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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
Friday, 2 February 2018
ISSUE 52
Check out our website www.wsnewsgroup.com
Happy Valentine’s Day
Western News
local news
By Keegan Thomson
C
HILDREN aged between six months and five years will be given free influenza vaccinations from the NSW government in an attempt to curb the number of kids struck down by the annual flu season. Last year there were more than 12,000 reported cases of the deadly strain of the flu in NSW, which claimed the lives of nearly 750 people across the country. $3.5 million will be invested in the vaccination program, following last year’s severe flu season, which will include free vaccines for the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. MP for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly said local families will be able to tackle the 2018 flu season with confidence after they receive their vaccines. “Last year our community, like many in NSW, was hit hard by the flu season,” Mr Conolly said. “Introducing this program means more than 400,000 children across the state will be eligible to receive better protection not only for them, but also for their families and the wider
community.” School children, particularly young children, are most susceptible to the flu so the vaccines will help curb the numbers of sick children being admitted to hospitals and GPs across the flu season. “Little kids are also most likely to spread the flu so a free flu jab will not only keep them safe, but will protect others they come into contact with,”
Mr Conolly said. “We all know how horrendous the flu can be and this is especially hard on the smallest members of our families.” Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said NSW childhood vaccination rates had increased by 6.3 per cent since 2010, to 93.9 per cent in 2017. With this new program the vaccination rates will surely rise in 2018. “We already have the some of the
best childhood vaccination rates in the country and this free flu jab will go even further to protect our little ones from potentially deadly flu infections,” Mr Hazzard said. “Infants and young children are most likely to spread the flu and suffer complications – not only will the free flu jab help keep them safe during winter, but it will also protect their family and friends.” Families are being told about the specifics of the vaccinations, with children who have never had a flu vaccination needing two doses, one month apart. The 2018 flu jabs will cover four strains of influenza virus, two A strains and two B strains, which are likely to be circulating this winter. Currently the same strain of flu that devastated Australia in 2017, dubbed the “Aussie Flu”, is killing hundreds of people in the US and UK. Some British newspaper are reporting 100,000 confirmed cases of the serious disease. In Australia, last year’s flu season was the most severe in NSW since the 2009 pandemic. The federal government currently provides free flu vaccinations to Aboriginal children, those with chronic illnesses and people aged over 65.
Western News 2 February 2018 Issue 52
Babies and kids get free flu jabs
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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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A Valentine’s Day poem By KeRRIE DAVIES
I was searching for my valentine And decided to make a list A man who’ll love me madly My charms he wont resist
As I looked through my list Realisation dawned like day These things that I expected Meant my perfect man was gay
He’ll love me more than football He’ll love me more than beer He’ll love to take me shopping My feelings he’ll love to hear
The perfect man from my list Will be my greatest friend But the man I give my heart to Will love me til the end
He’ll love my girlie movies We’ll gossip about the stars We’ll sit and paint my toenails Talking fashion, and not cars
When it comes to my valentine I’ll throw away this list I’ll accept that we’ll have differences Unconditional love will then exist
And when I buy him jewellery He’ll wear it all with pride And when I want to have “a talk” He’ll stay - not run and hide
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Parklea
Kings Park
Mt Druitt Rooty Hill
From the Editor’s Desk
He’ll want to sit and cuddle And always hold my hand And when I get pre menstrual He’ll always understand And when I look my worst He’ll see Marylin Monroe We’ll share tips on how to look our best Wherever we may go
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Western News
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B
lacktown City Council is taking action to help older drivers stay safe on the road and keep their drivers licences for as long as possible. Council held a free workshop for drivers over the age of 65 on Friday, 2 February, from 9.30 to 11.30am at The Hub in Mount Druitt. The free two-hour workshop covered information on using roundabouts, avoiding crashes and some common driving mistakes. Participants also got a road rules update and hear about what makes some vehicles safer than others. Mark Chandler, 78, from Seven Hills took part in a Council-run DriveWise workshop in October with his wife, Trish, and said it was very helpful. “We got a lot of excellent information about driving and road
rules, which was important to me being a senior,” Mr Chandler said. “I’m a fairly confident driver, but it was good to have a refresher course to reinforce the knowledge I already had and to keep me up to date.” Former taxi operator and Chairman of Council’s Local Traffic Committee, Councillor Chris Quilkey, said it was important drivers were able to maintain their driving independence and skills as they aged. “It is a fact of life that people grow older, and with increasing age come changes and challenges that can make it difficult for people to continue to drive safely,” Cr Quilkey said. “But, with the right support, age need not be a barrier to driving. “At Council we want to support our seniors to live active and healthy lives, which is why we are offering this free course to ensure they have the
skills and confidence they need to keep driving safely on our roads.” The DriveWise workshop for mature drivers is one of four free events Council is holding in Mount Druitt in February to promote driver safety: Supervising Learner Drivers workshop on Monday 5 February from 6.30 to 8.30pm at The Hub - This workshop is for parents and supervisors of L platers and explains how the graduated licencing scheme works, what a supervisor’s responsibilities are, and how to manage practice sessions with a learner driver. We will also discuss options for legally reducing the supervised hours through workshops and driving lessons. You’re the Driver workshop over two Thursday evenings on 15 and 22 February from 6.30 to 8.30pm at The Hub - This workshop involves attending two separate sessions
which are held one week apart. Each session focuses on the road rules, avoiding crashes where possible and minimising the effects of being in an incident. Learn how to “read” the road and understand the signs and line marking to make your journey safer. We will also cover how to understand parking signs to minimise your risk of getting parking fines. Child car seat checking day on Tuesday 20 February from 9.30am to 1.30pm in the Westfield car park Mount Druitt - Children are the focus at the final road safety session of the month with a free car seat checking day. Drivers can bring their car in for a check of their car seats, which is carried out by authorised checkers. We will make sure that the car seat will operate properly in the event of a crash and to ensure it is adjusted to suit the child that uses it.
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Western News 2 February 2018 Issue 52
Helping older drivers stay on the road
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AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS Western Sydney’s health heroes shine in honours
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estern Sydney Local Health District board member Di O’Halloran has been awarded the Order of Australia (AO) in the Australia Day 2018 honours list. An AO is one of the nation’s highest honours. Di was recognised for her distinguished service to medicine in the field of general practice through policy development and health system reform. Di has held senior roles in some of the biggest health organisations in Australia, including WentWest, NSW Health, the Australian Health Care Reform Alliance and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. WSLHD Board deputy chair Professor Jeremy Chapman AC congratulated Di on being acknowledged by the Australian community. “We all know the value Di O’Halloran brings through her steadfast commitment to primary health care provision, not only in western Sydney but also across the country,” Prof Chapman said. “It is a sustained lifelong work that has been recognised and I, along with the Western Sydney Local Health District Board applaud that effort, knowing the results Di has achieved.” Three others associated with Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) have also been named in the Australia Day 2018 honours list. Westmead Hospital’s head of ophthalmology and one of the world’s most prolific researchers Professor Paul Mitchell AM also received an AO as did one of the founding heads of Westmead Hospital’s Diabetes and Endocrinology department Professor Creswell Eastman AM for his distinguished service to medicine and contribution to international public health projects and Dr Helen Mary Somerville from Westmead Hospital, for her distinguished service to
medicine, particularly developmental paediatrics. Robert Lagaida received a Public Service Medal for his services to health in NSW financial management. Prof Mitchell has co-authored more than 1,000 peer-reviewed scientific papers in medicine and ophthalmology. He was recognised for his distinguished service as a clinician, particularly in the management of age-related macular degeneration through research into public health. Prof Chapman said Prof Mitchell established the Blue Mountains Eye Study more than 20 years ago. “Prof Mitchell’s study of 20,000
people living in Katoomba and surrounding areas resulted in groundbreaking research not only on population eye disease, but also on the evolution of many other chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and chronic failure,” Prof Chapman said. Prof Eastman transformed the Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR) into a pathology service that delivered results across NSW. He is now retired but has maintained his involvement as an emeritus professor. Robert Lagaida was general manager of Westmead Hospital for a year before moving on to be responsible for the development
of HealthShare, which is now the largest public sector shared services organisation in Australia, providing various services to health facilities such as human resources support, financial services, food, linen and transport. Professor Chapman said Robert was a superb manager. “Robert was always seeking the advice he needed on clinical issues and he managed Westmead Hospital at an important time. He was an important bridge to our future,” Prof Chapman said. The full list of Australia Day recipients can be found at: https:// www.gg.gov.au/australia-day-2018honours-list
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AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS By Keegan Thomson
T
HE 2018 Blacktown Australia Day awards and the Citizen of the Year awards shine a light on the progressive and diverse work being done across the region with a number of community groups and individuals getting top nods. Citizen of the Year - Ned Narouz Rap 4 Change youth worker Ned Narouz from Bidwill was named Blacktown Citizen of the Year for his hard work to keep troubled youths on track. “Mr Narouz runs Rap 4 Change, a life-changing program that offers rap and hip-hop workshops, sport and fitness sessions, and mentoring to young people throughout Blacktown City,” Mayor of Blacktown, Councillor Stephen Bali said. The programs Rap 4 Change runs helps to keep young people away from substance abuse, racial problems, peer-pressure and self-harm. Their signature program is a hip hop music workshop where participants engage with social issues through making their own rhymes and rhythms. “He was inspired to establish the charity in 2015 after organising a school disco in Tregear and seeing how well the students responded to local hip-hop artists,” Cr Bali said. Young Citizen of the Year Liliarna Hornby Chifley College Shalvey Campus
Cr Bali with Ned Narouz and Liliarna Hornby. Photo: Supplied.
student Liliarna Hornby was awarded Blacktown Young Citizen of the Year because of her work in encouraging people to stand up to bullies. “Miss Hornby is an exemplary young leader who makes many positive contributions to her school, Chifley College Shalvey Campus,” Cr Bali said. “She is an active member of the Creating a Safer Shalvey team, which has a particular focus on standing up against bullying. “As part of this group, she has led several initiatives, including running classes for students and delivering whole-of-school presentations in an effort to reduce bullying and empower
bystanders,” he said. Community Event of the Year Soar and Roar Festival. The Special Olympics Australia Soar and Road festival has been given a special award from the Council for their work in promoting disability equality. The Soar and Roar festival gave people with a physical or intellectual disability the opportunity to experience the thrill of a luxury car Dream Ride around Sydney Motorsport Park. “The event was held in November 2017 and attracted luxury car owners and motorbike riders from around NSW, who made their way to Sydney
Motorsport Park to raise funds for the organisation,” Cr Bali said. “In 2017 $150,000,00 was raised, which will now be put back into the organisation to create an arena for athletes to exercise, have fun and make lifelong friends.” The award winners were announced by Mayor Bali at a special Australia Day ceremony held at Bowman Hall in Blacktown. Each year the Council picks a distinct few who have made a positive mark on the Blacktown community. Western News would like to congratulate all the Blacktown locals who were given recognition for their community efforts on Australia Day.
Blacktown celebrates all great things Australian
Western News 2 February 2018 Issue 52
Blacktown Citizen of the Year Awards
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H
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local news
Western News
Fretting family finds flighty ferret By Keegan Thomson
F
AMILIES who’ve received fury friends for Christmas are being treated to Blacktown Council’s free microchipping day, on Saturday February 3. Blacktown residents are being encouraged to get their pets, new and old, microchipped with pet owners receiving free chips for the first two dogs or cats per household. An additional $15 charge applies for each pet after that. Microchipping for other animals, such as ferrets, rabbits and guinea-pigs, costs $20 per pet. Last Friday, ferret owner Betrice Flight of Whalan was overcome with joy when she was was reunited with her beloved pet ferret, Gizmo, at one of Blacktown City Council’s Animal Holding Facility (AHF). ““I never thought I’d see him again,” Ms Flight said. “When the girl at the AHF brought him out in the cage, I said his name, Gizmo, and he jumped straight out and ran up my arm. “There was such relief, I burst into tears,” she said. Ms Flight and her Gizmo were brought back together thanks to a good samaritan and the enterprising efforts of Blacktown City Council’s AHF staff. “A passing motorist found Gizmo on the road and brought him into the facility,” AHF Coordinator Ian Burr said. “He wasn’t microchipped, but we gave him a health check and posted an ad on the pet finder website. “Thankfully, Betrice saw the post and got in touch with us. “She was so happy to get her ferret back she
AHF Coordinator Ian Burr and Betrice Flight. Photo: Supplied.
kissed him several times in the office,” he said. Really it was pure luck that Gizmo was found and was able to be identified because the ferret didn’t have a microchip. Ms Flight said she immediately microchipped her pet. Microchipping is the process of putting a small chip with the owner’s details in the skin of the loved pet. If he or she goes missing the staff at AHF can scan the body of the animal for a chip that contains the owner’s contact details. Unfortunately, Ms Flight is still missing a female ferret, called Honey, who she believes was stolen, along with Gizmo, from their cage. Ms Flight said her reunion with Gizmo has given her hope Honey will be found. AHF Coordinator Burr said pets who’ve been microchipped are more likely to be returned safely
and speedily to their owners and their homes. “Each year, we reunite hundreds of animals with their owners, mostly because they have been microchipped, and I encourage all pet owners to take advantage of our free microchipping service,” Mr Burr said. “Apart from dogs and cats, we have microchipped many rabbits, which are becoming more popular as a companion animal, and a few ferrets too.” There will be a microchipping day at the Animal Holding Facility, Flushcombe Road, Prospect, on Saturday 3 February from 9:00am to 12:30pm. For more information about Council’s free microchipping service on 3 February call the AHF on 9839 6161. No bookings required, just turn up between 9.00am and 12:30pm on the day.
2018 Annual Penrith Working Truck Show
T
he Penrith Working Truck Show is on at the Museum of Fire on Sunday 11th March 2018 from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm. Country Music extravaganza has always been a major attraction at the Truck Show and this year will be no exception. Live on Stage will be Dan Murphy, Missy Lancaster, Viper Creek Band, Amber Lawrence, Travis Collins, Troy Cassar-Daley. Up to three Children, are admitted FREE with a paying adult and will enjoy twenty of the best “thrill” rides and other amusements absolutely free. Add to this, food and drink stalls, free face painting and giveaways, and you have the Ultimate Family Fun Day package while supporting a worthwhile charitable event. For 31 years the Trucking fraternity have cultivated their prize rigs into show condition, in support of charity. Each year over 200 of Australia’s finest trucks gather at the Museum of Fire for Australia’s Premier Working Truck Show, with all funds directed towards saving our families from the dangers of fire while preserving the
heritage of our community’s bravest. The unique feature of the Show is that each truck must be a working truck and not just a showpiece or collectors item. Each truck is entered into one or more of 25 different
categories to compete for trophies for the best in each class. Drivers spend hours cleaning and polishing their prize possession in an attempt at being declared the best truck in their class. The award of a
trophy at the Working Truck Show has become an industry icon and prestigious recognition for the owner. The Museum of Fire, located in the old Penrith Power Station, 1 Museum Drive (off Castlereagh Road) opened as Australia’s only dedicated Fire Safety Education Centre in 1986. Over the past 30 years, approximately 50 000 visitors per year pass through the Museum which houses one of the finest collections of firefighting memorabilia in the world. From its humble conception over thirty years ago, the Penrith Working Truck Show has grown from a gathering of trucking enthusiasts to a major corporate and family event which now takes months of planning and preparation and is recognised as Australia’s Premier Truck Show, attracting in excess of 12,000 visitors. Admission at the gate $35 adults, up to three (3) children under 16 years free with adult entry, $25 Concession however no children can enter on this ticket (Single Person Entry Only). For further information contact the Museum of Fire on 02 4731 3000 or visit www.pwts.com.au
Western News
local news
By Keegan Thomson
B
LACKTOWN Council is reassuring swimmers at their pools that they’ve not had one single positive test for cryptosporidiosis contamination despite a warning from the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD). This week the WSLHD reminded the people trying to beat the heat to avoid swimming if they have experienced diarrhoea in the last two weeks, to avoid passing on any infection. WSLHD Public Health Unit director Dr Shopna Bag said people need to be vigilant. “The infection can be spread for several weeks after diarrhoea stops,” said Dr Bag. “If a swimmer swallows even a small amount of pool water after a contaminated person has been in the water, they can get infected. “They will start experiencing diarrhoea a few days later. There is no specific treatment for the condition and symptoms may last a few weeks in some people,” she said. According to the WSLHD, since December 1 2017, there have been
nine cases of the infection recorded in western Sydney, and many have been linked to swimming pools. Blacktown Council put out a statement saying their pools, interactive fountains and splash parks have remained infection free and are perfectly clean for swimmers to use. Council says there have been no reported cases of the infection at any of their facilities. “Whilst there have been some reports in western Sydney ... in the same period cases have also been
reported as far afield as Tamworth, Wollongong, Randwick and Liverpool. This is a state wide issue, not a western Sydney specific issue,” a spokesperson said. Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a parasitic infection of the intestine and is easily spread from person to person in swimming pools, splash parks, interactive fountains, spas or jacuzzis. It can also be spread via drinking contaminated water or handling infected animals, but this is less common.
The most common symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and sometimes fever, nausea and vomiting. Only a very small proportion of people are ever diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis, as diagnosis requires a stool test through a doctor. NSW Health has released a checklist of recommends for everyone, including parents of young children, to follow to avoid contamination of pools and splash parks: • Do not swim, or allow children with diarrhoea to swim, in a pool for at least two weeks after diarrhoea resolves • Take children on bathroom breaks often • Ensure children who are not toilet-trained wear waterproof tightfitting pants • Change nappies in a bathroom, not at the poolside as germs can spread to surfaces and wash hands after • Wash children with soap and water before swimming • Under amendments made to the Public Health Act last year, the maintenance requirements for swimming pools now include splash parks and interactive fountains, to help reduce the risk of cryptosporidiosis outbreaks.
Doggone! It’s Lunar New Year By Keegan Thomson
T
he Year of the Dog will be marked by award-winning international ice sculptor Kenji Ogawa at Blacktown City’s Lunar New Year celebrations on 16 February. Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said visitors would be treated to live demonstrations of Mr Ogawa’s work. “Mr Ogawa has been exhibiting his ice creations for almost 30 years, throughout Japan, China, Alaska, New Zealand, Canada, Norway, Italy, France and Finland,” Mayor Bali said. “Now, it’s Blacktown City’s turn to see this talented international ice artist at work. “One of these icy sculptures will be of a giant dog in honour of the 2018 Lunar New Year – the Year of the Dog. “I am looking forward to seeing him carve his creations out of massive blocks of ice.” Mr Ogawa joins a stellar line-up of musicians, dancers and entertainers at the Blacktown City Council organised celebration, at the picturesque Chang Lai Garden in Nurragingy Reserve. “Blacktown will be celebrating the many cultures that observe the Lunar New Year”, Mayor Bali said. “The Lunar New Year is celebrated by the people of China, Korea,
Mongolia, Tibet and Vietnam, amongst others. “We are the most multicultural city in Australia, with 186 ethnicities speaking 182 languages within our borders, and we are proud our festival attracts so many people. “Last year, more than 20,000 came to see in the Lunar New Year with us, and we expect the same sized crowd this year,” he said. Award winning Western Sydneybased stunt team, Dauntless Movement Crew, will be the drawcard act on stage, wowing crowds with their hiphop and breakdancing moves. The show follows on the heels of a
successful 2017 for the talented crew. Last year they took home gold at the Australian Dance Awards and wrapped up 20 sold out shows at the Sydney Opera House. Dauntless Artistic Director and performer Joe Carbone said the Blacktown performance will feature never-before-seen dance choreography as well as some of the gravity defying stunts the group is famous for. “We like our shows to be fresh and unexpected, keeping the audience on their feet all the time,” Mr Carbone said. “It will be a very high energy, fun show.”
Dauntless will follow the PAW Patrol kids show, based on the popular Nickelodeon’s television series by the same name. There will also be lion dancing, food stalls, jumping castles, face painting and free craft workshops on lantern making, fan decorating and origami. Celebrations will draw to a close with an impressive fireworks display from 9pm. Mayor Bali said everyone was invited to attend Blacktown City’s Lunar New Year party. “Blacktown’s Lunar New Year Festival is a wonderful reflection of the cultural richness of this great city,” he said. “I encourage every one of all ages and backgrounds to come together for what is certain to be an entertaining celebration, welcoming the Lunar New Year.”
Event details: What: Blacktown City Lunar New Year When: Friday, 16 February, from 5pm to 9pm Where: Chang Lai Garden in Nurragingy Reserve Who: Japanese ice sculptor Kenji Ogawa, Dauntless Movement Crew, PAW Patrol
Western News 2 February 2018 Issue 52
Health warning for swimmers to be vigilant
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Western News
Travel: My McLaren Vale Conundrum A family of fisherfolk
Glenelg Sculptures
Port Noarlunga By BEN CRANNEY
I
love wine tasting. Which is a problem, because I don’t really like wine. I love the smell, especially in the barrel rooms, where you can feel decades of winemaking in the air. I love walking between the vines, maybe with a picnic, and I love how cheese often goes with a drink. But the taste? Maybe broadening my vocabulary so I can talk about plant extracts or aromas would help, but that always seems a bit pretentious and getting trapped in that wankery can easily lead to you taking home a bottle that just doesn’t taste that good
Samule’s Gorge
away from the cellar door. My latest wine enjoying conundrum was McLaren Vale, near Adelaide. First up was Red Poles, which is meant to be good for a feed, but it was full, so we didn’t stay long. I was happy with that, because if there is one thing worse than snobby wine drinking pretentiousness, it’s hipster pretentiousness, and this place was full of it. But at the risk of fitting in, the art gallery is great. Hugh Hamilton’s place, one of the best of the day, is perched on a little mound, overlooking vine covered rolling hills. I liked that they charged for tastings, because then there is
Vineyards
no pressure to buy. And $20 for two people to share a dash of 6 wines and a cheese board isn’t bad. Equal with Hamilton’s was Samuel’s Gorge. The cellar door is an 1850s shed, and wandering through gives the impression that it has been a place to store unwanted odds and ends ever since. Between exploring these and enjoying the view over the gorge and into the national park, I almost forgot to try some wine. There are dozens of other wineries, so you could ignore these ones, grab a map from the information centre, maybe hire a bike so you can tell yourself that you’ve earned the drink,
and choose your own adventure. If you like the idea of exercise on your tasting day, start with a walk from Glenelg to Brighton. It’s a picturesque 5 kms along the waterfront, next to flat seas, rusted sculptures and fisherfolk dressed in bright colours at the end of grey wharfs. Or finish the day with the sunset and a walk around Port Noarlunga. And next time, I’ll tell you about the only wine that I’ve actually loved, from a place in Argentina. And if you know vineyards closer to home that don’t have any wine (or hipsters) let me know.
The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Hello Again I think all those who know me will agree that I am very unobservant to say the least. My husband can move the furniture around and I won’t notice until I fall over the newly placed coffee table. I am also the same with things that happen or that people tell me. It can just wash over my head until, even months later, a light bulb will go on and I will suddenly realise the significance. This sometimes happens during readings when I tell people trivial things which happen much later, nothing important but just the spirit world giving you a little prod to remind you they are there. My beautiful clairvoyant Stephen once told me that I would be drinking tea rather than coffee which seemed a total nonsense at the time, but a couple of months later my au pair asked me why I had stopped drinking coffee! Nudge, nudge!! One such flash happened to me a couple of days ago. Actually, maybe I should say rocket as it suddenly made me question a whole host of things and opened the door to exciting new thoughts in my dealings with Spirit. People often ask me my thoughts on what happens when we die. Do I believe in reincarnation and if so, how do I explain why some souls go on to be reborn and some just kick around in the spirit world waiting for someone like me to ask them questions. Although I truly believe that we live multiple lives, I have never
found a satisfactory answer to the question. Is it some sort of celestial lotto? Does God have a tombola with all our names in and draws those out whose time it is to return? Well, back to the light bulb. I have a wonderful friend called Deirdre who is amazingly and accurately psychic. She sees our guides as clearly as she sees you and me. According to her, in addition to Gran & Co. I have a beautiful Spanish woman with me. Before she told me that, I had been feeling very drawn to Spain and Spanish culture and, for no apparent reason, had resolved to brush up my Spanish.
Now Deirdre and my daughter love each other and when Lulu was over just before Christmas for a few days, a meeting was of paramount importance. As soon as we went in, once the hugging was over, Dee looked at Lulu and said “You have a lovely guide with you. She is from Ancient Greece and is wearing a long white robe with a coiled rope belt. She has beautifully dressed thick blonde hair and is always with you, looking after you and watching out for you.” Whatever Dee tells me, I believe, but the importance of this didn’t strike me until the other night. I have strong memories of a previous life in Ancient Greece where I was a tall woman with thick blonde hair, a white robe and a coiled rope belt. So who was the spirit with Lulu? Could it have been me, from an early incarnation still watching over my baby? This gives so much pause for thought. Can our souls be reincarnated but still remain in the spirit world to help us? Can they survive multiple incarnations? At the moment I am searching for answers. I need to contact my real life spirit sisters to see what they think. I’ll let you know what they say. The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.
Western News
ENTERTAINMENT
11 Western News 2 February 2018 Issue 52
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lacktown City Council’s unique way to beat the heat and get entertained – the Dive In Movies – continues its season this weekend. Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali MP said floating in a pool and watching a movie is the ideal way to keep cool and entertained on hot summer night. “The Dive-In Movie events are a great way to cool off during the summer season, while enjoying some family movie time,” said Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali MP. “They are fantastic events for the whole community to enjoy and very affordable night out for families.” The Dive In Movie season closes on February 3 with Moana, the 3D
animated fantasy about the strongwilled daughter of a chief of a Polynesian village, who is chosen by the ocean to reunite a mystical relic with a goddess. When blight strikes her island, Moana sets sail in search of Maui, a legendary demigod, in the hope of returning the heart of Te Fiti and saving her people. Tickets are available at the gate on the night. For a single screening, tickets are $5 for children, $10 for adults and $30 for a family (2 adults and 3 children or 1 adult and 4 children). Carnival Fun Food truck will be serving snacks including soft serve ice cream, popcorn and fairy floss. Gates open at 7pm, with movies starting at 8pm. Tickets are available at the door.
MAZES
Dive-In blockbuster
Valentine’s Day: shower your honey with love! By KeRRIE DAVIES
V
ALENTINE’S DAY is fast approaching - the most romantic day on the calendar. Many lovers will shower each other with gifts, hopefuls will choose the day to declare love to an often unaware conquest and others will agree to tie the knot. In a changing world where there’s some push to de-genderise just about everything, I’m going to risk all, bare my old-fashioned soul and declare that this day is one of utmost importance to the ladies! Uber-feminists might want to hang me from my bra straps, but I’m putting it out there that in general the female species yearns for love and to be shown love. Valentine’s Day represents a day of hope when there’s someone out there we fantasise will fall madly in love with us. Its the day of judgement for those fellas who’ve just started dating us. And for those in long-term relationships and happy marriages, it can be the day of ensuring we still feel loved. For troubled relationships, its the day of reckoning. But for the ladies who have no current love interest, it can be Single Person Awareness Day. (SPAD) If you’re in the loved-up category, its a good idea to be mindful of the feelings of those friends in the SPAD phase, they probably don’t want to hear all about the perfect roses, perfect chocolates and perfect hand-written poems you received from your perfect boyfriend... 27 times. They’ll get it the first time you say it. And I have some tips for the lads, too. If you want
a lady to know how you feel about her, take the punt and aim cupid’s arrow in her direction - send her some flowers! The worst that can happen is you’ll be a few bucks out of pocket, and if the same spark isn’t felt by her, at least she’ll always refer to you as “that sweet guy.” If you’re in a new relationship and wondering if it is too soon, I have one point to make. It is NEVER too soon. Married guys who think its all commercial BS get off the platform on this one - steal some flowers out of the nearest garden and present them to her. Blokes who’ve not been the greatest partner
they could have been - shell out a few bucks, get a bouquet and write some nice words in a card. A bit of sly cash and ten minutes worth of effort could reverse a multitude of sins in one hit. Do it. And even though I think Valentines Day is a special day on many a female’s calendar, there’s definitely some guys out there who rate it too. So girls, if you’re dating a SNAG, married to a romantic or not been the best partner you could have been yourself, shower your honey with love and show them what they mean to you. Happy Valentines Day! (Hopefully my husband reads this, ps I love red roses)
Western News 2 Februuary 2018 Issue 52
12
WESTERN HISTORY
EARLY BROADCAST RADIO IN SYDNEY
by Frank Dickson
Y
ou may notice that the heading of this item is restricted to Sydney. I had to confine it to an area as the same story may have occurred in other capital cities of Australia. I have also mentioned “broadcast radio”. The reason for this is to talk about voice radio as opposed to Morse code which occurred many years earlier. Let’s talk about the radios from this early era. First of all the radio sets were ‘sealed’. This meant that a particular radio could only be used to receive one radio station. Luckily there were only two or three stations in operation before this rule was changed. This meant that if you wanted to listen to three radio stations you had to buy three radios and with radios costing over a week’s wages this proved fairly expensive. It must be noted that each radio was constructed as a piece of furniture as can be seen from the photograph. The second thing is these early radios ran from batteries. There were two batteries in the radio, one was a 1.5 Volt and the other one was a 90 Volt (usually consisting of 2 X 45 Volt batteries in series). These batteries were quite expensive and only lasted between two and three hours, so the radios were used sparingly, generally to listen to the 7 o’clock news and that was about all. This restricted use of radios continued until electricity was more widely available and they could be powered by a battery eliminator (you use a battery eliminator to charge your mobile phone). The first official radio broadcast took place in Sydney in 1919. This was a transmission by Ernest Fisk of the Australian National anthem (God Save the Queen) between two buildings. The first radio station to go to air was 2SB (later renamed to 2BL) in November 1923 although it was not the first radio station to hold a licence. The first station to be licensed was 2FC and the licence was issued in July 1923. This station was owned by Farmer and Company (remember that store?). Because of the ‘sealed radio’ system there were only about 1400 licences issued by 1924. So the government decided to scrap this system. A new system was introduced where there were two classes of licences - one for the government and a second for private commercial owners. As a result of this new system there were over 40,000 listeners by the end of 1924 and over 80,000 listeners by the end of 1925. The two government stations in Sydney were 2SB and 2FC, while the first commercial radio station to be licensed in Sydney was 2UE, which went to air in early 1925. There was an earlier commercial radio station to go to air (2BE) in late 1924, but this
station lasted only five years before going broke. Remember that during this time if you wanted to listen to a radio you had to pay for a radio licence which went to finance the government’s radio stations. The date the need to hold a licence was abandoned is unknown to the author. The 1930s saw commercial broadcasting boom in Sydney (this could make an interesting article for the future). One station which may be of interest is 2KA, which was launched in 1935 to service the Blue Mountains area of western Sydney. So there you have it. The very early start of broadcast radio in Sydney. Who would think that we have progressed from a sealed radio set that we had to pay about 10 shillings licence fee to the current plethora of methods of receiving radio. You know what I mean - the kids with their mobile phones blasting away in a train carriage or the I thingo that seems to be everywhere. Oh well, that’s progress I guess.
Western News
Did You Overspend on Christmas?
The Christmas Holiday season is over and many Australians are back at work reviewing their Christmas shopping lists and holiday spending waiting for their credit card statements to arrive. The many gifts around might make them feel glad. They might bring a smile to the face as well. However, smiles and emotions are of little value when you need to pay bills. This is especially so, when you’re on a tight budget – as many Australians unsurprisingly are. The Christmas Sales brings with it an excess of gifts and a wide variety of bargains. As a result, people often end up breaking their planned budgets. Therefore, as Christmas makes way for the New Year, the entries in their credit card statements serve a sobering reminder According to Australian Retail Association, Australians spent over $20 Billion over the Christmas period. Tips for Regaining Your Financial Fitness and Peace of Mind The New Year often becomes a period of stress and anxiety as people try to cope with their bills in January. For many people, the problem does not remain confined to having a large amount of credit card debt. Some people don’t even have sufficient reserves of cash for paying their monthly household bills. This can lead to stress and unhappiness. Therefore, here’s a list of tips to help you deal with your excessive Christmas Holiday shopping bills. That too, while you get your finances back on track.
Manage Credit Card Debt Focus on paying credit cards that have the highest Annual Interest Rate first. You might find that you can’t realistically repay your credit card balances within three months. In this scenario, consider getting a credit card that levies no interest on balance transfers for 12 – 24 months. Pay the nominal transaction fee (approximately three percent of the amount transferred). You will be able to save more money on this card. Remember that your existing card will charge you interest once you cross the interest-free period. Consider getting financial help and advice if your credit card debt amounts are $10,000 or more. The counsellors will work with your credit card company to formulate a repayment plan that fits your budget. Sell any Unused Stuff You Might Have Many people often have things that they don’t use. When you need additional cash, consider selling these items. You could sell them online via sites like Gumtree or eBay. Make some money, while you get rid of some of the clutter that surrounds you. Some stores even accept unopened and unused items that retain their price tags. You could receive a refund or a store credit in return. Similarly, if you have gift cards that you don’t plan to use, sell them online. Consider a Part-Time Job Depending on your schedule, consider getting a part-time job. Investing a few hours each day of the week could give you sufficient earnings to pay off your debt at a faster pace. Control Current Levels of Spending Cut your current levels of spending. Avoid eating
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out and eat at home. Similarly, make your own coffee instead of spending money at the local café. Don’t Use Plastic Until you repay all your bills, avoid making any further purchases on your credit card. Only use your debit card (or cash) for making purchases. Doing this would ensure that you avoid adding to your existing levels of debt. This will enable you to clear your debts faster too. Make a Budget Prepare a budget that tracks your income and expenses for each month. In the expenses, list your priority bills first i.e. mortgages, phone bills, electricity, gas etc. Then, place some money into an emergency or savings account. Thereafter, utilise the remainder for repaying your debts. Avoid overcommitting yourself when it comes to repaying your debts. Instead, pay off your debts at a rate that you can adhere to consistently. Utilise all (or a combination of) the methods listed above. This could help you pay off your bills and debts faster than you thought you would. However, you would do well to heed the lessons of overspending and avoid a recurrence in the subsequent holiday season. Just because you’ve been fortunate enough once, does not mean that you will be able to tackle your debts similarly the next time.
13 Western News 2 February 2018 Issue 52
Alex Soncini
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Western News 2 Februuary 2018 Issue 52
Western News
SUDOKU: EASY
ENTERTAINMENT
14
SOLUTION: 19 January
Fairy Tales ALADDIN BEANSTALK BEARS BEAST BEAUTY BIG BAD WOLF CHICKEN LITTLE CINDERELLA ELVES EMPEROR FAIRY GODMOTHER
FROG PRINCE GENIE GIANT GOLDEN GOOSE GOLDILOCKS GRANDMOTHER GRETEL HANSEL HUNTER JACK KING MIDAS
LAMP LITTLE MERMAID LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD MIRROR PEA PINOCCHIO PRINCESS RAPUNZEL RUMPELSTILTSKIN SEVEN DWARFS SHOEMAKER
SINBAD SNOW QUEEN SNOW WHITE STEPMOTHER STEPSISTERS SWAN THREE LITTLE PIGS THUMBELINA UGLY DUCKLING UNDINE WISHES
INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Hodgepodge (9) 6 _____ and output (5) 9 Revenues (7) 10 Perform surgery (7) 11 What a private does to an officer (7) 12 Foolish (7) 13 Guiding (9) 15 Empower (5) 16 Not liquid (5) 19 History of a word (9) 22 Eight-seven in Roman numerals (7) 23 Fortress (7) 25 Hunting guide (7) 26 Accounts (7) 27 Pilot a car (5) 28 One who disputes (9)
solution 19/1/18
down 1 Groups of two (5) 2 A file of reminders (7) 3 A group of North African languages (7) 4 Fertile areas in deserts (5) 5 Wittingly (9) 6 Specify individually (7) 7 Braided (7) 8 Betrayal (9) 13 Revealed (9) 14 Enumerating (9) 17 Seventy-eight in Roman numerals (7) 18 Vary (7) 20 Eight-armed sea creature (7) 21 Systematic (7) 23 Breed of dog (5) 24 Not a winner (5)
Western News
SPORT
with MARK GEYER
Rested, revived and ready for 2018 The Rush Hour with MG
Hyeon Chungs blister
F
irst let me say ‘hi there all’ and welcome to 2018. I hope you all had a fantastic festive season break and Australia Day long weekend and are now all ready to get stuck into the official year of the dog. Woof. Like a lot of you reading this column a lot has happened to me in the past six weeks, like changing jobs! On January 22 I started my new show on Triple M radio called the Rush Hour with MG, which is on weeknights from 6-7pm. Instantly I have noted a dramatic change in lifestyle. Instead of the dreaded 330 am alarm jolting me out of bed daily whilst working on the Grill Team for the past eight years, the only alarm that wakes me now is for my weekly early morning golf game at Penrith, which I haven’t played in eight years. I can now stay up as long as I like and I can now spend those valuable hours with my family that I didn’t realise I was missing doing the early morning breakfast radio shift. Whilst staying up a lot later than the 8pm I was used to going to bed at previously, I have been enjoying the Australian tennis open from Melbourne. In particular watching the cool calm and collected (and never aging) Roger Federer take out his 20th grand-slam. How good is this bloke. To be the age he is (37 in August) and still competing the way he is, has to be truly admired. The bloke never sweats he’s that cool!! I also was engrossed with the women’s final last Saturday between ladies number 1 Simona Halep from Romania and world number 2 Caroline Wozniacki representing Denmark.
Both women produced epic tennis with Wozniacki winning her maiden grandslam final in slick fashion. Seems that each year in Melbourne the Oz open produces a ‘cult’ figure. This year it was South Korea’s Hyeon Chung, who made it all the way to the semis before succumbing to a graphic looking blister on his foot that looked more like someone had cut a chunk out of his foot with a scalpel. I’m usually dubious with tennis players and their injuries, as it’s more rare then hens teeth to see a tennis player retire in a game whilst leading a match, but as you can see by the picture provided by Chung himself on his instagram page it’s hard to figure out how he even got a shoe on to compete in the first place. Now that the tennis is over and the summer of cricket is coming to an end it’s nearly that time again! Footy season! And with the Penrith Panthers membership going through the roof for 2018 the expectation is at fever pitch for the NRL to be accelerated back into our lives. In the next few editions we’ll have a good look at the Panthers chances for this upcoming year and dissect realistically how far they can go this year. I’ll give you one player to watch, young Lithgow hooker Wayde Egan who I think WILL at some stage this season play in the top grade. We’ll also look at all other teams competing in the 2018 version of the NRL and see where they’ll be come six months time. Given it’s the year of the dog could Dean Pay’s boys be in for a big season? Aah the permutations a rugby league season provides. I love it! Talk in a couple of weeks and I’ll see you at the game.
MG (random Westie) OAM
Western News 2 February 2018 Issue 52
my words
15
Western News Friday, 2 February 2018
SPORT
Free cash for ‘Active Kids’ By Keegan Thomson
P
ARENTS of school children across western Sydney are being encouraged to take advantage of the $100 Active Kids rebate for sporting and fitness related costs. The program, which is not means tested, launched this week with Premier Gladys Berejiklian visiting western Sydney with Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres. “This is a fantastic boost for parents because we know the cost of kids’ sport and activities can really add up. Active Kids is one of the ways the NSW Government is easing cost of living pressures on families,” Ms Berejikilan said. The $100 rebate can be claimed back through the Service NSW website and can be used for almost every physical sport in NSW including outdoor social activities like Girl Guides and Scouts. Clubs also need to be registered
as an Active Kids provider through the NSW government so it can be determined if the club meets the appropriate requirements. Minister for Sport says there has been a massive take up in the number of clubs registering for the program. “We’ve have over 40 state sporting organisations bulk upload and register into the scheme, that represents over 7,000 clubs an associations from today,” Mr Ayres said. The Premier boasted she was extremely excited to have so many clubs already signing up and hopes many more continue in get involved.
“I’m thrilled that so many sporting organisations have already jumped on board,” Ms Berejiklian said. “Thousands of clubs in local communities have already gone out there and are interacting with parents and I’m thrilled with the response we’ve had.” According to the Minister, sports not included in the Active Kids scheme include low energy physical activities like static shooting or billiards. “Ultimately what we want this scheme to do is lower the cost so more children are out moving, getting their
heart rate up and making sure they are healthy,” Mr Ayres said. “Through Active Kids, we want to make sport more affordable and continue our target of reducing childhood obesity rates by five per cent over 10 years,” he said. Across the next four years $207 million has been set aside for the Active Kids program, but the Premier and Minister for Sports say if more children sign up, and the cost is blown out, they’ll be happy to cover the costs. The Minister for Sport even laid himself a challenge. “If we get to 100 percent I’ll be the Sports Minister doing cartwheels with the kids,” Mr Ayres said. “If we have every child sign up across the state I will be more than happy to have us spending more money, putting more money into the pockets,” he said. Some 810,000 thousand children across NSW will now be eligible for the $100 rebate. Families can apply via the website https://sport.nsw.gov. au/sectordevelopment/activekids.