Westernnews 29september2017

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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Friday, 29 September 2017

ISSUE 44

Check out our website www.wsnewsgroup.com

Pet’s day out Performing dogs and free vet checks are only two of the many attractions at Blacktown City Council’s annual Pet Festival, to be staged at Blacktown Showgrounds on Sunday, October 8.

See page 11 for full story.

Saturday 30 September 10am – 3pm

Mini-field of women tribute

Dozens of Pink Lady silhouettes are set to scatter the lawn inside Westmead Hospital on Tuesday, October 3 as the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute (BCI) hosts its third annual Mini-Field of Women event.

The display will be in the courtyard near the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre and aims to give the public an opportunity to pay tribute to those affected by breast cancer.

People affected by breast cancer, along with their families, friends and Westmead Hospital staff will see 100 Pink Lady silhouettes and one Blue Man silhouette on display to symbolise the women and men affected by breast cancer each year in Australia.

Attendees are invited to leave a personal message on the silhouettes and join the BCI team for morning tea.

Westmead Hospital breast care nurse Jenny Cooper

said the event was a great way to connect people affected by breast cancer.

“I encourage people to come along and take part in this event.

“It’s an opportunity to speak with others and show support for those who may have had a similar experience.”

The Westmead display is a local version of the Breast Cancer Network Australia’s annual Field of Women event and will be held as part of the BCI’s monthly support group Best Breast Friends.

The Mini-Field of Women will be held from 10.30am to 12pm.

The community is invited to participate.

To RSVP, call (02) 9843 3176 or email bcieducation@health.nsw.gov.au

Mt Druitt festival SUPERHEROES, princes and princesses will come to life at Mt Druitt Festival on September 30.

Festival goers will enjoy a meet and greet with fantasy characters including Batman, Superman, Snow White, Spider-Man, Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and the Frozen princesses, Anna and Elsa.

This year the new venue for the festival will be the Mt Druitt Swimming Centre.

The Mayor of Blacktown, Councillor Stephen Bali, is excited to celebrate the 25th year of the festival.

“Blacktown City Council is proud to support the Mt Druitt community and festival, now in its 25th year,” Cr Bali said.

“The festival has a long and successful history, but after more than two decades in Dawson Mall it’s time for a change.

“The Mt Druitt Swimming Centre with its pools, large spaces and excellent facilities is the ideal venue to celebrate the 2017 festival,” he said.

The event kicks off from 9 am and includes free entry to the pools as well as lots of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy including rides, games, food trucks, craft workshops, music and dance performances, a blacksmith demonstration and a pool Zumba class.

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

4 Western News 29 September 2017 Issue 44

Western News

From the Editor’s Desk

by Kerrie Davies

Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: General Manager: Sales: Journalist: Journalist: Sports Journalist: Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Photographer: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Keegan Thomson 0421 382 560 Garion Thain 0430 424 101 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Kennedi Geyer 0452 455 844 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.wsnewsgroup.com

Distribution Map Western News is not tossed onto your front lawn. Collect your crisp copy FREE from local newsagents, service stations, libraries, Council and shopping centres.

Call 9834 5579 to find out your nearest outlet.

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SOMETIMES we have to stop and think about how utterly ridiculous many of the things we complain about really are.

I love to travel and more often than not, my travels have taken me to places where the people are much poorer than we are. The last three countries I have visited have been Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia.

The very fact that I am able to travel puts me in a category that many people in the world could not dare dream about.

Things like no hairdryer supplied in the hotel room, plane delays or slow wifi in a faraway land annoy us western folk. Yet the people in many of the countries that we are visiting would love the opportunity to experience just one of the “problems” our privileged little backsides are whining about.

I recently returned from Bali, where the island is on high alert with a volcano threatening to erupt and spew magma at any minute.

Indonesian TV stations show rolling footage of over 30,000 people being plucked from their humble homes that are situated within a 12 kilometre radius of Mt Agung. Many are afraid to leave their modest farms for fear they’ll have no home or income to return to.

By contrast, Facebook shows rolling news feeds featuring pi$$ed off Aussies who might miss out on their holiday in Bali if their planes get grounded.

If you miss a holiday opportunity, you can always shelve it for later or plan an alternative destination. It is not the end of the world.

It is, however, the end of the world for thousands of evacuated Balinese if boiling hot magma pours over their homes.

Sometimes we have to stop and think about how utterly ridiculous many of the things we complain about really are.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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New Indigenous health clinic

By Keegan Thomson

MOUNT Druitt is home to a new, revamped and state of the art Aboriginal health clinic that will help service and look after the Indigenous people of western Sydney.

Darren Ahsee, the CEO of Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service, spoke at the official opening of the clinic and said the new facilities have the potential to become the biggest Indigenous health service in the whole country.

“We have the largest Aboriginal population in the western Sydney catchment area in Australia. The most recent stats said it is about 13,000 people,” Mr Ahsee said.

“It has the capability to become the biggest Aboriginal health service in the country.”

Due to the increasing size of the clinic Mr Ahsee said it is important that the clinic reflects the traditions and customs of the local Aboriginal people.

“It is important that Aboriginal people have culturally appropriate health services to support their wellbeing,” Mr Ahsee said.

“We’re starting to get some traction and we’ve increased the people through the doors.

“We’ve reviewed appointment times around the services and the GPs. We’re running health checks and we’re encouraging people to use the service,” he said.

Across western Sydney there have always been struggles of some sorts with Aboriginal health services but Mr Ahsee says with a team mentality the community can overcome those hurdles and can create a healthier population.

“Generally across Australia there haven’t been a lot of gains. With Closing the Gap the time frames for outcomes isn’t going to be met,” Mr Ahsee said.

Surviving Suicide

 The staff of the health clinic at the opening. Photo: Mike Lee

“It is a battle but I can say that without the Aboriginal medical health services in specific locations where there is high Aboriginal populations and without the help of the key partners, it would be a lot worse.

“We just need to work together as a team,” he said.

In overcoming these challenges the clinic is serving happier and healthier people, Mr Ahsee said.

Henry Wheldon is a Mt Druitt local, born and bred in western Sydney, who says the clinic is helping his physical and mental health greatly.

“The doctors here are very good people. They know all my family, it is a very good service,” Mr Wheldon said.

One of the big benefits, Mr Wheldon said, is that the people running the clinic are Indigenous Australians.

“It is my own people, being Indigenous myself, it makes me remember my culture and my history,” Mr Wheldon said.

“Most of the Elders come in here, most of my friends and family from my Mob come in here, and we all just have a yarn and tell stories with each other.”

The new clinic is open at 2 Palmerston Rd, Mt Druitt.

‘A safe and therapeutic support group for people whose lives have been impacted by suicide’ Fortnightly FREE Support group at Hawkesbury House partnering with Western Sydney Suicide Prevention and Support Network.

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am Hawkesbury House www.hawkesburyhouse.com 6 Christie Street Windsor The groups will meet on the following date: October 3 October 31 November 14 November 28 December 12 RSVP is appreciated on 02 4577 6454.

Readers requiring support or information about suicide prevention can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Western News 29 September 2017 Issue 44

Council catch up with Keegan Thomson COUNCILLOR Brad Bunting sits on Blacktown Council as a loud and proud member of the Mt Druitt community. He lives in Mt Druitt, he works there and he even grew up there.

“There are some fantastic people here in Mt Druitt,” Cr Bunting said.

“Of course there are people here who struggle as well, people who constantly struggle to get a job and are always working to get a leg up, but there are some very good, very kind and open people who live here.”

Meeting with Cr Bunting in the Hub, Council’s library and civic facility in Dawson Mall, we chatted about the struggles facing the people of Mt Druitt and the things he would like to fight for to that could potentially boost the often-forgotten area.

Recently Westfield proposed to Council to have paid parking installed at their shopping centre in Mt Druitt. Instantly Cr Bunting was outraged at the prospects.

“When you see Westfield wanting to put paid parking in you see that it is just another hit on an already struggling community,” Cr Bunting said.

“There is the tolls and the electricity as well, people out here are copping it through and through.

Sometimes it is the last straw that breaks the camel and as an elected Councillor you have to stand up and fight against it.”

One of the biggest issues facing western Sydney and the whole Blacktown region is the lack of space for carparks. Cr Bunting said the issue is an on-going one and it is something that both sides of politics have neglected to fix.

“The issues go back years and years and in my eyes both Liberal and Labor are to blame for this,” Cr Bunting said.

“Sure the last Labor State Government set up the decked commuter car park in Mt Druitt, but it fills up in no time and the people here need another free multi-story carpark.”

Another issue with flow-on effects facing the region is the lack of public transport infrastructure.

Cr Bunting says there are more people driving and using up the carparks because public transport is failing the people.

“Why would you want to get on a bus that will take 30 minutes to get down to Mt Druitt from Tregear when you can get in your car and have it only take five minutes? The public transport needs to fit in with the people here, rather than force the people to fit in with the public transport,” Cr Bunting said.

When Cr Bunting isn’t sitting in the Council Chambers fighting for the people of Blacktown and Mt Druitt he is working for the Federal MP for Chifley, Ed Husic.

In his role as Electorate Officer, Cr Bunting works with the community to liaise between Mr Husic and the people of his electorate. It is a role that sees him working with all branches of government across all aspects of the community.

“It is good to understand all levels of government and all issues within the community,” Cr Bunting said.

“Whether it is a local government issue or a federal issue, the different challenges across an area all impact on different aspects of the community.

“A lot of that has to do with understanding the issues that are in the local area. You get people coming in and they have issues with Centrelink or they have issues with their bins or they have a tree they want to cut down and you try to help them out on whatever level you can,” he said.

Above all, being a community man, Cr Bunting wants to make sure he can be available to everyone in the community he represents.

“You have to be available to the people all the time, that is your job as a Councillor. I’m not afraid to answer calls from the public, my phone number is on the Council website and I want to make myself as accessible to the people as possible,” he said.

$52 million in upgrades to local schools

 Proposed site plan of the upgrade to the Schofields Public School.

 3D overview of the proposed upgrade to the Schofields Public School.

Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly MP is delighted to announce that planning has begun on $52 million worth of upgrade works at Quakers Hill East Public School, Riverbank Public School and Schofields Public School which will see over 40 brand new classrooms delivered to support local students.

Mr Conolly said these upgrade projects will help meet growing student enrolment demand in the local area. The school upgrades are in addition to the two new primary schools announced in the budget, one for Alex Avenue precinct and the other to be constructed in Marsden Park.

The upgrades are part of the NSW Government’s $4.2 billion program of new schools and significant school upgrades over the next four years. Over the next two years, work will start on new schools and upgrade projects worth more than $2.2 billion.

“I’m delighted the NSW Government is making this investment and delivering these brand new

 Sitemap of proposed upgrade to the Riverbank Public School.

facilities across so many of our local schools,” Mr Conolly said.

Schofields Public School is set to receive 26 new classrooms, a new library, new COLA and an updated canteen as part of a significant upgrade project.

At Quakers Hill East Public School a new two-storey building with 12 new classrooms, a library, a special programs room and a refurbished administration building will be built.

Riverbank Public School is also set to be upgraded, with 14 new classrooms, a large covered outdoor learning area (COLA) and expanded administration and staff areas set to be delivered.

“It’s vitally important our schools have the facilities to provide the best education possible for our students,” Mr Conolly said.

Education Minister Rob Stokes said NSW public schools are expected to enroll an additional

 Aerial view of the school’s new ‘Connected Hub’.

164,000 students by 2031, and school projects such as these three will provide high-quality learning environments for the growing student population.

“Projects like these will provide the resources our students and staff need to succeed in the 21st century,” Mr Stokes said.

“The NSW Government is working hard to build the education facilities our students and their communities need now and into the future.”

Further information on these upgrade projects will be provided as the project moves forward.

The upgrade and expansion of the Schofields Public School will include: • 26 brand new classrooms • new staff/admin area • new library • new amenities • upgraded canteen • new covered outdoor learning area (COLA).

Joining the fight against women’s cancers Not a man in sight. Check. Toilet seat down. Check. Girl anthems ready.

Check.

Back by popular demand, the girls are coming to Saints!

Due to the overwhelming success of the past 10 years, St Marys Leagues is again encouraging girls to get together for a great cause. Girls Night In is your opportunity to get your female friends, family, colleagues and neighbours together to help raise money to find a cure for Breast and Gynaecological cancers. Just invite all your girlfriends and St Marys Leagues will do the rest.

This year’s event will be held on Friday 20th October and is themed “Rags to Riches”. So get creative and frock up in your rags to riches or both….and join in the fun.

It’s guaranteed to be a great night with free champagne on arrival, prizes for best dressed, guest speakers, finger food, fun “girlie” games, the Toxic Dolls, loads of prizes and a few surprises.

Besides having a great night in with your girlfriends you will feel great knowing that you are playing an important role in the quest to defeat women’s cancer.

Girls Night In is held nationally throughout October to coincide with Breast Cancer awareness month and St Marys Leagues is honoured to be hosting this event again.

All money raised will be donated directly to

the Cancer Council of NSW. IS THERE ANY BETTER EXCUSE TO GET THE GIRLS TOGETHER FOR A GREAT CAUSE? Date: Friday 20th October Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club, Cnr Forrester & Boronia Rds, St Marys Time: 6.30pm for a 7pm start Dress: RAGS to RICHES Tickets: $35 each or a table of 10 for $315, available from reception on 9677 7777.

Tickets are selling fast, book early to avoid disappointment.

For more information please contact Yvette Haines, Girls Night In Coordinator on: Phone: 9677 7708 Email: yhaines@saintsrl.com.au

In addition to the event, St Marys Leagues is also working with BreastScreen New South Wales to help make it a little easier for women over 40 years of age to make the decision to visit the BreastScreen mobile unit during October. The BreastScreen van, staffed by female breast screening specialists, will be stationed at the club from Tuesday, 10th October until Saturday, 11th November, 2017, giving eligible women the chance to have a free breast check.

HAVING A MAMMOGRAM IS A PIECE OF CAKE! Why not join with your friends at the club and visit the BreastScreen van in St Marys for your FREE mammogram screening. It is recommended that women aged 50 to 74 have regular mammograms every two years.

A mammogram takes just 15 minutes and is vital, given one in eight women in NSW will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Nine out of 10 women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.

And on your return you’re invited to have a FREE cup of coffee at the Coffee Shop at the Club.

We have bookings available on the following days: Tue 10th Oct, Fri 13th Oct, Wed 18th Oct, Sat 21st Oct, Tue 24th Oct, Fri 27th Oct, Mon 30th Oct, Thurs 2nd Nov, Wed 8th Nov, Sat 11th Nov. Phone 13 20 50 to make an appointment for your FREE screening mammogram in St Marys.

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Western News 29 September 2017 Issue 44

Bali wants to be a State MP

By Keegan Thomson

WHEN Labor’s John Robertson announced he was resigning from Parliament and vacating the State Government seat of Blacktown there was one name on everyone’s lips as to who might be Labor’s candidate to replace him: Councillor Stephen Bali.

Currently Cr Bali sits on Blacktown Council as the Mayor, a job he is very proud of, but now he is asking the people of Blacktown to vote him in as the MP for Blacktown.

Speaking to Western News on the second week of his campaign, Cr Bali said he wants the voters to consider all aspects of the candidates before they cast their ballots.

“People should look at the background of the candidates and they should see who stands most for Blacktown,” Cr Bali said.

“I’ve been very passionate about our local area and people know I won’t take a backwards step in bringing in resources to our city. We need to be able to articulate our argument in government and we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for what we need.”

Talking to Cr Bali it is clear the issues he fights for on Council will overlap with the issues he wants to bring to the NSW Parliament - if he is elected that is.

One topic Cr Bali clearly isn’t sold on is the Western Sydney Airport. He said he is tired of the lack of information coming out from the government about Sydney’s second airport.

“There is no jobs plan. There are no commitments,” Cr Bali said.

“What is the plan for the Western Sydney Airport?

So far we don’t know flight paths, we don’t know how the fuel will get to the airport and we don’t have public transport links. We need to have a proper debate and have an honest and transparent process.”

Councillor Bali says he also wants to push the government to improve the public transport in western Sydney. He says commuter car parks fill up quickly, train station infrastructure isn’t up

to scratch and there aren’t enough stations across the west to meet the demand.

“We’ve seen a reduction of railway stations in western Sydney over the last 50 years. We have less stations out west than we did in the 1920s,” Cr Bali said.

Conscious of the cliche Cr Bali wants to fight for of a fair go for the people of all of western Sydney, not just Blacktown locals, because he says people out west are being treated unequally.

“We’re not being given our fair go.

Most of our children need to travel east to go to university, 90 percent of the arts expenditure goes to the city and inner city areas, we’ve just been slapped with a toll on the M4 and our electricity prices are going through the roof,” Cr Bali said.

“People out here are copping it from all sides and that isn’t on.”

Despite the prospect that he might win the election, Cr Bali says he will still continue his work as Mayor for Blacktown on top of his role as MP. “As far as local government is concerned, my job on Council is a full time commitment but it isn’t a full time job as such,” Cr Bali said.

“In terms of my work as Mayor, there is no difference between what I’ve been doing now and what I would be doing if I won the seat.

“My role as Mayor takes me to Parliament every few weeks talking to ministers about issues facing Blacktown,” he said.

The Blacktown by-election will be held on October 14 and it is compulsory for all all voters in Blacktown to participate.

Flu season takes down thousands

By Keegan Thomson

WESTERN Sydney has been hit hard this cold and flu season with over 14,500 confirmed cases of influenza being reported to the Western Sydney Local Health District.

Professor Stephen Corbett, the Population Health Director at Western Sydney Local Health District, said the danger has not passed yet because the flu season is still ongoing.

“The flu season began in June this year and continues to pose a risk,” Professor Corbett said.

“Across the Western Sydney Local Health District, there were 14,500 influenza notifications in the community between June and September this year.

“Flu notifications are on the decline but it may take another month for levels to fall to pre-winter levels,” he said.

Around the country there has been a sharp rise in the reported cases of the flu during the last winter.

The neighbouring Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District saw an increase of 237 percent to 5,400 confirmed cases of the flu in 2017.

This increase has put a strain on the hospital system with the amount of presentations of the flu to emergency departments increasing.

“Visits to our emergency departments for influenza-like illness (ILI) this flu season have been

well above the average of the previous five years,” Professor Corbett said.

“NSW Health hospitals plan for increased demands on their services each winter and carry out a range of measures to meet the increase.”

This year’s flu season has been particularly deadly with more than 122 people dying from influenza related illnesses and around 138,000 Australian’s testing positive for the flu.

Tragically these figures are increasing daily.

People who particularly at risk of catching a deadly strain of the flu are the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with chronic illnesses. Anyone who falls into those risk categories are being told to get report symptoms early.

“If you are vulnerable to severe influenza see your doctor as soon as flu symptoms start as early

treatment of flu can help prevent complications,” Professor Corbett said.

“During peak times we encourage people to seek advice from their GPs and HealthDirect Australia (1800 022 222), a 24 hour helpline that provides immediate health advice on line from registered nurses,” he advised.

The epidemic levels of cases being reported across the country has prompted medical officials to remind people that vaccines help fight off the flu.

“Vaccination remains the best protection against flu,” Professor Corbett said.

“This is particularly important for people who are at risk, including people who are pregnant, over 65 years of age, have severe asthma, diabetes and heart conditions, as well as Aboriginal people aged six months to five years and over 15 years of age.

Anyone in the at risk groups mentioned by Professor Corbett can access free immunisations and should contact their GP for more information.

With the danger period still ongoing Professor Corbett says there are simply ways people can stop the spread of the flu.

“Get vaccinated every year – vaccination is best before winter starts, wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, encourage others to do so as well and ask sick people to stay away until they are well,” he said.

World Polo Championship Eight of the world’s best polo “We have a mix of teams will converge on the experienced and some Hawkesbury in three weeks to fantastic up-and-coming compete in the prestigious XI players so will work hard FIP World Polo Championship at to play a smart team game.

Sydney Polo Club, Richmond Hopefully we can use Commencing on October 21, playing on home soil in teams from Australia, Argentina, front of family, friends and England, India, New Zealand, a supportive Aussie crowd Spain, and the United States of to our advantage and do America will be clambering to everyone proud.” defeat defending champions The Championship presents Chile at the Sydney Polo Club, unparalleled opportunities for Richmond. the sport of polo in Australia, The tournament will pit leading considerable spin-off seasoned players such as Jack benefits for the Hawkesbury Archibald (AUS), Guy Higginson region, New South Wales and  L to R: Dominic Perrottet MP, Kitty Chiller, Peter Higgins, Erin Holland, Tim Clarke (NZ), and Hector Guerrero (ARG) tourism across the state. against each other at Australia’s premier polo the globe, fashion competitions, divot stomping, “We are working with local artisans, producers precinct for the top gong. jousting, show jumping, vaulting, dressage and and entertainers to ensure that all offerings are a Peter Higgins secured the rights for Sydney to rodeo, not to mention kids rides, live entertainment showcase of the local talent, offering economic host the championship event in December 2015 with and art exhibitions.” benefits to everyone in the Hawkesbury,” Higgins support from the NSW Government and Destination Six-time capped national player Jack Archibald, added.

NSW. 28, will lead the Australian team. The national team “Over 1000 local volunteers will also be working “This is a rare opportunity to watch 14 games of includes first time representatives Alex Barnet, with our team to ensure a seamless and world-class the world’s best polo as the Championship is only Lachie Gilmore, Jack Kiely, James Lester and Dan event for all locals and visitors to the region.” held every three years. This is the 11th time the O’Leary as well as returning players Jake Daniels, The fashionable event includes competitions for tournament has taken place, the second in Australia,” George Hill and Alec White. best dressed women and men, as well as kids best Higgins said.

“Representing your country at any level is a great dressed awards on ‘Family Day’, Sunday October “While the competition promises to be fierce, the privilege but to be a part of the World Cup team and 22. tournament will include a myriad of festival events having the opportunity to compete in front of a home For event details and tickets check out www. off the field including food offerings from around crowd makes it even more special,” Archibald said. wpcsydney.com

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Western News 29 September 2017 Issue 44

Mudgee, a nest in the hills

 Cheese board at Gilbert’s

By Ben Cranney

They got it right when they named this place.

Mudgee, possibly coming from the Wiradjuri term for contented. That’s certainly how we felt when we left.

Wine, beer, food, markets and outdoor adventures: there’s plenty to do.

We enjoyed woodfired pizza at di Lusso, followed by tastings at Pieter van Gent and then Farmer’s Daughter. I tried desperately to think of sophisticated questions to hide my cluelessness while my mate effortlessly navigated the talk of aromas and flavours.

One menu advertised a wine I’d never heard of, a rose, pronounced like the flower. ‘May I have…’ I started asking. Then I realised that it was just Rosé.

Trying too hard.

The best option, though, was a cheese board at Gilbert’s. Sandstone walls mixed with corrugated iron, sitting on a hill on the outskirts of Mudgee, surrounded by a few fires pits where Pip Sumbak, of

 Pubs of Mudgee

Masterchef fame, prepares the $70 three course meal.

Unfortunately, we missed it, but the cheese board was more than ok. I managed to correctly order the Rosé, specially fermented in the bottle to give it an almost soft drink fizz. To my uncultured palette, that made it go down far too easily.

If you like a bit of alcohol tasting, but are like me and judge a wine solely on price against flavour, your next stop (or maybe your first), should be a beer at the Mudgee Brewing Company. They do their beer on site, coupled with great pub food. It’s refreshing stuff, not least because you don’t have to talk about malt and hops.

There’s plenty of other things to do as well. Pick up a few bits for a picnic at the Mudgee markets, held in

 Exploring the main drag

the church yard, before heading to the dam for a bit of water skiing. Or if you like your picnics pre-prepared, go to the food and wine festival, which is on now.

It’s a food and winery walkabout kind of event and it’s just close enough to Sydney to make a weekend of it. For another tour, take the Wallaby Track Drive to visit sites associated with Henry Lawson, who, despite various jail sentences for minor things like being drunk, was the first New South Welshman to be given a state funeral for being a distinguished citizen, for his contribution to Australian culture through his poetry and short stories.

Contented or not, this isn’t actually where I wanted to write when I said last time that Australia is my favourite place. I’ll share that another time.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel LANGUAGE OF THE GODS I always knew that I would meet the person who would publish my book. I was sure that it wouldn’t do the slightest good sending it to an agent myself and that the Universe would send the publisher to me. So my poor book had the gestation of an elephant and languished in a drawer, unlooked at and unloved for a couple of years until one day, my incredibly glamorous friend Valerie said, “My hairdressing buddy is a publisher and she would love to meet you and read your book.”

Off I toddled into Sydney and met the beautiful Katherine and the rest, as they say, is history.

When I came back from our initial meeting, I didn’t know what would happen, but I knew in my heart that I had made a very good friend and that has indeed proved to be true. We meet up every month or so, supposedly to talk about my work, but in reality to have more of a gossip and a couple of glasses of Prosecco.

Katherine is married to an eminent professor who, as is generally the case with academics, is rather sceptical about what I do. When we met for lunch one day she said, “Robert has a question for you. He asked me to ask what language the spirits use.” Maybe this was slightly tongue in cheek but I took it at face value.

“That depends,” I replied. And it does.

I know time doesn’t exist in the spirit world, but does the same go for language? Is there still the same sort of Tower of Babel that exists on Earth or have they developed beyond that and communicate without the need for different tongues? I can only

speak from my personal experience.

I don’t know if the fact that I speak three languages has anything to do with it, but I have given readings where the guides have come through in either French or Italian. Sometimes it depends on me and sometimes on the client.

I had a client in France and I gave readings to her whenever I went to France and also on the telephone. In France the guides came through in French. Pas de probleme. When I did a phone reading, things were a little different. Although I always spoke French with Dominique, I was totally tongue-tied in England and so the readings were conducted in a mixture of first year French and only slightly better English. Were my guides tied to their home? Did I tune into different guides in France?

I only did one reading when it came through in

Italian. The girls who owned a beauty salon near me in London had lived in Rome for a while earning their living by teaching English to unsuspecting Italians and also by slightly more dubious methods.

One of them came to me for a reading. I put the cards down and a very insistent old lady came through speaking the sort of Italian I had learned in Liguria. I started to get a vision of a port at night and people unloading a largish motor boat. Suddenly, searchlights came on. “Polizia” came the cry and then shots were fired. I could see somebody falling.

My poor client was quite white and shaking. It turned out her boyfriend was part of a Mafia family and they had a nifty little business smuggling drugs into a port near Genoa. “Tell him to keep away from any such business,” I said. “He musn’t get involved. He will be in great danger.”

She rang her boyfriend in Italy immediately.

“Madonna! Questa donna e una strega!” he exclaimed. “This woman is a witch.” The raid had already happened but thankfully he had been unable to go.

So the nonna came through in her own language.

Was the message so strong that it had to be in the original? Is it your own guides who speak to you or someone else’s?” And so back to the original question - does language exist as we know it on the other side?

Meanwhile, I’ll stick with the strega, especially as an digestivo after a good Italian dinner.

The Unintentional Medium is available online or at all good book stores

Local pets set for a pawesome day out PERFORMING dogs and free vet checks are only two of the many attractions at Blacktown City Council’s annual Pet Festival, to be staged at Blacktown Showgrounds on Sunday, October 8.

Hosted by pet celebrity Farmer Dave, there will be special demonstrations about responsible pet ownership and hints and tips about making your pet’s life the best it can be.

Mayor of Blacktown, and proud dog owner, Councillor Stephen Bali said the festival aims at celebrating all creatures great and small.

“Owners and their furry, feathery or scaley friends alike will unite for an action-packed day celebrating pets and the families who love them,” Cr Bali said.

“As the owner of a world champion sleeping dog, I totally understand the bond between pet and owner.

“Snoopy the ‘mayoral mutt’ is flat out in the back yard preparing himself for the pet festival,” he said.

In a shameless self expression of a hearty pun, Cr Bali summed up the day in one sentence.

“It’s going to be a pawesome day out,” he said.

The pet-friendly day promises

 Mayor Stephen Bali, Snoopy the Mayoral Mutt and Farmer Dave at June’s Woof-Fest at Bungarribee Park.

to be full of fun with a range of entertainment and activities to help owners look after their companions and raise community awareness about responsible pet ownership, he said.

“I strongly encourage residents and ratepayers to take advantage of the free microchipping,” Mayor Bali said.

“It means that if your pet wanders, it makes it so much easier to reunite you

with your loved companion.”

Pet Festival attractions include: Kelly Gill and the Wonderdogs Pet Fashion Parade Free Pony Rides and Animal farm Australian Wildlife Display Free Vet Checks Free microchipping Free Face painting Free Live Caricatures Duckling display Pet stalls and displays AHF Animal Adoption Stall Mobile Dog Wash The Blacktown City Pet Festival is an initiative of Blacktown City Council’s Animal Holding Facility.

It delivers a valuable service to the community by providing somewhere safe for lost animals to be kept whilst trying to reunite them with their family or re-home them.

Residents can visit the Animal Holding Facility during its opening hours which are 8.30am - 4.30pm weekdays, 9.00am – 1.00pm on Saturdays and 9.00am – 11.00am on Sundays.

For more information call 9839 6000, or for more information about the Animal Holding Facility call 9839 6161 or visit www.blacktown.nsw. gov.au.

Analysis shows commuter parking frustration

By Keegan Thomson

NEARLY half of the submissions made to the NSW commuter carpark inquiry came from residents in the federal electorate of Greenway.

Analysis of information in the inquiry shows more than 45 percent of the responses received across the whole of NSW included Riverstone, Glenwood, Quakers Hill, Schofields, The Ponds, Stanhope Gardens and Seven Hills.

This overwhelming responses from the community highlights commuter frustrations around the western suburbs particularly along the north west Sydney growth corridor.

To help ease the frustrations of commuters in western Sydney, the NSW government has announced a few measures that include updated buses.

As a part of the 2017 State budget the NSW Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet, announced there would be more buses operating across western Sydney including a new fleet of double decker buses that would replace the ageing bendy buses.

The aim of the double decker bus upgrades is to ease congestion around the region, both on the roads and at the train stations.

Within the report the main concerns raised by commuters were the lack of parking in peak times around train stations, safety concerns due to lack of pick up and drop off areas, not enough disabled parking spaces and bus services that fail to match up with train services.

Michelle Rowland, Federal MP for Greenway, says the issue is only getting worse.

“Commuter car parking is one of the single biggest issues raised with me by local residents. I have seen

firsthand how quickly local train station carparks fill up every day,” Ms Rowland said.

“Train stations in Greenway are experiencing increasing patronage every year and yet there is still a clear lack of parking,” she said.

Ms Rowland called on the NSW State Government to listen to the frustrations of the people and deliver the services commuters need.

“I urge the NSW Government to heed the clear concerns raised to this inquiry by Greenway residents

and work on urgent solutions to the commuter carparking shortage,” Ms Rowland said.

“I will continue to advocate for my constituents who commute using public transport, ensuring they are not deterred by the inability to find parking,” she said.

Currently the Sydney Metro Northwest project has the aim of deliver 4000 commuter carpark spaces along the length of the new train line including 1200 new spaces at Kellyville station.

11 Western News 29 September 2017 Issue 44

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12 Western News 29 September 2017 Issue 44

An Erskine Park connection to the Boer War

H

enry Hockney Dawson was born in England in 1825, the son of John and Mary Dawson (Nee: Hockney).

In 1853 Henry moved to Bayly Park along with his sister Fanny and her husband Joseph Longmore and their four children. Later the Longmore family moved to Victoria. Henry married Wilhelmina Grace Jones in 1859 at Christ Church St Lawrence in Sydney. She was the daughter of Robert Jones and Wilhelmina Townsend Fox. Henry’s younger sister Sarah Eve Dawson also married in 1859 at Cobbitty to James Henry Thomas a farmer at Penrith. When Henry (Snr) died in 1863, James and Sarah moved to Erskine Park. Henry (Snr) is buried in the cemetery of St Mary Magdalene Anglican Church at St Marys. Sarah and James’ first born son was James Francis Thomas, born in 1861 (a nephew of Henry). He attended the King’s School at Parramatta and was in the Cadet’s and after studying law at Sydney University he established his practice at Tenterfield in 1887 when he qualified as a Solicitor. He was a poet, a newspaper proprietor and editor of “The Tenterfield Star” that he owned for more than 16 years, a legal practitioner, a soldier and a community leader at Tenterfield. He joined the Tenterfield Mounted Infantry Regiment as a 1st Lieutenant in February 1894. His father was an old volunteer and captain of the Volunteer Infantry at Penrith for some years. James’ leadership qualities showed when in 1895 his local reservist troop, the Tenterfield Rifles, won the prestigious state-wide trophy the “Hutton Shield” awarded to the elite of Australia’s Light Horse contingents, based on dress, drill, cavalry attack, marksmanship, horsemanship, fire discipline and command. When the uprising of the Boer’s became serious, James was among the first to volunteer. The Military Headquarters commissioned him Captain and requested he urgently raise a contingent for South Africa. Within less than three weeks in November 1899, the first mounted contingent known as “A” Squadron NSW Citizens’ Bushmen was dispatched to the Boer War under his command. James did his home town proud, with three mentions in dispatches during the War including his award of the Queen’s Medal with four clasps for heroic actions. Having served twelve months in South Africa, the NSW Bushmen contingent embarked at Cape Town in May 1901 for its return to Australia, with one Officer and twenty-nine men. These survivors, James included, disembarked in Sydney the next month and within a month of his return to Australia James led some vigorous lobbying on behalf of his destitute fellow returned servicemen.

It was a fight that James won, the Imperial Government subsequently providing free passage from Sydney on the steamer “Britannic”. James resigned from the NSW Bushmen’s corps and returned to South Africa where he found himself railroaded into the position of Advocate with the rank of Major before the upcoming court martials of Morant, Handcock and George Witton. In February 1902, the Second South Australian Mounted Rifleman Lieutenant Harry “Breaker” Morant and his farrier Sergeant Peter Handcock were executed by firing squad following a

British court martial for their role while serving in an auxiliary guerrilla unit (the Bushveldt Carbineers).

They claimed that they killed (on orders) twelve Boer prisoners and a German missionary who they said was an enemy spy. James was picked on short notice by the British authorities (because he Captained the Boer War Light Horse NSW Bushmen’s Contingent) to act as defence counsel for Morant and Handcock.

To the British this prosecution was a foregone conclusion and they deduced that this solicitor from a NSW rural town was considered no match for a well-drilled experienced British prosecution team.

But the British were rattled by the unexpectedly robust and capable defence mounted at such short notice by James in which he argued the Boer War was characterised by atrocities and that other auxiliary units acting under orders from Hubert Hamilton followed a deliberate policy of shooting prisoners. Sadly he lost, and his last painful duty falling to him, together with other Australian comrades, was to claim the bodies of Morant and Handcock for burial. James returned once more to Australia in the early part of 1903 where he assisted Witton in the preparation of the book “Scapegoats of the Empire”. He lent Lieutenant Witton (who was reprieved by Kitchener for his part in the case) his copy of the trial proceedings and notes. With some pressure from the Army regarding the issue of the publication of the book and his perception of the court martial he resigned his commission voluntarily. He argued that he tried the case as “a private practitioner of the law and not as an Army man”. He gave the publishing task to Witton and never used the title of Major after returning from South Africa. He unsuccessfully lobbied the NSW Premier for assistance for Handcock’s children (ending up helping them himself) and for an inquiry into the Morant/Handcock case. His properties and his fortunes became depleted and he became more eccentric and often took to sleeping in a tent in the local graveyard at night rather than at his small farm out of town. In April 1915, James sold the “Star” newspaper and his financial position became worse. His law practice was also sold in 1919 and he was stopped from practicing law in Tenterfield until the end of 1925. He never married and being a “thorough gentleman” could not bring himself to trash the reputation of one of his clients of 30 years standing. Mrs Power was the daughter of a longstanding and prominent Tenterfield family and she had James declared bankrupt over outstanding costs relating to litigation she instituted against him following a disagreement over the management of her affairs. Research has unearthed an article that appeared in “Smith’s Weekly” on 7th May 1927 which put James’ case as follows:“Thomas prefers to remain in Long Bay [gaol, in Sydney] as a confinee in contempt rather than pay £77/8/8d legal costs and he is in Long Bay on principle and considers himself a victim of injustice”. James died at the age of 81 in November 1942 and is buried in Tenterfield cemetery.

Sources: Genealogy.com website, Bray Family website, Article of Anthony Hoy “‘The Bulletin” April 4, 2000, Drawing of James from Sydney Morning Herald, Trove, BDM Registers website. Photo of James at the gravesite in 1902 courtesy of Wikipedia website.

Lyn Forde – Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc

Blacktown Hospital’s sewing group needs volunteers Blacktown Hospital’s sewing group With These Hands has been busy stitching up resources for dementia and palliative care patients – but they still need more volunteers!

The group used Dementia Awareness Month (held in September) to take to Blacktown Hospital’s Hospital Street to promote their activities, which includes creating fiddle mats and aprons for dementia patients, small bags to conceal treatment items for cancer patients and bags for patients’ belongings.

The volunteers have also been working on a major sewing project

– making two patchwork blankets to cover the mortuary trolleys.

The project was the brainchild of palliative care nurse Helen Smith, who wanted something more personal than a plain white sheet to cover the trolleys.

Occupational therapist Amanda Nowak, who manages the group, said the ladies enjoyed creating something unique for the hospital.

“They feel privileged to be able to show families that we still care about our patients even after death,” Amanda said.

With These Hands meets monthly

to stitch fiddle cuffs, aprons and other resources for patients.

The fiddle equipment, made from scrap material and other fabric bits like bells, buckles, zippers and velcro, offer sensory stimulation to dementia patients who may be agitated or anxious during their hospital stay.

Amanda said the group had become a great social opportunity.

“Many of our members are carers or have experience caring for loved ones with dementia so this is really a chance for them to support each other,” she said.

With These Hands meets at the

hospital’s aged care meeting and group activity room.

Tea and coffee is provided at each meeting.

To join the group or to donate material, contact Amanda Nowak on amanda.nowak@health.nsw.gov.au

Alex Soncini

10 questions to ask your credit adviser

You’ve saved your deposit and you’re ready to start looking at properties, but have you considered all the details? Here are 10 questions to which you need answers.

How do I choose the right credit adviser?

Look for a credit adviser who’s a member of the MFAA (Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia).

MFAA members must hold diploma standard qualifications and maintain continuing professional development.

Plus, should anything go awry, your complaints may be investigated by the MFAA’s Tribunal.

How many properties should I look at before buying?

A good rule of thumb is to inspect at least 15 properties to get a feel for the market and also to check RP Data reports on sale prices.

How much deposit do I need?

The larger your deposit, the better.

Sometimes you can secure a property with just a few hundred dollars’ deposit, but most markets still require at least five to 10 per cent deposit and

sometimes 20 per cent.

What if I’ve just found the perfect property, but haven’t finished saving the deposit?

You may be able to apply for a deposit guarantee (for up to 48 months). This is a second loan that covers the deposit.

Am I eligible for any grants?

Ask your credit adviser if you are eligible for the First Home Owners’ Grant. The answer will depend on the value of the property, whether you are purchasing it with help from your parents, whether and how long you intend to live in the property, whether it is the first property you have purchased and more.

Do I have to pay stamp duty?

Yes, and there are two kinds. There’s stamp duty on the mortgage itself and on the property. You may be eligible for a rebate on the second type, so be sure to ask.

What other costs should I allow for?

You need to have the property inspected for structural problems and pests before purchase and you may

need a solicitor or a conveyancer – a specialist property lawyer. Then there is the cost of actually moving out of one property and into another – allow for removalists, cleaning and any new furniture and fixtures the new property requires.

Can I negotiate the fees of a solicitor or conveyancer?

Of course and just as you will when choosing the right credit adviser, you may want to shop around, meeting with two or more such providers.

Do I need mortgage insurance?

Most lenders will require you to pay mortgage insurance if you are borrowing more than 80 per cent of the property’s value.

What other insurance will I need?

Check with your adviser as to when you become liable for building insurance. You may also want to think about income protection insurance in case you become ill and can’t work.

Speak to a Wealthwiz credit adviser who can help you with these questions and more.

Call Alex today on 0419 600 177.

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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Disabling (9) 6 A fruit of the gourd

family (5) 9 A movie with

cowboys (7) 10 Pertaining to

ultraviolet radiation (7) 11 Warrior (7) 12 Incapable (7) 13 Crackpot (9) 15 Ringworm bush (5) 16 Crippled (5) 19 Without happiness (9) 22 Reindeer (7) 23 Belly (7) 25 Sometimes

happens to toenails (7) 26 One who adores (7) 27 S S S S (5) 28 Investigator (9)

solution 15/9/17

down 1 Hoods (5) 2 Parochial (7) 3 An advanced screening (7) 4 Not outer (5) 5 Bit by bit (9) 6 Female parents (7) 7 Type of light (7) 8 Required (9) 13 Exclusive (9) 14 Ended a meeting (9) 17 Illusions (7) 18 Doubtful (7) 20 Constantly present (7) 21 Japanese warrior (7) 23 Adjust (5) 24 Neuron (5)

13 Western News 29 September 2017 Issue 44

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Western News 29 September 2017 Issue 44

Western Magic women fall short in Grand Final

By Conner Lowe

The Western Magic Women had fought all year to make the Grand Final and finally the day had arrived. Since pre-season the Magic knew they were in with a good chance to do well this season with great skill and team chemistry.

The conditions were perfect for playing footy and as the opening bounce approached, both teams looked primed and ready to go. The Magic had the best of the opening minutes and quickly moved the ball forward. The first few shots on goal were inaccurate, and then the constant pressure exerted by the midfield and forwards saw us convert the first goal of the game.

The Saints then manoeuvred a quick clearance and eventually managed to locate an unmarked player, who booted the Saints first. The Saints then kicked another at the end of the quarter to take the lead at the end of the first break, 12 to 9.

The second term was a much tighter contest as both teams asserted authority in the midfield. Defence did a magnificent job in repelling attacking raids made by the opposition with both teams booting a goal and

the Saints also snagging a behind to slightly extend their lead in the long break.

The Magic girls came out for the third quarter, knowing they needed to create more pressure on the Saints, particularly their forwards who were managing to pick up several uncontested marks. The quarter ended up being a repeat of the second, the Magic kicked the first goal and took a slender lead, giving the girls a real spur and if another was kicked it may

have taken the wind out of the Saints sails. The opposition, however, being the high performing team they were, instantly lifted their game and kicked the next goal, taking a two-point lead at the third break.

The girls pumped themselves up for the final quarter and demonstrated true belief in themselves. The quarter started at a hectic pace and for the first ten minutes each team tried to knock the other down for the count.

The Saints kicked their next goal with

ten minutes remaining. The effort the Magic girls had put in was starting to take its toll with tired legs, exhaustion and decision making errors showing.

The saints benefited from a few 50 metre penalties and kicked their last two goals to ultimately take the win.

The final score didn’t reflect just how tough a game this was and the effort put in by the Magic. This year saw the Magic women excel significantly, making the Grand Final in their third year.

One of the newest sides to the competition and the girls have made finals every playing year so far. This year saw half of the playing list being completely new to the club in 2017 and the club is absolutely thrilled with their development, how they performed on the park and how they finished off the year.

Coach John Dimond and each of the players in the Magic women’s side should be proud of the achievements they’ve made this season.

MAGIC: 3.5.23 SAINTS: 7.3.45 GOAL KICKERS: L. Pickering Rodriguez 2, A. O’keeffe BEST PLAYERS: J. Mann, L. Houghton, E. Pickering Rodriguez, M. Jansen, C. Corr, S. Freeman.

Hix Group is celebrating its 25th Year in business and is continuing to grow We currently have a number of roles available, to join our Penrith Based business, with a range of government, commercial, construction & domestic clients throughout the Sydney Metropolitan area

– 2nd or 3rd Year ELECTRICAL TRADES Apprentices & new apprentices for 2017 –ADMINISTRATIVE Plumbing and Electrical SUPPORT Looking for a great team and a structured This is a new & unique role, in our Penrith Office, for an experienced electrician with maintenance experience BUT who is now seeking to work in an administrative role, within our Electrical division.

Perhaps you are now unable to or don’t want to continue to perform the physically challenging parts of a trades role or simply prefer to work in the office rather than on the tools.

You will be responsible for prep & checking of invoices, quotes & documentation for jobs, assisting the managers with progress & handling of scheduled works & other admin duties related to progress of works.

In addition to your trades background you will have computer skills, strong communication skills & attention to detail & accuracy.

training program to complete your trade and move into a permanent role?

LICENSED ELECTRICIANS – MAINTENANCE We are adding to our team of qualified maintenance electricians, and are seeking licensed tradespeople with experience in domestic & commercial works, fault finding, stove & hot water repairs & all general electrical repairs & installs.

Works will be across Government, Council, commercial, industrial & domestic sites and will include repairs ,maintenance installation, testing & inspection and fitout works.

You will be an efficient & customer based tradesperson who values the service Hix Group provides to clients & you will be willing & able to train and develop our apprentices who are also a valuable part of our company’s growth.

FIRE SERVICES TECHNICIAN We are seeking an EXPERIENCED Fire Services Technician to join our PENRITH BASED team to carry out all aspects of Essential Fire Services testing , inspection, maintenance and repairs & fault finding with a particular focus on Fire Panels and EWIS systems.

We provide services for a range of clients including Local Councils, Strata Clients, commercial and industrial.

The successful applicant will be an energetic “people person” who is well organised and can communicate effectively with clients and staff alike & is comfortable recording all job information using Smartphone/Electronic Tablet, via our Job Management system.

MUST have a sound knowledge of and experience in the above areas and a clear understanding & willingness to follow the relevant Australian Standards & Building Codes relating to the Industry and all aspects of Work Health and Safety.

FPAS Training an advantage.

You will be meticulous with quality, well presented, willing to use our electronic job management system & keen to embrace our Hix Group Culture of Team work, Pride & Responsibility. Send your resume now to HR@hix.com.au (Applications will be treated in strict confidence) Enquiries to: Justin Walker, Senior Manager, Electrical Services – Phone: 4721 7500

with MARK GEYER

Sailing towards the biggest game of the year And then there were two. One, the competition’s best and most consistent team over the 26 round proper of the NRL Premiership. The other, another heavyweight of the comp but literally stumbled into this year’s semi final series. But alas, find themselves opposite one another on the biggest day there is on the rugby league calendar.

The Melbourne Storm have been the juggernaut on the road to October this year while the North Queensland Cowboys have done extraordinary well, actually ‘freakingly’ well to make it into this year’s grand final, without their two best players in Jonathan Thurston and Matt Scott.

Let’s firstly dissect Craig Bellamy’s men.

Let’s start with their three best ever players, who coincidentally are all in this very team striving for glory in 2017. Cameron Smith, in my opinion the game’s best ever player. Man this bloke’s a pleasure to watch. And like a good red wine gets better and better with age.

And what about his ‘twin’ Billy Slater? Both men born on the same day and the same year and ironically both men on a similar trajectory towards stardom.

Now let’s throw in the third member of these ‘triplets’ Cooper Cronk. Playing in his last campaign for his beloved Storm this bloke’s toughness often gets overshadowed by his astute playmaking.

Then you throw in kids like Munster, Addo-Carr, Vunivalu, Scott, Chambers, Finucane, McLean, Glasby, the human giant Asofa- Solomona and Kaufusi.

Kaufusi is a great story. When he first arrived in Melbourne he couldn’t run 2km without stopping for water and a break. Now he plays every minute

 Michael Morgan- a 10 out of 10 this final series

 Billy Slater- my man of the match this Sunday

of every game and will join most of his teammates in the Maroon jersey of origin next year. Amazing club really with most importantly an amazing culture. They are going to be very hard to beat come Sunday.

Now to their opponents the Cowboys. Let’s go back to round 26. Picture this. The Cowboys players sitting in front of the tv all together, in one hand a beer in the other an orange juice. Waiting for the Bulldogs to upset the Dragons so they can at least make it into the final series. And they did. Down with the beers and over to the training paddock

to plot the downfall of last year’s premiers, the Sharks. Which they did. Now onto the rampaging Eels, surely this is where the Cowboys ‘luck’ runs out. Nope. Now onto the Roosters. Ok, now really, SURELY the Cowboys can’t get past the overall second best team of the year? Guess what? Yep. Ha ha ha now this is getting serious. How, where, what, why, have they done it?

Well one massive reason is Michael Morgan.

Once Thurston was out Morgan’s game has gone next level. And what about the human wrecking ball Jason Taumalolo? A reason I’m glad I’ve retired. But the ensemble has been breathtaking as well. Lochie Coote, Jake Granville, Ethan Lowe, Scott Bolton, Te Maire Martin, Feldt, Cooper, Hess, O’Neill, and John Asiata, who is the Cowboys version of Felise Kaufusi in his improvement has been astonishing.

Ok the verdict. It’s a classic game of the professionalism v momentum. The Storm have the best coach in the game, perhaps the best ever. The way in which he squeezes the best out of an ordinary player to make him reach levels of expertise makes him the King Midas of the game. His counterpart Paul Green is in fact a mini me of Bellamy. A somewhat clone who lets his players do all his talking for him on the footy field. I cannot wait for this game Sunday it promises to be a classic.

For the record the Storm win 32-22 in a high scoring encounter. Billy Slater is the Clive Churchill Medalist, and we will be talking about this game all over the off-season.

May the best team win.

MG (random Westie) OAM

Wanderers edge Blacktown on penalties

By Conner Lowe

The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers have progressed to the Westfield FFA Cup Semi Finals after a penalty shootout win against Blacktown City at Lily Homes Stadium.

The game went to extra-time after Blacktown City’s James Andrew cancelled out an Oriol Riera penalty, with both Andrew and Riera again scoring in extra-time to take the match to penalties.

The Wanderers would triumph 4-2 in the shootout to qualify for the Westfield FFA Cup Semi Finals for the first time, where they’ll host Adelaide United.

Tony Popovic’s side got off to the best possible start when they were awarded a penalty in the first two minutes of the match after Jumpei Kusukami was upended in the box.

Riera stepped and expertly dispatched the penalty, his third goal in as many games for the club.

Roly Bonevacia went close to pushing the

Wanderers further into the lead but his volley was well taken by Blacktown’s goalkeeper Tristan Prendergast, who had a fine night between the sticks.

As the Wanderers failed to capitalise on their opportunities, Blacktown found an equaliser midway through the second half, as Andrew raced onto a nice ball from Zach Caincross before cutting inside and slotting past Janjetovic.

Substitute Steven Lustica had one of the best chances in the second half to put the Wanderers back

in front but Prendergast was again on hand to keep the scores level as the game headed to extra-time.

After the restart, Riera had a fantastic opportunity to put the Wanderers into the lead after latching onto a smart ball from Kearyn Baccus but his shot thumped into the crossbar and away to safety.

It was Blacktown though who went ahead after Mitch Mallia teed up Andrew to tap home his second of the match.

Seven minutes later, the scores were level once again as a pinpoint cross from Josh Risdon found Riera who headed past Prendergast to take the game to penalties.

Former Wanderer Joey Gibbs blasted his effort over, with Janjetovic denying Blacktown’s second penalty.

Mark Bridge, Lachlan Scott, Steven Lustica and Riera all dispatched their penalties, as the Wanderers triumphed 4-2 in the shootout.

The Red & Black will now face Adelaide United in the Semi Finals at Campbelltown Stadium on the 24th of October at 7:30pm.

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Western News Friday, 29 September 2017

sport

Sydney Thunder sign Camden High School student

By Conner Lowe

Sydney Thunder has signed 18-year old wicket-keeper Hannah Trethewy for WBBL|03.

The teenage keeper who plays for Campbelltown-Camden Ghosts in NSW Women’s Premier Cricket made the first of her two state appearances for the NSW Breakers in November.

“I was pretty excited to tell my friends I’d been offered a Sydney Thunder contract,” said Trethewy.

“I’ve always been a massive fan of Sydney Thunder and it’s fantastic that I can put on the green this season.”

The Elderslie High School student will sit her final HSC exam five weeks before Sydney Thunder’s first game of the Rebel Women’s Big Bash League against the Melbourne Renegades on 9th December.

“Even if I don’t get on the park this season, I’m really looking forward to the experience,” said Trethewy.

“To learn off such incredible players and to be around such an elite team and environment, I’m mainly

looking forward to the experience and have some fun as well.

“I’m so excited to see how WBBL03 goes but also women’s cricket in general.”

Lee Germon, Sydney Thunder General Manager who played 12 Tests for New Zealand as a wicket-keeper is looking forward to seeing Trethewy continue to develop as a player.

“Hannah is a very talented, young wicket-keeper who is also part of the NSW Breakers squad,” said Germon.

“It is very exciting to provide the opportunity for young, home grown Thunder Nation talent like Hannah to mix and learn whilst being part of a Thunder team that will contain some of the best players in the world.

“Hannah has a lot of potential in a very demanding position and I know she will make the most of this opportunity.”

Sydney Thunder open their Rebel Women’s Big Bash League campaign against the Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers on 9th and 10th December at North Sydney Oval.