Western News 17 April 2026

Young leaders chosen to champion Blacktown City youth

TWO ambitious and confident students will be a representative voice for young people in our community after being named

Blacktown City’s Youth Ambassadors.

Laura Corvalan Sotomayor and Sardip Guha were announced as the 2026 ambassadors at a Blacktown City Council ceremony last month.

Laura and Sardip will take part in Council events including citizenship ceremonies and civic receptions, and inform decision-making through their roles on the Blacktown Youth Advisory Committee.

Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the pair would be strong representatives after they were selected from a competitive field of 88 applicants.

“Our Youth Ambassadors give young people a stronger voice in the decisions that shape our city,” he said.

“They play an important role in informing Council on the issues and services that matter most to young people.

“Laura and Sardip are well spoken and positive young adults who I am sure will be excellent ambassadors.”

Laura has previously served on the Blacktown Youth Advisory Committee and is a prefect at William Clarke College. She has volunteered for charitable causes and achieved the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

Sardip has founded a tutoring business and been a member of the Student Representative Council at Penrith Selective High School. He has also achieved the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

The two Blacktown City residents are keen to make a difference.

Laura said: “I am really honoured to be selected as a Youth Ambassador and looking forward to making a positive impact through initiatives that support young people and strengthen our community.”

Sardip said: “Young people in Blacktown have strong ideas, but not

always the platform to express them. I am thankful for this opportunity and hope to ensure their voices are heard.”

Mayor Bunting congratulated

outgoing ambassadors Caiden Bond and Jiyaa Sahdev on their service over the past 12 months.

The Blacktown City Youth

Ambassadors program has been running since 1983, giving generations of young people a platform to have their say and be involved in our community.

Collect your 2 free plants at the Nursery’s Open Day!

SWING past the Blacktown Showground Nursery next Saturday 18 April from 9 am to 2 pm to collect your 2 free plants per property.

Did you know that Blacktown Council residents are eligible to receive 2 free plants per household each financial year?

These are the dates for 2026 nursery open days before the end of the financial year. Don’t miss out on collecting your 2 free plants!

 Saturday 9 May 2026, 9 am to 2 pm

 Saturday 13 June 2026, 9 am to 2 pm

 Saturday 27 June 2026, 9 am to 2 pm

 Saturday, 11 July 2026, 9 am to 2 pm

The plant giveaway will be open for plant collections from 9 am – 2 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays (not public holidays).

For more information and for all the terms and conditions please visit https://shorturl. at/oY7bl

Philippines leaders welcomed in Sydney’s Filipino capital

EMERGING leaders from the Philippines have met with Blacktown City’s elected representatives and shared insights on community leadership during a visit to Sydney.

Philippines Congresswoman for Calamba City Charisse Anne Hernandez led the delegation which Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting and Councillors welcomed last month.

The hosts gave an overview of Blacktown City, its Filipino community and youth programs, and heard about the delegates’ experiences.

Filipinos are the second largest expat community (25,292 people, 2021 Census) in Blacktown City after Indians and Mayor Bunting was grateful for the cross-cultural learning opportunity.

“Blacktown City has one of the largest Filipino communities in Sydney,” he said.

“People from the Philippines have contributed so much to our community, including their culture, food and values.

“Sharing this special bond with our visitors is a great way of promoting Blacktown City to emerging leaders of the Philippines, as well as sharing ideas on building better communities.”

Blacktown City has three Councillors of Filipino heritage: Cr Dorothy Del Villar, Cr Jess Diaz and Deputy Mayor Cr Carol Israel.

The Philippines delegates were Ms Hernandez, Iloilo Province Vice Governor Nathalie Ann Formacion Debuque, Talavera Mayor Aries

Vincent Patrick G.Lim, Albay Province Board Member Sheina Onrubia-Dela Cruz, Basilan Province

Board Member Ahmed Ibn Djaliv T.Hataman and San Juan Councillor Lorenzo Francisco Tanada-Yam.

The federal government’s Australian Political Exchange Council coordinated the visit as part of educating emerging foreign leaders about Australia.

Inner Wheel Club of Blacktown City

 Welcomes new friends

 Empowers women

 Helps our community

 Promotes international understanding

Our Club events for 2026 include: March

• Guest speaker from Girl Guides

• Blacktown Show lunches for volunteers

• Trivia with Baulkham Hills Club

• Blacktown Library cabinet display

• Friendship morning tea at Lakes of Cherrybrook

April

• Hawkesbury Race Day

• Sydney Cord Blood Bank Tour Randwick

• Cord Blood Research coffee and walk Norwest Lake May

• Bunnings Blacktown BBQ

• Mother’s Day Stall Seven Hills

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From the Editor’s Desk

BY KERRIE DAVIES

WITH ANZAC Day fast approaching in a time of incredible instability, I want to highlight PTSD.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is rife among Australian Veterans. Those who have served across many theatres of war were exposed to some pretty horrific sights during their service. They were separated from their family and friends at home, they were placed in unfamiliar places, eating unfamiliar food and sleeping on unfamiliar bedding. They lived on high alert, ever watchful in readiness for any incoming threat. Many were physically injured and saw mates physically injured...or killed.

It is really no surprise that many who returned “safely” bore mental scars from the experience. Understandably, PTSD has impacted our returned services community in a big way.

This year I think we need to pay particular attention to those who may fall into that category: our family members, friends and neighbours.

The arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith has stirred up a myriad of feelings among veterans. It was far more than a shocking headline for many who served this nation - it is something that reopens old wounds. Meanwhile bombs are going off in Iran and around the Middle East - it’s a recipe for disaster for those dealing with unrelenting trauma.

There are some really good support services around and that is a great thing.

The reality is though, more needs to be done to assist those who sacrificed all they had for our country. So many still live their life on the edge, and the depression and suicide rate amongst veterans is confronting.

Local RSL sub-Branches are able to assist in lining locals up with veteran support services. They are also a good point of contact for anyone wishing to donate to the organisations that have formed with a focus on supporting veterans dealing with post-war issues.

If you’d like to assist our defence forces currently serving overseas, reach out to St Marys RSL sub-Branch (located at “the train” at St Marys Diggers) and ask if you can contribute to the care packages they send out.

We Will Remember Them

Lest We Forget

Not to be missed: Diesel, dirt and turf!

CELEBRATING its tenth anniversary, the Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo is on again at the Sydney Dragway, Eastern Creek from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th April 2026.

Whether you are a construction contractor, operate a business in earthmoving or landscaping and public space management, or just love being around big machinery, this huge annual event cannot be missed.

It’s Australia’s largest construction equipment and tools industry event, attracting thousands of visitors from Australia and overseas and featuring more than 200 exhibitors.

For all the family

On each day of the Expo, you can enjoy a coffee, cold beverages, food trucks and lots of family-friendly activities. The Sydney Antique Machinery Club will be staging a tractor pull and visitors can try their luck on the mechanical bull.

There is easy access and plenty of free paved car parking.

Put it on your calendar

Diesel Dirt & Turf is open for all. Early Bird online tickets are $12.49 up to 6.00pm on Thursday 16th of April, with standard entry $18.21 per

adult. Entry is free for children under 16 years.

Doors open on Friday 17th April at 9:30am and close at till 3:00pm. (Gate for entry will close at 2pm).

On Saturday 18th April it opens at 9:30am until 5:00 pm (Gate for entry will close at 4pm) and on Sunday 19th April opening is at 10:00am until 3:00pm (Gate for entry will close at 2pm).

Tickets may be purchased on the Expo website or at www. eventbrite.com.au/e/nationaldiesel-dirt-and-turf-expo-2026sydney-dragway-eastern-creektickets-1387147929799

Komatsu Australia is again the Gold Sponsor of the Expo, supported by Pickles, Machines4U, Gensure, Soda Capital, Penrite and Louise Azzopardi Coaching. www.dieseldirtandturf.com.au

Women’s Royal Australian Army Corp 75th anniversary

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

In April 1951, the WRAAC began accepting enlistments to alleviate the Australian Army’s substantial manpower shortage, resulting from the Korean War and national service during a period of full employment.

Throughout its history, spanning over three decades, the WRAAC made significant contributions to the Australian Army. As a result of the progressive integration of women into the broader Army from the late 1970s, the corps was disbanded in early 1984.

We honour the memory and service of all WRAAC personnel and recognise the lasting impact they had on the Australian Army.

ANZAC TRIBUTE

Seven Hills RSL ANZAC Day Service

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE Seven Hills - Toongabbie - Wentworthville RSL

Sub-Branch ANZAC Day

Commemoration Service will be held at the Seven Hills RSL on Saturday 25th April, with a street march starting at a new position on the corner of Olive and George Street Seven Hills.

Seven Hills RSL sub-Branch spokesperson Graham Larkham said “We are expecting a good crowd, with a Pipe Band and local organisations participating. The road from the intersection of Olive and George Street, along Olive Street into William Street, will be closed and under the supervision of the local Police.”

Those who wish to lay a wreath on behalf of their loved ones should contact Mr Larkham so their name can be called out during the Service. At the conclusion of the Service, those in attendance will be invited to attend the Club for breakfast.

If you would like further information about this event, please contact Mr Larkham at graham28@ aussiebb.com.au or another subBranch member at Seven Hills RSL Sub-Branch Office.

Operation Rosemary returns this Anzac Day as Sydney Legacy marks 100 years of supporting veterans’ families

OPERATION Rosemary is returning this Anzac Day, holding special significance in 2026 as Sydney Legacy marks its centenary year, celebrating 100 years of supporting veterans’ families.

Operation Rosemary sees volunteers distributing 50,000 sprigs of rosemary, with many people choosing to make a gift in support of veterans’ families when receiving a sprig. Rosemary has long been a symbol of remembrance, traditionally worn on Anzac Day, to commemorate those who have served Australia in war and conflict.

Funds raised through Operation Rosemary support Legacy’s vital work with veterans’ families, including the partners and children of those who have lost their lives or health as a result of their service.

“Remembrance is especially important to veterans and their families, and the symbolism of wearing rosemary on Anzac Day holds particular significance,” said Legatee David Glasson, Acting President of Sydney Legacy.

Across Sydney, volunteers will be stationed at key locations on Anzac Day, offering rosemary sprigs and sharing information about the ongoing needs of veterans’ families.

Legacy volunteers will be present and distributing rosemary at Pinegrove Memorial Park for the Anzac Day Dawn Service, commencing at 5:30am. Every donation helps Legacy provide practical, emotional, and financial support to ensure no family is left behind.

In its centenary year, Sydney Legacy continues its longstanding commitment to honouring service whilst caring for those left behind, a commitment made possible through the support of volunteers and long-term community supporters.

Sydney Legacy thanks the Harris Farm Markets

family for generously donating the rosemary for Operation Rosemary. Their continued support plays a vital role in making the initiative possible each year. Australians who are unable to donate in person can also support Operation Rosemary online by visiting legacy.com.au/donate

National Service in Australia 1951-1972

ON February 14th this year, services were held around the country, commemorating the 75th anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 in Australia. St Marys RSL sub-branch will continue with that theme for our ANZAC Day service.

The aims and structure of each of two National Service scheme depended on several factors, including government policy, international agreements and alliances, military and defence needs and the size and composition of Australia’s population.

In the context of the intensification of the Cold War in Europe, Communist insurgency and success in South-East Asia and war in Korea, the Australian Government introduced National Service Training in 1951. All males aged 18 were required to register. Trainees were required to complete 176 days of training and then remain on reserve for five years. Men were distributed between all military services. Those nominating for the Navy or Air Force were considered only if they volunteered for service outside Australia. National service

with the Navy and Air Force was discontinued in 1957.

In the period 1951-1959 over 500,000 men registered and some 227,000 were trained. This first scheme was discontinued in November 1959.

In 1964, compulsory National Service in the Australian Army was again introduced. This was due to the government’s perception of communist aggression in Asia, and policies and actions in Indonesia. All males aged 20 were required to register. The process of selection by ballot was determined by drawing

birthdates from a barrel, lottery style. This scheme specifically included service overseas, including in South Vietnam and Borneo. Some 63,000 were conscripted, and over 19,000 served in Vietnam. This scheme ended in 1972, following the election of the Whitlam Government.

Both schemes were controversial, impacting careers, education and personal lives. Roughly 280,000 men were called up in the period 19511972. Over 200 men died on active service overseas in that period.

Since 1972, there has been no compulsory military service in

Australia, although in the wake of declining volunteerism, the idea of reintroduction for purposes of national security, natural disaster response and social cohesion, such as in Singapore, has periodically surfaced in public debate.

St Marys RSL sub-branch will hold its annual Dawn Service on 25th April at the “guns” in Hall Street. President Cyril Law invites all in the community to attend. The service begins at 5.00am - earlier arrival recommended.

International doctors complete Workplace Based Assessment program at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals

DOCTORS from Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Sri Lanka and Syria are fully registered after graduating from the program at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

For many overseas trained doctors, their qualifications are not automatically recognised in Australia. To provide an alternative pathway for these doctors to gain full registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, the Australian Medical Council accredits hospitals and health services to deliver the Workplace Based Assessment program.

Western Sydney Local Health District is one of only 31 accredited providers in Australia, delivering the program from Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals. Since 2024, there have been 20 graduates complete the program.

For the doctors, the program provides a crucial bridge toward general registration. For the District, the program strengthens workforce capacity and helps to retain doctors, many of whom have worked at the facilities for several years.

To celebrate the latest cohort, a graduation ceremony was recently held at Blacktown Hospital, with graduates, program staff and hospital executives attending.

Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Acting General Manager, Shane Widloecher commended the group for their resilience and hard work in completing the program.

“It’s

a wonderful achievement and you should all be proud of your efforts.”

Dr Satish Mitter, an Emergency Physician and Toxicologist, is the Director of the Workplace Based Assessment Program for the District, helped establish the program nearly three years ago. He said it’s satisfying to see the graduating doctors progress their careers.

“Completing the program is the launching pad for your careers and the future is up to you.”

“It’s a really great experience to see the doctors progress through the program and then move on to the specialist programs they choose.”

Waseem Hassan is one of the

nearly 40 assessors who supervise the participants in practical and on-the-job assessments. While acknowledging the considerable time and effort of his peers, he congratulated the graduates and said it was a significant moment in their careers.

Among this year’s graduates are doctors from Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Sri Lanka and Syria.

Dr Marwa Komika came to Australia from Egypt in 2015. It was her late mother’s wish for her to pursue a career in medicine.

A Senior Resident Medical Officer within the Mount Druitt Hospital emergency department, she said completing the program means she can look to the future and what’s next.

“I have more opportunities in front of me.”

Fellow graduate Dr Bilkis Aktar, who completed her medical degree in Bangladesh, works as a Senior Resident Medical Officer within the emergency

departments at both Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

She said one of the biggest challenges was juggling the demands of the program at the same time as her day-to-day role and family responsibilities.

“When I received the offer for the [Workplace Based Assessment] program my youngest child was only one-year-old,” she said.

The structure of the program helped her to complete it and gave her the confidence to take the next step in her career.

“I feel so relieved and confident. The regular assessments kept me focused and allowed me to improve throughout the year.”

As ten new graduates celebrate their achievements, the next cohort has expanded to 15, demonstrating the growth and ongoing success of the program across Western Sydney.

Full-strength footy: Cheers to early season win for footy fans

THE Minns Labor Government has confirmed that Western Sydney and Hunter football fans will be able to enjoy a full-strength beer as they watch the action unfold.

Previously, fans attending venues in Western Sydney and the Hunter could only buy mid-strength beer, while fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium in Moore Park could buy full-strength beer.

The Labor Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby MP launched a campaign to change this, calling out how unfair this “East versus West” divide is.

Following the Member for Riverstone’s campaign, the Minns Labor Government’s undertook a sixmonth trial into the service of fullstrength beer which was held during last year’s NRL and A-Leagues seasons.

It was the first time since 2011 that full-strength beer had been served at Accor Stadium, while CommBank Stadium had only served mid-strength beer in general admission areas since it opened in 2018.

At the two Western Sydney venues, last year’s trial saw intoxication as a percentage of attendance remain steady at 0.013%, despite a near 13% increase in crowds year-on-year.

Following consultation with NSW Police and sport and entertainment partners, patrons will be able to purchase a maximum of four fullstrength beers per transaction.

Bars in general admission areas at Accor and CommBank stadiums will officially be stocked with fullstrength, mid-strength and zeroalcohol beer this footy season.

The service of full-strength beer will also continue at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle and WIN Stadium and WIN Entertainment Centres in Wollongong.

Attendees of major events are encouraged to drink responsibly and make appropriate travel arrangements, to always have a Plan B and to make the most of public transport included with all event tickets to Accor and CommBank stadiums.

Minister for Sport and Tourism said:

“All footy fans are winners this weekend with bars in general admission areas to stock full-strength beer all-season long.

“This is a commonsense decision and it’s about time fans get a choice of full-strength, mid, light and zero-

alcohol beer while cheering on their team at the footy.”

Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather said:

“Its important patrons have a choice and access to a variety of food and beverage options while attending events at our venues and now they can.

“Delivering the best event day experience remains our key priority, and we can continue to do so through valuable feedback from our fans.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“This is great news for sports fans who love beer equality as much as they love a full-strength beer.

“It’s a credit to the Minister for Sport and the Premier who both recognised the injustice that was being experienced by fans in Western Sydney stadiums and acted swiftly to ensure everyone is being treated equally when it comes to buying beer.

“Congratulations to the many fans who came out to support the campaign for equal beer rights at all Venues NSW stadiums - Cheers!

Railway Man William Vine

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

IN January 1900 a magisterial enquiry was held at Penrith Court House before Arthur Judges J.P., on the death of William John Vine, an engine driver on the railway who was found lying dead in the bush about 100 yards from his residence at Hornseywood at Penrith having been shot through the head. At the enquiry Austin Joseph Upton said that he was a wood carter and resided in Penrith and was at Hornseywood riding near the residence of William when he saw the body of a man lying face down on the ground and noticed blood on his left arm and saw a gun close in front of him on the ground with his right arm extended. He said that he didn’t examine the body that was lying in full view of William’s residence. Austin then rode over to the police station and informed Senior-Sergeant Thorndike and accompanied him back to the spot where he pointed out the body that was William who he knew well. He said that when he first saw the body it was about a quarter past 12 (midday). Next to give evidence was Senior-Sergeant Thorndike who said he was informed by Austin that a man was lying near Mr Vine’s residence on the ground, so with Constable Connors, Austin and others they proceeded to the spot about 100 yards from William Vine’s residence and he saw the body lying face downwards with a hole above the left temple and a large quantity of blood that had come away from the wound. The hat belonging to William was four feet from the body in direct line with William’s feet. His body was fully dressed with the exception of a coat and slippers instead of boots. He was dressed in his working clothes but he did not touch the body until Dr Barber came shortly afterwards and then he saw a wound on the right side of the head apparently from a bullet. He examined the gun and found it to be empty, having been discharged recently about 12 hours ago, and on searching the body he found no money but a box of gun caps, knife and tobacco. On examining William’s residence, he found his railway time book fully made up to the 23rd of January and his engine man’s daily report made up and signed. There were five sheets of notepaper beside it, a led pencil, 8 pipes, keys, and some other articles evidently having been laid out in order and the flask of powder was standing in the midst of them. He could find no shot or bullets in the house and the hat produced had the left rim shattered, evidently by the missile on its exit from the head. He had the body of William removed to his residence. He said that he had known William for about 10 years and always knew him as a sober man and had never seen the sign of liquor on him. All the beds in the house were made up and did not appear to have been occupied on that night. Next, William Henry Vine said he was a fireman on the railway and resided in Penrith and was a son of William and from something he heard he went to a place near his late father’s residence where he saw his father lying dead in exactly the position described by the last two witnesses. He said he last saw his father alive on Monday morning and of late his father had often complained of financial and family troubles owing to his wife’s long continued illness and also a death in the family which seemed to affect him very much, but he never heard him threaten to do away with himself. He was frequently saying he had more trouble than he could bear. There was no one in the house at the time of his father’s death as his mother came to his house on that day. His father was born in Wilmington, Sussex in England and came to Australia aged 2 years with his parents on the immigrant ship “Fairlie” in August, 1848. He was the owner of property in Penrith but it was not all free of debt. His father’s life was insured with the A.M.P. Society for £100

and he left a Will and a family of nine who were depending on him. He recognised the gun having seen it in the bathroom of his father’s residence and that his father used marbles for shooting flying foxes and he was a sober man. William’s daughter Letitia Jane Horstman said she last saw her father alive at her shop last Tuesday night and his behaviour seemed very strange. He asked her for foolscap or any kind of paper which she gave him, he then took out his purse and asked for newspaper to roll the paper in, when she came back with the newspaper he clasped her husband’s hand without speaking and threw down (6 shillings-6 pence) in silver on the table and said it will pay for the paper, but she did not want payment, then he clasped her hand, said nothing and left the shop. Charles Randall spoke next saying he was the acting shed foreman on night duty at the railway shed at Penrith, he lived in Penrith and he knew William for about 30 years. William was at work and came in that day from Orange and came into the office that night at 8 p.m. which was a very unusual thing for him to do and he expressed his surprise at seeing him. William said he came in for a chat and to get an order for his money that he handed to him. He put his hand on my shoulder and said that he wanted me to come to his funeral and Charles said he would if William would come to his. He then told me he had made out a very simple Will as far as his family was concerned. Charles advised him to place the Will in the bank but then he was called away, so they shook hands but he was not sure whether William said good-bye or good night. Dr Alexander Barber next said that at about 1.30 p.m., Austin Upton called and asked him to attend by order of Sen-Sergeant Thorndike at Hornseywood about 50 yards from the residence of William where he found him lying in a prone position. He found a gunshot wound penetrating from the right to left side of the head, the left wound was a little higher than the right and at the exit opening, and he found the gun lying on William’s right side pointing towards the body with the right hand extending towards the gun. He said William had fired the gun and inflicted the wound himself and judging from the size of the gun and the position of the body the wound was self-inflicted. Arthur Judges was of the opinion from the evidence that William came by his death from a gunshot wound that was self-inflicted during a temporary derangement of his mind. William’s wife Mary died in June that same year. They had eleven children.

Source: Nepean Times, Family Search (Mormon website), Ancestry, Trove.

IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL…

ALEX SONCINI

WFixed vs Variable - Which Side Should You Be On Right Now?

ITH the RBA having moved on rates, one of the most common questions

I’m hearing from clients right now is simple: should I fix my rate? It sounds straightforward. But the answer depends on your situation — and getting it wrong can cost you significantly.

Let’s cut through the noise.

What Does ‘Fixed’ Actually Mean?

A fixed rate loan locks your interest rate for a set period — typically one to five years. During that time, your repayments stay the same regardless of what the RBA does. It sounds safe. And for some borrowers, it is.

A variable rate loan moves with the market. When the RBA raises rates, your repayments go up. When they cut, they come down. You wear the risk — but you also get the benefit.

The Case for Fixing Right Now

If you’re on a tight budget and cash flow certainty is your priority, fixing makes sense. You know exactly what you’re paying for the next two or three years. No surprises. No stress when the RBA meets.

For first home buyers who stretched to get into the market, or households already feeling the pinch from fuel past 260 cents a litre and rising grocery costs, that certainty can be genuinely valuable.

The Case for Staying Variable

Here’s what most people don’t factor in: fixed rates are priced by the banks based on where they expect rates to go — not where they are today. In a rising rate environment, fixed rates often already reflect several anticipated hikes. You may be locking in at a premium.

Variable loans also typically come with more flexibility — offset accounts, redraw facilities, and the ability to make extra repayments without penalty. Over time, that flexibility can save you more than a fixed rate would.

And if rates peak sooner than expected and begin to fall — which history suggests they eventually do — you’ll benefit automatically on a variable rate. Fixed borrowers often

CROSSWORD

miss the downswing entirely.

The Split Strategy — The Option Nobody Talks About

Many lenders allow you to split your loan: fix a portion for certainty, leave the rest variable for flexibility. For a $700,000 loan, you might fix $400,000 and keep $300,000 variable. You cap your downside while keeping some upside.

It’s not a perfect solution, but for the right borrower, it can be the smartest one.

What the Banks Won’t Tell You

The worst thing you can do right now is make a fixed vs variable decision based on fear or a headline. The banks make it easy to fix — they’ll often push it. But their fixed rate products aren’t always in your best interest.

A mortgage broker who knows your

situation — your income, your buffer, your plans for the next three years — can model both scenarios against your actual numbers. That’s where the real answer lives.

So, Which Side Should You Be On?

If you have strong cash flow and a buffer, variable — with a good offset account — remains powerful. If certainty is your priority and your budget is tight, a short fixed term may be worth the trade-off. If you’re unsure, a split gives you both.

But whatever you do, don’t leave your loan on a standard variable rate without reviewing it. That’s the one position that almost never makes sense.

At Wealthwiz, we believe the smartest move in a noisy, fast-moving environment is a human connection — someone who knows your situation, understands the market, and can cut through the noise to find what actually works for you. Technology is a tool. Advice is personal.

Call Alex an MFAA accredited finance broker today on 0419 600 177.

Disclaimer: The data, information and commentary provided in this publication is of a general nature. Opinions expressed are those of the author and should not be construed as specific financial or tax advice. The information is believed to be reliable at time of distribution, but Wealthwiz does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Please seek appropriate professional advice for your individual circumstances.

Western Sydney golfers undefeated in Major Pennant

RYAN Cadle

(Stonecutters Ridge GC) and Chris Moreton (Glenmore Heritage Valley GC) are among the 24 players who remained undefeated during the 2026 Men’s Major Metropolitan Pennant season.

Golf NSW recognised and congratulated the 34 players who went through the entire Metropolitan

Pennant season without dropping a match, across the Men’s Major Metropolitan Pennant, Women’s Major Metropolitan Pennant and Women’s Grade Pennant.

In the Men’s Major Metropolitan Pennant, 24 players across five divisions went undefeated, across all rounds, including Cadle (Stonecutters Ridge GC – Division One) and Moreton (Glenmore Heritage Valley GC – Division Two).

Evelyn

Oram on form in Magenta Shores Women’s Open

EVELYN Oram finished runnerup in the Magenta Shores Women’s Open, narrowly defeated (2 shots) by Australian representative Ella Scaysbrook.

Prizes were restricted to one per player so Evie walked away with the Nett prize, pocketing some handy cash to buy even more golf accessories.

Evie entered the Magenta Shores Women’s Open as a practice round for the upcoming NSW Schools State Championships and was delighted

with her strong performance.

Tim Oram said, “The wind was up and the greens were fast. She (Evie) beat the Magenta Shores Ladies champion and Junior Ladies champion on the day.

“The highlight was finishing her round with birdies on the last three holes. We are incredibly proud of her composure and determination, in all of her competitions,” Tim said.

Footnote: Maintaining her current run of form, Evelyn also finished 3rd in the Macquarie Bowl Ladies Stroke on Tuesday.’

Australian drivers to contest Radical Cup Europe round in Belgium

SMotorsport Park Supersport drivers Stephen Champion, Shaun Hannah and Peter Paddon will be racing in the Radical Cup Europe at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium over the 18-20 April. The three cars are being rented from the UK, but are being managed by Garth Walden and his GWR team, who are based at Prospect.

The new Radical Cup Europe is being held over five rounds in 2026, starting in Italy at Mugello Circuit and ending in Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Each round will cater for owners of Radical’s best-selling SR3, plus a class for the turbocharged SR10 to stretch its legs on some of Europe’s finest circuits.

The weekend’s racing includes the Radical Cup Europe, Michelin 24 Hour Series Europe and the TCR Europe Touring Car Series Cup.

Australia defeat France in women’s Polo International

THE Australian and French Women’s teams went head-to-head on Easter Sunday at Arunga Polo Club, in a superb Test Match, each player proudly representing their respective nations and showcasing exceptional talent on the field.

Each chukka was tightly contested, with the scores remaining close throughout. However, in the fourth chukka, Australia surged ahead and secured the win, defeating France 7–4.

Australia’s winning team were Phillipa Fitz-Henry, Anna Dowling, Ash Glennie, Indiana Bennetto.

A huge thank you to everyone who made today’s incredible Women’s Test Match possible.

We extend our appreciation to the French Federation of Polo, Australian Team Coach Aiden Nunn, and French Team Coach Adam Buchert. Thank you also to our umpires, Jason Dixon, Andrew Williams and Dick Doolin for their professionalism throughout the game.

A special thank you to Rowena Rainger and Katie Edmeades, who worked tirelessly to organise the match, along with Rebecca Walters for her assistance with horse coordination.

Fletcher Thew did an exceptional job commentating, and we are grateful to the Tolhurst family for the use of their fields.

Finally, to our generous horse lenders. Without your support, this match would not have been possible. Thank you to the Bennetto family, the FitzHenry family, Peta Gay-Railton, Adam Buchert, the Dowling family, Jemalong, the Kahlbetzer family, the Trickett family, the White family, Belltrees, and Ellerston Onassis Polo. Your contribution and generosity are truly appreciated.