Westernnews 23september2016

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Friday, 23 September 2016

ISSUE 19

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Local ge Kellyville Rid resident n-Jones Jodi Elkingto ze medals won two bron n - read more o page 6.

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M A R S D E N PA R K

Western Sydney schools at breaking point

By Keegan Thomson

THE Baird Government is failing to provide the classrooms needed for western Sydney’s population growth according to the State Opposition.

New data obtained by the NSW Opposition under a freedom of information request revealed a third of NSW classrooms have either reached or are well above capacity.

In Blacktown the most overcrowded schools are Coreen Public School at Blacktown (110 per cent capacity), William Rose School (107 per cent capacity) at Seven Hills and Blacktown South Public School (103 per cent capacity capacity).

Across the electorates of Londonderry, Penrith and Mulgoa there were 25 schools at 100 per cent capacity, and across the Blacktown there were 15 more schools faced with the same situation.

According to the Opposition many more schools across the west are housing more students than they could handle.

MP for Londonderry, Prue Car has criticised what she says is the government’s lack of dedication to the west, saying the Baird Government

Prue Car MP in front of St Marys High School

has fallen short in delivering school in those regions that desperately need it.

“The Baird Government has fallen so far behind in delivering new classrooms in the booming regions of Sydney that it will take at least 45 years to catch up,” Ms Car said.

She again drew attention to the promised school in Jordan Springs, something which the government ran as an election promise but have yet to deliver on.

“We have been promised a new school in Jordan Springs to start taking pressure off local schools, but the Government is refusing to say when construction will begin,” she said.

With the rise in student numbers and the lack of classroom space, schools

that are above capacity have to make the decision to either place more demountable classrooms on shrinking school space or continue teaching in overcrowded classrooms.

“Children in Western Sydney are being crammed into classrooms like battery hens because the Baird Government can’t keep a promise,” Ms Car said. “The Government needs to do more than talk about fixing the overcrowding crisis; it needs to build the classrooms the community desperately needs.”

At the beginning of the month, Premier Mike Baird announced 40 more classrooms would be built at five different schools across western Sydney, Blacktown would missed out.

Teen charged A TEEN from Colyton has been charged following investigations into a stabbing at Mt Druitt earlier this month.

Just after 12.30am on Sunday September 11, emergency services were called to North Parade, Mt Druitt, following reports a youth had been stabbed.

Officers from Mt Druitt police station attended and found a 17-year-old boy on the footpath with a stab wound.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being taken to Westmead Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Following an investigation police attended a home in Colyton and arrested a 17-year-old teenager.

He was taken to Mt Druitt Police Station and charged with affray and cause wounding to person with intent to murder.

The teen was refused bail to appear before a Children’s Court.

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3 Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

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4 Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

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Prospect

From the Editor’s Desk

by Kerrie Davies THE below picture was taken of my husband Greg and I one sunny afternoon at Rosehill Races. As I smiled into the camera, little did I know that just a few months down the track, my silly cheesy grin would feature on the pages of just about every news outlet across the county, and a few overseas ones to boot.

If you recognise me, you probably already know the story.

If you don’t, here’s the background. I was rushing around last Saturday to get ready for the Music 4 Life Ball. I decided to duck over to Westfield to look at some dresses, and as I walked past a hair salon, I thought I could save some time if I got a shampoo blow-dry.

In hindsight, had I gone in search of a dress first, I would have discovered before the point of irreversible embarrassment that I’d left my wallet in my other bag. But alas, it was not to be.

I entered the salon, and I left there so incensed that I posted the following rant on facebook.

Rant over, I headed off to the Paceway for the function. When I took out my phone at the end of the night, I couldn’t understand how the battery had gone flat so quick when it had been fully charged a couple of hours before.

There’s a little thing called ‘facebook notifications’ that eat away at your battery life.

Puzzled, I put my phone on charge and went to sleep. When I awoke the next morning, I rolled over and looked at my phone, and, thinking I must still be dreaming, saw I had 312 friend requests. Then I saw the post I’d made the day before had more likes and shares than I’d ever seen in my life!

Fast forward to the end of the weekend and my post had gone absolutely out of control. People were sharing it and posting comments quicker than I could possibly read them.

It had gone viral.

Some 20,000 likes later, I received a call from the owner of the salon. He apologised, and said he’d be putting some staff training in place.

At 5am Monday morning I began getting hounded by the hungry media.

By the time I’d had my morning coffee, I’d fielded calls from just about every news outlet I’d ever heard of.

I decided if I was going to do any engaging at all, it would be with my good friend Mark Geyer on Triple M. MG is the only interview I did.

But that didn’t stop the media frenzy. They printed and posted the story regardless, and before I knew it my head was everywhere. By the time I stopped the post it had reached in excess of 54,000 likes and 22,000 shares. It has certainly been a lesson in the power of social media. My goodness, it’s still hard to believe how it spread like wildfire. People were calling “walletgate” and calling “Drew for Prime Minister”.

On Tuesday, I was not only in the Daily Telegraph, I was the subject of the editor’s editorial. I guess the story struck a chord for some reason and people were calling me from all over the country to say it was the talk of their town.

Drew the security guard had become a household name, God love him.

If there’s a moral to the story I think it is that we are all human and everyone makes mistakes. Just as I made a mistake in forgetting my wallet, the salon also made a mistake in their handling of it. Three cheers for the salon owner for taking quick steps to rectify the problem for the future..

And a million cheers for people like Drew from Westfield Mt Druitt. He was the gentle-giant hero in all of this and I hope Westfield realise the value in having such a magnificent employee.

The “story” has now come full circle and will die as quickly as it formed.

But it has certainly pointed out the enormous power of social media.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com

Students visit NSW Parliament House MEMBER for Riverstone Kevin Conolly MP was delighted by the success of the Riverstone Junior School Leadership Forum in NSW Parliament recently.

33 students from 12 local primary schools attended the Leadership Forum at NSW Parliament House on Thursday, 15 September 2016, and had the opportunity to discuss leadership with The Hon Shelley Hancock MP, Speaker Legislative Assembly and The Hon John Ajaka MLC, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Multiculturalism.

The forum is an annual event initiated by Mr Conolly to inspire junior school students in leadership roles to think more broadly about leadership in our community.

“It is also an opportunity for me to recognize the hard work that school captains and leaders give to their school communities” Mr Conolly said.

The students from Hambledon Public School, John Palmer Public School, Mary Immaculate Primary School, Norwest Christian College, Parklea Public School, Riverstone Public School, Schofields Public School, St John XXIII Catholic

xxxxxx

Primary School, St John’s Primary School, Australian Christian College, Riverbank Public School, Quakers Hill East Public School were acknowledged directly by the Premier and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The students then watched question time in the Legislative

How well do you sleep?

SNORING – A LOUD BUT SILENT KILLER!!

MOST of us know & understand that our blood carries vital Oxygen to the cells throughout our bodies – without which we would simply die.

Yet, so often when oxygen levels become dangerously low during sleep, there seems to be no recognition of the rebound effects on our day to day wellbeing.

Regular loud snoring, associated with repeated silences (cessations in breathing) & daytime fatigue or tiredness, are better than fair indicators there may be an underlying problem.

Quite often, these events are associated with the tongue relaxing across the upper airway (during sleep) – to the point where there is little or no airflow into the lungs, resulting in no fresh oxygen into the blood.

When this happens, a chain of events (too complex to detail here) leads to frequent & rapid increases in heart rate, which if left untreated, have been clearly identified as a precursor to heart attack & stroke.

Obviously, regular loud snoring & associated “gasping” during sleep, should be checked – even if only for the peace & comfort of your bed mate.

Established in 2009, Western Sleep Clinic provides a (Medicare eligible)

ambulatory (at home) sleep study service, meaning there is no longer any need to sleep in the unfamiliar surroundings of a hospital or sleep lab.

Following each study, every outcome is reviewed personally (confidentially) so as to ensure “Peace of Mind” & a thorough understanding of results.

Should the need arise, Western Sleep Clinic are also able to facilitate fast & effective treatment protocols.

With over 180 local Doctors, now referring through the services of Western Sleep Clinic, they stand proud of their uniquely successful reputation.

Founder & clinician Roger Osmond is also available to speak on such matters through community & employer awareness forums - at no charge (community group facilitators & employers are encouraged to enquire).

Take a close look at the circle of symptoms in the adjacent brochure. If you or any of your loved ones identify with three or more, it’s time to have it checked.

Western Sleep Clinic are conveniently located in:BLACKTOWN, MARAYONG & WESTMEAD. Clinic Bookings & Enquiries: 02 9760 1256.

Assembly Chamber and got to see the Premier and government Ministers in action.

“I thought the best part was seeing Question Time; I really enjoyed it” said a school captain from Schofields Public School.

Mr Conolly then gave the students

a personal tour of Parliament House.

“I believe it is important that our young leaders have an understanding of how their democratic government functions” said Mr Conolly.

“This experience may have opened their eyes to wider possibilities for their own futures”.

Do you snore, feel tired or sleepy during the day?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is associated with short term symptoms...

....and if untreated, may increase the risk of long term consequences Stroke

Abnormal heart rhythm

High blood pressure

T ype 2 diabetes

Please ask your doctor.

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Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

Ride sharing driver sexually assaulted woman A RIDE-SHARING service driver from Rooty Hill has been charged following an alleged sexual assault of a passenger in Sydney’s North Shore.

Shortly after 11pm on Saturday September 17, a 26-year-old woman got into a red Nissan Micra driven by a man in West Pennant Hills, after ordering a ride from a ride-sharing service.

During the drive home, the driver allegedly pulled the car over and sexually assaulted the passenger, before taking her home.

The woman reported the matter to police from North Shore Local Area Command and an investigation commenced.

On Tuesday September 20, following investigations, officers arrested a 30-year-old man at a home on Acropolis Avenue, Rooty Hill.

Following his arrest, officers executed a search warrant at the home, seizing items that will undergo forensic examinations.

The man was taken to Mt Druitt Police Station where he was charged with sexual assault and indecent assault.

He was refused bail and is due to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court.

Local girl wins bronze medals MEMBER for Riverstone Kevin Conolly MP said he was delighted by the success of the Australian Paralympics team which competed in the Rio Games over the last 2 weeks, with Australia finishing 5th overall on the nations medals tally, and our very own local Kellyville Ridge resident Jodi Elkington-Jones taking two bronze medals.

Jodi won bronze in the Women’s Long Jump T37 with a jump of 4.3m and in the Women’s 4×100 m relay - T38 with a combined time of 55.09 seconds.

“I congratulate all our athletes on their massive efforts, and for raising the profile of Paralympic sport across our country, and huge congratulations to Jodi Elkington-Jones from all of us in the electorate of Riverstone for earning these 2 bronze medals in different athletic disciplines” said Mr Conolly.

“You have worked so hard to reach this goal and you are an absolute inspiration to young athletes across our state and our country. We couldn’t be more proud to see you claim glory,” Mr Conolly said.

Lalor’s recovery

Nepean

Veterinary REPORT with Dr Antony Karolis and the team at WellPet Vets phone 1300 WELLPET Senior Veterinarian and CEO WellPets Vets Mountains, Nepean and St Clair

REMEMBER Lalor? 6 weeks ago, Lalor was rescued from a drain by Blacktown Fire Brigade. She had severe Demodex (skin condition), a broken leg and was on deaths door.

But look at her now! I think you will agree that she has made a remarkable transformation.

She currently continues her recovery journey at WellPet Vets Nepean, under the care of our head nurse Megan Crawford and the WellPet Vets team.

It’s been hard for a puppy with her energy level to keep rested whilst her leg heals. It’s been equally as challenging for the staff at WellPet Vets to ensure she keeps to her stringent physic routines. She mustn’t over do it and requires physiotherapy 4 times a day as set out by pet physiotherapist Helen Nicholson.

Throughout her recent stages in recovery she has had numerous play times outside whilst she learns to socialise with her soon to be new family, the Brandt’s. We believe this week she may have pushed herself a little too much during one of her outside play sessions. As a result she has lost a small amount of progress on her leg. Helen has noted her limping has worsened a little, which has slowed her progress by a few weeks.

She’s such a cheeky girl and because she is feeling great will often forget

she even had a broken leg! She will therefore continue strict cage rest and shorter playtimes at WellPet Nepean until such time she is given the all clear from her physio. Then Linda and Mark Brandt, her rescuers and new owners will permanently adopt her!

Lalor continues to win the hearts of all who have followed her story. On behalf of Lalor, we send a big thank you to all that have contributed to her

specialist treatment she has needed throughout her recovery. If you would like to, you can still donate to Lalor’s recovery by contacting our Nepean Animal Hospital on 47333456. If you would like to purchase her a gift, she loves to chew things and given she is restricted in her activity, chew toys have become a favourite to keep her busy and stimulated!

Get well soon Lalor!

Preschool funding boost for families MEMBER for Riverstone Kevin Conolly MP has welcomed an additional $115 million in funding by the NSW Government to make early childhood education more affordable for local families and reduce fees by an average of 30 per cent.

Mr Conolly said the NSW Government is committed to providing universal access to quality early childhood education. This funding will reduce preschool fees for four and five year olds and remove nearly all fees for children from Aboriginal and low-income families at preschool.

“This is fantastic news for families in our community with young children,” Mr Conolly said.

Starting in 2017, community preschools across the State who enrol children for at least 600 hours in the year before school will receive increased subsidies from the NSW Government, enabling them to reduce fees for families.

“This funding boost will deliver the largest single fee reduction in NSW history, making preschool more affordable so that more children will be able to participate in 600 hours – or about 15 hours per week – of early childhood education in community preschools and long day care centres

in the year before they start school. Mr Conolly said.

Mr Conolly visited Hopscotch Kindergarten in Schofields recently to see first-hand the hard work that goes into caring and providing early education to our children before they enter the primary school system.

“We want all children in NSW to enjoy the benefits of a quality early education, wherever they live and whatever their background,” said Mr Conolly.

For more information visit www.dec. nsw.gov.au/our-services/children-andyouth

Fatal crash JUST after 3pm on Monday September 19, emergency services were called to Grange Avenue, Schofields, following reports of a twovehicle crash.

Witnesses said a Nissan Pulsar was travelling east on Carnarvon Road when it collided with a Toyota Hilux travelling west on Grange Avenue.

The male driver of the Nissan died at the scene and a report is be prepared for the Coroner.

The driver of the Hilux, a man aged in his 30s, was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics for minor injuries. He was taken to Westmead Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.

Officers from Quakers Hill Local Area Command attended and a crime scene was established.

Anyone with information is urged to come forward with police asking for anyone who knows anything to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

Assist cancer patients in Blacktown Hospital CANCER Council NSW is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who can spare a few hours a week to provide support and information to cancer patients at Blacktown Hospital.

The Cancer Council Information Service is a hub for cancer patients to receive information about their treatment and support services that may be available to them.

The service is organised by Cancer Council NSW, who are currently recruiting a new intake of volunteers to work one shift per week each at the centre.

Volunteers will receive free training at a formal induction session on Friday 14 October, and while all applicants are welcome, those with the ability to commit to volunteering for 6-12 months will be highly regarded.

Successful applicants will be responsible for assisting visitors with information about cancer, directing them to appropriate support services and providing social support to cancer patients and their families.

One current long-term Cancer Council Information Service volunteer is Tracy Tran, whose cheerful face has been greeting cancer patients at the Westmead Hospital centre every Thursday for three years now.

Ms Tran was diagnosed with breast cancer a decade ago, and received support services from Cancer Council NSW, which inspired her to return the favour by helping other patients at the same hospital she was treated at.

“All the patients who come in, when I tell them that I’m a volunteer, they’re very appreciative, and they’re thankful that I give them the help and show them around,” she said.

“I feel really good when I can help someone, and the look on their face is worth my time there.”

While volunteers should ideally be confident communicators with the ability to show empathy, Ms Tran said that people from all backgrounds could flourish in the role.

“It’s a good place to help people, you don’t need a lot of skills, you just need to be patient and be prepared to listen and just smile.”

To express your interest, or for more information, please contact Shirley by emailing shirley. buczak@nswcc.org.au or call (02) 9354 2011.

Labor wins big at council

By Keegan Thomson

BLACKTOWN has survived the second election in less than 3 months with the LGA election results being declared, resulting in a big win for Labor.

Labor went from seven councillors on council to ten, with the Liberal team losing out one seat, now down to five.

In Ward 1 the ALP has two new faces on council with Chris Quilkey

and Moninder Singh. Jess Diaz, was elected for the Liberal Party.

In Ward 2 Veteran councillor, Leo Kelly and council newbie Julie Griffiths were elected for the Labor Party with Cr Diaz’s son, Jaymes Diaz winning a position on council for the Liberals.

Frederick Brillo was the only Liberal to be elected in Ward 3 with Cr Susai Benjamin and Kathie Collins wining seats on council for the ALP. Mayor Stephen Bali won back his position on council for Labor in Ward

4 with Linda Santos wining a position for the Liberal Party and Carol Israel wining for Labor.

In Ward 5 Tony Bleasdale was reelected for Labor, making it his 21st year on council, with two new councillors Brad Bunting and Peter Camilleri winning for Labor and Liberal respectively.

The next step in the council election process is the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, which will take place at the council chambers on Wednesday September 28.

Police urge: dob in a dealer

By Keegan Thomson

MEMBERS of the public are being encouraged to help fight against the meth amphetamine and ice epidemic that is ravaging the state.

The ‘Dob in a Dealer’ campaign has launched in the Blacktown area and will run for two weeks, during which police will conduct community activities organised to educate people on the dangers of illicit drugs.

Across the two week initiative, police aim to also highlight the important role members of the public have in helping police shut down drug

syndicates and arrest drug dealers.

Blacktown Local Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Gary Merryweather said Dob in a Dealer is about acknowledging that illegal drugs are a serious issue within our community.

“Police cannot be on every street corner, which is why we need to work with the community to identify the unscrupulous criminals who are manufacturing and distributing prohibited drugs like ice within our neighbourhoods,” Det Supt Merryweather said.

“The fact is drugs like ‘ice’ do not

discriminate, they can affect people from both disadvantaged and affluent social backgrounds and its impact spans the entire geography of this state,” he said.

Det Supt Merryweather urged the public to come forward if they see or hear anything.

“If you see something you’re concerned about, please let us know.

Your information could help us smash an ice supply syndicate and directly impact on the amount of ‘ice’ circulating in our community,” he said.

Data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has consistently shown the impact ice is having on local communities.

In the 36 months to September 2015, arrests for ice possession soared by 75.3 per cent across the state, which is an increase from 5,063 in 2013 to 8,876 in 2015.

Across the same period of time, arrests for dealing and trafficking ice in New South Wales increased from 1,567 in 2013 to 2,099 in 2015.

Anyone who knows, sees or hears anything can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Mayoral History prize-winners announced

Left to Right: Les Todd, Pamela Smith, Councillor Russ Dickens, Manager of Library Services Laurance McDonnell, Mayor Stephen Bali, Britany Sanchez & Ebonie Galea.

IN 2008 the first Blacktown City Mayoral History Prize was awarded to encourage an interest in the rich and diverse history of the district. The annual award, which is now in its eighth year, demonstrates an ongoing commitment

by Council to promote the history of the City.

This year the award was shared by Les Todd and Pamela Smith while Britany Sanchez and Ebonie Galea (students of Loyola High School) shared the junior award.

Current and previous entries are available for viewing on the Library webpage.

Food Truck Friday has landed

By Keegan Thomson

MORE than 10,000 people packed Blacktown’s Village Square for the first Food Truck Friday, a free event where 43 different vendors and food trucks fill the streets around the Blacktown CBD. “Blacktown residents obviously voted with their feet and their stomachs,” said the Mayor of Blacktown, Councillor Stephen Bali.

At least three of the 43 food trucks sold out completely, which moved the Mayor to hail the event as a success.

“I want to thank both the organisers and the

council staff who made it happen for their hard work getting the event off the ground,” he said.

Local pizzeria owner, Vince Vumbaca, from Renee’s Pizza said the event will bring a lot more customers into the area of a Friday night.

“We had one of our best nights ever on Friday,” Mr Vumbaca said. “The food trucks brought thousands of hungry people into the CBD and we were flat out keeping up with the demand.”

He vouched for the weekly event saying, “we definitely want the night markets to continue if the first one is any guide.”

Food Truck Friday is part of a wider council plan to revitalise the Blacktown CBD and bring in a younger crowd of a night time.

Over the last few years the CBD has become known for different restaurants and a growing nightlife scene.

All of this has been helped by the fairy lights installed in the CBD and the outdoor WIFI, which is dotted across the city.

Food Truck Friday will continue every Friday until December with the council set to make a decision on its longevity early next year. Mayor Bali said he hopes to make it an annual event.

“If it proves a popular attraction, we will probably make it an annual event during the daylight saving period, when the weather is warmer and the longer daylight hours really make it a good way to end the week,” the Mayor said.

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Opinion: Time to imagine, time for Hawkesbury region

By Indranil Halder

RECENTLY at a red carpet event, I came to know about the Eleventh FIP World Polo Championship that will be held from 17-30 of October in 2017 at the Sydney Polo Club in the Hawkesbury region.

I am absolutely delighted to learn about such an important event. But what does that mean? What would our imagination say?

As, Albert Einstein once said , “Imagination is everything , it is a preview of life’s coming attraction.”

I just want to inspire everyone in Hawkesbury region to know about what is happening in the polo world across the globe just from my experiences.

I have been fortunate enough to live in Sydney for over 20 years and remain as a life-time social member of the NSW Polo Association to enjoy game of polo. Over the span of 20 years, I have had the occasional visit to the Polo in The City events at Centennial Park and also the Hawkesbury region. My connection with Hawkesbury region has been now for many years. The reason for

my visit to Hawkesbury is to watch a game of polo at the Sydney Polo Club or Windsor Polo Club and I also love the rural picturesque setting.

Polo has fascinated me since my days in Calcutta, India. I loved watching Calcutta polo players from the Indian army play with the backdrop of the white-marbled Victoria Memorial Hall. The Calcutta Polo Club hosted many games, being the oldest club of the polo world, and the club did compose a wonderful memory for me too. My father, who worked for the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation of India and travelled to the eastern Indian states of Assam and Manipur, also told me of locals playing polo with great enthusiasm.

Those are some of the childhood memories of polo that I am lucky to carry with me.

I am even luckier to see polo is being played as a popular sport from United Kingdom to Argentina and from Switzerland to Australia.

I have been able to travel to Thailand to watch elephant polo, while staying at Umidh Bhavan Palace Hotel (Taj Group) I watched the Udaipur Polo Clubs gathering in India and in

Australia. Australian players from the Asheton family played incredible polo to bring Australian polo players to international standard.

In Sydney, the University of Sydney Polo Club is also engaging university students to learn and enjoy the game of polo just like Houston Polo (USA), Polo Park Zurich (Switzerland), Hamburg Polo Cub (Germany) and Hurlingham Polo Club (UK) are playing their part to draw huge crowds of people to enjoy polo.

Countries such as Sweden, are also warming up to the global polo enthusiasm, and young Swedish youths are starting to attend polo gatherings. Today, for fun, there are several types of polo being played across the globe which include elephant polo, camel polo, bicycle polo and definitely horse polo.

As there is so much enthusiasm across the globe that I have witnessed, I feel, it is for everyone. After all, the history of modern polo has started with the tea planters games in the lush tea gardens of India where everyone enjoyed the game.

In Australia the farming communities or urban communities

both have equally contributed to grow the game of polo with enthusiasm. And it is time for the Hawkesbury region to take the advantage of the Federation of International Polo announcement that the Eleventh FIP World Polo Championship will be held at the Sydney Polo Club. It will be a great outcome for the local businesses and the international engagement to take place locally. The Hawkesbury region with its vast natural forest and rural area is the perfect location for the polo club. A nice drive from Sydney under the Aussie sun to Hawkesbury region let me enjoy nature at its best. It will add Hawkesbury region to the global map as World Polo Championship’s most prestigious polo event will be hosted in Hawkesbury region. And with the city of Parramatta close by, visitors can definitely access the up and coming Crown Group luxury hotel in Macquarie Street, Parramatta or other hotel facilities as they enjoy polo not far from the emerald city of Sydney.

So what are we waiting for? Lets us all gear up for this international event that is going to be great benefit for Hawksbury region.

Listen to our very own Keegan Thomson with News Hour - Monday mornings from 9am to 10am

www.wowfm1007.com.au

More awards for Blacktown City Council THE multi-award winning Blacktown City Council has added three more awards to its trophy cabinet.

This week it won a national award from Stormwater Australia for a scheme that effectively harvests some 300 million litres of rainwater a year and two state awards for its Green Money recycling incentive scheme and the overall sustainability program.

“So far this year, Blacktown City Council has been presented with 17 national and state awards which have recognised innovation or excellence by the council in the projects it delivers to the community,” the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said.

Council’s engineering team, led by Asset Design manager Tony Napoli won the Stormwater Australia national award for Council’s precinct-scale water quality offset scheme.

“The project includes harvesting 300 million litres of stormwater a year to reduce pollution of the city’s creek system and saves ratepayers millions of dollars,” Mayor Stephen Bali said.

“The stormwater treatment sites will also protect the city’s creek system from erosion, inhibit flooding and irrigate Council’s sporting fields.

Council’s environment team, led by Manager Environment Vanessa Parkes, won two highly commended awards at the Blue Star Sustainability Awards, presented by Keep NSW Beautiful.

“Blacktown City Council’s Green Money program has changed the way many people think about recycling,” said Mayor Bali.

“More than ten per cent of Blacktown’s households have signed up, and it is still increasing.

Blacktown City Council staffers Tony Napoli, Nicole Greenwood, Nathan Burbridge, Kate Valentine, Mayor Stephen Bali and General Manager Kerry Robinson with the latest additions to Council’s trophy cabinet.

“Our entire city was also highly commended for our sustainability program, which is most appropriate as we head into our award-winning Sustainable September, a month of activities designed to increase environmental awareness,” Mayor Bali said.

There are more awards in the pipeline, Mayor Bali said.

Blacktown City Council has been nominated for two National Parks and Leisure Australia Awards - for its open space planning and for Mount Druitt Swimming Centre, to be announced in late October as well as an award recognising better risk management of its vehicle fleet, and a state arts award for sustainability.

Minchinbury 9625 8500 Blacktown 9622 1284

11 Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

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12

Legends of the West

Mr Holton, a rail history enthusiast, met with us at Ropes Creek station, now in present day Ropes Crossing, to discuss rail history and preservation in Western Sydney and talk about forgotten history. (Photo: Thomas Carey)

By Garion Thain

WESTERN SYDNEY is characterised by its constant development and growth, being a communal investment we all have a share in. The way we experience this region vastly differs from person to person however, and that’s why sometimes it’s fulfilling to take a step back and look outside ourselves to another person’s hobby and exposure so we can learn something ourselves, maybe even about the history of our urban sprawl that we may not have even realised was right in front of our eyes.

This week I met with David Holton just for that. Mr Holton is someone I know who has a great affinity for Western Sydney’s largely forgotten rail history. As a rail enthusiast and volunteer, Mr Holton has the know-how about lost tracks all across Sydney’s West that many might not even know were there, backed up by either factual literature or firsthand tours of the old lines or track beds himself. This week I met with Mr Holton in Ropes Crossing, Blacktown to discuss a more obvious line, but one still fascinating to

talk about – The Ropes Creek line that used to ship weaponry and ammunition from present-day Ropes Crossing to St Marys.

Western News will be exploring the legacy of the Ropes Creek line, and the Ropes Creek and Dunheved stations in particular in an upcoming web video. To discuss rail history, the line itself, and the love for his hobby, it seemed apt that Mr Holton and I discuss rail enthusiasm at the restored Ropes Creek station, now positioned in the middle of a very modern housing development. Mr Holton mentioned how he first began liking trains.

“I’m from Port Augusta, which was a pretty big railway town back in the day, and it grabbed my fascination,” said Mr Holton.

“Then one Christmas I got a Hornby train set, and that was the start of it,” he continued.

Mr Holton volunteers at three railways and makes time for his hobby every month.

“Normally I’m up at Valley Heights a couple of times a month, I help fire and prepare the steam tram for operation every second Sunday,” he said.

“I’m up at Thirlmere a few times a year as well.”

“I’ve been full-on volunteering the last five or six years,” he continued, “it’s always something that’s interested me – I had a workmate that was also interested in trains and we went and joined up a couple museums and started volunteering.”

“I’ve made plenty of friends there.”

When I asked if an interest in history came with the interest in volunteering, Mr Holton was quick to say “absolutely.” Sitting at the restored Ropes Creek station, I asked how he felt seeing the platform still there.

“I’m glad it’s still here to be quite honest,” Mr Holton said.

“The other two stations on the line haven’t fared so well,” he continued, noting Cochrane station wasn’t even able to be found by the tour guides.

“This would have been a big industrial area, there would have been sheds, sidings, I think the platform was even twice as long – there were several tracks along either side of the platform,” Mr Holton said.

Looking around at the new development, and noting that Dunheved station down the line, sitting in an already urbanised zone, is in a state of complete overgrowth and disrepair, Mr Holton said that the line

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Mr Holton has been interested in trains almost his whole life.

Ropes Creek station sat in the old ADI site for years unattended. Partially restored now, Mr Holton noted that elements were removed to accommodate the new suburban infrastructure. This photo from John Oakes’ book ‘Sydney’s forgotten military railways’ shows the state it was in in 2009. (Photo: Anita Lukaszyk)

fell victim to its own obsolescence.

“It’s progress you know, the line was over and done with and passed its use by date, and with no further need for it they just bulldozed it, basically.”

With Dunheved station overgrown, and inundated with concrete pipes when I was familiar with it when I was younger, Mr Holton said there isn’t much left to preserve, but believes in the ‘90s the government had a missed

opportunity to preserve it, particularly now with the booming Ropes Crossing development having gone ahead.

He said that a suggested Light Rail loop line to St Marys station is a “great idea.”

“I could see use for at least part of the old route, yeah for sure.”

The least of which reasons for this includes the fact that the bed for the massive Dunheved sidings and

gully are still present. The station was a massive hub in its heyday with multiple sidings.

“This place was very isolated, so it was probably a good place to make bombs,” Mr Holton laughed.

“The local shunt engine would push the vans or the wagons into the different sidings which had different functions there at Dunheved, they had a fuse section, and a grenade section

and something or other else.”

What little remains of the station sit isolated between the St Marys township and the Dunheved industrial area, longstanding yet oddly neglected.

For some, it’s the remnants of a line unnoticed, for others, it’s a missed opportunity in preserving history, showcasing how a community managed to get built in the first place.

People like Dave Holton, who are so passionate about their history, make you think: What else is hidden right under our noses?

David Holton was nominated as a Legend of the West by Garion Thain.

If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

localnews local

14 Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

THE G SPOT

I AM not sure if I was lucky or just drew the short straw, however I was very blessed to have worked on a job that allowed me to contemplate my navel for 12 hours.

It’s amazing how you can go into a coma when required to sit in a car for 12 hours and just watch. I played I spy with my little eye, but knew the answer cause it was only me in the car, and played flick the biro off the dash and catch it ya mouth without stabbing yourself in the eye. Seriously it is great fun, I assure you. The best part is playing with the seat height adjuster, now that’s living the dream, I give you the drum!

So here I am in a suburban street, parked outside a house up the road from a site I was watching, and what’s astounding is nobody noticed. I saw number 22 come out for a smoke 3 times a night, number 32 walk the dog at 9.30 nightly and talk on the mobile

about how useless her hubby was in the bedroom, 26 must be a baker because he left at 1.13am each morning with 2GB blaring at 600 decibels and amazingly enough the only creature that froze and spotted me was a stray cat.

The actual owners of the house drove in the driveway and did not even wonder why a strange car was parked outside their own house. Like seriously, are we really that busy or just stupid?

The amazing thing about it is that they are the first people to scream, “OMG! I’ve been broken into! Where are the bloody cops when you need them?” Sigh…..

So here I am on the 8th hour wondering, “How do some people actually perceive security?” Bouncers, do they have more hair than a baboon at Taronga Zoo? And just drag their knuckles? Grunt three times and then

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

pound you into next year to eject you from a pub? The guard at a site, the so-called plastic cop or wanna be cop? The gatehouse guard that reads a newspaper all day and does nothing?

On the contrary folks.

Security funnily enough is a regulated industry and controlled by a department called SLED (Security Licensing Enforcement Directorate) which is the NSW Police. All security personnel are required to be trained, finger printed, compliant and licensed.

All security companies require a Master Licence, so hiring unlicensed uncle Joe to do security at your party is a no no. Alarm installers (cough cough don’t get me started) have to be security licensed, kids. Basically anything that includes a security activity should display a Master Licence. Advertising a security activity? Must have a Master Licence in the ad, I could play pick the breach (just for fun times) in most

newspapers and websites. We are so regulated that we are even told the font size to have our Master Licence details displayed or worn or cop a $550 on the spot fine for failure to do so. The list goes on, paperwork, incident registers, first aid, responsible service of alcohol.

We have more licenses hanging around our necks than an RTA (opps sorry RMS) inspector.

So as I drift back it’s the 12th hour and time to head home. The cat is still staring at me, number 28 is going on her morning jog, wearing more fluro Lyrica than boy George at a bad 80’s concert, 22 is back out the front with his first smoke for that day, 36 has more kids than a child care centre and is screaming at them just to let the entire planet earth know….ahhhh life is good aint it?

As I write in my security report 0600 hours S/O Field off duty, Nothing further to Report.

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with Linda Kemp

Sourcing the best person for your company Okay…so you’ve completed the hardest part.

You’ve written an awesome job description, you know the reason for the position, you’ve identified the duties and responsibilities and you have a clear idea of the type of person who will fit in well. Now the big question is…how do we find that person?

There are many ways to do this, some companies will choose one way while others will use a combination. Here are some of the most popular ways of sourcing candidates and the benefits of each.

Word of mouth/referrals from friends or colleagues– Benefits: It’s free, can have fast results, can be good to have someone who’s been recommended – Downside is that is if it doesn’t work out it can affect relationships Major newspapers such as Sydney Morning Herald and/or The Daily Telegraph Benefits: Large readership, especially on the main ‘Positions Vacant’ days – Downside, more expensive per line than local papers and readership is very wide geographically Local papers Benefits: Much cheaper per line than the major newspapers so you can fit more into the ad plus the readership is local - Downside, papers only come out once or twice a week, if it’s urgent you’ll have to wait for response Job boards such as SEEK, Career One, My Career, Google Benefits: There are many free job boards, but major boards average $100+ per ad,

wording is unlimited so you get a lot for your buck. No waiting for publications to come out, response can be immediate – Downside, ease of application means people apply who haven’t read the ad thoroughly, and don’t have the skills, experience or residency - which can increase the time taken screening replies For specialist roles … Specialist industry magazines or trade publications Benefits: Respondents are likely to be experienced and/or interested in the role and the industry - Downside, published periodically so there may be a waiting time before you get replies Australian Government JobActive networks Benefits: It’s free and in some cases, the government pay a wage subsidy if you hire an eligible jobseeker – Downside, applicants may not have recent experience, as jobactive services are generally only available to the unemployed receiving income support Professional recruitment consultancy that is an RCSA member Benefits: With most reputable recruitment consultants you’ll only need to interview a shortlist of 2-3 candidates who’ve been screened, interviewed, skills assessed and thoroughly reference checked. There’s normally a free replacement guarantee – Downside, there’s a fee for service So now you just need to decide which of these is for you……….happy seeking …………in the next issue we’ll cover off on preparing and running the interview.

Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

RECRUITMENT REVIEW

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Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

Reality TV with TP SO what is going on in the world of reality TV? I have to admit I don’t watch commercial TV so I haven’t had the fortune of being exposed to the superb shows on offer. If it wasn’t for my daily news check I wouldn’t have discovered that these shows existed. Oh boy, I would have missed out on the fact that the winning babe on the bachelor always wears the most sedate dress on the night of the big decision. Wow, so great to know that so much time is being attributed to such scintillating viewing.

But then when I thought it couldn’t get any better I came across stories about another fabulous program called Married On First Sight based on two men who are supposed to get married without ever having met. Well what a showcase of award winning viewing this would have been. The two chaps who were meant to have tied the knot on first sight actually said they had not fancied each other at all and all dialogue had been scripted within an inch of their lives and nothing at all to do with realty.

I’m aware of other programs and kind of struggle to see how they rate as I would rather poke my eye out with a blunt stick than watch nasty little

people making depreciating remarks about other contestants for viewer pleasure. Unfortunately I’m not in the majority as it rates off the chart and it’s

cheap to create. So it is everywhere.

I do however have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed watching the first Survivor 16 years ago as I felt it was interesting to watch the dynamics and the most impressive aspect- the staggering weight loss. It was like the ultimate boot camp for looking gaunt by the end. Love it!

I know that many of you probably love the escapism that reality TV provides and think that it is just an ant farm that streams into the living roomoh oh oh hang on a minute! I forgot to mention that perfectly logical next step in the world of reality TV called Gogglebox! Pure technicolor genius.

So cheap to produce and obviously so popular as it has had a second coming.

For those who don’t know what it’s about- I don’t either- I’ve only seen the previews, enough said.

Right- back to your living room. If you enjoy a bit of cheap fill then watch with happy abandon and like tabloid magazines know that it’s highly controlled and scripted and no animals were harmed during filming.

Opinion: Council elections: The Baird Factor!

By Bart Bassett

MANY areas had council elections on September 10 and the poor Liberal result is not a shock, its called the “ Baird Factor!”

Here’s an example of the current negative feeling toward Baird, and therefore the NSW Liberal Party.

I walked into a McDonald’s store to get a coffee two days after the council elections and two guys were talking, I overheard one fellow say “what a joke the greyhound decision is when you consider all the other animals including dogs which are put down each year including by the RSPCA”. Then last weekend I was in strong Liberal heartland right in the middle of Baird’s own electorate and I was talking to seven retired people, who traditionally vote Liberal, and their united venom toward Baird had to be heard to be believed. They made it clear to me that it was not any particular issue they were angry about - as most did not directly affect them they were angry that a Liberal Premier would make so many cumulative anti small business decisions.

You would think with all the community talk of dismay toward the numerous unnecessary anti business, moralising, “nanny state” Baird decisions, his office would be looking for a way to make amends. But no, it is like they are living in a political bubble. At a time when he and the NSW Liberals are on the nose he trots out another gem of privatising some hospitals. What is going on in the minds of his collective office in terms of strategic and political thinking? It’s like they have a political death wish or is it just that the arrogance is all pervading?

Some good community-minded Liberal councillors lost their positions in the recent council elections through no fault of their own, but as a consequence. Many voters were so angry with the Baird government that it was their only way to send a message that they are not happy with him.

Many hard working local Liberals have strived for

BAIRD IN FREE FALL

decades in western Sydney establishing the belief in the community that the Liberal Party cared about western Sydney and Labor had taken them for granted for decades, now a great deal of that goodwill has been trashed.

With all the good things the Baird government has done in getting the state budget under control which allowed unprecedented investment in long overdue infrastructure, it is hard to believe that he has completely lost all his political capital. He has handed the poor-performing lackluster and invisible Luke Foley a media profile and numerous platforms to run on - which did not exist before these strange decisions. You just have to shake your head in bewilderment! Is the problem that Baird’s own ideological beliefs became more important than the needs of average small business people and everyday mums and dads? It certainly seems that way, what other possible explanation can there be?

Sometimes a politician needs to know when they have gone off the rails and this should be

Baird’s wake up call. But I won’t be watching with anticipation expecting a change - I think his office is blind to the political reality they have created.

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Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

A day in the life of... A zookeeper

By Keegan Thomson

IMAGINE if your job involved the management of around 100 full time workers and the care of more than 1700 full time animals, well that is what zookeeper Chad Staples, the Director of Life Sciences, does at Featherdale Wildlife Park.

Zookeeper Chad is the head zookeeper at Featherdale and oversees the round the clock care of all the animals housed, born, cared for and bred at the wildlife park in western Sydney. With so much action going on he said, “this job is with you 24 hours a day seven days a week. You don’t simply clock off at 5:00.”

Working with Featherdale for the last 20 years, Chad said the one thing that keeps him going is his morning ritual of a hot cup of coffee and a quiet walk through the park.

“After a coffee the first thing I do is I go for a walk around the park. It is actually the biggest blessing I have in this job because I get to wander through this amazing collection. I can breathe out and just relax and let the animals tell me what they need,” he said.

Even though he likes to start each day the same, Chad said what he does across an individual day can differ depending on what time of year it is.

“My day can be vastly different depending on the season, for instance this time of year breeding season has kicked off. It is crazy busy because you’ve got lots of animals that are difficult to get together, so you’re managing lover’s quarrels as much as anything.

“I’m dealing with lots of stuff with babies now as well. Mainly we’re incubating and raising chicks so it is a

very busy season for us now, and my job can be different every day because of that,” he said.

One of the biggest challengers with working with animals is that they obviously can’t talk to you directly, but zookeeper Chad says the longer you’re in the job the better you get at understand the animals through their behaviour.

“The biggest skill in the job is learning to look at your animals and know if something is not right. If you’ve been around an animal long enough you’ll know if everything

is normal and then hopefully they’ll be telling you in body language, in where they are, in what they’re doing, that something is not right,” he said.

But according to Chad the hardest part of the job, emotionally and physically is dealing with sick animals.

“Challengers come from a range of places in this job. One of the most emotional challenges is when animals aren’t well. That can be something that hits you really hard.

“You grow very attached to these animals, they have personalities, you’ve seen them from birth. You’ve often raised them and seen them all throughout their life and when things start to go wrong and animals start to get sick, I find that very difficult because you do take a lot of it on emotionally,” Chad said.

Zookeeper Chad’s biggest piece of advice for young, aspiring zookeepers is you should never give up.

“It is a tough industry to get into as there is lots of competition. But if you want it bad enough and you keep making yourself available and pushing yourself then one day you’ll get in, just keep being persistent,” he said.

Highlights of Havana - capital of Cuba

By Ben Cranney

CUBA is about to become easier to visit. Changing US relations mean it’s no longer blacklisted and US discount airlines are planning to fly there. There will also be less difficult conversations with US border control about what you were doing there.

Cuba, and its Capital Havana, are special for many reasons. Propaganda is everywhere, holding on to the revolution of 60 years ago. Giant faces of Castro and Che look over the city. Revolutionary quotes cover bill boards. Bullet holes from when Castro stormed the then Presidential Palace are still there. It’s now the

Museum of the Revolution, worth a visit to see Cuba’s perspective of its history.

Havana also showcases the decaying wealth of the Spanish Empire. I’ve never seen so many grand buildings; even the graveyard is spectacular. See it all in a meticulously maintained 50’s car, while munching on condensed milk covered churros, fresh from the street vendor.

Stay amongst it at a homestay.

These have a more personal touch which saved us when we arrived with no money. The currency conversion places shut early and the five ATMs I found didn’t take MasterCard, which was all I had.

Our host loaned us a few dollars, but I was still worried about being stuck penniless somewhere that didn’t yet have good Western relations.

Thankfully, a ‘bank’ in one of the fancy hotels that took my card. I just had to wait to see if anyone would turn up to work. I learnt this was standard on a tour of the cigar factory where half the cigar rolling stations were empty because those workers had decided that they’d done enough for the week.

My money troubles were put in perspective at the maritime museum, Castillo de la Real Fuerza. $5 got a fantastic one hour tour with a man more passionate and knowledgeable

about his work than most I’ve ever met. He dreamt of visiting Europe to see the ship that won his favourite sea battle, but the closest he thought he’d ever get was the museum’s scale replica. Maybe he’ll get his chance now, as things change.

All of this barely scratches the surface. Climb the bell tower of the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary for amazing city views. Work out which bar Ernest Hemingway actually drank at (although I’m sure it was all), and then fail at keeping up with the locals with a night of dancing at La Casa de la Musica.

And take plenty of cash.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Sweet Soul Music A FEW years ago I watched an extremely good but rather harrowing film called 21 Grammes. The title related to the difference in the weight of a body before and after the moment of death and the supposition was that this was the weight of the soul as it shuffles off its mortal coil. I had always thought of the soul as being an intangible thing and can you actually weigh something which is spiritual rather than physical? Or is the soul a physical entity after all?

In my final year at school, Religious Education which involved learning whole screeds of the Bible, thankfully, I think, gave way to religious and philosophical discussion with our awe-inspiring and redoubtable Head Mistress who rejoiced in the name of Irene Agnete Wulff. There we were sitting straight-backed, ankles demurely crossed like comic book characters of posh English school girls and I remember one in particular, a very neat and well-scrubbed young lady with big round glasses and the look of a surprised rabbit called Claire. The debate that day was about souls - perhaps to keep us in line with the thought that if we transgressed,

our souls would be sorted out in the afterlife. Miss Wulff suddenly turned to Claire. “Do you have a soul Claire?” The hapless victim shot up even straighter if possible and gasped out, “Yes Miss Wulff!” as if Old Nick himself was lurking round the corner waiting to grab her immortal soul.

The reason behind these meanderings is that I had an incredible

experience today which I want to share with you. I had a soul reading.

As those of you who have read this column before will know, I know nothing about souls, karma or anything else a lot of psychics know. However, a few months ago I did a reading for a lovely girl in Canada. I have done readings for Sarah and her beautiful mother for over twenty years and they

have become very dear friends and after this last reading, Sarah offered to do a soul reading for me.

It is quite amazing that the spirit world always seems to get its timing right. I have been confined to bed for the last few days - something I’m not very good at - with a horrid bug and was feeling better enough to feel sorry for myself when I had an email from Sarah asking if this weekend was a good time for a reading. I was gobsmacked at what she had picked up about me. I swear she had seen deep into my inner core. It was as if I had half a century of intense Woody Allen type psychiatry encapsulated into an hour. I cannot tell you how much it helped me and how different and much more positive I feel. I always say that clairvoyance means seeing clearly, but it was as if Sarah had lifted a veil. I don’t know what she does or how she does it, but it was definitely like a health spa for souls.

Check her out on soulwardbound. weebly.com. Believe me, you’re worth it.

The Unintentional Medium is available online and at all good bookstores.

19 Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

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E N T E R T A I N M E N T

20

By Erin O’Connor

Main Seared salmon fillet, Isreali pearl couscous, broccolini and saffron beurre Blanc Grilled beef fillet, parsnip mash, broccolini topped with mustard butter Cornfed chicken supreme, soft polenta, jamon shards, blistered heirloom tomato and vicotta Dessert Warm pear and almond frangipane and fruit mince wrapped in puff pastry, served with caramel ice cream Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee, raspberry compote, Pistachio and chocolate Biscotti Homemade Pavlova, strawberries, cream and passionfruit If your booking is for 8 or more adult guests, two guests can eat for free, along with complimentary champagne on arrival. A children’s menu is also available. Please contact Loxley for further enquiries and bookings.

• Menu Tasting Dinner, Accommodation and Breakfast Package Why not make a weekend of it, Loxley on Bellbird Hill is offering the Ultimate Package for 2 which includes Menu Tasting Dinner, One night’s Accommodation for 2 in a Luxurious Chalet with Kind Bed, Double Spa and Fireplace, Champagne and Chocolates on Arrival.

Then enjoy a Fully Cooked Breakfast for 2 on the Saturday morning. Contact Loxley for further details and bookings.

• Christmas Gift Certificates For a memorable and unique Christmas gift, ask about Loxley’s range of gift certificates, such as their Gourmet Package, Relaxing Spa Package and Private Dining Experiences.

Please contact Loxley on 45677 711 or by email to info@loxleyonbellbirdhill.com.au to organise your gift certificates and event bookings Loxley on Bellbird Hill is located at 993 Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Hills NSW 2753.

Visit their website: www.loxleyonbellbirdhill.com.au

WORD SEARCH

LOOK no further for finding the perfect venue for your end of year party celebrations…

• Xmas Parties at Loxley It’s that time of year again…with the Christmas party season quickly approaching. Why not host your Xmas party at Loxley on Bellbird Hill.

Loxley would like to extend a special offer: A $250 voucher when booking your Xmas Party at Loxley on Bellbird Hill. Minimum number of 25 adult guests.

(T&C Apply.)

Enquiry today about Loxley’s All-inclusive Christmas Celebration Party Packages which feature 3 course alternate plate options or buffet style menus.

Ask about their impressive Antipasti Station, Candy Buffet, Selfie Frame, Lemonade Stand, Photography, In-house Events Decorator Specialist, Beverage Packages, On-site Accommodation, Live Music, MC & DJ options…The complete one-stop-shop.

Please contact Loxley for further enquiries and bookings.

• The Tastes of Loxley Menu Tasting Dinner – Friday 18th November 2016 Loxley on Bellbird Hill is proud to present their up and coming Menu Tasting Dinner on Friday, November 18th with a specially designed menu, including assorted canapes, 3 entrées, 3 mains, 3 desserts and complimentary wine tasting for just $79pp.

Entrée Slow baked pork belly, apple puree, chargrilled baby fennel and petite herbs Heirloom tomato & buffalo mozzarella salad, sourdough crisps, aged balsamic Ravioli Lobster slipper with a basil pesto cream sauce

SUDOKU: EASY

Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

Celebration packages at Loxley on Bellbird Hill

SOLUTION: 9th September

DECK OF CARDS

INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates

TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN

EIGHT NINE TEN JACK QUEEN KING

ACE JOKER HEARTS DIAMONDS CLUBS SPADES

Chris ‘cains it’ when he gets on his guitar

By Kerrie Davies

THE Sydney Blues and Roots Festival in the Hawkesbury has become one of those events that you absolutely must circle on your calendar; it provides us the opportunity to see and hear the greatest musical talent from near and far, showcased right here in our own beautiful backyard.

One of the must-see acts this year is packing his bags as you read this, and getting ready to fly all the way from California USA for your musical pleasure, Chris Cain.

A master on the guitar, his career has spanned many decades and taken him to play before riveted audiences all over the globe.

And now it is our turn, and I promise you you will be thoroughlydelighted!

When Chris picks up his guitar it is like an extension of his own arm; it’s meant to be there. And that’s when the magic begins. He gives the instrument an almighty work out, and, the combination of that with his soulful bluesy voice results in an incredible sound that will leave you gasping for more.

I spoke with Chris from his home in the states and I can add ‘absolute gentleman’ to his list of many charming qualities.

He said he was really looking forward to heading ‘Down Unda’ as it is one of his most favourite places on earth.

“Some of the greatest times I’ve ever had have

been in Australia,” Chris said.

“The folks I’ve met, the musicians and people whose homes I’ve stayed in, it really touches me just how beautiful the people there are.

“They’ve showed me things I’ve never seen before and I’m always left with a fond, warm feeling from spending time with them.”

Chris first picked up a guitar when he was nine years old, and it has obviously been as fitting a combination as a hand to a glove ever since that day.

“My father was a truck driver and he loved the Blues,” Chris said.

“He made his own little set of tunes and he showed me how to play them, he’s been a great

influence in my life.

“I may have only been nine years old, but I knew that BB King was greatest.”

By the time he was in his teenage years, Chris was well on his way on his Blues and Jazz journey. Now at the age of 60, thankfully there’s no sign of this Master slowing down any time soon.

“I actually get more joy out of it now than I ever have!” Chris told me.

“I think because I’ve been with my current band for years, it is reminding me of how much I love it and how much joy I get out of it.

“Having played for so many years, somewhere along the way the fun snuck out the back the door on me, but now I am really enjoying playing my tunes and other people’s tunes.

“Songs are like vehicles, and an opportunity to project your feelings through sound. I love playing songs that move me, I just love anything,” he said.

Chris is really excited about the upcoming festival and can’t wait to “play to anyone who wants to listen.”

Rest assured, there will be plenty of people willing to do just that.

For more information on the Sydney Blues and Roots Festival (27-30 October) go to sydneybluesandrootsfestival.com

21 Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

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22

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

Side by side with songs of Olivia Newton John & Peter Allen

THE music of two of Australia’s most enduring Showbiz Legends brought to you by two of Australia’s finest cabaret artists.

The songs of Olivia Newton John & Peter Allen starring Donna Boyd & Simon Gillespie Presenting the songs you love; I Honestly Love You, I Go to Rio, Tenterfield Saddler, I Still Call Australia Home, Let Me Be There, Xanadu, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Physical, with behind the scenes stories; Donna and Simon take you on a captivating journey through the triumphs, tears, hits and heartaches of these cherished Australian icons.

This new, hit-filled show is a perfect night out for music-lovers everywhere.

Saturday 1st October, 2016 – 8pm Tickets $7.50 members, $10.50 visitors.

Blacktown Workers Club, 55 Campbell Street, Blacktown.

Motown comes to the west

By Keegan Thomson

THE glitz and glamour of Las Vegas will be on show in western Sydney when Songs in the Key of Motown return with their spectacular live concert production.

Direct from the Vegas Strip the show features seasoned Motown and R&B performers Spectrum and Radiance, who’ll perform classics from The Temptations, The Supremes, the Jackson Five and so many more.

The front man of Spectrum, Cushney Roberts, said the show will bring a big slice of Vegas and Motown to the west with a 14 piece band.

“We’re going to try our very hardest to get people dancing and clapping along because this show is going to be unlike anything anyone has seen before,” Cushney said. “The crowd is always responsive to our performances.”

“We have a massive backing band and everyone will get some time to do a solo, the men do this great Jackson Five medley which will get people dancing,” he said.

Cushney said the show is separated into three acts of

a kind each with their own specialities and individualities.

“Spectrum is a mens Motown band so we take up one act, Radiance is the women’s band and they’re another act, then finally the third act brings us all together and we just jam and sing all together on the stage,” he said.

Above all other things the one thing Cushney said he is most proud of is the authenticity of the performance.

“The show is very slick with costume changes, original material with a live band,” he said. “All of our show is researched and prepared in a way that makes it 100 per cent authentic.”

One of the things which sets Songs in the Key of Motown apart from other shows, says Cushney, is that the band stays behind and mingles with the punters after the concert.

“We love to get to know our fans,” he said. “They’ve paid good money to see us, so we love to get in and meeting and greet the people after our shows.”

Songs in the Key of Motown will be performing at the Evans Theatre in Penrith Panthers on Friday October 7. You can book tickets 4720 5555.

Cushney Roberts, lead singer for Vegas Motown act Spectrum.

Photo: Supplied.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Hodgepodge (9) 6 _____ and output (5) 9 Revenues (7) 10 Perform surgery (7) 11 What a private does to an officer (7) 12 Foolish (7) 13 Guiding (9) 15 Empower (5) 16 Not liquid (5) 19 History of a word (9) 22 Eight-seven in Roman numerals (7) 23 Fortress (7) 25 Hunting guide (7) 26 Accounts (7) 27 Pilot a car (5) 28 One who disputes (9)

DOWN 1 Groups of two (5) 2 A file of reminders (7) 3 A group of North African languages (7) 4 Fertile areas in deserts (5) 5 Wittingly (9) 6 Specify individually (7) 7 Braided (7) 8 Betrayal (9) 13 Revealed (9) 14 Enumerating (9) 17 Seventy-eight in Roman numerals (7) 18 Vary (7) 20 Eight-armed sea creature (7) 21 Systematic (7) 23 Breed of dog (5) 24 Not a winner (5)

solution 9/9/16

STEPTOE and Son by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson is a classic BBC comedy sitcom that ran from 1962 to 1965 followed by a second run from 1970 to 1974. The series was voted 15th in a 2004 BBC poll to find Britain’s Best Sitcom.

The program centres around two characters, a father and son, “rag and bone” men who peddle their junk trade around Shepherd’s Bush in West London. Albert, the father, has seen a lot of what life has to offer someone in his position and does not like what he’s seen one bit.

His son, Harold, on the other hand has social ambitions and wants to move up in the world, mainly to escape the family home and his father.

However his plans are always foiled by his father’s deliberate put-downs or outright sabotage.

The Acting Factory Director Mark Bell reunites some of his talented cast from last year’s successful run of Fawlty Towers at Mamre House and adds some well-known talent for key roles.

“I get great enjoyment directing stage adaptations of classic British sitcoms and the cast and I am confident we can pull it off again.

From costumes to set, the audience will be transported to Oil Drum Lane,

Shepherds Bush,” Mark said.

The Acting Factory will be performing two classic episodes from the series: Desperate Hours – Set on a cold winter’s day the peace and quiet of a game of cribbage is interrupted by the arrival of two escaped convicts, elderly Frank and the younger Johnny.

Recovering from their initial fright, the two rag and bone men soon find they have much in common with the two felons.

A Star is Born - Harold has joined an amateur dramatics group who use the Steptoe house as a rehearsal room for their play set in Afghanistan during the days of the Raj. Initially

mistrustful of actors Albert changes his mind when given a part in the play.

The Acting Factory will be performing Steptoe and Son at Rooty Hill RSL on the 2nd and 9th of December.

For bookings visit www.rootyhillrsl. com.au or call 9677 4916.

Ph:

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23 Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

E N T E R T A I N M E N T Rag and bone father and son team

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24

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

School holiday fun at Blacktown Key Venues LOOKING for a way to keep the kids entertained these school holidays?

Council’s Key Venues have you covered with a number of school holiday programs running across the Leisure & Aquatic Centres.

Blacktown Aquatic Centre (Boys Street, Blacktown) is running their Kidz Kaper program from Monday 26 September to Friday 7 October (excluding weekends and Labour Day public holiday), 8:00am to 5:30pm The program caters to children ages 6-12 years, getting them outdoors, active and having lots of fun. These school holidays the program includes a variety of activities including inflatable fun, a Rio Olympic theme day, arts and craft, cooking and endless hours of fun in the pool.

If Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope (Sentry Drive, Stanhope Gardens) is your local Centre then why not enrol your children in the Kidz Blitz program which will run from Monday 26 September to Friday 7 October (excluding weekends and Labour Day public holiday).

No 2 days are ever the same, with a variety of activities on offer from 7:30am to 5:30pm. These school holidays you can check out the brand new tennis courts by hitting your way through a tennis clinic and target

inflatable. There’s also a Lego day, sports spectacular day and even the opportunity to take part in a skating session with Skater HQ. Emerton Leisure Centre (35 Jersey Road, Emerton) is also getting in on the fun and running its highly popular Holiday Blast program from Monday 26 September to Friday 7 October (excluding weekends and Labour Day public holiday).

The program is designed for children aged 6-12 years, and will entertain and keep them active with a variety of exciting, educational programs, along with sports & lifestyle clinics every day from 8am

to 5:00pm.

You can also maintain your swimming skills during the school holidays with the Aqua Learn to Swim Acceler8 program at Blacktown Council’s Leisure & Aquatic Centres.

Acceler8 is suitable for preschool and school aged children, whether you’re a beginner or just wishing to fine tune your skills. The program is for one half hour lesson per day for each program. Lesson includes pool entry.

The Acceler8 program will run at Councils Leisure & Aquatic Centres over two weeks.

Week 1: Monday 26 September

2016 - Friday 30 September 2016 (Blacktown, Emerton & Stanhope only) Week 2: Tuesday 4 October 2016 Friday 7 October 2016 (Blacktown & Stanhope only) For further information on any of the above programs or to book please contact the appropriate centre on the following numbers or visitwww. blacktown.nsw.gov.au Blacktown Aquatic Centre: 9622 2279 Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope: 9421 2600 Emerton Leisure Centre: 8822 6000.

Keegan’s Kitchen Potato and goat’s cheese croquettes ... makes 12 WITH the weather warming up there is no time like the present for hosting dinner parties and afternoon lunches, but with all the people around the questions arise as to what to serve!? Croquettes are cheap and easy to make, and they can be made in large batches, they’ll surely go down a treat. If you want to change up the recipe you can always add in sweet potato and some cajun spices to add some more powerful flavours.

CROQUETTES: 500g potatoes - peeled & chopped 50g unsalted butter 1 egg - lightly beaten 1 egg yolk 1/2 cup soft goat’s cheese - can be substituted for feta cheese 1/2 cup plain flour 1 1/2 cups flaked crushed almonds or bread crumbs Olive oil for frying Parmesan cheese for serving METHOD: Boil the potato in a pot of salted water until tender and soft. Once cooked drain and return to the pot. Mash up the potato with the butter until smooth and fluffy. Season as you go so you’ve got lots of flavour. Mix in the the yolk and goat’s cheese with a fork. Divide the mixture into quarters then roll each quarter into a thick log. Cut up the logs into 3 hefty pieces.

Separate the flour, beaten egg and almond into individual bowls. Roll the croquettes

first in flour, then egg mix, then almond or bread crumbs. Put a splash of olive oil into a large frying pan and heat to 190°C. Fry croquettes for 2-3 minutes until golden. Set aside on paper towel so any excess oil can drain off. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve with aioli.

Like all the recipes, you can mix it up.

Let me know your combinations and changes by emailing me at keegan@ nepeannews.com.au

INVESTING IN SYDNEY’S FUTURE

PROPERTY SALES AND LEASING, NOW OPEN IN MARSDEN PARK 9835 3355 | www.bennettproperty.com.au

By Matthew Bennett, Bennett Property Group

PROPERTY is always a safe investment in Sydney with constant population increases pushing demand, whilst supply struggles to keep up. As a result, we are being asked on a daily basis what is the next best investment area. This of course depends on everyone’s personal situation, but there are some standout locations that have a very strong future.

We are big supporters of the triangle of Llandilo, Berkshire Park and Londonderry. These three towns were once quiet farmlands. They offered affordable 2.5 and 5 acre blocks for people to have their horses or dogs or market garden. Being in Penrith Council, a second cottage was permissible and if you wanted a big shed or had noisy trucks, then no-one complained.

The future of these towns are very different. Situated strategically in the middle of Penrith and Marsden Park, it is the obvious extension to Sydney’s residential sprawl. Town water

is connected and the Castlereagh Freeway is already preserved for future construction. The land is generally flat and mostly flood free.

It is ideal redevelopment land. Recent investors in these areas have sold in

the neighbouring residential growth centres of Riverstone and Schofields.

They have already capitalised on these development areas and want to do it again. Properties that sold in those areas for $1m just 5 years ago

are now getting over $5m. They have shown great returns.

Our Marsden Park office will Auction two fantastic properties in Llandilo next month. Just 10 minutes from Penrith, they are situated on the same block as the shops and school.

They both have little cottages that have been rented consistently for decades. On 2.5 acres each, they should sell for $1.1 to $1.2m each. If they were situated in Marsden Park they would be selling for over $6m.

Spending over a million on an investment property sounds out of reach for most, but many investors use their superfund or purchase in a syndicate with 2 or 3 friends to spread the risk. Why spend $500,000 on an old unit in Penrith when you and a friend can buy a future development site with much bigger upsides? Sydney needs to grow and these locations are prime for future development and current investment.

If you need advice on any property matter, feel free to call the Bennett Brothers on 9835 3355 or drop into one of our three locations.

TOP TIPS TO PAY YOUR MORTGAGE FASTER Below are some handy tips for paying off your mortgage faster so you can enjoy your home even more! .....Conrinued from last issue 6. Cut back on expenditure Reduce expenditure on vices and redirect the money into your home loan instead. Smoking, an after-work beer, morning coffee and that afternoon chocolate fix all add up over the course of the week. Add to that buying at least one lunch, breakfast or dinner a week and you could be putting more than $50 extra a week into your loan.

7. Look outside the big banks The big banks aren’t the only, or even the best, places to borrow money.

Many smaller banks and specialist lenders have very competitive loans available. Just because you haven’t heard of a lender doesn’t mean they aren’t a reputable lender – your mortgage adviser will know which lenders are credible and suitable for your situation.

8. Set up an offset or salary credit account Loans with offset facilities allow you to have your salary paid directly into the offset account which reduces the interest you pay on your home loan. The balance of the account is ‘offset’ against the balance of the loan for interest calculations and because you pay interest daily, this can save you a lot of money over the long term.

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

10. Don’t lower your repayments when interest rates fall When interest rates are falling, it may seem tempting to let your home

loan repayments keep pace with the minimum required repayments and pocket the difference. Before doing this, consider that keeping your repayments at the old level will shave a significant portion of principle off your loan, particularly if rates continue to drop.

11. Review your loan regularly Reviewing your loan regularly will help you to assess its effectiveness and take steps to correct any waste if necessary. Being on top of changes rather than waiting months or even years will potentially save you a lot of money.

12. Make use of internet banking The convenience and cheapness make this an ideal tool to arrange your finances in a way that is most beneficial to you. Schedule payments to go when you derive the most benefit in terms of your home loan.

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13. Combine for more saving power Trying two or more of these tips in conjunction can ramp up your savings dramatically.

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25 Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

realestate real

KURRAJONG

8 LOTS ALREADY SOLD!

THE HAWKESBURY’S FINEST RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS • Brand new residential address at the foothills of the Blue Mountains • 23 vacant lots ranging in size from 557sqm to 1,350sqm • Expansive mountain vistas and views to Penrith, City and Central Coast • Walking distance to the shops and schools within quaint Kurrajong Village • A short drive to Richmond; only a 30 minute drive to Penrith • Town Water, Sewer, Electricity and NBN available to all blocks • Protective covenants, sensible design guidelines define this high quality estate

Inspect:

By Appointment

Address:

33 Old Bells Line Of Road

Land size: From 557 square metres to 1350 square metres Price:

From $550,000

Details:

Michael Bennett/Matthew Bennett - 4578 1234

WILBERFORCE

4

2

8

MAGNIFICENT COUNTRY RETREAT • Quality 4 bedroom residence on beautiful acreage • Multiple formal & informal living areas opening onto picturesque verandahs • French provincial gourmet kitchen with gas, granite, and butlers pantry • Featuring 10 foot ceilings, red gum hardwood floors, ducted air, French doors • Large 19x 9m shed with 2 bedroom guest accommodation • Landscaped lawns and gardens, irrigated from dam • No through road, private location, 15 mins from Windsor • Over looks and adjoins large acres

Inspect:

By Appointment

Land size: Approx. 12 acres (5.1 hectares) Price:

Upcoming Auction

Details:

Michael Bennett - 4578 1234

KURRAJONG (02) 4573 1228 80 Old Bells Line of Road RICHMOND (02) 4578 1234 239 Windsor Street MARSDEN PARK (02) 9835 3355 Cnr Richmond Road & South Street www.bennettproperty.com.au

ELARA

4

2

2

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! • Brand new family home in new housing estate • Four bedrooms, main with ensuite and walk-in robe • Double lock-up garage with auto-door and workshop area • Tastefully decorated in a neutral colour palette • Low maintenance yard; undercover entertaining area • Ducted air conditioning plus ceiling fans in bedrooms, alarm

RICHMOND

2

1

-

DECEASED ESTATE - WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY! CASTLEREAGH $000,000 • First time on market in over Half a Century • Charming weatherboard cottage with many original features • High ceilings, timber floors, open fireplaces, wide verandahs • Huge back yard with good side access • Renovate and make it your own or re-develop site (STCA) • Ideal for professional rooms with good main road exposure • Close to shopping centres, city train and University • MUST BE SOLD!

Inspect:

Saturday 24 September & 1 October, 1:30 – 2:00pm

Inspect:

Saturday 24 September & 1 October, 1:00 – 1:30pm

Address:

20 Setaria Street

Address:

127 Windsor Street

Land size: Approx 375 square metres

Land size: Approx 827 square metres

Auction:

Tuesday 18 October, 6:30pm, The Sebel Resort, Windsor

Auction:

Tuesday 18 October, 6:30pm, The Sebel Resort, Windsor

Details:

Matthew Bennett/Nicole Cooney - 9835 3355

Details:

Michael Bennett - 4578 1234

QUAKERS HILL

4

2

2

SPACIOUS INTERIORS & AWARD-WINNING DESIGN • Impressive four-bedroom brick home on large 596sqm block • Award-winning Mirvac design with multiple living areas • Four spacious bedrooms, master with WIR and ensuite • Quality finishes, timber accents and bay windows • Covered entertaining area with established gardens • Mountain views from upper level, double garage • Fabulous opportunity in this location!

Inspect:

Saturday 24 September & 1 October, 2:30 – 3:00pm

Address:

19 Gwydir Avenue

Land size: Approx 596 square metres Auction:

Tuesday 18 October, 6:30pm, The Sebel Resort, Windsor

Details:

Matthew Bennett/Ken Chua - 9835 3355

KURRAJONG (02) 4573 1228 80 Old Bells Line of Road RICHMOND (02) 4578 1234 239 Windsor Street MARSDEN PARK (02) 9835 3355 Cnr Richmond Road & South Street www.bennettproperty.com.au

westernhistory western

28 Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

BY A ROAD, ON A HILL

R

OUSE Hill house was built because of a road: a ‘turnpike’, or tollroad, built at the order of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. It replaced an earlier road made to reach the rich agricultural land discovered on the banks of the Hawkesbury.

Richard Rouse, a free settler employed as the Superintendent of Public Works, was awarded the contract to build a tollhouse half way between the colonial centres of Parramatta and Windsor near Second Ponds Creek, a reliable water source.

Granted land of 450 acres (182 ha) – verbally at first then officially declared in 1816 – he may have originally intended to build an inn or coach house on the prominent, hilltop location.

On 27 November 1813, Governor Macquarie published a notice in the Sydney Gazette announcing a new toll on the Windsor Road:

Members of the Rouse family and guests at the house, 1859. To maintain the strict symmetry that was a defining feature of the Georgian style, the second window from the left on the upper floor is actually false – behind the matching shutters is a stone wall.

Wingate collection, State Library of NSW.

“

THE New Road leading from Parramatta to Windsor, being some time since compleated and two Toll Gates erected thereon, with suitable Houses for the Accommodation of the GateKeepers, the Public are informed, that one of those Toll Gates is placed near to the Bridge over the River at Parramatta, and the other at Rouse Hill (some-times called Vinegar Hill), at a Distance of about eight Miles from Windsor; and Tolls will commence to be levied at those Gates, on the 1st Day of January next.

“

N E PE A N HIST RY ONLY

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It was in this announcement that we read the name ‘Rouse Hill’ for the first time – and also the intriguing line ‘some-times called Vinegar Hill’. This records a darker side of the site’s history: a crushed convict uprising that took place there in 1804. Although ending a day after it began with the execution of its ringleaders, the uprising was the largest convict rebellion in Australian history. Led by a number of Irish political prisoners, the event was named after a battle that had taken place in Ireland in 1798 between the British Redcoats and Irish rebels.

Richard Rouse probably begun clearing, fencing and limited grazing at Rouse Hill around 1813. While the exact date the house was completed is unclear, in 1824 Richard, his wife Elizabeth and their family relocated there from Parramatta. Built from sandstone quarried near Parramatta, the house was an orderly, two-storey building, symmetrical inside and out, two rooms deep (or ‘double-piled’) with stables and a rear service wing. Originally the stark, severe façade featured the central entrance porch so familiar from other Macquarie-period houses in the WindsorRichmond area, but this was replaced by a full verandah in the 1860s – a valuable concession to the climate – and a new two-storey service wing was built to the rear.

To be continued....

Article: Sydney Living Museums

Would you like to read about the history of the Nepean?

Now you can purchase a LIMITED EDITION book featuring our history pages and more for just $10 plus postage and handling.

Help keep our history preserved by purchasing your copy. ORDER NOW!

9834 5579 or email m nepeannews@aol.com

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sport

WHEN the St Marys Rugby League Club Board of Directors resolved to enter into the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions in 2016 the aim was to provide local juniors and young Saints with every opportunity to reach their full potential and to provide a clear pathway from Under 6’s right through to the NRL. The Club had aspirations of making the top four in its inaugural year in both competitions but knew that would be a major feat.

The Club was lucky to secure a key signing in former NRL Player Nathan Smith who captains the Ron Massey Cup side. They also secured former NRL players and Saints Juniors Geoff Daniela and

Sonny Tuigamala and in terms of pathways, eleven of the Club’s Under 19’s players took to the field this year in these higher tier competitions.

The Saints Sydney Shield side finished third on the competition ladder and were eliminated in last Sunday’s grand final qualifier after going down to the East Campelltown Eagles 40 to 6. The Saints Ron Massey Cup side finished fourth on the competition ladder and have secured a spot in the grand final after taking down the Western Suburbs Magpies 20 to 14 in last Sunday’s grand final qualifier.

The Premiership will be decided at Pirtek

Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

Oh when the Saints go marching in

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Stadium, this Sunday 25th September at 2.15pm when Saints take on local rivals Mounties, and whilst the end result won’t be decided until then the Club is already ecstatic with the result. President of the Board, Warren Smith said “To have both the Sydney Shield and Ron Massey Cup sides make it to the Grand Final qualifier in our first year is just terrific and to have the Ron Massey Cup in the Grand Final is just something else and far exceeded our expectations. I encourage everyone to get down to Pirtek Stadium on Sunday, I want to hear everyone in the crowd singing……………Oh when the Saints go marching in.”

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Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

MY WORDS WITH MARK GEYER

PANTHERS FELL SHORT BUT WHAT A YEAR!!

BRAVO Panthers! You have done yourselves as well as your fans proud this season. In a year that was an unknown on just where the mountain men would figure as far as the premiership ladder went, I think I can speak on behalf of all loyal fans when I say you were a pure joy to watch. You’re growth was substantial and finishing 6th on the table was admirable.

Beating the Dogs in week one gave us fans all hope of better things to come but alas the Canberra Raider juggernaut was one big hurdle to hard to jump.

With that, I’ve come up with my awards for season 2016, with presentation night just around the corner let me get in first.

“Best Player”- Matt Moylan Moylan has gone next level after making his origin debut this year for the Blues. The confidence he gained by playing in such an intense series was profoundly beneficial to his club footy. The uncanny resemblance to Darren Lockyer is in fact ‘uncanny’. The more he is involved in the game the more chance the Panthers are of victory.

“Most Consistant”- Josh Mansour Similarly to Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour’s origin series elevated him to the elite level. As an ex forward I can tell you there is nothing better than running back towards your line after an opposition kick to see a winger field the ball and bring it back with gusto. Mansour not only does this consistently he 9 times out of 10 breaks the first tackle then gets away a quick play the ball. Fantastic season from an ever-improving flanker.

“Rookie of the year”- Nathan Cleary The composure this kid displays is an asset not many before him have had.

Since coming into first grade it’s been no coincidence that the Panthers structure and success has been dramatically better. It’s quite scary to see how good this kid can potentially become, plus the fact he can kick goals from anywhere only enhances his value to coach Griffins team.

“Mr Courageous”- Peter Wallace What a comeback from the affable Blaxland native. From not really knowing where he stood before a ball was kicked this season, Wallace extended his contract by proving his versatility in covering as hooker once Segyaro vacated the premises. Not only did Wallace fill the role with aplomb he also played with serious injury throughout the year on many occasions, often putting his head where most wouldn’t even put their knees. A tough bugger with a real ‘team first’ mentality.

“Silent Hero”- Tyrone Peachey Peachey is that type of player that every team needs. Back in my day our silent hero was Col Vandeervoort. Every team needs one; not every team has one. Peachey’s ability to virtually be able to play every position on the field (maybe besides prop) makes him a irresistible commodity. And he does his job without the plaudits of his more illustrious teammates. As a coach the first player picked in my 17 EVERY week!

24 HOURS

Our new Moodle

“2017 is theirs”- Bryce Cartwright Playing at five eighth Cartwright more than held his own. But with young TeMaire Martin back bigger and better next season you get the feeling Cartwright will be back to his barnstorming/offloading best next season in the second row. I think he’ll cement a spot in the NSW state of origin team. Don’t get me wrong - he was still among the Panthers top three or four performers weekly - I just think the sky is the limit when running onto the ball and not being asked to set play up.

“Fan Favourite”- Trent Merrin Merrin could have figured in every above-listed category (except rookie) such was his acquisition to the Panther fold. I played in the late 80’s when the Panthers brought Chris Mortimer and Peter Kelly from the Bulldogs, I rate Merrin as good a buy as those two legends! And how can you not love a player who extends his deal basically a couple of months after settling in the West?

Great buy, great player, great bloke. All boxes ticked makes him a definite fan favourite.

Another thing.....

We have a new member of the Geyer family. His name is Ottis and he arrived last week from a puppy shop in Brisbane. Ottis is a Moodle (part Maltese part poodle) and is now a younger brother to our other Moodle, Buddy. After having five kids we thought our days of toilet training were long gone. Afraid not.

Toilet training this little bugger has proven to be one of the real challenges of having an indoor dog. Now we’ve got two of them!! But we wouldn’t have it any other way. They are both great companions and now they have each other to wrestle and run around with. Gotta run, Ottis is sniffing around as I write......

Toilet time!!

MG (random Westie) OAM

0415 982 093

Wanderers claim first NSW PowerChair Premier League title

By Conner Lowe

THE Western Sydney Wanderers defeated four-time champions Newcastle Jets in the last round of the PowerChair Premier League to claim their first title since the club’s introduction in 2013.

Club captain and goalkeeper for the Wanderers team, Andy Waite expressed the hard work the team went through to achieve the victory in his emotions.

“It’s hard to put into words the emotion I felt after the win against Newcastle, when Jacob Cross (On-field captain) and I approached the Western Sydney Wanderers to get involved and help the team, they jumped aboard and have supported us the whole way

through and after a couple of lows, the team put in a lot of effort this year to achieve the title,” he said.

“The team had belief, we knuckled down during training and got a new coach, having all these little pieces come together, exceled the team during the season.”

Andy Waite also showed his appreciation of Abdullah Karmin after his recruitment at the start of the season from rivals Sydney FC. “Yes, it was a huge success with getting him recruited, he was that missing piece that we needed, and having him really helped the team this year,” Andy said.

Abdullah Karmin finished the season as the highest goal scorer for

the Western Sydney side and helped them to the team to their first title.

The Western Sydney Wanderers powerchair team is the first in Australia to be affiliated with a professional club.

The sport has been played in Australia since its introduction in 2010.

SPORTS SCENES

NPL 2016 Grand Final celebrations and game

Andy Waite said that his experience and leadership role as the manager of the team really pushed him to make the team successful.

“Powerchair football started in Australia six years ago, I’ve played the game for five years and being team manager, really pushed me to make the team successful, lots of people have doubted us and said it’s not going to work, but for us the whole team is run by the players and for the players.”

Powerchair football is a moderated game of life-size football on a basketball court, played by individuals who are in wheel chairs. The game is played in two, 20 minute halves with four players on the court at one time, one goalkeeper and three field players.

(With Thanks to Sebastian Giunta SG Photographics)

31 Western News 23 September 2016 Issue 19

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Western NEWS Friday, 23 September 2016

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Maluach flirts with national selection

By Noel Rowsell

BLACKTOWN West Storm Youth League power forward Makuach Maluach has ended 2016 in the same exhilarating fashion he began, winning selection to the Australian All-Schools Men’s team and also into the squad for the Under 19 Men’s team (Emus).

2016 was ultimately a disappointment for the Storm Youth League men’s team but was still a triumph for Maluach on a personal note.

The imposing power forward finished as the Division One Youth League “leading point-scorer per game” for the season and could have easily been the “overall leading pointscorer”, had he played more than half of the season’s games.

His involvement was curtailed in part by his extraordinary ability, with Basketball Australia issuing an invitation for Maluach to attend their Centre of Excellence in Canberra in May. Whilst involved with Australia’s elite program, Maluach also stepped in to assist the COE team in a round of

The exhilarating Makuach Maluach flies to throw down a huge slam dunk during the 2016 Waratah Youth League competition.

(Photo: Noel Rowsell www.photoexcellence.com.au)

the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) competition.

The SEABL is Australia’s premiere Winter competition and the largest interstate sporting competition in Australia and Maluach was up to the occasion in both games.

Maluach played as if he was a regular in the SEABL competition,

grabbing 19 points, 3 boards, 2 assists and 1 steal against North West Tasmania, then followed up the next day with an even more impressive 22 points, 9 boards, 1 assist and 2 blocks against Albury/Wodonga.

Maluach also played for Combined Independent Schools (CIS) at the NSW All-Schools Championships in

June and led his team to victories over both Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) and Combined Independent Schools (CHS).

Maluach subsequently won selection to the NSW All-Schools Men’s team and also led them to victory in the School Sports Australia (SSA) Championships in August, subsequently winning selection to the Australian All-Schools Men’s team, which will tour the United States in December.

To complete an almost unbelievable year, Maluach has since been include in the squad for the Australian Under 19 Men’s team (Emus), which will contest the Oceania Championships as a build-up for the 2017 FIBA U19 World Championships for Men. Australian head coach Adam Caporn has run his first three-day camp and advised “Final selections will not be made for some time”.

Caporn has an unbelievably talented array of talent to choose from in his squad but Maluach has undeniable claims to win selection in the final tenman Emus team.

OPEN NOW Richmond Club 6 East Market Street Richmond, NSW 2753 Tel (02) 4578 1144 www.richmondclub.com.au