Western News 12 April 2024

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www.nepeansolar.com.au St Marys 9673 4422 Erskine Park / St Clair 9834 3555 “Price is what you pay for, VALUE is what you get” HELPING OUR COMMUNITY SHINE BRIGHTER WITH ENERGY SAVINGS p 4760 0809 nepeansolar.com.au Authorised by Stephen Bali MP, funded using parliamentary entitlements 9671 5222 blacktown@parliament.nsw.gov.au Friday, 12 April 2024 ISSUE 211 Western NEWS PROUDLY INDEPENDENT FREE FOLLOW WESTERN NEWS ON FACEBOOK WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Chris Barton completes Youth Walk and Talk

CHRIS Barton set out at 10am on Saturday morning to walk continuously for 30 hours around the Blacktown International Sports Park Athletic Track, raising money for BREED Australia.

Over 150 fellow walkers joined Chris at different stages of his walk, with four of those also walking for the full 30 hours.

Chris set himself a fund-raising goal of $5,000 and he and his fellow walkers have raised nearly $20,000 to date, with fund-raising still open for prospective donors.

“We also had people drop in to donate, and businesses have also chipped in with donations,” said Chris.

“I managed to finish the walk, achieved my personal goal and fund-raising targets. Now I’m a bit sore.

“I covered 152km, equal to 206,000 steps.”

Chris turned the walk into a fun ‘Youth Mental Health Walk’ event, and had encouraged members of the Sydney community to join in.

“In Australia, 1 in 5 young people aged 12-17, and 1 in 4 young people aged 16-24, struggle with mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. Suicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians aged 16-24 and this is not

acceptable, as losing just one young person to suicide is too many.

“This isn’t just a walk, it’s a movement working towards a resilience revolution for young people.

“I’ve chosen to partner with BREED Australia, a western Sydney charity that will receive 100% of all funds raised through this event, to put into their School and Community Learning Programs (Emotional Intelligence, Resilience and Goal Achievement), working with schools and community groups in western Sydney.” People wishing to donate can go to: https://donate.breedaustralia.com.au/ campaigns/step-into-action

Western NEWS NEWS 3 Western News 12 April 2024 Issue 211
Chris Barton and walkers. Photos supplied

IN Australia 2024, you don’t have to look very far to find a safety barrier, warning sign or rule in place aimed at protecting people. The barriers and signs often warn of a danger that is blatantly obvious, yet they must be displayed as a reminder. Rules placed on activities quite often arise from an extreme example of stupidity which then discredits the majority of people who were just behaving sensibly.

Just about every possible danger to a human being has been addressed by minimising the chances of being exposed to it. And what’s more, we’ve come to expect it. “Wouldn’t you think that area would be fenced off ?” or “where’s the sign telling us that this is dangerous?”

We are a generation that is not only protected to the hilt, but we are quite precious about any potential exposure to danger without the appropriate warnings. There is a point to all this - because I want you to indulge me and contrast today’s expectations with those who sacrificed their lives in the name of our country.

With little or no notice, they said a quick farewell to their families, their friends and their life as they knew it and set off for the completely unknown. There were no instruction manuals telling them what to expect; there were no step-by-step guides on how to minimise their exposure to danger and there were certainly no barriers placed between themselves and death.

There were no warning signs notifying them what the chances of survival were.

These days even poker machines bare an obligatory warning that you are chancing losing your spare coins - yet in the early theatres of war, our defence forces were not warned they could well lose their lives.

They depended on each other and formed strong bonds - protection came in the form of mateship.

Make ANZAC Day the day we roll out of bed early enough to get to a Dawn Service and salute those who faced danger without all the protections in place in the name of our country.

Lest We Forget those who fought through bloody battles to ensure future generations have the freedom and lifestyle we now enjoy.

4 Western News 12 April 2024 Issue 211 From the Editor’s Desk
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Festival of Colour shines in celebration of diversity

ATECHNICOLOURED celebration of culture and togetherness delighted the community at the Quakers Hill Festival of Colour (Holi) on Saturday.

Blacktown City Council organised the event, marking Holi, the traditional celebration of colour and love in the Hindu calendar.

Talented musical performances, children’s rides and market stalls set a celebratory mood at Mihkelson Reserve, Quakers Hill, where people splashed themselves in powder as part of the highly anticipated colour throw.

Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said it was pleasing to see so many people coming together and sharing their cultural diversity.

“Blacktown City is an inclusive, vibrant community, and one that thrives on celebrating our differences.

“I am proud we can provide a welcoming and safe event for our residents to participate in their cultural traditions.”

Western NEWS NEWS 5 Western News 12 April 2024 Issue 211
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ANZAC TRIBUTE ANZAC Day 2024 Dawn Service at St Marys

THE St Marys RSL sub-Branch will once again conduct an ANZAC Day Dawn Service at its “guns” War memorial in Hall Street on 25th April, commencing at 5.00am. The sub-Branch executive has selected “Veterans post service effects on their family” as the theme for the service, in keeping with topical issues currently being discussed in the various media.

Apart from the obvious signs of physical trauma which affects the lives and livelihoods of many veterans and families, there may be underlying mental health issues which can and do affect veterans and families.

Many veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to trauma suffered from the horrors experienced in warlike situations. This situation can take a toll on the whole family, as it may make the veteran hard to live with. Living with someone who is easily startled, has nightmares, engages in substance and alcohol abuse and avoids social situations can take a toll on even the most caring family. This may lead to marital distress and even lead to behavioural problems with the children.

St Marys RSL sub-Branch acknowledges the suffering of families of veterans. We will honour those partners and children who stick by and support the veteran, and also empathise with those who could not cope and separated. The sub-Branch provides a comprehensive Wellbeing Program to assist and support veterans and families cope with the effects of war-caused injury and trauma. All veterans and families are welcome to, without obligations, contact sub-

Branch secretary Tony Fryer (0414 557 692; st-maryssb@rslnsw.com. au) for further information or visit our website to see details of the various activities within the Veterans Wellbeing program.

We encourage all in the community to join with us for this ANZAC Dawn Service to honour veterans lost or injured and families impacted by their veteran loved-one’s military experiences. We will have two large screens to enable all to visually

participate in the Service; individuals are welcome to lay a tribute at the appropriate time for a Veteran they may wish to commemorate. St John Ambulance will be on site if needed.

Those attending the Service are encouraged to arrive before 4.30am in order to move into position before the Service begins. From 4.30am, a series of relevant short videoclips will assist set the scene for our Service.

Seven Hills/Toongabbie/Wentworthville RSL Sub-Branch

2024 ANZAC DAY SERVICE

On behalf of the Seven Hills Toongabbie Wentworthville RSL Sub-Branch we will be holding our Anzac Day Commemoration Service at the Seven Hills RSL on Thursday 25th April 2024

The Service will commence with a Street March, assembling at 5am in Boomerang Crescent Seven Hills, kicking off at about 5.30am to the Seven Hills RSL Club where a Commemorative Service will be held. The Service will involve the laying of Wreaths as a sign of respect.

Those who wish to lay a Wreath on behalf of their Love Ones, please contact Graham Larkham so that your name can be called out during the Service.

At the conclusion of the Service those who attend the Service will be invited to attend the Club for a Breakfast.

8 Western News 12 April 2024 Issue 211
BY STEPHEN TOLSHER

ANZAC TRIBUTE

The Ode Of Remembrance

If you’ve ever attended an ANZAC Day or Remembrance Day service, you’ll have heard the stirring words of The Ode.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted; They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

The Ode of Remembrance – often referred to simply as The Ode – is actually only the third and fourth stanzas of Laurence Binyon’s poem, For the Fallen

He wrote it less than two months after the outbreak of World War I, in response to the heavy casualties suffered by the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front. Appearing in The Times on 21 September 1918, the sentiments it expressed were in stark contrast to the tone of news reports and other poems at the time.

The Ode has been read at commemorative services in Australia since 1921, expressing the nation’s collective feelings of respect and loss for the service people who gave their lives during World War I, and in all conflicts since.

9 Western News 12 April 2024 Issue 211

Mina Lee announced as winner of 2024 Blacktown City Art Prize People’s Choice Prize

THE Blacktown City Art Prize receives entries from across the country with a total prize pool of $22,500 and 5 awards, including the People’s Choice Prize.

This year, local artist Mina Lee has won the 2024 People’s Choice Prize.

The hyperrealistic work titled Here Comes Trouble captivated visitors at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre with its impressive use of oil on canvas and intricate detail. It accumulated the highest number of votes by visitors to the 2024 Blacktown City Art Prize exhibition, on show since 16 January 2024.

Mina says the work hopes to capture a child’s innocent presence in a chaotic environment to reflect the duality of early childhood.

349 votes were counted for the People’s Choice Prize, which comes with a $1000 prize.

Blacktown City Council Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM congratulated the winners and all the artists who contributed to the exhibition.

“Blacktown City has a talented creative community, which you can see by the quality of the works.

“I’m proud that Council continues to foster this talent and expression by holding events such as the Blacktown City Art Prize.”

– Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM

The Blacktown City Art Prize exhibition opened the 2024 Blacktown Arts program, drawing entries across a range of styles and media including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photo, and mixed-media.

For further information, visit the Blacktown Arts website at https://blacktownarts.com.au/blacktown-city-art-prize/

Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines thanks Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital staff for her exceptional care experience

AUSTRALIAN Idol judge

Marcia Hines has shared an emotional thank you on her social media channels, following a health scare which saw her treated at Blacktown Hospital and visiting Mount Druitt Hospital Emergency Department in the past week.

Marcia collapsed backstage at the Coliseum Theatre and was hospitalised after her fall.

Posting on Instagram, Marcia shared a heartfelt message for the staff who cared for her during her stay:

“I’ve experienced so much care and love, and none more so than the exceptional treatment that Brad Ceely and his entire team at Blacktown

Hospital gave me during my stay with them,” Marcia said.

“We are so fortunate to live in a country with such incredible healthcare, and the amazing facilities we have in our Western Sydney suburbs — wow!

“I’m so grateful to all of the hospital staff — from the tireless nurses to the wonderful administration staff.

“A special thanks to all of the staff at Mount Druitt Emergency Department, all of the Ambulance teams who got me safely to-and-from hospitals this weekend, and of course Dr Kit Rowe for stitching me up so nicely after my fall.

“Thank you for being you and keeping us all safe.”

NSW Government invests $4.3 million in local TAFE NSW Campus

TAFE NSW Mount Druitt will receive a funding boost, with the NSW Government investing $4.3 million to upgrade campus infrastructure and improve digital connectivity.

This investment is part of a $300 million state-wide program delivering upgraded facilities and equipment to more than 120 TAFE NSW campuses across the state this financial year.

TAFE NSW Mount Druitt will receive:

• Accessibility upgrades, including new lifts;

• Upgrades to campus facilities,

including fire systems, roofing repairs, and air conditioning; and

• New digital devices for teachers and students.

The funding is part of the NSW Government’s record $2.131 billion investment in TAFE NSW through the 2023-24 state budget.

Edmond Atalla MP, Member for Mount Druitt said:

“TAFE NSW plays a vital role in supporting the local economy by equipping students with the industryaligned skills that employers need.

“When students learn their craft

or trade using industry-standard equipment, and high-quality digital technology, they are much more likely to graduate with the kind of job-ready skills that employers are looking for.

“This investment ensures our local TAFE NSW campus is equipped to meet the educational and employment needs of the local community.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“Students and teachers need to have functional classrooms and access to industry-standard equipment.

“Stories of neglected classrooms, poor WiFi connectivity, and outof-date teaching equipment shine a spotlight on the decade of neglect by the previous Liberal-National Government. The NSW Labor Government is doing something about it.

“This continued investment in TAFE NSW facilities will expand learning opportunities in local communities, improve educational outcomes, and support the state’s critical skills needs.”

Western NEWS NEWS 10 Western News 12 April 2024 Issue 211
People’s Choice Prize winner Mina Lee with her artwork Here comes trouble. Photo courtesy Blacktown Arts.

Big machines and family fun at Diesel Dirt & Turf

IT’S on again! If you are in the earthmoving business, or you just enjoy seeing big machines, the National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo at the Sydney Dragway at Eastern Creek is for you.

The Expo is being held over three big days on Friday 12th, Saturday 13th and Sunday the 14th of April.

Visitors can check out the latest in major earthmoving equipment, landscaping gear, tools, mowers, agricultural machinery, trucks and special vehicles. The great venue guarantees that you and your family will have the best experience possible, with easy navigation to find exhibitors, loads of paved car parking and all the facilities expected of a major Expo.

“If you are in the earthmoving industry, you will really appreciate the face to face engagement with customers and the opportunity

presented by the Expo to fully explain the latest advances in machinery, attachments and all the other productivity tools on display,” said Expo Manager Marti Zivkovich.

All the big brands

Komatsu Australia is the Gold Sponsor of 2024 Expo, supported by other industry companies and organisations such as Pickles, XCMG, Record Time, NAWIC, CreditOne, Cappro, constructionsales.com.au and Farmmachinerysales.com.au

A major crowd pleaser is the Pickles auction which has become a major attraction that brings hundreds of people to the Expo. Many people attend the auction every year because the event is such a great opportunity to grab an amazing bargain.

“Whether you are an exhibitor or a visitor and you have any business in excavation and earthworks, site preparation or

CROSSWORD

infrastructure installation, public works maintenance, roads, turf care, specialised vehicles, public space management, earthworks or agricultural tools, attachments and ground engaging tools, finance or associated services, this is the Expo that you must attend” Marti said.

Mark your diary to visit

Where else can you have a great day out for the whole family, catching up with friends and industry colleagues, enjoying great food and drink, entertainment and grabbing one of the great deals from so many exhibitors and major equipment brands?

Visitor entry is just $10 (plus fees) for adults. Children under sixteen are free. The 2024 Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo, Sydney Dragway, Ferrers Road Eastern Creek, on Friday 12th, Saturday 13th and Sunday, 14th April 2024. Further information at www.dieseldirtandturf.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT Western NEWS 11 Western News 12 April 2024 Issue 211 ACROSS 1 A wastewater cistern (8) 5 Secret or insurance, for example (6) 9 Carries out (8) 10 Saffron (6) 12 Perverse (9) 13 Negate (5) 14 Angle between a stalk and branchlet (4) 16 An unauthorized labor dispute (7) 19 Breathes out (7) 21 Death notice (4) 24 Ease (5) 25 Deadliness (9) 27 A sword or gun (6) 28 Turnip cabbage (8) 29 Avoided (6) 30 Thoughtless (8) DOWN 1 Removes obstructions (6) 2 Drowsy (6) 3 Normally, just past Neptune (5)
4 Including everything (7) 6 A loose high-necked blouse (9) 7 Pearls or a pendant (8) 8 Imagines to be true (8) 11 Cat sound (4) 15 Marimba (9) 17 Attained gentleness (8) 18 Breed of sheepdog (8) 20 A glossy smooth fabric (4) 21 Exceed (7) 22 Become wider (6) 23 Words of a song (6) 26 Afflicted (5) solution 29/3/24

We Will Remember Them

THERE once was a lad named Harry Adams, born in St Marys in 1891. His parents Charles William and Elizabeth (Rope) lived in Gidley Street. His mother died in 1895 and father in 1897. They are both buried at St Mary Magdalane cemetery in St Marys. Harry was an “Old Boy” of St Marys Public School in Princess Mary Street.

At the age of 25 Harry felt he needed to do his bit for the war effort and joined up at Bathurst in 1916. He was now Private No. 5972 in the 1st A.I.F 4th Infantry, 13th Battalion. Five months later in August, Harry sailed to England from Sydney on the HMAT Wiltshire (A18). Harry saw active service on the Western Front in September where the last attack by the Australians at Pozieres started just before dawn when the British and Canadians took over the fighting. The AIF had been placed seven times at Pozieres and had lost over 23,000 officers and men. They were next sent to Ypres and by the 9th October the 1st, 2nd & 5th Divisions of the AIF were ordered back to the Somme. On the 10th December a letter was received from Harry to a family member, written from the trenches somewhere on active service on the Western Front. The letter to St Marys Cheer Fund says, “Dear Friends, your parcel of Christmas goods was received this morning. I thank you heartily for sending them to me. You know the boys heartily appreciate a letter or a parcel from home. Things are not the same here as at home. It is bitterly cold and snowing and raining all the time. The snow is falling thickly while writing this letter. I have had six days furlough that I spent in London. It is a great city, full of beautiful buildings and scenery that is quite different to good old Sydney. The people here cannot make us chaps out because we are so cheerful. Well, I would not mind being home for a few days at Christmas but never mind, I can only hope to be back for the following one. I was expecting to have a month’s spell but it cannot be done as we must relieve the 2nd Division. They will be able to have Christmas out of the firing line lucky beggars. It was quite a shock when I got the parcel this morning. I came in from outpost duty and one of my mates said to me “I say, Digger, there’s a parcel up top for you!”. We call everyone “Digger” here, as we have to dig ourselves in from being outed by Fritz.” As his letter was being read in Sydney, Harry was sent back to England and admitted

to the New Zealand No. 5 Codford Hospital in December. He was in this hospital for 18 hours and was then transferred to the infectious unit at the Salisbury Infectious Hospital in the isolation unit. The hospital statement said that Harry had been ill for three days before the 21st December and had a “marked stiffness and retraction of the neck area”. He was isolated on admission and only one attendant was allowed to see him. By the next day his temperature reached 100 degrees and was observed as “stupid and cannot give any coherent account of his illness”. Harry died of Meningitis contracted at Salisbury Camp England on 7th January, 1917 at the age of 26 years and was buried at Stratford-Sub-Castle St Lawrence Churchyard, 2 miles outside of Salisbury in Wiltshire. A memorial service was held on the 28th January at St Mary Magdalene Church at St Marys. The Rector Reverend W R Bowers, preached a touching service that was attended by many families and friends and a number of cadets, under the charge of Lieutenant A Hope and the Penrith District Band accompanied the singing of the hymns. In June at St Marys, Mrs George Dollin (Harry’s sister) received a sympathetic letter from Lieutenant G Waynflete who was in charge of A Company 4th Battalion at the period of Harry’s death. During his letter Lieutenant Waynflete refers to the deep regret felt by the company at the death of Private Adams who was a general favourite amongst his comrades. Lieutenant Waynflete was in charge of the firing party at Harry’s funeral and remarked that he was impressed with the solemn and sweetness of the service and saying of the deep regret he felt of Private Adams’ death from an attack of meningitis while at camp on Salisbury Plains in England, mentioning that his grave is in a pretty little cemetery from where the spire of the great Cathedral can be seen”. Selina Burgess (Harry’s Aunt) also his “foster mother” applied for a war pension, but she was refused as she was not “depended” on Harry at the time of his enlistment, but later this decision was overturned and she received £1 a fortnight. LEST WE FORGET. Photo of Harry from the Society’s WW1 files.

Sources: Nepean Times, Adams Family information Ancestry online, National Archives of Australia Canberra War Memorial Panel 68, Victoria Park War Memorial St Marys.

IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL…

Western NEWS WESTERN HISTORY WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au @wealthwiz #wealthwizau
Wealthwiz can help you: • refinance a home loan * • vehicle and equipment finance ** • investment property strategy advice • debt restructuring *Comparison rates from 2.79% ** Instantly write-off assets before 30 June 2020. Digital verification makes life easier, no need to leave your home. Talk to Wealthwiz now. 12 Western News 12 April 2024 Issue 211
 Photo of Harry from the Society’s WW1 files.

TConsidering a Tenanted Investment Property? Here’s What You Need

to Know

HERE are many advantages to buying an investment property that already has tenants in place. You’ll start collecting rent immediately, avoiding vacancy periods and leasing fees. However, it’s important to be aware of some potential drawbacks and how to manage them.

Benefits of a Tenanted Property:

• Immediate Income: Rent starts flowing in from day one, providing a steady income stream for your investment.

• Saved Time and Money: You won’t need to spend time or money finding new tenants, which can involve advertising, screenings, and lease negotiations.

Things to Consider:

• Lease Status: Ensure the lease is current and up-to-date. If it’s expired, tenants can vacate with minimal notice.

• Lease Terms: A current lease offers security, but you’ll be inheriting the existing terms, rent amount, and tenants.

Minimising Your Risk:

• Verify the Bond: Make sure the tenant’s bond is properly lodged and transferred to your name upon purchase.

• Review the Condition Report: Ensure the report accurately reflects the property’s condition during your inspection.

• Check for Arrears: If there are any outstanding rental payments, arrange for them to be deducted from the purchase price.

• Tenant History: Whilst you can’t meet the tenants directly, ask the leasing agent about their payment record. The open house can also give you a sense of how they care for the property.

• Rental Yield: Research average rental yields in the area to see how your property compares. You can’t raise the rent until the lease ends.

• Lease Concessions: Be aware of any special agreements or promises made to the tenants, such as utility inclusions or repairs, as these become your responsibility.

Don’t Let Tenants Discourage You:

If you find a great property but have concerns about the tenants or lease, you have options. You can change the property management company

and negotiate vacant possession as a settlement condition. This may involve waiting until the lease expires, but you’ll avoid inheriting the previous owner’s issues.

Considering Rent Increases:

If the only downside is the rental yield, remember that increasing rent on a good tenant may lead them to move out. Calculate if the potential gain outweighs the cost of vacancy and reletting fees.

Getting Expert Advice:

For a well-informed decision, consult with a real estate professional and an accountant for tax advice. Contact Alex on 0419 600 177 from Wealthwiz today for Finance advice and insights on the property market.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether a tenanted investment property is the right choice for you.

Western NEWS REAL ESTATE 13 Western News 12 April 2024 Issue 211
ALEX SONCINI
WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au @wealthwiz #wealthwizau
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Disclaimer: The data, information and commentary provided in this publication is of a general nature and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the relevant contributors and should not be construed as specific advice or relied upon in lieu of appropriate professional fax or financial advice. The information in the article is believed to be reliable at the time of distribution, but neither WealthWiz nor its accredited brokers warrant its completeness or accuracy. For information about whether a loan may be suitable for you, call us on 0419 600 177.

Six of the best

GOLF NSW is delighted to congratulate the following undefeated players from the 2024 Metropolitan Major Pennant Season, which featured six players from western Sydney.

MEN: Division One - Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs / Concord GC), Chayse Thorpe (Richmond / Concord GC), Division Three - Will Hoven (Glenmore Heritage Valley GC), Ben Michelmore (Glenmore Heritage Valley GC), Division Five - Christopher Holmes (Wallacia CC), David Stevenson (Leonay GC).

Coby and Chayse (Concord) and David (Leonay) all went on to win a Pennant flag with their respective clubs, whilst Will and Ben made it to their division Final with Glenmore.

Polo Games washed out at Windsor

HEAVY rain and floodwaters in the Hawkesbury Valley resulted in the cancellation of several Polo events during the week, and weekend,

including the two Internationals between Australia and New Zealand (women) and Australia vs India (Men).

The NSWPA Women’s Polo Championship however, started as planned on Wednesday 3rd April, with the A Grade and B Grade Finals

completed on Thursday morning 4th April. The rains then set in, resulting in the cancellation of the remaining games, along with the opening matches of the Morton Cup on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th April, plus the two Internationals on Sunday 7th April.

A-Grade Women: Red Gum Run Polo (Phillipa Fitz-Henry, Carlie Trotter, Chloe Allen, Inge Burke) defeated Louisville Polo.

B-Grade Women: Tailshot Polo (Candice Kinser, Annaliese Kloe, Sam Thompson, Zoe Reader) defeated Vallex B.

Western NEWS SPORT 14 Western News 12 April 2024 Issue 211
NSWPA Women’s Polo Championships A & B Grade Winners. Photos supplied courtesy of Michael Fitz-Henry The six undefeated players from the 2024 Golf NSW Men’s Major Pennant season. Photos supplied by JNJG / Golf NSW Ben Michelmore (GHVGC) Chayse Thorpe 2023 South Coast Jnr Masters Chris Holmes (Wallacia) Coby Carruthers - Avondale Amateur 2024 David Stevenson Will Hoven (GHVGC)

Blacktown blow out Sydney FC 8-0!

BLACKTOWN City Senior Men exploded in round Nine of the 2024 season to rout Sydney FC, 8 goals to 0. Home crowds at Landen Stadium continue to build as the general public starts to realise not only are Blacktown City a true contender, but the level of play on display is proving to be well worth attendance.

The usual suspects got into the scoring column for Blacktown with leading goal scorers Travis Major and Jak O’Brien scoring a goal a piece. It was the play of newly dubbed ‘ICE Man’ (following his three seasons in Iceland) Joey Gibbs that is starting to show huge promise for the course of the season. His combination with Travis Major is starting to settle in to a dynamic one-two punch for Head of Football, Mark Crittenden.

“I always knew the class and experience of Travis and Joey would be a combination that would mature as the season progressed,” said Coach Crittenden. “This is starting to be a headache for opposing teams as the two key players to our season are growing together with each game,” he added. Gibbs slotted two goals in the 41st and 54th minute of the game and was involved in a number of Blacktown City drives that kept the pressure on Sydney FC. Also emerging is the play of former Blacktown City standout, Mitch Mallia, and new recruit from Sydney FC, Martin Fernandez. Both Mallia and Fernandez scored two goals each in the convincing win over Sydney. Mallia, in particular showed his absolute class in his two goals as he seemed to toy with both the defence and the Sydney FC Goalie in two striking one on one displays of skill.

The 2024 season continues to roll on with the Men taking on the Central Coast Mariners this Sunday, April 14th at Landen Stadium. Prior to that, Blacktown City commenced their Australia Cup campaign with a mid-week game against St George. Following the home game against Central Coast, Blacktown will travel away to take on the League leading Western Sydney Wanderers on the 21st of April followed by another key clash with Sydney Olympic on the 28th of the month.

The West Sydney Wanderers have set the early pace in the 2024 competition with a League leading 8 win and 1 loss result to date. Their 5-0 demolition of Manly in week nine of the competition shows they are a tough opposition and no doubt Coach Crittenden and his men will be eager to put West Sydney to the test on the 21st of April in round 11. Rockdale and Apia sit in second and third place with a 6-2-1 record while Marconi is currently in fourth with a 6-1-2 record. Blacktown are currently in fifth with a 5-3-1 record.

Blacktown City Women are proving to be a major contender in only their third season of competition. They gave League leading Hills United an almighty test last week in their 1-0 loss. Hills have a 5 win and 1 draw season to date to lead the competition but the Blacktown Women are showing they will give the competition a shake to currently sit in 6th place with a 3-1-1 record. Head Women’s Coach, Michael Hawthorne said, “We really stood up to Hills which is a sign we are getting better each week as the team settles in to competing at this level. It is pleasing that our defence is solid and although we were not able to get a score against the League Leaders we had our chances.”

Home Game – Blacktown City FC Men VS Central Coast Mariners – Sunday, April 14th, 3pm, Landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills

Home Game - Blacktown City Women Vs Hills

United – Sunday, April 21st, 4pm, Landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills

Home Game - Blacktown City Women Vs Marconi – Sunday, April 28th, 4pm, Landen Stadium, 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills

Go Blacktown City!

Western NEWS SPORT 15 Western News 12 April 2024 Issue 211
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Travis Major and Jak O’Brien Martin Fernandez

PCYC Hawkesbury unveils new courts in South Windsor

PCYC Hawkesbury was opened on Friday 29th March, with attendees to the formal occasion including Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley AC KC and her husband Dennis Wilson, who is a Patron of PCYC; Police Commissioner Karen Webb, representatives of PCYC and Police and various user groups such as Hawkesbury Basketball, home of the Hawkesbury Jets.

Robyn Preston MP said “Now this is a great example of what community advocacy can deliver.

“Back in the day when Dominic Perrottet was the Member for Hawkesbury, he met with representatives from Rotary, Hawkesbury City Council and PCYC, who pitched the concept of a PCYC in Hawkesbury.

It was an ambitious idea that everyone believed had merit, and as NSW Treasurer, Dom and the previous NSW Liberal/National Government provided $13m for the project.

“That vision has just become a reality as we proudly came together for the opening of this amazing facility. Hawkesbury City Council were great partners in the project too.

“Thank you to the Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley AC KC, Commissioner Karen Webb APM, and the many distinguished guests who attended this milestone occasion.

“This is a rare facility that we can be truly proud of, so make some time to check it out at 16 Stewart Street, Greenhills Way, South Windsor.”

ANZAC Day 2024

The Blacktown RSL sub-Branch will assemble at 4.45am at Second Ave, Blacktown on Thursday 25 April 2024. The Street March will commence at 5am.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service March

Dawn Service starts at 5.30am

at Club Blacktown, Trading as Blacktown RSL.

SPORT Western NEWS
12 April 2024
Friday,
Selling RSL badges at Bunnings Small service for Blacktown Bears Jnr Football Club, the following Saturday. Courtesy of Hawkesbury PCYC and Robyn Preston MP
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