Western News 25 October 2019

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Friday, 25 October 2019

ISSUE 96

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HALLOWEEN FUN Read about the origins of Halloween on page 9 and on page 5 enjoy a Spooky Halloween celebration at St Batholomew’s Church.

Western News 25 October 2019 Issue 96

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Mayor Stephen Bali MP steps down

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he State Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali has stepped down from the position of Blacktown City Mayor after 5 years in the role.

Under the Local Government Act, Mayors and Councillors can only continue in the office for 2 years after being elected to the NSW Parliament.

Mayor Bali was elected to Parliament at the 14 October 2017 by-election for the seat of Blacktown triggered by the resignation of former NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson.

Mayor Bali stepped down from office at an Extraordinary Meeting of Blacktown City Council on Wednesday 9 October. His resignation from Council took effect from Monday 14 October.

Deputy Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM was elected Mayor unopposed and Councillor Julie Griffiths was elected Deputy Mayor, also unopposed.

Councillor Stephen Bali was first elected to Blacktown City Council in March 2004. He was Deputy Mayor from 2009 to 2010 and was elected Mayor in September 2015.

“It has been an absolute honour and privilege to represent the people of Blacktown as a Councillor, Deputy Mayor and Mayor.

“I thank my Council colleagues, Council’s staff and most importantly the people of Blacktown for their support and belief in our City and for giving so much of their time and effort in seeking to make a difference,” Cr Bali said.

Councillor Bali paid tribute to those on Council who paved the way for him including former Mayors the Hon. John Aquilina, the late Jim Lynch, the late Leo Kelly and his late father and former Deputy Mayor, Charlie Bali.

Councillor Bali said working with the community had been the most

(From left) Retiring Mayor Stephen Bali MP with Mayor Tony Bleasdale and Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths.

fulfilling aspect of his time on Council.

“We campaigned against the negative stereotyping portrayed in the SBS Struggle Street program, we restored pensioner rates discounts and reopened Mt Druitt Swimming Centre. We fought the world’s largest incinerator and saved hectares of precious Cumberland Plain Woodland.”

As Mayor, Stephen Bali has led Council’s transformational projects including the redevelopment of the Warrick Lane precinct in the Blacktown CBD, the establishment of Australian Catholic University’s Blacktown Campus and the planned International Centre of Training Excellence at the Blacktown International Sportspark.

In his acceptance speech, Mayor Tony Bleasdale said he was deeply honoured to be elected Mayor of Blacktown City.

“I am honoured to follow in the footsteps of the historic term of our colleague and great friend Stephen Bali.

“Under his 5 years of leadership, a valuable legacy has been established for Blacktown City, a legacy of stability and clarity of vision and respect for all our communities.

“Mayor Bali’s leadership has resulted in collaboration on Council which underpins the dynamic transformative program that will establish Blacktown as a city of talent, diversity and sustainable growth and development.

“I know that any history of our city will hold Councillor Stephen Bali in the highest regard for the many achievements and landmark moments under his leadership.

“Under my leadership we will complete the transformational projects that Stephen Bali and Council started.

“Blacktown City Council must continue the fight for Indigenous recognition, we must continue to lead and advocate for our community, we must continue to engage with our communities and we will continue to build on the excellent work going on in the economic development in our city,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths was first elected to Council in 2008 and is now serving in her second term.

Councillor Griffiths has been a long time member of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association NSW Branch including terms as President and City Vice President.

She is currently a Councillor on the Hawkesbury River County Council and on the Board of LG NSW. “It is an honour and privilege to serve the Blacktown City Community and I look forward to joining with Tony and my fellow Councillors in ensuring Blacktown City continues its journey of sustainable growth and development while celebrating diversity and multiculturalism,” Deputy Mayor Griffiths said.

“I am committed to fostering Blacktown City’s infrastructure and providing good quality child care and further developing services for our youth through local apprenticeships and traineeships.“ Council will seek the Minister for Local Government’s approval not to hold a by-election to replace Councillor Bali. Ward 4 would then be served by 2 Councillors for the remainder of this Council term which concludes in September 2020.

Walk your way through Blacktown on the Great West Walk

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he Great West Walk, a walking route from Parramatta Park through Blacktown City and on to the foot of the Blue Mountains, is officially open.

Walking Volunteers and Blacktown City Councillors Kathie Collins OAM and Moninder Singh on the Great West Walk path in Blacktown

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the 65km walking route is a great way to see some of Blacktown City’s many parks and reserves.

“Over half of the walk - 34 kilometres of it - is within Blacktown City Council boundaries,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

The walk’s Blacktown component starts from McCoy Street, Seven Hills at the railway overbridge and continues through Marayong, Doonside, Rooty Hill, Mount Druitt, Whalan and Tregear to Mainwaring Street, Ropes Crossing in Wianamatta Regional Park.

“You can complete this walk in small sections and take the time out to enjoy what’s on offer in Blacktown, including the International Sports Park in Doonside, The Aquatic Centre

The Walking Volunteers with Mayor Tony Bleasdale at Blacktown City Showground

in Blacktown, Nurragingy Reserve, and Federation Forest in Mount Druitt, the list goes on,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

The walking route is an initiative by the Walking Volunteers who have

collaborated with land managers and relevant NSW Government departments on mapping the route.

For more information about the Great West Walk visit blacktown.nsw. gov.au/gww

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ustralian Catholic University (ACU) and Blacktown City Council on Thursday 17 October formally ratified their partnership, led by ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Greg Craven and Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, with the signing of a “Heads of Agreement” at the Blacktown Civic Centre.

The agreement officially seals collaboration between the two that will see the development of a Blacktown CBD university campus and a clear path to university for the 18,000 students who live in the city of Blacktown.

ACU will open a Future Students Information Centre at 22 Main Street in June 2020 and will begin offering courses for degree and Executive Education from February 2021.

The Heads of Agreement signing was attended by the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta, the Hon John Fahey AC, Chancellor, Australian Catholic University and members of ACU Senate, Blacktown City Council, and local schools and industry partners.

The new campus will be the first university established in Blacktown, and the ninth ACU campus.

Since March, work has been underway including establishing governance structures and developing vital plans with the Diocese of Parramatta, Blacktown City Council, and community and industry partners.

Professor Craven said that becoming a part of the Blacktown community was a significant development for the University and an important milestone for Catholic education in Australia.

Western News 25 October 2019 Issue 96

ACU and Blacktown seal partnership

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Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (left) joins Professor Greg Craven AO in signing the ‘Heads of Agreement’ formally establishing ACU Blacktown.

“The University is privileged to be associated with, and to serve, the Blacktown community and the Diocese of Parramatta.

“This agreement is a reflection of the relationships already established between ACU, the Diocese of Parramatta and Blacktown City Council which we are looking forward to strengthening.”

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale said; “This is a game changer for tertiary education in Western Sydney and a vital part of Council’s vision for transforming our city.

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“Our students can now look forward to getting a quality education without having to commute for hours across Sydney.”

The Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali said; “ACU has already established a strong network of industry partners and expertise in Blacktown.

“Working together these partnerships will bring education, training, research and experience that will provide huge benefits to the Blacktown City community.”

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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here’s an old saying that “behind every good man there’s a great woman” and I’d like to ride on the back of that line of thinking and say that “behind everything good there’s a really great senior.”

Our seniors are literally the backbone of this country. They’ve been there, done that and seen it all.

Yes, you grandchildren out there who know everything – they actually lived very exciting and colourful young lives long before you were even a thought!

And they’ve lived to tell the tale - and are able to pass on some valuable lessons to those of us who are still striving to one day get there.

They take up the lion’s share of volunteering work, they form the largest group of people who fought for our country and they’re our best-behaved citizens.

And they’re often overlooked when it comes to discussing what is great about our nation.

They’ve lived through times that younger generations could never imagine – they’ve survived depressions when sometimes the family meal consisted of bread and dripping, they’ve lived without television, computers, mobile phones and Facebook. Yet they never declared they were starving or bored!

They rolled with the punches and came out smiling.

If you’re a senior, I thank you for your contributions to this fine country.

If you’re not a senior, take some time to talk with one. Your mum, dad, grandparent, neighbour - or seek out one of the active folk out playing bowls or bingo – and ask them about their life.

Chances are you’ll find some human qualities that I desperately hope don’t disappear when their generation eventually does; like patience, consideration and respect.

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Western News 25 October 2019 Issue 96

Get spooky at the Halloween Historical Tour

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istory buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike are invited to get a spooky thrill at the historic St Bartholomew’s Church and Cemetery for the 2019 Halloween Historical St Bartholomew’s Church and Cemetery was established in 1841.

Tour.

The night tour, to be held at the been a tour guide at St Bartholomew’s church in Prospect, will be the last for over 25 years.

According to Ms Magann, an one for the year.

Blacktown City Mayor apparition appeared on the M4 side Tony Bleasdale OAM said, of the cemetery. “Every so often “St Bartholomew’s Church and he comes out and you can feel he’s Cemetery dates back to 1841 and around because a cold feeling goes contains the graves of many early through the group,” she said.

Hazel along with other tour guides settlers including explorer William will be recounting stories about the Lawson.

“People have flocked from across lives of people buried at the graveyard.

Tour participants are encouraged to Sydney and beyond to visit the historic site and have claimed to have dress up for the occasion. There will been unable to move when they have be prizes for the best dressed female approached one of the troublesome and male.

Date: 26 October 2019 Time: 8:00 ghost’s tombstones.”

St Bartholomew’s Church tours are pm – 11:00 pm Cost: $40pp including food run by a dedicated team of volunteers beverages Location: St with the support of Blacktown City and Bartholomew’s Church, Ponds Rd, Council.

Local historian Hazel Magann has Prospect 2148

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Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrates in style

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n Saturday 19th October 2019, The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry had the pleasure of hosting the 41st Business Excellence Awards Gala one of the most prestigious events in the NSW Business Calendar.

Held at White Bay Cruise Terminal, the special evening celebrated another prosperous year for Italian and Australian companies, with awards recognising those who have excelled in their chosen field whilst demonstrating leadership and success in business, innovation, networking and planning.

This year’s event saw the largest participation in history with 500 attendees, including representatives of major Italian companies and institutions, significant Italian and Australian businesses, as well as politicians and other noteworthy VIP guests.

The ICCI President, Fabio Grassia, together with the CEO, Rachele Grassi, welcomed the guests of honour at this year’s Gala including the newly appointed Ambassador and Consul General of Italy, H.E. Francesca Tardioli and Mr Andrea De Felip, and the world renown designer Prospero Rasulo.

The awards went to: ENEL Green Power was awarded the ICCI Large Enterprise Business Excellence honour, recognised for

the company’s ability to produce and manage worldwide energy from renewable sources. Present in Europe, America, Asia, Africa and Oceania, Enel Green Power is the world leader of the green energy sector, with an annual production of over 100 TWh, meeting consumption requirements of almost 200 million families each year.

UNITECH Solutions received the ICCI Medium Enterprise Business Excellence award. Since it’s beginning, the company has specialised in solving business problems by identifying and implementing ICT services and solutions through innovation and industry best practice. Over the years the company has constantly evolved

and reinvented itself to meet market demand including exporting ICT consulting service in the Asia Pacific region as well as the USA. The ICCI Small Enterprise Business Excellence award was given to Pari Pasticceria. The young business, Pari Pasticceria, is the symbol of quality and genuineness, where customers can catapult their imagination right into a traditional Sicilian pastry shop.

This year a special award has been recognised to Cav. Alfredo Bovier OAM. This was a joint acknowledgment of the Chamber together with the Italian Cultural Institute of Sydney who collaborated to celebrate Alfredo’s extensive

cultural promotion of Italy through authentic Cuisine and Opera.

The Hall of Fame 2019 went to Armando Tornari, in recognition of his career in journalism at and personal dedication to the Italian community of Sydney, who put aside his camera to go on stage and receive the prize among the audience’s applause.

A special thank you our Sponsors that supported this year’s event: Bel & Brio, MSC Group, Intesa Sanpaolo, Acqua Panna/San Pellegrino, Alfagomma/Hilflex, Barilla, Campari Group, Club Marconi, CNH Industrial, CO.AS.IT., De’Longhi, ENEL Green Power, Mazars, Navarra Venues, OnePoint, Parisi, Prysmian Group Australia, Qatar Airways, Salini Impregilo, TAG, Visa Global Logistics, Francois Santo, Gulli, Luxottica, Pari Pasticceria, Moretti Ristorante, Sydney Markets, Parmigiano Reggiano, Ferrero, Moleskine, Olio Kensington Street and Scotland & Harrison. And our product sponsors: Birra Moretti, Carla Zampatti, Federazione Italiana Cuochi (FIC-Australia), il Mercante, Napoli Food&Wines, Paesanella, Pure Gelato.

Additional thanks go to our ICCI Sponsors and Members for their ongoing support.

Finally, thank you to all our guests who attended and made the evening unforgettable.

Health district celebrates a golden year at Health Forum and Open Day

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ommunity members are invited to attend the 2019 Western Sydney Health Forum to learn about the key achievements for Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) over the last year.

An interactive panel discussion will be hosted featuring health experts from WSLHD, allowing the audience to ask questions they may have about their local health service.

WSLHD chief executive Graeme Loy said the organisation has had an excellent year.

“Over the last financial year we have delivered 10,658 babies, performed 44,628 surgeries and treated 200,000 people in our emergency departments,” Graeme said.

“We’ve had a huge year of infrastructure development with our facilities getting bigger, futureproofing our ability to service the health needs for an expanding population.

“We’ve also strengthened relationships with our Aboriginal community, attracted millions in research funding to inform better patient care and developed our partnerships and important work with the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.

“I encourage the community to come along to this year’s Western Sydney Health Forum to find out more about our biggest milestones and achievements, and what the future will

look like.”

An open day will also be available to the community prior to the forum, which will include behind-the-scenes tours of Blacktown Hospital’s new nine-storey central acute services building, part of Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals’ $700 million expansion project.

Health stallholders will also be on hand to provide expert advice and information on diabetes, organ donation and tobacco replacement therapy.

Basic health checks will be on offer and community members will also have the opportunity to sign up for a free personalised health coach.

Attendance to the health forum and

open day is free. All ages welcome.

Western Sydney Health Forum WHEN: Thursday, 31 October, 2019 - 5.30pm for a 6pm start WHERE: Auditorium, Western Sydney University Clinical School, Blacktown Hospital.

Open Day and Hospital Tour details: WHEN: Thursday, 31 October, 2019. Stalls and tours commence at 4pm WHERE: Blacktown Hospital main entrance For more information and registration details visit https://www. wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/wslhdevents/2019-western-sydney-healthforum-and-blacktown-hospital-openday

Cash boost on offer for local sports clubs A boost to grassroots sports development or upgrades to local sporting facilities are now available in the latest round of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.

The total funding of $4.65 million in grants can bring a huge benefit to the local community.

There are so many clubs that can take advantage of this opportunity to increase participation in sport and active recreation.

If you have a project that will boost training for coaches, promote grassroots sport or enhance existing facilities, your club may well be able to apply.

The NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program also supports local sports clubs which play a critical role in bringing our community together.

Funding is now available throughout NSW with $85,000 being allocated to electorates which are considered regional drought affected areas and $35,000 has been allocated to all other electorates.

Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said sport and active recreation can help tackle childhood obesity and build safer communities.

“The Local Sport Grant Program is now in its fifth year and provides benefits for social sporting events, the delivery of physical and mental health programs

and nurturing the dreams of young talented athletes,” Mr Lee said.

Sport’s important role in helping rural communities struggling through the drought is driving the NSW Government’s latest round of Local Sport Grants.

“With the worst drought on record, increasing pressure on NSW families, sport’s ability to bring communities together has never been more important.”

The Local Sports Grant Program closes on the 25 November 2019.

For more information visit https://sport.nsw.gov. au/localsport or phone 13 13 02.

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he health heroes of western Sydney swapped their work clothes for glittery gowns and stylish suits as their contribution to health and patient care was celebrated at Western Sydney University Parramatta campus.

Guests were surprised with a performance by patient Edward Kremmer, an 88-year-old who has a history of singing to other patients and staff while receiving treatment in his bright coloured suits.

Edward delivered the big finale of the night, with the audience rising to their feet to clap and dance along as the Westmead Hospital patient belted out the lyrics to Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’.

Eleven awards were presented to Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) teams who have made a difference to the health of the community and improved patient care in the region.

One of the peak awards at the event, the NewsLocal People’s Choice award, was awarded to the ‘Joining the I and MI in IMI: muscle matters!” project which improved the way anti-psychotic injections are given to mental health patients.

This year the NewsLocal People’s Choice award generated 17,000 votes online.

Using a high-tech plastic model of

a human’s lower torso, the winning People’s Choice project saw staff training several hospital mental health clinicians on the best practice method of safely administering the injection in the correct area of the body for optimal absorption.

Mental health pharmacist Selina Leung said that administering the intramuscular (IM) injection requires staff to identify the correct muscle in the person’s bottom.

“Our plastic model gives us a wrong signal if the injection has been identified in the wrong spot,” Selina said.

“The light turns green when the

injection is administered in the right spot. This has ensured we are maintaining best practice, skills and techniques for our patients.”

WSLHD chief executive Graeme Loy said he left the event feeling very proud of what staff had achieved.

“Congratulations to all of our winners and finalists,” Graeme said.

“Our staff have worked very hard to make a real difference to patient care, safety and health outcomes in western Sydney.

“The community should be very proud of our staff who are so passionate about innovating and delivering the best possible care.”

The winners of the 2019 WSLHD Quality Awards were: • Chief Executive award – Supply, Storage and Administration of Medications (Blacktown Hospital) • Board Chair award – It takes two – a partnership between WSLHD and Blacktown City Council (Integrated and Community Health) • NewsLocal People’s Choice award – Joining the I and MI in IMI: Muscle Matters!(Mental Health Services) • Patients as Partners – Physical Health Promotion Project (Mental Health Services) • Delivering Integrated Care – Providing Antenatal Care in an Outreach Setting in Riverstone (Blacktown Hospital) • Keeping People Healthy – Don’t fall for it: A Falls Prevention Initiative (Westmead Hospital) • Supporting Our Teams – Emergency Care to the Sound of Music (WSLHD) • Education and Training – Getting the Basics Right – Supplemental Oxygen (Westmead Hospital) • Innovation and Health Research – Streamlining Bowel Cancer Screening (Westmead Hospital) • A Safe and Healthy Workplace – Food for thought: Didn’t think we do healthy in the west (Integrated and Community Health) • Patient Safety First – Saving Lives: Priorities in Action (Mental Health Services)

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Health stars shine at western Sydney awards night

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Major milestone reached for delivery of new primary school at Marsden Park

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orth-western Sydney is one step closer to a brand new primary school in Marsden Park, following the lodgment of a State Significant Development Application (SSDA).

The project is designed to accommodate up to 1,000 students from year K-6 and provide new permanent, air-conditioned learning spaces, a hall, library, a covered outdoor learning area (COLA) as well as staff and administration facilities.

The school will be located in the Elara estate on Northbourne Drive in Marsden Park and is scheduled for completion in 2021.

Member for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly MP, said he was proud to be part of a Government delivering such an important project for the Marsden Park area.

“I am pleased the planning process is well under away and look forward to receiving community feedback. Many local families share my excitement and will be eager to learn more and to share their views.”

“The NSW Government is meeting the needs of local communities through significant investments in school infrastructure. We are committed to working with our school communities to

deliver the best possible learning facilities for students and staff,” Mr Conolly said.

The size and scope of the project will address an anticipated increase in enrolment demand in the North West Priority Growth Area, a region experiencing significant growth and residential development.

“Marsden Park and the rest of North West Sydney is experiencing unprecedented growth.

This government has already funded numerous new and upgraded schools in this area alone over the past few years, and we are committed to delivering more.

“We will continue to support the development

of the area, with continuous investments into jobs, roads and public transport but also social infrastructure such as schools, parks and community facilities.

The NSW Government is investing $6.7 billion over the next four years to deliver more than 190 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. In addition, a record $1.3 billion is being spent on school maintenance over five years, along with a record $500 million for the sustainable Cooler Classrooms program to provide air conditioning to schools. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

National Seniors Australia local branch

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ational Seniors Australia was established in 1976. They have unrivalled access to policy-makers and offer a raft of commercial benefits, worldclass research and a choice of top-notch communication options.

The organisation stays true to its roots by giving older Australians – working and retired - a strong national voice. They also lead a new guard of seniors: the baby boomers who are already redefining what it means to grow old.

Over 5 million Australians are now aged 50 years and over. They are all individuals, looking for different things, at different times at these later stages of life.

To be a part of National Seniors why not join the National Seniors Australia Sydney Greater West Branch which meets on the third Thursday of the month at Blacktown RSL Club at 1015am. For further details contact Betty on 0422 245 303.

New active pathways give students a kick-start

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chool students in western Sydney have taken part in a whole school walking excursion along new pathways today to promote walking and cycling to school.

Western Sydney Local Health District’s Health Promotion team worked with Riverstone Public School Student Representative Council (SRC) to create a range of safe and healthy routes to school.

Centre for Population Health Deputy Director, Christine Newman said western Sydney’s population increase and rise in higher density living means being active is more important than ever.

“The more we can offer attractive, practical ways for local children and their families to get active, the better for health outcomes,” Ms Newman said.

“Active pathways are a great opportunity for

regular, light physical activity – and fun!”

The Riverstone active pathways include four clear, safe routes with path markers showing the distance to school and guiding the way.

The project makes it easier for more kids to join their mates and have fun on the way to and from school.

Riverstone Public School Teacher, Martin Trescott, said active travel is an important part of their school’s wellbeing program.

“We’ve engaged our SRC on this active travel project to promote safe and healthy environments that encourage and make it easier for students to be active,” Mr Trescott said.

“The path markers have different colours for different routes. Our SRC created the messages on

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the path markers to encourage students and their families to get active.”

Around 37 per cent of students who live within a two kilometre radius of Riverstone Public School currently walk or cycle to school.

WSLHD invests approximately $2 million annually on tackling obesity, and $1.5 million for the Western Sydney Diabetes initiative. In 2019-20, the NSW Government has allocated $36.6 million towards reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Western Sydney schools interested in more information on active pathways can contact the Centre for Population Health’s Live Life Well @ School team on phone 9840 3603 or by emailing wslhd-llwats@health.nsw.gov.au.

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he Greater Western Sydney Health Partnership brings together South Western Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains and Western Sydney Local Health Districts to provide better health outcomes for its community.

The joint initiative is driven by three local health districts in one of Australia’s fastest growing communities and is focusing on future-proofing our public hospitals and health services and thinking differently about the delivery of care.

South Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive, Amanda Larkin, said the vision was borne from a shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by the extraordinary growth in greater western Sydney.

“The Partnership’s focus is to collaborate, promote and advocate for better health outcomes for the region of more than 2.3 million people, which is almost 30 per cent of the NSW population,” Ms Larkin said.

“The new Western Sydney Aerotropolis will be a high-skills jobs hub across a range of industries, including healthcare and research; it is important we are leaders in this field and this key project needs to be considered as we work together.”

Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive, Graeme Loy, said the Western Sydney Aerotropolis was one of the main drivers for the creation of the partnership.

“The board chairs and chief executives from three local health districts met last year to discuss how we can optimise the new opportunities that are on the horizon for the greater western Sydney region,” Mr Loy said.

“We have looked at each local health district’s strategic priorities and found opportunities and common priorities where we can join forces to only make a stronger healthcare network.

SWSLHD Chief Executive Amanda Larkin, WSLHD Board Chairman Richard Alcock, SWSLHD Board Chairman Sam Haddad, NBMLHD Board Chairman Peter Collins, NBMLHD Chief Executive Kay Hyman and WSLHD Chief Executive Graeme Loy.

“I look forward to working with our partners to ensure the strategic directions we set today continue to address the health requirements of the region by 2034.”

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Chief Executive, Kay Hyman, said close collaboration across local health districts would bring tangible benefits to people across the region.

“Greater western Sydney is changing and

adapting to new challenges and so must its major providers of healthcare,” Mrs Hyman said.

“Our new partnership is bound by a common purpose to work together to deliver better services for our growing communities and, importantly, help people live healthy and productive lives.”

The partnership will work alongside existing working groups and agencies already committed to the region, as well as to co-create new opportunities for collaboration.

The not so spooky origins of Halloween

By Keegan Thomson

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VERY year I hear the same smug remarks about Halloween.

“I don’t celebrate Halloween because it’s SO American!” or “we live in Australia so why do people celebrate Halloween?”

Much to the surprise of all those haters out there, Halloween has a more medieval, religious and European history, with the Americanisation of Halloween only coming about within the last 100 years or so.

The version of Halloween we all celebrate today, by gorging ourselves silly on chocolate and lollies and dressing up in frightening zombie outfits, is a popular left over of more than 2000 years of cultural and historical mixing.

One of the earliest origins of Halloween comes from the 2000 year old Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light huge bonfires, share epic feasts and dress up as saints, devils and angels to ward off the ghosts of the dead.

The festival of Samhain was a pagan celebration to mark the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the long, dark winter. The Celts

often associated winter with death, so a festival to ward off any unwanted ghouls and ghosts was a highly superstitious and spiritual matter.

By 43 AD the Roman Catholic Empire had conquered all the Celtic lands of modern day Ireland, the UK and Northern France. Once the Romans had this new territory they then started installing their own festivals around the traditional Celtic ones including Samhain.

Across the next thousand years there was a slew of festivities and celebrations named in honour of the deceased, the martyred and the saints.

Pope Gregory III marked November

1 as All Martyrs Day, a day which included bonfires, feasting and prayers, to include the traditional Celtic festival.

Around 1000 AD the Roman Empire wanted to irradiate all festivals which weren’t sacred and churchsanctioned so they created All Saints Day, on November 2 which replaced the Samhain festival.

Traditional elements of the former festivals merged with All Saints Day, or as it was known throughout England Alholowmesse, but the Celts rebelled and wanted to keep their own day of celebration so October 31 was named All-hallows Eve, which later translated into Halloween.

Across England, at this point of time, there was a wide sweeping famine which discriminated against the poorer classes. On Halloween, the last day of harvest, the poor would quite often beg for scraps, left overs and any excess produce from the harvest.

This is considered one of the earliest incarnations of trick or treating.

In 1607, as English colonisation pushed its way into North America, all the traditions of European life made its way across the Atlantic and to the New World. Religious differences separated where Halloween could be celebrated with the staunch beliefs of the Protestants outlawing the festivities.

America became flooded with new immigrants as the 1846 Potato Famine took hold in Ireland, and with this wave of new settlers came a new wave of traditional Celtic cultures. As the Irish moved across North America they popularised the form of Halloween that we see today with parades, plays, costumes, trick or treating and parties.

Next time someone criticises you and yours for celebrating the very traditional, ancient and multicultural festivities of Halloween be proud like the Celts and rebel, because if you don’t take pride in your celebrations someone will try to turn it into something else.

Western News 25 October 2019 Issue 96

New partnership announced to future-proof healthcare

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Western News 25 October 2019 Issue 96

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local columnists

Western News

The Mexican mountains

Angahuan

By BEN CRANNEY

I

mentioned last time that anyone travelling to Guadalajara should visit some of the nearby mountain towns and cities. One of my favourites is Uruapan, about half a day’s bus ride from Guadalajara.

There’s a national park within the city whose waterfalls drown out the city noises. The markets sell beautiful and brightly coloured handcrafts. And if you’re there just before Easter, the Palm Sunday Artisan Festival is the biggest artisan festival in the country, and celebrates indigenous culture and art. But the main reason for my visit was out of town, near the village Angahuan. From here, you can walk to the volcano Paricutin, which erupted completely unexpectedly in the 1940s.

It’s an 18k, 9 hour round trip, and a guide is essential if you don’t want to get lost in the pine forest or avocado

Running down the volcano

groves, or want to take the short cut through the rusty barbed wire tollbooth.

But here were none when we arrived.

We sat in the dusty square for 30 minutes, watching the town wake up, before deciding to find our own way.

Thankfully, a fellow rode up on his horse, cowboy hat on for the coming midday sun. He knew where we were going, and he knew the perfect guide.

His 70 year old dad who had watched the volcano erupt as a boy.

His dad soon joined us, and set a cracking pace. I guess we were racing the sun’s heat, because we didn’t see a soul. As we crossed the huge lava field, he told us how the slow moving lava had swallowed a nearby town, leaving only the church spire exposed.

At the base of the volcano there was still no one in sight, which was lucky, because it meant no one watched our embarrassing climb up the side. It was covered in scree, tiny marble like

Uruapan markets in the park

Paricutin across the lava field

rocks. One wrong step and the whole thing would come down, taking us with it. Every step felt like this, but our guide still ran straight up it in his leather sandals, giving semi insulting encouragement in Spanish, English or Purepecha.

Then, finally, we made it to the top, and there was a breathtaking view. And it was littered with people who’d come by bus, and walked up the more gentle,

sandy slope on the other side of the volcano.

On the way back to Guadalajara, stop by San Miguel de Allende, also known for it’s arts and culture, or to Guanajuato, with it’s very own Romeo and Juliet story of lovers who could only be together from across their balconies.

Next time: peace new 1000 people

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Here and There

T

he other day I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and could have sworn it was my mother looking back at me. No, this wasn’t one of those spirit moments, it was just a case of advancing years and, as I have a birthday coming up very soon, I did what I always do in such times of crisis and made an appointment with my fabulous facialist. Now I love going for a facial, not only because I always look remarkably better when I emerge, but I love the whole relaxing experience.

Well, there I was, cosily tucked up in my little nest while the beautiful Julie worked her magic.

Now, far from my having a quiet snooze, Julie and I take the time to have a good old gossip and catch up with each other. We were chatting away when I suddenly started to have trouble with words. I was becoming quite inarticulate and searching for the simplest expressions. I started to get a bit worried.

Had I suddenly developed galloping Alzheimers?

And then I had a thought. “Is there anything to do with France or someone French around you?” I asked Julie. She shook her head. I realised what the problem was. Someone from the spirit world had popped in and was having difficulty making themselves understood.

“Is it someone who has come in with you or someone attached to the building?” she asked. “I think it’s with me,” I replied.

Now this raised a couple of questions for me.

First of all, do spirits attach themselves to places or

people? This is something I am often asked and I guess the answer is both. We know that our loved ones stay with us and it has also been my experience that quite unexpected people pop in at odd times when we need a bit of extra help and guidance like my old builder from England who popped in to give me a bit of advice when I decided to have a go at regrouting my shower, but that’s another story. On the other hand, we very often find that places have their ghostly residents. They sometimes stay where they have been very happy and are unwilling to give up that happiness or, in extreme scenarios are unable to leave behind traumatic experiences. The well-chronicled sightings in the Tower of London give credence to this idea and I am sure nobody has

been in the attached chapel of St Peter ad Vincula where poor old Anne Boleyn is buried without feeling the intense despair of her presence.

The second question is why did that spirit in the beauty salon render me a gibbering idiot? Accepted wisdom dictates that the spirit world is above such things as mere language and communication is on a much higher plane where we all speak the same tongue. This has not been my experience.

I used to work as a French translator and teacher and whenever I gave readings in France, I had absolutely no problem. I could speak as easily as I could in English. However, when I was in England and doing a reading for someone in France it was a totally different kettle of fish. I would search for words and stumble over the simplest of expressions much to the amazement of both myself and my poor unfortunate client! What had happened? There was a definite lack of communication somewhere.

But maybe this brings us back to the original question. Perhaps my French guides didn’t want to cross the Channel and maybe my English guides were firmly rooted in the soil of Blighty and, has been the case for 900 years, the two were reluctant to meet on a friendly footing. Or, to be a little political at this time, were they in some spiritual way, already setting their faces towards a ghostly Brexit?

The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.

Western News

ENTERTAINMENT

The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre | Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm 78 Flushcombe Road Blacktown NSW 2148 | Phone: 02 9839 6558 www.artscentre.blacktown.nsw.gov.au | Booking: www.blacktownartscentre.eventbrite.com.au

25 October 2019 Diversity Arts: Pacesetters 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm Join Diversity Arts Australia and Blacktown Arts to launch The Pacesetters Featuring trailblazing artists Aamer Rahman, Kim “Busty Beatz” Bowers, Rani Pramesti and Latai Taumoepeau, whose works celebrate and pay homage to First Nations and culturally diverse Pacesetters through new films, music, performance and an online platform.

So get ready to listen, watch, reflect and dance-itoff!

Setting the pace will be a pumping soundtrack, The Fierce Awakens Mixtape by Busty Beatz and other works that provoke conversations about community, place, gender, sexuality, race, and colonisation in the Australian creative sector, while also celebrating the “pacesetters”. The works profile notable First Nations and culturally diverse Australians like Gary Foley, Beverley Wang, Eugenia Flynn, Maya Jupiter, MC Trey, Nazeem Hussain and Amanda Ma. Individuals: $20, Concession: $15, Organisations: $30 Book at www.facebook.com/ events/2413284778921219/ For more information contact Blacktown Arts on 02 9839 6558 or visit The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.

Image: Diversity Arts

26 October 2019 Introduction to Charcoal with Kristone Capistrano 2 pm – 4 pm Learn a range of introductory skills for handling charcoal with local artist Kristone Capistrano. The workshop will go through the fundamentals of tone, weight and crosshatching, guiding participants closely through the process of creating works with charcoal. Kristone is a multiaward winning artist who has exhibited his work internationally. He carries a wealth of technical experience in a range of creative areas including with charcoal.

This is part of a series of six workshops held monthly on Saturdays as part of our Painting and Drawing group.

This workshop is suited for adults of all skill levels. Tickets are $15 per person.

Book at www.blacktownarts.eventbrite. com.au For more information contact Blacktown Arts on 02 9839 6558 or visit The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.

Image: Kristone Capistrano, The Sleep of Convicts

26 October 2019 SOFT PEDAL 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm SOFT PEDAL is a night of electronic and experimental sound work curated by artist George Tillianakis and featuring performances by artists David Haines & Joyce Hinterding, Peter Blamey, Del Lumanta, and Chris Petro.

Performances will experiment with various forms of technology to generate sound and imagery, through diverse and abstract expressions. Our performers will experiment with abstract expressions to create immersive sound and imagery through new technology.

George Tillianakis is a Sydney based multidisciplinary artist, exhibiting primarily as a video performance artist, composer, and musician. George has been active in the arts for 20 years, exhibiting and performing in galleries internationally, most notably in New York City.

Adults: $15, Concession: $10.

Book at www.blacktownarts.eventbrite.com.au For more information contact Blacktown Arts on 02 9839 6558 or visit The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.

Image: George Tillianakis

Kfarsaroun Charity raises money for Guide Dogs The Kfarsaroun Charity Association was established in 1973 and has been raising money via a yearly fundraiser for Organistions in Australia since that time.The President is Mr Elias Nassif and he has been the President of the Charity since its incorporation. Mr Nassif is also a local business operator and owns the CTC retail shop at Quakers Court Shopping Center Marayong.

This year $11,000 was raised for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT at the Kfarsaroun Charity Association fundraising event. The donation was handed over this week at Quakers Court to Guide Dogs representative Georgie Cheyney by Rony Nassif, Elias Nassif and Samia Elias.

Well done to everyone involved in raising such a large donation for a great charity.

Scarecrow Festival at The Secret Garden The Secret Garden & Nursery are hosting the re-introduction of the Scarecrow Festival to the Hawkesbury.

The Scarecrow Festival was once a much loved yearly community event held in Kurrajong, but hasn’t been held since 2012.

The Secret Garden is the perfect environment for the revival of the festival, and we are very excited to invite the community to participate in this fun event again.

DETAILS: Scarecrow Festival Secret Garden & Nursery Clydesdale Lane UWS Richmond.

October 26th 2019 The competition is open to several categories: • Schools (day-care through to high school) • Disability organizations • Aged Care Facilities • Business • Independent/individuals

The fair will run from 9am to 4pm offering: • Market & food stalls • Train Rides • Devonshire teas • Wood fired pizza • BAR B Q • Farmyard animals for the kids • Hundreds of beautiful plants for sale • Live music Entry into the Secret Garden is $2.00, with children under 5 free Entry into the Scarecrow competition is $20 per Scarecrow.

For an information pack on Scarecrow entry email events@nwds.org.au

Western News 25 October 2019 Issue 96

What’s on at

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Western News 25 October 2019 Issue 96

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WESTERN HISTORY

100 years ago

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

O

ur soldiers were coming home from overseas. Pte Alfred James Orton, who was born in 1896, was the son of William Thomas Orton of Erskine Park. Alfred enlisted in June 1918 and embarked in July to England, arriving in London in September where he was allocated to the 18th Battalion reinforcements, but

by October he was in Hurdcott hospital in Wiltshire suffering from influenza and spent the rest of the war in hospital before returning home. Pte John ‘Jock’ Sallaway Barrett was born in Penrith in 1887 to Thomas and Mary Barrett (Nee: Sallaway) who married in 1882 in Lismore. He enlisted into the Army Service Corps in August 1915. He served in Gallipoli and France and returned to England before coming back to Australia. Corporal Ewan “Huie” Rose enlisted in July 1915 into the 14th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery. He was the recipient of the Belgium Croix-De-Guerre medal for bravery in 1918 when he was in charge of six men in a gun position when three of the men were killed and the others buried by a shell. Though shaken, he managed to get help to dig the men out under heavy fire and refused to leave his position until relieved. He came home to the relief of the East family who had taken him in before the war. In the Nepean Times, Brigadier-General Braund stated that the term “Digger” was first used as a password by patrols in No Man’s Land and that eventually the term was applied to the fighting troops. Apparently, another explanation heard in the army is that the term had its genesis on the W.A. goldfields and was carried by soldier miners into the army. In town:- There was a large congregation, including several Oddfellows (Independent of the order of Oddfellows Lodge) at a memorial service held in St Marys Magdalene Church for Pte Herbert Ryan who died of pneumonia in England in February 1919. In September 1918, poor Herbert also contracted mumps having only reaching England in July that year.

Hilton Harvey, the son of Mrs Fred Harvey of Victoria Street (Highway) was admitted to the Nepean Cottage Hospital where he was operated on suffering from appendicitis and was doing well. Mrs Sarah Barlow (Nee Frost) of Henry Street, Penrith aged 91, was born in Penrith had lived there all her life and was reported in very good health. She was present at the laying of the foundation stone and the consecration and opening services of St Stephens Church in July, 1839. She says they had two beautiful sunny days for stone-laying and the opening of the church.

She thought in 1919 that she was the only person still alive who was present at that historic event in Penrith. A khaki wedding was celebrated at St Mary Magdalene church when Constance (‘Connie’) Edna, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Samuel William Henry Thompson of St Marys married James, the third son of Mr & Mrs Charles Hackett. Chaplain Dent officiated and like the bridegroom and best man he appeared in uniform, all three having been away with the A.I.F. Connie was given away by her father and wore white crepe-de-chene, embroidered with pearls and a court train lined with shell pink and adorned with true lovers knots and orange blossoms. She also wore the customary wreath and veil and carried a bouquet of jonquils and ferns tied with

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ribbons of the bridegroom’s battalion colours. Miss Dorothy Thompson, sister of the bride, carried out the duties of bridesmaid and wore white voile with mob cap of shell pink and carried a bouquet of jonquils and pink carnations tied with ribbons of the bridegroom’s battalion colours. She also wore a ruby pendant the gift of the bridegroom. The trainbearers were Marjory Thompson, sister of the bride and Violet Hackett, niece of the bridegroom.

They were dressed in white voile trimmed with real torchon lace and had pink sashes. The best man was Lieutenant P Kinchington of the 2nd Battalion.

The reception was held at the residence of Connie’s parents in Pages Road. The newly married couple left on the train for Katoomba, the bride travelling in a dress of blue crepe-de-chene with Georgette sleeves and hat to match. (Grandparents of Lyn Forde). Townsfolk were deeply saddened when the news was received of the death of Ethel, wife of Mr Andrew Thompson (Jnr) of St Marys in the Nepean Cottage Hospital. The news being all the more unexpected as many people were not aware that Ethel had been dangerously ill. She became seriously indisposed and was at first treated in her own home, but later it was deemed advisable to remove her to the hospital and she died of pneumonia shortly after arriving there. Ethel, born in St Marys, was only 37 years of age and was the daughter of Mr & Mrs John Hackett of St Marys. The burial was at the C of E cemetery at St Marys. The people of St Marys celebrated Peace Day. There was enthusiasm and originality reflected in the whole of the display given, and the efforts appealed to the onlooker’s ideas of attractiveness and humour and were decidedly successful. In the evening a large bonfire was lit on Church Hill, forming a link in the chain of bonfires lighted throughout the state. The Mayor of St Marys, Alderman Campbell’s wife Martha Catherine passed away at her home at the age of 66 years. She was born in Pembroke, Wales and came to Australia with her aunt and cousins when she was only 11 years old.

Martha had been ailing, but even though she received the best treatment she died. During her long residence in St Marys, Martha had been a most energetic worker for the Presbyterian Church and gave her time and efforts most unsparingly in promoting its welfare. She was buried in the Presbyterian portion of the general cemetery at St Marys. In November at the St Marys Council meeting, the Mayor referred to the work that the returned soldiers were doing in West Ward on Caddens Road and another street running from Caddens road saying, on the whole the work was going as well as could be expected with some of the men fit to work anywhere and were willing to work.. It was advised that Mr H Dale of Mamre Park was sowing oats on the old 8-acre paddock known as the “Old Pear Tree Paddock”. The second sale of the estate of the late tanner Andrew “Andy” Thompson of St Marys was held at Messrs Ryan and Dale’s Auction Mart. Messrs Raine & Horne of Sydney, in conjunction with Messrs Ryan and Dale submitted the lots with generally satisfactory results. Lot 23 the Tannery ceased bidding at £3,300 when the property was withdrawn for private sale. Several other lots were sold for a total of around £272,638. Photo of Herbert Ryan courtesy of the Ryan Family.

Sources: Nepean Times newspaper.

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Western News

INSTRUCTIONS

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

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

13 Western News 25 October 2019 Issue 96

SUDOKU: EASY

ENTERTAINMENT

SOLUTIONS: 11 October EASY

MEDIUM

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Intense sorrow (9) 6 Deleted expletive (5) 9 Blow up (7) 10 Sowed (7) 11 A tropical cereal grass (7) 12 Trade stoppage (7) 13 Regards with suspicion (9) 15 Pertaining to the

Hellenic Republic (5) 16 Without

companionship (5) 19 Fazed (9) 22 Sharp turn (7) 23 Smooched (slang) (7) 25 Inane (7) 26 Piano music with a

syncopated melody (7) 27 Contemplates (5) 28 Subverts (9)

solution 11/10/19

down 1 They often grow on heads (5) 2 Asserts (7) 3 Instructor (7) 4 Whipping, clotted or ice (5) 5 Female imperial rulers (9) 6 A small weighted cloth bag (7) 7 The Muse of music (Greek

mythology) (7) 8 Firmly fastened with a device (9) 13 Controls the size of a camera

aperture (9) 14 Wastes (9) 17 Beginnings (7) 18 Depletes (7) 20 Notion (7) 21 Prolonged unfulfilled desire (7) 23 Bush (5) 24 Sediment (5)

Western News 25 October 2019 Issue 96

14

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

T

Western News

How to buy a home when you’re self-employed

he way we work here in Australia has really changed over the last 20 years. More people are working for themselves, self-employed, doing more than one job or working different sorts of hours.

Many self-employed borrowers come up against the challenge of not being able to simply present payslips and tax returns to back up their loan applications. But this need not stop you buying your dream home.

Many lenders offer loans for self-employed borrowers who can’t hand over payslips and employment records. This means that, rather than the usual documentation, you prove your ability to service a loan using bank statements, declarations from your accountant and financial records.

Of course, as with any mortgage application, you must still prove that your income outstrips your spending and you can service the loan. Getting this right is more than presenting a lender with a few quick sums on the back of a napkin; it can take a solid six to 12 months of preparation.

Here are some quick tips: • reduce debt: pay down credit cards and personal loans, and be sure to lower the credit limits as they are paid down, as lenders assess the total credit available to you as a potential debt level, not just the amount you owe; • cancel credit cards that you don’t need (this will affect credit scoring); • speak to a credit adviser about how the structure of your business and your taxable income will impact your ability to borrow; • do your taxes when you should, and always pay your tax assessments on time; • save: saving a deposit is obviously important, and showing your ability to live within your means while saving is too. This is key to serviceability – you want to show at least a six-month history of high income and low expenses; and • go to an MFAA Approved Credit Adviser, rather than a bank. Credit advisers have access to specialist lenders that assess applications on a case-by-case basis and tailor their products to selfemployed borrowers and contractors, while bank

@wealthwiz

lenders do not.

Loans to the self-employed do differ from standard loans in a few ways, apart from the application process. Lenders offset the extra risk they are taking when lending to a self-employed borrower or contractor by charging slightly higher interest rates and placing some extra rules on loan-to-value ratios (LVR) and insurance requirements.

Generally, you can expect an interest rate for such a loan to be one to two percentage points higher than for a full-documentation loan.

Most lenders will also insist on an LVR of no more than 80 per cent – meaning that under no circumstances will they lend more than 80 per cent of the property value, as assessed by the lender.

In cases where the loan amount is for more than 60 per cent of the property’s value, some lenders also require self-employed borrowers to pay for lenders’ mortgage insurance.

Contact Alex from Wealthwiz on 0419 600 177 for advice and who can help you navigate the loan market for self-employed borrowers.

#wealthwizau

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

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Western News

SPORT

Koen Mazoudier (white shorts) in action. Photos provided by Koen Mazoudier.

By Noel Rowsell

L

ocal 24-year old boxer Koen Mazoudier is about to enter the most important fight of his career, when he contests the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Oceania SuperWelterweight (69.85kg, 154 pounds) title on November 9 at the E.G. Whitlam Centre, Liverpool against another Australian boxer, former Commonwealth representative Luke Woods from Latrobe, Tasmania.

Koen started boxing with his dad Dean Mazoudier in the backyard, for

fitness, at the age of 13 and by the age of 14 was training properly in a gym.

He had his first amateur fight at 15 and from his amateur career of 80 fights, has won 6 State Championships and finished as a Silver Medallist twice at National level.

Koen turned professional just over 12 months back, having his first professional fight in September, 2018.

November’s upcoming fight will be his 7th professional fight and he enters the bout in solid form, boasting a 6-0 win-loss record in the professional ranks.

Currently ranked 10th in the Super Welterweight Division in

Australia, Koen has already won the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Australasian Title in his 4th professional fight and defeated the current NSW Champion in his 6th pro fight.

Koen was born and raised in Blacktown and currently trains at the Blacktown PCYC under Rodney Williams and father Dean Mazoudier.

Koen’s family count among his biggest supporters - sister Bianca

one of the loudest vocal supporters, brother Harris doing a lot of the filming and editing of the fights, father Dean working in Koen’s corner during fights and mother Pauline ‘doing heaps’ behind the scenes.

Koen has fought Woods once before as an amateur at the National Titles, falling to him in a narrow points decision and both fighters are in the early stages of their professional boxing careers.

Half a million reasons everyone loves Bankwest Stadium

By CONNER LOWE

B

usiness is booming for Bankwest Stadium as it welcomed its 500,000th fan through the gates last weekend.

Geoff Lee, acting Minister for Sport said the milestone is expected to be passed at the Downer Rugby League World Cup 9s, being played tonight and tomorrow.

“Bankwest Stadium has become the people’s stadium. Whether it is for sport, entertainment, business, community or cultural events, it is now part of the fabric of a booming Western Sydney,” Mr Lee said.

“Bankwest Stadium’s brilliance shows why the NSW Government is investing $1.9 billion in our stadia network, so we can showcase the best sport and entertainment.”

The success comes after just six months in business with over 500,000 fans having attended 28 events at Bankwest Stadium, since it opened on Sunday 14 April.

The sensational seating and acoustics in the stadium will really come to life when Bankwest hosts its first concert, with pre-sales tickets now available.

“Iconic Aussie bands Cold Chisel and Hoodoo Gurus will rock Bankwest

on January 24 next year, to kick-start the Australia Day weekend,” said Mr Lee. “The steepest grandstands in the country will get music fans closer to the action than ever before.”

Venues NSW CEO, Paul Doorn said there is a big buzz around Bankwest Stadium’s first concert and hosting a successful Rugby League World Cup 9s tournament.

“The versatility of Bankwest Stadium is one of the best assets of this wonderful piece of infrastructure built by the NSW Government,” said Mr Doorn.

“It can be transformed from a sporting cauldron to a concert arena very quickly and the feedback we get from fans, players and sporting codes is brilliant.”

Economic analysis undertaken

by Micromex Research revealed three sporting events at the Stadium generated an estimated total of $2.92 million for the Parramatta Local Government Area this year.

A separate report released by City of Parramatta Council showed Parramatta’s local economy gets a million-dollar boost every time an event is held at the new Bankwest Stadium.

Western News 25 October 2019 Issue 96

Mazoudier to fight for Oceania Title

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Western News Friday, 25 October 2019

SPORT

Wanderers are confident ahead of the derby

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Western S y d n e y Wanderers have had a perfect start to the season with two wins from two and now look to the biggest game yet with Sydney FC at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday.

It was thanks to two wonder individual strikes from Keanu Baccus and Alex Meier that inspired the Wanderers to a 2-1 over Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium last weekend.

Not surprisingly, the home side started strong and had the Wanderers under pressure for the opening 10 minutes.

Goalkeeper Daniel Lopar was called into action just two minutes into the game, tipping a Kamsoba effort over the bar. He then denied Nabbout, turning his effort around the post.

However, the Wanderers settled down and started to put their own mark on the game. Alex Meier showed what he is capable of, firing

a thundering long-range effort into the net off the crossbar but, unfortunately, the referee had already blown up for a foul in the Wanderers favour.

With the scores locked at 0-0 at half time, Baccus produced a special piece of magic to open the scoring in the 54th minute, lashing home a first time shot from about 25 metres to give the Wanderers the lead.

Marquee striker Meier, who has only been in the country for a month

and was playing just his second game in the Hyundai A-League, added a second eight minutes later as the red and black silenced the home crowd to go two up.

The German’s debut goal for the Wanderers will be long remembered.

He showed all the class of a player who has played in the top league in the Bundesliga, taking advantage of a defensive mistake to put the ball into the back of the net with a first-time

effort from close to 25 metres out.

Victory did pull a goal back via an Ola Toivonen penalty on 71 minutes, ensuring a hectic finish to the game.

However, the Wanderers showed great character to hold firm and record their second win from the opening two games of the season. It’s the first time the club has won their opening two games of the season and sets up another blockbuster derby against Sydney FC on Saturday week.

Daniel Georgievski, Western Sydney Wanderers Defender spoke about the positives leading into the derby and how prepared the squad is for Saturday.

“We are coming (for you) ... actually, you are coming to us (at Bankwest Stadium), but we are coming (for you) too!” he said.

“It is going to be amazing heading into the Sydney Derby next week. It clicked for us against Victory. We have been talking about it and it happened.

There are only positive signs ahead.”

The Wanderers are confident they’ll remain unbeaten after this weekend and charge into round 4 of the A-League with three wins on the trot.