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Friday, 29 July 2016
ISSUE 15
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A GENEROUS HEART Westmead Hospital is now home to several pieces of new equipment, critical to cardiology patients, thanks to a generous donation from a former patient, Blacktown resident, Jason Horne, who suffers from heart problems. See story page 7.
Champagne on arrival, degustation dinner including wine, entertainment, incredible prizes, gift bags and more. Guest speaker Associate Professor Wayne Hawthorne.
‘Safe havens’ a better option
Missing man has died
BABY safe havens, a place where a mother can leave her unwanted babies, set up around western Sydney could help to curb the number of new born babies abandoned by their parents across the region. Earlier this month a western Sydney mother was convicted of dumping her day-old baby boy in a drain at Quakers Hill. The mother was cast aside by her religious family and when she approached her GP for an abortion her doctor told her she was too late into the pregnancy. The father of the baby abandoned the woman before she gave birth. He now has another partner. Days after the baby was abandoned bike riders found the baby dropped down the drain. After the police approached the public for more information, the mother turned herself in at a local police station. Some argue the dumping of the baby and the mother’s punishment could have been avoided if the state government committed to baby safe havens. Senator Helen Polley is a long
AN elderly man, who was missing in the Quakers Hill last weekend, has died. The 98-year-old man, Ferenc ‘Frank’ Kozak, was reported missing after he left an aged care facility on Symonds Road, Dean Park, on Saturday. His image was shared across social media and the police held grave fears for his safety due to his medical conditions. Officers from Quakers Hill Local Area Command were alerted and launched an extensive search of the area throughout the night. About 6.45am on Sunday the man was found in bushland in Dean Park suffering hypothermia. He was taken to Blacktown Hospital in a critical condition, and died about 8.30am. Police thank the media and the local community for their help during the search.
By Keegan Thomson
The drain where the baby was found.
running advocate for baby safe havens and she says the discussion and punishment around this issue needs to change. “We should not be punishing mothers who have disabilities or mental health issues with jail sentences without putting in place all avenues of support,” Senator Polley said. “The stigma surrounding unwanted babies needs to stop and we need to show support for parents who are unable to care for their baby. If we had baby safe havens and this mother had the option to safely abandon her baby, perhaps this situation could have been avoided,” she said.
Sceptics argue against baby safe havens saying they will increase baby abandonment across the state even though there are international examples showing they work, Senator Polley said. “We know this is a public policy issue which can be solved. Other countries like America, Japan, Canada and Germany have had baby safe havens for a while now and we certainly have the capacity to do so here in Australia,” she said. Currently there are different legal implications for mothers who abandon their babies with some circumstances including a 7 years prison sentence.
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From the Journo’s Desk by Keegan Thomson IT seems no matter what time of day you turn on the telly or the radio you’ll find a story about another ‘terrorist attack’ with the cowardly culprit reportedly acting ‘on behalf of Islam and ISIS’. We need to stop incessantly linking Islam to ISIS, because ISIS and Islam are two completely different things. First of all, Islam is a non-violent, family based religion practiced by 1.6 billion people world wide and ISIS is a terrorist organisation cowardly killing hundreds of peaceful Muslims, Christians, Jews and Atheists indiscriminately. When ISIS terrorists claim to be acting on behalf of Islam, they’re lying because there is nowhere within the religion or their religious texts that says terrorism, raping and slaughtering men, women and children is ok. This week Federal MP for Chifley and practicing Muslim, Mr Ed Husic spoke about his decision to be sworn into office on the Quran. “A friend of mine who suggested that I, as a Muslim, take my oath on the Quran was a Jew. I mean, if a Jew and a Muslim can work out to do a small thing that makes us realise how great this country is, that’s the Australia I want to stand up for,” Mr Husic said. This is the Australia - we should stand up, as a tolerant and welcoming Australia, a country that welcomes Islam and rejects terrorism and ISIS. Mr Husic also went on to say, “The problem is clear, it’s terrorism. It’s people using religion to drive people towards terrorism.” ISIS isn’t Islam just as terrorism isn’t Islam. Do you have something to add? Let me know via email at keegan@nepeannews.com.au or tweet me @keeganthomo.
Spike loses a leg in car accident
Nepean
Veterinary REPORT
with Dr Antony Karolis and the team at WellPet Vets phone 1300 WELLPET
Senior Veterinarian and CEO WellPets Vets Mountains, Nepean and St Clair
THIS is the story of Spike the 1-yearold Border Collie cross. Spike was brought into WellPet Nepean after roaming from home and being tragically injured in a car accident. His finders noticed he had sustained significant damage to his hind legs. They acted quickly, and brought him into our Nepean Animal hospital with haste. Upon arrival he was found to have no microchip and was quickly assessed by the attending Veterinarian, Dr Heather, who administered pain relief and first aid treatment for shock before assessing the full extent of his injuries. Spike had suffered the most significant injuries to his left-hind limb. His left leg sustained significant de-gloving on his toes and multiple wounds and tissue damage to his hock. His right hind leg was also injured and had multiple puncture wounds and superficial scrapes and bruising across his toes. Dr Heather performed a series of survey radiographs (x-rays) to check for any internal damage, including breaks. She found no internal injuries to his organs or long bones however he had a displacement of one toe on his left hind leg. His wounds were then clipped and cleaned, bandages and wound treatment was commenced. Meanwhile our reception team
contacted local vets and searched through our lost and found clipboards in every attempt to locate his owners. Spike during this time remained in our hospital receiving daily wound care. This included wet and dry bandages, with the application of Manuka honey and sterile lubricants to his wounds. He also received antibiotics and pain relief. Spike’s left leg was still in a very bad way and there was the risk of continued tissue breakdown and the possible need for amputation, however only time would tell. He continued treatment for four days before we received a call….it was his owners! His owners came into the hospital immediately to be reunited with Spike, they had brought with them photo evidence and ID and he was visibly happy to see them despite his discomfort. After review of Spikes recovery and
a lengthy discussion with Dr Sophia, one of our veterinary surgeons, his owners decided that the best thing for the long term recovery of Spike and his leg was to amputate the severely damaged left hind limb. Spike would be a three legged dog. Although this has its challenges it has proven manageable in many dogs who have received significant limb injuries like Spike. Given Spike’s young age he was a good candidate for this procedure. Surprisingly to many, amputee pets cope very well and quickly learn to adapt to their new stance on life. Spike’s surgery was performed by Dr Matthew Brown and it was a success! Spike made a very quick recovery from his surgery and is already home and on the mend. We look forward to seeing Spike as he returns for his recheck in a few weeks! Get well soon Spike!
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Ambo stations downgraded By Keegan Thomson
THE Baird government has confirmed they will be downgrading the ambulance stations at Tregear and at Colyton to ‘standby points’ under their Paramedic Response Network Program and it has some worried lives will be put at risk. Londonderry MP and Labor frontbencher, Prue Car, says the changes will put further strain on the system and could put lives at risk. “Under the plan, it will take ambulances even longer to get patients to hospital. This plan puts patient safety at risk,” Ms Car said. “In an emergency, paramedics will tell you that every minute counts,” she said. But Clare Beech, Director of the Paramedic Response Network Program, says the downgrading will not impact the stations facilities. “Tregear and Colyton NSW Ambulance stations will remain operational and will operate as Paramedic Response Points as part of the Penrith Paramedic Response Network. PRPs are different to a traditional station, but are not a downgrade in terms of facilities,” Ms Beech says.
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Walt Second, Shadow Health Minister with Prue Car MP at Tregear Ambulance station.
The downgrading of the stations at Tregear and Colyton is due to the construction of the new superstation in Penrith which will service the whole area and act as the main hub for all local ambulances. Ms Beech said the nine announced superstations will replace aging and at capacity stations. But Walt Second, the Shadow
Minister for Health, says the superstation strategy will not work and the wait times will only get longer. “This plan failed in the UK. It resulted in longer waits for ambulances and patients having to be transported greater distances,” Mr Second said. “New South Wales already has the longest waits in Australia for an ambulance and this plan will only
make that worse,” he added. All up across the state $150 million will be spent on five new ambulance superstations include the one at Penrith and Blacktown. News Limited is reporting the Blacktown ambulance superstation is behind schedule with the projects completion date being pushed back from late 2016 to mid 2017.
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Rowland to fight for pre-election commitments
By Kerrie Davies
LAST Thursday, the Australian Electoral Commission officially declared the poll confirming the reelection of Michelle Rowland MP to the seat of Greenway. At the time of declaration the margin is 6.57% “Thank you to the people of Greenway for putting their trust in me once again to serve our community in Parliament for another term,” Ms Rowland said. Ms Rowland noted that during the election campaign, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made a series of funding promises for Greenway including: • $400,000 for a Riverstone Skate Park • $100,000 to support local women’s community shelters • $100,000 in solar panels for local community groups • $60 million nationwide for the Sporting Schools program “I will fight in our Federal Parliament for these promises to be fulfilled,” Ms
Rowland said. “I am also making it a priority to address the needs of commuters in Greenway, particularly around Schofields and The Ponds. “I made a commitment during the election that a Shorten Labor Government would provide a $5 million upgrade to commuter parking at Schofields railway station. Although a Labor Government was not elected, I will be pursuing this commitment at a federal level to ensure public transport is mademore accessible, including at Schofields and Quakers Hill railway stations. “As reported in metropolitan media last week, it is imperative that we have adequate commuter parking as it is one of the biggest barriers to people using public transport. “I will continue to work hard and to fight for our local area and I will be a strong voice for our community in the Parliament.” In a more recent announcement, Ms Rowlands said it was an honour and a privilege to be appointed to the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Minister for Communications.
As a lawyer specialising in communications for over a decade before entering Parliament, I look forward to tackling the challenges and embracing the opportunities for communications policy in Australia. Communications is integral to the paramount Labor value of equality of opportunity. This is as true in Greenway as anywhere in Australia. I know good communications policy can help consumers, grow the local economy, build jobs and address disadvantage. I will make sure accessibility and affordability are the highest priorities, meaning people are not left stranded and they don’t have to fork out over the top prices. For the past six years, the people of Greenway have consistently raised communications issues with me. I’ve met with local small businesses who thrive with the NBN and those who are so frustrated by the lack of access. I know there are thousands of homebased businesses in Greenway who need broadband, not as a luxury service but as a core utility for their business. Healthcare organisations and hospitals know the power of the NBN to transform patient care
and I know how the NBN can create improved education outcomes, a critical driver of social equity. The election presented a clear choice between the Turnbull Government’s failed approach to a second-rate National Broadband Network, and Labor’s commitment for up to 2 million more fibre connections, as ably championed by Jason Clare. The Prime Minister boasts the NBN is one of his proudest achievements, yet he oversaw Australia slide from 30th in the world for internet speeds to 60th. I know this isn’t good enough. In the recent election campaign, the NBN was the number one unsolicited issue people approached me about in Greenway. I will continue to hold the Government to account on this and other important communications policy, such as media ownership, universal service and funding for our public broadcasters. These are vital issues for Greenway. I’ve raised these issues in Parliament over the past six years and I will continue to be informed first and foremost by the people of Greenway and their valuable feedback as consumers, as business owners and as residents.
Mayoral Message: what’s happening in Blacktown this weekend By Mayor Stephen Bali
THIS weekend sees a number of exciting events coming to western Sydney and I hope to see you at one or all of them. This Sunday, the Blacktown City Mayoral Cup recognises the two Blacktown Clubs who play in the National Premier League, the highest level in State Football. Blacktown City FC is the current title holder, but Blacktown Spartans FC believes last
year’s honours are simply that; last year. Quality football and a title is on the line, so pop down to Blacktown Football Park, Eastern Rd Rooty Hill, with the game starting at 3pm. Also on Sunday, with the support of Westlink M7 as our major sponsor, there is a range of events to choose from that will test your fitness at this years running (and walking) festival. Events include 5km, 10km, Half Marathon and the Full Marathon as well as the kids 2km event. You can also choose to enter the 5km or 10km walk. The event starts at our Athletics
Facility at Blacktown International Sports Park in Rooty Hill. This is a great venue and you will be running or walking part of your event on NSW’s only Olympic Mondo track. You will feel the experience the Olympians will have in a couple of weeks’ time. Register at council, or on council’s website, or on the day from 6am. Blacktown Council has completed the restoration of Woodstock House, with this beautiful historic house and open to the public this Saturday, from noon till 2pm at Hobson Place, Plumpton. There will be activities, tours and of course the sausage sizzle!
We are also continuing our community forums discussing key issues affecting Blacktown City, including the Badgerys Creek Airport proposal and the World’s Largest Incinerator. There is an hour set aside for your say on these and other issues. We hope to see you at either Ropes Crossing Community Hub, Saturday July 30 from 2-4pm, or at Kellyville Community Centre, Wrights Rd, Tuesday August 2 from 7-9pm. Check out Council’s website for more details and the many other exciting events around Blacktown City.
Heartwarming donation from Blacktown resident WESTMEAD Hospital is now home to several pieces of new equipment, critical to cardiology patients, thanks to a generous donation from a former patient. Blacktown resident, Jason Horne, who suffers from heart problems, handed over 100 ICD magnet rings to the hospital’s cardiology department last week. An ICD is a battery-powered device, which is inserted in the chest, to prevent sudden cardiac death from lifethreatening arrhythmias. The device continuously monitors the electrical rhythm in the heart, sending a “shock” if certain arrhythmias are detected. Occasionally, a patient experiences a high number of abnormal heart rhythms, which require frequent shocks from the ICD. A magnet ring, placed over the device, is used in hospitals across the state to supress the shocks, when necessary, so treatment can be administered and decrease the distress to the patient. Jason required an ICD after being minutes away from sudden cardiac death in 2014, receiving multiple shocks from the device. While staying in Westmead Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit, Jason realised a magnet ring
prevented shocks from the ICD. During his recovery, Jason discovered many hospitals were struggling to share one ring across a variety of departments and decided to fundraise to provide more devices. Westmead Hospital is one of the first beneficiaries, receiving rings for the cardiac wards, the
ICU and the emergency department. Westmead Hospital cardiology director Professor Robert Dennis said the hospital was grateful for the donation. “This will give practical help and reassurance to both patients with potentially distressing arrhythmias and their treating clinical staff,” he said.
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Rings have also been donated to NSW Ambulance. Mr Horne, along with Westmead Hospital cardiologist Professor Pramesh Kavoor, is now working to raise enough funds to outfit every ambulance, medical helicopter, cardiology bed, ICU and ED in the state with a magnet ring.
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Getting to know ...
Children who follow Hollow’s footsteps
Stephen Bali
Blacktown City Mayor with Jarrod McGrouther
1. What was your first paid job? Trolley collector & packer at Woolworths at Quakers Court. 2. What is your guilty pleasure? Chocolate! And most forms of sweets. 3. What is your biggest fear/phobia and why? Heights – not sure but don’t like being close to the edge and looking down. 4. What is your worst habit? Saying yes too often and then having to deal with the extra workload. 5. Best advice you’ve even been given? Be honest and do your best. 6. If you only had $50 left in the bank, how would you spend it? Warm clothes for the family. 7. Favourite holiday destination and why? Coffs Harbour, great coastal holiday with easy access to national parks, and close enough to return quickly back home to Blacktown City. 8. Do you have a favourite sporting team? Arsenal & Western Sydney Wanderers (Soccer), Dragons (RL), Giants (AFL). 9. Name one reason that you love western Sydney The friendliness and sincerity of the people. 10. In three words, describe your perfect Sunday Resting with family.
NOMINATIONS have opened for the second annual Fred Hollows Humanity Awards in New South Wales and the Member for Riverstone, Mr Kevin Conolly MP is encouraging the community to get involved and nominate young children for this award. Professor Fred Hollows dedicated his life to helping others, saving the sight of disadvantaged people around the world. The Fred Hollows Foundation is keeping Fred’s vision alive through an award which recognises Year 6 students who follow in Fred’s footsteps by showing care and compassion for others. “I urge parents, teachers and other community members to nominate Year 6 students in the area and showcase their community spirit” said Mr Conolly. The award launched in NSW to great success last year and recognised the positive contributions of 97 students from 77 primary schools across the state. Award recipients included a boy who volunteered at a nursing home, and a student who showed compassion by helping to look after her seven siblings at home. “There is no act of kindness too small. Whether it is volunteering, fundraising for a good cause or helping others, children in Western Sydney are making a positive difference in our community. This award is a great opportunity for their work to be recognised,” said Mr Conolly. Ryde East Public School student Keats Mackay was named the first Fred Hollows NSW Junior
Ambassador and chose to support The Foundation’s work in Bangladesh. The Foundation’s Founding Director Gabi Hollows said: “Fred used to say that the basic attribute of mankind was our ability to look after each other. The Fred Hollows Humanity Award will recognise students in NSW who have reflected this value in their own lives.” All nominees will be recognised at a presentation ceremony where the 2016 NSW Junior Ambassador will be announced. This Ambassador will be able to extend their humanity by allocating $5000 donated by Specsavers to one of The Fred Hollows Foundation’s programs to end avoidable blindness. To learn more about the award, or to nominate a young person visit www.hollows.org/humanityaward before August 21.
Opinion: Big companies using ‘default listing’ to evade court By David Samuel
BIG companies are evading Court scrutiny of disputed consumer bills by providing false or misleading information to credit-reporting bodies, such as VEDA, in order to have customers with whom they are in dispute ‘default listed’. When faced with evidence of the rort, VEDA drags its feet over investigating. Recent cases reveal the following pattern. A company tries to collect an outstanding account but it knows the account is in dispute. The customer makes it clear that it wants the company to take their claim to Court so that it may be decided independently on its merits. The company ignores such invitation, possibly because it’s not prepared to risk losing such a case and by so doing creating a precedent for other customers to follow. So instead it falsely and misleadingly instructs a prominent debt-collection agency to start dunning the customer for the money. When the agency learns from the customer that the account has always been disputed they, rightly, withdraw. But the company then instructs a second debt-collection agency, this time perhaps not so prominent, but the same thing happens. When they learn that their client has not been entirely
truthful and that the account is in dispute, they too withdraw. So having failed to convince two agencies that the matter was a simple debt-collection, and continuing to ignore the customer’s claim that the only proper course of action was to take the dispute to Court, the company still persists in its campaign of threat and intimidation. It now falsely and dishonestly notifies the credit-reporting body VEDA that it IS a simple payment default, and applies to have the customer’s credit-file ‘default listed’. VEDA, accepting at face value the instructions of one of its large corporate fee-paying subscribers, complies. A ‘default listing’ stays on your credit-file for five years. It can prevent you from obtaining any sort of credit for at least that period and its effect can cause devastating financial damage, not only to you but also to any business or organisation with whom you happen to be associated. You would think that such dishonest actions by large companies would be in breach of the law. And you would be right. Each time they disclose false or misleading credit information, whether to a debt-collection agency or to a credit-reporting body, the
companies are guilty of offences under the Commonwealth’s Privacy Act 1988 carrying fines of $360,000 per offence. Unfortunately, like so much consumer-protection legislation, the authorities don’t seem interested in enforcing compliance with the law. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has responsibility for supervision of the Privacy Act. But their response to enquiries was “The OAIC does not have the jurisdiction to investigate credit reporting or other offences. Where the Commissioner forms the opinion that a credit reporting offence has occurred, the Commissioner must inform the Commissioner of Police or the Director of Public Prosecutions of that opinion, and discontinue investigating the offence until further notice. The Commissioner has not needed to make such a notification within the last five years.” Large companies have clearly discovered that the law can safely be ignored. It looks as if it will be left to an aggrieved ordinary customer to prosecute them. VEDA is not entirely free of criticism either. Whilst initially responding rapidly to complaints and requests that a false debt-listing be
“corrected”, they soon start dragging their feet. Their website states that the Privacy (Credit Reporting) Code 2014 places an obligation on their subscribers, such as Telstra and Origin, to ensure that default information reported to them must be correct; not misleading, and that the debt must not be in dispute. Yet when documentary evidence is submitted to them showing that the “debt” is very much in dispute, and thus incorrectly listed as being in default, VEDA insist on not responding for up to 30 days, the maximum time allowed to them under the Act. One would have thought that VEDA would wish to be seen to be taking swifter action where there is evidence to suggest that at least two of its major subscribers have, not as a mistake but dishonestly, provided them with false and misleading information as a means of evading having to legally prove their claims. VEDA does appear to have succumbed to a conflict of interest between profit and justice. VEDA were invited to comment on this article but failed to reply. If YOU have been wrongly ‘defaultlisted’, we would like to hear from you. Please write to CREDIT-FILE WATCH, PO Box 147, Richmond, NSW 2753.
Wheelie bins rolled out to prevent pedestrian deaths AUSTRALIA is on track in 2016 to equal the number of pedestrian fatalities recorded in 2015 which grew for the third consecutive year. The Australian Road Safety Federation (ARSF) has extended an initiative it hopes will reverse the statistics and start to see a decline in the number of deaths and injuries. Blacktown residents are being urged to help make streets safer by applying ‘Life Saving’ stickers to their garbage wheelie bins. The large stickers, which feature life-size images of children stepping towards the road and speed limit signs, are designed to provide a strong visual road safety reminder to motorists. The images are based on research which found that signs that depicted motion, resulted in faster reaction times and increased vigilance among would-be drivers, which could ultimately lead to faster stopping times. Use of the stickers in other Australian states has seen over 5,000 distributed and applied to wheelie bins throughout the country. So powerful is the campaign, some Councils are buying them in bulk to make available to residents. The ARSF now wants more residents in NSW to get on board.
“Between January and May this year 67 pedestrians were killed on Australian roads. If trends continue the number could reach or even exceed last year’s number of 165,” ARSF CEO Russell White said. “Drivers need to be sent a reminder that is visual and available to them when they are on the road,” he said. “The ‘Life Saving’ sticker campaign provides a real-time reminder to motorists to reduce their speed. “If someone is exceeding the speed
limit, we hope these stickers will prompt them to immediately slow down. Even small changes in vehicle speed can have a dramatic impact on stopping distances.” Of the 67 pedestrians killed so far this year, seven were under 16 years of age. “We also know that the statistics show fatalities are higher on week days when over 82% of this year’s fatalities have been recorded,” Mr White said.
“NSW has recorded almost half the pedestrian deaths occurring in Australia in 2016 with 46.3 percent of deaths occurring this year happening within the state. “These are just the fatality rates. There have been many more injured and even left with life changing disabilities. “Our research tells us that for every fatality, there is between 20 and 30 injuries. With the impact on families and friends, that’s thousands of lives shattered every year,” Mr White said. The Australian Road Safety Foundation launched the initiative in Queensland earlier this year as an education program. It makes the lifesize stickers available at cost, $10 each, plus postage. Word has spread fast with orders coming from all over the country. “We are also seeing Councils and corporate organisations purchasing the stickers in bulk to save their constituents or customers postage costs and encourage local use.” Residents interested in purchasing a sticker for their bin can contact the ARSF hotline on 1300 723 843 or email info@australianroadsafetyfoundation. com to arrange to purchase stickers. For more information visit https:// www.facebook.com/fatalityfreefriday.
The list we do not want to be on By Kerrie Davies
ST MARYS has hit the top ten in NSW - but unfortunately it’s not a list we want to be on. In the last financial year, police issued 21,637 infringements to learner and provisional drivers - 590 more than the previous year - and St Marys has come in at fifth place with 132 infringements. Police are now appealing to learner and provisional drivers to drive safely and avoid taking any risks while behind the wheel. Because the devastating thing is, so far this year, 42 drivers aged between 17 and 25 years have died on the road, 12 more than the same time last year. Despite making up only about 15 per cent of all drivers, NSWPF road toll statistics show younger drivers represent more than a third of annual road fatalities. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said holding a licence is a privilege and not a right. “Novice drivers must recognise the responsibilities attached to that licence or risk losing the privilege, or worse, serious injury or death,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
“There is a great need for parents and older siblings of younger drivers to ensure they are driving safely on our roads,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said. Mobile phone use while driving, not comply with road rules, seat belt use and speeding top the list of offences. “These offences contradict the basics of driving and should be second nature to all drivers and should be instilled in younger drivers,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said. “Police are there to ensure young people, and all other road users, learn from the experience, in order to prevent a serious injury or fatal crash on our roads. “These statistics suggest that young people need to slow down, and put the phone away, rather than risk their licence. “It is certainly high time for mothers and fathers, older brothers and sisters to sit down with their younger driver siblings and tell them that there are no short cuts to driving safely. “The rules are simple and they are there for a simple reason; surviving the trip. It is those that don’t make it home who have an impact on families, and those that come to rescue them after a crash, and try to save their lives at the roadside, and at hospital,” he said.
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Western News 29 July 2016 Issue 15
Shalvey man dies A MAN has died in hospital after he was allegedly struck by a car and assaulted at Shalvey earlier this month. Just after 2pm on Saturday 16, emergency services were called to Westward Avenue, near the intersection of Freya Crescent, where they found an unconscious 54-year-old man. Officers from Mount Druitt Local Area Command attended and were told the man had been run over before being assaulted. He was taken to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition; however, died last weekend. A 40-year-old man was charged in relation to the incident and remains before the courts. Inquiries are continuing.
Three injured Sth Wentworthville crash THREE people have been taken to hospital following a two-vehicle crash in South Wentworthville. Last weekend, emergency services were called to the corner of Berkeley Street and Hamilton Street in South Wentworthville following reports of a crash between a truck and a car. Police arrived to find the car in the front yard of a house and the truck had struck a tree The driver of the car, a 46 year-old woman, was treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics for a suspected fractured pelvis before being transported to Westmead Hospital. The passenger, a 17 year-old girl, was also taken to Westmead after complaining of abdominal pain. The passenger of the truck, a 29 year-old man, was treated for a suspected fractured leg before being taken to Westmead Hospital. The driver, a 29 year-old man, was not injured. He was subjected to a roadside breath test which returned a negative result
Blacktown Archibald Prize Finalists By Keegan Thomson
BLACKTOWN has two local artists who’ve classified as finalists for the 2016 Archibald Prize, Australia’s most prestigious art prize. A portrait of Blacktown lawyer and Sudanese refugee Deng Thiak Adut by Nick Stathopoulos and an abstract painting of contemporary artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran by western Sydney award-winning artist Marikit Santiago are both finalists this year. Ms Santiago, a four-time finalist in the Blacktown City Art Prize, said it was great to get to know her subject closely over the time she painted him. “Working together in the studios, often discussing our work, we became good friends. He is now enjoying success as an established ceramic artist,” Ms Santiago said. “I wanted to include a representation of his work as part of his portrait.” Nick Stathopoulos’s hyper-realistic portrait of Blacktown lawyer Deng Thiak Adut took over four months to complete due to the technical precision of the artwork, making it the longest artistic endeavour Stathopoulos has ever embarked on. “I’m actually a very traditional practitioner by choice,” Mr Stathopoulos said. He said his slow and detailed artistic methods are the results of many years of hard work. “I’ve spent my entire life developing my style and process. What I do is time-consuming,
laborious and painstaking,” he said. Blacktown has a recent history of Archibald finalists and winners, including last year’s Archibald Prize was winning portrait by Blacktown-born artist Nigel Milsom for Judo house pt 6 (the white bird). The two local finalists for 2016, along with the other 48 finalists are currently on exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until October 9.
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Pozieres: A place “densely sown with Australian sacrifice”
By Kerrie Davies
POZIERES, a small village in the Somme valley in France, was the scene of bitter and costly fighting for the 1st, 2nd and 4th Australian Divisions in mid 1916. The village was captured initially by the 1st Division on 23 July 1916. The division clung to its gains despite almost continuous artillery fire and repeated German counter-attacks but suffered heavily. By the time it was relieved on 27 July it had suffered
5,285 casualties. The 2nd Division took over from the 1st and mounted two further attacks - the first, on 29 July, was a costly failure; the second, on 2 August, resulted in the seizure of further German positions beyond the village. Again, the Australians suffered heavily from retaliatory bombardments. They were relieved on 6 August, having suffered 6,848 casualties. The 4th Division was next into the line at Pozieres. It too endured a massive artillery bombardment, and
defeated a German counter-attack on 7 August; this was the last attempt by the Germans to retake Pozieres. The cost had been very large for both sides and, in the words of Australian official historian Charles Bean, the Pozières ridge “is more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth.” Ron Blakely, John Barlow and Tony Fryer from the St Marys Outpost are currently in France attending services acknowledging the centenary of the Pozieres battle. “We were proud to represent St
Marys RSL Sub-Branch, the 32 schools in our area and the St Marys area community in general, by laying wreaths at a series of commemorative services,” Tony said. “The opening of the Memorial Park (in St Marys) where we completed our school project by dispersing ashes from our burned crosses at Anzac across the park; the launch in France of the project to build a new school with a bi-lingual curriculum; and at the Australian Government commemorative service.” Lest We Forget.
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Legends of the West By Garion Thain
THE word Prolific is synonymous with productivity, creativity, and vitality. All three are words I would use after lunch with
‘King’ Brian McCombe, who blew me away with his energy last week when we met to discuss his nomination as a Legend of the West, which I’ll get to shortly. After the exceptional three quarters of an hour talking, laughing and swapping stories with a man described to me as ‘just as energetic as the ads,’ (Ringing a bell, perhaps?) I spent time wracking my brain looking for words to describe it all. I was left with the underlined word, Prolific! where I had taken my notes, and the words
Mr McCombe is famous for his charity work, and years as a TV ad personality – hence King Brian.
associated with it do indeed sound apt enough. In that regard, the prolific King Brian, a previous Australian of the Year nominee, may be known best to you as the face of ‘90s era Electronic Sales and Service ads. King Brian, as Mr McCombe still goes by in some circles, lent his face and personality to an era of advertisements for his local appliances franchise which saw it undergo rapid growth and expansion. The advertisements were where King Brian let the viewer know about electronic goods products and low prices in “a very corny way,” by his own admission. Mr McCombe’s on-screen charisma is actually a natural trait that follows him into his day-to-day life. He has made connections through entertainment, the Good Guys and his many charitable endeavours that have won him literally hundreds of friends and a full schedule into his 60’s. Talking to Mr McCombe made it evident very quickly why he is a legend of the West. After meeting at the Griddle in Rouse Hill, the story quickly became a love affair with the Restaurant, with Mr McCombe hopping behind the bar to talk to the owner, John, and sing his praises. John
was also very quick to tell me how much he likes Mr McCombe, and that all the small business owners in Rouse Hill tend to feel the same way. Straight away I was onto something special at Griddle, and Brian told me his other favourite home away from home is the Australian Brewery. Lunch at one of his favourite restaurants wasn’t his first engagement of that day, nor was it his last. King Brian is very involved in the Rouse Hill community, where he grew up and presently lives, and is also involved in countless charitable efforts throughout Sydney which have earnt him quite a few connections. His full schedule saw him at Studio 10 that morning, and he was having dinner with Pete Graham from 2UE that evening. During lunch, he ran into multiple people he knew and had to take several phone calls. He also previously accepted an award for Griddle on John’s behalf, and was asked on the podium if he’d ‘left the Good Guys.’ I asked Mr McCombe how he gained such a network, and despite him having prior entertainment links from his days drumming in a band, a good starting place for this story was the origin of the ‘King Brian’ ads.
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BRIAN MCCOMBE Mr McCombe was working with the Sunnyholt Rd store at the time. “The lady who owned the business didn’t want to be on TV, so she asked me if I’d like to,” Mr McCombe recalled. “’I’d love to do it!’ I said – And then I did it for nine years.” All of a sudden it was like, ‘come and see King Brian at Sunnyholt Rd,’” he continued. “People were lined up around the corner!” “The Cheerleader ad went down the best with people,” he laughed. “That’s my favourite.” Mr McCombe is still involved with the Good Guys, but he always wanted to continue an active role in his community. “I love people, I love being positive,” Mr McCombe beamed. “Just being out in [Rouse Hill] makes me happy. I love to visit the town centre and local businesses all the time.” Sue, someone who is close with Mr McCombe and joined him for lunch, elaborated. “He’s a social butterfly,” she said. “He goes out of his way to catch up with everyone.”
Charity work fills up a lot of Mr McCombe’s time, and so he’s out seven days a week. “I have two speeds – full out and out cold,” he quipped. His main charity work has been with Kidney Heath Australia, which he’s been supporting for 12 years. Mr McCombe has also been involved with Cancer Council, Relay for Life, and Variety Children’s Charity just to name a few. “Charity work came naturally from being a salesman – like King Brian,” said Mr McCombe. One of his favourite moments was when he went to give away Cupie Dolls at Westmead Children’s Hospital. Upon driving his car up to the door, security came up to him. When he rolled down his window, security smiled and said “Hi Brian!” Mr McCombe had the privilege of delivering a Cupie Doll to a sick girl and her sister, and see the smile on their faces and their dad’s in person. “You can tell they maybe hadn’t smiled for a little while,” he said. “It was heart-warming to see.” Right now, Mr McCombe is planning his next birthday party at the Major Oak, and has sold it out. He’s
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John, owner of Griddle, and Brian.
active, but says he feels fulfilled. “If I went tomorrow, I wouldn’t mind. Honestly – I’ve lived a very full life.” His full life has not escaped the notice of others either, he received the Citizen of the Year Award for The Hills in 2015. Not worrying about that however, Mr McCombe gets to enjoy his apartment with a view overlooking the Rouse Hill town centre.
Not a bad set up at all for a Legend of the West and Rouse Hill local, I’d imagine.
Brian McCombe nominated as a Legend of the West by Bart Bassett. If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com
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Western News 29 July 2016 Issue 15
Owner trainers left in doghouse By Keegan Thomson
ACROSS the Nepean region breeders, owners, small businesses and families will all be effected by the closure of the industry, with many facing the potential of becoming unemployed. Kristine Mackenzie is a long time breeder, a trainer and the former General Manager of Richmond Racing Club, and she says her lively hood, and her dogs are at risk because of the ban. “The prize money I earn helps me to pay for the food for all my retired dogs,” she said. “If I can’t breed a litter I can’t race, and if I can’t race I can’t make a living and the dogs can’t be fed.” All up Ms Mackenzie has 16 dogs on her Londonderry property with the feed for the dogs costing a third of her and her husbands combined retirement pensions. Every three to five years Ms Mackenzie and her husband breed a litter of dogs however last year, just after the initial allegations of mistreatment within the industry were made, she decided not to breed. “After all this came out last year I put breeding on hold, and I’m glad I did, because now if I had bred a litter I
Photo: Kennedi Geyer
wouldn’t be able to do anything with them, and I rely on the money from them to look after my retired dogs,” she said. Emma Mackenzie, 17, is Kristine Mackenzie’s granddaughter, and she has had her name down on a waitlist for a part time position at the Richmond Racing Club for a number of years, but now it looks like she might not get a job at all. “I was hoping to get a job there since I was 14. I’m a registered attendant, I can catch dogs after their race, and now my skills might have gone to waste,” she said. Londonderry MP Prue Car said the focus should be on targeting the bad operators, not the entire industry. “Hundreds of trainers, owners, breeders and businesses in our local area will be impacted by Mike Baird’s decision to shut down the greyhound industry,” Ms Car said. “This issue must be debated in the NSW Parliament to stop animal cruelty but also to ensure that the law abiding greyhound trainers who love and care for their dogs don’t have their livelihoods destroyed. “NSW Labor has great sympathy with the good people in the industry but holds no sympathy for the bad operators.”
Secretdebate
SONIA KRUGER REMARKS - STUFF UP OR BEAT UP?
He Says.....................................................She Says IS Sonja Kruger entitled to express herself, yes. Is she entitled to be vilified for expressing herself, no. Is she entitled to broadcast those opinions on national TV and vilify others, absolutely not. I feel sorry for Ms Kruger for the fear that she no doubts suffers. It is understandable given the atrocities that happen in the name of ISIS or ISIL or whatever name these criminals want their organisation known as. Their motive is just that, to instill fear and hate into into citizens around the world. The problem is, comments made by the Krugers and Hansons of the world are encouraging that fear and with the terrorist links to the Muslim religion it is natural that we need to find someone to blame and the religion becomes the scapegoat. Let’s not sugar coat the problem, it is real, but that does not automatically relate to “you’re Islamic and therefore you are a terrorist”. That is exactly what the terrorists want. Build that hate to include innocent people and it makes it easy to recruit those innocents into a fight back situation. Terrorism is not new, everyone remembers 9/11 but does anyone remember the Locherbie disaster, The Battle of Britain, Pearl Harbour and many other such atrocities perpetuated by all sides during our long history? Yes, Ms Kruger in her own words feels the fear for her family, but continuing to deride many innocent peace-loving people because of either ignorance or scapegoating does nothing to reduce that fear, it just multiplies the effect. Cronulla riots were a perfect example where normal everyday people got so consumed by hate that they acted in a way they never would have thought themselves capable, and no doubt in the light of day, most would regret those actions. The blame rests solely with the gang mentality of some misguided idiots and the broadcasters, personalities and reporters whose words helped to incite the actions. By all means let’s open debate and discuss solutions to what is a problem, but let’s use some brains and our hearts to determine that solution, not make it worse with ill-thought out and illogical arguments.
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OH my Goodness, on a scale of 1 to absurdity, the response from some circles totally blew the top off it. Last time I checked, here in Australia, when someone asks your opinion on something you are free to give it. Sonia stated her opinion - on a very hot topic, given that dozens of people had just been mowed down by an Islamic terrorist - and somehow she was hated more than the bloody terrorist! The world is currently being held to ransom by a crazy ideology that seeks to conquer or kill. The push from the left that demands that we simply ignore the problem and squash any kind of debate on it is unfathomable. While people rush to excuse, pander and gather evidence that all terrorism can’t be attributed to one religion, while finding reasons to belittle anyone who dares to speak out about the bully that is Islamic radicalism, the result still stays the same - the bully doesn’t disappear. Terrorism in the name of Islam this year alone has claimed thousands of lives; it is not just going to go away if we don’t speak about it. To sit blindly on the sidelines hoping that one morning ISIS will wake up with a new agenda of puppy dogs and fairy floss for all, doesn’t seem to me to be a very smart plan. And they are busy recruiting as you read this. I feel for Sonia. For simply stating her fear (which she is by no means alone in having) she’s been made a scapegoat by the left and has become the poster girl for “don’t dare have an opinion on this topic.” The very first step in finding a solution is being able to have a frank and open discussion. The disgusting treatment of Sonia Kruger, who was called names I can’t write in this newspaper and was even told to kill herself, proves that we are a very long way from taking that first step. It’s healthy to listen to other points of view. If we are going to continue down the track of bullying and intimidating people into all forming a default opinion, then, quite frankly, we are no better than ISIS are we?
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DO you remember growing up and ya mum used to say, “ wear clean undies” just in case we got hit by a bus and you needed to go to hospital? Mums were so caring in those days. No seriously they were. Silly, but caring! Now, I am no rocket scientist or brain surgeon, however I am not sure what condition your undies will be in after you have been hit by the 478 heading to Sydney on the fastest route on a time schedule from hell, but it isn’t going to be pretty, that’s all I am saying. Having said that, I had the enlightening, wonderful, exuberating (big word attack with no idea of the meaning but it looks good for the column) day of riding on a Sydney bus - oops sorry buses (Plural). I swear the driver was a frustrated wannabe retired racing car driver in a previous life. He felt compelled to drive up everyone’s tail-end and then slam on the brakes every 15 seconds, placing my neck into whiplash and the dude next to me to spill his coffee. I was seriously considering sticking my OPAL card where the driver’s sun didn’t shine with a couple of roundhouse kicks and an upper cut thrown in.
Anyway, sigh, getting back on track, one of the many many things I did notice was the amount of people on social media - smartphones, ipads, laptops you name it - they were friggn on it. I reckon I could have done a nudie run up and down the aisle, and no one would have noticed. The great thing was that I was able to actually see what people were viewing. One lady was actually transferring funds through her online bank account and had quite a healthy bank balance, I must say. I was also very blessed to have viewed her account details and work out the password. Pretty scary! I was trying to work out if she was a bonehead or just complacent? At least it took my mind off contemplating my navel for the trip. Oh hint, if you are going to watch, well let’s just say, 18+ educational movies (Cough Cough) make sure your headphone jack is all the way in the computer socket and so the rest of the bus can’t hear it. At first I thought that two wounded hyenas had entered the bus. I also saw a few selfies and emails being sent out, with one bloke pulling a face on every word, I guess he thought that it would make it easier
With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security
pulling a duck face, poking his tongue out or looking like he was in pain. I was lucky enough to attend a Cybercrime training course and whilst I am no expert in the field, one of the many things that I learnt is that the online scammers are pretty darn advanced. I saw so many people on emails that morning and all it takes is one click on an attachment and bingo, whammy or whatever you want to call it, the scammers are in. Click! that quick. Be very very careful of what you open. Its mind boggling how many people really believe that a Russian Heir has left them millions of dollars in a will and click the attachment and get the ball rolling. Rule of thumb if you don’t know who the email is from, delete! If it is legit they will contact you somehow. These scamming mules, and I will call them that - mules, because they are usually working for a syndicate group and leader. These mules send out hundreds if not millions of emails, hoping that someone clicks open an attachment in an email or someone responds. Some of these mules, feed off the more vulnerable folk, ones looking for love or down in their luck in life needing companionship.
Some people have lost millions on scamming dating sites thinking that they are assisting an online love interest (that they have never met) when in actual fact its just a mule, that in many cases are doing it to feed a family in a poverty stricken country. Many of these cases are not reported because people are too embarrassed to report that they wired $500,000 to a person that they had never met, in the hope of (one day) return love and got ripped off. Whilst we can judge and call these people stupid, it truly happens daily and is happening right now as I type this. I often wonder, if technology has helped us or stunted us as humans? When mothers are now SMSing their children in the same house when dinner is ready and ringing children in the same house to get them out of bed. So to close off, its okay to ride a bus naked , no one will notice anyway, the bus driver survived his trip, my OPAL card doesn’t need sterilising, the guy watching his educational movie had a great day and its okay to look like a constipated duck whilst sending emails. Roger that? Over and out!
Western News 29 July 2016 Issue 15
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Western News 29 July 2016 Issue 15
The illusive crust... with TP SO how far would you go in the quest to create the perfect crust? I’m talking about the wonderful crust that can be found on the greatest of all breadssourdough. Some of you would probably say, “um I might walk to a bakery and buy one” and yet there are some of us who think that this effort is akin to that of parenting (well not quite- but hard work at the very least) When one cuts open a sourdough loaf after the crust we should see a wonderfully holy almost chewy bubbly centre which is a result of painstaking methods, which would constitute nothing short than that of a labour of love. So how far would I go to achieve such an illusive crust? A long way my dear friend, a long way. In fact, let me take you on my sourdough journey. It feels as though it was years ago when I decided that I wanted to bake sour dough. I did my due diligence by researching baking tomes and googling furiously. My first attempt began positively with a bubbly starter followed all to quickly with a dense rock hard loaf. My disappointment was palpable and all who came my way knew that something was not quite right. In fact I was so miffed that I gave up on
the idea for a year or two. Now this sounds ridiculous and it is but I felt utterly deflated. Okay, lets skip forward to the day I said to myself, “You can do this!” So I set up my starter again only for it to go black with mould. Although I really only had two disasters it became the running joke that the sour dough was illusive and I began receiving books on the subject of bread baking. Now don’t get all sentimental about the family being sweet and kind offering these books as encouragement. They were mocking me! Fast forward to the last school
holidays. I had mentally prepared myself to take on the challenge over the break. I found an excellent recipe on the internet and began my preparations. I mentioned earlier about the dedication required to be successful and it was no exaggeration. Day one. Mix water and flour in a large jar and allow air in. Days two- five “feed” your starter until it smells slightly fermented and is bubbling on top due to the natural yeasts in the air. Now if you don’t feed your starter it will die and don’t forget we are on holidays so guess who came onto the house boat with us? Yep the starter.
Since it was with us, we thought we had better give it a name and so from that point forward he was known as Ruprecht. Think of the character in movie “Dirty Rotten scoundrels” You then take two tablespoons of Ruprecht and mix it with more water and flour to create a fancy thing called leaven. You then let that hang out on the kitchen bench over night for 12 hours. So then you mix the leaven with more flour and water and leave to rest and then you will add salty water and then fold it over a period of two hours. Once this is done you will divide the dough and let it rest more and then you put them in the fridge overnight. Ah you say, then you bake it right! Yes but that’s not a simple stick it in and leave it process but hey, you get the idea. It took me three attempts and a lot of perseverance and time and energy. But I like to think it was really worth it. I feel really chuffed and my detractors have eaten humble pie. Nah, they have eaten my awesome sourdough!! The recipe below is not for the fainthearted or time poor. Happy baking! http://www.thekitchn.com/how-tomake-sourdough-bread-224367#_
Opinion: Who is protecting our Privacy? By Bart Bassett
LAST week’s announcement that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has been keeping and using private identifiable information on individuals should come as very disturbing news for all of us who strongly believe in our free and democratic society. When a Government agency like the ABS continually tells the Australian people that the census information is very important for future planning of services and infrastructure, it needs to be completely accurate and not use political spin to allow any form of wriggle room in that commitment. Other government agencies over many years throughout Australia have proven very publicly that government independent agencies have operated outside of the legislation granted to them and to have an attitude of “they know best” and the laws of the land are irrelevant to them. They have also proven that if a culture of an organisation has been corrupted internally to the extent that the people who work in these agencies can and have operated outside of the law then how can we trust these types of government agencies? The answer is they can’t be trusted because governments have failed to act against rogue agencies. How can a government and the responsible Minister yet again sit
back and allow the ABS to announce that they have been using individual’s names and addresses to link them to other agencies before destroying the individual information. In addition, the ABS has been saying they only destroy data after all data entry has been completed but had failed to alert the public that the data entry included linking name and address information to other tracking capability and that this could take up to 18 months. The ABS has proven like many other agencies that they only admit to wrongdoing or manipulation of
their public statements once they have been caught out. This time the ABS has made a commitment to the public regarding the destruction of private information yet they have not fulfilled that commitment they have completely compromised the public trust. The ABS need the public trust to ensure that essential information for future planning is gathered and that it is accurate. The only way the public can trust the ABS to provide them with that information is for the ABS to state publicly they will
stop linking individuals information to other agencies, that the request to keep information for four years be abandoned and a guarantee that all data will be destroyed quickly following the entering of data and it be used for no other purpose. As a society we have given up a great deal of privacy information protection laws for the greater good against terrorism but we can’t allow Government agencies not involved in fighting terrorism to think they can compromise our privacy as well.
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Western News 29 July 2016 Issue 15
Sunshine Coast hidden gems Mary Cairncross Reserve view Pelicans Golden Beach
Rainforest bushwalk
By Ben Cranney
ONE of the best things about in-laws can be where they live. If you’re obliged to visit, going to a nice place makes it all the more worthwhile. I got lucky, mine live on the Sunshine Coast. Apart from visiting the in-laws, the thing that I love about the Sunshine Coast is that there are so many things to do within 30 minutes drive. It’s the Sunshine Coast, so the beaches are the place to start. From early jogs along Alex that end with a bacon, hash brown and egg
brekkie wrap from the surf club, to the classic beach day experience on Mooloolaba Beach, to hiring a small barge at Golden Beach and exploring mangroves and pretending to know the water rules. We didn’t need a boat licence for this last one and we got by comfortably on the five-minute lesson from the hire company, so it is a very accessible day out. Take a picnic and pull up at a little beach or throw out the anchor for a picnic. But it’s not all about beaches. Head inland and you can be whizzing around the winding roads of the hinterland with views that go on and on. A
Alex Beach
favourite stop is the Maleny Diary for a bit of cheese tasting or to pick up some delicious thick cream to go with my mother-in-law’s victoria sponge. Another is the farmer’s markets and cafes at Montville. Of course, all that eating needs to be burnt off and there is no shortage of walks. Try the rainforest walk at Mary Cairncross Reserve, opposite sweeping views to the coast. And if the walking builds up a sweat, cool off in a secluded swimming hole, like Gardener’s Falls. There is plenty else to do. Although I’ve visited the slightly strange Steve Irwin memorial, I haven’t been to
Australia Zoo. But there are other ways to see the wildlife, too. Take a drive around Sunshine Coast Uni, which is covered in Kangaroos. Share your Golden Beach picnic with a family of pelicans. Or if you’re very lucky, you might see a whale, dolphin or turtle from Mooloolaba Spit Lighthouse. And if you miss them, you’ll still enjoy the view with a fish and chip dinner. Although I am a little biased when it comes to the Sunshine Coast, and would enjoy it even if we only went to visit the in-laws, it is a great place to visit because it offers so much.
The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Something in the Air WHENEVER I say to my friend Angelina that I am feeling stuck or held back, she invariably replies that it is because something or other is in retrograde and I might as well save my energy as I won’t achieve anything until it sorts itself out next Tuesday week or whenever. Although I know nothing about the influence of the planets or cosmic energies, at times I can certainly feel that there is something in the air and it seems that at the moment there is some sort of energy shift going on. Personally, my life seems to have been on hold for about a month. Any project I am involved in seems to have reached a hiatus and is frustratingly stuck despite my best efforts to push forward. Now this may be due to the position of Mars or Pluto or whatever, but it seems a bit deeper than this and friends involved in the psychic world are feeling it too. It is almost as if the Universe is telling us to rid ourselves of anything that is holding us back or that is unnecessary and to pare back our lives in readiness for what is to
come. I suppose it is a bit like the lovely feeling we get when we clear out the clutter from the house - a sort of feng shui-ing of the soul. As we allow the energies to flow through our homes, so we can allow them to flow through the spirit.
I remember once I was going through a very bad time in my life. I rang my friend Belinda and told her I just couldn’t stop crying. “Don’t worry,” she said happily. “You always have to have a good old clear out before
something really good happens.” Well, when you are heartbroken and having a good old wallow in misery, that sort of reply isn’t much consolation, but she was right. After being at an incredibly low ebb, I met my future husband a couple of weeks later and my life changed radically. Perhaps I had to get all those negative emotions out before I could let the positive ones in and maybe that is what is happening now on a much larger scale. The world seems to be a very scary place right now with so many horrible things happening, so maybe we all need to clear out our negative thoughts and emotions and fill the gap with love and kindness. I don’t know if that will necessarily stop the bad guys, but at least we can, in a very small way, influence the world around us. As the advert says, “Out of little things big things grow.” So let’s give it a try. I know this energy shift is for the good, so let’s make the most of it and spread a little love around. Who knows what we can achieve.
YOUR GIG GUIDE Blacktown Workers Club
Friday 29th July from 9.30pm at Workers Sports, Reservoir Road. FREE TAKE A HIT! DUO Playing nothing but hits…. Saturday 30th July 8pm in the Diamond Showroom. Tickets $10 members; $15 visitors DIAMOND SPECTACULAR A glamorous, glittering spectacular tribute to our Stage and Screen sirens and Rock legends. From the glitz of 1920’s to the present. A Divine journey. A Musical production with sensational vocalists
and Diamond Dancers and specialty artists, with stunning costumes DRIPPING DIAMONDS N DAZZLING!!!!!! Saturday 30th July from 8.30pm in the Jack McNamara Lounge. FREE KAFEKOOL Featuring Chris Connolly….Let the KafeKool Duo take you on an enjoyable musical journey... Saturday 30th July from 9.30pm at Workers Sports, Reservoir Road. FREE
PICTURE BOOK – The Simply Red Tribute Show The Simply Red Tribute Band features some of Sydney’s finest musicians paying tribute to Simply Red. The tribute show transports you back to relive some of Simply Red’s classics including: It’s only love, Thrill me, Holding back the years, If you don’t know me by now, Picture book, More For your babies, A new flame, The air that I breath, You make me feel brand new, Fairground and Money’s too tight to Mention.
CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Shackles (7) 5 Without ceasing (7) 9 Trademark or signature (9) 10 Long metal nail (5) 11 Tedious (7) 12 City in Washington state (7) 13 Estimate (9) 15 Whips (5) 17 A small picture inserted within another (5) 19 Unsteady in gait (9) 22 Frolic (7) 25 Affective (7) 26 Stitched (5) 27 Crooks (9) 28 Female siblings (7) 29 Funeral cars (7)
DOWN 1 Preventing (7) 2 Not thinness (9) 3 Punches of sweetened milk and eggs (7) 4 Whipping boy (9) 5 An attribute of a people or era (5) 6 Female (7) 7 Poet T.S. _____ (5) 8 Searchers (7) 14 Frisky or flirtatious (9) 16 Not reproductions (9) 17 Asserts (7) 18 Pretentious talk (7) 20 Strange or rare objects (7) 21 Suppositions (7) 23 Caterwauls (5) 24 Strikes with the feet (5)
solution 15/7/16
19 Western News 29 July 2016 Issue 15
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
20
By Erin O’Connor
LOXLEY on Bellbird Hill was among the prestigious hotels and establishments recognised at the 2016 TAA (Tourism Accommodation Australia) NSW Awards for Excellence held at the Four Points by Sheraton Sydney on Thursday July 21st. These awards exist as to recognise outstanding achievements and service in the accommodation industry. It is an opportunity to acknowledge both the quality of the accommodation product in NSW and the hard work and professionalism of the staff in the industry. Loxley on Bellbird Hill was awarded High Commended in two categories, Best Environmental Practices Regional Hotel and Mid-Range Hotel of the Year. In addition to the TAA Awards success, Loxley on Bellbird Hill was recently announced finalist at the 2016 Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence in the following 5 categories: Excellence in Sustainability; Excellence in Business Ethics; Excellence in Marketing; Business Leader of the Year and The Hon Alan Cadman OAM Patron’s Choice. In association with their recent
success, Loxley on Bellbird Hill is celebrating by offering an exclusive offer to all those who book and secure their up and coming wedding during the month of August, September and October this year. They are offering 4 Complimentary suites for the wedding night: The Bridal Suite, Rose Suite, Camellia Suite and Cottage Suite. All
SUDOKU: MEDIUM
suites include a full country cooked breakfast. Valued at over $1000 Loxley’s Wedding & Events Manager, Sonia Murray is also kindly offering Winter Wedding Packages for 2017 from just $95pp. Please contact Loxley’s wedding coordinators on 45677 711 or by email to info@loxleyonbellbirdhill.com.au
to make an appointment to come for a personalised tour of Loxley and to discuss your wedding plans. Loxley on Bellbird Hill is open 7 days a week and is located at 993 Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Hills NSW 2753. Visit their website: www.loxleyonbellbirdhill.com.au
WORD SEARCH
Western News 29 July 2016 Issue 15
Beautiful Loxley’s award success continues
JOHN WAYNE MOVIES SOLUTION: 15th July
INSTRUCTIONS Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates
ALAMO, The ARIZONA BABY FACE BIG JAKE BIG TRAIL, The BLOOD ALLEY BLUE STEEL BRANNIGAN CHISUM CIRCUS WORLD COMANCHEROS, The CONFLICT CONQUEROR, The
COWBOYS, The DAKOTA DAWN RIDER, The DECEIVER, The DESERT TRAIL, The EL DORADO FLYING TIGERS FORT APACHE GREEN BERETS, The HATARI HELL FIGHTERS HONDO IN HARMS WAY
JET PILOT LONELY TRAIL, The LONGEST DAY, The MCLINTOCK MCQ NEW FRONTIER NIGHT RIDERS, The PITTSBURGH QUIET MAN, The RANGE FEUD RED RIVER RIO BRAVO RIO GRANDE
RIO LOBO SEA CHASE, The SEARCHERS, The SHOOTIST, The SPOILERS, The STAGECOACH STAR PACKER, The TRUE GRIT TYCOON UNDEFEATED, The WAR WAGON, The WESTWARD HO
Chills, thrills and spills
BLACKTOWN is transforming into the wild west these holidays with Weber’s Circus taking up residence in the Blacktown Showground for their latest whip-cracking show. Anybody who has been to a Weber’s performance before will know that these guys really know how to entertain, so if you’re looking for something fun to do
with the whole family - grab your tickets now. The show is suited to all ages, so round up Nan and Pop, the toddlers and the teenagers and take up your seats under the big top for a session of thrillseeking magic. As stated, this new show is a wild west show featuring whip cracking,
boot-scooting cowboys and cowgirls, so feel free to don your finest boots and hats and go dressed for the occasion. There’s also the famous Russian swing, hula hoops and the heartstopping wheel of death. You’ll be amazed at the miniature ponies and performing dogs and thoroughly entertained by the salsa
5TH-14TH AUGUST SHOW TIMES FRIDAY
5th August
7pm
THURSDAY
11th August
7pm
SATURDAY
6th August
3pm & 7pm
FRIDAY
12th August
7pm
SUNDAY
7th August
11am & 3pm
SATURDAY
13th August
3pm & 7pm
SUNDAY
14th August
11am ONLY
TICKET PRICES VIP Child $30 Adult $40
RINGSIDE Child $22 Adult $32
A RESERVE Child $18 Adult $28
B RESERVE Child $15 Adult $25
WILD WEST show featuring whip cracking boot scooting cowboys and cowgirls featuring Wheel of Death, Silks, Miniature Horses, Dogs and Clowns plus exciting circus acts and Salsa Dancing
Online Bookings: www.weberscircus.com | Phone Bookings: 9.00am - 7.30pm Blacktown Showground, Richmond Road, For all enquiries 0448 247 287, 0448 CIRCUS Cash sales only at the site ticket office, tickets on sale one hour before each performance
dancing, Spanish web, lyra and silks. And what’s a circus without clowns? The Weber’s clown are the funniest in the business; they’ll have you laughing until your belly hurts. So pick your date from the ad below and head on down to Blacktown Showground for a family fun adventure!
BLACKTOWN
21 Western News 29 July 2016 Issue 15
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
westernhistory western
24 Western News 29 July 2016 Issue 15
Lance Skuthorp & the Skuthorp Family L
ANCE Skuthorp Snr. was born at Kurrajong on the 15th December, 1870 and spent most of his life as a young man on the family property at Garah in northern N. S. W. He became a legend in his own lifetime, being a champion rodeo rider, a master horse trainer, a showman, a cattle drover, prize fighter, athlete, writer, and storyteller. He is acknowledged as having pioneered the rodeos and buck jumping shows that began in Australia in the late 1800s. He is featured in several exhibits in the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Longreach, Queensland, and also in the Australian Outback Heritage Book - “The Stockman”. He and the Skuthorp family are also featured throughout the Jenny Hicks book Cowboys, Roughriders and Rodeos. In 1896 he performed the first of two publicity stunts that made him famous throughout Australia. After backing himself for ₤200 and watched by a huge crowd, including cattle king Sidney Kidman, he borrowed a horse and repeated the poet Adam Lindsay Gordon’s feat of jumping a six foot fence and landing on a six foot ledge bordering on the edge of the Blue Lake of Mount Gambier. In 1906 ‘Bobs’ was recognised as the best buckjumper in Australia and it was claimed that no man could ride him. Lance took up the challenge and it became a much publicised event. The rivalry between the various rodeo shows enabled the publicity to continue for several weeks. The event was finally held in Rawson Place, Sydney and was attended by a crowd of more than 3,000 people, including the Governor of the day. Lance rode ‘Bobs’ to a standstill and in doing so, he became a legend, reportedly winning ₤1,000 in prize money and wagers. Most of the time Lance managed his own buckjumping shows, but he also worked with other shows like Wirths circus, riding buckjumpers in their lion cage. It has been said that Lance was a likeable rogue, who was rich one day and broke the next. When he sold ‘Snips’, a champion buckjumper for ₤700, he spent all the money there before heading back to the bush. This was a pattern he continued throughout his life, making a fortune, blowing it all, and then starting out again from scratch. In 1902 he and his friend Charlie Philpott, drove a mob of 6,000 fat bullocks from the Wave Hill station in the Northern Territory, a distance of more than a 1,000 miles to Burrandilla Station, near Charleville in Queensland. There were no roads to follow, no bores to water the cattle, and the droving trip over the Spinifex plains and red sand hills took more than twelve months to complete. Lance was more than 40 years old when he married a 16 year girl, Violet King, who was appearing in his show. Violet was a very capable horse rider who was riding buckjumping bullocks in 1911. They reared three very talented children - Madge b. 1913, Lance Jnr. b. 1915, and Violet b. 1919, with Madge becoming known as an
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artist. The other two children followed in their parent’s footsteps, with Lance Jnr. becoming well known as a horseman, fighter, wrestler, writer and song writer, writing many of the songs made famous by Tex Morton. Violet also became a champion horsewoman. It was the children who added the “e” to their name Skuthorpe. In her book Cowboys, Roughriders and Rodeos Jenny Hicks provided the following information under the heading - ‘The Incomparable Skuthorpes’ “In 1926 the Skuthorpe family worked their show through the Victorian country towns then headed onto Adelaide. The crew included Lance and his wife Violet, children Madge, Lance Jnr. and Violet Jnr., fourteen riders, a cook and scores of hangers on. The group had a total of 136 horses, five buffaloes, eight mules, and three donkeys, and were able to manage thirty miles per day. They arrived in Adelaide broke and Lance put the bite on Sir Sidney Kidman for money to publicise the show. Opening day at Jubilee Oval saw 14,000 people turn up and the money flowed in. After a successful season they lived it up in Adelaide for six weeks until they’d spent all their profits and then moved on to Port Pirie and Broken Hill. After that the seemingly indefatigable Mrs. Skuthorpe decided that enough was enough and they bought a house at Riverstone, on the outskirts of Sydney. Lance leased his show to another showman and started a brick business. The business went bust when the depression hit so he got a job at the Riverstone meatworks. Although over 60 years of age, it was the first time in his life he had ever held a regular job. On the weekends the family still did the occasional show around the district. TO BE CONTINUED......
Would you like to read about the history of the Nepean? Now you can purchase a LIMITED EDITION book featuring our history pages and more for just $10 plus postage and handling. Help keep our history preserved by purchasing your copy. ORDER NOW!
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PROPERTY SALES AND LEASING, NOW OPEN IN MARSDEN PARK 9835 3355 | www.bennettproperty.com.au
BUYERS SEEKING BETTER VALUE AND BETTER LIFESTYLE
By Matthew Bennett, Bennett Property Group
WITH Sydney getting denser and more expensive, a lot of buyers are looking to more rural areas for a better lifestyle. Why spend over $1m for a home on a postage stamp in Stanhope Gardens when you can spend the same money and get a big home on acreage in East Kurrajong? The majority of buyers in towns such as Kurrajong, Yarramundi and
Wilberforce already come from Kellyville, Rouse Hill and Castle Hill. Mr and Mrs Davis pictured here with Michael Bennett just sold their North Richmond acreage property to a family from Kellyville. Inner cities and apartments will always be popular with the younger generation, preferring to be close to jobs and a better nightlife. However, many families and older couples are contemplating a move in search of a better work/life balance, fresh air and a mortgage they can actually afford, according to demographer Bernard Salt. “As our cities get bigger, denser, more difficult to navigate, more threatening with things like carjacking, more congested and of course, more expensive to buy
property in, there is a growing desire to escape,” Salt says. “For people whose jobs and livelihoods are associated with a major city, it means looking just beyond the metropolitan area where they can commute from; such as Richmond in western Sydney. Then there’s a second category of people, who want to escape the rat race altogether, where they trade down their job, for a lesser income, in return for a better quality of life” says Salt; “For a young family looking for a better life for their kids, schools, shops, open spaces are important, but later in life, people consider access to healthcare and things specifically like medical imaging, wellness providers, physiotherapists; the kind of things you might need
to maintain wellness as you age.” Areas like the Hawkesbury in Sydney’s northwest offer a rural lifestyle with great schools, a good hospital, big employers and bustling cafés and restaurants. With the improved road and rail networks they are also an acceptable commute to Penrith, Parramatta and the city. It is a great location for families to have a better lifestyle and not choke on a massive mortgage. The Bennett Brothers have positioned themselves to cater for both ends of this market with offices in Marsden Park, Richmond and Kurrajong and will open in Schofields at the end of the year. If you are looking to buy or sell in north west Sydney, give them a call on 9835 3355.
THINKING ABOUT BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME? BUYING your first home can be both exciting and scary, but knowing what to expect, doing your research and being prepared can take a lot of the stress out of the situation. Saving for the deposit The first thing any budding home owner or investment property purchaser needs to think about is their deposit on a property. Generally, the aim is have at least 20% of the purchase price saved up, but a lot of first home buyers obtain their first home with a lower deposit and the aid of Lender’s Mortgage Insurance. This is a good way to still get a loan if you haven’t quite saved up the 20%. The bigger the deposit, the less money you’ll have to borrow – so it’s a good idea put a savings plan in place to get you to your goal. Regular contributions to savings are helpful when you’re going for a loan; it shows the lender that you’re responsible and capable of making steady payments. If you need assistance to improve your savings discipline with a better budget, speak to a broker or financial advisor. Working out what you can afford Once your savings plan is tracking along, the next step is to figure out what you can afford to borrow. Your home is likely the most expensive purchase you’ll make in your lifetime, so you need to know your limit. There
are many online calculators to work it out or you can speak with a broker. Of course, as interest rates are variable and change over time, this should only be used as a general guide. It’s also worth noting that rates are at historically low levels right now, so you need to factor in interest rate rises over your loan period. Generally 2-3% above the current rate is a good estimate to go by. Make sure you factor in stamp duty - an upfront charge which is applied by state governments in Australia in relation to the transfer of land or property. The charges differ state by state. Finding the right loan When it comes to home loans, the interest rate is the probably the most important factor, but it’s not the only one. Home loan rates are incredibly competitive right now, so make sure you’re doing your research, visit comparison websites to see what’s out there and don’t be afraid to look outside the big four banks. Smaller lenders often have lower rates, so it’s worth looking around to find the best deal, speak to a broker. When you’re looking for a loan, consider what features you’d be likely to use. An offset account is a popular feature – it’s an account that links to your loan and allows you to reduce the interest you pay based on how much
is in the account. So if you have a $400,000 loan and you have $50,000 in your offset, you’ll only pay interest on $350,000. A redraw facility is also important as it enables you to pay extra on your loan, but let you access that money if you need it down the track. Gaurantor Support Home Loan A Guarantor Support Home Loan is a fast way to get into your home with the help either a family member (e.g parents, sibling) or friend to offer the equity in their property as additional security for your loan. The primary security for the loan is your new property but a mortgage is also taken over the guarantors property as well. By structuring the loan this way, it allows you to borrow 100% of the purchase price of the new property and you avoid the need to pay lenders mortgage insurance because the overall loan to value ratio is capped at 80%. The products available still provide access to a fully featured product offering fixed or variable rates and a 100% Offset account. The application process It’s always a good idea to get a preapproval first. This will tell you how much money you’ll be approved to borrow, so when you start looking for a property you’ll have a budget in mind. When you decide on your lender and start the application process, you’ll be asked for paperwork and statements
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which will be used to assess your ability to repay the loan. A lender will analyse your income and past credit history, as well as your savings. So it’s a good idea to make payments on any existing loans and make sure you’re on top of your credit cards in preparation. The most common items required by lenders are proof of income, tax returns, a credit report, bank statements, loans statements and 100 points of identification are all fairly standard. Take time to prepare this information so the process doesn’t cost you any necessary stress. Once you’ve provided all the necessary paperwork and there are no issues with the application, the approval process generally takes a few business days to a week. What to do Buying your first home can be both exciting and emotional, but knowing what to expect, doing your research and being prepared can take a lot of the stress out of the situation. If you want some help in terms of finding the best product and guiding you through the process give Wealthwiz a call.
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25 Western News 29 July 2016 Issue 15
realestate real
GLOSSODIA
3
2
4
FREEMANS REACH
CONVENIENCE AND COMFORT IN A GREAT$000,000 LOCATION CASTLEREAGH
MAGNIFICENT VIEWS CASTLEREAGH
Inspect:
Saturday 30 July & 6 August, 12:00 – 12:30pm
Inspect:
Address:
157 Spinks Road
• 3-bedroom brick veneer home with fenced backyard • Open-plan layout, separate family/lounge rooms • Updated kitchen with Caesarstone, stainless steel appliances • Main bathroom with corner spa, large fitted laundry • Covered entertaining areas and outdoor spa • Double carport and drive-through tandem garage • Colorbond shed with power
16 The Boomerang
Price:
Approx 720 square metres
Price:
Just Listed
Price:
Just Listed
Details:
Rhonda Schellnack - 4578 1234
Details:
Rhonda Schellnack 4578 1234
VILLAGE QUALITY CASTLEREAGH
• Very spacious 4 bedroom home, with ensuites • Large downstairs rumpus with study - possible bedroom 5 • Updated kitchen with dishwasher, double oven • Undercover entertaining area with servery • Solar panels and back-to-base alarm • Fully fenced inground pool in established yard • Walk to the Village school and shops
3
2
$000,000
2
Saturday 30 July & 6 August, 1:00 – 1:30pm
Address:
4
2
$000,000
• In a high position with uninterrupted rural outlook • Very spacious, two storey family home • Rumpus Room with rural outlook. Living and dining area • 4 large bedrooms with robes, ensuite with walk-in robe • Superb merbau timber covered entertaining deck • Fenced and established yard with inground pool • Two car garaging with internal access
Land Size: Approx 556 square metres
KURRAJONG
4
KURRAJONG HEIGHTS
4
2
2
GENEROUS FAMILY HOME IN PRIVATE$000,000 SETTING CASTLEREAGH • Modern and spacious 4-bedroom family home • Open-plan casual living areas and formal dining • Huge timber entertaining deck, double garage • Timber kitchen with gas, Smeg oven and dishwasher • Carpeted bedrooms, master with walk-in robe and ensuite • Terraced backyard, fully fenced with double garage • 5KW back-to-grid solar, aircon, slow-combustion heater
Inspect:
Saturday 30 July & 6 August, 1:00 – 1:30pm
Inspect:
Saturday 30 July & 6 August, 12:00 – 12:30pm
Address:
50 Kurrajong Road
Address:
6 Nina Place
Land size: Approx 949 square metres
Land size: Approx 1054 square metres
Price:
$790,000
Price:
$800,000 - $850,000
Details:
Karen Rigg - 4573 1228
Details:
Maurice Mantovani - 4573 1228
KURRAJONG (02) 4573 1228 80 Old Bells Line of Road RICHMOND (02) 4578 1234 239 Windsor Street MARSDEN PARK (02) 9835 3355 Cnr Richmond Road & South Street www.bennettproperty.com.au
RICHMOND
3
QUALITY CUL-DE-SAC LOCATION CASTLEREAGH
2
$000,000
• Superb location with an idyllic rural outlook • Grand and imposing two storey residence • Formal living and dining area. Tiled formal entry • Open plan kitchen and family area with walk-in pantry • Quality features include ducted air, ducted vacuum • Fully landscaped with water feature • Plans drawn for a detached 2 bedroom Granny Flat
Inspect:
2
By Appointment
4
RICHMOND “CAMELLIA COTTAGE” CASTLEREAGH
• Heritage-listed cottage with four bedrooms and two fireplaces • Character details throughout and restored period features • Generous separate lounge/dining rooms plus study • High 10.5-foot ceilings, wide 6-inch tallow wood floors • Large country-style kitchen with walk-in pantry • NBN Internet, split system air conditioning, internal laundry • Fully fenced yard, undercover deck, lawns and irrigated gardens • 1100-litre (approx.) tank for irrigation
Inspect: Address:
5 Francis Street
Price:
$965,000
Price:
Just Listed
Details:
Karen Rigg - 4573 1228
Details:
Michael Bennett/Scott Lee - 4578 1234
4
2
2
3
RICHMOND
LARGE LIGHT-FILLED FAMILY HOME $000,000 CASTLEREAGH
“THE STABLES” CASTLEREAGH
Inspect:
Saturday 30 July & 6 August, 1:00 – 1:30pm
Inspect:
Saturday 30 July & 6 August, 12:00 – 12:30pm
Address:
37A Flinders Place
Address:
313 Windsor Street
• Large split-level home with timber features and high ceilings • Spacious bedrooms; main with ensuite and walk-in robe • Updated interior including new carpets and fresh paintwork • Covered outdoor deck with views to the river • Low maintenance, fully fenced back yard • In a quality cul-de-sac location
1
$000,000
Saturday 30 July & 6 August, 11:00 – 11:30am
Land size: Approx 750 square metres
NORTH RICHMOND
1
• Private, sought-after location • Old world charm • Character-filled residence with original features • Open plan kitchen/living area. Wood-burning stove • Double sized bedrooms with high ceilings • Wide verandah, fully enclosed yard with gardens • Walking distance to shops, schools and station • Fabulous opportunity to purchase prestige property!
Land Size: Approx 924 square metres
Land Size: Approx 574.5 square metres
Price:
Just Listed
Price:
Upcoming Auction
Details:
Matthew Bennett/Nicole Cooney - 4578 1234
Details:
Michael Bennett - 4578 1234
2
2
$000,000
KURRAJONG (02) 4573 1228 80 Old Bells Line of Road RICHMOND (02) 4578 1234 239 Windsor Street MARSDEN PARK (02) 9835 3355 Cnr Richmond Road & South Street www.bennettproperty.com.au
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Western News 29 15 July 2016 Issue 15 14
#ICYMI with @J_McGrouther In case you missed it, rumours, scores, signings and more
IT has been announced that Tim Schmidt, the 29th pick in the 2003 AFL draft, will be the inaugural senior coach of the Giants’ National Women’s League team. The former Sydney Swans 17-gamer has an impressive coaching CV, recently excelling in the assistant coaching role of the Under 16’s NSW/ACT Rams, along as being the Narrabeen Sports High School AFL Coach and Coordinator. On the topic, it was announced Wednesday that Renee Forth and Emma Swanson are the 2017 marquee signings for the GWS National Women’s League team. Each of the eight clubs was awarded two marquees for the season, with both Forth and Swanson set to move from Western Australia to start their professional football journey. Both are dynamic midfielders and bring a wealth of experience to the club. The Western Sydney Wanderers last week announced the exciting signing of Japanese midfielder Jumpei Kusukami for the upcoming A-League season. At 28, Kusukami is an experienced campaigner, having played 101 league games in the J1 league. He joins the likes of defender Robert Cornthwaite and midfielder Bruno Piñatares at Wanderland. Keep your eye on the 2016 installment of the FFA Cup. At the time of writing this article, Blacktown City is yet to do battle with Sydney United 58 FC in the round of 32. A win on
Wednesday will propel the club in to the round of 16, where anything can happen. Check for results and for details of upcoming fixtures. The club also plays a local derby this weekend versus Blacktown Spartans FC, competing for the Blacktown City Mayoral Cup. Kick off is 3pm on Sunday. With their 19-point win over Port Adelaide last weekend, the GWS Giants have officially recorded more wins this season than any before. Their 12th win surpasses last years effort of 11, and absolutely demolishes 2012, 2013 and 2014, with the three seasons combining for nine wins in total. The club currently sits second on the ladder with five regular season games remaining. On the back of the mid season departure of James Segeyaro to the English super league, Penrith hooker Peter Wallace has re-signed with the club for two more NRL seasons. The 30 year old has been in top form this season, producing an old school type of game that suits the Panthers. The ‘pass from the ground’ style has suited Wallace and his old head is exactly what Penrith need to continue to build into the future. Additonally, Trent Merrin has extended his deal with the club until the end of 2020. His leadership, professionalism and work rate on the park will be a enormous asset to the Panthers organisation for the next four years. Basketball fans rejoice, the Sydney Kings are
playing out of western Sydney during the 2016/17 NBL season. With their regular city-based venue being rebuilt, the Kings will base their title run out of Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park. The NBL schedule has been released, with their first home game to be played Saturday October 8th at home versus the newly reinstated Brisbane Bullets. Officially a part of western Sydney, they are the new local team so lets get behind them. For the first time in Australian Olympic history, more women are set to compete at Rio than men. With the women’s rowing eight called up to the games on Wednesday following Russian withdrawals, the scales have tipped in the women’s favour. The numbers now sit at 212 women and 207 men. Good luck to everyone competing. Take a guess at which Parramatta Eels player likes to relax with a hit of tennis and a surf? It’s usually the golf course where most NRL players tend to get away and relax, or that is the cliché we tend to be given, but none other then Michael “Flash” Gordon is the Eel’s big server and wave carver. Good thing for his sake that he’s headed to Bondi in 2017, I’m sure the surfboard will get a good work out. Flash also nominated spending time with his kids down at the park as another way he likes to relax. Heard any rumours, important scores or sports related news, send us a tweet @news_ western #ICYMI
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Storm fading as playoffs beckon By Noel Rowsell
THE Blacktown Storm Men’s basketball team are experiencing a lull on the eve of the playoff series in the 2016 Waratah Youth League competition, losing two of their past three games to put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. This year’s Division One Youth League competition is extremely tight, with nine teams still fighting for just six positions in the penultimate round. The Storm have suffered from player absentees in the last two weeks, with the absence of Makuach Maluach (two games), Junior Madut (two games), Diing Mawein (one game) and Atier Manzl (one game) upsetting the team’s balance. Storm head coach Greg Radford was hoping for a solid effort against thirdplaced Manly Warringah Sea Eagles on Saturday but a poor start and a poor finish would see Blacktown slump to an 87-70 loss.
Blacktown Storm forward Makuach Maluach blasts past a Manly Warringah defender. Photo courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
Radford said “Our defence was porous, we were lazy with the ball and we got killed on the glass”. Maluach led the Storm with 35 points, ahead of captain Simeon Murray with 12.
The previous round had at least given the Storm one important win, with a get-out-of-jail 98-89 win over the Penrith Panthers on a Thursday night a good tonic, especially without Maluach and Manzl.
Mawein led the scoring against the Panthers with 24 points, ahead of Murray 21, Madut 16, Rhyss Limguangco 12 and Matthew Veloso 12. The following game on the Saturday had seen Madut absent after succumbing to injury and although Manzl made a return, the Storm could not overcome the Bankstown Bruins, falling 86-67. Mawein was again the leading scorer, finishing with 25 points, ahead of Murray 16 and Limguangco 11. There are only two games left in the regular season and the Storm must win at least one to secure a berth, although two wins will give them a far better finishing position and a supposedly easier quarter final opponent. The Storm travel to the Central Coast on Friday night to face the competition-leading Crusaders, then return home to the Kevin Betts Stadium at 5.30pm on Saturday to host the Sutherland Sharks.
29 Western News 29 July 2016 Issue 15
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CelebrityTIPSTERS
YD BUL NZW PAR NQC SOU MAN GCT STG PAR NEW CRO MEL GCT WES PAN ROUND UND SSYD
21&22
BRI STG PAN WES MEL CAN NEW CRO BRI MAN BUL CAN SOU NZW NQC SYD
July 28 7.50pm
July 29 7.50pm
July 30 3.00pm
July 30 5.30pm
July 30 7.30pm
July 31 2.00pm
July 31 4.00pm
Aug 1 7.00pm
Aug 4 7.50pm
Aug 5 7.50pm
Aug 6 3.00pm
Aug 6 5.30pm
Aug 6 7.30pm
Aug 7 2.00pm
Aug 7 4.00pm
Aug 8 7.00pm
SCORE
Clr Stephen Bali Mayor - Blacktown City Council
191 Matthew Bennett - Bennett Property
201 Tony - Choices Blacktown
191 Paul Maher - Loxley on Bellbird
185 Troy - Urban City Consulting
159 Michelle Faint - Kidz Zoo
131 Kimberley Talbot - CEO Richmond Club
191 Barry Locock - Turtle Landscape Supplies
189
30
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Western News 29 July 2016 Issue 15
MY WORDS WITH MARK GEYER
MG CUP DRAWS TO A SPINE-TINGLING CLOSE
Opens Loyola and Richmond high
LAST Friday at Pepper Stadium five local schools got the chance to fulfill a sporting highlight when they ran out on the hallowed turf on the ground the mighty Penrith Panthers call home. In the u/14’s, Chifley Dunheved overcame neighbours Mt Druitt Chifley in a thrilling game of rugby league. In the u/16’s Mt Druitt Chifley got redemption when they were too strong for a gallant Hawkesbury High School. Then to finish an amazing day of footy off, Loyola Senior High were too good for a Richmond High school who improved greatly throughout the competition of the MG cup. I have had a lot of proud moments in the greatest game of all, but to witness first hand the pride that these schools showed in their respective school jerseys, in a competition named after me was truly humbling. There are a lot of people I’d like to thank for making the day the special one it was starting with the kids who took part. For those that are unaware the MG Cup is a competition that is unique. The players have to adhere to some strict guidelines before they can even take part in a game for their schools after hours. And I’d like to thank the teachers for buying into the concept of ‘I learn so I play’. The emphasis of the cup is school comes before footy, which means in some instances the best players at any individual school may not take the field due to not complying with the structures put in place. The competition also would not take place without the amazing help of Ben James and his team of NRL development officers who call the Eastern grandstand at Pepper Stadium home. These young men have only one thing in mind and that’s the well being of rugby league throughout the schools in western suburbs of Sydney. Every year the comp has gotten bigger thanks to the sponsors who need a big wrap. Master Coaching’s Chris Avent, a wonderful lady making kids even better with her tuition. Dom Meduri from McDonalds North Penrith who provides
BARRIER RISE with Tony Brassel Tony Brassel is one of the most respected judges of horseflesh in the country. He is a form expert and racing analyst with SKY Racing and radio 2KY and has now joined the Western Sydney News Group stable of journalists
Nathan Pentecost
untold support with cash prizes that go to the student and his schooling endevours. The same with Erin Chapman from Amart Sports, and Shaq and Ellen from Hogs Breath St Marys and Penrith. Two legendary individuals who are always helping local causes. Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres also donated funds that go to giving every player a shirt and cap for participation. The Good Guys Penrith franchisee John Walford also provided vouchers for the weekly man of the match awards. Last but by no means least I’d love to thank Lee Hagipantelis from Brydens Laywers whose involvement this season, the 4th installment, gave us funds to hire buses so that every school involved were able to bring two loads of students along to the day which made the atmosphere dynamic. I hope every school involved appreciates the efforts put in by all of the above just the same way I deeply appreciate the efforts put in by every school that takes part in the competition. A big well done to all involved. And another thing... This weekend my great mate Nathan Pentecost, whom I nominated as this week’s Legend of the Nepean, so you can read more about him on pages 20-2, will push himself once again around the banks of the Regatta centre. He’ll put all the pain to one side while he pushes himself 100km to raise funds so that two local students get the unbelievable chance to trek the Kokoda Trail. Nathan has done it all as a wheelchair athlete representing his district, city and state in wheelchair rugby league. But it’s his pursuit for others that defines him. If you’d like to help Nathan help others check out his Facebook pages, or go to Pentecosts Men of League Push www.everydayhero.com.au or go to his Facebook page for more. See ya at the game.
MG (random Westie) OAM
CAPITALIST: Couldn’t be faulted in the manner he demolished a Randwick trial field recently. It was just the way we’d like one of the finest recent Golden Slipper winners to strut his stuff. CHETWOOD: Will be winning a race or two this preparation for the Godolphin team. He’s a rangy sort still moving through his paces but natural pace is his forte. Won a Randwick barrier trial in fine style. DEFCON: Is the vaunted stablemate of Capitalist from the Snowden operaton. He didn’t live up to earlier expectations although the talent is obvious. May return better with maturity. FRENCH FERN: Will be aimed towards the high grade fillies’ races through the Sydney and probably Melbourne spring carnivals. Group material again as she’s a ripper of a sort.
ME NO MASH POTATO: Has won four of her eight starts to date and her race-winning acceleration was obvious in a Wyong trial win last Monday. Kris Lees will have her primed first-up. PIRATE BEN: Is a distinctive, baldy-faced performer moving through the ranks with a bit of pizzaz. There was a lot to like about the way he landed a short-course Wyong barrier trial. SAVOUREUX: Showed class with a Group 1 win last time in. He’s fine sort and did it stylishly when second in an 845m Wyong heat. Will now be aimed towards richer plums as his career unfolds. TANGO RAIN: Sustained pace to score in a trial at Randwick and has done the same under race conditions. Expect another fleet-footed performance or two over short courses this time in for trainer Gerald Ryan.
Wanderers come-from-behind in tough win By Chris Layland
THE Western Sydney Wanderers picked-up one of the most important wins of the season when they defeated the in-form Fraser Park 6-3 at Blacktown Football Park on Saturday. Hat-tricks to both Kyle Cimenti and Brenton Fox ensured that the Red & Black remained on top of the NPL2 ladder but the score line was not a true indication of what a tough match it really was. With Wanderers on top of the table by just a solitary point, a Fraser Park outfit who had gone seven matches unbeaten – including six wins – was a formidable challenge and the match lived up to its billing. The opening ten minutes lacked any chances of note but the contest burst into life 12 minutes in as Cimenti opened the scoring. Starting with the ball in defence, Abdelrahman Kuku found midfielder Tariq Maia in some space who player the ball for Cimenti to score. And literally only 30 seconds later the Red & Black doubled their lead as Brenton Fox stunned Fraser Park to make it 2-0. It was a strong lead but Fraser Park fought back strongly and pulled a goal back quickly with a nice cross before equalising on a well-executed counterattack. Fraser Park was suddenly in the ascendency and while Matt Symes managed to save another attempt and Ramy Najjarine almost scored for the Wanderers, the visitors found themselves ahead as they scored again to make it 3-2. Finding themselves unexpectedly behind on the
scoreboard, the Wanderers re-grouped and were soon awarded a penalty after Najjarine was unfairly fouled in the box as a defender knocked the winger over while he was chasing a through ball. Cimenti calmly converted the penalty to make it 3-3 at the break. It didn’t take long into the second half for Wanderers to take the lead as Brenton Fox scored his second of the evening. Receiving the ball out wide, Cimenti beat his man, cut into the box and crossed to Fox who managed to poke home despite the pressure of a defender and the goalkeeper. And just like in the first half, the Wanderers scored twice in a minute after the Red & Black were awarded another penalty: allowing Cimenti to claim his hat-trick and a 5-3 lead.
31 Western News 29 July 2016 Issue 15
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From there the Wanderers took control and didn’t look like losing the match despite high tension on and off the field that reached a crescendo when a Fraser Park player elbowed Henry Davies in the face. Regardless, the match was sealed in the 86th minute when Fox claimed his maiden first grade hattrick as the striker rounded the keeper to score. To their credit Fraser Park did not give up and forced two big saves from Symes late in the match but it was Wanderers with the three points when the full time whistle blew. The result leaves the Red & Black on top of the NPL2 ladder and within striking distance of promotion through the Club Championship. Next is Central Coast Mariners at Pluim Park with kick-off at 3pm on Sunday.
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Western NEWS Friday, 29 July 2016
sport
Every rainy cloud has a blue and gold lining By Jarrod McGrouther
ANOTHER fortnight, and unfortunately, negativity continues to surround the embattled Parramatta Eels. If it’s not the board having issues, or Corey Norman being stood down, it’s the Eels losing streak continuing. There’s no easy way to put it, 2016 has been the toughest year on any club in recent history, but there is a silver lining at the end of this tumultuous storm. As of last week, the Eels board, accused of wounding the club in so many ways, was sacked in favour of an independent administrator. Max Donnelly, the administrator appointed to the club, has a goal of having a new board in place before the 2017 NRL season. With this news comes the exciting rumours surrounding Jarryd Hayne’s potential return to the blue and gold, and rumours that Corey Norman is set to ink a new long term deal with the club. All in all, 2017 looms as a much more productive year for the gritty Eels franchise. On the field, with recent
Bevan French adds another try to his impressive 2016 tally
heartbreaking losses to the Panthers and Titans, the Eels semi final aspirations are officially over. There are two ways to look at this situation. Number one, the team can finally rest mentally, having given so much to the campaign this season, and have fun causing as many headaches as possible for the rest of the teams battling for a top eight spot. Or two, the coaching staff can gamble with positional changes to the line-up in the
hope of blooding fresh and exciting talent ahead of the 2017 season. One such player set to benefit from this possibility during the last six weeks of the competition is Bevan French. The pint-sized flyer is already a household name at Parramatta, having recorded double figures in the try-scoring column in only seven appearances this season. Standing at just over 5” 11’ and weighing just 85 kilograms, he admitted recently that
fullback was his favourite position, but one key aspect of his game needs to remain to make that transition permanent. “I want to get up around the 90’s (kilograms), personally the biggest thing for me is my speed so I want to get to 90, but I don’t want to put it on too quick. When I first moved down (from Tingha) I put it on too quick and sort of lost some speed so I want to put it on slowly.” French made a name for himself at the Auckland Nines at the start of the year, admitting, “it was a big confidence booster.” He is undoubtedly a future superstar at the Eels, so the question for the club is do they sacrifice departing fullback Michael Gordon, and hand his spot to French for the remainder of 2016? Time will tell. Whichever path the Eels decide to take for the remainder of the season, full credit must go to the majority of the playing group, the coaching staff, and most importantly the fans, for sticking through what has been a rough time. Hopefully 2017 is more satisfying for you all.
Richmond Club 6 East Market Street Richmond, NSW 2753 Tel (02) 4578 1144 www.richmondclub.com.au