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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Friday, 9 November 2018

ISSUE 72

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Medical breakthrough

In an Australian first, an innovative new program will be piloted in Western Sydney to test how wearable e-health devices can improve the lives of young people with severe mental illness. Story page 6.

Western News 9 November 2018 Issue 72

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Western News

› Teen charged, firearm found

NSW Government Grant helps local RSL Sub-Branch

A teenager has been charged after he was allegedly found in possession of a replica firearm. On 30 October police attended a home on Stephen Street, Blacktown, and spoke with a 17-year-old boy after receiving information about the possession of a firearm. A search of his vehicle was conducted, and a firearm was located and seized. He was arrested and taken to Parramatta Police Station where he was later charged with posses unauthorised pistol. He was given conditional bail and will appear at a children’s court on Tuesday 20 November 2018.

L to R: Alan Hoare – Secretary Riverstone Schofields RSL Sub-Branch, Kevin Conolly MP – Member for Riverstone, and Bruce Shaw – President Riverstone Schofields RSL Sub-Branch

ember for Riverstone Kevin Conolly MP visited the Riverstone Schofields RSL Sub-Branch premises on Market Street Riverstone to view the completion of a roof-top mounted solar panel installation that will save the sub-branch significantly in their future energy bills, which a grant of $17,800 from last year’s NSW

Government Community Building Partnership program helped to deliver. “I congratulate the Riverstone Schofields RSL Sub Branch for being successful in their application and I am pleased this funding will help to minimise a major operating cost and ensure that the club house remains open to support local veterans into the future,” said Mr Conolly.

McDonald’s Rouse Hill Town Centre

McDonald’s Rouse Hill

This year’s Community Building Partnership program has closed for applications and successful applicants will be notified in the coming weeks. Further details of the program and all successful grants funded for the 2017 program can be found at www. communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov. au under the ‘successful grants’ tab.

McDonald’s Kellyville

McDonald’s Dural

McDonald’s Kellyville North

Western News

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

E is one of the most friendly, helpful and genuine people you’re ever likely to meet and now he’s been rightly recognised with a state government award. Minister for Ageing and Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies made a surprise visit to “The Train” outside the St Marys RSL Club to congratulate and present Sam Vecchio of St Clair with the 2018 NSW Mulgoa Grandparent of the Year award. The NSW Grandparent of the Year award recognises the important work seniors do in strengthening their local community. “Grandparents and seniors give so much back to our communities. They play an integral role in NSW families and it is important that we take the time to thank them for their invaluable contributions,” Tanya Davies said. “Sam Vecchio is a truly inspiring grandparent; he is loved by everyone who meets him.” “It is an honour to recognise all the work Sam does by presenting him with the 2018 NSW Mulgoa Grandparent of the year award.”

“Sam is a strong example of a life lived in service to others, he has helped raised his grandson Lachlan and is now teaching him to drive, he regularly volunteers with the St Marys RSL sub-branch and the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia.” “He is a role model volunteer in his local community displaying unwavering dedication and personal

sacrifice to support his grandchildren, fellow ex-servicemen and community.” Sam has been a member of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, St Mary’s Outpost SubBranch Inc. for a number of years and was elected to their committee as Secretary in 2013. Sam manages a team of volunteers and administers the daily operation

Western News 9 November 2018 Issue 72

Lovable Sam receives Top Pop award

of “The Train”, an antique restored train carriage which functions as an office and gathering place providing administrative, welfare and pension support to local exservicemen. Sam is an excellent organiser and during his time as Secretary improved the way the Association supports its client and membership base of around 260 ex-servicemen.

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1st & 3rd Sunday of the month Stalls: Anything Old or New Jumping castle for kids Bbq and drinks available Email: markets4u@yahoo.com

Phone 0415 687 365 Spots available for any one interested to sell items Tables available for hire

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

Western News 9 November 2018 Issue 72

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

From the Editor’s Desk By KeRRIE DAVIES

F you cast your eyes around, you won’t have to look far to find a safety barrier, warning sign or rule in place aimed at protecting people. And often it is protecting them against their own stupidity! Just about every possible danger to a human being has been dealt with by minimising the chances of being exposed to it. And furthermore, we expect it. “Wouldn’t you think that area would be fenced off better”, or “where’s the sign telling us that this is dangerous?” We are a generation that is not only protected to the hilt, but we are quite precious about any potential exposure to danger without the appropriate warnings. There is a point to my ramblings above - I want you to contrast today’s expectations with those who sacrificed their lives in the name of our country.

Vineyard Riverstone Rouse hill Marsden Park Kellyville Ridge

Schofields Shanes Park Colebee

Ropes Crossing

Quakers Hill

Hassall Grove

St Marys

Dean Park Glendenning

Emerton

Plumpton

Stanhope Gardens Parklea

Kings Park Marayong

Woodcroft

Kings Langley Lalor Park

Mt Druitt Rooty Hill Minchinbury

Blacktown

Seven Hills

Arndell Park Toongabbie

Eastern Creek

 Nearly 9,000 Australian soldiers lost their lives in Gallipoli

Prospect

With little or no notice they said a quick farewell to their families, their friends and their life as they knew it and set off for the completely unknown. There were no instruction manuals telling them what to expect; there were no step-by-step guides on how to minimise their exposure to danger and there were certainly no barriers placed between themselves and death. There were no warning signs notifying them what the chances of survival were. These days even poker machines are obliged to warn you of the chances of losing your spare coins - yet our diggers were not warned they could well lose their lives. This year 11 November marks the 100th anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18). Each year on this day Australians observe one minute’s silence at 11am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts. Lest We Forget those who fought through bloody battles to ensure future generations have the freedom and lifestyle we now enjoy.

 An Australian officer visits a comrades grave (Australian War Memorial G00149)

Western News

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ichelle Rowland held her community Pink Ribbon Morning Tea at Toongabbie Community Centre on Wednesday 31 October, raising more than $1,800 for Cancer Council Australia. Michelle holds the morning tea each year to raise crucial funds to support cancer research. Professor Nirmala Pathmanthan from the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute spoke at the morning tea about the importance of mammograms and breast cancer awareness. The event was attended and supported by members of the Kings Langley Lions Club, students from Toongabbie Christian College, local Councillors Kathie Collins, Chris Quilky and Lisa Lake, and volunteers from the Knitted Knockers group. The event was also supported by Blacktown Workers’ Club and Blacktown RSL Club, with both clubs donating raffle prizes in support of the event. “It was wonderful to see the community come together again to raise funds for Pink Ribbon,” Michelle Rowland said. “Every family knows someone who has been affected by cancer. I am proud to host this local morning tea each year in support of Pink Ribbon’s efforts to tackle women’s cancers. “We have a wonderfully generous community and every year the support for Pink Ribbon grows. “This year we raised our biggest ever donation totalling more than $1,800. All this money will go directly to the Cancer Council to help fund crucial cancer research,” Ms Rowland said.

Michelle Rowland with volunteer knitters from Knitted Knockers, who knit woollen prosthetics for breast cancer survivors who have had mastectomies.

Michelle Rowland with with Kings Langley Lions Club members.

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Western News 9 November 2018 Issue 72

Raising crucial funds to support cancer research

Western News 9 November 2018 Issue 72

local news

Western News

Aus first: wearable device to improve youth mental health

n an Australian first, an innovative new program will be piloted in Western Sydney to test how wearable e-health devices can improve the lives of young people with severe mental illness. If proven successful, new technology developed by the unwired Project could revolutionise the care for young people living with severe mental health disorders across Australia. The initiative is aiming to address the alarming mental health statistics for young people in Australia, where suicide is the leading cause of death for 15-24-year olds. “The unWired Project has the potential to transform lives,” Associate Prof Beth Kotze, Executive Director Mental Health Services for Western Sydney Local Health District said. “It is going to connect with young people’s love of devices and technology to bring us to the frontier of mental health monitoring and treatment.” Clinicians and researchers from Western Sydney Local Health District will manage the unWired Project across its three-year lifespan with significant financial support from The Balnaves Foundation. Personal wearable e-health devices, just like a FitBit, will measure the participant’s activity and give them valuable feedback on their level of stress. With the young person’s consent, data will be sent back to the wearer and their treating clinician via a purpose-

built app. This early warning will give the young person the possibility to manage their stress and its impact on their illness and, if necessary, give clinicians an opportunity to intervene early with support before things potentially deteriorate. Twenty young people will take part in the pilot study early next year and it is then expected to go to a full randomised controlled trial involving 80 participants. At this stage, all trial participants will be patients of the Prevention Early Intervention and Recovery Service – the WSLHD Youth Mental Health Service based in Parramatta. Associate Prof Kotze says the unWired Project is a great example of what strong public and private partnerships can do. “The Balnaves Foundation has made

this project possible and we are very optimistic it can improve the lives of young people in Western Sydney who are living with mental illness,” Prof Kotze said. “One in seven young Australians experience a mental health condition and evidence suggests half of all adult mental health conditions emerge by the time an individual is 14.” Neil Balnaves AO, founder of The Balnaves Foundation said the organisation hoped the technology will prevent youth suicide. “We hope that this device can prevent young people from getting to the point where they feel like suicide is their only option,” Neil said. “The Balnaves Foundation is keen to improve the lives of young people with severe mental illness. Using technology and focusing on early

intervention is a proactive step in the right direction. It is exciting to think that young people may be able to use tools like these to take greater control of their mental health.” The unWired Project launches in a period of heightened awareness of how profound mental health issues are in NSW. In this year’s State Budget the NSW Government committed $2.1 billion for mental health services and infrastructure. Key initiatives in the recurrent mental health Budget include: $100 million per annum over four years to support the reform of mental health care underway in NSW. The investment will strengthen early intervention and specialist community mental health teams, enhance psychosocial supports, and transition long-stay patients into the community $39.4 million to deliver an additional 1400 mental health admissions in addition to the 37,500 currently provided. $42 million for additional community-based mental health services and supports. In addition, the NSW Government announced a $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program to transform existing facilities. If you or someone you know needs crisis support call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. For local mental health services phone the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.

Blacktown woman ready to explore Europe with $200,000 win!

woman from Blacktown is excitedly planning an extended trip to Europe after discovering she is $200,000 richer from the latest Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot draw. The ecstatic woman won the guaranteed 1st Prize of $200,000 in Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot draw 1151, drawn last Thursday. In addition to winning 1st Prize, the woman’s entry also scored a $1,000 consolation prize. Speaking to a NSW Lotteries official to claim her prize, the woman admitted she couldn’t quite grasp the news of her win. “Okay, what? Two hundred thousand dollars?,” she laughed questioningly. “Oh my goodness! I don’t know how to feel right now. I am shocked! “This is surreal! “I feel amazing! I am so happy!”

When asked how she planned to spend her windfall, the winning woman said it would go towards renovations and a much-needed trip to Europe. “God, I’ll need to think about it! I am not really sure,” she said. “I want to do a big trip through Europe. I have wanted to do that for ages! “I will definitely do renovations on the house.

“I will need to celebrate this weekend with my family too!” The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased her winning entry of two consecutive numbers at Mount Druitt Newsagency, Shop 16, Westfield Shoppingtown. Mount Druitt Newsagency owner Ibram Kamil said he was thrilled to have sold the Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot 1st Prize. “No way are you serious?,” he asked gleefully. “That’s amazing! I am so happy for our customer. “We need more wins around here! “We are hoping to sell the winning ticket for the Jackpot prize next! That would be insane!” The Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot prize is now $25.24 million for draw 1152 while the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot is now $1.15 million for draw 10255.

Council stages city-wide community forum

lacktown City Council takes a bold step by hosting the inaugural city-wide community forum for residents from across the city to hear about Council’s major projects and plans for 2019. The community forum covers information across the entire Council area and will be held at 7pm on Monday 12 November in the Nirimba Room, Civic Centre in Blacktown. Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “We have visited every Ward across the City this year and we now invite our residents to come and see some of the exciting projects and programs

planned for our community.” “Consistently people have asked for more engagement with Council about our plans and programs. “I encourage you all to attend this final forum for the year.” Mayor Bali said. Plans for the proposed International Centre of Training Excellence (ICTE) and the Warrick Lane Precinct Redevelopment in the CBD will be on display at the forum. “Council is consulting with the community on these two major transformational projects and I invite residents across the city to attend and give

us your feedback as we build a better City for all,” Mayor Bali said. There will be information on Council’s community programs, business support services, Hawkesbury-Nepean Flood Management Strategy, Kids Early Learning, library services, information about the Leo Kelly Arts Centre and upcoming events around the LGA Mayor Bali said community forums are a great way to engage with Councillors and Council officers. “We want to you hear from you on any issues you want to raise at this forum,” he said.

Western News

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

VERY child deserves to be protected and nurtured in a happy environment surrounded by people who care about them and their welfare. Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly has welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to finding a safe, permanent and loving home for children in out-of-home care. November is ‘National Adoption Awareness Month’; an opportunity to promote the benefits of safety, stability and permanency for vulnerable children. “We know children do best when they grow up in a stable, nurturing environment. That is why the NSW Government is reforming the child protection system to ensure all children have a permanent home within two years of entering the system, whether that is through restoration, guardianship or open adoption,” said Mr Conolly. Minister for Family and Community Services Pru Goward said for people considering open adoption in NSW, fostering to adopt a child in out-ofhome care can often be a positive pathway.

“We want all children in NSW to enjoy the benefits of a permanent, loving home,” Ms Goward said. The NSW Government achieved a record number of 140 open adoptions in NSW in 2017/18 and has invested $17 million over two years to target more than 1000 open adoptions over the next four years.

“NSW leads the nation with open adoptions from out-of-home care, giving more children the chance to thrive with a forever family. We are committed to supporting families to stay together. When that is not possible we must find a forever home for children through guardianship or open adoption,” Ms Goward said.

Western News 9 November 2018 Issue 72

Finding a forever home for our most vulnerable

“I would like to thank all of the wonderful adoptive parents in the Riverstone electorate and encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a carer, guardian or adoptive parent to contact My Forever Family NSW,” Mr Conolly said. For information about how to become a carer please visit www.myforeverfamily.org.au/.

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REMEMBRANCE DAY ~ 11 NOVEMBER 2018

Western News 9 November 2018 Issue 72

We remember

1000 Poppies Invitation Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Remembrance Day Poppy Project

Remembrance Day Dedication Blooming lovely: Barbara and Kay with our poppies

Poppies are popping up all over Blacktown as we get ready for our Remembrance Day events in mid November. Pictured above, volunteers Barbara and Kay surround by some on the one thousand-plus blooms made by our community.

You are warmly invited to join us for a short service to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and dedicate the poppy gardens created by our community to honour those who served Mount Druitt Hospital Tuesday 13 November 2018 at 11am ANZAC Memorial Garden near Main Entry Blacktown Hospital Wednesday 14 November at 11am ANZAC Memorial Garden near Main Entry 1000 Poppies Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Remembrance Day Poppy Project

By Keegan Thomson

IN REMEMBERING all those who’ve sacrificed everything in all theatres of war we mustn’t forget the neglected POWs and those who suffered under oppression and tyranny whilst their brothers in arms fought on the open seas and in the skies. Between October of 1942 and October of 1943 around 13,000 Australian prisoners of war joined a workforce of nearly 60,000 Allied POWs to build, in unimaginable conditions, the Thai-Burma Railroad. Along with the POWs the Japanese forces enslaved some 200,000 Burmese, Javanese, Malays, Tamils and Chinese workers who were known as Romusha. Many of the Romusha workers were coerced into working on the railroad with the offer of housing, good pay and easy work. Japanese forces used brutal tactics and employed harsh penalties to build the 415 kilometre long railroad, which ran from Bangkok in Thailand to Rangoon in Burma. The treatment of the POWs was inhumane and barbaric with diseases like cholera, dysentery, malaria and tropical ulcers ravaging the camps and labourers. Starvation and malnutrition were also prevalent across the railroad with many dying of treatable diseases and exhaustion. One of the most bloody segments of the build

was at Hellfire Pass on the Thai-Burma boarder. The construction of the railroad at Hellfire Pass was the largest rock cutting along the railroad taking 6 weeks to build with POWs working 18 hours a day. Some Allied prisoners of war were beaten to death by Japanese forces at Hellfire Pass. The most infamous section of the railroad is bridge 277 or more commonly known as the bridge over River Kawi. Originally named the Mae Klong River, the bridge depicted in the film, The Bridge on the River Kwai, was nothing like the original bridge the POWs built. In fact the bridge was much smaller and was destroyed a number of times during Allied bombardment of the region during the war. Today a concrete bridge stands in place of the original wooden bridge. It is unknown how many prisoners perished during the construction of the bridge. During the 12 month campaign to build the

ON REMEMBRANCE DAY WE PAUSE TO REFLECT ON THE SACRIFICE OF THOSE WHO PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY, AS WELL AS THOSE CURRENTLY DOING SO. LEST WE FORGET.

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

railroad many POWs risked life and limb to record the horrid conditions and the decaying lives of the men. Artists used brushes made of human hair to paint scenes with plant juices and blood used for paint. During some of the hardest months of construction moral was lifted across the camps though songs and music. Within the Australian forces was a surgeon from Victoria, Colonel Ernest Edward “Weary” Dunlop. After serving in the European theatre of the Second World War, Colonel Dunlop was moved to the Pacific where he was captured in Java. He was sent to the railroad where he took charge and restored morale to dying and disenfranchised. One POWs said he was “a lighthouse of sanity in a universe of madness and suffering.” It has been said that the Australian casualties on the railroad were significantly reduced because of Colonel Dunlop’s medical interventions. When the Allied forces eventually drove the Japanese from Thailand they came across some of the worst treated POWs across the Pacific theatre. Many of the men were skin and bone, stick thin, with a great number of ailments and trauma to their minds and bodies. All up around 3000 Australian POWs died in the construction of the now mainly defunct railroad, with around 150,000 of the Romusha workers dying along side. In total around 13,000 Allied POWs died on the railroad, yet those numbers aren’t official due to the lack or up to date records.

9 Western News 9 November 2018 Issue 72

REMEMBRANCE DAY ~ 11 NOVEMBER 2018 Remembering the Thai-Burma railroad

We honour our brave Aussie Diggers who have sacrificed so much in the past and those serving our country today Lest We Forget

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 www.kevinconollymp.com.au

Western News 9 November 2018 Issue 72

local columnists

Western News

Sport in Australia Invictus relay

Origin fireworks By BEN CRANNEY

wrote last time about travelling the world for sporting events. But in a country where sport begins with things like tiny tots athletics and nippers on the beach, it’s only natural that we can see some of the best sportsfolk in some of the best domestic competitions and global events right here. I’ve always maintained that if soccer took root in Melbourne instead of aussie rules, we’d have one of the best soccer teams on the planet. Visit a game of AFL, and you’ll see why. The fans’ passion will also show you that soccer didn’t have much chance, but

if it did, you’ll see that we’d probably have some of the best hooligans too. We have the premier rugby league competition, with the premier rep footy comp. Being at Homebush stadium for game two of Origin, when NSW secured the shield, was a special moment. You don’t need to be a fan. The atmosphere will suck you in, the fireworks and live music get you going, your state level patriotism will hit a level you didn’t know existed, and you won’t mind when the guy behind empties his beer over you in his excitement. In January, you can watch the start and end of one of the world’s toughest yacht races, the Sydney to Hobart.

If you’re really keen, you could fly between the cities and watch both. For another nature powered event, try the World Solar Challenge, the 3000km sun powered race from Darwin to Adelaide. Or if you prefer to hear the engine, there’s the Bathurst 1000 or the Formula 1. Of course, Australia gets plenty of high profile, multi sport international events, too. I remember the festival atmosphere at Homebush during the Olympics. I’m no runner, but the marathon was my favourite memory. We watched it on the street, as the three frontrunners went past faster than most people sprint. The Invictus Games just wrapped

up, showing a side of the military that we hear about a lot, but perhaps don’t see so much, the camaraderie. There was a lot of focus amongst the athletes in stadium, and everyone was keen to run their fastest, throw their furtherest, or jump their highest or longest. But when one fellow tripped over his blades, there was no Bradbury moment, and those behind stopped and helped him up, crossing the line together. But maybe one of the best things about Aussie sport is by going to some of these events, you’ll see so much of Australia. Next time: Rio Tinto, being homeless and the Knights Templar.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel

Upside Down, Down Under

s regular readers will know, I help to run a Spiritual Discussion Group once a month with the gorgeous Angelina Ginis at the Hawkesbury Natural Therapies Centre in Richmond. The last time we met was just before Halloween and so Ange and I decided that we would talk about the customs associated with All Hallow’s Eve and it’s connections with Wicca. Now, Halloween dates back to the old Celtic festival of Samhain which marked the end of the harvest and the start of the dark season, a time it was believed when the veil between this world and the Other World was at its thinnest allowing the souls of those departed to return. So strong was this belief that extra places were set at the table and food provided for the departed loved ones. However, the Protestant Reformation put a stop to all this jollity as it was thought that the souls nipping back for a quick meal were on their way from Purgatory to Heaven and the Protestants were not having any of that Popish nonsense, so they decided that they must be evil spirits and that witches would attach themselves to these bad guys and cause all kinds of trials and tribulations to befall unwary folk. And so to ward off any unexpected hexes, prayers were said, church bells were rung, candles were lit and turnip lanterns were carved - a precursor to our pumpkins - all in an effort to keep people and their livestock safe.

So, dear reader, imagine the scene. There I am in full spate about veils and dark seasons when I suddenly realised it was still light outside and the temperature that day had been in the 30’s! Feeling rather sheepish, I turned to Ange. “What happens over here?” I asked. “I know everyone celebrates Halloween here now, but how does that work when we are approaching summer?” My lovely friend always amazes me with her breadth of knowledge about anything to do with the spirit world and within two seconds had produced a Wicca diary showing the different seasons. In the Southern Hemisphere, Halloween falls on 30th April which of course makes sense as this is the advent of

the darkest time and what the Northern Hemisphere thinks of as Halloween is in fact the time of Beltane here Down Under, a feast of new beginnings, new life, eggs, baby lambs. Sound familiar anyone? I have been in this beautiful country for almost nine years, but I am still totally confused by the seasons. I so can’t get my head round hot Christmas, especially as my husband still likes the whole turkey and pudding feast. Easter is also confusing as I think of daffodils, lambs gambolling in freshly green fields and the first early warmth - the harbinger of sunlit days. This often happens to me when I do a reading. I will look at the cards and see a particular time of year. “Such and such will happen in the Spring,” I say merrily. “But we are in Spring now,” will come the puzzled reply. “Well, my cards are English,” I explain to my rather bewildered client. Having been an Autumn baby all my life, I still can’t get used to having a birthday in Spring. But bear with me. I will get used to it and somehow the cards do sort themselves out. So, from a very confused upside down person Down Under, enjoy the warm festival of Beltane but for Heavens Sake don’t tell the kids. Two lots of trick or treating in a year is too much to contemplate! The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.

Western News

local news

ho said Australians don’t celebrate Halloween? St Marys Town Centre proved that Aussie families are willing to dress up and join in the fun of celebrating Halloween when they held the St Marys Trick or Treat Trail late last month. “This is the eighth year that we have run this event,” said Alex Karavas, Chairman of St Marys Town Centre. “And it just gets bigger and bigger every year. We had a record-breaking level of attendance this year with 1936 children undertaking the St Marys Trick or Treat Trail. It was a jump of nearly 700 children more than last year. “It was fantastic to see so many people of all ages dress up and parade along the street in their amazing costumes. Business owners saw a lot of new faces coming through their doors. It’s great to see this kind of community support, not to mention people attending this event from outside of the area.”

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Western News 9 November 2018 Issue 72

Trick or Treating in St Marys Breaks Record

Western News 9 November 2018 Issue 72

WESTERN HISTORY

Australian Bush Craftsmen

by Paul Wheeldon

t has often been said that necessity is the mother of invention. No doubt the necessities of the Australian bushman were many, which accounted for the versatility of his early and repeated inventions and improvisations, which are not particularly confined to his early pioneering forebears and today we see continuous evidence of his creative ability. It’s the versatility of the Australian bushman and woman that built Australia’s outback. The bushman excelled in using the materials at hand. His early bark hut, with bark roof and slab walls from the split timber at hand, was a symbol of the pioneer. Apart from the care of his animals and the treatment of their maladies, this same ability of improvisation was apparent in his everyday routine. Some of these accomplishments in nearly every trade are really astounding. Many of their handcrafts would in many cases astonish today’s generation. To replace a worn or faulty thread on a bolt or, perhaps even a sulky axle nut, was quite an accomplishment. The thread would be started with a three-cornered file often as small as six or seven millimetres. As the filing progressed, the nut would be advanced and tested as to fit and the work carried on until the necessary length of thread required was reached by the patient and slow process of one thread at a time. Time was of no serious consequence and in the case of a sulky or dray axle nut and axle thread, the place would be without transport to bring in supplies. Of course many homesteads had a forge and many tools and the like were hand-made in the smithy. Many were renowned for their horse and bullock shoes. Crude and rustic wood work was another accomplishment from simple chairs and general furniture to the rough old gate probably made of saplings on the dividing paddock fence. A comfortable bed was made from the use of four forky sticks, two lengths of sapling and perhaps a couple of chaff bags. The fire place was probably made from stones at hand. In the wood work creations, whittling as it was known, was quite a skill. Often the only tool employed was a sharp pocket knife. Many tobacco pipes were whittled out of a selected piece of timber and finished with a piece of broken glass and scraped to a nicety. The hole in the stem was as often as not burnt out with a piece of red hot fencing wire. Whittling was a rewarding spare time occupation especially for teamsters and drovers on the road. Another favourite piece for the whittler was a walking stick – again often quite well carved. The finest stock whip handles one could imagine were made in this way. Some were quite elaborately carved and even inset with polished pieces of bone. Many intricate designs were often affected

 The photo is my great grandfather’s sister, Rose Muller (nee Wheeldon) in a sulky with one of her children outside the Cunning Reading Room on 10 August 1900

with the assistance of a red hot wire to burn out sections of the design. The bushman excelled in his use of fencing wire. Not only did he affect temporary, and often permanent repairs, but again his creative ability was brought to the fore. While he might tie up the broken sulky shaft or the broken gate, he would make such things as the toasting fork or the grilling iron. It was almost a universal saying, ‘tie it up with wire’. In the building of, perhaps, a stone house and he wanted the stone cut to a workable size, he would heat the rock and pour a stream of water across it, when it would crack straight across. Another method was that used in some types of rock by the Egyptians thousands of years before. This was to drill out holes in the area he wanted to cut it and plug wooden plugs in the holes. The holes were then filled with water and kept wet when the expanding wet wood finally cracked the rock. Primitive and slow, but most effective. Weights beyond his power were often raised by the use of blocks and wedges. There must be another 100 talents we haven’t touched on. Women folk were no less accomplished in their domestic sphere. The flour sacks were washed and made up into everything from pillow slips to aprons. The empty bottles around the place had the necks cut off them with a hot cutting ring, plunged into a bucket of water to cut them off and the rough edge would be ground off with scythe stone or file. Filled with jam, it was sealed with several layers of brown paper and paste. The jam would keep for years. Our Australian troops in the middle east well remember this bottle cutting technique to obtain their beer mugs, which they affectionately referred to as “Lady Blamey’s”. The Australian bush folk were indeed people of the utmost ingenuity.

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Western News

How redraw and offset accounts can save you money

ow does the offset account work? This is a question I’m asked often and having this option attached to your home loan could save you $1000s over the life of your loan. Offset accounts and redraw facilities work in similar ways; they both allow you to reduce the balance of your home loan, and therefore the interest charged, by applying extra money to your debt. Redraw facilities allow you to deposit spare income into your home loan account, allowing you to redraw a sum equal to the extra repayment amounts in future. In the meantime, the extra money paid will lower the amount of interest charged while still giving you access to your money. However, there may be restrictions on how much money can be withdrawn and when. “For redraw, it depends on whether the facility applies to a fixed-rate or

variable loan,” the finance broker says. “Most institutions only allow redraw from a variable-rate loan, or fixed-rate loan but with limited access.” It is important to find out how a loan’s redraw facility works before taking it on, as the fees and restriction attached might outweigh the benefits of interest savings. Deciding between an offset account and a redraw facility on your home loan largely depends on how accessible you need your extra money to be. Offset accounts are like savings accounts that function alongside your home loan. You earn interest on the money in the offset account and you often have a debit card attached for simple withdrawals. “Let’s say that you are paying five per cent interest on your home loan and earning two per cent interest on your offset account,” explains the finance broker. “In a offset setup, the difference

would be 3%, but would mean that the 2% interest that you earn is coming off the interest you are paying on your home loan.” With 100 per cent offset accounts, you earn interest equal to the interest you are paying on your loan. Rather than earning savings account rates, you are earning home loan account interest rates on the money held within the offset account. “Let’s say you have $10,000 in your 100 per cent offset account. Instead of paying interest on your $100,000 loan, you are only paying interest on $90,000,” the finance broker says. “That’s probably the best type to have, if you are looking at offset accounts.” Offset accounts, like many savings accounts, often come with account fees, but the fee may be worth the interest savings and the added flexibility compared to redraw facilities. “There are less restrictions attached to 100 per cent offset accounts, they’re

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13 Western News 9 November 2018 Issue 72

Alex Soncini

REAL ESTATE

SUDOKU: EASY

WORD SEARCH

Western News 9 November 2018 Issue 72

Western News

ENTERTAINMENT

Adverbs ACROSS AGAIN AHEAD ALMOST ALREADY ALSO ALWAYS ANYWHERE APART AWAY BACK BEFORE

BEHIND BELOW BRISKLY DOWN EARLY EASILY FAST FIRST FOREVER FORWARD GENTLY GREATLY

HENCE HIGH HOMEWARD HOWEVER LITTLE LONG LOUDLY MONTHLY NEARBY NEVER NOWHERE OFTEN

ONCE PRESENTLY QUICKLY QUIETLY QUITE RARELY RATHER REALLY SHORT SLOWLY SOFTLY

SOMETIMES SOMEWHERE SOON THEN THERE TODAY TOMORROW UPWARD WEEKLY WISELY YESTERDAY

SOLUTION: 26 October

INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates

CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 Boyfriend (4) 9 A synthetic fabric (5) 10 Skin irritation (4) 11 Supper (6) 12 Imposes (8) 13 Affability (8) 15 Whitener (6) 17 Show religious devotion (7) 19 A passage from a larger work (7) 22 Bovine mammary glands (6) 24 Eternally (8) 26 Luxuriates (8) 28 Metric units of mass (6) 30 Look amorously (4) 31 Author Mark _____ (5) 32 Relating to the ear (4)

solution 26/10/18

down 1 A beautiful and graceful girl (4) 2 Satisfies thirst (8) 3 A natural cavity in a bone (6) 4 Precipitated rain and snow (7) 5 A small ornamental tin (8) 6 Stab (6) 7 Skin disease (4) 14 Egg-shaped (5) 16 Cavort (5) 18 Clear understandings (8) 20 A city in Alberta Canada (8) 21 Sexually gratifying (7) 23 Oozed (6) 25 Consuming food (6) 27 Wooden pins or pegs (4) 29 Heroic (4)

Western News

SPORT

By CONNER LOWE

risbane Roar have survived a second-half onslaught from Western Sydney Wanderers to grind out a 1-0 victory at Marconi Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Returning Roar goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold pulled off a number of fine saves to deny the home side and earn Brisbane their first win of the season. The opening exchanges in particular were slow with Brisbane struggling to move the ball into their forward third. Wanderers meanwhile were having a little more luck, creating a bunch of half-chances but Arnold was equal to every challenge. Indeed, it took Brisbane until the half-hour mark to even register a shot, American Chimoa Ubogagu forcing a save from Western Sydney goalkeeper Jada Mathyssen-Whyman. That seemed to click the Roar into gear however and they soon began to pepper the Wanderers’ goal before the breakthrough finally came after

39 minutes courtesy of a well-struck free-kick from Carson Pickett. The American defender unleashed a low-driven strike from just outside the penalty area to put her side on the front foot. The second half saw an increase in attacking play with both sides seeking a desirable outcome. Ultimately however it was Arnold

in goal for Brisbane who was to play the hero, denying a number of Wanderers’ attempts. First, Servet Uzunlar struck a powerful shot only for Arnold to palm it to safety before the Brisbane custodian pulled off a spectacular double save to deny Leena Khamis just on the line. Western Sydney continued to

push hard but the Roar defence refused to budge, leaving the home side pointless from their first two games. The Wanderers can now look to their round 3 match up against Perth Glory at NIB Stadium. The Wanderers will be in for a tough game with the Western Australia side yet to lose a game in their opening two fixtures.

Stonecutters Ridge developing players of the future By Noel Rowsell

teve Gannon, PGA Golf Operations Manager at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club (SRGC), is understandably proud of the junior members at the western Sydney Golf Club, who have had an amazing 2018. Stonecutters has some extraordinary membership numbers in the junior ranks, at a moment in time when many Golf clubs are having difficulty attracting senior members, let alone juniors. Thirty-one junior members and eighty cadet members speaks of a very healthy development program and the list of achievements this year certainly accentuates the quality of the coaching. Cameron Rios-Ceballos won the Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) Fayde Match-Play competition, Ryan Cadle won the 13 years Nett JNJG State Championship, Allana Assgby won the 10-Years Illawarra Masters and Kade Webber was runner-up in 13 years Peter O’Malley Masters. Gannon said “The SRGC junior program is structured on the ability of the player and not the age”. “There are two main facets to the program: Cadets - Beginner golfers structured into four groups (based on playing ability) and they progress into the next stage after reaching the required ability level”. The structure is: 1) Three holes - introduction to golf, shorter golf course, specific cadet rules (after 10 shots take the ball to the front of the

SRGC Junior members Ryan Cadle, Briana Mapanao and Maddy Hagarty in action - photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

green and proceed to putt it in the hole, 2 attempts out of bunkers then drop out and continue, no more than 4 putts Seven holes - play a shorter version of the golf course from specific Cadet tees (same rules as 3 holes) 3) Ten Holes - Play is from the social tees of the day, still playing the Cadet rules. Pro Shop Group - Play the course from the daily competition tees, standard golf rules for 18 holes. This group is designed to prepare Cadets for the move into Junior Golf. Juniors - The next level is Juniors, with the same playing rights as a full seven-day member. The players are able to represent the club in Encourage Shield, Junior Pennants and Eric Apperly Shield Pennant competitions. There is also a scholarship program available for juniors who show potential and dedication to their golf this scholarship provides professional tuition and support at major JNJG events. “The biggest successes from the

program include Douglas RiosCeballos qualifying for the NSW Open by winning the Club Championship in 2015” said Gannon. “We (SRGC) have also had a number of our juniors caddy in the NSW Open over the years, including Josh Wickens for the past three years, Kade Webber the last two years and Alex Payne in 2016. Other successes from junior members Maddy Hagerty and Brielle Mapanao, who were members of the successful Ladies Pennant Metropolitan Division 2 Title 2018”. Our Eric Apperly team won their division in both 2017 and 2018, whilst our Encourage Shield team were runners-up in 2017. Gannon said “I think it is worth mentioning that the (SRGC) junior program has grown since the clubs inception, with the Cadet program growing from 25 players to 80 players over four years.” “We have seen the promotion of twenty-three Cadets into junior members over this time-frame”.

The (SRGC) junior program has recently been nominated by JNJG in the Golf NSW awards as a finalist for the Junior Program of the Year but was upstaged by Roseville GC for the award. Other key successes for the program: - Introduction of the Junior Scholarship program, to assist the development of junior golfers - Re-introduction of the Junior Match Play major trophy - Introduction of the annual Stonecutters Ridge Junior Classic, with fields of 45 – 60 juniors from up to twenty-five clubs from as far away as Western Australia. - Implementation of the Junior Tri Series major trophy (Stableford event played over three rounds) - Implementation of the weekly “Money Pin” as a fund raising avenue to junior golf (Money Pin being a nearest to the pin competition held during the Saturday members competition round) - Re-introduction of the annual junior trip to Bathurst to complete in the JNJG Peter O’Malley Masters.

Western News 9 November 2018 Issue 72

The W-League Wanderers struggle in opening fixtures

Western News Friday, 9 November 2018

SPORT

Wanderers grab vital first win of the season By CONNER LOWE

estern Sydney Wanderers have lift off after cruising to a convincing 3-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix amid inclement conditions at Westpac Stadium on Saturday. Alexander Baumjohann struck inside 11 minutes and Oriol Riera and Jordan O’Doherty notched after half-time to secure the club’s first Hyundai A-League win under new boss Markus Babbel, who was serving a touchline ban. The result left Mark Rudan with his maiden defeat in charge of a largely outplayed Phoenix and denied Andrew Durante any joy in his 250th club appearance. Wellington entered as the form team but found themselves behind early as Roly Bonevacia and Bruce Kamau combined to tee up Baumjohann for his first goal in the competition. It was a sign of the domination to come with midfielders Bonevacia and Baumjohann both threatening to double the advantage before the break. The extreme wind almost saw Tarek

Elrich sliced clearance into his own net shortly after the restart, but it was nothing more than a momentary scare for the visitors. The Wanderers remained on the front foot and went further ahead when Riera coolly converted a penalty after O’Doherty’s shot struck Durante’s hand. The Wanderers didn’t take the foot of the peddle and continued pushing looking for a third goal and it almost came through Riera who was able to turn in the box, but his shot was calmly parried away by Kurto. Josh Risdon and substitute Nathan Burns tested the woodwork at either end late on, although a third Wanderers goal always appeared most likely. It was O’Doherty who was able to provid it, the ex-Adelaide United man capping off a breakaway to open his Western Sydney account and help erase the memory of last weekend’s Sydney Derby defeat. The win has propelled the Western Sydney club into the top four, sitting on the same points as Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix. The Wanderers will look to use their good form from the weekend against Brisbane at the Glen Willow Regional Sporting Complex in Mudgee on Saturday.