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Blacktown residents encouraged to camp out BLACKTOWN residents are being encouraged to dust off their joggers and sign up for Relay For Life, an overnight event to raise funds for Cancer Council NSW. The event will be held on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 November at Blacktown International Sports Park. Everyone is welcome to participate in the event by getting together friends, family and colleagues to form a team and registering online – there are no age or fitness requirements. Team members take turns in walking the relay over a period of 24 hours, and camp out overnight with a free breakfast on Sunday morning. While part of the fun is the challenge of keeping at least one team member on the walking track throughout the whole event, there are no strict requirements and people who are unable to stay overnight are still encouraged to sign up. Entertainment will be held on the sidelines over the weekend, with live music, a wide range of kids’ activities, Relay’s Got Talent, rock climbing wall, inflatable obstacle course and food stalls. Blacktown Relay For Life chairperson Sally Triglone said that the event is an important way for the community to unite to support people affected by cancer. “Relay For Life is a chance for the Blacktown community to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, patients and their carers; to honour and remember loved ones lost to cancer, and to raise money to help save more lives,” she said. “It’s one fantastic weekend with something for everyone – big stage, live music, great food and a fantastic kids’ program.”
This year, the Blacktown volunteer committee is aiming to raise $120, 000 for Cancer Council NSW at Relay For Life, with about 30% of these funds already being donated as of early September. The money raised will go towards Cancer Council NSW’s efforts to beat cancer through world-class cancer research, prevention programs, support for people affected by cancer and advocacy. Ms Triglone said that she encourages all Blacktown residents to consider signing up to the
event to experience an amazing weekend with friends and family. “While many camp out for the entirety, some visit Relay for just a few hours, but no one leaves without being affected because Relay is full of emotion and pure inspiration… join us, take the leap and I promise that the passion of the people will keep you coming back.” For more information, or to sign up for Blacktown Relay For Life, please visit fundraising.cancer.org.au/ blacktown2016 or contact Leanne on (02) 9354 2014.
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From the Editor’s Desk by Kerrie Davies EVERY now and then you come across someone who is so truly inspirational that they touch your heart in a way that makes you feel proud to be part of the human race. Ann Willmington, wife of Wayne Willmington, mother of Clare (25) and Jack (16) from Vintage FM is one such person. Ann was diagnosed with a brain tumour eight years ago that very nearly claimed her life. Given just a ten per cent chance of survival, Ann underwent a six-hour operation to have it removed - and defied the odds. Without paying too much thought to needing recovery time, Ann threw herself into raising funds for Music for Life - because she felt motivated to help find a cure so that little children didn’t have to go through the ordeal that did. Four years later at a yearly check up, Dr Charlie Teo delivered the unfortunate news that another brain tumour had grown. Ann underwent surgery to remove the tumour from her brain, but this time it was cancer so it needed to be followed up with radiation and chemotherapy. You’d think trying to cope with the greatest challenge of her life would pin her down, but the most important thing Ann has in mind is raising funds for Music for Life at a fundraiser to be held on September 17 at Penrith Paceway. The Ann Willmingtons of the world are a treasured gift to our community. Please help this amazing and courageous lady realise her dream of helping those, including small children, who are diagnosed with brain tumours. Tickets to the event can be purchased by contacting Ann on 47 31 1876.
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localnews local By Keegan Thomson
MEMBER for Blacktown, John Robertson says western Sydney commuters could be slogged an extra $45 a week when the tolls on the M4 and WestConnex are switched on early next year. “Families travelling from Blacktown can’t afford an extra $45 a week in tolls,” Mr Robertson said. “The people of Blacktown shouldn’t be forced to pay to drive on roads that have already been paid for over a decade ago,” the former Opposition Leader said. A toll at $45 a week could cost a household an extra $2340 a year which would add more pressure to already struggling families. Motorists could be tolled up to $4.21 each way when travelling on the upgraded stretch of the M4 from Church street, Parramatta, to Homebush Bay drive with shorter trips on the widened road costing $1.75 each way, according to WestConnex. Mr Robertson says the Premier is turning Blacktown into a costly place to live. “Why is Mike Baird making it so expensive for the people from Blacktown to live here and work in
the city?” Mr Robertson said. All up the project will cost $5.3 billion with the first part of the road opening near Church street early 2017, but toll testing, without charges applied, has begun on the new toll way. The Western News facebook was abuzz with reactions to the news of the cost of the toll. Thomas Jam questioned the ‘double dipping’ nature of the toll, “The money used to build the infrastructure - was that from me and my taxes? Yes. Ok, so if I have already paid for the construction and the government sells or leases the asset do I get a dividend or refund? No.” He said. “Can someone please tell me how this is not double dipping?” WestConnex says the tolling is vital to the project’s future with the benefits outweighing the costs to drivers. According to their website “tolling is necessary to fund WestConnex, which will deliver significant travel time savings across Sydney” with motorists saving up to “40 minutes between Parramatta and Sydney Airport” skipping around 52 sets of traffic lights.
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M4 Toll to cost users thousands of dollars a year
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Teenager stabbed at party POLICE are investigating a stabbing at a party in Box Hill on the weekend. Just after midnight (Sunday 4 September 2016), police were called to a hall on Nelson Road, Box Hill, after an altercation took place at a party. As a result of the altercation, a male teenager suffered a stab wound to his stomach. The teenager was taken to Blacktown Hospital by his friends. He is currently is a stable condition awaiting surgery for his injuries. Police from The Hills Local Area Command, Quakers Hill Local Area Command, Mount Druitt Local Area Command and the Public Order Riot Squad attended the location and found about 100 people at the party. A 17-year-old boy was arrested at the scene. He is currently assisting with inquiries. Police have established a crime scene at the location and inquiries are ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Veterans helping veterans THE Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Dan Tehan, has announced more than $4 million in Government funding for essential advice, advocacy and welfare services for veterans, serving members and their families, war widows and widowers. “The Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program will support 144 ex-service organisations (ESO) across Australia to continue providing help and advice to the veteran community,” Mr Tehan said. “This funding helps committed organisations continue their essential work – veterans, helping veterans, when they need it and from people they trust. “BEST grants fund ESOs for a range of veteran support measures, including salaries for trained advocates and pension staff, essential office supplies, computer equipment, internet access and other administrative needs. “The Government is committed to providing ongoing support for our many veterans, war widows and widowers, current serving Australian Defence Force personnel and their families.” For more information on BEST grants visit www.dva.gov.au/ grants or call 133 254 or 1800 555 254 for regional callers.
Free dementia forum for everyone WESTERN Sydney is expected to have the largest rate of people living with dementia by 2050. Patients, carers, health professionals and family members are encouraged to attend a free dementia forum at Blacktown Hospital which addresses a number of issues in living with and caring for someone with dementia. The forum will discuss advance care planning, legal considerations, nutrition and hydration relevant to people with dementia as part of Dementia Awareness Month. The forum, in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Australia, Blacktown Council, WentWest and the Western Sydney Primary Health Network will be held on Wednesday, September 28 at Western Sydney University Building, Blacktown Hospital from 9.30am to 4pm. Blacktown Hospital’s geriatrician Dr Gary Cheuk said the forum is for people living with dementia, carers and health professionals. “Dementia is a cluster of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning including loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning,” he said. “The forum will give consumer’s point of view of what it’s like to live
with someone who has dementia and to let them know they are not alone.” Glendenning resident and forum speaker, Sandy Fonmoa’s mother recently passed away from complications associated with dementia. Sandy will speak about her experience, the daily challenges, emotions and strength she acquired from caring for her mother at home. “With an increasing ageing population, it’s important we create awareness around the issues and get people talking about dementia,” she said.
WentWest CEO Walter Kmet encouraged everyone to attend the event. “We want to raise awareness during Dementia Awareness Month,” he said. “We will continue to support primary care to help detect and manage dementia.” This year’s theme is “You are not alone”, aimed at informing communities where people living with dementia are respected, valued and supported. RSVP is essential to register, or for further information, phone 8811 7110 or visit: events@wentwest.com.au
Posting box removal at Girraween MEMBER for Greenway, Ms Michelle Rowland MP, has called on residents to provide feedback about Australia Post’s intention to remove the red street posting box at 154 Girraween Road, Girraween. “Australia Post has recently advised me that it is making this decision on the basis that usage numbers for this box have fallen below its generally accepted levels,” Ms Rowland said. “I am very interested to hear the views of our community on this issue and now is the opportunity for residents to voice or raise any concerns that they may have about Australia Post’s plans. “Lack of post box accessibility is an issue for many local residents, which is why I have written to many local residents likely to be directly affected by the removal of this posting box to inform them and ask them for their views. “I would be happy to put forward to Australia Post, on behalf of local residents, any concerns that may exist when I meet with Australia Post senior management in Canberra in the next few weeks”, Ms Rowland said. “I would encourage any residents that may wish to raise an objection, to contact my office as soon as possible to provide further details about their concerns,” said Ms Rowland.
Blacktown funds Creative Spirits 17 LOCAL artists and community organisations can now make their artistic dreams and goals possible with funding assistance through the Blacktown City Council 2016 Creative Arts Fund. The Creative Arts Fund is an initiative of Blacktown City Council which provides $40,000 worth of grants to encourage artistic endeavours in Blacktown. Grants of up to $3,000 have been awarded to support a range of projects including: • NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture & Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) for a video work based on concepts of beauty and identity. • Life without Barriers Incorporated will be creating a series of murals in collaboration with marginalised young residents at a youth refuge group home. • Rap 4 Change will be hosting hiphop workshops with young people at Bidwill. • Australian-Cook Islands Community Council (NSW) will be sharing cultural drumming practices with young people. • Local singer Michael Duchesne, who appeared on The Voice, will record five original songs.
• ONELOVE Mentoring will encourage intercultural relationships amongst young people through a choir project. • Visual artist Jan Cleveringa will be exploring painting technologies using a mobile phone. • Zahid Ahmed and Fozia Zahid, two visual artists, will create a body of artworks by exploring texts from different faiths to seek commonalities of peace and love. • Hayley Williams will explore artistic and creative processes in
addressing mental illness. “We recognise that creativity plays an essential role in building a united, dynamic and sustainable community, and the creation of opportunities for local artists is one of the main priorities of Council’s Cultural Plan,” said Councillor Stephen Bali, Mayor of Blacktown City. “The Creative Arts Fund provides local artists with a unique opportunity for professional development, to explore creative connections to communities and to experiment with
new art forms. “This is how we like to make art in Blacktown: we build connections, encourage innovation and nurture local talent. “I’m proud to be the Mayor of a city which has established such a long and distinguished history of investing in arts and culture.” The full list of successful applicants for the 2016 Creative Arts Funds can be found at www.blacktownarts.com. au. About Blacktown Arts Centre Blacktown Arts Centre is a recognised leader in the development of contemporary arts in Australia. We support artistic innovation and offer exciting, new experiences for audiences through an award-winning curated program of exhibitions, performances, workshops, residencies and events. Blacktown Arts Centre is committed to making dynamic, culturally diverse work that reflects Blacktown, its history and its communities. We place Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and communities at the heart of our program to develop new work drawing on issues of local and global significance. This is how we make art.
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Getting to know ...
Barry Locock
New Rivo police recruit
1. What was your first paid job? Paperboy in Cessnock 2. What is your guilty pleasure? Drinking beer 3. What is your biggest fear/phobia and why? If the economy goes down hill 4. What is your worst habit? Chewing my fingernails 5. Best advice you’ve even been given? A very religious man once told me that all people are the same 6. If you only had $50 left in the bank, how would you spend it? Definitely not on my iPhone 7. Favourite holiday destination and why? Australia, the best country in the world 8. Do you have a favourite sporting team? Parramatta Eels 9. Name one reason that you love western Sydney People are down to earth and people are workers 10. In three words, describe your perfect Sunday Being with grandchildren
MEMBER for Riverstone, Mr Kevin Conolly MP visited Riverstone Police Station this week to personally welcome Probationary Constable Nicole Harvell to Quakers Hill Local Area Command and congratulate her for graduating from Goulburn Police Academy last week alongside 208 other NSW Police recruits from Class 328. “On behalf of the community I thank our newest recruit Probationary Constable Nicole Harvell for her commitment to combating crime and dedicating her career to tirelessly protecting our community,” Mr Conolly said. Probationary Constable Harvell has commenced on-the-job training and will continue distance learning before graduating with an Associate Diploma in Policing Practice. “I always wanted to be in the police force and make a positive impact on the community” said Probationary Constable Harvell. “Policing can be a very challenging career that involves encountering the best and worst of humanity and I’m very proud our community will benefit from the enthusiasm of an officer starting their new job on the beat,” said Mr Conolly. “I’m confident the training completed at the Police Academy together with the on-the-job training undertaken at Quakers Hill LAC under the command of Superintendent David Jones will
Eels appoint Bernie Gurr
School safety boost for western Sydney region
Turtle Nursery with Jarrod McGrouther
PARRAMATTA Eels Chairman Max Donnelly announced today the appointment of Bernie Gurr as the new Parramatta Eels CEO on a 3 year contact. Gurr was selected from an outstanding field of applicants following a thorough recruitment process undertaken over the past six weeks. Eels Chairman Max Donnelly said that Bernie’s appointment is a major and positive step forward for the Club. “Following my appointment in July, I made it clear we needed a strong and experienced CEO to accelerate the rebuilding of the Football Club. “Bernie emerged as the best choice because of his proven financial and leadership experience both in business and in sports administration. “He also displayed throughout the process a passion and strategic vision to transform our Club and take it forward in a positive way. “Together with his professional values, Bernie will bring enormous credibility with our stakeholders and I am sure he will develop a strong relationship with our members and supporters,” Mr Donnelly said. Mr Gurr said he was looking forward to leading the Club towards a positive future. “It is a privilege to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Parramatta National Rugby League Club. “The Parramatta Eels are poised for an outstanding future, with a large and passionate supporter base, a great junior league, financial sustainability and, from 2019, the absolute best Club stadium in Australia located in the geographic heart of Sydney. “Observing from the outside, the Parramatta Football Program is headed in the right direction. “The resilience and competitiveness demonstrated throughout an extremely demanding 2016 season is a tribute to Head Coach, Brad Arthur, and his players,” Mr Gurr said. Gurr will begin his time with the Club in late October.
MEMBER for Riverstone Kevin Conolly and Member for Hawkesbury Dominic Perrottet said the western Sydney region will share in a $5 million program to install school zone flashing lights where schools have multiple busy entrances, and have higher road safety risks. The Riverstone and Hawkesbury regions will see additional sets of flashing lights installed to improve road safety for children travelling to and from school.
L to R: Quakers Hill LAC Commander, Superintendent David Jones, Probationary Constable Nicole Harvell, Mr Kevin Conolly MP, Member for Riverstone
ensure our newest recruit is well prepared for this important role of serving our community,” Mr Conolly said. The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is committed to boosting the authorised strength of the NSW Police to 16,795 over this term of Government.
Schools that will receive an additional set of flashing lights are: • Quakers Hill East Public School via Tamarind Drive (Riverstone electorate), • Schofields Public School via Junction Road (Riverstone electorate), and • Maraylya Public School via Bandon Road (Hawkesbury electorate). “It’s great that this Government took the initiative to identify the most high risk schools to ensure they benefit from this extra level of protection” Mr Conolly said. All eligible schools with multiple busy entrances were consulted in the process of selecting school zones for this program. “Children are some of our most vulnerable road users, and we know school zone flashing lights are an effective way of warning drivers and riders to slow down to improve safety” Mr Perrottet said. The new locations for school zone flashing lights were selected by a risk assessment model which takes into account a number of factors including approach speed, pedestrian numbers, traffic volumes, and heavy vehicle traffic volumes. “This will build on the NSW Government’s initial rollout which ensured all eligible schools across NSW had at least one set of flashing lights,” Mr Perrottet said. Flashing lights are funded through the Community Road Safety Fund, where all speed and red light camera fines go directly towards vital road safety programs. School zones are enforced on government gazetted school days to ensure operation dates and times are consistent and easy to follow.
Get ready for bushfire season this weekend By Keegan Thomson
BUSH FIRE season is upon us and western Sydney residents are being urged to prepare now before it is too late. “All residents across NSW need to be prepared for the bush fire season,” NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told Western News. To help with preparation and to remind people what they can Thor, the water bombing plane do to protect their homes the RFS used by the RFS. Photo: RFS is holding a special Get Ready weekend, with Commissioner Fitzsimmons saying bush fire preparation is easier wet weather across spring. “This could lead to more grass growth which can fuel fires, so we need to be than you might think. “Preparing for bush fires is easier than people prepared for an above average fire season in parts of may think. It could be as simple as talking to your NSW,” the Commissioner said. Get Ready weekend coincides with the arrival family about what you would do if a bush fire was to start near them. Get Ready weekend is the ideal of the C130 Hercules Large Air Tanker, a plane designed to suck up water and dump it on the fire opportunity to take that action,” he said. “There are many events planned across the State grounds called Thor. He’ll be housed on the Richmond airbase and including firefighting displays, opportunities to get aboard a fire truck, take a picture with a firefighter used across bush fires around NSW during the and see some of their specialist equipment,” the 2016/17 fire season. Get Ready weekend will be held on September Commissioner said. According to the Commissioner there could be 10 and 11 with events held all over western Sydney. more rain on the way with the ongoing weak El All the events can be found at http://www.rfs.nsw. Niña weather pattern potentially leading to some gov.au/news-and-media/get-ready2016.
Bunnings fire tips BUNNINGS Warehouse Blacktown, Marsden Park, Minchinbury, Rouse Hill and Seven Hills will team up with the NSW Rural Fire Service as part of the annual Get Ready Weekend to help Blacktown City locals prepare for the upcoming fire season. Blacktown City residents are encouraged to visit their local Bunnings to learn about bushfire preparation as part of the Bushfire Preparedness D.I.Y. Workshops on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 at 12:30pm. The D.I.Y. Workshops will offer helpful advice on how you can properly prepare your home in the event of a bushfire. NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the Service’s annual Get Ready Weekend campaign was the ideal opportunity for local families to learn a few simple steps that will make a big difference during a bushfire. “Preparing for bush fires is easier than people may think. It could be as simple as talking to your family about what you would do if a bush fire was to start near them. Get Ready weekend on 10 and 11 September is the ideal opportunity to take that action,” he said. Volunteer firefighters will be in selected stores and available to answer any questions about being prepared for the fire season. Check your local store for details. For more information on the NSW Rural Fire Service and how to prepare for the fire season you can visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
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Five injured following dog attack FIVE people have been injured following a dog attack in Sydney’s west today. About 1pm on Monday (5 September), emergency services were called to Fulton Avenue, Wentworthville, following reports two dogs were attacking a woman. Police have been told an 81-year-old woman was walking on the footpath when she was attacked by two dogs. Four people – two men and two women – attempted to assist the woman and have also been attacked. They were all treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics. The 81-year-old woman was taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment of facial and body lacerations. The owner of the dogs has been located and the animals have been seized. Officers from Parramatta Local Area Command are investigating the incident and are liaising with local council.
Cancer Council warn of invisible dangers By Keegan Thomson
SPRING has arrived and western Sydney residents are being reminded to be sun smart after the Cancer Council released a survey that showed more than a third of NSW adults are still confused about what causes sunburn. The survey found 35 per cent of adults do not realise UV radiation is the only cause of sunburn, mistakenly claiming temperature, cloud cover, wind or humidity as useful measures of sunburn risk. Cancer Council’s Greater Western Sydney Community Engagement Manager Aruni Ratnayake said everyone in the West needs to understand it is UV that causes sunburn and is the major cause of skin cancer. “UV radiation is an invisible danger because it’s not like the sun’s warmth, which we feel, or the sun’s light, which we can see,” Ms Ratnayake said. “UV rays are high enough to damage our skin even on cooler days in spring, so, if we’re relying on temperature to work out whether we need to protect our skin or not, we’re making a big mistake. UV radiation is an invisible form
of energy produced by the sun and is measured on a scale from 0 to 11+. It can reach our skin directly, or can be reflected off of other surfaces, such as water, sand and concrete. The Cancer Council recommend people cover up when UV levels reach more than 3. Ms Ratnayake said spring was an especially important time to be aware of UV exposure. “UV levels increase rapidly to late December when they can reach extreme levels, so it is important to check your local weather forecast or
the SunSmart app for the times of the day when sun protection measures are recommended. “Remember that UV levels are not connected with maximum temperatures. At this time of year UV levels are already high enough to damage skin and it is very easy to get sunburnt by being caught unaware, especially if the day feels a bit cool,” added Ms Ratnayake. Across western Sydney, it is predicted that 349 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year, with 44 deaths expected.
$8 million to support people at risk of suicide MINISTER for Mental Health Pru Goward has announced that people at risk of suicide will receive more local support as the NSW Government opens expressions of interest for an $8 million suicide prevention program to run over the next four years. The announcement coincides with R U OK? Day 2016, a day dedicated to encouraging Australians to connect with people around them and support those who may be struggling. Ms Goward is calling on nongovernment organisations (NGOs) from across NSW to submit proposals
for services or programs that connect and care for people at risk of suicide in their local community. The contestable fund encourages local and scalable suicide prevention initiatives across a range of points in the system, from early intervention through to crisis care. “Our dedicated NGO partners already provide invaluable and crucial support to local communities. This suicide prevention fund will empower further development of innovative and localised frontline programs and services,” Ms Goward said.
“Suicide is a terrible tragedy for communities, especially for the families and loved ones left behind. “Research shows that a large percentage of people at risk of suicide and self-harm have had no contact with traditional health services. That is why the NSW Government has committed dedicated suicide prevention funding to find new, local ways to help people in need in their community.” The funded programs will need to address a gap in suicide prevention in the local community and will need
to work collaboratively with local suicide groups and agencies. For more information on the fund visit: https://tenders.nsw.gov.au/ health/ You can support R U OK? day by following them on Facebook at www. facebook.com/ruokday or Twitter www.twitter.com/RUOKDay using the hashtag #ruokday. If you need help, please contact Lifeline (13 11 14 or www.lifeline. org.au) or contact the Kids Helpline (1800 551 800 or www.kidshelpline. com.au).
Public Warning: Do not deal with Digital Skies Group Pty Ltd DON’T let a listed address that would suggest an online company is situated at Westfield Parramatta fool you - this company’s dealings have prompted a public warning from Fair Trading. NSW Fair Trading is warning consumers not to deal with Digital Skies Group Pty Ltd. The company trades as online electronic stores Android Enjoyed, Camera Sky and Klukkur. These online businesses sell electronic products, including digital cameras, mobile phones and smart watches, and one of the stores,
Android Enjoyed, appeared on this month’s Fair Trading Complaints Register. NSW Fair Trading has received numerous complaints, primarily concerned with the quality of goods sold, the acceptance of payment without supplying the goods, the supply of goods not suitable for the Australian market and other Australian Consumer Law offences. NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe has urged anyone considering doing business with Digital Skies Group Pty Ltd to give the
matter serious consideration before making any payment or purchasing any products. The estimated total market value of consumer detriment is $150,000. “This company is the subject of numerous complaints, and Fair Trading has been unable to make contact with the business owner despite numerous attempts.” All three businesses are operated online via three different websites: www.android-enjoyed.com, www. camerasky.com.au,www.klukkur. com. Facebook pages also redirect
consumers to these sites. With all three businesses based online, Digital Skies Group Pty Ltd has no physical operational address in Australia, despite listing a location in a large shopping mall on all three websites, including Parramatta. Customers who have dealt with Android Enjoyed, CameraSky, Klukkur or any other businesses that may be affiliated with Digital Skies Group Pty Ltd, and are not satisfied with their interaction, are urged to contact NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or visitwww.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
Leisure Centre celebrates 10 years of fun
EMERTON Leisure Centre’s 10th birthday was a BLAST with over 1400 patrons coming along to celebrate the Centre’s milestone on Sunday 21 August 2016. The day was jam-packed with free activities with patrons experiencing everything the Centre has on offer. Ahead of the launch of our new spring health and fitness timetable, free health and fitness classes were offered including Aqua Zumba, Tabata and Metafit. Aqua Learn to Swim’s free program trials were a hit, with several members
of the community taking advantage of the water safety information session. And what’s a birthday without a cake? The whole community joined us for the official cake cutting, and every patron enjoyed their slice of cake. There was also a rock climbing wall, show by Crocodile Encounters, inflatables, a waterslide, Jumping Castle and sports clinics run by the Western Sydney Wanderers, Charity Bounce and Go 4 Fun. Emerton Leisure Centre is just gearing up for the Summer Season, with the outdoor pools to reopen
late September, the relaunch of their Health and Fitness program, and even a dive-in movie scheduled for the later summer months. Make sure you ‘Like’ us on
Facebook to see all the photos from the day at /EmertonLeisureCentre. For more information, please contact 02 8822 6000 or visitwww.elc. blacktown.nsw.gov.au
Sporting heroes take challenge for charity CHAMPION athletes Katie Kelly, Michelle Jenneke and Jana Pittman invite you to join them in the 2016 Coleman Greig Challenge: Corporate for Community to help raise $150,000 for children with special needs and newborn care. The annual challenge will be held on Friday, October 21, and encourages western Sydney businesses to get fit, have fun and give back to the community. All funds raised support the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, St Gabriel’s School and My Westmead. “It’s exciting to have great sporting heroes like Katie, Michelle and Jana supporting the challenge,” says Coleman Greig Principal, Andrew Grima. “There are run, ride and walk options so everyone can get involved and we’re looking forward to a fantastic day raising money to help children with special needs and newborn care.” 2016 Rio Paratriathlete Katie Kelly was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome, a degenerative eye sight and hearing condition in her twenties. In 2015, Katie became the World Champion for the PT5 sport class. Katie has a deep commitment
to projects that promote healthier lifestyles, particularly access to sports for children with a disability. Michelle Jenneke is the second fastest Australian women’s 100m
hurdler of all time. She currently holds the NSW state record and recently made her Olympic debut at the Rio Olympics. This is Michelle’s third year
supporting the Coleman Greig Corporate for Community Challenge. Jana Pittman is two times World Champion and four times Commonwealth Champion in the sport of athletics. Jana became the first woman to represent Australia in both a summer and winter Olympic games after swapping the track for the ice when she joined the Australian Women’s bobsleigh team. A proud mum of two, Jana is now studying to become a doctor. Jana is proud to be one of the ambassadors of the challenge. “I see this as a great opportunity to give back to the community. Let’s walk, run or ride together to raise funds for these organisations that are making a difference to the lives of children and families in western Sydney and beyond,” she said. Sign up now and take the challenge on with Katie, Michelle and Jana! It’s a great way to raise the profile of your business, promote health and fitness in your workplace and make a positive change to the lives of children with special needs and newborn care. Register today at: colemangreigchallenge2016. gofundraise.com.au
11 Western News 9 September 2016 Issue 18
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Legends of the West By Garion Thain
Mr Vella started with Prospect Soccer Club by coaching the A level state team, after they found out he used to play in state competitions himself.
IT seems Soccer is becoming a little bit of a trend with Legends of the West, now that we have two Legends in a row with deep ties to Football and their respective clubs in the Blacktown Local Government Area. This week’s legend, Brian Vella, is on the Committee of the Prospect Soccer Club, and has been involved with said club for 11 years. His nominator, Brian Summers, described Mr Vella as someone who “Does the lot, even cuts the grass.” “The place would not be half as fun without him,” Mr Summers said. Mr Vella was a little sceptical to be nominated as a legend, but the conversation I had with him this week proved his dedication to his club and his involvement in making the game fun and safe for all ages is indeed worthy of a legend nomination. Mr Vella weaved his memories of his journey with the club to a coach, then a dedicated helping hand to a committee member seamlessly, but he started the chat by reflecting on how he first began associating with Prospect Soccer Club in the first place. “I first got involved with the club 11 years ago because my daughter was playing under 6’s,” Mr Vella said. “The Committee members found out I had a history playing state league. I was hassled for six weeks straight to coach the A level state team,” he laughed.
“Eventually I started looking after the ground, painting the toilets,” Mr Vella said. “People wanted me on the Committee, again I said “Nah, I don’t want to get involved.” He was eventually convinced by some, including Steve Woodley, who was the Reserve Grade coach at the time, to take up a position on the committee. Sadly, Steve Woodley has since passed away. Mr Vella was not familiar with Mr Summers, who nominated him, until after he’d already joined the committee. “I did my homework and found out he’d coached at many levels,” Mr Vella said. “He’s been with me ten years now. He’s a good friend and absolute gentleman.” Mr Vella has had a great deal of involvement in the club and its grounds’ stewardship. He says the support of people has been a great benefit. “My wife supports me 100%,” he said. “I would say ‘At least you always know where I am.’” “Blacktown council have been great,” he continued. “Because I’ve taken care of the facility, they’ve always come to the party.” “Our main pitch is always in good condition,” said Mr Vella. “Council’s even given us a grant of $1.5 million to build a new facility.” Mr Vella said the support of Blacktown council is appreciated and a reaffirmation that he’s doing the
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BRIAN VELLA right thing, as “I think they have 860 parks to look after.” “And [maintaining the park] was important because we have to give the kids a safe environment to play in. We have an inclusive family club.” When asked why he was hesitant to join the committee when he now enjoys working with families and has been doing it for 11 years, he said “The committee side, paperwork – that’s not me. I’m hands on. That’s why I was initially afraid. It’s massive – and when you’re in that corner being 30 at the time, it’s daunting.” What motivates Mr Vella however is the “look on the kid’s faces” at events like the end of year presentations. “When the kids say thank you, that’s all you want,” he said. “It’s the minor things, there was a young girl with leukaemia – she’s come good now, and the whole club rallied behind her and supported her.” He also said he’s living up to a promise he made to Steve Woodley before he passed away, saying that as long as he was motivated and happy, he would stay on the committee. “On Thursday, over a few beers, Steve Woodley told me ‘as long as you’re here, the club will always be a safe space.’ He passed away on the Saturday,” Mr Vella said. Ten years on, Mr Vella has not lost his drive or his enthusiasm for the Prospect Soccer Club, and continues to strive towards it being the best
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Ten years on the committee and Mr Vella still attests to its rewarding nature. He proudly touts his club as an inclusive, diverse family environment.
environment it can be for all families involved. With hundreds of players to look after, and doing his best to keep the game fun and safe, Mr Vella has earned his Legend of the West status.
Brian Vella was nominated as a Legend of the West by Brian Summers. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com
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Western News 9 September 2016 Issue 18
MAZE
Help Ann solve the brain cancer puzzle By Kerrie Davies
CURE Brain Cancer was founded as Cure For Life Foundation by world-renowned neurosurgeon Prof Charlie Teo, in 2001. Cure Brain Cancer is the peak organisation for brain cancer research, advocacy and awareness in Australia, with a time-critical mission to increase five-year survival from the current 20% to 50% by 2023. With a strong patient-focus they forge global collaborations, fund innovative research and are bringing world-class clinical trials to Australia to give children and adults with brain cancer access to new treatments faster. Local brain-cancer cure warrior, Ann Willmington, from Vintage FM, has been championing the cause and encouraging the kind-hearted people of Penrith to dig deep. “In 2008 I was diagnosed with a Brain tumor and I was told I had about 18 months to live,” Ann said. “Personally I didn’t listen to what they told me. The first operation was in Penrith hospital and I was in for 14 days. Dr Nair who did my surgery told me the tumour was bigger than expected and he said that there was only one person who may be able to help me; Dr Charlie Teo. “After my first meeting with Charlie Teo I was not sure what to do as he said the risks were high. I said to Charlie, what would you do? He said do you have kids, I said yes, and he said the options are, that if you don’t have the operation
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you definitely won’t see your kids after 12 months or with the operation you may be in a wheelchair, you may be paralyzed, but you will see your kids. I had the operation and it was a success. This tumour was not Cancer. “Four years later Dr Charlie found that the tumour had come back, so I went in for my third surgery, this time it came back as cancer so I had to go through chemo and radiation. “I am now committed to help raise money so we can find a cure for this terrible disease.” Tickets to the 2016 “Music for Life” Ball to be held at Penrith Paceway in a beautiful Silk lined Marquee on Saturday 17th September are on sale now. All the proceeds from this special night will go to Charlie Teo’s “Cure Brain Cancer Foundation”, which is devoted to helping solve the brain cancer puzzle with an accelerated approach to research and education in neurosurgery. Now in its 6th year, Music for Life has raised almost $300,000 for brain cancer research. Music for Life this year is asking guests to “Dress to Impress” in Spring Fashion. This year has amazing entertainment with the Roy Orbison and The Everly Brothers shows together live in concert, featuring locals Dean Bourne and The Robertson Brothers who have taken the show around the Country to sellout audiences. Tickets are $140 per person or $1200 for a table of 10. To book go to www.musicforlife.net.au For more information, please call Ann Willmington or Graham Fitzpatrick on 4731 1876.
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Western News 9 September 2016 Issue 18
Hip and trendy cutlery with TP I HAVE a cutlery set which is very cute to look at but is without doubt one of the most useless sets in the universe. Oh yes, they look hip and trendy - but are utterly dreadful to use. Don’t worry I know once you use the words hip and trendy one’s age becomes apparent. I’m really not sure what the modern words are for cool anymore, I gave up after the word “sick” was all the rage. Anyway back to this set of eating implements. How is that possible for such a simple invention to go so wrong? I mean, chop sticks are 10 times more effective than these things. Okay, let me explain how this is the case. The knife and fork are so slender that it’s difficult to tell the difference between them and in fact the only way that you can is by checking each end to find three prongs on one of them. Well, I just gave away the reason the forks are pointless, three prongs don’t provide much surface area to push food on to them. It
makes it very tricky indeed. So tricky in fact, that I would have thought one could lose some serious weight due to the inability to get food onto said fork easily. Sadly this hasn’t been the case. The knives are equally fun and disfunctional. They are the same width the whole way down and can easily be picked up back to front and tipped upside down to extract butter from the tub. This begs the question “how do you cut meat?!” The answer to that is, you don’t. You need to get the steak knives out!! The teaspoons are diabolical and tiny and unlikely to meet any metric requirement to hold an actual teaspoon of sugar. So even as I write this, I’m thinking yes, I know it’s a first-world problem but what am I doing putting up with such a crappy cutlery set when it’s a battle every day just to butter a slice of toast. Time to go shopping I think.
Opinion:Transport Master Plan up for Review By Bart Bassett
WHEN it comes to transport planning in western Sydney we all know we have to continue to voice what we know we need in western Sydney and that is to connect the Sydney Metro Northwest with the South West Rail Link and Badgerys Creek Airport. I have written about this need in this very column and we have covered the issue in editorial, so now it is time to put even greater pressure on decision makers. Recently Transport for NSW quietly announced that they are about to commence a review of the current NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan. I have confirmed with them that the review is in its preliminary planning stage but it is definitely happening and community consultation as well as submissions will commence sometime next year. At the moment you can tell by numerous announcements that the political thinking is to focus on connections from the Sydney CBD to Parramatta and Badgerys Creek as well as continuing the Sydney Metro under Sydney Harbour and onto Bankstown. Whilst these are worthy ideas and projects the need to create a north/south public transport connection in western Sydney is imperative if we want to convert talk about creating jobs in western Sydney into real jobs on the ground in western Sydney. What we all know is transport corridors create investment and jobs. Western Sydney growth areas need jobs locally or easily accessible jobs if we want to take pressure off the road and transport connections heading to the east from western Sydney.
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DECISION MAKERS CURRENT PREFERRED ROUTE
PENRITH ST MARYS
FORGOTTEN WESTERN SYDNEY CONNECTIONS AREA PARRAMATTA
BADGERYS CREEK SYDNEY LIVERPOOL
A first stage in commencing that connecting corridor would be to link the Sydney Metro Northwest with the Richmond Line and the Western Line as quickly as possible. That new transport corridor would link a number of existing and developing employment hubs as well as existing education campuses which will provide both improved employment opportunities and education options for western Sydney residents.
We all need to push for new transport connections in western Sydney, so whether you are an individual, a Council, a councillor, local MP, the Chamber of Commerce or other representative, let’s all start singing from the same song sheet and make it very clear to decision makers we want western Sydney to be connected with public transport and we want the Sydney Metro Northwest connected to the South West Rail Link
and Badgerys Creek Airport. Start to prepare your submissions so they are ready to go when Transport for NSW commences community consultation. As soon as we have the dates for submissions we will be letting you know. Cross-regional transport in western Sydney is the answer to Sydney’s future economic prosperity and congestion busting plan. Let’s get western Sydney moving!
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Western News 9 September 2016 Issue 18
A day in the life of... A funeral arranger By Keegan Thomson
MOST preconceived judgements about funeral directors, or funeral arrangers, have something to do with death, so it is no wonder people think the job is a little bit morbid, but funeral arranger from Guardian, Josephine Fava wants to set the record straight. Understandably there are some common misconceptions and misunderstandings about what a funeral director’s job entitles, but arranging funerals isn’t as grim and bleak as you’d expect, says Ms Fava. “I don’t think it as morbid, I look at it as a loved one now being in a beautiful place. I see that they’ve moved onto another beautiful place, they’re finally at peace. The morbid part comes from watching too many horror films and crime shows,” she says. Josephine Fava has been working as a funeral arranger for the last four years, a career change she made after running her own cafe for nine years prior. She made the change because she wanted a job that would offer her more fulfilment. “You become very cynical working
Josephine Fava, funeral arranger, a big heart always ready to give. Photo: Keegan Thomson
for 9 years, 7 days a week, 14 hours a day without any rewards, so I thought I wanted to do something different,” she said. On an average day Ms Fava gets into work around 8:00, answers some emails and messages from families, and then she might meet with a family or help coordinate a funeral. Families who are in need and are grieving are always a priority. “If we have a family coming in we spend two hours with them arranging the funeral. Sometimes we get a lunch break, but if families need to see
someone we will always see them when they need to be seen,” she said. Even though the job of a funeral arranger might seem very personal and warm, behind it all there is a large mountain of paper work. Ms Fava suggests at least 60 per cent of her job is administrative tasks. “People underestimate the amount of paperwork involved in arranging a funeral. Really there is a lot of admin work. Making sure that the coroner is aware we are taking the loved one, making sure the hospital or the nursing home is aware,” she said.
Working with families at what is often a difficult and traumatic time can take a mental toll, Ms Fava said. Though like every job, she said, it is important to share the mental strains with your colleagues. “I’ve personally heard a lot of horrible stories, we deal with murders and violent crimes and suicides, and they’re the ones that affect me the most, and they’re the ones we need to debrief on. “I tend to shut down a little bit, I try to ground myself. I’ll debrief with my colleagues, and they’ll lighten the mood, because this work isn’t something you can go home and talk to your family or your relatives about because it is very confronting,” she said. Despite the paperwork and the mental strains, Ms Fava says she loves her job and suggests anyone looking for a rewarding and supportive career should consider funeral arranging. “It’s not the job for everyone but if someone has an overload of empathy and compassion and they feel that is not being utilised they need to look at the quality of their working life. Not many people go home from their jobs and feel like they’ve done something rewarding, but I do,” she said.
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By Ben Cranney
IN Iceland, people expect to go beyond the (Game of Thrones) Wall, to frozen landscapes home to wildlings. I certainly kept my eyes out of Ygritte, and one fellow’s disappointment at not seeing actual wildlings even made the news. Iceland offers more than snow and ice, and two day trips from Reykjavik go to some incredible landscapes and GoT locations. The Golden Circle is first. It feels like the whole island visits in the middle of the day, so use the midnight sun and go early or late. The crowds are warranted, though. The great scar through Thingvellir national park, which provides the imposing set for
the Eyrie’s entrance, is actually the European and American continental plates tearing apart. You can also visit the site of the Althing, the original Icelandic parliament that first met over 1000 years ago. Next is the geyser, Geysir. It doesn’t erupt much, but you’ll feel like a kid watching nearby Strokkur spout 30 meter columns of boiling water every 10 minutes or so. Watch before taking photos. You’ll lose some magic watching from behind a screen. Gulfoss, or Golden Falls, finishes the Golden Circle. You’ll wonder at so much water falling in one place. Both are scene stealing locations, although only make GoT extras.
Two more stops are arguably more picturesque including a farmstead above a bubbly stream surrounded by Icelandic horses just after Geysir and the volcanic crater, Kerid, where deep red earth and bright green moss reflect in the perfectly still water. With so many tourists, you must book early. Even four months out, I had to change plans as accommodation booked up. It’s also expensive. AirBnB and supermarkets are your friend. Beat the crowds on day trip two. Following Thorsardalur Valley, start with Hjalparfoss, waterfalls much smaller than Gulfoss, but impressive nonetheless. Head next door to Thjodveldisbaerinn, the set of the
Western News 9 September 2016 Issue 18
Where the wildlings are
wildling attach on Olly’s family. It’s a recreation of Stong, an ancient turf roofed longhouse buried when the volcano Hekla erupted in 1104. Then visit the atmospheric excavation of Stong itself, before heading to Gjain, a valley that is as close to Eden as I have ever seen and where the Hound and Arya were filmed walking through the Riverlands. Loop home past Hekla to complete the day and really leave the crowds behind. All done with GoT, I haven’t thought about what to write next. Check out my instagram, @ exploringtheworldscranneys, and leave a comment if I’ve been somewhere you’d like me to write about.
The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel We’ll Meet Again YESTERDAY evening, I was having dinner with my husband and we started talking about reincarnation - as you do. We always say that we have been together many times in the past but as I was mid-mouthful of steak, he said to me, “How do you know if you have been here before?” “I don’t know,” I replied helpfully, “You just do.” As I’ve told you before, dear readers, I really do not understand very much about karma or working out problems from past lives, but this got me thinking. How do we know if we have been here before? I was regressed once and it was fascinating. Before we started, the person carrying out the regression asked me to write down two lists of things I loved and things I hated. I was not to show it to her until after the regression. One of my biggest fears is of bats, moths and butterflies and in the first life she took me to, I was being sacrificed to a God in a cave with hundreds of bats fluttering overhead. Maybe some primordial memory has caused my terror of anything fluttering. The two other lives we went through
also explained a few things including my absolute passion for a certain period of history. I was someone famous, but I’m certainly not telling who! There are so many people who claim to have been Napoleon that the poor chap must have had a multiple personality disorder. I’ll give you a
clue, I was a lady. Anyway, over our glasses of red, David and I got to talking about my over-reaction to anything to do with the First World War. One mention of Gallipoli or the Somme and I am sobbing. As we were talking, something very strange happened.
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The dining room, the candles, David all started to fade and I found myself walking down a street in London. I think the year was 1915. I was wearing a long silk evening gown and David was in soldier’s uniform. It was a beautiful evening as we strolled along arm in arm. I knew we were not married, but as we got to my home, David took me in his arms and as we said goodnight, his final words to me were, ”Wait for me my darling,” I never saw him again, but I waited all my life. I could see very clearly the house I lived in alone and I even saw myself in the garden picking delphiniums - one of my favourite flowers today. I never married, I just waited until my death in, I think, 1938. Gradually, the dining room came back into focus. I was aware of David holding my hand. The tears were pouring down my cheeks. “Thank you for waiting for me,” he said. And you know, I am so glad I did. The Unintentional Medium is available online and at all good bookstores.
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
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By Jarrod McGrouther
GROWING up, my parents always told me that the most important thing in life is chasing your dreams. For some, it’s an unrealistic option, for others, they fall short, but for people like Alison Headrick, the journey is well on its way. For the past three years of Alison Headrick’s young life, acting has been her dream. Mass media shows us the glamour, the fame and the fortune of the profession, but the truth is that this creative art form is extremely tough to crack into and even harder to stay involved in. That’s why the achievements of Headrick thus far are outstanding, and why you could learn a thing or two from her about chasing dreams of your own. Headrick explains it took her a lot longer to realize her dream than others in the profession, but that she has relished the decision ever since. “It wasn’t until I was half way through my business degree, at 20, that I really thought about where I wanted to be in the future and what I wanted to do.” She continued. “I realized that I wanted to be in
Photo: Kris Ashpole Photography
front of the camera, not behind it. The reason I had never even considered that as an option was because I was too scared to try. It took me a while, but at almost 21, I tried it in an acting class I was taking and I was sold on it and suddenly everything kind of made sense in my life.” In 2015, whilst living in America, Headrick notched up some impressive gigs on her expanding resume. Headrick co-directed an all female improve group formed in Los Angeles – The Human Test Subjects - who’s aim was the help fight the stigma around mental health, before being casted in a feature length science fiction film – Fighting the Sky - filmed in Ohio.
SUDOKU: MEDIUM
Not content with only working in front of the camera, Headrick is also in the process or writing her first screenplay, developing her skills and understanding of the art form from a unique perspective. Seeing her talents and tenacity, Clifford Wallace Agency has signed Headrick on, a giant step in the right direction. Western Sydney also plays a role in this story. Having lived in the western suburbs of Sydney for much of her life, Headrick made the move to the Nepean right around the time she wanted to become an actress. Headrick also works in Blacktown with production team ‘Problem Child Productions’ working on a film podcast called ‘Out of Shot.’
Already with a solid listener base, it’s another diversified area that is adding to a steady improvement in her craft. When quizzed on the future goals of her fast moving career, Headrick hinted at a run at the bright lights of Los Angeles, and revealed her dream role on the silver screen. “For the longest time it’s been Hollywood and film specifically. I’ve always been drawn to the silver screen experience. Despite this, more recently I’ve realised that I just want to act. It’s not really important where I’m doing it, it’s just important that I am doing it.” She elaborated. “I’m a huge lover of all things ‘geeky’, so being offered a role in a Superhero movie, something within the Star Wars universe, or anything connected to the Harry Potter world would be an absolute profound dream come true.” Come late September, Headrick will head off to work with Starrs Productions, who travel country wide performing various shows. That means that in less than three years she has gone from having zero acting experience to working full time as an actress; going to show that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
WORD SEARCH
Western News 9 September 2016 Issue 18
Alison Headrick – chasing her dream
FRUITS
SOLUTION: 26th August
INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
APPLES
GRAPES
PEACHES
APRICOTS
KIWIS
PEARS
BANANAS
LEMONS
PLUMS
BLUEBERRIES
NECTARINES
RASPBERRIES
CANTALOUPES
ORANGES
STRAWBERRIES
CHERRIES
PAPAYAS
WATERMELONS
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Western News 9 September 2016 Issue 18
Keegan’s Kitchen Chai spiced banana bread ... makes one loaf
WINTER is coming to an end and we’re getting into some new, lighter flavours as spring warms up. But before we forget all the yummy comfort food winter has to offer I want to share one of my favourite foods with you. Banana bread has such a moreish quality with so many different textures to it, you’ll struggle to only eat one slice.
INGREDIENTS: Melted butter - for greasing 265g of self-raising flour 40g of plain flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon of chai spices ( or substitute for cardamom and nutmeg) 140g brown sugar 125ml milk 2 eggs, lightly whisked 50g butter - melted and cooled 2 overripe medium bananas - mashed METHOD: Preheat you oven to 180°C. Brush a loaf pan with melted butter to lightly grease. Size of the pan doesn’t matter as long as it isn’t too small. Line the base and 2 opposite sides with baking paper, allowing it to hang over the edges. Sift and combine flours and spices into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and make
a nice big well in the centre of your mixture. Place the milk, eggs, melted butter and banana in a medium bowl, and stir until the mixture is smooth. Add the banana mixture into the well you’ve made in the flour mixture and stir until the mixture is smoothed. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth out the surface. Bake in your preheated oven for around 45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean after you’ve inserted it into the centre of the loaf. Once you’re happy with it, remove the loaf from oven and set aside in the pan for 5 minutes to cool. Turn onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into slices to serve. Best enjoyed toasted with a slice of butter melted onto the bread. Do you have a favourite spring recipe? Email me keegan@nepeannews.com. au
Make vegetables funky WESTERN Sydney parents are being urged to follow the example children are setting at school this month to make vegetables funky in the family. September is Fruit & Veg Month. Cancer Council NSW’s flagship nutrition program Eat It To Beat Itis getting behind the Healthy Kids Association initiative, encouraging Western Sydney parents of primary school aged children to take the lessons being taught in the classroom and act on them at home. Fruit & Veg Month 2016, with its theme “vegetables are funky”,works through classrooms to put a positive focus on fruit and vegetables. The initiative aims to remind kids why fruit and veg are so good for their health, increase the amount and variety of fruit and veg that students eat and encourage kids to try new fruit and vegetables. Eat It To Beat It Regional Nutrition Project Officer Kate Sewell said parents could take the lesson home too. “Add fruit and veg to the lunch box and in meals and snacks at home and you’ll be well on your way to helping your kids set up healthy habits for life,” Ms Sewell said. Getting kids involved in everything from shopping, to menu planning and growing vegetables at home was
another great way to get the family behind healthy eating. “Spring is a great time to plant a vegie patch, or sample some new season fruit and veg,” Ms Sewell said. “Getting kids involved is also a great way to entice fussy eaters.” Eat It To Beat It offers free workshops in Western Sydney to parents of primary school aged children showing them how easy it can be to pack a healthy lunch box and incorporate more fruit and vegetables in family meals. Schools can book a Healthy Lunch Box session for parents as part of upcoming kindergarten orientations. Parents can also get involved in Healthy Lunch Box sessions and Fruit & Veg Sense workshops throughout the year. Contact Kate Sewell on 9354 2013 or go to eatittobeatit.com.au. For Fruit and Veg Month news: fruitandvegmonth.com.au.
CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Deal (7) 5 Rod-shaped bacteria (7) 9 Reproduced (9) 10 The sharp edge at the junction of 2 surfaces (5) 11 Voter (7) 12 Ceded (7) 13 Lead (9) 15 Show someone to their seats (5) 17 Mongrels (5) 19 Child (9) 22 Biting (7) 25 In an unspecified manner (7) 26 Father of Methuselah (5) 27 Disturbance (9) 28 Smiled contemptuously (7) 29 Baby cats (7)
DOWN 1 Boundaries (7) 2 Be a delegate for (9) 3 Flyer (7) 4 Infamy (9) 5 In a poor fashion (5) 6 French country house (7) 7 Horrible in savager (5) 8 A personal with confidential information (7) 14 The lower joint of the leg of a fowl (9) 16 Bum rides (9) 17 Social deportment (7) 18 How a snake moves (7) 20 Acrobat or tumbler (7) 21 Reverses the tape to the beginning (7) 23 Writing style (5) 24 Secretes a hormone (5)
solution 26/8/16
PROPERTY SALES AND LEASING, NOW OPEN IN MARSDEN PARK 9835 3355 | www.bennettproperty.com.au
Sydney house prices a certainty to rise By Matthew Bennett, Bennett Property Group
SPRING has sprung and with it there is another boost in the property market. Auction clearance rates have exceeded 80pc for 4 weekends in a row and reserves are being smashed throughout the Sydney basin. Western Sydney led the way on Saturday with a 90.5 per cent clearance rate. The Bennett Property September Auction night achieved a 100pc clearance rate with sale prices exceeding reserves by up to 13pc. Listings are at historical low levels and buyers are grabbing what they can due to this limited choice. Two interest rate cuts and investors returning to the market have also boosted the property market. Buyers are even less fussy with what they are buying. Getting into the market is
most important. “The only real question is just how strong is it going to be,” Domain Group chief economist Andrew Wilson said. “Asking prices are now 3.1 per cent higher than those recorded over the August quarter last year,” Auctioneer Jesse Davidson said his firm performed half the number of auctions this August compared with last year. Most Agents are also carrying half the listings they would normally being working on. Some small agents have no listings at all which is also causing panic. It is the wild west, with Agents grabbing every listing they can to get something on the market. A lot of Agents are property babies and have never seen different markets. But, even the experienced ones are questioning this new market we have entered into. Home owners
are simply holding on and anyone listing their property are really only doing so because of necessity. Getting a new listing to sell is a massive achievement. The selling part is easy. The West has come a long way when it is beating the Eastern suburbs in clearance rates. There is just so much on offer for families now. Better retail, cafes, schools, business hubs, regional parks, rivers, mountains and new rail links creates a great environment for families and investors. Spending $1,000,000 on a new home in western Sydney is good value compared to $2,500,000 plus in the inner suburbs. If you are looking to sell in the next few months, then you have no real competition and will achieve great results. For buying or selling advice, call the Bennett Team on 9835 3355 or visit one of our three western Sydney offices.
TOP TIPS TO PAY YOUR MORTGAGE FASTER Below are some handy tips for paying off your mortgage faster so you can enjoy your home even more! 1. Make extra repayments Both consistent and ad-hoc additional repayments such as bonuses and tax returns work to reduce the principal on your mortgage faster. The earlier in the loan term you begin making additional repayments, the greater the benefit in terms of time and money saved. Regular additional repayments made right from the beginning of your loan term will have a much greater effect on the overall time and cost of your loan than starting five or ten years into the loan. Even if you are already more than five years into your loan term, you can still make a considerable saving by starting to make additional repayments now. 2. Make repayments more often If your loan repayment amount is calculated monthly, you can make significant additional savings by halving your monthly repayments and paying fortnightly instead. This method
will result in you paying an additional month’s worth off your mortgage every year, reducing the principal faster. Use this loan repayment calculator to find out the difference in loan repayment amounts. Check the fine print in your loan documents to ensure your lender has not calculated your fortnightly repayments to equal half what the monthly repayment would have been, as this will not save you in time or money. Use the extra repayments calculator for an indication of how much you could save with different repayment amounts. 3. Look for a cheaper rate with good flexibility The easiest way to pay your loan off sooner is to find a lower rate than the one you currently have, but maintain (or even increase) the amount you pay each month. Look for a loan with a low rate that has the flexibility you require to make additional repayments. There
are a number of lenders whose rates differ significantly from the major banks’ rates that still offer good flexibility, but if you are going to refinance, make sure the costs of doing so don’t outweigh the benefits. 4. Pay loan fees and charges up front Pay establishment fees, legal fees and Lenders Mortgage Insurance (if applicable) up front rather than capitalising them into your loan. This will save your thousands of dollars in interest over the loan term. 5. Negotiate to make savings You may find this more difficult now due to the current economic climate, but you can still make some useful savings by negotiating with your lender on things like interest rates and fees. Your local mortgage consultant will be able to help you focus on the area you are most likely to achieve a saving, but as a guide, interest rates
@wealthwiz
and establishment fees in particular are good places to start your negotiations. Good savings and credit history and good work history will help you here. If you’re looking for a home loan, talk to a WealthwizWealth Manager who can help you understand what your home loan options are as well as set up your savings scheme with the right bank for you. Review your home and investment loans. Owner Occupied & Investment Property Home Loan Offer* Interest Rate of 3.99% p.a. Comparison Rate of 3.99% p.a. Application Fee of $0 Maximum LVR: 80% Minimum Borrowing: $200,000 Maximum Borrowing: $2,000,000 *Conditions Apply To be continued next issue....
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23 Western News 9 September 2016 Issue 18
realestate real
KURRAJONG
7 LOTS ALREADY SOLD!
THE HAWKESBURY’S FINEST RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS • Brand new residential address at the foothills of the Blue Mountains • 23 vacant lots ranging in size from 557sqm to 1,350sqm • Expansive mountain vistas and views to Penrith, City and Central Coast • Walking distance to the shops and schools within quaint Kurrajong Village • A short drive to Richmond; only a 30 minute drive to Penrith • Town Water, Sewer, Electricity and NBN available to all blocks • Protective covenants, sensible design guidelines define this high quality estate
SCHOFIELDS
5
3
Inspect:
By Appointment
Address:
33 Old Bells Line Of Road
Land size: From 557 square metres to 1350 square metres
3
Price:
From $550,000
Details:
Michael Bennett/Matthew Bennett - 4578 1234
BLAXLANDS RIDGE
3
1
1
MASSIVE HOME ON A FIVE ACRE CORNER BLOCK
FAMILY HOME ON BEAUTIFUL ACREAGE CASTLEREAGH $000,000
Inspect:
Inspect:
Saturday 10 & 17 September, 2:30 – 3:00pm
Land size: Approx. 5 acres (2.02 hectares)
Address:
444 Blaxlands Ridge Road
Price:
Just Listed
Land size: Approx 1 acre (4046 square metres)
Details:
Ken Chua - 9835 3355
Price:
Just Listed
Details:
Maurice Mantovani - 4573 1228
• 5 acre corner lot in the heart of the Schofields West Growth Centre • Large family home. 5 bedrooms with built-ins, ensuite to main • Full brick construction and tiled throughout • Spacious living areas and a family room with cathedral ceilings • Additional one bedroom granny flat with separate driveway • Corner block with huge potential as the land is all arable • Ideal short term investment!
By Appointment
• Three-bedroom country home with double garage • One acre of landscaped yard and rural outlook • Stainless steel dishwasher and kitchen appliances • Games room, timber floors, air-conditioning • Cleared grassy acre, potential for dressage arena • Close to Kurrajong Village and Richmond • Relax & enjoy the peaceful rural lifestyle!
KURRAJONG (02) 4573 1228 80 Old Bells Line of Road RICHMOND (02) 4578 1234 239 Windsor Street MARSDEN PARK (02) 9835 3355 Cnr Richmond Road & South Street www.bennettproperty.com.au
KURRAJONG
4
3
2
3
1
2
GRAND FAMILY HOMESTEAD • Stunning single level, double brick home with high ceilings & ducted air • Formal lounge plus family room, both with fireplaces & gorgeous views • Eat-in timber kitchen with dishwasher, gas stove & butlers corner • Separate formal dining with French doors. Home office/study • 4 generous bedrooms with built in robes & ceiling fans, master with ensuite • Wide verandahs & entertaining deck with magnificent city & mountain views • Walk to the Village, Kurrajong Public School & playgrounds
NORTH RICHMOND
4
2
Inspect:
Saturday 10 & 17 September, 2:00 – 2:30pm
Address:
39 Old Bells Line of Road
Land size: Approx 2287 square metres
2
Price:
Just Listed
Details:
Rhonda Schellnack - 4578 1234
KURMOND
LARGE LIGHT-FILLED FAMILY HOME
HIGH POSITION AND LOVELY VIEWS $000,000 CASTLEREAGH
Inspect:
Inspect:
Saturday 10 & 17 September, 11:00 – 11:30am
Land size: Approx 924 square metres
Address:
15 Elizabeth Avenue
Price:
Just Listed
Land size: Approx 1013 square metres
Details:
Matthew Bennett/Nicole Cooney - 4578 1234
Price:
Just Listed
Details:
Michael Bennett - 4578 1234
• Large split-level home with timber features and high ceilings • Spacious bedrooms; main with ensuite and walk-in robe • Updated interior including new carpets and fresh paintwork • Covered outdoor deck with views to the river • Low maintenance, fully fenced back yard • In a quality cul-de-sac location
By Appointment
• Three-bed family home on quarter-acre block • Renovated kitchen with updated appliances • Air conditioning, ceiling fans, town water, fireplace • Rear undercover entertaining area with outdoor fan • Single lock-up garage with storage and carport • Lush gardens, terraced yard and large shed
KURRAJONG (02) 4573 1228 80 Old Bells Line of Road RICHMOND (02) 4578 1234 239 Windsor Street MARSDEN PARK (02) 9835 3355 Cnr Richmond Road & South Street www.bennettproperty.com.au
westernhistory western
28 Western News 9 September 2016 Issue 18
50’s offices to become modern units B
LACKTOWN City Council has worked with developers and local residents to retain the European heritage aspects of the former Australian Defence Industries site at Seymour Place, Ropes Crossing. What was an office block opened in 1957 by then Prime Minister Robert Menzies for the Australian Government’s munitions works, is to become 25 residential units for the growing Ropes Crossing community. A new residential building containing 45 units will also be built on the site and Blacktown City Council negotiated an additional $35,000 landscaping works following representation from local residents. “This shows how residents, council and developers can work together for a negotiated outcome that works for everyone concerned,” said the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Mayor Bali. “The administration building currently stands as one a few remaining structures of the former ADI site, providing valuable evidence of the Australian Government’s defence response to the Korean and Vietnam Wars,” the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said. “We are also working with residents to make sure their concerns are taken into account. “The ADI site has great heritage and historical significance. It plays an important role in helping us understand the story of Blacktown City – our rich history, our identity and our people,” Mayor Bali said. “We want to retain as many of the original features and integrity as possible, while ensuring it has a dignified and viable future.” Blacktown City Council has a history of supporting development applications where a heritage item is restored and its value protected. In recent years it has approved the adaptive reuse of heritage sites such as the Minchinbury Winery Estate, Southridge House at Eastern Creek, which now stands as a café and Melrose House on the Grantham Estate at Seven Hills. Mayor Bali says these buildings serve as an exemplar for Council’s future heritage projects. “Council is dedicated to the conservation, protection and celebration of our City’s heritage and character for future generations to interpret and enjoy.
N E PE A N HIST RY ONLY
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“It is our responsibility as a community to identify, preserve and pass on such places of historical significance to future generations, so that they, too, will understand what came before them,” Mayor Bali concluded. Historical Background By the mid-1950s, with the outbreak of the Korean War, the Australian Government committed itself to new munitions production at the government-owned facilities at St Marys, in an operation known as ‘Project 590.’ In January 1955 the well-known architectural firm Stephenson and Turner was commissioned to prepare plans for a new munitions factory to be completed by 1957. The Administration Building was the principal office building on the former ADI site – and one of its largest – and housed senior administration and managerial staff. The building was sited with its major southern frontage addressing the central square of the former Administration Precinct which provided a formal, open forecourt (and parking area) with wide-ranging views to and from the building’s main façade. The Administration Precinct, which included both the Administration Building and Fire Station and Watch Tower opposite, was a key component of Project 590. In its size, organisation and architectural quality, the precinct reflected both the importance given to military manufacturing in post-war Australia and the nation’s desire to follow modern European and American examples in Architecture and planning. The Administration Building is a good representative example of the innovative International Style Modernism of its architects, Stephenson and Turner, who were among the most prominent practitioners of PostWar Functionalist architecture in this period in Australia. The curtain wall construction used for the Administration Building represents an early example of its type and is a rare example in a Defence/munitions site context. The building’s architectural value is enhanced by the extent to which it has retained much of its original layout, components, fabric and detailing. Source: Statement of Heritage Impact prepared by Rappoport Heritage Consultants
Would you like to read about the history of the Nepean? Now you can purchase a LIMITED EDITION book featuring our history pages and more for just $10 plus postage and handling. Help keep our history preserved by purchasing your copy. ORDER NOW!
9834 5579 or email m nepeannews@aol.com
In turn you will help maintain our region’s history sources as 50 per cent of proceeds go to the Nepean and St Marys Historical Societies
POST TO: Nepean News, 203 Banks Drive, St Clair NSW 2759 PHONE: 9834 5579
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Wanderers tour Japan in pre-season By Christian Layland
THE NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers will continue preparations for the Hyundai A-League, FFA Cup and AFC Champions League when they head to Japan for a pre-season tour. The team left earlier this week bound for Tokyo where the Red & Black will spend nine days on tour. With a strong connection with Japan and an impressive fan base in the nation, the Wanderers are looking forward to visiting the country once again. It will be the fifth trip to Japan for the 2014 Asian Champions following the 2013/14 pre-season and three AFC Champions League away games including a Round of 16 tie against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The Wanderers have also had a number of Japanese players amongst their ranks including club legend Shinji Ono. New signing Jumpei Kusukami is the latest, bringing the tally to four along with former players Yojiro Takahagi and Yusuke Tanaka. It will be the club’s third preseason overseas as the Red & Black also travelled to Abu Dhabi in preparation for the knockout rounds
of the 2014 AFC Champions League, participating in the International Petroleum Investments Company Championship. Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said that the Club’s latest visit to Japan would provide the perfect platform for another successful season.
“We’re looking forward to returning to Japan where we’ve always felt very welcome,” said Tsatsimas. “Our tour here before the 2013/14 season provided valuable experience leading into our successful AFC Champions League campaign
which ultimately saw us crowned Champions of Asia. “We believe that this tour of Japan will give us the best possible preparation for this season’s Hyundai A-League and AFC Champions League seasons as well as our FFA Cup quarter-final on 21 September.”
Blacktown City FC – the club name you need to know By Jarrod McGrouther
AS the winter sporting calendar winds to a close, one local team’s season is just heating up. Blacktown City FC, or ‘The Demons’ as they are notoriously known, have the opportunity to etch their great clubs name into the history books over the coming fortnight. A grand final, with undertones of revenge, followed by a monumental FFA cup clash is booked in to a packed eleven day schedule; their FFA cup opponents, the formidable Sydney FC. With the club training three nights a week and playing each weekend, combined with FFA Cup commitments, to be in an NPL NSW grand final and FFA Cup quarter final is a year to be extremely proud of. Western News spoke to Blacktown City FC’s dynamic midfielder Connor Evans ahead of his clubs historic fortnight of competition. Evans said that his side plays an attractive style of football, and encouraged anyone who is interested in watching a quality game to come along to their grand final this Sunday. “A fair few boys are capable of A-league level, so for anyone who wants to come out they won’t be disappointed.” The game is against long time rivals Sydney United 58. The sides
Connor Evans battling for the ball for Blacktown City FC
Blacktown City FC’s Connor Evans, 1st from the left
have squared off four times this season over various competitions, with Blacktown City handing Sydney United 58 defeat in three of the four games. The 22 year old, who works casually at rebel sport, also said his
side is confident ahead of their FFA Cup fixture, due to the experience of many players in the team. “We play with quick ball movement, we try to keep the possession, get it wide with runners in the box. It depends how Sydney set up, but we
aim to play normally, play it from the back, play what is in front of us.” He continued. “A fair few of the boys have played A-league, there’s a few with big game experience who know what to expect and aren’t too frightened. We’ll show them as much respect as they will show us. Playing an A-League team is the best level, it’s a matter of turning up on the day, they’ll be frightened of our type of play.” This Sunday’s grand final fixture is at Leichhardt Oval, kicking off at 3pm. The FFA Cup quarter final will be played on September 21, at Sydney United Sports Centre. Good luck to the team for the big fortnight ahead.
29 Western News 9 September 2016 Issue 18
sport
30
sport
Western News 9 September 2016 Issue 18
MY WORDS WITH MARK GEYER
My dad Ace
Father’s Day with these beauties
LAST Sunday was a day to lament. Sit back, take stock and think about just how important a part my dad has played in my life. Fathers Day is considered a poor second to Mothers Day, which is fine by me because I also believe this to be the case. But gee our dads need a big pat on the back for everything they’ve done (or did) for us whilst growing up and are still doing for us today. After quickly realising it was Dads day last Sunday upon waking I also thought of those who have lost their fathers and became sad. My Dad Kevin, aka Ace, is the youngest of 10 kids born and raised on the rough streets of Granville in 1947. He met my mum in 1966 and had me a year later. She was 16. He was 19. When I was 18 months old dad decided he wanted more for his wife and son than living in a garage in his mother’s backyard. So he decided he’d head west. To a place called Whalan, a suburb of Mt Druitt. “Where the hell is that?” said every member of Dad’s family as well as Mum’s parents and her three brothers. “Never heard of a suburb called Whalan,” was the resounding, and condescending comments from all of my uncles and aunties as well as grandparents. “You’ll never last, you’re too young, how will you raise a child when you’re kids yourselves?” etc etc. Within seven years I had two sisters and a brother. Dad was working three jobs to support his young family and we hardly saw him mid-week. But even if he’d come home stuffed after a 14 hour day doing hard labour he always found time to throw and kick a footy or roll his arm over to bowl a ball in the backyard game of cricket. He never said no. And he never worked weekends, even if that was when he could make better money, “I’m not missing my kids play sport.” Can’t remember Dad ever missing a game of sport I played. Whether it was footy, cricket, basketball or twiddly winks, Dad was front row. It also didn’t matter whether it was at Whalan Reserve, Blacktown, Katoomba, Canberra,
24 HOURS
And then there were 8!
Bathurst or Brisbane he somehow always found a way to make it. We were very poor growing up but I wasn’t really aware, the love that filled our humble fibro housing commission house more than made up for the materialistic things we as a family were missing out on. Ironically Mum and Dad celebrate 50 years of marriage next year, much to the astonishment I suppose of all those family members who said they wouldn’t last a year. My Dad ‘Ace’ is my best mate. He has been there for me through the good, bad, and ugly with unconditional love that I’m now displaying to my five kids. When it comes to learned behaviour I have followed so much of what I have learnt from my Dad. Can’t wait to see you again, Ace. Love you forever mate. Before I go...... And then there was 8. Now that round 26 is done and dusted the 8 teams that make up this season’s semi-finals has been determined. Week 1 looks like this. Melbourne who are your 2016 minor premiers will take on 4th placed premiers from last year the Cowboys. Second placed Raiders, yep that’s right Raiders second! What a year, will take on 3rd placed Sharks in Canberra. Bring on the Viking Clap! 5th placed Brisbane will play 8th placed Gold Coast after the Tigers capitulated last Sunday to end their 2016 season on a low. Then to round off the last game in week 1 of the semi-finals campaign for this season the Mighty Penny Panthers will take on Des Hasler’s Bulldogs. Friday’s elimination final Brisbane v Titans is at Suncorp, Saturday we have the qualifying final at 5.30 in Canberra between Raiders and Sharks, then Saturday at 730 Melbourne v Cowboys in thesecond qualifying final. Then Sunday 4 pm Panthers v Bulldogs! CLICK CLACK FRONT AND BACK for this elimination match promises to be epic. It has been a fantastic season of rugby league on-field, a few off field issues still need to be ironed out ( bunker) but on a whole the calibre of footy displayed this season has been in a word Delicious! Bring on the finals. See ya at the game....
MG (random Westie) OAM
0415 982 093
Western NEWS Friday, 9 September 2016
sport
GWS eyeing finals success over their front running big brother By Jarrod McGrouther
THE GWS Giants and Sydney Swans will go toe to toe this Saturday, the first all NSW AFL Final in the history of the prestigious competition. For the favoured Swans, it’s business as usual, but for the Giants, Saturday marks an occasion five years in the making. Having entered the competition back in 2012, the Giants have been huge improvers during the 2016 season. Rewarded for their assiduous effort and results, it’s time for the Giants to show the country what they have on the big stage. The game is the only sporting finals fixture in Sydney on Saturday, and with 55,000 plus fans expected to attend, the game is one not to be missed. Sydney enters the game as the team to beat, having finished first on the AFL ladder in 2016. The Giants, finishing an impressive fourth, are embarking on their first finals series and come in outnumbered in the finals experience stakes. However, we all know finals are a different ball game, so Giants fans
Mumford (left) is ready for the battle this Saturday
should have plenty of hope, with the sides splitting the spoils during their two regular season games this year. The Giants had a hit out at ANZ on Wednesday for around 50 minutes, allowing the team to acclimatise to a ground that has brought them little success in previous campaigns. The last time the sides played at ANZ however was 2013, so there is a great unknown as to how each side with adapt their game to the bigger ANZ surface. Shane Mumford, GWS’s experienced campaigner, said that the Sydney AFL landscape has changed a lot since he made the move to Sydney back in 2010, but
it’s all for the betterment of the game. “It’s massive, when I first got up here you would go out to schools and the kids didn’t really have any idea of what AFL was. The attendance, the crowds that are growing and the amount of people that want to be involved in AFL now up here is amazing and it can only be good for the game, the games like this that we’re playing.” The 30 year old former Swan also revealed that at this early stage in the week things are pretty settled, but the side is anxious to get to Saturday to test themselves against the competitions best. “The nerves will probably kick in
a little bit later in the week, but at the moment it’s more just excitement. All the boys can’t wait to get out there and just really take it up to the Swans.” Two men to keep an eye on this Saturday are the two key forwards. The Giants Jonathon Patton has been in superb touch of late, booting 11 majors in his last two games. For the Swans, Buddy Franklin has been equally as damaging, meaning if either man dominates, it will go a long way to deciding the result. For the losing team not all hope is lost, with a home semi-final in Sydney to follow next weekend. The Adelaide Crows and North Melbourne Kangaroos will battle it out for a spot in that game. On the other hand, the winning team, come early Saturday evening, earns the right to a hard fought week off before a home preliminary final in a fortnight’s time. The first bounce is scheduled for 3:20pm this Saturday, with gates opening from 1:30pm. Tickets are still available from Ticketek. Could it be time for the Giants to step out of the shadows and become a household name? Be there to find out.
Richmond Club 6 East Market Street Richmond, NSW 2753 Tel (02) 4578 1144 www.richmondclub.com.au