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Friday, 3 June 2016
ISSUE 11
YOUR LOCAL NEWS AND VIEWS IN THE MOST COLOURFUL NEWSPAPER AROUND!
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Local swimming centre takes out state award MOUNT DRUITT Swimming Centre has taken out the NSW Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) Award for ‘Inclusive and Connected Communities’ at the PLA NSW/ACT State Conference last week. The award recognises the Centre’s commitment to the community through ongoing engagement, partnerships and programming. The support of the community has played a key role in the Centre in restabilising its place as the community’s pool since re-opening in December 2014. It’s been a busy season for Mount Druitt Swimming Centre celebrating its 40th birthday as well as hosting a variety of sporting and community events. The 40th Birthday Splash event in December saw over 1800 people – young and old - enjoy a variety of fun activities which was followed up by the Dive-In Movies in the January school holidays. The Centre is a much sought-after venue for competitive swimming; hosting 21 school and zone swimming carnivals, the inaugural Blacktown City Council Swim Club Challenge and the 55th Annual RSL NSW Swim Club Challenge. Innovative programming, including
Blacktown Key Venues Staff, Rooty Hill RSL Youth Swim Club, Members of the “We Love Mt Druitt Pool” Advisory group and Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali.
new Aqua Zumba and Aqua Exercise classes, was a hit with the community. These activities are included with Centre admission, as part of the Centre’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable health and fitness opportunities. Mayor of Blacktown City Council, Councillor Stephen Bali is ecstatic at the season Mount Druitt Swimming Centre has had. “This award shows that Mount Druitt is so much more than the “Struggle Street” persona but a community that comes together to
deliver great programs and events. Next season is sure to be even bigger and better! “Without the support of our community partners and the work of the We Love Mount Druitt Pool advisory group Mount Druitt Swimming Centre would not have enjoyed such a great season. “I would like to thank the following community organisations and businesses for their support this season; Multicultural and Ethnic Community Agency (MECA), Headspace Mt Druitt, AFL NSW/ACT,
Rooty Hill RSL Swim Club, Lions Club Mt Druitt, Mt Druitt Community Health Centre, The Hub Mt Druitt, Aqua Learn to Swim, Westfield Mt Druitt, Women’s Activities and Self Help (WASH House) Mt Druitt, Little Kickers Blacktown & Districts and Channel Nine.” Mount Druitt Swimming Centre will is now in the running for the PLA National Award that will be announced in October 2016. Mount Druitt Swimming Centre will reopen for the 2016/17 Season in late September.
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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 12/82 Victoria St Werrington Mail: PO Box 4001 Werrington NSW 2747 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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Prospect
From the Editor’s Desk by Kerrie Davies SO here we are at election time again, the time where the politically interested are glued to televisions, newspapers and talkback radio, and those who aren’t are looking for a fork to stick in their eye. Those who follow the election might have noticed that many of the big names (Prime Ministers, Ministers and Shadow Ministers) appear to be visiting everywhere but here - that my friends is due to the fact that the seats of Chifley and Greenway are considered “safe seats.” The term “safe seat” basically means that it is expected that the party - in this case Labor - that holds the seat is under no risk whatsoever of losing it. While there have been visits by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Anthony Albanese, compared to neighbouring marginal seats such as Lindsay and Macquarie, our federal electorates have pretty much been ignored. Lindsay and Macquarie have been visited as much as three times a week by those holding the highest positions in the country. Even former Prime Minister John Howard sprung a surprise visit on Penrith that sent shoppers into a frenzy as he was greeted like a rock star. Step over the electoral border and you can barely tell a campaign is even under way. That’s because at election time, the big guns flock to the electorates where a few thousand votes will decide the outcome. Unfortunately, once the election is over, nothing much changes - the ignoring of safe seats tends to continue as very few promises were made during the campaign to woo the voters. It is a pretty safe bet that our local members, Ed Husic and Michelle Rowland will be returned to their posts, but I predict that they will remain in opposition. We are a few weeks away from the result (a lifetime in politics) but I’d put my money on the Coalition doing better nationally than the pundits predict and they’ll return to government albeit minus a few seats currently held by them. Your thoughts? Kerrie@nepeannews.com.au
When is the last time you wormed your pet?
Nepean
Veterinary REPORT
with Dr Antony Karolis and the team at WellPet Vets phone 1300 WELLPET
Senior Veterinarian and CEO WellPets Vets Mountains, Nepean and St Clair
AT WellPet Vets this month we have seen a rise in intestinal worm infestations in our patients. Intestinal worming for your pet should never be overlooked. There are 4 commonly known types of intestinal worms. These worms include Tapeworm, Roundworm, Hookworm and Whipworm. If left untreated these worms can be fatal, especially to younger animals. Ensuring your pet is regularly wormed with a preventative is the best way to protect your pet against these parasites. How Does My Pet Get Worms? Intestinal worms can be spread in the following ways: - Drinking contaminated water - Contact with other infected animals -Contact with infected animal faeces - Transmitted via mother’s milk when nursing -Eating meat that is carrying a parasite (a bird or rodent for example) - Swallowing a flea that is carrying a parasite
Signs and Symptoms of Intestinal Worms Can Include: - Pot belly appearance - Lethargy - Vomiting - Diarrhoea - Increased appetite - Blood and or mucus in faeces - Dragging or “scooting” their bottom on the ground
- Anaemia - Lack of growth - Dull hair appearance - Loss of body condition Thankfully there is prevention available to ensure protection for you and your pet. At WellPet Vets we recommend the following worming protocol for your pet; Wellpet Parasite Protection Protocol recommendation: 2-12 weeks of age: Canex or similar puppy suspension or Milbemax/Fenpral or Drontal intestinal wormer fortnightly until 12 weeks. 12 weeks of age: Milbemax/ Fenpral or Drontal intestinal wormer monthly until 6 months of age (covers all intestinal worms and giardia) 25 weeks of age onwards: Milbemax/Fenpral or Drontal intestinal wormer every 3 months (quarterly) for life. If you think your pet may have worms or if you would like more information on the best protection for your pet, please contact our friendly team on 1300WELLPET.
Mount Druitt Hospital leaps into future with Paper-Lite
MOUNT DRUITT Hospital has officially gone Paper-Lite, introducing the new system, allowing a majority of paper medical records to be stored in electronic format. The hospital was the one of the first in Australia to “go live” with PaperLite across the whole facility this week, including the mental health, palliative care and paediatric wards and outpatient clinics. Paper-Lite enables staff to access medical records securely anywhere, anytime via digital devices including bedside computers-on-wheels
(COWs), desktop computers, lap-tops and tablets. Mount Druitt is the latest hospital in the Western Sydney Local Health District, after Blacktown and Auburn hospitals, to transition to the new system. Mount Druitt Hospital Paper-Lite project lead Sonia Jones said the roll-out marked the culmination of months of hard work by the IT team, in partnership with the hospital’s clinical services, committee members, nursing unit managers, clinical nurse educators and executive.
“Paper-Lite is about the transition from written to electronic documents,” Ms Jones said. “We’re delighted to see these plans coming to fruition.” Ms Jones said the new system had transformed staff’s interaction with patients and their families. “We have received really positive feedback from staff about how this new technology has improved patient care by providing better information at the bedside. “Preparation by hospital staff has enabled them to be ready for this
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modern and innovative transformation; this included ensuring sufficient information technology hardware, such as COWs and laptops, were available in all wards and departments so staff could access patient records from any device, at any location. “I commend the staff for changing their business processes to improve how patient care is delivered and keeping up with the latest technology.” “I also want to thank the hospital’s volunteers for their help; this is a whole-of-hospital approach that will benefit the local community.”
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HIV Testing Week IN a western Sydney first, rapid HIV testing will be available at Parramatta’s Centenary Square during HIV Testing Week (1-7 June). Around 14 per cent of people with HIV in NSW may be unaware they have the virus, a statistic Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is striving to change. #HIVTestingWeek aims to highlight the importance of testing, reduce transmission and encourage people at risk to take a quick test, which is now easier and faster than ever before. Ashley Ubrihien, WSLHD HIV and Related Programs Manager said NSW had made significant progress in making testing easier and faster by providing high quality, safe and innovative testing services such as rapid HIV testing, express clinics, after hours and drop in clinics. “Achieving high levels of testing, treatment, and maintaining safe sex practices are the key if we are to achieve our ambitious target of ending HIV transmission by 2020,” he said. “With around 11,500 people in NSW living with HIV infection, HIV testing is vital because the virus is often transmitted by people who don’t know they have it. “Twenty nine per cent of people newly diagnosed with HIV were diagnosed late during their infection, which could have been avoided with earlier testing. “People in groups at risk of HIV, especially gay and homosexually active
men, must test regularly so they can receive early treatment and prevent transmission of HIV to others.” Most new HIV infections reported in 2015 were in gay and homosexually-active men (81 per cent) however heterosexual people accounted for 15 per cent of all newly reported infections. “Heterosexual people who may be at risk of HIV should also be tested. “This includes people from countries where there are high rates of HIV, anyone with a sexual partner from a high risk country and people who have had unprotected sex while travelling in these countries. Anyone who has had unprotected sex with a high risk person should also be tested. “All pregnant women should also be tested irrespective of risk, as treatment during pregnancy is very effective in stopping the baby from getting infected.” A HIV test can be requested at a GP or health service. To find out where to get tested go to www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/ pages/sexual-health-clinics.aspx For more information on HIV testing, treatment and prevention go to www.health. nsw.gov.au/endinghiv or call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink 1800 451 624 or visit www.shil.nsw.gov.au For more information on HIV notifications in NSW in 2015 go to http://www.health. nsw.gov.au/endinghiv/Documents/q4-2015and-annual-hiv-data-report.pdf
Carpark needs urgent upgrade SHADOW Transport Minister Jodi McKay has joined Member for Londonderry, Prue Car MP to demand the NSW Government upgrade the commuter car park at St Marys Station. Mrs Car said that the upcoming State Budget will be a key test for Minister Andrew Constance to see whether he understands the local community and the urgent need to increase capacity at Traffic congestion: Prue Car MP the St Marys Commuter Carpark. and Shadow Transport Minister Jodi “Mr Constance needs to assure the McKay are pushing for upgrades to St Marys community that St Marys the carpark at St Marys Station that commuter carpark will be expanded to would make catching trains provide for an increasing demand on the more appealing to commuters station,” Mrs Car said. “At a time when Western Sydney’s population is booming, commuters need to be encouraged to use public transport and this can only happen if people can park close to the station.” The St Marys Commuter Carpark is often full before 8:00 am leaving commuters stranded every morning. “The government has had no problem designing glossy brochures and expensive animations for new train stations – but it continues to ignore commuters in western Sydney,” said Ms McKay. “It’s unacceptable to have anyone in the community struggle to access public transport – whether they’re elderly, have limited mobility or parents with prams.” Mrs Car said local commuters are raising their concerns with her. “I am constantly receiving complaints about the St Marys commuter carpark,” she said. “Our area is booming, including a rapid expansion of suburbs like Ropes Crossing and this growth is not being met with infrastructure. “The Government needs to urgently look at upgrading the St Marys Commuter Carpark and I will be keeping a close eye on the State Budget in June.”
St Marys remembers Australia’s participation in Boer War By Kerrie Davies
A COMMEMORATION service acknowledging Australia’s participation in the Boer War was held last weekend at the St Marys Vietnam Vets Outpost. The following speech, delivered by Tony Fryer, consisted of an extract from a letter from RSL NSW President to the SubBranches. “Some historians have argued that we should not overrate the importance of the Boer War. However, this year we mark the Centenary of ANZAC and it is right that the theme for this year’s National Boer War Day is the ‘Fathers of ANZAC’. What do we mean by that phrase, ‘The Fathers of ANZAC’? There are three parts to that answer. Firstly, it is important to understand that the problems experienced in the Boer War forced debate at our new national level in the years before the First World War, as to if and how we would be involved in a future major war on Britain’s side. The Boer War was fought across the birth of our Nation in 1901. Sir Edmund Barton’s explanation of Federal involvement in 1902 makes it very clear what Australia’s decision
would be when he said (quote) “An attack on any part of the Empire is an attack on all of the Empire”. Secondly, the British Empire was our first strategic alliance. However without the Boer War, Australia’s role in WW1 would have been very different indeed. There would not necessarily have been an AIF as we know it. It is likely that Australia would have just been a vast recruiting ground for British Forces and if there were Australian Units they would have been submerged in British formations. There would have been no AIF at Gallipoli, perhaps even no ANZAC legend as such. National figures like Monash or Chauvel might
not have emerged. As a result of the Boer War, Australia insisted that Australian Troops were to be kept together in Australian Formations, Commanded by Australians where practicable and that senior Australian Commanders would have automatic right of access to the Australian cabinet over any issue. The Australian Government, since the Boer War, has retained ultimate control over what happened to Australian soldiers. This fact cannot be underestimated. Finally, after Morant and Handcock, no Australian soldier could be executed for a military crime. 68 British soldiers were executed in the
Boer War and 300 in WW1. These are things today that we would take as self-evident but they were not so to British Commanders in 1914. They constantly chaffed at such restrictions. All six Boer War VC’s would serve again in WW1, including three at Gallipoli. Two would be wounded (Howse and Rogers). Three Boer War veterans (Shout, Newland and Whittle) would be awarded the VC in WW1. The final aspect of the War which we should consider is our special relationship with New Zealand. NZ probably had the highest per capita commitment to the Boer War. Australian troops served closely with more than 6,000 New Zealanders, and frequently fought alongside them, truly anticipating the first ANZACs. Boer War Commemoration day is held throughout the country. The National Memorial is nearing completion in Anzac Parade Canberra – a representation appears on the cover of your Service Sheet. It will assume the focus for commemorations in 2017 and beyond so that Australians can continue to pay proper respect to the 23,000 men and women who served this country in it’s first war as a Nation, more than a century ago. Lest we Forget.
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Getting to know ...
Brian McCombe from the Good Guys with Jarrod McGrouther
1. What was your first paid job? Playing the drums in a band - aged 14 2. What is your guilty pleasure? Talking 3. What is your biggest fear/phobia and why? Getting older, losing hair 4. What is your worst habit? Non-stop talking and taking photos 5. Best advice you’ve even been given? To be kind to others 6. If you only had $50 left in the bank, how would you spend it? Donate to charities 7. Favourite holiday destination? Any cruise ship 8. Do you have a favourite sporting team? I support any team that invites me to the game 9. Name one reason that you love western Sydney I grew up in Riverstone and have many friends here 10. In three words, describe your perfect Sunday Looking at Facebook
No curfew, no airport! By Mayor Stephen Bali
BADGERYS CREEK is a vital issue this federal election and I urge all Blacktown residents to express any concerns they may have to the Federal Government. Dou you think it fair that a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week airport is going to be built on our backyard with no protection against noise pollution? Do you think it reasonable that, so far, there is not enough infrastructure planned to support the millions of passengers a year that will be going to and coming from Badgerys Creek? The government’s own noise modelling tool shows there will initially be an average of five flights a day over the Blacktown council with a noise level that’s over 60 decibels. By 2050, when the airport running at full capacity, there will be up to 20 aircraft flights a night above 60 decibels. According to the government’s own environmental impact statement, 60 decibels outside is 50 decibels inside if a window is part open, which is widely recognised as being too noisy to sleep well. Unless we start protesting to ensure we are protected, our children and our children’s children will be rightly blaming us for their discomfort and danger.
Why should those living east of Parramatta have fresh air and the protection of an aircraft curfew while those of us living in Blacktown will not? The noise from 24-hour-a-day airport operation will cause sleep interruption for many people and the road traffic associated with the proposed airport will create unacceptable levels of pollution. In fact, if anyone should get a 24-hour airport, it should be the eastern half of Sydney – where the houses are insulated and the weather conditions disperse its air pollution. Voice your opposition to Badgerys Creek Airport and flyovers over Blacktown City Council to and from Sydney Airport by contacting: The Minister for Infrastructure, Darren Chester: Tel. 62777680 or email: minister.chester@infrastructure. gov.au The Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt: Tel. 62777920 or email: Greg.Hunt.MP@aph.gov.au The Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull: https:// www.pm.gov.au/contact-your-pm Any Federal politician: PO Box 6022, House of Representatives, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 Remember this simple message: No curfew? No airport!!
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Helping those in need DURING winter the need for clean, dry clothes and linen is more important than ever, which is why Blacktown locals are encouraged to nominate a community group or family in need of a quality dryer, with worthy recipients being granted a new machine through The Good Guys’ Dryers for Communities initiative. Residents are encouraged to put forward a community group or family they know that could do with a helping hand - it might be a child care centre or kindergarten, an aged care facility, an animal shelter, a sporting club or a family. “During the colder months it is hard to wash and dry clothes and linen without a dryer, especially when you have a lot to wash, so we encourage members of our community to submit a deserving recipient to receive a brand new dryer,” The Good Guys Prospect Store General Manager, Bryan Fenn said. “As part of our Doing Good program we support Orange Sky Laundry to provide washing and drying facilities to Australia’s homeless, so it seemed fitting at this time of year to find other groups in the community who need a dyer and continue our assistance at a local level,” Bryan said.
“We’re always looking to support people in need and organisations that make a difference in the local community and this winter it’s by ensuring they have the equipment to provide dry, clean clothes and linen,” Bryan said. In addition to the Dryers for Communities program, The Good Guys Prospect will be doubling its donation to Orange Sky Laundry through the sale of laundry products made in-store until the end of the
financial year. “Every $6 we donate to Orange Sky Laundry enables them to do another load of washing so we are aiming to fund over 800 additional loads of washing for people living without a home this winter,” Bryan said. “We’re proud to support Orange Sky Laundry and look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure the 105,000 Australians sleeping homeless every night have clean, dry clothes.”
Shared pathway link MEMBER for Riverstone, Mr Kevin Conolly MP, is delighted to announce that pedestrians and cyclists will soon be able to benefit from an improved shared path network on the western side of Richmond Road at Colebee, with work starting this week to extend the route. “To encourage active lifestyles the NSW Government is funding a shared pathway link on Richmond Road which is an important corridor servicing the growing communities of Sydney’s north-west,” Mr Conolly said. A new shared path will be built to connect the existing pathway just west of Bells Creek to Rooty Hill Road at Colebee. Work will start this week and includes building a new pedestrian bridge over Bells Creek. Work hours will be from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and between 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, excluding public holidays. The project is expected to be completed by the end of September, weather permitting. “Changed traffic conditions including temporary lane closures and reduced speed limits may be in place for the safety of workers and commuters,” Mr Conolly said.
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Western News 3 June 2016 Issue 11
2016 Federal Election coverage
with Keegan Thomson
Big spends on innovation and start ups AS the Prime Minister spruiks his ‘jobs and growth’ spiel across the country Ed Husic, Labor MP for Chifley, and Susan Templeman, Labor candidate for Macquarie say there isn’t enough being done for regional innovative enterprises. In a statement Mr Husic said, Labor would co-fund the establishment of up to 20 new local business community hubs that would work with universities and TAFEs over the next three years, if they were elected into government on July 2. This is backed by their $16 million regional innovation fund, which aims to help encourage more start ups and innovative businesses in regional communities. Start ups, innovation, community technology hubs and enterprise are all buzz words this election season with both parties throwing cash at digital business across the country. Previously the Prime Minister announced, during a campaign stop in the marginal seat of Lindsay, a re-elected Coalition government would invest
$4.6 million into 12 new pilot sites that would help develop stronger student outcomes in the STEM subjects; science, technology, engineering and maths. This new commitment to education from the Turnbull government was shrugged off by Labor candidate for Lindsay, Emma Husar, who said no matter what, the government shouldn’t be trusted when it comes to matters of education. “Who knows where the Liberals stand on Education? They were for Gonski then against it. They promised no cuts then they slashed the budget. They simply can’t be trusted when it comes to the future of our children’s education,” Ms Husar said. Big questions are being asked as to where the funding is coming from and how both sides of parliament can afford such big spends on innovation, education and ‘jobs and growth’ but with another 4 weeks of the election ahead of us we’ll surely see more announcements in these areas.
Ed Husic, MP for Chifley, with Labor candidate for Macquarie Susan Templeman inspecting Western Sydney businesses. Source: Facebook
J-Bish campaigns in western Sydney FOREIGN Minister Julie Bishop campaigned across the western Sydney electorates of Lindsay and Greenway in an attempt to tighten up Liberal support in the region. First stop of the day was Lindsay where the Minister walked a local shopping centre with Liberal MP, Fiona Scott, meeting locals and
talking to small business owners. She then toured an independent small business developing railroad vehicles, and she even went for a ride on one. During a quick presser, where she was questioned about superannuation and sexism in the workplace, she was asked about the Liberal Party’s fears
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop rides a rail mantanence car with Lindsay MP Fiona Scott. Source: Keegan Thomson
for Lindsay. “We don’t take any seat for granted, I have visited about 25 electorates across Australia and I will continue to visit electorates each and every day until the election on July 2,” the Minister said. She also confirmed what everyone is speculating on, that this election will be a close one. “Every seat is important and every voter is important, and this will be like all federal elections, a close campaign and it will be a close election,” she said. After spending the morning in Lindsay the minister moved onto the safe Labor seat of Greenway were she toured with local Liberal candidate, Yvonne Keane. The Minister was the guest at Yvonne Keane’s afternoon tea with the Indian community of Blacktown, where Ms Keane said the only way that western Sydney can grow is if it votes in a Turnbull lead government. “I believe that only through stronger families and stronger communities can we have a stronger future. The
Turnbull government believes this – which is why they have put together a plan that, if elected, will deliver a strong economy that will have a resounding benefit not just for you and for me and for our families, but for many generations to come,” she said addressing the room. Yvonne Keane is up against Labor MP Michelle Rowland, who has held the seat since 2010 on a steady margin of 3 percent.
Julia Bishop with Liberal candidate Yvonne Keane. Source: Zoltan Szentmihaly
McMahon is missing a Liberal candidate FOUR weeks into the long eight week election campaign and the Liberal Party still don’t have a candidate for the seat of McMahon. Sources within the Liberal Party tell Western News that previous Liberal candidate Ray King is being urged to run against incumbent and Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen.
So far the Labor Party, the Christian Democrats and Greens are all running candidates in the strong Labor seat. Perhaps Mr King, a former Senior Police Officer, is feeling a little cautious about running due to the slew of negative material that was circulated during the 2013 election. In 2013 Mr King took out 45 percent
of the vote after preferences with a swing of 4.5 percent, but that wasn’t enough to come close to Mr Bowen’s 55 percent. The Liberal Party says the preselection processes are still going and they’re hoping to make an announcement on the candidate soon.
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By Keegan Thomson
A GROUP of intrepid communications students from the Western Sydney University are touring Nepal and documenting the reconstruction efforts around the capital, Kathmandu. J o u r n a l i s m Professor at WSU, Asha Chand, said the trip would be a once in Student and Dr Chand with Australian Ambassador Glenn White in Nepal. a lifetime opportunity Source: WSU for the students. Dr Chand outlined the topics the students attractions and the livelihood of locals.” would be covering whilst on the trip, “Generally The trip comes 13 months after the disastrous speaking, we would be interested in the stories earthquake that devastated much of the of survival, the redevelopment, the landscape Nepalese capital, killing nearly 9,000 people. one year on, Australians at work in Nepal, tourist This is not the first foreign exchange trip attractions and the livelihood of locals,” he said. students from WSU have been involved in. “We have five students studying Feature Last year the university took photojournalism Writing, going on a 15 day trip to Nepal, with an students to Hong Kong and China to document aim to provide coverage on the recovery after the the growing urban sprawl across the region, earthquake,” she added. and other group visited India. Dr Chand outlined the topics the students The students are touring thanks to the New would be covering whilst on the trip, “Generally Colombo Plan, a federal government run speaking, we would be interested in the stories initiative which works to build economic, of survival, the redevelopment, the landscape educational and cultural bridges between one year on, Australians at work in Nepal, tourist Australia and Asian countries.
Firearms located A LOCAL man will face court this month charged over the alleged manufacture of firearms. About 8.30am Tuesday 31 May, police from the Gangs Squad’s Strike Force Raptor executed a search warrant at a home on Armitage Road, Glendenning. During the search, officers located and seized a loaded .22 calibre non-commercially manufactured ‘pen gun’, a starter pistol converted to chamber .22 ammunition, a replica Colt .45ACP semi-automatic pistol, assorted ammunition, and a mobile phone. In addition, police located paperwork and items believed to be associated with the manufacture of firearms. A 28-year-old man was arrested at the location and taken to Mt Druitt Police Station. He was charged with manufacture prohibited firearm, two counts of possess unauthorised pistol, possess unauthorised firearm, not keep safe – prohibited firearm, and possess ammunition. He has been refused bail to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court. Inquiries are continuing. Strike Force Raptor was established by State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad in 2009. It is a proactive and high-impact operation targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and any associated criminal enterprises. Anyone with information to assist police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report it directly to detectives via the Strike Force Raptor online reporting page: https://www1.police. nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49. Photographs and videos can be uploaded to the online reporting page. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Western News 3 June 2016 Issue 11
WSU Students tour Nepal
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Legends of the West By Greg Martin
PSST! Wasn’t that tough! Mark Geyer whispers sweet whatevers into Inga Tuigamala’s ear after their torrid bout on a Fight For Life card in Auckland in 2003.
AS I read through the story it quickly became apparent to me there was a lot more to Mark Geyer than being an extraordinary rugby league player. It was back in 1989 – at the time, my colleague, Jacqui Tyers and I both worked our butts off finding stories and photographs to fill around 100 pages in Penrith Leagues Club’s monthly Panthers magazine. So it was always a boon whenever someone submitted a yarn we didn’t have to research and write. Anything to fill a hole on a page! The then 21-year-old Mark Geyer, who was beginning to really make his name for himself as a fiery, tough and skilful second-rower with the Panthers, also worked in the marketing department at the club alongside fellow players, Royce Simmons, Brad Izzard, the late Steve Waddell, Col Bentley and John Cartwright. Mark approached me one morning and handed me a few sheets of paper. “Mate, I’ve written this about a young bloke who plays footy in the juniors,” he explained.
“He’s done it really tough in life and I reckon he deserves some recognition.” MG then headed off to a gym session or pretending to sell some advertising for the magazine. That afternoon I walked over to Penrith Park and found Mark in the change room prior to training. “MG, sorry mate, I can’t possibly use that story,” I told him. “That’s OK – I just loved writing it – no worries,” he replied, trying unconvincingly to raise a smile. I put my arm around him – he WAS sitting down – and said, “If I run that, I’ll be out of a job and you’ll be editing the magazine”. I had devoured the story. Grammatically correct and written with a good flow. It had everything - pathos, joy, courage under adversity, fulfilment and love for kin. An inspirational yarn about a remarkable young man and his family. I ran the story and Jacqui and I believed that on feedback, Mark’s piece was the best read article in the magazine. It was apparent to all and sundry there was a lot more to Mark Geyer
than just being a rough ‘n’ tough footballer. And so it has proved to be down the years with the towering young man going on to success after success in various spheres throughout his life. On the paddock he played in a grand-final-winning Panthers side, represented NSW in three State of Origin matches, went on a Kangaroo tour and played in three Test matches. His imprint on the game is deep but no deeper than what he has achieved in life. A loving and devoted husband to Megan and father to their five children, Logan, Montanna, Kennedi, Mavrik, and Rafferti. A giant in stature and reputation in media circles – a star behind the microphone, in front of a television camera and still pretty good at jotting down words of wisdom for various publications. MG has in fact been a giant in helping raise funds for charities. And can he ever do that! For instance, he organised the 2011 Legends of Origin match which raised $455,345 to benefit those who were affected by the terrible floods which hit south-east Queensland the
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MARK GEYER previous Christmas-New Year period. Other charitable organisations to have benefited from Mark’s talent, hard work and commitment are Fight For Life (MG regularly dons the boxing gloves), Save Our Sons and the Great Walk Foundation. In 2013 the nation recognised him for his wonderful contributions to his fellow Australians by awarding him an Order of Australia (OAM) medal for “Service to the sport of rugby league football, and to the community through a range of charitable organisations”.MG has been an outspoken critic of drug abuse – a subject on which he speaks from experience. “After the death of Ben (Alexander, his best mate) in 1992 I sort of went off the rails and turned to drugs and alcohol to help me initially get through the pain,” Mark explained. “But once you’re on that rollercoaster it is hard to get off and it took me over three years to do so. “Megan stuck by me through thick and thin – she was my rock so once she became pregnant with Logan, I decided ‘nuff was enough and cleaned my act up.”
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Feeling lucky, punk? Magnum Mark Geyer celebrates with a well-deserved swig of bubbly after the Panthers won the 1991 grand final.
These days everyone gets to have a slice of MG’s unassuming, genuine and big-hearted personality as there’s many forums to pick from - you can listen to him live on Triple M’s Grill Team in the mornings, watch him on the Footy Show and of course
read his words each fortnight in that wonderful publication you’re holding in your hands right now! My nickname for Mark was “Tall” – he does stand 195cms (6ft 5 ins)! Mark Geyer certainly walks tall – both literally and figuratively.
Mark Geyer was nominated as a Legend of the West by Tony Robinson. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com
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Western News 3 June 2016 Issue 11
THE G SPOT
AM I the only one that has the head shaking moment? You know when you look at someone and get the urge to shake the living crap out of them and give them an upper-cut, while wondering if there is anything remotely logical happening between the walls of ones ears. Ground control to major friggn Tom, check ignition engine light is on? For those of you who have grown to know me and get into my Gspot more and more - meaning as avid readers of my column aptly called the G spot let’s do a quick summary recap and overview. You know that I hate shopping (Tick), I detest drunken boneheads who think that that this planet was designed and centred around them, when in fact the only planet suitable for inhabiting (big word) these wonderful folk, is….. Uranus (Tick),
I once arrested a woman with a frozen chook in-between her legs (Double tick), OH and last but not least, I know my stuff when it comes to security. (The crowd goes wild, triple tick). Now, call it what you may, selfabsorption or self-gratification, but yes, I do know what I am talking about when it comes to the security world. So that brings me to the next subject, let’s have a quick look at cheap crap over better crap when it comes to selecting the equipment such as cameras for your house or business. Clearing throat and grabbing another wine. This is the serious part, so I have my serious typing face on. A few months ago I was asked to complete a quote for CCTV. Which basically means surveillance cameras for a home or business. Did the quote, completed
With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security
the quote. End of story. NEXT! Don’t get me wrong, I believe in competition, I believe in getting the best value for money and I believe in all the other crap. I truly do, because I too, am a consumer in this world and whilst I am not going to divulge the brands of the equipment, the mind friggn boggles when people go with quotes for cameras that have less value than Tonka toys. Seriously, three-ply toilet paper would have more life than these and maybe more clarity (who knows). I reckon stapling your mother in-law and a few friends that you hate to your external architraves and that would provide better surveillance (Until they starved to death of course, then an upgrade may be required). All I can say is please do your homework, look up the brands on the net, look at the reviews and look at the name. This particular one quote (not
mine), the cameras would not have even cashed in at 10 bucks a pop. It is as simple as that. The more, I, let’s just say grow older, I can’t believe what people skimp on and splurge on, a designer bag holds more weight than healthy food and so on and so on, security is one of those things that is an after-thought. I guess, the thing that I have to be extremely thankful for is that my Gspot column is all about real life experiences and this my loyal fans is another experience that I have survived and able to write about. So there you have it, the chicken was cooked when we pulled it out, drunken boneheads belong in Uranus, I still hate grocery shopping, do your homework when shopping for alarm systems and cameras, no hated friends or a mother-in-law were injured during the writing of this column.
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SHOULD WE BAN PARTY VOLUNTEERS AND POSTERS AT POLLING BOOTHS?
He Says......................................................She Says Son: Hey Dad, why are all those people standing outside my school? Dad: It’s voting day son, they are volunteers working hard to make sure people get ‘how to vote instructions’ for their candidate. If voters fill in the papers incorrectly, their vote doesn’t count. Son: Why don’t they just put each person’s instructions in the voting rooms and save all that paper, and you could read them and vote correctly? Dad: That’s a good question son, a very good question. Mr Turnbull and Mr Shorten. Its 2016 not 1816, isn’t it time for change of the system? A good start would
be for the Electoral Commission to make standard “how to votes” for all parties and place them in the cubicles for all voters to read. I bet we would have less unintentional informal votes. If we really want to move into this century, why not introduce electronic voting? We would have the result by 6:05pm Saturday night. Speaking of results, the deciding of our Federal Government is the most important thing our country does every three years yet there is no counting done on the Sunday because that’s our day off. You gotta love the Aussie attitude.
ABSOLUTELY not! If nothing else, the schools dressed up in political posters save many a voter from a fine as they act as a reminder to the forgetful driver that they better do a U-turn and cast their ballot. The volunteers who hand out political party material and how-to-vote cards work tirelessly every election to ensure their candidate has the best possible chance of being elected. While it may be a two-minute annoyance for some voters as they pass through the sea of hopeful “hander-outerers” I imagine quite a few voting decisions are made at the time of entering the polling booth, and these are the ones the volunteers are hoping to snare. The volunteers often get out at the crack of dawn to pepper the booth with posters, and in some cases erect them at nightfall sleeping in cars to ensure the posters aren’t “borrowed” by those volunteering for other parties. They then stand all day handing out cards to the friendly and the not-so friendly. The volunteers often get brushed off by the know-alls who don’t need help and even cop
do you agree with? Send your vote to nepeannews@aol.com for a chance to WIN! Who win a table for 4 at the Major Oak Theatre Restaurant including dinner and show.
abuse from voters who disagree with their brand. After very little sleep babysitting the posters and a full day of highs and lows courtesy of the passing voters, many then continue to volunteer into the night to ‘scrutineer’ or supervise the counting of the ballots so they can phone in the tally to their candidate’s headquarters. The value of a election volunteer is severely underrated. I spoke to a couple of volunteer friends who had “scrutineered” on election night, and they said there were many unintended informal votes - people who had placed a “1” next to the candidate of their choice but failed to follow through with preferences, making their vote invalid. My guess is these folk are those who were too busy and too knowledgeable to accept a how-to-vote card from the volunteer representing their choice. When we head to the polls on July 2, spare a thought for the hard working volunteers. And if more people spare the two-seconds it takes to grab a how-to-vote card we may not find ourselves in the hung parliament position we’ve been in the past!
Why are you a WHO’S rusted-on voter? WINNING
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15
with Linda Kemp
Steps to take to ensure you select the best person for your company FINDING the right person when you’re hiring is critical. The right person in terms of ‘fit’ and attitude can be a huge benefit and a boost to the existing team. The wrong person can have such a negative impact that it can affect atmosphere, morale, image and reputation. Worse still, it can create friction and staff turnover. First of all it is important to have a clear idea of what duties will be part of the role, so that you can identify skills and attributes that you need in the person who is going to be your future employee, and part of your team. Points you need to consider include but are not limited to: Do we have a detailed job description? Does it cover all aspects of the role including: • Why is the role available? • What is the main purpose of the role? • What are the duties and responsibilities of the role? • What previous experience do we need for this role? • What skills will be required and at what level? • What equipment will they be using? Do they need licences or experience to operate that equipment? • Who will supervise the new person? • How will we monitor performance (i.e. on the job monitoring; performance appraisals; KPI’s)? • Working conditions, i.e. equipment used, remuneration, hours of work, benefits?
• What if any are the long term opportunities of this role? Do we have a clear idea of what we need in the successful employee (employee specification)? • What qualification/trade/other if any, is essential for this role? i.e. Degree, Diploma, Trade • Do they require specific licences? If so which? • Will they need to use a company car during work, i.e. to do the mail; banking etc (in which case you need to keep a copy of their licence and check their driving record for possible impact on your insurance) • What is the essential experience? – (Must have) • What is the desired experience? – (Not essential but would be beneficial) • What are the specific skills required? i.e. Data Entry- what speed and accuracy are required • What are the personal attributes required to handle this role well? i.e. Team focus; customer service focus; initiative; attention to detail, ability to handle pressure etc. Where possible, get input from the roles direct supervisor and other members of the team in addition to the person who is currently performing the role to ensure that you have an accurate picture of the role. The next step is to decide how you will find that person, and we will discuss that in the next edition.
Western News 3 June 2016 Issue 11
RECRUITMENT REVIEW
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Western News 3 June 2016 Issue 11
Opinion: Political bullies and their glass jaws
By Bart Bassett
WHEN did the aggressive leftie activists decide it was okay to behave how they like if in their little parallel universe minds their behaviour justifies their end goal? Just so we are clear, when I say “leftie activists” I don’t mean moderate Labor (or Greens for that matter) who have a philosophical position different to my one, but we respect each other. No, I mean “leftie activist” who live their life night and day hating the “establishment” and hating anyone who does not conform to their fanatical beliefs and latch on to the most current anti-establishment campaign! In the last couple of weeks we have witnessed what has become normal operating procedure for the left wing anti-conservative activists. Firstly we had the guy on Q&A playing the victim card about tax levels, complaining that a small tax break for him would allow him to take his daughter to the movies, only problem with that is it turns out he doesn’t pay
regular income tax. But that didn’t stop the left as usual turning a blind eye to the facts and pushing ahead with their agenda using him as a pinup boy and to generate some more victim status attention by creating a crowd funding initiative. Yet when the publicity started to turn and the focus and questions were on him, as is the standard form of the left activist, the glass jaw appeared and he demanded privacy. Then we had the atrocious behaviour of the activists at the first meeting of the newly amalgamated inner west council. As readers would be aware I have criticised the manner in which Mayors and Councillors were sacked in amalgamated councils however I condemn the actions of people who took it upon themselves to physically intimidate the hand picked Government appointed administrator including the deplorable gutter antics of one activist spitting in the Administrator’s face. What is worse is that during the melee The Greens MP Jamie Parker was near the assault
and he did nothing, as a matter of fact it was only when the media started to question his silence that he finally said it was unacceptable. The individual at the centre of the controversy regarding the alleged assault then played the typical glass jaw manouvre, she ran for cover and went into hiding from the media. As a leader in his community why didn’t The Greens MP lead by example and voice his concern at the meeting that people should protest peacefully? The answer is when it comes to leftist activists you are either with them and then you can do what you like and they will defend you at all costs but if you are in disagreement with them then you are their enemy and they will then turn to the usual behaviour of aggressive intimidation. I fully support the police pressing charges against the person who spat on and therefore allegedly assaulted the Administrator, I also support the Local Government Minister condemning the actions of the activist but why as he not cared previously about this type of
behaviour occurring in other Council areas for many years? I am personally aware of him and staff in his office being made aware through formal complaints of ongoing intimidation and threatening behaviour occurring towards councillors in other council areas over the passed few years and they ignored it completely, why? The answer is because the Minister and Government didn’t care because the focus wasn’t on them, it seems they only care if the poor behaviour makes the Minister and Government look bad. Peaceful protesting should be supported as it is a fundamental cornerstone of our democracy. However picking and choosing which bullying/intimidating protesting to condemn, while ignoring other unacceptable protesting seems to be political opportunism and the Government needs to strongly condemn bullying intimidation by activists in all council areas across the state of NSW for the good of robust safe democracy.
Homework is potentially becoming a parent’s second job with TP I WAS incredulous when a child showed me their holiday homework tasks on the last day of term. I think the initial reaction was, ok, we can squeeze that in probably more easily than during crazy school week days. Then upon further reflection I questioned why we would fill precious leisure time with book and film reviews, chore tallies and enough maths tasks to fill 4hrs worth of our lives. I say our lives because this homework was given to a child in first class and they need a lot of coaxing to get through the work. He was despondent as he lamented that his whole holiday would be ruined due to the large amount of homework. I understand the premise of homework from the teacher’s perspective, they see it as a means to consolidate learning and forge meaningful connections between home and school. But I have to admit to a cynicism that sees homework as a terrible waste of time which could be better used outside being physically active or creating some game with siblings rather than doing tasks which if cynical enough could be viewed as doing the teachers job.
I have never been an advocate of homework and the arguments of for and against are probably equally plausible. The supporters of homework may say that it sets up a good work ethic for the senior academic years. I say that children should be encouraged to explore and learn through play at least up till the age of 12. I recall many afternoons filled with creating wild and wonderful inventions including a “shower” using papyrus spires, a netball hoop and a carefully rigged hose. This took an inventive mind, time outside and a lot of trial and error to achieve. This kind of exploration is not going to be found in the homework tasks set out by teachers. I would rather see children off outside looking for adventure and using a variety of found materials to conjure up a makeshift fort or making mud pies ensuring that children are using their problem solving skills and exploring their surrounds. Parents who value homework often relive their school years through their children and this can be easily gauged when looking at the slick projects
being presented as their child’s own work. This is not only sad but also incredibly transparent and obvious to any teacher worth their salt. Some will not worry about the fact that the task sheets return to the school untouched, remaining blank and devoid of any attempt to complete them. Other parents may prefer to use the line “I have done my study and am not intending to do it all over again” and instead offer to look over the child’s efforts. This ensures that the children learn to do it for themselves based on an intrinsic need to get it done as they
then have a sense of ownership over it and are not waiting for the parent to sit down and wade through the seemingly never ending tasks. Whilst I would fit into the “I’ve done my study” type and resent the expectation to take on a second job of teaching once home, I personally prefer for children to play as so much can be learned through this process that cannot be taught. So you may view homework as a pathway to academic brilliance or as an inconvenience and I just see it as an impediment to a child’s real work which is to play.
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18 Western News 3 June 2016 Issue 11
Weird and wonderful foods of the world
By Ben Cranney
TRYING new foods overseas is obligatory, and often delicious. I’d happily live on cheese saganaki, especially from a deserted taverna in the Greek Islands, or cheese anything in Amsterdam. I loved Llama (it tastes like Alpaca) from a barbecue in a tiny Chilean village, but couldn’t bring myself to eat guinea pig in Peru. I tried tofu to humour my sister in China, and then wanted it with every meal, and it was definitely my preference at the place with the English translations and something called ‘hand-made
bowel’. I ate too many pretzels in Germany and got overwhelmed in an icecream shop in Rome with over 150 flavours. We made future travel plans over Vietnamese baguettes, got lost in the fresh food markets in Bolivia and I considered turning vegetarian after a brilliant veggie curry in Malaysia. Of course, there is always a risk when eating new food. I’ll eat where I can see them cook, or at the popular places so that we’ll all get sick together. I stay away from things that may have been sitting around or washed in dodgy water, and I make sure my vaccinations are up to date.
One of my more memorable experiences was a posh place in southeast England. The setting and service was brilliant, but I ordered poorly. The entrée was a small liquid thing in a glass with a spoon, which begged the question, do we drink or spoon? Everyone else (retired, upper middle class English, so the pressure was on to get it right) was on to the main, so we couldn’t copy them. So we looked at it for a bit, pretended our conversation was delaying us starting, and built up the courage to ask the waitress. We whispered like conspirators to not raise attention and
she said do it either way. Then came the main. I ordered Foie Gras, or fat liver. A delicacy in France, I gave it a try, thinking the only hard bit would be the French pronunciation. I got that wrong. A taste between butter and fat, and a texture a bit like gelatin, I struggled. I held my breath to dampen the taste and swallowed it whole to get it over with. I later learnt how it was made, which made the taste even worse. Solidified duck or goose liver from (sometimes lethal) force feeding. I’ll take the grasshoppers I had in Mexico over the liver any time.
The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel I AM not the sort of clairvoyant who sees and hears spirits as clearly as if they were still with us. I am what is called clairsentient which means that I feel presences. I can describe ghostly visitors clearly and tell you what they are saying, but it seems as if I am seeing with an inner eye and hearing with an inner ear. There have been the odd occasions when I have seen things, but they are rare. When I married my husband, he introduced me to the joys of The Terminator. One evening I was engrossed in a bit of shape-shifting when David suddenly exclaimed, “Oh God! I’ve just seen a ghost.” He had seen a smokey outline walk past the door. “Don’t worry,” I said. “It’s only your grandfather,” and went back to watching Arnie save the world. I had never seen a photo of his grandfather, but was able to describe him quite accurately - which was a little disconcerting for my new husband. Many people say to me, “If I saw a ghost, I would die of fright.” However, it is more than likely that they would not realise at the time that it was an apparition. Smokey ectoplasm is quite unusual. Before I came to Australia, I lived
in the London suburb of Wimbledon, and every day I would walk my aged Golden Retriever on Wimbledon Common. Now this Common did have a bad reputation, not just because of strange Satanic meetings, but also because a particularly brutal murder had taken place a year or so earlier when a young mother had been stabbed whilst walking her dog
with her two year old son. The culprit had never been caught and so, as a lone woman, I was always a little wary. One day Monty and I were ambling along a gravel track. The poor old boy wasn’t that speedy and when I turned round to see where he was, I saw a very strange looking man. He was sporting plus fours, a checked
waistcoat, a mustard coloured jacket and cravat. His Brylcreemed hair was parted in the middle and round his neck hung a huge pair of old fashioned binoculars. He was darting in and out of the bushes in a very furtive manner. As you can imagine, I was a bit twitchy and my elderly guard dog was too interested in doggy things to be any help. Suddenly along the track came a gorgeous man dressed in nothing but red satin shorts and running shoes. “Hello,” I trilled. “How lovely to see you.” The poor man looked terrified. “I’m being followed”, I whispered. He kindly offered to walk me to my car, but by this time I had corralled the dog and the strange-looking man had disappeared. The next day I was walking the same track with a friend and recounting the tale. Suddenly I became aware of the crunching sound of our footsteps. “Oh my God!” I exclaimed. “There was only the sound of one person walking. Well that’s okay. It was only a ghost.” The Accidental Medium is available on line or from any good book store.
Legendary Beatles Unplugged with Strings Attached perform at Loxley
By Erin O’Connor
“THE Beatles unplugged with strings attached” is an acoustic celebration of Beatles music for all fans and music lovers. It includes a wonderful slide show and interesting narrative which gives a brief history while songs are performed chronologically. The show starts with the early hits of The Beatles from ’62 to ’65 followed by the introduction of the string quartet for the later masterpieces. Be taken on a musical journey of the legendary
Beatles performed by an 8 piece band including string quartet. An amazing lineup consisting of Blake Morrison, Nic Woodford, Kevin Adams, Brad Kimber, Barbara Webb, Alyssa McCulloch, Lynn Trappell and Una Sheragh. The Beatles unplugged with strings attached is a fabulous show playing all the beautiful arrangements by the late and great George Martin. Band Member, Blake Morrison stated “Musically, this is the best project I’ve been part of, and I really love sharing it with the audience.”
They have been described by some as the “Best Beatle Show” seen in Australia, as well as “World Class Entertainment.” The band will perform on Saturday, June 18 at the Award-Winning Loxley on Bellbird Hill. Don’t miss this unique experience combining Hawkesbury’s finest dining and musicians together. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, followed by a gourmet 3 course dinner, prepared by Loxley’s renowned Executive Chef, Graham Webster. Entrée: Slow baked pork belly, apple puree, fennel and petite herbs, served alternately with Wild mushroom risotto, truffle oil with fresh shaved parmesan Main: Roasted chicken supreme, potato and zucchini cake drizzled with porcini sauce, served alternately with Mustard and brown sugar glazed roasted lamb rump, sweet potato mash, baby yellow squash and a rosemary lamb jus Dessert: Sticky date and fig pudding, butterscotch sauce and glace ginger ice cream, served alternately with Warm pear and almond frangipane and fruit mince wrapped in puff pastry, served with caramel ice cream. (Vegetarian options can be prearranged directly with Loxley, upon booking) Tickets are $100.00 per person. Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6pm show. With rave reviews and sell out shows this show is one not to be missed. Bookings essential. Contact Loxley to book your tickets on 4567 7711. 993 Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Hills, 2758. www.loxleyonbellbirdhill.com.au
CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Rigidity (9) 6 Celebrations (5) 9 Jaunty (7) 10 A gland found near the kidneys (7) 11 Varnish (7) 12 A thousand thousands (7) 13 Pleased (9) 15 A literary style (5) 16 Breastplate (5) 19 Receiver (9) 22 Before long (7) 23 Rebuffed (7) 25 Small falcon (7) 26 Quip (7) 27 Gentle push (5) 28 Faiths (9)
solution 20/5/16
DOWN 1 Thralls (5) 2 Modulate one’s speech (7) 3 Idiosyncrasies (7) 4 Moral principle (5) 5 Convulsive (9) 6 Front limb of a horse (7) 7 Stress (7) 8 Lustrous or brilliant (9) 13 Exuvia (9) 14 Deviating from the usual (9) 17 Lubricated (7) 18 Nemesis (7) 20 Sulking (7) 21 Trade stoppage (7) 23 The grave (5) 24 Hemispherical roofs (5)
19 Western News 3 June 2016 Issue 11
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Western News 3 June 2016 Issue 11
The streets of Blacktown came alive for the last day of the Blacktown Cityy Festival Week, as Streets Alive and Parade Day took over the CBD with culture, colour and live entertainment.
Social Butterfly
JUNE 18 Sat : 9am - 4pm JUNE 19 Sun : 10am - 4pm
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Todd McKenney Sings Peter Allen FOLLOWING sell out seasons of ‘Todd McKenney Sings Peter Allen’ - so many requests to have encore performances were made that Todd couldn’t say no. He’s performing at Blacktown Workers next week! Todd McKenney performs the songs of Peter Allen in a high energy, vibrant and entertaining night that showcases Todd’s incredible talents. You’ll laugh, you might cry, but you’ll certainly be entertained by one of the nations best-loved performers. Todd is a multi-talented star that first put on his dancing shoes at the tender age of three; however, it wasn’t until he landed the role of Peter Allen in Boy from Oz 14 years ago that he found his true passion. Todd became a household name after taking on the role of iconic Aussie performer Peter Allen in the original 1998 Production of the Boy from Oz. He’s now set to reprise that role, but with a bit of a twist. The show is not just about Peter Allen’s hits; Todd also includes songs from some of his earlier musical theatre performances. You’ll hear stories and anecdotes of Peter, as well as get all the goss from Dancing with the Stars. Have
a question? Call it out during the show and Todd will likely answer you back. Be warned however, as he can give as well as he gets. You’re also most welcome to score Todd’s performance, in fact, why not bring your scorecards along to the show.
He’s the all singing, all dancing Aussie stage sensation with a wonderful acerbic wit and irreverent sense of humour. He’s as fit as he’s ever been and matches Peter’s own amazing energy throughout the show.
Please join Todd for an action packed night of fun. It is a night of entertainment not to be missed. Todd’s show will be performed at Blacktown Workers on Saturday, June 11, tickets are $55 each. Call 9830 0600 for more details.
21 Western News 3 June 2016 Issue 11
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westernhistory western
22 Western News 3 June 2016 Issue 11
Clydesdale Windeyer, June 4th 1889, John Hardie, Esq., Clydesdale, South Creek, Near Windsor Dear Sir, I have seen by the newspapers that you have some men prospecting for coal on the Clydesdale Estate (your property) and as I feel a great interest in the welfare of the dear old place where I was reared from 1822 till the time of my majority in 1842 and being in possession of a certain fact which may aid you in your endeavours to develop the hidden treasurers of the Estate, I now proceed to lay before you something that will, I believe, be useful to you in bringing forth the wealth of dear old Clydesdale. My late father, Mr. Charles Thompson Senr, had a well sunk in the back yard of Clydesdale to a depth of (30) thirty feet and when the two men had reached that depth they struck water of a very brackish kind but not of sufficient quantity to be serviceable. They then put down a boring rod about 5 or 6 feet and on drawing it up the rod was coated, near the end, with fine ground coal. The water also came up the borehole as black as ink and in such volume as to speedily drive the men out of the well. They told my late father that they had pierced a seam of coal as the evidence was clear as day. They well knew what coal was apart from any other substance in nature, having seen to much of coal in England to be deceived by any other foreign substance. My late father was so impressed with the information so spontaneously given that he never doubted for a moment the existence of coal in the well and adjacent neighbourhood. My late father told me one day some time after (when I had reached my 18th year) of what the tow well sinkers told him, when I went with our gardener, John Tucker, (long since deceased) to a place across the Richmond Road down the South Creek about half a mile from the road near a high bank of the creek and there I pro-cured about half a cwt, of really good coal. I put some into the grate of the sitting room next the pantry and we were delighted to stirred it up. We had a good fire with little smoke and a white ash. I kept some back for my father to show the Sydney Gas. Co. and also the Trust Co. Who unfortunately, for the family, held a mortgage on Clydesdale, and the two Companies declared the coal exhibited, after testing, to be quite equal to any English Canal (?) coal. They told my father that it would be throwing money away to try and develop a mine for, at that time, over 40 years ago, there were no railroads or any means of getting coal to market besides, they said that Newcastle could supply the demands for coal for many years to come, and so the matter has rested until lately, when you, dear Sir, have entered the field of enterprise which was denied my late father owing to the above circumstances. The well spoken of was about 20 feet from the end of the long dining room was bricked up and used as slop water, being unfit for domestic purposes. In front of the dining room, facing west grew a large white cedar tree under which stood the water cart and cask between that tree and the well facing east, or S. East, was about 20 more or less. If the well is still there you have an easy matter before you to pump out the water – put down a boring rod and decide the matter at once. The men could not tell what thickness the seam of coal was as on drawing up they rod they were speedily ejected from the well by the great volume of water. I would like to know some day if you have succeeded in finding coal through the information I have herein imparted and if it would not give you too much trouble to drop me a line to that effect and address me just simply – Windeyer, via Mudgee. Any other information that you may require as touching this subject on writing me I will willingly accede to. I am, dear Sir, Yours sincerely and truly, (SGD.) Alfred F. Tompson. P.S I forgot or omitted to mention that I have not been to Clydesdale house for now over 40 years and cannot know what changes have taken place to the premises. During that time the French Missionaries lived there, part was destroyed by fire and rebuilt as also the late Mr. Smith of Claraville, St. Peters, Sydney and others, so that the well spoken of may for all that I know, have been filled up and built over so that it may necessitate your writing to me for further information A.F.T.
N E PE A N HIST RY ONLY
$10!
the creation of a th unique treasure u
ORDER NOW! PAYMENT TYPE Cheque Credit Card Credit Type Expiry Date
PRIMARY LAND GRANT – Later known as “Clydesdale Estate”. (From the Registrar General’s Department – Land Search Section) LANG Walter
Bathurst 700a
Grant.
Memorial: - Serial 8 Page 43. Seven hundred acres unto Mr Walter Lang, his Heirs and Assigns, to have and to hold for Ever. Seven hundred acres of land lying and situate in the District of Bathurst, bounded on the North side by Palfrey’s Farm, bearing East thirty-eight chains to thirty links – on the East side by a South line of sixty-four chains – On the South side by a West line of one hundred and thirtyeight chains forty links to the South Creek – and on the West and North-West side by the South Creek. On the South side by a West line of one hundred and thirty-eight chains forty links to the South Creek – and on the West and North-West side by the South Creek. Conditioned not to Sell or Alienate the same for a space of Five years from the date hereof, And to cultivate sixty acres within the same period, And Reserving to the Government the Right to make a Public Road through the same, And also Reserving for the use of the Crown such timber as may be deemed fit for Naval purpose. Quit Rent fourteen shillings. On testimony this 20th day of September, 1813. Signed: L. MACQUARIE. Witnessed: H.C. Antill and John Watts Countersigned: Major Campbell (Secretary’s Office) Letter was transcribed by Hazel E. Magann OAM FBDHS Mount Druitt Historical Society and photo supplied by Riverstone Historical Society
Would you like to read about the history of the Nepean? Now you can purchase a LIMITED EDITION book featuring our history pages and more for just $10 plus postage and handling. Help keep our history preserved by purchasing your copy. ORDER NOW!
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In turn you will help maintain our region’s history sources as 50 per cent of proceeds go to the Nepean and St Marys Historical Societies
POST TO: Nepean News, 203 Banks Drive, St Clair NSW 2759 PHONE: 9834 5579 RETURN POST TO:
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PROPERTY SALES AND LEASING, NOW OPEN IN MARSDEN PARK 9835 3355 | www.bennettproperty.com.au
Abolition of negative gearing a major election issue
By Matthew Bennett, Bennett Property Group
THE value of every Australian home is at serious risk if Labor wins the Federal Election. Under Labor, negative gearing will be restricted to “newly constructed homes”, and the capital gains tax discount will be reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent. Both
measures would come into force from July 2017. If investors are turned away from the property market because the tax incentives are abolished, it will affect the demand for homes and will therefore affect the value of your property. If there are less buyers, there will be more homes unsold. More homes unsold, the greater the drop in values. This is a not a political statement. We are concerned for the Australian economy. Australia will go to bed one night and wake up on July 3, and someone’s property in western Sydney will have gone from being worth $600,000 to $540,000. You may not be an investor, you may not understand negative gearing or capital gains tax, but if you own a property this is a major issue for you.
Your net worth is under attack. It is also bad news for tenants as landlords will want to maximise their return on their investment. If there is no more negative gearing, they will want to see positive gearing. This means increasing rents to ensure their interest and holding costs are covered. So property values will go down and rents will go up. Thanks Mr Shorten and the Labor Party. All Real Estate Agents are working together to fight these changes. For an industry that rarely gets on, we all appreciate the major problems this will cause the nation. If the property market stalls, then many sectors in the economy are at risk. Australia has grown on property investment. The wider property industry (of which real estate is a big part) is the largest employment sector in Australia,
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providing around one in four of all jobs in this country. The Labor Party are directly attacking it. It is estimated some $19 billion annually will be slashed from Australia’s GDP. That is not rich people’s profits, but money that washes through the system in the form of consumer spending, which will mean more business closures and fewer jobs. Labor’s position is misleading and far too simplistic. It denies the reality that Australians have invested in property with the long term ambition to build sufficient wealth to live independently in retirement. A website has been setup for more information. We strongly recommend you visit this site and educate yourself before election day. www.negativegearingaffectsyou. com
WealthWiz Blacktown would like to thank all our loyal clients for your support and votes in winning the 2016 Local Business Awards for Professional Services for a second year.
With the RBA cutting the official cash rate to a new historic low, it’s an ideal time to get a great home loan deal.
If Your Bank rates have not moved, Why don’t you? To find out how easy it is to save, call Alex on 0419 600 177 today. WealthWiz Wealth Management Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au
• HOME LOANS • FINANCIAL ADVICE • ACCOUNTING & TAX • INSURANCE • SUPERANNUATION • CASH & INVESTMENTS
MARSDEN PARK
-
-
-
ROPES CROSSING
PRIME DEVELOPMENT OR INVESTMENT CASTLEREAGH $000,000
POPULAR LOCATION CASTLEREAGH
Inspect:
Inspect:
• Large level site in Marsden Park North Precinct • Rezoning expected within 12 months • Very close to existing school and commercial area • Established business able to provide ongoing rental return • Longer settlements available • Approximately 5 acres with long road frontage
By Appointment
3
Saturday 4 & 11 June, 2:00 – 2:30pm
Address:
10 Wiseman Circuit
Price:
Expressions Of Interest
Price:
$590,000
Details:
Matthew Bennett/Ken Chua - 9835 3355
Details:
Linda Bennett/Maurice Mantovani - 4578 1234
DEVELOPMENT CASTLEREAGHPOTENTIAL • Approx 2.8 acres in The Avenue • 3 bedroom country homestead • Large 18m x 9m shed with 3 phase powe • Three (3) road frontages • Multiple (38) titles • Excellent Opportunity in this location!
Inspect:
By Appointment
3
1
1
$000,000
LONDONDERRY LIVE AND WORK FROM HOME CASTLEREAGH
4
• Freestanding brick home on 5 acres (approx) • 4 bedrooms with built-ins, master with ensuite and walk-in robe • Paved undercover entertaining area • Timber details and freshly painted interiors • Flood free acres with town water • 3 fenced paddocks with water access, large dam • Double lockup garage with internal access • Over 275sqm of shedding with 3-phase power
Inspect:
1
$000,000
• Beautifully presented, single level family home • Freshly painted throughout • 3 good-sized bedrooms with robes, ensuite • Study/home office or potential bedroom 4 • Open plan living and dining area • Delightful alfresco area with ceiling fan, screens • Easy walk to park and playing fields, shops
Land Size: Approx 5 acres
RIVERSTONE
2
2
2
$000,000
By Appointment
Land Size: Approx 2.8 acres (1.13 hectares)
Land Size: Approx 5 acres (2.02 hectares)
Price:
Just Listed
Price:
Just Listed
Details:
Maurice Mantovani/Ken Chua - 9835 3355
Details:
Michael Bennett/Scott Lee - 4578 1234
KURRAJONG (02) 4573 1228 80 Old Bells Line of Road RICHMOND (02) 4578 1234 239 Windsor Street MARSDEN PARK (02) 9835 3355 Cnr Richmond Road & South Street www.bennettproperty.com.au
RICHMOND
3
“THE WHITE HOUSE” circa 1837 CASTLEREAGH
1
1
$000,000
• Historic Home on an extra large garden block • Very comfortable brick residence with many original features • Separate brick studio with guest accommodation, a loft and garaging • Delightful gardens with an entertaining gazebo • Fully fenced with a gated entry. Tool shed, chook pen • Approx 1000 square metres - potential 2 lot subdivision (STCA) • Ideal Professional Rooms. Close to city train and shopping centre
4
MARSDEN PARK
• Spacious, near-new four-bedroom ‘Azalea’ brick home • Open-plan layout with separate living/dining & media room • Carpeted bedrooms with built-ins, master with ensuite and WIR • Modern kitchen with gas, s/s appliances, stone benchtops • Main bathroom with bath, large internal laundry • Remote double lock up garage with internal access • High-speed NBN internet, security alarm, ducted air con
Saturday 4 & 11 June, 12:00 – 12:30pm
Inspect:
Saturday 4 & 11 June, 11:00 – 11:30am
Address:
74 Lennox Street
Address:
10 Everingham Street
Land size: Approx 1001 square metres
Land size: Approx 391 square metres
Price:
$790,000 - $830,000
Price:
Just Listed
Details:
Michael Bennett/Scott Lee - 4578 1234
Details:
Michael Bennett - 9835 3355
3
3
4
-
MARSDEN PARK
STUNNING PROPERTY WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS CASTLEREAGH $000,000
RARE GOLF COURSE FRONTAGE CASTLEREAGH
Inspect:
Saturday 4 & 11 June, 12:00 – 12:30pm
Inspect:
Address:
2 Wardell Place
Land Size: Approx 864 square metres
• Spacious family home on 744sqm corner block • Entertaining deck, outdoor kitchen/BBQ, gazebo • Comfortable bedrooms with BIR, master with ensuite • Saltwater swimming pool with water feature • Studio with bathroom, power, water, internal access • Infinity gas hot water, reverse cycle air conditioning • Triple-car garage with rear access and room for a boat
2
SOPHISTICATED HOME CASTLEREAGHAND MODERN FAMILY $000,000
Inspect:
AGNES BANKS
2
-
-
$000,000
• High quality vacant parcel in popular Greenway Estate • Directly overlooking Stonecutters Ridge Golf Course • Surrounded by large lots with great views • Protective design covenants • Close to Sydney Business Park (Ikea, Lindt) with ample employment opportunities
By Appointment
Land Size: 744 square metres
Price:
$950,000 - $1,000,000
Price:
$790,000 - $830,000
Details:
Ken Chua 9835 3355
Details:
Rhonda Schellnack - 4578 1234
KURRAJONG (02) 4573 1228 80 Old Bells Line of Road RICHMOND (02) 4578 1234 239 Windsor Street MARSDEN PARK (02) 9835 3355 Cnr Richmond Road & South Street www.bennettproperty.com.au
Western Sydney students given opportunity to shine
WESTERN Sydney Wanderers FC are giving Primary School students in Western Sydney the opportunity to dream, grow and get active thanks to the Future for All program. The Future for All program has been developed to raise students’ aspirations for the future, and to increase academic engagement and fundamental movement skills.
In partnership with Western Sydney University, this year’s Future for All program will reach Year 6 students in 19 schools over ten events. The single day PDHPE focused program is already underway, with Lethbridge Park PS and Claremont Meadows PS being hosted at Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury campus, while Ingleburn PS and
Sackville St PS were hosted at the Campbelltown Campus. Further events are planned for the below dates and schools: 7 June: Seven Hills West and Seven Hills (Werrington South Campus) 9 June: Currans Hill and Rosemeadow (Campbelltown Campus) 21 June: Bidwill and Crawford
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Public (Kingwood Campus) 23 June: Plumpton and Kingswood South (Kingswood Campus) 26 July: Campbelltown North and Blairmount PS (Campbelltown Campus) 28 July: Penrith South and York (Hawkesbury Campus) 11 August: Hassall Grove (Parramatta South campus)
Est 1971
LOCAL COUNTRY INTERSTATE OFFICE REMOVALS AND STORAGE AVAILABLE PO Box 850 Kings Langley NSW 2147
Ph. 9622 5518 Fax. 9676 8511 Email: enquiries@gandsremovals.com.au www.gandsremovals.com.au
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BARRIER RISE with Tony Brassel
Tony Brassel is one of the most respected judges of horseflesh in the country. He is a form expert and racing analyst with SKY Racing and radio 2KY and has now joined the Western Sydney News Group stable of journalists
BRATISLAVA: Has yet to race for Team Godolphin but she’s one to watch out for in coming weeks. There was a lot to like about her second at the Warwick Farm trial session recently – she ambled home. GEVUINA: Went around for a bit of a look when third in her trial at The Farm. This youngster by Godolphin was being wheeled out for her first experience in public. MASTERATI: Is a leggy juvenile trained by Joe Pride. He bowled along for a narrow Warwick Farm trial win but there was stacks left in the petrol tank. MISS BENETEAU: Hails from Jason Coyle’s steadily building stable at Warwick Farm. The brakes were on big time when she strolled up for second in a heat on home turf earlier this week. SHE’S MISS DEVINE: Is a bit
of a barrier trial hotshot from the Chris Waller stable. The flashy speedster has mixed her form on race day but I’ve never seen her go better than when winning her Warwick Farm heat. SKRIPCHENKO: Looked keen to get on with the job when brushing home for fourth in a trial over 802m. Also from the Jason Coyle yard this up and comer will be very competitive when produced first up. TELEPATHIC: Showed a high degree of application when running second to speedy Flamboyant Lass in her Warwick Farm trial earlier this week. She’s effective over a variety of distances for Chris Waller. WAYANKA: Is a cleverly named colt by Encosta De Lago from Drop Anchor. He made good ground late when second in his heat and that’s the first time we’ve seen him strut his stuff.
Beat the winter blues
Richmond Ladies Tee-rific win By Jarrod McGrouther
FOR the second year running, Richmond Ladies Pennant 1 team has taken out the prestigious Women’s Golf Nepean Pennant title. In what was described as a “tough battle” by captain Kelly Quigley, the team was just too strong for their competition, triumphantly winning five of the six matches for a total of 10 points, a lead that could not be breached. Led by Kelly Quigley, the team comprised Carolyn Lozier, Dina Stuart, Carol Carter, Sue Willmott and Diana Clark with reserve Judy Benson. Captain Kelly Quigley was extremely proud of her team, and knew that a win in round 6 would seal a historic win for the club, “With a bye set for Round 7 and a strong desire to secure the title we knew we had to go hard to win Round 6, or a draw as a worse case. With our team in good form and well prepared for the match, we set out with a win on our mind.” Women’s Golf Nepean managed to win both the Pennant 1 and Pennant 2, which included clubs from Windsor, Camden
Lakeside, Camden Studley, Leonay, Wallacia, Lynwood, Campbelltown, Penrith and Dunheved. Kelly Quigley added that the competition was superb all year, “They did a fabulous job and we appreciate all their efforts.” The trophy and pennant flag presentation was on Monday, May 30th. Congratulations to all involved on a great season. More information about Women’s Golf Nepean can be found at www.womensgolfnepean.com.au.
Blacktown FC’s new home By Jarrod McGrouther
BEAT the winter workout blues and splash into the new Aqua Zumba class at Emerton Leisure Centre. Following the success of the Aqua Zumba program at Mount Druitt Swimming Centre over summer, Emerton Leisure Centre now offers the class every Sunday at 9.30am. Aqua Zumba is a workout with a twist! Make new friends and work on your fitness at the same time! The class is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Emerton’s pools are enclosed, heated, and Aqua Zumba s just $9 – including pool entry! The Centre provides a great range of water based classes including Aqua Aerobics and Aqua Tabata. Aqua Tabata is a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout, which has been proven effective for increased stamina and strength. Aqua Aerobics is on weekdays at 9.30am or 7.05pm to suit your schedule and a great way to get your body moving! The Aqua Boot Camp class runs four times a year and designed to boost your fitness by giving your routine a shakeup. The next class will run 11am Saturday 9 July 2016. Grab a friend, ditch the winter blues and join the aqua party! For more information, please contact 02 8822 6000 or visit www.elc.blacktown.nsw.gov.au
BLACKTOWN City Football Club, last year’s Premiers, club champions and NPL Champions of Australia, have two exciting upcoming fixtures at their newly renovated home, Lily Homes Football Stadium. If you love football, and if you love Blacktown, this is the club for you. Sunday afternoon June 5, our NPL Premiers will host Sutherland Sharks FC, with kick off at 3pm. Wednesday night June 8, sees the club go to battle in the Waratah Cup. The quarter final match up pits them up against last year’s grand final champions the Bonnyrigg White Eagles in what should be a cracking affair. The club is inviting all soccer fans, young and old, to join them for what should be two outstanding games of football. In other news, the club welcomes their new head of football Brian Dene. Brian will oversee the total football program and endeavour to take Blacktown City FC to new heights with their youth club development program and general day-to-day club and football operations. The club will also be hosting their ‘Business After Five’ event on Wednesday night, which is an exciting initiative encouraging the use of their newly renovated corporate boxes and promoting their new membership programs for their fan base. On another note, Blacktown City FC would like to pay a special tribute to Irene Vasey. On behalf of their CEO Vince Camera, board of directors and football families we thank Irene
and all the volunteers for their tireless work for the club. Romano Bit, Blacktown City FC Football Business development and community manager praised Irene for her tireless work for the club during the last 34 years. “It is people like Irene that keep this great club inspiring the spirit of its many young players and football family people to be the best they can be. We thank Irene for her loyalty and commitment to Blacktown City FC and look forward in having her on board for many more years to come.” Don’t forget to visit Blacktown City FC on their three social pages, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on matches, charity involvements, and upcoming school programs. Lily Homes Football Stadium is located at 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills. Blacktown City FC, Where football begins.
Storm raging but success elusive By Noel Rowsell
THE Blacktown Storm Division One Youth League Men’s team has been in high-scoring form over the past two weekends but success has been elusive. Round Eleven saw the Storm on the road to the Ryde Indoor Sports Centre, where they would score an impressive 92 points but still end up losing 10192 to the Inner West Bulls. The Storm had defeated the Bulls 81-68 in the first game of the season at the Kevin Betts Stadium Mt Druitt but had no answer to the dominance of Bulls’ centre Cooper Wilks in the return clash. Wilks had also been impressive in Round One but his control of the boards would see the Bulls grab another win and continue their impressive climb up the competition ladder. The Storm were again on the road in Round Twelve, playing the Northern Suburbs Bears on Saturday night at the Northern Suburbs Indoor Sports Centre, Crows Nest. The two teams looked evenly matched during a close first half, before the Bears hit the after-burners, winning the second quarter 31-13 to set up an impressive 52-29 half time lead. Storm head coach Greg Radford pulled a rabbit out of his hat in the second half, with the Storm totally
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Atier Manzl was one of just three players in double figures against the Northern Suburbs Bears. Photo courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
dominating the third quarter 33-12 to close to within two points (64-62) heading into ‘money-time’. Both sides lit up the scoreboard in the final quarter, giving the crowd an explosion of point-scoring as the Bears hung on grimly to record a thrilling 97-96 win. Makuach Maluach led the scoring for the Storm in both games, finishing with 43 points against the Bulls
and 46 points against the Bears. Junior Madut had 26 and 19 and Atier Manzl 9 and 12 respectively. The Storm return home this Saturday, hosting the highly-ranked Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at 5.30pm at the Kevin Betts Stadium, Ralph Place, Mt Druitt.
CelebrityTIPSTERS
ROUND UND CAN NZW NQC MEL SYD SOU BUL BRI WES NEW PAR SYD MAN STG CRO
13&14
MAN BRI NEW PAN WES GCT CRO CAN SOU NZW GCT MEL PAN BUL NQC June 3 7.50pm
June 4 3.00pm
June 4 5.30pm
June 4 7.30pm
June 5 4.00pm
June 5 6.30pm
June 6 7.00pm
June 9 7.50pm
June 10 7.50pm
June 11 3.00pm
June 11 5.30pm
June 11 7.30pm
June 12 4.00pm
June 13 4.00pm
June 13 7.00pm
SCORE
Clr Stephen Bali Mayor - Blacktown City Council
121 Matthew Bennett - Bennett Property
123 Tony - Choices Blacktown
111 Paul Maher - Loxley on Bellbird
111 Troy - Urban City Consulting
95 Michelle Faint - Kidz Zoo
91 Kimberley Talbot - CEO Richmond Club
109 Barry Locock - Turtle Landscape Supplies
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Western News 3 June 2016 Issue 11
MY WORDS WITH MARK GEYER
TAKING MANY STEPS TO HELP OUT OUR LOCAL CHARITIES
WHEN two great mates sat down for a ‘long lunch’ just under a decade ago, they couldn’t have imagined in a million years that the conversation they were having at that very minute would change so many people’s lives significantly. The two great mates are Penrith golf pro Jonathan Green and local solicitor and Nepean legend Mark Mulock. The exchange that day went along the lines of ( after 3 or possibly 6 bottles of Red) “I reckon I can walk between here and Katoomba”. “ Well I reckon I could run from here to Lithgow” “Okay I can walk from here to Orange!” After ‘to-ing and fro-ing’ for much of the afternoon it was decided “We will walk from here (Blaxland) to Bathurst! Hence the Great Walk Foundation was spawned. In the first year we walked, we all quickly decided that it was a lot more beneficial on our lower limbs to walk the opposite way and start at Bathurst and finish at Blaxland. All 160kms of it. The Great Walk Foundation is one of the proudest organizations I have been associated with. After this current walk was completed (May 24th- May 28th) astonishingly the charity has now raised over $900,000! With every red cent going straight to the beneficiaries. The Great Walk give 100 per cent of monies raised to the designated recipients. In 2016 $120,000 was raised and we’re only just starting the month of June. Fantastic really. Those that have felt the GWF’s love this year alone are: Headspace- Mental Health program in Bathurst district with a priority area of suicide prevention. Lithgow Hospital- Support through funding of new equipment for hearing tests for children in the local area. Riding for the Disabled- Nepean Branch, assists with the purchase of food and other incidentals for horses used in the program. Sailability- Nepean Branch. Purchase of purpose built yachts for disabled
24 HOURS
sailors. Greater Community Transport- purchase of another new bus for community transport. Springwood Hospital- New purpose built beds for palliative care patients. Nepean Hospital Children’s Ward- new equipment for Ward, including incubators in the NIC (Newborn intensive Care) unit. As you can see the Great Walk’s donations cover a vast array of institutions who each are incredibly appreciative of the efforts of the walkers. On the walkers, what a special bunch of men. Jonathan Green and Mark Mulock, Dr Tony Bowden, Trent Baker, Greg Nelson, Rob Wearn, Cameron McInnes, Graham O’Kell, Dave ‘Crossy’ Crossman and yours truly. And the walk couldn’t take place without the honourable road crew, who are Flav Varnier, Jeff Townsend, Nick Shaw and Brett Lockett. Your blood should be bottled boys. All involved do the walk for various reasons but to be able to help others by walking on average 35km per day, is the main catalyst for the pain and blisters that mount up. The Knickerbocker in Bathurst, Parkside Motor Inn Lithgow, the Gardners Inn Blackheath, the Pioneer Tavern and Lapstone Hotel have all helped along the journey in massive ways. Next year is going to be special for the Great Walk Foundation, it’s celebrating 10 years of walking for charity and the magical 1 MILLION DOLLAR mark WILL be reached! How good. To find out more about the Great Walk Foundation go to their websites or any of their social media sites. Thanks to those supporting such a worth while cause. See ya at the game.
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Western NEWS
sport
Friday, 3 June 2016
Eels continue to dig deep through the tough times By Jarrod McGrouther
THE Parramatta Eels have had a mixed fortnight, taking away a win and a loss from their two NRL fixtures. Additionally, the club has lost another key player to injury, another to a rival club, before finishing the week appointing a new coach to oversee their reserve grade outfit. Either way, it’s fair to say that 2016 is continuing to be a tough year for all involved with the Parrramatta Eels. The Eels were brave in defeat in round 11, going down to a classy Melbourne outfit 18-6, before holding on to out last Newcastle last Monday night, 20-18. The clash was all-important for the Eels, who still have a faint hope of making the finals series this season. The win didn’t come without bad news, which seems to a constant for the side, with their halfback and captain Kieran Foran ruled out for the season following a shoulder injury he sustained during the game. The break from the game might be a blessing in disguise, lets hope Foran comes back fitter and stronger than ever in 2017. To add to the bad news, colossal prop Junior Paulo departed the club immediately; set to pull on the Raiders green for the remainder of the 2016 season. He was already signed to the Raiders in 2017, with Parramatta now able to blood some new talent moving forward this season. In mixed news for the club, former Eels captain Nathan Cayless has been appointed the
Wentworthville Magpies head coach for the remainder of 2016. Regular head coach Joey Grima is unavailable for personal health reasons, allowing Cayless to step in to fill the void. The Magpies are currently sitting ninth on the table and will be looking to get their finals push started this weekend when they travel to Auckland to face the Warriors. Good luck to the club and Nathan for the remainder
of the season. Moving forwards, the Eels have a much-needed bye this week, before hosting the improving Titans on June 11th in Darwin. Lets continue to get behind our club Eels fans, the season still has a lot to offer and a finals birth is still within reach. For details on the game in Darwin and tickets to further fixtures, head to http://www.parraeels.com.au
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