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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
Friday, 8 December 2017
ISSUE 49
Check out our website www.wsnewsgroup.com
Summer fun More than 250 tonnes of sand will bring characters from Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland to life this summer at the inaugural Blacktown International Sand Sculpting Exhibition this summer. See inside for more details.
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2 Western News 8 December 2017 Issue 49
Our local veterans taken for a ride By Keegan Thomson
R E T U R N E D Servicemen, war veterans and war widows are being left high and dry by government supporter taxi and transport services, say members of the RSL Sub-branch in St Marys. Each day hundreds of war veterans and war widows rely on taxis to get to and from vital hospital appointments across western Sydney. This is a service supplied by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and involves a special booking process that requires veterans to call DVA to make a booking ahead of time. According to some the current system is leaving veterans out of pocket, frustrated and disrespected. Sam Vecchio, Secretary of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia St Mary Outpost, has received numerous complaints from veterans and war widows who are being “disrespected” by the taxi services they rely on to get to and from their hospital treatments. “My problem is the taxis are not looking after the veterans or the war widows,” Mr Vecchio said.
He recounted an incident involving a war widow who had to use a taxi to get to her medical appointment. “The taxi pulled up out on the street and made the lady walk, with her walking stick, all the way down her
driveway to the car,” Mr Vecchio said. “When she got to the taxi the driver didn’t get out of the taxi so she struggled to open the door to the car. Once she was in the taxi she realised she couldn’t shut the door. The taxi
driver then grabbed her walking stick and used it to reach out across her and close the door.” After the lady questioned the taxi driver, saying that he could have broken her walking stick, the driver simply said “Don’t you worry, DVA will get you a new one if this one breaks,” Mr Vecchio said. This is but one of many situations where World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Afghan War veterans have been disrespected by their organised taxi transportation in western Sydney. DVA offered up a statement on the issue, saying the quality of service expectations are outlined in the tender documents and that the DVA holds all providers to these standards. “All providers are expected to ensure a high quality of service to DVA clients,” A spokesperson for DVA said. “DVA works very closely with the taxi industry to provide eligible veterans and war widows assistance with their transport when they are travelling for treatment purposes.” They said they will look into any allegations of in inferior transport services made by any veterans or war widows.
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Easy ride for Westmead Hospital patient and visitors Westmead Hospital has upgraded its two patient and visitor transport buggies, courtesy of a generous donation from Arab Bank Australia, the George Naim Khattar Foundation and Holdmark Property Group. The new buggies, which were co-sponsored by the organisations and donated courtesy of Westmead Medical Research Foundation (WMRF), replace the hospital’s wellloved “green machines” that have helped transport patients and visitors across its vast corridors for nearly a decade. Operated by a group of friendly volunteer drivers, the buggies are available five days a week from the hospital’s main entrance to community members in need of mobility assistance. The first buggy – dubbed the “green machine” for its bright-green paint job – was introduced in 2007, with support from Arab Bank Australia. But after nearly 10 years of constant use, the buggy fleet was in need of an upgrade. Westmead Hospital acting general manager Sue-Anne Redmond, said the new buggies would be greatly appreciated by all users. “It is a task getting around a big hospital like Westmead, and
3 Western News 8 December 2017 Issue 49
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Buggy sponsor Joe Rizk with WMRF head of development Joe Conneely, buggy sponsor Rita Njeim, buggy driver Graham Brown, buggy sponsors Sarkis Nassif, Brent Adams, Ahada Sarkis, Jennifer Saab, Rania Nasr with buggy driver Chris Maxwell and buggy sponsor Remon Fayad.
when you are unwell, it can feel almost impossible – that’s why the complimentary buggy system is so important,” she said. “I know the hard-working volunteers who drive these buggies will greatly appreciate the new vehicles; it is thanks to them that patients and visitors with mobility difficulties can easily access the various wards, clinics and services
within the hospital.” Westmead Medical Research Foundation Head of Development Joe Conneely acknowledged the generosity of the organisations behind the new buggies. “The dedication of these three organisations to help our community is sincerely appreciated,” he said. “Their support means we can continue
to provide patients and visitors with this free service, which is part of our ongoing commitment towards our patients’ health and wellbeing.” The buggy service was a finalist in the 2012 NSW Health Awards. For more information on how your business can support WMRF, contact 1800 639 037 or email wmrf@wmrf. org.au.
Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
4 Western News 8 December 2017 Issue 49
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Prospect
From the Editor’s Desk by Kerrie Davies WHEN I was 15 or 16 I wanted a part time job to earn some extra cash while at high school. I walked up and down the main street close to my home, calling at each shop and asking if they had any Saturday work. After a dozen no’s I was just about to give up when I walked in a shop that had arcade machines at the back and videos for hire at the front. I barely got my spiel out when the mature-aged shop owner raised both his hands and yelled “you’re hired!” I was thrilled and couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as he gave me the rundown of what my new job would be. “I’ll pay you $2 an hour. Be here at 10am sharp and wear a tight singlet top and mini skirt.” I’m sure that sounds absolutely gob-smacking by today’s standards but I didn’t so much as flinch at the request. Furthermore, neither did my parents when I excitedly relayed the conversation. It was the mid 80’s, the boss was fair with the wage and dictated what I was to wear. It was accepted just like a uniform would be. My old boss wasn’t the only man on earth to have the sleaze-factor built into his character. I’m certainly not writing this to excuse bad behaviour. But I do acknowledge that as far as our use of words, they were totally different times. I think we need to be mindful as all the skeletons come rushing out of 1980’s closets that many things were different then, and things that certainly wouldn’t be acceptable today were often tolerated and pretty much accepted back then. While it is great that our level of acceptability has changed, I think it’s dangerous territory to dredge up words that were spoken decades ago and judge them by today’s standards. Otherwise we’ll have open cans with worms everywhere. Watch your back anybody who ever muttered the words sexy, retard, poof or wog. I think we all have been guilty of using at least one of them at some stage of our life, but we have learned. Leave them back in the “old days” where they belong. Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au
New Healthy Women FREE program for Hindi & Punjabi speaking women at
Blacktown Women’s And Girls Health Centre Starting, Thursday 15th February, 2018 1pm-3pm
Learn more about issues related to women’s health and general wellbeing through our 8 week, 2 hour sessions. Topics will include: ◆ Learn about women’s bodies ◆ Taking care of women’s bodies ◆ Food & healthy eating ◆ Changes in our lives ◆ Stress & how to deal with it ◆ Using health services You will receive a Certificate of Attendance after completion of this course. Afternoon tea provided. Childcare provided upon request. Bookings essential. Please call 9831 2070 or email info@womensandgirls.org.au 6 Prince St, Blacktown This program is supported by Western Sydney Local Health District
Sensational seniors celebrate Christmas
Bob Vincent from Rotary Club of Blacktown City, event founder Ellen Long and Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali enjoy the Blacktown City Seniors Christmas Luncheon.
More than 300 people gathered to celebrate the festive season at the Blacktown City Seniors Christmas Luncheon at Bowman Hall on Wednesday, 29 November. The celebration was organised by the Blacktown City Rotary and Inner Wheel clubs, and supported by Blacktown City Council. Guests from various aged care homes across the city enjoyed entertainment by popular rock band Leather and Lace. Dance students from Mitchell High
School also performed. Event organiser Ellen Long said the Blacktown City Seniors Christmas Lunch had been running for 25 years. “Many years ago I decided to organise a Christmas party for all the ladies and gentlemen who live in local nursing homes,” she said. “The event has grown and grown into what it is today. “Every year it gives so much pleasure to so many people, and that is so important.”
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Mayor Stephen Bali and centenarian Erna Schweiberer.
Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali MP said he was honoured to meet guests, including former Member for Greenway, Frank Mossfield, and centenarian Erna Schweiberer. Ms Schweiberer, from St Hedwig Village in Blacktown, will celebrate her 103rd birthday on Thursday, 7 December. She was born in Zurich in 1914, the same year war broke out in Europe, and lived in London and Wales before migrating to Australia in 1974.
Mayor Bali said he was thrilled to wish Mrs Schweiberer an early happy birthday at the seniors Christmas party. “I had a fantastic time celebrating the festive season with Blacktown seniors such as Erna,” Mayor Bali said. “I congratulate Ellen Long and all the volunteers who helped make the day a big success. “Blacktown seniors are a vital part of our community and it is people like Ellen who make the City the great place that it is.”
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Greenway gives back this Christmas By Keegan Thomson
LAST month Michelle Rowland, MP for Greenway, called on her community to help out in the It’s in the Bag initiative, she’s now heralding that campaign a massive success. Ms Rowland would like to thank the community for donating hundreds of bags full to the brim with toiletries and sanitary products for disadvantaged women in need. “Throughout November, I had scores of local residents coming into my electorate office in Seven Hills and donating handbags they no longer used or that had sat unused in cupboards. These were accompanied by donations of new soaps, shampoos, hairbrushes, toothpaste and toothbrushes,” Ms Rowland said. ‘It’s in the Bag’ is a project run in conjunction with Share the Dignity which collects donations of spare handbags and distributes them with personal sanitary items to women in need. According to Share the Dignity, there hundreds of women across western Sydney who need help this Christmas. “It’s In The Bag Christmas charity campaign idea came to us when we realised that women in crisis will put the needs of others before themselves, whatever the time of year. We wanted to do something that would give these women a little happiness at Christmas,” Share the Dignity wrote on their website. “There are 85,000 homeless women who need your help this Christmas. Many have fled domestic violence or experienced extreme poverty. We want to make them feel special. You can help. It’s simple
and it makes a big difference in a woman’s life,” they wrote. Ms Rowland said several community groups, religious congregations, swimming clubs and local residents took part in the campaign, which will deliver much needed support to women over the Christmas period. “Particularly as Christmas draws near, we
are reminded of the importance of kindness and charity and these donations will go to help support women in need in our community,” Ms Rowland said. “I am humbled by the generosity and community spirit shown by local residents of all ages and backgrounds who have opened their hearts to those in need and helped in a very practical way.”
Council catch up with Keegan Thomson COUNCILLOR Moninder Singh was born far away from western Sydney but since making it his home in 2001 he has embraced the colour and community of Blacktown. Born on the sub-continent of India, Cr Singh made the move to Australia simply because he wanted to come to a place that embraces the notion of a fair go for all. “We wanted a change, we wanted to get out and try something different,” Cr Singh said. As soon as he landed in Sydney he started work on making a more prosperous and vibrant community for Sikh Indian across the west. Currently he is one of the operators of a hospitality collage in Quakers Hill. Cr Singh is responsible for revitalising and revamping the former Douglas Road Shopping Centre in Quakers Hill. In place of the old shopping centre he set up the Australian Academy of Management and Science, a vocational training institute offering tertiary courses to people in hospitality. Recently they’ve been running classes for services that related to the care of the elderly and people with disabilities. “Currently we have around 200 people learning through our collage and we can proudly say we have generated around 60 jobs through the collage, our training facility and our local restaurant,” Cr Singh said. Since being elected to Blacktown Council in September 2016, as the first Sikh community member to sit on Blacktown Council, Cr Singh jumped into as many roles as he could. Currently he
is a member of Council’s Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee and the Sister City Committee. Living in Quakers Hill he was one of the main voices on Council pushing for the Quakers Hill festival, which ran earlier this year. “With our efforts we have managed to get the Quakers Hill festival up and running,” Cr Singh said. “Despite the rain it was great to see around 1500 people turn up to celebrate our local community.” Joining the Labor party in 2005, Cr Singh said he has always tried to make Quakers Hill a better place for the thousands of migrant families who live there. “We are a very big migrant community. Some of the people here, particularly the kids, need support,” Cr Singh said. “We have made a few good investments for the young people around here including the opening of The Ponds Little Athletics Centre, the investment in Riverstone Park and the skatepark in Riverstone too. “I’m trying to do my bit to make a positive difference in our society and community,” he said. Another of Cr Singh’s roles on Council is his Chairmanship of the Youth Advisory Committee. Earlier this year he actively lobbied the Council to set up a Blacktown City youth forum, a place where children can have their voices heard. Despite only sitting on Council for only 12 months or so, Cr Singh has made a name for himself across the community as an advocate for Quakers Hill and the Sikh members of Blacktown.
Heritage homes grant expanded By Keegan Thomson
BLACKTOWN Council is going one step further to support local residents who own important heritage listed houses. During the November Council meeting the Council voted to expand the current grant funding available to owners who need to pay for the maintenance of heritage homes from $5,000 to $10,000. The move was put forward by Ward Three Councillor Kathy Collins and was unanimously voted in. Deputy Mayor and Ward Five Councillor Tony Bleasdale said this was an initiative that the federal and state governments should follow more closely. “If only federal and state governments thought like we do. This is a great initiate for the owners of heritage homes across Blacktown,” Cr Bleasdale said. Dr John Harrison is the owner of St Andrews Church, Hall and Rectory in Seven Hills. He will stand to benefit from the changes to Council’s heritage home grant. “Across our time here we’ve done a lot to
the property with heritage architects and a lot to maintain the historic value of the place,” Dr Harrison said. “We had to focus a lot of the joinery and different details, in our refurbishments.” According to Dr Harrison, the Blacktown City Council have been very supportive of any of the refurbishment work he has needed to do on the property. “The Council write to me every year with a reminder that they support the heritage areas in Blacktown,” he said. “All I’ve got to do is write in and ask them if they’d consider whatever refurbishments I’ll be
making. They’re often matching a dollar for dollar up to a certain amount.” The property of St Andrews Church, Hall and Rectory has been many things over its lifespan. It was, of course, once a church, it was a hospice home for the terminally ill and now it is a family home. “It was a happy place to raise a growing family, with our children,” Dr Harrison said. “The church particularly was great for hosting big kids parties and things. I’ve been able to hold a lot of old Victorian furniture in there as well.” Dr Harrison and his family are moving out of the old property and it is currently up for sale.
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New MotoX park for Blacktown By Keegan Thomson
BLACKTOWN will be the home of a brand new, Australia’s first air dome motocross stadium. Blacktown City Council have approved the project, which will provide all-weather protection for a $5 million two track motocross stadium capable of seating 6,000 spectators. The Sydney Indoor MotoX air dome, to be constructed near the current Sydney Motorsport Park at Eastern Creek, is the first of its kind in Australia and is essentially a large fabric dome that is kept inflated. “The technology is tried and proven and is used around the world to cover sporting venues because no interior supports are needed,” said Sydney Indoor MotoX Park owner Matt Bartolo. “We are thrilled to be bringing Australia’s first air dome to Blacktown,” Mr Bartolo said. Blacktown City Mayor and the MP for Blacktown, Stephen Bali, said this a big coup for the sporting scene of western Sydney. “Once again, Blacktown is showing it can deliver unique developments in rapid time,” Cr Bali said. “At a time when the NSW Government is saying special tribunals are needed to approve planning applications because councils are too slow, we have shown that they are not needed.” Mayor Bali’s comments were backed by Mr Bartolo, who praised Blacktown Council’s positive “can-do attitude”.
The air dome is a one of a kind style enclosure. The $5 million development uses an air-filled fabric dome to cover two tracks, a stadium and the seating area for the 6,000 spectators. The aim of the complex is to have as much versatility as possible. There will be two tracks in the facility, one will be a track designed for junior and beginner riders and a longer and more complex track for senior and more experienced riders. There will be a café, motor bike hiring and a motocross clothing and equipment store. There are hopes within Council that this new facility will mean less illegal trail and dirt bike riding through Council land. There has been a reported rise
”
May the blessings of Christmas fill your heart and home with joy now and throughout 2018. Merry Christmas to all!
”
Kevin
Conolly MP
State Member for Riverstone Phone: (02) 8883 3499 Fax: (02) 8883 3355 Mail: P.O. Box 65, Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768 Email: riverstone@parliament.nsw.gov.au
of illegal trail bike riding across the western suburbs in the last 12 months. “This should also go a long way to reducing illegal trail bike riding in western Sydney,” Mayor Bali said. “The most common reason given to police when they catch trail bike riders is that there is nowhere for them to ride. Once this motocross track is built, that excuse no longer applies. “The motocross track will complement the current activities of Eastern Creek International Karting and the events held at Sydney Motor Sport Park that adjoins the site, confirming Blacktown as Australia’s motor sport capital,” Mayor Bali said.
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Alice’s sandy Wonderland in Blacktown
More than 250 tonnes of sand will bring characters from Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland to life this summer at the inaugural Blacktown International Sand Sculpting Exhibition. Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali MP said he was thrilled Council was hosting the exhibition in partnership with Sandstorm Events from the 13th to the 28th of January at Blacktown Showgrounds.
Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.
“This special event has found the perfect venue in the Blacktown Showground, and we think thousands of residents and visitors will be amazed by the sculptures,” Mayor Bali said. “Art and culture has always had a central role to play in Blacktown, and I am proud that we are able to present this popular emerging art form right in the heart of Blacktown City.” Tickets for the event are now
on sale and artists will soon begin creating the sculptures ready for the opening on 13 January. Sandstorm Events Director Sharon Redmond encouraged people to attend the pre-event opening from 10-12 January and see the sculptors at work. “More than 250 tonnes of sand will be trucked to the Blacktown Showground site in boxes in early January,” Ms Redmond said.
The Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland will also be on display.
“A group of 10 international and Australian artists will then start shaping this sand into large-scale, intricate sculptures in preparation for the exhibition opening on 13 January. “This will be a sight to see and I’m sure visitors will be blown away by the detail and skill in each of the sand sculptures.” For more information and to book tickets visit www.sandsculpting.com. au
Prue Car MP “ Member for Londonderry
A Very Merry Christmas to you and your family. All the best for 2018 and enjoy the holiday season!
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The Chesire Cat will be one of the characters on show at the sand sculpture exhibition.
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Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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“Stuffwittery” wins: Blacktown Arts Centre renamed The award-winning Blacktown Arts Centre becomes The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre on Saturday, 2 December 2017. The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre commemorates former Mayor Leo Kelly OAM’s decades of commitment to creating one of Sydney’s best local artistic showpieces. Leo’s wife, Janet, helped unveil the new name and said that the entire Kelly family was honoured that Leo Kelly was to be commemorated in this way. “Leo didn’t like a lot of fuss. He had a word for it: “stuffwittery”; and I know he would now be demanding: “What’s all this stuffwittery about?” “We are deeply honoured that his legacy will continue through the great love of his public life: the promotion, betterment and encouragement of the Arts,” Mrs Kelly said. Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the unwavering commitment of the late Councillor and former Mayor Leo Kelly OAM to the arts in Blacktown has been properly recognised. “Leo’s contribution to the Arts in Blacktown changed the way the faculty was presented in Western Sydney and his initiatives and decisions leave us with a continuing legacy,” Mayor Bali said.
A pause for reflection: Mayor Stephen Bali and an emotional Janet Kelly and family members view the plaque commemorating the creation of the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.
“He was a fierce advocate for artists and played an instrumental role in establishing Blacktown Arts Centre. “At the time, his opponents in Council wanted to create a carpark instead. There is no doubt that what is now The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre has done more for Western Sydney than a local carpark ever would have achieved.” Former Blacktown councillor and federal member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland, also paid tribute. “Leo Kelly OAM was a passionate supporter of the arts, and an especially ardent supporter of the arts in Western Sydney,” she said. “He was passionate about showcasing Australian art in Western
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The re named Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.
Sydney and promoting Western Sydney artists across Australia. “He was instrumental in founding the Blacktown Arts Centre and it is a fitting tribute to his legacy that the centre be renamed in his honour.” The renaming ceremony took place at the opening of the 2017 Blacktown City Art Prize, which Leo Kelly initiated 22 years ago. Councillor Kelly had the foresight to recognise that the people of Blacktown – and Western Sydney – deserved a centre of excellence for the Arts,” said Jenny Bisset, Manager Arts & Cultural Development, Blacktown City Council. “It was his whole-hearted commitment, and advocacy, that led
to the establishment of Blacktown Arts Centre in 2002. “Councillor Kelly was always respectful of artists and the artistic process, and firmly believed in the central role that the arts plays to engage and empower communities.” Councillor Kelly was elected to Blacktown City Council in 1980 and served continuously until his passing in January 2017. He was Mayor on three occasions from 1985 to 1987, 1990 to 1991 and 2004 to 2008. In 2003, Councillor Kelly was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his more than 20 years of service to local government and Blacktown City.
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North or South? Vietnam’s major cities
Cao Dai Ceremony
Incence Sticks at the Temple
By Ben Cranney
We were stuck on a bus listening to a US Vietnam War Veteran tell us how the US should have won. His strategy? Lots of bombs. Given his wife was Vietnamese, I’m not sure how much he’d thought that one through. We lost the Vet in Ho Chi Minh City, when a thousand taxi drivers swamped us before we could get our bearings. I was weary of being ripped off, especially when the money exchange house he took us to offered such a poor rate. But a $6 ride for the 10 minute trip to our downtown hostel seemed worth it. HCMC is full of Vietnamese communist history, and the Reunification Palace is one of the highlights. Learn about hidden passages and escape ways, special phone lines, and the symbolism used throughout the building. Head out of town for a tour of a segment of the Cu Chi tunnels, another symbol of the communistcapitalist battle. Learn about the traps that the Viet Cong built, how they’d use American soap to disguise their scent from the sniffer dogs, and how the tunnels became underground communities that
Cu Chi Tunnel Entrance
even tapped into subsurface rivers to avoid having to go above ground. I got very sick on that tour. The guide had some great advice, to avoid salad or things with unknown water on them. But the advice was far too late and the only thing stopping me from being confirmed to the bathroom was pure will. Looking back on the photos, I looked worse than death, which was better than I felt. I managed to pull it together for a night out at the bars near our hostel. By Vietnamese standards, they aren’t the cheapest, but they’re fun, and go all night. Keep this in mind when booking accommodation. You don’t want to sleep above one. For other ideologies, visit the smoke and gloom of the Chinese temples, where old ladies tend to incense sticks, or head to Cao Dai Temple, the site of a home grown religion that draws on aspects of many world religions to make something special. Go during a service, to see how ritual and bright colours influence their worship. And then head north, maybe by train to see the country side. We caught a taxi from the hostel to the train station, and 200 metres from the hostel, drove past the bus stop that we came in from.
Cu Chi Tunnel Hidden Entrance
The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel TO BOLDLY GO
In my last column, I told you about my husband springing questions of an intellectually challenging nature on me at breakfast. Well, yesterday he did it again. As I pointed out last time, I am one of nature’s sloths until at least my second cup of coffee and usually address the world in grunts. Anyway yesterday morning David told me that a radio telescope in the US, like the one in the film The Dish, had picked up sound from 13 billion light years away. Wow! How can one possibly contemplate that length of time ago especially for someone who is only halfway through the first cup of coffee and has trouble remembering what she had for dinner the previous evening. “Incredible!” I muttered. “Yes, but think,” said my beloved. Not easy in a semi-comatose state. “Think how infinite this means that Space actually is. And also, given this Infinity, does that not mean that it is rather arrogant of us to assume that God is just concerned with us on this little third rock from the Sun?” Questions like this are difficult at any time, but it did get me thinking. It is very difficult to argue any debates about Faith as I feel it is totally subjective and intangible. I can explain my beliefs until the cows come home or tell you any amount of stories about the Spirit World, but unless you have experienced this for yourself, it will be very difficult for you to appreciate
just what my Faith means to me personally. Is it so arrogant to think that God listens to each of us individually? That same morning I did a reading for a lovely young woman who is a psychic medium. It is always a pleasure to do a reading for someone else in the trade so to speak because the energy is usually exceptionally high. During the course of the reading I was telling her about unloading your problems on the altar of the Divine and I said that it was good to do this during prayer time. “I don’t have prayer time,” she said. “I have chats.” Well I could so relate to that as I have a very personal relationship with God myself. There is a wonderful Italian book called The Little
World of Don Camillo. Don Camillo is a priest in a small village in Italy and is always at war with the Communist Mayor, Peppino. Well, one day, Peppino has a crisis and in sheer desperation rushes into the Church and throws himself face down in front of the Altar. Don Camillo looks at his enemy’s backside sticking up in the air. The temptation is too great. He draws back his foot ready to plant a well placed kick when a voice booms in his ear, “No Don Camillo, no.” “Oh please Lord, let me.” “No Don Camillo, I know it’s tempting, but don’t give in.” “Oh alright. You win. You always do.” says the priest. “But I would dearly love to have kicked him.” I really like to think I have a similar attitude to Don Camillo and that I talk to God on a personal level, but I promise I will not be aiming any soccer kicks at political dignitaries. So if God does listen to us all, and not just on our little blue and green planet but all the other similar planets that must exist in all that Infinity, doesn’t it prove just how all-powerful he is? And also isn’t the thought of Infinity so mind-boggling? Will Man one day be able to boldly go like Star Trek to the outer edges of space and where does it stop if it is infinite? Certainly a long way to go for a Sunday lunch except on a very full tank of gas. The Unintentional Medium is available online or at all good book stores
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Western News 8 December 2017 Issue 49
The Making of Richmond Road
of money to the Government. Seventeen hundred and forty pounds had been expended on the road at that stage. All tools, carts and Continued from last issue .... unfinished materials in the possession of the contractor were taken into the change of the ooden Bridges, the full width of Engineers Department. The men were formed the road, were erected over streams of into clearing gangs and given other labours. It is water and watercourses which were not known exactly who completed the road but found running across the line of road. Where a it is assumed the Engineers Department finished bridge was formed the level of the road had to the construction of Richmond Road. be maintained which caused problems in time McElroy may have violated part of the of flood. To alleviate the flood problem to some contract if he allowed some of his employees degree it was Matthew McElroy’s responsibility to work on the new Native Institution (N.I) to straighten, widen and deepen the waterways to seminary under construction at Black Town. a distance of 500 feet on each side of the bridges His name appears on the N.I accounts “March ‘if the occassion should require”. Bridges were 14th 1823, McElroy for Sawing, 5 pounds”....... already built over South Creek, Eastern Creek Convicts and Prisoners of the Crown under the and the then unnamed Rickabys Creek and the contractor’s supervision had not to be employed John L McAdam creek at the “Settlement of the Blacks”, Black “for any other purpose whatsoever than in Town. The latter watercourse was known as Gidley Ponds, today it assisting in making and repairing the said road”. takes the name Bells Creek after William Bell who bought the Black Although no longer in the employ of the Government, McElroy’s Town Native Institution land and school house in 1834. name appears again on the N.I accounts on July 1823, he received McElroy was paid by the government two hundred pound for each £4-2-0 for services rendered. The 1828 Census shows a Matthew mile of road completed to the standard agreed upon in the contract. McElroy, Publican, York St, Sydney. However the intriguing part is, However, the convicts and prisoners had to be paid from the two he arrived aboard the ‘Chapman’ in 1817, transported for seven years. hundred pounds. Later, he would be repaid one-sixth of the total Unless he had served part of his sentence in Britain, probably Ireland, amount of money paid to the convicts and prisoners employed during before arriving in Australia he was still serving his seven year term in the time it took to complete each mile of road. 1822 when he contracted for the Richmond Road project. Evidence Towards the end of April 1823, John Oxley, Surveyor General, therefore suggests he was ‘Free by Servitude’ - he had served his William Harper, Assistant Surveyor and J Ovens, Assistant Engineer, seven year sentence -or had he- one never knows the luck of the Irish! examined the road and found only 11.5 miles formed. Some Whatever, he was the first contractor to construct a Macadam road, or insubstantial small bridges had also been built. Seven hundred loads part of it, in Australia. of broken stones had been strewn on the road but not spread over Richmond Road was the first macadamized road in Australia and it. In the opinion of the three experts, no part of the road met the among the first in the world. Indeed, it has the distinction of having specifications of the contract. been built on ‘McAdam’s principles’ before the word ‘macadamize’ Matthew McElroy was deemed unfit to be entrusted with the came into use in 1826. completion of the works and was required to pay back an amount
by Jack Brook, Blacktown and District Historical Society
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The G Spot
Ahhh the joys and the pitfalls of giving birth... your wonderful bundle of joy has turned 18 and guess what? You as the doting parent have been asked (told, informed, directed) that it is your duty to throw a party in honour of them getting to this milestone. Now, I will inform you that before you even order the cake or write the short invite list with Aunt Myrtle and Uncle Bob and a few second cousins, it is already on social media hitting about 2000 people per second who
are (salivating) more than happy to gate crash your house and trash it for the occasion. So what do you do? My answer is control, control, control. Take the party away from your house; hire a hall, it is controlled by a finish time. Write a list and send out invitations, and be strict, no invitation no entry (Sorry Grandma Jo). Access control: hire security to check off lists and hand out wrist bands and let them deal with the uninvited.
With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security
The youth of today do like a drink and some are like fish drinking water, never know when to stop. My suggestion is that if there is going to be alcohol, have it controlled and no, not by grandad who has had 15 beers already and can’t stand up, telling war stories. A designated bar attendant (controller) and preferably someone with RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol). Oh also just a hint, the head of the party should also stay sober, I don’t know how many times I have spoken
to the hall hirers that can’t even string two words together. (Not a good look…seriously now). So there you have it ….control is the answer. Your child may hate you for embarrassing them in front of their friends , however the party was a success (tick), no one was hurt (tick) your house wasn’t trashed (tick) your child will get over it (tick) and now you have time to organise the 21st. Good Luck! Oh and don’t forget to tell the local Police you are having an 18th!
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CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 Faithful (archaic) (4) 9 An event (10) 10 Bordello (6) 11 Tidyness (8) 12 Wise men (4) 13 Urgently demanding attention (10) 17 Make a melodic noise (4) 18 Reddish brown dye (5) 19 Closely confined (4) 20 Area around the south pole (10) 22 Smell (4) 23 Felon (8) 27 Women of refinement (6) 28 The point at which anger is expressed (10) 29 Cashews, for example (4)
solution 24/11/17
down 1 Amends (10) 2 Sowing (8) 3 Characterized by massiveness (10) 4 Glance over (4) 5 Murres (4) 6 Propellor cap (6) 7 Fifth book of the New Testament (4) 14 The mountain of the Ten Commandments (5) 15 Icicle-like rock projection from cave floors (10) 16 Accordance (10) 19 Poking (8) 21 Not quite (6) 24 Bun (4) 25 Short sleeps (4) 26 Fifty-seven in Roman numerals (4)
17 Western News 8 December 2017 Issue 49
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Western News 8 December 2017 Issue 49
Alex Soncini
Top money saving tips for this Christmas
December is a time when shoppers are tempted to stack purchases on the credit card with the pressure to buy that special gift for loved ones as Australians will spend over $40 billion dollars in retail stores this Christmas. The festive season could be less of a financial burden if you plan and follow some simple rules prior to the feared credit card bill arriving in January so your Christmas was a merry one. Here are tips to save this Christmas* Plan Plan what gifts you are giving to avoid the “late dash” when you visit the shops. Start early with your shopping to avoid the last minute rush as this generally means you will be paying more at the counter than what you had planned as you are under pressure to buy whatever you can get your hands on. The Xmas Card Why not use technology and save money on Christmas cards and make a Christmas Video. Smart phones
similar devices allow for easy videoing that can be sent via instant messaging or email to friends and family at no cost. Shop online You don’t have to visit the shops as many major retail stores have online presence and stores. This will save you time and purchasing gifts you didn’t really want. Shop Around Compare items and products on the internet and/or in catalogues. You can use google by entering the name of what you are buying following by the word “buy, price”. This will give you a list of retailers with price comparisons to hook yourself a bargain. End of Year Sale time Spend less before Christmas Day and give a small gift and buy better gifts in the new-year sales. Alternatively give a gift card as this allows buying gifts after Christmas when the sales are on where you can get more value for your dollars.
Secret Santa Everybody loves a secret Santa and it’s a great way to save money on gifts as it means one quality gift as opposed to many gifts for the family. Give an experience Everyone has someone in the family who has everything and doesn’t need anything. Why not organise something different, a picnic, a day the beach and invite family and friends for them. A present doesn’t always need money to make it valuable Cook Even if you’re not the next Jamie Oliver or Nigella Lawson, you could cook a great gift! A Christmas pudding or treats are not only a Christmas favourite but will help the recipient when it comes to filling the table. You will save you money with a little investment of your time. Cash is King It may be tough if you have planned your gifts in advance or buying online but there is no reason why you can’t
@wealthwiz
leave your credit card at home and just take cash. A little bit of discipline may avoid the credit card shock in January. Share the load If Christmas is at your place this year, ask family members to bring a plate to help reduce the load and cost of Christmas lunch or dinner. Ask everyone to bring a plate to create a buffet style meal. Christmas brings family and friends together and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful festive season to create some special memories. Speak to a Wealthwiz Wealth Manager who can help you understand your financial needs and options. Contact Alex Soncini on 0419 600 177 or alex.soncini@ wealthwiz.com.au. *Wealthwiz advice is general in nature and readers should seek their own professional advice before making any financial decisions.
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WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au
Wilson and Hauschildt triumph in thrilling Ironman Aussie Dan Wilson’s retirement plan went like clockwork winning the Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship title, setting a new course record and going back to back at Ironman 70.3 stern Sydney. After a year riddled with complications from surgery, Melissa Hauschildt finally got the result she has been looking for, adding another championship title to her impressive resume. Perfect race conditions, a nonwetsuit swim and an intense air of anticipation greeted the more than 1200 athletes who had gathered at the Sydney International Regatta Centre for the Australian debut of the Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship Western Sydney. With no clear prerace favourites pundits were left to wonder the multiple combinations of how the morning would roll out. Crossing in 3:42:11 an elated Wilson smashed his own 70.3 Western Sydney record by more than three minutes and immediately kick started his retirement party. Dan Wilson spoke about his desire to win his last Asia Pacific Championship and how he was feeling throughout the race until he crossed the finish line. “I really wanted that one, being my last race and an Asia Pacific Championship. I really wanted the win and with such a stellar field and such tough competition makes it all that sweeter. I wasn’t thinking too much about the race record it was all
about trying to win the race but I knew I was in good shape,” he said. “Half way through the run I had a gap and I was running pretty comfortable but things can happen so fast over this distance and the wheels can well and truly fall off. So, you are never really 100 per cent secure until you cross the line. This race will always be special and I was really soaking up the atmosphere going across the line. I will look back on this race very fondly. Winning an Asia Pacific Championship on Aussie soil and having such a great field will something I will always remember.” At 6km the women’s race turned into the dual everyone had been waiting for with Melissa Hauschildt
running herself into the lead and Sheedy Ryan only 17 seconds down. The pair battled each other for another 10km with the lead swapping several times before Hauschildt rolled the dice and went for home. Melissa Hauschildt spoke about the emotions of having surgery early this year and the effort she had to put in to get back to racing and the difficult start she had to the Ironman race. “It has been an emotional ride and I didn’t know how it would go. Training has been going well since the Ironman World Championship in Kona and my blood levels are back to normal so I knew I was in reasonable shape but it has been more than a year since I raced well and raced fit,” she said.
“I was disappointed with my swim and I felt like I was last out of the water and five or six minutes behind. That threw me a bit but I thought the bike and the run are my strengths so just go as hard as I could and it paid off. “It is such an amazing feeling to win this race and this title. I had surgery in March and I thought everything was going to go to plan and be racing by June but it didn’t happen. I had a complication with the surgery and a lot of blood loss and the surgeon said I wouldn’t be able to race at all this year. Winning the Asia Pacific Championships and with Ironman Western Australia next weekend it is just so good to be back.”
Jarryd Hayne returns home to Parra By Conner Lowe
The Parramatta National Rugby League Club is pleased to announce the signing of Jarryd Hayne for the 2018 season. Jarryd has returned to the Eels after two years in the USA and playing for the Gold Coast Titans last season. Jarryd has expressed his excitement at the prospect of returning to the club he supported as a child and resuming a relationship with our players, members and fans. “As I said my decision to return to Sydney wasn’t taken lightly so I am grateful that Brad and the Eels have offered me the opportunity to return to the club,” he said. “Eels members and fans have been behind me throughout my career and I want to use this second chance to repay that faith and support. “I look forward to returning to training in early January 2018 and am keen to work hard and play my part for the team in building on last year’s finals run.” Bernie Gurr, the Parramatta Eels CEO said that the Club was pleased that one of its most talented local juniors has returned home. “Jarryd started playing for our Club as a 15year old, so we are pleased that he now has the opportunity to return and be part of a strong squad and playing culture that Brad Arthur has developed over the past few seasons,” he said.
“From speaking with Jarryd, he is keen to join his teammates in early January and is committed to working with Brad and our players to build on our excellent 2017 season. Jarryd’s abilities will strengthen our 2018 player roster and we look forward to again seeing Jarryd in the blue and gold”. Jarryd previously spent eight years at the
Parramatta club before moving to the USA to follow his dreams to play in the NFL. When returning two years later to the NRL he moved to the Gold Coast where he played 23 games for the Titans. Jarryd is a phenomenal player to add to the NRL club and Parramatta will use his experience and skill to help the younger players in the team and hopefully help the club to reach the NRL grand final.
19 Western News 8 December 2017 Issue 49
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Western News Friday, 8 December 2017
sport
Wanderers need to improve for derby By Conner Lowe
The Western Sydney Wanderers are in desperate need of a win against their biggest rivals on Saturday night after only one win in their opening eight games of the season. The Western Sydney Wanderers have picked up five draws along the way with some disappointing results and letting leads slip away throughout games. The Wanderers fans thought the signing of new head coach Josep Gombau would help performances and get the club on track to head for the top six and even better for a first-place finish. Unfortunately, the Wanderers performances have not been able to improve and the club now sit second from the bottom. Last week’s game against Brisbane Roar was the worst performance from the team this season, with no one able to take control of the game for the red and black and conceding goals from defensive errors. It was a scrappy game from the get go with rain falling on the ANZ pitch all night making it hard for the Western Sydney team to play a controlled game. The Sydney derby is the biggest game in the
A-League and with Sydney FC on fire again this year and sitting comfortably in first place the Wanderers are going to need to play extremely well to come away with a win at ANZ Stadium on Saturday. There could be more bad news for the Wanderers with star striker Oriol Riera leaving the game against Brisbane early into the first half with injury followed
by youngster Jaushua Sotirio also leaving the game in the first half with a hamstring injury. The game against Sydney FC kicks off at 7:50pm on Saturday 9th at ANZ Stadium and looks to be a big crowd. The Wanderers will need to improve on their performances from the last couple of weeks and bring home a win for the fans and their season.