Western News 10 June 2022

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Friday, 10 June 2022

ISSUE 163

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Western News 10 June 2022 Issue 163

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Council honours Blacktown City construction giant

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lacktown City Council has recognised the enormous contribution of well-known Blacktown City entrepreneur and giant of the construction industry, Bill McNamara OAM. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM awarded the Key to the City to Bill for his role in shaping the landscape of Blacktown City over the course of 60 years.

Mayor Bleasdale said, “Bill has played a pivotal role over many decades in helping transform Blacktown City into the modern city it is today.

“Thanks to his knowledge and foresight, Bill led the way in the 1970s with the biggest single development in Blacktown, Westpoint Shopping Centre.

“He was not only a businessman but a true community leader and gave generously of his time to his community.

“As Mayor of Blacktown City, it is a great honour to present the Key to the City to Bill for his unparalleled innovation and community service.”

The McNamara family has been part of Blacktown City’s history for the past century, when Bill’s family moved to Riverstone from Western NSW in the 1920s.

Born in 1927, Bill attended Riverstone Public School before

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (right) with Key to the City recipient Bill McNamara OAM (centre) and Councillor Julie Griffiths (left) at Blacktown Aquatic Centre’s 60th anniversary celebration.

completing his secondary schooling at Auburn High School, where he received his Intermediate Certificate.

Bill recalls that it was during his school days that he wanted to become a builder and remembered fixing structures and nailing iron onto fowl sheds that had blown off in the wind.

He became an apprentice carpenter at Riverstone Meatworks, signing up for five years with the Riverstone Meat Company and attending Granville Technical College.

At just 29, he was singled out by the then Minister for Local Government, and future Premier, Jack Renshaw, who said Bill “set an example to all

Authorised by Stephen Bali MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements. June 2022.

young Australians and had shown what could be done by ability and willingness to take a chance”.

In 1950, Bill and his wife Pat built a home at 22 Hunter Street, Riverstone.

In 1953, the McNamara Group built an office and joinery in Riverstone Parade - one of the first factories to be built in that industrial area.

The McNamara Group delivered and was responsible for many large developments that have shaped both Blacktown and Western Sydney over the past 50 years.

The McNamara Group was responsible for WestPoint Shopping Mall at Blacktown and Marketown

Shopping Centre at Riverstone, Mount Druitt High School, Riverstone Schofields Memorial Club and Blacktown Aquatic Centre, which are landmark building projects in Blacktown City.

Bill and his team also built the Del Rio Resort on the Hawkesbury River and many important buildings in Parramatta - the McNamara Centre, the Octagon, the United Permanent building, the Parramatta Cultural Centre, the J.A. Fleming Stand at Rosehill and the Riverside Theatres.

He also built many facilities for the Royal Australian Army, as well as the Royal Australian Air Force Base at Richmond.

Bill served on numerous community boards, was Chair of the Economic Development Board of Greater Western Sydney for 4 years and served as a board member of Council’s Blacktown Venue Management Limited.

He was also the driving force in engaging local small business involvement in the lead up to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Bill was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1984 and in 2017 was Blacktown City Council’s Corporate Citizen of the Year.

Bill turns 95 this year and continues to work and serve the Blacktown City community to this day.

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he 2022 Blacktown City Festival has wrapped up for another year after 2 jampacked weeks of events.

The City’s largest-ever festival featured 21 successful events for the whole community and came to a close last weekend with F.A.M Fest in Warrick Lane.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM thanked the community for its support of the festival, which returned to its regular program after being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

“This year marked our biggest festival ever, and it would not have been possible without the ongoing support of the wonderful Blacktown City community,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“This festival kicked off a week earlier than usual with the popular Riverstone Festival and Riverstone Night Markets and our final weekend saw the Streets Alive and Parade Day return to the Blacktown CBD after a two-year hiatus.

“There was much to celebrate this festival after an extremely challenging two years for our City, so it was fantastic to see everyone gather together again as a community.

“It’s clear that community spirit is alive and well in Blacktown City and I extend a big thank you to all the volunteers, community groups, performers, stallholders and emergency services for their hard work and support.”

Some of the festival highlights included the Outback Blacktown Country Music Festival, Seniors’ Gala Concert, Drag Bingo and Sweet Indulgence Festival.

The 2022 Blacktown City Festival wrapped up with F.A.M Fest after two weeks of events.

The Streets Alive and Parade Day brought a flurry of colour and festivity to the Blacktown CBD, with Aussie pop superstar Jessica Mauboy headlining the entertainment.

This year’s festival also featured the 3-day F.A.M Fest (Food, Art, Music), which was funded by the NSW Government and featured performances from DJ Havana Brown and Wiggle and Friends.

The popular Medieval Fayre and Banquet has been postponed until the Father’s Day weekend of 3-4 September.

Mayor Bleasdale urged residents to mark their

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calendars and prepare to be taken back in time to the Dark Ages.

“While our Medieval Fayre and Banquet had to be postponed due to the wet weather, I look forward to celebrating this fantastic event on a new date in September,” he said.

“Guests will be able to immerse in medieval culture with a jousting competition, birds of prey show, combat artillery, medieval displays and much more.

“Be sure to lock in the date and I look forward to seeing you there, my lords and ladies!”

Western News 10 June 2022 Issue 163

That’s a wrap! Blacktown Festival comes to a close

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Western News 10 June 2022 Issue 163

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Western News Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 Sports Journalist: Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Graphic Design: Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com

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From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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ecently someone sent me a link to a USA facebook page called the great outdoors or something similar.

I scrolled through the page and, to my horror, it was post after post after post of Americans brag-posing with hunted animals.

I’m an animal lover and the sight of a massive beast hunted down and killed purely for someone’s enjoyment - well let’s just say it is a sight that I am then unable to un-see and it will upset me for a very long time.

I spotted a photo of a young boy - perhaps seven years old. He was posing standing with a rifle as big as he was, next to a deer whose tongue and neck were grotesquely twisted in death.

The caption on the post read, “My boy Wilder became a man today, here he is with his very first kill. Proud dad.”

Now, I know I should have just high-tailed it off the page. But sometimes against my better judgement I can’t help myself. So I wrote, “Young Wilder, hunting down and taking the life of a living, breathing animal doesn’t make you a man, mate. A real man doesn’t need to show he’s more powerful than something vulnerable. He would never target, stalk and kill something for the fun of it.”

Oh Em Geeeeee.

It was like tipping a truckload of red flags at the bulls, for boy did those Americans come charging for me. Within five minutes my phone lit up like a Christmas tree, full of abusive replies I won’t repeat as they would make a truckie blush. There were hundreds of them. I didn’t engage and took myself off the page, only to have to block about another dozen hunters who messaged me privately to vent their outrage.

Sheesh. I understand the hunting culture in America is vastly different to here, where, let’s be honest, barely exists. The USA gun control challenges are not just with the ‘my right to bear arms’ brigade, there’s also the mentality of the hunters for sport. There’s a minefield of stubbornness to try to break through, just to get to a point where policing who can obtain a gun is even open for discussion.

“Its the second amendment, the right to bear arms, the only way to protect yourself and your family against tyranny and criminals!”

I don’t know about that. The Washington Post reports over 200 mass shootings just this year. It’s hard to imagine how an American pro-gun person thinks when you’re an Aussie. Especially when you read about the elderly resident with the pitchfork on page 8 of this issue.

I reckon that panned out okay - and there was not a gun in sight.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Western News 10 June 2022 Issue 163

Blacktown City marks Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week

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lacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM called on the community to add their voice to the important cause of Aboriginal healing and reconciliation during National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week.

Blacktown City Council marked National Sorry Day on 26 May with a community ceremony at Nurragingy Reserve to remember the terrible mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from Blacktown City Council marked National their families and communities.

Sorry Day on 26 May with a community ceremony at Nurragingy Reserve.

Mayor Bleasdale said, “Sorry Day calls on us all to reflect on the injustices experienced by ‘The and Torres Strait Islander people in Stolen Generations’ and provides an New South Wales.

“As Mayor of Blacktown City, opportunity for us to come together to I am extraordinarily proud of our ensure they are never repeated.

“It is an important day to Indigenous history and heritage acknowledge and remember a dark and Indigenous Australians have an time in Australian history and also enduring connection to this beautiful reflect on the role we each play in region known today as Blacktown City,” he said. promoting healing.

“Council is committed to Mayor Bleasdale said the occasion was especially significant in reconciliation and has a Reconciliation Blacktown City, which is home to the Action Plan to guide our work in this largest urban population of Aboriginal space.

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Mayor Bleasdale congratulates Prime Minister Albanese

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lacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM has written to Australia’s new Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese congratulating him and his Labor team on their victory in the Federal Elections.

In his letter, written on behalf of his fellow Councillors and the residents and businesses of Blacktown City, Mayor Bleasdale said; “Anthony, I write with warm congratulations on your election as Prime Minister of Australia - what a tremendous achievement!

“Our country is badly in need of positive leadership and a renewal of faith in the role of government. There is now a great opportunity to ensure that Australians see good public policy, equity, ethics and common decency return to our national parliament.

“Recent years have challenged people and governments across Australia, and the 2 million residents of Western Sydney find ourselves additionally challenged by severe urban heat brought about through climate change and rapid development.

The population of the region is expected to grow to 3 million over the next 20 years. In Blacktown City, our population will soon exceed 600,000 people.

“In Blacktown City, unfortunately, there has been little meaningful support from the Coalition government in Canberra, despite the tireless efforts of our excellent Members of Parliament, the Hon Ed Husic, Michelle Rowland and the Hon Chris Bowen.”

Blacktown City is expected to have strong

representation in the Albanese Government with Ed Husic, Michelle Rowland and Chris Bowen all holding portfolios in the Opposition shadow cabinet before the elections.

Mayor Bleasdale said; “Our Council works closely with our local MPs to ensure our shared

priorities are clear, well planned, affordable and of a real benefit to our communities. There is a well-established need for major road and rail infrastructure in the growing suburbs between Rouse Hill and Marsden Park, along with well-coordinated new recreational space.

“We are delighted that our MPs have foreshadowed excellent initiatives that will be forthcoming under the Albanese Government including more GP medical clinics to take the pressure off our hospitals, a network of cycleways, playgrounds, dog parks and pathways in the Greenway electorate and community solar energy batteries in some of our disadvantaged areas to reduce energy prices.

“Ed Husic has foreshadowed a boost for local manufacturing as part of Labor’s pledge to make Australia less reliant on imports.

“Solving the difficult and complex challenges that face Western Sydney can only be achieved by all levels of Government working together with a common purpose – the results of the Federal Elections bring this a very large step closer,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Mayor Bleasdale also invited the Prime Minister to visit Blacktown City in the very near future to see at first hand the challenges of rapid development, inadequate transport infrastructure, climate change and a lack of affordable housing facing Western Sydney.

“On behalf of Blacktown City, I offer a partnership, to help lead our community in the years ahead,” concluded Mayor Bleasdale.

Detained by an elderly resident armed with a pitchfork Three men have been charged after a pursuit at Hebersham on Monday night.

The men will face court charged following a pursuit with police.

About 10pm on Monday 6 June, officers from Blacktown Traffic and Highway Patrol attempted to stop a Nissan Dualis - reportedly stolen from an underground carpark on Cecil Street, Gordan about 3.45am yesterday

- on Jersey Road, Plumpton.

The Nissan failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated with road spikes deployed on Pringle Road and the pursuit was terminated.

Police found the vehicle abandoned on Crawley Avenue, Hebersham, and with the assistance of the Dog Squad and additional police, two men – aged 25 and 26 - were arrested after being found hiding in nearby backyards.

While searching, the Dog Unit was alerted to a man calling for assistance.

Upon attending a home in a nearby street, a third man was found being detained in a garden shed by the elderly occupant with a pitchfork.

The 33-year-old man was arrested, and all three men were taken to Mt Druitt Police Station.

The Nissan was seized and will undergo forensic examination.

The men were charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and enter enclosed land without lawful excuse. Further investigation into other offences are ongoing.

The 26-year-old man was also charged with three outstanding arrest warrants.

They were all refused bail to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court.

Premier announces health workforce boost A record 10,148 full-time equivalent staff will be recruited to hospitals and health services across the State over four years, in the nation’s largest-ever health workforce boost, as part of the NSW Government’s 202223 Budget.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said 7,674 more workers would be recruited in the first year, which will help ease pressure on COVID-fatigued health staff and fast-track more elective surgery for patients.

“Everyone in NSW is indebted to our health workers for their selfless efforts throughout the pandemic, remembering for a long time there was no vaccine and they risked their lives each day to care for patients,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This record investment will help us care for health staff across the State, providing the respite and back-up they need. It will also boost staff numbers in hospitals to deliver quality health care closer to home, ensuring better health outcomes and a brighter future for NSW families.”

The additional staff will include nurses and midwives, doctors, paramedics, pathologists and scientific staff, pharmacists and allied health professionals, as well as support and ancillary staff who ensure the continued operations of NSW hospitals and the wider public health system.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government’s $4.5 billion investment over four years is intended to relieve pressure on existing staff and

will ensure there are appropriate levels of health staffing for its pipeline of health infrastructure projects.

“Backing in our existing staff with additional staff to support them is critical. As the NSW Government has delivered 170 hospitals and health facilities since 2011, with a further 110 underway, this funding will also ensure those new hospitals will have the workforce of today and the future,” Mr Hazzard said.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the staffing boost will also be extended to rural and regional NSW, where communities are waiting with open arms to welcome additional skilled health professionals.

“This Government has funded more positions for health staff in the regions

than any other. We are leading the nation in our efforts to bring the best and brightest health professionals to the bush,” Mrs Taylor said.

Treasurer Matt Kean said a strong feature of this health workforce budget was a boost to NSW Ambulance which has been under unprecedented pressure, with historically high call rates.

“We will provide immediate relief and support for NSW Ambulance, with $1.76 billion to recruit 2,128 new staff and open 30 more stations,” Mr Kean said.

“Four years ago, we delivered more ambulance staff than any previous NSW Government. Now thanks to our outstanding economic management, we can deliver even further support for our dedicated paramedics.”

Western News

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

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aving secured enough seats to form a majority government, new Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced his cabinet.

At the Labor caucus in Canberra last week, Mr Albanese said he is seeking to have a bigger majority after the next election.

“My objective is to grow this room. And to grow a Labor government. I think that we can do it,” Mr Albanese said.

Newly re-elected Member for McMahon, Chris Bowen, said this Ministry was a great representation of western Sydney.

“Never before have so many voices from western Sydney been heard around our nation’s Cabinet table,” Mr Bowen said.

“Labor Governments make a huge difference to areas long neglected by our opponents.

“Honoured to serve in Cabinet alongside Ed Husic MP, Michelle Rowland MP, Tony Burke MP and Jason Clare MP.” “It is an honour to be sworn in as Minister for Communications and to serve the Australian people under an Albanese Labor Government,” Michelle Rowland MP said.

“This portfolio has the potential to further enable an Australia where connectivity and content enriches our quality of life, informs us, drives productivity and empowers us to fulfil our potential.

“I am dedicated to ensuring Australians, in our cities and regions, are united and connected.

“Now, let’s get to work,” Ms Rowland said.

The western Sydney Ministers are: Chris Bowen - CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY Tony Burke - EMPLOYMENTWORKPLACE RELATIONSTHE ARTS Michelle Rowland - COMMUNICATIONS Jason Clare - EDUCATION Ed Husic - INDUSTRY AND SCIENCE

Free flu shots for all in western Sydney and NSW during June

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populations, and funds GPs through the MBS to administer vaccines.

However, as COVID-19 has taught us, the role of pharmacies is crucial and the NSW Government is funding community pharmacies to deliver influenza vaccinations this June.

NSW Health has also permitted pharmacies to administer flu vaccines to children aged five years old, reduced from 10 years, making it easier for families to be vaccinated together.

GPs will be reimbursed for any flu stock they have already purchased that is used in the month of June for this vaccination program.

“

The Commonwealth Government provides free flu vaccine for those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from the flu, including: • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of age • Children from six months to under five years of age • People with serious health conditions (including severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease) • Pregnant women • People aged 65 and over.

Other protective measures individuals can take include staying at home if sick and washing your hands.

Find out more about how to protect yourself from the flu at nsw.gov.au/flu

We strongly urge everyone over six months of age to get a flu shot as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones, as the virus is easily spread and potentially deadly, Dr Chant said.

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free flu jab will be available to all NSW residents in a month-long blitz from June 1 in an effort to combat this year’s expected severe influenza season.

With a sharp increase in flu cases already, the NSW Government will fund flu vaccinations at GPs and pharmacies until June 30.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said there were 1,140 cases of respiratory illness notified this week, compared with 766 in the previous week and 150 presentations and admissions to hospitals.

“This is particularly important for those in high-risk groups, such as the elderly and children aged six months to five years. If you live in an aged or disability care facility, are aged over 65 or are immunocompromised, now is the time to book in.

“We also recommend a COVID-19 winter booster if you are eligible, as both flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.”

The Commonwealth Government provides vaccines for vulnerable

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Western Sydney well represented in new ministry

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ustralians will come together to support the health and wellbeing of men and boys as part of national Men’s Health Week, coordinated by Western Sydney University’s Centre for Male Health.

Held from 13-19 June, the annual initiative will see thousands of community members host or attend events in support of the theme, ‘Building Healthy Environments for Men and Boys’.

Associate Professor Emma George, Director of the Centre for Male Health, said the week aims to encourage important discussion around men’s health and supportive environments.

“Men’s Health Week focuses not just on physical health, but critically men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing,” said Associate Professor George.

“This year’s theme will shine a light on the importance of creating physically, mentally and emotionally

Men’s Health Week image. Photo credit Sally Tsoutas.

healthy environments in the home, workplace and social settings.”

Men’s Health Week will be launched by the Centre for Male Health at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta on Tuesday, 14 June.

Dr Neil Hall, also from the Centre for Male Health, said the week will highlight a range of health challenges faced by men across the nation.

“Men’s Health Week acknowledges that the best people to improve men’s health in Australia are those who live, work and engage with men and boys in communities around the country.

Men’s health is not just men’s business – it’s everybody’s business,” said Dr Hall.

“We all need to work together to improve the physical, emotional and

mental health of men and boys and building awareness is the first step.”

Western Sydney University’s Centre for Male Health works with community and government organisations across Australia to develop networks and partnerships in support of men’s health.

The Centre, as part of its championing of male health, is advocating for enhanced physical and mental health outcomes for men and boys, improved access to health services, and greater awareness of the unique challenges that impact men’s health and wellbeing.

“By creating environments in which men feel supported and empowered, we can encourage open conversations about mental and physical health and improve outcomes,” added Associate Professor George.

For men’s health information and support resources or to find an event near you, please visit the Men’s Health Week website.

To host an event during June, please visit the Men’s Health Week website.

Blacktown City’s sporting stars honoured

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17-year-old gymnastics superstar has been awarded the Blacktown City Sportsperson of the Year for 2021 at the City’s 39th Sports Awards.

Leium De-Roo was awarded the prestigious honour for his remarkable achievements in gymnastics, which have seen him rise to the top of the sport in NSW and Australia.

Among Leium’s achievements include first place on the rings, vault and high bar at the NSW State Championships. He has also received a podium finish at the Australian National Championships.

His dedication to the discipline is evident in his 20-plus-hours per week training regime at Sydney Gymnastic and Aquatic Centre at Rooty Hill.

Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said Leium was a deserving recipient of the award and was a wonderful role model for up-and-coming athletes in Blacktown City.

“As Mayor, I am extraordinarily proud of the outstanding sporting talent we have in Blacktown City and our long history as the sporting capital of Western Sydney,” he said.

“These awards span almost four decades and pay tribute to the wonderfully talented individuals and teams that contribute to our City’s passion for sport.

“This year, we received no less than 67 nominations across 21 different sports, which speaks to the depth of talent we have in Blacktown City.

“Congratulations to Leium and all of this year’s winners and nominees.

I wish them all the very best in their future sporting endeavours.”

The Mayor’s Shield was awarded to Andrew Armitage, for his dedication as

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale (centre) with the 2021 Blacktown City Mayor’s Shield recipient Andrew Armitage; cricket legend Glenn McGrath; Blacktown City Councillors Allan Green, Kushpinder Kaur, Michael Stubley, Julie Griffiths and Susai Benjamin; and NSW MPs Stephen Bali, Prue Car and Edmond Atalla.

president of Prospect Little Athletics.

This award recognises an individual who has excelled at their club, made an outstanding contribution to sport over a long period of time and is deemed to be an invaluable member of their club.

Andrew has held the position as president at Prospect Little Athletics for 15 years and has been a driving force behind the growth of the club.

Under his leadership, the club has grown from a membership in the low 100s to nearly 300. He was also instrumental in securing a grant for new amenities at William Lawson Park, where the club is based.

The awards were presented at a special gala night in Marsden Park at the weekend, with international cricket legend Glenn McGrath the guest speaker.

2021 Blacktown City Sports Awards Sportsperson of the Year: Leium De-Roo, Gymnastics Mayor’s Shield: Andrew Armitage, Little Athletics Junior Sportsperson: Nicolas Ballas, Trampoline/Diving

Nicolas Diaz Ballas is a 15-year-old elite trampoline gymnast, who trains 4 times a week, in addition to extra strength and conditioning sessions. He started the year by taking out gold for individual trampoline and silver for double mini trampoline at the NSW Championships in April 2021.

Club of the Year: Quakers Hill Tigers Soccer Club, Soccer Tigers has grown to be one of the largest clubs in the Blacktown area, and keeps growing as people recommend it. When people start to ask on the social media pages which club is good for their child to join, Tigers members are always loud and proud, and that invites new members.

Team of the Year: BCDCA Arch Cawsey Shield Cricket Team, Cricket Blacktown City and District Cricket Association U12 Arch Cawsey Shield – this team was undefeated, and bowled out every team they played against. This is the first time this has been done by any association in any age group since 2014.

Coach of the year: Belinda Cox,

Gymnastics Trampolining Belinda has coached at an Olympic level and demonstrates 100 per cent commitment to the sport, her athletes and to her members. She lives and breathes her athletes’ goals. One of her many athletes represented Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Volunteer of the Year: Nathan Wright, Baseball Nathan ‘Lefty’ Wright is the heart and soul of Blacktown Workers Baseball Club. He has been at the club since he was 15 and he is now 48. From the senior players all the way down to the Under 12s team, Lefty knows the name of each and every player. He is always offering players across all the ages coaching advice on what he notices by watching each game.

Sports Official of the Year (Senior): Kristina Travers, Softball Kristina is an umpire who is admired by the softball umpiring fraternity.

Her can-do attitude and approachable nature encourage many umpires in local and state-based programs to give things a go.

Sports Official of the Year (Junior): Abby Cornish, Netball Abby officiates at a club level and has demonstrated commitment to continuous training and learning.

Administrator of the Year: Mark Steel, Soccer Mark has been club president of Quakers Hill Tigers Soccer Club since 2009. Despite the challenging circumstances experienced during the 2021-22 season, Mark dedicated himself to the coordination and delivery of a weekly soccer competition. He is greatly admired for his high level of passion, dedication, and commitment.

Western News 10 June 2022 Issue 163

Men’s Health Week shines a light on supportive environments

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Western News 10 June 2022 Issue 163

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WESTERN HISTORY

Western News

Horse Stealing at Ropes Creek

By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

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n Penrith Police Court in 1882, John Ryan in his yard that morning, he knew John and saw him (alias Donnelly) was charged with stealing a riding along the Western Road and he came to the black mare the property of James Watts (Snr). veranda of his house riding a black mare. William Constable James William Watts (son) said that he said that his house was about 8 miles from Mr Watts went to Ropes Creek and saw a black mare tied to the and that the prisoner asked him if the place was a fence at Wainwright’s public house at Colyton and public house and if he could get a drink. William made some inquiries, then he went to the stable where replied that he could get a drink if he had the money the prisoner had been locked up. George Henry Watts to pay for it, and he did, so he served him with what (son) and William Wainwright went with him to the he wanted. John then asked if he knew any person stable and found it locked but William opened it and who wanted to buy a horse with a saddle and bridle he found the prisoner in the loft above the stable but William said that he didn’t, and he thought that and brought him down. He asked William if that was the prisoner seemed anxious to part with it. George the man who brought the black mare to his place and Watts then came into his house and William heard William replied “yes.’’ Constable Watts then charged him ask John where he got the horse from and John John with stealing the black mare, the property of his said that he did not know where he got it from, and father James who lived at Prospect and he cautioned with that George put John in the stable and locked him, asking where he got the black mare. John said he him in and he was there when George “charged” didn’t know, then James asked him if he had a black the prisoner with the theft and went for the police. mare when he came to the hotel and John answered Constable Watts came and William saw the prisoner  James courtesy of “Find a grave”. that he thought he did and he didn’t know what made arrested and taken away with the mare. James Watts him take the mare from Mr Watts property. Constable (Snr) said that he was a butcher residing at Prospect James then took John into custody, and while taking the mare to the and saw John at Wainwright’s Inn and he saw the mare in the yard that Penrith lockup office yard, he charged John with stealing. George Watts belonged to him. In the morning he left the mare tied up to a cart in then gave evidence at the court saying that he was a butcher residing the yard, leaving it in charge of his son George and he did not give with his father at Prospect and saw John in the morning on the roadside John authority to take the mare, nor did he part with his interest in the in front of their place and he was leaning against the fence. George said mare, saddle or bridle to anyone by sale or otherwise. His yard was that the mare was originally tied to a cart in his father’s yard and feeding, enclosed and he valued the mare at £3 but he could not positively swear but he missed the mare about half-an-hour afterwards and he heard that to the saddle produced in court, but to the best of his belief it was his John had taken the mare, so he got another horse and followed John property that he valued at about £2/10s. The case was then adjourned on the road to Penrith where he saw him about 200 yards ahead riding and the prisoner John was committed to be held at Parramatta until a the mare and John turned into Wainwright’s at Rope’s Creek and John court date in October. (Ed:- It is interesting to note that James Watts’ went inside the house leaving the black mare outside. He asked John son, Constable James William Watts served the community at the St where he got the horse from and John said that he bought it. George Marys police station before later joining the Parramatta Squadron of the then asked him where he bought it but John said that he didn’t know the NSW Lancers As an accomplished horseman he was one of the Lancer name of the place. George told him to get on the mare and ride to South representatives at the 1897 Queen Victoria’s Jubilee celebrations in Creek with him but John refused and he said that he wanted to lie down London. He enlisted as a Trooper into the First NSW Contingent, Second and if the horse belonged to George then he could have it. George then NSW Lancer Draft (known as the “fifteen”) of the Boer War (No 85) took him to Wainwright’s stable and left him there and he went on to and sailed in January 1900 on the “Moravian” and was later promoted South Creek (St Marys) to inform the police and returned in company to Corporal. From February 1900 he took part in the Battle of Poplar with his brother Constable Watts to the place where he left the prisoner, Grove, an operation against Bloemfontein where he contracted typhoid pointing the prisoner out to his brother who arrested him. George said in March. He returned to Australia an invalid, arriving in August on that he gave John no authority to take the mare that was the property of the Transport “Persic”). After a slow illness of Hydatids (a potentially his father and he had use of the mare that day and he never lent her to serious, sometimes fatal, condition caused by cysts containing the larval anyone. George said that the yard was enclosed so John would have had stages of the Dog Tapeworm) he died in September 1902 aged 28 and is to take down slip rails to get her out, so she was taken out of the yard buried at St Bartholomew’s C of E cemetery at Prospect. through the back way and through a paddock onto the Western Road.

Sources: Ancestry, Family Search (Mormon website), Australian William Wainwright said that he was a holder of the license for a public Boer War Website, Sydney Morning Herald, Cumberland Herald. house at Colyton known as the “Horseshoe Inn” and had seen the mare

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Western News

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Interest rate rises – What to do?

ast month the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) lifted the official cash rate, increasing it by 25 basis points to 0.35 per cent. This week the RBA lifted rates again by another 50 basis points to 0.85 per cent.

The RBA board have judged that now is the right time to begin withdrawing some of the emergency financial support that was put in place to help the Australian economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The economy has rebounded, and inflation has increased faster to a higher level than was expected.

The Australian economic recovery leads the world as job keeper and other support policies cushioned the impacts of Covid. There is wages growth, record low unemployment, borders opening and international travel commencing besides other local economic conditions driving inflation.

Given the Covid emergency financial support that was initiated, it is appropriate to start the process of normalising monetary conditions. The very low level of interest rates was an emergency measure and it is unwarranted to believe they would stay at this level and the decision to increase the official cash rate was not unexpected.

I suggest that most homeowners be prepared for increasing rate rises, given the years of recordlow rates we have experienced that were just not sustainable moving forward.”

Investors will continue to be active in the property market and rent increases may not be impacted initially. The modest rise should not have a severe impact for owners.

Rents are driven by supply and demand, and rents were already rising due to the lack of supply – regardless of interest rates. For owner occupiers, this simply means higher costs as the interest rate rises.

Although the interest rate increase has sparked a level of uncertainty most borrowers are in a good position to absorb interest rises.

There would need five RBA increases of 0.25 per cent to get to where we were just over three years ago, and people afforded the loan repayments then.

What can borrowers do to ease mortgage pressure as interest rates climb?

The first thing borrowers should do is speak with a broker to see which lenders have the best interest rates on offer. Review of your financial situation and compare lender offerings with your own mortgage and if you are not getting the best deal, take action.

Now is the perfect time to know your numbers and consider refinancing, most often new customers get better deals than existing customers.

Other things to consider.

• Review your expenditure - Reduce spending on vices and redirect the money into your home loan instead.

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• Set up an offset or salary credit account - Loans with offset facilities allow you to have your salary paid directly into the offset account which reduces the interest you pay on your home loan.

• Align your repayments with your income cycle - If you have an offset account, changing your repayment dates to match your income cycle helps you to take advantage of the money sitting in your account for as long as possible.

• Fixed rate loans - locking in an interest rate on your home loan to guard against possible future fluctuation may be attractive. Check if a fixed or variable rate is better for you.

Being loyal to your lender is not a good reason to pay a higher rate, or simply being lazy and time-poor can also be offences punishable by a higher debt in the world of finance so now is the perfect time to know your numbers and make sure your home loan is competitive.

Refinancing is certainly not as difficult as it used to be and Wealthwiz can guide you through the entire loan process. We do all the work for you and here to save you money while providing you with the important details on each lender, so you can be confident in your selection.

To get a better understanding contact Alex at Wealthwiz for a free home loan review on 0419 600 177 or email at alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au.

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WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Display (9) 6.

A type of small lizard (5)

9.

Broadly speaking (7)

10. Enter uninvited (7) 11. Attire (7) 12. Surpassing the ordinary (7) 13. Recall the past (9) 15. Come to pass (5) 16. Repeat an action or statement (5) 19. Naiveté (9) 22. French for “New” (7) 23. Footstool (7) 25. Inability to remember (7) 26. Embarrassed (7) 27. Culinary herb (5) 28. Prankster (9) down 1. Derived from the sun (5) 2. Self-importance (7) 3. In that (7) 4. Underground burial chamber (5)

solution 27/5/22

5.

6.

7.

8.

13.

14.

17.

18.

20.

21.

23.

24.

Devoted to pleasure (9) A separate section of a legal document (7) Graduate (7) Welding gas (9) Superfluous (9) Amphetamine is one (9) Tournament (7) Supervise (7) Curtail (7) A sexually attractive young woman (7) Relative of a giraffe (5) Low point (5)

13 Western News 10 June 2022 Issue 163

Alex Soncini

REAL ESTATE

Western News 10 June 2022 Issue 163

14

Western News

SPORT

Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships at Eastern Creek

Action from the Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters, the S5000 Australian Drivers Championship and the GC Marine Australian Prototype Series.

Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

T

he Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships hosted its third event for the year over the weekend of 26th29th May, with the action taking place at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP), Eastern Creek.

The opening two rounds at Phillip Island (Vic) on 18th-20th March and Bathurst 6-Hour on 15th-17th April were a definite success with the motorsport community and for the third event of the year, it was a huge win for fans (particularly in western Sydney) to stage it at SMSP. A spectacular line-up of eight national categories took place over the three days of the event and attracted more than 16,500 spectators with many of the sessions taking place under lights.

The categories on show included the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship (competing for the Motorsport Australia Gold Star), Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Turtle Wax Trans Am Series, Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters, Australian Production Cars, Radical Cup Australia and the GC

Marine Australian Prototype Series.

The action began on Friday at 8.30am, with every category staging practice sessions throughout the day.

Saturday’s action commenced at 9am and featured a mammoth 11 races across the day, followed on Sunday by another 12 races, beginning at 7.20am.

As a bonus, all fans at the track were able to access the pit paddock and also be part of selected grid walks, prior to races.

Radical Cup Australia: Bing Technologies’ Chris Perinin took out the round win by just two points.

Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series: Nathan Morcom won Sunday’s final race of the weekend and also featured in Sunday morning’s race, leaving Sydney Motorsport Park with the most points of any driver.

Porsche Michellin Sprint Challenge: Team Porsche New Zealand’s Ryan Wood’s near perfect weekend saw the Queenslander enjoy a round win.

S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship: Alabar/Form 700’s Joey Mawson claimed the round win at Sydney as he looks towards claiming another Motorsport Australia Gold Star.

Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters: In

the Pro Am class, Anglomoil Superior Lubricant’s Cameron Tilley has taken his Valiant Pacer to a round win in Sydney. In the Pro Masters, Rare Spares’ John Bowe put in a dominant performance across the weekend, winning three from three in class and earning 200 points to his name across the four different races. The only entrant in Pro Sport, The Lighthouse Hotel’s Peter Burnitt secured maximum points in class in his Holden Torana.

Turtle Wax Trans Am Series: Owen Kelly edged out Ben Grice for the round win. It was a Ford Mustang 1-2-3 on the overall podium, with Series debutante Zach Bates impressing throughout the two days of racing.

GC Marine Australian Prototype Series: It was a perfect Sunday for Jam Motorsport’s John Paul Drake, as he claimed his first ever round win in the Series.

Australian Production Cars: Go-Karts-Go Drew Russell, Aaren Russell and Wayne Russell stood on the top step of the podium courtesy of a clean sweep of race wins. The trio starred throughout the Sydney Motorsport Park weekend, including winning Sunday morning’s 300km endurance race in their BMW M3.

Blacktown Council serves up new beach volleyball courts Beach Volleyball is heading to Western Sydney!

Blacktown City Council and Volleyball NSW have announced that a beach volleyball complex will be constructed in Glenwood Reserve, Glenwood.

Council will deliver the facility after successfully receiving funding as part of the NSW Office of Sport’s Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, said: “Our diverse community is keen to participate in a wider range of community sport and recreation opportunities as possible – there is absolutely no reason why beach volleyball should be restricted to the coast.”

The grant, worth $999,999, will allow Council to deliver the first multi-court beach volleyball

facility in Western Sydney and provide increased opportunities for competition and community participation.

Councillor Julie Griffiths recently met with Volleyball NSW CEO Baz Wedmaier to announce the exciting project.

Mr Wedmaier said, “Volleyball NSW is extremely excited to have a dedicated facility in Western Sydney to grow the sport at all levels.

“All of us at Volleyball NSW are looking forward to working with Blacktown City Council on this unique project and activating the venue with the community once built.

“Who knows, the next Beach Volleyball Olympian may come from Glenwood.”

Mr Wedmaier kindly presented Council with a beach volleyball, previously used in competition.

“I thank Volleyball NSW for this gift and their support of the project,” Mr Bleasdale said.

“It is terrific to be able to secure this funding and to deliver this exciting new project with our community and Volleyball NSW. “Council looks forward to working with Volleyball NSW as the project progresses and into the future.”

Planning is already underway with community consultation to follow. The project is expected to be complete by mid to late 2023 pending weather.

Mixed fortunes in Master Pennant

By Noel Rowsell

W

Richmond members Allan Clark & Jason Moss in action against Woolooware on Sunday. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

estern Sydney’s Master Pennant golf clubs have experienced varied fortunes over a dry, sunny weekend, with the highlight of the round being an 8-0 runaway victory by Springwood CC over Antill Park.

Springwood has a bye in both of the last two rounds but have set up an unassailable lead in Division 3, Section 4. The club will take out the Section title, then move on to the playoffs.

Penrith GC grabbed its second consecutive win over Twin Creeks, taking full advantage of playing at home to record a

6-2 win; Leonay backed up its 6-2 away win over Bexley in round 3, with the same result at home on Sunday; Stonecutters Ridge had a 5-3 win over Mona Vale, whilst Richmond had a 4-4 draw at home with Woolooware.

Glenmore Heritage Valley lost 4.5-3.5 to Strathfield and Dunheved lost 5.5-2.5 to Castle Hill.

Next Sunday’s local action features Penrith at home to Asquith, Dunheved at home to Monash and Glenmore at home to Beverly Park, whilst Stonecutters Ridge are away to Kogarah, Twin Creeks away to Liverpool, Wallacia away to Woolooware, Richmond away to Campbelltown and Leonay away to Bankstown.

Western News

SPORT

By Bob Turner

T

he last two weeks have been trying times for Blacktown City Senior Men as they look to remain in contention with a congested ladder entering the second half of the season. After a solid 3-0 win over Rockdale in Round 12 of the NSW Men’s top competition, Blacktown has not only struggled to score goals but their much lauded defense has had difficulty holding out the opposition in the dying minutes of games.

Round 13 of the main Football NSW competition featured Blacktown City against arch rivals Mt Druitt Town Rangers in the Blacktown Mayoral Cup. Blacktown took out the first leg of the Cup in Round 2 with a 4-2 victory at Blacktown City Sports Centre. The Rangers were out to square the series on their home at Popondetta Park and scored a late goal to give them a chance. In the end it was a 1-1 draw with Blacktown once again retaining the Cup but gaining only one point on the championship ladder.

Last week set up a huge test for Blacktown City as they played away to the hottest team in the competition – Marconi. The Stallions were on top of the table with four wins in their last five games and a 5-3 win the previous week against then League leading Sydney FC to elevate Marconi to the top position on 25 points. Blacktown and Marconi had a 2-2 draw in Round 3 and with the Championship race so tight a win was critical for both teams. In a hotly contested game, Marconi Stallions stole a point from Blacktown City with a sensational 96th minute goal to equal the score at 1-1. The physical, and at times aggressive, match saw plenty of action as Blacktown looked to control most of the game, but they were unable to hold out the Stallions who applied pressure until the final moment of the match.

Injuries can be a crucial factor in the success of any season, whether it is at the professional level or a local competition. Losing a key player puts pressure on an entire team to step up as well as test the depth of the overall team. For Blacktown City, that depth has been tested since the beginning of the season, but especially since Round 10 where young Striker, Jordan Smylie, broke his foot. The 21 year old Smylie came to Blacktown from the Central Coast Mariners and was quickly making his mark scoring 8 goals to be equal leader in the Golden Boot Award.

His flare around the goal and hunt for possession was giving opposition defenses headaches. Losing a key striker like Smylie has been difficult to replace, especially as strikers are as important in football as a

Photos courtesy of Steven Lynch at Not24get.

30 point player is to basketball.

At the opposite end of the scale, an injury to a key player can provide an opportunity for a replacement to get the chance to prove themselves. That is the case for then 16 year old Goalie, Alex Robinson who got his chance at the start of this season and has not looked back. Coming into this week’s vital clash with Apia in Round 15 of the competition, Robinson, now 17, is still in goal and holding his own. Opportunity knocked and Robinson has taken full advantage. Who knows, he may turn out to be like another former Blacktown Goalie, Matt Ryan, current Socceroo Goalie and Captain.

Unlike last season where Blacktown City led the League by ten points with five rounds to go, the Championship race for 2022 is one of the tightest in League history. A win last week against Marconi, rather than a draw, would have catapulted Blacktown to the top of the competition table. Three points, or a single win, separate the top six teams in the NPL 1 Men’s competition with the leader changing each week. After Round 14 it is Sydney Olympic and Manly tied at the top with 27 points. Marconi and

Apia are in second with 26 points with Blacktown on 24. This Sunday’s game with Apia Leichhardt sets up a bumper clash with Blacktown in Round 15.

Blacktown Senior Women continue to improve and gain experience in their first year of competition with three wins in their last five games. The win last week over SD Raiders, 3-0, was a clear sign that the Senior Women are gaining ground on the rest of the competition.

The Blacktown Under 20 Men continue to dominate their competition with an 8-3-1 record for 27 points. Sydney FC and Wollongong are equal second on 23 points. The success of both Blacktown Men’s team, results in Blacktown leading the Football NSW Club Championship on 150 points.

Next Home Game for Blacktown City FC is this Sunday, June 12th at Blacktown City Sports Centre.

This game will be up against Apia Leichhardt in a Blockbuster Round. Game time is 3pm with the Under 20 Men at 1pm. Following Home Game is Sunday, June 26th in Round 17 Vs Northbridge. See you at the Park!

Go Blacktown City!

KICK OFF 3PM SUNDAY 12th JUNE

Western News 10 June 2022 Issue 163

Crunch time for Blacktown City FC!

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Western News Friday, 10 June 2022

SPORT

Local track athlete selected in 2022 Pacific Mini Games

By Noel Rowsell

J

ackson Rowe (Whalan) is among fourteen of the country’s budding junior track and field athletes who will represent Australia for the first time at the 11th edition of the Pacific Mini Games, taking place in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands from 17-25 June.

Following a whirlwind introduction to track running last year, 19-year old Jackson has put his education at WSU on hold for 12 months as he determines his future in Athletics.

A Rugby League player with St Marys JRLC since the age of 4, Jackson attended Hills Sports HS for Rugby League and was also involved in Cross Country Running.

Competing in the 100m at school, Jackson broke the School track record and became an overnight success, fielding several approaches from coaches and clubs for his running future.

A win this year in the 60m Sprint at the NSW Championships, was followed by a silver medal in the Relay event (4 x 100m) at the National Championships in March.

Jackson was then selected for the Pacific Mini Games but faced the daunting task of raising the necessary funds, as all athletes chosen are required to travel at their own cost.

McDonalds St Marys North franchisee Domenic Meduri and his wife Emma have stepped into the

Jackson Rowe with sponsors Domenic and Emma Meduri of McDonalds St Marys North and their Restaurant Manager Liam McGough - photo by Noel Rowsell

breech, sponsoring Jackson for his trip to Saipan.

“We’re proud employers,” said Domenic. “My wife and I are the franchisees for both St Marys North and Penrith North for the past 5 years, whilst the entire family is involved in franchises within the McDonalds corporation.

“Jackson has shown great character in his work ethic, starting at McDonalds at 14 years and 9 months and has been with us every since.

“He’s locally born and has lived in the same house all his life.”

Jackson has just joined Campbelltown Athletic

Club, where he trains under coach Gregory Smith.

He will compete in the 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m Relay at the Pacific Mini Games.

The Pacific Mini Games is a multi-sport event, contested by countries and territories located across the Oceania region, and is a scaled-down version of the Pacific Games, which takes place every four years.

“The Games are a key opportunity for developing athletes as they build towards senior team representation,” said Athletics Australia General Manager, Andrew Faichney.

“Part of our strategy to better support our pathway and developing athletes is to provide them with opportunities to compete internationally against athletes of similar levels..

“Competitions like these are about gaining crucial competition experience and building their confidence, and giving them a chance to get a feel for what it’s like to be in an Australian team environment as they take the next steps in their athletics careers.

“I’d like to congratulate all fourteen athletes on their selection and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve when they land in Saipan next month.”

Athletes travelling to the Pacific Mini Games are self funded, but can be supported with tax deductible donations via The Athletics Foundation.

For more information on The Athletics Foundation visit www.theathleticsfoundation.org.au