Western News 29 May 2026

Townsfolk rejoice as medieval heroes and artisans delight

KNIGHTS and dames were a sight to behold whilst swordfights and weaponry from the Middle Ages captivated huge crowds at a successful Blacktown City Medieval Fayre.

Some of the best medieval re-enactors from across the state put on jousting and combat displays that delighted more than 30,000 people across the weekend of 16 and 17 May at Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside.

Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting was still in medieval mode after the festivities that included the Medieval Banquet.

“We set forth to bring the spirit of olde to Blacktown City, and the community answered with heart and cheer,” he said.

“Hail to the participants, staff and community who ensure this long-running institution continues to prosper.”

Other highlights included the intricate crafts of the blacksmith and woodturners village, the falconry skills of the Feathered Friends show, and children loved the camel and pony rides.

The sold out banquet held on the eve of the Fayre was also a hit. People enjoyed a feast from days of yore, dancing and entertainment including a snake charmer at The Colebee.

The Blacktown City Medieval Fayre is part of the Blacktown City Festival, and events continue through May.

Riverstone pride on show as festival delights community

RIVERSTONE Festival has showcased the pride of Sydney’s north-west after hundreds of people enjoyed new children’s activities, food, rides and more on a fun-filled day at Sam Lane Complex.

Even NSW Premier Chris Minns joined in to help the locals celebrate on Saturday 9 May.

Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the partnership between organisers from the Combined Churches of Riverstone and Blacktown City Council produced a fantastic event.

“I could feel the warmth of the

Riverstone community spirit and it was great to see so many happy, smiling faces,” he said.

“Well done to the volunteer organisers and my Council colleagues on an event that always brings people together.”

There was a special presentation to Riverstone Festival co-founder Phyllis McAlpine, who is taking a break after 26 years of leading the organising of the event.

Mayor Bunting was joined by Premier Minns, the Member for Greenway the Hon Michelle Rowland and the Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby in honouring Ms McAlpine.

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From the Editor’s Desk

BY KERRIE DAVIES

SOCIAL media lit up this week with AI-generated images of local business owners standing beside the Prime Minister, “welcoming” him as their newest business partner. The joke, of course, was driven by small business owners who feel - rightly or wrongly - they are handing far too much of their hard-earned profits to the government.

People laughed because humour is often how Australians deal with frustration. But beneath the jokes sits direct and indirect concerns.

Small businesses are carrying enormous pressure, and governments, along with political parties chasing votes, should be taking that very seriously.

Here locally, small businesses sponsor the junior footy teams, donate raffle prizes, support local charities, employ people and keep our main streets alive.

They work long hours, they take risks and their efforts are often dismissed by government as another revenue source to tap into.

Unlike government departments, small businesses do not have guaranteed income streams rolling in regardless of economic conditions. When times get tough, they cannot simply absorb endless rising costs.

They have to work even harder. They shave expenses wherever possible. Some dip into savings. Others take out loans simply to stay afloat.

And in the harshest cases, they let staff go or close their doors altogether.

That is not greed. That is survival.

It doesn’t sound appealing for our upcoming generations, does it?

Australia used to celebrate people willing to back themselves, create jobs and build something from the ground up.

Governments constantly talk about employment growth, economic resilience and strong communities. Well, small business delivers all three.

Instead of always looking at small business as somewhere to squeeze more money from, governments should be focused on incentivising and encouraging those willing to have a go.

That means meaningful incentives. Less red tape. More support during economic downturns. Policies that recognise small businesses operate very differently to major corporations and government agencies.

Because if we lose small business, we lose far more than shops and services. We lose character. We lose opportunity. We lose local jobs. And we lose the people quietly holding communities together behind the scenes every single day.

Mt Druitt’s newest public preschool

THE new public preschool at Blackett Public School was built within seven months, providing families with a modern, engaging environment for their youngest learners.

“When a parent drops their child off at a local public preschool, it means more flexibility and less pressure on the household budget, while their young learner receives a high-quality early education,” said Deputy Premier, Londonderry MP Prue Car.

“This work helps build confidence in the quality of education local public schools provides families, and the Minns Labor Government is committed to this work to give NSW children the best start in life.”

‘Mega park’ for Sydney’s north-west closer to opening day

AMASSIVE multi-use park that will become a recreation epicentre for people across Sydney’s north-west is soon to open.

Blacktown City Council is close to completing the 20 hectare Ken Birdsey Park at Schofields, set to be a feature for sports lovers and those who enjoy being among the trees.

Turf has recently been laid for multi-use sportsfields (four soccer fields and two cricket ovals).

A pavilion has been installed including a canteen, community room, covered outdoor picnic area and more.

Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting was excited by the difference it would make.

“Ken Birdsey Park will be like a second backyard for the people of Schofields and surrounds, who love getting out and enjoying where we live,” he said.

“It’s a big challenge serving our booming community, so I am glad Council is providing another place for residents to play and be more active, more often.

“I hope to see everyone at the opening celebration later this year.”

Ken Birdsey Park is also set to become a favourite place for family picnics, surrounded by trees and greenery, and barbecues and picnic tables to enjoy.

Children will be buzzing for the 2,500 sqm playground, which will include:

• a nature trail

• pipe slides

• ‘little diggers’ sand play

• trampolines

• timber pole climbing area

• swings.

Workers are rehabilitating First Ponds Creek and environmental conservation zones so that nature’s beauty is on show.

A fitness zone with outdoor equipment will be available for those who like to keep in shape.

A 2.6km shared path will run

through the park and is sure to be frequented by morning walkers, skaters and cyclists.

Parking is also being provided to ease demand on nearby streets.

Ken Birdsey Park is just one of the services Council is providing to ensure people living in Sydney’s north-west growth area can enjoy the same opportunities and lifestyle as those in other parts of Sydney.

The venue is named in honour of Schofields Cricket Club life member Ken Birdsey. Mr Birdsey was a local

identity and a keen cricketer and umpire.

The Member for Greenway the Hon Michelle Rowland and the Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby have coordinated Australian and NSW government support to help Council fund the project

For updates on progress, see the Council webpage: www.blacktown. nsw.gov.au/Works-and-projects/ Ken-Birdsey-Park-Schofields%E2%80%93-open-space-andrecreation-upgrade

Richmond Road Upgrade M7 Motorway to Townson Road

– Blacktown Streets Alive Festival Invitation Saturday 30 May

Dear Resident,

Want to know more about major roadwork projects such as the Richmond Road Upgrade? Come and meet the team at the Blacktown Streets Alive and Parade Day! www.blacktown.nsw. gov.au/festival/Whats-on/Streets-Alive-and-Parade-Day

Drop by to see plans, ask questions and chat with us about the M7 Motorway to Townson Road project, and the other projects we’re delivering to make it easier to move in and around the North West.

When: Saturday 30 May 2026 | 9am to 4pm

Where: Blacktown CBD (Main Street, Blacktown)

See you there!

Sincerely, North West Project Team

Students put future careers to the test

BY KERRIE DAVIES

MORE than 1,000 Year 8 students from schools across Blacktown, The Hills District and Mount Druitt attended the Inspire8 Careers Expo, where they explored a wide range of future career pathways through hands-on activities and interactive exhibits.

Students tried their hand at cupcake icing, floristry, finding the DNA of a strawberry, town planning with Lego, working with electrical circuits, making a fan work, operating solar cars, practising first aid, VR flight simulation and car maintenance and safety.

An initiative of the Educational Pathways Program, Inspire8 was designed to improve education and career outcomes for young people by providing career awareness opportunities for Year 8 students before they selected elective subjects for Stage 5.

Educational Pathways Program representative Lynette Tuckwell said the event was created to introduce students to career possibilities at an earlier age.

“This opportunity was launched because a lot of programs don’t start until the students are 15,” she said.

“We wanted to inspire Year 8 students, hence the name Inspire8.

“It was coming up to subject

selection times and we wanted them to be familiar with their careers advisers and look at different careers so they could broaden into different horizons.

“We wanted them to pick subjects more purposefully for Year 9 and 10 electives and this motivation carries into the classroom.”

Cranebrook High School student Mukhtar said he was interested in going to TAFE and studying IT.

“I visited the Youth Off The Streets stand because I really liked how they help young teenagers with dreams and achievements,” he said.

Fellow Cranebrook High School student Charlotte said the expo had opened her mind to different opportunities.

“I’m interested in either the medical route or creative arts,” she said.

“It was amazing and it was really nice. I liked putting my creativity and skills into building a city out of Lego.”

At Chifley College Dunheved Campus, student Xavier said he hoped to attend university in the future.

“I’m interested in going to university and getting my Bachelor of Arts in English,” he said.

“The Macquarie University stand was very compelling. They had a good strategy and I was already invested in the university.”

Seven Hills High School student Lola said she was considering a trade career.

“I want to do a trade, like carpentry. My dad does it and it looks fun,” she said.

“It was very busy and there were lots of different schools.”

Fellow student Zainab said the expo sparked her interest in bricklaying after visiting the AI photobooth.

“Today made me think about bricklaying,” she said.

“I did the AI photobooth and I saw the photo of me being a bricklayer and it looked good.

“My brothers did bricklaying in Years 11 and 12.

“My favourite thing was the photobooth and it was fun to do.

“It was very busy and there were a lot of kids around.”

Celebrate leadership, culture and innovation in our community

THE Blacktown City NAIDOC Week Awards 2026 recognise individuals and organisations making a meaningful impact across Blacktown City.

NAIDOC Citizen of the Year

Recognising inspirational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander role models whose achievements have made a lasting contribution to community.

NAIDOC Innovation Award

Celebrating new and innovative ideas creating positive change for First Nations people and communities.

If you know someone deserving of recognition, nominate them today!

Winners presented at the Holy Family Parish & Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation NAIDOC event on Thursday 9 July 2026, Whalan Reserve

Nominations close Friday 12 June 2026

Nominate here https://shorturl.at/FnmwC

Go ‘All Out’ for the 2026 Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize

BLACKTOWN City writers are being invited to go ‘all out’ as part of the 2026 Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize.

The annual competition is open to adults, and to children (aged 8 to 17 years) who live in Blacktown City, with entrants invited to submit a fictional short story or poem inspired by the idea of going ‘All Out’.

Entries will be judged in the following age categories: 8 to 11 years, 12 to 14 years, 15 to 17 years, and adults aged 18 and over.

Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting encouraged local writers to enter the competition and share their creativity.

“I want the Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize to encourage writers of all ages to share their voice, tell their stories and see their work recognised,” Mayor Bunting said.

“Every year, we see stories and poems that are thoughtful, original, funny, moving and full of imagination.

“This year’s theme, ‘All Out’, gives writers plenty of room to explore. It could mean giving everything you have, stepping into the world with courage, pushing a story to its limits, or imagining something completely unexpected.

“Blacktown City is home to people from many backgrounds, cultures and

Jlife experiences. That means our city is full of stories, and this prize helps bring some of those stories to the page.”

Winners and highly commended writers will have their work published in the 2026 Blacktown Mayoral Anthology by WestWords and will receive a cash prize from a total prize pool of $2,400.

The winners’ award ceremony will take place as part of the 2026 Write Out West Festival in November.

Entries will open Friday, 19 June 2026

Entries close 11.59 pm, Monday 14 September 2026.

The Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize is run in partnership with WestWords, Western Sydney’s literature development organisation.

WestWords supports writers and young people across the region through literary programs, publications, workshops, residencies and fellowships that celebrate and develop Western Sydney voices.

For more information visit www. blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/ Awards-scholarships-andcompetitions/Mayoral-CreativeWriting-Prize

OIN our Blacktown City Libraries this June as we honour and celebrate the incredible contributions of our senior community.

Whether you’re looking to connect with others, learn something new, or simply enjoy a good chat over a cup of tea, we’ve got a fantastic line-up of events just for you!

Some of the scheduled events include:

• puzzle palooza • chair yoga • hearing information session • boards and bites

• age pension legal talk

• men’s club

• Zumba

• introduction of ancestry.

Please refer to full program blacktown.nsw.gov.au/ seniorsweekbcl2026 for further details.

An Early Daisy Bates

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

ELIZA Hamilton Law-Dunlop was born in County Armagh in Ireland in 1796. She was the daughter of Solomon Hamilton & Martha (nee Costly). He was a Barrister-at-Law and an AngloIndian Judge of the late Supreme Court at Calcutta who died in the year 1820. Eliza married James Sylvius Law (around 1812) who was an astronomer and they had a son and a daughter. Eliza’s earliest documented public musical engagement took place in April 1818 when she was still Mrs Law and aged around 21. A verse prologue she had written specially for an occasion was read at a benefit concert organised by the Belfast Anacreontic Society for the harpist Patrick Carolan. After James died, she married David Dunlop of County Antrim at Port Patrick in Scotland in 1823, who was a bookseller and stationer in Coleraine. He was born in 1794 and his parents were Captain William & Jane Dunlop. In September 1837 the family departed Liverpool on the “Superb” via Hobart Town and arrived in Sydney in February 1838 with their four children – David (Jnr), Augusta, Wilhelmina and Rachel. On the 10th June that year he was appointed as the Police Magistrate at Penrith, but in November 1839 he was transferred to Wollombi as its first Police Magistrate on a salary of £250 per annum. In 1840 he was taken prisoner by bushrangers at the property of John Martin Davis and later rode to Maitland to organise a pursuit party and pursued the bushrangers before losing their tracks in the vicinity of Warawollong. He held this position until January 1847 when he was succeeded by Major Benjamin Sullivan. He built a stone house “Mulla Villa” in Wollombi. As a minor poet Eliza contributed to the literary life of the Hunter River circle. Her acquaintance with the European literary world gave her a place of prestige. Some of her early verse was published in such magazines as the Dublin Penny Journal and she continued to publish in the Australian and the Maitland Mercury Her Australian lyrics were set to music and from 1842 appeared in the Australian Melodies series. A volume of her collected works known as “The Vase” remains in manuscript at the Mitchell Library. Eliza also took a great interest in the welfare and folk-lore of the Aboriginals in her husband’s charge and was one of the few people to appreciate the literary worth of Aboriginal songs and poetry. She won the confidence of the Aboriginal elders, particularly the chief Boni, (King Boney) and translated some of the verse into English. She also wrote on Aboriginal themes. Outraged by the Myall Creek massacre in 1838, she wrote her lament, ‘The Aboriginal Mother’ that was her best known and most discussed lyric and was her response to what has become known as the Myall Creek massacre. The massacre had occurred on 9 June, but only came to attention of the press and public with the beginning of the trials of the perpetrators in November. Amid a great public outcry, mainly in support of the eleven accused, the first trial for the murder of just one of the victims, held on 15 November, resulted in acquittal by a sympathetic jury. At the second trial, on further charges, which ran from 26 to 29 November, a guilty verdict was achieved, and on 5 December the sentence of death was passed on the prisoners. Seven of the perpetrators

were duly executed on 18 December, though, as a result of public hostility toward the sentences, the remaining prisoners were set free. Whether David as a stipendiary magistrate knew anything of the case or the impending trials earlier than November, is not known, although, the high level of secrecy surrounding the early stages of the investigation suggests probably not. Allowing several days for the newspaper reports of the first trial to reach them from Sydney, Eliza and David probably only became aware of the event in detail toward the end of November, and apart from this single appearance of the lyric itself, there is no other documentation, so far discovered, linking them in any way with the original public controversy following the massacre and executions. No public reply to it, or private comment upon it, has so far been identified, which is hardly surprising, given the sheer amount of commentary surrounding the executions of the convicted perpetrators on 18 December, five days after the song appeared. Eliza’s public intervention was both unique and brave. Although she signed it simply “E. H. D.”, many well-informed readers, and no doubt most interested journalists, were well aware that the author was the wife of David Dunlop, the troubled police magistrate at Penrith. But if they said little or nothing at the time, at least some of those who objected to Eliza’s characterisation of the event, conceivably had good enough memories to hold it against her in future. In 1839 she wrote her song lyric in “Stories of an exile No. 8” (The ford of Emu Plains) at Government House at Emu Plains. She also did valuable work in preserving Aboriginal vocabularies and was assisted by other members of her family, notably her daughter Rachael. Sketches of the Penrith district by her daughter Georgina Law who was a governess in the Hassall family and who died at Wollombi in 1879, are in the Mitchell Library. David resided at Mulla Villa until his death when he died suddenly in March 1863 leaving an aged widow to mourn the loss of her beloved and faithful consort of nearly forty years. David was a forceful man with strong convictions and was far ahead of his time in the treatment of aboriginals. He advocated the wisdom of contracting with any willing aborigine for the completion of a limited and specific task, and then letting him return, dignity unimpaired, to his own tribal business. He was also a difficult and quarrelsome man by nature, having been removed from office in Penrith after many disagreements with the unpaid magistrates. He was initially popular with the free settlers by improving convict behaviour through his stern disciplinary measures and he was an efficient administrator who involved himself heavily in the affairs of the district. But being autocratic and abrupt he soon made enemies in the district with people who were influential enough to have him removed through representation to Governor Gipps. Eliza survived him until June 1880. She was buried in the Church of England cemetery at Wollombi alongside David. Photo of Emu Plains Government House courtesy of Penrith Library.

RRentvesting in 2026 – What the Budget Means for Your Property Strategy

ISING property prices have long made it difficult for Australians to buy where they want to live. The May 2026 Federal Budget has made it harder still. Changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax have directly reduced how much investors can borrow – and for first home buyers and young Australians already stretched by higher interest rates, the impact is significant. Rentvesting – buying an investment property in an affordable area while renting where you want to live – has never been a more important strategy to understand.

What the Budget changed

From 1 July 2027, investors purchasing established properties after Budget night (12 May 2026) can no longer offset rental losses against salary or other income. Losses are carried forward and can only be used against future rental income or property capital gains. New builds retain full negative gearing. The 50% CGT discount is also replaced by an inflation-indexed system with a minimum 30% tax on gains – again, with better treatment available for new builds. Properties owned before Budget night are fully grandfathered. The hit to borrowing capacity

The most immediate impact is on what banks will lend. Lenders have historically factored the negative gearing tax benefit into serviceability –boosting borrowing power before a tax return is even lodged. Remove that benefit and borrowing capacity falls. Based on a $1,000,000 property with

an $800,000 loan at 6.5% interest only and 3.5% gross yield:

• Established property (post-budget): the ~$17,000 annual rental loss can no longer be offset against salary. At a 37% marginal tax rate, this removes approximately $6,300 per year – or $524 per month – from lender calculations. Industry estimates suggest borrowing capacity could fall by up to 20%, equivalent to $50,000–$150,000 depending on income and lender.

• New build (post-budget): full negative gearing retained. No reduction in borrowing capacity.

These figures are indicative only and will vary by lender, income, and individual circumstances. For a personalised assessment, contact Wealthwiz.

A narrower path for investors and first home buyers

While new builds retain the tax advantages, finding a quality new build around $1,000,000 in a well-located suburb is not easy. Supply is limited, construction costs remain elevated, and competition is growing as more investors pivot toward new builds under the new rules. For those planning to eventually live in the property, the pool of suitable options is narrower still.

First home buyers feel this equally. Many have used rentvesting to secure a property they plan to live in later – buying now at today’s prices while the rental income helps carry the cost. Under the new rules, reduced borrowing power for established homes and limited new build supply make finding

CROSSWORD

the right property harder. The strategy still works, but it requires more deliberate planning and the right professional guidance.

How my clients have made it work

Many of my clients have used rentvesting in two ways: to get into the investment market sooner than they otherwise could, and to secure a property they plan to live in later at today’s prices. In both cases, rentvesting opened a door that traditional home buying had closed. The new rules add complexity – but the strategy remains one of the most effective paths to building property wealth while maintaining the lifestyle you want.

Take the next step

Understanding how the new rules affect your borrowing capacity – and which property strategy suits your situation – requires personalised advice. Contact Alex from Wealthwiz on 0419 600 177 to make sure your rentvesting strategy works under the new rules.

Disclaimer: The data, information and commentary provided in this publication is of a general nature and should not be construed as specific advice or relied upon in lieu of appropriate professional tax or financial advice. Borrowing capacity figures are illustrative only – actual outcomes will vary by lender and individual circumstances. Lender terms and conditions apply. For more information please call us on 0419 600 177.

¹ Australian Bureau of

Sammons and Fog share the spoils in North vs South Cup

BY NOEL ROWSELL

SEAN Sammons (Stonecutters Ridge GC) and Jessica Fog (Penrith / The Lakes GC) were both members of the victorious North team at the annual JNJG North vs South Cup, held at Highlands GC over 22-24 May.

Jessica was in winning form all weekend, while Sean had just one win in the Foursomes.

Day One (4BBB): Jess and Sean won 1-up; Day Two: (Foursomes): Jess and Max Atwell won 6&5, Zach France and Sean lost 2&1: Day Three: (Singles) Jess won 6&5, Sean lost 5&4.

Round Three of the Women’s Golf Nepean (WGN) Pennant was held on Monday 24th May, with Campbelltown winning 3-2 over Windsor, Camden winning 4-1 over Leonay and Camden Lakeside winning 3-2 over Richmond.

Next week’s round will be held at Leonay, with Lakeside playing Campbelltown at 11:00am, Richmond vs Windsor at 11:30am and Penrith vs Camden at 12:00 noon.

The big result of the weekend in the 2026 Master Pennant competition saw Wallacia CC score a dominant 8-0 over Rosnay. That result was one of six wins for western Sydney clubs, with two of those victories achieved away from home.

RESULTS: (Home teams listed

first) - Cromer 5-3 over Penrith, Stonecutters Ridge 5-3 over St Michaels, Dunheved lost 3.5-4.5 to Pennant Hills, Strathfield 4-4 with Lynwood, Richmond 4.5-3.5 over Cumberland, Eastlake 5-3 over Springwood, Ryde-Parramatta 5-3 over Twin Creeks, Warringah lost 4.5-

3.5 to Leonay, Bexley lost 4.5-3.5 to Glenmore Heritage Valley, Fox Hills 6-2 over Bonnie Doon, Wallacia 8-0 over Rosnay.

There are only two home games this Sunday, with Penrith hosting Woolooware at 11:30am and Twin Creeks hosting The Coast at 10:44am;

WalkSoccer kicks goals in Western Sydney as nominated for award

Western Sydney Local Health District has helped launch WalkSoccer and help our aging kick goals and remain active.

ANEW ‘WalkSoccer’ program has kicked off in Rooty Hill, keeping Blacktown Local Government Area residents physically active and socially connected as they age.

Western Sydney Local Health District’s Health Promotion Director, Michelle Nolan, said the program’s strong community impact is already getting attention.

“WalkSoccer has been named a finalist in the 2026 ZEST Awards in the Outstanding Community Partnership category, recognising its impact in connecting people, supporting healthy ageing and strengthening community wellbeing across Western Sydney,” she said.

WalkSoccer is a low-impact, norunning, non-contact version of football which focuses on movement, balance and social connection rather than competition.

Michelle says the nomination for a local award is evidence of the impact these changes can make.

This highlights the value of partnership and community led approaches in helping people stay active, connected and independent as they age, Michelle said. “ “

Don Mulholland is a community cultural worker at The Shed in Mount Druitt and didn’t know anything about WalkSoccer before attending a recent WalkSoccer Come and Try day.

“As an Aboriginal person, we’ve got to keep that close the gap thing going, and the more active in fitness we become, and more involved in local sports, the better,” Don said.

He says WalkSoccer is a great way to increase your fitness while strengthening your social bonds..

The program is delivered in collaboration with Western Sydney Local Health District, Walking Football NSW, Western Sydney Wanderers and Blacktown City Council, and is available to local women aged 40 years and over, and local men aged 50 years and over.

Warwick Gosling is a selfproclaimed ‘lifetime football tragic’.

In 2021 he needed a bone marrow transplant and he thought that meant his days of playing football were over.

“I got my dad into playing walking football,” Warwick said.

Warwick thought the game was only for elderly people, but when he saw friends of his playing he realised it was for him too.

“It gave me the incentive to get healthy, to get fitter, to come and play,” Warwick said.

Since those initial passes on the field with WalkSoccer, he has been selected to play for Australia in England, and in Spain, taking him to Europe for the first time in his life.

“There’s a line in the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It’s been a long time

since I’ve made a new friend. Well, just come here and you’ll meet new friends,” Warwick says.

Michelle says WalkSoccer echoes the benefits recognised by Warwick.

“While regular movement is key to healthy ageing, physical activity levels drop sharply later in life, particularly among those aged 55 and over.”

“Programs like WalkSoccer make physical activity achievable and enjoyable and help older people stay steady on their feet, keep doing the things they love, and reap the benefits of an active lifestyle as they get older.”

For details about WalkSoccer including how to register, head to: https://opensports.net/wfnsw/tab/ events

Local trio selected for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

BY NOEL ROWSELL

AUSTRALIAN Olympian

Tim Hodge OAM (Kings Langley) and Beau Matthews (Toongabbie) have both been named in an 18-strong Australian Para (Dolphins) swimming team, book-ended with proven stars and sprinkled with seven rookies, selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (Scotland).

Hodge will contest the 100m Backstroke S9 and 100m Breaststroke SB9 and has represented Australia at three Paralympic Games, two Commonwealth Games and multiple World Championships. In 2025, he was awarded an OAM for his services to sport following the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Since making his Paralympic debut in Rio 2016 when he was just 15 years old, the boy from Blacktown has proudly stood on the podium six times, including twice at the top when he won his maiden gold in Paris in the mixed 4x100m medley relay (34pt) and his first individual Paralympic gold in the men’s 200m individual medley (SM9). Matthews will compete in the 100m

Breaststroke SB9. A national Flippers Squad member, Beau is a prolific gold medal winner at the national age level, winning 11 gold medals from the national age meets in 2023 and 2024. His haul from last year on the Gold Coast included six gold and one silver.

19-year-old Isaac Beacroft will compete in the 10,000m Race Walk and is the world under-20 record holder in the event. He won gold in the U20 men’s 10km race at the 2024 World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships, and silver in the individual event and bronze in the team event at the same championships this year.

Based in Blacktown, Beacroft is coached by his father, David, a former junior race walker. He attended Oakhill College and was a member of the Western Sydney Giants AFL Academy.

He set the fastest 5,000m time by an under-17 race walker in world history in December 2023, with a time of 19:31.21, just 1.07 seconds short of breaking the under-18 world record.

Beacroft subsequently won gold in the U20 men’s 10km race at the 2024 World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in Antalya, Turkey, setting an Oceania U20 record time of 39:56 and becoming the youngest

Isaac finished fourth in the 10,000m race walk at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, setting an Oceania U20 record of 39:36.39.

He was awarded a Sport Australia Hall of Fame Awards scholarship in September 2024, won the Australian U20 10,000m title in April 2025, was selected for the 2025 Summer World University Games in Bochum, Germany and recorded a personal best of 1:22.37 to finish 10th in the 20km road walk.

In December 2025, Isaac set a new world under-20 record at the NSW 10,000m Race Walk Championships, winning in a time of 38:02.68. That time also broke the Australian Open record, previously held by Declan Tingay.

The following month, he won the Australian Athletics 10,000m Race Walking Championships, won the silver medal in the individual U20 race, and won the bronze in the team event at the 2026 World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in Brazil.

Muddy Flatts triumphs to conclude Autumn Polo season

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE Autumn Polo season has come to a close in the Hawkesbury, with Windsor

the

Kim McDougall of M Polo Management said, “That’s a wrap for Autumn 2026! Thank you everyone for the past 12 weeks. Another successful polo season in the Hawkesbury. The weather was certainly on our side, making for a

brilliant run of Autumn weekends.

“A big shout-out to all the field owners (Windsor, Killarney, Arunga, Kurri Burri and Muddy Flatts) who helped make the season happen. We really appreciate everyone’s support.”

4 Goal - Muddy Flatts (Wallace Ashton, Toby Goodman, Gabriel Li, Ric McCarthy) defeated both Windsor White and Windsor Black.

Subzero - Muddy Flatts Black (Hassan Ameen, Ian Wingrove, Toby Goodman) defeated Tilboroo over two days.

Western Sydney players chosen for Baseball World Cup

FIVE western Sydney baseball players from the Blacktown Workers Baseball and Windsor Baseball Clubs have been chosen for Australia, following the recent Women’s National Championships, with team manager Jason Pospishil and the High Performance arm of Baseball Australia naming a 20-woman squad for the 2025 Women’s World Cup Group Stage, which will be held in Rockford, Illinois (USA) from 22-27 July.

Australia’s national team, also known as the Emeralds, will compete in Pool A and face a challenging mix

of both powerhouse and emerging nations.

Australia will take on No. 2 ranked USA, No. 6 ranked Mexico, No. 8 ranked Hong Kong, China and No. 12 ranked Korea, along with the winner of a playoff series between Canada and Puerto Rico. If Australia finishes Top 3 in the Group, they will qualify for the Finals with five other nations in 2027.

The athletes will depart to the USA in advance of the tournament for a five-day training camp, where they will practice, adjust to a new times, and play exhibition games.

Molly Paddison (Windsor) is also a WPBL draft pick and has

led Queensland to the Finals in the last few Australian Women’s Championships (AWC).

Mackenzie Jackson (Blacktown Workers) was arguably the best pitcher for NSW at the 2025 Nationals. She tore her labrum and missed nearly all of the recent season but returned to fire off four shutout innings at the 2026 nationals to make the national squad. Maddi Heath (Blacktown Workers) returns for her second year behind the plate, with more experience and a national title to her name. Ticara Geldenhuis (Blacktown Workers) and Maddi Erwin (Blacktown Workers) are also both WPBL draft picks.

Ashton Kennedy signs with the Pittsburgh Pirates

BY NOEL ROWSELL

TEAM Australia U18 star Ashton Kennedy (Blacktown Workers) is officially heading into professional Baseball, signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates organisation after previously being committed to Connors State College in Oklahoma.

Kennedy is a genuine two-way threat who pitches and plays both outfield and first base.

His resume includes a 2025 U18 National Championship, selection

to Team Australia at the 2025 U18 World Cup, and a spot on the MLB Showcase Tour.

At the World Cup, Kennedy dominated on both sides of the ball.

He hit .444 at the plate, while tossing 4.1 shutout innings across three appearances, allowing just one hit and two walks. He finished the tournament with the ‘Leading Hitter Award’.

Kennedy is now among a growing list of Australians currently holding Minor League Baseball contracts, continuing the impressive pipeline of Australian talent entering affiliated baseball.