free
02 4587 7000
www.urbancityconsulting.com.au Hours: 8.30am – 5pm Our experience and knowledge enables us to provide our clients with the right advice and service for all their statutory building and development needs
Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
Friday, 16 February 2018
ISSUE 53
Check out our website www.wsnewsgroup.com
childcare re-imagined Grace Village is a new innovative and enriching early learning centre supporting the whole family with services that will amaze you. Full story page 9.
Western News
A Morning Tea is to be held at St Andrews Uniting Church , corner of Garfield Road and Oxford Street Riverstone on Tuesday 27 th February 2018 at 9 – 30 am. The speaker will be Mark Westman of “Pets In The Park”. For more information phone, at night, 4572 3271 or email bruce.mcalpine5@bigpond. com
By KeRRIE DAVIES
M
ember for Riverstone Mr Kevin Conolly MP today called for nominations for the 2018 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Award. “Seniors help make our local community stronger and better,” said Mr Conolly. Mr Conolly said the awards are a wonderful way to showcase the talents and contributions of seniors living in our local community, as part of the special 60th Anniversary celebrations of the popular NSW Seniors Festival. “Seniors make a real difference to their families, recreational groups, businesses and organisations, and we want to celebrate them,” Mr Conolly said. Minister for Ageing, Tanya Davies urged all members of the public to take this opportunity to celebrate the older people in their lives. “Seniors have a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer, and they continue to make significant contributions to communities across NSW,” Mrs Davies said. Nominations for the 2018 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards are now open until Friday, 16 March 2018. Award recipient/s will be announced on Friday 23 March 2018 and will be presented as part of NSW Seniors Festival which runs from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 15 April 2018. “I am sure everyone knows an older person who deserves to be recognised, so I encourage
› Free morning tea
› Year of the dog
you to nominate them and show them how much they are appreciated for all they do” said Mr Conolly. For further details on how to nominate please contact the office of Kevin Conolly MP, Member for Riverstone by phone on (02) 8883 3499 or email at riverstone@parliament.nsw.gov.au. For information on exciting events in the local areas and across the state visit www. nswseniorsfestival.com.au in the coming weeks.
3 Western News 16 February 2018 Issue 53
Nominate a senior for a NSW Award
local news
It is notable that at the start of the ‘Year of the Dog’, symbolised by its generous nature of tolerance and empathy, that Westmead Medical Research Foundation is pleased to announce the introduction of four new Chinese brand Ambassadors, who recently joined the Foundation’s Ambassadors Program. Felicia Hon, Darren Kong, Douglas You, and Idy Chan are committed and interested in doing something meaningful by promoting our work within their Chinese community and networks.
Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Western News 16 Februuary 2018 Issue 53
4
Western From the Assistant News Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: General Manager: Sales: Journalist: Journalist: Sports Journalist: Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Photographer: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:
Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Keegan Thomson 0421 382 560 Garion Thain 0430 424 101 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Kennedi Geyer 0452 455 844 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.wsnewsgroup.com
Distribution Map Western News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres. Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.
Vineyard Riverstone Rouse hill Marsden Park Kellyville Ridge
Schofields Shanes Park Colebee
Ropes Crossing
Quakers Hill
Hassall Grove
St Marys
Dean Park Glendenning
Emerton
Plumpton
Stanhope Gardens Parklea
Kings Park Marayong
Woodcroft
Kings Langley Lalor Park
Mt Druitt Rooty Hill Minchinbury
Blacktown
Seven Hills
Arndell Park Toongabbie
Eastern Creek
Prospect
Editor’s Desk By Keegan Thomson
W
ESTERN Sydney’s diverse background is on show at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea as local Indigenous ice skater Harley Windsor competes for gold! The 21 year old is the first Indigenous Australian to compete at any Winter Olympics anywhere. Skating at his first Winter Olympics, Mr Windsor is teamed up with his skating partner, former Russian athlete, Ekaterina “Katia” Alexandrovskaya. Last year the pair took out gold at the Junior World Figure Skating Championships. The diverse backgrounds of both skaters highlight the incredibly multicultural region we call home. There is often a sentiment around the Winter Olympics that the competitors are born into rich, upper class, majority white families. With Mr Windsor representing western Sydney’s Indigenous heritage it proves that no matter where you’re born or how much money your grow up with, if you want something bad enough you can strive for it. Mr Windsor has told reporters in Pyeongchang that he dreams of a top 12 finish and that he thinks a gold is more do-able at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. By the time you read this we should know whether or not Blacktown will be home to a Winter Olympic gold medal but right now we can all be super proud of the efforts of one Indigenous bloke from Rooty Hill. Onya Windsor!
GREATER WEST TREE SERVICE Palm removal Tree removal Tree pruning Stump grinding Mulch sales ❧ Fully insured
Western Sydney Tree Service For a FREE quote ring us 7 days
0403 537 333
MULCH SALES 4m2 for $50
VIC’S MAXI TRANSPORT HIRE US FOR ALL YOUR BUS NEEDS!
Phone
4732 2195 Victor & Cathy Glanville
Mob: 0416
14/14-18 Preston St, Penrith
157 668
enquiry@vicsmaxitransport.com.au
www.vicsmaxitransport.com.au
Western News
local news
By Keegan Thomson
T
he NSW Government’s hospital car parking scheme has been a major success, with 110,000 extra concessions for patients and carers in its first four months. Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Health Brad Hazzard recently announced the strong uptake of the scheme while marking the completion of Blacktown Hospital’s new $18 million multistorey carpark expansion. “Parking concessions introduced by the NSW Government in July last year are helping patients and families while they deal with the stress of their loved one being in hospital,” Ms Berejiklian said. “Under this concession scheme, patients and their carers have been able to save as much as $200 a week on parking fees at our public hospitals.” Mr Hazzard said the new Blacktown Hospital carpark is part of the more than $700 million Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals expansion project. More than 400 spaces have been added to the multi-storey carpark, building on the 600 spaces opened in 2014. The Blacktown Hospital carpark is the State’s first to include parking navigation technology with red and green lights to help drivers find the nearest available space. “Patients need and deserve accessible, affordable parking and that’s precisely what the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government has prioritised as part of the almost $8 billion building boom across our hospital facilities,” Mr Hazzard said. “We have invested $42 million in improving parking for Western Sydney at Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals since 2014.” More than 1600 spaces are now available across the Blacktown Hospital campus.
John Riffel, who was a regular visitor to Blacktown Hospital for his prostate cancer treatment, said the parking concession saved him $220 over about eight weeks. “Apart from the stresses of dealing with my illness, there are unavoidable travel and transport costs associated with my care. So having one less thing like parking fees to worry about is a big relief,” Mr Riffel said. Hospital parking concessions are part of a raft of measures introduced by the NSW Government to help ease cost of living pressures for households. The Government has recently announced free car registration for regular toll users, cheaper greenslips and energy rebates. Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said: “The hospital parking concession scheme has been widely
welcomed by locals, as it eases cost pressures on families at a time when they are already under stress.” Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor added: “More parking spaces in addition to the concession scheme is great news for families in Seven Hills. It’s all about making things easier for families during those important times.” Carpark users can also benefit from the NSW Health Hospark app that helps visitors find parking information and directions to public hospitals across NSW. For vision of the new Blacktown car park and fly-through of the Acute Services Building, go to: https://goo.gl/gFGJLn Further information on fees and concessions is available via http://www.parking.health.nsw.gov.au or the smartphone app.
Big-hearted boys make a big difference By Keegan Thomson
T
WO local nine year old boys are proving age doesn’t matter when it comes to charityminded philanthropy by raising money to buy cuddly bears for people in nursing homes. Dominick Spears and Adrian McDonald, from Colyton, decided they wanted to help the elderly in any way they could so they took up an ingenious charity method to raise their funds. Taking sacks full of aluminium cans to the NSW government’s “return and earn” cash for cans sites they started raising funds with the intention of putting that money towards soft cuddly bears for people in nursing homes. The boys were motivated to start their charity venture after Dominick’s own life experiences with nursing homes. His grandmother was in a home and he saw how few people visited their elderly relatives in homes across the Christmas period, so he was inspired to do something for them. “We went up and down our street putting letters in people’s mail boxes asking them to donate their cans so we could get the money for them,” Dominick said. “I felt sorry for all the people who didn’t get visitors or presents on Christmas.” Belinda Spears, Dominick’s mum, is super proud of the work the two boys are doing.
Dominick and Adrian. Photo: Supplied
“I’m proud because two nine-year-olds have thought about someone else and are doing something for their community,” Ms Spears said. “When we finally deliver the bears to the nursing home there will be tears in my eyes, and there will
probably be tears in the eyes of the people in the home as well.” Adrian McDonald said so far the pair has collected “hundreds and hundreds” of cans for their campaign, but they are in need of thousands more. Adrian said he wants to give something to the elderly so they can feel a little more loved. “The people at the nursing home sometimes don’t have anything to cuddle if they’re scared so now they’ll have something to cuddle up with in the night,” Adrian said. His mother, Rebecca McDonald is also proud of her son’s work. “The fact that my son and his friend are showing a caring side and wanting to give the elderly something means so much to me,” Ms McDonald said. “Adrian and Dominick giving back to the community means that I’m really happy to spend hours standing in line with them at the can collection places because it is all for a good cause,” she said. So far the boys have raised around $150 but they need to raise at least $800 before Christmas 2018. The boys have partnered with local business Create A Teddy, who are selling the bears to the boys at cost price, but they still need more support from the community. If you have cans lying around your house and you wish to donate them to the boys you can call Rebecca McDonald on 0402 745 340 or Belinda Spears on 0438 404 718.
Western News 16 February 2018 Issue 53
Patients save through hospital parking scheme
5
Western News 16 Februuary 2018 Issue 53
6
local news
Western News
Calls for more protections for kids online By Keegan Thomson
C
OMMUNITY leaders are calling on parents to do more to help protect children online from predators, cyberbullies and scam artists. Last week Internet Safety Day shone a light on the increasing issues around protecting children online. Michele Ellery, CEO of the Queen of Hearts Community Foundation, has been involved in anti-cyber bullying campaigns. She says children are most at risk of cyberbullying and online predators because they live most of their lives on the internet. “They are surrounded by games, phones and social media, no matter where they are, right now the internet is so readily available,” Ms Ellery said. She said the internet is the perfect breeding ground for bullies because of the anonymous nature of it all.
“Often we don’t know what our children are doing online so we don’t know if they’re being bullied or if they are being bullies,” Ms Ellery said. Finding out your child is a cyberbully can be a tragic and disappoint thing. Ms Ellery has some tips for parents
› Reptile show
THE ninth Sydney Reptile Expo will slither into Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope on Sunday February 18. The Expo, which has been held in Castle Hill in past years, has relocated to the larger venue this year. The indoor stadium at Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope will be home to many frogs, snakes, lizards and reptiles of all shapes and sizes. With suppliers, breeders and hundreds of little creatures for sale, the reptile fun will be off the scales! Mayor of Blacktown City Council, Cr Stephen Bali said he is pleased that the stadium is hosting an event for people who appreciate reptiles. “As Australia has such a large variety of reptiles it is great to have an event that can encourage people to learn more about our unique fauna” continued Mayor Bali “Our stadium has hosted cultural nights, national sporting competitions, family fun days and some great expos” said Mayor Bali. The Sydney Reptile Expo organiser Adrian Hemens says “we usually get a good turn-out numbering in the thousands. There will be product retailers such as Kellyville Pets, hands-on reptile shows and up to 40 different reptile breeders selling hundreds of reptiles at the event. It is a great day for the family.” The expo will be running from 9 am to 4 pm. Adults $10, Kids $5 Family (2 adults, 2 kids) $25.
who find out their child has been harassing others online. “Instead of taking away their devices or blocking them from social media, try and have a discussion about the consequences of their actions,” Ms Ellery said.
MP for Mulgoa and NSW Minister for Mental Health, Tanya Davies said parents need to monitor their child’s online time. “To help monitor children’s online activity, I encourage families to keep technology in the open so parents are aware of how their children are using technology,” Mrs Davies said. “Families and schools need to work together and talk with kids about what they’re up to online and utilise what support is out here for parents. “Cyber bullying is such a worrying issue and as a mum with young kids I know how hard it can be to keep track of their screen time and activity online,” she said. The NSW government has resources available to parents and children who are struggling with cyberbullies. Any child who is struggling with a cyberbully can call the Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800 or visit www. antibullying.nsw.gov.au/Keepingmy-child-safe-online.
Hotel development steps up
Artist impression By Keegan Thomson
T
HE Richmond Club has announced that Estilo Group has been named as the operator for the club’s 114 room hotel project by developer Axiom Properties. This major step forward cements the Richmond Club as a major player in the hospitality scene across the Hawkesbury and western Sydney. It also signals the final stages before the development and construction of the hotel can commence. Estilo Group is an internationally known operator that currently manage several wellknown hotel companies based in Australia and overseas. As part of the agreement, Estilo will undertake the construction, commissioning and management of the hotel. Last year it was announced the Richmond Club has signed off on a deal to create a new high-class hotel adjacent to their current location. The Richmond Club says the project will be a big boost to tourism, jobs and local economic growth. Once construction is underway, the club
will also begin a $2.8 million refurbishment fitout of function rooms that will link through to the hotel, complementing local conference, corporate and business facilities. The club’s CEO, Kimberley Talbot said everyone is excited to be working with the Estilo Group. “We are delighted with today’s announcement that a hotel operator has been selected,” Ms Talbot said. “Once the conditions have been met, The Richmond Club intends to proceed with a multimillion dollar refurbishment program which will include the creation of new state of the art conference and function room facilities, which will link through to the new hotel. “The greater north west has been experiencing major growth for some years and this development in Richmond is ideally placed to capitalise upon this growth. The Hawkesbury has been desperately missing this style of ‘integrated’ concept that successfully operates in many other major inner and western Sydney regions,” she said.
Western News
local news
By Keegan Thomson
B
LACKTOWN can sleep a little safer at night knowing the City Council has a new Crime Prevention Plan aimed at curbing crime rates across the region. Every four years the Council rethinks and revisits their Crime Prevention Plan in accordance with the NSW Department of Justice guidelines. The 2017-2021 plan aims at ensuring people feel safe in their community. “The strategies within the plan will ensure Blacktown City Council continues to raise community awareness about safety issues, facilitate community responses to emerging issues and implement crime prevention strategies,” a spokesperson from Council said. The Crime Prevention Plan outlines a “broad approach to both preventing and addressing crime” and “recognises that both the perception and reality of safety - physically, socially and environmentally - is critical to the way people engage with their community”.
Crime map of domestic assaults in Blacktown. Photo: BOCSAR
Council’s plan aims at tackling all crimes across the Council area but according to the plan documents there are three crime categories deemed “priorities”; domestic violence, fraud and opportunistic crime. Figures released from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) show domestic violence assaults in the Blacktown Council area has been classified as
“stable” across the last two years. There were 2,017 reported incidents of domestic assault in 2016 and 2,069 reported cases in 2017. Crimes of a sexual nature, like sexual assaults, have gone up over the past two years despite BOCSAR labelling it as “stable”. 2017 saw 610 sexual offences in Blacktown compared to 586 the year prior. Robbery has been slightly down
across the last two year period in Blacktown. BOCSAR says there were 258 reported cases of robbery in 2016 with a slight drop in 2017 to 237. Other crimes that have seen major drops across Blacktown including drug offences, which has seen a drop in around 100 cases, and arson. The plan was created by the Blacktown City Community Safety Advising Committee. Councillor Stephen Bali, the Mayor of Blacktown, says local involvement and a certain level of pride in the community can help contribute to lower crime levels. “That Committee was not only involved in the development of this Plan, but will also oversee its operation,” Cr Bali said. “This level of community ‘ownership’ will significantly strengthen the strategies contained in the Plan. “By giving the residents and ratepayers of Blacktown ownership of the plan, there is a greater sense of community responsibility for trying to reduce crime in our city,” he said.
Western News 16 February 2018 Issue 53
New crime prevention plan
7
PLUMBER
MAINTENANCE & PLUMBING UPGRADE WORKS - PENRITH BASED With work throughout the Sydney Metro
rice P r e w o P Beat w! o n s U l l , ca s e s a e r c n
i Not sure what 2018 brings? Looking for a new challenge? If you are a licensed and experienced Plumber with a background in maintenance and upgrade works why not send your resume NOW to join the Hix Group team for a fresh start?
Let us Help you Avoid Bill Shock Speak to a local solar expert on the smart energy choice for your home
Send your resume to hr@hix.com.au & be sure to tell us about: • your qualifications, skills & experience • what type of work you would like to do • a little bit about yourself and why you want to join the Hix team Or contact Jason Brown on: 4721 7500 for more information.
www.nepeansolar.com.au
Western News 16 Februuary 2018 Issue 53
8
local news
Western News
Incinerator issue continues to heat up By Keegan Thomson
M
P for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies has reaffirmed her opposition to a planned rubbish incinerator for western Sydney but one community group says Mrs Davies isn’t doing enough to fight the proposal. Speaking at a protest rally outside NSW Parliament House in Sydney, Mrs Davies said she has always stayed firm against the proposed incinerator. “From day one, this proposal hasn’t passed the common sense test. There are real health concerns associated with burning thousands of tonnes of waste so close to homes and schools, this is a serious situation and we will fight this incinerator proposal,” Mrs Davies said. “I am wholeheartedly opposed to this proposal and will fight hard to stop the Next Generation incinerator being dumped in our backyard.” Currently the proposal to build a power from waste incinerator at Eastern Creek is before the NSW parliament. Experts from both sides of the argument have made their opinions heard on the issue. In a statement the MP for Mulgoa said she’s spoken directly with the
Premier about the issue. “I want to reassure you as a community we have the ear of the Premier, there is an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence against the proposal, and a robust case which I am pushing hard to the people that matter,” Mrs Davies said. Despite the efforts of the MP a community group opposed to the incinerator, No Incinerator For Western Sydney, says Mrs Davies has
put on a political “song and dance” around the issue. Melinda Wilson is an organiser at No Incinerator For Western Sydney. She was at the protest rally where Mrs Davies spoke out against the incinerator and says the MP isn’t doing enough. “She’s says the issue is before parliament and is going through the right processes but she could be doing more to speak out against it,” Ms
Wilson said. “She needs to be speaking out at her mobile offices and at her school functions about the health concerns, she needs to be meeting with the community groups, like us, who are fighting against the incinerator.” Ms Wilson was unable to confirm if anyone from No Incinerator For Western Sydney had formally requested a meeting with Mrs Davies’ office but she did say the group was declined a meeting with the Premier. The group’s main issue comes from the questioned side effects of burning rubbish for power in an incinerator and the potential impacts on the health of school children and families across western Sydney. Representatives from No Incinerator For Western Sydney say they’re out door knocking, to help inform the public on the health concerns associated with the incinerator, and they say the public are not happy with the MP’s approach to the issue. “You can’t mess with the west,” Ms Wilson said. “Next election we will find someone who represents our families and communities,” she said. The proposal on the energy from waste incinerator will be published soon with the NSW government set to make a decision later on the issue.
Memorial receives a facelift By Keegan Thomson
A
ONCE forgotten war memorial in St Marys has been given a well deserved facelift and new commemoration plaque. Last October we reported on the “sorry state” of a local war memorial that had been left to ruin, but now Penrith City Council has come to rescue to deliver some much needed TLC. The memorial in Lang Park was first dedicated in 1995 in acknowledgment of the people who worked in the munitions factories around the St Marys and surrounding suburbs but for one reason or another became neglected over the years. Mayor of Penrith, Councillor John Thain spoke at the reopening of the memorial. He detailed the history of the area, which will be celebrated in a new plaque. “The new plaque shares this history, including the fact that many of the Munitions Factory workers lived near here in ‘Duration Cottages’ – housing installed for the duration of the war,” Cr Thain said. “The history behind this memorial is also linked to a kind of coming of age for the region. “The Munitions Factory was
Duration Cottages today in St Marys. Photo: Penrith City Council
the second largest in Australia. It was made up of 850 buildings and sprawled for almost five kilometres. “Not only did this mark western Sydney as a place playing an important role in the war effort, it foreshadowed the capacity for growth and the ongoing industrial innovation in our region today,” the Mayor said. The new memorial includes a plaque and an update to the weathered gardens, including new turf and cleaned up tiles. Veterans from the St Marys RSL sub-branch, who first brought the story to our attention, worked with representatives of Penrith Council to deliver the much needed upgrade.
The old memorial. Photo: Greg Davies.
State of the Art Childcare comes to Huntingwood
A
s part of the greater Huntingwood community, There is a new kid on the block – Grace Village Early Learning Centre Huntingwood. Grace Village is a place for families, children and parents to thrive, enjoy being inspired and grow as part of the community. The Centre is currently offering Grace Village Early Learning to local families and businesses throughout Huntingwood/ Blacktown as a workplace incentive and it adds a lot of value for employees and businesses. Grace Village is an innovative and enriching early learning space where the team enthusiastically see all the possibilities and dreams of children and family and are focused on a holistic approach to childcare. Through providing value-added services – such as pre-cooked meals, laundry, haircuts, fresh coffee on arrival and even yoga premium learning opportunities for children, this is a Centre that has it all. With such an inspirational space provided by Grace Village for little people to explore and grow a love for education and learning, local parents will have the peace of mind their little humans are being taken care of – allowing them to dedicate 100% to delivering results for their business or their employer. Enrolments for 2018 are open and filling fast,
which you would expect from such an innovative centre. Grace Village Learning Centre will be officially
Western News 16 February 2018 Issue 53
school enrolments
9
opened this Saturday 17 February by the Mayor of Blacktown, Stephen Bali and Hugh McDermott MP, State Member for Prospect.
Event details can be found at: www.facebook.com/events/117358405740166/?ti=icl
t d s ju ene p o • • • • • • •
Priority enrolment at Grace Village Early Learning Centre for your children* VIP service within the centre Lunchtime visit access – allowing you to enjoy lunch with your children during your breaks Barista coffee on arrival – providing you with the best possible start for your day Access to ‘Third Space’ – providing Wi-Fi, additional meeting & shared work space for those last minute or early morning meetings! Home cooked meals – available for collection after a busy day at work Located conveniently in Huntingwood’s business park district.
2018 enrolments filling fast Grace Village Early Learning 44 Huntingwood Drive, Huntingwood | 1300 854 388
www.Gracevillage.com.au
Western News 16 Februuary 2018 Issue 53
10
local news
Western News
Travel: Under the Andean shadow
By BEN CRANNEY
The hotel actually wouldn’t get us a taxi. The concierge looked at the address, looked at me and shook her head. ‘Do you really want to go here?’ Apparently, it wasn’t the most savoury part of town. We convinced her. The bell boy called the taxi and then threatened the driver that he knew who the driver was, in case anything happened to us. And then the taxi driver didn’t want to take us. I thought he was worried about us, but in hindsight, I think it was more about himself.
It was a neighbourhood of jaundiced lights and dark places, broken pavements and boarded up windows. It was also the place of Argentine parties dancing to Andean music. A mate was playing the flute in a travelling band, so we figured we’d be ok with him. And it was, although our party hosts didn’t let us linger on the streets when we left and were sure to order a taxi who they knew. After a few months travelling, we had splashed out and stayed at the Hyatt, so they were probably a bit precious about their guests going to dodgy areas, even if our unwashed
and unshaven state meant we probably fit in better over there, away from the Hyatt’s respectable guests. They surely didn’t recognise us when we came back down with our best clothes on, to organise a winery visit, and happily gave us the options of driver, car hire or bike tour. We drove ourselves. And up here, in a private pagoda under the Andean shadow, I drank the only wine I have ever really enjoyed, a torrontés. It was a shame that I was driving, and the only thing missing was an Argentine BBQ, and all of the most delicious meats that come with it.
Pad your time out to enjoy more of the wine and BBQs by staying to learn Spanish. Or hiking some of the Andes, including Aconcagua if you’re really keen, the tallest of the Andes and where Seven Years in Tibet was filmed. When it’s time to leave, hire a one way car and head to the salt flats in the north. Or jump on a bus and head to Chile, maybe stopping in Santiago, or perhaps heading on to Valparaiso, once an important port town and one of my favourite places of the continent. I’ll tell you about it another time.
The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel A Nudge in the Right Direction Those of you who are familiar with my work will know that my main guide is my lovely grandmother, or Gran as she is known to just about everyone. You may also have noticed that the past couple of articles have been more of a philosophical nature rather than about any messages Gran has had for me. However, all that has changed. A couple of weeks ago, I was going through a rather unsettled patch. I know it causes great hilarity to say to a clairvoyant that they should know what is going to happen to them, but really we are not too good at foreseeing for ourselves, so as I always do in times of need, I consulted my lovely Canadian friend, Sarah*. She, as usual, got right to the heart of the matter and made me see what the most important thing in my life was that I really, really wanted. That was to get The Unintentional Medium out there more and also, perhaps more particularly, to start giving talks again about the book and my work. So I had a word with Gran and asked her if she could give me a small sign that I was on the right track. I was expecting one little indication, but what I got were three whopping great big ones. The first was that a lady contacted me via Facebook to say that she had attended a talk I gave at Sutherland last year and that she would love to book a telephone reading as she needed Gran’s advice. Now I was quite flattered she remembered me and chuffed she
wanted to talk to Gran. “That’s a nice little sign,” I thought to myself, and assumed that was it. Oh no! Last Wednesday, I was coming back from a meeting in Sydney with my friend Jane when a lady sitting across the aisle of the train suddenly leaned across and said, “You’re a psychic, aren’t you? And you’ve had a book published.” Well, Jane and I were quite startled. Rather like Bridget Jones’ friend I admitted that, yes that was me, and she said that she had recognised my voice as she had heard me talk at Windsor Library eighteen months ago. This lovely lady, Louise, also said that she read this column. I was ecstatic that I had a reader and that she had recognised me after such a long time. I must
say that poor Jane had quite a time calming me down and getting me and my totally swollen head off the train. Sign number two! The third sign came very unexpectedly. We have a truly lovely guy called Tom who works for us and last Friday I was telling him about my fantastic experience on the train when he said quite matter of factly, “You were on television, weren’t you?” “Yes, I was,” I replied, quite surprised. “Well,” he said, “I saw you on that programme before I came here and when I came for my interview, I recognised you. Also, other people say that they think they know you from somewhere and I tell them you are a very famous author who is on the telly!!” I know Tom is wearing very rose-tinted spectacles and indulging in a bit of hyperbole, but how amazing that he has worked for us all this time and has never mentioned it before. In case Gran has been having a little snooze for the past couple of weeks, let me tell you she has really woken up with a vengeance. I asked her to give me a sign that things were going along the track I wanted and she paid me in spades. So if you are in a bit of a muddle about what you really, really want, think about it really, really hard and ask the spirit world to help. You too could be given a sign. *Sarah Monaghan at soulwardbound@gmail.com The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.
Western News 16 Februuary 2018 Issue 53
12
WESTERN HISTORY
CONVICT Extraordinaire The Story of Arthur Bristol (1808 – 1884) By Paul Wheel
rough weather, with long and irregular hours. Two years passed then in September 1828 he was implicated, with other members of the he rural serenity of a village boat crew, in the theft of ‘a bag of dollars’ from graveyard at Murringo, near Young, the baggage of the vessel ‘Nimrod’ which was belies the turbulent life of Arthur preparing to leave for Singapore. Bristol’s Bristol whose body was laid at rest there share of over 23 pounds was passed to a hutin 1884. keeper in an attempt to avoid detection (the Arthur was a son of Arthur and Elizabeth hut-keeper later refused to hand it back, there Bristol (nee Burke). His father was a being little honour among thieves). Bristol whitesmith and appears to have been born and his accomplices were found guilty and he in Nottingham, in the midlands of England. was sentenced to ‘a penal settlement’ for three In March 1823, Arthur Bristol in company years. After being held on the hulk, ‘Phoenix’ of others, stole a shawl worth 10 shillings (moored at Lavender Bay) for three months, from a shop in Leicester. He was sentenced he was transferred to the transport ship, ‘City to nine months imprisonment with hard of Edinburgh’ bound for Moreton Bay with labour, however within 10 days of his 167 other convicts. Even before the ship left release he re-offended, stealing a tea caddy Sydney a violent attempted mutiny by some worth two shillings and six pence and of the prisoners had to be quelled, resulting containing one shilling and three pence. in eight prisoners being wounded by gunshot, The penalty was raised to 12 months nine being flogged, and all the prisoners being imprisonment with hard labour, in the hope handcuffed and put in irons. that “by sending him to what he had not Bristol’s three years at Moreton Bay and been accustomed to (a little wholesome nearby Eagle Farm settlements were from exercise), he still might become a good January 1829 to February 1832. Located member of society”. The punishment where the city of Brisbane now stands, the failed to deter him from further criminal settlement was noted for its harshness and activity, as within a year of serving his brutality. His time there was characterised time, Bristol was facing the death penalty Arthur Bristol by fatal outbreaks of illness (Bristol himself for the burglary of a hat and other articles being briefly hospitalised with ophthalmia), murderous attacks from valued at five shillings. He was spared the hangman by being granted aborigines (even the Commandant Patrick Logan lost his life in this the Royal Mercy on condition that he was transported for life to New manner), prisoners being executed and with many escapes. Bristol South Wales or Van Dieman’s Land. This was in April 1826. He was discharged back to Sydney on the ‘Isabella’ and reassigned to the was described as having a stout frame, just over 5’ 6” with a fair Customs boat crew,s though certainly he would have been hardened complexion, light brown hair and grey eyes. and aged beyond his 23 years, if not chastened by the experience. Bristol arrived in Sydney on the ‘Albion’ in February 1827, with In October 1833 Bristol was found drunk and disorderly after hours 191 other male convicts. Following a brief assignment to Joseph and ‘very insolent’, for which he received 25 lashes and returned Underwood (a merchant and shipowner who traded mainly in seal to service on the boats. Then in May 1834, he absconded from this skins and seal oil from the South Pacific), he was assigned with four service, only to be seized about a month later at Parramatta. This other convicts to the boat crews of the Surveyor and Searcher of cost him 14 days on the treadmill at Parramatta Gaol. Within a few Customs. The duties of Customs were to meet and board all arriving weeks he absconded again. He was caught soon after in Sydney and vessels, determine their name and tonnage, master’s name, last port sentenced to 12 months hard labour in irons, which usually meant of call and the nature of the cargo, assess and collect any duties manacles chained to leg-irons. payable, obtain clearance dockets, supervise unloading etc. For the Continues next issue.... small boat crew it was arduous work, often extremely dangerous in
T
Innovation Roof Restoration
Are you happy with the look of your roof?
Best rates in town!
SENIOR DISCOUNTS
Licence No. 251151c
Call Kurtis on 0475 555 000 for a free quote All work comes with a 5 year guarantee
BEFORE
AFTER
Western News
I
THE FUTURE OF INTEREST ONLY LOANS
t’s not as easy as it once was to apply for an interest-only loan. Over the last couple of months lending for this type of investment loan has been tightened in an effort to slow the pace of record growth in investment home loans. Lenders are under pressure by government regulatory bodies to make it less attractive to take out interest-only loans, a strategy which is hoped will protect investors and achieve sustainable growth in the home loan market. Lenders have responded to the crack-down in different ways. Some now ask for larger deposits for investor loans or have scraped discounts they previously offered. Others have begun to price loans with principle and interest repayments cheaper than interest only loans. Still others now offer better discounts on owner occupied loans or allow investors to borrow less than owner occupiers.
Which way to turn? As these changes are not uniform across the industry, but vary from lender to lender, it has been difficult for investors to know which way to turn. We have had many clients come to us worried about whether the changes affect their existing loans or what they should do when they make a change or try to restructure their loan. As your mortgage broker, we are in touch with latest changes occurring in the industry and can seek out the best options to suit your particular needs. Should you take out an interest-only loan? Interest-only loans can be a tax-effective way to invest in property, but they are most effective when accompanied by advice and tax planning. Because the monthly repayments are minimal for a specified amount of time (usually between 1-5 years), it offers to method to free up funds in the
short term for other investments, renovations or to pay off non-tax deductible debt like credit cards and car finance. However problems start when the interest only period ends and borrowers who haven’t planned their finances carefully are unable to pay off the principle amount, along with the interest. If property prices fall and you are forced to sell, you may end up selling for a loss. The other drawback is that because you are only paying off interest, your original loan amount doesn’t reduce because you are not paying any of it back, which equates to a considerably higher cost over the full term of the loan.
13 Western News 16 February 2018 Issue 53
Alex Soncini
REAL ESTATE
Speak to a Wealthwiz Wealth Manager who can help you understand your financial needs and options. Contact Alex Soncini on 0419 600 177 or alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au.
@wealthwiz
#wealthwizau
WealthWiz Wealth Management Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au
EMMAUS CATHOLIC COLLEGE
OPEN NIGHT ON Wednesday 28th February General Information 6pm-6.30pm - in the College Hall Tours of the College 6.30pm-8.30pm (Enrolment Applications for 2019 will be available at that time)
A co-educational secondary college meeting the learning needs of all students, giving them the best preparation for life in the 21st Century. We are committed to providing the best possible learning and teaching of the whole person as part of a rich tradition of catholic education. Students and Parents at Emmaus experience: • a College with strong traditional catholic values and high expectations of all its students • a place where prayer and sacrament life are valued and nurtured • a place where relationships are characterised by dignity, respect and authenticity • a learning environment of challenge, inquiry and innovation, where each student is expected to achieve personal excellence • a Year 7 integration program (HERE) in HSIE, English and RE • a broad choice of course offerings across Years 9 - 12 • a BYOD (bring your own device) program enriching the learning environment in a blended way • VET courses and university and TAFE linked courses in Years 11 - 12 • a wide variety of sports played at a representative level and cultural opportunities including Visual Arts, Digital Photography, Mock Trial and Music recitals • a highly qualified and committed teaching staff • a community where personal responsibility and justice are valued and expected • a peaceful and beautiful rural setting.
Emmaus Catholic College is a Catholic, dynamic, learning community where parents, staff and families “Walk with Jesus”
87-109 Bakers Lane, Kemps Creek NSW 2178 For further details, application and prospectus, please contact Mrs Biermann or Ms Chebatte on 9670 8300 or visit www.emmaus.kempscreek.catholic.edu.au
WORD SEARCH
Western News 16 Februuary 2018 Issue 53
Western News
SUDOKU: EASY
ENTERTAINMENT
14
SOLUTION: 2 February
Teeth BICUSPID
DENTURES
INCISOR
BRIDGE
ENAMEL
MOLAR
CAVITY
FILLING
ROOT
CROWN
FLOSS
TARTAR
DECAY
FLUORIDE
TOOTHBRUSH
DENTIST
GUMS
TOOTHPASTE
INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 Clean (4) 9 Medicines (5) 10 Coquette (4) 11 Ladybug or weevil (6) 12 Worthy of quotation (8) 13 Something transitory (8) 15 Flashing light (6) 17 Dried grapes (7) 19 Harmful (7) 22 Biblical heroine (6) 24 Revealing (8) 26 Cellar (8) 28 Cerumen (6) 30 Ore deposit (4) 31 Type of moth (5) 32 Close by (4)
solution 2/2/18
down 1 Having wisdom (4) 2 Breaks (8) 3 Glue (6) 4 Small orange-colored fruit (7) 5 Adopted (a cause) (8) 6 Mar (6) 7 A Freudian stage (4) 14 Fruits (5) 16 Sink (5) 18 Vikings (8) 20 Hold sacred (8) 21 Trace (7) 23 Paid attention to (6) 25 Lyrical prose (6) 27 Assert (4) 29 At a distant place (4)
Western News
SPORT
A
FL will hit Blacktown in a big way with the both men’s and women’s Greater Western Sydney Giants teams playing home matches at Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney. The GWS Giants women return to the Sportspark for the AFLW competition, taking on the Adelaide Crows on Sunday 25 February at 4.35pm. They will then kick on to the Sportspark against the Brisbane Lions on Friday 16 March at 7.05pm. Entry to both games is free with lots of family fun including AFL clinics for the kids, giveaways and plenty of on field action. But the AFL Action doesn’t end there! Cross town rivals the Sydney Swans will take on the pride of the West – the GWS Giants in the JLT Community round on Friday 9 March. The preseason competition is a chance for teams to bring high quality AFL right into the backyards of fans. Tickets are on sale now for as little as $40 for a family of 6 (2 adults and 4 juniors) Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali MP is excited to play host to such high calibre AFL competition in Blacktown. “I’m looking forward to another fantastic season of AFL at the Sportspark and what better way to kick it off than with 3 Giant AFL matches”. “I encourage all footy fans to come down and show their support for Western Sydney’s very own GWS Giants in both the AFLW and JLT competitions”. For more information, visit www. blacktownsportspark.com.au or contact AFL NSW/ ACT on 02 8867 7400.
Wanderers looking for three straight victories By CONNER LOWE
T
he Western Sydney Wanderers are currently sitting in 6th position on the ladder after a comfortable 4-nil victory over the Wellington Phoenix on Sunday afternoon. It’s the first time this season the Western Sydney club have won back to back games after beating the Central Coast Mariners 2-1 the week before. Fans will hope this form continues and the Wanderers can maintain an unbeaten record to secure that finals spot as we get closer to the end of the season. It was a comfortable victory for the Wanderers in the end with four different players finding the back of the net and new boy on loan from Italian club Lazio Christopher Oikonomidis scoring a goal for the club after starting on his debut. It was Oriol Riera scoring the opening goal as Jaushua Sotirio and Michael Thwaite also found their scoring touch to round off the emphatic 4-0 victory. The Western Sydney Co-Captain spoke about the squad’s mentality and how working hard week in and week out will the club to close out a finals position. “Our mentality towards the game was important we need to continue that for the season which is a nonnegotiable for us, and it is vital that we go out every game with the same mentality as we did against the Central Coast and Wellington,” said Hamill. “I think the boys have really come together this week, we’ve worked extra hard and we know how important this next run of games is to get into some good form, put in some good performances and earn three points week-in-week-out. “We know what’s at stake and we want to push up the table as much as we can. We’ve got this game
in hand and a win here can get us up the table and that’s our goal. We have to show up on Friday, roll up our sleeves and put in a good performance.” The Wanderers will now face the Newcastle Jets at Spotless Stadium on Friday. The Western Sydney Club will hope that a repeat of the last game doesn’t
occur after being defeated 4-0 by Newcastle earlier in the season. Newcastle are still in good form at the moment and currently sit second on the ladder. The Wanderers face a huge task to continue their winning run with Newcastle looking to close the gap with first place Sydney FC.
Western News 16 February 2018 Issue 53
GIANT AFL games hit the Blacktown area!
15
Western News Friday, 16 February 2018
SPORT
Blacktown swimmers wash away the competition
E
verything went swimmingly for Blacktown City Swimming Club members at Brighton Beach in South Australia on Saturday 27 January 2018. The Blacktown City Swimming Club, which trains at Blacktown Aquatic Centre 6 times a week, sent 4 swimmers, along with Head Coach, Haibin Zhu, to compete in the 2018 Australian Open Water Swimming Championships. The conditions on the day were perfect, and Blacktown swimmers all recorded personal bests, with the following results: • Matthew Galea placed 1st in the 17 years boys 5km event with a time of 56.50 minutes • Madeline Franjic placed 9th in the 17 years girls 5km event with a time of 1:04.45.01 • Angela Wooden recorded a new personal best of 1:10.33.01 (qualifying her for next year’s championships) • John Higgins competed in the 2.5km non-championship event with a time of 37:59 This was Angela’s first National Championship, John’s second 2.5km non-championship event and Madeline
and Matthew’s third National Open Water Event. Two years ago both Madeline and Matthew were ranked 32nd at this event, showing how far they have come in such a short time. Blacktown Aquatic Centre has been supporting the Blacktown City
Swimming Club since 1961 and Mayor Stephen Bali says it is great to see such wonderful results. “Congratulations to each swimmer who competed at the National Championships and for bringing back such great results. We are proud that
our 50 metre competition pool helped prepare these swimmers to compete at a national level” said Mayor Bali. To find out more about Blacktown City Swimming Club, please visit https://blacktowncity.swimming.org. au/.