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Friday, 19 January 2018

ISSUE 51

Happy Australia Day to all our readers and clients! Next issue February 2 2018

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lacktown City Woman of the Year Elfa Moraitakis is encouraging the community to nominate outstanding local women for the city’s Woman of the Year 2018. “Winning the award gave me a sense of the amazing work other women in the community are doing and it’s not necessarily heard about,” Ms Moraitakis said. “We are like the silent achievers and people don’t always know about the fantastic work that’s being done out there by women for women. “If you know a woman who is having a positive impact in their community, don’t think twice about nominating her. Women need to be recognised.” Ms Moraitakis, who is CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services, was named the 2017 Blacktown City Woman of the Year at a special event last year to mark International Women’s Day. Nominations for the 2018 Blacktown City Woman of the Year close on 25 January. Blacktown City Women’s Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Julie Griffiths, said the award is Blacktown’s chance to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women within the local community. “As chair of the Blacktown City Women’s Advisory Committee, it is exciting to watch women from the widest imaginable diversity of backgrounds get together and network,” Cr Griffiths said. “Blacktown’s diverse multicultural make up – combined with its ability to bring together women from political, business, government and professional backgrounds – makes it a powerful place for women of purpose. “It is also a place where women like Elfa Moraitakis

The 2017 Blacktown City Woman of the Year winner Elfa Moraitakis (second from left) with finalists Tharshine Vimalan, Kylie Smith, Gladyss Panoncillo, Maryam Zahid and Harinder Kaur.

are recognised and celebrated for their achievements. “I look forward to seeing and meeting all the wonderful nominees for this year’s Blacktown Woman of the Year.” The Woman of the Year recipient will be announced at Blacktown City Council’s International Women’s Day breakfast on 8 March. International Women’s Day is globally celebrated each year on 8 March to commemorate women’s achievements and highlight women’s equality worldwide. Nominations can be submitted online by visiting: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awardsscholarships-and-competitions/InternationalWomens-Day Nomination forms are also available from Council’s Information Desk, Civic Centre, Flushcombe Road, Blacktown, or by calling 9839 6000. Blacktown City Woman of the Year 2018 nomination criteria:

Western News 19 January 2018 Issue 51

Nominate Blacktown’s Woman of the Year

2017 Blacktown City Woman of the Year Elfa Moraitakis Elfa is the CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services, based in Blacktown. She has more than 25 years’ experience in community services and developing services for linguistically disadvantaged communities. She is also a board member of the Hellenic Centre for Language and Culture.

A woman aged 16 years and over who is currently living or working in the Blacktown local government area. A woman who has: • Made an outstanding contribution to their local community. • Inspires others to contribute to their local community. • Risen above adversity to reach their goals. • Consistently demonstrated exceptional and progressive leadership • Mentored and inspired other women • Demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity.

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Western News 19 January 2018 Issue 51

Western News Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: General Manager: Sales: Journalist: Journalist: Sports Journalist: Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Photographer: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

By KeRRIE DAVIES

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Keegan Thomson 0421 382 560 Garion Thain 0430 424 101 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Kennedi Geyer 0452 455 844 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.wsnewsgroup.com

Distribution Map Western News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres. Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

From the Editor’s Desk Be a bogan, at least for one day

Vineyard Riverstone Rouse hill Marsden Park Kellyville Ridge

Schofields Shanes Park Colebee

Ropes Crossing

Quakers Hill

Hassall Grove

St Marys

Dean Park Glendenning

Emerton

Plumpton

Stanhope Gardens Parklea

Kings Park Marayong

Woodcroft

Kings Langley Lalor Park

Mt Druitt Rooty Hill Minchinbury

Blacktown

Seven Hills

Arndell Park Toongabbie

Eastern Creek

 My mate Krys and I last year on Australia Day being massive bogans!

Prospect

WELL it is nearly here, one of my favourite days of the year; Australia Day - the day we get to celebrate everything Australian - fire up the barbie, sink a few coldies and tell a few porkies with our mates. Aussie slang is one of the major things that makes us unique - other countries could never emulate the language we’ve managed to create over the decades nor begin to fully understand it! But as singer John Williamson once famously sang, “Hey true blue, don’t say you’re gone. Say you’ve knocked off for a smoko, and you’ll be back later on,” I sincerely hope we never lose our Australianism. I fear that the old dinki-di sense of humour and our she’ll be right mate attitude shows signs at times of slowly slipping away - and that would be an absolute tragedy. One of my best mates is a fella called Krystyan Buttriss; he’s a true Aussie bloke in every definition of the term. He comes to visit wearing a navy singlet top, boardies and thongs and he lifts his hat and says “owyagoingmate” upon entering. A real Aussie gentleman, his attitude to life and people, and his mannerisms are dinkydi all the way. And I feel a sense of patriotic pride every time we spend time with him, because this type of bloke, sadly, is becoming a rarity. I call him the “Bintang Bogan” - a name I gave him during a trip to Bali a few years back - and guess what, it doesn’t offend him! In fact, in what was once the Aussie way for all, nothing much at all offends him. He sees the joke in everything around him, and that includes laughing at himself. What happened to that attitude? We all possessed it at one stage. We laughed our way through life, rolling with the punches. Nowadays, to put it bluntly, there’s too many sooks around. Whingeing, bitching and moaning about everyone and everything, instead of just holding their head up and getting on with life. Someone said to me the other day that they hate the “bogans” that come out on Australia Day. “What’s bogan about them?” I ventured. “Oh you know, they wear the flag as a cape and draw the Southern Cross on themselves and sing Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oy Oy Oy,” was the reply. And that my Aussie friends is exactly what I’m talking about. How did cloaking yourself in our national flag on our national day, drawing the stars that symbolise the best location on earth and singing a chant that went viral and is known across the world as ours become so offensive? This Australia day let your inner bogan break free! It’s there somewhere, hidden under all the political correctness you’ve allowed to pile on top of it. Happy Australia Day! Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

Western News

local news

estern Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is encouraging smokers to make a quit smoking attempt as one of their new year’s resolutions. Not only are there direct health benefits to quitting, there are benefits to the hip pocket. A packet a day smoker spends approximately $21 a day which is $630 a month or $7665 a year. WSLHD Centre for Population Health deputy director Christine Newman explained in western Sydney 14.3* per cent of the population smokes which is a concern as smoking is the leading cause of disease and premature death. “There has been an overall decline in the number of people smoking which is great, but there are still some community groups and areas in western Sydney with much higher rates.” Ms Newman said support for smokers wanting to quit was critical, as butting out for good often takes several attempts. “It can take a few tries before people quit for good but just taking small steps can make a huge difference – start by not smoking in the car or home, or cutting out in the morning and build slowly to quitting.

› Surviving Suicide

“Getting individual or group support is critical – we know people have a much greater chance of quitting smoking if they contact NSW Quitline, undertake individual counselling or attend a quit smoking group. “Adding a nicotine replacement product or medication, both subsidised with a script from your GP will increase your chances of quitting and staying quit even more”. “There are many health benefits of quitting – after just 20 minutes without a cigarette your heart rate decreases; after two weeks, the risk of

heart attack begins to reduce and after a year, your risk of coronary heart disease is reduced by half. “If you’ve been thinking about giving cigarettes the flick, with the start of a new year, now is the perfect time to do so,” Ms Newman said. For support to quit smoking visit www.icanquit.com.au or call the NSW Quitline on 137 848. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can ask for an Aboriginal Counsellor. Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese speakers can ask for bi-lingual counsellors.

THE Suicide Prevention and Support Network Western Sydney is holding a Hope Walk in the Hawkesbury to raise awareness about suicide and break the stigma. The Hope Walk will take place on Saturday, February 17, and attendees will meet at the tennis courts at Clarendon and will walk to the information centre along the RAAF base. Attendees are encouraged to wear something yellow to show their support. 17th February 2018 Ham Common Clarendon Starts at 9 am To find out more about the event, purchase a t-shirt, or find out more about Suicide Prevention & Support Network Western Sydney and their services (including their 2018 schedule for fortnightly support group meetings), contact Organiser Diane Russell on 0405 468 294 or email dirussell63@gmail.com.

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Western News 19 January 2018 Issue 51

Butt out for good in 2018 and save

Western News 19 January 2018 Issue 51

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Western News

Riverstone High School major upgrade

iverstone High School students will soon be learning in new school facilities, including 12 new classrooms, funded by the NSW Government. Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said the upgrade will deliver the top-quality classrooms and facilities which our local students deserve. Plans have been submitted to Blacktown City Council for a new school building as part of a major upgrade of Riverstone High School. The works will create a new twostorey block with 12 new futurefocused classrooms, a modern canteen and other amenities for staff and students. A large new outdoor undercover area will be created beneath the new building that will nearly double the outdoor learning and

play space at the school. The upgrade is part of the NSW Government’s plan to meet growing enrolment demand across the local area. Construction will begin late next year and finish in mid-2020. “It is vitally important our local community has top-quality education resources for our students now and into the future and I’m pleased the NSW Government is delivering these resources” Mr Conolly said. Education Minister Rob Stokes said nearly 30,000 new homes were expected to built in the area in the next 10 years with significant Government investment in the North West Rail link and Western Sydney Airport bringing more jobs, growth and an attractive lifestyle for Western Sydney families. “It’s important that as this area grows, the local community reaps

the benefits of that growth, and high quality education facilities are one of those important local benefits,” Rob Stokes said. “This project will ensure local students have the school facilities and resources they need to succeed in the

21st century.” The NSW Government is spending $4.2 billion over four years building 120 new or upgraded schools and $747 million on school maintenance. This is the biggest investment in public school infrastructure in the history of NSW.

Blacktown City offers cool alternative these school holidays

ou now have even longer to enjoy Council’s aquatic facilities with hours being extended for the January School Holidays. The Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali MP, encouraged residents to keep cool by taking a dip at one of Council’s great facilities: “The west has seen increasingly hot weather this summer and this is why Blacktown City Council has extended their aquatic and leisure facility hours for the rest of the school holidays” Council facilities at Blacktown, Emerton, Mount Druitt, Riverstone and Stanhope Gardens will be open on the weekend until 7pm. Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton (35 Jersey Road, Emerton) is great for keeping the kids entertained with an indoor leisure pool compete with shower spray jets and bubble jets. And the wave pool at Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope (Corner of Stanhope Parkway and Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens) offers a realistic experience similar to being in the ocean. Blacktown Aquatic Centre offers both an indoor and outdoor 50-metre pool, as well as a shaded toddler’s pool.

Mount Druitt Swimming Centre (Ayres Grove, Mt Druitt) and Riverstone Swimming Centre (Corner of Market Street & Garfield Road, Riverstone) both offer 50-metre pools

if you’re looking to do a few laps, a 25-metre pool if you’re more of the leisurely type, as well as ample shaded grass area for the little ones. For further information on

Blacktown City Council’s Leisure & Aquatic Facilities including extended opening hours for each facility and entry fees please visit www. blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Western News

local news

Western News 19 January 2018 Issue 51

Rooty Hill’s shady park By Keegan Thomson

popular Rooty Hill park has gone shady and is more fun than ever, thanks to an extensive overhaul by Blacktown City Council. Angus Memorial Park now has more trees, pedestrian pathways and a new playground as part of the $111,000 upgrade to the park. The project was jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government’s Social Housing Improvement Fund, which contributed a grant of $50,000. “There is also additional equipment, including a five-way swing, slippery The new playground at Angus Memorial Park in Rooty Hill. dip, multi-rocker see-saw, balance beam and climbing frame,” Mayor of “We also installed a wide concrete pathway from Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said. “The play space also has footpath links, separate the park gate to the amenities building to improve toddler and junior zones, and rubber softfall for the accessibility. high use areas,” he said. “I thank everyone who gave feedback and worked The improvements were the result of Council with Council to make Angus Memorial Park the consultation with local residents, Rooty Hill RSL amazing space it is today.” Football Club and Rooty Hill RSL Cricket Club. During 2017, Council upgraded or built new “The clubs and locals told us that while they playgrounds at: Hanna Reserve in Oakhurst; loved coming to Angus Memorial Park, they really wanted more shady areas,” Ward 4 Councillor Carol Bidwill Park in Bidwill; Greendale Terrace Reserve, Quakers Hill; Valencia Park, Toongabbie; Davison Israel said. “So, based on their feedback, more trees were Reserve, Parklea; Twin Willows Reserve, Kings planted in the play space and along the pedestrian Langley; Endeavour Park, Kings Langley, and at Piddington Street, The Ponds. paths.

Dylan Loughton, 10, Nate Auld, 8, Ella Formosa, 9, Xavier Taylor, 6, and Blake Mearns, 6, have fun on the new playground with Blacktown Councillor Carol Israel.

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Western News 19 January 2018 Issue 51

AUSTRALIA DAY FEATURE

Where did the Aussie accent come from? By Keegan Thomson

NE element of the Australian story that is often overlooked is the linguistic history of the Australian accent. It is a harsh accent with lots of hard sounds and unique abbreviated colloquialisms, but where did it come from? The story is cemented into us from the fourth grade of school: The First Fleet of lawbreaking convicts from across the English Isles made their way into Sydney Harbour to start up the new colony of New South Wales. From the second the cons set foot on Australian shores they started chatting. They probably spoke about the rough ride over, the crappy food, the rats they had to share their beds with and most important the weather. You had convicts from Scotland talking to thieves from London’s East End and petty criminals from the highlands of Wales. They all started mixing their accents, words and phrases from the get go. Professor Catherine T. Best is the Chair in Psycholinguistic Research and Director of Research at the MARCS at Western Sydney University. She has studied accents and the difficulties of learning a second language. Her research has helped her better understand the linguistic history of the Australian accent. Prof Best says there are many elements to what made the contemporary Australian accent what it is today and they all date back to the First Fleet. “The first English speaking people to come to Australia came from all over the United Kingdom.

They were criminals and their overseers from across the British Isles,” Prof Best said. “Within the UK there are very marked accent differences and in Australia these accents came together. “Here people were thrown together with all different accents and vocabularies and told to work productively together. To do this they needed to communicate. When people come together in that way they start developing a similar lingo overtime so they can community effectively,” she said. Prof Best says there is evidence to show the Australian love affair with shortening words into colloquial abbreviations comes from the first convict settlers. “This tradition has some connection to secret word play that convicts would have used to cover up criminal activities and talk to one and other in code,” Prof Best said. “The tendency to make Australian abbreviations, like calling an electrician a sparky, comes from these

abbreviation codes and cockney rhyming slang.” Before British settlers came to Australia there were hundreds of Aboriginal tribes living across the continent. Their history, language and culture has had many impacts in the way the Australian accent has developed. “There were many tribes of Indigenous people who worked with the English settlers in many productive ways. As a result everyone tried to learn each other’s languages,” Prof Best said. “By sharing the terminology and subtle changes of the pronunciation of some words the changes to an in-between pronunciation that is mixed between a British English and an Indigenous accent.” The subtle language elements that the Indigenous people contributed to the Australian accent is similar to that of Australia’s new wave immigrants. Listen in and you can hear the three main Australian accents spoken across the country. A broad accent, spoken by someone like actor Paul Hogan, an educated accent, spoken by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and a more general accent that is spoken in major cities. These three main accents also have subtle changes that can also be heard across state lines and in different regions. “Informally there is a ‘Westie’ accent,” Prof Best said. “It isn’t a broad Australian accent but it has features that distinguish it from the general Australian accent spoken in, say, Gosford,” she said. It is difficult to figure out where the Australian language is going but if we listen in extra hard we might be able to hear the changes.

“On January 26 we proudly celebrate Australia; its beauty, its people, our freedom and all things that make ours the greatest nation in the world”

Prue Car MP “

Member for Londonderry

Our diverse community comes together as one to celebrate the love we all share for this great nation on Australia Day

“

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Kevin CONOLLY MP

State Member for Riverstone Phone: 8883 3499

www.kevinconollymp.com.au

AUSTRALIA DAY FEATURE

Aussie lingo With Australia Day coming up let’s have a bit of a gander at some old Aussie slang sayings that only true blue Aussies would understand!

Old slang.. all but forgotten!

› As flash as a rat with a gold tooth › It beats a poke in the eye with a blunt stick › Ya bloody scallywag! › He’s cactus › He’s got a head like a beaten favourite › How ya going Cobber? › Ken oath! › Bangs like a dunny door in a hurricane › On the blower › Hum dinger › She’s got a kangaroo loose in the top paddock › Stone the flamin crows › You pong! › He was grinning like a shot fox › She’s the duck’s guts › Amber fluid › He’s as fat as a butcher’s dog › Where’s me doovalacky? › Grouse! › Feeling as crook as Rookwood › She’s up at a sparrow’s fart › He’s come a gutzer › Within a coo-ee › That’s about as rare as rocking horse poo › Big-noting yourself › Bonzer bloke › Off like a brides nightie › Barrack for your team › Strewth › She’s done the Harold Holt › London to a brick › Hoo-roo › She shot through like a Bondi tram › He’s lower than a snake’s bum › She can talk under water with a mouthful of marbles Q: What is the difference between an Australian wedding and an › I’m so hungry I could I could eat a horse and chase its rider Australian funeral? › I’m busier than a one legged bloke in an ar$e-kicking competition A: One less drunk at the funeral › She could eat a toffee apple through a tennis racquet - (applied to buck teethed women)

› My throat feels like the scrapings from the Cockie’s cage › She’s got a face like five miles of unmade road › As popular as a pork chop in Jerusalem. › As much use as an ashtray on a motorbike › He’s as reliable as a two bob watch › His language was so bad, he’d make a warfie blush › Fits like a bum in a bucket › She’s as thick as two short planks › He’s so fat you’d need a cut lunch to get around him

Q: Why do kangaroos hate rainy days? A: Because their children play inside. Q: What did the necktie say to the Akubra Hat? A: “You go on a head mate, I’ll just hang around.” I was recently turned down on my application for an Australian green card, on account of my criminal record. Bit bloody ironic is it not?

Western News 19 January 2018 Issue 51

Good ole-fashioned

Western News 19 January 2018 Issue 51

AUSTRALIA DAY FEATURE

Celebrating all things Australian on January 26

rom cuddling koalas to celebrating local heroes and rocking out to live music, Blacktown City Council has Australia Day celebrations covered. Blacktown’s Australia Day begins with Wake Up with the Wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park, then continues with a special citizenship ceremony, followed by the announcement of the City’s Citizens of the Year. The day is concludes with a free Australia Day concert at The Rooty Hill, climaxing in Western Sydney’s largest fireworks display. Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali MP said more than 50,000 people were expected to attend Council’s Australia Day events. “Our Australia Day activities are hugely popular – and no wonder,” Mayor Bali said. “We have a range of fun, family friendly and exciting events for people of all ages. “I encourage everyone to join us on 26 January and celebrate our pride in being Australian and living in this great nation.” The Wake Up With The Wildlife event held at Featherdale Wildlife Park kick starts the entertainment program. From 7.00 am to 9.00 am, families and children will have the unique opportunity to visit the animals early in the morning and feed them breakfast. At 10.30 am Bowman Hall in Blacktown will host a special Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, where people from countries including India, the Philippines and Fiji will become Australian citizens. Following the ceremony, Mayor Bali will announce Blacktown City’s Australia Day Award winners. Celebrations continue from 3.30 pm with the free Australia Day Concert on The Rooty Hill.

The concert features performances by Australian new wave band Pseudo Echo, and home-grown musicians Christie Lamb and Diesel. There will also be free amusement rides, and circus-style and acrobatic performances. The concert will come to a spectacular close with Western Sydney’s largest fireworks display from 9.15 pm. “I encourage families and friends to head down early to The Rooty Hill for our family-friendly, alcohol-free annual Australia Day celebrations,” Mayor Bali said. “This year’s entertainment line-up is as exciting as it comes, with one of Australia’s most highly regarded rock bands, Diesel, performing live on stage.” “The event also features a fireworks extravaganza which never disappoints,” he said.

Wake up with the Wildlife Breakfast 7.00 am to 9.00 am Featherdale Wildlife Park, Kildare Road, Blacktown Friday, 26 January 2017, from 7.00 am to 9.00 am, Featherdale Wildlife Park in Doonside. Bookings are required and spots are limited. Tickets are $3 per person, with all money raised donated to a nominated charity at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Bookings open at 8.00 am, Tuesday 9 January, online or in person. A sausage sizzle breakfast will also be available for purchase at the event, provided by the Lions Club. Featherdale Wildlife Park is located on Kildare Road, Blacktown. The ticket is only valid on Australia Day with entry between 7.00 am-9.00 am. This unique Australia Day experience is proudly sponsored by

Featherdale Wildlife Park. Citizenship ceremony 10.30 am Bowman Hall, Campbell Street, Blacktown. The special Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony will begin at 10.30 am – 160 people have decided to become Australians on Australia Day. Australia Day at The Rooty Hill 4.00 pm – 9.30 pm, The Rooty Hill, Church Street Rooty Hill. Enjoy all the festivities of Australia Day 2017 at Council’s Australia Day Celebrations on The Rooty Hill. Including free amusement rides, circus style and acrobatics performers, and a fireworks spectacular to close the event. Featuring performances by Diesel, Pseudo Echo and Christie Lamb. The Rooty Hill is a 10 minute walk from Rooty Hill Railway Station or can be accessed by car via Eastern Road, Rooty Hill. Limited free parking is available. The highly anticipated, annual family-friendly, alcohol free event will be held at The Rooty Hill, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill. Limited parking is available. Stage program 3.30 pm gates open on Eastern Road, Rooty Hill 4.00 pm Jay Seeney Band 5.00 pm The Kami’s 6.00 pm Christie Lamb 6.45 pm Pseudo Echo 8.00 pm Diesel 9.15 pm fireworks spectacular 9.30 pm event close For more information on Blacktown City’s Australia Day celebrations and/ or changed traffic conditions, visit www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au or phone 9839 6000. Rock act Diesel will entertain crowds Blacktown’s Australia Day Concert. Award-winner singer/songwriter Christie Lamb will perform. The Rooty Hill will host Western Sydney’s biggest fireworks display on Australia Day.

Western News

local news

By Keegan Thomson

EORGE Asciak, the jolly, bearded and charitable Colyton Santa, has raised nearly $3500 for Nepean Hospital during his annual Christmas lights and Santa spectacular. Setting out with the goal of raising $2000 for charity he has blown that expectation out of the water after generous members of the the public and local businesses donated $3474.20. “It has been really overwhelming,” Mr Asciak said. “We originally set out to raise $2000 for Nepean Hospital but ended up doing much better than that.” For 15 years now Mr Asciak has been donning the red and white suit for a number of charities and community groups across western Sydney. Each year, on the week before Christmas, he opens up his yard to people who want to get photos with him dressed as Santa. Despite the poor weather on the week leading up to Christmas, Mr Asciak said he had one of the biggest years to date. “Across the week I reckon we had nearly 2000 people turn up to take photos, see the lights and donate money,” Mr Asciak said. “All of the children who come out get a toy and a little take home pack and have a big smile on their face, that is what makes it worth it all.” Mr Asciak said the money is set to go towards much needed equipment for Nepean Hospital.

Western News 19 January 2018 Issue 51

Local Santa raises big bucks G

Mr Asciak with a big smile and a big cheque. Photo: Keegan Thomson

Humbly he said he couldn’t have done this Christmas miracle on his own, Mr Asciak has a slew of people he would like to thank. “I would like to thank the Lycan Group who donated $500, Mick T’s in the St Clair Village shopping centre who donated 500 candy canes, the people at Australian Scaffolding for helping me with

the Santa throne, the team at the Commonwealth Bank in High Street Penrith and most importantly all the people who came out to donate money and show their support,” Mr Asciak said. For Christmas 2018 Mr Asciak says he will be back with a bigger and better Santa spectacular.

Australia Day

Friday 26th January 2018 We are open 9am-5pm, an extra two hours than normal • Live Entertainment on the Stage all Day • Penny Arcade • Chocolate Wheel • 18th Battalion • Pony Rides, Miniature Train Rides, Carriage Rides, Hay Wagon Rides • Slot Car Racing Track • There will be 4 Snake Shows by Neville Burns • Antique Cars, Trucks, Motor Bikes, Jeeps • Antique Steam Engines • Food Stalls • Aussie Games including corn husking and dough tossing • Dunny Races – we provide the equipment to build your dunnies on the day – e-mail: events@theapv.org.au to put your name down or you can book at the Souvenir Shop on Australia Day. • Entry costs are $5 per adult, $3 per child and $15 for 2 adults and 2 children.

Western News 19 January 2018 Issue 51

local news

Western News

In Hong Kong for carnival footy By BEN CRANNEY

he Sydney rugby 7s are on next weekend, a couple of days of elaborate costumes and excit-ing rugby. Unfortunately, I’m not going, so I thought I’d reminisce about the Hong Kong 7s, where the game was made famous. It’s in April this year, and there are a few ways of doing it. All inclusive tours are easiest, but doing it yourself and risking buying tickets from scalpers at the gate is cheapest. We went the middle ground, buying our tickets through the disgustingly overpriced resale racket that is viagogo, but it’s still cheaper than a tour. Seats aren’t set, so the next job is to decide between the general population in the main stands, or to go in costume and sit in the alcohol swilling southern stand. We did a day in each. There’re a lot of rumours about the south stand, including that costumes are themed. No-one got the memo, though, and the only unifying thing was the incredible ef-fort. Where’s Wallys, Wiggles, peacocks, Flintstones, Trumps and a whole lot more flooded the stadium. Get there early. At 7:30am, still hours from the main comp, the south stand was already about half full. Take plenty of cash, there’re only four ATMs, the shops are cash only, and leaving the stand risks queuing for hours for re-entry. Despite the fast paced games, the crowd sometimes decided that we were more entertaining than the players. From belting out songs ‘til we were hoarse, to Mexican waves that went around dozens of times, and throwing beach balls, food and whatever was close by. Sit up the back if you don’t want to be a target (or to pick yours). And wear enclosed shoes. The ground becomes a hazard. Other hazards are sleazy middle aged drunks. We

were dressed as life guards, and we (as in my wife and sister in law, I didn’t make the cut) would get comments like ‘rescue me, I’m drowning in your beauty’. One guy asked for a dance as we walked past. He hadn’t seen me trailing behind, so I gave him a clap on the back and a wink and asked if the offer was open to me too. If you make it through the south stand, head in to Lang Kwai Fong for drinks served in fish-bowls and dancing on the bar, before recovering in the other

stands the next day for the finals. It’s a lot of fun here too, with singing, dance cams, kiss cams, and personalised billboard mes-sages. If that sounds like fun, give it a go in Sydney.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Happy New Year I do hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, that Santa was very good to you and that you had a great New Year. I have to say that mine did not get off to a very good start. I forgot the lobster! I have to explain here that I had rather lost control of the Festive Season. Normally, I am incredibly well organised, but an unexpected visit from UK by my daughter at the beginning of December threw me into a complete albeit wonderful panic. Having just a couple days notice of the impending visit, I flew around shops like a whirlwind buying presents and enough food to feed the Regiment of Guards for a month. When she left the week before Christmas, I relaxed to such an extent that I didn’t quite think that I had to do much! I did manage a nice rib of beef on Christmas Day, but sadly for poor David, when I went to wrap his presents on Christmas Eve, I realised he was a bit short in the gift department. In the middle of all this, I had discovered Aldi’s lobsters in various disguises had bought quite a lot including, as I thought, one for New Year’s Eve. Come the day, I looked in the freezer for the beast - and I looked, and I looked! No lobster! Panic! Hoping for a bit of inspiration, I rootled around in the freezer and eventually did discover a fillet of beef lurking in the frosty depths so all was not lost, but it wasn’t the seafood dinner which usually is centre stage in our Reveillon.

In spite of the missing crustacean, dinner was good and just before midnight I produced the festive bottle of Lanson. Paul Murray was counting down on the TV and poor husband with his wrist in plaster was wrestling with the cork which was a particularly stubborn one. Eventually, with the aid of a pair of nutcrackers, we managed to open the bottle but by this time it was 12.06am and the New Year had arrived to the accompaniment of much cursing and swearing on the part of the Samuels. “Let’s toast,” I chirruped gaily. “Good riddance to 2017,” was the reply. Now this got me thinking. Although 2017 has been a good year for some, for most of my friends

who are spiritually inclined, it has been an extremely difficult one. A year of letting go, either voluntarily or not, and of stripping our lives of people and things that we had considered important to us. I know for a lot of us this has been a painful process and has caused quite a bit of heartache. We have had to let go of so many things we held dear and at times have questioned greatly why this is happening. Reflecting on the year gone by, I can see how much “spring cleaning” I have gone through but it has made me realise my own strengths and what I am now capable of without all the extra “stuff” around me. Is the spirit world telling me to let go of my emotional baggage so I can see more clearly? I hope so. I feel there is a break through coming. My lovely friend Jock, who is one of the most spiritual people I know, likens it to a shift in the otherworldly tectonic plate, painful while it is happening but taking things to another level. So, those of you on the other side who have been shifting our own little personal continents around, we are now nicely cleared out and waiting for our flood of insight. After all, clairvoyant does mean seeing clearly. If 2017 was a sorting out year, here’s to a spring cleaned, Feng Shui’ed 2018. A very Happy New Year to you all. The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.

Western News

ENTERTAINMENT

LEVEL: MODERATE INSTRUCTIONS Within each of the five 9x9 squares, each digit from 1-9 occurs once within each row, column and 3x3 block. There is only one solution, and you can find it without guessing

Western News 19 January 2018 Issue 51

SAMURAI SUDOKU

Western News 19 January 2018 Issue 51

REAL ESTATE

Western News

BITCOIN - THE DEFINITION OF A BUBBLE! With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

What is all the fuss about bitcoin and cryptocurrencies I hear you say! Irrespective of whether you think it’s a bubble, a Ponzi scheme or the future of money, the spectacular rise in the price of Bitcoin is the most exciting story of not only 2017, but the entire “post” GFC era. The price of a single Bitcoin increased to over $24,000 on 17/12/17 but has now declined to around $18,000 as I write this article. Bitcoin also has to be one of the most beautifully marketed “products” of all time. If you believe what is on the label, Bitcoin was created by an anonymous “champion of the people”, who wanted to give everyday citizens the world over control of their financial destiny. The way it is marketed, Bitcoin is anti-Bank, anti-Wall Street and anti-Government. Bitcoin also harnesses a previously unknown technological power (the blockchain) allowing for supposedly instant settlement and safe, anonymous trade with anyone, irrespective of where they are located on the globe. Unsurprisingly, the amazing ‘story’ of what Bitcoin supposedly is, coupled with its promising price gains in its first few years, has led to an ever-growing fan

base. This has exploded in 2017 with a flood of buying interest that has seen the price jack-knife higher, with the entire cryptocurrency market now worth circa USD $500 billion. For some, Bitcoin has indeed offered life-changing gains, but that doesn’t change the fact that, to a large degree, the promise of Bitcoin, like most fairytales, isn’t true (so far at least). Far from being a “money of the people”, less than 1,000 people are rumoured to own over 40 percent of all Bitcoin. Ownership concentration aside, there are also major governance concerns regarding the way in which Bitcoin is traded, with some of the leading exchanges incredibly opaque in terms of how they manage risk, and how easy it is for clients to withdraw either cash, or Bitcoin itself. There are numerous stories about cryptocurrency traders growing frustrated with the exchanges they are using, which are refusing to remit actual money back to their clients when the try to redeem. Bitcoin is also not all that safe to use in many ways. If you transfer Bitcoin to the wrong address, overpay for something, or indeed pay for any good or service that your counterparty then fails to provide, you will be out of luck, with absolutely no recourse. You’d face the same issue if you are hacked – and someone steals your coins, a far cry from the protections our

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

banking system (however imperfect) offers us as customers. Furthermore, whilst it’s possible to use Bitcoin as a means of payment today in a growing number of places, there is massive difference between this, and Bitcoin being a unit of account or a medium of exchange. Spreads of 8 to 15 percent are the norm in this space right now. Finally, it’s also worth reinforcing the point that the vast majority of the ‘use’ of Bitcoin these days is for pure speculation, rather than any desire by Bitcoin buyers to use the coins to engage in daily commerce. In my opinion, Bitcoin is a bubble of quite epic proportions. History shows that every bubble eventually bursts and investors who come late into this “game” are likely to be badly burnt. If you are considering investing any money into bitcoins or any cryptocurrencies, then you must be prepared to lose it all. This above article is courtesy of ABC Bullion (www. abcbullion.com.au) who are dealers in gold, silver and other precious metals and are based in Sydney. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com. au if you what to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with.

Phone: 4739 4500 Mobile: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au Award winning mortgage broker

CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 An indefinite period (4) 9 Diameters (5) 10 Assist (4) 11 Riddle (6) 12 Lately (8) 13 Stirs up (8) 15 Loss by evaporation or leakage (6) 17 Appear larger (7) 19 “The whole ________” (7) 22 Culmination (6) 24 Spots (8) 26 House of ill repute (8) 28 Flunky (6) 30 Freezes (4) 31 Current popular taste (5) 32 Plate (4)

solution 22/12/17

down 1 Pottery oven (4) 2 Become more extreme (8) 3 One who is absent without permission (6) 4 Where you live (7) 5 Hiccup (8) 6 Sensual (6) 7 Loyal (archaic) (4) 14 Twisted and tight (5) 16 A literary style (5) 18 Digitalis (8) 20 Bum (8) 21 Elongated squares (7) 23 One of the Gorgons (Greek mythology) (6) 25 The gas we need to live (6) 27 At one time (4) 29 As well (4)

Western News

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in 2017 included: - NSW Junior Championships - won girls 13yrs age division - Brett Ogle Junior Masters - won girls 13yrs and under Net division - North Coast Junior Masters - r/up girls 13yrs and under Net division - Participated in the JNJG Champions Trophy at Bonnville (invite only) Others: Faldo Series - r/up girls 15yrs and under Participated in NSWCHS (Catholic High School) Competition in Tuncurry and Taree (2 days)...won the Year 7/8/9 girls category in the CHS division. This win qualified her to make the NSWCCC (Combined Catholic College) Team which was played in Newcastle. Accepted to the Western Sydney Golf Academy (golf) which is held at Twin Creeks Luddemham. Her current success all began in 2014, playing Junior competitions with JNJG (Juniors On the Move).

By Noel Rowsell

tonecutters Ridge Golf Club junior member Brielle Mapanao has won the Girls Division of the ‘2018 Harvey Norman Sydney Week of Golf’, following an exciting final day at Muirfield GC. From very early in the week, the Girls Division looked set to be a showdown between two 13 year old’s, with Mapanao and Charlotte Perkins (Cronulla GC) breaking away from the rest of the field on day two and sharing the lead after 36 holes. Mapanao edged her way to the front on Thursday and took a one-shot lead into the final round, before running away with the tournament on Friday thanks to the low round of the tournament, a 76 at Muirfield GC. Mapanao played very solidly on the final day, making only five bogies in the entire round before her tournament victory was sealed with a birdie on the 16th. The courses used in the tournament were Lynwood, Stonecutters Ridge, North Ryde and Muirfield. Mapanao (a junior member at both Stonecutters Ridge GC and Castle Hill CC) has had a breakout 12 months, narrowly missing out on the 2017 Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) ‘Most Improved Junior Girl’ to Harvey Norman runner-up Perkins. Mapanao’s achievements on the JNJG Tour

13-year old Brielle Mapanao with the winner’s trophy from the 2017 Harvey Norman Week of Golf Tournament . Photo courtesy of Dennis Mapanao

Western News 19 January 2018 Issue 51

Mapano Wins JNJG Sydney Week of Golf Title

She started playing US Kids Golf 2015/16 and was able to qualify to play the 2016 US Kids World Championships at Pinehurst USA in August 2016. Mapanao received her official Golf Australia (GA) handicap / GolfLink number in September 2016 and started playing the JNJG Tour from October 2016.

Riverstone skate park on track Riverstone’s Skate Park has taken another step forward. Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali MP says the first round of community consultation has been completed and 152 responses were received. “The money to build the space has been secured and once constructed, the skate park will entrench itself as a valuable community asset for skating, BMX and scooter enthusiasts,” Mayor Bali said.

“I am just as excited as the Riverstone residents about this skate park coming to this growing community,” “ “I’d like to thank Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland MP, for working hard to secure a Federal Government grant worth $400,000 to make this wonderful new space a reality for our community.” Mayor Bali said Council had already held a successful first round of community consultation where

152 people responded to an online survey. “The survey found that 79 per cent of survey respondents nominated seating and recreational spaces to relax with friends as a priority,” he said. “I thank everyone who participated in the survey and gave their feedback.” “Their responses will be used to guide the design of the space, ensuring we deliver the best facility possible for our community.”

Council has appointed the specialist skate park designer CONVIC, to come up with a suitable design. Michelle Rowland MP said she was delighted to secure a grant for a community with a growing number of children seeking challenging activities such as skating, riding scooters and BMX bikes. “Like Mayor Bali, I too am looking forward to seeing the community enjoy this facility once it is complete,” Ms Rowland said.

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Softball Mania hits Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney

oftball Mania has well and truly set in at Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney with the venue hosting 4 National Softball Championships this January. First up are the Under 17’s Men and Women battling it out on the diamonds from Saturday 6 January for the coveted Arthur Allsopp and Esther Deason Shields. Finals will take place from 3:00pm Friday 12 January 2018. Then there will be fierce competition between the states and territories as the Under 19’s Men’s and Women attempt to claim the Nox Bailey and Elinor McKenzie Shields. Games run from Monday 22 January, with finals from 3:00pm Sunday 28 January 2018. Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali MP is ecstatic the Nationals are back at the Sportspark “Our Olympics legacy venue is the perfect location for the National Championships and I look forward to heading to the diamonds to see the best talent the country has to offer.” “It’s great that this venue can be used for both elite and grassroots events. Blacktown City is proud to be hosting these elite events. I wish all the participants success in the upcoming National Softball Championships,” said Mayor Bali. Tickets are available at the gate and start at $10 for adults and under 14 years is free! For more information including visit www. blacktownsportspark.com.au or contact Softball NSW on 02 9677 4007.