Western News 5 July 2019

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Friday, 5 July 2019

ISSUE 88

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home sweet home Rivera Place is part of Hawkesbury Living providing exceptional standards of aged care in Richmond. See page 2 for full story.

Western News 5 July 2019 Issue 88

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Building communities… ‘a place for you’

R

ivera Place, the $13 million extension of Hawkesbury Living aged care, delivers exceptional personal and medical care.

Heralding a new era of quality standards with homely environment and resort-style finishes, Rivera Place is the fourth major extension to the March Street, Richmond, site.

It’s impressive, contemporary, 4.5 star fit-out, offers three levels of specialist care suites including premium suites with living area and private ensuite, as well as companion suites.

Rivera Place features views across historic Richmond Park and to the Blue Mountains, 5-star chef service and Maggie Beer Foundation inspired food choices. Its design was inspired by our returned and ex-servicemen, especially those from the Somme Valley, and celebrates our elder generations right down to the handpicked fixtures and ornaments.

While you can be assured of the best clinical and medical care, Rivera Place’s suites are designed with “the feeling of home”. Spacious and modern, with communal areas for family functions, lounge areas and Internet corners.

“We focus on wellness rather than

illness, providing local access to health care, and alternative lifestyle choice to traditional aged care models,” Kimberley Talbot, Group CEO, said.

“We believe a sense of belonging and companionship is vital to wellbeing, and everyone deserves to live with purpose and dignity.”

Rivera Place’s affordable superior services feature: • 18x 39-square suites; 7x 29-square single suites; all have ensuites • Single and optional two-bed companion suites • Bar fridges in most rooms, internet corners • Personal phones, TVs • Kitchenettes with unlimited access to tea and coffee making on each level

• Open alfresco areas with lounges and dining rooms on each level • Stunning resort-style fittings and fixtures • Function room areas for family celebrations • Sweeping outdoor verandahs, landscaped gardens • The latest inpatient lifters to reduce skin damage or falls • Maggie Beer inspired food menus; 5-star chef service • New Burlodge Food delivery system installed throughout the entire site • Courtesy bus connects residents with all Richmond Club Group services – bingo, social trips, entertainment, Richmond Golf Club, Active8 gym, Amber Style and Beauty Salon.

Hawkesbury Living aged care in the heart of Richmond specialising in complex behavioural and memory conditions, as well as palliative and respite care.

The Rivera Place extension marks the third stage of the Richmond Club Group’s master vision, with the next phase including the development of a retirement community adjacent to the club in Francis Street and co-located within a village square and wellness centre.

“We are not just a club, we invest in the wellbeing of our community,” Ms Talbot said.

Places are now open. Visit riveraplace.com.au Call 4578 2966 for an information pack or to arrange a tour of the facility.

Double delight for NSW active kids

By KeRRIE DAVIES

K

ids are keeping active while their parents are keeping the cash, with each school-enrolled NSW child now able to access two $100 Active Kids vouchers from July 1.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the money helps parents pay registration costs for sport and recreation, so our kids can participate and stay active all year-round.

“Families across NSW keep telling me how much the Active Kids Vouchers help them manage the cost of living. Now with two per school enrolled child, parents keep even more money in their back pocket while their kids stay happy and healthy,” said Mr Perrottet.

Since the Active Kids program was launched in 2018, more than one

million vouchers have been redeemed and more than $100 million saved by NSW families.

Minister for Sport John Sidoti said it is a big win for NSW when more kids can participate in sport

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because of the Government’s drive to take down the barriers to expensive registration costs.

“Whether it is soccer, scouts, AFL, rugby, netball, golf or volleyball, you’re sure to find an activity kids will

JUNE SPECIALS

love. Active Kids really is making a difference to children’s participation in sport and active recreation in NSW,” Mr Sidoti said.

From January – June there was an overall increase of 13 per cent in the number of Active Kids’ vouchers created, including a 17 per cent rise in vouchers created for girls following an influx of registrations for dance, gymnastics, tennis and swimming Active Kids providers.

“These are incredible results and demonstrate why the NSW Government is investing an additional $40 million this year to expand the Active Kids program.”

Parents of school-enrolled children can access a second $100 Active Kids voucher to use towards registration and membership fees for sport and active recreation each year. For further information visit sport.nsw.gov.au/ activekids or call 13 13 02.

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lacktown City Council and the Australian Red Cross Blood Service have teamed up again this year to help save lives through blood donations.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP is encouraging Council staff and Blacktown City residents to roll up their sleeves and donate blood as part of the annual Red Cross Red25 Council Blood Challenge.

Mayor Bali said, “Last year Blacktown City Council took out the top national award for saving the most lives.

“As a council we made 268 blood donations helping to save 804 lives across Australia. This was an increase of 246 lives saved from the year before.

“This year our goal is to reach 300 blood donations from Blacktown City Council.”

Last year Blacktown City Council also had the most number of new donors nationwide with 59 staff members giving blood for the first time.

The challenge is open to anyone who works for Council or who lives in Blacktown City. Donors simply need to ask that their blood donation be recorded on Blacktown City Council’s tally when they give blood.

“This year we are also aiming to increase our plasma donations,” Mayor Bali said.

“The demand for plasma is growing rapidly.

Plasma can be used to treat numerous medical conditions including brain disorders or immune deficiencies and in restoring blood volume in the treatment of shock or burns.

“This is the fourth year that Blacktown City Council has participated in the Red25 Council

Blood Challenge and we hope it will be the greatest year yet,” Mayor Bali said.

“Donating blood doesn’t take long and you could save three lives in the process. I encourage everyone who can, to take part in this challenge.”

The mobile blood donor van will be a regular visitor to Blacktown, Rouse Hill, Plumpton and Marsden Park from July through to September.

Western News 5 July 2019 Issue 88

Roll up your sleeves for the blood challenge

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Blood donations from councils during this period each year are recorded and the council with the most blood donations wins the challenge.

To donate blood please visit: www.donateblood. com.au/ Billy the Blood Drop visits staff members at Blacktown City Council to encourage blood donations.

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

Western News 5 July 2019 Issue 88

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From the Editor’s Desk

By BART BASSETT

Raising Warragamba Dam wall is for flood safety not a Trojan Horse for development When Warragamba Dam was built it was built as a water storage facility, not a mitigation dam and even to this day that is exactly what the operating procedure is for the dam; to keep it as full as possible to supply Sydney with quality potable water.

Prior to 1995, the Fahey Government were very responsible in planning to minimise the potential for a catastrophic flood in the Hawkesbury/Nepean Floodplain. They believed the risk of a catastrophic flood was so great they embarked on an investigation to mitigate such a flood and the decision was made to raise the dam wall by 23 meters. Unfortunately during the campaign leading up to the 1995 state election Bob Carr was desperate to appease The Greens and garner their preferences and he committed that if elected the dam wall would not be raised. Little consideration was given to the devastation to both private and government assets downstream of the wall in the event of a flood. To protect the integrity of the wall, a spillway was built and to protect lives downstream of the wall, flood evacuation routes were upgraded in the floodplain but it did nothing to aid in reducing catastrophic consequence to property. The potential for a devastating flood in western Sydney will wipe out tens of thousands of private homes and businesses as well as countless government and private assets. That would also plunge the state budget into billions of dollars in costs and even more in lost economic activity over the time it would take to rectify the damage.

Now following years of further studies and expert advice, the State Government has gone out to public consultation on raising the dam wall by 14 meters. Yet again the usual “anti everything groups” are dragging out every conspiracy theory to try and stop the project. One such conspiracy theory is that it is being done so development can occur in areas of the floodplain where development is currently prohibited. This is completely incorrect - there is no plan to change the building flood height. This plan is all about flood safety on the Hawkesbury/Nepean floodplain.

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

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Western News 5 July 2019 Issue 88

Oh baby!

W

orld-renowned documentary series One Born Every Minute is coming to Westmead Hospital.

The brand new Australian version of the show will be exclusively filmed at the facility and broadcast on Network 10.

The series will document life within the hospital’s busy birthing unit, focusing on the human stories of women and their families as they welcome babies into the world.

Since launching in the UK in 2010, Endemol Shine’s One Born Every Minute remains the most successful multi-camera documentary series ever produced.

There have been 11 consecutive seasons in the UK and versions have been produced in the United States of America, France, Israel, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Czech Republic and Denmark.

Westmead Hospital’s women’s health director Donna Garland said the eight-episode series will showcase the high level of care provided by the team in the hospital’s birthing unit.

“The show will undoubtedly celebrate the fantastic care and support we provide to new families every day,” Donna said.

“I am sure the public will enjoy

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seeing the way we interact and support families during their birthing journey.”

Endemol Shine executive producer Debbie Cuell said the production crew was attracted to the diverse population of patients at Westmead Hospital.

“Western Sydney captures a true picture of Australia with its wonderful diversity and broad range of age groups of women becoming mums,” Debbie said.

“We look forward to showcasing the first Australian season of One Born Every Minute at Westmead Hospital on Channel Ten later this year.”

Pregnant women interested in being on the show and will be giving birth between 1 July and 18 August at Westmead Hospital are encouraged to email oneborneveryminute@ endemolshine.com.au or call 0468 914 953.

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First stage of Warrick Lane demolition completed

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali declares Stage One of the Warrick Lane site demolition complete.

T

he transformation of the Blacktown CBD has taken another step forward with the completion of the first stage of demolition work in Blacktown City Council’s Warrick Lane redevelopment project.

The first stage involved levelling the old Blacktown Mall in Main Street and a number of adjoining shops and the removal of all debris and materials.

The demolition and excavation comes ahead of the construction of the 450-space underground car park, new town plaza and buildings flanking the plaza.

The site at the corner of Warrick Lane and Main Street.

(from right) Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali, Councillor Moninder Singh, Councillor Kathie Collins join demolition contractors in marking completion of Stage One

The Warrick Lane redevelopment project will also provide the site for Australian Catholic University’s

Blacktown Campus.

The next stage of the project will commence in Mid July involving

the demolition of 81-83 Main Street, including the buildings occupied by Westpac and Connect Hearing.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “Throughout the demolition process Council has insisted that contractors put in place strict dust, noise and vibration minimisation measures.

“The site is sealed off from the surrounding area and specialist hazardous materials disposal measures are in place and rigorously enforced to ensure complete public safety,” Mayor Bali said.

‘Nothing can beat it’: expectant mother praises midwife service

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other-to-be Jessica Wilson is feeling confident about the birth of her first child thanks to the support of her midwife.

Jessica recently had her first home visit as part of the Blacktown Midwifery Group Practice Service, and described the experience as “fantastic”.

The service allows awaiting mothers to access midwifery care and support from the comfort of their own home throughout their pregnancy and for the first two weeks after birth.

The service also supports women who want a natural, intervention free birth, want to breastfeed their babies and are happy for an early discharge from hospital, if all is well after birth.

Continuity of care with a known midwife has been proven to improve outcomes for women and babies and increase breastfeeding success.

Jessica Wilson, who is from Acacia Gardens, said there is no doubt she

would recommend the program to other expectant mums.

“Considering it is a public hospital program, it is free of charge, nothing can beat it,” Jessica said.

“This is my first baby and the program has given me the confidence that my midwife will be present for the entirety of my birth and that I will

have that constant support.”

Jessica’s midwife Rachel O’Donnell is thrilled to be one of the midwives involved in the program, and said she enjoys helping families be more prepared for birth and bringing their baby home.

“If the couple already have kids it’s great because both the partner and the

kids can be a lot more involved with the experience,” Rachel said.

“It’s also great for the hospital to have women supported and confident with the care provided in their home.”

If you would like to know more, email wslhd-midwiferygrouppracticeblacktown@health.nsw.gov.au or visit the service’s Facebook page.

Man charged following pursuit through Tregear A man has been charged following a pursuit on the weekend.

Just after 11pm on Saturday 29 June, officers from Mt Druitt Police Area Command sighted a Holden Commodore without registration plates, travelling along Sedgam Crescent, Shalvey, and attempted to stop it.

The car pulled over momentarily, before driving off when police exited their vehicle.

A pursuit was initiated and terminated a short

time later in Tregear due to the dangerous manner of driving.

PolAir continued to track the Commodore as it travelled through nearby suburbs. The vehicle stopped at Tregear Reserve, behind Ellsworth Drive, and the man fled into bushland.

A short time later, the man was located hiding in a creek and arrested by the Dog Unit.

He was taken to Mt Druitt Hospital for mandatory testing and treatment of a minor

injury, before being taken to Mt Druitt Police Station.

The 28-year-old man was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, never licenced person drive vehicle on road and drive recklessly/ furiously or speed/manner dangerous.

Police also executed a revocation of parole warrant on the man.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Bail Court.

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lacktown City Council has awarded scholarships to 12 residents, recognising their outstanding academic performance in 2018.

The $1,500 scholarships are open to students who reside in Blacktown City and have completed at least one year of study at a recognised tertiary institution.

“Blacktown is a city that celebrates diversity and talent and this is truly reflected in the age, achievements, backgrounds and study choices of our scholarship recipients,” Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said.

“The courses being undertaken should serve the Blacktown community extremely well, covering a wide range of employment needs and opportunities in our rapidly developing economy.

“When our scholarship holders complete their studies they will use their knowledge to support and enhance our community.”

One of the recipients, Blacktown resident Scott Lyon is using his studies to adapt to a changing workforce.

Scott is a geologist who is retraining at WSU as a physiotherapist following the downturn in the mining industry. He has been awarded the Anne Aquilina Scholarship.

Named in honour of Anne

Blacktown City Council 2019 Scholarship recipients with Mayor Stephen Bali MP and scholarship selection panel members Mrs Anne-Marie Kestle, Dr Bill Palmer and Professor Neville Webber.

Aquilina, the popular Blacktown physiotherapist and academic and late wife of the first Mayor of Blacktown City Council, Hon. John Aquilina, the scholarship specifically assists students of physiotherapy, sports medicine or health sciences at tertiary level.

The scholarships were awarded on the advice of Council’s independent panel consisting of Dr Bill Palmer, senior lecturer, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Sydney University; Neville Webber, Emeritus Professor, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Sydney University, and retired teacher, Mrs Anne-Marie Kestle.

The full list of Blacktown City Scholarship recipients for 2019: • Emann-Ray Arago from Oakhurst,

studying Civil Engineering and Commerce at Sydney University.

• Varsha Bubathi from Doonside, studying Analytics and International Studies at University of Technology, Sydney.

• Carl Hemsworth from Blacktown, studying Engineering (Honours) and Science at University of Technology, Sydney.

• Luke Jones from Ropes Crossing, studying for a Masters of Teaching (Secondary) STEM at Western Sydney University.

• Mikaela Mandato from Seven Hills, is studying Diagnostic Radiography (Masters) at Sydney University.

• Christine O’Keefe from Minchinbury is studying Early

Childhood learning at TAFE. • Erin Oliver from Lalor Park is studying Medical Sciences at Macquarie University.

• Sophia Osborne from Prospect is studying Midwifery at Western Sydney University.

• Areum Shin from Doonside is studying Science & Fine Arts at University of New South Wales.

• Patrick Zhu from Blacktown is studying Vision Science and Clinical Optometry(Masters) at University of New South Wales.

• Scott Lyon from Blacktownis is studying Science (Physiotherapy) at Western Sydney University.

• Dayna Fairweather, from Blacktown is studying Dental Medicine at Sydney University.

Centre rises from the ashes

Residents enjoy the new Woodcroft Neighbourhood Centre during the official opening.

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new $4.5 million Woodcroft Neighbourhood Centre has risen from the ashes.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the new centre which can seat 200 people will be a popular venue for family reunions, weddings, birthday parties and community activities.

“The new centre is inspired by the beautiful surroundings of the Woodcroft Reserve with the soaring roof and brickwork acknowledging the site’s links to water and the former brick quarry,” Mayor Bali said.

The new centre will seat 200 people and will be a popular venue for events.

“The wonderful new purpose-built building also has a commercial kitchen and a multipurpose meeting room.”

The old Woodcroft Neighbourhood Centre was tragically destroyed in January 2015 in a fire that was later found to have been deliberately lit.

“Following the fire, Council committed to building a new centre that showed excellence in design and that would become a community hub for a full range of groups and activities,” Mayor Bali said.

Council sought and received valuable feedback

from the community that strongly influenced the final design.

Mayor Bali acknowledged the contributions

by Council staff, Westbury Constructions, CarterWilliamson Architects, and AECOM Cost Consultants in the design and construction of the new centre.

The official opening was held on Saturday 15 June, bringing together residents, Council and contractors to enjoy a day of live performances, displays and ECO walks at the new centre all in the beautiful surroundings of Woodcroft Reserve.

Western News 5 July 2019 Issue 88

Scholarships recognising academic excellence

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Western News 5 July 2019 Issue 88

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Blacktown Hospital doctor’s inspirational triumph over obesity

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Blacktown Hospital endocrinologist is

encouraging others in the community to win their own war on obesity after winning his weight loss battle and shedding 45kg.

Dr Ramy Bishay said it is surprising how much a person can achieve with the right support and determination.

“It’s possible to achieve a goal that at the time may seem impossible,” Dr Bishay said.

“As a very obese person nearly 10 years ago, I know how hard it is to overcome, but I didn’t give up. I had no surgery, special diets or pills. I did things the hard way without much intervention and, with the help of my family, went from 120kg to 75kg.

“My motivation was my family and my health,” Dr Bishay said.

“An unhealthy BMI can shave anywhere from 10 to 20 years off your life.

“A person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases by more than six times if they are overweight or obese, compared with that of someone of a healthy weight.

“Excess weight also doubles, even triples, your chance of developing cardiovascular disease and is now the fastest growing reason for chronic liver disease – the number one reason for liver transplantation.

“Primary care physicians and allied health professionals in the community play an important role in helping to solve the problem but I’d encourage

everyone who needs to lose weight to have a go – you can do it,” Dr Bishay said.

Dr Bishay heads up the Blacktown Hospital Metabolic and Weight Loss Clinic which opened in 2017 as part of the Western Sydney Local Health District strategy to ‘beat diabetes together’.

Western Sydney Diabetes, the

Blacktown General Practitioners Association and the Western Sydney Primary Health Network collaborated at a recent obesity symposium at Blacktown Hospital – an initiative of the Western Sydney Collaborative Approach.

More than 120 health care professionals including tertiary clinicians, general practitioners,

dietitians, psychologists, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, nurses and carers attended the event.

“More than two-thirds (65.7 per cent) of the Western Sydney population is overweight or obese,” said Dr Bishay.

“From 1995 to 2015, Australians have put on an extra 4kg on average and it will take a whole-of-community effort to reduce this.

“So if you want to lose weight, but don’t know where to start, please speak to your GP or healthcare professional – we want to listen and we are here to help. Or you can contact Get Healthy Coaching, a free telephone coaching service which can provide you with the support and motivation you need to reach you own healthy lifestyle goals.

“Start the conversation today and join the fight against obesity in western Sydney,” Dr Bishay said.

WSLHD invests approximately $2 million annually on tackling obesity, and $1.5 million for the Western Sydney Diabetes initiative.

In 2017-18, the NSW Ministry of Health invested $31 million towards reducing the prevalence of obesity in NSW. For more information about the Western Sydney Diabetes program visit: https://www. westernsydneydiabetes.com.au/ For more information about the free Get Healthy Program, visit: https:// www.gethealthynsw.com.au/

Government puts more money into your pocket

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n average family can now save up to $2000 with three new cost of living measures introduced on 1 July, including doubling of Active Kids vouchers, half-priced rego and the $200 Seniors Energy Rebate.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Treasurer Dominic Perrottet at the Transport Management Centre in Eveleigh last week to launch the new initiatives.

Ms Berejiklian said that over the next year the NSW Government expects to deliver more than $1 billion in savings back to households across NSW through more than 70 measures in the Cost of Living program.

“Households will now be eligible for up to $2000 in savings. This is thanks to a number of measures including Toll Relief, the Family Energy Rebate, Active Kids, Creative Kids, CTP refunds and Energy Switch,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Putting downward pressure on cost of living pressures is a key priority for the NSW Government and from tomorrow, households will be able to save even more.

“Service NSW’s Cost of Living program has had 1.2 million transactions so far, helping thousands of people across the State.”

Mr Perrottet said the average saving from Service NSW’s cost of living appointment per customer is $550.

“Over the last year more than $800 million in savings has been delivered to people across NSW through the Cost of Living program. I encourage every person in NSW to go visit a Service NSW Centre or use the Savings Finder online to see what they are eligible for,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We have made it easier than ever before for people to save money on their bills.”

Across NSW, we estimate the three

new initiatives will see each year: • More than 123,000 drivers receive half price rego under the expanded Toll

Relief program and save up to $357.50 • Thousands of households benefit from the doubling of Active Kids Vouchers, saving up to $200 per eligible child • Around 130,000 seniors benefit from the $200 Seniors Energy Rebate.

The NSW Government has reduced the cost of living and cut taxes by hundreds of millions of dollars in the past year through popular programs such as Active and Creative Kids, CTP savings, energy rebates, the Baby Bundle, Stamp Duty concessions, Caravan Registration rebate, Payroll Tax cuts and the Opal Fare cap.

For more information on Cost of Living measures in NSW, check the Savings Finder: www.service.nsw. gov.au/campaign/cost-living

Savings across NSW to date: First Home Buyer Transfer duty discounts, July 2017- May 2019

$887,400,000

59,800

$14,800

First Home Buyer Grant (new homes), July 2017- May 2019

$187,600,000

16,300

$11,500

Active Kids, Jan 2018

$105,111,704

1,060,813

$99

Creative Kids, Jan 2019

$24,592,000

245,920

$100

CTP savings, Dec 2017 – Jun 2019

$1.03 billion

8.7 million

$118 per policy

Energy Switch, Oct 2018

$3,780,198

8,889

$425

Western News 5 July 2019 Issue 88

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Western News

A little taste of Bosnia: the place at the centre of the world

Mostar

Where World War I started

By BEN CRANNEY

I

n Sarajevo, I felt like I’d found the centre of the world. I could see this in the cultural mix, the architectural mix, the food mix. It was as if little bits of places from all round the world had been collected from millennia of interactions to create something unique.

We came in from Serbia, through little villages, past thick forests and along the most beautiful green river. Our first stop was a haunting experience at Srebreneca, the site of the genocide of muslim Bosnian males. 8000 graves in the hot, dead air. A few decades had not been enough for the violence of the 1990s to have faded. When we inadvertently watched a video of people being shot, we left with a hollow feeling in our stomachs, and a thought that it was impossible to relate to such an event.

A history of conflict was also evident throughout Sarajevo. Bullet holes pockmark the city, left over from the 90s war. Crawling through a section of the UN’s only supply channel under the airport gave a sense of hopelessness, and learning how kids played games with snipers created a sense of despair. This was also the city where, only a handful of decades earlier, Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination was the excuse needed for the European superpowers to start World War 1 to determine who was the centre of the world.

Despite such recent trauma, it’s a very outgoing and cosmopolitan city.

Walking through the old city, past overstocked trinket shops, is a cafe goers delight. Whether you like tea, coffee, pastries (burek, pastry stuffed with meat, is enough reason to visit), or smoking hookah, you won’t want to leave. Find a spot on Baščaršija Square

Mountain rivers

to watch kids chase the pigeons. Visit the bobsled track of the 1984 winter Olympics for a taste of urban ruin.

Take a taxi to the top of the mountain to the ruins of the White Fortress, for a view over the town.

Then head to Mostar, the little town built from stone whose 25 meter tall

bridge has a history of men jumping from it to the river below. The locals are unlikely to jump, peacocking around until a tourist pays them enough. They didn’t while I watched, so don’t waste time you could use exploring a little more of the centre of the world.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Windows of Opportunity

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ands up those of you who remember Play School. I’m not sure if this was just broadcast in the UK, but I remember watching it with my daughter when she was little and she used to get very excited when the presenters had to chose which window to go through that day.

Would it be the round one or the square one? What delights lay in wait for us through the glass?

At the risk of offending the whole of the spirit world in one go, I sometimes think that their realm is rather like Play School. I’m not suggesting that we get out the Play Doh or bounce around on those huge balloon things, although that could be great fun, but rather they give us windows of opportunity and we are never really quite sure what awaits us on the other side.

When I first became aware of the other world, I was actually quite scared. I didn’t know anything about it except from films and books where spectral presences were definitely not to be welcomed, long before the days of movies such as the wonderful Ghost. I talked to my dear old medium, Mrs Caesar, who explained to me that at different times, Spirit would hold out its hand and it was up to us whether we took that hand. If we didn’t feel we were ready, we could very politely refuse and ask them to come back later. Now to a rather nervous and definitely unintentional clairvoyant, this was great news and

this is in fact what I did.

And this is what we can do with those windows that open up for us. I did have one of those Play School moments last week when all of a sudden a whole opportunity appeared before my eyes. My husband I were talking about this rather exciting development and I said I thought I ought to hop through the window before it closed. For a nasty moment poor David thought I was planning to break another pane of glass to get into the house as I had done a while ago when I locked myself out, but once I had managed to reassure him, he asked me how long the windows stayed open. Good question.

I have since pondered long and hard on this but have yet to come up with a completely satisfying answer. Every time I asked Gran & Co about it, I was given a rather enigmatic picture of trains.

When people have asked me how spirit can see into the future as well as the past, I have often used the example of trains passing at different speeds.

Sometimes the spirit train is ahead of us, sometimes behind us and when the doors open, information can be passed to us. Time as we know it doesn’t exist in the other world and is a lot more flexible.

But this information about trains was different.

Where I live, we are at a railway terminus. This is very handy because I can just amble down to the station and get on the train in a leisurely fashion.

However, when I get the train back from Sydney, I often have to pelt up the stairs and, at risk to life and limb, jump through the closing doors as the stop is very brief. So sometimes on our life’s path, we have all the time in the world to stroll through the window but at other times we have to seize the opportunity, close our eyes and take that leap of faith. How do we know how much time we have? Well, we don’t really. Just don’t be afraid to follow your dream and jump over the sill as quickly as you can.

Bouncy castle anyone?

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

Western News 5 July 2019 Issue 88

12

WESTERN HISTORY

Satellite City for St Marys

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

A

s early as 1946, a glossy brochure published by Mr Dedman the Minister for Post-War Reconstruction showed the many buildings available on the ADI site that outlined an ambitious plan to convert the “struggling unattractive township of St Marys” with a population of 5,400 into a “bright new model garden town, fully planned, using an enlightened blend of industrial progress and civic growth guided by aesthetic standards”.

It was envisaged that the population would grow to 15,000 within the next few years or so and the township itself would develop more rapidly, adjacent and to the south of the railway station, while the industrial development would proceed on the north side of the line. The planned concept was that of a pleasing civic centre with open-air podium, community hall, council chambers, recreation sports fields and schools with orderly street planning for homes. There was to be two fly-over roads crossing at the Great Western Highway and the industrial area would spread westerly on the northern side of the line as far as Kingswood. In July 1948, the Federal Government contributed £10,000 towards the cost of preparing a town planning scheme for St Marys. The region began transforming into a suburban space as a direct result of the County of Cumberland Planning Scheme in that year, with the desire to create larger local Government areas with the merging of small towns such as St Marys with Penrith, and the identification of greenbelt areas and satellite cities. This site was the present town of Penrith with St Marys and a few smaller settlements. Mr Dedman said the Government would take this action because of the importance it attached to St Marys as a growing industrial centre. The site already had a huge industrial estate and a considerable agricultural industry. In January 1950, one of the biggest joint town planning efforts in Australian history was underway with the creation of “Sydney’s” first satellite city. The Cabinet SubCommittee on Secondary Industries had approved the leasing of further Government owned factories at St Marys for the production, and already the area was producing £2,000,000 worth of goods, including textiles, quick frozen food for Qantas airline catering, electrical, commercial and domestic heating and cooking equipment, men’s coats, ties, handkerchiefs, shirts and pyjamas.. The capacity of the new city was to be 40,000 people, working eventually in a U-shaped area at the foot of the Blue Mountains, equal to the combined population at that time of Goulburn, Bathurst and Tamworth. They had blueprinted for accident-proof streets, modern housing, big shopping centres and (this time) a replacement of the Great Western Highway with another express highway passing through the environs of the satellite metropolis. The “satellite town” was the English planner’s solution to oversized cities.

Penrith-St Marys had most of the nation advantages for a perfect satellite city as it was closely tied to the Blue Mountains and the Nepean River, and in 1950 was in the process of being linked by electric railway and an express motorway to Sydney. A special committee with representatives of the Commonwealth Government, the Cumberland County Council and Penrith Council was set up to formulate a policy. Major planning work was to be carried out by experts of the Cumberland County Council

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in consultation with the special committee. In March 1950, Norman Weeks from the Local Government Department & Cumberland County Council town planning staff, addressed the St Marys’ Chamber of Commerce on the question of planning and said that Penrith and St Marys would be developed as different types of centres. Some 50 persons, including deputations from various local associations were also at the meeting at the Mechanics Institute. He explained that the Cumberland Planning Scheme was not a town scheme but a regional scheme for the whole county, but there was only one scheme (St Marys’ Satellite city) that had outside funding, and the original town planning in this locality was designed entirely for St Marys that concentrated mainly on Queen St to Ropes Creek on the eastern boundary and in his opinion Parramatta, which was in his view “the first satellite city” and should have been the centre of Sydney, with the next satellite city being St Marys. In the 1950’s the munitions factory site covered 3,500 acres with 900 buildings and internal passenger and goods railway, first class roads, sewerage, air conditioning, automatic fire sprinklers, cafeterias and hostel accommodation. The Housing Commission and the Commonwealth War Service Homes Division was building new homes to provide for the labour force and the tourist and recreation value of the district was also being developed. Already established tourism such as the Nepean River and the Blue Mountains was under consideration to expand and extend, taking in the Nepean Valley between Wallacia and Castlereagh and eastwards towards Blacktown. The Blue Mountains area was to get a new National Park on the Nepean Gorge near Mulgoa and development was planned for the Nepean rowing course to be made into an aquatic sports centre.

Technical Officers were carrying out extensive civic surveys of Penrith and St Marys and working drawings were being prepared as a prelude to the outline plan that was submitted to all the authorities concerned. The Planning Committee had developed a vigorous public relations policy so that the public would be constantly informed of each stage of planning and given every opportunity to share the problems and solutions while turning a “sleepy town into a thriving city”. One of the first to see the advantages of all this was J.K. Williams Ltd. Jack Williams was one of the first who arrived in the region when it was mostly market gardens.

Jack came from Dubbo with a young family and an ex-Army truck and bulldozer. He started working at the Australian Blue Metal quarry at St Marys. At the time, the Commonwealth Government was in the process of selling off the Department of Defence munitions land in the district to build new factories that would become the engine room for the country’s post-war manufacturing revival. Factories needed workers and workers need somewhere to live so a plan was needed to open large areas of land for housing subdivision for an instant workforce. They were hoping this would initiate an exodus from Sydney’s metro suburbs, lured by the opportunities for work and cheap homes and Jack was quick to real¬ise the opportunities opening around him, and in 1958 he quit the quarry to begin work on the emerging subdivisions. Max Dupain photo of 1948 entrance to the ADI courtesy of State Library.

Sources: John O’Brien’s 1950 Snapshots in Time-Planning Australia’s First Satellite City”, “Visions of Suburbia” Edited by Roger Silverstone, Kenworth “Building the Future” online, Trove.

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13 Western News 5 July 2019 Issue 88

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

Western News

The Simpsons Characters HOMER

MOE

SELMA

MARGE

APU

PATTY

BART

CLETUS

SIDESHOW BOB

LISA

MR BURNS

RALPH

KRUSTY

OTTO

WILLIE

BARNEY

NELSON

SMITHERS

GRAMPA

NED

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Certification (14) 10 Earlier in time (5) 11 Exclusive (9) 12 A fire-breathing

monster of Greek

mythology (7) 13 A perforated sheet

used in duplicators (7) 14 Sends out (5) 16 Piety (9) 19 Chastise (9) 20 Backs of necks (5) 22 Army reserves (7) 25 Wedge-shaped (7) 27 Timber workers (9) 28 Labor organization (5) 29 Sins (14)

solution 21/6/19

down 2 Heat, water and electricity (9) 3 Steed (5) 4 Longing for something past (9) 5 Runs an engine in neutral (5) 6 Accumulation (9) 7 Relating to the lower body (5) 8 Pins (7) 9 Native American tribe (6) 15 Speed (9) 17 Bandages (9) 18 Increasing in size (9) 19 King Arthur’s capital (7) 21 A trigonometric function (6) 23 Vampire (5) 24 Knights wore this (5) 26 Nymph (5)

Western News 5 July 2019 Issue 88

14

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

W

Western News

Is one phone call really all it takes to secure a lower interest rate?

ith official interest rates trending downward, shrewd mortgage holders may take the opportunity to call their lender to ask for a better deal.

But when even a small interest rate reduction means potential savings of thousands of dollars, is a simple phone call really enough to get you there?

In 2019, ‘your interest rate should have a three in front of it’, is common advice for home owners considering the competitiveness of their loan settings.

But while a number of lenders offer lower rates to new customers, it’s not always so simple for existing customers to secure the same outcome.

A leading mortgage and finance broker says that if people want a better deal on their mortgage, there are basically two options:

1. Call your bank and ask them to match the new rate, or 2. Contact your broker and vote with your feet.

And although the first option is commonly recommended, lenders aren’t always so obliging when it comes to rate-matching to get you a more affordable mortgage.

“As an existing client, it can be disheartening to see your bank offer new customers a lower rate to the one you currently have.

“Lenders regularly try to ‘win’ new customers by offering low rates. It is a great acquisition strategy.

“But if they refuse to match your current rate to this new offer, you can always contact a broker and refinance with a lender who is hungry to win your business.”

Mortgage brokers, on average, have access to a panel of 34 lenders and this creates competition amongst

lenders. Mortgage brokers are also in a position to offer you a more indepth and customised level of service.

This can allow them to find their customers a mortgage product that may suit their current needs, wants and circumstances.

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.

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Western News

SPORT

Photos from the WSRVGA Inter-Club event at Glenmore Heritage Valley GC. Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

G

lenmore Heritage Valley GC was the host club for the latest round of the Western Sydney Region Veterans Golf Association (WSRVGA) Inter-Club competition, which was held on Wednesday 16th June.

The course has just been re-rated

by Golf Link, with the White plates moving from 136 to 139 slope rating, based upon the results of thousands of rounds played at the course over the past 12 months.

Glenmore HV certainly lived up

to its new high ranking, with scores returned on the day the lowest of any Inter-Club event this year.

Penrith GC proved to be the big winners at the Inter-Club, with its leading four players taking out the Team (Club) event with a combined total of 143 points, ahead of reigning Club of the Year Richmond GC with 135, then Wallacia GC and Dunheved GC with 133 apiece.

Wallacia (594 points) leads the ‘Club of the Year’ competition, just 2 points ahead of Penrith (592), whilst local clubs Dunheved (586) and Stonecutters Ridge (559) are in third and sixth positions respectively.

The Player of the Year rankings

stayed unchanged due to the low scores at Glenmore, with the Men’s Division headed by Dunheved duo Greg Williams and Peter Green (both on 111), ahead of Garry Smith (Richmond) 109, Peter Whiddon (Dunheved) 108 and Greg Burke (Dunheved) 107.

Elaine Williams (Dunheved), Carol Lozier (Richmond) and Carol Carter (Richmond) all sit atop the Women’s Division locked at 94 points apiece, ahead of Di Bowen (Dunheved) on 92.

2BBB Men: Winners Russell Cruikshank, Vince Lyons (Penrith) 46 points; Runners-Up Robert Delaney, Paul Portelli (Dunheved)

43; 2BBB Medley: Winners Jo-Ellen Thorpe, Patrick Thorpe (Wallacia) 45; Runners-Up Richard Paynter, Elizabeth Paynter (Springwood) 43.

A Grade Men Singles: Vince Lyons (Penrith) 32 c/b, Keith Kam (Stonecutters) 32; B Grade: Richard Paynter (Springwood) 35 c/b, Garry Allsopp (Penrith) 35; C Grade: Russell Cruikshank (Penrith) 38, Patrick Thorpe (Wallacia) 36.

Ladies Singles: Division 1 Di Bowen (Dunheved) 33, Jo-Ellen Thorpe (Wallacia) 32.

Team Event: Penrith GC (Russell Cruikshank, Peter Lock, Ray Forster, Garry Allsopp) – 143 pts.

Blacktown City too strong for FC youngsters

By CONNER LOWE

A

spectacular Joey Gibbs bicycle kick has helped Blacktown City claim a dominant 3-1 win against Sydney FC at Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday.

The highlight reel moment from the veteran striker wrapped up the win for Blacktown with a little more than ten minutes left on the clock in a match where they always held the upper hand.

Dakota Askew opened the scoring for Blacktown after only twenty minutes but the visiting Young Sky Blues evened the ledger from the penalty not long before the interval.

However, it was always going to be Blacktown’s day with Askew, and then Gibb’s incredible overhead finish wrapping up a clinical win for the Mark Crittenden coached side.

The result means City clings onto third spot on the ladder while Sydney FC are left languishing only one spot above the bottom in eleventh.

The hosts were on the front foot from the first minute. An early corner fell to Mani Gonzalez, who flashed a ball across the face of goal only for a Sydney player to clear the danger.

Sydney FC had a chance to take the lead against the run of play as Marco Tilo played Ivanovic through on goal, but the linesman’s flag quickly brought a stop to that passage of play.

Blacktown began to settle in possession after a frantic start and Askew emerged as a particular

threat, latching onto a cross from Matthew Lewis only to hammer a shot over the crossbar on the right.

Askew wasn’t nearly so wasteful with his next chance; leaping in a crowded box to flick a header inside the far post and into the back of the net midway through the first half.

Sydney FC immediately assumed control after

the restart. Heward-Belle picked out Jordan Swibel with a fantastic pass out to the right wing, but the forward could only hit a weak shot at Tristan Prendergast. Swibel went close again soon after, forcing Predergast into a far more difficult save after a good ball into the box from Marco Tilio.

The Sky Blues would equalise soon enough; Marco Tilio winning a penalty to give Luke Ivanovic the opportunity to level for the visitors with a calm spot kick to Prendergast’s left.

The visitors might have gone in front with halftime approaching, as Harry Van Der Saag spotted Prendergast off his line and hit the ball towards goal. The goalkeeper backtracked and stretched to get a hand to the shot; giving away a corner but keeping his side in the game at the break.

The second half picked up at a rapid pace but neither side could find a cutting edge until Askew chased down a deep cross to ram a stunning volley inside the far post from the top of the box.

As it was, Blacktown delivered a killer blow twelve minutes from time. Askew took the ball on the right wing and clipped a cross inside for Joey Gibbs, who delivered a spectacular overhead kick into the top corner. The goal wrapped up the match in style giving Blacktown a 3-1 victory.

Blacktown take on a strong APIA Leichardt team at Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday 7th July, kick-off 3pm. As the season comes to a close, Blacktown will be hopeful to defeat APIA and begin a strong run into finals.

Western News 5 July 2019 Issue 88

Local clubs lose ground in race for Club of the Year

15

Western News Friday, 5 July 2019

SPORT

Rangers suffer big defeat to flying Wolves

By CONNER LOWE

A

n impressive second half performance has helped Wollongong Wolves fightback from an early deficit to clinch a comprehensive 4-1 win against Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Popondetta Park on Saturday night.

It was a strong start from the visitors who forced Rangers keeper Carlos Saliadarre into two clutch saves in the opening ten minutes.

However, against the run of play Mt Druitt found a way to open the scoring thanks to some great work by Roberts.

John Roberts won the ball on the wing after a poor Wolves clearance and delivered a pinpoint cross for Pavlovic to head home and give the home side a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute.

The goal scared Wollongong into action and pushed forward with James and Scott creating plenty of headaches for the Rangers defence without actually threatening to find the back of the net.

Rangers nearly doubled their lead

when Pavlovic stole the ball from the Wollongong backline, only to see his shot parried out by Pasfield for a corner.

Wollongong then finished the half strong with multiple half chances to level the score. James and Scott both had good opportunities however failed to hit the back of the net.

Rangers were clinging onto their 1-0 lead at the interval with

Wollongong unable to capitalise on their chances late in the half.

Wollongong came out a different team in the second half and it only took them seven minutes to level the score.

Madden leapt high to head home from a well delivered corner kick to make it 1-1.

The goal opened the floodgates for Wollongong who found the back of the net five minutes later to take a 2-1 lead.

Star striker James just had to tap home after being set up with a perfect pass from Scott to score his 19th goal of the campaign.

The home side had no answer for the persistent Wolves who scored a third. Saliadarre did well to deny a James breakaway but he was unable to block Scott from tapping the ball home on the follow-up.

It got even worse for the home side soon after. Defender Thompson was sent for an early shower after receiving a second yellow for lashing out at Wollongong’s James Stojcevski reducing Mt Druitt to only tenmen for the final 15 minutes of the contest.

While Mt Druitt were desperate to not to go down without a fight, Wollongong had other ideas with Scott catching the home defence off guard to stretch the visitors lead to 4-1 in the 85th minute. The former Wanderer notched up his tenth for the year.

Mt Druitt Rangers will look to bounce back to their previous form against Sydney United 58 FC at Popondetta Park on Saturday 6th July.