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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
Friday, 8 June 2018
ISSUE 61
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Our city’s finest Blacktown City Council has named the owner and the developer of Sydney Business Park as joint winners of the 2018 Blacktown Corporate Citizens of the year. From left to right: Owen Walsh, Mayor Stephen Bali MP and Robert Wearn.
Lyn and Carolyn’s Step-by-Step Guide to Retirement Villages
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eet Carolyn and Lyn, two leading experts with years of experience in the retirement living industry. Here they share their insights and answers to the frequently asked questions people have about living in a retirement village. 1. They’re not aged care! Villages are for people over 55 who are active enough to live independently in their own home. In fact, plenty of people who live in a retirement villages are not retired at all. Many are simply making the most of the benefits of village life; less home maintenance, new home designs, social connections and great locations. 2. Find the right home for you. Ask yourself what sort of home do you see yourself living in? And what amenities are important to you? You might prefer to be near golf courses, or if you have a pet, finding a pet-friendly village could be at the top of your list. Consider whether you need or want off-street parking, a swimming pool, nearby shopping and dining options or other amenities. 3. Ask friends and residents. Living in a retirement village means being part of a community of like-minded people. Talk to friends who have already made the move into a village about their experiences. Residents are the greatest advocates for gaining real insight into a village, so drop on in to an event and get a real taste for the lifestyle!
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lacktown City Council has named the owner and the developer of Sydney Business Park as joint winners of the 2018 Blacktown Corporate Citizens of the year. Robert Wearn and Owen Walsh have been recognised as business leaders in Blacktown City. Mr Wearn bought the Sydney Business Park land with Bryan Singh in the mid 1990’s, and the pair is focused on creating a modern business hub. Mr Walsh has been the manager of the Sydney Business Park project since it was established in 2005. “We are proud to recognise two outstanding businessmen as our Corporate Citizens of the Year. “The social responsibility programs that these two men engage actively sets a fine example to all business leaders in our community,” said Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali. Mr Walsh supports many local Blacktown schools and job placements through his work with the Beacon Foundation and Marist 180. Mr Wearn works very closely with many western Sydney charities including Thorndale, Royal Far West and the Great Walk Foundation, as well as being on the board of the Penrith Panthers. “The effort Rob and Owen have both put into the business and the community is truly remarkable,” Mayor Bali said. “The Business Park is twice the size of the Sydney CBD and there is a big future for the privately owned mixed use business park in Marsden Park. “There are plans to secure more than $3 billion of investment and create 30,000 jobs for Blacktown City. “I am pleased to see western Sydney leaders such as Mr Wearn who grew up in the area give back to
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Passion for Business Park wins City’s Corporate Citizen award
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L-R General Manager Kerry Robinson, Deputy Mayor Tony Bleasdale, Mayor Stephen Bali, Sphere Developments director Robert Cassab, Council Chris Quilkey, Owen Walsh Robert Wearn.
our community and raise the business profile of this region,” Mayor Bali said. Mr Wearn worked in earth moving and quarrying before taking over the family business in 1986 with a vision to create a lasting positive legacy for the community. “I am extremely proud of what Sydney Business Park has achieved to date, and seeing the positive difference that has been made in the community and the broader Blacktown region,” Mr Wearn said. Mayor Bali said he is pleased to see that the campus-style development at Sydney Business
Park is seeking to raise the standards for innovative design, amenity and environmental sustainability and provide a platform to attract high quality jobs and investment to Blacktown. “This is what a modern city looks like, and the fact that we have this in Blacktown City makes me even more proud. “Council takes pride in recognising businesses that not only contribute to the economy of our growing City, but also go beyond the core essence of their business and reach out to the community,” Mayor Bali said.
Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry
Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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Dr Vaany Mayuran (medical officer), Lailendra Chandra (clinical nurse specialist), Zoe Clarkin (registered nurse), Allyson Lukic (registered nurse)
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EVERAL Western Sydney public hospitals have hit a performance high despite record demand, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Health Information (BHI). New figures from BHI show several Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) hospitals performed strongly against treatment time targets in the face of big surges in presentations, particularly in emergency departments. Across the WSLHD, the proportion of patients whose treatment started on time was up by 16.5 per cent to 66.8 per cent. The percentage of patients who left the ED within four hours was up 12.3 percentage points to 71.2 per cent. Blacktown Hospital recorded an ETP of 69.3%, up from 53.7% in the same period last year. It logged 13,073 ED presentations, a 9.35% lift from the same period in 2017. ED performance surged at Blacktown Hospital after a redesign of how patients are managed after presenting. A key part of this initiative, called Project RED, more roles were created to streamline triage in ED. Other tactics such as allocating dedicated cleaning crews helped free up beds more quickly for new admissions. “The roll out of Project RED delivered big improvements in ED performance at Blacktown and it is now being rolled out at Westmead Hospital,” WSLHD chief executive Danny O’Connor said. “It is just one part of our new approach which focuses on moving patients more quickly from an emergency setting to the wards.
“Our staff are so committed that they managed to improve performance even when confronted with the big numbers in emergency departments. “We recognise we still have work to do refining the way we deliver our healthcare but the improvement is outstanding.” Mr O’Connor said while less urgent presentations to our emergency departments have gone down compared to last year some patients still come to hospital emergency departments for non-emergency reasons who could receive treatment more appropriately by accessing services such as their general practitioner or local pharmacy. The speed at which patients were seen in ED at Mount Druitt Hospital improved significantly with an Emergency Treatment Performance (ETP) of 80.2 per cent, well above the state average of 74.4%. During this period, Mount Druitt recorded 8,465 presentations to its ED, a 6.3 per cent rise in presentations for same period in 2017. The BHI data was released as the state’s hospitals bolster their resources to cope with an expected surge in demand for health services over winter. However NSW Shadow Health Minister, Walt Secord said the data showed that Nepean Hospital was the “most under pressure hospital in the state.” “Nepean Hospital is the most overstretched hospital in the state with nearly half of all patients - 46 per cent - forced to wait more than four hours in the emergency department,” he said. “Make no mistake, Nepean Hospital is at breaking point and patients are suffering.”
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eing told you have heart failure can be a huge shock and a very challenging diagnosis to understand. “It is a dreadful term,” said Blacktown Hospital nurse practitioner Rae Porter. “I try to explain to people that it means their heart is failing to work as well as it did when they were younger. “Their heart isn’t coping how it used to and unfortunately it can’t be cured. “But there is a lot we can do to manage heart failure with medications, support from a range of health professionals and what the patient can do for themselves.” Heart failure can result from a heart attack or other chronic heart diseases. “Heart disease is our biggest killer,” Ms Porter said. “There are risk factors for heart disease that unfortunately you can’t do anything about. “For example, you can’t change your family history or being male and that is why it is so important to reduce those risks that we can control. “Not smoking is the best thing you can do to prevent or manage heart disease.” World No Tobacco Day is observed across the globe each year on May 31 to promote awareness of the harms
caused by tobacco and the measures we can take to prevent these harms. This year the theme is ‘tobacco breaks hearts’, to highlight that smoking is a major, preventable cause of heart disease as well as the heartbreak caused by losing a family member to a tobacco-related illness. The Blacktown Hospital Integrated
Heart Failure team focuses on supporting patients to achieve what is most important to them. “Heart failure is a complicated condition to manage and live with, so we target support around the patient’s own number one priority,” Ms Porter said. “We identify individualised,
achievable goals and provide motivational support and co-ordinate services to reach them.” If you want to know more about the Blacktown Hospital Integrated Heart Failure program, talk to your general practitioner or visit HealthPathways at https://www.betterhealthtogether.com. au/for-consumers .
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Preventing heartbreak at Blacktown Hospital
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Council’s budget forums a resounding success
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ore than 180 people attended Blacktown City Council’s 2018 Budget Insight Forums to announce Council’s biggest ever budget, $623 million. Two special events – a business breakfast and an evening community forum – were hosted by Council to give the City’s residents a chance to hear about Council’s draft plans in the 2018/19 budget. Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “This year we are announcing Blacktown City Council’s largest budget, and cementing our plan to ensure this City is prepared for the 522,000 people who will live here by 2036.” Council’s draft plans and budget are on exhibition until Tuesday, 12 June. The guest speaker at the business event was, Rob Cassab, Director of Sphere Developments. Mr Cassab
› Illegal dumper jailed A man operating in our neighbouring Hawkesbury region has become the first person to be jailed as a repeat waste offender under anti-dumping legislation introduced by the NSW Government in 2014. He was sentenced to three years in prison, with a non-parole period of two years and three months, in the NSW Land and Environment Court. He pleaded guilty to one charge of illegal transport of waste and four counts of illegal dumping of waste. A Hawkesbury Council spokesperson said the man offered ‘free clean top soil’ to residents from the Hawkesbury and the wider Sydney region via flyers in letterboxes. However, after investigating deliveries of illegal fill, Hawkesbury City Council’s Regulatory Services Officers discovered the fill was not clean but contaminated with many items including asbestos, plastic, fibre cement sheeting, pipe, rubble and terracotta. The Mayor of Hawkesbury said she hoped the tough antidumping legislation, and the jailing of the man would serve as a strong deterrent to any potential dumpers in future.
the man behind Blacktown’s first skyscraper: Altitude Tower. Mr Cassab said he believes Blacktown will become a vibrant commercial and residential hub. “What you have here is a blank canvas, ready for high-end premium retail and lifestyle businesses as well as people who want to have luxury affordable residential properties. “Blacktown CBD has so much to offer with the public transport services or the bus transit ways and the train station, the shopping centre and the retail. It is exactly what young professionals are looking for,” Mr Cassab said. Business leaders from the Western Sydney region attended the business breakfast and heard from Mayor Bali and General Manager Kerry Robinson about Council’s draft plans and vision for the future of the City.
The community forum guest speaker, Anyier Yuol, is Blacktown City’s Woman of the Year. A Sudanese orphan refugee, Ms Yuol has called Blacktown “home” for more than 10 years. Ms Yuol said: “This community has played a very important part in my life. The Council facilities which I was able to use helped transform my life. “I wanted to be good at one thing and that was soccer, so I used a lot of reserves and sports fields for my training.” “Therefore seeing some of Council’s new projects and the vision for Blacktown is enlightening. I am very excited about the future of the City and this community,” Ms Yuol said. Council’s community budget forum on Tuesday night attracted a diverse group of people who were thrilled to have the opportunity to meet with the
Mayor and Councillors . Mayor Bali said: “Developing the Warrick Lane precinct and securing a university campus in Blacktown CBD are transformational projects which outline Council’s practical approach to achieving the community’s aspirations for the City. “It’s a budget which delivers firstclass services and facilities and has a vision for jobs: a vision which will be delivered in partnership with our local business community.” Budget Feedback Submission details: Exhibition closing date: Tuesday, 12 June Contact: Ross Kingsley, Manager Corporate Strategy and Economic Development Email: yoursay@blacktown.nsw. gov.au Phone: 9839 6000
Tails wag at new dog park
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ails were left wagging following the provision of a new dog park in Ridgeview Reserve, Riverstone. Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the dog park was a great addition to the community. “An off-leash dog park is a great facility which will directly benefit the community,” Mayor Bali said. “It’s an encouragement for the pet owners to go out for a walk, meet fellow dog owners and be part of the community.” Blacktown City Council matched the $29,250 received by Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly to fund the $58,500 project. “The off-leash area in Ridgeview Park is the twelfth dog park we have in Blacktown City,” Mayor Bali said.
“Council is keen on providing the amenities needed within the community and providing facilities such as this ensures we are continuing to meet the needs of residents. Kevin Conolly MP said: “The NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program provides an opportunity to support worthwhile community infrastructure like this off-leash area. “Pet owners and their dogs will be able to enjoy this facility and the community will benefit from the fact that owners have a safe place to exercise their dogs. “Council staff have done a great job in designing the park to meet user’s needs.”
Western News
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By KeRRIE DAVIES
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OCAL Rotary clubs across the region have joined forces once again to put on a fabulous night in celebration of our local cops for the annual Police Officer of the Year awards. Recognising the great work of the now combined stations under the Nepean Local Area Command, the audience were treated to an inside look into what our police officers do on a dayto-day basis and applaud their efforts as they received acknowledgement awards. Police Legacy were given a funding boost which included the generous donations of $5,000 from Rotary and $1500 from Penrith City Council. It was very apparent that the police officers who serve in our region often go above and beyond the call of duty in order to ensure our safety. Well done!
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Rotary hosts night of accolades for our local cops
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Western News
Girl Power shakes up the Variety Bash!
The Saintsgirls with their ‘glad-wrapped’ car. From left to right: Belinda Kay, Yvette Haines & Cathy Rowley By KeRRIE DAVIES
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very weary, but elated, allgirl team from St Marys Rugby League Club have returned from this year’s NSW Variety Bash with a whole new appreciation of the difference Variety The Children’s Charity makes. Marketing Manager Cathy Rowley, Chief Financial Officer Belinda Kay and Yvette Haines, Marketing, Community and Sponsorship Coordinator were given
The Saints girls handing out free footballs at one of the schools along the way. From left to right: Cathy Rowley, Yvette Haines & Belinda Kay
the opportunity to participate in the fundraising event by the Club’s board and jumped at the chance to take part. Trading in their high heels and office attire, the three women donned numerous crazy outfits and took to the road for 7 days of driving through country NSW. The week-long Bash starting in Newcastle, took the team to Glen Innes, Narrabri, Forbes, Griffith, Orange and Mudgee. A record 106 cars took part in the epic 2,000km journey raising funds for Variety, visiting schools and organisations along the way and
The Saints girls ‘pinking’ it up! From left to right: Belinda Kay, Yvette Haines & Cathy Rowley
seeing first-hand the impact Variety has in these country NSW towns. After a bit of a false start with a flat battery, a flat tyre and having their car glad-wrapped in the name of sportsmanship, the St Marys Rugby League team in Car 2760 threw themselves into driving their 1977 Ford Fairlane across NSW. “I was really looking forward to taking part,” said Marketing, Community and Sponsorship Coordinator Yvette Haines, “but I never expected it to have such an impact on me. To see the faces of so
many kids light up as we rolled into town in these banged up old cars is something I don’t think I’ll ever forget.” “Variety is a charity we have supported for many years,” added Marketing Manager Cathy Rowley. “This year the Club donated over $20,000 to this event and we’re thrilled to learn that the Bash itself raised a record $1,000,000.” Asked if she would participate in next year’s Bash, Cathy responded by saying “Absolutely, we just need to work on more costume ideas.”
Village Cafe wins Zest Award
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ost of us know the old saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ but the reality is that it takes a village to live well and grow old too. The village, or community, that each of us is a part of, can have an important impact on our overall state of health and wellbeing. Prompted by this philosophy, the ‘Village Café’ was introduced last year as part of the Penrith Health Action Plan (a joint initiative between Wentworth Healthcare, Penrith City
Council and Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District). And we were thrilled that this year’s Zest Awards, which celebrate exceptional people and projects that make a difference in the community of Western Sydney, recognised the Village Café for ‘Exceptional Partnership in a Local Government Area’. The Village Café is a fortnightly pop-up cafe in North St Marys, one of our region’s most disadvantaged areas.
This project was initiated in response to an identified need in North St Marys, where older people were presenting at hospital with preventable health issues and had particularly low rates of health screening. The Café offers older residents the opportunity to improve their social connections within their neighbourhood and to engage with services that support for their health and wellbeing in a relaxed, informal
setting over a free cup of tea or coffee. While at the Café, residents can engage in activities that encourage social connection, receive advice from health professionals on exercise, nutrition, mental and emotional wellbeing and health screening, and receive free services such as vaccinations and blood sugar testing. All participants also receive free fruit and vegetable packs provided by WestCare.
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ocal seniors in Greenway are cordially invited to ‘In Conversation with Susan Ryan AO’, a seniors morning tea hosted by Michelle Rowland MP. Susan Ryan made history to become the first female Cabinet Minister in the Hawke Government. In 2010, Susan became the inaugural Australian Age Discrimination Commissioner, a position she served
in for five years. Susan will be discussing the many challenges facing older Australians and the importance of supporting services for seniors. She has a particularly strong interest in health and housing policy as they impact on seniors. The morning tea will be held from 10-11am on Friday, 22 June 2018 at The Ponds Hub, 45 Riverbank Drive, The Ponds.
“I cordially invite all local seniors to a special morning tea with Susan Ryan AO,” Ms Rowland said. “Susan is a passionate advocate for the rights of seniors, tackling ageism in all its forms, including work and barriers to inclusion. As Australians live longer, this is becoming an increasingly important issue. “This is a great opportunity for local residents to hear from Australia’s
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Seniors Morning Tea – in conversation with Susan Ryan AO
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inaugural Age Discrimination Commissioner first-hand. I look forward to joining local seniors for a cuppa, morning tea and a chat on the day,” Ms Rowland said. This is a free event, but RSVP’s are essential as seating is strictly limited. Local residents can RSVP by calling Michelle Rowland’s office on 9671 4780 or emailMichelle.Rowland. MP@aph.gov.au.
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An intro to the Inca Empire Machu Picchu - the best view
By BEN CRANNEY
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n the Peruvian Andes, Cuzco is the gateway to some of the more famous Inca ruins. Once an Inca backwater, Emperor Pachakutiq, the Earth Shaker, turned it into the seat of power of a vast empire. You can see some of Pachakutiq’s Cuzco today. One of the most obvious examples is Sacsayhuaman, the massive fortress above Cuzco, which was built over the top of a pre-Inca structure. Giant stones, some estimated to be over 100 tonnes, have been joined perfectly without mortar to hold them or wheels to transport them, and they create a real sense of respect for the Inca engineers and workers. Pachakutiq’s Cuzco is also on display in the museums in town and hidden in the Conquistador built Catholic Cathedrals. These cathedrals were built over Inca Temples, seemingly erasing the old gods. But the Inca artists filled the cathedrals with beautiful murals and carvings, and hid symbols of the old gods in them. But, of course, the star is Machu Picchu, Pachakutiq’s aristocratic escape. The best way to get there is with a tour of the Sacred Valley from Cuzco. Leave the tour at the Ollantaytambo Fortress and
Alleys of Cuzco
Plaza de Armas
catch the train into Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Pichhu. To get to the top, the $30 early morning bus is a far better option than walking up the mountain side, not just to save your breath, but to also be one of the first people of the day to walk through the mist enshrouded ruins. At this time, it’s easy to forget that another thousand people will follow you. The ruins are bookended by the mountains, Montana Picchu and Huayna Picchu. There are some very steep bits, but if you take it easy, neither is too difficult to climb. You need a ticket in advance, and more people opt for Huayna Picchu. Don’t climb it just for the view of the ruins, though. The best view is much lower down. Climb it for a sense of perspective of how they built this place at the top of the world. Our view was ruined at the top, with the clouds having come in. But this adds to the magic, making it feel like you can step out into the sky. I wondered if the Incas felt the same, because flat bits of rock jutting out from the wall made floating stairs and called to the brave and fleet of foot. I resisted and instead imagined people from centuries ago, ankle deep in mist, dancing across them and through the sky.
The clearing fog
The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Can I Help? The other day, I was listening to the radio and an advert came on. I was concentrating on cooking and only listening with half an ear, when something caught my attention. The advert was asking if you were observant, noticed things around you, could describe people you had seen that day and saying that if so, you could be eligible for a job in surveillance. I have heard that MI5 in London advertise for secret agents, but here it was, right in the middle of the gentle sounds of Smooth FM! Spies wanted! Now, I’m going to share a little secret with you. I was having a discussion with some friends a while ago about what your avatar would be. Most people were going to be something really good like a healer or a teacher, or even a super hero who saves the world. My avatar, if I actually knew what one was, was an FBI agent. Yes guys, a real G-Man. I think I would make a wonderful secret agent. Nobody could possibly suspect a slightly dotty lady of a certain age but I could see that there would be two problems. The first is that my memory is not what it was and I would probably have forgotten the message I was to pass on before it had gotten to the relevant person. The second is that I can’t stand the sight of blood and it would be too embarrassing to have Jemima Bond fainting at the crime scene. There is still a way and I haven’t given up all hope yet. My ambition would be to work with the
police as a psychic. This is not as far-fetched as it sounds and there have been some very famous cases, especially in the States, where detectives have consulted mediums, for example in the case of the Zodiac Killer and John Wayne Gacey. My lovely old clairvoyant in London, Mrs Ada Caesar, was often consulted by the local constabulary even though they didn’t broadcast it. I really don’t know if I would have the same ability as old Mrs C. but there have been two instances when I have seen very clearly the final resting place of a missing person. The first is a young realtor who
went missing in London in the 1980’s and whose presumed murder has never been solved. I have such a clear picture in my mind of a sweeping lawn with a huge old cedar tree under which lies the poor girl. The second is little Maddie who disappeared from her bedroom whilst on holiday in Portugal. In spite of vast sums of money being spent on trying to find some clue to her whereabouts, no trace has ever been found, but every time I think of her, I see an old crypt with a sandy floor and a huge rock in the corner and a sort of sarcophagus. Are these their final resting places or just my imagination? If the spirit world is sending me a message, I wish they would give me a clue to the location of these images. So come on Australia. Let’s follow the example of the FBI who keep a couple of clairvoyants on the payroll. I know that “Granny told me” wouldn’t stand up under cross examination in court, but at least it might put the police on the right track. Could my avatar get real? One elderly spy for hire - oh and just for the record, I like my martini stirred. *Our next discussion group will be on Wednesday 27th June at 7.00pm at Hawkesbury Natural Therapies Centre, Level 1, 187 Windsor Street, Richmond. Tel: 4578 8868 or email suzisamuel24@ gmail.com The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.
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ew artworks by leading Australian contemporary artists will be unveiled at the Blacktown Native Institution site at Ngara – Ngurangwa Byallara (Listen, Hear, Think – The Place Speaks) on Saturday, 9 June 2018. Blacktown Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art commissioned new works and installations by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists Tony Albert, Sharyn Egan and Moogahlin Performing Arts. As part of their work, the artists address issues associated with the history of the site, as the former home of the Blacktown Native Institution. This is one of the earliest known examples of the institutional removal of Aboriginal children from their families. A key element of Ngara – Ngurangwa Byallara is the collaboration between artists and local Aboriginal communities to develop work which brings the spirit and culture of the site to life, and honours the site as a living memorial to Australia’s Stolen Generations. “I am proud that Blacktown is home to one of the largest urban Aboriginal populations in Australia,” Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said. “The Blacktown Native Institution is a significant part of Blacktown’s identity – and the identity of this nation. “While acknowledging past wrongs, through this project we also aim to celebrate the Darug peoples’ continuing cultural practices and connection to this place. “Blacktown Arts has a long history of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, and our communities deserve to work with artists of international stature such as Tony Albert, Sharyn Egan and Moogahlin Performing Arts. “We hope that this collaboration will shine a light on the important history of the Blacktown Native Institution site and the arts and cultural practices of Blacktown’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
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Arts project to honour and acknowledge symbolic Aboriginal site
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Artists 2018 L to R, Tony Albert, Lily Shearer, Frederick Copperwaite, Liza-Mare Syron and Sharyn Egan. Photo by Joshua Morris.
Ngara – Ngurangwa Byallara (Listen, Hear, Think – The Place Speaks) is part of the Blacktown Native Institution Project, a collaboration between Blacktown Arts (an initiative of Blacktown City Council) and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (through their C3West Program). The project is supported by Landcom, Gadigal Information Service and Koori Radio. The artist and their works Ngara – Ngurangwa Byallara Queensland artist Tony Albert has assisted 10 local children and their families create Gubangala Gumadangyiningi (Lets honour his/her spirit) - a reimagining and honouring of the children who originally lived at the Institution. A collection of objects created by Albert and his young collaborators will be utilised in a ceremony to reach across time to heal and share positive memories. Sharyn Egan’s work is inspired by her personal experience of loss and
displacement. “I’m a Nyoongar woman from Perth, Western Australia,” said Ms Egan. “Being involved in the Blacktown Native Institution Project is quite special for me as I’m from the Stolen Generation as well. I’m working on flowers, as flowers are used for all occasions, sad, happy, joyous – it seems to cover all the emotions that are involved in this project.” Sharyn’s work centres on sharing the practice of weaving with communities during the exchange of stories and experiences. She has worked with the Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation and local weavers to create a sculptural installation of 7 large-scale flannel flowers made of colourful marine rope. Native to the local area, this delicate flower will be transformed into a memorial to the Institution’s residents, as a semi-permanent installation at the Blacktown Native Institution site. Sydney’s Moogahlin Performing Arts bring their expertise as storytellers and deep knowledge and
experience of local community to Ngara – Ngurangwa Byallara with manuwi jam ya murong (footprints in the sand). This celebratory work honours local people who have grown up in Blacktown, with the creation of a large scale installation of the Darug totem – the long necked turtle, in collaboration with local community elders, children and families. On Saturday, June 9 2018, the totem will come to life as the grounds for an evening of dance performance. The details Where: Blacktown Native Institution site, corner Richmond Road and Rooty Hill Road North, Oakhurst. On-site parking is available, entry from Richmond Rd. When: 4pm – 8pm on Saturday, 9 June 2018 Cost: Free Parking: On-site parking is available, with entry from Richmond Road.
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WESTERN HISTORY
Lest We Forget World War 1 Diggers from Blacktown District (Part 1)
By Jack Brook Blacktown and District Historical Society
H
ere we honour some World War 1 diggers who had lived in Blacktown and surrounding district. Many of these men gave their lives for their country and should never be forgotten. This is the first in a series of tributes. Cecil William Whitney (Private) Cecil was adopted son of William and Lydia Whitney of Seven Hills. He attended The Meadows Public School at Seven Hills and his name is displayed on the school’s honour board. He enlisted for military service at Bellingen NSW. Victor Whitney was a dairy farmer in the district so it is presumed Cecil was working on the farm. Initially he was with the 25th Battalion but later transferred to the 9th Battalion, AIF. He was sent to France where he was killed on 20 April 1916 aged 32 years. The majority of men killed were in their twenties. Cecil was killed while in billets at Rue de Bois, near Sailly. The name Fleurbaix is mentioned in some reports. One of the comrades wrote, “I was in the same billets but was not hurt. I helped all I could, those who were wounded, and I was told afterwards by those who tended him that he died from shock. He was buried the next day with a good many others who were killed at the same time, in the cemetery at Rue de Bois.” Another comrad said “...a shell fell on the billet... the men were working at night and resting in the day.” A wooden cross with Whitney’s name on it was placed on his grave. Cemetery and memorial details are: France, 707 Rue-du-Bacquerot (13 London) Graveyard - Leventie. Memorial panel: 58. Harold Tuck (Private) Harold went to The Meadows Public School at Seven Hills. His military record states that his ‘Native Place’ was Toongabbie. Tucks Road Seven Hills is named after the family who had a farm there. John and Agnes Sarah Tuck were his parents. When he enlisted, his calling was a ‘general carrier’. Prior to enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), Harold had served in the 1st Australian Light Horse, Parramatta, for four years. His unit remained the 1st Light Horse, B Troop, B Squad. Private N W Franklin from Temora in NSW was with Tuck when the S S ‘Hawkes Bay’ sailed for an unknown destination on 22 October 1915. He stated that his mate was 5 feet 7 inches in height, medium complexion and clean shaven. Two years later he attended Harold Tuck’s burial. After the service a peg was put up with his (Tuck’s) name on it. Franklin said “Harold Tuck was a good fellow, a good soldier.” Both men had ended up in the Middle East with the 1st Light Horse Regiment in the desert at Beersheba. There are two slightly conflicting reports concerning Harold Tuck’s death. Both were written some months
after the stirring charge of the Light Horse Regiment at Beersheba which began at dawn on 31 October 1917. The first report, written by Captain E Kater, MC, 1st Light Horse, B Squad, records that “Tuck was in B Squadron when he was wounded. He was driving a limber at the time and was wounded by a bomb from an aeroplane early on the morning of 30 October 1917 before we took Beersheba. We took Beersheba that night and he was taken into hospital at Beersheba, and would be buried near the railway station with A C Faint and A E Dawson. I distinctly remember Tuck being wounded and hearing that he had died the next day.” (A limber has wheels and shaft, forming the detachable front of a gun carriage.) The second informant, Trooper G Irving, of the 1st Light Horse, stated that “Tuck was attached to the 1st Light Horse Transport and on 31 October 1917 the 1st Light Horse were engaged in the attack on Beersheba that resulted in its capture. During the attack, a lot of them were killed or wounded, and amongst the wounded were Tuck and the informant. The informant was told that Tuck died the next day at Beersheba and was buried there.” At the time of his death Harold Tuck was 22 years and 11 months old. His official date of death is 1 November 1917. Cemetery and memorial details are: Palestine 1 Beersheba War Cemetery, Memorial Panel 3. Alwyn Adam Thomson Pringle (Gunner) Alwyn enlisted at Plumpton NSW in December 1915. His “Native Place” is recorded as Concord NSW and his calling is listed as ‘Grazier’. He had also trained with Raine and Horne, Real Estate Agents. Attending The King’s School at Parramatta he had been a member of The King’s School Cadets. Lieutenant Alexander Taylor Pringle and Christine Hilda Pringle of ‘Oaklea’ Plumpton were Alwyn’s parents. At the age of 24 years he was killed in action on 29 July 1917 while fighting at Dickebusch, Ypres, Belgium. His unit was the 5th Australian Field Artillery (105 Howitzer Battery). Alwyn was laid to rest in Belgium, 29 Dickebusch New Military Cemetery Extension. Memorial panel 14.
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13 Western News 8 June 2018 Issue 61
Alex Soncini
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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Astronaut (8) 5. Gist (6) 9. Reload (8) 10. Thief (6) 12. Uncorrupted (9) 13. Electrical pioneer Nikola (5) 14. Box (4) 16. Height (7) 19. Generate gradually (7) 21. Lamented (4) 24. Excellence (5) 25. Fondness (9) 27. Hypnotic state (6) 28. Imagine (8) 29. Wine and dine (6) 30. Follower (8)
down 1. Produce buds (6) 2. Admission (6) 3. A Muse (5) 4. Sharp-cornered (7) 6. Prone (9) 7. Black-eyed Susan or sorrell (8) 8. Menace (8) 11. Tallies (4) 15. In democracies, kinds of parties (9) 17. It measures the distance travelled (8) 18. A projection (8) 20. Scheme (4) 21. Cultivated (7) 22. Optical illusion (6) 23. Space before a new paragraph (6) 26. Ring (5)
solution 25/5/18
Western News 8 June 2018 Issue 61
14
Western News
SPORT
Wanderers slip down the table after defeat By CONNER LOWE
D
espite a debut goal for Wanderer Marley Peterson, North Shore prevailed after goals from Chris Lindsay, James Scott, Marquin Smith, and Claudio Rosano. The match got off to a rough start for the Wanderers as North Shore opened the scoring in the fifth minute after a free kick from Lindsay. The Wanderers then began to impose themselves on the contest with Lochlan Constable combining with Tacettin Kumsuz to set up a chance for Mohamed Adam. The team’s consistent pressure paid off as the Wanderers equalised in the 18th minute. Wanderers debutant Peterson intercepted the ball after confusion in North Shore’s defence before dribbling past the goalkeeper and slotting the ball into the net. At the other end, Adrian Valenti made a wonderful challenge when North Shore looked certain to score. Constable was in the thick of the action and set up another chance for Adam with a precise cross, only for Adam’s shot to fly inches over the crossbar. In the 36th minute the Wanderers
were unlucky to fall behind again. A North Shore corner resulted in goal line clearances from both Valenti and Perry Fotakopoulos, before
Scott headed in despite Wanderers goalkeeper Jack Greenwood getting his hands on the ball. Greenwood was then forced to
make another save, diving to the left to deny Claudio Rosano. North Shore then extended their lead to 3-1 after Smith scored from close range. The Wanderers didn’t let their heads drop and a swift counter attack saw Constable and Valenti create a chance for Samuel Silvera, whose stinging 30-yard shot was tipped over the crossbar. Silvera had the team’s next opportunity, hitting the side netting after some more great work from Valenti and Adam. With less than 15 minutes remaining, North Shore got their fourth of the evening with Rosano finding the back of the net. Peterson had one final chance for the Wanderers, heading over the crossbar after getting on the end of Adam’s cross. The result sees the Wanderers now drop to sixth place on the National Premier League 2 ladder and will now move onto this Saturday night’s fixture against St George FC at Illiden Sports Centre. Kick-off is at 7pm. Other results: U20: WSW 1-2 North Shore U18: WSW 0-2 North Shore U15: WSW 9-0 Parramatta FC U14: WSW 4-0 Parramatta FC U13: WSW 6-0 Parramatta FC
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Western News
with MARK GEYER
At the half-season mark here’s my Emmy G awards! As we hit the half way mark (wow! Already!) it’s time to dissect the season thus far and hand out some awards, as well as a few gongs. Let’s start with the competition’s best team. Panthers. Sitting atop the competition table after 13 rounds the Panthers have brushed off all off-season speculation re their coach and dismissed all the outside headnoise in playing a great brand of footy to watch. Worst team - Parramatta So much was expected of the Eels this year after an almost fairy-tale ending to 2017 but alas, the fairy-tale has turned into a nightmare. Currently languishing at the bottom of the ladder with only 2 wins this year the Eel’s year from hell doesn’t look like easing. Most improved team - Dragons Like the Panthers the brand of footy the Dragons are playing this year is a breath of fresh air. Ben Hunt and James Graham have been a superb addition to a team who’ll be hard to beat come the business end of this year. Team gone backwards - Cowboys Who else really? I suppose Manly can be thrown into the same basket but the Cowboys were EVERYONE’S tip to win the whole thing this year. Whenever you have a player like Jonathan Thurston in your team you have to be considered; but it’s just not clicking for the boys from Townsville. Best player - Kalyn Ponga Every decade or so ‘that’ player comes along who is impossible to take your eyes off. Currently second in the Dally M medal counting, the 20-year-old dynamo has the rugby league world at his nimble feet. Best Buy- James Maloney Quite simply, the bloke’s a winner. Like Glen Lazarus in the 90’s, every team Maloney goes to has success. His leadership of the young Panther cubs has been a highlight. Most disappointing off season buy - Kieran Foran So much was expected of the Bulldogs this season, purely on the back of their 2 big off-season buys in Foran and Aaron Woods, but they haven’t struck a blow. Foran is visibly ‘not right’ as he seems to be carrying ongoing injuries. Most improved player - Damien Cook Sitting twiddling his thumbs last season on the bench for Souths, he has been a standout this year with his speed out of dummy half earning him a much deserved origin call up. Best coach - Griffin and Seibold Coach most under pressure - Brad Arthur Who will play in the Grand Final - Penrith v Souths Who will get the wooden spoon - Parramatta There you have it, my mid-season report card, let’s come back at the season proper at the end of August and see how many of these have changed. See you at the game...
MG (random Westie) OAM
Two teams flying!
Two teams not so
15 15 Western News 8 June 2018 Issue 61
MG on the mark
SPORT
Western News Friday, 8 June 2018
SPORT
Risdon makes World Cup squad By CONNER LOWE
T
he Western Sydney Wanderers have had one current and two ex-players make the Socceroos team for the upcoming World Cup in
Russia. Van Marwijk’s final 23-player selection features three players from the Hyundai A-League, Daniel Arzani, Dimitri Petratos, and Josh Risdon, as well as two players who have now gained selection for Australia in four consecutive FIFA World Cup squads, Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan. Over the past fortnight 27 players have demonstrated their commitment to the Australian national football team by participating in an intense training camp in Antalya, Turkey. This work culminated in a solid 4-0 international friendly win over Czech Republic in St. Polten, Austria on Friday. The Socceroos Coach, Van Marwijk spoke about the efforts of the players in training camp and the selection process. “I have been very pleased with the effort and application of all of the players during our time in Turkey, and in Austria,” he said. “Every step of the selection process has been difficult because the players have all given everything to make the final selection.
“However, considering many factors, we have now settled on our final squad for Russia. I believe this group of players can do Australia proud at the world’s biggest football tournament if we continue to work collectively and intensively over the next two weeks and into the competition.” Australia’s squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is evenly spread, and features three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven attackers. Many players also possess the versatility to slot into a range of roles if required. From the 27 players involved in the Turkey camp and Czech Republic friendly, Fran Karacic, Josh Brillante, James Troisi, and Nikita Rukavytsya a former Wanderers player missed out on the final squad. Van Marwijk also spoke about Risdon’s development in the training camp ahead of the World Cup and some new faces to the squad. “Defensively I think we have enough players, but what is very positive is the development of Josh Risdon,” he said. “I think everybody must be very happy this team has a few newer players.” We would like to congratulate current Western Sydney Wanderers star Josh Risdon and ex-players Aaron Mooy and Tomi Juric on a fantastic achievement making the Australian World Cup squad.