Western News 2 August 2019

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Friday, 2 August 2019

ISSUE 90

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Marathon Winners People from around the world ran in the M7 Westlink Marathon last weekend with over 1000 runners taking part.

The overall winner was Victorian Olympian Liam Adams from Moonee Ponds who made it back-to-back wins when he took out the Men’s Marathon in a time of 2.21.10, just 8 seconds slower than his time last year and Charlotte Wilson, also from Moonee Ponds, Victoria, returned this year and improved her time taking out first place in the Women’s Marathon in a time of 2:58:40.

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n 2018, Maria Bolinas heard the words no mother ever wants to hear: “there is no activity in your daughter’s brain, she has died.”

It was moments after hearing this news that Maria found herself making a hugely important decision: how do I celebrate my daughter’s life?

Maria ultimately decided her successful, generous and kind-hearted daughter would donate nine organs.

Janna passed away at Westmead Hospital in 2018 after an episode of severe hypertension, causing significant bleeding in the brain. Janna was 32 years of age.

Rooty Hill mother Maria said her decision to donate Janna’s organs a day after Janna’s death was made easier thanks to a simple conversation.

“We had discussions about this when Janna was applying for her driver’s license,” Maria said.

“There was a question about whether she wanted to be a donor and she ticked yes. At the time I said ‘why would you tick yes, you are born with your organs, you die with your organs’.

“Janna said ‘mum, why wouldn’t I let other people benefit?’

“That discussion was the biggest help in my decision about my daughter’s organ donation.”

Maria said her decision to donate Janna’s organs was also about how she would celebrate her daughter’s life with others.

“I didn’t want my daughter’s life to end there. I had to figure out what I could do,” Maria said.

“That’s when I thought I want to donate her heart, because she has a good heart.

“After a discussion with the organ donation nurses about the process, we ended up donating nine organs the day after Janna died to help nine people live.

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My daughter donated nine organs to help nine people live

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Maria Bokinas (in green) with registered nurses from Westmead Hospital’s intensive care unit (L-R) Nic Brown, Shuk Yan Ho, social worker Kaylene Tanti, registered nurses David Russell and Gemmel Dino, clinical nurse educator Ann Duffey and registered nurse Stephanie Toovey.

“Janna has had a huge impact on many families.”

Maria said her daughter was a very generous person and the donation was reflective of her nature.

“Janna would walk an extra mile to make a person feel special, that’s how I know the decision to donate was the right one,” Maria said.

“She was a very generous person, intelligent and had a good career – she was a lawyer with two degrees.

“She lived her life but there was more to it and this was how we were able to achieve that.”

DonateLife Week is Sunday 28 July to Sunday 4

August. Australians are encouraged to register to be an organ and tissue donor, and to have a chat about it with their family and friends.

Your donation decision is no longer recorded on your NSW driver’s licence. It’s important to check your registration even if you ticked a box on your licence years ago.

For more information visit https://donatelife.gov. au/resources/donatelife-week.

If you’d like to register to become a donor, head to: www.donatelife.gov.au/DonateLifeWeek_ WesternSydney

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

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Panthers and Men of League partnership

ike many other Aussie families at that time, my weekends back in the 1970’s consisted of going visiting, carrying the esky down to the beach for a barbie on Saturday afternoons and sitting on the grass hill on Sundays watching the footy.

But our idyllic lifestyle changed in a split-second back in 1977 during one of those footy matches, and rocked my family to its core.

My cousin John Innes was a robust front rower selected in the Roosters’ Jersey Flegg and President’s Cup. While captaining the Bondi United C Grade side at just 19, he charged the ball up and as he was tackled he tucked his head to his chest and it hit another player’s hip.

It was a split-second moment that was to change his life forever.

“One minute I was charging up with my neck flexed and the next thing my whole body had turned to jelly,” John said.

John is my only cousin on my dad’s side and is like an older brother to me. I worshiped the ground that he was once able to walk on – he was a bit of a local hero in our hometown of Bondi and everyone knew him.

I was only eight on the day John had his accident, but it is a day that will be etched in my mind forever. Even though I could see how panicked my Dad was, as we drove in silence towards the Royal North Shore Hospital I was expecting to see Johnny sitting there with a broken arm.

What greeted us instead was the sight of him in complete body traction – and he had to talk to us through a mirror. We had to wait outside while several doctors tended to him and it was the first time I’d ever seen my father cry. He told me that Johnny had broken his neck at the C5 and C6 vertebrae and would be a quadriplegic for life.

We put on our bravest faces and returned to the room and as he glanced up to eye me through the mirror in this utterly devastating condition, the first thing he said to me was, “How’d you go at nippers this morning? Did you win all your races?”

It was this incredibly positive attitude that would see Johnny through more challenges than most of us could possibly imagine. After being told he would never walk again, he refused to accept that as his fate. Over the following years he dedicated every waking moment to his rehabilitation.

He’d ride his quad bike up and down Bondi promenade – all day every day, trying to regain the strength in his arms and legs that the accident had cruelly robbed him of. His efforts paid off - he did eventually walk, with the aid of crutches and for then for a time he managed with just a walking stick. He also became a taxi driver, with a special purpose-built taxi so he could handle the steering wheel.

He was very proud of the fact that he wasn’t dependent on welfare and was able to become part of the workforce despite his condition. In 2006 Australia was in shock to hear that lightning had struck twice for young Sophie Delezio – the little girl who had lost her legs as a toddler when a car crashed through her kindergarten. Incredibly, she had suffered a second devastating accident when a car hit her as she crossed at the crossing with her wheelchair.

Little did I know at the time, lightning was also about to strike again for Johnny.

He was riding down to the beach in his motorised wheelchair when he attempted to cross the road and was hit by truck.

My always happy, positive thinking cousin who had spent years of blood, sweat and tears improving his condition was right back at square one and unable to move.

How could life be so cruel? If there is something worse than being trapped like a prisoner inside a body that can’t move - I’m yet to see it.

I still see signs of the happy, chirpy Johnny that I once knew, but the positiveness isn’t there as often as it once was.

Two freak accidents and winding up back in the darkest place you can imagine has proved to be more than even the most positive person I’ve ever known can swallow.

But John still exudes gratitude to those who have given him a helping hand throughout his journey, and at the top of that list of those he speaks highly of are the Men of League. Over the years they’ve given him so much assistance, particularly with things that able-bodied people take for granted, such as being able to get in and out of a dentists’ chair.

Without the Men of League, John’s life would have undoubtedly been even harder, and John and my family thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

I’m rapt that the Penrith Panthers have partnered with the Men of League Foundation. This will be a fabulous pairing and I’m excited to see what it will mean for those in our local community who could do with a helping hand.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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very year scams cost Australians, businesses and the economy millions of dollars.

These scams come in all shapes and sizes and scammers are increasingly sophisticated in their activities. Tax time is particularly a time to be extra vigilant, according to Mount Druitt MP Edmond Atalla.

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Avoiding and reporting consumer fraud

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“Scammers posing as tax office employees are now also resorting to posing as your accountant and tax agents,” Mr Atalla said.

“Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from these scammers.

“If you believe you are being scammed hang up the telephone and look up the telephone number yourself so you are sure you are talking with a legitimate department or business.

“Never call back on the number provided by the person you believe may be scamming you.

“Never give out your personal details such as date of birth, bank account details, passwords etc.

“Do not open suspicious texts, emails or click on links or attachments in emails – delete them and if unsure, you can verify the details by looking up the contact details yourself.”

Mr Atalla encourages everyone to explore the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission SCAMWatch website for tips on how to protect yourself and also to subscribe to the SCAMWatch Radar to receive email alerts on the latest scams on www.scamwatch.gov. au.

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Be inspired every Tuesday morning at West Tradies

By BART BASSETT

I

n this era of social media and the 24 hour news cycle the world seems to be getting faster by the day and it seems social clubs and service clubs are all finding it challenging to attract members.

However whilst social media and the Internet can keep people informed and connected what is missing with this is the direct human interaction that keeps people energised and mentally healthy as well as maintaining strong social bonds in our society.

One such club which meets on a Tuesday at West Tradies is called The Ivy Rose Club. This social club started over 30 years ago and was then called The Tuesday Club and the meetings were held at the old Grace Bros store at

Mount Druitt. In 1987 a lady called Ivy Rose took over running the club and she continued to do so for nearly 20 years. In 2006 the club was renamed The Ivy Rose Club after the great work Ivy had done for the club over such a long period of time.

The aim of the club is friendship and support with morning tea and a guest speaker every Tuesday at 10am at West Tradies and then on the last Tuesday of

every month a bus trip is organised to different destinations.

When I attended as a guest last month the guest speaker was Mr John Williams. John gave an inspiring speech on his life which told the story of him being raised by Barnados. At 12 years of age following World War II he was put on a ship from England with 20 other boys and 20 girls and sent on a 6 week voyage to Sydney. On arriving in

Sydney they were taken to Mowbray Farm Picton which was a farm training school for child and youth migrants run

by Dr Barnado’s Homes. He recalled on arriving thinking Australia had blue sky, green grass and the people were happy. He said Liverpool England did not have good memories for him but Liverpool Sydney was great memories thanks to Barnados for their wonderful support of him growing up.

If I had not attended the meeting I would not have heard the inspiring life story of John Williams and I certainly would not have ever heard about him on the Internet. So if you want to mix with a great group of women (men are welcome) on a Tuesday morning and hear stories from interesting people contact Margaret Dixon on 0448 173 008.

Charges laid following serious crash at Eastern Creek A man appeared in court last week charged after a van he was driving collided with another vehicle during a pursuit.

Just before 10.45am on Wednesday 24 July, officers from Mt Druitt Police Area Command attempted to stop a Toyota HiAce, which had stolen plates, on Woodstock Road, Rooty Hill.

The driver failed to stop, and a police pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit travelled through the suburbs of Glendenning, Rooty Hill, and Mount Druitt where it was terminated due to safety concerns.

A short time later, the Toyota was seen on Carlisle

Avenue, Mt Druitt and after the driver again failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated.

As the vehicle travelled along the Great Western Highway and approached the M7 off-ramp at Eastern Creek, it collided with a Subaru Outback.

The Subaru driver, a 45-year-old woman, was trapped in her vehicle for a short time before being freed by Fire and Rescue NSW. She was taken by to Westmead Hospital and is receiving treatment for a fractured pelvis and ribs.

The occupants of the HiAce – a 24-year-old male driver and a 24-year-old female passenger – were also taken to Westmead Hospital.

The woman was treated for facial, collar bone, and leg fractures, and internal injuries.

The man received treatment, under police guard, for a dislocated collar bone. Upon his release yesterday (Thursday 25 July 2019), he was taken to Mount Druitt Police Station.

He was charged with three counts of police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, two counts of dangerous driving occ GBH- drive manner dangerous, use unregistered motor vehicle, never licensed person drive vehicle on road.

The Kings Langley man was refused bail to appear at Mount Druitt Local Court.

Three well known Australians coming to Blacktown

By Martin Shaw

W

HO ARE THE ‘THREE AUSTRALIANS’ IN THE PAINTING? – The clues are in the painting. Just place your opinion in the year book with all the other entries. Martin Shaw won’t reveal the answer. The ‘Three Australians’ has a bigger field to choose from than any Melbourne Cup Race. What can be revealed though, is ‘Pea’, the black and white dog is sitting in the corner. Sadly Pea died in 1991.

YEARBOOKS – A yearbook represents a region of Australia, ten yearbooks complete a ten year cycle around Australia. Each generation will interpret the painting differently and this will be reflected in the yearbooks. The yearbooks form a social commentary and a mosaic of information about Australia.

SURPRISE ! SEEING YOUR PREVIOUS OPINIONS – When the painting returns to the same venue, the public will look back at their previous comments in the yearbooks and be puzzled and surprised at their previous opinions, a bit older, a bit smarter but not necessarily wiser. They will see something differently in the painting on each visit and see newer ideas and opinions recorded in the yearbooks.

As the project travels through time

the ‘future’ will look back into the yearbooks and see deceased family members’ opinions on the ‘Three Well Known Australians’. A bond will be created between the past, present and future.

THE LETTERS – After a telephone conversation, information and a promotional sticker of the painting was mailed out. From 1991, letters were received with opinions on the identities of the ‘Three Australians’.

In 1994, 24 letters went on display; by 2009 there were 240 letters. It takes

motivation for members of the public to write to someone whom they have never previously heard of, about a painting they have never seen before.

There were no prizes or inducements on offer. Obtaining these letters was slow and tedious. If the painting was a household name, the public would have had preconceived ideas on the ‘Three Australians’ and the letters wouldn’t be as interesting to read.

LETTER THEMES – The letters are in 30 themes, 8 letters to a theme.

The themes range from the ‘Arts’

‘Sport’ ‘Regionalism’… to ‘History’, different aspects of Australia. The letters will never change, but what will change over time will be viewers opinions of the letters (and painting).

CULTURAL INSTITUTIONAL NETWORK – The increasing number of cultural institutions and art galleries built since the 1970’s has made it possible for the ‘Three Australians’ to tour continuously around Australia since 1983. This growth is a reflection of the increase economic wealth and continual political and social stability of the country. Overseas art galleries and private collectors lend artworks for exhibitions that travel to Australia because of the above reason.

2000 SYDNEY OLYMPIC GAMES TORCH RELAY – The ‘Three Well Known Australians’ relay has similar symbolism to the ‘Torch’ relay. Just as the public lined the streets to participate and cheered at the 100 days torch relay event, the public have similar opportunity to participate and record their opinions in the yearbooks in ‘Three Australians’ relay event. The ‘Three Australians’ is a slower relay without the hype of the torch relay and it does a 10 year continuous circuit.

The “Three well known Australians” will be on display at Blacktown Library until 23rd August so go and have your say on who you think they are.

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atient Michael Pieri says a new support group dedicated to head and neck cancer patients will make battling the disease a little easier.

Patients and staff from Western Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains local health districts launched the initiative at Blacktown Hospital, a program made possible thanks to a generous Better Foundation donor.

The group will offer patients from Blacktown, Westmead and Nepean hospitals a free and regular program of speakers and workshops, as well as an opportunity to chat and share experiences.

Michael Pieri bravely spoke about his cancer diagnosis at the launch event this morning, highlighting the importance of having someone to talk to when battling cancer.

“I had cancer in 2016. It was accidentally found. I answered the call from the doctors when I was in the pub. The doctors said “you need to come in” which I did,” Michael said.

“I remember it was a Friday. I visited the hospital and they announced I had cancer. I saw radiation oncologist Puma Sundaresan and she said the head and neck cancer team had a plan for me. She said ‘we are going to fix you’.

“At the beginning of this year she announced that I was on top of my cancer. When she told me there would be a new support group, and I thought fantastic.

“When I went through my treatment,

Stephen Bali (Mayor Blacktown), Dr Puma Sundaresan (Staff specialist radiation oncology), Michael Pieri (Patient)

L to R: Jenna Binsted (Head of department Speech Pathology), Wrin Sellars (Senior Speech Pathologist), Reginald Daguio (Speech Pathologist), Lydia Natsis (Speech Pathologist), Kirsty Niven (Speech Pathologist)

I had a lot of questions about cancer. You need someone to talk to when battling this disease. So today it’s a great honour that we’re launching this, so thanks.”

Westmead and Blacktown hospitals radiation oncologist Puma Sundaresan said that while head and neck cancers are an uncommon cancer, the impact on patients is significant.

“Head and neck cancers can affect parts of the anatomy of our body that are critical for essential function,” Puma said.

“This means it can affect things like eating, swallowing and sharing a meal with friends and family or speaking and communicating with our loved ones.

“The effect of the cancer and treatments can be quite huge.”

Puma said more than 65 per cent of head and neck cancers result in long term survival, particularly if these cancers are caught earlier– but the quality of life impacts means that support is important.

“I acknowledge everyone who worked very hard to launch this initiative for our local patients. I’m very proud of what we have achieved so far,” Puma said.

For more information about the Sydney West Head and Neck Cancer patient support group, contact Puma on: Purnima.

Sundaresan@health.nsw.gov.au To find out more about how to support Blacktown Hospital via the Better Foundation, contact nermeen.yacoub@betterfoundation. org.au.

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Cancer survivor praises new support group

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Free ‘Craft, Cuppa, Chat’ Workshops to support Wellness and Mindfulness

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nternational Transformation Coach; Kashmira Mody will deliver two Free Craft, Cuppa, Chat Workshops at Seven Hills Plaza.

The workshops will combine the therapeutic effect of a hot beverage, a sweet treat, some yummy conversations whilst practicing mindfulness through crafting.

Mindfulness is any practice that allows your mind to settle from randomly and continuously jumping from thought to thought. When an individual is engaged in a task, they have focused attention and when they become completely occupied in the activity, their mind settles and they experience restfulness.

Kashmira Mody said; “The Craft, Cuppa, Chat Workshops have been designed with a three pronged approach to introduce the practice of mindfulness.

Firstly each workshop includes a specially designed craft activity that allows the participants to become immersed in the aesthetics so that their mind settles.

Next, the chat aspect takes care of the moments when participants ‘jump out’ of crafting, because when they are engaged in conversation there is no possibility to go on a ‘mind trip’. Finally the sipping of a warm cuppa creates a feeling of being cared for and an inner sense of wellness.”

She continued to say; “The benefits of practising mindfulness for individuals of all ages are numerous include increasing focus and concentration, improving sleep, managing low grade anxiety, reducing stress and bringing more peace, joy and fulfilment into one’s life.”

Each Craft, Cuppa and Chat workshop will run from 10am to 1pm and is completely free, individuals can feel free to join as they arrive.

The workshops are suitable for adults and children (accompanied by a participating adult).

On Friday 9th August the workshop will involve decorating a Journal and inspiring participants to practise mindfulness through the self-reflective activity of journaling.

The following week on Thursday 15th August the workshop will involve participants creating

their own personalised thank you cards for their nearest and dearest and will discover how expressing gratitude can also be a practice of mindfulness.

Interested individuals can learn more about the workshops at www.sevenhillsplaza.com.au or by emailing info@sevenhillsplaza.com.au

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 & beyond

PLUMBER - PROJECTS / CONSTRUCTION We are seeking a versatile Projects Plumber who enjoys being on the tools, has some experience and seeks to undertake site works on a range of projects. You will work under the direction of our Projects Manager, and Site Supervisor performing a range of site works along with other team members. You will be meticulous with quality, have experience in working both in a team & independently & have strong Work Health & Safety & Environmental Management values. Whilst our company is based in Penrith, work will be throughout the local & Sydney metro area with a focus on Western Sydney. You will have: • Current Plumbing Qualification & Whitecard • Experience in working on projects, particularly commercial and government sites • Current driver’s licence & be flexible to travel the Sydney metro area as required (our office is based in Penrith so you will most likely live within the western Sydney area.

LEADING HAND - SPECIALISED MINOR CIVIL WORKS Are you experienced in carrying out minor specialised Civil works across a range of projects?

Have an ability to deal with Clients on site, providing a high standard of customer service?

Must be able to interpret plans, obtain and apply levels, carry out minor landscaping, formwork and concreting. Must have a clear understanding of and commitment to safe work and compliance and be able to lead the team on site to produce a high standard of workmanship and service to meet clients’ needs.

Will be available to complete out of hours shifts and living away if required. Confident operation of Excavator & Skid Steer machine would be an advantage. Civhix is a division of Hix Group which is a Penrith-based business with work throughout Sydney and a range of locations beyond. We employ a team of skilled tradespeople in electrical, plumbing,fire services and Civil works and offer great conditions and opportunities.

We have 2 positions available for Licensed Electricians: 1. Licensed Electrician - Experienced in electrical maintenance installs & repairs We are seeking an experienced electrician to carry out maintenance, repairs & installations & complete a range of small projects including Domestic & Commercial installations.

You must be meticulous with your work & job records, be able to fault find & carry out a range of maintenance duties, potentially have experience with stoves, hot water & general repairs and have a clear understanding of and commitment to Work Health & Safety.

You may also have carried out small projects and installations in Solar.

(Clean Energy Council Design & Install Accreditation, an advantage but can provide training).

2. Licensed Electrician Small Projects, Repairs & Installation – Commercial Maintenance, Field Lighting, Switchboards, Specialised electrical services Will be willing to learn and to complete a range of small projects including field and specialised lighting, switchboard works, thermoscanning and testing along with some maintenance as required. You will be meticulous with your work and job records and have a clear understanding of and commitment to work health and safety and you may even have qualifications in ASP Level 2 (but this is not essential).

Attractive wages, vehicle, uniforms & Smartphone provided along with a Penrith-based family business which values Safety and Compliance and the importance of its team members.

For Enquiries please contact our office on 4721 7500 or SEND YOUR RESUME TO HR@HIX.COM.AU NOW

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ommunity organisations looking to build new or upgrade current facilities are encouraged to apply for funding from the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program which opens for applications on Monday, 5 August 2019.

Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said applications could be submitted for sport and recreation, arts and culture, and emergency preparedness until Monday 26 August.

“This funding can make a real difference to the local community,

either by providing new or improved sporting or cultural facilities, or by protecting local residents in emergency situations,” Mr Conolly said.

The funding is provided through the Clubgrants Category 3 program, which receives a contribution from registered clubs’ gaming machine profits to benefit local communities.

Since 2013, the NSW Government has funded over 320 community projects worth $78 million. This year we will commit $12.5 million to support projects that will promote

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More grant funding to community groups

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healthy lifestyles, enrich arts and cultural assets and assist communities to prepare for local emergency situations.

Funding ranges are $50,000 to $200,000 for arts and culture, $10,000 to $200,000 for emergency preparedness and $100,000 to $300,000 for sport and recreation.

Applications for the current round of Infrastructure Grants are open from 5 to 26 August.

For more information including details on how to apply for grants, visit www.responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au

Voting opens for community projects

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esidents from across Blacktown City are being asked to help decide which community projects get funding.

Earlier this year, individuals were asked to nominate community projects they thought were worthy of being funded under the NSW Government’s My Community Project grants program.

People were asked to develop their ideas and then get the support of a local sponsor. Many residents nominated Blacktown City Council as their sponsor and Council in turn selected 7 projects that it would support.

In all, 65 projects have been put forward in the 6 State electorates in Blacktown City.

Nominated projects will now be ranked by residents through online voting. The projects receiving the most votes will receive funding with up to $260,000 available for each electorate.

Voting is now open and will close on 15 August. Residents can vote for the nominated projects in their electorate through their individual ServiceNSW account and get more information at the following link: mycommunityproject.service.nsw. gov.au/ Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali said; “Council decided to sponsor 7 project applications and we urge residents to vote to secure funding for these projects.”

Electorate

Project

Blacktown

Faulklands Reserve, Kings Park – dog off leash area

Londonderry

Whalan Reserve – redevelopment of the baseball field into a cricket ground with a turf wicket square

Mount Druitt

Mittigar Reserve, Hassall Grove – boundary fencing

Mount Druitt

Morreau Reserve, Rooty Hill – netball courts upgrade

Prospect

St Bartholomew’s, Prospect - Maria Locke Memorial This project will work with the Aboriginal community to appropriately recognise the resting place of Maria Locke (c.1805-1878).

Riverstone

Stanhope Gardens Reserve – softball floodlighting

Seven Hills

Morgan Power Reserve, Kings Langley - upgrade of existing club room and amenities

Meningococcal cases could rise: look out for symptoms

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estern Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is urging people to be alert to lesser known signs of meningococcal disease with one case reported in the area this year and the peak period for the disease still more than a month away.

Population health director Professor Stephen Corbett said meningococcal disease can occur at any time of year but cases normally start to increase towards the end of flu season when people’s immune systems are weaker from viruses.

“Last year WSLHD reported five cases of meningococcal disease. It is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause death within hours so

the more symptoms people know about, the better,” said Prof Corbett.

“Most cases occur in infants, young children, teenagers and young adults, although people of any age can be affected.”

Prof Corbett said meningococcal can often mimic other common illnesses, so it is important people be aware nearer spring that nausea symptoms, vomiting, neck stiffness, joint pain, light sensitivity, or a sudden fever, could be something else.

“Most people normally associate meningococcal disease with a rash of red-purple spots or bruises but in some cases a rash doesn’t appear, or it could be the last symptom to take shape,” Prof Corbett said.

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Meningococcal infection does not spread easily. It is spread by secretions from the nose and throat of a person who is carrying the bacteria. Close and prolonged contact is needed to pass it on.

“It more commonly occurs in people aged between 15-24 years as they tend to be involved in more intimate social activities such as kissing.”

Vaccination is the best means of protection against meningococcal disease.

Vaccination for meningococcal disease types A, C, W and Y, is available on the National Immunisation Program for infants at 12 months of age and adolescents in Year 10.

JULY SPECIALS

Any adolescents aged 15 to 19 years who miss the vaccine in school are eligible for a free vaccine from their GP. However, as there are several strains of meningococcal disease, and vaccination does not cover all strains, even vaccinated people need to be on the lookout for symptoms.

The latest Annual Immunisation Report shows vaccination rates in NSW are at their highest level ever, with close to 95 per cent of five year olds fully vaccinated.

The NSW Government will invest around $130 million in the 201920 Immunisation Program Budget, including Commonwealth and State vaccines.

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Western News

Ionian Odyssey

Less visited bays

Arrive early for a berth

By BEN CRANNEY

O

n Atako, an unpopulated Greek island with a single church, lives a donkey. He used to live there with his owner, but the donkey outlived him. Now, the owner’s last will and testament is written on a sign, asking passersby to fill the water trough with fresh water. Despite no one living there, it’s not short of visitors. The bays have the kind of beauty that would make you think the Greek gods lived here. Certainly kings and heroes did.

Odysseus’ home isle of Ithaca is a couple of miles away, and Circe’s island Aeaea may have been about 50k to the north. In fact, the best way to see the Ionian is the same way as Odysseus, by boat. I was lucky that a mate, who is a yacht skipper, took a week off to take us around. It was

like being with a rockstar. So many tavernas gave us free drinks and meals, partly because he brought them business, but mainly because he was a good bloke.

Our compass and map had us in complete control of our adventures.

We competed for berths at the popular coves, while oligarchs ‘paid’ to use emergency docks. We pulled in at unvisited places, conspicuous for being unvisited, with their bougainvillea and cobble covered streets. We visited ruined Norman churches, left over from 11th century rule. We found World War 2 plane wrecks just under the surface. We fell asleep to the lap of the water at the yacht side. And woke up in a hurry when we hit our heads against the low ceiling. We gossiped about who owned which islands, including ones meant to be owned by Jackie Onassis, Madonna, and a whole

Lunchtime swim

host of mediterranean shipping lords.

We made meals of bread and cheese that were fit for an Olympian god, and then dined better than them at the tavernas across the islands.

You don’t need to sail to enjoy the Ionian. You can do day trips to some of the islands, and drive to the main one, Lefkada, which is connected by bridge to the mainland. The tavernas in the mountains in Lefkada rivalled the ones in the bays. Hire a car and just drive, and you’ll find nice places. There are

plenty of great beaches to find this way, and the views driving down to them are just as good as sailing into them. Just beware that some beaches are private, and require a fee, and the roads are narrow and some drivers overconfident. Blind corners on cliff faces don’t phase them. And if you just visit the donkey’s island, you’ll still leave more than satisfied.

Next time: dancing in a cave and the perfect photo.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Synchronicity

I

love words. I love reading them, writing them and when I worked as a translator I loved playing around with them to get different nuances of meaning, but most of all I love coming across new words. When I do find what I think is a little gem, I tend to work it to death. Whenever I see a film or show which has totally captured the essence of a different era, I tend to remark how wonderfully they have got the zeitgeist until my poor husband puts his hands over his ears.

My latest etymological find is synchronicity.

According to Carl Jung, this is when events are “meaningful coincidences” if they occur with no casual relationship yet seem to be meaningfully related. Now to my mind this is a little confusing.

What is the difference between synchronicity and coincidence? Well they are both defined as “striking occurrences of two or more events at one time, the difference being that coincidence is perceived as chance or luck while synchronicity implies the presence of a deeper intelligence at work.”

Well now! This is interesting. Within the world of us who work with spirit, it is a widely held belief that there is no such thing as coincidence. Everything is ordained and mapped out for us, although living in such a small society as the Hawkesbury where everyone knows everyone else, I do think coincidences exist. But, “it implies the presence of a deeper intelligence at work?” Now that must be Gran & co.

As a clairvoyant, I tend to get flashes of things or events which taken alone really have no meaning, but in retrospect all add up to one conclusion. For a few months before I met my ex, I kept getting the number seventeen. It would pop into my head at the most unexpected moments or appear when I was doing spirit writing but have no relevance at all to my life at that time. When we met he was just in the midst of a very messy divorce and selling a small country estate. On our second date he was chuntering on about how he was finished with big houses and was going to live in a small flat. I suddenly had a vision as clear as day of a very large three storey house, but there was something strange about it. For its size the front door should have been in the middle,

but instead the rather imposing portico was to the left hand side. Odd, but never mind. Second date I had more on my mind than off centre houses! A few weeks later, we went house-hunting together and the third house we saw was - you’ve guessed it - a large three storey house that was half of a big old mansion with the door to the left and number 17!

The same sort of thing has been happening recently. For a while now I have been foreseeing things relating to a very dear friend which had little meaning at the time. However, she is now househunting and getting a bit stressed as she is working to a deadline. Her mother who is a fantastic spirit worker told her to follow the signs and lo and behold, so many of the things I had told her led her to the area where she should now be.

Are these things coincidence or as Dr Jung would put it, do they imply the presence of a deeper intelligence at work? Now I am more than happy to accept that many things are hidden deep in our psyche and push us towards conclusions, but so many of my predictions are now coming together that I think it implies the deeper intelligence of the spirit world. A psychologist I once knew said that he and I reached the same conclusions but from different points of view. So psyche or psychic? Carl Jung or Gran?

I think I’d back Gran and her cohorts in the spirit world any day.

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

Western News

local news

M

ore than a thousand people gathered at Blacktown Showground recently for the NAIDOC Family Day which saw leaders within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community acknowledged for their work.

Blacktown City Council presented five awards recognising the talent and service within the Indigenous community.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the opportunity to acknowledge and recognise these leaders is a testament to their hard work within the community.

“NAIDOC week has been, and will always be, a very important event for the entire Blacktown community,” Mayor Bali said.

The 2019 Blacktown Aboriginal Citizen of the Year was awarded to Jamie Matthews.

Jamie is at the forefront of Aboriginal healthcare having worked

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP awards Jamie Matthews the 2019 Blacktown Aboriginal Citizen of the Year

The 2019 Blacktown City Aboriginal Achiever of the Year was awarded to Ms Jade Jackson

with Wentwest Primary Health Network and the Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service. Jamie dedicates his work to ensuring Western Sydney maintains a great health service and program for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

The 2019 Blacktown City Aboriginal Organisation of the Year was awarded to Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation.

The Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation is primarily a specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drug and alcohol service.

The corporation provides group and individual counselling, anger management programs, parenting programs, and supports families who have had, or are at risk of having, children removed by FACS. They are the only service within Blacktown to provide cultural healing alongside more traditional therapeutic techniques.

The 2019 Blacktown City NAIDOC Award was awarded to Aunty Stella Cunningham.

Aunty Stella is an elder from

Doonside and is part of the Wolkara Elders Group. Aunty Stella has volunteered for the Australian Red Cross in Blacktown for 6 years.

Once a month Aunty Stella attends the Juvenile Justice Centre and talks to all the young women in the detention centre.

For the Past 3 years, the Wolkara Elders group has been involved in the acknowledgement to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Services Men and Women on ANZAC Day in Lalor Park, and the Sorry Day in Mitchell Park.

The 2019 Blacktown City Aboriginal Sports Person of the Year was awarded to Shaylee Bent.

Shaylee, 18, plays for The Mount Pritchard Mounties Rugby League Football Club. This year Shaylee was given the opportunity to represent her community and family in the Indigenous Woman’s All Stars team in Melbourne against the New Zealand Maoris. Shaylee also played for the winning NSW City team in the National Women’s Rugby League Championships.

The 2019 Blacktown City

Aboriginal Achiever of the Year was awarded to Jade Jackson.

Jade is the volunteer coordinator of the Young Mother’s Art group at the Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation.

The group began as simple mother’s group facilitated by an art therapist.

Jade recognised that while the healing aspects of the program were paramount, the women of the group were under financial stress. Jade saw the commercial opportunities for the women, and the group has since evolved into a go-to place for Aboriginal art in Western Sydney.

Jade is driven by a commitment to create employment opportunities for Aboriginal women and to preserve, promote, and pass on her culture.

Mayor Bali said: “These awards are symbolic of the talent we have within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

“All the recipients should be proud of their achievements and I look forward to seeing their work within the community continue to evolve.”

More than a thousand people gathered at Blacktown Showground for the NAIDOC Family Day

Blacktown local elected to lead nsw Young Labor

N

SW Young Labor recently elected Blacktown local, Paul Mills as President of NSW Young Labor.

Mr Mills who is the first Filipino to lead the youth wing of NSW Labor will take over the role of President from Blacktown local, Geeth Geeganage.

Mr Mills says that this reflects just how seriously the Labor Party takes the issues affecting young people in Western Sydney and sees this as an opportunity to reach out to young people in Western Sydney who are

disillusioned with the current State of Politics.

“My adoptive father Bill was a former Labor Blacktown City

Councillor, and he instilled in me the importance of active citizenship, giving back to the community and social justice”.

“In the age of social media, I have been able to keep up with the lives of many of the people I went to school with who feel disengaged with the State and Federal Liberal Government”.

“You don’t need to be an experienced activist to know that young people in Blacktown are getting a dud deal from the State and Federal Liberal Government, Blacktown wasn’t even included in the Western Sydney City Deal”.

“We have an opportunity to let them know that the Labor Party believes that everyone should get a fair go”.

He will also be joined by Caitlin Roodenrys, the first openly gay woman from a regional area to hold the position.

NSW Young Labor is the largest youth political organisation in the country. Past NSW Young Labor Presidents include NSW Premier Bob Carr, former Prime Minister Paul Keating and current Federal Labor Leader, Anthony Albanese.

Western News 2 August 2019 Issue 90

NAIDOC celebration honours Indigenous leaders

11

Western News 2 August 2019 Issue 90

12

WESTERN HISTORY

The trumpet calls

W

ar Clouds over Europe 105 years ago this year and was responsible for the awakening of our small country and the questioning of our ties to the “mother country”. Life and working conditions in Australia in the early 1900’s was harsh, dangerous and unsanitary. However, Australia had a reputation throughout the late 1800’s as the ‘working man’s paradise’ mainly because of the adoption of the eight-hour day and other benefits. For the manual labourer of Australia usually made up of the working class, work was tough and uncomfortable with low pay and long hours. Despite these conditions the workers were hesitant to complain for fear of being dismissed from their job and unable to provide for their families. The middle class were usually white-collar or professional workers who undertook less physical work and received a higher pay. Many manual labourers in Australia worked in the rural sector, of which many were sheep shearers who had to shear 100 sheep just to earn £1, and if their work was not to the satisfaction of their employer the shearer’s wages were withheld. The shearers also had to endure unsanitary and vermin infested conditions in the shearing sheds and the accommodation that was provided for them.

So it was on the 30th July, 1914 when a cablegram came from the British Government to the Government of Australia informing that there was an imminent danger of war. Almost every Australian at that time knew of a quarrel between Austria and Serbia with the intervention of Germany, but few realized that the Emperor and the German Government were deliberately employing dangerous war rhetoric with Great Britain and that it was possible that Britain might be dragged into any international struggle. In Australia it was thought that if Great Britain was involved, then what was the position of those British colonies that inhabited lands far from the “old world” and were loosely bound together under the name of the British Empire? Of the people who had sprung from “British stock” only the United States of America had left the Empire and grown to maturity as an independent nation. The other offshoots like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Newfoundland were still adolescent. The world regarded them and their motherland as one community. Foreign nations had begun to know something of several British colonies as producers of raw materials and of new ideas but their population was still in its infancy and was not yet a factor in international politics. Although the British Dominions had reached the stage where they were fast developing foreign relations,

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the British Government still undertook the conduct of their dealings with other countries.

Here in Australia we were apprehensive that we would be bound to provide armed forces other than those we individually chose to provide, or would commit to support a policy that we might not individually approve of. All of the “British” colonies at that time had established within their own coasts, some organization for home defense as well as voluntary civilian military service.

Our St Mary’s volunteers who enlisted in August 1914 sought excitement from their daily drudge of low paid or no paid work.

They would be getting paid to fight for their country and besides “it will all be over before Christmas” was the sentiment at that time. They were going to fight for their love ones and their homeland but they soon found out that they were enlisting under the “British” war machine and most were not happy. Of course we know that after the incompetence of the British War Cabinet and the disastrous Gallipoli campaign, the Australian and New Zealand volunteers were finally incorporated under their own Government and from that time were known as the “Diggers” of ANZAC. The 1st Battalion was the first infantry unit recruited for the Australian Imperial Forces in New South Wales during the First World War. The battalion was raised within a fortnight of the declaration of war in August 1914 and embarked just two months later. After a brief stop in Albany, Western Australia, the battalion proceeded to Egypt arriving on 2nd December. The battalion took part in the ANZAC landing on 25 April 1915 as part of the second and third waves, and served there until the evacuation in December. Ongoing research has so far produced thirteen volunteers who enlisted from St Marys between August and December 1914. Five were killed or died of wounds or disease at Gallipoli, three were killed in France and never returned to their family. Five of those remaining St Mary’s volunteers had to suffer through Gallipoli and the Western Front before they came home, mostly broken men. The suffering of those folks at home would have been unimaginable. No one could understand the suffering of those men who on trying to enlist, were rejected by the military because of height, weight, health or age and who received a “white feather” (resembling cowardice) from female members of the districts families whose husbands, sons or lovers had enlisted and were called up to fight.

Lest we Forget.

Source: Australian War Memorial & National Archives and research from: Lyn Forde, Vice-President of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

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Western News

WORD SEARCH

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

13 Western News 2 August 2019 Issue 90

INSTRUCTIONS

ENTERTAINMENT

SOLUTIONS: 19 July

kitchen items

EASY

oven

BRUSH

BLENDER

stove

KETTLE

DEEP FRYER

miCROWAVE FRIDGE

TOASTER RADIO SINK

COFFEE MAKER WAFFLE IRON

DISHWASHER

BREADMAKER

SPONGE

MOP

GLASSES

PLATES

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Stop a ball-carrier (6) 4 Stalemate (8) 10 Lay waste to (9) 11 A friction match (5) 12 Oafs (5) 13 External (9) 14 Fails to fulfill a promise (7) 16 Percussion instrument (4) 19 Rant (4) 21 Intestinal (7) 24 Fortune telling by

drawing lots (9) 25 Hardwood, carpeted or

_____ floors (5) 26 Form of Japanese

poetry (5) 27 Mesmerism (9) 28 Cowboy movies (8) 29 Pertaining to speech

sounds (6)

solution 19/7/19

down 1 Infants (8) 2 A written agreement (8) 3 Enumerates (5) 5 Thrown out (7) 6 Not easy (9) 7 Preoccupy (6) 8 Complain (6) 9 Tags (6) 15 Thankfulness (9) 17 More than a billion (8) 18 Scholarly (8) 20 Butler’s fictitious paradise (7) 21 Nontaxable (6) 22 Shun (6) 23 Intelligence (6) 25 Incisor or bicuspid (5)

Western News 2 August 2019 Issue 90

14

REAL ESTATE

Western News

Buy Now Pay Later

Alex Soncini

T

- the hidden danger potentially stopping you from owning your own home

he Buy Now Pay Later sector is winning-over the youth demographic with the promise of instant gratification, but leading mortgage brokers are warning that with every sugar-high comes the risk of a corresponding low.

‘Buy Now Pay Later’ providers such as AfterPay and Zip Pay have experienced massive growth in popularity, with the number of users jumping from 400,000 to approximately 2 million between 2015 and 2018.

Driven by a simple proposition whereby the Buy Now Pay Later provider pays the merchant on behalf of the customer, allowing the customer to obtain the goods or receive a service immediately while subsequently paying off the debt generally through instalments, Buy Now Pay Later presents a tempting offering.

But as the sector’s breakneck growth continues, mortgage professionals are warning users, particularly in the

younger demographic, to be cautious of overdoing it as this could risk effecting their chances of securing a home loan further down the track.

One could say “It’s the layby of our day but in reverse”. It’s your forward credit for an item, which can become problematic.

In theory, it makes sense. You get the item or service and pay it off over instalments, so you’re actually putting forward your liability.

This might be ok for someone that manages their money well, if they pay off the item on time and use their mortgage offset account correctly. This way they’re delaying expenses and offsetting more of their savings against their home loan.

One has to ask, how many people can manage their money this way, there’s probably one per cent of people doing that and the rest of them are spending beyond their means.

As a result, there may also be a

stigma associated with using Buy Now Pay Later schemes rather than paying up-front and in-full and utilising this payment method may potentially send the wrong message to a bank.

If a lender sees a ‘buy now pay later’ provider frequently on a client’s bank statements, that can trigger more questions about their spending behaviours and ultimately may mean they choose to decline the application.

I would much prefer to see my clients save for the item and demonstrate those good habits.

If you are concerned about your level of expenditure or your ability to secure a home loan, a conversation with your

mortgage broker could set you on the right path.

It’s important to appropriately manage your expenses well in advance of applying for a home loan, that way you can show the bank that you can save and afford to service a mortgage when the time comes.

Wealthwiz proudly helps many clients each year overcome all the red tape and barriers put in their way and if you need help with a loan or have any questions you can always have a oneon-one discussion.

Just give Alex a call on 0419 600 177 and tell us about your situation. The more we learn, the better we can help.

Special Offer For a free RP Data-Core Logic Property Report for your home or a property you’re interested in (Valued at $39.95), email Alex the address details of the property. alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au

@wealthwiz

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

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Western News

SPORT

Dunheved GC players in action during the July WSRVGA Inter-Club event at Richmond GC. Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

P

enrith GC has moved to the lead in the Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association (WSRVGA) Inter-Club competition, following another strong showing in the July event.

Richmond GC hosted the July event, providing their course in great condition and the players enjoying perfect weather.

The biggest winner on the day however was reigning Club of the Year Richmond, with their quartet of Noel Byles, Jim Bullock, Carol Carter

and Brian Holland finishing with the day’s best team score of 151, ahead of Penrith 146, Dunheved 146, Springwood 141, Leonay 139, Wallacia 134, Glenmore Heritage Valley 131 and Stonecutters Ridge 127.

The Club of the Year honours appear to be a match in four, even at this early stage of the year.

Richmond is showing a willingness to defend their title to the utmost but Penrith currently lead the rankings on 738, ahead of Dunheved 732, Richmond 731 and Wallacia 728.

The full list of results from the day are as follows: 2BBB Division One: Carol Carter, Carolyn Lozier (Richmond) 45; R/Up Jim Bullock, Karl

Lozier (Richmond) 44 c/b.

2BBB Division Two: Gary Posadas, Keith Wilson (Penrith) 45; Christine Hoppe, Noel Hoppe (Wallacia) 44 c/b.

Singles: Division One Men: Phillip Tunchon (Penrith) 39, R/Up Jim Bullock (Richmond) 38; Division Two: Mark Mostyn (Springwood) 38, R/ Up Brian Holland (Richmond) 37; Division Three: Noel Byles (Richmond) 39, R/Up Robert Sproule (Leonay) 38.

Singles: Division One Women: Sue Evers (Springwood) 38, R/Up Carol Carter (Richmond) 37; Division Two: Maureen Proctor (Penrith) 38, R/ Up Elaine Williams (Dunheved) 36.

Ruthless Rangers clinging to finals hopes with win over Sharks

By CONNER LOWE

T

hree second half goals have helped Mt Druitt Town Rangers end the finals hopes of the Sutherland Sharks with a 4-2 win at Seymour Shaw Park on Saturday evening.

Both the Sharks and Rangers needed all three points to keep their slim finals hopes alive but, in the end, it was an inspired display from the visitors which got the job done.

Rangers broke the deadlock when Toufic Alameddine sent in a teasing cross from the left enabling Cooper Coskerie to open the scoring with a shot that squirmed under the body of the diving Anthony Bouzanis in the 34th minute to give Mt Druitt a 1-0 lead.

The Sharks fired back just after the interval to level proceedings courtesy of a Bai Antoniou strike.

Charles Lokolingoy left Blake Thompson on his backside and fired in a shot that Saliadarre couldn’t hold allowing Bai Antoniou to steal to pick up the scraps and level the scores.

Sutherland had a spring in their step and upped the ante making an uncomfortable period for the Rangers to endure which was managed through grit, determination and partly desperation.

However, Mt Druitt fired back in emphatic form with a flurry of goals from Alex Boyadjian, John Roberts and Toufic Alameddine to take a commanding lead at 4-1 with less than 15 minutes to play.

A Raul Beneit penalty in the 76th minute hope cut

the deficit for the home side, but it wasn’t to be their night as Mt Druitt collected the points after Aidan Desmond’s men suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout FFA Cup Round of 32 loss to Manly United earlier in the week.

Antoniou could have made it an interesting final few minutes when slipping past his marker to power into the box before spinning to create space only to sky the effort over the crossbar.

It was a spirited, if ultimately fruitless, secondhalf performance from Sutherland but the Rangers were not to be denied at the final whistle and were worthy winners.

Mt Druitt Rangers will face last place Hakoah Sydney City East FC at Popondetta Park on Saturday 7pm. The Rangers will need to pick up all three points from their last two games if they are any chance to make finals.

Western News 2 August 2019 Issue 90

Dunheved GC Still in Contention for Club of the Year

15

Western News Friday, 2 August 2019

SPORT

Blacktown City shine in win against Wolves

By CONNER LOWE

B

l a c k to w n City FC have temporarily placed a spanner in the works of Wollongong Wolves’ hopes of claiming an early Premiership after shocking the league leaders with a 2-0 win at Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday.

The celebrations for the South Coast based side will have to wait another week as a first half goal from Grant Lynch and a second half strike from Joey Gibbs made the difference in a tight contest.

It was a huge result for Blacktown who are now in with a shot of a top two finish after APIA’s shock draw to Sydney FC on Saturday.

The action started with Wollongong on the attack when Darcy Madden flicked on for Lachlan Scott in the 5th minute but his header was well saved

by Tristan Prendergast down to his right.

A nice cross from Adam Berry midway through the second stanza of

play found an unmarked Joey Gibbs in the box but, unfortunately for the home side, his header was over the crossbar.

The tightly fought contest didn’t provide many clear-cut goal chances in the first half, so when they did arrive they were a real treat.

Just like in the 34th minute when Grant Lynch opened the scoring for the home side. A pin-point accurate

free kick from Adam Berry found Lynch in the box who headed home with some style after no Wollongong defender managed to track his run.

In the second half the opening salvo belonged Thomas James who fired his free kick straight at Prendergast.

However, it was Blacktown City that struck again in the 53rd minute when Berry made a great dash down the left before floating the ball

across the face of goal to Gibbs who made no mistake with his diagonal volley.

Shortly afterwards Blacktown could have made it three when a Berry free-kick reached Mason Versi at the back post but he flashed his header only fractionally over the crossbar.

In the 61st minute Lachlan Scott went down in the box and actually stayed down until treated, but referee Kurt Ams decided against giving the visitors a penalty.

Wollongong Wolves then had a great chance in the 72nd minute when substitute Brandon Stojcevski danced his way past a few defenders in the box before firing on target but he was denied by a great Prendergast save.

The last real chance of the contest belonged to Wollongong and it arrived right at the death when Chris Price tried to flick the ball unsuccessfully over Prendergast’s head.

Blacktown City will look to finish the season strong and pursue a top two finish. They face fifth place Marconi Stallions on Saturday 7pm at Marconi Stadium.