Western News 29 May 2020

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Friday, 29 May 2020

ISSUE 110

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Western News 29 May 2020 Issue 110

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Beauty and nail services can recommence June 1

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eauty and nail salon operators can begin treatments from June 1 under strict COVID-safe guidelines.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this is another important step in easing restrictions while maintaining public safety.

“Whilst this is positive news, the key is introducing practices to protect the safety of both customers and beauticians,” Ms Berejiklian.

“It is vital staff and clients of beauty and nail salons abide by the one person per 4 square metres rule with no more than 10 clients at any one time.”

NSW Health has compiled a checklist for the industry. Businesses must develop a safety plan that addresses how to minimise risk from COVID-19.

Safety plans will include measures such as: • One person per 4 square metres including both staff and clients, up to a maximum of 10 clients at any one time; • Exclusion of staff and clients who are unwell, even if they have only mild symptoms; • Records of attendance on the business premises for all staff, clients and contractors; • Cleaning requirements; • Removal of books, magazines and iPads from waiting areas to reduce the potential for infection of clients; • Seating in waiting areas that complies with physical distancing;

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• Ensure good hand hygiene facilities are available, including at venue entry and exit, and promote excellent hand hygiene by staff; • Clearly displayed conditions of entry on their entrance, website and

social media platforms; • Designating a staff member whose responsibilities include ensuring staff and clients have appropriate physical distancing and that the venue does not exceed the maximum capacity limit

Balance At Work

URING this challenging time for business owners it helps to think of your company as an ecosystem. In geographical terms an ecosystem is made up of plants, animals and weather all working together. Like a gum tree on the bank of the Nepean river, your business’ people and processes respond to the everchanging environment. Every ecosystem adapts to challenges or disappears. Your organisation is no different.

Here are three ways you can make sure your business weathers the Coronavirus storm.

1) Prevent A healthy ecosystem is resilient and sustainable.

In a crisis, vulnerabilities are revealed. A healthy ecosystem will adapt, but it’s up to you to keep your business healthy by understanding what could lead to its decline or collapse. Once you’ve realised the

areas of weakness, you can iron out the kinks and make your business stronger for the future.

2) Prepare In a healthy ecosystem, everything is there for a reason. Know your organisation’s values and purpose. Why do they exist and who do they serve?

These values should lead every step in your plan of action. Next, decide what people, processes, technology and finances you need to see you through the current crisis. Make the changes you need to make, ensuring everyone knows their part in the plan. As we adjust to the current reality, it reminds us that we all rely on one another. In every interaction, in our businesses and beyond, now is the time to be more present, vulnerable and authentic.

3) Predict You’ve prevented the worst. You’ve got the tools at hand to prepare you for what comes next.

and; • Measures to maximise distancing between staff where safe and practical, including assigning staff to specific work stations that are at least 1.5 metres apart and minimising any interaction between these stations; • Encourage download of the COVID-safe app.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said clients must not attend salons if they are unwell even with the mildest of symptoms.

“NSW has worked hard to flatten the curve but as restrictions ease we need to ensure the good work continues to keep our community safe,” Mr Hazzard said.

“The elderly and people with underlying health issues should be particularly cautious when and if visiting salons.”

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it was important beauty therapists and nail salons follow their safety plan, as these are environments where close contact will happen.

“All businesses must have a COVID-19 safety plan and take precautions to protect the health of their staff and their clients,” Dr Chant said.

Businesses covered include beauty, nail, waxing and tanning salons. Once beauty salons are open, any services that normally and legally take place in a beauty salon will be able to be undertaken. Any existing rules and regulations will continue to apply.

With Susan Rochester

Now you’re in a position to predict how your business will come out of this. All your analysis and planning have made you think more about the long-term goals for your business. You know that every challenge your business has faced is a lesson learned that will help you make better educated decisions for the future.

Remember, your customers and employees are the beating heart of your business. They are the living parts of your own little ecoystem, the most dynamic and adaptable to change. Now is the right time to sort out what needs to be done and what you expect from your business, staff and customers.

Write down your plan. Make it available. Refer to it often. Update it when needed. Hold yourself and your team accountable.

You can’t control the future, but your ecosystem will be ready to adapt, survive and thrive.

Get in touch for a free consultation Call

0448 306 180

or email susanr@balanceatwork.com.au www.balanceatwork.com.au

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lacktown City Council will honour a commitment to give residents the opportunity to ‘Have Your Say’ on major transport and planning issues impacting Marsden Park and surrounding suburbs.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “We have decided to give the community the opportunity to have their say ‘online’ and will be streaming a Marsden Park Community Forum live on Facebook on Tuesday 9 June.

“I will be joining the Member for Chifley, Ed Husic, the Member for Londonderry, Prue Car, Ward 5 Councillors and local business and community representatives on a Q and A style online panel to discuss the issues that are causing the most concern.

“We are inviting residents to submit prerecorded video questions or they can text in on the night,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Prue Car said, “Totally inadequate bus services in Marsden Park have been causing real issues for families and seniors.

Recently we were told there were no plans for a bus service from Marsden Park to Schofields Station and the promised new carpark at Schofields Station is nowhere to be seen.

“Marsden Park Public School is badly overcrowded as the NSW Government has delayed building the new primary school in the Elara estate on Northbourne Drive.

The Government is now proposing a pop-

up demountable school on the site to cover for their delays.”

Ed Husic said, “Construction of the M9 motorway is going nowhere and we’re not hearing any progress from Government on the Metro extension from Tallawong to St Marys.

“The online forum is a great opportunity for residents to raise their concerns. I congratulate Blacktown City Council on this initiative. Prue and I will definitely be raising the issues in Federal and State Parliament.”

“Business, Council and residents are doing the heavy lifting investing millions of dollars in these suburbs; it’s time the NSW and Federal Governments stepped up their investment,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Council hosts Ward forums and popup sessions throughout the City giving residents a chance to engage directly with Councillors.

Mayor Tony Bleasdale and Prue Car MP pictured earlier this year investigating transport concerns in Marsden Park.

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

Western News 29 May 2020 Issue 110

Marsden Park Community Forum goes online

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Ward 5 (Marsden Park) Online community forum: Tuesday, 9 June. 7.00 pm. www.facebook.com/BlacktownCityCouncil/ For further information: Katie Coy 0408 415 513 To submit your questions, email: forums@ blacktown.nsw.gov.au If you would like to submit a video question please email Katie at the contact details above for instructions.

Website: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au Authorised by Prue Car MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

Western News 29 May 2020 Issue 110

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Western News Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Sports Journalist: Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Sports Journalist: Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Graphic Design: Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com

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Prospect

From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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ow lucky are we to be Australian?

You’d have to be pretty hard to please if you didn’t appreciate the job that the Prime Minister, Premier, Ministers, MPs and Councillors have done to ensure we’ve emerged one of the least affected nations on the globe.

Over the last year every time Scott Morrison has come up for air there’s been another disaster waiting to punch him back under. And although at times he’s copped some flak, there’s no denying he has steered this ship through an absolute inclement storm. Truth be told, I don’t think even Anthony Albanese would want his job right now.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne - imagine her job over the last 12 months?

Aussies tragically killed in the volcano in New Zealand, followed by the most horrendous bushfires at a time when lots of Aussies were holidaying away from their burning homes, only to come out of that and be hit with a global pandemic.

She’s had to manage the bringing home of Aussies from every corner of the planet. They’ve had to be transferred from all different cities and remote areas to places where an airport can support a home-bound flight. And it has been anything but simple - ducking and weaving through street closures, lockdowns, quarantine laws and language barriers to bring our fellow Aussies home.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has held a daily 8am press conference and kept the state updated on where we stand every day. She’s had to juggle and balance what is best for NSW going into restrictions, and now in weaning us out.

Our emergency and health services and all those whose jobs couldn’t be put on hold to ensure we could still eat, get medications, petrol and access banks - have been absolutely spectacular.

The rest of us have faced business closures, job losses, changed working conditions, less pay, rising debt, and time away from those we love.

Of course there will always be the odd whinger and the token armchair ‘expert’ who knows better than anyone qualified, but the majority of us have listened to instruction and united in the fight against the pandemic.

We’ve still got some way to go, but we’ve all banded together and done the best we can; because that’s the way we roll.

How lucky are we to be Australian.

Stay safe.

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Western News 29 May 2020 Issue 110

Applications open for $15,000 Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships

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ember for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly has announced that applications are now open for the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships and encourages all hard working apprentices to apply.

The scholarships support apprentices who are experiencing financial or personal hardship, demonstrate a high aptitude for vocational education and are committed to their on and off the job training.

Mr Conolly said up to 95 scholarships will be awarded to outstanding apprentices in NSW at a time when the State faces challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“An apprenticeship is a great way to kick-start a career, and apprentices are vital to our State’s growth, but we also understand it’s not always easy to complete a qualification,” Mr Conolly said.

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said apprentices were vital to driving NSW forward during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We want to back our apprentices by giving them a helping hand to

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complete their training and gain a qualification so they can make a strong contribution in their jobs and in the lives of their families and communities,” Mr Lee said.

“The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has meant many industries are experiencing a pause, so this scholarship could not have come at a better time.”

The scholarship program is named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a passionate advocate of vocational education for more than 30 years.

For more information and to lodge an application, visit www.training.nsw. gov.au/bert_evans_scholarships or phone 13 28 11 to contact your local Training Services NSW Office.

Michael Vassili

Barristers and Solicitors Family Law – Criminal Law – Civil Law All Litigation in All Courts throughout Australia

First interview is Free

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$8.6 million to improve patients’ hospital experience

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atients at Blacktown, Westmead, Auburn and Mount Druitt hospital emergency departments and COVID-19 clinics will benefit from an $8.6 million expansion of the NSW Government’s award-winning Patient Experience Program.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said an additional 86 staff will be recruited to 50 hospitals across NSW, with COVID-19 clinics a priority, as part of the Australian-first program.

“This valuable program has proven to be a huge help to patients and carers during what is often a very worrying time, ensuring they receive all the information and support they need from the minute they arrive in our care,” Mr Hazzard said.

“The additional full-time staff will welcome patients and their families and provide them with directions and information about what to expect at each stage of their care and treatment. The extra support will go a long way as we continue to combat COVID-19.”

The funding boost to the Patient Experience Program is part of the NSW Government’s $800 million investment to support the health system’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including significantly increasing capacity in NSW public hospitals, particularly in ICUs. As part of the program patients receive: • access to free Wi-Fi, mobile phone charging stations, additional power points, water and other refreshments • information sent to their mobile device about what to expect during their stay • fact sheets on their particular condition/ treatment options • ongoing care instructions after discharge, available in multiple languages.

Advice in multiple languages will also be given on safety, hygiene and COVID-19 symptoms.

The Patient Experience Program was piloted for six months at Blacktown, Liverpool, Nepean and Lismore hospitals and won the 2019 NSW Premier’s Award for world-class customer service.

For more information visit: https://www. h e a l t h . n s w. g o v. a u / P e r f o r m a n c e / P a g e s / experience.aspx The new 86 positions will be based at the hospitals in the following Local Health Districts and Specialty Networks

Tabbetha Senior was the first patient treated in Blacktown Hospital’s new ED in August 2019.

Local Health District/Speciality Emergency Departments and COVID Clinics Network Sydney Local Health District

RPA, Concord, Canterbury

Northern Sydney Local Health District

RNS, Ryde, Hornsby

Western Sydney Local Health District

Blacktown, Westmead, Auburn, Mount Druitt

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District

Nepean

St Vincent’s

St Vincent’s

Illawarra Local Health District

Shoalhaven, Shellharbour, Wollongong

Southern Local Health District

Bega, Goulburn

North Coast Local Health District

Lismore, Ballina, Grafton, Tweed

Mid North Coast Local Health District

Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie

Children’s Hospital Network

Sydney Children’s and Children’s Westmead

Murrumbidgee Local Health District

Wagga , Griffith

Hunter New England Local Health District

John Hunter, Taree, Moree, Cessnock, Maitland, Calvary Mater, Tamworth, Armidale Belmont

Western Local Health District

Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo

Central Coast Local Health District

Gosford, Wyong

Far West Local Health District

Broken Hill

South Eastern Local Health District

POW, St George, Sutherland, Sydney Hospital

South Western Local Health District

Liverpool, Fairfield, Bankstown, Campbelltown, Bowral

Riverstone High School major upgrade complete

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ember for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly has welcomed the news that the multi-million dollar upgrade at Riverstone High School is now complete, with staff and students already using the new facilities.

The project has delivered 12 permanent classrooms, refurbished student amenities and administration facilities to cater for the growing community demand.

Mr Conolly said he was proud that the project had been handed back to the school community.

“I am pleased the NSW Government has delivered this important project for our students, and look forward to seeing its benefits,” Mr Conolly said.

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell also welcomed the handover, saying

the NSW Government was working hard to deliver the school facilities that students and local communities deserve.

“We are making the largest

investment in public school infrastructure by any State Government in Australian history.

This includes building new schools but also upgrading existing facilities to

enhance the educational environment for students across the state,” Ms Mitchell said.

“It’s been fantastic to watch the progress of the Riverstone High School up-grade and I’m sure the school community can’t wait to use their new facilities.”

The NSW Government is investing $6.7 billion over four years to deliver 190 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. In addition, a record $1.3 billion is being spent on school maintenance over five years, along with a record $500 million for the sustainable Cooler Classrooms program to provide air conditioning to schools.

This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

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he NSW Government has recently released its plan to provide a COVID-safe transport network.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said as restrictions are eased and people travel more, we need to ensure physical distancing is maintained across our public transport network.

“As we ease restrictions, we will see more activity and more people returning to work, school and university,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Our number one priority remains keeping commuters safe so we are ensuring there are plenty of safe and efficient options to get people moving throughout our State during the pandemic.”

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said for the foreseeable future, the public transport system could not run as usual, and the current low patronage levels were already close to the safe capacity in the peak.

“Everyone will need to maintain physical distancing during this pandemic,” Mr Constance said.

“That means if you are not already using public transport during the peak times, please do not use public transport during peak periods.”

The NSW Government’s COVIDSafe Transport Plan includes: Avoiding peak travel: If you are not already using public transport in the peak, please do NOT use public transport in the peak. Services are already close to capacity to allow for distancing at these times.Off peak times are between 10am and 2pm; Deep cleaning and more hand sanitisers: Intense and ongoing cleaning will occur throughout the transport network and there will be a continued

Train, bus and ferry seats will now be marked with a green spot where you should sit.

rollout of hand sanitiser at key transport hubs, including at high demand stations; Boosting parking: Special event-style parking arrangements will be in place at Moore Park for people who are able to drive to work. Other locations will be rolled out soon. In addition car park operators will be offering special deals for all day parking; More cycling and walking options: The Government is working with councils on establishing pop-up cycleways and enhancing pedestrian access to allow more people to find alternative routes to work;

Physical distancing – ‘No dot, no spot’: Distinctive green dots will be used on trains, buses and ferries to show passengers the safest places to sit and stand. A ‘No dot, no spot’ will see passengers asked to wait for the next service. School children will be given priority access; More data: Customers to be given real time information through Apps, social media and Transport Info to see which services have space available to maintain physical distancing; and More services: Changes will be considered to increase services eg; more ferries, water taxis and private vehicle passenger services on the water.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said cleaning continues to be ramped up, with an extra 132,000 hours of cleaning since March.

“The network has never been cleaner, however to maintain physical distancing you will continue to see fewer people on our network and we want people to continue to drive, cycle and walk whenever they can,” Mr Constance said.

“We will be monitoring patronage and have staff at key locations across the metropolitan area to assist customers.”

Ms Berejiklian said it is important the community continues to come together to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“Our frontline transport staff have been doing an amazing job during this unprecedented time and I urge you to keep giving them your respect and understanding,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Be prepared your trip will look different and please consider all options available before you start your journey.”

Western News 29 May 2020 Issue 110

New marked seating on public transport

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Western News 29 May 2020 Issue 110

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local COLUMNISTS Western News

Where to next A rare empty spot - Islas del Rosario

Venice backstreets

By BEN CRANNEY

T

here are a lot of reports at the moment about how restricting human movement has cleaned up the environment. Families of wild boar in Italian towns. A brown bear in southern Spain. Dolphins in Venice.

A kangaroo in the streets of Adelaide.

And barely a human to be seen.

It turns out that many of these are fake, but I certainly feel like there’s been an increase in the number of stars in the sky above Sydney these past few months, and it got me thinking about the impact of travel and what I’m going to do when restrictions are lifted.

It’s a funny one, because one of the best things I’ve done was take a gondola ride in Venice. It’s probably close to the most cliched thing a tourist can do there. But there’s a reason for it, it’s a spectacular way to see the inner city. How often do you see a city from pavement level?

But there was me, contributing to the problem of churning up the water so we couldn’t see the fish, and not thinking twice about it.

In Islas del Rosario, in Colombia, I swam with what felt like thousands of other people, while speed boats zipped between the crowds, somehow not hitting anyone, but barely leaving room for the wildlife.

No bears here - Aracena, Spain

And I’ve been hiking in Spain, and been quite happy to not have any bears around.

I’m curious to see what happens to the travel industry. It can be a pretty snobby place, with people choosing not to go to the grandest and most beautiful paces because too many other people go. Instead, they’ll choose the ‘obscure’ destination. I wonder how much of that snobbiness will be directed towards minimal impact travel, or people taking the even higher moral ground and not travelling as much as they would have.

Murder mystery

By Tiffany Pascoe

Alone in the End Series 1, Episode 4

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itch was getting ready for his run when his phone pinged. Reading the text, he muttered “For heck’s sake Ted” under his breath. Rusty looked up at him and tilted his head. Mitch tapped the brass barometer hanging in the hall and said, “Come on Rusty, let’s put your coat on, it’s going to be cooler this morning.”

Upon returning from his run, Mitch fed Rusty and showered. He pulled on jeans, a black t-shirt, scarf and jacket and started walking along Clinton street to get to his favourite coffee shop. The day was crisp with little warmth coming from the sun. Mitch was thinking about poor Bill. He knew the reason Bill didn’t have cameras installed at work as he had a tendency to host after-hour parties at the restaurant. It was not prudent filming yourself breaking the law.

He was just about to pass the imposing two-story home belonging to Mrs. Taylor, when she arrived at the letterbox at the same time as Mitch. He was sure that this was no coincidence.

He smiled, “Morning Mavis, how are you on this fine day?”

Mavis smiled and said, “Very well, thank you Mitch.” “How about you come in for a nice hot cup of tea and some bubble and squeak?” Mitch thought about the double short black

that he was about to enjoy, paused and said “Sure, why not?”

He walked up the wide stone steps to the veranda and followed Mavis through the screen door into the entry way, down the long hallway and into the kitchen. Here she waved her hand, signaling Mitch to take a seat at the wide kitchen island.

Never one to beat around the bush, Mavis started, “You know Mitch, there was a time when Cecilia went away for about a year.” “I always wondered whether she went way to have a child.”

Mitch stared at her “What makes you say that Mavis?”

“Call it intuition” she replied as she placed a plate of bubble and squeak and a hot black tea in front of him.

“Her father George Butler was Federal MP and her mother was a strict catholic and the type to dress for dinner,” “A scandal would definitely not have been welcomed in that household.”

Mitch chewed thoughtfully as Mavis went on, “Apparently, Cecelia was overheard having a huge row with a young man in her kitchen a few nights ago.”

“He was begging for her to take him on as a chef.”

Mitch grinned at her “Mavis, that was excellent timing for one of your

Or it might be that because these photos were fakes, people won’t be fussed about the impact. Or because travel and tourism accounted for around 10% of both global jobs and global GDP last year, they’ll want to support people’s prosperity and off they’ll go.

For me, I’ve enjoyed thinking about where I might like to go, and it hasn’t been the obscure places. Nor has it been the well travelled ones. It’s been to places I can drive to within Australia, and to the places where my family is.

Next time: Berry good

Final episode of this series, new mystery commences next edition

breakfasts, I think I might go for a little drive.”

On his way home he did a bit of research on his phone. Once at home, he walked straight down his long driveway to the garage. He opened the door to a Black Jade 1969 mustang. He hopped inside and started her up.

“Still one of the most satisfying sounds in the world,” Mitch thought.

He arrived at Topaz Street, got out of the car and knocked on the front door of a modest newly built home.

The door opened and then was pushed quickly to close it again. Mitch had his large boot in the doorway and pushed the door open. He ran after Brady, who had fallen over a small side table.

Mitch dragged him up, twisting his arm so tightly it could have snapped.

He said, “You and I are going to have a little chat.”

Brady had little choice but to accompany him to the police station, Mitch made that very clear. They were sitting in an interview room when Ted walked in.

Mitch said, “I think it’s time to tell Ted what happened Brady.”

Brady started, “I am her son and she didn’t want to know about me, I thought if I was a great chef, she would welcome me back.”

“I went to her restaurant with

Bill’s truffles, as a peace offering or something.”

“She had been drinking, a lot. She mocked me, telling me I wasn’t anything to her and that she wished she’d never had me.”

“It was about then when Mick the butcher came into the kitchen.”

“He had this weird look on his face.”

“She looked at him with like he was a speck of crap on her shoe, “Well if it isn’t Daddy…” she drawled, “Mick looked like he’d been kicked in the guts.”

“You said you never had a child Cecilia, he was our child Cecelia, our child!”

“His face became red and he grabbed the boning knife from the bench and before I knew it, she was dead.”

Ted motioned to an officer and said to go and pick up Mick.

Ted asked, “The fern house, can you tell me why you….” Brady interrupted, “I wanted to publicly humiliate her.”

“I hated her so much.”

He put his head in his hands and started sobbing uncontrollably. Mitch looked at Ted and shook his head. He got up and was walking out of the room when he heard Brady say, “She left me alone.” Mitch walked out of the police station and said to himself, “we are all alone in the end.”

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Proud parents Steven Hemana and Angel Solomon with their newborn son Eclipse.

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ngel Solomon and Steven Hemana will never forget Mother’s Day this year: they welcomed their second baby into the world with a partner experience in a birthing bath!

Angel was admitted to Blacktown Hospital on Saturday 9 May and went to labor the next morning.

Offered a birthing bath for pain relief, she decided to stay in until son, Eclipse, was born at 11.52am.

“I didn’t plan on having a water birth, but I thought to give it a try,” Angel said.

“It was quite different from my first childbirth – a lot better, I would say.

I felt lighter, more comfortable and definitely I was in less pain.

“I’m happy with the help I received from the midwives. I had as much space as I needed, but they were always there, ready to act, and even gave me a back massage.

“When I felt the urge to push, I asked my partner to hold me. Without hesitation he popped in the pool.”

Steven, Angel’s partner, said he loved everything about the birth of their son.

Members of the public tour a new birthing suite at Blacktown Hospital, including a water bath in the foreground, for the 2019 Annual Public Meeting.

“It was spontaneous, but when Angel asked me to get in the pool, I did,” Steven said. “Experiencing it together was the best feeling in the world.

“The facilities in this birth unit were great, so many options for you to choose from. Angel could have given birth in a lot of ways, but I think the water birth was the best choice.”

The water baths are part of Stage 2 of the $700 million Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals redevelopment project, and they are just one element of a major upgrade to women’s health

services.

“The new baths are equipped with a water heating system, a light and step for mum to sit on with handrails,” registered midwife Jemma Chiha said.

“It’s definitely spacious enough if mums want their partner to join.

“It’s much more comfortable for women to float in warm water – it helps with relaxation and pain relief.

As for the baby, it’s a nice transition from warm amniotic fluid [the water in mum’s uterus] into the warm bath water.”

Westmead midwife coaches dad through surprise home birth

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eanne Hamwi had been labouring since 9pm and was preparing herself for a long night when a contraction at around 2am presented an unexpected challenge.

“I think her head just came out,” Deanne said to her husband Richard.

Richard had just been on the phone to the couple’s caseload midwife, Lynelle King, and were expecting to meet her at Westmead Hospital. Now he was urgently calling her again with the latest development.

“I wanted to hold off until Lynelle got here, but when it clicked that I would be the one delivering our baby, I felt at peace with it. It was one of those fight or flight moments when I didn’t have time to panic – I knew what had to happen and I just did it without questioning,” Richard said.

“Lynelle was very comforting and reassuring over the phone. She just kept reminding us this was natural, Deanne was capable and we could do it.”

Three minutes later baby Freya Isabel entered the world weighing 3.79kg and measuring 52.5cm long.

Richard laid her on Deanne’s chest and covered her with towels, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief when she started crying.

Westmead Hospital midwife Lynelle King visits the happy couple Deanne and Richard Hamwi with their son Hugo and newborn daughter Freya.

Want to join our amazing Women’s Health team? Check out our job opportunities at https://jobs.health. nsw.gov.au/wslhd Lynelle arrived at the couple’s Toongabbie home around 20 minutes later and helped birth the placenta, which they placed in an empty ice cream container while they waited for the ambulance to arrive to clamp the umbilical cord.

It was not the midwife’s first home birth, but certainly a memorable situation coaching the couple through the experience over the phone.

“As a caseload midwife I get to know the family quite intimately.

There’s a trust relationship to work through any difficulties and concerns,” Lynelle said.

“I was also their midwife for the birth of their son, so I knew Deanne

was a calm person and a good labourer. Some couples might panic in this situation but I knew they could do it and it would be a special experience for them.

“It’s very rewarding for me to empower people, give them the information they need, then step back and see this wonderful outcome.

Birth is a normal, natural process to embrace and not fear.”

Looking back two weeks later, the couple said they were grateful for the unforgettable occurrence and would consider a planned home birth if they have more children.

“Once I realised what was happening, I was actually relieved I didn’t have to get in the car and wouldn’t be labouring for a long time.

It all happened quickly and felt right.

Immediately after I felt good, it didn’t feel like I’d just given birth,” Deanne said.

“It was a surreal experience. We were in awe of the situation, just thinking ‘we did that’,” Richard said.

“I keep thinking how extremely grateful we are that there were no complications or issues, and we’re so thankful we had Lynelle to coach us through it and Deanne’s mother just around the corner. And our two-yearold son slept right through it. God was looking after us.”

Western News 29 May 2020 Issue 110

Couple shares magical water birth experience

15

Western News 29 May 2020 Issue 110

16

WESTERN HISTORY

Western News

Historic Castlereagh

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

I

n 1893 an old Castlereagh resident by the name of John Colless died after six months of aged related complications ending in a severe cold. He was born at Castlereagh in 1814 and was said to be “one of the best-read men of ordinary education in the district”. John was a miller who established Mill Farm on the Nepean River with a water mill and a large water wheel where the settlers could get their grain gristed (Grist is grain that has been separated from its chaff in preparation for grinding), but in 1872 after forty years the river changed its course and the mill having no power was dismantled and most of the machinery was buried in the grass. Governor Lachlan Macquarie first visited the area in 1810. He proclaimed Castlereagh as one of his new towns. Castlereagh was surveyed with a town square and streets with lots allocated and a cemetery, but it failed to develop. The difficulty being access to a reliable source of water. After several floods most of the settlers still wanted to stay on their farms that were close to the river where they had reliable water and land that was cleared, cultivated and productive. Settlement was well established by 1806 and the pioneers were a sturdy though generally poor bunch. They were happy to make a living from their little farms and a time came when hay was grown for the Sydney market. The first Methodist Church in Australia was erected in Castlereagh. John Lees an ex-soldier consecrated an acre of his grant to religious purposes and in 1817 erected the old church that was superseded by the present church in 1847. For several years, the old church was used as a school. The Collett family settled at Castlereagh in 1801 and the first school in the district was held in the old homestead. This cottage was long gone by 1929 when William Freame visited the area of the cottage and commented that “its quaint slab kitchen with the chimney and oven occupying all of one end is remembered”. William was born in 1868. He was renown as a local historian. His occupation was that of a painter but during the depression of the 1890’s he walked from Melbourne to Sydney in search of work. He eventually settled in Westmead and was elected Mayor of Holroyd Council in 1909. He was a freelance journalist who published small booklets on his travels and contributed articles to the “Nepean Times” from around 1904 to 1929. He died aged 65 in 1933, his death recorded in the “Nepean Times”. He wrote an article in the Sydney Evening newspaper called the “Historic Marks of Dreamy Nepean” in 1929 and reading his words takes the reader back to a time when Penrith and surrounds still had places to explore the early landmarks of our fascinating history. I would have liked to have been alive at that time to explore this history along with him and hear him talk about what he remembered of the district. He wrote at that time “with the march of progress it was becoming increasingly difficult to locate many notable old landmarks and to preserve for posterity much of our history that is worth recording. Turning north from the Western road at the west end of Penrith we pass disused fields that were once rich in cultivation. Although cultivation has fallen off near Penrith, every highway and byway have liberal green margins specked with flowers and skirted by hedges of briar or hawthorn, and there remain old fruit trees, real old veterans, their aged and gnarled limbs laden with blossom. Scraggy firs and a few tall pines hide an occasional old house that was once a hotel or a comfortable farm home, but time has laid ruthless hands upon the landscape and the visitor motoring through Castlereagh to Richmond sees little to remind them that this was one of the first agricultural settlements in Australia. In a

courtyard surrounded by the remains of a large house is an incredibly old tree, where tradition informs us men were hanged. It is also said that the ring bolt in the kitchen is where the kitchen man, or woman, would be chained to work. But one must take old Castlereagh traditions with a grain of salt. On one occasion a pioneer shot at a midnight prowler and so the story ran that one could hear the blood dripping upon the pavement.

As a matter of fact, the shot penetrated a big water tank. Gone the curious old church and its parsonage all dating from Macquarie, and old hands who remain links with the past are going fast. We mount the ridge where Chaplain Fulton’s original Anglican church stood, but nothing remains but the mark of its foundations”. Reverend Henry Fulton was the first minister. Born in England in 1761 and ordained to the ministry of the Church of Ireland. He was implicated in the Irish rebellion of 1798 and convicted at Tipperary in 1799 of seditious practices and sentenced to transportation for life, but he hadn’t surrendered for self-transportation because his friends had declared that his Confession was extorted by fear of a species of torture at that time much too common. The departure of Richard Johnson the principal chaplain, enabled Henry to resume his profession, so in November 1800 he was conditionally pardoned and sent as an assistant chaplain to the Hawkesbury and then to Norfolk Island in 1801 where he did well and was granted a full pardon in 1805 and returned to the mainland in 1806. Henry admired Governor Bligh’s policy towards the Hawkesbury settlers. He was in attendance at Government House for the greater part of the day of the Governor’s arrest and was then confined to his own house and interrogated by the rebels without success. He remained loyal to Bligh serving as his private chaplain and declined to officiate publicly while the Governor remained a prisoner. He denounced the rebel administration to Castlereagh and with William Gore, John Palmer and the Campbell family signed an address of loyalty to Bligh. He was restored to his situation by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1810 and went to England with Governor Bligh to testify at Lieutenant-Colonel George Johnston’s court martial. On his return to the colony in May 1812 he was retained in Sydney until in June 1814 when he was made resident chaplain in charge of Castlereagh and Richmond.

He remained active until his death at Castlereagh in 1840 and is buried in the cemetery there. William Freame goes on to say “We climb through a broken fence and find that time and bush fires have played havoc with the old graves over which brambles are growing, showing the Castlereagh pioneers with the names of MacHenry, Fraser, Single, Hadley, Field, Herbert and Rope”. The drawing of the original Anglican Castlereagh Church was authenticated by the Late Alfred Colless and Michael Long who were familiar with the building during its later years.

Source: Trove, Australian Royalty, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Holroyd Council.

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ENTERTAINMENT

INSTRUCTIONS

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

SUDOKU: EASY

SOLUTIONS: 15 May EASY

medium

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Solutions (7) 5 Trouble (7) 9 A preserve (9) 10 Author Mark _____ (5) 11 Connecting (7) 12 Hunting guide (7) 13 Assigned (9) 15 Elflike (5) 17 Thin and weak (5) 19 Personal discipline (9) 22 Class (7) 25 An easy victory (slang) (7) 26 Boredom (5) 27 Clear sky (9) 28 Sleds (7) 29 They inflict pain for

pleasure (7)

solution 15/5/20

down 1 Disheveled (7) 2 Squeezes the throat (9) 3 Departing (7) 4 Massacre (9) 5 Wharfs (5) 6 Not inside (7) 7 Type of vine (5) 8 Large house (7) 14 Vetoes (9) 16 Traitorous (9) 17 _______ and dryers (7) 18 Tugging (7) 20 Circular (7) 21 Pushes forcefully (7) 23 Residence of a clergyman (5) 24 Stones (5)

Western News 29 May 2020 Issue 110

SUDOKU: EASY

17

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

W

Western News

Fixed-rate loans – Explained

ith interest rates at an all-time low, and many lender’s fixed rates lower than their variable options, locking in an interest rate on your home loan to guard against possible future fluctuation may be attractive.

However, it pays to know the ins and outs of fixed-rate loans before committing to one.

When purchasing a property, refinancing or just renegotiating with your current lender, borrowers can generally decide between fixedinterest loans that maintain the same interest rate over a specific period of time, or variable-rate loans that charge interest according to market rate fluctuations.

Fixed-rate loans usually come with a few provisos: borrowers may be restricted to maximum payments during the fixed term and can face hefty break fees for paying off the loan early or switching to variable interest during the fixed rate period.

However, locking in the interest rate on your home loan can offer stability.

“For those conscious of a budget and who want to take a medium-tolong term position on a fixed rate, they can protect themselves from the volatility of potential rate movement,” a finance broker says.

Fixed rates are locked in for an amount of time that is prearranged between you and your lender.

“There are some lenders that offer seven-year or 10-year fixed terms, but generally one to five years are the most popular,” the finance broker says. “The three and five-year terms are generally the most popular for customers because a lot can change in that time.”

Further to this, fixed-rate loans can also be pre-approved. This means that you can apply for the fixed-rate loan before you find the property you want to buy.

“When you apply for a fixed rate, at the point of application you can pay a fixed rate lock-in fee also known as a ‘rate lock’, which will, depending on the lender, give you between 60 and 90 days from the time of application to settle the loan at that fixed rate,” the broker explains.

“You pay a fee to protect your interest rate. Alternatively, you can choose to lock the rate in at the time of actual approval.”

Pre-approval helps you to discern how much money you are likely to have approved on official application.

Knowing that your potential lender will offer a fixed-term fixed interest loan gives further peace of mind for those borrowers looking to budget

precisely rather than be susceptible to rate fluctuations.

In addition, borrowers should consider the possibility of arranging a ‘split’ loan. This option allows you to split your loan between fixed and variable rates – either 50/50 or at some other ratio. This can allow you to ‘lock in’ a fixed interest rate for up to 5 years on a portion of your loan, while the remainder is on a variable rate which may give you more flexibility when interest rates change and potentially minimise the risks associated with interest rate movements. Also, be aware that at the

end of the fixed-rate term, your loan agreement will include information about how the loan will then be managed by the lender, usually to a ‘revert’ variable rate – which may not be the lowest the lender offers.

To get a better understanding speak to Alex at Wealthwiz who is an MFAA Accredited Finance Broker and can explain how to finance your property purchase, refinance your current loan and whether you are eligible for preapproval.

Contact Alex on 0419 600 177 or email at alex.soncini@wealthwiz. com.au.

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Western News 29 May 2020 Issue 110

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DISCLAIMER: OWNER OCCUPIED. Auswide Bank Ltd ABN 40 087 652 060. Australian Credit Licence 239686 is the credit issuer. Approval is subject to meeting our credit assessment criteria. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Prior to entering into a credit contract with us you should read our Credit Guide. # This offer represents a special discount of 0.80% off the applicable standard fixed rate. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without notice and is not available for existing loans, loans to fund investment property, loans with an LVR over 90%, ‘interest only’ loans, loan ‘pre-approvals’ or for loans to overseas residents. An annual package fee applies. ~Auswide Bank is a panel lender for the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS). Eligibility criteria apply. Once the Scheme allocation for non-major panel lenders has been utilised (or taken up), standard lending approval criteria, including the need for LMI where appropriate, will apply. ^Comparison Rate is based on secure loan of $150,000 or more over 25 years. WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees and cost savings such as fee waivers are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. +Break costs may apply.

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Western News

SPORT

By Noel Rowsell

T

he second installment of our local Club Champions again features 2 players from Dunheved GC. Ladies club member Rachel Jones has won 18 Championships at Dunheved GC since starting her career in 2000 and had set her sights

on lowering her handicap to 2 by the end of the year.

Junior club member Blake Hodges is also a member of the Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) Foundation and has put aside a potentially promising cricket career to focus on Golf - with great success.

Among other ambitions, Blake has set his immediate sights on achieving a Scratch handicap.

Blake Hodges. Photos: Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

Photo: Supplied

Rachel Jones Age: 32

1. Years playing golf and where: 20 years - all at Dunheved GC 2. Starting handicap: 27 3. Current handicap: 5.8 4. Major Achievements: Won 3 Club Championships (2012, 2018, 2019); Won 6 x Ladies Member Championship titles (2013-17, 2019); Won 9 Mixed Foursome Championships (2004-06, 2010,1202-16); Shot 1-under par 71 in 1st round of 2004 Championship victory; Won Len Howlett Memorial Trophy In 2007; Played in Winning Mixed Pennant team in 2007 5. What’s in the bag: Adam’s Driver, Ping 3-wood, Taylormade Rescue; Callaway X Irons; Cleveland Wedges; Ping “My Day” Putter; Bridgestone B XS Ball; Footjoy Shoes; Footjoy Glove 6. Future aspirations: - To be playing off a handicap of 2 or less by the end of 2020 7. Favourite club in the bag: Cleveland 56° Wedge 8. Biggest highlight of your career to date. Making Eagle on the 1st hole at Royal Sydney GC, in the Final of The Encourage Shield

Blake Hodges Age: 13 School: St Dominic’s College 1. Years playing golf and where: I have been playing golf since I was 4. I started at Dunheved GC in the Cadets program and I am currently a member at both Dunheved GC and NSW GC, in addition to being a member of the Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) Foundation.

2. Starting handicap: 36 3. Current handicap: 2.6 4. Major Achievements: Winning Junior Club Championship and Junior Match Play Championship at Dunheved GC. Playing my first-ever Major Pennant match for Dunheved GC in 2020 and winning 2/1. Being selected to the Primary Schools NSW Golf Team on consecutive years (2017/18), competing in the Australian Championships in both 2017 and 2018 and being selected in the 2019 Australian Schools Championships National Indigenous U/15 team in 2019. Best scratch score to date -1 at Dunheved GC. 5. What’s in the bag: Woods - Taylormade M2; Irons - Srixon 565; Wedges - Cleveland RTX 3; Putter - Scotty Cameron Newport 2; Ball - Srixon Q-Star Tour; Shoes - Footjoy Black Super Lights; Glove Footjoy Pro Flex 6. Favourite club in the bag: Driver 7. Biggest highlights of your career to date: Winning the Junior Championship and Match Play Championship at Dunheved GC and representing NSW in the PSSA Primary Championships in both 2017 and 2018.

8. Future aspirations: To win a Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) Foundation event and attain a Scratch handicap.

Grassroots sport organisations share in $4.6 million boost Member for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly has announced that sports organisations in the Riverstone electorate have shared $40,665 in the latest NSW Government round of sports grants which form part of the state’s $4.6 million of sports grants to purchase equipment, improve facilities and increase participation opportunities for the local community.

Congratulations to the following organisations: QUAKERS HILL NETBALL CLUB GLENWOOD & DISTRICT NETBALL CLUB ST PATRICKS JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB QUAKERS HILL LITTLE ATHLETICS CENTRE CRUISERS SOFTBALL CLUB KELLYVILLE RIDGE CRICKET CLUB QUAKERS HILL NETBALL CLUB BLACKTOWN DISTRICT RUGBY LEAGUE SPARTANS AFRICA UNITED RUGBY LEAGUE HOCKEY BLACKTOWN HOUSECATS VOLLEYBALL CLUB

$2,000 $4,000 $15,000 $1,575 $2,567 $1,575 $4,000 $1,750 $2,000 $1,180 $1,018

Mr Conolly said the grants would assist local sporting organisations as COVID-19 restrictions slowly ease.

“Sport is a vital part of the fabric of our local community, and these grants will provide essential funds to help our organisations increase participation as we slowly ease restrictions and will benefit our community in the long run,” said Mr Conolly.

Western News 29 May 2020 Issue 110

Local golf’s high achievers

19

Western News Friday, 29 May 2020

SPORT

We have liftoff! Rugby league is back baby!

By MARK GEYER

A

fter nearly 9 weeks of hibernation due to the pandemic lockdown, somehow quite extraordinarily, the NRL is back tonight (Thursday) can you believe it? I know I can’t!

The hurdles the game has faced in the past couple of months have been like meteorites rocketing to earth and all the game could do is dodge, weave, and evade in hope that nothing would derail where we sit today.

There was the player payment issue, the social distancing dramas, the flu shot fiasco, the karate kick controversy, the refs threatening to strike, rule changes, etc etc... but almost unfathomably here we are, about to continue this shortened season of 2020 with the Eels and Broncos kicking off from where we last sat. Amazing.

I wrote last column about how I thought that without Peter V’Landys

Project Apollo, we have NRL liftoff

at the helm we wouldn’t even be close to touching the steeden balls of the NRL, such has been his dedication and foresight in pushing on when most thought he couldn’t. But the players

and their clubs must also take a big pat on the back.

Whilst most of the country is waking from its slumber, the players and coaching staff of each team are

still in basic lockdown. The liberties greeting most of us aren’t afforded to the players who are about to give us back our game. They still have to adhere to strict protocols whilst living in an almost dome environment of up to only 30 people and having next to no contact with the ‘outside world’.

Massive sacrifice, especially from the NZ Warriors who left everything behind to make sure the entire 16 clubs of the NRL are going to be represented in this 18 week straight revised comp.

And now not only is the footy about to kickstart but Mr V’Landys is now talking about having games with crowds by July! Obviously there would be revised attendances and lots of hoops to jump through before then but if he says it I’m not going to argue, every single thing he’s said from his very first press conference has come to fruition.

In Peter we trust!

See you at the game (hopefully sooner than first thought)

MG (random Westie) OAM