Blacktown News - October 2021

ISSUE 7 | OCTOBER 2021

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TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

COVID Guide to vaccination centre across Blacktown: 19

WWW.GREATERBLACKTOWNNEWS.COM.AU

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COMMUNITY NITY Vale Warren rren Hardy, community ity warrior: 14 Special free event for you and your business: 13

PROJECT$ Cash boost for local precincts

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IGH growth greenfield precincts in Blacktown will benefit from a share of $139M being handed out by the State Govt this year. The cash is up for grabs for eight Western Sydney councils as applications have opened for round two of the Accelerated Infrastructure Funding (AIF). More page 4.

From top left clockwise: Grange Avenue, Loftus St and Glengarrie Rd all projects for possible development under the AIF program.

Blacktown City blacktown.nsw.gov.au

$

Blacktown

Snapshot

403,000 population

18.81 billion regional economy

4.6%

24,990

average economic growth

registered businesses

143,259 local jobs

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ISSUE 7 | October 2021

Be More Active More Often

Blacktown Council wants to help residents live longer, happier, healthier lives, which is why we launched our More Active More Often campaign during Local Government Week.

The campaign will see two projects in each of Council’s five wards that will upgrade existing facilities or build new ones to help locals be more active more often while enjoying the outdoors after lockdown.

Riverstone Park’s 4 netball courts, Little Athletics facilities, and public toilets will be upgraded, a new multipurpose court space, skate park, and path network will be built, and 30 new trees planted.

William Lawson Park, Prospect will get a new amenities building and better pathways that will make the park more accessible for everyone. There will also be new tree plantings, an athletics track and facilities, basketball and netball courts, and an upgraded playspace.

Whalan Reserve will receive an undercover synthetic turf cricket training facility to ensure the growing number of quality Blacktown cricketers can train whenever they need to, while Shalvey families will be consulted about the design for a new playspace at Tanderra Park Find out more about what’s planned for your area: blacktown.nsw.gov.au/BMAMO

SAY NO TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Beats and Bytes returns Beats & Bytes lockdown sessions are back!

Tune in on Friday at noon for some work from home entertainment.

Knit Bomb Project 2021

Over the following weeks we will be having the below list of artists join us from their home, to keep you entertained!

Spare time on your hands?

Get involved!

For more information visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au/knitbomb21

Liam Gray Tanith - Singer/Songwriter Ricky Nifo Music Olivia Kolo Shara Rose

Local Government Elections

Cassidy-Rae

The next Local Government Election will be held on

Karleigh Rose

Saturday 4 December

Sefo Vaivao Brett Sams Krista Monica Music

To have your say on who will represent your ward on Blacktown City Council, make sure you’re enrolled to vote by visiting elections.nsw.gov.au

Shirinah

Blacktown City Council acknowledges the Darug people as the traditional owners of the land on which Blacktown City was built.

Email us: council@blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Call us: 9839 6000

Visit us: 62 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown

Mail us: PO Box 63, Blacktown 2148

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ISSUE 7 | October 2021

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Plans for a Sikh War Memorial LENWOOD in Sydney’s north-west could soon be home to a Sikh Soldier’s War Memorial.

A tribute to the turbaned soldiers in Australia’s military history, the proposal has been accepted by the Blacktown City Council and has currently been put out for community consultation.

Blacktown Mayor, Tony Bleasdale told Indian Link: “Historically, the Sikh community has played a significant part in the British Empire, sacrificing many sons and daughters in war zones on behalf of us all. When a monument was suggested, we were more than proud to offer support.”

Blacktown is one of the most diverse LGAs in Australia, with a significant Sikh community.

“Blacktown is a great city for respect for other groups, and Sikhs are part of the big Blacktown family,” Mr Bleasdale said.

“They are extremely generous – having performed exemplary service at times of bushfire, floods and COVID 19. Even as we speak, they are out there supporting those who can’t support themselves.”

The group’s sense of service will be immortalised in the statute of the unknown Sikh soldier, to be erected at Glenwood Lake Reserve.

Blacktown Councillor Dr Moninder Singh told Indian Link: “The project was put to Council by the Fateh Foundation, a not-for-profit, with support from the RSL, the National Sikh Council of Australia and Glenwood Gurudwara.”

The process began about a year ago, Dr Singh said and various sites were considered, including an RSL location, before Blacktown Council was approached.

“We hope that the memorial becomes a spot for the community to gather on occasions such as Anzac Day and Remem-

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The memorial.

brance Day, as well as dates of significance on the Indian calendar.”

Sikh soldiers fought for the British Army in World Wars I and II at hotspots in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Blacktown Mayor, Tony Bleasdale.

In Australia, their involvement at Gallipoli, where they fought particularly valiantly, came to light in the early 2000s.

The bravery and heroism are acknowledged annually at the Anzac Day Parade,

at which a Sikh contingent has been marching since 2007.

Source: Indian Link web site

Aiming to improve water literacy PROJECT aimed at teaching local secondary school students about how stormwater run-off can impact the environment has received $10,000 in funding as part of Sydney Water’s 2021 Community Grants Program.

The project titled Float It–secondary schools design challenge, is run by

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community group Good for the Hood and will see student representatives from schools in Blacktown City LGA

For more information on Sydney Water’s Community Grants Program, please visit: https:// sydneywater.com.au/communitygrants

take part in a one-day workshop that will highlight contamination challenges in their local water catchments and encourage student-led, place-based design solutions.

These designs can be taken back to schools and implemented on campus to improve stormwater run-off.

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ISSUE 7 | October 2021

CoveR StorY

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ISSUE 7 | OCTOBER 2021 How to get The News The Blacktown News is available at strategic locations throughout Blacktown LGA. To find a location near you visit our website.

Digital edition Each edition of The Blacktown News can be viewed and downloaded in digitalf ormat at our ISSUU platform: www.issuu/communitybroadcastnetwork

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Support Partner The Blacktown News is the official media partner of Blacktown FC and the Greater Blacktown Chamber of Commerce.

Our Broadcast Partner www.netwerx.tv – NETWERX is a broadcast hub that hosts and creates videos of public interest and commercial benefit.

South St Basin, a site for possible development.

$139M for new infrastructure SHARE of $139M is up for grabs for eight Western Sydney councils as applications have opened for round two of the Accelerated Infrastructure Funding (AIF).

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said round two includes high-growth greenfield precincts in Blacktown.

Other councils eligible include: The Hills, Hawkesbury, Penrith, Liverpool, Camden, Campbelltown and Wollondilly.

“We launched this funding to support our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and in the first round more than $145M was invested to deliver 14 projects,” Mr Stokes said.

“All of these projects are now underway and will support the development of

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up to 40,000 new homes, 115 hectares of employment land and create up to 1,000 new construction jobs.

“Delivering important infrastructure such as roads, stormwater drains and public space is key to our economic recovery and the second round of the AIF brings the NSW Government’s support to more than $210M.” Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the AIF would also create thousands of jobs in the construction phase, helping to meet the future needs of Western Sydney.

“Western Sydney is ripe for growth and this funding will provide the necessary infrastructure to support an expected 20,000 plus new greenfield homes

across these LGAs over the next five years,” Mr Ayres said.

“This is a great example of state and local government working together to accelerate projects that stimulate the economy and create jobs as we start to emerge from the pandemic.”

Councils will be allocated funding according to anticipated growth in each LGA, the amount of development the funding will support and the amount of co-funding that councils can provide. All projects must commence construction within two years to qualify for funding.

Project nominations are now open and councils will need to apply by October 31, 2021 to be considered.

For more information visit: www.https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/accelerated-infrastructure-fund.

INDEX News .................................3 Law and Order ................13 Bouncing Back ...............13 Games ............................15 Tamil Chamber ...............16

Blacktown Business .......17 Michelle Rowland ...........18 Auto ................................19 Travel ..............................20 Trends .............................23

Fitness ............................24 Films ...............................25 Directory .........................28 Sport ...............................30

Local entertainment during LOCKDOWN Watch locally made films. Stay up to date on infrastructure.

Watch profiles of regional leaders. www.netwerx.tv

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ISSUE 7 | October 2021

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Popular snacks made out west ETTLE Chips, Thins, Cheezels and CC’s could soon be manufactured in Orchard Hills under a proposal for a new facility which is currently on exhibition for public feedback.

A $222M development proposal could see the Snack Brands Australia warehouse and distribution centre on Distribution Drive expanded to include food manufacturing on site.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the proposal would bring jobs and investment to Western Sydney.

“Chips may be cheap, however this proposal is anything but and represents a major opportunity for Western Sydney,” Mr Stokes said.

“The pandemic has shown that many of Sydney’s construction workers live

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in the south-west, so it’s important that we have as many jobs close to homes as possible.”

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the proposal would see some of the most iconic chip brands manufactured in Western Sydney.

“If approved, the Snack Brands Australia site will be a 24/7 operation and feature a new food manufacturing facility, an office, a wastewater treatment plant and create 497 construction jobs,” Mrs Davies said.

Members of the public are invited to have their say on the project’s Environmental Impact Statement by Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

For more information and to provide feedback visit https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/41791.

It’s important to keep smiling OOKING after your dental health is vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to HCF dental expert Dr Chris Ho. As the Dentist in Charge at HCF, Dr Ho works across their network of Centres, including Blacktown.

And while the Blacktown centre is currently only open for urgent or emergency appointments during the lockdown, he provided some key tips on how we can all keep on smiling with confidence and keep ourselves healthy at the same time.

Dr Ho said it was more important than ever that people put extra thought to their oral health in these uncertain times.

“During lockdown a lot of our daily life has changed, but one thing you can control is your dental health,” Dr Ho said.

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“While we’ve been forced to slow down, this is actually a great time to set up healthy habits like brushing twice a day for at least two minutes, flossing at least once a day and concentrating on good nutrition.

Dental survey findings “Your local dentist may only be open for emergencies, but chances are they are only a phone call away if you have any concerns, so that you can avoid something more serious, and expensive, happening down the track.”

HCF has just released the findings of a survey that’s revealed half of Australians admit to skipping brushing their teeth during lockdown.

The survey also revealed that more than 2.7 million Australians admit to skipping brushing their teeth daily during lockdown and that as many as 1.9 million people were only prompted to brush their teeth during lockdown after putting on a mask and smelling their own breath.

Other reasons people were prompted to brush their teeth during lockdown included feeling unhygienic 39%, teeth started to feel ‘furry’ 27%, feeling guilty 21% or they were about to leave home 20%.

Aussies with kids are home under 18, at 54%, were more likely than those who do not at 33%,to delay or skip brushing teeth at least once a week and one in four parents said they were motivated to brush their teeth to be a good role model for kids.

Dr Chris Ho.

The survey also found that 17% of men were more likely than women at 11%, to skip brushing their teeth daily.

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ISSUE 7 | October 2021

Local author-mum an award winner  SUCCESS | DALLAS SHERRINGHAM LACKTOWN author and mum Glaiza De Leon has won two major awards for her heartwarming book that helps young, introverted children find their voices.

Glaiza was named AusMumpreneur Making a Difference in Children’s Education Award gold winner and Author Award silver winner.

The awards were held at an online event where talented mums in business from all over the country gathered to support and encourage other Australian mumpreneurs.

Glaiza said she was excited to win in her categories in the 2021 Awards “against such a talented group of women”.

“I felt incredibly humbled and grateful when they announced my name. It’s not every day an introvert such as myself can be an advocate for children who struggle to find their loud voices, especially in a school setting. It means so much that through my picture book, these children are being heard and understood.”

“It’s been inspiring meeting other women who were finalists in the awards, from many different categories. It’s an absolute honor to be a part of AusMumpreneur network and awards, that recognise mums in business. It’s uplifting and motivating, for sure.”

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and poured my emotions into words. I wrote a story to help comfort my daughter, who also loves to read.

“After I wrote my manuscript and read it to her, she instantly replied; 'can you turn it into a real book, mummy? So that other kids who can't find their loud voice like me, can read it too?”

Glaiza said it took the words of a young fiveyear-old to bring her author dream to life.

Mummy, I Can't Find My Loud Voice the book, is now used as a classroom teaching resource, helping quieter kids find a sense of comfort, as well as helping more outspoken children build patience, understanding, and empathy.

Grew up in Western Sydney Glaiza was born in the Philippines, and moved to Australia when she was one. She grew up in Western Sydney where she completed her schooling years. Throughout school she enjoyed creative projects, especially when it came to story writing.

Young Adult fiction is her go-to genre to read but will pick up any book that catches her eye...

Including children's picture books.

A favorite pastime is sharing a bedtime story with her three young children who are ‘mini bookworms’. “Reading together is always the highlight of their day. The kids love books that are silly or heartwarming,” Glaiza said.

How the book came about

Support entrepreneurs

“My lifelong dream of publishing a book started 24 years ago when I was seven-years-old.

Later in life, between being a mum to three young children, alongside running a successful skincare business, my author dreams were put on hold.

“But one day, my daughter came home from school in tears, and says mummy, I can't find my loud voice. It goes super quiet when I talk to my friends. No-one can hear me, not even me.

“As a mother and someone who resonated deeply with her words, my tears started flowing.

We cried together. And then I did what I did best,

AusMumpreneur was created to support Australian entrepreneurs like Glaiza and her fellow Award winners, cofounder of AusMumpreneur Peace Mitchell said.

“These awards are all about recognising the growing number of mums who are achieving outstanding business success while balancing motherhood.”

More information on the AusMumpreneur Awards and the complete list of winners can be found at: www.ausmumpreneur.com

Blacktown author and mum Glaiza DeLeon.

CONNECTING LOCAL BUSINESSES TO GROW THE BLACKTOWN ECONOMY

WE APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT OF OUR PLATINUM & GOLD MEMBERS PLATINUM

GOLD

BECOME A MEMBER from $299 p. 0439 812 709

www.greaterbbc.org.au

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

Blacktown City: The City of Opportunity Blacktown City is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.

By 2041, population growth will result in our region having over 615,000 residents – easily larger than Tasmania!

Only by working together can we deliver the jobs, infrastructure and social services to support a vibrant and exciting City – Opportunity for All!

COVID Help is Available For people with work hours cut: Service Australia www.servicesaustralia.gov.au

For people seeking rebates: Services NSW phone 13 77 88 or www.servicensw.gov.au

For businesses seeking financial support and landlordss tto o aassist ssist ttenants: enants: Services NSW phone 13 77 88 or www.servicensw.gov.au

For health advice or book your vaccine: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/book-covid-vaccination or contact your local doctor or pharmacist.

Mental Health support: Lifeline 13 11 14 Stay safe, get vaccinated and feel free to phone or email your local MP (details below).

We are here to help you and your family during this difficult time.

Stephen Bali MP

Hugh McDermott MP

Prue Car MP

Edmond Atalla MP

Member for Blacktown

Member for Prospect

Member for Mt Druitt

(02) 9671 5222

(02) 9756 4766

blacktown@parliament.nsw.gov.au

prospect@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Deputy Opposition Leader Shadow Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Member for Londonderry

Shop 3063, Westpoint Shopping Centre, Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown

2/679 The Horsley Dr, Smithfield

(02) 9833 1122 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

(02) 9625 6770 mountdruitt@parliament.nsw.gov.au Suite 201, Westfield Shoppingtown, Carlisle Av, Mt Druitt

154 Queen St, St Marys

Authorised by Stephen Bali MP, Edmond Atalla MP, Prue Car MP and Hugh McDermott MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

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ISSUE 7 | October 2021

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

Available on

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ISSUE 7 | October 2021

Council reopens outdoor pools WIMMERS young and old dusted off their cossies as pools reopened across Blacktown City after months of lockdown closures.

Outdoor swimming pools at four of Blacktown City’s leisure and aquatic centres opened their doors bright and early on Monday, September 27 after the easing of some COVID-19 restrictions.

The outdoor pools at Blacktown Aquatic Centre, Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton, Mount Druitt Swimming Centre and Riverstone Swimming Centre welcomed back swimmers under strict COVID safety plans.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the reopening of outdoor pools was a major win for residents.

“I welcome the easing of restrictions to allow our City’s residents to cool off in the pool after months spent living under strict lockdown rules,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“I watched in disappointment as Sydneysiders in areas such as Bondi were allowed to head to the beach, but people in Blacktown City were left to swelter in the heat.

“This is a fantastic day and to celebrate, Council waived the entrance fee for Monday’s opening day.”

Lap swimming and recreational swimming are permitted; however, restrictions remain in place for activities such as squad training, swim classes and aqua aerobics.

Council’s indoor swimming pools also remain closed.

Mayor Bleasdale was hopeful Public Health Orders would soon allow squad training and swimming lessons to take place at outdoor pools.

Among the keen swimmers who lined up early to get back in the water was Kings Langley swimming star Timothy Hodge, who marked his first swim since returning

people, both vaccinated and unvaccinated.

Patrons can only visit pools within 5 km of their home or in their Council area and must carry proof of address.

At all times when out of the water, current outdoor gathering rules will apply, i.e. a maximum two unvaccinated people in a group or a maximum 5 vaccinated people in a group, but masks may be removed while swimming.

Due to capacity limits, patrons are encouraged to book in advance–either online at https://bit.ly/3kClDXS, over the phone or in person at the centre.

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Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM with Kings Langley Paralympic swimming star Timothy Hodge and rising swimming star Riley Welch.

from the 2020 Paralympic Games at Blacktown Aquatic Centre.

Timothy was a proud ambassador for Blacktown City in Tokyo and a dominant force in the pool, winning silver in the Men's 200m Individual Medley (S9) and the Men's 4x100m Medley Relay (43 points), as well as bronze in the Men’s 100m Backstroke (S9).

“To have the pools back open again and to be able to go for a swim at your local pool is a great boost for the public,” Timothy said.

“Swimming is a great form of exercise– it’s very low stress on your bones–and it’s great for people of all ages.”

In accordance with NSW Health guidelines, outdoor pools will be open to all

Opening times for outdoor pools are as follows: • Blacktown Aquatic Centre: Monday to Friday 5:30 am to 7:30 pm, Saturday 6 am to 5 pm and Sunday 8 am to 5 pm • Riverstone Swimming Centre: Monday to Sunday 9 am to 6 pm • Mount Druitt Swimming Centre: Monday to Sunday 9 am to 6 pm • Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton: Monday to Sunday 9 am to 6 pm

Popular pub sold for $25M OPULAR venue Adams’ Tavern in Richmond Rd has been sold for a record price of $25m.

Well-known pub owner Peter Walker has splashed out for the hotel, setting a new mark for a hotel sale in Blacktown.

Mr Walker, who also owns the Doonside Hotel in Western Sydney, bought the hotel through agents John

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COVID-19 Complimentary IR Assistance

Musca and Kate Macdonald from JLL. The sale highlights the strong demand for metropolitan west pubs despite the city’s lockdown.

The previous highest price paid for a Blacktown hotel was the Sportsman’s Hotel which sold for $23.4m in November 2019, in a deal also brokered by JLL. Adam’s Tavern, which includes a drive-through bottle-shop, public

bar, bistro and gaming lounge with 30 machines, was offered for sale by Bob McGhee, who established the hotel 30 years ago.

Mr Musca said JLL had managed the sale of more than 15 hotels on behalf of long-time owners of between 25 and 50 years.

Source: AFR

COVID myths dispelled by our panel of international experts in these two powerful ZOOM round tables.

Employer access to industrial relations advice and resources on COVID-19 issues such as vaccination.

Includes unlimited access to our specialist advice line; regular expert updates on IR issues; webinars; and industry sector briefings. We specialise in helping employers navigate employment issues.

Go to www.aigroup.com.au/covid-19-ir-assistance/

VISIT: www.netwerx.tv

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

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ISSUE 7 | October 2021

The many faces of SWR in lockdown.

Local radio broadcasts through COVID HILE COVID-19 has changed life dramatically, the demand for community news has never been more important, with one community radio station finding creative ways to keep their vital service going.

Being in Blacktown, a COVID hot spot has forced SWR 99.9 to adapt to the new world of COVID while continuing to deliver its news and cultural programs to the community.

The high-tech station has set up broadcasters from home to get through the pandemic.

SWR 99.9 FM Chairman Alex Agaciak said despite the changes, the station is in a strong position to continue broadcasting.

“COVID-19 has severely impacted community radio right around the country,” Mr Agaciak said. “We’ve been fortunate. A lot of stations have been hit a lot harder than

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us. As soon as all this started, we put our own restrictions and guidelines in place.

“We’ve got some great techs here behind the scenes that have helped out, and a membership of dedicated volunteers who were determined to keep broadcasting.

“As a result, 80% of our broadcasters have been able to set up at home and can remotely get their shows on air. It just goes to show the passion in community radio,” he said.

He said modern technology had been a great benefit to the station in continuing its service.

“I’ve been here close to 15 years now, and you couldn’t even imagine doing anything like this 15 years ago, we would’ve just had to hit the switch and run the station on automation until it all finished,” he said.

“These days it’s amazing what you can do, but you need passionate & committed

members, which fortunately SWR has in spades” That passion and commitment to community was recognised earlier this year with a Parliamentary Speech by State Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali.

It has also seen SWR 99.9’s listener base grow to an estimated 200,000 listeners a week.

According to the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA), close to six million listeners tune into community radio every week.

Mr Agaiciak said the COVID-19 pandemic had highlighted the importance of local stations like SWR. “The thirst for local content and local news has been there for a while and I think it’s even more relevant now."

Visit: www.swr999.com.au

Teenagers charged with car jacking  LAW AND ORDER | JADE HOBMAN OUR teenagers faced charges early last week after a carjacking and a police pursuit that started and ended in the city of Blacktown.

Police said a woman in a BMW was approached in a Wentworthville carpark by four teenagers around 700pm, who demanded the keys from her. She got out before they allegedly drove off with the car.

PolAir located the vehicle in Seven Hills after midnight, and it was monitored as it went along the M4 to North Sydney, and travelled back westbound on the M2 and M7. It was located abandoned in Glendenning at 130am.

Ground police attended, and with the help of the dog unit four teenagers were arrested, after they were located at a home in the nearby suburb of Oakhurst.

Three boys and one girl were taken to Mount Druitt police station, where the group faced various charges, including aggravated robbery in company, police said. Two were refused bail, and all were ordered to appear at a children’s court.

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Missing man and woman from Blacktown area found A Prospect woman, who went missing late last month, has been found after disappearing for four days. Police had appealed to the public earlier to help locate 23-year-old Krystal McGuigan, as they held concerns for her welfare.

A 71-year-old man was found safe and well at a Blacktown hospital last month after going missing over two nights from the same venue.

CCTV released of Blacktown tattoo shop fire.

CCTV released of Blacktown tattoo shop fire Raptor Squad detectives have released CCTV footage of two men spotted in the vicinity of a tattoo parlour fire earlier this year in Blacktown.

Not long after 100am on Tuesday, June 22 emergency services responded to reports of a fire on Sunnyholt road that was spreading from the rear of the parlour that adjoins Humphries lane.

Two men with face coverings and hooded jumpers, one of which has a distinctive ‘CK’ on the back, were seen in Humphries lane between 100am and 120am. They were last seen heading towards Prince Street a short time after the fire took hold.

Tattoo parlours have been historically linked to motorcycle gang activity, yet police said the owner of this tattoo shop has no such connections.

Raptor Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Jason Weinstein, urged anyone in the community who may recognise the two men to contact police.

Baulkham Hills homes searched Police conducted searches on two Baulkham Hills homes, as part of a statewide operation targeting criminal syndicates early last month.

During the searches, police seized cash, documents, electronic items, a set of handcuffs, and motorcycle gang paraphernalia.

Criminal Groups Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Grant Taylor, said the investigators continue to clamp down on individuals who facilitate, associate, or help those responsible for the illicit activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs and other criminal networks.

“We know members of these criminal syndicates go to extreme efforts to avoid

detection by law enforcement, often exploiting interests in legitimate businesses so funds generated can be used to facilitate organised crime,” Detective Superintendent Taylor said.

National Police Remembrance Day Police across the nation paid respects to fallen colleagues on National Police Remembrance Day last Wednesday.

The memorial was restricted to a small audience, including NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and the Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott at the Wall of Remembrance in The Domain. The NSW Police Force has had 275 members fall whilst serving the community.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators in some of these stories is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

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ISSUE 7 | October 2021

Special 2-hour FREE event!

BLACKTOWN

KEY TOPIC - You & Your Business Join business owners, managers and teams from throughout Blacktown City for a morning of insights, updates and networking to chart your future in an ever-changing business world.

Blacktown Bouncing Back is the first event in the two-event series aimed at enriching you and your business.

WHEN

TIME

ENTRY

Tuesday November 16

10am to 12 noon

Free upon registration at Eventbrite https://blacktownbounceback.eventbrite.com.au

WHERE

ENQUIRIES

Main theatre Blacktown Workers Club 55 Campbell Street, Blacktown

info@greaterblacktownnews.com.au Michael Walls 0407 783 413

Seizing Opportunities post-lockdown Rebecca Mihalic

Director BusinessDEPOT

BLACKTOWN Future Business coming in March 2022

More information on the speakers see Eventbrite page

Entrepreneurial Hope and Resilience

Business Structure and Protection

Maximise your Brand Potential

Networking and Success Mindset

Dr Hormoz Ahmadi & Dr Syed Fazal-e-Hasan

Katherine Hawes

Chris Hekeik

Dr Jim Taggart

Director Digital Age Lawyers

Founder Mode Media

OAM

ACU Blacktown

Sponsored by

Venue Partner

Support Partner

Support Partner

Guest MC: Trevor Oldfield, President Greater Blacktown, Business Chamber Introduction by Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali MP Close by Blacktown Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM

Media Partner

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ISSUE 7 | October 2021

Vale Warren Hardy, community warrior NE of Doonside community warriors, Warren Hardy passed away on 26 July 2021 and is survived by his wife Annette, his children Daniel, Rachel, Samantha, Tammy, Lachlan and the extended family.

Warren was a larger than life character that cared for his local community, helped out wherever and whoever he could and fiercely caring and protective of his family.

COVID has been a tragic time for many people but it also robbed us all of getting together to celebrate the life of a truly amazing person and well respected in the community.

Warren’s community activities over the past three decades could easily fill a book, but in summary, he was a leader in coordinating local clean up graffiti programs including work with Probation and Parole office; fundraising for community events particularly for Blacktown Relay for Life and served on the organising committee; Doonside Public School P&C (served as President); supported local NAIDOC school events; president for a number of years of the local Doonside Residents Action Group; and coach of football teams.

Many of us would remember Warren

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Warren from one of his daughter’s wedding and Warren holding a photo of his brother (Tony Hardy) who passed away from cancer in 2014. Warren then became a co-founder of Tony's Team in spring of 2014 for relay for life and later became a committee member for the Blacktown relay for life.

and his team selling glow sticks on Australia Day concert at Rooty Hill raising money for local community causes.

He was always there for a helping hand for neighbours or organising whatever needed to be done for people.

Warren was truly the “Go-To” person in our area.

Warren was a fierce fighter on many local issues, particularly for the Doonside

Lifts. He wrote for at least 10 years to all Transport Ministers and Premiers calling for the lifts and heavily involved in the petition and media campaign.

Warren’s no nonsense approach often put him at odds with people and occasionally resulting in unnecessary personal attacks. He never gave up. Warren knew what was right and what needed to be done.

His legacy is that he was a wonderfully community minded person and his legacy lives through his wife Annette, his family and all those he helped in the community.

Thank you Warren for making our world a better place. You will be sadly missed but always fondly remember.

Vale Warren Hardy.

From Stephen Bali, Member for Blacktown

$5B Westinvest fund for future NEW $5B investment by the NSW Government has been designed to secure a brighter future for western and south-western Sydney families and residents, helping build new and improved facilities and local infrastructure to help communities hit by COVID-19.

The Government said the WestInvest Fund would focus on projects that make a real difference to quality of life, help create jobs in the process, and change the face of Western Sydney for the better.

“The future of Western Sydney is bright and this announcement is a major first step along the road to recovery after a challenging year,” NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said.

“This is about helping to rejuvenate local communities with improved parks, better open spaces, giving town centres a boost and providing opportunities to grow.”

The unprecedented boost was made possible by the State’s strong financial management and asset recycling strategy, with the NSW Government announcing the sale of its residual 49 per cent stake in WestConnex for $11.1B.

A

The new WestInvest Fund will allocate $3B for future projects across six areas: • Parks, urban spaces and green space; • Enhancing community infrastructure such as local sporting

grounds; • Modernising local schools; • Creating and enhancing arts and cultural facilities; • Revitalising high-streets; • Clearing local traffic.

The remaining $2B will be reserved for high priority projects to be developed in consultation with local communities.

Mr Perrottet said the local infrastructure and facilities drive would create jobs at a critical time, as NSW begins its economic recovery from the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Western and south-western Sydney is an economic powerhouse, but first and foremost there must be places where families can have a great quality of life – that’s what this investment will achieve,” Mr Perrottet said.

“No matter where you live, we want people to love living locally, and this investment will deliver better local facilities, open spaces and convenient services all close to home.

“This investment is just the first stage of our economic recovery strategy which the Government is currently developing for release in October.”

Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the funding injection would be a game-changer and a catalyst for growth.

HOW TO WIN THE WEST WESTERN SYDNEY MEDIA ALLIANCE OCTOBER 2021 | EDITION 126

BUSINESS | LIFESTYLE

WWW.ACCESSNEWS.COM.AU

ISSUE 15 | OCTOBER 2021

TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

WWW.PARRAMATTATIMES.COM.AU

ParramattA

ISSUE 7 | OCTOBER 2021

T I M E S

CELEBRATE Sydney Hills Local business awards feature: 16

POLITICS Why new State leadership is good for the West: 2

What it might look like to have flying cars over Parramatta CBD.

MANUFACTURING Local firm’s game changing deal with ASIA: 46

TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

WWW.GREATERBLACKTOWNNEWS.COM.AU

%ඔඉඋඓග඗ඟN COVID Guide to vaccination centre across Blacktown: 19

COMMUNITY NITY rren Vale Warren Hardy, ity community warrior: 14 Special free event for you and your business: 13

PROJECT$ INSIDE

COVID LESSONS K

“

EEP saying that the risk of getting a side effect to AstraZeneca is one person sitting in a full SCG, and the risk of dying from it is one in a million - the equivalent to a lightning strike.” Vivid stats voiced by infectious disease expert Professor Tony Cunningham as he took part in a Regional Roundtable webinar of internationally

renowned experts held recently by a collaboration of Access News Australia and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research. The panel, who hail from a range of disciplines, spoke about their take on the lessons learned from COVID, and their prognosis of future trends in a post-pandemic world. See pages 4,5.

CARS OVER CBD

Cash boost for local precincts

C

AN you imagine cars flying above the Parramatta CBD? Parramatta Chamber of Commerce president Luke Magee can certainly see it as a possibility after the Parramatta Times discussed a report from University of NSW suggesting the concept was not far away. “I hope it can be something we can look forward to in the future. It would be good for Parramatta, with its lack of parking,” Mr Magee said.

“These flying cars could work like the proposed driverless cars where you park them outside the city and they come to pick you up." More page ͢2.

G MIN COSOON

H

IGH growth greenfield precincts in Blacktown will benefit from a share of $139M being handed out by the State Govt this year. The cash is up for grabs for eight Western Sydney councils as applications have opened for round two of the Accelerated Infrastructure Funding (AIF). More page 4.

Key to business relationships: 7

From top left clockwise: Grange Avenue, Loftus St and Glengarrie Rd all projects for possible development under the AIF program.

Bankwest becomes CommBank Stadium: 13

Blacktown City blacktown.nsw.gov.au

$

Blacktown

Snapshot

403,000 population

18.81 billion regional economy

4.6%

24,990

average economic growth

registered businesses

143,259 local jobs

High impact media that reaches Australia’s fastest growth region - Greater Western Sydney, home of Australia’s new 24-hour airport.

Targeted reach. Four powerful media brands in digital and print formats.

Contact us today for a conversation about your success plans: graham@accessnews.com.au

www.accessnews.com.au | www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au | www.parramattatimes.com.au | www.jobswesternsydney.com.au

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

Crosswords/Games

15

Solutions page 23

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Research rooms 5. North African expanse 11. Similar type 14. Nitrogenous waste 15. Readied 16. Date or age beginning 17. Driver’s ___ 18. Blow to pieces 20. Bowler, but not golfer 21. Fox chaser?

22. Orbital extreme 23. Not so cordial 25. Tot tenders 26. They’re twirled in parades 28. Rome septet 29. Take effect, in legalspeak 30. Island of entertainment 31. So ___ 34. Emulated Lady Godiva 35. Less firm, maybe 36. Add a kick to 37. Common tip jar bill 38. Moisten, poetically 39. Pulverize 40. Repaired a shoe 41. Moves unobtrusively 42. Worldly, not spiritual 45. “Haystacks” artist 46. Collar, for cops 47. Whim 48. Small handful 51. Call girl 53. Bridges of film 54. Tiny particle 55. Ducks 56. Caveat to a buyer 57. Lacking liquid 58. Colt’s sound 59. Bank adjuncts

DOWN 1. Opulent 2. Grounds 3. Exalted happiness 4. Created a lap 5. Future ferns 6. Pergola 7. Saber handle 8. Bud in Burgundy 9. Shopkeeper 10. With skill 11. Celebrity’s concern 12. Not as timely 13. A couple of big joints 19. Languishes 21. One of a trident trio 24. Compost heap discard 25. Connective tissue 26. Ball point pen inventor 27. In a moment 28. Was optimistic 30. Sweet or hard beverage 31. Most flawed 32. Cause of some scars 33. Lipstick hues 35. Family tree entry 36. Metal deposit 38. Prop up 39. Color for the tickled 40. Files litigation 41. Hurting the most 42. Flavorsome 43. Trial associate?

44. Close pal 45. Agrippina, to Nero 47. Form of pachisi 49. Injure badly 50. Cat in boots 52. Astaire specialty 53. Bucolic cry

16

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

EMPOWERING TAMIL BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY IN AUSTRALIA

BUSINESS WEBINAR

CREATING A DATA-DRIVEN ORGANISATION FOCUSING ON - WHY YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO EMBRACE DATA

GOLD MEMBERS

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Blacktown Business

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

17

CommBank steps up business support government areas and business sectors,” a CommBank spokesman said.

“This includes new deferral programs for home and business loan customers.

“Eligible customers who’ve been significantly impacted by lockdowns, particularly those in local government areas with additional restrictions, can now defer their home loan repayments for two months.”

 DALLAS SHERRINGHAM HE Blacktown branch of the Commonwealth Bank is vaccinating staff and their families against COVID-19 and has announced a raft of support for struggling customers in the region.

The employee and corporate vaccination hubs and rapid antigen testing in Blacktown are part of a concerted response to the virus by CommBank in Sydney’s Local Government Areas of concern.

It all part of an accelerated CommBank corporate vaccination pilot program to help vaccinate its employees and families against COVID-19.

Following the successful opening of the first vaccination centre in Parramatta at the beginning of August, centres in Bankstown and Hurstville opened recently, with Blacktown, Cabramatta, Auburn, Liverpool and Campbelltown centres following.

CommBank has also released an easyto-use Financial Support Guide to help businesses, community groups and individuals understand the options available and range of initiatives already announced by the government and CBA.

T

Support for business customers

Support for retail customers The Financial Support Guides have been translated into a number of languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi, Vietnamese and Arabic, and these will be available later this week.

In the impacted LGA, CommBank has one-to-one communications via email and SMS being sent to individuals about

the Covid support measures available to them.

In-branch, there are staff videos in widespread languages other than English to support customers.

“We’ve put in place a range of measures to support customers during the recent lockdowns, with a particular focus on the most heavily impacted local

Eligible customers could also defer their repayments on business loans, he said.

“We are also refunding merchant terminal fees for up to 90 days for eligible customers, and waiving fees and notice periods on Cash Deposit and Farm Management Deposit accounts for eligible customers.

And, the Benefits finder digital feature in the CommBank App has been extended to now include more than 58 benefits for businesses.

The 58 business-specific benefits are in addition to more than 270 benefits and rebates already available for personal banking customers – many of which are pandemic-related, including the Pandemic Leave Disaster payment.

Struggles, recovery and sustainability  THIRU ARUMUGAM S COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on businesses of all sizes in every industry, it is petrifying to see that SMEs, the backbone of the Australian economy, rapidly shutting down due to overwhelming economic hardships.

Apart from being an important sector in the economy, SMEs relentlessly increase employment opportunities, create constructive community interaction, stimulate innovation and healthy competition.

But the obstacles faced by these firms are frequently unrecognised and unresolved.

For almost two years, SMEs have been battling critical challenges caused by the pandemic than larger businesses.

Among many dominant strains, SMEs mainly struggle with deteriorating government support systems, grant application processing delays, new staff hiring, weakening cash flow, and, most significantly, lacking a post-pandemic recovery and sustainability framework.

It is a grim reality that not all SMEs can successfully overcome the pandemic repercussions. Still, the government's collaborative response campaigns are of utmost importance and desperately needed.

While several strategies are ongoing to raise SMEs during the current turbulence (financial support, local shoppers, changing procurement methods), the government needs to focus on more decisive areas. For example, long-term support is essential for SMEs' familiarisation with strategic digital marketing and management.

A

Business ecosystems are changing As consumers are transitioning to online shopping and transactions more than ever now, most SMEs lack the tools and resources to adapt promptly to modern e-commerce stipulations.

A consistent structure to mitigate new risks faced by SMEs, increase options to access finance and funding, and implement a nationwide scenario planning and contingency framework need to be well underway by this time.

Although it may not be evident at a glance, consumers are increasingly willing to shop from local businesses in their communities. Outreach programs are needed at community and national levels to enhance awareness about SMEs' benefits and help

Thiru Arumugam Is the immediate past president of the Australian Tamil Chamber of Commerce.

Visit: www.atcc.org.au

consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

The SME sector is undeniably linked to the sustainable development of the Australian economy. But the outbreak is fundamentally changing their business ecosystem and way of operations now and in the future.

The government's effective and efficient efforts, an optimistic mindset from SMEs themselves, and consumers must be established as solid steppingstones to restore SMEs to their former glory.

AUGUST 2021 Edition 124

BUSINESS | LIFESTYLE

& !" # $ % & ' %(&

OLYMPIC

Western Sydney’s most

HEROS

Tribute to Western Sydney’s Tokyo Oympics top achievers

Penrith’s whitewater chamopion, Jessica

Fox in action.

achievements in her final event, the C1 caENRITH’S whitewater champion noe slalom. Jessica’s teammate at WhitewaJessica Fox was the pick of Western Lucien Delfour finished eighth in Sydney’s athletic achievement achieve- ter Club Olympic final in the men’s k1 after ments at the Tokyo Olympics. Jessica, his first recording a disappointing 17th at Rio 2016. who was born into Olympic royalty, added See inside. the elusive Gold Medal to her long list of

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CommenT

ISSUE 6 | September 2021

with MICHELLE ROWLAND

I am available to help with a range of Federal matters, including: • Aged Care & Pensions • Centrelink • Immigration • Medicare • National Disability Insurance Scheme • Taxation & Superannuation

Greenway is leading the vaccination race  NORMAILTY | MICHELLE ROWLAND OR the last couple of months, Greenway has experienced some of our most challenging times to date.

Whether you’re a healthcare worker treating exceptionally high presentations at hospitals, a business forced to close their doors, or a student missing out on face-toface learning — our community has most certainly been doing it tough.

But, throughout all this adversity, Greenway hasn’t thrown in the towel; not when our LGAs became hotspots, not when we were told we couldn’t have a mass vaccination hub, and not now. In fact, we have done quite the opposite.

Earlier this month, The Parliamentary Library released data ranking each electorate across Australia by their vaccination rates. The data revealed that Greenway’s first dose rate, at 91%, is leading the nation in the race to get vaccinated.

These rates are exceptional, and I am so proud of our electorate for rolling up their sleeves and getting the jab, against all odds.

The progress to date is a testament to the patience of our community, and their unwavering commitment to health.

Community engagement and the multi-faith initiatives across Greenway have been an essential part of our electorate’s success.

From the Gurdwara Sahib in Glenwood, where the Australian Sikh Association had created a brilliant pop-up vaccination clinic, to the Ahmadiyyah Mosque’s pop-up

F

Michelle Rowland MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR GREENWAY

Level 1, Suite 101C, 130 Main Street, Blacktown PO Box 8525, Blacktown NSW 2148 (02) 9671 4780 Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au www.michellerowland.com.au MRowlandMP Authorised by Michelle Rowland MP, Australian Labor Party, Suite 101C, Level 1, 130 Main Street, Blacktown NSW 2148

“

The small businesses of Western Sydney have made enormous sacrifices to keep our community safe and for that, we are so grateful.” clinic, our multi-faith community groups have been instrumental in achieving Greenway’s high vaccination rates.

The small businesses of Western Sydney have made enormous sacrifices to keep our community safe and for that, we are so grateful.

Greenway knows that vaccinations are our best shot at a normal life. That’s why I know that, if we put our minds to it, we can get our second-doses up to those high rates too.

Together, we can continue to lead NSW out of lockdown.

Michelle Rowland is Federal Member for Greenway.

COVID

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

19

Vaccination centres across Blacktown City FTER what could only be described as a slow start to the COVID vaccination program, Blacktown City is leading the pack with about 95% of the population over 16 having had their first dose.

The obstacles put before Blacktown residents to get vaccinated included no mass vaccination hub, residents having long travel and waiting times to Homebush centre and walk in vaccination hub.

Stephen Bali, MP for Blacktown was in constant contact with the Premier’s office, Health Minister and Western Sydney Local Health District to get more mobile vaccination hubs into Blacktown City.

Mr Bali said: “The case was clear, people wanted to get vaccinated, but the obstacles were too great. Blacktown City has over 7% of greater Sydney region population but at the time we only 5% of the vaccination locations.

Over 40% of Blacktown residents do not have access to the internet and up to 140,000 residents had either no access to a car or one car only and people were being

A

Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali.

forced to use public transport for up to 3 hours to access the Homebush vaccination centre.

“We are one of the most multicultural population and have the highest population

of Aboriginal heritage community which meant it was hard to get the right information out.”

The vulnerable communities ought to have been the first priority.

"The Western Sydney Local Health District CEO hasn't stepped up in terms of delivering for the people of Blacktown."

Local organisations were given limited opportunity to access the vulnerable communities to ensure people had access to a Pfizer vaccine, Mr Baili said.

PCYC, St. Clement’s Anglican Church, St Patricks Catholic Church and Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque all had some sessions of providing Pfizer vaccines under strict restrictions and with limited doses.

Mr Bali said despite the barriers the people of Blacktown City have responded to the challenge.

“As restrictions are lifted, we have to be mindful that we are not immune to the virus but with the vaccination we have a good fighting chance to avoid the worst of it.”

The local General Practice and Pharmacy networks have delivered approximately two-thirds of all vaccines in NSW. Anyone over the age of 12 now has a choice of vaccine as restrictions no longer apply.

Listing of GP and Pharamcy networks and available vaccines in Blacktown LGA Centre Type

Centre Name

Suburb

GP

Bidwill Family Practice

GP

Dr Christopher Soo

Blackett

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Best Care Medical Clinic

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Blacktown Family Medical Centre

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Blacktown Family Surgery

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Blacktown General Practice

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Campbell Street Family Medical Practice

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Dr Ashraf Nashed Surgery

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

GP

Eastbrooke Blacktown GP Super Clinic

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

Bidwill

AZ Yes

Pfizer Yes

Moderna No

GP

Glenwood Medical Practice

Glenwood

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Quakers Court Medical Centre

Quakers Hill

Yes

Yes

GP

Malvern Road Medical Centre

Glenwood

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Quakers Hill Family Practice

Quakers Hill

Yes

Yes

No No

GP

Malvern Road Medical Centre

Glenwood

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Railway Road Medical Centre

Quakers Hill

Yes

No

No

GP

Parklea Medical Centre

Glenwood

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Ramona Street Medical Centre

Quakers Hill

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Parklea Medical Centre

Glenwood

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Tan Surgery

Quakers Hill

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Hassall Grove Medical Centre

Hassall Grove

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Pharmacy Nutrition Warehouse Quakers Hill

Quakers Hill

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Grantham Street Family Practice

Riverstone

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Oxford Medical Sport - Dr Javed

Riverstone

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Riverstone Family Medical Practice

Riverstone

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Healthway Medical Practice

Rooty Hill

Yes

Yes

No

GP

iFamily Medical Centre

Rooty Hill

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Rooty Hill Medical and Dental Centre

Rooty Hill

Yes

Yes

No

GP

NMMR Medical Services

Hassall Grove

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Medicines R Us Hassall Grove

Hassall Grove

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Carlisle Av GP

Hebersham

Yes

Yes

No

No

GP

Jersey RD Medical Practice

Hebersham

Yes

Yes

No

No

GP

Best Care Medical Clinic

Kellyville Ridge

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Centre Medical and Allied Health

Kings Langley

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Kings Langley Family Practice

Kings Langley

Yes

Yes

No

GP

KL Doctors Medical and Dental

Kings Langley

Yes

Yes

No

GP

South Rooty Hill Medical Practice

Rooty Hill

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Kings Langley Discount Drug Store

Kings Langley

Yes

No

Yes

Pharmacy

Chemist Warehouse Rooty Hill

Rooty Hill

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Grafton Street Medical Centre

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Kildare Road Medical Centre

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Lourdes Medical Centre

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Main St Family Medical Centre

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Medlife Medical Practice

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Myhealth Medical Centre Blacktown

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Pacific Medical Centre Blacktown

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

GP

Patrick St Medical Centre

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

Pharmacy

Solander Centre Pharmacy

Kings Langley

Yes

No

Yes

Pharmacy

Master Pharmacy Outlet

Rooty Hill

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Lalor Park Medical Centre

Lalor Park

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Ropes Crossing Medical Practice

Yes

No

Lethbridge Park Surgery

Lethbridge Park

Yes

Yes

No

Ropes Crossing

Yes

GP

No

Pharmacy

Lethbridge Park Pharmacy

Lethbridge Park

Yes

No

Yes

Pharmacy

Ropes Central Pharmacy

Ropes Crossing

Yes

No

Yes

No

GP

Davis Road Medical Centre

Marayong

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Alex Avenue Medical Centre

Schofields

Yes

Yes

No

Marayong Medical Centre

Marayong

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Schofields Family Medical Practice

Schofields

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Terry White Chemmart Schofields

Schofields

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Alpha Medical Centre

Seven Hills

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Barbara Boulevard Medical Centre

Seven Hills

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Best Road Medical Centre

Seven Hills

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Living Waters Family Medical Practice

Seven Hills

Yes

Yes

No

GP

M & S Prabhu Family Practice

Seven Hills

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Orana Medical Practice

Seven Hills

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Seven Hills Family Medical Centre

Seven Hills

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Richmond Road Medical Centre

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

GP

GP

St Martins Village Medical Centre

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

MediADVICE Marayong Compounding Pharmacy

Marayong

Yes

No

Yes

GP

The Practice Blacktown NSW

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Our Medical Home Marsden Park

Marsden Park

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Medicines R Us Marsden Park

Marsden Park

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Walters Road Medical Centre

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

GPRC

Blacktown Respiratory Clinic

Blacktown

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Chemist Warehouse Blacktown

Blacktown

Yes

No

Yes

Pharmacy

Cincotta Discount Chemist Blacktown

Blacktown

Yes

No

Yes

Pharmacy

Priceline Pharmacy Blacktown

Blacktown

Yes

No

Yes

Pharmacy

Terry White Chemmart Blacktown

Blacktown

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Xtreme Chemist Blacktown

Blacktown

Yes

GP

Colebee Family Medical Centre

Colebee

Yes

Pharmacy

Choice Pharmacy Colebee

Colebee

Yes

GP

D.Yap Pty Ltd

Dharruk

GP

Active Family Medical Centre

GP

GP

Michinbury Family Practice

Michinbury

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

MediADVICE Michinbury Pharmacy

Michinbury

Yes

No

Yes

ACCHS

Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service Mt Druitt

Mount Druitt

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Dr L. Kodski Surgery

Mount Druitt

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

GP

Greater West Medical Centre

Mount Druitt

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Seven Hills Medical Centre

Seven Hills

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

GP

Mount Druitt Health Care

Mount Druitt

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Priceline Pharmacy Seven Hills

Seven Hills

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Mount Druitt Village Medical Centre

Mount Druitt

Yes

No

No

Pharmacy

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Mt Druitt Medical & Dental Centre

Mount Druitt

Yes

Yes

No

Seven Hills Day and Night Pharmacy

Seven Hills

Yes

Doonside

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Mount Druitt

Yes

Yes

No

Doonside Medical Centre

Doonside

Yes

Yes

No

MediADVICE Mt Druitt Medical Centre

Pharmacy

Mt Druitt Family Pharmacy

Mount Druitt

Yes

No

Yes

Pharmacy

Mt Druitt Village Medical Centre

Mount Druitt

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Rainbow Medical Practice

Doonside

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

MediADVICEDonsworth Pharmacy

Doonside

Yes

No

Yes

Pharmacy

MediADVICE Pharmacy Doonside

Doonside

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Max Care Medical Centre

Eastern Creek

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Choice Pharmacy Eastern Creek

Eastern Creek

Yes

No

Yes

GP

All Hours Emerton Medical Centre

Emerton

Yes

No

No

GP

Emerton Medical Centre

Emerton

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Emerton Amcal Plus Pharmacy

Emerton

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Richmond Road Family Practice

Glendenning

Yes

Yes

Pharmacy

Medicines R Us Glendenning

Glendenning

Yes

GP

Glenwood Medical Centre

Glenwood

Yes

GP

Glenwood Medical Centre

Glenwood

GP

Glenwood Medical Practice

Glenwood

Pharmacy

Priceline Pharmacy Mt Druitt

Mount Druitt

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Plumpton Medical Centre

Plumpton

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Terry White Chemmart Plumpton

Plumpton

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Golden Cross Medical Centre

Prospect

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Chemist Connect

Prospect

Yes

No

Yes

Pharmacy

MediADVICE Shalvey Pharmacy

Shalvey

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Stanhope Medical Centre

Stanhope Gardens

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Stanhope Park Medical Centre

Stanhope Gardens

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Terry White Chemmart Stanhope Gardens

Stanhope Gardens

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Ponds Boulevard General Practice

The Ponds

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Ponds Medical Centre

The Ponds

Yes

Yes

No

GP

The Ponds Family Medical Centre

The Ponds

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Priceline Pharmacy The Ponds

The Ponds

Yes

No

Yes

GP

Dr David Loh

Tregear

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Tregear Medical Centre

Tregear

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

MediADVICE Myrtle Street Pharmacy

Prospect

Yes

No

Yes

No

GP

Burdekin Road Medical Centre

Quakers Hill

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

GP

Dr Silvana Sarmento Surgery

Quakers Hill

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Tregear Discount Drug Store

Tregear

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Quakers Hill

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Whalan Medical Centre

Whalan

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Emerald Medical Centre Quakers Hill

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Hillside Medical Centre

Quakers Hill

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Nirimba Medical Centre

Quakers Hill

Yes

Yes

No

GP

Woodcroft Family Practice

Woodcroft

Yes

Yes

No

Pharmacy

Barone Pharmacy Woodcroft

Woodcroft

Yes

No

Yes

20

AutO

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

with JOHN MELLOR

Toyota Australia not ruling out RHD Tundra as 2022 model gets hybrid, twin-turbo V6  TOYOTA | HAITHAM RAZAGUI AND MATT BROGAN HE axe has fallen on Toyota’s V8-powered Tundra as the Japanese marque unveils full details of its latest full-size pick-up truck for the North American market, providing clues to what the new LandCruiser 300’s future hybrid driveline might look like.

Increasing popularity of outsized utes in Australia and under-the-skin similarities to the new LandCruiser could also make the 2022 Tundra the most likely yet to get the green light for official imports – especially given the precedent set by factory-backed right-hand drive conversions of Ram and Chevrolet models.

“Toyota Australia has seen the popularity of the fullsize pick-up segment in Australia grow in the past few years and it is a segment that has been of interest to us and to our customers,” a Toyota Australia spokesperson told GoAuto.

“There are currently no plans for the new model Tundra to be produced in right-hand drive from the factory.

However, this is something that we will continue to study.”

Toyota’s first all-new full-size pick-up in 15 years marks an end to the long-serving 5.7-litre UR series V8, instead powered by a new iForce 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, as found in the 300 Series LandCruiser.

The 24-valve engine develops 290kW/649Nm in the Tundra, or 352kW/790Nm in hybridised iForce Max models.

Both engines are paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul mode but performance figures, range details, fuel economy numbers and pricing are yet to be announced.

Where non-hybrid models benefit from a large storage area beneath the rear seats, hybrid versions of the Tundra use the space to house a proven 288-volt nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack, rather than newer lithium-ion technology.

This ties in with comments made by LandCruiser chief engineer Sadayoshi Koyari in an interview with GoAuto at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, where he said for the legendary off-roader to gain hybrid drive it would “need a technology which is really reliable even in the hardest environmental conditions”.

“If we will have one day a technology – hybrid technology or whatever – which is reliable enough that we can say, ‘OK we will implement that into a LandCruiser,’ I would not say no.”

The new Tundra shares much of its new GA-F platform with the recently released 300 Series LandCruiser, which is based on a body-on-frame version of Toyota’s TNGA (Toyota New Generation Architecture) and will be sold in Australia with a 230kW/687Nm 3.3-litre V6 turbo-diesel.

Although the Tundra is not currently offered with a diesel option, the shared petrol engines and architectural similarities mean the LandCruiser could be made available with version of the Tundra’s new petrol-electric hybrid driveline.

The GA-F platform is also understood to underpin the next-generation Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV, due in the United States by 2023 and tipped to arrive in both rear and four-wheel drive configurations.

Offered in three body styles and with a choice of three tray lengths, the new Tundra range offers up to 2470mm of bed length.

Payload is listed at just 879kg – less than the HiLux dual-cab sold locally – or 11 per cent more than the previous Tundra. The tray bed is formed of a lightweight sheet compound material supported by aluminium bracing as premiered on the smaller Toyota Tacoma.

Maximum braked towing capacity is listed at 5443kg or 17.6 per cent more than the outgoing model.

The new Tundra is suspended by all-coil suspension with twin-tube dampers standard across the range. TRD Pro variants use Fox brand dampers like those found under the Aussie Ranger Raptor and feature a body lift of 28mm.

Technology upgrades include a massive 14-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard, along with “Hey Toyota” voice prompts for navigation, audio and selected other features.

Road sign recognition, a 360-degree camera and automatic tailgate that can be opened and closed from the key fob or a switch on the taillight are also new.

High-end variants also receive a 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument cluster and integrated frontal light bar. Alloy bash plates, air suspension, a panoramic roof, and Wi-Fi connectivity are also available within the range.

T

TraveL

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

21

Scenes of Mollymook.

Blessed with spectacular beaches Fit for former PM

 MOLLYMOOK | SANDIP HOR DGING the Pacific Ocean, the coastal strip winding southwards from Sydney almost down to the Victorian border is generally referred to as the South Coast of NSW and is blessed with spectacular beaches and expansive national parks.

This makes it an ideal destination for a fun-filled vacation with plenty of things to do from playing in the sun, sea and surf to bushwalking, rock climbing, wildlife spotting and kayaking on the tranquil waters of a pristine lake.

Or, you can just do nothing other than to relax and enjoy the top food and wine experiences the region has to offer.

Bordered by the mountains, coastal plains and countless beaches, Shoalhaven area in South Coast is a popular retreat for Sydneysiders and Canberra residents being within easy driving distances from both the urban nests.

The area’s pleasant climate has always been a lure. It is comfortable throughout the year with clement sea breezes to cool in summer while clean air for lengthy saunters in winter.

With a population of just a few thousand, the tiny seaside hamlet of Mollymook is a star of Shoalhaven. It is located only minutes from the harbor port of Ulladulla and historic rural Milton. These three expanses match each other with their specialities and ambience.

The surrounding boroughs offer lavishness of nature’s delights with spectacular scenery, woody mountains and myriad captivating waterways.

Lake Conjola, an aquatic haven for fishing, kayaking, water skiing and wakeboarding is pretty close.

Former Prime Minister John Howard used to visit this serene destination regularly to relax and recharge batteries.

Another key attraction of the area is the widespread presence of kangaroos.

They can be seen jumping around in the neighbouring valleys and forested areas and some of them don’t mind posing for a selfie with the visitors Tourism has been badly hit in this region, earlier due to the shattering bushfires and since March this year because of the COVID19 lockdown and restrictions.

They have eased a little bit now allowing travel within the state with cautions.

The damaging extent of the bushfires is testified by thousands of burnt-down trees in the surrounding national parks.

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Overcoming problems By the time when the bushfire recovery plans started activating, suddenly the flaming issues from the corona virus pandemic forced the tourism industry into a stage of induced coma.

The situation has started improving marginally with some NSW dwellers traveling in and around the region. Local businesses are warmly welcoming whoever can make it there, as it not only reignites their economy in a humble way but also gives them hope to survive.

Fact File Great for surfing Mollymook is best known for its excellent surf beach of sweeping clean sands and clear waters with plenty of space for surfers, sunbathers and fishing enthusiasts.

While engaging with the sandy patch remains its main drawcard, there are many

other things to do in Mollymook from playing golf at the sea edged greenery and whale watching during winter months from the high grounds of Ulladulla lighthouse through to enjoying luxury seafront accommodation and great food and wine at the local eateries.

Getting There: It’s easy to reach Mollymook by road, a three-hour drive from Sydney (225km) and two and half hours from Canberra (200km) Stay: Plenty of staying options throughout the region from luxury resorts and hotels to backpacker hostels and Airbnb accommodations.

More info: www.visitnsw.com

TraveL

22

A majestic global dining palette  BLUE MOUNTAINS | ELLEN HILL AUCY tales, exotic opulence and the odd celebrity demise. The Hydro Majestic Hotel in the Blue Mountains sits alongside the Hotel Ritz Paris, Raffles Singapore and Claridge’s London as legendary havens of mischief and luxury With staff from around the world welcoming waves of international tourists in a distinctly Australian location, the Hydro Majestic also represents the modern face and cuisine of Australia – as it has for more than a century.

The status of the original Blue Mountains party palace as the grandest of the grand hotel in the region was restored when current owner Escarpment Group unveiled its $35M refurbishment in 2014.

The spectacular Casino Lobby was stripped back to show off that stupendous dome prefabricated in Chicago and imported by original Hydro Majestic owner, department store doyenne Mark Foy. The Wintergarden Restaurant where one takes high tea (traditional or Eastern) is bedecked in understated gold and white elegance with enormous windows giving a breathtaking view over the Megalong Valley.

There’s the Majestic Ballroom with its beautiful vaulted ceiling, the revamped Boiler House Café in the old pump house and the sophistication of black and chrome in the Belgravia accommodation lounge.

But the best way to appreciate the full magnificence of the Hydro Majestic, the building, the history and the gob-smackingly gorgeous location on the edge of the escarpment, is to stroll along the (in)famous Cat’s Alley hallway, cocktail in hand, and watch the sunset over the Megalong Valley.

The golden tendrils seep down the blood red walls, lighting up the peacock feathers and richly furbished lounges, and bring the original artworks of blood sports to life.

Foy, was a visionary, an ambitious and remarkable one, creating the hotel on a mountain top against all odds. Soon the fortunate, the famous, the fabulous, even the infamous, flocked to the Hydro Majestic from around the globe.

With regular festivals and events including the Roaring 20s Festival in February, Escarpment Group has returned the flounce to the old girl’s skirt so the Hydro Majestic is once again the most flamboyant showgirl of Australia’s first tourist destination.

The latest event was a seven-course degustation featuring traditional dishes from global locations infused with local flavours served by staff from around the world, heralds a modern era of theatrical dining for

S

The iconic Hydro Majestic.

A gastronomic event Mark Foy’s “Palace in the wilderness’’ Dishes such as Creole-style braised short rib, southern grits, collard greens and corn tamarillo salsa obviously originated from distant shores. However, the ingredients were sourced from a 100-mile radius around the hotel.

Rounding off the gastronomic event with lamingtons was the shared food link to Australia.

It could be said that the Hydro Majestic represents the modern face and cuisine of Australia – as it has for more than a century.

Escarpment Group general manager Ralf Bruegger said: “The Hydro Majestic has always embraced cultural diversity, not because its first owner Mark Foy was politically correct but because he genuinely loved people of all races, their culture, art and food – just as we do today.

With the means to satisfy his every whim, the well-travelled Foy had the famous hotel dome pre-fabricated in Chicago and shipped to Australia. Dr George Baur of the Shoeneck health spa in Switzerland was hired to devise and supervise a program of diets and weird and wonderful treatments.

Turkish coffee at the Hydro Majestic was

served by Turkish waiters, Chinese tea by Chinese waiters.

Louie (Charlie) Goh Mong was just one of many Chinese migrants who reverted to their traditional skills post-Bathurst gold rush era around the turn of the 20th century and worked as butlers, cooks, nannies, maids and produce suppliers to inns, guesthouses, and manor houses across the Blue Mountains during that time.

Charlie worked as a cook at Foy’s Sydney home and managed the mayhem at the Hydro Majestic for 35 years.

Today, staff from 16 language groups work at the Hydro Majestic including English, French, Canadian, Russian, Chinese (all dialects), Portuguese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Italian, Indonesian, Thai and more.

“People visit the Hydro Majestic from all over the world and we must understand and accommodate their cultural needs,’’ Mr Bruegger said.

Go to www.hydromajestic.com.au or phone (02) 4782 6885 for bookings and more information about the Hydro Majestic Hotel.

The Three Sisters.

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

Games Solutions

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

23

TrendS

Fairer go for SMEs VS the ATO

 DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

“

These changes align with ASBFEO’s vision of a tax system that works for the small business sector, so businesses can achieve greater productivity, return to profitability and grow employment.”

- Bruce Billson.

FTEN it can be a case of ‘them versus me’ when taking on the ATO in a dispute over your tax – and it can be overwhelming and downright unfair.

Well, new rules are being introduced to ensure small businesses in dispute with ATO get a fairer go.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Bruce Billson said small businesses in dispute with the ATO would get the fairer go, under new rules proposed by the Australian Government.

Mr Billson welcomed the announcement, giving the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) greater powers to pause or change debt recovery actions applying to a small business in dispute with the ATO. “Small businesses disputing an ATO debt in the AAT will get a fairer go by stopping the ATO from relentlessly pushing on with debt recovery actions against a small business, while the case is being heard,” Mr Billson says.

O

“I commend the government which has acted quickly to implement a key recommendation in our recently released report.

“It is a tax system that works for small business which will allow them to pause ATO debt recovery actions until their case is resolved by the AAT.

Debt recovery action “Currently, small businesses are only able to pause or modify ATO debt recovery actions through the court system. This can be prohibitively expensive and time consuming for a small business.

“Under the proposed changes, small businesses can save thousands of dollars in legal fees, not to mention up to two months waiting for a ruling.

“In line with the recommendations in our report, the AAT will be able to pause or modify any ATO debt recovery actions, such as garnishee notices, interest charges and other penalties until the dispute is resolved by the AAT. “It means that rather than spending time and money fighting in court, small

business owners can get on with what they do best – running and growing their business.

“These proposed changes follow the ATO’s decision to turn its small business independent review service into a permanent offering,” Mr Billson said.

“ASBFEO’s tax concierge service and ongoing advocacy work has led to substantial tax administration improvements for SMEs, with leadership from ATO Deputy Commissioner Small Business Deborah Jenkins and government support.

“Collectively, these changes align with ASBFEO’s vision of a tax system that works for the small business sector, so businesses can achieve greater productivity, return to profitability and grow employment.”

The new powers for the AAT will be available following introduction of the legislation.

Small businesses engaged in a tax dispute are encouraged to contact ASBFEO for assistance on 1300 650 460 or email info@asbfeo.gov.au .

24

FitnesS

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

Make small changes for big results  ADAM SIMPSON F you have read my articles in the past, you would know that I am big on trying to develop healthy habits.

Creating healthy habits is what I believe is the key to getting in the best shape of your life and staying that way. But where should you start?

I think a great place to start, is to first be honest with yourself. Pick one to two exercise/eating habits that you currently have that you know you could improve on.

Below are some examples of habits I have seen over the years:

I

• Drinking too many calories – whether that be alcohol, soft drink, highly processed juices etc.

• Eating dessert and ‘treat’ type foods more often than you should • Not eating enough fruits and vegetables.

• Not eating enough protein.

• Eating take away foods too often.

• Being inconsistent with your exercise.

Note: There is nothing wrong with drinking alcohol or soft drinks, having dessert or eating take away food. The main issue is that people do this too often which leads to an over consumption of calories, causing a weight gain.

If you can pick one or two things from the list above or maybe you have something more relevant to yourself.

Keep things simple and just change those one to two habits for the next 28 days. Be super consistent and it shouldn’t be too long until you find it truly easy to stick to your new plan.

Often the best weight loss plans are the simplest, if things are simple it’s much easier to stick to it. If you can keep at it for a

long enough period of time, I guarantee you that you will get a result. Once you have formed these new habits, you can look to work on something else.

Often, I see people think they need to completely overhaul their life or follow a

strict diet to get weight loss results. However, I don’t think this is a great long-term strategy.

If you are making too many sacrifices or your eating regime becomes too strict. You are going to be very unlikely to be able to continue to do this forever.

I have seen this all too often, once people stop their ‘new diet’ it is easy to slip back into old habits and regain any weight that may have been lost. Skip that hassle and just start working on your daily habits now, make small changes that you can stick to long term.

As always, my message is the same.

• Exercise more days than you don’t.

• Try to include fruit and vegetables with most meals.

• Limit the ‘treat’ type foods you eat, but never cut them out.

• Eat a high-quality protein source with each meal.

• Drink mostly water, but enjoy yourself when you want to.

Adam Simpson is lead trainer and founder at Repetitions Group fitness and Personal Training. Visit: www.repetitionspt.com.au

FilM

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

25

Pig – 5 Stars A surprisingly calm turn from Nic Cage anchors this affecting drama of one man and his truffle pig.

OB (Nicolas Cage) is a truffle hunter in a Oregonian forested area. Rob is reclusive, and in fact only keeps his truffle pig as company.

His only visitor is Amir (Alex Wolff ), a young truffle dealer who is trying to make a name for himself in the industry and break out of his father, Darius’ (Adam Arkin) shadow. Things go wrong however when Rob is attacked in his hut one night, and his pig is stolen.

Enlisting the help of Amir, he heads into the city on the trail of his lost pig. In the process, this former famed and lauded chef has to confront the grief of his past, and the grief of those around him.

Directed by Michael Sarnoski, who was also part of the writing team, PIG is a beautiful surprise of a film.

R

A lot of the DNA of this, particularly the trailer, has a sort of lower budget John Wick feel to it–you’d be forgiven for thinking this is a revenge thriller, with a pig the loss rather than a dog or a wife. But that isn’t what this film is at all.

While Rob searches for his lost pig, and there is a brief spurt of violence when the pig is taken, for the most part this is a beautiful, entrancing and introspective film.

Cage turns in a truly phenomenal performance. He is weary, emotional, kind, engaging and angry, all at once. Physically, his costuming is dirty, ragged and blood covered, but his movements are so slow and deliberate, and his emotionality so placid and thoughtful, that the whole performance feels off-kilter, transformative and engaging.

He’s matched by a somewhat manic, self-conscious performance from Wolff as a young man so insecure in himself, and with such a desperate need to prove himself.

The fact that almost every character here is dealing with grief in some way, shape or form–whether it’s the death of a loved one, the long hospitalisation of a parent, the loss of a pig or the fading of a dream–gives the film, and the acting talent, a lot to work with from an emotional landscape perspective, and it turns the narrative of this film into something more important and ethereal.

Visually, the film is stunningly shot.

The cinematography, on such a low budget, is a triumph, and creates mystical worlds out of dense forests and underground hotels alike. It’s a dark film, but

the mood never overtakes the story.

In the end, PIG is a triumph not in spite of the disparate and challenging elements that embody it’s make up, but because of it.

This film probably wouldn’t work as well if it wasn’t made with such a low budget, and if it didn’t have Nicolas Cage in it, and all the preconceptions that his presence forms in viewers before they watch the film.

Nevertheless, Sarnoski has created a truly enjoyable and uplifting piece, that deserves to be seen by the widest possible audience.

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

FilM

26

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

Ride The Eagle – 3 Stars A meditative comedy, with a huge but largely misspent cast, nevertheless offers an entertaining reprieve from the day-to-day.

EIF (Jake Johnson) is a going-nowhere musician, playing bongos in a band composed of people 20 years younger than him, and living in a small studio cabin set up on another man’s land.

When his mother, Honey (Susan Sarandon), dies, Leif discovers that she has left him the cabin they used to live in; but conditionally. To get the cabin, Leif has to complete a list of tasks she has set out for him.

Travelling to the cabin, he has to set about learning the lessons his mother never got the chance to teach him, from rekindling old romances, to learning to ‘be the predator’ and focus on his own love of music.

Jake Johnson picks really interesting films when he isn’t swanning around as mainstream comedic sidekicks. Some of his work in lower budget flicks is tremendous, and here too we get to see a softer, more nuanced and dramatic performance from the man.

That being said, the film is still very funny, and Johnson’s work stands out as the most comically mature and engaging by far. Some of the other characters and actors don’t fare quite as well.

shots, with Sarandon and D’Arcy Carden in particular very evidently not working on the same sets as Johnson.

Simmons plays a longer role throughout the piece, but with early appearances shrouded and likely a stunt-double, it seems more like Johnson’s show throughout. And honestly that’s not a bad thing.

Visually, Ride The Eagle is set in some stunning wilderness, and the big panoramas are played to great effect. So too are some of the little moments, like the fishing scene where Leif tries to prove his manliness by catching a fish with his bare hands.

It’s nothing new or shocking, but it certainly provides a welcome, almost nonchalant sort of wild, back to the Earth mentality to the piece that complements the overarching narrative conclusion.

Ride The Eagle, as a film, under-utilises some of its name brand talent, but fundamentally hits on a winner with a calm, endearing story about loss, regret and enjoying the simple moments in life.

L

While Sarandon is quite touching in her role, JK Simmons is saddled with some truly cringeworthy dialogue disguised as humor but too crass when compared with the rest of the piece.

Intriguingly, the structure of the film lends itself to a presumably very covid-safe production. All of these characters largely only interact via video, over phones or from afar without. Most of the shots are one-

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

27

ISSUE 7 | October 2021

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ISSUE 7 | October 2021

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ISSUE 7 | October 2021

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Blacktown FC women's team.

Time to play some football Priority is to get our club back on track  MOMENTUM | BOB TURNER T has been a long few months but Thanks to communities around the state it seems we are getting close to opening back up.

For community sport this cannot come quick enough to get the local players, coaches, parents, administrators and all back out in the fresh air of Spring and Summer!

Unfortunately, like many sport and businesses in NSW, the lockdown was a momentum breaker for Blacktown City FC. With only five rounds of the NPL1 Competition to play, Blacktown City FC was leading the competition, building crowds and momentum, and had just drawn Central Coast Mariners to play in the final 32 round of the FFA Cup. The timing of the lockdown could not have been worse and with Football NSW cancelling the competition without declaring a winner, it took weeks for the Blacktown City FC team to absorb and come to grips with the situation.

Now it looks like we are getting closer to the resumption of some kind of normal with community sport high on the agenda.

The major professional codes have kept their seasons relatively intact with the help of Queensland and WA as playing venues as well as the income derived from television contracts. The rest of sport has had to sit tight and wait for restrictions to ease.

That time is edging closer by the day as the NSW Government leads the way to open up the state and find ways to live with Covid.

I

Covid and the recent lockdown have been intriguing to assess the reactions of communities and their leaders.

I must commend Blacktown Mayor Tony Bleasdale and his Councillors for the way they rallied the city that in some ways turned a negative experience into a positive and unifying one for Blacktown.

Many communities followed the same pattern as residents stared down the reality that Covid was real and the only way out to some kind of normality was vaccines and testing.

Wellbeing and Resilience have become the new Buzz words and community sport is a key element to achieving ‘Active Cities’.

Turning negative into positive Activity and Sport have been providing release valves for members of the community to blow off steam. Bike sales are going through the roof and walking is the new trend. At my oval I see new faces everyday and the street in front of my house is a constant stream of walkers getting out to ‘Just Be Out’.

It is great to see people getting active and soon community sport will once again take its place as one of the best Well Being tools for all members of families and communities.

It will be a difficult task for all community sport to reactivate with players, coaches, parents and the all-important volunteers. But I have no doubt it will quickly get back to normal with the added source of new walkers and joggers adding to the mix.

Blacktown City FC is determined to continue building its credibility on and off the pitch toward the 2022 season.

Head of Football, Mark Crittenden, has not wasted any time preparing for the 2022 season. He has secured the services of the vast majority of the 2021 team to return for next season, has appointed most of the coaches for all divisions and has installed Blacktown City’s first Head of Women’s Football for Blacktown City.

Despite the frustration of the 2021 season, Mark is confident retaining most of the players will deliver a head start when the team is able to get back to a somewhat normal state.

In addition, the hunger for the players to maintain the form that led them to the top of the competition table will be great.

The Board of Blacktown City is committed to the development of its women’s programme to match the credibility and respect achieved by the men over its long history.

Huge task ahead Newly appointed Head Coach for the Women’s program, David O’Keefe, has a huge task ahead but is excited by the challenge. His history with Blacktown City and solid coaching background were key elements to his appointment by Mark Crittenden.

The Blacktown City women are critical to the club’s future with a view to capitalise on the Women’s 2023 World Cup to be held in Australia to help build momentum.

A major plus for Blacktown City to quickly get the club back on track is the potential to play the next round of the FFA

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Cup once the lockdown is lifted. Football Australia is hopeful the final round of 32 can be completed by the end of this year.

If play is allowed BCFC will take on its planned opposition, the Central Coast Mariners, in November. That will certainly get the excitement flowing at Lily Homes Stadium and generate momentum for the 2022 season.

I was bitterly disappointed in the cancellation of the season as the momentum built in my first-year association with the club was exciting.

The lockdown has been impactful on the players but just as important the inability to plan for next season, secure sponsors and build for a new season has made life difficult for everyone at the club and administrators in all sports.

The next few weeks will determine the future of sport at all levels and fingers crossed the vaccination rates keep growing to enable Blacktown City to get back on the field soon and capitalise on the many inroads built through the 2021 season.

Blacktown has been one of the hardest hit during the pandemic but led by Mayor Tony Bleasdale, the negative factor has also been a boost for the Blacktown community to react and bond.

Blacktown City FC will be doing all it can to help restore belief in the community and make the city of Blacktown proud of Blacktown City FC! As the slogan says – Blacktown City – ‘Always Blacktown – Never Backdown’!

Go Blacktown City!

Bob Turner is Executive Chairman at Blacktown City FC. www.bcfc.com.au

20 JUNE BLACKTOWN CITY VS SUTHERLAND SHARKS New dates 4 JULY BLACKTOWN CITY VS WOLLONGONG to beWOLVES 18 JULY BLACKTOWN CITY VSannounced MARCONI STALLIONS 25 JULY soon.

BLACKTOWN CITY VS SYDNEY OLYMPIC

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ISSUE 7 | October 2021

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