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, 22 December 2017
ISSUE 50
A very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year to all
Merry Christmas Western News wishes all our advertising sponsors, columnists and readers a very Merry Christmas. Our next edition back is January 19, 2018.
z d i KBlitz
n e w n p o o t o t k h r eme Bblac stan Running 7.30 am - 6 pm Monday 18 to Friday 22 December 2017 & Monday 8 to Thursday 24 January 2018
D AY R A M I L O H G PRO BLACKTOWN Boyd St, Blacktown 2148 Ph: 02 9622 2279
$ 4
43
PER PERCHILD DAY
EMERTON Jersey Road, Emerton 2770 Ph: 02 8822 6000 STANHOPE Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens 2768 Ph: 02 9421 2600
2
Western News 22 December 2017 Issue 50
Santa Colour In
RFS serves up Christmas lunch By Keegan Thomson
VOLUNTEER fire fighters from across NSW and western Sydney will donate more than 18 tonnes of food to underprivileged families this Christmas as a part of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) NSW Stuff Your Chopper food drive. This year the RFS has outdone last year’s attempt of nearly 13 tonnes, and the Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons is more than happy with the results. “Across NSW our members and their communities have not held back, digging deep and donating items of non perishable food to support Foodbank NSW & ACT,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said. “A big thank you goes to all our members, local communities and business that have come on board to support a worthwhile organisation. “From brigades banding together to fill boxes of food, to companies like Arnott’s and Coca-Cola Amatil supporting the cause as well,” he said. The Stuff Your Chopper initiative came about after the NSW Police Aviation team directly challenged the RFS to see who could collect the most
amount of food for charity. “Last year NSW Police decided to take up the idea that originated overseas, to fill an aircraft with items for a nominated charity and this year they have again thrown the challenge to all NSW emergency services in the name of supporting those doing it tough at this time of year,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said. Commissioner Fitzsimmons has
congratulated the effort of the NSW Police this year with their chopper being stuffed with goods weighing around 1,250 kilograms. “There’s no denying cops are tops. However, in the spirit of the challenge, we feel our more than 18 tonne donation says it all about the support our members have for local communities,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
Foodbank is Australia’s largest hunger relief organisation, providing 63 million meals a day to over 2,600 charities and 1,750 schools. Each year it distributes over 35 million kilograms of food and groceries that’s the equivalent of over 172,000 meals a day. Gerry Andersen, CEO of Foodbank NSW & ACT thanked the charity efforts of the emergency service workers and volunteers. “As we come into the festive season it’s important to remember the 3.6 million Aussies who have experienced food insecurity and might be doing it tough over the next couple of weeks,” Mr Anderson said. “Christmas shouldn’t be spent stressing about where the next meal is coming from, but with hunger in NSW and the ACT reaching crisis point, this is a reality many everyday Aussie families face. A huge thanks to NSW emergency services for their amazing efforts and support towards our goal of eliminating food insecurity,” he said. The truckloads of food were delivered and put on display at the Foodbank NSW headquarters in Glendenning.
3 Western News 22 December 2017 Issue 50
localnews
Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
4 Western News 22 December 2017 Issue 50
Western News Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: General Manager: Sales: Journalist: Journalist: Sports Journalist: Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Photographer: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:
by Kerrie Davies
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.
From the Editor’s Desk
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
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
Let us Help you Avoid Bill Shock Speak to a local solar expert on the smart energy choice for your home
www.nepeansolar.com.au
AS I write my final column for 2017, I am filled with overwhelming sadness. My beautiful mother lost her final battle last week. It has been a very challenging year for her and I have written about the hurdles she has faced many times in this space. She fought every battle so courageously and even when the chips were down, she’d still find that smile to brighten everyone else’s day with. She had so many family and friends at Springwood Hospital on the day that was to be her last, that we couldn’t all fit in the room, she was so loved. It hurt so much to let her go, knowing that something as simple as holding her hand would be something we would never be able to do again. Life is so incredibly precious, so please, this Christmas, remember to hug your loved ones at every opportunity. Stay safe, especially on the roads, and ensure your family is not faced with a traumatic Christmas. I’ll take this opportunity on behalf of Bart and myself to thank our dedicated staff, columnists wonderful advertising sponsors and readers for your support again this year. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and New Year, and we’ll be back on 19th January 2018. RIP Mum xx
A Charitable local Santa By Keegan Thomson
SANTA Claus has landed his sleigh in Colyton at the home of local charity man and community advocate George Asciak. For the 15th year in a row Mr Asciak is donning the big red suit to put smiles on the faces of children from all across Sydney whilst raising a little bit of money for local charity. This year Mr Asciak is donating the proceeds of his Christmas light display and Santa show to the Nepean Hospital. Already he has raised nearly $1000 and he intends to raise around $2500. All of the charity work Mr Asciak does during his Christmas light and Santa extravaganza came from one simple interaction with a disabled young boy during Christmas a number of years back. “It all started when I had a young man come here with his autistic son. The young boy was in a stroller and I was handing out presents and chatting away to kids on the stage,” Mr Asciak said. “When I had a spare minute I came down and spent some quality time
Santa with his grandson Xavier. Photo: Kennedi Geyer
with the autistic boy and gave him a present and some high fives. “Afterwards his dad came back over and offered me $50. He was so appreciative of the time I spent with his son that he wanted to pay me,” he said.
Being a charity man Mr Asciak refused the money but suggest he donate it to charity. Since then Mr Asciak and his wife, Cathy Asciak, have been raising money for local hospitals during their annual Christmas shindig.
“Giving back, this is what Christmas is all about,” Mr Asciak said. “So much is being taken away from western Sydney, it is right to be able to give back something to the community instead of taking it away.” It is clear Mr Asciak doesn’t do any of this for his ego or his hip pocket. Each year he will set aside about $2000 of his own pension money to pay for presents and treats for the thousands of children who visit him each December. “Each child deserves something nice and something to give them a smile,” Mr Asciak said. Across the latter half of the year Mr Asciak’s two son’s Luke and Mark climb onto a hot roof and put up thousands of Christmas lights for the family’s charitable display. This year there is a Santa sleigh, a Santa throne and numerous fantastic light displays. The Asciak family have made sure the whole set up is completely accessible for children in prams and wheelchairs. The address of their Santa show and lights display is 7 Arcadia Place, Colyton. Santa will be sticking around between the hours of 8:00pm and midnight up until Christmas Eve.
5 Western News 22 December 2017 Issue 50
localnews
Est 1971
LOCAL COUNTRY INTERSTATE OFFICE REMOVALS AND STORAGE AVAILABLE PO Box 850 Kings Langley NSW 2147
Ph. 9622 5518 Fax. 9676 8511 Email: enquiries@gandsremovals.com.au www.gandsremovals.com.au
6
localnews
Western News 22 December 2017 Issue 50
Performance of a lifetime By Keegan Thomson
WESTERN Sydney St Clair boy, Jaxson Gray was a part of a concert of a lifetime when he performed on stage with former Beatles band member and contemporary music legend Paul McCartney. During the Sydney leg of his One on One tour, Paul McCartney surprised audiences with a special pipe band ensemble during his song Mull of Kintyre. The pipe band performing the number one hit song was western Sydney’s own Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band (GMMPB), with two of the members hailing from St Clair. Ten-year-old Jaxson Gray and his grandparents Barry & Liz Gray performed in the band and say the special event was a once in a lifetime opportunity. “For me it was a bit scary because I haven’t played with any really famous people before,” Jaxson said. “Nothing will ever match what we experienced. Scary, thrilling, exciting, all the emotions in one. It was unbelievable,” Mrs Gray said. Jaxson, who plays snare drum in the band, said he was inspired to join the GMMPB because of his Scottish heritage, his grandparents and his uncle.
Jaxson Gray stands centre of the group at the Paul McCartney concert.
After the performance of the song, Jaxson was ushered to the front of the stage to have a one on one Q and A session with Mr McCartney himself. “It was a little frightening because I was out the front and I hadn’t played in front of so many people,” Jaxson said. “But I think if I have more experience that nervousness will go away.” Mrs Gray, who performed with Paul McCartney 23 years ago, said she was most excited about the performance because she was able to share it with her grandson.
“I was more excited for him than I was for myself,” Mrs Gray said. “I was so excited for my grandson to be performing with such a star on stage with Paul McCartney, and for him to pick Jaxson out and talk to him in front of the crowd was the icing on the cake.” Retiring from the band a number of years ago, Mrs Gray was asked back to play in the band as a number of people were unable to attend due to school holiday commitments. Both Jaxson and his grandparents said despite his status as a well
known contemporary rock star, Paul McCartney has a very “down to earth” character. “He is such a normal nice guy, an everyday person, and he was really appreciative of what we did for him in our performance,” Mrs Gray said. “Afterwards he was very thankful for the efforts we put into the performance and he made sure the crowd received us well.” Any information or contacts for the band can be found on their website www.GMMPB.com.au
WOW FM off air By Keegan Thomson
ONE of western Sydney’s most popular and well known community radio station, 100.7 WOW FM, has been forced off air due to a burst fire hydrant in the Penrith City Council run building the station operates out of. In the late hours of the night of December 14, a fire hydrant burst flooding the St Marys offices of WOW FM as well as the Penrith Council library on Queen street. Dr. Bill Gayed, WOW FM’s Board President, said despite the station going off air there was thankfully no damage caused to their equipment. “Although no damage was caused to our premises, Penrith Council has closed the building for safety reasons,” Dr Gayed said in a statement. “Once the building clean-up is completed and electricity is safely reconnected we will return to our normal programming. “Until further notice the WOW FM Studio is closed and our normal
programs have been cancelled,” he said. Currently if you tune into WOW FM 100.7 you’ll hear the community radio network channel, which broadcasts generic programming to community stations across the country. A spokesperson from Penrith Council said due to the nature of the
damage they are still investigating how long it will take to fix the issue and get WOW FM back on air. “There has been extensive water damage to the building’s electrical system which has rendered it unsafe and unreliable for the Library and Council office and WOW FM to operate from at the moment,” the spokesperson said.
“We are working to restore normal operation as soon as possible.” WOW FM has been operating since 2001 when it first started broadcasting across western Sydney into St Marys, Mt Druitt, Penrith and Blacktown. Their programming includes a number of multicultural shows which are listened to by hundreds of households across the region.
Australia Day at Blacktown From cuddling koalas to celebrating local heroes and rocking out to live music, Blacktown City Council has Australia Day celebrations covered. Blacktown’s Australia Day begins with Wake Up with the Wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park, then continues with a special citizenship ceremony, followed by the announcement of the City’s Citizens of the Year. The day is concludes with a free Australia Day concert at The Rooty Hill, climaxing in Western Sydney’s largest fireworks display. Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali MP said more than 50,000 people were expected to attend Council’s Australia Day events. “Our Australia Day activities are hugely popular – and no wonder,” Mayor Bali said. “We have a range of fun, family friendly and exciting events for people of all ages. “I encourage everyone to join us on 26 January and celebrate our pride in being Australian and living in this great nation.” The Wake Up With The Wildlife event held at Featherdale Wildlife Park kick starts the entertainment program. From 7.00 am to 9.00 am, families and children will have the unique opportunity to visit the animals early in the morning and feed them breakfast. At 10.30 am Bowman Hall in Blacktown will host a special Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, where people from countries including India, the Philippines and Fiji will become Australian citizens. Following the ceremony, Mayor Bali will announce Blacktown City’s Australia Day Award winners. Celebrations continue from 3.30 pm with the free Australia Day Concert on The Rooty Hill. The concert features performances by Australian new wave band Pseudo Echo, and home-grown musicians
Christie Lamb and Diesel. There will also be free amusement rides, and circus-style and acrobatic performances. The concert will come to a spectacular close with Western Sydney’s largest fireworks display from 9.15 pm. “I encourage families and friends to head down early to The Rooty Hill for our family-friendly, alcohol-free annual Australia Day celebrations,” Mayor Bali said. “This year’s entertainment line-up is as exciting as it comes, with one of Australia’s most highly regarded rock bands, Diesel, performing live on stage.” “The event also features a fireworks extravaganza which never disappoints,” he said. Event details Media Note: Entry Passes are needed for Council events on Australia Day. Please contact the BCC Media Unit to arrange access and photography permissions. Wake up with the Wildlife Breakfast 7.00 am to 9.00 am Featherdale Wildlife Park, Kildare Road, Blacktown
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
Friday, 26 January 2017, from 7.00 am to 9.00 am, Featherdale Wildlife Park in Doonside. Bookings are required and spots are limited. Tickets are $3 per person, with all money raised donated to a nominated charity at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Bookings open at 8.00 am, Tuesday 9 January, online or in person. A sausage sizzle breakfast will also be available for purchase at the event, provided by the Lions Club. Featherdale Wildlife Park is located on Kildare Road, Blacktown. The ticket is only valid on Australia Day with entry between 7.00 am-9.00 am. This unique Australia Day experience is proudly sponsored by Featherdale Wildlife Park. Citizenship ceremony 10.30 am Bowman Hall, Campbell Street, Blacktown. The special Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony will begin at 10.30 am – 160 people have decided to become Australians on Australia Day. Australia Day at The Rooty Hill 4.00 pm – 9.30 pm, The Rooty Hill, Church Street Rooty Hill. Enjoy all the festivities of Australia Day 2017 at Council’s Australia Day
7 Western News 22 December 2017 Issue 50
localnews
Celebrations on The Rooty Hill. Including free amusement rides, circus style and acrobatics performers, and a fireworks spectacular to close the event. Featuring performances by Diesel, Pseudo Echo and Christie Lamb. The Rooty Hill is a 10 minute walk from Rooty Hill Railway Station or can be accessed by car via Eastern Road, Rooty Hill. Limited free parking is available. The highly anticipated, annual family-friendly, alcohol free event will be held at The Rooty Hill, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill. Limited parking is available. Stage program 3.30 pm gates open on Eastern Road, Rooty Hill 4.00 pm Jay Seeney Band 5.00 pm The Kami’s 6.00 pm Christie Lamb 6.45 pm Pseudo Echo 8.00 pm Diesel 9.15 pm fireworks spectacular 9.30 pm event close For more information on Blacktown City’s Australia Day celebrations and/ or changed traffic conditions, visit www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au or phone 9839 6000.
VIC’S MAXI TRANSPORT HIRE US FOR ALL YOUR BUS NEEDS! Phone
4732 2195 MULCH SALES 4m2 for $50
Victor & Cathy Glanville
Mob: 0416
14/14-18 Preston St, Penrith
157 668
enquiry@vicsmaxitransport.com.au
www.vicsmaxitransport.com.au
8
localnews
Western News 22 December 2017 Issue 50
Keep the kids busy these holidays By Keegan Thomson
SUMMER is here and for the next month the kids will be on school holidays. The challenge is to keep the kids away from the echoing “I’m bored” sounds, so Blacktown City Council has released their guilde to the summer school holidays. The Council’s school holiday guide is packed with suggestions for families looking for activities and outings over the summer school holidays. Mayor Stephen Bali welcomes the guide, saying it will keep kids entertained from the ages of 5 to 18. “The guide is a comprehensive listing of all the fun and exciting activities on offer around Blacktown City this December and January,” Cr Bali said. One of the highlights from the Council’s holiday guide is the International Sand Sculpting Exhibition, that will be on show from January 13 to 28. More than 250 tonnes of sand will bring characters from Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland to life thanks to six international and Australian based sand sculpture artists. Another stand out is the Lego display at Rouse Hill House and Farm where a replica of the historic heritage home of Rouse Hill House and Farm will be made completely out of Lego. There will be some 200,000 odd spare bricks for any young creative architect in the making who wants to design and build their own version of a historic house, or maybe they’ll want to build a spaceship or a castle? It is all up to you.
Cr Bali seemed exceptionally keen for the Lego display. “The LEGO display at Rouse Hill House and Farm is also sure to be popular,” Cr Bali said. “The Southern Hemisphere’s only LEGOcertified professional, Australian Ryan McNaught, will construct the historic Rouse Hill House, its outbuildings and stables from LEGO bricks. “For fans of LEGO and Rouse Hill House, this is an exhibition not to be missed.” Other activities in the guide include the annual Australia Day wildlife breakfast at Featherdale
Wildlife Park, Kidz Blitz holiday program, tennis clinics, art and craft workshops, Aqua Learn to Swim program and a Western Sydney Wanderers Football Clinic. “Our vacation-care program runs exciting indoor and outdoor programs that feature arts and crafts, literacy, numeracy activities, construction, science, nature and drama activities and team games,” Cr Bali said. To view the new digital Blacktown City School Holiday Guide Summer 2017/2018 visit the Council’s website for more info.
MP put on a festive morning tea
MICHELLE Rowland MP, Federal Member for Greenway, has held a festive Christmas morning tea for local seniors at Max Webber Library in Blacktown. Almost 150 local residents came together to celebrate Christmas spirit, sing along to Christmas carols and play Christmas bingo! Musical entertainment was provided
by students from Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown on the day, along with presentations from Blacktown Council, Department of Human Services and Dementia Australia. Representatives from Blacktown Ponds Lions Club were also present and kindly donated Christmas puddings for 5 lucky prize winners. “Thank you to all the residents
who attended my Seniors Christmas Morning Tea,” Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland MP said. “With Christmas just around the corner, it was a great chance to catch up with local residents and reflect on an eventful and busy 2017. “We sang along to many Christmas favourites, thanks to the musical talents of students from Patrician Brothers’
College, Blacktown, including Jingle Bells, Away in a Manger and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. “Christmas is a wonderful time of the year and I love getting together with local seniors at my Christmas Morning Tea each year to celebrate. I would like to wish everyone in the community a Merry and Safe Christmas,” Ms Rowland said.
localnews By Keegan Thomson
THIS CHRISTMAS we’re being reminded about the ongoing responsibilities of buying pets for gifts. Chair of Blacktown City Companion Animal Committee, Councillor Chris Quilkey warns pets are lifetime commitments and people need to think twice before buying a pet for someone at Christmas. “As the operators of the largest Animal Holding Facility in western Sydney, too often we end up with the mistakes people make,” Cr Quilkey said. “Too often unwanted pets end up in the Animal Holding Facility (AHF), because they were not suitable to the house or the new pet owners.” Cr Quilkey, an animal lover at heart, said the best option for anyone looking to purchase a pet is to visit the local Animal Holding Facility (AHF) or pound. “If you want to give a pet as a gift, why not make a day of it at the AHF where you and your friend or family can adopt the pet that suits your circumstances?” Cr Quilkey said. “It is better to go to a shelter facility and adopt the right pet from
Cr Chris Quilkey and Animal Education Officer Jacqueline Benito. Photo: Supplied
the huge choice available rather than for the animal to end up with us after Christmas because it was not suitable.” We might be occupied in getting a new pet, but what about our current fury friends? Blacktown Council’s Animal Education Officer, Jacqueline Benito, wants to remind pet owners not to forget about their pets during the warmer months of holiday season. “Owning a pet is a rewarding experience that comes with big responsibility,” Ms Benito said. “Pet owners should ensure their animals are healthy, well nourished, groomed, vaccinated, properly
exercised and socialised.” There are lots of exciting things happening for us humans to engage with this time of year, but some of those exciting events don’t gel well with animals. “From our experience we know this is the time of year when our intake increases due to pet owners being away on holidays, and fireworks or summer storms scaring them into running away,” Ms Benito said. “Make sure gates are secured and fences are checked to ensure pets are safe and contained over the holiday period.”
Sometimes all the yummy things we stuff ourselves silly with at Christmas can fall into the paws of our pets. Ms Benito warns we need to keep an eye on what our animals are eating throughout the festive period. “Christmas ham and turkey are suitable for pets but do not feed cooked bones or chocolate, pudding or lollies as these can be toxic, Ms Benito warned. “Don’t forget to leave out extra water and ensure shade is available on those hot days ahead.” It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure their pet’s microchip details are kept up to date to allow for address, phone number or email changes. Council recommends owners add a secondary contact, such as a friend’s mobile or the pet’s regular boarding facility. Also if you’re going away make sure you have someone trustworthy to look after your animals. Pet microchip details can be changed by logging into the NSW Pet Registry at https://www.petregistry. nsw.gov.au or by submitting a change of details form to the council To find out more about responsible pet ownership phone the Animal Holding Facility (9839 6161), ask your local vet or visit Council’s website www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au
Western News 22 December 2017 Issue 50
Make an adopted pet your Christmas gift
9
Is 2018 the year about you and your new kitchen!
Sign up with us from now until 31st January and you will receive free rip out and removal of your existing kitchen - normally at a cost of $850! If you don’t require rip out something to the equivalent value will be yours. East West Kitchens & Joinery 02 9673 2621 Unit 3/16 Links Rd, St Marys NSW 2760
free rip out
www.eastwestkitchens.com.au
10
localnews
Western News 22 December 2017 Issue 50
North or South: Vietnam’s major cities Halong Bay
There were five on a bike...
Temple front
Tam Coc
By Ben Cranney
I’ve had two Christmases overseas. One was in Hanoi, Northern Vietnam. Our hostel hosts were very gracious, celebrating something just because they knew we did, but it wasn’t the same, and I remember we spent Christmas Eve curled up on the bed, feeling sorry for ourselves. It was a silly approach. We were in a new place with all sorts of exciting experiences around the corner, but at that moment, we just wanted to be at home. We did head out, though, to find a city of Chinese temples on calm lakes and people sitting on ankle height
stools eating in the street. A city where you can visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, a cafe with a photo of Julia Gillard on the wall or the Hanoi Hilton, a prison used first by French colonists for Vietnamese political prisoners and later by the Vietnamese for US prisoners of war. But as incredible as the city is, my favourite bits in the north were past the city limits. Halong Bay can be visited in a day, although this makes time precious. So of course, we blew a tyre. But waiting on the side of the road was sightseeing itself. We played a game: ‘which passing motorbike had squeezed the most people on’,
with five the winning count. We made it, though, and were soon cruising amongst tips of mountains poking above the waterline. It’s an impressive place, and I think would be really special at sunrise or sunset, especially watching the sunrays over a floating village. Apparently, some residents never step foot on land and the sure footedness with which they ran across the boats made it easy to believe. More impressive than Halong Bay is Tam Coc, an inland day trip. We stopped on the way at a massive parade ground from an age past, Hua Lu. Sitting under a hill swallowed by
clouds and next to some ancient royal burials, it was very atmospheric, and it was easy to be taken to another time. But this was topped by Tam Coc itself, a flooded valley that we rowed through. A few families live in here, in tiny houses built on the small amount of ground above the water line. They ignored us as we rowed past, continuing to tend to their rice fields in waist high water. There’s plenty more to see, both in the north and south. But my favourite bit is the middle. I’ll save this, and my other overseas Christmas, for another time. Merry Christmas!
The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Sweet Dreams Are Made of This I have talked about dreams before in this column and how some people can predict the future through them. As I have also mentioned, both my daughter and I had different dreams before the dreadful tsunami occurred. Mine was of watching a giant wave heading towards me through a huge picture window and my daughter dreamed that she was in a beautiful bay from which all the water had drained away. Both these dreams stopped after that awful event made even more poignant by the fact that it hit on Boxing Day when people were in such celebratory mood. Luckily for both of us, we woke up before the wave hit or the water surged back and they do say that even in the worst nightmare, you wake up before your final agonies. My first husband’s brother, a very odd cove, was the exception. He had a dream that he was being hanged. The noose went round his neck, the lever was pulled to open the trap door and down he went - hanged by the neck until he was dead. But, as I said, he was a very peculiar chap. My friend Belinda had psychic dreams which were amazingly accurate. She kept a notebook by her bed and immediately upon waking wrote down what she had dreamt. But I never, with the exception of the tsunami, remember dreams. Probably because they are always extremely muddled and usually involve having fifty people for dinner and
only one leg of lamb, or some such anxiety. But there is a first time for everything and a few weeks ago I had my very first totally psychic dream. When I told my husband about it, he asked me how I knew it was a message from the spirit world and not just any old dream. It is a difficult question to answer but all I can say is that there was such a clarity and vividness about it that I had absolutely no doubt it was sent to me for a purpose. Those of you who know me or who read this column regularly will know that back in May my beautiful Golden Retriever died. I had brought him from England. He was my very special boy and I have had a very hard time getting over losing him.
When he died, my lovely friend Karina Machado who has written a fantastic book called Love Never Dies which deals with loved ones making contact after they have passed over asked me to let her know when the contact came. Well, it happened. I dreamed that I woke up one night to find Sydney dog on the mat next to my side of the bed where he always slept. I couldn’t believe it. I got out of bed and opened my arms to him. He ran into them and he felt so solid and substantial. I could feel his fur in my fingers. My daughter was there and she said, “Mummy, it’s a miracle. He’s come back to us.” I was so happy but then I woke up. I looked down I was so upset when I realised it had been a dream as I was sure he had come back to me, but then I realised that it was Spirit’s way of telling me that we are still together on some other plane and have not been parted. So, if you are missing loved ones at this time of year, do please remember that they are still with you and if you have one of those special dreams, please hold on to it. This is a magical time when miracles can happen and what could be a greater miracle than that little baby being born in the stable in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. A happy, healthy, peaceful and miraculous Christmas to you all. The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.
e n t e r t a i n m e n t Dive into Riverstone and Mount Druitt Swimming Centres this New Year Mount Druitt and Riverstone Swimming Centres will screen great family movies under the stars in January and February. Forget recliner chairs and indoor movie theatres! Council’s pools will transform into floating movie theatres this summer. Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said the Dive-In Movie events have proved extremely popular with many families enjoying a relaxed night at the pool over the past 2 summers. “The Dive-In Movie events are a great way to cool off during the summer season, while enjoying some family movie time,” said Mr Bali. “The Dive-In Movies are fantastic events for the whole community to enjoy and very affordable night out for families.” Gates will open at 7pm with the Movies splashing onto the screens are: movies starting at 8pm. Tickets are 13 January 2018 Riverstone Swimming Centre available at the gate. (Corner of Market Street & Garfield Road, Riverstone) Tickets for a single screening Mount Druitt Swimming Centre are $5 for children, $10 for adults 20 January 2018 (Ayres Grove, Mt Druitt) and $30 for a family (2 adults + 3 children or 1 adult + 4 children). 27 January 2018 Riverstone Swimming Centre There is also the option of (Corner of Market Street & Garfield Road, Riverstone) purchasing a ‘Family Platinum 3 February 2018 Mount Druitt Swimming Centre Pass’ which includes family entry (Ayres Grove, Mt Druitt) to all four movies for just $90.
January Scho o l Holidays
at The Joan
Western News 22 December 2017 Issue 50
11
Trolls (rated G) Finding Dory (rated G) Boss Baby (rated PG) Moana (rated PG)
ISAIAH FIREBRACE ONE SHOW ONLY! 21 Jan 7.30pm
The Joan’s 2018 Season gets off to an electrifying start when Isaiah Firebrace lights up the stage, opening the season on Sunday 21 January. Firebrace’s blazing success story from small-town NSW to Eurovision — picking up a coveted X Factor win along the way — has captured the hearts of many. When he launches into Don’t Come Easy you’ll be glad you bought the hottest ticket in town. Standard $65 Concession $60 OR SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!
HOLIDAY DANCE WORKSHOPS
SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY & THE JOAN
8 to 11 years | 15 and 16 January 9.30am–4pm each day
Nay Nay
12 to 16 years | 17 and 18 January
A fun and focused environment for young people to improve their dance technique and learn new routines under the direction of professional teachers and choreographers. Workshops are designed for passionate young dancers with some previous experience. Covering a variety of different dance styles (Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop and Street) for boys and girls 8–16 years, Sydney Dance Company holiday workshops offer an exciting and supportive environment to dance. Fee: $170 per 2-day workshop
HOLIDAY THEATRE WORKSHOPS
8 to 12 years | 23, 24, 25 January, 9am–4pm each day Angie Who
miniFEST! A summer holiday festival of music and film — just for kids (and their adults)!
A great opportunity for young artists to enjoy new aspects in theatre-making and share the experiences with new friends over their summer holidays. Workshops include costume design and storytelling and participants can join for a single day to experience one set of skills, or for the full three days of the program. Fees: $60 per day, $162 for 3-day package
13 to 17 years | 22, 23, 24 January, 10am–3pm each day Growing young performing artists can dive into specialised workshops covering Voice (including accents, Shakespeare’s voice, and sound exploration) and Movement (covering stage combat and physical theatre workshops). Participants can join a single workshop for a half- or full day, or for a multi-day package to enjoy a range of theatre skills on offer. Fees vary, check website.
Ages 3 – 10 | Tuesday 23 January 11am – 1.30pm This is the perfect way to break up those long summer days and get everyone out of the house for some holiday fun! The day starts in the mini-Music lounge with the magical melodies of singer-songwriter Angie Who, before moving into the Concert Hall for the very best of Little Big Shots — Australia’s number one international film festival for kids. All that entertainment will build your appetite, so after the screening we’ll be feeding hungry tummies — as part of the ticket price — before we head back to the Music Lounge for a special treat — Nay Nay, star of ABC Kids and creator of Tinkertime! Adult $35 Child $30 Family (4, at least one adult) $100 Ticket price includes lunch
PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 22 – 25 January
Focus Exhibition: Landing Points Have fun exploring the role of storytelling in contemporary art. Workshops include Comic Book Adventures, Collage Creations, Mask Making, Stamped Clay Tiles, Reverse Pastels, Landscape Drawing, Woven Watercolours. Check website for details: penrithregionalgallery.org Victoria Garcia UNITY, 2017 Pigmented ink printed on cotton linen, mixed media installation. Courtesy of the artist.
Visit www.thejoan.com.au for more info and bookings or call 4723 7600
Western News 22 December 2017 Issue 50
WORD SEARCH
Santa Claus BLITZEN CHIMNEY COMET CUPID DANCER DASHER DONNER HO HO HO MRS CLAUS NORTH POLE
PRANCER PRESENTS RED SUIT REINDEER RUDOLPH SLEIGH SNOW TOYS VIXEN
SUDOKU: EASY
e n t e r t a i n m e n t
12
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 1 Annoyed (8) 5 Cigarettes (slang) (6) 9 Holiness (8) 10 Pal (6) 12 Box or jar (9) 13 Coincides in their characteristics (5) 14 Moves (4) 16 Not cognizant of (7) 19 Collision (7) 21 University square (4) 24 A trademarked nickel-iron alloy (5) 25 Hard-hitting (9) 27 Attack (6) 28 Lose an unborn baby (8) 29 Resulted (6) 30 Ahead in development (8)
solution 8/12/17
down 1 Cut in two (6) 2 Calibrating an instrument (6) 3 Additional (5) 4 Prolongs (7) 6 Pot or grass (9) 7 A large covered flat-bottomed boat (8) 8 Avoid (8) 11 German for “Mrs” (4) 15 In another manner (9) 17 Guess (8) 18 Reaps (8) 20 Holes (4) 21 Asked (7) 22 Cloth (6) 23 Remained (6) 26 Hot chocolate (5)
Buried in a King’s Vault
M
ost of us know that the church and cemetery of St Mary Magdalene Anglican church in St Marys has a very old historical significance, especially as it was built by a NSW Governor’s family and as such has many of their ancestors sleeping in the graveyard. One such ancestor was James Lethbridge Templer buried in the King Family vault. James was born in Bridport in Dorset in England in November 1811 and the eldest of thirteen children. His parents were James Templer and Catherine Lethbridge. Catherine’s parents were Christopher Lethbridge & Mary “Polly” Copland. He was educated at a grammar school at Charmouth then at Charterhouse. His poems, some dating from his youth, were privately published in London in 1872 by his brother John Charles Templer. At the age of fifteen he entered the maritime service of the East India Company and was rapidly promoted. In 1835 he sailed to China as Commander of his uncle’s ship the Minerva. He resigned his command and began trading in the East but was unsuccessful and left China in 1839 to visit family in Sydney. In his handwritten journal started in China an account of a voyage to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) and New South Wales in the ship the “Young Queen”. He was a prolific artist and filled many sketchbooks in his short lifetime. The Mitchell Library holds a copy of an Australian sketchbook depicting the landscape and buildings of the Penrith area where his uncle Robert Copland Lethbridge had settled. James was given painting lessons by his mother. He was an admirer of Conrad Martens whom he met in Sydney in 1839 and made several copies of Martens’ work. James was a competent painter of both landscape and animals and was said to possess “an absolute passion for the horse and hound” and his album also contains drawings of a kangaroo hunt where he took part. He had a keen appreciation of horseflesh and his journal documents his efforts to paint various horses from the stables of the Australian Agricultural Company for his Uncle, especially a finished watercolour of “Beagle” an Australian Bred Horse and the Property of Captain Phillip Parker King, R.N & dated December 1839 held by the Mitchell Library together with other watercolour portraits of horses. James made a sketch of St Stephens Church in June 1839 a month before the Church at Penrith was officially consecrated. This rare drawing is one of a series of sketches he made that year while staying in the district. During the latter part of 1839 when he stayed with Phillip Parker King’s family at Tahlee near Port Stephens he came into close contact with the local Aborigines. At this early period when settlement was making further advances into areas traditionally occupied by the Aborigines and when great tension existed in the more remote areas of the colony, James’ journal shows a real interest in Aboriginal custom and ceremonies. On a number of occasions he records the employment of Aborigines as crewmen on local boats and ferries and also gives a detailed account of a ceremony (‘corroboree’) presented apparently as an exhibition for the entertainment of visitors. This account includes details of body painting in preparation for the event but finishes with the observation that the performance probably lacked the liveliness and authenticity it might have when conducted out of sight of European spectators. Towards the end of his stay at Port Stephens he reports
the details of a Christmas feast given to the Aborigines at Carrington Flat. This comprised of a whole Bullock (roasted in 4 quarters) along with a couple of large plum puddings and lots of tea and damper. In October 1840 while living in Sydney James decided to pursue a career as a cattle and horse breeder at Erskine Park where he had a problem with a runaway worker convict named Thomas Coker aged 28 who had come on the “Captain Cook” from Uxbridge whose occupation was a butcher and soldier and worked for James who had given him a pass to Parramatta on his behalf where he absconded and was on the run for nine days before being apprehended. In 1844 the first District Agricultural Show was held at St Marys on a portion of the land owned by Andrew Thompson and James wrote the following poem called SPEED THE PLOUGH:In the days of my youth when the trumpet of war, by Gallia’s usurper was sounded afar The patriot toast at each Englishman’s board, after “ King, Church, and State” was “Success to the Sword” But the fierce foemen vanquished his victories’ vain, merry peace smiles around us triumphant again And the first bumper toast that we will drink now, will be “Victoria the Queen and Success to the Plough” Rejoicing in peace see the well-tilled field, its plentiful store to the husbandman yield. His labours with increase abundant repay, while manure its fertility keeps from decay. Where heretofore one vast dense forest appeared, trees are fallen logs burned and the land is now cleared Age leaving a rich crop of wheat even now, then “Here’s Prince Albert’s Health and Success to the Plough” Though o’er us the fell storm of ruin has past, our English energy will conquer at last We’ll not tamely be driven by Government sway, but its imposts despotic expose to full day Our Queen will the husbandman’s labours protect, his exertions rewarded and his freedom respect Whilst the Church his full claim to her care will allow, then “Here’s England’s Church and Success to the Plough” For the husbandman’s wealth is the wealth of the State, without agriculture would England be great? Dependent on others to bring her her food, can such short-sighted maxims one moment hold good? Even here, if on Chili for wheat we rely, and her crops fail where can we get a supply? All the wheat all the grain we consume let us grow, then “Here’s to St Marys and Success to the Plough” Sadly, in August 1845 James aged 33was killed instantly when returning with some friends from a picnic in Richmond when he was thrown by his horse against a tree.
Sources: Trove, Nepean Times, Ancestry, State Library of NSW, Sketch of James courtesy of National Library of Australia. Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
13 Western NepeanNews News 22 19December February 2015 2017Issue Issue143 50
westernhistory
14
realestate
Western News 22 December 2017 Issue 50
Coach’s Corner
Brock Shepperd
Wests Harold Matthews Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com
Adapting Your Coaching Method To Enhance Athletic Intelligence When looking specifically at sport coaching the traditional approach is to teach the player the rules of the game, skills, plays and techniques. In this approach there are problems and more often than not only one way to solve them. The problem solving approach would encourage players to participate in open games in a variety of different environments. During these games the players learn how to solve different problems in different ways through various scenarios in an open environment. The players learn how to solve problems through creativity using their intuition. Great athletes who consistently make great plays a lot of the time cannot explain why they made a certain decision or movement. The notion that it felt right or came naturally is often the feedback from the athlete to explain the result of the play. When Johnathon Thurston or Cooper Cronk throws a pin point pass
Alex Soncini
for a try commentators will often use lines like ‘He is a freak’ or ‘Has eyes in the back of his head’. There is a logical reason for the level of play you have just witnessed, the player has analysed the situation and anticipated the movement of his team mates and made a split second decision based on the defensive pattern the opposition has demonstrated. The ability to execute this skill at such an elite level comes down to athletic intelligence not physical brilliance. The athlete has been tutored and trained through thousands of similar situations in game and training scenarios. Through these experiences the player has become finely tuned in terms of the precision and accuracy of their decision making ability under pressure and more often than not makes the correct decision which results in positive plays for their team. Academically moving a pen to write the answer to a difficult problem
is the physical representation of intelligence. However we all know the movement of the pen does not separate the greatest academics from the uneducated. What separates these individuals is the level of intelligence and ability to problem solve. When Cameron Smith throws a pass for Billy Slater to break the line and score, the genius is not the pass but to solve the problem the defence has posed while under stress during a game. Our perceptions of elite athletes need to change. We should embrace the learning and skill development that occurs through playing sports and encourage children to engage in outdoor activity to complement their academic pursuits. The physical feats are our visual perception of a genius intellect solving thousands of problems throughout a Rugby League game under fatigue and pressure. These problems enhance the athlete’s cognitive perceptual skills.
When coaches allow athletes to make decisions freely rather than following structured plays or game plans it builds the athletes ability to be flexible and become creative. This intelligence as highlighted in the studies transfers off the field. The challenge as coaches is to recreate difficult game scenarios within the training environment to best replicate the on field problems the players have to solve when on the field of play. The more the athletes can do this within a training environment the more intelligent and able to solve problems they become through repetition and quality practice. Coaches often want their training sessions to ‘look’ organised and structured to onlookers and those in positions of influence above them… But the priority should be to create a training environment which best enhances the player and team performance on the field.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Wealthwiz would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a fantastic new year! It’s been an eventful year and we would like to say thank you for helping us achieve another successful one. During 2017 Wealthwiz have been nominated for multiple awards, and making finalist in two, we continue to improve our technology and social media offering and we are refurbishing the office, soon to be completed in early 2018. If you are not already following us on Twitter and Facebook please check out our pages via the links below for the latest in all things Sydney, property and mortgage related. We will continue to happily provide updates on the current market issues and information on everything to do with your home, investments, business and loans. We have some exciting projects and new offerings for 2018 so stay tuned and thank you for your continued support. If you have any queries then please do not hesitate to contact us, either through email alex.soncini@ wealthwiz.com.au or call Alex on 0419 600 177 and we will respond to you as quickly as we can. Over the Christmas and New Year period we will be working part time however we are still available to assist with any urgent requirements.
@wealthwiz
#wealthwizau
WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au
sport
On Tuesday the 12th of December we had our Inaugural ‘Wild Panther Fitness’ Members Golf Day at Penrith Golf Club which was a massive success. Over 50 competition winners played 18 holes of Golf and enjoyed a fun filled afternoon of food, drinks and laughter. It was great to see all the people interact, of whom travelled far and wide to participate in the day. Here are some pics of the day.. And from all the team here at Wild Panther Fitness, we would like to wish everyone a Happy and safe New Year.
Western News 22 December 2017 Issue 50
Strengthen your weakness with Scott Lewis
15
Innovation Roof Restoration Are you happy with the look of your roof?
Best rates in town!
Licence No. 251151c
Call Kurtis on
SENIOR DISCOUNTS
0475 555 000 for a free quote
BEFORE
AFTER
All work comes with a 5 year guarantee
Western News
sport
Friday, 22 December 2017
What a year it was for Team Geyer!!
As we close in on the best and most important time of the year, of course that being the Christmas festivities, it’s important to look back on the year you’ve just completed. Personally, I’ve had a year to remember for more reasons than one. It started way back in January when my youngest son Mavrik turned 16, in turn becoming an L plate driver. Yakes! He will soon be a P plate driver. In April my middle daughter Kennedi turned 18 in turn becoming an ‘official’ adult. Our first beer together at the pub once it was legal was memorable. In May my youngest daughter Raff reached double figures turning 10, two days before that my oldest daughter Montanna turned 21. Big night. In June my parents Maxine and Kevin celebrated a magnificent milestone, their 50th wedding anniversary!! Amazing effort considering today’s climate of broken marriages. We sent them on a much deserved cruise to
Merry Christmas from me and my family and friends to you all
The holidays are here!
celebrate their fete. In October my dad turned 70, then this month I turned 50! (7th). Now THATS a year of personal achievements in the Geyer Family. It also has its fair share of sadness with a few friends and acquaintances passing away and leaving us. Christmas in my opinion is a time of reflection. Also a time to ponder. Most importantly it’s
a time to cherish and share with those that are closest to you, your family and friends. In wishing every single reader of my column a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, can I also take this time to wish the charities I align myself with all the best also. The Great Walk Foundation, Epilepsy Australia, Blue Datto, The Cancer Council, and
R I C H M O N D
Save our Sons. All charities that are changing lives profoundly in more ways than one. It’s been an amazingly quick 2017, I can’t wait to chat to you all again in 2018- the year of the Panther!! See you at the game.
MG (random Westie) OAM
C L U B
new years eve from 8pm 80s Flashback It’s the final countdown to 2018 Dress up in your best [worst] 80s fashion Prizes - Suprises - Specials
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT
Star Buffet Seafood Christmas Lunch Special
$51.90PP CHILDREN $3.80X AGE UNDER 12 YEARS BOOK NOW: 4578 1542 6 East Market St Richmond
richmondclub.com.au
4578 1144