Blakcktown megend, John Sieff.
Blacktown City
Nominations are now open for the Blacktown City Woman of the Year
International Women’s Day is celebrated globally each year on 8 March to celebrate women’s achievements, and to highlight equality worldwide.
To highlight this day, we recognise the outstanding achievement of women within the local community through voluntary or paid work.
Nominations for Blacktown City’s Woman of the Year are now open and will close at 11.59 pm on Thursday 12 February 2026.
Nominees should demonstrate this year’s #GiveToGain theme, including women who have:
• made an outstanding contribution to her local community
• inspired others to give back and get involved
• created lasting change through kindness, service, or advocacy
• risen above adversity to achieve her goals and support others along the way
• consistently demonstrated strong and progressive leadership
• shown leadership through innovation, creativity, and community action
To find out more or nominate someone, visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au/IWD
Nursery Open Day
Saturday 7 February from 9 am to 2
Blacktown City Council Nursery, Kent Street, Blacktown Nursery open days are provided for residents who can’t pick up their annual allocation (2 plants per household, per residential year) during weekdays. Please note, these are not additional plant giveaways.
Residents can collect their 2 plants per property from a selection of native and exotic species. Nursery staff will be onsite to assist residents in selecting plants that will be appropriate for their garden. Proof of residency must be shown.
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Farewell Music Man John Sieff
STEPHEN BALI
THE Blacktown community is mourning the loss of John Sieff of Sieff’s Music in Westpoint who passed away in December last year.
John opened his music shop in 1981, then Sieff’s Music World, and for the next 45 years he became an integral part of the Blacktown music scene.
He was the longest serving tenant at Westpoint, relocating four times within the shopping centre.
During the 1970s and 80s Westpoint had a centre stage where top entertainers performed.
Pop musician Jon English was set to perform on stage one day when he broke his guitar string. Jon entered Sieff’s Music but at the time John only sold organs which annoyed Jon English as he couldn’t replace his guitar string.
That led John to expand his shop to offer guitars and other instruments
over time into the shop we know and love today.
John’s wife, Elaine, said: “John was very dedicated to the local music community, opening seven days a week for over 45 years and taking minimal time off. He was always great for a chat and
Coften helped with advice even with the unusual requests regardless of whether he stocked the item or not. Theres no one like him, he is irreplaceable.”
Over the years many people took piano and organ lessons in his shop and passersby would be entertained by
John playing music.
Westpoint Centre Manager, Craig Brown, said: “It has been sad to lose such an iconic and friendly member of the Westpoint community. He was a feature of Westpoint and is sorely missed”.
John opened additional branches in Hornsby and Parramatta managed by Elaine and four of their children. Unfortunately, the Blacktown store will close soon but John’s legacy will live on.
John’s last day at work was November 14 and he passed away soon afterwards with bowel cancer on December 14, 2025.
He is survived by his wife Elaine, his seven children, fourteen grandchildren. Vale John Sieff.
Stephen Bali is NSW Member for Blacktown. His connection with John goes back to the 1980s when his parents purchased a Casiotone 403 keyboard from Sieff’s Music world, a gift he has to this day and still can’t play.
Shoot for glory and more at SportsFest
HILDREN can try rock climbing, archery, ball sports and more free activities as part of Blacktown City Family SportsFest on Saturday, February 14. Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope will offer a
range of games to try, as well as animal encounters, face painting and a jumping castle, in a celebration of active lifestyles from 12 pm to 4 pm. The pool will feature inflatables and free pool and gym entry will
A peaceful place to honour and remember
Set in Sydney’s west, Kemps Creek Memorial Park offers a beautifully landscaped and affordable resting place, thoughtfully designed to serve people of all faiths, cultures and traditions.
Choose from traditional burial and cremation options, natural bushland burials, and personalised services held in our serene outdoor pavilion.
A place where compassion, choice and respect guide every step - and where families are supported with care during life’s most important moments.
Contact our caring team today to explore your memorial options.
230–260 Western Road, Kemps Creek p: 9826 2273
e: admin@kempscreekcemetery.com.au
w: kempscreekmemorialpark.com.au
be available for those who collect a voucher from the Blacktown Key Venues stall in the stadium. Sporting groups from across Blacktown City will have stalls at the event to offer information about joining and an-
swer questions. A special Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope membership offer will be available for visitors, including 10 per cent off and no joining fee. Visit: www.blacktownaquaticandsports.com.au.
John’s Westpoint shopfront.
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ISSUE 59 | February 2026
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More beds at Blacktown Hospital
THE NSW Government has appointed a builder to deliver the additional beds and services to Blacktown Hospital in late 2026, a year ahead of schedule.
As part of the $120M investment to further upgrade Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals, the project will provide expanded and contemporary acute inpatient capacity with a total of 60 additional beds across both hospitals, relieving pressure and improving patient flow to support the hardworking hospital staff.
Bringing forward the delivery of these additional beds is part of the Government’s commitment to better meeting the healthcare needs of the growing western Sydney community, while working closely with the Commonwealth to address growing bed block caused by aged care and NDIS patients stuck in public hospitals across NSW.
Building contractor, Icon has been awarded the contract following a competitive tender process and work is set to
Bbegin in the coming weeks. The 30 new beds will be added across existing wards within expansion zones at Blacktown Hospital.
Blacktown’s Emergency Department sees more than 64,000 patients each year, with emergency (triage category 2) patient presentations having doubled since 2015.
The bed expansion project at Blacktown Hospital will include new patient rooms, along with expanded clinical and non-clinical support service spaces. Construction will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption, with hospital services remaining operational throughout the redevelopment.
A planning application was also
DAISY to help residents with
LACKTOWN City Council has launched DAISY, a new digital planning assistant designed to help residents better understand planning requirements and prepare residential development applications. DAISY, which stands for Development Application Information System, is
an artificial intelligence-powered tool available through Council’s website. It provides 24-hour access to general planning information and guidance to support people at the early stages of the development application process. More than 80 per cent of development applications received by
lodged in late 2025 for additional beds at Mount Druitt Hospital. This project will increase medical and surgical capacity.
The Government is investing in more staff, more hospitals and more beds with $1.3BB of additional funding in the 2025-26 budget to support the delivery of health facilities and services across Western Sydney.
The additional beds for Blacktown Hospital come at a time when NSW grapples with a sharp increase in the number of patients unable to be safely discharged because they are waiting to access a Commonwealth aged care or National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) placement.
At Blacktown Hospital, this number almost tripled in the year to October 2025, from 7 to 18 patients.
The NSW Government is working constructively with the Commonwealth Government to settle a new National Health Reform Agreement to help address these challenges.
lodging DAs
Council come from individual residents seeking to build a new home, renovate or extend an existing property, or subdivide for dual occupancy. DAISY is available now on Blacktown City Council’s website.
Blacktown Council MP Stephen Bali at the announcement.
Free walk-in mental health support
FREE, walk-in support for people in distress will continue in the heart of Blacktown. Safe Space
Blacktown, a free after-hours mental health and emotional support service operated by Stride, has relocated to a new, more central location at 4 Grafton Street, Blacktown.
The former Safe Space site at 24 Panorama Parade, Blacktown has now closed, with the team relocating to the new Grafton Street site.
With Blacktown experiencing significant and rapid population growth, outpacing both NSW and Greater Sydney, the local community needs services that can adequately support them.
The move is designed to bring the service close to Blacktown Hospital, public transport and other health services, while providing easier access and plenty of parking for guests and their supporters.
Safe Space Blacktown is available to all people aged 16 and over who can freely visit if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, mental health concerns, isolation or loneliness and are seeking connection and support.
It’s a free, walk-in alternative to presenting at the
hospital emergency department, with no referral and no appointment needed.
“We understand how daunting it can be to reach out for help, especially when you're in distress.” said Renae Puckeridge, Service Manager at Safe Space Blacktown. ‘
“We also recognise that an emergency room may not always feel like the right place to find comfort
Tand understanding. Sometimes, what we truly need is someone who listens, an understanding presence to help us work through our thoughts and feelings, someone who truly gets it. Our dedicated team is here to support you through this journey.”
The new site will continue to support people in distress as well as family members, friends and carers seeking information and advice. The space and supports have been designed in partnership with people who have lived through tough times themselves and understand what does and doesn’t work when things feel overwhelming.
Safe Space Blacktown is operated by Stride, one of Australia’s longest-established mental health charities and is proudly funded by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.
For those seeking support, Safe Space Blacktown is open Wednesday to Saturday from 3-9pm, with no referral or appointment needed. People can walk in during opening hours, call ahead if they prefer to speak to someone first (02 9129 8785), or email the team for more information (blacktown. safespace@stride.com.au).
Naming, shaming property rule breakers
HE NSW Government has launched a powerful new tool allowing homeowners, purchasers and renters to check the track record of property agents before they sign on the dotted line. The new ‘Name and Shame’ List run by NSW Fair Trading publishes enforcement actions such as fines, licence suspensions and cancellations against
real estate agents, property managers and strata managing agents in one easy-to-search place. It is the latest in a range of tools and reforms the Government is pursuing to give consumers clarity and confidence when choosing a real estate agent, and to hold licence holders accountable for serious or repeated breaches of the law. To ensure NSW con-
sumers have access to up-to-date information in one place, the List also includes public warnings issued to protect consumers from high-risk traders, enforceable undertakings and prosecution outcomes. Visit: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/fair-trading/how-we-regulate/name-and-shameregister
Business for sale
Expressions of interest are invited for the purchase of E a s y
business based in Lithgow but serving the region Blue Mountains to Bathurst, Oberon to Rylstone.
The owner of the business wishes to retire but will offer training and advice to the successful purchaser.
Financial statements are available on request after the signing of a confidentiality agreement.
The existing staff are very capable and experienced in the trade.
The business is offered with its premises 52 Enfield Avenue, Lithgow, or on its own, with a lease on the property if required.
The fleet of three vehicles is offered with the sale of the business.
Easyview Blinds is offered for sale as a going concern. This business will suit a handyman or trades person with interpersonal skills.
In the first instance please contact the owner, George Auld o n 0 4 1 8 4 1 8 8 2 1 o
appointment 02 6351 2518.
Safe Place provides a relaxed and comfortable environment.
Blacktown leads toll refunds
TOLL rebates offered by the State Government as part of their 2023 election promises resulted in Blacktown Local Government Area (LGA) receiving the highest refund in the State with 26,071 claims being processed amounting to over $19.5M, or an average amount of $382 refund per claimant.
The $60 per week toll cap was to expire by 31 December 2025 but Premier Chris Minns believed that the toll rebate scheme had to continue due to the unfairness of the tolling system and cost of living pressures on Western Sydney residents.
Stephen Bali MP, Member for Blacktown, said he “was proud to be part of a Minns Labor Government that is bring back fairness into the tolling system.”
“The burden of road user charges disproportionately fell on Western Sydney residents whilst north shore residents were effectively subsidised by everyone else.”
The suburb of Blacktown ranked
first in the State seeing 5,648 claims paid amounting to over $2.27M, or an average of $402 per claim.
The cap was first introduced in January 2024 as a temporary measure and was a major election commitment of the
Rthen- Labor Opposition. The program has since returned more than $211.4 million to the pockets of drivers across the State, particularly in Western Sydney. Marsden Park was second highest in the LGA seeing 3,807 claims paid totalling over $1.72M, or an average of $453 per claim.
Quakers Hill ranked third in the LGA with 3,739 claims totalling $1.4M savings, an average of $377 per claim followed by Glenwood with 2,502 claims totalling $904,600, an average of $362 per claim.
The NSW Government will introduce two-way tolling on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel from late 2028 to fund the toll cap indefinitely.
This brings those toll roads in line with all others across Sydney ensuring commuters from Western Sydney are not unfairly burdened by tolls.
Motorists are encouraged to sign up for the toll cap on the Service NSW website: www.service. nsw.gov.au/transaction/claim-the-toll-relief-cap
Changed traffic conditions in February
OAD users are advised of changed traffic conditions on The Driftway, between Blacktown Road and Londonderry Road. Night work will take place at: Londonderry Road intersection from Sunday 22 February to Thursday 26 March 2026, weather permitting and Blacktown Road
intersection from Sunday 1 March to Thursday 19 March 2026, weather permitting. Night shift hours are 7pm to 5am, Sunday to Thursday. Other work activities will continue during standard work hours. The standard work hours are 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm,
Saturdays. There will be temporary traffic changes including lane closures and 40km/h to 60km/h reduced speed limits as required within work areas. For the latest traffic updates across the network download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic. com or call 132 701.
Authorised by Chris Bowen MP, ALP, Fairfield West
O V E R 6 0 0 0 S T U D E N T S
2 0 & 2 1 M A Y P E N R I T H V A L L E Y
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9 A M - 2 P M
B O T H D A Y S
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Offering Exhibitors the opportunity to speak with thousands of GWS High School students and Careers Advisers as students explore career and further education options available to them through Universities, Registered Training Organisations, Apprenticeship Centre’s, Group Training Organisations, Private Colleges, Professional Associations and Employers.
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PARRAMATTA & HILLS DISTRICT
Tuesday 28 July
3pm to 7pm
Wenty Leagues
Wentworthville
SUTHERLAND SHIRE
Tuesday 1 September
3pm to 7pm
Tradies Gymea Gymea
CENTRAL COAST
Tuesday 11 August 3pm to 7pm
Mingara Recreation Club Tumbi Umbi
WESTERN SYDNEY
Tuesday 8 September 3pm to 7pm
NEWCASTLE & HUNTER
Tuesday 18 August 3pm to 7pm To be advised
Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre
Cambridge Park
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
SOUTH WESTERN SYDNEY & MACARTHUR
Tuesday 25 August 3pm to 7pm Liverpool Catholic Club Prestons
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MAJOR
Legends reminiscing at Bowman Hall
LLABOR heroes recently returned to Bowman Hall Blacktown; to reminisce the nation changing speeches delivered by the then Labor Leader, Gough Whitlam, including the campaign launch of the 1972 It’s Time
The 1972 Whitlam speech and campaign event at Bowman Hall is widely regarded as a significant speech that changed the direction of Australia.
Gough Whitlam said in his 1972 election campaign speech, that this will be “a choice between the past and the future, between the habits and fears of the past, and the demands and opportunities of the future.”
Mr Whitlam put forward a comprehensive agenda abolishing university fees; introducing universal health insurance; raising basic pension to 25% of average wage; introducing pre-school education; introducing Aboriginal Land
ARights legislation; free dental care for school children; increasing annual leave to 4 weeks; improving women’s rights; ending white Australia policy; major changes to international relations; and many other policy announcements.
Gough Whitlam made six significant speeches at Bowman Hall including 1967
half senate election launch; 1970 cost of living speech; 1972 and 1974 federal election campaign launches; and the 1976 Labor’s economic.
Frank Mossfield AM (Greenway Federal MP 1996-2007) was there with his oldest son Tony. They remember the positive energy in room and young people were full of hope for future opportunities.
Mr Mossfield said: “This was a very exciting time as Labor was supporting major infrastructure development across Western Sydney.”
Leo McLeay (Federal MP 1979-2004 and Speaker 1989-1993) vividly remembers the night because of its hope and commitment to the people of Western Sydney and emerging migrant communities.
John Brown AO (Federal Member for Parramatta 1977-1990 and Minister for
Sport, Recreation and Tourism) recalled that the Hall was jampacked with over 1,000 people crammed in yet silence when Whitlam spoke with spontaneous cheering and applause with the major policy announcements.
Gerry Ambroisine a Labor party stalwart and his wife Eliane attended what he described as euphoric launch campaign. “Walking around Bowman Hall today is like stepping back in time and I have chills running up my spine thinking of the history that was created here for our nation.”
All four were universal in their support for Bowman Hall to be historically listed. Bowman Hall has been a multicultural gathering place for over 60 years. The historical significance to the nation, must be recognised and every attempt ought to be made to preserve the building. Its history means a lot to Australia.
Has the ghost of Labor’s past returned?
N uncanny parallel is unfolding at Blacktown Council with the current Labor councillors seemingly suffering similar problems as their 1974 predecessors.
52 years ago, a botched property deal resulted in Council receiving significantly less money than anticipated plus a failed special council rate increase that resulted in Labor Aldermen voting against their mayor and local party members resigning.
Blacktown Advocate reported on its front page of 21 August 1974 that the Equity Court ruled Council must sell its property in McCoy Street, Seven Hills for the agreed sum of $5,000 even though it was said to be worth $74,450 at the time of the decision.
Council attempted to rescind the contract due to the failed valuation process under the direction of the mayor and administered by the Town Clerk (today he would be known as the Chief Executive Officer, CEO).
The Blacktown Advocate reported that “the matter was also the subject of a dramatic split in the ranks of Labor aldermen on council when five members
of the Labor Party, supported by four Independents, carried a motion directing the mayor, Ald P. R. Stone to resign his office because of the implications of the McCoy Street land sale.”
Labor party member and then SES controller Mr. M Towner resigned from the party and contested the 1974 council elections as an Independent.
Mr Towner claimed that Labor aldermen suffered under the Labor Administration and they couldn’t speak out until McCoy Street issue resulted in five Labor aldermen demanding their own Labor mayor to resign.
This resulted in Labor Alderman Laurence Doolan filling charges against his colleagues which was not supported by the ALP Head Office as “no action, no publicity” was deemed the best course of action.
Mr Towner said: “They [Labor Aldermen] put their consciences and the council and the community before their party loyalties.”
Blacktown Advocate page 1 story on 4 September 1974 was Finances Show Alarming Drift, $585,000 deficit forecast with Independent Alderman George
Nicolaidis claiming the only way to salvage Council’s finances was either to increase 1975 rates or decrease its works program.
1974 also had the Labor Council reeling from a decision by The Land and Valuation Court to invalidate its special rate increase on the commercial area of Blacktown to construct a 10-story Colo Lane Carpark.
Civic property sales; failed special council rate increases; financial crisis; and funding problems with new council buildings; and chaos in Labor ranks seem to have returned some 50 years later.
Fast forward to 2025, two senior Labor councillors, Cr Carol Israel and Cr Bob Fitzgerald have resigned from the party and will continue to serve as Independent councillors.
Controversies have emerged as to what was the real return, if any, over the sale and lease back of Blacktown Civic Centre and surrounding CBD lands. Some councillors are claiming that the originally anticipated value of approximately $100M has become a net loss.
Council also reported in 2023 that the new civic centre was to cost approximately $150M but by 2025 was reported that the funding proposal was $605M.
Council proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) was defeated at the 26 November 2025 council meeting, only to be resurrected by the mayor notifying on Friday 12th December 2025, for an extraordinary council meeting to be held on Monday evening, 15th December.
One Liberal councillor was away on holidays and another where Council was having IT issues to connect him to the meeting.
The current six remaining Labor councillors is the lowest number of Labor councillors on Blacktown Council since 1974 and should be concerned if the current mess is not sorted out soon.
Celebrate Lunar New Year and Ramadan
BRAD BUNTING
ONE of the things I love about our multicultural community is there is always another celebration coming up.
Only recently we were celebrating Diwali, then Christmas, and now Lunar New Year and Ramadan are upon us. In the zodiac calendar, 2026 is the Year of the Horse.
Council will mark the occasion with its Lunar New Year Celebrations and fireworks at Nurragingy Reserve on 20 February. I hope to see you there.
I am also looking forward to marking the holy month of Ramadan.
I have learned much about Ramadan and Eid from our local Muslim leaders and hope to continuing doing so.
A Sydney Metro that better serves Blacktown City
I recently attended a Business Western Sydney meeting where Transport Minister the Hon John Graham was guest speaker.
I was encouraged to hear the Minister confirm the business case for a Sydney Metro - Western Sydney
Airport extension, connecting St Marys and Tallawong, was due in 2026.
I have long championed that not only would this extension give our 450,000 people better access to the economic opportunities of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, it would transform Tallawong from a terminus to a through-connection and distribute demand on roads more evenly.
I hope the business case can be finalised soon and look forward to the results.
Helping people
of all abilities be active
I am pleased to let you know of a new Council initiative to give people with disability more opportunities to participate in sport.
Sport4All is a program funded by the federal government and promotes inclusive sporting groups in the community and at schools.
As part of the program, Council will work with an inclusion coach to help our sports clubs and schools provide inclusive sporting environments. This will increase the opportunities for people with disability to participate in playing and non-playing roles, such as volunteering, coaching and administration.
I am keen to see the difference it makes. If you would like to know more, please call Council on 5300 6000 and ask for the Community Development team.
Brad Bunting is Mayor of Blacktown City.
(Left to right) Frank Mossfield, John Brown, Leo McLeay and Gerry Ambroisine recently looked around Bowman and the steps that Gough Whitlam walked up on stage.
2026 BLACKTOWN LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS Time to nominate your favourite
THE time is fast approaching to show your appreciation for local businesses in the Blacktown community.
The people who kickstart your day with a smile and a coffee, the people who offer a listening ear while they do your hair and nails, the people you call when your car needs servicing or your script needs filling, and the places that offer your favourite dine-in and takeout options.
Now is your chance to recognise your favourite business, thank them for their services, and give back to your community.
Nominations for the 2026 Blacktown City Local Business Awards oipoen on February 16, 2026 and close on March 17, 2026, with winners being announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on May 19 at Blacktown Workers Club.
From the hundreds of nominations already received, it is clear that businesses in Blackltown have many loyal and happy customers who appreciate their efforts.
Managing Director of Precedent Productions and Awards Founder Steve Loe said: “The Blacktown com-
munity is always an enthusiastic supporter of the awards, which shows not only the high calibre of the businesses in this area, but the strong community spirit of those who live and work in Blacktown City.”
Mr Loe would like to thank this year’s Presenting Partner: Commonwealth Bank, Major Partners: Blacktown City Council, NOVA Employment, Blacktown Workers Club, and Westpoint, and Support Partners:
Seven Hills Plaza, Bx Networking, Greater Blacktown Business Chamber, North West Business Chamber, White Key Marketing, and Kings Langley Shopping Centre who have thrown their support behind the local business community and the Blacktown City awards program.
He also thanks the Blacktown City Media Partner, the Blacktown News, who will provide weekly updates on the Awards program and run a special
Finalists Feature and Winners Feature.
Mr Loe encourages anyone who hasn’t already nominated a business, to jump online, search for your favourite business or a business you feel deserves recognition and place your vote.
To vote for your favourite business, or for further information on the Blacktown City Local Business Awards, head to www. thebusinessawards.com.au
Last year’s winners
Winners form 2025.
Local barber embraces technology
TAPERED The Barbershop has continued to raise the bar for customer service in Western Sydney with the success of its dedicated booking app, now approaching its first year in operation.
Built through the Barberly platform, the app was introduced to give clients a more premium and convenient way to book their appointments, without the need to constantly call the shop.
“We wanted to create something that made life easier for both our clients
and our team,” said Burak “Baz” Tastan, Owner of Tapered The Barbershop.
“The app allows customers to book ahead automatically, choose their preferred barber, select the type of haircut they want, and pick the day and time that suits them. It takes the guesswork out of the process.”
Since launching, the app has proven successful in attracting new clients while also providing reassurance for existing customers and staff.
“It gives customers confidence
knowing their spot is locked in, and it helps our barbers manage their time better,” Baz said. “It’s created a smoother experience for everyone.”
The digital platform reflects Tapered’s commitment to combining traditional barbering values with modern convenience, ensuring clients receive high-quality service in a relaxed, professional environment.
Looking ahead, Tapered plans to continue expanding the app’s capabilities, with future updates expected to
include online purchasing for hair and skincare products, branded merchandise, and additional services.
“This is just the beginning,” Baz said. “We’re always looking for ways to improve and offer more value to our community.”
With a strong local following and a reputation for excellence, Tapered The Barbershop continues to set the standard for customer-focused innovation in the region.
At Winning Smiles Dental Surgery, we are quali ed to handle all aspects of your care, so you are always surrounded by people that you trust. If we must refer out, we promise to send you to carefully vetted colleagues who apply the same professional principles in their o ce that we do in ours. Please check our 5 stars reviews why our patients loves us. From the front o ce to the exam room, our practice is made up of professionals who take your oral health very seriously. Using state-of-the art equipment designed with safety and e ciency in mind, we are able to o er top-notch care. As you walk through our o ce, you will notice that everything is clean, comfortable and thoroughly sterilized. Your safety and comfort are our priority.
We respect and understand that many patients experience dental anxiety. At our o ce, we do everything we can to make sure that your experience is as enjoyable as possible. By communicating clearly what you can expect during your treatment, we are often able to alleviate dental fear. We encourage you to bring headphones and music to listen to during your treatment and ask us about dental sedation options.
Newsbytes
money education should start early
FINANCIAL literacy is a vital but often overlooked life skill that shapes long-term decision-making. An RMIT expert says money education should begin in childhood using simple tools like pocket money and jars to teach saving and spending. Teenagers
Tougher rules for overseas drivers
THE NSW. Government has tightened overseas licence conversion rules to improve road safety and close long-standing loopholes. From 1 February 2026, drivers and riders aged 25 and over from additional “List B” countries must now pass both knowledge and driving tests to obtain a NSW licence. Under-25 rules remain unchanged. Service NSW is boosting testing capacity with hundreds of extra weekend slots, encouraging applicants to plan ahead and check online availability.
grants available for health students
NSW health students in medicine, nursing, midwifery, dentistry, Aboriginal health and allied health can apply for up to
benefit from bank accounts, budgeting and understanding credit, while young adults should learn about superannuation and compound growth early. Financial education builds responsibility, confidence and stronger life choices, not just better money management.
$12,000 through the NSW Government’s Tertiary Health Study Subsidies Program. Applications opened 28 January 2026, supporting up to 4,000 students. Subsidies provide $4,000 annually for three years, with $8,000 one-off payments for graduates who join NSW Health and commit to five years’ service. The $121.9M program aims to strengthen the future health workforce and assist with study-related costs.
research challenges aspirin value
NEW Monash University research has found that daily low-dose aspirin does not reduce overall cancer incidence in healthy adults aged 70 and over and may increase cancer-related mortality by about 15 per cent. The study followed more than 19,000 Australian and US
participants from the ASPREE trial and extension study over 8.6 years. While earlier research suggested cancer prevention benefits in middle age, findings indicate starting aspirin in older age is not recommended without medical advice.
HIa backs negative hearing stability
THE Housing Industry Association is urging the Australian Government to rule out changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax in the upcoming tax review, warning that tax instability will reduce new home construction and worsen housing shortages. HIA argues housing is already heavily taxed and investors fund over 40 per cent of new builds. It says discouraging investment will cut supply, not prices, and calls for stable tax settings to support construction and improve longterm housing affordability.
most popular baby names in NSW
NOAH and Charlotte are again NSW’s most popular baby names for 2025, topping preliminary rankings for the third time in four years. More than 82,000 births have been registered, with Oliver and Amelia remaining strong favourites, while Theodore, Hazel, Levi and Sienna rise in popularity. Classic names continue to dominate alongside emerging trends. Parents must register births within 60 days through Service NSW to establish a child’s legal identity and access government services.
Warning over prescribing medicine
THE Australian Medical Association opposes plans to let optometrists prescribe oral medicines, warning it risks patient safety due to limited medical training and
potential medication errors. The AMA argues expanding prescribing rights to address workforce shortages could fragment care and blur accountability for overall treatment. It supports collaborative, medically led models with tightly defined scopes instead. The association says prescribing oral drugs should remain the responsibility of fully trained medical practitioners to maintain healthcare quality and safety.
real data on palliative care timing
PALLIATIVE Care Australia has welcomed new AIHW data showing most Australians aged 65 and over first receive specialist palliative care only 12 days before death, far later than the recommended 90 days. The findings highlight missed opportunities for better symptom control, planning and family support, particularly for residents in aged care facilities who are least likely to access services. With Australia’s ageing population growing, PCA warns demand will rise and earlier, broader access to palliative care is urgently needed.
Hospital funds won’t fix the delays
THE Australian Medical Association has welcomed a new public hospital funding agreement and an additional $25B in federal funding but warns it will not reverse declining hospital performance without deeper reform. AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said extra funding is overdue yet unlikely to meet long-term cost targets or reduce surgery delays and ambulance ramping. The AMA is calling for clearer funding commitments, removal of growth caps, and implementation of expert reform recommendations to genuinely improve hospital capacity and patient outcomes.
Telling stories, celebrating success, inspiring all WISB is about progress. The stories that stem from the rich ecosystem of women growing in and succeeding in businesses across all sectors and all levels.
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with Michelle Rowland
DELIVERING QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE Medicare clinic at Rouse Hill
AGE LIMITS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCESS Keeping our kids safe online
MICHELLE ROWLAND
MICHELLLE ROWLAND
AEVERY Australian child deserves the opportunity to grow up safe, whether at home, school, or online.
CCESS to quality, affordable health care close to home is not a luxury, it is essential.
I know this matters deeply to families across North West Sydney, which is why I am proud that my promise to deliver a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is now a reality.
Social media has become a normal part of life. While it can connect us with family and friends, educate, and entertain, it can also cause tremendous harm.
Almost two-thirds of 14-to-17-yearold Australians have viewed extremely harmful content online, including drug abuse, suicide self-harm, and violent material.
Open now at Rouse Hill Town Centre, the clinic is already making health care easier, faster and more affordable for locals. Located at Level 1, 10-14 Market Lane, it is open extended hours, seven days a week, and is fully bulk billed. No appointment is needed - you can simply walk in with your Medicare card and receive care, free of charge.
As a parent myself, I know just how hard it can be to raise children in the digital age.
The clinic can treat a wide range of urgent but non-life-threatening conditions and injuries, so families have somewhere to turn when something can’t wait for a GP appointment but doesn’t require a visit to a hospital emergency department.
This forms part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to strengthening Medicare and our health care system.
I share the concerns of so many in our community about the amount of time our children are glued to their screens, and the harmful content they could be exposed to.
That’s why, from 10 December this year, social media platforms will be required to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account.
It joins an existing network of 24 Urgent Care Clinics across NSW – including at Westmead and Rooty Hill. Medicare Urgent Care Clinics have already delivered care to more than 2.2 million Australians, and I am pleased that our community can now benefit from this vital service.
This will give young people time to build real-world connections and digital literacy before joining global platforms.
Additionally, our Government is making the single largest investment in Medicare since Labor created it more than 40 years ago. This $8.5B investment is delivering more bulk billed GP
The Albanese Government is
committed to ensuring children have a childhood. I was proud last year, as the then Minister for Communications, to introduce legislation establishing our world-leading minimum age limits for social media.
appointments, helping clinics, including here in Greenway, move to fully bulk billing.
We are also helping families save on medicines, with PBS scripts now capped at $25, or $7.70 for concession cardholders, and 60-day prescriptions allowing many people to get twice the medication on one script.
Importantly, these age limits put the onus on social media platforms, not parents or young people, to take reasonable steps to ensure users are 16 years or older.
This is about protecting children, not isolating or punishing them. Under 16s will still be able to access messaging services, online gaming, professional networking and development services that are used for the primary purpose of education and health support.
Many locals have already visited the Rouse Hill clinic, and I encourage anyone with feedback to get in touch with my office. I also want to thank everyone who supported the community campaign
Helpline and Headspace are also readily
These age limits will help make this a reality and ensure that social media is sioner
to secure this clinic.
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au
I will continue fighting to ensure our community gets the health care services we need, including working with the NSW Government to see construction begin on the new Rouse Hill Hospital.
In the lead-up to these world-rst changes next month, I encourage parents to have a conversation with your children.
Michelle Rowland MP is the Federal Member for Greenway and Attorney-General of Australia. If you need assistance with any Federal issue, you can contact Michelle by phone on 02 9671 4780 or by email at Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au
• Headspace: 1800 650 890 or www. eheadspace.org.au Michelle Rowland MP is the Federal Member for Greenway and Attorney-General of Australia. If you need assistance with any Federal issue, you can contact Michelle by phone on 02 9671 4780 or by email at Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au
WHY YOUR TIMELINE IS STILL PERFECT Not behind but right on time
KYLIE KING
SOMEWHERE between January
goals and February reality, quite a few women start quietly wondering if they’re already behind.
Behind in their business. | Behind on their income. | Behind on their confidence. | Behind on some invisible timeline that feels like everyone else is somehow keeping up with.
It’s subtle. It creeps in when you’re scrolling social media and see someone announce a new launch, a sold-out program, a big milestone, or a “best year ever” post. And suddenly, without even realising it, you start questioning your own journey.
Should I be further along by now?
Should I have achieved more?
Am I doing this wrong?
Here’s what I want you to hear: you are not behind.
There is no universal timeline for success. There is no age you’re meant to hit certain milestones. No deadline for starting over, changing direction, or finally backing yourself. The only timeline that exists is your own and its shaped by your experiences, your responsibilities, your challenges, your growth, and your courage.
In the ALIBI community, I see
women at every stage of the journey. Some are just starting out, full of ideas and uncertainty. Others are years into business, quietly reinventing themselves after burnout, motherhood, career changes, or life throwing a few unexpected curveballs. And every single one of them is exactly where they’re meant to be.
We’re so conditioned to measure ourselves against other people’s highlight reels. But what we don’t see are the years of learning, the setbacks, the self-doubt,
the late nights, the “I nearly gave up” moments behind those glossy posts. We compare our behind-the-scenes to someone else’s polished outcome and then wonder why we feel like we’re failing.
So let me share the truth with yougrowth isn’t linear.
It’s messy. It loops. It pauses. It speeds up. It slows down. Sometimes it looks like big leaps forward, and sometimes it looks like resting, reflecting, or rebuilding from scratch. All of it counts. All of it is part of the process.
February is actually a powerful month because the noise starts to fade. The hype of the new year settles, and we’re left with something more honest. It shows us where we really are, what we actually want, and what we’re ready for now. Not what we should want. Not what everyone else is doing. Just what feels true for us.
So, if you’re reading this and feeling like you’re behind, let me gently remind you: you’re not late. You’re not off track. You’re not failing. You’re evolving. You’re learning. You’re building something in your own time, in your own way.
And that’s not a weakness. It’s your superpower!
Your timeline doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s to be valid. It just needs to feel aligned with who you are becoming. And if you’re still showing up, still trying, still dreaming, still growing then you are exactly where you need to be.
Not behind but right on time.
Kylie King is a hypnotherapist, business and mindset mentor, and the founder of the ALIBI Awards, a national business awards program that celebrates women doing business their way. She believes every chapter of your journey deserves to be honoured. especially the ones that required the most courage.
Visit: www.alibiawards.com.au
SEND HELP - REVIEW
PART cringey workplace drama, part Cast Away, part rom-com and part gory horror, Send Help mixes genres while keeping everything fun, lighthearted and engaging
BY JACOB RICHARDSON
LINDA Liddle (Rachel McAdams) is a put upon officeworker, distraught when her new boss - Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien), son of the former company owner who promised her a promotion - overlooks her, buddying up with one of her office foes.
But on a trip to Bangkok in the company jet, turbulence strikes, and Linda finds herself stranded on an island when their plane crashes. The only other survivor? Her asshole new boss.
Sam Raimi’s Send Help has its fair share of tropes and low-budget horror fare vibes. The early office sequences are close in and seem fairly ‘affordable’, shall we say. The CGI on the trailer-revealed plane crash isn’t great. And even a couple of squeamish later effects bely a somewhat lower cost than a great name like that should be able to conjure.
But at its whole, this is a film that plays on a great script and wonderful lead performances, along with a
wonderful central conceit. Trapped on an island, stranded, with your brutal boss at your mercy. It’s enough to make anyone go mad.
Rachel McAdams is wonderful as the pitiable but also crazy, survivalist, and ultimately bloodthirsty put upon employee, and Dylan O’Brien does well as the smarmy asshole of a boss. O’Brien and McAdams both have moments to shine, although perhaps none moreso
than a particular scene with a scalding hot knife, a neurotoxin, and what seems to be a horrid mutilation.
Raimi makes you squirm just as much in the banal office sequences as he does in the brutal island sequences. You’ll find yourself recoiling as much at an obtrusive bit of tuna fish around Linda’s lips as you will from a finger in her eye socket.
And indeed, this is a film that
trades on that squeamish feeling, because this is never really truly scary. Sure, the final sequence with some wonderful work from the makeup department on McAdams looks like something out of a horror movie, but for the most part what makes this movie so tense and horrifying is the idyllic setting, and the deeply unsettling play on power imbalances.
So, while it never truly scares, you’ll find yourself cringing in disgust, pity or awe for a decent chunk of this film’s runtime.
Ultimately, what should be said about Send Help is that it is fun. This is a movie that never takes itself too seriously. The craft is solid, the script and performances excellent, and Raimi brings a sense of joy to the work that makes it a pleasure to watch.
You can imagine this being a hit for a date, or for a catch up with some friends at the cinema - with plenty of moments to discuss over dinner afterwards.
Send Help needs no help to be a gory, funny and joyous time in the theatre. Four STARS.
IF teenagers had their way, school would never start before 10am.
And it turns out, neuroscience says they might be onto something.
As The King’s School in Parramatta continues into 2026 with staggered lesson times as part of its ‘Extended Day’ model, CQUniversity educational neuroscience expert Professor Ken Purnell says the approach reflects how teenage brains actually function.
By shifting the most demanding lessons to later in the day, he says schools can support more sleep, lower stress and stronger learning outcomes, simply by teaching when students are more alert and ready to learn.
“During puberty, the adolescent brain is biologically programmed to run late,” Professor Purnell said.
“Melatonin – the hormone that helps us fall asleep – is released later at night. Asking teenagers to do deep thinking at 8am is like scheduling an exam at midnight for an adult,” he explained.
Large-scale international studies consistently show that delaying school start times by as little as 30 to 60 minutes can result in up to an extra hour of sleep per night. Over a school week, that adds up fast.
“More sleep isn’t just about feeling less grumpy in the morning,” Professor Purnell said.
“We see improvements in mood, attention, emotional regulation and even reductions in anxiety, depression and absenteeism.”
Importantly, later starts don’t mean less learning – just smarter timing.
“When demanding academic work happens later in the day, students are neurologically better prepared to engage,” he said. “You get better focus without having to push students harder.”
Professor Purnell said models like The King’s School’s Extended Day approach go further than simply ringing the first bell later.
“This is about redesigning when and how learning happens, not just shifting it,” he said.
“By spreading learning across the day and week, including structured study time in the afternoons or evenings, schools can reduce late-night homework and protect sleep.”
Neuroscience research shows attention runs in ultradian cycles of about 90 to 120 minutes, with natural dips in focus.
“When timetables ignore those rhythms, fatigue builds and behaviour suffers,” Professor Purnell said.
“Flexible scheduling allows breaks, study blocks and lessons to align more closely with how the brain actually works.”
Staggered start times and biologically informed timetables are already operating in some Australian schools, showing they are feasible under real-world conditions. While transport and family routines may need adjustment, Professor Purnell believes the trade-off can be worth it.
Money Mavern
with Sheila Cabacungan
START 2026 WITH INTENTION Money and the future-you plan
SHEILA CABACUNGAN
AS we kick off 2026, I’m excited to bring Money Maven to the pages of Blacktown News. I’m Sheila, a Certified Financial Planner, business mentor, community radio broadcaster, raised, educated and thriving here in Sydney’s West.
Each month, I’ll share insights from the Money Maven podcast along with practical steps to help you build confidence in your finances, business and everyday decisions. January’s episodes set a powerful tone for the year ahead: a year driven by intention, identity and small, sustainable actions that make a real difference.
Our theme of the month was simple: Intentions beat resolutions.
Resolutions often crumble by mid-January because they depend on sheer willpower. Intentions, on the other hand, align your decisions with who you want to become.
I invite you to explore the Future-You Concept - the calmer, more confident and financially secure version of yourself.
When you make decisions from that identity rather than pressure or guilt, follow-through becomes easier and far more empowering. Research
consistently shows that women, in particular, build stronger financial confidence when their goals connect to identity rather than obligation.
We also explored the Four Quadrants of Life: Self, Others, Material and Legacy.
This framework helps you understand where your energy is being spent — and where it’s needed most.
Many people across Sydney’s West, especially women, find themselves
over-committed in the Others quadrant while under-investing in their own wellbeing, income potential or financial foundations.
This year, I’m encouraging you to rebalance by strengthening the Self and Material quadrants. When you look after your health, learning, work and money systems, your confidence grows quickly.
Would you consider doing a 30-Day Experiment? A simple way to build habits without overwhelm. You choose one tiny daily action and stick with it for 30 days. It might be a $5 daily transfer into savings, a quick nightly money check-in, or simply noting what you spent that day.
These micro-habits build financial awareness and momentum - two ingredients that matter far more than motivation.
We also unpacked the importance of rest, not just sleep, but the seven types of rest: physical, mental, sensory, emotional, social, creative and spiritual. True rest recharges and restores you, helps you make clearer financial decisions and reduces reactive spending. When you feel restored, you make choices from intention rather than exhaustion.
As we step into February, I want to offer you three simple Money Maven
challenges:
1. Track your spending for the next 28 days — awareness creates clarity.
2. Automate a small daily savings transfer — even $5 builds discipline and identity.
3. Choose one quadrant of your life and run your own 30-Day Experiment. You can also catch up on the first four episodes of the Money Maven Podcast and invest in your financial capability. Each episode includes a curated playlist designed to keep you emotionally connected to the conversation — because money decisions come from both the head and the heart.
Tune in every Sunday night at 6pm on SWR 99.9 FM and connect with me on Facebook and LinkedIn for links, tools and the latest Money Maven episodes. Future-You will thank you for every small step you take.
Sheila Cabacungan is the Principle Financial Planner and owner of Wealth Forum. She is a qualified CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® under the Financial Advice Association of Australia, she is a Self-Managed Super Fund Specialist Adviser under the SMSF Association and she is a Registered Tax (Financial Services) Agent, with over 20 years of experience in helping clients build, protect and manage their money.
Visit: www.wealthforum.com.au
160 TONNES OF SEAFOOD SOLD IN ONE WEEK
World’s best fish market opens
SYDNEY’S iconic new fish market has welcomed more than 230,000 people and traded more than 160 tonnes of seafood through its world-class auction, trading and retail facilities in its first week of operating.
Delivered by the NSW Government, the new Sydney Fish Market is already on track to become one of Australia’s most visited destinations with hundreds of thousands of people visiting since opening last Monday.
The new Sydney Fish Market is expected to welcome over six million visitors a year and deliver a major boost to Sydney’s tourism economy and jobs sector.
As the state's newest landmark and a striking new icon on Sydney Harbour, it is on track to receive global recognition on par with the Sydney Opera House.
This must-see waterfront experience will further secure Sydney’s reputation as a global food and tourism destination.
Seafood lovers, industry and the broader community are now enjoying double the retail space of the old fish market, with the spectacular new building offering 40 food and retail operators, from casual takeaway to premium waterfront restaurants.
The precinct features 6,000 square metres of public domain including a water play art feature, creative installations and a waterfront promenade where locals and visitors are relaxing, eating and connecting.
Additional light rail services will support the new Sydney Fish Market with even more public transport options to follow, including a new ferry wharf, upgrades to Wentworth Park light rail and the upcoming metro at Pyrmont.
The Government has also partnered with Mirvac to revitalise the old fish market site at Blackwattle Bay, where 1,400 new homes will be built, along with 2.6 hectares of public space as well as a new promenade completing the 15-kilometre foreshore walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.
Minister for Lands and Property
Steve Kamper said: “What a success to welcome over 230,000 people through its doors in the first week – a testament to the beautiful building, and the quality and diversity of the retail offering.
“Locals and visitors alike are flocking to the new markets, and these numbers give us great confidence that we will surpass the expected six million visitors in its first year.
“We knew this would be a hit and we expect that these strong numbers will continue and people will be drawn back time and time again to try everything this icon has to offer.”
Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch said: “We are absolutely thrilled with how Sydney has embraced our new Sydney Fish Market. The spectacular response from the community reinforces how important this place is to our city’s culture and identity.
“People are discovering a stunning new building, and a more diverse market experience, with an unparalleled range of seafood, dining and retail options catering for everyone, from those looking for every-day great value to an unforgettable waterfront experience.”
with Emma Wilson
A place that’s a little slice of FiJi
BY TRAVEL EDITOR EMMA WILSON
RECENTLY, I stayed at Adina Chippendale Sydney and was amazed at how it echoed the feel of my many family trips to Fiji over my lifetime with all the tropical feels.
Despite being in the heart of Sydney’s bustling dense inner-city suburbs, the Adina Chippendale property has a wonderful relaxed holiday vibe, with a white painted exterior with apricot tiled hued aspects, decorative cactus themed areas and a spacious tropical courtyard.
The courtyard, full of plants, manicured hedges and a lawn area, was large enough for kids to play in, and you could enjoy lunch or cocktails or relax by the pool all day long in the very private setting on any given day with a good book.
Many of the spacious and modern apartments overlook the courtyard, giving you a perfect view of the activity below and even the lift up to the rooms has tropical decor. You very much feel on holiday once you step on the grounds.
It’s the perfect alternative summer stay to heading overseas during our hot weather weeks and suit days of lazing around the pool with young kids who can be tricky to travel with on long plane trips. It’s an excellent tropical holiday staycation, girls getaway or even a budget friendly trip for a solo parent who wants to skip the international price tag. It’s easy.
The hotel’s gymnasium adjacent to the entry of the courtyard has free weights, running machines and cardio equipment to keep the motivation going on holiday (I wish). For kids daytime activities, nearby Broadway
Shopping Centre has a cinema, which is great for catching family-friendly movies. Paddy’s Markets is fantastic for exploring and picking up fun, unique items. There are a few local parks and green spaces, like the nearby Victoria Park, which has playgrounds and open areas for kids to run around.
Art and Great Food
The neighborhood is mostly gentrified, creative and University-influenced hub of cafes, boutiques, specialty stores, historical pubs and galleries. It is conveniently located, close to Central Station,
Surrey Hills and Ultimo and not far from Newtown. We took an easy 10-minute stroll from the Adina Chippendale to the White Rabbit Gallery, a fascinating three-story private art space with a strong focus on Oriental art. Afterwards we wandered over to Spice Alley, which, as the name suggests, is a cool alleyway dedicated to delicious Asian food and you can find it all there, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese. The decor is bright and fun, with festive lanterns setting the scene for an intimate Asian foodie experience like nothing else in Sydney.
If you don’t like Asian food, there are plenty of other options and the fun part of this being a historic industrial part of Sydney are the lovely heritage buildings repurposed while retaining their charm. The Old Rum Store is now a three storey food emporium, giving plenty of choice between French, Sicilian, Modern Australian and Contemporary Korean. We ate delicious French food after a visit to The Old Clare’s Rooftop Bar with a bar-hop in an Uber 5 minutes down the road to vibrant Newtown.
Starting early in the afternoon, as is our habit when we are not with our children, everything we experienced was close enough to the Adina Chippendale to be back in time to watch a movie in bed. The bed is SO comfy! Seriously.
Breakfast the next day was a delicious and generous sized bruschetta overflowing with tomatoes for me and a breakfast burger for my husband.
If we were holidaying here with our children, many of the 42 rooms come equipped with fully functional kitchenettes, the kids can relax and eat in and continue enjoying their holiday as kids love to do, eating breakfast in front of cartoons in the comfort of this lovely modern hotel room.
This hotel would be a very cool location to book out for a wedding in the courtyard or if the wedding is taking place in Sydney.
Adina Chippendale’s lead in rates are from $289/night and from $339/night for a one bedder. There is also an opportunity for membership into TFE Hotels’ eClub. Members can unlock special deals as eClub members and enjoy special rates every time you book directly through the website. (Blackout dates apply). Find this hotel at 74-80 Ivy Street Chippendale Sydney.
This modest yet delicious little inner city cafe is right next door to the Adina hotel.
PAMELA GREEN & THE DOONSIDE SETTLEMENT True pioneer of women’s rights
BY BLACKTOWN NEWS HISTORY EDITOR, LES TOD
PAMELA Thayer Green was a pioneer for women’s rights and the arts and crafts movement.
Born in England in 1896, she worked as part of the Women’s Land Army during World War 1. She migrated to Australia in 1924 and won awards for her pottery in Adelaide, some of which was exhibited in Birk’s Department Store.
She quickly mastered the art of sculpting Australian animals, including kookaburras, wallabies, kangaroos and magpies; it was said that “soft subtlety of tone was captured in Pam’s clay modellings and there were fine specimens in both fields of art.” It was also stated that “Miss Green has a fine sense of colour as well as of design”.
In 1931 she moved to Sydney and joined the United Associations of Women, a group active in political movements. One of their objectives was to help unemployed single women settle on the land and learn farming. Jessie Street of the UAW headed the meetings with the Department of Lands and eventually the State Government reluctantly agreed, nominating the Doonside Estate.
There were many who openly stated that women could not learn to farm the land, and the experiment would fail. The women were to pay a nominal rent of one shilling per month, with the right to later purchase.
It was a very hard life for Pam and the sixteen women who took up allotments off Bungarribee Road. They had to live in tents or build their own shelters, and trudge to Blacktown for supplies as there was no transport and use a community shower. Water had to be carried by hand to each plot from a nearby creek.
Safety at night was another issue, and many of the women slept with a mattock beside them. One newspaper wrote that the women needed a radio to brighten their lives at night and keep in touch with the world. Sometimes a passing settler would give them a lift into Blacktown to obtain food supplies, or a neighbouring farmer would donate the use of his plough.
Camp with daughter
An elderly woman was in camp with her daughter, waiting for her ten-year-old son to join them, hoping that someone would build a room for him alongside her tent. During the heat of the day, they could only shelter in their tents or under trees.
The land leased and later purchased by Pam was Lot Q, RMB 1022, later known as Lots 286 and 287 Bungarribee Road. According to her will, by the time of her death she owned it outright. It comprised just over three acres, with a 198 foot (60 metres) frontage to Bungarribee Road.
While other women eventually
gave up, Pam persisted. Not only did she establish her farm and eventually a rough house, but a small workshop in which to carry out her pottery.
During World War II Pam joined the local Women’s Land Army, working on a chicken farm. Once the war was over she worked at a weaving mill at Riverstone and later did domestic work at a local school, and returned to her first passion, pottery.
But the women’s group settlement
did not last, and one by one the lots were abandoned and returned to scrub. But not so Pam Green. In 1954 she took a pottery course at Westmead College to improve her techniques and took part in classes at East Sydney Technical College. She also joined Parramatta Art Society.
In later life, she painted a self portrait, which is today in the collection of Blacktown Arts and Crafts Group in Blacktown Showground. She was
a member of a church choir, and together with another chorister, Patricia Parker, they decided to form a Players Group and Musical Society.
The Garribee Art Group was formed in October 1969, when she was 73, due to Pam’s efforts to encourage local Blacktown people to enjoy arts and crafts. She commenced classes for interested adults and children, using her workshop on her property for classes and exhibitions. The group continued for a short time following her death, but eventually had to quit the site and disband.
Estate left to friends
On 4th June 1972, aged 76 years, Pamela Thayer Green passed away at Blacktown Nursing Home. She never married and a friend arranged her funeral and internment in the Church of England Cemetery at Prospect. Her headstone states “In Loving Memory of A Dear Friend Pamela T Green Died 5.6.1972”.
Pam’s estate was left to two close friends. Her land was eventually resumed by the Housing Commission in 1987 and then further subdivided by Landcom.
Blacktown Advocate reported in 1983 that her “historic home crumbles as Council waits …”
There were efforts to have Council acquire the house and workshop for a community centre and craft workshops, and as “the only surviving example of a live-in, make-shift accommodation more significant because it was built by a woman.” Sadly, this did not occur, and the house and workshop were demolished.
Pam is remembered today with a street named after her on what was part of her property.
[Postscript: Pam did not found Blacktown Arts and Crafts Group, as some believe, which was established some years after her death, nor did she leave her estate to Blacktown City Council.]
Portrait of Pamela Green.
Start a conversation with
who
Are you looking for support or worried about someone you care about? Call Medicare Mental Health and we’ll guide you to the right services and supports for your needs. Phone 1800 595 212.
The phone service is free for anyone seeking support and guidance, including family members and carers.
You can call the phone service between 8:30am to 5:00pm weekdays (excl. public holidays).
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