Blacktown News - November 2022

Blacktow N

SUCCESS

CONNECTS

WESTERN Sydney continues to thrive, with the region's first WEXPO event held at Blacktown Workers Club on October 24. WEXPO 2022 attracted close to 1,000 people to the club on the day which featured 65 exhibitors, 15 workshops, two community leader's forums and keynote lunch address by Westpac Chief economist, Besa Deda. More: page 18.

Blacktown City

the Mayor

As Mayor of Blacktown City, I have always said that our Council’s number one priority must be the health and welfare of local residents and businesses.

I have also always said that feedback from our community is Council’s best planning tool, and as Mayor I will always listen when the community speaks.

I have listened to the voice of our residents and businesses - I will not support any move to increase rates above the increase granted by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

In October, we embarked on a very large community consultation program explaining to ratepayers and businesses that Council was considering applying to IPART for a special variation of property rates.

IPART sets the upper limit for property rate increases. This year it was 0.7%, and IPART then approved a 3.7% increase for 23/24.

The latest increase was granted despite inflation running at 6.1% and likely to go higher. Council explained that inflation, huge population growth, loss of revenue, ageing infrastructure and a cut back in Government grants, were all putting a strain on Council finances.

Under legislation, councils can apply for a Special Rate Variation above the limit set by IPART.

But after a review of hundreds of submissions and online feedback and after listening to residents it became totally clear to me and my fellow Councillors that we could not support a rate increase above the IPART limit.

We have listened to our residents, and we have listened to the RBA predictions of even higher interest rates, in coming to the decision to put the welfare of our residents and businesses first.

Blacktown City Council rates are among the lowest in New South Wales, we give the biggest pensioner rate rebates in the State and we won’t be adding to the pressures on household budgets with property rate rises above the level of inflation.

Tony Bleasdale OAM Mayor of Blacktown City

Blacktown City Australia Day Awards

Nominate your local hero or superstar business for Council’s 2023 Australia Day Awards.

WHAT’S ON Christmas in Blacktown City

Mount Druitt Christmas Concert

Thursday 17 November from 5 pm to 9 pm

Dawson Mall, Cleeve Close, Mount Druitt

Mount Druitt will once again welcome the 2022 festive season with its annual concert at Dawson Mall.

Residents can enjoy:

• free stage performances by local community groups

• Christmas carols

• a visit from Santa and photo opportunity

• free face painting and glitter tattoos

• Christmas tree light up at 8.45 pm.

Blacktown Christmas Concert

Thursday 24 November from 5 pm to 9 pm

Civic Plaza, Flushcombe Road, Blacktown

Blacktown will welcome the 2022 festive season with its annual Christmas tree light up and concert in the Civic Plaza!

Residents can enjoy:

free stage performances by local community groups

• Christmas carols

• a visit from Santa and photo opportunity free face painting and glitter tattoos

• Christmas tree light up at 8.45 pm.

Riverstone Christmas Concert

Saturday 26 November from 5 pm to 9 pm

Applications are now open in 4 categories:

• Citizen of the Year

• Young Citizen of the Year

• Community Event of the Year

• Environmental Citizen of the Year.

These awards provide us with the opportunity to celebrate our community’s contributions and successes in areas such as education, health, fundraising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment or any other area that contributes to the advancement and wellbeing of the Blacktown City community.

Nominations will close at 5.30 pm on Friday 6 January 2023. To find out more or nominate someone, visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au/ausdayawards.

Sam Lane Complex, Park Street, Riverstone

Riverstone will ring in the 2022 festive season with its inaugural Christmas tree light up and concert in the Sam Lane Community Complex!

Residents can enjoy:

• free stage performances by local community groups

• Christmas carols

• a visit from Santa and photo opportunity

• bbq and ice cream truck free face painting and glitter tattoos

• Christmas tree light up at 8.45 pm.

Counsellor named community champion

BLACKTOWN mental health counsellor Kylie Smith has been named Commissioner’s Community Champion by NSW Mental Health Commissioner Ms Catherine Lourey.

Kylie runs a highly successful online drop-in and peer support group called Embracing Arms that works to connect people in western Sydney who are experiencing men tal health issues.

“I started the group in 2014 after battling with some of my own men tal health issues,” says Kylie, 39.

“I had come to realise through my own experience that there were gaps in the system when it comes to connecting people who are going through similar experiences.”

Kylie, now a fully qualified counsellor, started the group after she encountered problems seeking professional help for post-natal depres sion after the birth of her son in 2012.

“What motivated me was this feeling of being tremendously lost,” recalls Kylie. “I had called a lot of counsellors but couldn’t find the right person to help me. I went to GPs and was told that I had to wait three months until I could see someone professionally.

“It had been a nightmare. I’d had panic attacks and many trips to the hospital as well as suicidal ideation, but nobody was able to point me in the right direction.”

Almost in desperation, she put up a post on social media revealing what she had been through. Within moments,

others responded saying they, too, had experienced similar feelings.

“I was stunned by the response,” says

Kylie, who survived a suicide attempt when she was 19 after her younger sister discovered her note and initiated a suc

cessful recovery. “So many people were coming back with ‘Me, too’ or ‘that’s what happened to me’. That started me thinking about ‘how do we all connect?’”

The result was Embracing Arms. “The night I started the group 100 people joined,” she sais. "At its peak we had 500 online members. Right now, we have almost 200 people active in the group.”

“Kylie is a highly motivated person who has created a warm, supportive and comforting online environment where people can feel safe and confident to share their experiences,” says NSW Mental Health Commissioner Catherine Lourey.

"Embracing Arms is an excellent example of how lived experience and peer support can make a real difference in people’s lives when they are dealing with challenging mental health issues."

$21M in grants for ECEC services

APPLICATIONS are now open for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services across NSW who are looking to improve their facilities and education offerings to support NSW children. These grants provide services with up to $15,000 to purchase equipment, undertake

outdoor renovations and improve learning resources and materials. The NSW Government is investing $21M to support eligible early childhood edu cation services, improve learning en vironments and increase community outreach. Applications open now and close on November 14, 2022.

More information, including fur ther eligibility criteria, can be found at: https://education.nsw. gov.au/early-childhood-education/ operating-an-early-childhood-edu cation-service/grants-and-fundedprograms/quality-and-participa tion-grants-program

Kylie Smith

Oran Park is rapidly becoming the best place to live, work and play in South West Sydney, and your business has an opportunity to meet to the needs of the fastest-growing region in NSW.

GREAT NEWS FOR RESIDENTS Council says no to rate rise

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

THOUSANDS of Blacktown region ratepayers have breathed a collec tive sigh of relief with the news that Blacktown City Council won’t be introducing an extra rate rise.

Residents are battling worsening inflation and the resultant rising cost of living and a major rate rise at this time would have been one burden too many for locals.

Rate increases are felt by all sections of the community because they are passed on as rental increases in most cases.

Council officially ruled out any in crease in property rates above the level approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, also known as IPART.

Earlier this month, Council embarked on a wide-ranging community consulta

tion program on a possible application to IPART for a Special Rate Variation.

IPART set the percentage rate in crease for Councils for 2022-23 at 0.7% and for the 2023/24 year at 3.7%, well below the current inflation rate of 7.3%.

Under NSW legislation, councils can apply for a Special Rate Variation above the IPART rate peg.

Addressing Council, Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale said: “After listening to our ratepayers and in light of rising inflation and rising interest rates, it is clear to me, that now is not the time for a Special Rate Variation.”

Following the meeting, Mayor Bleas dale said: “On my recommendation that was endorsed unanimously by my fellow Councillors, Council directed staff to halt preparations for a Special Rate Variation application to IPART.”

Blacktown City is undergoing unprec edented growth and development with its population going from 400,000 to

600,000 in the next 20 years.

This rapid growth, along with cost increases, a reduction in revenue, ageing infrastructure and Government actions, have all combined to put enormous pres sure on Council’s finances.

“While the proposal for a Special Rate Variation was a sound and moderate response to those pressures, as a Council we are determined to avoid adding to the financial difficulties currently being faced by our residents and businesses.

“We have listened to our residents and we have heard the Government’s predictions of higher prices, higher interest rates and higher inflation and we have acted.

“Council will need to continue to ex ercise considerable budget restraint, but I am determined to make sure Council continues to prioritise high standards of service and facilities to ensure the well being of our residents and businesses.”

Mayor Bleasdale said

COVID support continues

PEOPLE most vulnerable to COVID-19 will continue to be supported in protecting themselves against the virus with the NSW Government extending free access to Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to 31 Jan

uary next year. The NSW Government has made mil lions of tests available to vulnerable and multicultural communities, homelessness services, social housing ten ants, children and young people in out-of-home care,

and Commonwealth Concession Card holders. Tests are available through 210 neighbourhood and community centres, and Service NSW centres across the state. To find one near you, visit www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/rapid-tests.

A family photo with Santa makes Christmas last forever. Book your spot at westpoint.com.au

Tony Bleasdale

Projects need fast tracking

TONY BLEASDALE OAM

THE new Federal Budget contained the welcomed news of $1B worth of infrastructure projects in NSW. $300M of this is for roads in Western Sydney with a further $50M going towards initiating the Castlereagh Connection.

The good news for Blacktown City is the $37M allocated for initial works upgrading Richmond Road and $75M for planning and early works in the North West Growth Corridor, including Bandon Road.

Meanwhile, NSW Treasurer Matt Kean recently visited Mount Druitt to formally announce Blacktown City Coun

cil’s successful bid for $34.6M funding for 16 projects under the WestInvest Community Grants Scheme.

WestInvest is a $5B program funded by the NSW Government’s sale of the WestConnex motorway –basically tolls paid by our motorists, coming back to us.

Heading the list of projects which Council will deliver is the $27M trans formation of Mount Druitt Town Centre including expansion of Mount Druitt Hub and upgrades to Dawson Mall and Kevin Betts Stadium.

There’s also funding for upgrades to Riverstone Pool and Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre, improvements to Whalan Reserve, Rosenthal Park, Tallawong Re serve and Ashley Brown Reserve.

Recently we’ve also seen the plans for a mega school in Melonba, catering for 3,000 students.

The new Marsden Park High School and Melonba Primary School complex will comprise 144 classrooms with halls, administrative buildings, canteens, li braries, outdoor learning areas as well as

a lecture theatre and studios. Plans have also been announced for a new primary school in Nirimba Fields.

Now this is good news for the families in those suburbs, but the problem is that these schools should have been built years ago. The fami lies have already moved in and now have to travel long distances to go to schools that are hopelessly overcrowd ed.

While grand announcements have been made, there’s still no completion date. The NSW Government needs to fast track these projects now.

Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM is the Mayor of Blacktown City Council.

Welcome approach to Council rates

„ COMMENT | MICHAEL WALLS

THE Blacktown News was first local media outlet to break the story regarding Blacktown Council proposed 20% residential rate increase and 30% for businesses.

Blacktown Mayor Tony Bleasdale organised an ex clusive meeting with me as the editor of Blacktown News to discuss the reasoning behind the proposed rate increase. Blacktown News appreciated this approach which showed Council was listening to the local media and com munity sentiment.

Response to community feedback that council sought and our own view was that this was not the right time

to seek a council rate increase with massive increases in interest rates, energy costs, petrol and general cost of living pressures.

Mayor Bleasdale said: “On my recommendation that was endorsed unanimously by my fellow Councillors [at the council meeting held on October 26], Council directed staff to halt preparations for a Special Rate Variation application to IPART.”

“Council will need to continue to exercise consider able budget restraint, but I am determined to make sure Council continues to prioritise high standards of service and facilities to ensure the wellbeing of our residents and businesses,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

This is welcome news to the people of Blacktown City.

Council elections are scheduled for September 2024 and there will be a clear requirement for potential candi dates and councillors seeking re-election to discuss how they will potentially fund promises on proposed service delivery and expected infrastructure improvements.

This is a victory to the community in the short-term to stop the rate increase. Council needs to be mindful that any future rate increases be delivered with a hand of compas sion with clear purpose around explaining how the extra funds are being used for the benefit of ratepayers and our city’s progress.

An Individual consultation and fitting is carried out by trained personnel, who are certified mastectomy Fitters.

We can also assist with the Medicare External Breast Prosthesis Rebate Scheme, and also your private health Insurance should you required to claim back.

We have a large range of Prosthesis in store, along With Post Operative, Surgical, Compression, Lymphoedema Bra’s, Mastectomy Bras in both front and back opening, Swimwear, Sleepwear and more.

Heavenly Curves provides total Breast Care with the Fitting of External Breast Prosthesis and Bra’s to help Restore the body and self-esteem to women who have Had Breast Surgery.

Michael Walls is Editor of The Blacktown News. E: michael@ accessnews.com.au

Artist impression of redeveloped Riverstone Pool.

ARTHUR WROTE HIS OWN INSPIRING STORY

Local author a best-seller

„ BY DI BARTOK

TALENT and sheer grit have seen Arthur Bozikas become an Amazon Number 1 best seller author as well as a leader in the disability sector. The Order of Australia recipient for his disability work and the Blacktown 60-year-old has achieved so much while continuing to battle a genetic blood disorder that has threatened to shorten his life.

Bozikas has written a total of four books, including a harrowing auto biography about his ongoing battle with beta-thalassemia major, which required regular blood transfusions during his childhood.

Critics have been singing his prais es, which has stunned the author who “just wanted to write stories that made readers turn the pages”.

Bozikas’s success as an author comes after his stellar career in the disability sector and teaching univer sity and TAFE business management courses.

Writing was always his passion. Bozikas published three books internationally in 2021, with the fourth (The Book Glasses Series Book 2) just released in September.

The Book Glasses was first to be published in early February 2021.

This book took him only six months to complete and became an Amazon Number 1 best seller, scoring a gold medal at the 2021 Global Book Awards.

“Although I had the story in my head for over ten years, when I started writing, it just poured out from thin air,” Bozikas said.

It’s about enriching lives

“Stephen King’s words continue to inspire me after all these years. Writing, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well.”

The Book Glasses is about a woman named Samantha Page who lives with a disability, which prevents her from be ing able to read but this ordinary wom an is given an extraordinary chance.

Bozikas’s second book Black Ops: Zulu. (Tom Stiles Thrillers Book 1), was

the second book published internation ally later in the same month (February) 2021.

“This book took ten years to com plete after first coming up with the idea of Tom Stiles, developed out of my first creative writing course I took at Sydney University,” Bozikas said. “Originally, the inspiration for this book has been Casino Royale by Ian

Fleming, after first reading it at a very young age.

“I hope you enjoy this back-story of an Aussie family man pulled unexpect edly back into a life of espionage.”

For his third book, published in August 2021, Bozikas turned to autobi ography. Iron Boy tells his heart-rend ing story of overcoming his potentially life-shortening genetic disorder.

Through a “miracle” treatment that has extended his life, Bozikas has en joyed a long marriage and has a family, though treatment is ongoing.

There seems to be no end of success for this talented man who is grateful for every day of a life he only dreamed of living.

Arthur Bozikas was an exhibitor at WEXPO 2022.

Best seller: Arthur Bozikas.

TRIVIAL PURSUIT OF A HEPATITIS CURE World record at Workers

ABLACKTOWN based Giant Trivia Quiz is claiming a Guinness World Record after 2500 Australians joined in the attempt nationwide last week.

From Burnie to Bendigo, Mandurah to Melton; the nation stepped up to take part in Austra lia’s Biggest Quiz and they seem certain to have the new mark rati fied by Guinness.

And now they now hope to set another record to be the first coun try in the world to end hepatitis C.

This historic public health goal was amplified by the nation-wide trivia event, which was designed to bring communities together, get people talking, disseminate positive information and let Australia know there is a cure for hepatitis C.

Australia's Biggest Quiz took place at 16 different venues across the nation – as well as virtually.

A total of 2500 people took part in the quiz, in an attempt to break the previous world record of 2328. Guinness World Records are in the process of verifying the attempt.

Hosted at Blacktown by Question Everything host Jan Fran, questions ranged from which song is the most viewed YouTube clip of all time, to what is a decapod? More than 80 communi ty groups and organisations supported events around Australia and helped raise

awareness of hepatitis C.

The landmark event was part of the Ending Hepatitis C campaign being delivered by Hepatitis Australia and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care as part of a wider program of initiatives

in Australia’s efforts to end viral hepatitis.

While the connection between trivia and a health awareness cam paign might not be that obvious at first, one key barrier to eliminating hepatitis C is lack of knowledge.

“Relative to other health condi tions, the public knows little about hepatitis C,” Chief Executive Officer of Hepatitis Australia Carrie Fowlie said.

“Low levels of knowledge and awareness coupled with often few or no noticeable symptoms means that people may not know they have hepatitis C it until it causes liver cancer.”

The good news for Australia is hepatitis C has a cure. It is afford able, highly effective, non-invasive using tablets with no injections and takes most people just eight to 12 weeks to complete.

“It’s not every day that the world has the chance to eliminate a serious disease like hepatitis C, and while Australia’s Biggest Quiz was a lot of fun it is also history in the making,” Ms Fowlie said.

““Hepatitis C has a cure and Australia has the opportunity to be the first coun try in the world to achieve elimination.”

The quiz was held in these locations as well as online: Ballarat, VIC, Black town, NSW, Bundaberg, QLD Burnie,

TAS, Dubbo, NSW, Gosford, NSW, Goulburn, NSW, Katherine, NT, Melton, VIC, Mandurah, WA Mundaring, WA, Salisbury, SA, Shepparton, VIC, Towns ville, QLD, Tuggeranong, ACT and Toowoomba, QLD.

HEPATITIS C FACT FILE:

• Around 115,000 people in Australia are currently living with the bloodborne virus hepatitis C.

• Hepatitis C can be cured.

• The World Health Assembly mem ber states have set a target to elimi nate hepatitis C this decade by 2030 and Australia could become the first country in the world to achieve the goal

• Hepatitis Australia is the national peak community organisation pro gressing national action on issues of importance to people affected by viral hepatitis.

• The Ending Hepatitis C campaign is part of a suite of initiatives being funded by the Australian Govern ment Department of Health and Aged Care aimed at finding and curing 50,000 Australians living with hepatitis C by 2023.

• Liver cancer, which can result from hepatitis C, is the fastest growing cause of cancer death in Australia.

The National Hepatitis Infoline 1800 437 222 provides free and confidential information.

Brought to you by

Workers Blacktown is bringing you a place to enjoy life while staying connected to your Blacktown community, your local sports, your family and friends.

Exclusively for over 55’s and located next to Workers Sports Club, Parkside Lifestyle Community is planned to commence early 2023.

To receive progress updates and an invitation to events, express your interest at parksidelifestyle.com.au

is for illustrative purposes

COUNCIL ADOPTS A FIND AND FIX STRATEGY

Pothole carnage across Blacktown

„ SASWATI MUKHERJEE

SUSTAINED periods of rain over re cent months have caused significant damage to roads, right across the state and Blacktown is no exception. Innumerable potholes now greet com muters on the wide network of roads in our region.

Over one-in-10 call-outs in the last six months attended by NRMA patrols were related to tyre failures, thanks to rainfall badly impacting the quality of roads.

On average, NRMA attends to over one million breakdowns, and in the 2021 financial year, more than 13 percent of the total requests for NRMA patrols have come from car drivers, tyre and wheel damage being the primary reasons for their vehicle breakdowns.

Blacktown LGA ranked the highest in the call out numbers received at NRMA with a massive 2,581 calls since July, out of 56,000 overall calls statewide, all relat ed to tyre and wheel damage.

Potholes and shoulder-width damage have badly impacted the quality of roads. This only means the pressure on the Councils to repair the potholes have gone up in leaps and bounds.

Since July 1, 2022, Blacktown LGA has spent about $5.52M on repairing potholes in the city.

“As we are working with our ‘Find and Fix’ approach, we have completely repaired potholes in seven suburbs (60 roads),” said a Blacktown Council spokes person.

These suburbs include Bidwill, Le thbridge Park, Shalvey, Blackett, Kings Park, Kings Langley and Glenwood.

Currently, Council is engaged in working on permanent pothole repairs at Hassall Grove, Emerton, Dharruk, Whalan and Wilmot. They are also work ing with high priority on road repairs on

major collector roads including Carlisle Avenue, Vardys Road, Woodstock Avenue etc.

With their ‘Find and Fix’ approach, Council has seen a drop of 33% public complaints about potholes when com pared to four months prior to June 1, 2022.

Find and fix approach

Council has three maintenance crews whose permanent job is to circulate throughout the LGA fixing potholes. The crews have been successful in repairing 15,120 potholes (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) and another 4,222 of them in the July to September, 2022 timeframe.

Apart from that, Council crews reportedly undertake regular patrols on major roads on a weekly basis and repair unreported potholes.

“Ongoing rains (this being the wettest year since 1950) have caused more dam age to our road network than any other year. During recent floods in March and July, extra crews were rostered around

the clock to cope with the demand for road repair.

“Some of the areas in flood zones have had extensive road damage and we are still repairing those roads,” said the Council spokesperson talking about challenges.

Blacktown City Council is vested with the maintenance of 1,480 kms of local roads, one of the biggest local road networks in NSW.

Each year, the Council spends more than $25M on road maintenance. This in cludes resealing, roadway enhancement, maintenance of sealed and unsealed roads. This figure does not consider lay ing of new roads.

“Local councils and the state govern ment have a tough job maintaining the road network with the heavy rains we have experienced throughout 2021 and so we urge the community to drive safely and be patient,” said Mr Peter Khoury, NRMA spokesperson.

He said local councils should work with the state to get the roads fixed at

the earliest as the NRMA patrols see first-hand the extent of damage the pot holes can do to the vehicles.

“There are safety risks to driving on poor quality road surfaces,” said Khoury adding that motorists across the state should report potholes to their local councils as and when they find them.

Top suburb for pothole damage

Top 10 LGA ‘s and their Call-out numbers for tyres and wheel at NRMA since July, 2022 (Across NSW).

1.Blacktown 2,581

2. Central Coast 2,580

3. Canterbury-Bankstown 2,451

4. Northern Beaches 2,126

5. Sydney 1,805

6. Parramatta 1,744

7. Inner-West 1,592

8. Sutherland shire 1,511

9. Cumberland 1,404

10. Bayside 1,322

In addition, 2,647 breakdowns for wheel and tyre damage were conducted by the NRMA in the ACT as well.

SEARCH ON FOR A FAST POTHOLE SOLUTION Govt trials MAGIC MIX

WESTERN Sydney’s infamous potholes have been in the news lately but the NSW Government may have come up with the an swer to providing a quick and effective way of filling them

The Government is trialing several innovative new ‘magic mix’ tagged cold fills which allow potholes to be plugged faster than ever before during extreme weather events.

Unprecedented heavy rain this year has seen more than 152,000 potholes filled across the state since the start of March, including almost 18,500 on Sydney roads alone – the equivalent of re-sheeting the Sydney Cricket Ground 35 times.

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Na talie Ward said extreme weather created a huge challenge for road maintenance crews who have already fixed four times the number of potholes compared to last year.

“The NSW Government is committed to making sure our roads are safe and reliable, which is why we are exploring new ways to fill our potholes faster and make sure the repairs last longer,” Ms Ward said.

“One of the biggest challenges facing

repair crews using traditional repair methods is the need to wait until the road is dry before being able to fill a pothole. The prolonged wet weather also increases the risk of the same pothole re-forming.

“We’ve been used a new ‘cold mix’

product on some of our worst potholes and it has already produced outstanding results – our road crews have not needed to refill a single pothole since they started using this product.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the NSW Gov ernment was collaborating with industry on a trial of a range of ‘cold mix’ materials to see which were more effective during severe weather.

“We’ve asked the experts for solu tions and new technology we can foster to patch up potholes faster when it’s cold and wet,” Mr Farraway said.

“We are responding as fast as possible when the weather conditions allow for road crews to undertake repairs with the new mixes.

“We’re also hiring more than 80 new full time workers to help with the deliv ery of the $19.4 billion regional roads and transport pipeline during the most signif icant La Nina event the state has faced.”

Minister Sam Farraway.

Minister Natalie Ward.

Inmates create toys for local children

MANY people turned their hand to something new during last year’s four-month Covid lock down and inmates at Parklea Correctional Centre were no excep tion.

Unable to do volunteer work in the community due to Covid restrictions, they needed something constructive to pass the time while not interacting with people from the outside.

Parklea Community Overseer Donna Smith came up with the perfect solution, embarking on a woodwork project with donated pallets.

The collaborative project saw Ms Smith and the inmates plan, design and create wooden toys and child-size furniture, which have been handed over to Blacktown City Council’s Kids Early Learning at Blackett.

“The inmates wanted to make things they could donate to the com munity,” Ms Smith said.

“Their first job was to make a deck chair, so they had to make plans, do the sizing and organise the work.

“They ended up making about 30 to 40 pieces, which included coffee tables, child-size tables and chairs, wooden aeroplanes and a Thomas the Tank Engine bookshelf.”

Ms Smith said the project was an important part of the inmate’s rehabil itation and provided them with new skills, and their work went towards a building and construction traineeship.

“To begin with, some thought they were useless and didn’t realise what

they were capable of, but they created great things and got their self-esteem back,” Ms Smith said.

“One inmate said he felt like a nor mal person again in a regular job, and working together teaches them how to behave in the workplace.”

Ms Smith said she enjoyed working

with the inmates and giving them new opportunities.

“Everyone deserves a second chance and helping them is rewarding when they better themselves.”

Parklea Correctional Centre Gov ernor Paul Baker said he was pleased inmates had again donated the fruits

of their labour to the council’s child care centre after an Indigenous inmate donated his artworks last year.

“Our mission at Parklea Correction al Centre is to run a safe, decent and secure prison that reduces reoffending and takes care of staff,” Mr Baker said.

“It’s our duty here to support men of every background, and it’s import ant we provide meaningful work to keep them occupied and to teach them new skills so they have a better chance of employment when they leave.

“Creative industries are an integral part of our education and reducing reoffending strategies here at Parklea, and the work they have produced is of a very high quality.”

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleas dale OAM said the council was hon oured to receive the wooden toys and furniture created by the inmates.

“Blacktown City Council has been proud to work alongside Governor Paul Baker as well as the staff and inmates at Parklea Correctional Centre on some fantastic causes over many years,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

New skills over summer

THE ‘Class of 2022’ will be given the opportunity to access fee-free training to help them rapidly gain new skills for summer jobs in in dustries experiencing labour shortages

such as hospitality, construction and early childhood education. Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the Summer Skills program will deliver 4,000 fee-free courses, with a

focus on school leavers, as part of the NSW Government’s record $3.1B invest ment in skills and training. Visit: www. skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/ summer-skills.

Nutritious meals suitable for healthy ageing

No minimum orders or lock in contracts

Local and seasonal menu’s Peace of mind for family members knowing a friendly Volunteer checks in on their loved ones

Nutritional needs of clients are considered prior to commencement of meal service

Speak to your Home Care Package Provider about receiving Meals on Wheels

If you are transitioning from the Commonwealth Home Support Programme to a Home Care Package you can request continuation of meals

Children, Kids Early Learning staff, Parklea Gov Paul Baker & staff, Mayor Bleasdale

IN DIWALI

2022 entrants set new standards

FREINDLY competition across Black town City has seen two properties awarded the overall prize in the 2022 Diwali Lights Competition.

Judges were faced with a high stan dard of entries and were unable to break a tie for first place in the Overall City cat egory, awarding top honours to Marsden Park’s Jitesh Kumar and Prospect’s Roneel Kumar.

The decorators were selected from more than 40 entrants in this year’s com petition, which encourages residents in Blacktown City to light up their homes in celebration of the ancient Festival of Di wali, marked by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

Joint winner Jitesh said he was thrilled with the win, given it was only his second year taking part in the competition.

“I decided to go bigger this year after being named a finalist in last year’s com petition,” he said.

“Last year there were only a few hous es in our street that would decorate, but this year, we have about 15 homes with lights, and many of them have reached out to me and said I had encouraged them.

“People told me I had the best lights in Elara (Marsden Park), but I never thought I would be number one in Blacktown.”

Jitesh said his stunning display attracted up to 200 visitors every night, with people travelling across Sydney to marvel at his work.

Roneel Kumar’s inspiration for his

winning light display was sourced from around the globe, with dazzling lights custom-made during his travels to India and China.

Unlike Christmas lights, Diwali lights are not mass produced, so Roneel took it upon himself to design light motifs fea turing the Om, lotus flower and oil lamp symbols.

“All the lights are of Hindu cultural significance. I would see things when I would travel overseas for work, and when I went to India and China, I would put my ideas to paper, but it took many iterations to get it right,” he said.

With the help of his father-in-law, Roneel spent countless weekends deco rating the Prospect property, using a large steel structure to erect the lights from.

Roneel, a regular and successful com

petition entrant, said his light decorations began as a small affair more than a decade ago, when his wanted to recreate Fijian Diwali celebrations for his wife.

“When we migrated to Australia 11 years ago, I started small with the lights as my wife would miss the Diwali lights and celebrations we had back home,” he said.

Phantom Street in Nirimba Fields was crowned Best Street, with eight properties decorating their homes. 5 Starling Street, Marsden Park was awarded Best Rangoli and received second place in the Overall City prize.

Ward Winners

Ward 1 - 5 Morell Crescent, Quakers Hill

Ward 2 - 1 Haddon Close, Glenwood

Ward 3 - 57 Hampton Crescent,

Prospect Ward 4 - 5 Marin Place, Glendenning Ward 5 - 28 Wilcox Street, Marsden Park

Overall City Winners

1st place - 28 Wilcox Street, Marsden Park

1st place - 57 Hampton Crescent, Prospect

2nd place - 5 Starling Street, Marsden Park

3rd place - 5 Morrell Crescent, Quak ers Hill

Best Street

Phantom Street, Nirimba Fields

Best Rangoli

5 Starling Street, Marsden Park

Prospect’s Roneel Kumar and his family with their dazzling display of Diwali Lights.

Marsden Park’s Jitesh Kumar and his family outside their stunning Diwali Lights display.

AN EXCITING NEW ERA St Hedwig Village Blacktown

WITH a third of new apartments already reserved, the St Hedwig retirement living redevelop ment represents an enriching independent lifestyle in the heart of vi brant Blacktown.

Ask the residents at St Hedwig Village, Blacktown what they love most about where they live, and you’ll discov er an enduring theme.

A strong sense of connection to community. Feeling safe and secure in your home and surrounded by friends. Knowing that there’s always someone looking out for you.

It’s not surprising given St Hedwig’s history, founded on a vision to create a place where seniors could live enriching lives with total peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that they had all of the support they needed in a welcoming environment.

While the warm spirit of St Hedwig Village endures 35 years later, the village itself has entered an exciting new era.

The complete redevelopment of St Hedwig Village means the creation of 72 new, contemporary 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, priced from as little as $450,000*.

Each home has been thoughtfully designed to provide the very best in low-maintenance living, quality crafts manship and comfort.

With more than 30% of apartments already reserved and construction

nearing completion, potential residents will have to act fast to secure one of the remaining homes and the ultimate retirement lifestyle.

St Hedwig is more than just a place to live – making your home in this Black town retirement community means you have all the support you need for a fulfilling, enriching lifestyle including social, health and wellbeing activities, landscaped common areas, easy connec tions to local shopping and services, as

well as access to additional home care support.

Just ask Village Manager Kathy Eberl. “St Hedwig’s is a tight-knit community; a place where you can’t help but form new friendships,” she said. “One of the most valuable aspects of living here is the sense of safety, security and belong ing.

”The thing I’ve always loved most about the village is how kind and caring

the residents are. From the very begin ning, they’ve always looked out for each other and that’s the generosity of spirit on which St Hedwig was founded.”

To learn more about your ideal retirement lifestyle, call 1300 191 472 to arrange an appointment and view the display apartment today.

*You may need to pay a departure fee when you leave this village.

Discover beautiful new apartments in the heart of Blacktown at St Hedwig Retirement Village.

From the moment you walk through the door of your brand new apartment at St Hedwig Retirement Village, you’ll know the meaning of comfort and quality.

Choose from a variety of exceptionally crafted one, two and three bedroom apartments starting from $450,000*, in vibrant Blacktown, just a short stroll to everything you need.

Live surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy lifestyle and amenities in a welcoming community, where every detail has been designed for your wellbeing.

Come home to St Hedwig Retirement Village and discover the secret to your perfect retirement.

Call 1300 191 472 to arrange an appointment and view our display apartment, or visit

to find out more.

Discover beautiful new apartments in the heart of Blacktown at St Hedwig Retirement Village.

From the moment you walk through the door of your brand new apartment at St Hedwig Retirement Village, you’ll know the meaning of comfort and quality.

With apartments featuring thoughtful layouts, generous rooms and quality appliances, St Hedwig Retirement Village is a place you’ll feel proud to call home.

Choose from a variety of exceptionally crafted one, two and three bedroom apartments starting from $450,000*, in vibrant Blacktown, just a short stroll to everything you need.

Live surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy lifestyle and amenities in a welcoming community, where every detail has been designed for your wellbeing.

Come home to St Hedwig Retirement Village and discover the secret to your perfect retirement.

Call 1300 191 472 to arrange an appointment and view our display apartment, or visit sthedwigvillage.com.au to find out more.

*You

pay

departure fee when you leave this village.

WEXPO 2022 LAUNCHED!

Business and Community Connect

WESTERN Sydney continues to thrive, with the region’s first WEXPO event held at Black town Workers Club on October 24.

WEXPO 2022 attracted close to 1,000 people to the club on the day which featured 65 exhibitors, 15 workshops, two community leader’s forums and keynote lunch address by Westpac Chief econo mist, Besa Deda.

WEXPO was the first major event held in the region since COVID. Orga nizers say planning is now underway for WEXPO 2023.

Morgan Stewart, CEO of the host ven ue, Blacktown Workers Club said he was proud that the Workers Lifestyle Groups had hosted the landmark event.

“WEXPO was an opportunity for the Workers Lifestyle Group to proudly host and gateway access for people to partici pate in a large-scale event that showcases the diverse powerhouse Western Sydney economy,” Mr Stewart said.

“We were able to demonstrate that our community, businesspeople, and networking groups were able to come to gether for a common purpose of sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas.

“WEXPO is important to our group because together we want to be part of making change in Blacktown and beyond.”

WEXPO is about growth and con nection from personal and business perspectives. The aim has been to create a signature expo experience for Western Sydney that was entertaining, education al and attracted visitors from throughout the region.

WEXPO Blacktown featured two unique community leader’s forums sessions, where 120 hand-picked guests experienced presentations and panel discussions on health and infrastructure.

9 a delegation of WEX

PO speakers will present key findings of the community leaders forum to an invited audience at Parliament House.

WEXPO Patron, Stephen Bali MP, said WEXPO proved to be a unique op portunity for businesses and community groups to showcase their products and services.

“Our first year has been a success in that we demonstrated that WEXPO can be delivered to a high standard and

WEXPO - What people are saying

attract business and community groups to participate with passion and commit ment,” Mr Bali said.

WEXPO was also significant in that Google has supported a Western Sydney business event with recognised Western Sydney social media expert and Grow With Google Trainer Lee Ussher deliver ing a special Growth With Google session to an audience of business chamber members.

“Thanks for having me – what a fantastic event. really en joyed giving the presentation and the enthusiasm of the guests attending.” - Besa Deda, Westpac Chief economist.

“Michael, the feedback has been great, well done to you and the WEXPO team.” – Ron Coskerie, Westpac Western Sydney regional general manager.

“It was really good to see and experience WEXPO on Monday. Certainly, the vision that Stephen, you and others had did come to reality.” – Professor Glen Maberley, Diabetes Western Sydney.

“What a great event – such a buzz, well done everyone.”Caroline Allen community engagement officer ACU.

“Such a terrific event.” – Jennifer Vella, Telstra Business Centres Western Sydney.

“It was fantastic to attend WEXPO already looking for ward to the next WEXPO.“ – Mathew Gadd, Digital Presence.

“So grateful to everyone who stopped by One Kind Box at WEXPO. This was an incredible opportunity to meet so many Australian businesses.” – Sanchia Fernandes, Olimat Designs

“Mitronics had a successful day at WEXPO – great chance to showcase our products and services along with catching up with other business owners.” -Dianne Lobasso, Mitronics.

“Huge props to WEXPO and the event organizers. Talking to all the small businesses and attendees… the event was a great success and I loved being back where I was born and raised.” – Rhowell Dela Rose, NAB mobile lending.

“Thank you WEXPO for having NAB attend WEXPO, what a great day connecting with like-minded people.” – Kar lee Toulantas, NAB Lending Specialist.

“Thanks to WEXPO and Greater Blacktown Business Chamber for a full day of networking and presentations.” –Adrienne McLean, Business Coach.

“Brilliant day at WEXPO. I was impressed with the lineup

Social media played a key role in pro moting WEXPO 2022 attracting an au dience of more than 50,000 people over one month on Facebook and Instagram. Impressions exceeded 240,000. Social media following continues to grow.

To see photos and video of WEXPO 2022 head to www.wexpo.com.au

“WEXPO Wow what a success. Networking at its finest. “–Linden Regina SWR FM.

“Had an awesome day at WEXPO, meeting Western Sydney Business owners and exchanging ideas on how to nurture entrepreneurs and our business community.” - Em manuel Martin BREED Australia.

“Terrific event that worked on so many levels. WEXPO will only get better.” – Katherine Hawes Digital Age Lawyers.

“Was a pleasure to support such an important event for Western Sydney.”– Trevor Oldfield, President Greater Black town Business Chamber.

of professionals.”– Jamily Lichas, membership relationships executive, Parramatta Chamber of Commerce.

Community Leaders Forum with ACA staff.

Grow With Google trainer Lee Ussher.

Images by Sebastian Giunta, SG Photographics.

DURING THE BEST OF TIMES…. Taking care of me, for them

„ MICHELLE ROWLAND

AS most mums know, it’s easy to for get to take care of ourselves.

Even during the best of times, school pick-ups and drop-offs, work, dinner, washing and the rest of the seemingly endless everyday checklist means any spare time is usually set aside for one thing – catching up on sleep.

This Breast Cancer Awareness month, it’s time to put “get checked” at the top of our checklist. If not for ourselves, then for our loved ones.

I was 17 years old when my mum lost her life to Breast Cancer after a trying, six-year fight.

As far too many families know all too well, it is a team effort when a loved one has cancer; everyone does their bit from offering emotional support when its needed, to making dinner when every one else has seemingly forgotten.

Every now and then I reflect upon the bus trips with mum to access specialist treatment for her cancer. At the time, there was little specialist health infra structure close to where we lived in Western Sydney – a stark and important reminder of the importance of accessible health infrastructure across the country.

When I became a mother to my two young girls, Octavia and Aurelia, the loss of my mum hit me like a tonne of bricks. Will I be around to teach my girls how

to drive? Will I be here to watch them play with their friends at weekend sport? Will I be here to see them graduate high school?

I spoke to my doctor who recom mended I get tested for the hereditary BRCA gene. I did –a total of two times.

Maintaining control

Both tests came back negative but I was convinced that I had the Breast Can cer gene; not because I didn’t trust my doctor, but because of the sense of fear I felt around the thought of not being there for my girls.

In fact, a few years ago, I even consid ered a double mastectomy to add another layer of protection against Breast Cancer.

My doctor talked me through this, and eventually I felt reassured that I

didn’t have the gene, nor did I require a double mastectomy. But that was a long and emotionally exhausting process to get through.

It may seem irrational, but when it comes to most cancers, so much of the experience exists beyond our control. I wanted to do everything I could to main tain a sense of control over my situation.

But, as my doctor emphasised, the two things that can help us maintain that sense of control over our physical health is getting fit and getting tested annually.

After consulting with my GP, I real ised that the best thing I could do for my two girls was to get healthy. I set aside time for myself by making exercise part of my daily routine and I changed the way I ate.

It is well documented that I lost some 50kgs in the last few years. Last year on my birthday I celebrated reaching my goal – to “get fit by 50”.

Perhaps most importantly, I also committed to getting a breast screening every single year because, as we all know, early detection is key.

Despite the pandemic and the daily, national focus on health, so many women are neglecting to put their own health first – including through breast cancer checks.

This year, and every year, we must get tested– if not for ourselves, for our loved ones.

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

MAGAZINE

NEW PUBLIC CAMPAIGN Drive to recruit more teachers

ANEW campaign featuring teachers from public schools across NSW has been launched to encourage people to pursue a rewarding career in teaching.

Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, unveiled the campaign today as part of events taking place in schools and communities across the state to celebrate World Teachers’ Day.

Ms Mitchell said the “Teaching Opens Doors” campaign showcases the unique benefits and impact of a career in teaching, not only for students, but for teachers themselves.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate World Teachers’ Day than to shine a light on some of the fantastic, dedicated teachers we have working in our public schools right across NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.

“This campaign shows how teaching as a career has ‘opened doors’ to many opportunities both within and outside the classroom. It’s just one part of our plan to attract more teachers to the pro fession, including looking at how we can build on existing career opportunities to reward excellence in teaching.”

The campaign, which will appear across print, broadcast, social and out of home media, is an initiative part of the NSW Government’s $125M Teacher Supply Strategy, which will attract an additional 3,700 teachers into the profes sion by 2031.

Sarah Weston, Assistant Principal at Summer Hill Public School, is one of the teachers featured in the new campaign and reflects on how her passion to be come a teacher came from her experi ence as a student.

“When I think about why I wanted to be a classroom teacher, it is very much

about my experience as a student. I had teachers in my world who really cared for me,” Ms Weston said.

Change for the better

“I started out as a casual teacher and I absolutely loved it and knew then teach ing was for me. As a beginning teacher, it’s fantastic to have formal mentors, your supervisor and your team all com ing together to support you,” she said.

Iginas Gasengayire, a mathematics teacher at Orara High School, was born in a war-torn country in Central East Africa, settling in Tanzania and growing up in a refugee camp before coming to Coffs Harbour when he was 15.

“Coming to school in Australia was very different. Having teachers who cared about our education and who really invested their time in supporting us, that was a big change for me,” said Mr Gasengayire.

“I chose to teach in the school where I was once a student because this school offered me a home. It’s the most reward ing job, where we get to make a differ ence for the future generation.”

Ms Mitchell said qualified teachers have transferable skills that enable them to work anywhere in the state or country, whilst enjoying a rewarding and dynam ic career.

“Making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people is in itself hugely rewarding,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Having access to generous and flexi ble leave provisions, making the most of the professional development programs and enjoying diverse career opportuni ties are also high on the list of benefits.”

For more information about the campaign and a career in teaching, visit www.education.nsw.gov. au/teachingopensdoors.

Helping Children thrive

We all want the best possible start for our children, and evidence shows that support in the early years can have a positive and long-lasting effect on a child’s life. Access to support services can help families build their parenting skills, gain knowledge and create experiences for children.

WentWest, as the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, works with local providers to deliver child and family support services across Western Sydney. You can read more about child and family services available in our region at wentwest.com.au/child-and-family

9

One in four children aged five and under in Western Sydney will develop poor health outcomes

9 Western Sydney has a young population compared to other parts of NSW, with 0-25-year-olds representing one-third of the region’s population

9 One in five women and one in 10 men experience perinatal anxiety or depression

Thrive@5 in Doonside

Our Thrive@5 in Doonside initiative focuses on a child’s first 2000 days and provides place-based early intervention programs aimed at improving the health, wellbeing and developmental outcomes of children aged 0-5 years. Programs include speech pathology, play therapy and mentoring services for children who have experienced trauma.

Little Possums

Little Possums provide culturally sensitive support through Aboriginal mentoring, advocacy and play therapy. A qualified play therapist and an Aboriginal mentor empower families by offering play therapy sessions for children who have experienced trauma. Families receive face-to-face and phone support to address challenges, build on their strengths and develop a sense of community and belonging.

Kids Early Years Network

Offering a revolutionary new approach, the Kids Early Years (KEYS) Network is designed to deliver a cohesive, coordinated experience for families. KEYS works with children aged 0-5 years by connecting them and their families to tailored, specialist services, including health, educational, social and wellbeing support. Learn more about KEYS at wskeys.com.au

Students as Lifestyle Activists (SALSA)

SALSA is a peer education and leadership program designed to motivate high school students in Western Sydney to maintain a healthy lifestyle and increase their physical activity. The award-winning project trains university students as SALSA educators, and they, in turn, coach high school students to be peer leaders for younger students. The program is run in partnership between the University of Sydney, Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Western Sydney Local Health District, medical practitioners and high schools in Western Sydney.

Around 50,000 students have benefitted from the SALSA program.

CASE STUDY

Rooty Hill High School successfully updated their school gym as part of its SALSA Youth Voices’ School Action Plan to increase physical activity or improve diet. The students used learnings from the SALSA program to identify that a decreased number of girls were physically active, developed a solution, and implemented their plan.

They successfully asked for funding from their principal, ordered the equipment and renovated the space. The new gym has gender-neutral gym equipment and targeted female-only gym classes.

The gym has provided students, particularly females, an extra opportunity to be physically active before school and during lunchtime gym classes.

In a school where 25% of the students live in homes of considerable poverty and 200 of the 1125 students have health plans for chronic poor health, a health strategy of this kind is a powerful opportunity to change health and life outcomes for those students.

– Principal, Rooty Hill High School

Contact Kym Rizzo Liu if your school is interested in participating in the SALSA program: kim.rizzoliu@health.nsw.gov.au

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

pin

Quell, as concerns

Stood up to

Atlas features

Extract metals by heating

Many chiliads

Angel's prop

School

Acted like a control

Again from the top

Quite excited

Embargo target

Green hue

Hardly captivating

Pacific island

Deposited, as eggs

On the way, in a way

Aromatic chemical

for Chaplin

Circuit-board wrecker

Energy field, of sorts

Tires out

DOWN

Brewer's preparation

Adversary's

THE LAID-BACK DAYS OF PORT

Real country style city

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

PORT Macquarie is a great place for a holiday if you want a relaxed, laidback place to laze in the sun where it is more important to go for a brisk walk then battle traffic or slave away in a city gym.

‘Port’ as it is called by locals, is a real country style city which is just happens to be set beside the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

People say “Good morning” and “G’day” to you even if they don’t know you and this is rather a shock for visitors from Sydney.

The place to walk is the famous Breakwall with its stunning artwork, all the work of visitors to the town. The Breakwall runs alongside the NRMA Car avan Park which is packed by thousands of visitors all year round.

It links the city centre’s Town Green with the Surf Beach and is arguably the best and easiest oceanside walk in Australia.

John Oxley was the first European to visit the area in 1818 and he camped on the hill overlooking the Hasting River’s treacherous entry.

Oxley realised it could be a great port, but the Colonial Government in Sydney decided – as they did in those days – it would be perfect for a convict settle ment.

So, Port Macquarie became a place of misery for decades as hundreds of con victs were sent north as punishment for ‘secondary offences’ in Sydney.

Record of convict life

Luckily, we have a great record of convict life thanks to a writer named “Woomera” who wrote a short book about his experiences as convict. It was a book of great sadness’s with a choice between working on the chain gang or the road gang for most prisoners.

But they did manage to build some eye-catching buildings including the stunning St Thomas Anglican Church which sites high on the hill overlooking the city centre and the old courthouse

And “Woomera” told of some funny times such as when the amputees used to suddenly start fighting amongst them selves and hitting each other with their wooden peglegs.

Stealing was rife as was escape from the settlement and you had to have your wits about you at all times.

Gradually private settlers started

arriving and the penal settlement closed. “Port’ became a busy shipping cen tre with timber and produce from the Hinterland sent down the Hastings from Wauchope.

With the coming of the railway and then the Pacific Hwy, shipping rapidly died out but ‘Port’ became a town and then a city which attracted retirees from the regional areas of NSW and Sydney siders looking to escape the rat race.

And tourists began arriving by road in ever increasing numbers and Port Macquarie became quite an exotic desti nation for holidaymakers. With a warm winter climate it was seen as the start of the tropics for visitors.

Today’s visitors range from those enjoying five star accommodation at places like Rydges or in luxury high rise apartments with superb views, to camp ers, caravanners and ever increasing

motorhome owners.

‘Port’ offers great clubs a string of excellent beaches, fishing, boating river cruises, a zoo, koala hospital and sanctu ary and wineries.

The drive up the Pacific Hwy was once horrendous, but now it freeway all the way from the centre of Sydney to the M1 turnoff 15km from town. It is an easy fur to five hour drive from Greater Sydney.

EAT LESS CALORIES AND LOSE WEIGHT How to reduce calorie intake

„ ADAM SIMPSON

WHEN it comes to weight loss you need to consume fewer calories than you burn. Here are some really practical ways that you can reduce your total calorie consump tion.

Choosing lower calorie options when at the pub

Often, I hear people say that they are great at keeping their nutrition in check or keeping their total calories on track during the week, but they find it hard on weekends when eating out etc. Below I have listed some common Pub meals and the estimated total calories you would consume eating each meal.

Note: This is just an estimation as each meal would vary depending on the serving quantity and the specific ingre dients that are used. But it should give you a pretty handy guide. In addition, it’s also important to remember that there is nothing wrong with having a high calorie meal if you enjoy it. But if you have a weight loss goal, it is important to be mindful on how many calories you are eating.

Higher calorie options

Battered Fish and Chips - Approxi mately around 850 Calories.

Large Nachos with Sour Cream and

Cheese - Approximately around 900 Calories.

Chicken Schnitzel with Chips and BBQ SauceApproximately around 800 Calories.

Full Rack of Ribs and BBQ Sauce - Approximately around 1100 Calories.

Lower Calorie Options

Warm Lamb SaladApproximately around 450 Calories.

Grilled Steak, Mash and Veggies - Approximately around 500 Calories.

Grilled Salmon, Mash and Veggies - Approximately around 500 Calories.

Steak Sandwich - Ap proximately around 600 Calories.

Additional tips

• Go for the zero sugar soft drink options, most of these have 0 calories opposed to a regular soft drink which would have around 150 calories.

• Be mindful of adding starters which can also be quite high in calories, typically high protein starters are a better option.

• If you are going to have a few drinks, there are also some lower

calorie options you could go for. Eg White wine is typically a little lower than red wine, Seltzers are only around 100 calories per can which is quite low and go for the lower carb beers which are again slightly lower in calories.

Another 10 quick ways you can save calories

1. Make your sandwiches open faced - dropping off that top slice of bread is an easy way to reduce your lunch time calories.

2. Choose a mustard as your sauce over Mayoadding Mayo is an easy way to add a bunch of calories to your meal.

3. Eat fresh fruit over dried fruit - dried fruit can be packed with calories.

4. Don’t add cheese to your eggs - instead chop up some herbs to add some flavour.

5. Choose the 0 calorie soft drinks or soda waters over full sugar drinks like coke.

6. Cashews and Pistachio’s are lower in calories than Pine nuts and Macadamia’s.

7. Choosing Greek Yoghurt over Sour Cream will save you around 35 calories.

8. Go for the lower calorie higher protein ice cream options that are now available.

9. Spraying on your Olive Oil opposed to a Tablespoon can save you over 100 calories.

10. Go for the thin crust pizza over the thick crust - super easy way to save calories on pizza night.

Try these tips and I guarantee it will make your efforts to lose body fat, that much easier. Adam Simpson is lead trainer and founder at Repetitions Fitness. www. repetitionspt.com.au

Property Showcase

AGENT PREDICTS TOWNHOUSE BOOM

Blacktown an area in demand

TOWNHOUSES are the most popular among first home buyers in Western Sydney, going by the trend observed by leading real estate expert Ms Marites Novis, director at Qfirst Property Investment Group, Blacktown.

For a starting price around $850,000, the primary buyers in Greater Western Sydney are mostly young couples and those looking at investment properties.

“Townhouses are definitely popu lar. We love to offer townhouses to our

buyers, especially to first home buyers, because properties in Sydney, as we know, are very expensive.

“These first home buyers have the capacity to pay the deposit for a town house. Apart from that, we want to give them something they can start with on their financial portfolio,” says Marites. Interestingly, while the number of enquiries are more on land and package

deals, it is the independent houses that sell quite well.

The next five to ten years would be interesting times for the Western Sydney real estate market, where a boom is predicted.

In Blacktown alone, a consistent and compound growth rate of 12.9% for hous es is expected.

With a pumping in of $5B worth of

infrastructure in the coming years, the region is certainly an attractive prospect.

The median house price would hover around $200,000 below the market price of prime Sydney property.

Among the top real estate companies, Qfirst is offering several projects in the Western Sydney region.

In the pipeline are ‘The Dual’ project in Blacktown apart from off-the-plan projects that was announced at the recent WEXPO event - see www.wexpo. com.au

In five years’ time, Marites hopes to see Qfirst expand its main offices in several parts of Australia and outside the country too.

“By then, I hope to have helped many investors and first home buyers craft their own stories in their new-found homes,” she said.

On a side note, Ms Marites Novis has been appointed the director of Mrs Universe Australia this year. Excited to be part of the grand show scheduled in October, she feels it to be extension of her present role.

“I connect this to real estate as being in this field means I help people find the perfect homes for them. It is pretty like the pageant’s vision of being the perfect platform for married, divorced or sep arated women to express who they are. Both are about inclusivity, finding where one belongs and what feels like home,” she signs off.

Marites Novis.

The Dual development.

FORD Australia has announced the addition of a rear-wheel drive (RWD) four-cylinder version of the Everest Sport large SUV as part of its revised ‘2023.5’ model year line-up, priced from $62,790 plus onroad costs.

The new variant will main tain a 3500kg braked towing capacity, and is available exclusively with Ford’s 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cyl inder diesel engine and seven-seat interior layout.

As well as costing $6800 less than the V6 four-wheel drive Sport variant –Sport trim was previously V6 4WD only – the Everest Sport RWD is $2800 more affordable than an Everest Trend with four-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive.

It arrives as standard with black exte rior finishes, black 20-inch alloy wheels, Everest bonnet and tailgate badging, a hands-free powered tailgate, leather-ac cented upholstering with front-seat heating and ventilation, 10-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat with memory, eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat, and the

availability of Blue Lightning paint.

The news comes as Ford makes a range of product and pricing updates to its ‘2023.5’ model year line-up. As part of the update, the Everest Platinum now receives steel underbody protection and a black painted roof, and the availability of 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres as a no-cost option.

Further, Everest Sport 4WD and Trend 4WD variants produced from March 2023 onwards will be available with an optional Touring Pack which in cludes black stand-off roof rails, 360-de gree camera technology, zone lighting, and a factory-fitted tow package with integrated trailer brake controller.

Ford Australia says current MY22 Everest stock will continue to be of fered at the current retail price until such time as production concludes in February 2023. Thereafter, modest price increases of between $300 and $695 will be applied across the range (see below).

Option pricing for the MY23.5 Ever est range remains unchanged with the exception of the Touring Pack, which jumps $350

to $2300, and an increase of $25 to the cost of premium paint, now $700.

“The Everest Sport has proven to be a very popular model since we revealed the next generation Everest range earlier this year,” said Ford Australia president and CEO Andrew Birkic.

“With the introduction of the Ever est Sport RWD, we are offering our cus tomers more choice, with a very stylish vehicle that can tow the boat and fit the family in safety and comfort.”

Ford Everest pricing*:

Ambiente

Ambiente

*Pricing

on-road

„ MATT BROGAN

FilM

Bros review - 4 Stars

„ JACOB RICHARDSON

Bobby (Billy Eichner) is a New York based podcaster and author, who is famous for his exploration of unsung gay icons.

Despite his fame, he is facing two dilemmas; firstly, the LGBTIQ+ museum he is the director of is having trouble securing the remainder of the funding it requires, and secondly, his love life is stagnating.

While trying to sort out the first, he happens to run into Aaron (Luke Macfar lane), and despite the fact that they both struggle with commitment, they begin dating.

Directed by Nicholas Stoller, Bros is the first rom-com with an all (or at least predominately so) gay cast, telling a gay love story. After some misfires in the space (a truly terrible Christmas romcom from last year comes to mind), Bros is refreshing for its take on gay relation ships - veering hard into their nature, rather than whitewashing them with heterosexual norms for straight cine ma-goers.

Here, we see a much more authentic picture of the gay experience in the dat ing world; not one that necessarily tracks with the experience of straight patrons.

That’s all for the best, because it means that Bros feels really fresh, inter esting and engaging. Gone are many of the tired rom-com tropes, replaced with excitement, and a sense of suspense for what could happen next in this story.

Ultimately, it also means that the romance between Bobby and Aaron re ally hits home. Their love feels complex, complicated and genuine - two commit

ment-phobes

trying to break the mould of their previous relationships and learn to trust another person.

One of the biggest takeaways from Bros is that it's funny. Like, really funny. And it works on many levels - from jokes that produced belly laughs on sight alone, to some real thinkers that will

test whether you’re actively or passively watching.

You’ll find yourself laughing through out. The film suffers only in its compari son to other New York rom-coms.

It’s a staple of cinema, the New York set romantic comedy, and while Bros couches its groundbreaking tale in that

world as a pseudo-statement, it also nec essarily suffers the trappings of retread ing that ground.

The Woman King review - 4 Stars

THE Woman King is gorgeous, violent, eye-opening and start-tofinish thrill-a-minute entertaining.

„ JACOB RICHARDSON

Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) is cast off by her father, after refusing a marriage pro posal. He gifts her to their King, who rules the Kingdom of Dahomey in Africa in the 19th century. There, she joins the Agojie; an all-female unit of worries, led by General Nanisca (Viola Davis) - a warrior who is slated to become the fabled Woman King and sit alongside the King. Nawi is aided in her training by Izogie (Lashana Lynch) and Amenza (Sheila Atim), as the Agojie prepare for war with neighbouring tribes over their belief that working with the white man and selling their people into slavery is wrong. The first thing you need to do with The Woman King is realise that this is a proper action film. And it looks epic. Di

rector Gina Prince-Bythewood makes the Agojie into a lethal, highly efficient and visually impressive fighting force, as they flip around each other, make superhuman leaps, and more. They come across as the closest thing to superheroes without being a Marvel movie.

But while the movie is undoubtedly very enjoyable from that perspective, and the fight scenes are some of the best you’ll see this year, you’d be mistaken for thinking that this was a mindless actioner. Far from it.

The film is couched in a beautiful emotional arc for both Nawi and Nanisca. They traverse their respective journeys while also dealing with the fights and war that stems from their King’s decision to reject slavery, and those journeys - partic ularly in the hands of Mbedu and Davis - are deeply affecting. Lashana Lynch is

another standout.

Her portrayal of Izogie is so incredibly fierce, strong and funny that you really feel like she is one of the all-time great characters.

It’s a beautiful movie, and the visual portrayal of the city, the fight scenes, and

these incredible warriors, really is some thing to behold.

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

Reviews by Jacob Richardson Creative Director | Film Focus

BROS is a fresh, funny and very witty comedy, despite being masked in the genre trappings of New York rom-coms.

Mental Health

NOW

Cost of immediate gratification

MINDSET | MARCUS WHEAN

WE live in a credit society. Most of us can have almost anything we want now; we can have it now and pay for it later.

It is such a positive thing in many ways, especially for important and big purchases like property and vehicles. Big capital assets are out of reach for many to purchase without credit, loans or mort gages. We all rely on credit in some way.

The other side of our credit society is it has made its way into almost every as pect of our economy. We can literally put everything we buy on credit and pay for it later and often at greater cost because of interest than the original purchase price.

Is this a convenient technology that has arisen as a miracle that we’ve all just ‘discovered’ or is it a natural organic con sequence of our biological and emotional needs? It is said that people buy out of emotion.

Emotions that are primal and highly influential in terms of motivation. Most are even linked to survival. FOMO (fear of missing out) is a classic example of a primal emotion that drives behaviour.

If we see or perceive everyone else to have, and perceive ourselves as ‘have not’, we are going to be motivated to ‘buy’ out of that emotion because, being social creatures, we do not want to ‘fee’ like we are different or missing out.

The problem with all this is that because we are saturated and bombarded with social media influence. Nowadays, we are almost stuck in a perpetual emo tional and motivational loop. Therefore, we are more susceptible to taking up credit and ‘buy now, pay later’ technol ogies.

The availability of these technologies basically exploits our emotional and social brains. The further problem is that this is highlighting an emerging vulner ability I see every day. That is, people cannot or find it more difficult to delay gratification.

To delay gratification requires the execution of the rational centres of the brain. To exert will if you like with respect to decision making, active plan ning, and thinking clearly and rationally into the future.

Credit technologies are rife and ex panding because more and more people are lacking the ability to delay gratifica tion. It is not the credit industries’ fault. There is a need and so they supply it. Basic economics.

We are all struggling

For us as individual, however, stress, anxiety and depression problems are rising. When we are struggling, immedi ately gratifying things are appealing and taken up more because we are in pain and crave quick relief.

Immediate gratification need not just apply to credit and purchases. Immedi ate gratification is things like procrasti nation and avoidance; eating junk food instead of prepping a healthy meal; lazing on the couch instead of exercise or cleaning the house. It is basically putting of things in favour of quick relief now.

The problem is long term. So, debts rise, problems don’t go away, and intrin sic frustrations and negative emotions like guilt or even shame emerge because we have not been applying ourselves to our lives in favour of the long term and

cashing in too many time and too often for short term gains; or rather, short term relief.

Psychologically it also reinforces the negative beliefs we may hold about ourselves in terms of our self-efficacy. That is, if we believe we can’t do things or are not good enough for instance and can develop learned helplessness.

Consequently, self-confidence drops; we feel lousy in ourselves, become more emotionally driven and vulnerable to immediate gratification. When we fail to delay gratification the loop is complete reinforcing the negative self-belief that kicked off the whole thing.

One of my principles for mental fit ness and personal growth is discipline. Discipline means to follow. I aim to fol low the discipline of delaying gratifica tion wherever possible. Try it yourself.

Try and do the hard thing before the easy thing. Get the chores over and done with. Buy the thing if you still want, but not right there and then. Give yourself time to think; for the emotion to die down. If you still want to buy the thing after that then do it.

The important thing is to have fu ture goals that require focus; goals based on values aligned with personal growth that is important to you. That helps to delay gratification and so no to credit, unnecessary purchases, or temporary stress-relieving behaviours.

Delaying gratification is also so rewarding. I would argue It is essential to self-esteem, personal growth and mental health. Try delaying gratification more. It will be challenging at times, but it will serve to dissolve negative beliefs and instil positive ones. It takes time but that’s the whole point. Give yourself the time.

Why, because you’re worth it and self-worth is not in what we have but how we treat and value ourselves and delaying gratification is a mainstay of self-esteem and personal growth.

Marcus Whelan is a Registered Psychologist and Mental Fitness Coachwith 10+ years’ experience in private practice. He holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in psychology and education. Visit: www.marcuswhelanpsychology. com.au

ESTATE PLANNING FOR DISABLED How special trusts work

„ KERRIS THEODORIDIS

ASPECIAL Disability Trust (SDT) pro vides the opportunity for families to safeguard a family member that is disabled to cater for their care and accommodation where the individu al has a severe disability.

This article will focus on the key principles for estate planning in an SDT environment.

What is a Special Disability Trust and how does it work?

There are three key purposes within a SDT that are required to be satisfied and these are outlined as follows:

1. Reasonable Care.

• Arising because of the disability of the beneficiary.

• To make payment of medical and dental costs including medicines, surgery, GP and specialist medical services, membership to a private health fund, ambulance, as well as daily care fees .

• Other expense closely linked to the disability of the beneficiary such as, a modified car, specialised food, as well as sensory and sleeping aids.

2. Reasonable Accommodation

• Arising due to the disability of the beneficiary; or

To satisfy purchase or lease of a

property for the accommodation needs of the beneficiary; or

• As payment of any rates, mainte nance or tax expenses pertaining to a property which is owned by the SDT however is used for the accom modation, or alternatively leased at marked value whereby the rental income is used for the benefit of the beneficiary.

3. Discretionary Spending.

• The SDT is permitted to spend a small amount each financial year on discretionary items which are not related to the beneficiary’s care and

accommodation.

• The discretionary spending must before the benefit of the disabled person and can include spending on the following:

» Health.

» Well-being.

» Independence .

» Social inclusion; and

» Recreation.

It is important to keep in mind however that this discretionary spend ing is indexed each year on July 1 and is dictated by changes in the consumer price index.

While it is usual to set up a SDT

prior to death to assist the beneficiary, there are circumstances where it will be established on your passing for a disabled beneficiary.

What if the Special Disability Trust is set up by the settlor to operate whilst they are still living?

The party that sets up the STD including naming the beneficiaries, the trustee and the appointor (if applicable) is known as a settlor.

It is important to note that there are social security and tax legislation requirements which can have certain implications on the settlor depending on their relationship with the beneficiary.

There is a certain monetary limit set on the amount in which immediate family members can transfer into the SDT without the regular Centrelink gifting rules applying. An immediate family member includes natural, step or adoptive parents, legal guardians, sibling and grandparents.

Financial and accounting advice should be obtained prior to proceeding with setting up the SDT to ensure that there are no challenges encountered by the settlor in obtaining access to welfare payments such as a pension.

Kerrie Theodoridis is a solicitor with Digital Age Lawyers. www.digitalagelawyers.com

solutions via zoom, and ready

has the expertise to

do what other will not and/or

and

told it

it

and then we make it

Better Foundation

Friday 18th November Blacktown Workers Club

The Better Foundation Spring Gala is back for 2022!

Come & join Natarsha Belling & Kaleidascope Dreams for a wonderful night supporting Blacktown & Mount Druitt Hospitals

Tickets available at betterfoundationgala.com.au

SporT

COLES THROW SUPPORT Behind little athletes

Coles is throwing their support be hind Blacktown’s little athletes with sports grants totaling more than $6500 to help Tallawong Park and Lethbridge Park Little Athletics centres buy new equipment.

The latest round of grants from the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund takes Coles’ donation to grassroots Little Athletics centres to more than $2.2m in four years and will help centres buy new sports and safety equipment such as jav elins, discuses, hurdles and defibrillators to support aspiring athletes and commu nity volunteers.

This year’s grants have been made possible with money raised by Coles, its banana growers and customers during the inaugural Coles Little Athletics Ba nana A-Peel held earlier this year, when

10 cents of every kilogram of Cavendish bananas sold in Coles supermarkets was donated to the cause.

Tallawong Park Little Athletics Centre President Kane Findlay said the $3500 grant would help the centre provide a quality program for its athletes and volunteers.

“With this grant we’ll be able to purchase a variety of equipment such as training shot puts, rubber discuses, start ing blocks, measuring tapes, batons and javelins to help us run our competition and training nights more efficiently this season,” he said.

Lethbridge Park Little Athletics Centre President Steve Castle welcomed the $3000 boost to the Emerton based sports club.

“The past three years has been quite challenging for our centre to raise funds to buy new equipment due to cancel lations from COVID and wet weather,” he said.

“With this grant, we’ll be able to buy a new line marker to ensure our ath letes can compete on fully marked grounds each week and allow more time for our volunteers to train our athletes rather than spending most available hours marking tracks.”

Coles State General Manager Ivan Slunjski said Coles was delighted to continue to support grassroots Little Ath letics centres in NSW through initiatives like the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund and banana donations.

“Coles has been a proud supporter of Little Athletics for over five years, and we’re delighted to provide over $80,000 in sports equipment grants to NSW’s Little Athletics centres to help them gear up for this season,” he said.

More than $250,000 in sports equip ment grants were distributed to 73 Little

Athletics centres across Australian the latest round of grants from the Coles Lit tle Athletics Community Fund. Since the Fund was established just four years ago, Little Athletics NSW centres have shared in over $725,000 from money raised and donated by Coles and its banana growers and customers.

In addition to the distribution of sports equipment grants, Coles will con tinue to support Little Athletics centres across NSW with banana donations from local supermarkets throughout the season.