girls in Property program.
“It’s great to be a mentor for a program that captures young women at a critical career planning age.
“Hopefully we’ve got a few future leaders in construction,” Ms Durney said.
Ms Durney had been working in the retail industry for seven years and was previously employed as a manager in a retail store, but was unsatisfied and unhappy with the work she was doing.
“So, I used the NSW Government Smart and Skilled list to try and identify a new career path, seeking a career in a future growth area.
“Something that was based in technology that
I could begin as a trainee or an apprentice,” Ms Durney added.
A previous TAFE NSW graduate, Ms Durney returned to facilitate her career switch due to the supportive learning environment. After completing a Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting, she commenced the Diploma in July of 2021 during COVID-19 lockdown.
“I previously studied at TAFE NSW, and I enjoyed the supportive learning environment, and that the coursework was structured around being able to perform a job in the industry you’re studying in.
“I was drawn to the technical aspect, the future technology but also how drafting is linked to a
traditional career like construction.
“I identified drafting as a career that I felt I would enjoy and enrolled in the Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting,” Ms Durney said.
With the support of Nadejda Chevel, TAFE NSW Teacher, Civil Structural (CAD and Drafting), Ms Durney secured a traineeship in Structural Drafting with Northrop Consulting Engineers, six months into studying the TAFE NSW Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting.
“The traineeship required enrolment into the Diploma of Civil Construction Design, but Northrop supported me in completing the Certificate IV first.
“There were some units that involved Autocad that I struggled to complete, and my mentor at Northrop organised another team member with experience with Autocad to help me complete the tasks,” Ms Durney said.
Women are vital to addressing trade skill shortages and can improve economic security for women via several rewarding career pathways. Whilst COVID-19 was challenging, Ms Durney was able to progress studying her Diploma of Civil Construction Design during the lockdown. Due to the speed in which TAFE NSW transitioned into fully remote learning, she was able to leverage on the online delivery and completed all the units for the Diploma by the time lockdown was over.
“TAFE NSW was able to transition to distance learning very quickly, and I used the flexibility of online learning to complete units around my project work,” Ms Durney concluded.
AN historic Western Sydney building will be given a new lease on life as part of Blacktown City Council’s masterplan for the expansion of St Bartholomew’s Cemetery.
The heritage-listed Prospect Post Office building will undergo extensive repair and stabilisation works as part of a half a million-dollar project to bring new life to the almost 150-year-old building off the Great Western Highway.
The repairs are part of Council’s long-term vision to restore and reuse the building as it expands the neighbouring St Bartholomew’s Cemetery, to
deliver much-needed burial and internment space for Western Sydney.
Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said Council had planned to bring the old building back to its former glory since it was transferred to Council from the NSW Government.
“The old Prospect Post Office is a building of great regional and state significance, and is the last surviving building of the original Prospect Village,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“Built between 1880 and 1890, the building operated as a post office for more than 100 years before the decline of the village in the 1950s.
“Today, it offers a rare glimpse into the longlost village lifestyle of Blacktown, and Council is committed to preserving this structure and the history associated with it for future generations.”
Works will involve rebuilding several walls within the structure, which have over time become severely cracked and unstable due to its location on clay soil.
The building underwent extensive renovation and conservation works in the late 1990s, but has largely been untouched since.
The Prospect Post Office is one of 15 heritagelisted buildings owned by Council.
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BY KERRIE DAVIESTHIS week I want to bring attention to an incident that made my blood boil, and also give a huge salute to a local business owner who went out of her way to help.
Some lousy excuse for a human being dumped three dogs in the bush at Llandilo.
How low would you need to be to do such an act? I’d say lower than a carpet snake. The poor dogs were frightened and starving.
Thank goodness for Pet Groomer Lexie, from Lil Rascals Pet Services. When she and her dad heard about the dogs they headed straight there to see if they could help.
“Every night we fed these poor babies, and gained their trust enough that we could hand feed them and just call out “Come on puppies” and they would come running from wherever they were!” Lexie said.
They had hopes to catch the male first, which was the most friendliest, but they caught the puppy instead.
Then with the help of her brother she caught the female and later with the help of the amazing Brook from Penrith council rangers, caught our friendliest but wary little man.
“I’m so proud of what we have achieved and three puppies are now safe and sound, with full bellies and hopefully a forever home,” Lexie said.
I just can’t fathom why someone would desert defenceless dogs like that and leave them for dead. Take them to a pound, a vet, ring Council - do anything rather than dump the poor things.
GREENWAY MP Michelle Rowland is encouraging local teachers, parents and students to have their say on the future of school education through a new national survey released this week.
The survey is being released as part of the Expert Panel Review into the next National School Reform Agreement.
Survey participants can have their say on range of issues including:
• Improving education outcomes
• Supporting student mental health and wellbeing, and
• Attracting and retaining teachers.
The Expert Panel, led by Dr Lisa O’Brien AM, will report to Education Ministers at the end of October on the practical reforms that should be tied
to funding in the next National School Reform Agreement.
The survey is available to complete at www.education.gov.au/ and will be open until Friday, 23 June 2023.
“In order to build a better and fairer education system, we must listen to the views and experiences of teachers, parents and students here in Greenway.”
“In addition to this survey, the Albanese Government will be consulting widely with stakeholders to help inform the development of recommendations for the report,” Michelle Rowland MP, Federal Member for Greenway said.
“I encourage the good people of Greenway to have their say on the future of education.”
ARLEEN Ines and his sons Mark, Bryan and Gerard have worked under the same roof for over nine years. Not only do they all work at Blacktown Hospital, they also all work in the same department, Perioperative Services.
You would be hard pressed to find someone at Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospital (BMDH) who doesn’t know the Ines family of nurses.
Together, they have been looking after western Sydney patients for almost 50 years.
The Ines family are part of the 13.4 per cent of nurses in NSW and 16 per cent of nurses in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) who identify as male.
This close-knit family just love working together, with brother Gerard saying, “the chance to work with my father and two brothers was a dream come true”.
Arleen, who has been nursing for over 33 years, said he has always been passionate about perioperative nursing because of the specialised nature of the environment; and his sons share this sentiment.
“I have nursed in different parts of the world across different specialties, but perioperative nursing is my first love,” said Arleen.
“When I moved to Australia from the Philippines in 1998 with my wife and four boys, I grabbed the opportunity to get back into perioperative nursing so as to provide for my family whilst doing what I love.”
Arleen has worked at Blacktown Hospital for over 15 years as an instrument and circulating registered nurse (scrub scout). It wasn’t long before his sons started to join him.
Two years after he joined the WSLHD, Arleen’s eldest son Mark gained employment at Blacktown Hospital as a hospital porter, giving him
the insight into and desire to work in the operating suite as well.
Mark, who also works as a scrub scout said that “perioperative nursing was my goal to work at prior to attending university”.
Mark however didn’t always have his sights set on nursing; he originally wanted to join the military.
“Mum told me to pursue nursing,” said Mark.
“I have three younger brothers; so, had I gone to the military, she was worried they would all follow me, so I followed in dad’s footsteps instead.”
One year later, two Ines’s became three, when Arleen’s second eldest son Bryan also joined Blacktown Hospital.
Unlike his brother Mark, Bryan always had his sights set on nursing and was constantly fascinated and interested by his dad’s nursing stories.
“I have always been fascinated with
human anatomy and helping people, and perioperative nursing was the combination of both worlds.”
Like his dad and older brother, Bryan started his career as a scrub scout, but has since worked his way into a leadership role as a Perioperative Services nurse educator.
“Nursing was the platform in which we could come to this great country (Australia),” said Bryan.
“My dad’s nursing has paved the way for our lives to be changed – and through that, what a great way to come full circle – that we are now also able to give back and serve the community that has given so much to all of us.”
Three years later, Arleen’s second youngest son, Gerard, joined Blacktown Hospital, creating a quartet of Ines’ at the hospital.
For the first 1.5 years, Gerard opted to work in the Orthopaedic and Medical
Assessment Unit, however, when the opportunity presented itself for a threemonth secondment, he just couldn’t resist joining the rest of his family in Perioperative Services.
“I love the environment, love the team, and working with my family was just too appealing – a dream come true,” said Gerard.
“Plus, if I ever forgot to pack a meal, dad or one of my brothers would get me food before their shift – and it goes both ways.”
Gerard, who works as an Anaesthetics and Post Anaesthetic Care Unit [PACU] registered nurse, says the whole Perioperative Services means so much to him.
“They have taught and supported me to be a better nurse in the perioperative field,” said Gerard.
“We are a team who work in unison to achieve our goals of patient safety, and my manager’s actions, guidance and teachings have made me the nurse I am today.”
Gerard is also grateful to his parents for his career successes, revering their “value of sacrifice and hard work”.
said Gerard.
Arleen’s second eldest son Bryan says he really appreciates having his family at work for the times when he needs to debrief or have someone understand what he’s going through.
“We learn from each other and are a great support network for each other,” said Bryan.
“We share each other’s understanding, growth, challenges – and understand where each other are coming from.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
My father was a great example to me and regularly shared his experiences with us, which is what attracted me to perioperative nursing, said Bryan.The family that works together, stays together – literally!
Our parents’ hard work has paved the way for us brothers to provide for our own growing families,
THE Rotary District 9685
Western Sydney Annual Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) was held over 2 days this past weekend at Nepean Creative & Performing Arts High School.
MUNA helps senior high school students develop an awareness of the United Nations at a simulated UN Assembly. The event provides an excellent forum for students to develop and practice their public
speaking skills whilst debating on topical world issues.
Schools are invited to enter teams of 3 or 4 students for the competition, with each team being assigned a country, which they then represent over the weekend debating up to 20 different resolutions. The teams research their assigned countries’ views on pre-determined resolutions, and debate those against the other country teams. As well as researching their countries, each team dresses in
their assigned country costume or national dress, making for a very colourful event.
There are a number of categories judged throughout the weekend with the winning team and the runner up teams going on to represent the District at the National MUNA in Canberra in August.
• The winning team for the 2023 Blue Mountains/Western MUNA was the team from Baulkham Hills High School, representing Iceland.
• The Runner up was the team from The Kings School, representing Israel.
• The best speaker was Jonathan Hur, representing China, from Baulkham Hills High School.
The Peace Prize was awarded to the t • eam representing The Netherlands, from Caroline Chisholm College
• Best dressed was the team representing the Ukraine, from Penrith Anglican College.
THIS Men’s Health Week, to be held 12-18 June, men and boys are encouraged to identify small changes they can make to build healthy habits that benefit their health and wellbeing.
Coordinated by Western Sydney University’s Centre for Male Health, the annual initiative will see thousands of community members across the nation host or attend events in support of the theme, ‘Healthy Habits’.
This year’s theme aims to support men and boys to create physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy environments in the home, workplace and in social settings.
Associate Professor Emma George, Director of the Centre for Male Health, said the ongoing importance of supportive environments can play an important role in shaping habits and health behaviours.
“This Men’s Health Week we are calling on men and boys to make a change in their lives and improve their health and wellbeing by building sustainable, healthy habits,” said Associate Professor George.
“This could be taking the time for regular health checks, increasing exercise and improving diet, joining a new social group, or simply checking in with a mate for a chat.”
Men’s Health Week will be launched by the Centre for Male Health at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta on Tuesday, 13 June, with special guests Cam Merchant from Gotcha4Life and a range of representatives working to support men’s health in the community.
A number of important themes – ‘check-up’, ‘check in’, ‘healthy lifestyles’ and ‘get involved’ – will be explored at the event and across the week.
Dr Neil Hall, also from the Centre for Male Health, highlighted that we can all play a role in increasing awareness for men and boys’ health.
“As a community, we all need to work together to support the men in
our lives and to improve male health outcomes more broadly,” said Dr Hall.
“Creating ‘healthy habits’ speaks to men making simple, daily changes that will have a great impact and there is no better time to start making a change than during Men’s Health Week.”
The Centre for Male Health within Western Sydney University brings together researchers from a diverse range of disciplines to improve the health and well-being of men and boys. It works with community and government organisations across Australia to develop networks and partnerships in support of men’s health.
In addition to changes men can make as individuals, workplaces and
community groups are also encouraged to host an event or activity that supports or promotes men’s health.
There are so many great initiatives already taking place in local communities – from group exercise programs, workplace information sessions, or barbeques that bring communities together – these events can help to foster a sense of belonging and support men to build healthy habits into their routines.
For more information about Men’s Health Week, or to access digital resources, register an event, or get involved in an event or activity near you, please visit the Men’s Health Week website.
PEOPLE with a complex developmental disability will receive greater support for their overall health at Westmead Hospital, following a successful trial of a new clinic that provides free and comprehensive health checks.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said the new clinic has been granted $50,000 a year by Western Sydney Local Health District to continue to provide access to up to nine different specialty health checks for patients.
“This important clinic provides health checks such as blood work, dental checks, scans, eye tests, ear checks and urine and bowel assessments,” Mr Park said.
“All treatments are specifically tailored to the needs of people with a complex developmental disability, ensuring patients can receive their checks as comfortably as possible.”
Established in 2020, the “one-stop shop” clinic was set up in response to the rising number of people with a disability presenting to WSLHD emergency departments with preventable conditions.
The clinic is currently supporting patients with developmental intellectual and physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy.
“I’m pleased that our hospitals can provide a practical and tailored way to support people with a disability.
“I congratulate Western Sydney Local Health District for leading the way with this important initiative.”
“Making basic health services more accessible to people with disability is a life-saving initiative,” said Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington.
“We are backing the “one-stop shop” into the future because it works – ensuring better health and wellbeing of people with complex disabilities.”
“It’s welcome news that members of our community with complex developmental disability will have ongoing access to a convenient and targeted “onestop-shop” for vital health checks,” said Donna Davis, Member for Parramatta.
“Prevention is better than cure so investment in easily accessible health checks for people with complex needs is a practical and common sense approach.”
The clinic is currently supporting patients being cared for in the District’s Developmental Disability Service and is accessed via internal referrals from Westmead’s outpatient clinics.
WESTERN Sydney high school students are using this year’s World No Tobacco Day to share a powerful message to all young people, “Vaping is a toxic habit – ghost it!”.
The students collaborated with Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD)’s Centre for Population Health, the Prevention Education and Research Unit (PERU) and the Corporate Communications team to develop scripts, act and direct on two vaping prevention videos to encourage young people to quit vaping.
The videos, which include question and answer clips, will be shared widely via social media, school communication channels, community organisations and local councils in the coming weeks.
The first video addresses the number of young people who vape to cope with stress and poor mental health by creatively expressing how vaping is not the solution for dealing with mental health struggles, and instead encourages the seeking of professional help.
“If you’re already dealing with stress or anxiety, it can make things worse.”
The second video emphasises avoiding unnecessary artificial e-cigarette flavours, protecting the environment and quitting together with friends, with fun messages to encourage the involvement in other activities and hobbies instead of vaping.
The video ends with a cheeky message, “Would your Grandma?”.
“We thought it would be funny to end the video with a highlighter to show how ridiculous vaping looks,” another student said.
Growing evidence shows that the use of e-cigarettes, also known as vaping, contributes to serious health harms to the body, including lung disease and injury, respiratory illness, and seizures.
WSLHD Centre for Population Health director, Dr Shopna Bag, was delighted to see the high school students advocate against the use of e-cigarettes and empower their peers to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.
“The rise in e-cigarette use among young people is alarming and schools have found themselves at the forefront of this issue,” said Shopna.
“Young people in our community are very clued-
in and aware of the negative health impacts caused by vaping.
“There is still work to be done to provide greater support for people to quit, but this is a district priority, and we are committed to supporting efforts to reduce the harms caused by e-cigarette use.”
For information to quit smoking or vaping, please speak with a health professional, contact NSW Quitline on 13 7848, or visit the ICanQuit website.
This “one-stop shop” model is hugely beneficial to patient care, making access to health care easier for those with a physical or mental disability, Mr Park said.
“One-stop shop” Patient Zahara with father Fadel Alnadaf
What some young people don’t realise is that vapes have nicotine which can get you hooked and can mess with your mood, said one of the students involved.
“
WESTERN Sydney University has once again been named number one in the world for its social, economic and environmental impact in the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings.
For the second year in a row, the University has placed first overall in the prestigious annual rankings – a first for an Australian university.
The Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings is the main global ranking system that assesses universities on their commitment to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Rankings are based on universities’ teaching, research, outreach and stewardship.
Western Sydney University topped the list for 2023 out of over 1,700 institutions from 115 countries – a 21 per cent increase in participating institutions from last year.
The University’s work has been recognised in the following SDG categories:
• 1st in the world for SDG 5 Gender Equality, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals
• 2nd in the world for SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 15 Life on Land
• 3rd in the world for SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
• 4th in the world for SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing
• 5th in the world for SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
• 7th in the world for SDG 13 Climate Action.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, said it is an extraordinary achievement for the University to be recognised as best in the world two years running.
“Achieving this outstanding result two years in a row is testament to the dedication and passion of our staff, students, researchers and community partners who have contributed to this landmark result,” said Professor Glover.
“Western Sydney University is proud to be an institution that is working with its students, staff and communities to make the world a better place. We are a young and modern university and tackling the most pressing social and environmental challenges has always been important to our core mission.
“The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings recognises that
commitment and brings into sharp focus the need for urgent collaborative action to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.”
Professor Glover said the University is pleased to have scored highly in a number of SDG categories, including being ranked top 10 in the world in nine of the seventeen SDG categories.
For many years the University community has worked to ensure its teaching, research and international partnerships are fully aligned to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and embedded across all its operations.
“For example, our world-leading researchers are finding practical solutions locally and globally on important issues like food and water security in the face of climate change, and addressing housing affordability and creating more sustainable, resilient urban communities,” said Professor Glover.
“The University has also met its ambitious target to be carbon neutral
by 2023 – a significant milestone in our journey to becoming climate positive by 2029.
“Importantly, our innovative teaching and learning programs are encouraging students to be a force for positive change.
“We are also pleased to see our longstanding efforts in opening up access to higher education being recognised, along with our longestablished equity and diversity policies that promote inclusiveness and flexibility in our workplace.”
Western Sydney University’s decadal strategy, Sustainability and Resilience 2030, showcases the University’s roadmap towards a more resilient, sustainable and prosperous future, whilst the strategy’s digital engagement platform provides a way for communities to participate.
The 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the UN in 2015 and provide a framework for developing the world in a sustainable way.
NSW Health is urging the community to be on alert for symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear, following the notification of three recent cases.
Meningococcal disease is a rare, but serious and sometimes fatal infection.
Sadly, a person in their fifties from Sydney has died from meningococcal disease.
NSW Health expresses its sincere condolences to their loved ones.
A further two cases of the disease have also been detected in a person in their late teens who had been living in Sydney, and a person in their sixties from the Central Coast. Both individuals are recovering. None of these cases are believed to be linked.
So far this year, there have been 19 cases of meningococcal disease reported in NSW. The majority of cases have been due to the meningococcal B strain of the infection.
NSW Health Director Communicable Diseases, Dr Christine Selvey, said meningococcal disease is a rare disease with babies, toddlers, adolescents, and young adults being at highest risk. Whilst vaccination of these age groups has reduced the
number of infections each year, the vaccines do not protect against all strains of meningococcal bacteria and people of all ages can be infected. All people should be aware of symptoms so they can act fast.
“Meningococcal disease can be very serious, but early treatment is lifesaving so it is important that symptoms are recognised early,” Dr Selvey said.
“We are urging the NSW community to be vigilant for symptoms, even if they have been vaccinated, and to seek medical assistance early if they are concerned.”
Meningococcal disease can be fatal within hours if left untreated. Knowing the symptoms could help prevent premature death or life-long disability. They include:
• sudden onset of fever
• headache
• neck stiffness
• tiredness
• joint or limb pain
• dislike of bright lights
• nausea and vomiting.
• high-pitched crying in babies
• a rash of red-purple spots or bruises, which may appear after the
other symptoms or late in the disease progression
“If symptoms rapidly worsen call Triple Zero (000) or go straight to your nearest emergency department, do not delay,” Dr Selvey said.
Children under five, and 15 to 25-year-olds, are at the greatest risk of contracting the disease, and babies and adolescents should be vaccinated against meningococcal disease.
Under the National Immunisation Program, meningococcal ACWY (Men ACWY) vaccine is provided free for babies at 12 months, adolescents, and people of all ages with certain medical conditions. In NSW, the adolescent dose is delivered through the school vaccination program in Year 10.
A meningococcal B vaccine is available to children from 6 weeks of age to reduce the risk of infection from this strain of the disease.
Aboriginal infants and people with certain medical conditions are eligible for free access to this vaccine under the National Immunisation Program.
For more information on vaccination or symptoms, transmission, risks and treatment of meningococcal disease, see the NSW Health website.
OVER 10,000 people attended the Streets
Alive & Parade in the Blacktown CBD last Saturday.
The vibrant and spectacular street parade showcased Blacktown’s multiculturalism, our history and emergency services.
The young ones enjoyed the free rides, free
petting zoo, free face painting and they even got to meet Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol.
The headline acts included talented Mount Druitt artist Ricky Nifo Music who was on The Voice Australia and Hayley Teal, Australia’s most sought after vocalist for TV shows.
See you at the 2024 Streets Alive & Parade.
16. Clever (5)
18. Broadcast via television (8)
20. Matrimony (8)
21. Clothed in finery (7)
23. Violin (6)
25. Gushes (6)
27. Leave out (4)
29. Object of worship (4)
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
OUTER SYDNEY settlement began in the Castlereagh area along the Nepean River, but the Hawkesbury area was already settled. In September 1808, Hugh Dowling was on trial before A Bell, Esquire for armed burglary at the Hawksbury, stealing cash and clothing from the dwelling house of William Styles. Hugh was brought before the court on a charge of being in company with several other people who broke the front door and entered William Styles’ house and inhumanly beating and wounding James Seal who was sleeping in the house. From the testimony of William, his wife and James, it appeared that three people entered the house, leaving several others outside. It was decided that James getting out of his hammock in the outer room was easy to knock down and secured and then they went into the room where William and his wife slept. One of the party whose face was covered presented a musket at William’s breast and commanded them both to be silent while they ransacked the place saying that they were bushrangers and insisted on having everything they wanted, and they took bills to the amount of about £15 and all William’s wearing apparel and demanded his watch saying they would find it very useful. They then stopped to smoke a quantity of tobacco and made off taking all of James Seal’s wearing apparel. With much suspicion against the prisoner, he was fully committed to the county gaol for trial. In the Court of Criminal Jurisdiction Hugh was indicted for burglary, entering the dwelling house of William at the Nepean on the night of Tuesday the 13th of September and stealing a considerable property of money and wearing apparel, including the items of clothing his wife was sewing for Simeon Lord. In support of the charge, William said that between the hours of 11 pm and 12 pm his front door was violently burst open and soon after two men entered the inner room where his family laid, and as he got out of bed on hearing the noise they pointed a musket and threatened to kill him if he did not immediately return to bed and remain quiet, and his hands were bound by the prisoner. William swore positively that it was the prisoner, saying that he wore a cap over the upper part of his face and he had a clear opportunity of observing him as one of his accomplices held a lighted candle in his hand while the prisoner was examining one by one a number of notes that he took out of the pocket book and by doing this he had removed the cap sufficiently to give William a perfect view of his countenance. With the prisoner holding the contents of the book in one hand and the musket in the other he asked him several questions. They declared they were poor fellows in the bush who wanted some provisions and a little money and that they were determined to have it, and after ransacking the apartment they went out, but the prisoner returned shortly after saying “I’ll thank you for the loan of your watch”; but his wife told them that it could not be of any use to them as it was well known to many people in Sydney, so the prisoner replied “I ask your pardon madam” and the watch was given back and the prisoner again quitted the room and later returned again requesting the loan of a pipe and was told that two were on a shelf and he took one saying “I have taken one and left you one.” The prisoner then told William that they might thank themselves for being robbed and that if he offered to make any alarm they would return and be revenged. Afterwards they remained at the door smoking tobacco for nearly an hour and then went leaving an unfortunate family with their severe loss. James Seal who lived in the house said that upon the door being burst open he leapt from his hammock that was in the front room and was immediately knocked down and severely beaten and he was then compelled to return to his bed where
he lay while the plunderers were employed on rummaging the house. They lit a fire, but his hammock was hanging high, and he dared not look downwards and could not identify any of the people. His personal chest was broken open and robbed. The testimony given by the wife of William was clear and conclusive. She swore positively that the prisoner at the bar was the man who tied one of her hands and was proceeding to bind the other one but desisted upon her remonstrating against the inhumanity of the act, as she had an infant at her breast. It seemed that the witness had a strong and perfect recollection of the prisoners features, having observed him attentively examining the notes with the cap pushed from his face and she was still more positive in the identity of his person because he had taken from her husband’s pocket book one note which he considered to be of no value to him and saying when he gave it to her “here is the book with the note in, take care of it.” She said that he had been in the house on the day before the robbery and was passing by the house the day after it, where he was challenged by her husband as the chief actor in the outrage. The whole of her testimony strictly coincided with that given by her husband and she entertained not the slightest shadow of a doubt with respect to the person of the prisoner. She pathetically remonstrated the distress which the barbarous outrage had entailed upon her unhappy family as they had been inhumanly deprived of every article of comfort and of every common necessary as her poor children were left in a state of nakedness, eating only mushrooms and Indian Corn their only food and unhappily they remain a prey to the calamities of real want. Hugh had set up an alibi that was contradictory in its most material point which carried with it every other mark of fabrication. Upon testimony so strong, so clear and so conclusive the Court of Criminal Jurisdiction found the prisoner Hugh Dowling guilty and to be hanged. In October 1808 Hugh was recalled to the bar to receive sentence of condemnation which was accompanied with a pathetic exhortation from the Acting Judge Advocate and on Thursday the awful sentence was carried into execution. (PS: The Court of Criminal Jurisdiction was a criminal court established in 1787 under the auspices of the First Charter of Justice in the British Empire of New South Wales and was the first criminal court in the colony).
Sources: Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser Sunday 25 September 1808 & Sunday 2 October 1808, Trove, Australian Biographical Database online.
IF you’re diving into the exciting world of being a landlord in Sydney’s dynamic property market, it’s crucial to have your financial ducks in a row. One key aspect that property investors should prioritise is saving up for a rainy day. Having savings is vital for success in Sydney’s dynamic market and practical strategies will help you build a solid financial foundation.
The Power of a Cash Cushion
The Power of a Cash buffer being a landlord comes with its fair share of surprises, like unexpected maintenance issues that can quickly drain your bank account. That’s why having savings is a game-changer. It helps you tackle those unforeseen problems head-on and keeps your investment property in tip-top shape.
Plus, having some extra savings can be a lifesaver if you experience a temporary loss of rental income or face employment uncertainties.
Building Your Savings Stash
Building a healthy savings reserve doesn’t have to be a daunting task and here are some practical tips.
• Set up a “buffer” account: Open an offset account linked to your mortgage, where you can stash your savings. This way, you can access the funds easily whilst also reducing the total interest you pay on your loan.
• Create a budget and savings plan: Take the time to analyse your living expenses and determine how much you can save each month. Having a clear budget will help you identify areas where you can cut back and boost your savings.
• Aim for a savings buffer that covers three to six months’ worth of loan repayments and living expenses. This provides a comfortable safety net to handle any unexpected hiccups.
Sometimes, you may find yourself needing funds for property improvements or repairs, but your savings haven’t quite caught up yet. In those situations, consider these options:
• Personal loans or credit cards: Whilst not ideal, they can offer shortterm solutions for urgent funding. Just keep in mind that they often come with higher interest rates and fees, so be sure to have a clear plan to pay off the debt as quickly as possible.
• Refinancing and equity: If
you’re in a tight spot, refinancing your property and tapping into its equity can provide the funds you need. However, make sure to review and update your savings strategy alongside your repayment plan.
As you embark on your property investment journey, don’t forget the importance of building a healthy savings cushion. By implementing smart saving strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to handle unexpected expenses, maintain your property’s value, and navigate potential financial challenges.
For personalised guidance and solutions, reach out to the experts at Wealthwiz.
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85 golfers teed off on Monday 5th June at Stonecutters Ridge GC, in the 2023 Super Senior (Over 65’s) Championship.
The field was highlighted by the presence of 34 players on single figure handicaps, led by Douglas Cullam (Monash GC), playing off 1.
The main prize of the competition was for the best Nett score, which was taken out by David Hemming (Gosford GC) with a score of 39 c/b, ahead of Mark Foley (Castle Hill GC) 39, Niren Sharma (Lynwood CC) 37, James Cunnington (Kooindah Waters GC) 36 c/b and Brett Sansome (Horizons GC) 36 c/b.
Cullam finished with the best Scratch score of the day and also placed 8th in the Nett scores.
Friday, 9 June 2023
ROUND Four of the 2023 Golf NSW Master Pennant competition saw local clubs win 3, draw 2 and lose 3 games of the home and away series.
In home games, Dunheved drew 4-4 with Stonecutters Ridge, Penrith lost 6-2 to Long Reef, Springwood won 6.5-1.5 over The Coast, Richmond won 5-3 over Carnarvon,
In away games, Beverley Park lost 5-3 toTwin Creeks, Cumberland drew 4-4 with Glenmore Heritage Valley, Antill Park won 4.5-3.5 over Leonay, Wallacia had a bye.
This Sunday’s home games are: Stonecutters vs Pennant Hills (11am), Glenmore vs Bayview (10am), Twin Creeks vs Ryde-Parramatta (8am), Leonay vs Massey Park (10am) and Wallacia vs Bardwell Valley (10.30am).
Dunheved is away to Liverpool, Penrith is away to Castle Hill, Springwood is away to Macquarie Links, Richmond is away to Bankstown.