Blacktown News - May 2022

ISSUE 14 | MAY 2022

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TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

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INSPIRED INS Disability hasn't stopped Deb from following her own path

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EB Roach is that rare kind of athlete that takes your heart away when she is in full flight. The thee time world pole champion and Blacktown Woman of the Year nominee was born without her left arm but the disability has never held her back. In fact, she has inspired a generation of athletes, fit or disabled, to do better and to use the sport of pole dancing as a way to enhance their wellbeing and outlook on life. Deb recently hosted an open day in celebration of the 10th anniversary of her International Pole Championship win in the 2012 Disabled Division. Full story page 25.

SUPPORT FOR THOSE IN NEED: 3

MICHELLE'S PLAN FOR GROWTH: 13

BLACKTOWN

CITY FESTIVAL is back from 14 May – 29 May! More details on page 2

AMAZON OPENS NEW WAREHOUSE: 14

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ISSUE 14 | May 2022

BLACKTOWN

CITY FESTIVAL 14 May - 29 May 2022

SONGLINES AND SIGHTLINES Wednesday 18 May to Saturday 25 June BLACKTOWN CITY

21 MAY - 22 MAY 2022 | 10 am - 4 pm

SWEET INDULGENCE DESSERT FESTIVAL Thursday 26 May

F.A.M. FEST (FOOD, ART, MUSIC) Friday 27 May to Sunday 29 May

STREETS ALIVE & PARADE Saturday 28 May

For more information and full event program, visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au/festival or scan the QR code.

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ISSUE 14 | May 2022

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Vital support for those in need  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM NEW centre providing support to women, children and families has opened in Blacktown and will be vital in addressing a massive increase in ‘relationships’ services demand.

Relationships NSW recorded a staggering 5200% increase in demand for its services across Western Sydney.

The centre will deliver counselling, dispute resolution, relationship education, domestic violence and children’s support services for people in need.

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said.

The centre would ensure the people of Blacktown and Western Sydney had access to the help and support they need, especially in times of crisis.

“The difficulties presented by the global pandemic over the past few years have been particularly challenging for many people, including women in Western Sydney,” Ms Ward said “We want to ensure when people reach out for help, the support is there and it’s

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Opening of the Rekationshiops NSW Centre.

fantastic that Relationships Australia NSW is helping provide the care and assistance these communities need.

“The NSW Government is pleased to support services that partner with communities to ensure family wellbeing and women’s safety.

“This is a priority for the NSW Government, which is why we have commit-

ted a record $687m over four years in the 2021-22 NSW Budget to this important issue.”

RANSW CEO, Elisabeth Shaw said the Blacktown centre would provide critically important support to Western Sydney residents in need.

“With the huge increase in demand we’ve experienced over the past three

years, some of our clients in Western Sydney are waiting an average of 118 days for an appointment,” Ms Shaw said.

“The pandemic has created many challenges for Australians and as a result, there has been a significant increase in demand for our services.

“It is excellent to see so many people reaching out for help – but it’s important we have the capacity o provide help when it is needed – and this new Blacktown Centre will allow us to do that.

“Blacktown represents a diverse, young and confident Australia, and we are excited to build on our existing presence in the area and contribute to the social wellbeing of the community.

“One of Blacktown’s great strengths is its vibrant multiculturalism, which is why we will deliver a number of services in different languages, including Arabic, Tamil and Fars-Dari,” Ms Shaw added.

RANSW offers individually tailored support to people of all cultural backgrounds, family structures, age and life stage, gender and sexual orientation.

For more information on RANSW’s services, visit www.relationshipsnsw.org.au

Nora and Max popular baby names ORA and Maxwell surged up the baby name popularity charts in 2021 in a rollercoaster year marked by vaccines, variants and lockdowns.

Attorney General Mark Speakman and Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said NSW welcomed 90,059 babies

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last year up just 14 on 2020. The top 100 names account for 38 and 42 per cent of all names given to girls and boys respectively in 2021, compared with the 2020 figures of 37 and 41 per cent, this suggests a slight increase in parents choosing more popular names. However, approximately two-thirds of all

names given to babies born in NSW for each of the past five years are a unique name, not shared with anyone else in that year. To find out more, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/ births/popular-baby-names

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ISSUE 14 | MAY 2022 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

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LOCAL MEDIA VOICE

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Editorial dallas@accessnews.com.au

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ISSUE 14 | MAY 2022

TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

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INSPIRED

Disability hasn 't stopped Deb fro m following her ow n path

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EB Roach is that rare kind of athlete that takes your heart away when she is in full flight. The thee time world pole champion and Black town Woman of the Year nominee was born without her left the disability has never held her back. arm but In fact, she has inspired a gener disabled, to do bette ation of athletes, fit or r and to use the sport dancing as a way to enhance their wellb of pole outlook on life. Deb eing and recently hosted an day in celebration open of the 10th anniversary International Pole of her Championship win in Disabled Division.

Full story page 25. the 2012

SUPPORT FOR THOSE IN NEED: 3

MICHELLE'S PLAN FOR GROWTH: 13

AMAZON OPENS NEW WAREHOUSE: 14

BL ACKTOWN

Read the digital edition 24/7 at our website

digitalf ormat at our ISSUU platform:

Contacts

Editor's PickS

ISSUE 14 | May 2022

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CITY FESTIVAL is back from 14 Ma

y – 29 May!

More details on

page 2

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Admin and General info@greaterblacktownnews.com.au Editor Michael Walls michael@accessnews.com.au

Newsroom Travel Editor Dallas Sherringham dallas@accessnews.com.au

Advertising sales

OUR TOP DOCTORS

HEAT RATING TOOL

LIGHTS ON CULTURE

Meet four outstanding doctors who have been superstars of the wards at Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals during the difficult pandemic period. Their achievements were celebrated at a recent awards event.

WSROC in collaboration with the Greater Sydney Commission and Resilient Sydney have launched Australia’s first rating tool for heat resilient urban development. Cool Suburbs tool can be used for any development.

Residents and visitors are set for spectacular nights out, as Western Sydney arts and culture organisations keep their lights on and the entertainment flowing with a late-night events.

Julie Jackson julie@accessnews.com.au

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Administration Rebecca Swaleh rebecca@accessnews.com.au

Design and production Design2Pro, Words and Pixels.

Platinum Media Partner The Blacktown News is platinum media partner for the Greater Blacktown

ADULTS ONLY AT VIRGIN

POWER OF GOOD SLEEP

FILM: THE NORTHMAN

Virgin Voyages will bring its successful adults only cruise format to Australia in 2023. The new cruise line is aimed at today’s sophisticated passengers who enjoy combining adventure, relaxation and action.

We always hear that you gotta get your 8 hours of sleep. But in in fact, what we have to get, is the right amount of sleep for us to feel rested, alert and focussed and that varies from person to person.

A haunting, homoerotic Shakespearean tragedy couched in the Viking era, that is as bloody as it is weird, beautiful and engaging. A gorgeous use of sets, both natural and manmade, is only one of the reasons you should see it.

Business Chamber

SECTIONS Support Partner The Blacktown News is the official media partner of Blacktown FC.

News .......................................... 3 Steve Baili .................................. 7 Workers Club ............................. 8 Michelle Rowland .................... 13 Property ................................... 14

Entertainment .......................... 18 Auto ......................................... 20 Travel ....................................... 22 Trends ...................................... 23 Fitness ..................................... 24

Cover Story ............................. 25 Mindset .................................... 26 Films ........................................ 27 Directory .................................. 28 Sport ........................................ 31

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

Watch profiles of regional leaders. www.netwerx.tv

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ISSUE 14 | May 2022

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BLACKTOWN ADDED TO MAJOR FUNDING

Investment unlocks home boom Strong economic management

 DALLAS SHERRINGHAM LACKTOWN City Council is one of seven booming Western Sydney Councils where investment in vital infrastructure will be ramped up with a major funding boost The NSW Government is increasing its investment in infrastructure to support the delivery of more than 30,000 new homes in areas of Western Sydney that are experiencing record growth.

The seven councils in the latest round of major funding are Blacktown, The Hills, Hawkesbury, Penrith, Liverpool, Camden and Campbelltown.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts announced 24 council-led projects had been selected for funding through the second round of the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (AIF).

“We are supporting growing communities with a $139m investment to speed up the delivery of important local infrastruc-

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Infrastructure projects will be fast trcaked.

ture plans, including upgrades to roads and drainage systems, expanding public spaces and creating new sports facilities,’ Mr Perrottet said.

“This is about State Government working with local government to unlock land, build critical infrastructure and ultimately deliver thousands of homes across Western Sydney.”

Nominations open for export awards OMIONATION are now open for the 2022 Premier’s NSW Export Awards recognising outstanding success and resilience of exporters across NSW. Minister for Enterprise, Investment and

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Trade Stuart Ayres said NSW exporters have played a fundamental role in supporting the NSW economy over the past 12 months. Winners of the national award categories will automatically progress as

national finalists to the Australian Export Awards. Nominations will close June 10, 2022. For more information or to nominate your business please visit the 2022 Premier’s NSW Export Awards website.

“Our strong economic management means we can invest more in communities and build what matters. This is how we're securing a brighter future for NSW families.”

The proposals selected – worth more than half a billion dollars in total – are being delivered by the seven councils, following the expansion of the AIF to include the high-growth councils.

Mr Roberts said combined, the projects would create up to 2200 construction jobs as well as unlocking 570ha of employment land dedicated to creating more jobs closer to home.

“We know people want to live in these areas and that’s why we’re focused on getting homes built, with the right infrastructure in place from the get-go.

“In supporting councils to deliver these projects, we’re also giving industry greater certainty for investment into Western Sydney. It’s a win-win,” Mr Roberts said.

He said construction was well underway on the 14 projects from the first round of the AIF, with some projects nearing completion including the Balmoral Road Reserve in Bella Vista and the upgrade of Railway Terrace in Schofields.

“It’s wonderful to see these projects progress and I look forward to that momentum continuing as we work to meet the growing demand for new homes in the west.”

For further details and the complete list of projects visit the AIF webpage.

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ISSUE 14 | May 2022

BLACKTOWN’S FINEST CELEBRATED

Awards for our top doctors  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM EET four outstanding doctors who have been “Superstars” of the wards at Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals during the difficult pandemic period.

Their achievements were celebrated at 2021 Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals Doctors of the Year event recently.

“Leadership, collaboration, superstars, kindness, compassionate and sensitivity” were some of the words used to describe the starring doctors.

BMDH General Manager Ned Katrib paid tribute to the nominees and winners for their “dedication and commitment to serving their patients and communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic”.

“We have so many talented, selfless, passionate clinical staff and I commend all of you who go above and beyond and strive for excellence each day.”

With 250 votes received in the peer nominated categories of intern, resident, registrar and consultant of the year, the four winners were:

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Consultant of the Year: Dr Maria (Lissa) Buenaventura, Anaesthetics head of department and Medical Staff Council Treasurer.

Dr Lissa said she believes the future of anaesthetics lay in the broader health community, not just the operating theatre.

Dr Praba Sekhar.

Dr Maria (Lissa) Buenaventura.

“I’m so proud of the anaesthetics team; especially winning two of the categories – consultant and registrar of the year,” Dr Lissa said “Our team works collaboratively with other medical, nursing and allied health cohorts to deliver better health outcomes such as shorter lengths of stay, less complications and improving the patient journey. It’s also a privilege to help mentor our junior doctors and have a whole senior clinical cohort available to support them.”

Intern of the Year:Dr Praba Sekhar, Emergency Department (ED) Junior Medical Officer (JMO) Dr Praba is described by her peers as “someone who is always polite and courteous and a joy to work with”.

“Being so new into training, I found it difficult at times to gauge whether I was a ’good intern’, so to receive this award from

Dr Mithila Zaheen.

my colleagues is a great honor and for which I am grateful,” she said.

Dr Rachel Dilawari.

Registrar of the Year: Dr Rachel Dilawari, Registrar

“Working in a supportive environment allows for continued growth and more importantly, the ability to stay kind to one another,” Dr Rachel said “I look forward to what 2022 brings at Blacktown Hospital.”

Medical Services Director Dr Alison Loughran-Fowlds paid tribute to the staff for their well-deserved recognition through their hard work, determination and commitment to BMDH. “Last year was demanding on all of us and I’d like to acknowledge our staff who worked tirelessly to treat patients and families in challenging circumstances,” Dr Alison said.

“Everyone put in extra effort and went above and beyond to make sure that excellence in care continued throughout the pandemic.”

Dr Rachel is described by her peers as “extremely dedicated, hard-working, kind, and supportive of her colleagues”.

Source: The Pulse, Western Sydney health

Resident of the Year: Dr Mithila Zaheen, Resident Dr Mithila said it was an honor to receive this award and stand alongside so many incredible doctors. In 2021, Dr Mithila was a finalist for Blacktown Woman of the Year.

“I’m so proud of my colleagues for their hard work with the success of the JMO safety and quality committee which commenced last year,” Dr Mithila said.

“It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to advocate for my colleagues and it means the world to have everyone’s support.”

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ISSUE 14 | May 2022

Former Mayor has Key to the City LACKTOWN City Council recently honoured the enormous contribution made to the City by a former Mayor and Councillor, the great Alan Pendleton OAM. Mayor of Blacktown City Tony Bleasdale OAM presented Alan with a Key to the City for his 50 years of service at a meeting of Council.

Alan was a Councillor between 1995 and 2016, and served two terms as Mayor of Blacktown City, between 1999 and 2004 and, 2010 and 2012. He also served as Deputy Mayor from 2008 to 2009.

“There has never been a more determined advocate for the people of Blacktown City than Alan Pendleton,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Spanning 50 years, Alan was tireless in his contribution to local government and Western Sydney, including in his working life as a dedicated Council employee.

“He drew upon his talents in community leadership, collaborative decision-making and strategic planning to position Blacktown City as a thriving place to live, work and play.

“There have been few who have left a legacy like Alan has.”

Alan Pendleton was a central figure in many key developments in Blacktown City, including the construction of Denis Johnson Library and Former Blacktown City Mayor and councillor Alan Pendleton OAM (right) receives the Key to the City from Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (left). the enhancement of Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope.

He oversaw the multimillion-dollar refurbishment of the Grantham Heritage Building Estate and secured funding for the community resource hub at Mount Druitt.

He was pivotal in establishing a Council partWestern Line is looking very bright of St Marys, Penrith’s second largest T Marys will become the key link nership with the AFL through the development indeed. town centre. for the new Aerotropolis rail line of Western Sydney’s first AFL team, the Greater St Marys is undergoing major into the main Sydney network And it also means the time has Western Sydney Giants. transformation coinciding with the when the Western Sydney Airport come to draw up a detailed plan for the He served on many committees as a repreopens in 2026. future of St Marys, using input from the delivery of the Sydney Metro Western sentative of Council, including as chairman of Sydney Airport rail line connecting St This means the future of the community and Penrith City Council. the Western Sydney Waste Board. Alan was also Marys directly to the Western Sydney multicultural city halfway between Penrith City Council is embarking chairman of Regional Development Australia Airport from 2026.

Blacktown and Penrith on the Great on a strategic plan to guide the future Sydney.

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St Marys a key airport link

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ISSUE 14 | May 2022

Our first heat resilience rating tool HE Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), in collaboration with the Greater Sydney Commission and Resilient Sydney, have launched Australia’s first rating tool for heat resilient urban development – Cool Suburbs.

WSROC President, Clr Barry Calvert, said: “Time and time again, heat has been identified as Sydney’s number one natural hazard risk with major impacts for public health, essential infrastructure, economy, and the environment.

“With projections for longer, hotter, more frequent extreme weather, it is critical we design our cities to keep residents comfortable and safe – however guidance on how to do this well has been limited.

“The Cool Suburbs Tool is the first comprehensive place-based rating system to assess the heat resilience delivered by urban designs at various development scales – from lot to community masterplan.

“Developed in partnership with a panel of leading scientists, Cool Suburbs translates what we know about heat, climate and the built environment, into a practical tool to guide on-ground decision making,” said Clr Calvert.

Project partner and Resilient Sydney’s Chief Resilience Officer, Beck Dawson, said: “This is the first time we’ve had a practical tool that we can use as a city to help us build in a way that cools rather than cooks our communities”.

Cool Suburbs outlines measures to maximise urban cooling including orientation, airflow, permeability, shading, open space, and water; and provides clear design guidance for how each measure can be achieved.

The tool also outlines further measures to support community heat resil-

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WSROC President, Clr Barry Calvert.

The Cool Suburbs Tool is free to use under licence www.coolsuburbs.com.au.

ience including provision of drinking water, backup power for community hubs, and community information and signage.

Greater Sydney Commission’s Environment Commissioner, Meg McDonald, said “Developing heat resilient cities would positively impact people’s lives and improve liveability across the region.

Developments are awarded credits for the measures they implement, culminating in a Cool Suburbs score that represents how well they have delivered heat-resilient design.

Clr Calvert said: “The Cool Suburbs Tool can be used for all scales and types of development. Different credits are switched on or off depending on whether you are building a residential home, building on an industrial site, or if you are developing a master planned community.

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“This first iteration of Cool Suburbs is a prototype applicable to Western Sydney only. The Tool has been piloted with several government and industry partners, and over the coming 12 months we will be

road testing the Tool across a far greater range of development types and are calling for collaborators to get involved. Ultimately, we aim for Cool Suburbs to become a national rating tool for heat resilience.”

Free Opal cards for fleeing Ukrainians KRANIANS seeking refuge in NSW after fleeing their war-torn homeland will be offered free Opal cards with credit by the NSW Government to help them rebuild their lives.

Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the NSW Government initiative would provide 250 Opal cards, worth more than $50,000, to families as

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a sign of the solidarity that the people of this State have with the people of Ukraine.

The 250 Opal cards, include 136 for adults and 114 for children, each with a $200 credit. The Ukrainian Council of NSW will coordinate the distribution of the cards to the appropriate members of the Ukrainian community.

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ISSUE 13 14 | April May 2022 2022

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with MICHELLE ROWLAND

Practical, targeted plan for our nation’s future  MICHELLE ROWLAND OST of living pressures across the country are weighing heavily on many families, in particular households experiencing mortgage and rental stress.

In Western Sydney and Greenway, the median mort gage is estimated to be $500 a month greater than the Sydney average Given both inflation and interest rates are rising, it is essential for Governments to have a plan that reduces cost of living pressures for Australians. And that’s just what an Albanese Labor Government has — a practical, targeted plan for our nation’s future.

Labor’s plan to reduce the cost of living for Australians 3 main elements to it:

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1. Making energy cheaper Our plan for cheaper and cleaner energy won’t just lower bills for households, it also means lower costs for businesses, and more jobs in manufacturing.

Labor’s Powering Australia Plan includes measures to fix energy transmission, bring cheaper renewables in the system, and roll out 85 solar banks nation-wide.

This way, our plan reduces power bills for households & businesses, while supporting jobs and new industries.

2. Ensuring more manufacturing jobs If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that self-sufficiency has never been more important. We can and should make

Michelle Rowland meeting local residents.

things here — in Australia, and right here in Western Sydney.

Labor will rebuild our proud manufacturing industry by providing capital investments into job-creating projects. Powered by cheaper energy, this will ensure we make more essential goods in Australia, offering a greater buffer against global supply chains and inflation shocks.

3. Cheaper Childcare Childcare fees are a significant pressure on many household budgets.

That is why Labor has a plan to make childcare more affordable, giving parents greater incentive and choice to return to work sooner if that suits their circumstances.

Economic modelling shows for every

$1 invested in our childcare policy, $2 is returned to the economy.

Our plan to make energy cheaper, childcare more affordable, and ensure more manufacturing jobs is part of our larger objective — to make a better future for all.

Michelle Rowland is Shadow Minister for Communications Federal Member for Greenway. Visit: www.michellerowland.com.au

PROPERTY SHOWCASE 14

ISSUE 14 | May 2022

Got something to share? Send your property tips to info@greaterblacktownnews.com.au

AMAZON OPENS ROBOTICS FULFILMENT CENTRE

Largest warehouse ever built -COMMERCE giant Amazon has officially opened its first robotics fulfilment centre in western Sydney – the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and at 200,000 sqm the largest warehouse ever built in Australia.

With a federal election announcement imminent, Prime Minister Scott Morrison was on hand to cut the ribbon alongside NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres.

The Kemps Creek facility, located within Goodman Group’s Oakdale West Industrial Estate, will create more than 1,500 jobs.

Floor space across the four-level building is equal to the land size of Taronga Zoo or 24 rugby league fields, and can house up to 20 million of the smaller items sold on Amazon.com.au including jewellery, books, electronics, pantry items and toys.

It is Amazon’s second fulfilment in western Sydney, and sixth in Australia.

Robotic drives move pods of inventory to employees, reducing the time and effort that would otherwise be required to stow items for sale or pick them for new customer orders. They also allow up to 40% more items to be stowed, allowing for increased product selection.

“The opening of our first robotics fulfilment centre is a huge milestone for Amazon Australia, marking our continuous

growth and investment in this country,” said Craig Fuller, director of operations, Amazon Australia.

Since launching down under in 2017, more than 11,000 Australian businesses are selling through Amazon, and have sold more than 25 million units across its Australian and international stores in the past year.

Amazon last month announced it would open its first dedicated Australian sorting centre in Melbourne’s northern suburb of Craigieburn, which will be able to process 300,000 parcels every day.

That 15,600 sqm centre will be built in the Amaroo Business Park, further extending Amazon’s relationship with Goodman.

The ASX-listed industrial and logistics giant considers Amazon its biggest customer and has also delivered Amazon a fulfilment centre in Brisbane.

The Craigieburn centre will be Amazon’s fifth facility in Melbourne, where the company made its Australian debut with a 24,000 sqm warehouse in Dandenong South.

The pandemic has turbo-charged the growth of online shopping in Australia.

Online sales accounted for 9.2% of all sales at the beginning of 2020, and now make up 14.7%, according to NAB.

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SOURCE: Australian Property Journal.

Prime Minister Scoltt Morrison visits the new facility.

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MARCH 2022 | EDITION 130 APRIL 2021 Edition 120

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BUY NOW PAY LATER How Aussies are taking to the new plan: 2

BUSINESS SURVEY

CHARITY SUPPORT

Why finding staff is the biggest concern: 5

Our favourite charities in two years of COVID: 10

POWERHOUSE Parramatta CEO Lisa Havilah is more interested in the flood of excitement over the controversial $920M project than any flood-waters that may lap at its riverside approach. After the recent devastating rains that saw Parramatta River break its banks between the ferry wharf and the site of the museum, Ms Havilah is adamant that the building and its exhibits will not be affected.

LINES

FULL STORY PAGE 10

Here’s how business traditions will change

RETAIL BOUNCES BACK -T HE ecommerce craze shows no signs of abating with a new generation of young entrepreneurs

swapping traditional jobs for selling everything Фf^ ÌÓ æ â î î±Ë æ ® þ Ì î® îÓó©® æî ÓÌ EÓÿ â î ±Å âæ ® þ â þ Å î® æÓÅóî±ÓÌæ Ì from pet food to high end clothing online. They â Óâ ¨Óâ w æî âÌ ^ą Ì ąФæ У â± Âæ Ì ËÓâî âФ æóßßÓâî Ë æóâ æ Ì ¨Óâ î® ±Ì óæîâą ÓóÌ are part of the revolution which has seen a large proâ î ±Å ±Ì óæîâąϻ óî î®±æ æ îÓâ ® æ ßâÓó Â î®±æ ą â Ì ąÓÌ Ϻ portion of Aussies continue to earn a living from home, relocate out of cities and take precautions to reduce ®±æîÓâą Ó¨ ÓóÌ ±Ì©  ¨âÓË î® ® â æî Ó¨ î±Ë æϺ FULL STORY PAGE 5 their risk of viral infections. There will be some blurring between what we wear to bed or lounge around in at

TALE OF TWO POOLS SAS CHALLENGE A Parramatta Olympian THIS EDITION

INSIDE

Special S ttribute tto local b business w winners

AUTO: SsangYong's mid-life update: 30 BUSINESS: Retailers reveal solutions: 34 TRENDS: Is love passing you by?: 36

home de and what we wear out. The forecasts come from si in Davie Fogarty, Founder and CEO of Davie Group, the fast-growing company behind brands The Oodie, Calming Blankets and Pupnaps. More page 20.

Westmead Hospital’s new clinical tower oepns: 2

New suburb named BradÀeld

Govy ofÀcially names high tech city at Aerotropolis: 6

Minister pushing for more women on Parramatta Council: 3

BEST GIFT SINCE THE OPERA HOUSE

BLURRED

World class health care

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ISSUE 9 | April 2021

Family business in COVID

How many leveraged patience capital during COVID: 12

How hope really works

Feature on the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal: 15

SALOVS: How hope really happens: 19

FTER a few hot summers rather than refurbish it. After a bit of for swimmers who æ óĖ îÿ Ì W ââ Ë îî ÓóÌ ±Å loved Parramatta and and the NSW Government on who w ÌîÿÓâî®þ±ÅÅ ßÓÓÅæ Ì æóđ â would pay for its replacement, an during their closures, relief is on the agreement was reached on funding way. Just a day apart, the refurbished for the state-of-the-art aquatic Wentworthville pool opened and centre. And in Wentworthville, a î® Ĝâæî æÓ ÿ æ îóâÌ ÓÌ î® concerted community campaign and ARRAMATTA’S four-time Olympian Melissa Wu has well and truly dived in the deep end as aParramatta contestant onAquatic the blockbuster SAS Show on Channel 7 andthe 7plus. spectacular theAustralia Cumberland Council, saved And the Olympic diver won’t diminutive stand in her way While as she Centre.

Both communities havebe letting her beloved poolsize with an upgrade. takeswithout on a hot field of sporting andthe celebrity contestants the top rating program.

After been a pool since 2017, Parramattainresidents wait two years all, she won four Commonwealth Games goldfor medals wasthey full ofare determination Parramatta Memorial Pool demolished theirand pool, welcome toin an peek of the 2022 season of SASdive Australia, which started on February 21 on toall-new makesneak way for Bankwest Stadium to Wenty.

Channel 7 and 7plus. More page 6. and the previous Holroyd Council FULL STORY PAGE 6 wanting to close the tired Wenty pool

faces her toughest test

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NEW

TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

Issue 1 | April 2021

PROPERTY RTY UPDATEE

GAME TIME

MICHELLE ROWLAND

Inside the bank of mum and dad: 16

Blacktown FC is B ready to go: 31

How Afghan women typify our diversity: 18

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VITAL youth service in Blacktown is set to close after missing out on important State Government funding. The Blacktown Youth Support Association’s Youth HQ program helps young people at risk - those who have

been in trouble with the law or those who may be headed that way. But the service was told at the end of last year by the Department of Communities and Justice that they had missed out on funding, in favour of more “targeted” youth

programs. A letter from the Minister for Families and Communities Gareth Ward suggested that the BYSA seeks funding from other government departments such as education and sport.

FULL STORY 10

WELCOME to the Blacktown NEWS

Grant owes his life to mate Echo W ELCOME to Blacktown's NEW LOCAL media The News will be distributed across 110 strategic disAs one of the state’s fastest growing cities, Blacktown voice, The Blacktown News (BN). tribution points in the LGA. has undergone a signiĜcant transformation.

The Blacktown News is the much-anticipated It's population is set to rise from 400,000 to 540,000 Published in digital and print editions the Blacktown Hews has amedia great reason to be inseparable And we all know the healing newRANT newspaper and digital brand that residents by 2036. power of an animal, a News ođers maximum impact other. for targeted advertising covers Blacktown local news written by experi-Echo The Blacktown News is the printThe and digital media opportunities and reach to Blacktown's popula- never fromLGA hiswith best mate and savior, the Maltese powerdiverse that should be underestimated. heartenced journalists. resource that connects residents and visitors to the city’s tion.

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You see, Echo saved heoffell warming story in late December when Grant was The Blacktown News is Blacktown's ONLY printedGrant’s life diverse community, its progress, business opportunities Withwhen a mission championing community and begins newspaper and is independently managed and lifestyle. business the BN is a proud media partner of theCOVID-19 into a diabetic owned comaand and when Grant wasissues, admitted diagnosed with and other underlying health locally by a management team that has been working in We value your feedback. Go to www.greaterblackGreater Blacktown Chamber of Commerce, the Blacktown More: page 6. to Blacktown each issuesFC.at the hospital.townnews.com.au Blacktown for almosthospital, 20 years. the pair were lost without to share your story.

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Keepup upto todate date with with the the latest latest news news in Keep in and and around aroundBlacktown!

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

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

NewS

ISSUE 14 | May 2022

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Collaboration key to our future SW Labor Leader Chris Minns MP visited the Australian Catholic University (ACU) Blacktown Campus with a delegation of shadow ministers and local parliamentarians to see the advanced technology driven facilities on offer for students and discuss future collaboration of ACU in the local community.

Mr Minns welcomed ACU establishing a new campus in one of the fastest growing population centres in Australia.

“ACU’s courses are directly relevant to the needs and aspirations of a growing region, offering the skills people need for the jobs of the future. Nursing, allied health, sports science, social work, teaching and businesses courses help equip the local workforce to meet local employment opportunities,” Mr Minns said.

ACU Vice-Chancellor and President (VC) Professor Zlatko Skrbis proudly led a tour of the new nursing facilities as students learn important life-saving skills on realistic mannequins with real world scenarios.

ACU VC Professor Zlatko Skrbis and NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns MP hosted a round-table ideas forum with

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Hugh McDermott MP (Prospect); Stephen Bali MP (Blacktown); Chris Minns MP (NSW Labor Leader); ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis; Ryan Park MP (Shadow Minister for Health); and Edmond Atalla MP (Mt Druitt).

business, community, and educational leaders.

Mr Minns MP said: “The clear message from the forum is that Blacktown is not getting its fair share of investment and

NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns MP with ACU nursing students in a simulated hospital situation.

resources. Blacktown City is growing at rate equivalent to Mudgee every year and will pass Tasmania’s population by 2037.

The NSW Government must provide the physical and social infrastructure to sup-

Support for women's refuge OMEN and children escaping domestic and family violence will soon receive greater support, with expressions of interest opening next week for funding to set up and operate the first new model of women’s refuges in NSW.

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A GUIDE TO

Living with

Minister for Women's Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the NSW Government’s $426M commitment over four years to establish new refuges is the single largest investment in the state’s history to address do-

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For the latest expert advice on living with COVID see our full magazine at: www. issuu.com/communitybroadcastnetwork/docs/lwc_magazine or click on the link at www.accessnews.com.au

mestic abuse. Minister Ward will host a roundtable with domestic violence advocacy groups, specialist homelessness services and peak bodies to discuss the roll out. Expressions of interest will also open to apply for the first of three rounds of funding.

port another 200,000 expected to arrive in the next 20 years.

“Roads, schools, housing, hospitals, sporting and community facilities as well as social services such as mental health, domestic violence, youth services need to match population growth. Blacktown needs a comprehensive plan to support its booming community and to address years of under resourcing,” Mr Minns said.

ACU VC Prof. Skrbis said, “ACU is working with the community by providing cutting-edge courses and as well as collaboration through student placement, research and supporting services.

“Together, we can provide wonderful opportunities for Blacktown City residents to strive to achieve their full potential.”

Due to the ongoing pandemic, there has been a shortage of blood supply on a global level. With this in mind, Dr. Shri Nanasaheb DharPDGKLNDUL 3UDWKLVWKDQ 1RQ 3UR¿W Organisation) Revdanda, India organised a successful blood donation drive in Australia through “Australian Red Cross” Centres in two cities– Sydney and Melbourne. In Sydney, the campaign ran over a week from March 27 to April 3, 2022 which received overwhelming response from local residents. Parramatta, NSW Deputy Mayor–Sameer Pandey graced the occasion with his presence at Parramatta Centre in Sydney

on March 27. Total 64 donors donated blood and /or plasma and 192 lives save. The Prathisthan (Foundation) organised this drive with a view to create social awareness amongst people to play their part in giving back to the community and serve the mission of Humanity.

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ISSUE 14 | May 2022

Medieval Fayre and Banquet postponed LACKTOWN City Council will postpone its popular Medieval Fayre and Banquet due to inclement weather and a predicted forecast of further rain.

Initially scheduled to take place during the Blacktown City Festival on May 21 and 22, the event will now be held on the Father’s Day weekend in September.

Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the decision to cancel the event was in the interests of safety due to recent wet weather severely

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impacting the event site at Nurragingy Reserve.

“Given the wet conditions at the ground and surrounding access roads, Council has had to consider the effect this would have on patron safety, animal welfare and parking arrangements,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Those who have purchased a ticket will receive a full refund within a couple of days.

For a full list of Blacktown City Festival events, visit: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/festival

Last year's event.

Riverstone Festival attracts thousands IVERSTONE will be the centre of attention for thousands of visitors when the 2022 Riverstone Festival comes to town on May 14.

Blacktown City Council has teamed up with The Combined Churches of Riverstone to present the annual Festival at Mill Park, Riverstone.

It is a full day of activities and entertain-

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ment combined with food and market stalls, stage performers, rides and workshops.

Highlights include the impressive street parade which starts at 11am and features community groups, car clubs, marching bands and entertainers.

The parade passes along Church St, George St, Mill St and up and back along Pitt St.

Entertainment on stage starts at 9am and includes Vogue Dance Studio, country and blue grass music, a tumble group and the official opening. Face painting for children will be available on the day.

The entertainment continues in the afternoon with singing duo Ruka, jump dance display, prize presentations and more.

The Festival is billed as “A Celebration

of Riverstone”, one of the oldest towns in Australia.

It was first settled by Europeans in 1803 as part of a Government stock farm.

The Darug people live in the area for many generations prior to settlement. Riverstone was a small country town until the housing boom swallowed it up into Greater Sydney.

Car seat diversion drives forward GROUND-breaking proof of concept aimed at keeping children safe in cars is helping to divert families away from fines and toward greater safety on NSW roads. The Car Seat Diversion proof of concept is a

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collaboration between NSW Police and Revenue NSW, trialled across Macarthur, Bankstown, Blacktown, Wagga Wagga and Dubbo Local Government Areas. Deputy Premier and MinisterG for Police Paul Toole said NSW-li-

censed drivers who have inadequately restrained children in their cars when pulled over by police are given the option of taking up a diversion to install the appropriate seating and avoid an initial fine.

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ISSUE 14 | May 2022

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EntertainmenT

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ISSUE 14 | May 2022

LIGHTS ON FOR LATE-NIGHT CULTURE

Funding for local arts centre LACKTOWN residents and visitors are set for spectacular nights out, as eight Western Sydney arts and culture organisations keep their lights on – and the entertainment flowing with a series of late-night programs and events.

The NSW Government has committed over $1M to expand the Culture Up Late initiative to Western Sydney and support eight local arts and cultural organisations to keep their doors open late.

Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said broadening the scope of this program is a key priority of the NSW Government to boost the revitalisation of the state’s economy.

“Western Sydney has some of the most iconic and state-of-the-art cultural venues in the world and we want to make them as accessible as possible,” Mr Ayres said.

“Keeping their doors open later will let more people engage with art and culture when and how they want. It will also create more jobs and attract visitors keen to enjoy the best our city and state has to offer.”

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said that Western Sydney is home to an innovative and vibrant arts and culture sector, and the expansion of the initiative will see that local businesses, visitors, and residents benefit from an increase in arts and cultural experiences.

“We know arts and culture are key economic drivers for NSW and this targeted support for Western Sydney’s cultural institutions will go a long way in helping bring our CBDs back to life, and encourag-

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Blacktown Arts Centre.

ing people to spend a fun and safe night out and about with their friends and families,” Mr Franklin said.

“Culture Up Late: Western Sydney gives locals and visitors more opportunities to enjoy all that our wonderful arts and cultural organisations have to offer, from exhibitions, to events, live music, food trucks and film screenings. There really is something for everyone.”

NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said: “The initiative delivers on the NSW Government's 24-

Hour Economy commitment to extend and promote opening hours for cultural institutions.

“Trialling late opening of cultural venues offers Sydneysiders and visitors alike a more diverse night-time offering,” Mr Rodrigues said.

“It is so encouraging to see this initiative now expanding across Greater Sydney, following success at our much-loved institutions in inner Sydney.”

Bankstown Arts Centre, Blacktown Arts, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Casula

Donate today at

betterfoundation.org.au Support your local hospital & healthcare workers.

Powerhouse, Granville Arts Centre, Penrith Performing and Visual Arts, City of Parramatta Council, and Rouse Hill Estate are participating in Culture Up Late: Western Sydney.

Check participating organisations’ websites for individual hours and specific programming. Culture Up Late: Western Sydney will run until June 2022 and is one of the many NSW Government CBD revitalisation initiatives designed to support businesses, jobs and boost Sydney’s cultural life.

19

ISSUE 14 | May 2022

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ISSUE 14 | May 2022

Audi launches Q5 35 TDI variants theoretical range of over 1400km  MATT BROGAN UDI Australia has expanded its Q5 medium SUV range with the introduction of the ultra-efficient 35 TDI Limited Edition variant.

Priced from $68,350 (plus on-road costs), the new entry point to the Q5 range offers a theoretical single-tank driving range of over 1400km. What’s more, Audi Australia says that (also newly introduced) Sport Limited Edition variants offer a significant price advantage when compared with their Sport siblings, with some items – such as the panoramic sunroof and phone box light – omitted due to restricted availability.

The Sport Limited Edition variants do, however, receive a generous number of standard inclusions, such as 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels in a 10-Y-spoke design (35 TDI variants), privacy glass, as well as a colour LED interior ambient lighting package. The 21-inch Audi Sport 5-arm polygon design alloy wheels are available optionally from $1250.

The Q5 35 TDI Limited Edition, which can be considered a “launch version”, is powered by a mild-hybrid variant of its 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine (120kW/370Nm) thqt drives the Audi’s front wheels via a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The new variant is said to dispatch the 0-100km/h dash in 9.0 seconds. Importantly, its fuel consumption is rated at just 4.8 litres per 100km on the combined ADR 81/02 cycle.

Externally, the Q5 35 TDI Limited Edition features LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights, as well as cornering and all-weather lights. Audi convenience key, electric tailgate with gesture control, heated side mirrors, heated washers, heated windscreen and aluminium-finish roof rails are also included.

Inside, the model benefits from leather-appointed upholstery, electrically adjust-

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able front seats (with four-way lumbar support), leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel (with shift paddles and hands-on detection), tri-zone climate control, an auto-dimming frameless rear-view mirror, 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats and floor mats front and rear.

On the infotainment front, the Q5 35 TDI is equipped with a 7.0-inch high-resolution instrument display, Audi’s 10.1-inch MMI navigation plus system with Audi connect plus, Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto (wired) connectivity, digital

radio reception (DAB+), an eight-speaker/100W audio system, and dual USB outlets front and rear.

Like all Q5 variants, the 35 TDI features numerous standard safety and driver-assistance technologies, such as Audi pre sense city with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) including pedestrian detection, Audi pre sense rear and -basic, active land assist and lane change (blind spot) warning, exit warning, rear cross-traffic assist, cruise control with speed-limiter function, high-beam assist, Audi parking system plus with rear camera, hold assist, hill descent control, tyre-pressure sensors, Audi drive select and eight airbags.

Like all Audi vehicles, the Q5 35 TDI is backed by a five-year warranty. Five-year

service plans are available for purchase at any time during the first 12 months of ownership and are priced from $3140.

“The Q5 35 TDI offers a new entry point to our most popular SUV model, the iconic Audi Q5,” said Audi Australia general manager of marketing, Nick Reid.

“With the introduction of this model and the curation of our two Sport Limited Edition models, we are ensuring that we are bringing the most attractive vehicles possible to the premium market at this time.

“Beyond the current Limited Edition offer, we expect that the 35 TDI model will occupy a permanent position in the Q5 range.”

The new Q5 35 TDI Limited Edition and Q5 Sport Limited Edition variants are available from Audi dealers now.

2022 Audi Q5 pricing*: 35 TDI Limited Edition (a) 40 TDI quattro S tronic (a) 45 TFSI quattro S tronic (a) 40 TDI Sport Limited Edition (a) 40 TDI quattro S tronic Sport (a) 45 TFSI Sport Limited Edition (a) 45 TFSI quattro S tronic Sport (a) 50 TDI quattro tiptronic S-line (a) SQ5 3.0 TDI quattro (a)

$68,350 (new variant) $72,700 $73,800 $77,600 (new variant) $78,700 $79,400 (new variant) $80,800 $94,900 $110,400

2022 Audi Q5 Sportback pricing*: 40 TDI quattro S line (a) 45 TFSI quattro S line (a) SQ5 3.0 TDI quattro (a)

$82,800 $90,800 $116,400 *Pricing excludes on-road costs.

ISSUE 14 | May 2022

Crosswords/Games

21

Solutions page 23

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Little jerks 5. Head downtown?

10. Help in a holdup 14. Balming target 15. Beyond partner 16. Screenplay direction 17. T-bone region 18. Medical research goals 19. Every family has one 20. Illuminated 23. Holiday follower?

24. Skiier's challenge 25. Unlike a litterbug 27. Palindromic windmill part 30. End of two state names 33. Scratch, say 36. Better copy?

38. Bahrain bread 39. Passed with ease 41. Genetic info carrier 42. Arboreal abode 43. Things to rattle 45. Fishtail, e.g.

47. Daydreamer's limit?

48. Fit to be fare 50. Killed, as a dragon 53. Tux accessory 54. Prepare for hanging 57. Wrestling area 59. Serving as a diplomat 64. Beer selections 66. Hindu grouping 67. Tat-tat intro 68. Folk facts 69. Pagoda roofing 70. Black cat, some think 71. It may come before "we forget" 72. Failed as a sentry 73. Bird's perch, perhaps

DOWN 1. Chaucer bit 2. They may be clicked on 3. Flu symptom 4. Grad-to-be 5. Bushwhacker's tool 6. Go to the edge of 7. The good olde days 8. Cooking place 9. Transmit anew 10. Back on a battleship 11. Crooners, often 12. Creation location 13. "High School Musical" extra 21. Main mail drop (abbr.)

22. Disconnected, as a phone line 26. Like siblings 28. Chances in Vegas 29. Roller Derby milieus 31. Checklist item 32. Pretentiously stylish 33. Attack deterrent 34. Military sch.

35. Enrolls 37. Barbary ape's lack 40. The red 44. Inner city concern 46. Most absurd 49. Official orders 51. Emotion of the miffed 52. Long and thin 55. Sight from Biscayne Bay 56. Gourmand 57. Shoppers' site 58. Ubiquitous lily relative 60. Place for some polish 61. "Cast Away" setting 62. Manual component 63. A driver may change one 65. Firm or fixed

TraveL

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ISSUE 14 | May 2022

Founder Richard Branson and the Virgin Voyages experience.

VIRGIN VOYAGES HEADS DOWN UNDER

With adults-only cruise format  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM IRGIN Voyages will bring its successful “adults only” cruise format to Australia in 2023.

The new cruise line is aimed at today’s sophisticated passengers-or Sailors- who enjoy combining adventure, relaxation and action during the day with a great night life.

Virgin Voyages is Richard Branson’s award-winning cruise line that hit the high seas in 2021 is now setting its sights on Australia and New Zealand, plans make its new home port in Melbourne in 2023.

Resilient Lady, the newest ship in Virgin Voyages’ four-ship fleet will be inviting Aussie adults to experience the glamor and unmatched service and experience synonymous with the Virgin brand.

Resilient Lady will make her way on a 44-night trans-continental voyage, giving Aussies the chance to sail the high seas from Athens to Sydney in style. After this epic journey home, the ship will arrive at Station Pier in Port Melbourne, Victoria.

Fellow Australian and Virgin Voyages’ President and Chief Experience Officer Nirmal Saverimuttu said: “Australia and New Zealand are without question the most beautiful countries in the world and we know that these destinations, paired with the Virgin Voyages experience, will make it the most incredible holiday for our clients.”

“The Virgin brand is known and adored by Australians and New Zealanders and we are committed to delivering a holiday experience you will love and memories that will last a lifetime.”

V

Exclusively Adult Voyages Exclusively adult, the voyages will take a ‘superyacht style’ that have been imagined by a creative collective of the world’s most renowned interior designers and travel to destinations across Australia including Hobart and Burnie, along with Sydney.

New Zealand itineraries feature port stops in Picton, Napier, Tauranga, Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson described it as an exciting milestone for the brand.

“Australia has a very special place in my heart and we can’t wait for Australians and New Zealanders to meet our Resilient Lady and experience all that she has to offer in true Virgin style,” Sir Richard said.

“For more than 50 years, Virgin companies have been innovating and making industries better for our customers. Virgin Voyages is very much charting its own path, offering a fresh perspective on cruise travel with all the elements of the Virgin experience that people love.”

Ranging from 2 to 14 nights with a mix of itineraries, Sailors will experi-

ence Michelin starred chef-driven culinary offerings at six signature restaurants and more than 14 other eateries (all included). HIIT and bungee classes are on offer as well as festival-style entertainment.

Resilient Lady will sail through Australia and New Zealand from December 11 2023 to March 27 2024. Reservations are now open, and Sailors can save up to 30% off voyage fares.

For bookings or for more information on the unique itineraries, go to www.VirginVoyages.com.

ABOUT VIRGIN VOYAGES Virgin Voyages is a new lifestyle travel brand focused on delivering irresistible cruise vacations. Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady–the first and second ships in the fleet–were designed to reflect a yacht’s sleek luxury, offering the intimate, elevated experience of a boutique hotel at sea.

Featuring spaces designed by some of the top names in contemporary interiors, the Lady Ships are exclusively adult, a sanctuary at sea for the 18+ traveller.

A dose of Vitamin Sea is naturally intertwined across the entire ship, with

well-being, relaxation and rejuvenation at the forefront. The fleet sails to 100 of the world's most incredible destinations with 25+ unique itineraries across four continents.

Each sailing offers alluring entertainment and Michelin-inspired menus served across 20+ world-class eateries.

With a modern twist on luxury, coupled with discerning design, Virgin Voyages offers excellent value for its Sailors, including food, essential drinks, WiFi and group fitness classes, all covered in the voyage fare.

ISSUE 14 | May 2022

Games Solutions

23

TrendS

WEST CRAZY OVER ONLINE SHOPPING

We’re staying home to buy  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM HE home shopping fans in Western Sydney are expected to become the nation’s leading online buyers soon.

Parcel delivery volumes are a good barometer of online shopping volumes and several suburbs in the west are tipped to lead the growth in deliveries.

North Kellyville 185%, Edmondson Park 95%, Leppington 85%, Denham Court 81%, Gregory Hills 81% and The Ponds 79% are all in the national top 10 for predicted growth.

The figures were released by leading delivery service CP and reflect the way the pandemic and lockdowns have dramatically changed the shopping experience in the west.

CP delivers more than 20 million parcels a year to online shoppers throughout Australia for retailers such as Myer, Target and Forever New.

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Since early 2020, CP experienced a continuing growth in parcel volumes and in the 2021 December quarter, CP received 30% more parcels than in the 2020 December quarter.

CP’s Chief Transformation Officer Jessica Ip released the figures recently.

“Even with Australia relaxing pandemic restrictions, our own volumes indicate that, for many, online shopping was a behavior formed during restrictions and will remain.”

Top suburbs named “Research shows that in 2021, 68% of Australians shopped online for non-essentials. Even after the pandemic, 50% plan to use online as their main shopping channel, up from 32% pre-pandemic, while 50% intend to shop in-store, down from 68% pre-pandemic,” Jessica said.

The top 10 suburbs for online shopping in Australia in 2021 were mostly from

Melbourne, but will change dramatically this year Based on 2021 parcel delivery volumes, Jessica was able to forecast this year’s top 10 suburbs for online goods purchases.

“With Melbourne living through 109 days of lockdown in 2021, it’s no surprise that its suburbs made up eight of the top 10.”

“Interestingly, Western Sydney suburbs dominate the 10 highest growth areas for online shopping, where parcel volumes have soared by up to 200% in the last year.

“CP forecasts that online shopping growth from these suburbs will continue to dominate other suburbs.

“The demographics that dominate the list are high-income earners, aspirational and many of these suburbs have new estates and large houses.”

She said the weekly household income in suburbs such as North Kellyville,

Edmondson Park, Gregory Hills and The Ponds, well exceeded Australia’s median household income of $1438.

“Most of the suburbs represented in these rankings are in NSW and Victoria, which experienced restrictions and lockdowns for at least half of 2021.”

The 10 Australian suburbs that will see the biggest growth in online shopping.

1. Clyde North (3978) (200% increase in volumes) 2. North Kellyville (2155) (185% increase) 3. Fountain Gate (3805) (184%) 4. Eastgardens (2036) (146%) 5. Belconnen (2617) (99%) 6. Edmondson Park (2174) (95%) 7. Leppington (2179) (87%) 8. Denham Court (2565) (81%) 9. Gregory Hills (2557) (81%) 10. The Ponds (2769) (79%)

FitnesS

24

ISSUE 14 | May 2022

REAL REASON YOU LOST WEIGHT

You engaged calorie deficit You started intermittent fasting

 ADAM SIMPSON

You started eating food in a smaller time period throughout the day, which meant that you ate less food in total.

Which then put yourself in a calorie deficit.

T can be very easy to get caught up in the hype of a new diet or nutrition protocol.

There are confusing messages everywhere about why the next diet is the latest and greatest thing to solve your weight loss issue. However, there is no miracle.

There is only one way to lose weight and that is to be in a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you consume). In saying that, there are many “diets” or nutrition protocols that you can use to get into a calorie deficit.

I have my own personal views on better options, but in reality, the best diet is the one that you can actually stick to long term.

So, before you jump onto another fad diet.

Try to understand what the diet is doing to help you get into a calorie deficit and then ask yourself is this something you can do consistently for a long period of time.

Below are some common examples of diets / nutrition protocols that I often see people doing and the reason why that may lead to a result.

I

You cut out bread, rice and pasta from your diet (Cutting Carbohydrates) You removed a large portion of things you over ate in your diet, therefore put yourself in a calorie deficit.

You quit chocolate and sugar You removed a large portion of things you over ate in your diet, therefore put yourself in a calorie deficit.

You replaced 1-2 meals per day with a meal replacement shake By replacing those meals, it meant that two meals were approximately 200-300 calories, which was less than what you were previously consuming. In turn, you put yourself in a calorie deficit.

You started doing “Keto”

You quit alcohol

You started taking a fat burner

You removed a calorie dense beverage from your diet that you previously over consumed, therefore put yourself in a calorie deficit.

Eating bread, pasta, rice, chocolate, sugar and drinking alcohol didn't cause you to gain weight. Over consuming them did!

You started training and became more careful with what you were eating, therefore put yourself in a calorie deficit.

You did the 5:2 diet You started eating less 2 days per week, therefore put yourself in a calorie deficit.

You removed a large portion of things you over ate (carbohydrates) from your diet, followed a strict meal plan and were much more mindful of what you were eating.

Which then put yourself into a calorie deficit.

I stated above there are many different ways to get yourself into a calorie deficit. If you understand what each diet is trying to achieve and how it works. You can combine different aspects of each to make sure that you don’t overconsume on calories.

I hope this has been helpful, if you have any questions or need help devising a strategy that may work for you. Feel free to email me at adam@repetitionspt.com. au and I’ll be happy to help you out in any way I can.

Adam Simpson is lead trainer and founder at Repetitions Group fitness and Personal Training.

Visit: www.repetitionspt.com.au

ISSUE 14 | May 2022

CoveR StorY

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DEB INSPIRES US ALL TO BE BETTER

Pole dancing for fitness  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM EB Roach is that rare kind of athlete that takes your heart away when she is in full flight.

The thee time world pole champion and Blacktown Woman of the Year nominee was born without her left arm but the disability has never held her back.

In fact she has inspired a generation of athletes, fit or disabled, to do better and to use the sport of pole dancing as a way to enhance their wellbeing and outlook on life.

Deb recently hosted an open day in celebration of the 10th anniversary of her International Pole Championship win in the 2012 Disabled Division.

It was also the first birthday of her revamped pole studio, Stargazer Studios, previously known as World of Pole.

As a one-armed pole dancer and small business owner, Deb is dedicated to creating more inclusive workout environments for people with physical or mental disabilities.

“Historically, pole hasn’t been a very accessible sport, so when I reimagined the studio I wantedto create a space that presents a diverse range of movement and exercise opportunities for all bodies,” Deb said.

“All our poles are bright colors and we have a variety of different lighting options, which makes it great for people with different sensory needs.

“Our program is structured differently too, with more mixed-level classes and less pressure to progress at a specific rate.”

The event was attended by representatives from the Pole and Aerial Society of Western Sydney University. Guests viewed a special recreation of Deb’s winning IPC routine, recently filmed for its debut at the Inner West Disability Pride Fest, a decade after the original performance in Hong Kong.

The business is designed to offer a fun and covid-safe experience for Blacktown and district participants.

“We will have a maximum of 30 people in the venue at all times and a clicker system to rotate the guests every 15 minutes if we get busy.”

“Anyone curious about pole dance or alternative fitness should visit and see what they think for themselves,” Deb said.

D

Deb Roach strutting her stuff.

Stargazer Studio is at Unit 106/69, Holbeche Rd, Arndell Park .

Mental Health

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ISSUE 14 | May 2022

BETTER MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

The POWER of good sleep  MINDSET | MARCUS WHEAN E always hear that you “gotta get your 8 hours of sleep”. But in actual fact, what we have to get, is the right amount of sleep for us to feel rested, alert and focussed.

The eight hours thing comes from medical marketing in the USA in the 1980’s. Yes, it’s true that most of us need around eight hours sleep, but it’s unhelpful to think it’s the be-all and end-all.

It's about quality not quantity. Quality sleep is integral to health. Our bodies can fail and even die sooner from lack of sleep than from lack of food and water. It would seem sleep is pretty important. It is also a huge predictor and precipitant to mental ill-health.

We know that stress and depression can be both caused by, and worsened by, poor sleep. Sleep quality is a big indicator and symptom of stress. Stress impacts sleep.

Impacted sleep can lead to mental and physical health conditions.

With sleep being such an important part of good overall health, why is it that so many of us struggle with it? I for one have struggled with my sleep at times. It can also be so confusing and frustrating to have sleep difficulties especially if and when we are leading busy lives and end up tired – we go to bed feeling tired yet hit the pillow and our minds decide it’s time to think on

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overdrive and try-as-we-might, sleep just ain’t happening.

Here’s some points to understand about sleep and some tips to help. This is what I follow and what I suggest with my clients.

Firstly, we sleep in phases; usually around 75-90 minutes in length and there are different phases over the course of normal sleep period.

Basically, more REM sleep then more deep sleep. Deep sleep is where the most restful gains are made but REM is also important.

So, ideally we want to have at least around five phases, which is equal to around 6.25 to 7.5 hours sleep minimum.

We can gauge how good the sleep has been by our alertness, energy and focus levels.

Also, there’s two main sleeper types – morning types and evening types. This means where are you most alert/awake? In the morning and thus likely to sleep and wake earlier.

Or in the evening and feel more alert and active in the afternoon/evening and go to bed later. The challenge we have is matching our body’s clocks with our social clocks EG work and school start times.

If you need to align your body with your social clock, then it’s best to reset it from the time you want to wake up. It usually doesn’t help or work to try and go to sleep earlier just to get your 8 hours so you can be up earlier.

Go to bed when you normally do or naturally fall asleep and get up at the desired time. You may be tired for the first few days or weeks, but your body clock will reset in time. You must also be consistent with your sleep onset and wake up times. If you like a sleep-in on the weekends try not to sleep in or stay up later than 1-2 hours past your normal time.

If you stay up or wake up past 2 hours from your normal time you run the risk of resetting your body clock and have sleep difficulties.

6.

Here's some good simple practices to follow to help ensure regular restful sleep:

8.

1. Only go to bed/sleep when you feel ‘sleepy’ i.e. like you could sleep.

Don’t go to bed because you think you ‘should’ – because you gotta get your eight hours.

2. Don’t be in bed longer than half an hour if not asleep. Get up, do something relaxing or quiet like listen to quiet music, journal, or read a book. Then retry once you feel sleepy.

3. Bed is for sleeping not for phones, worrying, thinking and not sleeping. We don’t want to develop a negative association with bed and not being asleep.

4. When you want to go to bed and feel sleepy, start to calm and re-

5.

7.

9.

10.

lax – setup a sleep routine. TV off, phone away, darken your house and room.

Do a bit of journaling before bed to dump your thoughts getting them out of your head.

Listen to relaxing music, do a meditation before bed.

Try not to maintain these old beliefs about getting eight hours.

Listen to your body and tune into what you need as a minimum in terms of hours and what works best in terms of sleep onset and wakeup times.

Keep your bedroom dark, no phones, lights or even clocks. If you wake prematurely try not to check phones and time as these can trigger mild stress reactions.

Keep fluids and food intake to a minimum at least an hour before bed to prevent unnecessary waking to use the toilet.

If problem persists see your GP and ask their advice or make an appointment to see a psychologist with experience with sleep disorders.

Marcus Whelan is a Registered Psychologist and Mental Fitness Coach with 10+ years’ experience in private practice. He holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in psychology and education.

Visit: www.marcuswhelanpsychology.com.au

Blacktown News DIGITAL GO to ouir website and click the cover for 24/7 viewing

www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au x www.facebook.com/AccessNewsAustralia

FilM

ISSUE 14 | May 2022

27

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – 3 Stars An underwhelming and largely unambitious take on the multiverse, that throws opts for jump scares and cameos rather than character development and fresh takes.

TTENDING the wedding of his former flame Christine (Rachel McAdams), Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is wrenched into an inter-dimensional conflict when he has to save America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) from a being sent to steal her power.

You see, Chavez can travel the multiverse at will, and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) wants that power for herself to travel to a universe in which her children are alive. While Strange, Wong (Benedict Wong) and others try and stop her in our universe, they are all no match for her witchcraft, ultimately leading to Chavez and Strange making a journey across universes to find a mystical book of power, encountering multiple Doctor Strange’s along the way, as well as a few surprises.

Directed by Sam Raimi, Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness is a frustratingly unambitious and empty sequel to the most mind-bending hero in Marvel’s pantheon. Frustrating because the first Doctor Strange film was so inventive, exciting and visually spectacular.

Here, we’re thrown straight into the action, with Chavez and a pony-tailed Strange in another universe fighting some crazy CGI monster, which is followed by (a) a wedding of a character the Strange in our minds has long outgrown and (b) yet another CGI hurl-fest on the streets of New York.

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After a quick exposition dump, Strange is off to visit Wanda, who pretty much immediately reveals she is behind it all. Then rapidly to the himalayas, for more undefined magic battles, before we jet across the multiverse with our leading duo as they hunt for a solution.

The first half to two-thirds of this movie are paint-by-numbers Marvel; just jumps between big CGI fight scenes with no excitement, involvement or agency. It’s the sort of montage-y filler that makes you detest the formulaic superhero film, and long for greater creativity.

That said, the back half to one-third of the picture provide some highlights that are exciting, fresh and new. We get introduced to the Illuminati, an Avengers-style

peacekeeping force from another universe, that includes some exciting, crowd pleasing surprises. We get a brutal fight between the Illuminati and Scarlet Witch (albeit, one heavily reminiscent of one done better in the tv show Invincible). Most impressive is a mystical fight between two Strange’s, with weaponised music notes matching a harmonic battle in our eardrums. It’s the sort of inventive action the first Strange film introduced into the universe, and brings a welcome sense of relief–here is the creativity, mind-boggling action we expected!

Raimi exerts his horror loving presence increasingly throughout the runtime of the film, with the number of scary creatures, demonic possessions and jump scares

increasing as the piece goes forward. The issue is that everything in this movie, aside from one brief fight sequence, feels like a check box exercise.

Scarlet Witch popping out from the darkness with overlayed Wilhelm scream?

Check. Bad ass line delivered by McAdams with barely any explanation, build up or payoff ? Check. Endless on the nose dialogue that makes no sense but sounds good, like “We’re going to save America”? Check.

By the end of the film, you just feel exhausted; exhausted by the endless exercise in bar-clearing that this film is. At some point, this formulaic approach to movie making has to be stopped. Sure, Raimi adds some of his scares, but because they are so shoehorned into this formula, they too feel cliche and formulaic.

They should have used Chavez’s multiverse travelling powers to find a universe where this sequel was actually interesting, rather than a hodgepodge of done before, and done before better, ideas.

Ultimately, this is a film that will have you leaving the cinema longing for a less disappointing Doctor Strange; one that isn’t quite so exhaustingly, frustratingly boring.

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

The Northman – 4 Stars A haunting, homoerotic Shakespearean tragedy couched in the Viking era, that is as bloody as it is weird, beautiful and engaging.

HEN King Aurvandil (Ethan Hawke) is brutally murdered by his brother Fjolnir (Claes Bang) in a play for his kingdom, the young Prince Amleth (Oscar Novak as the young version, Alexander Skarsgard as the older) flees for his life.

His mother Gudrun (Nicole Kidman) and usurper-uncle believe he is dead, and indeed he grows up letting them believe that; becoming a fearsome, mammoth warrior for another clan under an assumed identity. When he takes a village in the Birch Forest, however, a vision of a Seeress compels him to track down Fjolnir, and extract his revenge.

Along for the ride is Olga (Anya Taylor-Joy), a young woman from the village whose allyship with Amleth eventually turns to love.

Directed by Robert Eggers, of The Lighthouse fame, The Northman sees another truly unique vision realized, albeit now with added budgetary boons.

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As a story, this closely mimics some of the plot threads of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, with a usurper uncle and an all-consuming desire for revenge from the wronged heir (indeed, Amleth sounds quite a bit like Hamlet when spoken in the film).

However, there’s just enough difference to make this feel unique, and to throw you off the scent a little bit.

Eggers vision is beautifully and wondrously weird at times, with gorgeous sequences showing off classic visual elements of Norse mythology.

It can get odd, strange and confronting, and sequences where Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe bark rabidly at the younger Amleth, or where an old seer speaks through the skull of Dafoe’s court jester make you recoil almost as much as the most violent, bloody scenes in the film.

Nevertheless, it’s this sense of out there visual identity, a sort of swing-for-the-fences mentality, that defines Eggers work, and this film; no punches are pulled, and that’s a good thing.

Skarsgard and Taylor-Joy are both endlessly watchable, with roles in this piece that give them a great deal of range to play with. Skarsgard’s hulking physique, and his switch between fearless warrior, ragefilled revengaholic, besotted man, and the mewling whimpering son of a spurning mother is effortless, and beautiful to behold. Taylor-Joy has less screen time, but makes an indelible impact, whether she is the conniving spy in Fjolnir’s camp or

the heartbroken mother-to-be on a ship to England.

The supporting cast is uniformly strong, with Claes Bang making a particularly stoic, regal impression as Fjolnir.

The Northman is the sort of swords and sandals epic we need for our time, and it’s interesting to reflect on the glut of quality historical content we’ve had access to of late. Between The Tragedy of Macbeth, The Green Knight and this film, one thing is clear; films of this ilk need space to breathe, need latitude to take mammoth creative leaps, need a clear tone, and most of all need to look breathtakingly beautiful and strange.

The Northman is no different, and its’ gorgeous use of sets, both natural and manmade, is only one of the reasons you should seek this piece out.

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

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Markus Robar.

ISSUE 14 | May 2022

Under 18s national championships.

This is something to celebrate ITHIN a span of just a few hours on the evening of Sunday April 24, the NSW Under 16 Boys and Girls teams gave the home crowd a Championship title each to celebrate at Blacktown International Sportspark.

Played from April 21-24, the 2022 Under 16 National Championships had the four states of NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria compete for the Boys' title, while ACT and Western Australia were two additional teams that joined the four states in the Girls' competition.

The event also featured a corporate event attended by MP Stephen Bali and Celia Murphy, the Executive Director of NSW Office of Sport. The Shadow Minister For Sport Julia Finn MP was also present at the final day of the National Championship.

W

Under 16 Boys National Championship – Arthur Allsopp Shield Despite starting off their campaign on a false note with an opening loss to Queensland on Day 1, NSW was quick to bounce back through the course of the day with comprehensive wins against South Australia and Victoria.

While the rain-affected Day 2 saw the home team bow out to South Australia in a 7-4 loss, NSW recorded a win and a defeat in the shortened day that followed.

Perhaps the Blue Bloods had saved their best for the final day, with their pitcher Austin Gooden's 12 strike outs and Joel Byrne's two RBIs against Victoria in the Preliminary Final sealing their spot in the Grand Final.

The Grand Final was nothing short of incredible for them, with their 10-1 win

NOTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION OF ABORIGINAL INTERESTS Biosis is undertaking an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment for 51 Huntingwood Drive, Huntingwood, New South Wales, within the Blacktown Local Government Area on behalf of EMKC3: Pawan Lala (0488 587 333, Pawan.Lala@emkc3.com) The project will be assessed as State Significant Development under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

In accordance with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents 2010 (DECCW 2010). Biosis invites Aboriginal people who hold cultural knowledge in determining the significance of Aboriginal object(s) and/or places in the vicinity of the above area to register their interest in a process of community consultation.

The purpose of Aboriginal community consultation is to provide sufficient information for the assessment of Aboriginal cultural heritage values, and to assist the Secretary of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in their consideration and determination of the application.

For more information or to register in writing, please contact Anthea Vella (avella@biosis.com.au, 14/17-27 Power Avenue, Alexandria, 0427 463 834) Please note that the name of each group that registers for consultation on this project will be provided to Heritage NSW, Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Local Aboriginal Land Council unless the group specifies that they do not want their details released.

REGISTRATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED TO 5PM, 22 APRIL 2022 REGISTRATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE 5PM, 11 APRIL 2022

against neighbours Queensland featuring Austin Gooden's three runs, two hits and three RBIs, as well as Joel Byrne's economical one hit and one run record from the five innings he pitched.

Austin Gooden also went on to win the Grand Final MVP Award, while his teammates Ethan Milligan and Joel Byrne claimed the Best Batter and Best Pitcher Awards at the Presentation Ceremony of the Championship.

Under 16 Girls Championship – Esther Deason Shield The NSW Under 16 Girls shone right through all four days of their campaign, recording a win in all five of their round games. Some of the highlights from their round games included exploits with the bat by Brooke Thomas and Kirra

Gilchrist against Western Australia on the rain-shortened Day 2.

The Blue Bloods enjoyed some time off the following day due to wet weather induced draw revisions, followed by a convincing 4-1 win against Queensland the next day to advance to the Grand Final.

The Grand Final of the Esther Deason Shield saw Queensland start off on an assertive note with a lead in the first three innings. NSW were quick to bounce back soon after, ending the game in the seventh innings with a 11-7 victory.

NSW's Kate Luyten was named the Grand Final MVP for her two runs, three hits and two RBIs that evening. Angelique Iredale's consistent efforts with the bat and Brooke Thomas' defensive pitching saw them bring home the Best Batter and Pitcher Awards respectively.

Registration of Interest Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Parramatta Park Trust (Level 7,10 Valentine Ave, Parramatta NSW 2150, (02) 9895 7500) is undertaking Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessments for proposed developments in Parramatta Park, Pitt & Macquarie Sts, Parramatta (Lot 7054 DP1074335 & Crown Plan 80-3000). The proposed developments comprise installation of irrigation systems in the East Paddocks Precinct and in Old Kings Oval. These works may result in applications for Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permits (AHIP) under s90 of the National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974. The purpose of community consultation with Aboriginal people is to assist the proposed applicant in the preparation of an AHIP application and to assist the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet in their consideration and determination of the application.

We are inviting Aboriginal people who hold cultural knowledge relevant to the determining the significance of Aboriginal object(s) and/or place(s) in the area of the proposed development to register an interest in the project. If you would like to register your interest, please provide name of group/individual, nominated contact person and contact details. We are required to provide details of all Registered Aboriginal Parties to Heritage NSW and the Local Aboriginal Land Council, unless otherwise advised. Please advise us in writing in you do not wish your details to be released.

If you would like to register your interest in this project, please respond by 20th May 2022. Registrations can be sent to C/O Coast History & Heritage, 15/1112 McEvoy Street, Alexandria NSW 2015 or admin@coasthistory.com.au. For any inquiries call 1800 450 995.

ISSUE 14 | May 2022

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CREATING CULTURE AND PERSONALITY IN SPORT

Only one team can win

Blacktown FC in action: Winning has it's own energy.

 BOB TURNER N sport, winning is a beacon for a rush of support. Just look at the Sydney Kings and the Tasmanian Jack Jumpers who will play in the NBL Grand Final Series.

Both have had supporters rushing their doors for tickets and merchandise. The key is sustaining that enthusiasm and capitalise on the momentum created by success.

The truth is only one team wins each year. The X factor in sport is long term support and not the roller coaster ride that success and/or failure can bring to a franchise.

Building a cohesive and competitive culture in an organisation is the ‘A’ factor that all coaches and administrators strive for. An inclusive culture leads to a winning one and is the starting point for a successful sporting team.

During my coaching days I was constantly sought by corporate partners on the secrets of building a team and successful culture. The reality is there were no secrets but a consistent effort to treat all associated with the club with a mutual respect. Recruiting decent players was also a must!

A solid culture leads to success on the field/court that then attracts supporters who want to get in on the scene. At Blacktown City, I was so relieved when I met our Head of Football, Mark Crittenden, a year ago when I got involved with the club.

An ‘Old School’ type of coach he has steadily built a club culture that not only produces winners on the field but off the field as well. He deals in people skills and people management where no one person is more important than the next. If you miss a

I

training, chances of starting the next game are limited, no matter who you are.

That culture at Blacktown City FC is the cornerstone of the success that will lead to our expectations of becoming the ‘Pride’ of Blacktown from a sporting perspective. We have the quality of players, stadium, competition status playing in the Number One competition for Men in NSW and opposition names like Marconi, Sydney Olympic and Sydney United to capitalise on the culture within the club.

Combined we have the ingredients to achieve our goals. Adding our Women’s team to the mix this year will only increase our reach and profile. Blacktown City FC Senior Women have only just commenced but the Men’s programme stands as a shining example of the culture to build on.

Winning is a plus but it is also personalities that engage a community and help to build a profile. Our Head Coach, Mark Crittenden (Critto), has the name, profile, personality and most importantly the credibility to lead Blacktown City FC. Players are a critical and obvious ingredient to excite and enthuse the public. We have a host of players who have led to a player stability in the organisation. Those players have established a consistency that has led to wins on the pitch.

In 2022 we have also added a few new players that have created a buzz at Blacktown City and fear in opposing teams.

Mitch Mallia has come back to the club after three seasons at Marconi and has had an immediate stabilising impact on the club.

New imports Hirokai Ayoama and Jordan Smylie have been welcome additions with an enthusiasm and skill level that has been a treat for Blacktown supporters.

Ayoama is incredibly skilled with the ball and has learned to adapt to the physical size of the Australian players.

Jordan Smylie came to the club this year after a season with the Central Coast Mariners. The 21-year-old has been a breath of fresh air with a sense and smell for the goal.

He is currently tied for the Golden Boot award having scored 8 goals in seven games. Smylie plays with a reckless abandon that is great to watch and keeps the opposition on its toes.

Covid hit the club after Round two that resulted in postponing the Round three game against Marconi. Blacktown is now back on track with four wins and a draw

in the last five outings to sit second on the table with Apia Leichhardt.

Blacktown also had a solid win over Apia mid-week in the fourth round of the National Australia Cup. The goal for Coach Crittenden is to make it to at least the final 16 with a chance to once again play an A League team.

Blacktown FC is back at home on Sunday, May 15 when they host a surging Sydney Olympic. Game time is 3pm with the Under 20’s at 1pm.

Go Blacktown City!

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

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ISSUE 14 | May 2022

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