Minchinbury Fruit Market named NSW’s Best in National Fresh Produce Awards
MINCHINBURY Fruit Market has been recognised as New South Wales’ top independent fruit and vegetable retailer in the national A better choice! Retailer of the Year – People’s Choice Awards.
Proudly family-owned and serving the community since 1960, the business began with a humble tin shed and the determination of founder Samuel Gauci. Now in its third generation, the Minchinbury store is run by cousins Suzanne, Craig, Victor and Kylie—continuing a legacy built on quality, value, and community connection.
Craig Gauci said the award reflects the strong foundations laid by their grandfather and the dedication of the entire Gauci family.
“We’ve always believed in offering top quality produce at a fair price—lessons passed down from our parents and grandfather,” he says. “It means a lot to see families who’ve been shopping with us for generations still walk through our doors each week.”
Minchinbury Fruit Market has grown into a thriving local destination, offering more than just fruit and vegetables. With a diverse team and longstanding employees, the store is known for its multicultural food range, exceptional service, and fresh daily offerings—from exotic produce and pantry staples to a full continental deli and madeto-order paninis.
With early morning market runs and a deep commitment to freshness, the team ensures produce arrives on shelves within hours.
“We know our customers value freshness and variety,” Craig says. “We often see people travel from across Sydney just to shop here.”
The store continues to cater to the unique needs of the Western Sydney community, stocking specialty
BLACKTOWN Hospital saw more than 200 people through its doors for their inaugural Maternity Service Open Day.
The Blacktown Hospital event is the second of the three across Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) showcasing Maternity Services to the local community.
A number of in-house departments, non-government organisations and businesses attended as stall holders including inpatient teams from the women’s health clinic, Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), Maternity Antenatal Postnatal Service and newborn care.
The open day was enjoyed by families, children, grandparents and most importantly, parents to be.
Alice Kowman is expecting her first baby to be born at Blacktown Hospital in a matter of weeks.
This open day has really cemented to me the quality of care at Blacktown Hospital and the services available for myself and my baby. “ “
items such as fenugreek, cherry eggplants and purple carrots.
Meegan George, CEO of Freshmark – the body representing independent fresh produce retailers in NSW – commended the Minchinbury team for their achievement.
“Minchinbury Fruit Market is a shining example of the passion, innovation and heart that defines our sector,” she says. “Their dedication to family values, community, and quality produce makes them a true leader in the industry. This award is very well deserved.”
The A better choice! program, supporting over
700 independent fruit and veg shops nationwide, received more than 48,000 customer votes during its recent Shop & Win campaign. Shoppers cast their votes based on loyalty, produce quality, customer service, and community spirit.
“We’ve been incredibly lucky to have loyal customers and the best teachers in our fathers and grandfather,” Craig says. “This award is shared with them, our team, and the community that continues to support us.”
For more information, visit www.abetterchoice.com.au or contact the A better choice! media team at info@abetterchoice.com.au.
“I am with the MGP program, and I have had an extensive amount of education given to me which has been wonderful,” Alice said.
The open day brings the community together and showcases the services available to families when they choose to have their babies here at Blacktown Hospital.
The Maternity Services include Child and Family Health Services, Gidget Foundation, Calmbirth, Rise into Parenthood, My Kids Market, PRP Imaging, Salvation Army, Multicultural Health and the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Alice enjoyed soaking up the information on show.
“This open day has solidified the knowledge I have been given by my midwife,” she said.
The Birthing and Maternity unit tours were a huge success, displaying the state-of-the-art facilities available to birthing parents as well as interactive displays from student midwives with baby wrapping and bathing demonstrations.
Women’s and Children’s Acting Operational Nurse Manager, Candace Everard, was thrilled with the success of the event.
Blacktown Hospital welcomes families at first-ever Maternity Services Open Day
Blacktown Hospital upgrade bolsters bed capacity
THE NSW Minister for Health greeted clinicians and staff at Blacktown to announce the first look at a $120 million upgrade to Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.
The media conference was brimming with local members keen to show their support and solidarity for Blacktown Hospital and the broader Western Sydney Local Health District.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali, Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla, Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott and the NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce stood side by side with clinicians and staff for the announcement.
The 60 beds announced, across Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals, will increase capacity with construction expected to begin next year.
Minister Park also took the opportunity to praise the staff of Blacktown Hospital, noting the huge demand particularly on the Emergency Department (ED).
“Blacktown ED is an emergency department that, incredibly, in the last quarter, saw around 16,000 presentations,” Minister Park said.
What the men and women across the floors of this hospital are doing right now, are achieving an enormous amount in the delivery of healthcare while still facing challenges in terms of the growth in population, Minister Park said.
“
Noting complaints and frustrations, the Minister offered apologies but also acknowledgement.
“When a family feels as though we’ve let them down, I obviously
Seven Hills/Toongabbie/Wentworthville RSL Sub-Branch
On behalf of the Seven Hills Toongabbie Wentworthville RSL sub-Branch we would like to invite all Veterans to our Veteran’s Day
Commemoration Service
at the Seven Hills RSL, on the 14th of August 2025. The Service will commence at 11am.
On this day we honor all of our veterans in the name of our Nation, who placed their lives on the line for our freedom. We must remember that men and women were ordinary people who left their families, their homes to go to places of wars to protect our country and our way of life.
It is this day Seven Hills-Toongabbie-Wentworthville RSL sub-Branch honors our veterans and remember their great deeds, let us also salute those who are currently fighting for our freedom.
On the 14th August 2025.
At this years’ Service, the Remembrance Address will be given by The Former Governor General: General Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, AC (mil) CVO, MC (Rtd). The Service will involve the laying of Wreaths as a sign of respect. If you wish to lay a Wreath at the base of our cenotaph, please contact Graham Larkham by phone on 0418 247 831. At the conclusion of the Service you are invited to attend the Club for a Luncheon.
apologise but I also want to acknowledge when our team’s done really well too,” Minister Park said.
Blacktown Hospital’s Dr Maria Buenaventura described the impact of the $120 million investment, saying it
enables ‘personalised’ care for local families.
“The size of the rooms is important, it enables us to care for our patients in a much more culturally appropriate way, knowing that the patients in our local community are part of larger family units,” Maria said.
Echoing calls and support for the hospital, as someone who has grown up in the local area, she says the work she does at the hospital is very personal.
I’ve chosen to give back to the people and to the community that has helped to raise me, Maria said.
“
“It’s more than just a job, it is actually about improving lives,” Maria said.
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From the Editor’s Desk
BY KERRIE DAVIES
THIS week, I stood with hundreds of others at the funeral of a good mate, Toby. He was just 50 years old; far too young to leave this world - and he leaves behind five beautiful kids and a zillion mates who absolutely adored him. The kind of bloke you think will always be around. But life, as it does, had other plans.
Mark MG Geyer and a couple of Toby’s childhood friends spoke during the service, sharing funny memories. But after a lot of laughs, one childhood friend said something serious that really hit home. He said he wanted to address “the unsaid.” The quiet truth sitting heavily in the room. Toby’s passing, he said, comes with a lesson for us all: go to the doctor. Get checked.
We’re all guilty of putting things off—too busy, too tired, too scared, too stubborn. We make time for everything else in life but many of us don’t make time for our own health. I’m probably one of the worst culprits. I have “medical anxiety” - a fear of being told something I don’t want to hear, so I tend to find excuses why I don’t need to go. It’s a pretty ridiculous mindset.
The reality is, we only get one go at this thing called life. One go to be there for our families, to watch our kids grow up, to share drinks and laughs with our mates, to do the things we love. And yet so many of us risk it all by ignoring the signs, skipping the check-ups, and assuming we’re invincible.
Toby’s death broke a lot of hearts. And while we can’t turn back the clock, we can honour him by heeding the message one of his mates delivered so bravely: don’t put it off any longer.
Book the appointment. Get the blood tests. Do the check-up. Have the hard conversations with your doctor. Yes, it’s confronting. But it’s far better than leaving your loved ones with only memories.
So today, I’m passing on that message. For Toby. For his kids. For the mates still here. Get checked. Stay on top of your health. Look after yourself, because you’re needed here.
Funding boost for community infrastructure projects
BY KERRIE DAVIES
THE electorate of Mount Druitt has secured
$450,000 in funding for a total of 19 infrastructure projects through the NSW Government’s 2025 Community Building Partnership Program (CBP).
The $41 million program ensures local organisations and councils across the state have the facilities to support more vibrant and inclusive communities. This year, the CBP grants will help bring to life a variety of projects across Mount Druitt, including an upgrade of equipment for the Endeavour Foundation to benefit supported employees with intellectual disability in the workplace.
“It’s great to see this grassroots funding supporting local projects that make a real difference in Mount Druitt.
“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their applications and look forward to seeing these positive outcomes benefit our community.”
For a full list of successful projects, visit the Community Building website at: www.nsw.gov.au/grants-andfunding/community-buildingpartnership
About the Community Building Partnership Program
“The State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities, including new gym equipment for the Police Citizens Youth Club and an enhanced children’s Life Education NSW — Healthy Harold Mobile Learning Centre upgrade, to create a safer, more comfortable learning environment for children,” Member for Mount Druitt, Edmond Atalla said.
The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 22,400 community projects since it commenced in 2009. Local notfor-profit community organisations and councils were eligible to apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with up to $450,000 allocated per electorate.
For more information, visit the Community Building Partnership website: nsw.gov.au/cbp
Hospital visits slashed for 10,000 heart patients in Western Sydney
AN innovative chronic disease digital prevention research program has proven to reduce hospital stays and presentations.
Led by Professor Clara Chow (Cardiologist Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and Academic Director Westmead Applied Research Centre (WARC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney) the program has so far been implemented to approximately 10,000 cardiology patients in WSLHD.
In the initial evaluation of approximately the first 5,000 patients, repeat hospitalisation was reduced by 10 to 20 percent.
Professor Chow was pleased with the positive results.
“We were very happy to hear that patients liked the program.
“Patients fed back that they felt connected and supported by our hospital after they were discharged. The trends to reduced repeat hospital visits were pleasing as I think patients generally prefer not to return if they don’t need to,” she said.
The prevention program delivers personalised text messages and other digital media to support patients with chronic health conditions to manage their condition and prevent worsening.
“Content for each participant’s personalised program is selected using a pre-programmed algorithm dependent on participant characteristics,” Professor Chow said.
The content (messages, digital media, videos) used in programs have been co-designed with multiple stakeholders including clinicians, patients and experts, aligned with clinical guidelines, and tested in research studies.
be effective, and it is very exciting that this now becomes part of our health service offerings in Western Sydney.
“We work in a busy area, and it’s rewarding for all involved to be able to give back to our community through our research, she said.
WSLHD, WARC and the University of Sydney will partner to translate the research into new clinical services.
The goal will be to implement and scale an evidence-proven cardiovascular and chronic disease digital prevention program.
Program participants receive a specified number of text messages per week with options to supplement with other digital media for a defined period.
“ “
“In general content comprises information, tips, motivational messaging to promote behaviour change and facilitate connection to care as needed to prevent health deterioration,” Professor Chow said.
Now successfully piloted in cardiology patients the program will be translated from a research setting into clinical services supporting up to 5,000 patients per month, for up to six months, with a potential to scale and grow.
Participants in the program will be patients that have been seen in WSLHD Facilities.
Professor Chow is proud to have designed and developed this solution locally.
“This started as a research project, was shown to
The Digital prevention service will be operationalised as an innovative new service launching from WSLHD’s Westmead Innovation Centre under the oversight of Nathan Moore, WSLHD’s Director of Innovation and Redesign.
Nathan is thrilled to be working with Professor Chow.
“Together we are translating the amazing research delivered by WARC supporting health outcomes for their patients to our community in WSLHD and beyond,” he said.
This project has resulted in reduced hospital stays, presentations and other health outcomes for its participants focused primarily in the cardiovascular health space with pilots in other specialties as well.
“The vision is to take these benefits and scalably deploy them across WSLHD supporting more patients in more areas.
“By leveraging our networks and methodologies within the Westmead Innovation Centre we will strive to take this fantastic innovation from a research setting into business as usual healthcare delivery,” Nathan said.
Masterplanned Living with Space to Grow in North-West Sydney
AS demand continues to rise for homes that offer lifestyle, space, and strong community values, a new masterplanned community in North Richmond is turning heads across the region.
Located just under 25 minutes from Penrith—and easily accessible from Blacktown and The Hills via Marsden Park and Box Hill—Redbank North Richmond is quickly becoming a destination of choice for families, professionals, and downsizers seeking a balance between nature and convenience.
Set against a scenic backdrop, Redbank is designed around large residential blocks and 85 acres of open space and waterways, all connected by more than 35 kilometres of walking and cycling trails. It’s a parkland lifestyle that truly needs to be seen to be believed.
“The timing couldn’t be better to buy at Redbank,” says Development Manager Jock Douglas. “Two major bridge projects have been approved, with detailed design underway and construction scheduled to begin within the next two years.”
The first is a four-lane bridge over the Hawkesbury River at North Richmond—designed at a height that would have remained flood-free during all significant events in the past five years. This major infrastructure will bypass Richmond and link directly to Castlereagh Road and Londonderry Road, improving access to Blacktown, Penrith, and surrounding areas.
A second bridge across the Grose River, fully funded by Redbank Communities, will connect people from the West of the river to Springwood Road and on to Castlereagh Road, further enhancing regional access.
But Redbank offers more than just infrastructure
and natural beauty. The growing community already features a range of lifestyle amenities including a childcare centre, an aged care and seniors living precinct, and the newly established Redbank Village.
This neighbourhood hub is home to The Butler’s Pantry, a much-loved café and restaurant; The Lakehouse, a stylish function and events centre; and the popular North Richmond Vet Hospital. In September, a new IGA supermarket and specialty shops will open their doors, bringing everyday convenience even closer to home.
Whether you’re seeking a house-andland package or a blank canvas to build your dream home, Redbank presents an attractive alternative to denser urban suburbs. With expansive green spaces, upcoming transport upgrades, and a genuine sense of community, it’s fast becoming one of the Hawkesbury’s most desirable addresses.
To experience parkland living firsthand, visit the Sales Display at 98 Grose Vale Road, North Richmond.
Wellbeing Program
HAVE you heard of the Wellbeing Program in St Marys, aimed at enhancing lifestyle and camaraderie for all local Veterans and their families?
Whether a Veteran is still serving (Regular or Reserve), or transitioning back to civilian life, or later in postService life, the program is there for all.
The Wellbeing Program is presented as a joint-venture by the two local Ex-Service Organisations, St Marys RSL sub-Branch and the St Marys Veterans Support Centre (‘The Train’), with primary contact via the Veterans Support Centre. Separately, these two organisations have quietly gone about their work of helping veterans in Advocacy and various Wellbeing initiatives in St Marys for more than 30 years – it is the reason for their existence ... they are now offering those initiatives, and additional ones,
in a wider and flexible comprehensive Wellbeing Program.
In the meantime, the Advocacy Services continue to provide veterans with a high level of satisfaction in their dealings with the DVA. In recent years ‘The Train’s’ Advocates have been able to submit 100+ claims to DVA each month, with a very high rate of successful outcomes.
They are available Monday to Friday by appointment for Veteran interviews. Contact Leanne at the Veterans Support Centre (02 9833 4700) or Tony at the RSL sub-Branch (0414 557 692). They will be happy to give you more detail on available or upcoming activities.
“Come along and be part of a like-minded group … we’d love for you to be part of the Program. We’d also love to hear your ideas about additional activities for which we may be able to attract a group of veterans to participate,” a spokesperson said.
Celebrate female artists and their stories with A Real Experience
BLACKTOWN Arts presents ‘A Real Experience,’ a new and free exhibition featuring artworks from both the Blacktown City Art Collection and Garage Graphix archive. It uses the landmark 1979 to 1981 community project titled Mothers’ Memories, Others’ Memories, by Vivienne Binns OAM, as the cornerstone of the exhibition, exploring the stories and creative practice of women.
Vivienne Binns’ collaborative work is recognised as a leading example of community-engaged art, that honours women’s lived experiences. Originally based in Blacktown, local women were invited to collaborate and tell their stories by sharing photographs and memories. These stories culminated in a collection of silk-printed postcards on enameled steel, that now serves as a key feature in the exhibition.
The artwork’s exploration of oral histories and family photo archives centered the lives and creative agency of women. This focus is visibly anchored in the current exhibition through the selections from the Garage Graphix archives, with some never seen before posters on display. Garage Graphix was a ‘Garage’ based in Mount Druitt, that produced hundreds of political and socially relevant screen-printed works and was an outstanding example of community arts practice, and leadership in
Australia in the 80s and 90s.
Selected pieces from the Blacktown City Art Collection have been included in the exhibition, providing a diversity of perspectives from women in western Sydney, whilst championing senior career female artists, who are closely connected to Blacktown and its community.
Blacktown Arts is also proudly partnering with the Older Women’s Network in a series of workshops, guided by artist Amani Haydar, to further explore what community-
based projects can look like in a contemporary setting. The works created in these workshops will be displayed in the final weeks of the exhibition, to celebrate the close of the project.
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Brad Bunting said, “This exhibition, A Real Experience, is a great opportunity to hear and be inspired by the creativity, stories and strength of women from across western Sydney.
“Blacktown City Council is proud to support free exhibitions like this
CROSSWORD
through Blacktown Arts, helping our community connect with important local histories and enjoy world-class arts and culture close to home.”
Additionally, A Real Experience invites you to deepen your engagement with the artists, artworks and their stories with a vibrant public program.
On Saturday 30 August, Blacktown Arts hosts our Family Day multigenerational event, which will take shape as a relaxed and celebratory day, including 2 drop-in creative workshops, a performance by the Older Women’s Network cabaret group, and refreshments to celebrate the exhibition.
On Thursday 4 September, artist Linda Brescia will be co-facilitating a painting workshop with We Are Studios artist, Josseline Jeria. The workshop will focus on different approaches to portraiture, looking at the relationship between painting and text to explore identity and storytelling.
Visit the exhibition until Saturday 13 September, at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.
We gratefully acknowledge the Blacktown Arts and Crafts Group for their support and key role in co-facilitating Mothers’ Memories, Others’ Memories.
For more information visit: https:// blacktownarts.com.au/seasons/ winter-2025/
(7) 6 Imitating (9) 7 Pakistani copper coins (5)
8 Liturgical assistants (8) 11 Small ball with a hole through (4) 15 Grape plantations (9) 17 An ancient Persian prophet (9) 18 Illumination (8) 20 Not moving quickly (4) 21 Inky typewriter parts (7) 22 Shortsighted (6) 24 Having high moral
(5)
Group of 8 (5)
Artwork by Vivienne Binns and in collaboration with The Blacktown Arts and Crafts Group, Mothers’ Memories, Others’ Memories, 1981. Photography by Silversalt Photography, Jennifer Leahy
An Amateur Tramp
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
IN 1928 William Freame was an avid historian who organised history walks to interesting places. He wrote about a very interesting walk from Doonside to St Marys commenting that Doonside was the first railway station west of Blacktown on the Great Western Line. The tour left the train at Doonside and walked directly south, the first place seen was “Hill End”, a comfortable old home belonging to the Crawford family (Robert James Crawford 1799-1848) who was one of the best of the pioneer families. Walking on to Prospect they came to St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church and Cemetery that was built by pioneers of Prospect with funds collected from 1837. In August 1838 tenders were called for the construction of the Church. The contract was won by James Atkinson of Mulgoa who was building three other churches at the same time - St Peter’s at Richmond, St Mary Magdalene at St Marys and St Thomas at Mulgoa. His contract was with the Trustees, William Lawson, Robert Crawford and Nelson Simmons Lawson. The original contract sum for the building was £1,250, half of which was by private subscription and half by the Colonial Treasury. Henry Robertson was thought to have been the architect for the building, although it is highly possible that William Lawson who was a trained surveyor was designer of the church and was buried there in June 1850. The Church was completed in 1841 in an area known for Aboriginal occupation and favourable camping locations along the Eastern and Prospect Creek catchments. The area was settled by Europeans by 1789 and the arrival of those first settlers prompted the first organised Aboriginal resistance to the spread of settlement in that area which started a violent frontier conflict that Pemulwuy and his Bidjigal clan played a central role. The Church was added to the NSW State Heritage Register in April 1999 and in 1975 the site leased to Blacktown City Council. Walking across the paddocks William reached Bungarribee (Bung meaning the ‘creek’ and garribee meaning cockatoo) The traditional owners of Bungarribee estate were the Warrawarry group of the Darug people. William described seeing a delightful old mansion with memories of the past, but sadly he said that it appeared doomed to ruin, but there remained sufficient old grandeur to enable him to realise the old romance that still lingered around it. He doubted that there was another old colonial home around, with a greater fragrance of lavender and old lace and if those old walls erected over 100 years ago could only speak, they would tell many a pretty story of generous festivities when scarlet coated officers made love to dainty young ladies from Parramatta and Sydney. Standing in the circular parlour (for the ballroom had disappeared), he could visualise many a bright and happy scene. All the ground floor rooms opened onto stone flagged verandas that were originally draped with trailing roses and multi-flowered creepers. On two sides was an old-world garden with carriage drives flanked by hedges and one side there was a little lawn in the middle that stood a sundial that lingered the perfume of roses and wisteria and at the rear of the little lawn the remains of the brick wall that separated the garden from the domestic quarters and the farm. In the middle was the great iron gate with its big bolt, reminiscent of the days when skilled blacksmiths were even more necessary then. He was talking about John Campbell who came free with his family on the “Lusitania” and was granted land in the area where he immediately began building a homestead suited to his status as a former officer and colonial gentleman. Between 1822-1824 he consolidated his landholdings and named the estate “Bungarribee”. John’s temporary residence was enlarged in 1825 and incorporated into his grand new home. The main portion of the house was circular with one room on the
ground floor and one above, both a full circle in shape making all windows, doors and mantelpieces curved. The difficulty of properly carrying out such accurate work with the labour available was a challenge but it was done and stood for over 100 years, a testimony to the skill involved, but the problems encountered during the construction of the estate were considerable. In 1824 approximately one year after beginning work on Bungarribee he was in debt to his creditors who included Simon Levey and John Macarthur. William then left Bungarribee and continued to walk across paddocks until they reached the Western Road, where an easy walk took them to Eastern Creek, one of the oldest roadside villages in the State. Irish born Captain William Minchin was granted 1000 acres that he named Minchinbury. He was the first landowner who sailed to Australia as an Ensign of the NSW Corps on the female convict transport “Lady Shore”, the only convict ship to mutiny. After being set adrift as a castaway by the mutineers they reached Brazil and William made his way back to England where he was promptly reassigned back to NSW. He was in fact on duty as guard of Government House when William Bligh was arrested in the Rum Rebellion, but William was not prosecuted for his part in the rebellion and was given the job of taking reports of the rebellion back to England. Later he rejoined his regiment and served in Canada until he retired in 1817. When he returned as a free settler aboard the “Isabella” in 1818 William and his wife established the farm where his wife grew grapes from cuttings in a section of the farm that in later years was known for its Minchinbury Wine & vineyard. William Freame continued on to the next village of Colyton where in the coaching days it possessed four little public houses. The last to close its doors was Wainwright’s where William remembers much the same as it was when the bullock teams pulled up in front of it. The bar with its sanded floor and high-backed seats against the wall, and William thought travellers of 90 years ago (1838) were heavier drinkers than those of today because on average there was a pub a mile between Parramatta and Penrith and all the old roadside inns supplied good hearty meals, generally at a shilling a head and when William started his history walks some of the old-time roadside inns provided him with many a dinner. William remembered generous as to quantity but rather poor in variety being generally of cold corned beef with carrots and cabbage, pickles and roley-poley jam pudding. Both Eastern Creek and Colyton had among their earlier residents many good old colonists who were typically old-fashioned sons of the soil, honest, simple minded with all the characteristics of the British countrymen; some of them even retained their smocks. It was then onto St Marys where they caught the train home. Closely identified with the family of Governor King whose widow Anna Josepha King resided with their son Rear Admiral Phillip Parker King at his home “Dunheved”. William said that St Marys “possesses a picturesque past which in part is recalled by St Mary Magdalene, the old church and historic churchyard”. He died aged 65 in 1933.
Sources: NSW State Heritage Register, National Library of Australia, James Broadbent Historic Houses Trust of NSW, Cumberland Argus and Fruit growers Advocate, Wikipedia, trove, William Freame (History Page 25/5/2020).
IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL…
Photo of William courtesy of Holroyd Council website
ALEX SONCINI
DOptions for homebuyers who don’t have a 20% deposit
ESPITE new research revealing borrowers need six-figure savings for a 20% home deposit, experts say there’s still plenty of ways for them to take their first steps up the property ladder.
With property prices soaring across Australia, the dream of home ownership can feel out of reach for many—especially in cities like Sydney, where even a small 2 bedroom unit can cost $900,000. Saving up the traditional 20% deposit means setting aside $180,000, a daunting figure for first-time buyers.
Having little or no deposit doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get a home loan to buy a home.
There are currently a few government schemes available to help with deposit requirements – first home buyers, single parents and shared equity schemes have helped people get into the market with a smaller deposit and avoid paying lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).
For those that don’t qualify for the schemes, there is still the option to borrow a larger amount of the property value with LMI in place.
There are low deposit home loan options where you can buy a house with as little as 5% of the purchase price.
You can get a low deposit home loan with just 5% down on the purchase price. For an $900,000 home, that’s a minimum of $45,000. You’ll also need to cover stamp duty, upfront costs, and possibly lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) for loans over 80% of the property’s value. If you lack the 5% saved, there are other options to explore.
What is lenders mortgage insurance (LMI)?
Lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) is an extra cost, but it lets buyers enter the property market with a smaller deposit, rather than the usual 20%. LMI protects the lender if the loan defaults, ensuring they recoup their money if the property is sold at a loss. This can provide the same security as a 20% deposit.
For borrowers, LMI might appear as an added expense, but it allows them to buy property with, say, just a 5% deposit. For an $900,000 property, this reduces the deposit from $180,000 to $45,000.
The insurance premium is typically a one-off payment, but you can sometimes include in your loan amount so that you are paying for it month-bymonth along with your mortgage.
Options for homebuyers who don’t have a 20% deposit.
• How A Guarantor Can Help.
If you lack a substantial home loan deposit, you can explore family pledge options to obtain credit, specifically service guarantees and security guarantees.
Service guarantees are rarer and involve a family member guaranteeing repayments and being named on the property title, but this may disqualify firsttime buyers from government grants.
Security guarantees are more common, where a relative or friend (often a parent) uses their home equity to guarantee the borrower’s deposit.
For example, with an $900,000 loan in a security guarantor setup, the borrower/s take on 80% of the loan, which is $720,000, in their own name/s. The remaining $180,000 is guaranteed jointly by the guarantor/s and borrower/s, reducing the guarantor’s liability and eliminating the need for lender’s mortgage insurance. This arrangement is suitable when borrowers lack a significant deposit but their parents own a home. It’s a great option as long as the parents are comfortable with their child’s ability to pay back the loan.”
• A financial gift.
The high cost of property today means many parents and other close relatives are happy to help their children enter the property market through a one-off financial gift. Many first home buyers now have help from their parents when it comes to saving for a deposit with more than 30% getting help this way.
Many lenders will count the cost of this gift towards your deposit amount, although they may also want to see that you also have a history of regular savings.
• Using the equity in your own home.
Not all buyers looking to buy with no deposit are first home buyers. You may already own your own home and now you’re looking to buy an investment property. In this instance, a lender may give you the option of using the equity in your home to cover the deposit of the place you’re purchasing.
To take advantage of this, you’ll usually need to have enough equity in your home to cover a 20% deposit on both places, unless you also take out lenders mortgage insurance.
Applying for a home loan.
When applying for a home loan, remember that your deposit is just one factor lenders assess. Lenders will also consider your ability to service the loan, taking into account your credit history, income, expenses, and employment details. Some low deposit home loan providers may impose higher interest rates and fees.
The application process can be complex, requiring additional financial and credit information.
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Nahlous and Favelle set to light up QLD Raceway
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE long-standing connection between the Australian Superbike (ASBK) and the Supercars Championships will ramp up again in 2025, with the two motorsports to reunite at Queensland Raceway this weekend August 8-10 at the running of the Ipswich Super 440.
The SW-Motech Superbike class will be in the action, as the 2025 mibike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul passes the halfway mark, whilst the Ipswich event will also mark Round Eight of the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship.
The two championships have been thrilling motorsport fans in the ‘2plus-4’ concept since the 1980s, with Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway the last time the categories paired together in 2023, as Troy Herfoss claimed the overall Superbike spoils.
Now the collaboration moves to the revitalised Queensland Raceway, on the unassuming but unique 3.126km layout where producing a hot lap can often be a deceptively tricky proposition.
Queensland Raceway is also a delight for spectators, with elevated
mounds offering an unrestricted view of the entire six-turn circuit so you don’t miss a minute of the action.
The Superbike riders will contest three races during the Ipswich Super 440, which will make Queensland the most visited state by the ASBK Championship in 2025 – which
includes standalone rounds at Queensland Raceway (May 2-4) and Morgan Park Raceway (June 13-15).
Western Sydney will be represented by JJ Nahlous (Glenwood) and Jack Favelle (Cattai), who currently sit in 8th and 9th positions respectively in this year’s Superbike Series.
Local juniors selected for Sydney West PSSA Golf team
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE Sydney West Public Schools Sports Association (PSSA) Golf Championships were held at Camden Lakeside GC on Monday 28th July.
Warren Chen was the winner of the Boys Division, ahead of Noel Bae, whilst Emma Norman won the Girls division.
Following the event, a team was selected to represent Sydney West PSSA at the NSW PSSA Championships, which will be held at Barooga GC from 23-25 September.
The Sydney West PSSA team is Carter Bryant (Lynwood CC), Emma Norman (Lynwood CC), James Kilbourne (Penrith GC), Harrison Howe (Richmond GC), Archer Adam (Richmond GC), Wilson Wang (Oatlands GC), Warren Chen (Castle Hill GC), Noel Bae (Oatlands GC), Jake Wong (Oak Point GC).
PENNANT GOLF UPDATE
Eric Apperly Shield: Pymble 3-3 with Penrith, Richmond 3-3 with North Ryde, Manly 3-3 with Lynwood, Northbridge 3-3 with Concord Gold, The Lakes 3-3 with The Australian Gold, NSW Gold 3-3 with Avondale.
T.L. Warren: Gordon 1.5/1.5 with Fox Hills, Roseville 1.5/1.5 with Springwood, Moore Park 1.5/1.5 with Penrith, Cabramatta 1.5/1.5 with Twin Creeks, The Coast 1.5/1.5 with Stonecutters Ridge, Muirfield 1.5/1.5 with Wallacia, Woollahra 1.5/1.5 with Lynwood, Bayview 1.5/1.5 with Leonay
W. Gibson: Gordon 1.5/1.5 with Fox Hills, Roseville 1.5/1.5 with Springwood, Moore Park 1.5/1.5 with Penrith, Cabramatta 1.5/1.5 with Twin Creeks, The Coast 1.5/1.5 with Stonecutters Ridge, Muirfield 1.5/1.5 with Wallacia, Woollahra 1.5/1.5 with Lynwood, Bayview 1.5/1.5 with Leonay
BY NOEL ROWSELL
WINDSOR Polo Club will once again host the Sydney Jumping Association (SJA) this weekend (9th-10th August), with the action beginning at 8am each day and running through to 4pm.
For more details on the event, please email membersja@gmail.com
Action from Windsor Polo Club in May this year.
Photos by Noel Rowsell
JJ Nahlous (#20) and Jack Favelle (#33) in action. Photos by Pit Lane Studio and Endorphin Media
Carter Bryant. Photo courtesy of JNJG
Crunch time looms as City’s finals hopes hang in the balance
BY LIAM BELL
BLACKTOWN City’s grip on a finals spot has loosened after a disappointing fortnight, collecting just a single point from two matches against sides sitting below them on the ladder. A narrow 3-2 defeat away to St George FC was followed by a late heartbreak in a 2-2 draw with Mt Druitt Town Rangers, a result that saw City retain the Mayoral Cup but miss a crucial chance to cement their top-six credentials.
The trip to Barton Park started brightly for Blacktown, as Mitchell Mallia won a penalty just before the half-hour mark. Travis Major stepped up to confidently convert, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. But that momentum evaporated quickly.
A slice of misfortune saw Lachlan Campbell deflect a St George corner into his own net, and just minutes later, the home side had the lead. Troy Danaskos converted from the spot after a clumsy challenge in the box. St George went into the break 2-1 ahead, and though Blacktown responded after the restart with Campbell redeeming himself by heading in a Mallia free kick, the hosts weren’t done.
In the 72nd minute, after a scramble inside the area, the ball fell to Yelchan, who smashed home what would prove to be the winner. Despite late pressure, City couldn’t find another equaliser.
A week later, Landen Stadium played host to the local derby with Mt Druitt, and while City didn’t secure the win they wanted, they did enough to retain the Mayoral Cup, courtesy of their 3-2 away win earlier in the season.
Mt Druitt, fighting to lift themselves off the bottom of the table, came out with intensity and tested Cayden Henderson early. The Blacktown keeper pulled off a brilliant save from a close-range header to keep things level. But after a steady build-up, it was the home side who struck first, as Mallia’s pinpoint free kick found the head of Lachland Campbell to open the scoring.
City looked in control, but Mt Druitt responded in the second half. Abraham Majok and William Rankin combined well on the right before a neat cutback
found Yuta Komura, who calmly finished to bring the visitors level.
The hosts retook the lead through Jakob Cresnar, who was first to react after Major’s powerful header was parried, but once again, the final minutes proved costly. In stoppage time, a long ball caught Blacktown out, and Theph Theph’s sharp finish earned Mt Druitt a valuable point, leaving City frustrated.
Despite the mixed results, there are still positives to take from the last fortnight. The point was enough to officially retain the Mayoral Cup, and with four games to go, Blacktown still sit inside the top six.
Sydney United 58 had been trailing closely in seventh but have failed to capitalise, taking only four points from their last five matches. However, it’s the in-form Wollongong Wolves who have surged past both sides. The historic club is unbeaten in their last six, with four wins and two draws, pushing them into sixth place and
adding further pressure to the finals race.
Blacktown now face a critical period that could define their season. Their next fixture is a rescheduled Round 27 clash, which sees them take on Sydney United 58 in a midweek showdown on Wednesday the 13th of August. The fixture was originally set for Sunday the 10th but was moved to accommodate United’s Australia Cup tie with Sydney FC.
The congestion in United’s calendar could play to Blacktown’s advantage, with the quick turnaround between fixtures offering an opportunity to capitalise on fatigue.
The equation is clear: a win against United would be a significant boost. A loss, however, could see City drop to just three points clear of seventh place if both United and Wollongong pick up wins, with Wolves taking on bottom-placed Mt Druitt in a very winnable game. To add to the pressure, Blacktown’s goal difference sits at -1,
while the Wolves boast a +7, meaning a slip-up could be punished in more ways than one.
Following the clash with United, Blacktown will host Western Sydney Wanderers Academy on Sunday the 17th of August, before travelling to face Sydney FC Academy. The final round of the regular season is shaping up to be a blockbuster, a home match at Landen Stadium against none other than the red-hot Wollongong Wolves on Sunday the 31st of August.
With just four rounds remaining, it’s a tense sprint to the finish line. The top six remains within reach, but City can ill afford further dropped points if they want to be part of the 2025 NPL NSW Men’s finals series.
Catch all of Blacktown City’s matches live and free on the Football NSW YouTube channel.
Mayoral Cup Trophy Presentation with Mayor Brad Bunting.
Blacktown City vs St George FC.
Mitch Mallia vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers. Photos courtesy of Not24Get
Jakob Cresnar vs St George FC
Motorsport Australia honours SuperSports driver Darren Barlow
MOTORSPORT Australia joined the wider Motorsport community in honouring
Darren Barlow, who lost his life on Saturday 26th July in a racing incident at Sydney Motorsport Park.
A respected and much-loved member of the Motorsport community, Darren was a prominent track-side figure whose warmth, passion, and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Originally from Wollongong, Darren was an active Motorsport member both on and off track. His love for Motorsport was a source of inspiration to many, and his dedication to supporting the growth of grassroots Motorsport was admired by the national sporting community.
Darren’s commitment and leadership in Motorsport saw him serve as Motorsport Australia’s New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory State Council Chair, advocating for the states’ clubs and its members.
Motorsport Australia CEO Sunil Vohra said Darren was a highly valued member of the Motorsport Australia governance structure, and
“Darren’s energy, intellect and passion to grow state level Motorsport was a pivotal part of our state council structure. Always looking for the way we could achieve more together, he worked tirelessly to support grassroots Motorsport across NSW & ACT and nationally. A talented leader and role model for those coming up the ranks, he was a valued friend and colleague to many at Motorsport Australia,” Vohra said.
“On behalf of Motorsport Australia Board and our team across the country, I offer our deepest condolences to Darren’s family, friends and everyone across the Motorsport community impacted by his passing.”
Darren’s passion for Motorsport was evident on the track, having been a stalwart supporter and state champion of the SuperSports racing category in NSW.
In 2023, he was inducted as a life member to the SuperSports Race Car Club of Australia Hall of Fame – where he also served as President for many years.
Motorsport Australia State and Competition Racing Manager Bruce Astbury said Darren’s impact on the Motorsport community and industry in Australia was immeasurable.
“He was all about the sport, incredibly generous with his time, and quite a visionary in the industry,” Astbury said.
“Where Darren was concerned, everything was possible. No matter the situation, Darren’s positivism prevailed.”
Round 4 of the 2025 MSA NSW Championships, featuring Supersports, Formula Vee, Formula Ford, Formula Open, Superkart, Production Touring and HQ Holdens was held at Sydney Motorsport Park on Saturday 26th July.
Full results from the event can be found at: http://racing.natsoft.com.au/results/
BY NOEL ROWSELL
the organisation was deeply saddened at his passing.
Darren Barlow in action at SMSP. Photos by Noel Rowsell
Darren Barlow #27. Photo by Scott Walker
Geoff Bennett #85.
Steven Sheils #73.
Mark Brame #42. Photos by Noel Rowsell
Matthew Harriott, Xavier Babbage-Hocke, Matthew Southwell, Caleb Brown.