Blacktown News - July 2023

Blacktow N

Prepare for winter storms

Chase on for Blacktown FC

BOLLYWOOD CONNECTION

BLACKTOWN'S very own Dilroop Khangura is starring in a new romantic comedy movie to be screened on Nine Go on July 21. Called ‘Get a Life, Alright!’ the movie was made by an all-female crew under the guidance of leading director Joy Hopwood. It is the third romantic comedy by Joy House Productions, written by

Shamini Singhal and Joy Hopwood. The film champions female friendships and diversity at its finest. Dilroop plays beautiful Bollywood actress Anya Rai who falls for struggling actor Nick Singh when he wins a guest role in a TV series. She acts, sings and dances her way through the biggest role of her young career so far. Full story: page 6.

• important community announcements

• upcoming events

• transformational projects

• school holiday activities

• community award programs

• competitions

• much, much more...

New police for Mt Druitt

HAVE YOUR SAY

ON THE FUTURE OF YOUR AREA!

Blacktown City Council is proud to be supporting the 2023 Australian Liveability Census.

This nation-wide research project will help us understand liveability from our community’s perspective - and see how we are faring compared to the rest of the country.

The Australian Liveability Census is open until 30 June, with all participants having the chance to win one of 50 x $100 vouchers

Have your say and help us understand what matters to you most by visiting www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/liveability

The Story of Anne Frank Exhibition

Until Sunday 9 July 2023

Max Webber Library, corner of Flushcombe Road and Alpha Street, Blacktown

The Anne Frank Travelling Exhibition tells Anne’s story to a new generation and contains seven historical modules enabling visitors to identify with the personal story of Anne Frank.

The exhibition will be open daily during Library operating hours and will bring to life the Anne Frank story.

Large-size pictures show Anne’s happy early childhood in Frankfurt, followed by the immigration to Amsterdam and her time in hiding. It also includes original WW2 artefacts including a yellow Star of David, which Dutch Jews were forced to wear, and a copy of Anne’s diary.

Riverstone Food Markets

Saturday 10 June from 5 pm to 9 pm

Bambridge Lane, Riverstone

Bambridge Lane will come to life with live music by local artists as its hosts some of Sydney’s best food trucks and stalls as well as a dedicated street food and dessert section.

This is a night out that the whole family will enjoy!

Matariki Festival

Saturday 15 July from 9 am to 4 pm

Nurragingy Reserve (Boronia Park), Woodstock Avenue, Doonside

We have teamed up with Maori Wardens Australia to celebrate the first rising of the Pleiades star cluster and the beginning of the new year in the Maori Luna Calendar.

Calling all women and girls! Help us make Blacktown feel safer and more welcoming for everyone

In Blacktown – and across the state – women, girls, and gender diverse people experience our city differently to men. In NSW, 59 percent of women feel unsafe in public spaces after dark. Council is proud to be partnering with Transport for NSW on the Safer Cities: Her Way program, which aims to make public spaces around transport hubs feel safer for everyone, especially women, girls, and gender diverse people.

We want to hear about your experiences moving through our city centres, how they affect your sense of safety and explore ideas to make them feel safer and more welcoming.

Your feedback will help shape pilot projects that aim to improve public spaces for other women, girls, and gender diverse members of our community.

The survey is open until Friday 16 June.

For more information or to complete the survey, visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say

The day will include;

• food and market stalls

• live traditional performances

• live music performances.

We encourage residents of all backgrounds to come along and get involved!

For more information, and to view all of our upcoming events, visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Warning: prepare for winter storms

BLACKTOWN region has been the second hardest hit by wild weather in NSW during autumn according to data just released.

The insurance claims data has resulted in a warning to householders to prepare for winter storms in the next two months.

Nearly half of all home claims in autumn in NSW were caused by severe weather.

NRMA Insurance received more than 8700 claims for wild weather damage to homes and vehicles in NSW in March, April and May.

The latest NRMA Insurance Wild Weather Tracker also reveals the Blacktown LGA was second hardest hit by wild weather in NSW this autumn with nearly 10% of all claims in the state came from the region,

It also accounted for most of the hardest hit suburbs in Sydney.

The local areas most impacted by wild weather this autumn for home and motor claims were:

1. The Ponds 5th hardest hit town or suburb in NSW - and hardest hit in Sydney.

2. Quakers Hill 2nd hardest hit in Sydney.

4.

5.

The Tracker also highlights that residents of Western Sydney are feeling less prepared for wild weather – with the region’s self-assessed wild weather ready

score falling two to 57 /100 – to be the 9th best prepared region in NSW.

In NSW, it is estimated more than 3.8 million NSW residents don’t have a plan for emergencies or wild weather.

In fact, fewer NSW residents took steps to prepare for wild weather and fewer plan to do so.

Just 33% took steps prepare in the past three months – the fewest in over two years of quarterly research. Meanwhile, just 50% plan to prepare this winter – also the lowest on record.

The research follows the launch of the new improved Australian Red Cross Get Prepared app which makes it easy for households to create an all-hazards emergency RediPlan.

The findings are also timely in light of forecasts for a warmer and drier than average winter, leading into a potentially dangerous bushfire season.

The NRMA Insurance Wild Weather Tracker report can be downloaded at:https://www.iag.com.au/newsroom/millions-aussiehouseholds-don’t-have-plan-wild-weather-and-emergencies

Demerit points scrapped

MORE than 1.7 million drivers will be eligible to have a demerit point scrubbed from their licence record as the NSW Government’s trial to encourage safer driving comes into effect six months sooner than flagged.

Drivers who have maintained a clean record since January 17 this year will need to continue that spotless behaviour

until January 17 next year to qualify to have a demerit point removed from their record.

Announced during the state election, the trial had originally been slated to start on July 1, but the Government is determined to allow drivers who do the right the chance to shed a demerit point sooner.

Transport for NSW will take a

Industrial land now selling

With Stage 1 of the Employment Zone now completely sold out, Stage 2 offers another opportunity to secure industrial space in Oran Park’s growing community.

Whether you’re a small or large business owner, this is your opportunity to take your enterprise to a new level in one of the fastest growing areas in Sydney’s South West.

An active and vibrant employment area in the making, the Employment Zone is growing rapidly to meet the expanding needs of the surrounding business community.

snapshot of the demerit point register as it stood on January 17 this year –the day the initiative was announced – to identify all unrestricted and professional license holders with active demerit points recorded against them.

Under the 12-month trial, eligible motorists who have at least one demerit point on their record from January 17

but remain offence-free for 12 months to January 17, 2024, will have one demerit point removed from their driving record. It normally takes three years for a demerit point to be expunged.

It is expected to take about three months to finalise offences, so eligible driver will start seeing one demerit point removed from their records starting in mid-April 2024.

• 15 industrial lots ranging from 1,999–3,002m 2 , available for purchase by Expression of Interest

• Located around 15 minutes south of the future Western Sydney Airport and Bradfield City

• Registration is anticipated for November 2023

Don’t miss this opportunity. Submissions close 4pm Thursday, 27 July.

For more information or to Express your Interest, please visit our website or call the Oran Park Sales Office on 9043 7500

3. Schofields 3rd hardest hit in Sydney.

Stanhope Gardens th hardest hit in Sydney.

Kellyville Ridge 5th hardest hit in Sydney.

Blacktow N

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ISSUE 27 | July 2023

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Mt Druitt welcomes new constables

NINE new probationary constables have commenced duties in Mount Druitt after graduating at an Attestation ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy in April and June this year.

The nine probationary constables form part of Class 357 and Class 358 who will also complete 12 months’ on-the-job training and study by distance education with Charles Sturt University.

Minister Catley welcomed the new probationary constables to the NSW Police Force and thanked them for the important work they will be doing in protecting and serving the public.

“I would like to congratulate the nine probationary constables here today on becoming

the newest members of our Police family; the enthusiasm, drive and commitment they will bring will be a great asset to the local communities of Mount Druitt Local Area Command”

Ms Catley said.

“There’s no escaping the reality that policing can be challenging – it is a role like no other and the incoming probationary constables are entrusted with great powers and responsibilities. But with the right support to guide them here within the local police stations and communities, I look forward to watching them develop and thrive.

“As Police Minister, I pay tribute to the hard work and dedication each of these new officers have shown to get to this point.”

Member for Mount Druitt and Parliamentary Secretary for Police & Counter-terrorism, Edmond Atalla MP, also paid tribute to the hard work and commitment undertaken by these probationary officers

in the pursuit of their Police careers.

Mr Atalla said “I am delighted that Mount Druitt has been allocated nine new probationary constables, it is a rewarding and honourable career and I am sure

each one will make a positive impact on our community.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the nine probationary constables, whose commitment to public service is commendable, and I wish them all a successful and fulfilling career ahead.”

The probationary constables officially graduate with an associate degree in Policing Practice once they have passed all academic and operation standards. The officers will then be confirmed to the rank of constable.

While many recruits are Australian-born, this year the graduating cohort is also made up of students from diverse backgrounds including India, Iraq, Nepal, Egypt and Argentina.

West Homeless figures released

WESTERN Sydney has 47 peoples sleeping rough in 2023, down from a high of 123 just three years ago.

Parramatta has the largest number of homeless with 30 registered in February, down from 94 in 2020. Blacktown has seven and Penrith five people counted.

The figures are encouraging compared to the Sydney CBD with 277 and hot spots such as Byron Bay with 162.

A total of 1623 people were counted sleeping rough during the NSW street counts – a 34%- or 41-person increase compared to 2022.

More than 300 local organisations were either consulted or partnered with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to complete street counts in more than 350 towns and suburbs in 76 local government areas across NSW. These organisations included Specialist Homelessness Services, lo-

cal councils and community housing providers, as well Aboriginal organisations, local community groups and Police.

Approximately 59% of those counted were in vehicles and 24% in open spaces. Another 10% were in public roofed spaces and seven per cent were in makeshift dwellings.

DILROOP STARS IN DIVERSE MOVIE ROLE

Local actor plays Bollywood

BLACKTOWN’S very own Dilroop Khangura is starring in a new romantic comedy movie to be screened on Nine Go on July 21.

Called ‘Get a Life, Alright!’ the movie was made by an all-female crew under the guidance of leading director Joy Hopwood.

It is the third romantic comedy by Joy House Productions, written by Shamini Singhal and Joy Hopwood. The film champions female friendships and diversity at its finest.

Dilroop plays beautiful Bollywood actress Anya Rai who falls for struggling actor Nick Singh when he wins a guest role in a TV series. She acts, sings and dances her way through the biggest role of her young career so far.

And Dilroop already has an impressive resume, starring in many productons including Red Flags White Lies and RIFK.

Dilroop attended Glenwood High School with distinction, being named in the Distinguished Achievers List at the 2014 Higher School Certificate by the NSW Education Department.

Throughout her high school years she was noted for her success in Drama classes and was featured in the ‘Redgum’ school magazine.

The NIDA graduate was the winner of the Equity Foundation’s 2021 Home and Away Internship.

Dilroop was selected by the Home and Away casting department from more than 100 impressive applicants.

Home and Away producer Brodie MacPherson said: “Dilroop brought a zest and dynamic to her performance and her hunger to explore the inner workings of Home and Away

production were undeniable. We look forward to welcoming her to Summer Bay.”

The one-week internship provided a unique opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of this hugely successful Australian television production and spend time with key cast members as well as the casting, wardrobe, scheduling, script, art make-up and editing departments.

“Get a Life, Alright! is the first of its kind in Australia,” Dilroop said.

“Not only does it push the boundaries of creativity, but it also promotes diversity both in front of and behind the camera. It’s a beautifully crafted film which skilfully balances moments of romance, humor and drama and is a must see for film lovers.

”It’s a story about a young struggling actor who gets a lucky break after delivering flowers on set and falls for the leading actress and becomes a target for jealousy, all thanks to fame.

“What may appear to be just another romantic comedy, get a Life, Alright! has a strong theme about the importance of female friendships, which is an integral part of this film and mental health explored in a nuanced way,” Dilroop said. Comic moments are captured by the 90’s style music videos. It has been beautifully made by cinematographer Linda Ung, set designer Valentina Iastrobova, sound designer Lara Cross and a team of four talented female associate producers, Cat Dibley, Katrina Olsen, Meret Hassanen and Shamini Singhal.

“You’ll laugh and you’ll cry as it uncovers the value of family and friendships and all the characters are likeable and very relatable,” Dilroop said.

The Indian community will appreciate seeing these young actors telling stories that relate to their experiences.

The world-wide success of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ proved cinematic audiences were interested in paying for a romantic comedy led by a diverse cast.

And the critics agree:

‘For me, the children’s television-inspired music is the highlight of the film. Produced by Paul Wiltshire who worked on 90s acts like Human Nature, Delta Goodrem and Vanessa Amorosi, with lyrics by Joy Hopwood and Roy Nicholson, the team are going for late 90s dance music meets educational television,” one critic wrote. The movie will stream on Nine Go at midday on July 21.

The cast of Get A Life Alright!

BLACKTOWN CITY a place of opportunity

100 days

NSW Labor have been in government for 100 days & we immediately initiated changes to make a real difference to the residents of Blacktown City.

1. Delivered the largest pay rise for NSW public sector workers in more than a decade

2. Enshrined Sydney Water and Hunter Water into the constitution so no future sell off can occur

3. Transitioned 7,000 teachers and school support staff from temporary to permanent contracts

4. Frozen politician and public sector senior executive pay increases

5. Expanded stamp duty exemptions and concessions to more first home buyers

6. Reformed rental laws including a portable bonds scheme

7. Introduced new planning rules to deliver better infrastructure for growth areas and more affordable housing supply

8. Abolished hidden speed cameras in NSW and initiated a demerit point return scheme to reward safe drivers

9. Introduced $60/week toll cap from 1st Jan 2024 plus comprehensive toll review

10.Introduced banning of VIP Lounge signage from pubs and clubs and reduced poker machine input limit from $5000 to $500 per day

SATURDAY

ALL FUNDS RAISED WILL GO TO Lalor Park Public School

SATURDAY 29TH JULY | TICKETS $35 EACH

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SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST | $15 MEMBERS | $20 VISITORS

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All Diamond Showroom ticketed shows are 18+ unless stated otherwise.

WHISPERING JACK - MUSIC OF JOHN FARMHAM

15TH JULY | $20 MEMBERS | $25 VISITORS

HEROES FROM HEAVEN

22ND JULY | $20 MEMBERS | $25 VISITORS

TRUIBUTE TO SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY & WINGS

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR BLACKTOWN? MP calls for design competition

BLACKTOWN MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces, Stephen Bali has thrown down the challenge for councils to improve their vision and planning for their CBDs.

Mr Bali said architectural design competitions have successfully delivered better outcomes for the development of CBDs everywhere.

Mr Bali’s challenge came from a recent speech he delivered in NSW Parliament demonstrating that architectural design competitions “promote innovation and enhance a city’s design reputation” through a collaborative approach “with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, developers, community groups, infrastructure experts, arts, civic leaders.”

Mr Bali provided examples of cities across Australia and internationally that have successfully used design competitions regarding transport, CBD development or facilitating sustainable and liveable cities by enhancing the environment.

The Central Living District (CLD) is the new way to design the old fashion CBDs to ensure a visionary approach for a more inclusive future for the community.

The population of Blacktown City local government area is expected to pass Tasmania by 2035 and Mr Bali said it’s time to start “thinking like a State capi-

tal, not an unrecognised, small suburban town located in Western Sydney.”

Mr Bali has called for more transparency in developing the future of Blacktown CLD by introducing design competitions where residents would be bought along for the journey rather the current “behind-closed-doors presentations” to a select few people.

Mr Bali argued that the CLD concept is an opportunity to move Blacktown CBD from an old fashion stagecoach town to a new Blacktown CLD that is a thriving, world-leading metropolis that incorporates work, live, play and study principles within a safe and sustainable environment.

Mr Bali has called for the four major landowners of the 45 acres in Blacktown business district to come together to make a collective positive transforma-

tional change rather than treating each block in isolation.

“The concept of allowing developers to buy individual [Council] blocks within a CBD, build skyscrapers, say ‘isn’t this wonderful?” and it’s “bringing jobs, jobs, jobs” is an outdated, simplistic sales pitch and is insulting to the local community,” Mr Bali said.

“CBD development should be transparent, have a clear vision of the future and allow for design competitions so that we can get the best for the local area.”

Mr Bali said historically important buildings like the Bowman Hall – seen by many as the birthplace of multi-cul-

tural Australia through Prime Minister Whitlam’s visionary campaign speeches - or the Blacktown Arts Centre located in the historical former Anglican Church could be saved if we are planning for the area rather than individual blocks.

Mr Bali said the new city centre ought to have a capacity for 24/7 festival town square; new police station, courthouse and civic buildings; better placed commercial and residential towers rather than just rows of buildings; and a place and movement framework to allow for a healthy environment and deal with car parking before it becomes a problem.

What you can expec t at WEXPO Blacktown 2023

Stephen Bali

Budapest Town Square is an example of a working CLD.

Protection for retail workers

THE NSW Government has introduced a Bill to Parliament that proposes stronger penalties for individuals who assault retail workers. The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Assaults on Retail Workers) Bill 2023 includes three new offences in the Crimes Act. The reforms aim to address the high rates of abuse and assault faced by retail workers, with penalties ranging from 4 to 11 years’ imprisonment depending on the severity of the assault. The government is committed to supporting workers and ensuring their safety in the workplace, sending a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable.

Support for insurance schemes

THE NSW Government faces a $669M bill to support the state’s insurance schemes, which have been mismanaged under the previous Liberal-National administration. The emergency funding aims to protect in-

jured public sector workers and address issues such as historic liabilities for child sexual abuse, natural disaster damages, and workers’ compensation claims. The funding injection highlights the challenges inherited by the Minns Government and adds to the budgetary pressures. The

reforms seek to improve return-to-work rates and create a financially sustainable workers’ compensation system.

Venues reminded to minimise harm

LIQUOR & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has reminded venues

in NSW to comply with gaming harm-minimisation requirements after discovering ATMs with credit card withdrawal functions at two Sydney venues. The Gaming Machines Act 2001 prohibits hotels and clubs with gaming machines from having ATMs with credit access. The Wentworth Hotel and the Earlwood Hotel were issued directions to remove the credit card functions from their ATMs.

L&GNSW inspectors were able to withdraw money from credit accounts during their visits.

Failure to comply with L&GNSW carries a maximum penalty of $5,500.

Role in reducing skills shortage

ACCORDING to the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in New South Wales are playing a crucial role in addressing skills shortages. Government data referenced in the ITECA State Of The Sector Report shows that independent RTOs support 80.8% of students in skills training. These providers outperform public TAFE colleges in terms of course completion rates, student satisfaction, and employment outcomes. The data indicate that students prefer independent training providers for quality skills training that leads to better job prospects.

Charity sector generates $10B

THE Australian charity sector has generated $190B revenue and employs 10.5% of the workforce, according to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). The 9th edition of the Australian Charities Report reveals growth in charity revenue, assets, and donations during the 2021 reporting period. However, expenses and liabilities have also increased, and volunteering numbers have declined. The report highlights the significant contribution of small charities, with 65% operating on annual revenues under $250,000 and a third having less than $50,000 in revenue.

Coles raises $8M for MND COLES has raised $8.3M for FightMND’s Big Freeze 9 campaign, bringing its total fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research to over $30M in six years. Shoppers contributed by purchasing beanies, Coles Brand Australian Fresh pork products, or Peters Icy Pole Lemonade 8-packs, or by making donations at the checkout. The funds will be invested in research projects for MND treatments and improving the lives of those affected by MND. Coles considers the Big Freeze campaign its largest annual community fundraiser and expressed gratitude to customers and suppliers for their support.

CHEAPER CHILD CARE AVAILABLE For 9,300 Greenway families

„ MICHELLE ROWLAND

WE know that families are feeling the pressure of rising costs of living.

That’s why we’re increasing the Child Care Subsidy from July. This is a big reform that is good for children, good for families, and good for Australia.

From 1 July, families across our community will benefit t from more affordable childcare.

This means 9,300 families here in Greenway will save on their childcare costs.

In total, 96 per cent of Australian families will be better off under Labor’s childcare reforms – 1.26 million families.

Under the Liberal/National Government fees increased by 49%. We’re driving down out-of-pocket costs.

Under our changes a family on a combined income of $120,000 with one child in care will save around $1,700 in the first year of this plan alone.

In the fi rst year alone, a family on a combined income of $90,0 0 0 per year with one child in child care three days a week will save $1,140.

This delivers real cost of living relief to local families, and boosts productivity by supporting parents, particularly mums, to work more paid hours if they want to.

Early learning and care is important for our children’s development, and now it will be even more accessible for families across our community.

It’s a win for kids, for families and for the economy.

Michelle Rowland MP is Minister for Communications and Federal Member for Greenway. Visit www.michellerowland.com.au

with Michelle Rowland

LEE USSHER – 9.30AM

FREE - REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Creating Attraction Marketing

Australia’s only authorised Grow with Google trainer guides her audience through techniques and strategies to maximise attraction marketing. Focusing on digital media and building audiences, Lee calls upon her vast experience as a teacher, mentor, and business founder to share practical techniques that will have an immediate positive affect on your business’s digital attraction.

FARID ZAKI – 10.30AM

FREE - REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Recipe for Sales and Marketing Success

What is sales and marketing success and how do we achieve it? In this entertaining presentation by respected MD of Western Sydney based ATP Accountants Farid helps clients understand the principles of sales and marketing success from the perspective of business growth. Farid is a highly networked professional with memberships across multiple business chambers.

KATHERINE HAWES – 11.30AM

FREE - REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Law for Non-Lawyers

The principal at Digital Age Lawyers focuses on making legal information meaningful and actionable for small businesspeople and individuals. In this engaging session Katherine will lead her audience through key principles for creative solutions to everyday problems and discuss insights to common issues including social media, contracts and property.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

MARCUS WHELAN – 1.30PM

FREE - REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Succeed: Barriers to Authentic Success

Revolutionise the way you think about yourself, your personal and business life to become and be more authentically YOU and experience true success. Becoming and being your authentic self in all areas of your life; how to reframe your meaning of success, balance your beliefs, set goals aligned with YOUR values, taking meaningful actions to live your personal and business life authentically and thus have a better life experience NOW.

EMMANUEL MARTIN – 2.30PM

FREE - REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Creating Meaningful Transformation

Attention all thinkers! Emmanuel Martin taps into his executive experience in the corporate sector and running BREED Australia to guide his audience through the steps and processes to create meaningful transformation in small and medium sized enterprises. Using case studies and real-life examples he will demonstrate the fundamentals of successful change.

TOM DAWKINS – 3.30PM

FREE - REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Introducing Social Enterprise : what it is, why it matters, how to get involved

There’s a lot of excitement about using businesses that “do good”, but also a lot of confusion. This session, led by ACU Co-Lab member Tom Dawkins, will cut through the jargon and address what’s really going on. Tom will explain what a makes a business a social enterprise, explore the trends that are driving the growth of social enterprise and reveal some of the opportunities to get involved.

STEVE KAMPER – 12.30PM LUNCH - $33 PER HEAD (includes lunch)

Connecting Multiculturalism and Business

Steve Kamper is NSW Minister for Small Business, Minister for Lands and Property, Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Sport. Steve ran a successful accounting firm and raised a family of five with his wife, Magda. He is a former President of Sydney Olympic Football Club. Steve was sworn in as a Minister in the NSW Minns Labor Government on April 5, 2023.

Suburbs most hit by airport noise

„ BY DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

The long-awaited preliminary flight paths for Western Sydney’s new multi-billion-dollar airport are finally on view to the public and that very same public is not happy.

The flight paths will have a major effect on some suburbs and a lesser effect on others.

If you live in Erskine Park, Greendale or Luddenham the noise will be most apparent with lesser noise hitting spots like Parramatta, Rossmore and Springwood.

An online tool allows residents to see the noise impact over their homes by inserting their address,

It’s like a game of Twister trying to work out the overly complicated map which is at the heart of the tool.

However, the figures are less confusing with the suburb of Erskine Park set to experience 20 to 49 flights exceeding 70 decibels over 24 hours

By 2033 Greendale residents will shudder through 10 to 19 flights per night which exceed 60 decibels.

The $5.3 billion Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek will be the first in NSW with no curfew, which means flights taking off and landing 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It’s all about the wind to decide if your suburb will suffer at any given time.

The flight paths show wind conditions will determine which of two main runway directions, Runway 05 and Runway 23, will be used at any time during the day and night.

A noise level of 70 decibels is the benchmark for aircraft noise since it is enough to disturb a conversation indoors.

Luddenham, Badgerys Creek and Erskine Park are all predicted to experience flights above 70 decibels during the day.

Further afield, Springwood, Rossmore and Parramatta, would experience some flights, but at levels well below 70 decibels.

Erskine Park will be one of the worst affected suburbs by aircraft noise when Runway 05 is used.

By 2033, residents are predicted to experience 20 to 49 flights exceeding 70 decibels over 24 hours.

But, when Runway 23 is used, residents around Greendale will be most affected, experiencing 20 to 49 flights exceeding 70 decibels over 24 hours.

By 2033 Greendale residents will hear 10 to 19 flights per night which exceed 60 decibels, which is a level that disturbs sleep.

And 60 is the magic number for deciding if your sleep is disturbed.

In fact, Greendale and Luddenham are predicted to experience these noise levels at least 10 to 19 times a night.

Further afield at St Marys and Marsden Park these

noise levels will be experienced two to four times a night.

Meanwhile, locals in Liverpool and Kellyville will hear the occasional flight at 42 decibels during the night, well below the limit to disturb sleep.

When Runway 05 direction is used, all aircraft will arrive from the south-west and depart to the north-east, while Runway 23 direction will see all planes arriving from the north-east and departing to the south-west.

And a third plan, which can be used at night when air traffic demand is lower, is designed to minimise the

impact of noise on the most heavily populated areas of Western Sydney.

Member of the Residents Against Western Sydney Airport (RAWSA) community group Peter Dollin told the ABC the release of preliminary flight paths had been a long time coming.

“We’re looking forward to having that transparency, but obviously we’re quite anxious about what the final flight paths will be,” he said.

Mr Dollin has lived in Blaxland for almost four decades and is most concerned about the potential impacts of aircraft noise in his area.

“There’s an absolute inequality going on here between eastern Sydney and Western Sydney,” he said.

“Sydney Airport has the benefit of a curfew, there’ll be no curfew for this airport.”

To find out more, community information sessions will be held across Western Sydney in the coming months, where locals will be able to speak with the flight path design team.

Construction of the airport is past the halfway mark and right from the start it will have capacity for up to 10 million passengers and around 81,000 air traffic movements a year by 2033.

Qantas and Jetstar became the first airlines to sign a deal with the airport with five Qantas and 10 Jetstar aircraft operating in its first year of operation.

Penrith City Council has welcomed the announcement of the flight paths, which brings the opening of the new Airport one step closer Council said it would continue to assess all information to get a clearer picture of what it will mean for the community and encouraged all residents to get informed about the fight path related to their address through the Government online tool at wsiflightpath. gov.au.

Artist i,mpressions of compelted Western Sydney Airport.

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CHANCE TO RECONNECT WHAT TECHNOLOGY HAS TAKEN Parent and child survival course

WE are living in unprecedented times, with technology giving us convenience and knowledge but the dark side is disconnection between kids and parents.

The bad news is this leads to a disastrous loss of simple life skills, poor verbal communication and an epidemic of teen suicide and mental health issues.

The good news is a trailblazing Survival Course could prove to be in Western Sydney and the Central Coast could provide a solution for under fire parents.

It’s a Three-Day Survival Course for ages 10 to 18 that started in May and is running monthly.

The Course will provide help for relationship repair and it involves a lot of fun and not a huge outlay of time

Tony Loughran, spokesperson for Channel 7 on local and global events is an ex-Commando Medic. Tony is used to treating Commando’s physical and mental health in remote Arctic and Mountains locations and is well versed in spotting signs of mental deterioration.

During the past few years Tony developed a unique survival course for Australian kids, to restore life skills, self-confidence and family connection.

“Two of my friends’ children sadly took their own lives by jumping off a cliff in my area. These kids could

Day One

no longer communicate with their parents and friends and didn’t have basic skills to face daily challenges and could barely put one foot forward,” he said.

Tony developed a hybrid Survival Course, teaching kids and their parents basic bush survival that empowers them and gets them out in nature while imparting daily life skills.

The three-day curriculum is fun and includes build-

COURSE OUTLINE

Lesson 2.

• Building a first-class shelter with the evening spent learning how, where and when to lay hunting snares and fishing hooks, closely followed by keeping your fire going and boiling water.

Day Two

Lesson 1.

• Learn to treat several common injuries, breathing, bleeding, bone fractures all learnt through simulation played out during a simulated motor vehicle accident, delegates woken from survival night slumber forced into action, re-engage with the art of communication. “It’s a great trigger to get parents and children to communicate with each other.” says Tony

• Remote survival, drawing on every ounce of collaboration between parent and child to get them through complex challenges such as a simulated ‘close target recce and a fast-flowing river crossing’. At night, we brief them for a night navigation exercise, culminating in a camouflage exercise and a Close Target Recce (CTR) on a house. All this before checking their snares and fishing lines and then back to their native bivvy to sleep.

Day Three

• Morning snare and line check & freshwater collection.

• Preparation for breakfast and then straight into a lesson about bullying, recognising where it comes from and how to deal with it, followed by Occupational

Violence Training, which is a successful conflict man agement session de veloped and used by the media, aviation and retail industry. Survivalists learn about personal space, defusing verbal threats & attacks then are run through a skills training ranging from attacks from edged weapon to non-weapons.

• Most fam ilies are buzzing by now, eager to head home and deliv-

ing your own shelter, trapping, snaring, skinning and preparing anything you catch.

Keeping a fire going, boiling water, when to lay your hunting snares and fishing hooks. Treating injuries, dealing with verbal and physical abuse and many of the other challenges facing our future generation.

Contact kylie@zeroriskinternational for dates, locations and details and register your interest.

er a few moves from the course. First they’re run through a simulated check point (complete with guard force). The idea of this scenario is to put parent and child through a confronting situation. Once completed, it illustrates how far they’ve come in repairing their damaged communication skills. All leave for home with a huge sense of achievement, a radiant smile and a Course Completed Certificate.

The course in action.

Tony Loughran.

PROS AND CONS OF ADVENTURE TOURISM

Good attitude to safety is key

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

THE terrible destruction of the deep-sea Titan submersible has thrown the spotlight on to Adventure Tourism, one of the fastest growing segments of the travel market.

In years gone by, adventurers trained for months to climb Mt Everest, paddle the Amazon or trek Antarctica. They were young and fit and well prepared to take on the difficult challenges.

And young adults still dominate the extreme end of the market, but today’s “soft” adventurer is more likely to be a 60-y-o retiree or an office worker who dreams of “going wild” once a year.

In our amazing modern world, it is possible to fly out of Sydney one day and be standing on top of Victoria Falls or gazing into a volcano the next. Anyone can be an adventurer including those people who have a disability.

This puts many underprepared travellers in the firing line for an accident at the hands of a cowboy operator…or worse, as the submersible disaster graphically illustrated.

In other cases such as the White Island volcano explosion, it is simply a case of bad luck- being in the wrong place at the wrong time,

So how risky is it and how can you guard against an accident?

Every adventure has a risk element, but participants are willing to take that risk for the thrill of it all.

My advice is to do plenty of research before you go. Read reviews to find out the most professional operators versus the cowboys attracted to the big amounts of money people are willing to pay.

Operators who have been in the business for years without having an accident caused by negligence are your best bet. English speaking operators are preferred simply because they instruct you in our language and they can answer your questions and concerns.

A good operator is wholly concerned about your safety and will have the best equipment available and never take a major risk with your life. He wont allow anyone in your group to take a risk.

They will fully school you on the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ of walking with elephants or sky diving from 5000m. And you need to pay careful attention.

I have been in groups where some members are more interested in taking selfies or having a good time than listening.

One particular memory stands out.

I was white water rafting with a group of Japanese in North Queensland and the instructor said: “Whatever you do,

sit on the side and

paddle when we go through rapids.”

As soon as we entered the rapids, they panicked, threw their paddles away and dived into the centre of the raft. The raft was out of control and hit rocks, Luckily it did not flip over.

The Japanese group learnt some

new English words as the Instructor erupted in a tirade of expletives.

For the solo traveller undertaking an adventure as a single, it is a good idea to team up with a group or a couple of fellow adventurers.

The other aspect of planning is to understand what safety equipment is necessary for a specific location where you are going. You may need correct communication equipment, for example: GPS equipment and emergency radio which shows the weather forecast, a radio phone and correct clothing and footwear.

Also, the adventurer needs correct knowledge of the environment in order to protect themselves.

A good safety rule is to go through survival school on the environment where you are going and in order to have opportunity to defend yourself and survive high risk situations.

When people undertake adventure activities without appropriate experience of activities or training, it can be dangerous with a high risk of possible injuries or death.

People, if they are travelling independently, should have a good attitude towards their own safety to survive or not get injured.

A handful of adventures I have done and recommend:

• Walking with lions in Zimbabwe. Heli-skiing in the New Zealand Alps.

• Climbing Yasur Volcano on Tanna island, Vanuatu.

• Swimming with sharks in New Caledonia.

• Swimming with a sea lion

• Being attacked by crocs in a tinny in the Daintree. Taking a dive on a submersible in Hawaii.

• Walking with bears in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

• Climbing Uluru and trekking the Snowy Mountains.

Preventing D ABETES in Western Sydney

Western Sydney is a diabetes hotspot with rates far higher than the NSW average.

Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) is a collaborative initiative led by Western Sydney Local Health District, Western Sydney Primary Health Network and Diabetes NSW & ACT to help detect and prevent type 2 diabetes in Western Sydney.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose (blood sugar) in the blood. This is normally due to low insulin levels or ineffective insulin which normally helps break down the glucose. Over time, high glucose levels can cause long-term health damage to your heart, kidneys, eyes and feet.

Getting Tested

At Workers Blacktown, WSD runs a free diabetes detection program twice a month on alternate Tuesdays for members and guests. Since the detection program started in January, more than half of the community members entering the club have shown results that suggest pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Diabetes tests are quick and easy and you can find out if you are at risk of diabetes in just three minutes. The free finger prick test checks your HbA1c (blood glucose) levels to advise if you could be diabetic or pre-diabetic. If you do test within an at-risk range, a nurse will send a letter to your GP and provide you with diet and exercise recommendations.

During Diabetes Week, 9-15 July, the team from Western Sydney Diabetes will be running additional daily diabetes detection and prevention activities at Workers Blacktown, 55 Campbell Street, Blacktown NSW 2148.

Healthy Western Sydney is delivered by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.

Who Should Get Tested?

If you fit any of the following criteria, you should consider getting tested for diabetes:

Have a family history of diabetes

Have an inactive lifestyle

Are overweight or obese

Had diabetes during pregnancy

Are aged 45 years or over and have a Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent, African, Asian, South Asian, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island background.

Western Sydney Diabetes runs free healthy cooking demonstrations on the last Thursday of each month at Workers Blacktown.

A nutritionist provides tips on cooking three fast, affordable, tasty meals to feed the whole family.

westernsydneydiabetes.com.au/cooking-demonstrations/

For more educational resources and videos, head to westernsydneydiabetes.com.au

The Flash – 2 stars

JACOB

RICHARDSON

Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) is living his day to day as The Flash, helping the Justice League fight crime. But he still laments the loss of his mother, and his father’s imprisonment.

When he finds a way to go back in time using his super speed, he does sodespite the warnings of Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck). He goes back and saves his mother, but in doing so resets the universe.

He finds himself stranded in an earlier time - General Zod (Michael Shannon) is about to come to Earth, and Barry has to team up with his younger self and an alternate Batman (Michael Keaton) to find Supergirl (Sasha Calle) and stop him, all while finding a way to put the universe right.

The Flash, hyped off the back of CinemaCon as one of the best superhero movies of all time, is a frankly disappointing product. Visually, thematically, and on a bare bones execution perspective, the movie just does not work.

Let’s tackle the visuals first, because one of the most exciting things about the Flash’s appearance in earlier DC films was how cool his slo-mo visuals looked. Lightning sparking around him, warping space and time.

Who doesn’t love that scene of a resurrected Superman’s eyes flicking to the slo-mo Flash, and reaching out to knock him off balance? Here, the visuals look garbage. The historically great looking slo-mo looks weird and terrible.

The baby scene at the start is horrid, and the chronosphere time warp region looks like it was shot in the early 2000s.

As much as these ones stand out, rightly, for their objectively terrible VFX, perhaps the most shocking work happens with Zod. While objectively not as bad, what really shocks is that we have seen these exact fights and exact scenes pretty much, in Man of Steel, and back

then they looked better! Director Andy Muschetti takes a character who already fought on Earth, and drops him into a gray, random desert landscape, and makes it look 100x worse than it did in the visually stunning Man of Steel. The story also just does not work. The leg work for Flash really has not been done to the point where you can jump into this sort of multiversal content.

It’s nice to see Keaton back as Batman, and Sasha is fantastic as Supergirl (although with some of the worst effects of the entire movie), but these characters and the journey they go on is at once too high stakes, too low stakes, and too unresolved to be of any real import.

Elemental – 3 stars

The ending, in a sign of how deeply off the rails this gets, feels both unearned in its scope, and wraps up too neatly in a little bow in about 20 seconds.

A lot has been said about Ezra Miller and the pervasive off screen antics seeping into perception of their performance. Outside of that, their work as the two Barry’s is both clearly defined and strong, but also a little miffing as an audience member.

Once the younger version of the character begins his descent arc, the movie picks up speed a little, but until then there is a sort of misbalance, where you are meant to be rooting for the original Flash, but he comes across boring and un-fun by comparison.

What made this character sing in the previous films, has seemed to be done away with here, in service of making the older and younger versions of the character more distinct.

There are a couple of nice, fun cameos, and a couple of troubling (ethics-wise) cameos, but ultimately the movie is a bit of a misfire.

A WARM AND LOVELY ANIMATED ADVENTURE

„ JACOB RICHARDSON

EMBER (Leah Lewis) is a young fire element woman, who is preparing to take over the local community store from her father, Bernie (Ronnie Del Carmen).

But her temper keeps getting in her way, and her father doesn’t feel comfortable initiating the transition until she gets it under control. When he gives her a chance, she blows up, and causes a leak in the basement that literally draws in city inspector, and water element man, Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie).

Wade is the opposite of Ember entirely, but when she wins him to her side, the duo have to pair up to fix a city leak, stem the flow of water, and protect not just the shop, but the entire fire community.

As Wade and Ember go about fixing the city, they also fall in love with one another; but can two elements, from different backgrounds, ever really mix? And can Ember ever truly pursue her passions, when her father expects so much from her?

Elemental is a heartwarming film that evokes some of the beautiful moments of Pixar’s storied history, building on beautiful themes of love, friendship, and cross-class engagement.

But it’s also a movie that smashes you in the face with its social commentary, presenting a perfectly worthy level of messaging with the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie are both fantastic as Ember and Wade, and the two characters really sing as personalities.

Each is really strong and engaging, and probably will generate a mass of young fans. I also really loved Ember’s dad, Bernie, who feels like a very real and warm interpretation of everyone’s Dad or Granddad.

Visually, Elemental is both stunning, and a little underwhelming. Effectively a

meld of Inside Out and Zootopia, Elemental plays fast and loose with the physics of its world, but all in the service of creating something visually stunning. There are a heap of really beautiful ideas in this movie, and the four different elements provides the great opportunity for a wide variety of visual inspo.

The backstory to the fire nation really came across well also. The strong imagery of their native land, the deep bow element, and a lot of the fun, fire themed parts to their society, all worked.

What didn’t work as well, was the sledgehammer style force feed of the messaging. The movie has a great heart,

and a strong message and reason for being.

The story really brings to life the class and racial divide between immigrant and non-immigrant communities, along with the inherent debt many first and second generation immigrant children feel towards their parents, and the impact of that debt on their life.

However, it does so with a complete absence of subtext; everything is spelt out in text.

This script needed a strong rewrite to nuance it up a little, and provide a little less explanation. The audience isn’t dumb, but this movie thinks they are.

Ultimately, while that can grate at times, and the plot dealing with the water leak is pretty nonsensical, the warm romance between Ember and Wade, along with the beautiful family dynamics on display, carry this movie as a light, beautiful and fun entry into the Pixar pantheon.

Elemental has a pretty poor mcguffin, and a bare bones message delivered without nuance, but the visuals and the heartwarming romance make this one to watch.

HORRIFIC CGI, a plot that makes little sense, and a deeply unsatisfying conclusion, all delivered only a couple of weeks after one of the greatest superhero movies of all time, makes for another disappointing DC adventure.

Reviews by Jacob Richardson Creative Director | Film Focus www.filmfocusau.com

Reviews by Jacob Richardson Creative Director | Film Focus www.filmfocusau.com

AND BLOOD PRESSURE

Remarkable benefits explained

HIGH blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

It is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. While medication and lifestyle modifications are often recommended to manage blood pressure, exercise is an incredibly effective and natural way to lower and control blood pressure

indirectly contribute to blood pressure management.

Chronic stress is known to raise blood pressure levels. Regular physical activity acts as a powerful stress reliever, promoting the release of endorphins, or “feelgood” hormones, in the brain.

These endorphins help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can contribute to elevated blood pressure.

CHASE IS ON FOR BLACKTOWN FC Work to do for Premiership

BLACKTOWN City FC kept their 2023 Premiership hopes alive last week with a convincing 3-1 away win over Sydney Olympic for their fourth win in a row.

The week before Blacktown took care of first place team, Marconi Stallions, at home with another dominant 3-1 scoreline. Round 23 will see Blacktown City back home at Landen Stadium when they will host Sydney FC in another critical encounter.

Travis Major, Jak O’Brien and Charles Mendy have provided the majority of goals up front in the last few weeks as Blacktown City has been healthy for the first time this season.

Head of Football, Mark Crittenden has also added two key signings at the transfer window two weeks ago including International Nacho Palacios from Atletic Sant Just in Spain and young striker Reuben Awaritefe. Both have had an immediate impact on the club, lifting the depth, quality of play and team motivation.

The NSW Premiership race is tight and Blacktown City has a great deal of work to do with only eight rounds remaining.

Apia Leichhardt lead the competition outright on 47 points closely followed by Marconi and Rockdale on 42 points.

Blacktown currently sit on 37 points with an 11 win, 4 draw and 7 losses to date. Destiny is in their own hands as they have remaining games against Apia in round 26 and Rockdale in the last round of the competition.

Head Coach, Mark Crittenden, has been a Master at rallying his troops in the money end of seasons.

He did it last season as Blacktown hit their stride when it counted to win the 2022 Championship.

“It’s not over yet, you put

The 2-0 victory at Popondetta Park was icing on the cake after Blacktown had defeated the Rangers 4-1 earlier in the season. In the eight years since the Cup was set up by previous Blacktown Mayor, Stephen Bali, Blacktown has yet to lose the coveted Cup.

Four remaining home gamers

Following the win against rivals Marconi and Sydney Olympic in the last two weeks, Blacktown City will have four remaining home games to build their Championship assault.

Blacktown will host Sydney FC on July 9, Sydney United on July 23, St George on August, 6 and finishing their home stand with the Wollongong Wolves on Sunday, August 20 All home games are played at 3pm at Landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Ave, Seven Hills.

Blacktown Women continue to grow in only their second season of competition. Led by Head Coach David ‘Dok’ O’Keefe, in the last three games the women have had a solid 2-0 win against Camden, a 1-1 draw with Marconi and last week another 1-0 win over Sutherland. Last week Blacktown held League leading Hills United to a 1-0 scoreline. This Sunday, July 9, Blacktown will host Sydney FC at Landen Stadium. Sydney FC is coming off a 1-0 win over

Sydney United last week which elevated them to fifth place on the ladder, just behind Blacktown on 36 points.

Sydney had a 1-0 win over Blacktown in Round 8 which sets up an exhilarating Round 23 encounter. Game time is 3pm with the Under 20’s at 1pm.

Sunday, July 23, Blacktown will host Sydney United in a ‘Back to Blacktown’ homecoming for all former Blacktown players.

To add a special touch, the Board of Blacktown City FC will unveil the Graham Crawhall ‘GC’ Members bar on the day.

GC was a ‘Life Member’ of Blacktown City, Manager to Mark Crittenden for over 20 years and last year was awarded the Valentine Medal for services to Football NSW.

Sadly, GC passed away earlier this year and Blacktown City will pay special tribute to one of their most memorable members by unveiling his own Members bar!

New signage now adorns the home ground of Blacktown City FC courtesy of Naming Rights partner Landen Property Group.

The signage, installed by BCFC sponsor Signarama Blacktown, accentuates the naming rights and presents a professional standard synonymous with all partners of Landen Stadium.

Round 20 to retain the Blacktown Mayoral Cup once again for 2023.

puzzles

QUICK CROSSWORD

16 Not moving (9)

18 Retention (7)

19 Reasonable (7)

21 Least distant (7)

23 ‘Not on your —!’ (5)

25 Hatred (5)

26 Opposite of downs (3) HARD

1 The Arc de Triomphe in Paris was built to honour soldiers in which two wars?

2 How many letters are in the Welsh alphabet?

3 The lotus flower is the national flower of which two countries?

4 Does a solidus – a punctuation mark – lean towards the left or the right?

5 Holly Valance (pictured) stars as Katie in which 2011 Australian comedy?

6 IDR is the code for what currency?

7 Other than the Tour de France, what are cycling’s Grand Tour races?

8 The Macquarie Dictionary declared which word the word of 2010: a) vuvuzela b) googleganger c) aquaponics?

9 How many films did Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers make together?

10 In what year did The Beach Boys release their album Surfin’ USA?

ACROSS

1 Adverse fate (4)

5 Rounds (4)

6 Makes brown (4)

7 Greek god of war (4) DOWN

1 Facts given (4)

2 Man’s name (4)

3 All (4)

4 Lichen (4)

WORD FIND No. 031

The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

9-LETTER WORD No. 031

E B

R A N T B

S

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included, and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Secret message:

29 words: Good

words:

ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD

WORD FILL

5 L e TT e RS

ACROSS

1 Tom Rosenthal’s character in Plebs, – Gallo (6)

5 Actress who played Louise Ellis in Revenge, – Satine (5)

7 Matt Tyrnauer documentary, Where’s My Roy –? (4)

9 The main protagonist in The Matrix franchise played by Keanu Reeves (3)

10 Movie directed by Duncan Jones and starring Jake Gyllenhaal (6,4)

No. 040

16 John Malkovich thriller adapted from the Patricia Highsmith novel of the same name (7,4)

17 The voice of Todd Chavez on the Netflix animated series BoJack Horseman (5,4)

18 Halle Berry’s supernatural horror (7)

19 Actor who portrays Prince Philip in The Crown – Smith (4)

22 War film starring Billy Bob Thornton as Davy Crockett, The – (5)

24 Actor (pictured) who plays the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Charles Dickens in The Man Who Invented Christmas, – Stevens (3)

Each number corresponds to a letter. Can you crack the code?

12 Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider character, – Croft (4)

13 British actress who plays Mary Walker in the Netflix series Iron Fist, – Eve (5)

Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations.

Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

14 Actor known for Love & Other Drugs and Out of the Furnace, – O’Malley (5)

15 Actor who plays stuntman Cliff Booth in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, – Pitt (4)

27 Actress who played Lenny Cohen in the miniseries Imposters, – Thurman (3)

TILES ULTRA VENUE WISPS

28 English actor who plays Bernie Taupin in Rocketman, Jamie – (4)

6 L e TT e RS ENSURE MOSSES

29 Star of A Walk in the Woods and Angel Has Fallen, Nick – (5)

30 Actress of Lovelace and The Disaster Artist, – Stone (6)

DOWN

7 L e TT e RS CONDEMN EGOTISM LEASING

2 Michael Haneke’s acclaimed romantic tragedy (5)

3 Black comedy crime film starring Angela Jones (7)

4 Italian actress who played the lead in Dario Argento’s horror film The Card Player (8,5)

5 Musician and producer who scored Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Brian – (3)

6 Director of Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, – Lee (3)

SEVERAL SLACKEN SPEARED

8 L e TT e RS

ASTEROID ESCAPADE

PORRIDGE TORTILLA

26 Acclaimed British spy series, Killing – (3)

10 L e TT e RS

SLENDEREST THUNDERING

HIDDEN WORD

Solve all the clues and an eight-letter word will be spelled out.

1 Apple mp3 players

2 Australian tennis player, Bernard —

3 Number of legs on a spider

4 — books are full of cartoons

5 Tools for clearing leaves

6 Aussie city, — Springs

7 Month before May

8 Group of angry wasps or bees

18 Star of As Good as It Gets and Little Miss Sunshine, – Kinnear (4)

e e

S A S

e e Y

7 Canadian actor of Just Shoot Me! and Veronica Mars, Enrico – (9)

N O

20 Director Asif Kapadia’s motorracing documentary (5)

21 Marvel series starring Hayley Atwell, – Carter (5)

23 Star of Romulus, My Father Eric – (4)

25 Charlie Sheen’s ’90s sci-fi horror (3,7)

P T Y

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words –five reading across the grid and five reading down.

8 US comedy-drama series starring Rachel Bilson (4,2,5)

1. When did Beverly Hills, 90210 premiere?

A. 1990

B. 1988

C. 1992

D. 1993

3. What was the surname of twins Brandon and Brenda?

A. Taylor

B. Silver

C. McKay

D. Walsh

NOTe: more than one solution may be possible

11 Actor who plays “Spud” Murphy in the Trainspotting films, – Bremner (4)

14 Tim Burton’s superhero film with Michael Keaton in the lead role (6,7)

2. Who was the series producer?

A. Aaron Spelling

B. David Lynch

C. Dick Wolf

D. David E. Kelley

4. How old was Gabrielle Carteris when she portrayed 15-year-old Andrea Zuckerman?

A. 21

B. 29

C. 22

D. 32

Kyle wins city sports award

COMMONWEALTH Games silver medallist and champion weightlifter Kyle Bruce has been named the Blacktown City Sportsperson of the Year at the City’s 40th annual Sports Awards.

The Sports Awards celebrate the triumphs of the Blacktown City sporting community, both on and off the field. The 2023 awards saw 113 nominations received across 10 categories.

Kyle, 23, is the highest-ranked male weightlifter in Australia and holds multiple national records in his weight class.

He accepted the honour while competing at an international weightlifting competition in Cuba.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale congratulated Kyle on the award, describing him as an “exceptionally successful and inspirational young man”.

“He is extraordinarily hard-working and determined in all areas of his life. Not only is he a champion weightlifter, but he is also an education student at ACU Blacktown and runs his own gym in the CBD,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Kyle is an incredible local sporting success story and he did Blacktown City extremely proud with his silver medal-winning performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“I am proud of the vast sporting talent we have in Blacktown City – there are more than 200 sporting clubs across 20 sporting codes.

“For 40 years, the Blacktown City Sports Awards have celebrated this tal-

SPORTS QUIZ

1. In which year did Stefanos Tsitsipas defeat tennis great Roger Federer in a shocking upset at the Australian Open?

2. Which team was Collingwood star Brodie Grundy traded to in the 2022 off-season?

3. Former Manly Sea Eagles star Martin Taupau plays

ent, as well as the dedication of our many unsung sporting heroes, from coaches to officials and administrators.”

The Mayor’s Shield was awarded to joint recipients John and Lyn Channells, for their decades-long dedication to Doonside Little Athletics.

This award recognises someone who has excelled at their club, made an outstanding contribution to sport over a long period of time and is

4. True or false: Ronda Rousey is an Olympic bronze medallist?

5. What nationality is F1 racer Alexander Albon?

6. Who won the 2016 Super Bowl?

7. Which AFLW Melbourne star announced her retirement in 2022?

8. At what time did the mammoth five-set match between Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis end at the 2023 Australian Open?

Which former WWE champion has a leading role in M. Night Shyamalan’s 2023 horror film, Knock at the Cabin?

Which UFC athlete goes by the nickname ‘The Baddy’?

What is the nickname of the NBL team based in South East Melbourne?

What is the name of the recent Netflix tennis documentary series?

deemed to be an invaluable member of their club.

The Channells first joined Doonside Little Athletics in 1984 and contributed to the club’s committee and running of the canteen for many decades.

The pair has marshalled at centre championships, gala days, as well as zone and regional competition for many years, and continue to dedicate their time at weekly club nights.

13. Ash Gardner represents Australia in which sport?

14. The NFL team Buffalo Bills are based in which US state?

15. Before competing in 2023, how many times had Victoria Azarenka won the Australian Open women’s singles title?

16. Former Western Bulldogs star Lachie Hunter currently plays for which AFL team?

17. In January, which cricket star was involved in a public altercation in with Karl Stefanovic?

18. Dwight Yorke recently ended his tenure as coach of which A-League team?

19. In which year did the first AFL Women’s season take place?

20. How many nations participated in the first modern Olympics in 1896?

21. Jack Ziebell stepped down after six seasons as captain of which AFL club?

The Channells received life membership from the club for their contributions, with Lyn a 10-year member of the Blacktown City Sports and Recreation Advisory Committee.

Mayor Bleasdale said: “Blacktown City is the sporting capital of Western Sydney and we have world standard venues and continue to attract major events.

“We are committed to delivering the facilities for our growing City now and into the future, building community participation in local sports and supporting active and healthy lifestyles,” he said.

Blacktown City Sports Awards winners

• Sportsperson of the Year: Kyle Bruce, Weightlifting.

Mayor’s Shield: John and Lyn Channells, Little Athletics.

• Female Junior Sportsperson: Bianca Infante, Volleyball.

Male Junior Sportsperson: Isaac Beacroft, Athletics and Cross Country.

• Club of the Year: Riverstone Razorbacks Junior Rugby League Club.

Team of the Year: Patrician Brothers College Blacktown U13 Rugby League.

• Coach of the Year: David Beacroft, Athletics.

• Sports Administrator of the Year: Katelyn Pickett, Soccer.

• Senior Sports Official of the Year: Brad Fahey, Swimming.

• Senior Sports Official of the Year: Bianca Infante, Volleyball.

22. Which A-League team rivalry is known as ‘The Big Blue’?

23. Which 224cm NBA basketballer played a hitman in the film John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum?

24. Bronson Xerri is set to return to the NRL with which club?

25. Which Australian former tennis professional is the youngest to win the Australian Open men’s singles title?

26. Football commentator Rex Hunt played a total of 202 games for which three VFL/AFL clubs?

27. Which Swiss former tennis professional is the youngest to win the Australian Open women’s singles title?

28. Which two NFL teams played off in the 2023 AFC Championship game?

29. Which Barbados-born performer headlined the halftime show at Super Bowl LVII?

30. Which two NFL teams played off in the 2023 NFC Championship game?

Blacktown Mayor Tony Bleasdale and Kyle Bruce.

Enjoy life while staying connected to your Blacktown community, your local sports, your family and friends... every day.

Exclusively for over 55’s and located next to Workers Sports Club, Parkside Lifestyle Community will commence construction soon.

To receive progress updates and an invitation to events, register your interest at https://www.parksidelifestyle.com.au/

Images are for illustrative purposes only. J006858