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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Friday, 28 May 2021

ISSUE 136

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Bale relief

More than 75 tonnes of grass grown at a NSW prison will be donated to flood-affected farmers in the Hawkesbury region. See full story on page 2.

Western News 28 May 2021 Issue 136

COVER STORY

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Prison provides bale relief for farmers

ore than 75 tonnes of grass grown at a NSW prison will be donated to flood-affected farmers in the Hawkesbury region. The first delivery of 150 bales of sorghum from Emu Plains Correctional Centre will be shared between a cattle farmer at Richmond and dairy farmer at Mulgrave. Minister Roberts said the silage would help farmers feed their livestock after they were severely impacted by floods in March. “It will bring much-needed relief for our farmers and producers, some who have as little as 10 days of feed remaining for their livestock,” Mr Roberts said. “Our farmers have had it tough and we need to do all we can to support the hard working men and women across regional NSW. I thank the staff at Corrective Services Industries and Emu Plains who have come together to give back to the community and help those struggling.”

Each bale of sorghum weighs 500750kg. Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin said a small group of female inmates at the prison have gained some practical skills along the way. “They have learned the process of taking care of the sorghum, assisting staff with preparation, weeding,

irrigation and fencing,” Mr Severin said. “Initially the crop was being prepared for drought relief purposes but it’s fantastic we’ve been able to divert this for another good cause.” Cattle farmer Jacqueline Leal said the donation was a blessing after a challenging time.

Blacktown City Medieval Fayre 2021

Photos supplied by Blacktown City Council

021 has seen the return to community events in a COVID safe way and last weekend showed how much the community love their events with 20,000 people attending the Medieval Fayre over the 2 days. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “It was wonderful to see so many people at the Blacktown City Medieval Fayre over the weekend. Nurragingy Reserve was transformed into a village from the Middle Ages, complete with jousting, hand-to-hand combat, axe throwing, inflatable castles, and historical reenactment groups. “Congratulations to everyone who got into the spirit of the Fayre and came decked out in their Medieval finery. I had the pleasure of judging this year’s Best Dressed competition, and let me tell you that was a hard task!

“Thank you to Council and the whole community for making the event such a resounding success. I hope to see you all next year for the Medieval Fayre in 2022!”

“It was really tough seeing my bales float away in the floods. I can’t thank everyone enough for the help these donated bales will bring us,” Ms Leal said. Corrective Services NSW has partnered with Resilience NSW, the Department of Primary Industries and NSW Business Connect as part of the project.

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onday 17 to Sunday 23 May 2021 was National Volunteers Week, an opportunity to celebrate the important role that volunteers play in our community. Volunteering and volunteers make a profound and invaluable contribution to communities around Australia. Volunteering is valued at more than $200 billion to the economy, but research shows that it provides so much more by building stronger communities and fostering a sense of belonging and wellbeing. The Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland MP, took the opportunity to celebrate local volunteers as part of this national initiative. “Local volunteer-run community groups are the backbone of our area. They provide what I call the soft infrastructure that makes NorthWest Sydney the very best place to live, work and raise a family”, Ms Rowland said. Ms Rowland pointed to her recent visit to the Evans Street Library and Glenwood Community Pantry to support its Mother’s Day fundraising stall as an example of a volunteerrun group doing fantastic work in the community. “The passionate volunteers who

run the library, and the generous local residents who support them with donations, are great examples of volunteers bringing our community together”, Ms Rowland said. “Groups like the Evans Street Library, other service providers, sporting teams and fundraising charities have all adapted to the challenges of the pandemic and

Our Services: • Surgical Specialities • Inpatient Rehabilitation • Day Rehabilitation • Hydrotherapy Pool • Wellness Classes • NDIS Minchinbury Community Hospital Phone 9625 2222 Cnr Great Western Highway & Rupertswood Rd, Rooty Hill www.mhsminchinbury.com.au

emerged even stronger”. Ms Rowland affirmed her commitment to supporting the volunteering and broader community sector and promised to continue to advocate for the charities and not-forprofit sector in the Parliament. Ms Rowland also encouraged local groups to consider signing up to her monthly Greenway Grants Bulletin;

Western News 28 May 2021 Issue 136

Rowland thanks local volunteers during National volunteer week

an e-newsletter prepared by Ms Rowland to inform local groups of government and private sector grant opportunities. Local groups can sign up by visiting www.michellerowland. com.au/grants/grants. Local residents interested in discovering volunteering opportunities are encouraged to visit: www.govolunteer.com.au/

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Western News 28 May 2021 Issue 136

Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 Sports Journalist: Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Graphic Design: Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com

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From the Editor’s Desk By KeRRIE DAVIES

geo-targeting SMS alert issued by police has helped locate a teenage girl missing in Sydney’s west. The 15-year-old was last seen outside a high school on Hosking Street, Cranebrook, about 11.30am Tuesday 18 May. Officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command were notified and commenced an investigation after she failed to return home in the afternoon. As a result of inquiries, including a geo-targeting SMS alert issued to local residents, the teenage girl was located safe and well. Police thank the media and the community for their assistance. The above statement was very welcomed news for not just the family of the missing child, but parents across western Sydney who could imagine their distress. Geo-targeting is a fantastic tool in the search for missing residents. But it needs to be marketed so that people know that it isn’t a spam message. Our facebook page was flooded with people saying they had received the message but had assumed it was spam and ignored it. They were pleased that we had posted the number so they would know for next time. So, we are repeating that message now for anyone who missed the facebook post. It’s a good idea to save the number on your phone so you know that it is official:

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Western News 28 May 2021 Issue 136

Designing the ‘Heart of Blacktown City Centre’ - Have your say

lacktown is undergoing rapid change, with a growing population and major projects that mark a new era for living, studying, working and relaxing in the City Centre. Blacktown City Council is inviting residents to ‘Have their say’ on how Council can create a city centre that responds to the needs of the community. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “The Heart of Blacktown City Centre Project will set a road map for activities, events and installations to create a vibrant and exciting CBD. “We want to hear your ideas - both big and small - on what you want our City Centre to be in the future.” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the ‘Heart of Blacktown City Centre’ project is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s Places to Love program, which aims to improve public spaces and connect them with better active transport links. “Across NSW, we are committed to creating more public spaces that are vibrant, safe and attractive through our Places to Love program,” Mr Stokes said.

“In creating new public places, we need the help of the community. They will help Blacktown City Council and the Government shape a vision for the Patrick Street precinct.” The project aims to develop a ‘Place Identity and Place framework’ that will express the spirit of Blacktown in both short-term activations and longer-term design recommendations. Blacktown City Centre is home to some of Sydney’s best multicultural celebrations, hidden artistic activities, thriving enterprises and international cuisine. “The ‘Heart of Blacktown’ project aims to share these activities with more of our residents, businesses and visitors – so please Have Your Say,” Mayor Bleasdale said. Residents are encouraged to take part in an online community survey or even drop into the Max Webber Library in Blacktown and pin a memory or idea on the Community vision board

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Western News 28 May 2021 Issue 136

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Put down the iPad! How to help your kids away from the screens

s your pre-schooler always playing with your mobile or iPad? Is your teenager messaging their friends under the dinner table? Are you concerned that your children see you on your phone too much throughout the day? The Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children Report found that the majority of Australian children are spending more than the recommended two-hour daily limit for screen time – including watching television, on computers and playing electronic games. At 4-5 years old, children average more than two hours screen time per week-day. By 12-13 years old, this increases to more than three hours average per week-day and almost four hours per weekend day. This means that up to 30 per cent of a child’s waking time is spent in front of a screen! There is growing evidence that over-using screens, televisions, mobile phones, iPads, computers and computer games potentially causes significant negative health effects in children. Learn how much time your children should spend in front of screens and how you can manage screen time at home, by viewing our fact sheets on screens (and other healthy lifestyle behaviours) at Healthy Kids Western Sydney. “We know screen time and screen use are normal parts of life for most

Hugo, son of Janelle McNichols from the WSLHD Health Promotion team, enjoys some quality time outdoors.

children and teenagers, but we also know that screens can lead to harmful effects on children,” said Christine Newman, Deputy Director from the Centre of Population Health. Children under two don’t learn from screens as well as they do from live interactions and excessive screen time during the early years can be linked to increased loneliness, depression, withdrawal and attention problems. Down the track, television viewing time can also be linked to youth obesity. Ms Newman says Screen Free Week, 3-9 May, was a good opportunity to check in on whether your child is using screens in a balanced and healthy way but this should be something that is done throughout the year. “While it may be hard to completely

shut down screens for a week, we encourage parents to regularly consider: is your child sleeping enough? Are they being active? Are they engaged with school? Are they connecting socially with family and friends offline? “If you answered ‘No’ to any of these, perhaps reassessing screen time in your household could be a simple way of making some small changes for some longer-term health benefits,” Christine continued. Here are five reasons why your children will benefit from a screenfree week from time to time. 1. It gives their brain a break. Having too much screen time is not healthy for the brain. It releases chemicals such as adrenaline and dopamine that can affect brain

development. Tip: Make sure meal times stay screen-free. 2. It helps your family reset priorities. Screens replace important faceto-face interaction with family and friends. Instead of spending time on a screen, think about ways your family can be active together. Autumn is a great time of year to visit local parks, sporting fields and walking tracks. Find out more information about walking in western Sydney. Tip: Schedule in screen-free time as a family throughout the week. 3. It provides children time to explore other interests. Facilitate and encourage other interests and skills such as cooking, dancing, and reading. Screen use is also linked to eating unhealthy snacks. Tip: Choose healthier snacks for your family. 4. It helps children re-discover play. Children learn through play. Throwing a ball, digging in the dirt, and building things are all important for growth and development. Tip: Let’s give all children as many opportunities to play as possible. 5. It supplies a reality check. Having a screen free week will give you a real insight into your family’s health behaviours. It will also enable you to set some healthy limits to screen use. Tip: Have a screen free week with your kids!

Mount Druitt Palliative Care volunteers return to the bedside of patients

iz MacKintosh was the first volunteer back to visit patients at Mount Druitt’s Supportive and Palliative Care Unit after 12 months of suspended face-to-face visiting patients due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “One patient told me that it’s wonderful to have the volunteers back and having a hand massage really took her mind off her worries,” Liz said. Whilst returning bedside to give patient hand massages has been welcome, lending a supportive, listening ear wasn’t hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteers developed a “Checkin and Chat” service – calling and checking on patients who were managing their palliative care treatments at home during 2020. Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Palliative and Supportive Care volunteer manager, Kylie Clark said the volunteers showed spectacular initiative in developing the phone service to reach vulnerable and isolated people. “It was such a fantastic idea and the patients welcomed the regular calls,” Kylie said. Mount Druitt Palliative and

more than 150 blankets to Westmead Hospital. Supportive Care volunteers have specialised training, which enables them to support patients with lifelimiting illnesses along with their carers and families. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer for the WSLHD Palliative and Supportive Care volunteer teams, please contact Kylie Clark at kylie. clark@health.nsw.gov.au

Anne May, certified nurse educator, Liz MacKintosh, volunteer, Kylie Clark, volunteer manager Palliative Care and Lawrence Isip, registered nurse, from Mount Druitt’s Supportive and Palliative Care Unit.

Supportive Care nursing unit manager, Trish Dalgleish said the return of volunteers brings a sense of normalcy for patients, families, and staff. “Our volunteers make such a difference to our patient’s wellbeing,” Trish said. “The interaction the volunteers have with our patients is priceless. They bring in puzzles, iPads, and magazines to keep the patients entertained and stimulated.” COVID-19 also prevented Westmead Hospital Palliative and

Supportive Care volunteers from performing their regular duties – so many took up knitting to make patient blankets for comfort and warmth. Westmead volunteer Roxy Jansen said she still wanted to do something positive while she couldn’t visit the patients face-to-face. “When family members saw the colourful blankets on the patient’s bed, they knew that their loved-one was being cared for,” Roxy said The blankets were such a hit with patients that the Hills Community Aid knitting group have since donated

WSLHD Palliative and Supportive Care Volunteer Manager Kylie Clark, Clinical Nurse Consultant Felicia Michael and Social Worker Siobhan Malkoun.

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he first-ever Australian Made Week kicked off this week and shoppers are being urged to say ‘g’day’ to one extra locally made or grown product per week to help boost the country’s economy over the next 12 months. According to recent Roy Morgan research, if every household spent an additional $10 a week on Australian Made products, it would inject an extra $5 billion into the economy each year and create up to 11,000 new jobs. Australian Made Chief Executive, Ben Lazzaro, said the purpose of Australian Made Week – which runs

some of the highest standards in craftsmanship, safety and quality. Hopefully I can help encourage Australians to support their local communities and buy one more Australian Made product per week.” Consumers can learn more about Australian Made Week and find genuine Aussie products at www.australianmadeweek.com.au

from Monday 24 May to Sunday 30 May – is to celebrate and support local makers and growers. “It’s an opportunity to focus on the benefits of buying local and highlight that when you buy Australian Made, you have a direct economic impact on the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Australians throughout the supply chain,” he said. “Even making a small change in your weekly shopping can create a huge difference for local businesses.” Entrepreneur, model and Australian Made ambassador Elyse Knowles is

calling on everyone to get involved in Australian Made Week by seeking out and buying genuine Aussie products bearing the trusted green-and-gold kangaroo logo. “When you’re making purchases – whether it’s flowers, bedlinen, skincare or socks – go for Australian Made or Grown, and spread the word on your socials by posting about your buy with #AustralianMadeWeek,” Knowles said. “There are so many high quality Australian products and we have an international reputation for having

www.knownforlounges.com

Western News 28 May 2021 Issue 136

This week celebrate buy Australian Made

Western News 28 May 2021 Issue 136

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Blacktown community takes action against domestic violence

ast year saw one of the highest domestic violence spikes Blacktown Women’s and Girl’s Health Centre has ever experienced, providing services on over 2,376 occasions from January to December, a 34% increase on the previous year, putting strain on resources to cover the concerning rise. This month the centre gets a critical boost in funding from Blacktown Workers Club, to provide emergency overnight accommodation to over 7,500 women and children in unsafe circumstances. Blacktown LGA has the highest rate of domestic violence in New South Wales and from July 2019 to June 2020, The North West Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service aided a staggering 6,541 cases, with the vast majority associated to COVID-19 related financial and emotional stress. Blacktown Women’s and Girls Health Centre CEO, Jhan Leach explains, “2020 was a really challenging year for us as the COVID lockdowns sadly meant a big spike in cases. We have been calling on the government to release funds for a long time and so this donation is going to make a huge difference to women in crisis and for us to keep up with the distressing rise. It will allow us to provide a year’s worth emergency accommodation, essential supplies and case management counselling and support through their court cases. We’re so thankful to Blacktown Workers Club Group who have their heart in the right place; their local community.”

As part of their latest fundraising initiative, Blacktown Workers Club Group will be donating $30,000, meaning BWGHC can continue providing overnight accommodation and travel to those needing to flee home, in addition to emergency back packs which include essential items such as necessary toiletries for women and toys, nappies, bottles and formula for children and babies. Those in crisis are also provided with a shopping voucher to ensure they can keep themselves and children fed and watered in what is an incredibly distressing time. The funding comes after years of calling on the government for additional support to help what is seen as western Sydney’s “community cancer.” Leach adds, “I have over 20 years’ experience in

the domestic violence support sector and although we’ve worked so hard, it appears to be getting worse. We need the government to release funds that we so desperately need and that is why the donation from Blacktown Worker’s Club Group is so greatly appreciated; it gives us the ability to do something very important that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to do.” Community based centre The WASH House Inc. will be an auspice of Domestic and Family Violence strategic framework (DVSF), a new initiative focusing on prevention rather than cure and will also receive a donation from Blacktown Workers Club Group of $25,000. Across the next five years, Blacktown Workers Club Group will be donating $500,000 to local community groups and with domestic and family violence such a complex issue with significant impact on the social cultural and economic fabric of the Blacktown community, Blacktown Women’s and Girls Health Centre is one of the first to receive the critical funding. Kay Kelly, Blacktown Workers Club Group President says, “Blacktown Workers has always recognised how significant this issue is and will be contributing $100,000 per year over the next 5 years to supporting local organisations in the fight against it. These groups are at the frontline providing education to reduce domestic and family violence, and to support those directly affected.”

Save triple zero for saving lives N

SW Ambulance and NSW Police are appealing to the public to only call Triple Zero in emergency situations to ensure paramedics and police officers can help those most in need. New figures show thousands of nonemergency Triple Zero calls are being made each week at a time when emergency services have never been busier. In the 12 months to 31 March 2021, NSW Ambulance responded to more than 200,000 jobs where no patient was taken to hospital with reasons ranging from hoax calls to refusal of transport. For the same period, NSW Ambulance also received a concerning number of calls for trivial matters including 1,036 calls from people complaining about constipation, 662 for a toothache, 215 for earaches, 167 for boils, 157 from people who couldn’t sleep and 16 for hiccups. During the same period, the NSW Police Force received almost 800,000 requests for assistance via Triple Zero, which is in addition to more than 580,000 non-emergency reports through the Police Assistance Line and the Community Portal. Of the Triple Zero calls, about 40,000 are transferred to a non-emergency line, but more than 150,000 calls are later deemed to have been more suitable to a non-emergency line. NSW Ambulance Assistant Commissioner Steven Norris, Director of Control Centres, said nonemergency jobs take paramedics and call takers away from their most important work – saving lives. “If you are having a medical emergency we will always respond to you but too often

our paramedics are responding to calls that we simply don’t need to attend,” Mr Norris said. “We want the public to think before calling us for trivial matters.

NSW Ambulance also received a concerning number of calls for trivial matters including 1,036 calls from people complaining about constipation, 662 for a toothache, 215 for earaches, 167 for boils, 157 from people who couldn’t sleep and 16 for hiccups. “If it isn’t a medical emergency, please consider other health services such as your GP, a pharmacist

or a registered nurse at HealthDirect which is available 24 hours a day.” NSW Police Communications and Security Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Rashelle Conroy, said there are a variety of ways for the community to report nonemergency or minor incidents, which saves Triple Zero for all emergencies. “Triple Zero operators understand that life-threatening incidents can be traumatic and stressful and their priority is to establish where help is needed and why,” A/Assistant Commissioner Conroy said. “More than 70% of calls to Triple Zero are made from mobile phones and as callers often focus on relaying what’s happening, our operators need to take control and pinpoint the exact location of the emergency to know where to send police or other resources. “When the caller is unsure of where they are – or how to describe it – call-processing times can be longer, so to ensure there’s always an operator available for any emergency, we’re reminding the community to save Triple Zero for saving lives.” In 2020-21, the NSW Government is investing more than $1 billion in services and capital works for NSW Ambulance. To help meet increasing demand, NSW Ambulance will soon deploy 100 paramedics earlier than planned as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to recruit 750 new paramedics and control centre staff over four years from 2018. In 2019, the NSW Government committed to investing more than $583 million to deliver 1500 extra police over four years.

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lacktown City Council is inviting residents of Seven Hills and surrounding suburbs to have their say at a ‘popup’ information session to be held at Seven Hills Plaza on Saturday 5 June 2021. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM and a number of Councillors will be on hand to answer residents’ questions on any Council issues. Mayor Bleasdale said; “Council is committed to engaging with our community whenever and where ever we can. “By engaging with residents at the ‘pop-up’ session we can answer their questions and concerns, and also gain valuable feedback so vital to ensure Council is acting in the best interests of the community. “This ‘pop up’ session provides residents of Ward 3 with a comfortable and casual environment to speak directly with me, my fellow

“We encourage you to come and chat to us and have ‘Your Say’ about the important issues within our community. We look forward to working together with you,” Mayor Bleasdale said. Details When: Saturday, 5 June 2021 Time: 12 noon to 2 pm Where: Seven Hills Plaza, 224 Prospect Highway, Seven Hills, Blacktown Council information stall opposite Woolworths.

Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Cr Moninder Singh and Cr Chris Quilkey answering questions from residents earlier this month in Riverstone.

Councillors and Council Officers,” Mayor Bleasdale said. With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, Council has already held one ‘pop-up’ information session this year at the Riverstone Festival.

Over the coming weeks, Council plans to hold more information sessions across Blacktown City to ensure as many residents as possible have the opportunity to ‘have their say’.

New fire safety education program keeps kids safe Children in NSW will be better educated about fire safety and prevention, with the introduction of Fire and Rescue NSW’s updated fire safety programs. The programs, which are designed to reduce the risk of fire to children aged between 3 and 10 years have been reviewed and supported by the NSW Department of Education. Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said he was pleased the programs will be introduced to children during the period they are most at risk. “Education is the first line of defence against firerelated injuries and fatalities in children,” Mr Elliott said “Children often have limited knowledge about fire risks and the updated education program will help them avoid starting a fire and teach them the best

way to stay safe if one occurs.” The updated programs consist of four sessions: 1. A session delivered by a firefighter to teach children important skills in burns first aid; 2. School fire evacuation drill; 3. Home Fire Escape Planning; and 4. How to identify fire hazards in the home. Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the new program would be a fantastic resource for teachers. “Giving children an understanding of how to stay safe and avoid fire risks from a young age is crucial to keeping them safe,” Ms Mitchell said. “The updated fire lessons have been developed in consultation with the NSW Department of Education, to ensure the best learning outcomes for children who participate.” Fire and Rescue NSW Assistant Commissioner

Trent Curtin said children are one of the most at-risk groups when it came to the risk of fire, with FRNSW responding to over 8,000 fires caused by children and 12 child fire fatalities in the last five years. “Fire safety education not only prevents fire, it improves responses to fires and empowers children by providing them with the capacity to make informed decisions, enhancing resilience,” Assistant Commissioner Curtin said. “These sessions have been designed on the back of extensive evidence based research by professionals and we believe they will go a long way in reducing misuse of fire, fire related injuries and fatalities in children. To book a fire safety education program at your school, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/education

$3 million funded to step up fight against antibiotic resistant infections

hree million dollars from the NSW Government, Federal Government and industry partners will now go towards establishing “Phage Australia” at the Westmead Health Precinct to step up the fight against antibiotic resistant infections. The Federal Government announced in the Budget it would invest $1 million on top of the NSW Government’s previous commitment of $1.15 million along with additional funds from industry partners. It’s estimated that by 2050, antibiotic resistant infections are projected to become the leading cause of death worldwide resulting in approximately 10 million deaths annually. Bacteriophages – also known as phages – are viruses that prey on bacteria and remain completely effective against antibiotic resistant bacterial strains. They offer a last

defence against otherwise untreatable infection. Professor Jon Iredell, Director of the Centre for Infectious Disease and Microbiology at Westmead Hospital

and Director of The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology says phage therapy could provide the answer to addressing the rapidly emerging threat to global health of antibiotic resistance. “Antibiotic resistance is a huge threat to our health system. Without effective treatment against infections, doctors wouldn’t be able to perform life-saving treatments such as transplants or cancer therapy,” Professor Iredell said. Phage Australia will focus on the rapid translation of phage therapeutics into clinical practice and explore how phage therapy can be ‘supercharged’ using cutting edge technology. “Phages are everywhere in nature and there is a more than a century of safety data, but they have been difficult to harness for treatment,” Professor Iredell said.

“Now is the time to be finding safe treatments for serious infections. Phage therapy is both our last resort for antibiotic resistance now and our best hope for the future.” Phage Australia will be led by Professor Jon Iredell. He is supported by two Deputy Directors – WIMR’s Associate Professor Ruby Lin (Science/ Biotechnology) and Dr Ameneh Khatami (Clinical/Therapeutics/ Trials) from the Children’s Hospital Westmead. Westmead Health Precinct is one of the largest health, education, research and training precincts in Australia, employing more than 18,000 people across the biomedical, health and life sciences fields. It is being delivered in partnership between Health Infrastructure, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and the University of Sydney.

Western News 28 May 2021 Issue 136

Have your say at Council’s ‘pop-up’ in Seven Hills

Western News 28 May 2021 Issue 136

WESTERN HISTORY

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Luxford’s Champion Woodchopper

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

n February 1991, Herbert Frederick John Luxford was 91 years old and still living at Llandilo when he received the Advance Australia Medal from NSW Governor Peter Sinclair for his service to the sport of wood chopping. This award was presented to people who enriched the “Aussie” way of life. Herb as he was known, had set the standing world record for a 30cm “standing block” event at Lithgow in 1935 and was still cutting trees for a living. When young he walked 4 km to his school at Llandilo Public and finishing school at the age of 13 he went to work with his brother, splitting oak wood for the ovens of a local bakery for six days a week. On the seventh day he went to church. In his “spare” time, he played tennis on a rough court near the school. Later, he set up his own team of cutters and they chopped 3,000 polls a year for the Council. When WW2 broke out, his team of 14 men were hired to supply wood from Shanes Park for all the army camps in 1943. After the war he received a license to cut wood from the Castlereagh Forest for Long Bay Gaol where the prisoners on hard labour would split the logs. Herb’s parents were John “Jack” Thomas & Rose Luxford (Bird) who married at St Mary Magdalene church in July 1895. Jack was born in 1873 at Dunheved and made a living as a wood carter. He died at Shanes Park in 1931 at the age of 57. Herb’s grandparents were James Luxford (Jnr) born in Sussex, England in 1838. He married Charlotte Jane Payne in 1858 at St Mary Magdalene church. She was born at Homebush in 1841. James was a farmer who in 1896 leased a dairy property from Phillip Gidley King’s Dunheved Estate at St Marys. Their home was called “The Hill”. James (Jnr) died in 1926 at the age of 88 years. Charlotte died in 1908 at the age of 67 years and both are buried in St Mary Magdalene cemetery. Herb’s great-grandparents were James (Snr) born in Sussex in 1807. He married Eliza Catte at the age of 22 in 1829 in Sussex England. He died at the age of 31 in England in 1838 due to an accident that broke his neck. James (Snr)’s parents and Herb’s great-great-grandparents were William & Ruth Luxford (Clapson) who married in 1804 in England. Eliza Luxford (Catte) was born in 1803 and after the death of James she married James Boots who was born at Rother, Sussex in 1811. His parents were Jeremiah & Jane Boots. The family immigrated to Australia in August 1841. James died aged 86 in 1897 of senile decay at his daughter’s (Ellen Luke) residence at Erskine Park and Eliza died aged 63 in 1866 and both are buried at St Mary Magdalene cemetery. In 1927 at the age of 29 Herb married Alice Hall and a very pretty wedding took place at Christ Church, Castlereagh. Alice was the daughter of Mr and Mrs Mark Hall of “Hillcrest,” Castlereagh and late of Eltham, England. Reverend Lumsdaine officiated and Mr Sherwood was organist with the service being choral. The church was prettily decorated by friends of the bridal couple. The bride, who was given away by her father looked charming in a gown of ivory brocaded crepe-de-chine trimmed with a spray of orange blossom. Her veil was embroidered by friends in England, and she wore a handsome train of pink and white satin. She carried a beautiful bouquet of camellias. The bridesmaids were Miss Ethel Hall who wore gold brocaded silk with gold tulle veil held in place by golden leaves, Miss Clarrie Hall in cyclamen brocaded crepe-de-chine with cyclamen veil and golden leaves and Miss Alice Luxford in fuchsia crepe-de-chine with fuchsia veil of tulle and golden

leaves. The bridesmaids carried bouquets of lilies and narcissi. The little attendants were Peggy and Joyce Prichard, nieces of the bride wearing white silk and carrying white baskets of flowers and Beryl Luxford and Joyce Gibson, nieces of Herb in pale pink silk and carrying pink baskets of flowers. The bride’s train was carried by Master David Pritchard, nephew of the bride. Russell Luxford, brother of Herb was best man. Herb’s presents to the bridesmaids were handsome leather handbags. The reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents. The guests were received by Mrs Mark Hall in a bonded gown of mauve crepe-de-chine and hat to match. She carried a posy of violets. Herb’s mother wore brown embroidered crepe-de-chine and hat to match. In the evening, the bridegrooms’ parents entertained a number of friends at Llandilo where a very pleasant time was spent. The bride and groom were the recipients of numerous handsome presents. The honeymoon was spent on the South Coast. Herb was a warden for that church for 42 years. They lived on the Dunheved Estate. Alice was born in 1888 and died in 1969 aged 80 and buried in Woronora Memorial Park. In Penrith Court in May 1944 Herb was involved with the trial of Lloyd Smith committed on a charge of causing bodily harm to Thomas Garlick at Eastern Creek when a car conveying people to a wedding and a military truck collided. Herb (a witness) stated that he was driving to Parramatta in a car with a party of two carloads and when he was crossing Eastern Creek Bridge he saw a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction, so he sped up to get over the bridge before they had a collision. In trying to get away they just missed hitting a pole in the gutter, but they were bumped by a military truck that was driven by Smith on the wrong side of the road, so Herb “shot round the corner” to miss a head-on collision, but damage was done to his car and he found that his passenger Mr Garlick was seriously bleeding on the side of the head, so he got him out of the car and rendered aid as soon as possible. The military truck had travelled on and he got into his car and chased after it. Mr Garlick (a witness) said he was in Herb’s car when there was a crash and a splintering of glass and the next thing there was blood coming from him everywhere. He was injured in the back of the head behind the ear and laid down on the side of the road until the ambulance arrived and took him to Parramatta Hospital. Smith said that he had seen service overseas and that night he was out on his military mission and as he approached Eastern Creek Bridge he did not see any traffic but saw the lights of cars about 150 yards east of the bridge. It was a dark night and had been raining and he was driving on the left-hand side of the road at 25 mph. He was dazzled by the lights of the first car and did not see the other car until after coming out of the momentary black-out the second car was approaching within 50 or 60 yards of the first car, so he slowed down and kept to his own side of the road but when the car turned off the bridge it came into his line of vision and he felt a bump that he took to be something on the road and he continued on pulling up on the other side of the bridge. He said he was definitely not drunk because at Petersham he had 12 “middies” of beer that day, the first just after 12 and the second round about 6.30. Bail was fixed at £20, and charges were laid against him for driving a vehicle while under the influence of liquor and driving dangerously. Herb died in February 1996. Photo of Herb courtesy of Lyn Cattell/Ancestry website. Sources: Penrith Star, Ancestry, Nepean Times, Trove, BDM online.

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Western News

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hether it’s for a dietary requirement or because they tickle your tastebuds, milk alternatives have become increasingly popular in the last decade – but do they offer the same nutritional value as cow’s milk? Blacktown hospital dieticians Yvonne Li and Alice Meroni offered some professional insight into the topic. They argued that whilst cow’s milk offers the best natural goodness – milk alternatives such as soy, almond, oat and rice milk can still be a great substitute for your diet. “Milk, in all its forms, is a rich source of energy and nutrients, and should be included as part of a healthy diet,” Yvonne said. “Milk choice is often dependant of many things such as diet intolerances, cultural beliefs, ethical beliefs and taste preference. “It is important that each person knows what milk is best for them as an individual based on diet, exercise levels and overall health.” Let’s break it down with the experts Cow’s milk “Cow’s milk can come in a variety of forms (skim, light and full cream) and all offer the same level of protein and calcium,” Yvonne said. “Fat levels do differ, with skim milk having zero fat – a good option if you are trying to minimise this intake. “For the average person, full milk cream will not lead to weight gain if you consume it in moderation. It’s also great for babies and children as it can assist with growth and development.” Soy “Soy milk is one of the more highly regarded

Blacktown hospital dieticians Alice Meroni and Yvonne Li

suggestions for those looking for alternatives to cow milk,” Alice said. “Soy milk, much like cow’s milk, is high in proteins and carbohydrates and has less saturated fat. “However, it is lacking the calcium levels that cow’s milk has. When choosing soy milk it is important to choose fortified soy milk with added calcium.” Almond “Almond milk, like soy, is low in saturated fats,” Yvonne said. “However it has very minimal amounts of protein and calcium.

“For those needing a high protein diet such as the elderly or athletes, we would usually deter from recommending almond milk.” Oat “Oat milk often tastes very similar to cow’s milk and is a great source of fibre,” Alice said. “Unfortunately it is low in protein and calcium and high in carbohydrates – which is not great for people with diabetes.” Rice “Rice milk is not as common as soy, almond and oat, however, is a safe choice for those with nut or soy allergies,” Yvonne said. “Rice milk is good for those with high energy requirements, such as athletes, due to the high carbohydrate contents. “On the downside, it is similar to other alternatives, as it’s low in calcium and protein.” The verdict? Alice and Yvonne stressed that in general terms, no milk or milk alternative is significantly better than the other, and that it each milk will benefit individual’s differently depending on health and lifestyle choices. Although many milk alternatives are low sources of calcium and protein, a balanced diet will allow these nutrients to be gained from other sources and not impacting your daily nutritional intake. Before making any dietary changes, please contact a dietician to find out what is best for you. The WSLHD dietician departments can be contacted on 9881 8000 (Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospitals), 8890 6638 (Westmead Hospital) or 8759 3148 (Auburn Hospital).

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Prejudicial (14) 10 Despiser (5) 11 Pertaining to insurance risks and premiums (9) 12 Sweetheart (7) 13 Japanese warrior (7) 14 Whilst (5) 16 Hold spellbound (9) 19 Major failures (9) 20 A type of marsh plant (5) 22 A bladed cooking utensil (7) 25 A child’s game using balls of glass (7) 27 Hunch (9) 28 Vista (5) 29 Disproportionate (14)

down 2 A question-and- answer session (9) 3 Breed of dog (5)

solution 14/5/21

Western News 28 May 2021 Issue 136

Moo-ove over cow’s milk: the pros and cons of milk alternatives

4 First (9) 5 Seizure (5) 6 They needlessly cry “Wolf” (9) 7 Willow (5) 8 Sharp high-pitched dog cries (7) 9 Shade (6) 15 A type of discharge (9) 17 Ceremonial robes (9) 18 Lenient (9) 19 A loose African men’s tunic (7) 21 Resulted (6) 23 A native of Mexico (5) 24 Type of Japanese animation (5) 26 The front part of a stair (5)

Western News 28 May 2021 Issue 136

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

Western News

Rentvesting - enter the property market without sacrificing your current lifestyle.

s property prices continue to rise, purchasing in a centrally-located or soughtafter area is out of reach for the average working millennial. Instead, many are opting to rent rather than buy as it means not having to compromise their inner city or beachside lifestyle. But for those who are still eager to enter the market, there is a way to get the best of both worlds. ‘Rentvesting’ is the term coined for when you purchase a property for investment purposes in an affordable location and continue to live and rent in the area of your choice. An example of how the market is evolving, it is a wealth creation strategy that is popular among the younger generation due to the flexibility it offers in comparison to being an owner-occupier. Many Millennials aren’t interested in purchasing a property in the outer suburbs and then having to commute into the CBD. “Rentvesting allows your

rental income to cover the mortgage expenses, so you can keep living the lifestyle you want without it costing you any money.” More and more first-time buyers are “rentvestors” rather than simply homeowners. Property ownership appears to be achievable to this strategy and many first-time buyers are opting to improve their financial futures by investing in more affordable locations while renting elsewhere. Many buyers opt to buy an existing property instead of a new dwelling as existing properties often had greater capital growth. Step away from the mentality of negative gearing and tax minimisation and buy neutrally, or ideally a positively geared property as this provides higher rental yields. For this strategy to work, you’ve got to be a good saver and there needs to be a focus on delayed gratification and about living within your means.

@wealthwiz

Don’t spend big at the start while you’re building it up. There has been an increase in ‘rentvesting’ and this strategy may appear ideal to many, it’s not suited to everybody. It’s still a foreign way of thinking and you have to be satisfied. “In the past, the great Australian dream was to buy a home on a quarter acre block and then do everything you can to pay that down as fast as possible in the hope of living debtfree. ‘Rentvesting’ is quite the opposite. It says we’re okay with good debt as long as we stick to our budget and keep using the money to invest further. You’ve got to have an open mind and be comfortable with debt.” To ensure you have the means to make ‘rentvesting’ work for you, contact Alex from Wealthwiz on 0419 600 177 for advice on good debt and other strategies that will allow you to maintain your current lifestyle.

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Western News

SPORT

lacktown City FC played the majority of May on the road with significant victories over Marconi, Sydney Olympic and APIA Leichhardt to lead the NSW Premier League table at the halfway point of the season. In the final road game for the month of May, Blacktown City FC and Northbridge Bulls were forced to share the points after a pulsating 1-1 draw last Sunday at Sydney United Sports Centre. Blacktown City FC missed a chance to keep the pressure up on leaders Sydney United 58 with last Sunday’s drawn result. After an early goal by Northbridge, Blacktown City showed great resilience to equalise through captain Matthew Lewis in the first half of the game. The Bulls were given a golden opportunity to pick up all three points when Blacktown City defender Daniel Collins was sent off for a second yellow card with 25 minutes still to play. It left the visitors with ten men for the final twenty minutes of the contest. Despite being reduced to ten, Blacktown City was a presence at set-pieces. They swung in some wonderful crosses which were swept away by the Bulls defence. Deep into injury time, the game swung like a rusty fence but the final chance fell to Blacktown. Jack O’Brien was free inside the box but hammered his volley right into the chest of the Northbridge Goalie as the referee’s whistle quickly followed. Blacktown City FC coach Mark Crittenden was happy with the response from his side in the second half after a lacklustre first 45 minutes. “I thought we weren’t committed in the first half. They were and got the goal through the set-piece to punish us,” he said. “The second half could’ve gone either way with chances at either end. We battled hard despite Daniel Collins being sent off. They are a tough side to beat and Coach Mile Sterjovski has them set up well. Returning home this Sunday, Blacktown City are looking to a big crowd in support of their drive to top the 2021 NSW Premier League table. Sunday at 3pm is a classic Blacktown Vs Manly encounter with plenty at stake. Manly won the first leg at their home 1-0 and Blacktown City will be ready to go in the return leg. The team should also be at full strength with the return from injury of Blacktown City FC veteran striker, Sean Rooney, as well as the other Blacktown Junior products, Travis Major and Mario Shabow. This trio should produce a number of goals and a headache for the opposition. This especially applies to Manly where Sean and Mario were not available in the first round. The following week, on Sunday the 6th of June, Blacktown City FC will host a top of the table encounter with Sydney United 58 FC. Both teams

have been in top form and are the clear frontrunners in the competition. Head Coach Mark Crittenden has been pleased with the resilience of the team as they have risen above the odds to defeat some tough opposition. “We have demonstrated the credibility and reputation we have earned at Blacktown City FC of developing quality local talent, by continually putting a competitive side on the field despite the injuries we have sustained”, said Coach Crittenden. “We are getting healthy and hope to have a full squad available in our run to the playoffs in the second half of the season”, he added. Blacktown City has been steadily climbing the ladder in the most prestigious football competition in NSW - NPL1 Premier League. With the team on the road for most of May, supporters followed all the Blacktown City FC action on NPL.TV, a free service provided by Football NSW for all NPL1 games. Playing in the NSW Men’s Premier football competition with former household names like Marconi, Sydney Olympic, Sydney United, Apia, Wollongong Wolves and such Blacktown City are hungry to take on the best in the state and make Blacktown proud. A win this Sunday over Manly will come if Blacktown follows there motto “Always Blacktown, Never Backdown”! Blacktown City FC has also commenced its run in the FFA Cup defeating Wollongong 5-0 and Blacktown Spartans 4-2. Unable to play the FFA Cup in 2020 due to Covid, Blacktown City are keen to duplicate their 2017 form when they advanced all the way to the quarter finals of the nationwide competition. Defeating the Central Coast Mariners in the final 16, Blacktown City FC led the Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 with minutes to play in front of a passionate 5,000 fans at Lily Homes Stadium. A late goal and a loss on penalty goals stopped the run but proved that Blacktown City FC can and will compete with any club in the nation. Captain and also a veteran of 300 Games for Blacktown City, Matt Lewis said, “Advancing to the final 32 in the FFA Cup is our goal and so far so good. The excitement and opportunity provided by playing in the finals of this National competition were some of the best moments for the club back in 2017. We are good enough to advance and the team is ready to compete”. Next round of the FFA Cup will feature a clash with Marconi at Lily Homes Stadium on Wednesday, June 2nd at 7:30pm. Blacktown City FC has built a strong reputation as a premier club in NSW and has the history, credibility, stadium and competition status to become the prominent sporting team to represent its city. In essence Blacktown City has ’Pride in its name and its city’! Blacktown City’s latest campaign centres around the theme

‘Your Town, Your Team’ to build a solid connection with the team and the city it has represented for almost 50 years. June and July are full of home game fixtures. On Sunday, the 6th of June Blacktown will play host to Sydney United. This will mark a ‘Return to Blacktown Day’ for past players. On Sunday, the 20th of June, Sutherland Sharks come to Lily Homes Stadium for a 3pm game. The month of July sees three home games in the run to playoffs. Sunday, the 4th of July against Wollongong, the 18th against Marconi and on the 25th of July will play host to Sydney Olympic. All games kick off at 3pm. Another game of significance is on the road to play the Mt Druitt Town Rangers on the 26th of June at Popendetta Park. This will be the second leg of the Blacktown Mayoral Cup. The Rangers won the first game of the Series 1-0 and Game two is sure to be a fierce encounter. After two months mainly on the road, Blacktown City FC will be more than eager to get back home to tackle Manly on the 30th of May. Blacktown VS Manly is the kind of clash Coach Crittenden will have the team pumped, especially as Manly won the first leg at their home 1-0.

Photo: Stephen Lynch – ‘not24get’

Blacktown City FC Vs Manly United FC – Sunday, May 30th, 3pm, Lily Homes Stadium, Seven Hills All home games are played at Lily Homes Stadium, 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills. Game time against Manly is 3pm. See you there!

Western News 28 May 2021 Issue 136

Blacktown City FC – ‘Your Town, Your Team’!

Western News

SPORT

Friday, 28 May 2021

Mixed success for local clubs in Master Pennant

Rob Delaney and Russell Kellam (Dunheved GC) in action against Twin Creeks CC on Sunday. Photos by Noel Rowsell By Noel Rowsell

he ten local Golf clubs participating in the 2021 Master Pennant competition have met with mixed success following the completion of the first two rounds. Glenmore Heritage Valley GC scored a 6.5-1.5 win at home and a 7-1 win away against Windsor CC and now sit at the top of their pool. Twin Creeks CC scored a huge 7-1 win over Dunheved GC at home in the first round, before

falling 4.5-3.5 at Dunheved in round two. Springwood CC fell 5-3 to Moore Park in the city in round one but bounced back to grab a huge 7.50.5 win, once back at home in the lower mountains. Leonay GC overpowered Richmond GC 7-1 at home in round one but Richmond were too strong back at home, reversing the result with a 6-2 win. Wallacia CC lost 6-2 away to Marrickville in round one, then drew 4-4 back at home in round two. Penrith GC have lost both of their opening matches against Kogarah GC, falling 4.5-3.5 at

home then falling 6.5-1.5 at Kogarah. Stonecutters Ridge GC fell 5-3 to Cabramatta in Round one at Cabramatta, then drew 4-4 back at home in round two. Next weekend’s matches are: Div 1; Twin Creeks away to Mona Vale, Dunheved away to Long Reef, Stonecutters Ridge away to Asquith, Penrith away to Cumberland; Div 2: Glenmore home to Lakeside Camden, Windsor home (at Richmond) to Muirfield; Div 3: Wallacia away to Brighton Lakes, Leonay away to The Coast, Richmond away to Northbridge; Div 4: Springwood (bye).

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