Western News 27 November 2020

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Friday, 27 November 2020

ISSUE 123

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Vishwa’s wish Seven year old Marsden Park resident, Vishwa, has spent more of her life in hospital than she has out of it. She’s known a lot of pain. But the big smiles you see are due to the Starlight Foundation granting her wish! See inside for full story.

Western News 27 November 2020 Issue 123

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Blacktown City gets greener with tree-riffic planting program

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lacktown City is becoming even greener with nearly 2,000 extra trees planted across the City as part of the NSW Government’s tree-riffic 5 Million Trees program.

The program aims to plant 5 million trees across the Greater Sydney region by 2030.

The program works towards strengthening Sydney’s adaptability to climate change and to mitigating the incidence of the urban heat.

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment provided a $1 million grant to Blacktown City Council for the tree planting program, with Council matching the funds.

About 2000 trees have been planted so far and will be maintained for 2 years to ensure they last for a long time.

Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM, welcomed the initiative as an important environmental program for the health of Sydney’s West.

“As we head into summer, residents of Blacktown City, and across Greater Sydney, will feel the impact of the urban heat island effect.

“Blacktown City has the greatest amount of open spaces of any council area in the Sydney basin.

“Sydney averages 10 days a year where temperatures are above 35 degrees. Western Sydney averages 10 to 20 days a year of temperatures above 35 degrees. That figure is predicted to rise to between 15 and 30 extremely hot days by 2039.

“It is essential that local councils and the state government work together to find ways to counter the increase, which if left unchecked will impact upon the health, productivity and wellbeing of our residents.

“I thank the NSW Government for their generous grant of $1 million for this important program, and I

(left to right, front to back) Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Executive Director Green and Resilient Places, Steve Hartley, with Blacktown City Councillor Brad Bunting, and DPIE Group Deputy Secretary Place, Design and Public Spaces, Alex O’Mara, with Blacktown City Councillor Susai Benjamin on Palmyra Avenue in Shalvey next to trees planted through the 5 Million Trees grant program.

am proud Blacktown City Council was able to match this sum.

“The 1,900 trees planted across our local area will grow into green lungs for residents and visitors to our great City, and provide a natural and sustainable canopy into the future.”

The $1 million street project locations are Foxwood Avenue in Quakers Hill, Shannon Street in Lalor Park, Lombard Place in Prospect, Tantangara Place in Woodcroft, Don Mills Avenue and Reston Avenue in Hebersham, and Palmyra Avenue in Willmot.

The $1 million parks project locations are Alwyn Lindfield in Glenwood, Twin Gums Reserve in Lalor Park, William Lawson Park in Prospect, Blacktown Showground in Blacktown, Hanna Reserve in Oakhurst, and Peter Van Hasselt Park in Shalvey.

Council is in the process of scoping out locations for further tree plantings in 2021.

Blacktown City residents can also get involved in the program by planting their own tree. To get involved, plant and register your tree today at 5milliontrees.nsw.gov.au.

Strong interest in Blacktown CBD Online Forum

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lacktown City Council’s latest Online community forum has proven to be a big hit with residents.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM hosted the ‘Q and A’ style online forum on the plans, projects and issues relating specifically to the Blacktown CBD. Residents were invited to send in questions to the panel that consisted of Mayor Bleasdale, Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths, CEO of Vitex Pharmaceuticals, Dr Aniss Chami, Director of Student Success at Australian Catholic University, Jane Caton, and Blacktown City’s Youth Ambassador, Ebony O’Connor.

“Pre COVID, we held community forums throughout the City and while we miss the face-to-face contact, online forums have allowed us to engage with more residents.” Mayor Bleasdale said.

The recent forum was livestreamed on Council’s website and Facebook and has so far recorded more than 4,000 ‘engagements’ on social media.

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor gave updates on projects in the CBD including the $80 million redevelopment of the Warrick Lane precinct, pop-up parks, music performances, street art and the proposed Blacktown Brain and Spinal Institute.

Jane Caton updated residents and

On the set: (from left) Youth Ambassador Ebony O’Connor, Vitex Pharmaceuticals CEO Dr Aniss Chami, Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths, Blacktown City Council CEO Kerry Robinson OAM, Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Ms Jane Caton Director, ACU.

prospective students on what life will be like in the Blacktown CBD when ACU Blacktown Campus opens its doors early next year.

“ACU Blacktown won’t be a satellite campus of other universities, but rather a full-service university offering courses across a wide range of faculties working with the community and local businesses,” said Ms Caton.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the number of enrolment applications with most coming from within Blacktown City and we’re teaming with Council in offering a scholarship program for local students.”

Dr Chami explained why his

company built its $100 million pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Blacktown City at Eastern Creek, and also painted an optimistic picture for business in the region postCOVID. A number of residents including Blacktown MP, Stephen Bali raised questions on Cleanaway’s proposed Western Sydney Energy & Resource Recovery Centre at Eastern Creek.

Mayor Bleasdale responded that Council had commissioned an independent review of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement which is currently on public exhibition.

“Council will be making a submission based on ‘the science’ but I must stress that this is a declared State Significant Project and therefore final approval lies with the State Government but Council will act in the best interests of the health and wellbeing of our residents,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Youth Ambassador Ebony O’Connor detailed the youth services that were available in and around the Blacktown CBD, but also took the opportunity to call for more programs to deal with youth mental health issues and to encourage even more cultural inclusion.

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sing the power of relationships and man’s best friend, a program for marginalised young people is giving youth in Blacktown City a chance to turn their lives around.

The RuffTRACK program is designed to reconnect disengaged young people – aged between 13 and 17 – to their community by empowering them to build trust and bonds with working dogs.

RuffTRACK was founded by ‘Farmer Dave’ Graham in September 2019, after 2 decades involvement with the BackTrack program in Armidale, NSW. Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM, recently visited RuffTRACK, in Riverstone, to see the program in action.

“At Blacktown City Council we believe every young person should have access to opportunities, education, and training which meets them where they are,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“RuffTRACK provides pathways for young people who are falling through the cracks, through no fault of their own, and who need the kind of care, compassion, and generosity I saw on display during my visit.

“By investing in these young people, the program equips them with the

Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM, (centre) on a recent visit to RuffTRACK in Riverstone, with some of the young people currently enrolled in the program.

skills, confidence, and sense of selfworth they need to reach their full potential.

“It was truly touching to see the difference RuffTRACK is making in the lives of so many, and I congratulate Farmer Dave and all those involved in the program.”

The program works closely with BackTrack Youth Works and Hawkesbury Police Area Command.

Our Services: • Surgical Specialities • Inpatient Rehabilitation • Day Rehabilitation • Hydrotherapy Pool • Wellness Classes • NDIS Minchinbury Community Hospital Phone 9625 2222 Cnr Great Western Highway & Rupertswood Rd, Rooty Hill www.mhsminchinbury.com.au

Six young people are accepted into each RuffTRACK 6 week ‘Round Yard’ gateway program, where they are partnered with a young dog.

The youths and their dogs work together to achieve daily goals of manners, communication, and overcoming challenges, as well as tackling activities like sheep herding and dog sports.

If all their goals are reached,

participants then graduate into the core RuffTRACK program and, once this is completed, can then become peer supports and obtain traineeships.

This program encourages reintegration to society by building skills through programs centred around animal care and training, agricultural education, public speaking, building relationships, community outreach services, connecting to country, and selfgenerated income projects.

Mayor Bleasdale has once again opted not to accept the Mayoral Car entitlement and instead has directed the funds to support local charitable organisations, including $5,000 going to RuffTRACK. RuffTRACK is also calling for Trades volunteers – metal fabrication, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters – and businesses who can offer traineeships to those in the program.

You might recognise the ‘blue’ Australian Cattle Dog in the picture.

‘Bruce’ was adopted by the NSW Blues for the recent Rugby League State of Origin series and held pride of place at ANZ Stadium when the Blues won game 2 in the series.

For more information visit www.rufftrack.com/.

Western News 27 November 2020 Issue 123

RuffTRACK a game-changer for youth in Blacktown City

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General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sports Journalist: Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Graphic Design: Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com Vineyard Riverstone Rouse hill Marsden Park Kellyville Ridge

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Raising Warragamba Dam wall

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Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644

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Level 1, Suite 101C, 130 Main Street, Blacktown PO Box 8525, Blacktown NSW 2148 (02) 9671 4780 Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au MRowlandMP www.michellerowland.com.au Authorised by Michelle Rowland MP, Australian Labor Party, Suite 101C, Level 1, 130 Main Street, Blacktown NSW 2148

h e n Warragamba Dam was built it was built as a water storage facility not a mitigation dam. Even to this day, that is exactly what the operating procedure is for the dam; to keep it as full as possible to supply Sydney with quality potable water.

Prior to 1995, the Fahey Government were very responsible in planning to minimise the potential for a catastrophic flood in the Hawkesbury/ Nepean Floodplain. They believed the risk of a catastrophic flood was so great they embarked on an investigation to mitigate such a flood and the decision was made to raise the dam wall by 23 meters.

Unfortunately, during the State Election campaign leading up to the 1995 state election Bob Carr was desperate to appease The Greens and garner their preferences and he committed that, if elected, the dam wall would not be raised.

Little consideration was given to the devastation to both private and government assets downstream of the wall in the event of a flood but to protect the integrity of the wall, a spillway was built and to protect lives downstream of the wall flood evacuation routes were

upgraded in the floodplain but it did nothing to aid in reducing catastrophic consequence to property.

The potential for a devastating flood in western Sydney would wipe out tens of thousands of private homes and businesses as well as countless government and private assets. That would plunge the state budget into billions of dollars in costs and even more in lost economic activity over the time it would take to rectify the damage.

Now, following years of further studies and expert advice the State Government has gone out to public consultation on raising the dam wall by 14 meters and yet again the usual “antieverything groups” are dragging out every conspiracy theory to try and stop the project.

One such conspiracy theory is that it is being done so development can occur in areas of the floodplain where development is currently prohibited, this is completely incorrect, there is no plan to change the building flood height.

This plan is all about flood safety on the Hawkesbury/Nepean floodplain.

Just for once, could sense prevail so that the safety of people and property in western Sydney takes precedence over the usual cheap political propaganda that we have become accustomed to every time a infrastructure project is announced.

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Western News 27 November 2020 Issue 123

Schofields fire station welcomes two new firefighters

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ember for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly MP is pleased to announce that two new Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters are joining the ranks at Schofields Fire Station.

They are two of the latest 268 recruits who graduated from the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Emergency Services Academy at Orchard Hills last week.

“These firefighters are well prepared to serve the people of the Riverstone electorate, who can rest assured that their first responders have received world class training and will be equipped for whatever challenges they face,” Mr Conolly said.

“On behalf of the community, I am pleased to welcome these firefighters to their new station in Schofields.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott congratulated the recruits for embarking on a rewarding career that will ultimately put them on the frontline when it comes to protecting their communities.

“The men and women who graduate as part of this class have already shown

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that they have what it takes to protect the irreplaceable,” Mr Elliott said.

“These Fire and Rescue personnel begin their careers at a time when our frontline workers have never been more necessary, and they know they will have the full support of the NSW Government throughout their new careers.”

This month the NSW Government announced a $192 million investment in response to the Independent Bushfire Inquiry, including $36 million for a new first responder mental health strategy that will support all emergency service first responders.

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State Budget delivered as we emerge from unprecedented crisis

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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ollowing the most tumultuous period in living memory, the NSW Government has had the unenviable task of delivering a damage-control budget for our state.

Creating and supporting jobs through targeted stimulus measures, billions of dollars for infrastructure and maintenance, tax cuts for business and record health funding are at the centre of the 2020-21 NSW State Budget.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Budget reinforces our world-class health system that has made NSW a global leader in tracking, tracing and containing COVID-19 to keep our people safe, as part of a record $29.3 billion health budget. Job creation is front and centre with a record $107 billion infrastructure pipeline targeting shovel and screwdriverready projects, while a skills and training blitz will help people get back into the workforce after this year’s significant job losses.

Hip-pocket support will give families peace of mind, with 15 hours of free preschool per week extended to the end of 2021, and $100 worth of Out & About vouchers for every adult resident to inject new energy into the economy, help businesses doing it tough and encourage employment.

More assistance is being fasttracked to help those most affected, with what the government says is the biggest mental health budget in NSW’s history, and a major investment to provide intensive tutoring in schools to help students overcome the challenges of a rollercoaster school year.

The Premier said the Budget takes

decisive action to meet the needs of people across NSW, as we emerge from an unprecedented health and economic crisis.

“The people of NSW have done it tough over the past 12 months, faced with the triple crises of drought, bushfires and COVID-19,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We are doing whatever it takes to stay ahead of the pandemic and provide the support our households, businesses and communities need to get back on their own two feet.”

The government said in a statement that the NSW economy contracted by 1 per cent in 2019-20, with negative growth of ¾ per cent projected for 2020-21, followed by a projected return to growth of 2½ per cent in 2021-22. The Budget will make targeted investments to turbo-charge jobs over the next five years with the unemployment rate projected to

fall to 5¼ per cent by June 2024 as up to 270,000 people return to the workforce.

“With so many people out of

work this year and more predicted to become unemployed, we’re in a race against time to help create as many new jobs as we can,” Ms Berejiklian said. “This Budget has workers at its heart, with temporary, targeted stimulus to generate jobs and get businesses booming again.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said nine years of strong financial management had put the Government in a strong position to deploy its fiscal firepower, which would be coupled with record low interest rates, to stimulate a strong recovery through responsible borrowing.

“The risk of long-term economic damage is too great if we do not take action, so we are taking advantage of record low interest rates and a strong balance sheet to turbocharge our recovery,” Mr Perrottet said.

“That doesn’t mean abandoning our firm commitment to fiscal responsibility. This Budget includes measures to chart a course back to surplus by 2024-25, and a strong economic recovery will support that goal.”

Labor leader delivers budget reply

By KeRRIE DAVIES

The NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay has used her Budget reply speech to reveal Labor’s plan to put jobs at the centre of the State’s economic recovery.

Ms McKay said Labor’s priorities include: • Passing the NSW Jobs Firsts Bill to make sure taxpayer funds spent on procurement create local jobs and support industry • A Building Better Neighbourhoods approach to local jobs and infrastructure and a local jobs guarantee at Badgerys Creek and the Aerotropolis • Getting women back to work through free access to preschool for at least 18 months • Guaranteed employment, education and training opportunities

for young people • Establishing a Royal Commission into Mental Health and Suicide “Budgets are about more than just numbers,” Ms McKay said.

“A Labor Budget would deliver for people, their jobs, their families and their communities.”

Ms McKay said the Government’s Budget during a recession and pandemic is disappointing: “This is a short-term Budget. It’s the same one they could have delivered any year.

“The world has changed but this Budget doesn’t recognise that. It’s the same old Budget from a tired 10-year-

old Government.”

State MPs in electorates who would benefit from a hospital at Rouse Hill joined together to say the government had failed to deliver the North-West/ Hills area of Sydney.

Labor Member for Londonderry Prue Car said Rouse Hill Hospital was promised at both the 2015 and 2019 elections but the Liberals failed to deliver it.

“This Budget is a blow to families in North-West Sydney crying out for a new hospital.” Ms Car said.

“The 2020 Budget reannounces money to purchase land for the hospital but provides no funding for the hospital itself.

“Families moved to this area on the promise of essential services and local infrastructure. This is yet another broken Liberal promise,” Ms Car said.

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he Sadhu family from Bungarribee has been announced as the overall winner of the Blacktown City 2020 Diwali Lights Competition, for the third year running.

Announcing the winner, Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale, OAM, said, “Our City is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Australia and is home to more than 83,000 people of Indian descent.”

The ancient Hindu festival of Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, with observers around the world lighting lamps and candles in and around homes and temples.

“This year, COVID-19 resulted in our public Diwali celebrations being restricted however families and indeed streets celebrated by ‘turning on’ incredible light displays at their own homes.

“It is a tribute to all the families who entered this year’s competition during difficult times. My wife Nina and I met the finalists during the judging and many of them said that Diwali this year was truly a celebration of emerging from the darkness of COVID into the light of better times.” Mayor Bleasdale said.

This year’s Blacktown City Lights competition was definitely a year of repeats.

Not only did the Sadhu family win first place for the third year, but the overall second place getter was the Kadukar family from Schofields who filled the same position last year.

In third place overall was the Upadhyay from The Ponds who also filled the same position last year.

All three winning families were also named as

Mayoress Nina Bleasdale and Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, join the Sadhu family outside their Bungarribee home.

the best Diwali lights display in their respective Council wards, with the Vekaria family of Maryong and the Brambhatt family of Glendenning being named winners in the their wards.

Ward Street Schofields certainly turned on the lights this year, with the Kadukar family filling second place, the street being named ‘Best Diwali

street’ for the second year running and the Kadukar’s neighbours, the Hukkeri family providing the best Rangoli display for the year.

A total of $2,500 cash prizes was distributed among the winners. The Diwali Lights competition is organised by Blacktown City Council in association with Indian Link Media Group.

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Diwali Lights Competition 3-peat

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Western News 27 November 2020 Issue 123

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State Budget – It’s about what’s not in it!

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lacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale, OAM, has welcomed a number of funding initiatives announced in last week’s NSW Budget, but cautions that Government infrastructure spending is still lagging behind the massive development in the growth areas of Western Sydney.

Mayor Bleasdale said; “We welcome the Government’s announcement of funding for the Prospect Highway upgrade, lifts for Doonside Station and carparking at Schofields station.

“But as the saying goes, the devil is in the detail, and I will add that it’s not what’s in the Budget, but what is missing.

“Areas such as Marsden Park, Schofields Rouse Hill and Riverstone have undergone incredible residential and industrial growth over the last 12-years under the current State Government’s land release policies.

“This development has brought a stamp duty revenue windfall to the Government but sadly for our residents, investment in public

infrastructure and services, such as schools, roads, transport and health care, has not kept pace.

Speaking of’ the specific projects identified in the Budget, Mayor Bleasdale said that lifts for Doonside station had been the subject of public campaigns for more than a decade.

“Construction of the lifts has even been on Transport NSW’s priority list and then mysteriously dropped off.

“We are very concerned that this budget has only allocated funding for planning and design of the lifts with no funding allocated as yet for construction,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Mayor Bleasdale also pointed to public infrastructure projects that have been identified as needed to support the rapid growth and development in Blacktown City, but have missed out on funding.

“We estimate there’ll be an extra 14-thousand homes and 40-thousand people moving into Marsden Park over the next 15-years.

“There are no funds for even planning and design of a much-needed

Marsden Park High School,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“The previously announced Rouse Hill Hospital doesn’t get a mention in the Health Minister’s announcement about new and upgraded hospitals.

“There is no commitment in the Budget to complete the North-South metro link through construction of a line from Tallawong to St Marys thereby providing a direct Metro link from the North West through Schofields and Marsden Park to the Western Sydney Airport.

“Due to inadequate bus services, Marsden Park residents are forced to use their cars to get to either Riverstone or Schofields stations, and then there is little or no parking at Riverstone, and the Schofields station carpark is only just at the design stage.

“The Bandon Road project plans to connect Richmond Road, Marsden Park and Windsor Road, Vineyard through Marsden Park North. This area is undergoing rapid growth and includes the new suburbs of Angus and Richards.

“The link road was scheduled to be completed by the time 25% of the area was developed. That figure has now passed 30% and still no road exists.

“The intersection of the M7, Rooty Hill Road and Richmond has been identified as one of the worst bottle necks in Western Sydney, but there were no funds allocated in the Budget.

“The Francis Road overpass at Rooty Hill provides vital access to Mount Druitt Hospital, Emergency Services, West HQ entertainment precinct and local high schools and colleges. The 2-lane overpass is always clogged with traffic and Council has been lobbying for it to be replaced, again for more than a decade.

“While we welcome the funding that was announced in the Budget, we fear the NSW Government has missed an opportunity to fast track major public infrastructure projects that would have huge economic and social benefits for the residents of Blacktown City and all of Western Sydney,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Travel: Wall Walla wanderings

Canola fields Culcairn Streets Morgan’s lookout

By BEN CRANNEY

Sunset over Morgan’s Lookout

In southern NSW, near Walla Walla, the ‘place of stones’, is a giant granite outcrop that was used as a lookout by Mad Dog Morgan. Madder than a snake in an earthquake, this southern NSW bushranger was known to shoot people and then try to nurse them back to health. Or send someone for the doctor, and then shoot them as they rode away in case they brought police. Near Morven, you can visit John McLean’s, a victim of Morgan’s paranoia.

From the top of the rock, Morgan would have been able to spy out passing wagons to rob or incoming police. Today, there’s a staircase up to the top, but back then, it would have been almost impossible to scale without Morgan knowing.

Morgan was killed in the 1860s, but if he’d been standing there about five years later, he would have seen a trek of German families coming in from Adelaide by wagon, looking for a place to call home. There’s strong German heritage all around, with names like Wagner’s store and Scholtz Road. Nearby Holbrook changed from Germanton in World War 1. Visit Walla Walla’s Pioneer Museum to learn more about this trek

before admiring NSW’s biggest Lutheran Church, big enough to house the entire town plus some.

There are interesting tales of modern Mad Dogs too. I don’t know if they are Morgan’s descendants, but the story goes that a family dispute at the pub in a town not too far down the road caused one brother to storm off, grab his rifle and take shots into the pub from the top of the town water tank.

Casually as you like, the publican sat down behind the bar and kept pulling schooners, and everyone climbed out of sight and kept drinking. Sadly, some of these towns are dying, and such stories and the truth behind them are disappearing.

You wouldn’t believe it, though, if you stumbled upon the Henty agricultural field days. A favourite place of mine as a kid, to visit the snake pit or try an emu meat pie, where around 60,000 people descend over three days to talk farming shop.

We’d pass the Tea Tree lake and Gum Swamp on the way, places I’ve always wanted to explore and still need to get to.

Standing atop the lookout today gives more peaceful views than watching for police to shoot.

Finish a southern Riverina trip with a spring time sunset over the patchwork fields of deep yellows and greens.

Western News

COVER STORY

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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arsd e n P ar k resident, Vishwa, has spent more time in hospital during her short life than she has spent out of it. The challenges the little girl has faced during her seven years are more than most would face in an entire lifetime.

At just two weeks old, little Vishwa was tragically diagnosed with kidney disease - Congenital nephrotic Syndrome. She spent the first couple of months of her life in The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Once discharged, Vishwa needed to return to hospital for dialysis four times a week, had a central line in her chest and gruelling weekly infusions.

It was a very frightening introduction into parenthood for Vishwa’s family.

“Being our first baby, it really was a big shock,” Vishwa’s mum, Mital said.

“I really didn’t know how to handle it all.”

Doctors ultimately told the family their only hope for Vishwa was a kidney transplant. With neither mum nor dad able to donate, Vishwa’s Grandma in India offered to be the donor for her then four-year-old granddaughter. She flew to Australia for the life-saving transplant surgery.

While feeling positive after the surgery, the family were hit with a devastating blow. Vishwa was diagnosed with another life-threatening

condition, earlier this year.

“It is very hard for a seven year old to understand,” Mital said. “Vishwa asks when in hospital, ‘why am I here?

Why can’t I play with friends like other girls?’ It is very hard to explain to her as we never really know if each day will be spent in hospital or at home.”

Sadly, Vishwa lost her long hair due to her treatment but, showed she has such a beautiful heart when she bravely decided to donate it to help someone else.

“It was very hard, she was sad to lose her hair,” Mital said. “But she wants to help others where she is able to.”

Amid so much pain and heartache, came the happiness the family needed when Vishwa was granted her Starlight Wish.

Vishwa loves playing princesses so she wished for a special ‘Princess Room’ for her and sister Rishwa. The

family have only just relocated from Westmead (where they were living to be close to the hospital), so Vishwa is excited to deck out her brand new room!

The anticipation and excitement of her wish helped Vishwa get through her toughest days.

As part of her new Princess Room, Vishwa has asked for a princess bed, pink barbie wallpaper, a princess vanity, dress ups and all things fluffy!

There was also some special surprises along the way, including a Barbie Dream House and special limited edition Barbies!

Vishwa’s parents said the room will be a special place for her and baby sister to laugh and play dressups together. It will be extra special for Vishwa to have her own room for the first time and do all the things she missed out on in hospital.

“It is wonderful to see Vishwa so thrilled,” Mital said. “I salute the Starlight Foundation for making our little girl so happy. She has been smiling and very excited, calling all her friends to tell them.”

If you would like to contribute to brightening the lives of sick kids like Vishwa, visit starlight.org.au

Mental health support from those who’ve been there

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eeking help for any medical issue can be a daunting prospect, and especially so when it comes to mental health.

It can make a world of difference to speak to someone who’s been through a similar situation and understands how you’re feeling.

Suzanne Rix is one of those people.

“I know what it’s like to feel isolated, not knowing what to do and what might happen next,” Suzanne said.

“Our job is about providing hope and showing that you can live the life you want to lead.”

Suzanne is the workforce manager in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Peer Services team based at Cumberland Hospital, which is made up of peer workers or ‘lived experience workers’.

In addition to the Peer Services team, peer workers are also embedded in individual teams throughout Mental Health Services. All told, there are currently 12 peer workers in WSLHD hospital and community settings.

The unique aspect of this crucial workforce is they all have lived experience with mental health issues and recovery.

They use their experience to not only support and advocate for consumers (known also as clients or patients), but also help fellow health staff better understand how consumers might be feeling and to see things from their perspective.

“Being in hospital can be scary, so we’re here to break down the barriers and help people on their journey,” Suzanne said.

“We use layman’s talk, not clinical language, to

Members of the WSLHD peer workforce (from left) peer worker Letishia Rolfo, Peer Services manager Suzanne Rix and senior peer worker Mitch Patsiavas.

give people the information they need and explain how the system works. We’re here to help empower people, and sometimes be their voice if they are not able to speak for themselves.”

Suzanne has been with the WSLHD peer workforce for 20 years and in that time has got to know countless consumers, as well as being a voice for people living with mental health issues in the planning of projects. She has recently contributed to work including the new Boronia non-acute and Pavilion buildings on Cumberland campus and the ongoing work at Blacktown and Cumberland hospitals.

Suzanne said her role can be challenging but is ultimately rewarding.

“The connection between a peer worker and a consumer is very valuable. We can help them to know recovery is possible. When they’re in a place that’s not too good, hospital and using mental health

services in the community can feel never-ending.

So to see people who too have experienced mental health issues working and having meaningful relationships gives them hope,” she said.

“Just sitting with someone who’s scared, lonely and doesn’t understand what’s happening can be so important to them in that moment. Even if our exact experiences are different, having a mutual understanding does really help people to accept their circumstance and break down the stigma.

“We have to be real with people and sometimes have difficult conversations about the tough road ahead. But it is the message of hope that is really important.”

WSLHD peer workers undertake a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work with the Mental Health Coordinating Council. They work in hospital and community settings with consumers of all ages and backgrounds, including adolescents, adults and older people.

To find out more, call the Peer Services team on (02) 9840 3868 or email WSPeerServices@health. nsw.gov.au.

October is Mental Health Month. Find out more about taking care of your own health and checking in with others at mentalhealthmonth.org.au.

Help is always available if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health issue: • Lifeline 13 11 14 • Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 • MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 In an emergency, please call triple zero (000).

Western News 27 November 2020 Issue 123

Princess Vishwa gets her starlight wish

11

Western News 27 November 2020 Issue 123

12

WESTERN HISTORY

Western News

The Early Colony

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

U

ntil Australia became a Federation in 1901 each of the six colonies were responsible for their own defence. Early in the nineteenth century a type of a Volunteer Force existed in NSW for a few years, and on several occasions some form of the force or “Militia” existed. The first Colonial military activity was the creation of a Volunteer Force in 1854 and consisted of Artillery, Cavalry and Rifle units. At the end of that year recruiting began and was responded to “with an enthusiasm which merits the highest praise”. Even then however, a woman complained of the lack of volunteers and suggested that “the government should make it compulsory for bachelors to join the Corps, and then if the Colony does not get gentlemen soldiers, at least some of us will get husbands”. The NSW Volunteer Rifles between 1860-1870 occupied the southern range of buildings at the Hyde Park Barracks in Macquarie Street, Sydney (now demolished). Difficulty was experienced in recruiting volunteers and by 1867 the Volunteer Force was in danger of extinction. As an inducement that year the Government introduced a scheme where a volunteer who served for five years received a grant of land that was successful and by 1874 the military forces reached their maximum size. But the grant of land scheme proved too expensive and it was discontinued following a subsequent decline in the numbers of volunteers. The Corps was the forerunner of today’s reservists. Private Elam Squires of the Penrith Volunteer Rifles Regiment was born in 1840 in Gloucestershire in England to Matthew & Elizabeth Squires (Nee: Mitchell). His brother John was also a member of the Regiment. The Squires family came from England in October 1848 as assisted immigrants aboard the ship “Castle Eden.” Matthew was born in 1814 at Westley in Gloucestershire and a farm labourer.

His parents were William and Esther, living at Westley. Matthew’s wife Elizabeth Mitchell was a farmhouse servant also born in 1814 in Wiltshire. Her parents were Thomas and Hannah Mitchell living in Westley. Matthew and Elizabeth were married in 1836 in Bristol. The children onboard the ship were:- William 8, John 2, and Anne 4, all born in Westley. Elam was not mentioned on the ship’s manifest. Elam married Agnes Matilda Stedman in 1868 in Sydney. Agnes was born in 1841 at Norfolk, England. In December 1872 just before the grants were discontinued, fifty acres in Warialda was granted to Elam by the NSW Land for Volunteer programs. His brother John also received a Volunteer grant that same year but in Penrith. These were the forerunner to the WW1 soldier settlement grants in NSW. A year later Elam’s grant was sold, and he transferred to Penrith to join his family. In January 1876 Penrith Council was under the old law of one-third of the council elected each year and on this occasion Michael Long, Charles King and Alfred Colless were chosen aldermen while W H Judges and Elam were elected auditors. Elam’s father was the proprietor of the “Squires Nepean Hotel & Boarding House” near the river. In 1883 Elam was in the Parramatta Quarter Session charging James Dacon with forgery and uttering against him. James received two years hard labour in Windsor Gaol. In November 1885 at Penrith railway station at 11 o’clock at night Elam (who leased the Penrith railway refreshment room) was crossing

the railway line in front of the station when he ignored the proximity of the train that was coming along the track and was knocked down and literally “cut to pieces” The Coroner John King Lethbridge released the details of Elam’s personal property. He had £500 in cash and an Insurance Policy worth £800. He is buried at Emu Plains General cemetery. Agnes died at Katoomba in 1917. Elam’s obituary read:- “Penrith was alarmed by the sad news of the fatal accident to Mr Squires who was always known to be a most temperate and careful man and besides this he had been seen and spoken to by a large number of people the previous evening. The deceased gentleman was a resident of the town for over 25 years and was always greatly respected. He was a most energetic citizen and to him belongs the credit of having placed the first passenger steam launch on the Nepean. He was for 15 years the Penrith agent of the Sydney Morning Herald having discontinued it some four years ago and he likewise conducted the agency of the Evening News for a similar period, and only discontinued it some few months ago. He was ever foremost in acts of charity and will be sadly missed in Penrith. The deceased gentleman leaves a widow and nine children. His life was insured in the Australian Mutual Provident Society. Both of his parents are alive and in good health and it was the intention of Elam to have kept up the celebration of their golden wedding early next year. The funeral was a large and influential one with nearly all principal residents of Penrith and Emu Plains along with the chief officers in the railway department at Penrith, besides several friends of the deceased from Sydney”. He was 45 years old. We know the hotel continued in the hands of the family because in 1888 in the Parramatta Court, William Cunningham was appealing against a decision of the Penrith Bench who convicted him under the Vagrant Act of being a suspected person. According to the evidence William was arrested while attempting to get his hands into people’s pockets in the bar of the hotel on the occasion of the 1887 Hanlan-Beach boatrace on the Nepean River. His Honour upheld the conviction and William received three months imprisonment. Elam’s brother John died in 1920 in Penrith. His obituary read:- “John Squires, a respected resident of Penrith died at his residence in High Street. Deceased usually enjoyed good health but took ill a little over three weeks ago evidently being seized by a chill. A couple of days afterwards he was obliged to take to his bed. His condition became serious and he developed bronchial pneumonia. He was married at Emu Plains to Elizabeth Sarah Upton and they lived at Emu for a couple of years then moved to High Street his home at the time of his death. He was an upright and conscientious citizen, one whose quiet and unassuming ways won for him the esteem of those with whom he was associated. He was a tinsmith and plumber by trade and also a member of the Sons of Temperance Lodge for nearly 52 years. He was buried in the Methodist section of Penrith General Cemetery. Matthew’s Hotel photo 1889 is courtesy of the National Library of Australia.

Sources: NSW Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime, Daily Telegraph, Bowral Free Press & Berrima District Intelligencer, Ancestry, The early volunteer corps-the origins of the modern Australian army by D. M. MacCallum, Australian Royalty website, Gloucestershire Church of England Baptism, Nepean Times, BDM online.

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ENTERTAINMENT

A

free pilot program to help new and expectant fathers through the physical, mental and emotional challenges of parenthood is being rolled out in Western Sydney.

The ‘Focus on New Fathers’ program sends texts to dads, offering valuable health advice and links into pathways to ensure support options are available.

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Focus on New Fathers project coordinator Brendan Bennett said the program is a ‘game changer’ whether you are expecting your first or fifth child.

“As a father of two girls, I love being a dad and wouldn’t change it.

But some days and nights are pretty tough,” Mr Bennett said.

“Being a dad is about being the best you can be for your children and your partner. Focus on New Fathers

reminds dads that they are not an island – that they don’t have to fix everything themselves or pretend to know everything about how to be a

dad.”

Dads and dads-to-be are sent text messages with tips about looking after themselves and supporting their

partner, reminders of how their baby is growing, and tools for parenting.

“This program is about letting fathers know they’re not alone and there is support for them when they need it,” Mr Bennett said.

Men living in Western Sydney can sign up if they are over the age of 18, and their partner is at least 16 weeks pregnant or their baby is up to six months old. They need to have a mobile phone capable of receiving and sending text messages.

The pilot, which is being delivered by the University of Newcastle in partnership with NSW Health, will run over the next year in four regions: Western Sydney, Northern NSW, Northern Sydney and Murrumbidgee local health districts.

For more information and to sign up for the program, visit: https:// www.health.nsw.gov.au/public/ Pages/focus-on-fathers.aspx

Doors at Rouse Hill Post Office to open longer in lead up to Christmas Australia Post is getting ready for a Christmas unlike any other and is keeping Post Office doors open longer at more than 500 locations as it moves into its busiest festive period ever.

Residents in Rouse Hill can visit their local Post Office six days a week during the extended retail hours of 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am - 12:00pm Saturday, until December 23.

Australia Post General Manager Post Office Network David McNamara said extended trading hours give customers more choice and convenience ahead of the big day and the pre-Christmas sales events.

“This is traditionally our busiest time of year, but we have seen sustained growth over the last seven

months compared to our 2019 pre-Christmas peak period,” Mr McNamara said.

“With more households shopping online than ever before, we expect this Christmas season to be recordbreaking.

“The Rouse Hill Post Office has extended its opening times to provide our customers greater flexibility with their sending and receiving in the lead up to the big day.

“Our exciting new range of products available in-store also helps people to spread the merry this Christmas with some fantastic gift ideas.”

Mr McNamara said customers were encouraged to send their presents as early as they can, so their letters and parcels have the best chance of arriving in time for Christmas.

“For delivery within Australia, presents are recommended to be sent no later than Saturday 12 December for Parcel Post, and Saturday 19 December for Express Post.

“Items sent after these dates will still be delivered as quickly as possible, but it will be difficult to get them to their destinations by Christmas.”

Along with extended trading hours, Australia Post continues to manage the impacts of COVID-19 and more parcels than ever before by utilising additional parcel processing facilities, chartering extra freighter flights and hiring 5000 extra people to help deliver across the country.

Extended trading will continue until Wednesday 23 December. For more information visit auspost. com.au/christmas.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Fooling (8) 5 On a ship or train (6) 9 Morally objectionable (8) 10 A chemical in salt (6) 12 Order (5) 13 Pertaining (9) 14 Wicked (6) 16 Sword-shaped (7) 19 Wants (7) 21 Not a professional person (6) 23 Functioning (9) 25 Hindu loincloth (5) 26 Ship’s steering mechanism (6) 27 An erosive process (8) 28 Staid (6) 29 One who has died (8)) down 1 Courtyard of a castle (6) 2 Heat, water and electricity (9) 3 A decorative jet of water (5)

solution 13/11/20

4 6 7 8 11 15 17 18 20 21 22 24 25

Not artificial (7) Life story (9) Proof of innocence (5) Deities (8) A city in Tunisia (4) Heavens (9) Speeches (9) Recesses (8) Idler (4) Readable (7) Endorsed by signature (6) Finished (5) Curtain (5)

Western News 27 November 2020 Issue 123

Valuable assistance for dads and dads-to-be

13

Western News 27 November 2020 Issue 123

14

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

R

Western News

The impact of removing stamp duty

esearch completed just before New South Wales proposed removing the current stamp duty system in place has made clear abolishing the tax would be effective in significantly reducing the time it takes for first home buyers (FHB) to get on the property ladder.

According to the Gateway Bank survey, 63% of FHBs are confident doing away with stamp duty would reduce the time it will take them to save for a house by an average of 20 months; just under 25% said it would reduce their homeownership timeframe by three whole years.

The bank’s research, based on a survey of 700 Australians who plan to purchase their first property in the next four years, revealed that a third (32%) of FHBs feel the current stamp duty and other fees are prohibitively high.

The NSW government has indicated the wish to replace Stamp Duty with a with a different kind of recurring tax, with a smaller, annual payment as compared to a lump sum. However property buyers will be given an option to either pay stamp duty upfront or pay a smaller annual property tax.

What is stamp duty? It is an upfront tax home buyers will need to pay for purchasing a property.

Besides transferring the property to their name, it serves no financial benefit to the homeowner, rather,

it increases revenue state governments. Stamp duty is one of the biggest revenue sources for NSW State Government, While the NSW Government is proposing to replace stamp duty with a property tax, many first home buyers would be encouraged by the removal of this large upfront, one-off, cost. However, even before the coronavirus, many had argued that stamp duty was an ineffective tax.

Not many will remember that Stamp duty was supposed to be abolished in all states when the GST was introduced in 2000. They just never got rid of it!

The proposed move to a new system stands to

@wealthwiz

significantly fast-track the time to homeownership for first home buyers, and when combined with current government schemes, provides a range of support measures for those looking to get their foot on the property ladder.

This will be particularly welcome news for many Australians who have had utilise their deposit savings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NSW Government’s proposal for stamp duty changes is yet to be finalised and most likely won’t happen until late 2021 if not later even though the landscape is changing quite quickly.

There is stamp duty exemption or concession for first home buyers in NSW and it operates under the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme (FAS) • Stamp duty exemption for new and existing homes valued up to $650,000.

• Stamp duty discounts available for homes valued between $650,000 and $800,000.

While there are a number of support options available, buying any property can be daunting, particularly your first home. That’s where Wealthwiz continues to play such an important role in supporting FHBs to navigate the market.

To get a better understanding contact Alex at Wealthwiz for a free home loan review on 0419 600 177 or email at alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au.

#wealthwizau

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Western News

LOCAL NEWS

T

he Western Sydney Academy of Sport is pleased to announce that Sydney West Sports Medicine, the regions leading sports medicine provider, will extend its partnership with the Academy as our official Health Partner for a further 12 months. The partnership, which has been held since 2017, provides Academy athletes with highquality professional health services, information, and resources.

Sydney West Sports Medicine will continue to provide Academy athletes with a variety of treatment services including physiotherapy support at competitions such as the Your Local Club Academy Games. They will also provide athletes and coaches with education seminars in areas such as injury prevention and management,

strength and conditioning and women’s health issues in sport.

In announcing the renewal of the partnership, Academy CEO Martin Bullock stated “Sydney West Sports

Medicine sets the benchmark for professional sports medicine services across the region, and we are delighted to be able to partner with SWSM to provide expert treatment and advice

to our athletes.”

Sydney West Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist and Clinic Manager Nikki Lodge commented on the partnership saying “Sydney West Sports Medicine is thrilled to extend our partnership with Western Sydney Academy of Sport as the leading sports medicine provider for 2021. We’re excited to be working with such a talented group of young athletes within our local community, in collaboration with their coaching and support staff. Our aim is to deliver education programs, provide quality treatment and assist with longterm athletic development and sports performance testing and training, to provide young athletes the skills, knowledge and support they need to reach their full potential.”

Energy from Waste proposal now on exhibition

B

lacktown City Council has submitted a long list of concerns and objections to the latest proposal to build an ‘Energyfrom-Waste’ plant in Western Sydney.

The waste management company Cleanaway is proposing to build the facility on a site at Eastern Creek. The plant aims to generate electricity by burning up to 500,000 tonnes of waste per year.

In a detailed submission to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Council officers stated: “We object to this proposal until all our concerns detailed in Council’s submission are comprehensively addressed.”

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale, OAM said; “Council officers have carried out a detailed review of the new incinerator plans and Council also commissioned an independent review of Cleanaway’s environmental impact assessment.

“Council’s submission makes it quite clear that we object to this project in its current form in so many areas.

“The submission raises serious concerns in the areas of air quality, waste water treatment, human health risk assessment, the exact technology to be used, and the visual impact of the facility.

“The proposed plant is located within the Western Sydney Parklands – famously described by a number of NSW Premiers as ‘the lungs of Western Sydney’ and we fear that this development could be the ‘cancer’ of those lungs.”

The Government has specific planning legislation controlling development and land use in the Western Sydney Parklands (WSP).

Council’s independent review of the environmental impact assessment stated: ‘The applicant has not adequately addressed the provisions of the WSP (planning controls) to enable

clear demonstration of the beneficial social and economic outcomes to Western Sydney of the proposed development in this location. ‘.. this also raises questions on the suitability of the site and whether the proposed development in the proposed location, within the Western Sydney Parklands is in the public interest.’

The officers’ submission will be put to a Blacktown City Council next week for official endorsement.

Specific objections and calls for further information in Blacktown City Council’s submission include: Air quality and odour assessment Council’s submission states that Cleanaway’s air quality and odour assessment failed to investigate the impact on important locations.

The submission questions why there is no analysis for the impacts on residential locations in Minchinbury and Erskine Park and why Western Sydney Airport was not considered in the air quality assessment.

The Cleanaway proposal uses air quality monitoring figures from October 2019 to January 2020 as a reference level for local air quality.

Bushfires at that time produced drastically increased levels of air pollution.

Council’s submission asks why the

Human Health Risk Assessment did not consider a sample period when there is no bushfire smoke impact to determine true background local air quality.

Exact details of the technology Currently there are dozens of EFW plants in operation around the world using many ‘technology providers’.

Cleanaway references 2 plants in its Environmental Impact Assessment (Dublin, Ireland and Filborma, Sweden) but fails to nominate if either of the ‘technologies’ will be used in their proposed facility.

Not identifying the ‘technology provider’ leads to great uncertainty in predicting the exact impacts on the environment, cost and operations of the facility.

Greenhouse gas emissions Council’s submission points out that Cleanaway’s proposal’s Greenhouse gas emissions assessment is prepared in accordance with the Australian Greenhouse Office standards – 2004.

The submission contends that these standards are now outdated.

Waste availability Council’s submission and the independent review also calls in to question Cleanaway’s claim to be able to access 500,000 tonnes of waste per year:

It bases its waste availability assessment on the potential future ability of Cleanaway to win municipal waste contracts, which would be highly contested by other competitors.

The modelling of speculative quantities of eligible waste is based on a range of data sources and includes unpublished data from Cleanaway.

This is both confusing and impossible to independently assess.

“This project has been deemed ‘State Significant’ by the NSW Government and as such the Government, not Blacktown City Council, has the final say in the approval process,” Mayor Bleasdale said: “Council will be guided by the ‘scientific evidence’ and will ensure that the best interests of the health and wellbeing of our residents will be uppermost in Council’s considerations and actions.

“In addition, we have passed on a number of community submissions that we received to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and requested that the issues raised in these submissions are also carefully considered and addressed.” Said Mayor Bleasdale.

The waste management company Cleanaway is proposing to construct the facility on a site on Wallgrove Road at Eastern Creek, proposing to generate electricity by burning up to 500,000 tonnes of residual residential, commercial and industrial waste.

Plans, including an environmental impact assessment, for the facility have been on public display since 6 October, with the period for public comment on the proposal now closed.

The project is on exhibition (including submissions) at: www. planningportal.nsw.gov.au/majorprojects/project/25896 Cleanaway’s information site is at: www.energyandresourcecentre. com.au/

Western News 27 November 2020 Issue 123

Sydney West Sports Medicine supporting local athletes

15

Western News

SPORT

Friday, 27 November 2020

Chauvet commits to Wanderers

W

estern Sydney Wanderers FC have signed defender Margaux Chauvet for the Westfield W-League 2020/21 season.

Chauvet is set to star in her very first Westfield W-League season with the 17-year-old plying her trade in the National Premier League women’s

this year with Illawarra Stingrays.

Wanderers head coach Dean Heffernan said he was delighted to have Margaux on board.

“Margaux is a very talented young player and we’re looking forward to seeing what she can contribute to the team this season.”

The central defender said she was

very excited for her first season in the W-League with the Wanderers.

“I’ve played with Caitlin Cooper, Danika Matos and Chloe Middleton and that was a great opportunity as I got to work with them and grow as a player watching them play last season with Stingrays,” said Chauvet.

“I’m so grateful, it’s the best

opportunity and hopefully I can bring something to the team that is different.

“I definitely want to grow as a player and do my best for the club. It’s a big step up, you can clearly see the intensity at training and energy. It’s a lot faster, a lot more pressure and it’s very exciting and what I’ve been working for.”

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