Western News 8 November 2019

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Friday, 8 November 2019

ISSUE 97

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A National survey was conducted on blood pressure and Schofields ranked poorly. See page 8 for full story and get checked it could save your life.

Get checked

Western News 8 November 2019 Issue 97

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Sydney Walk raises $140,000 to fund Type 1 Diabetes Research

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art of the world’s biggest type 1 diabetes (T1D) fundraising event, the 2019 Sydney One Walk kicked off with a wonderful start in Jamison Park, Penrith on Sunday 20th October. 200 members of the community came together to celebrate one another while raising funds and awareness for type 1 diabetes.

The Sydney One Walk continued on Sunday 27th October with another 2,000 members of the JDRF Blue Army walking to fund life-changing T1D research. It was a beautiful and sunny day full of fun and merriment with music, face painting, food, family activities and a lovely walk through Sydney Olympic Park. Special guests Hon Chris Bowen MP (Shadow Health Minister), Mr Julian Leeser MP (Federal Member for Berowra), Rob Palmer (TV presenter), Sam Reid (AFL player) and Muffin Man from Muffin Break were all present and made the day even more eventful.

Together the community managed to

raise an amazing $140,000 towards JDRF’s mission of turning type one into type none by funding the most promising research to cure, treat and prevent T1D and its complications.

JDRF is the leading supporter of type 1 diabetes research in the world.

“It was through the support of our brilliant community, our hardworking volunteers, staff and our partners Medtronic, AMSL, Ypsomed and Muffin Break that the day really came

together and became such a huge success,” said Nicola, Fundraising &

Engagement Coordinator for Greater Sydney.

‘Don’t wait until you find a lump’: Breast cancer survivor

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reast cancer survivor Patricia K’Nell is urging women to make a date with a friend this month to get a mammogram.

The Quakers Hill woman, 64, had no symptoms and no family history of breast cancer when she went in for her fourth regular screening mammogram at Westmead Breast Cancer Institute’s (BCI) Sunflower Clinic at the MYER store in Blacktown in July 2012.

The next month she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery to remove a lump from her right breast, followed by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and Herceptin treatments for over a year.

Despite enduring hair loss, lethargy and insomnia, Patricia said she felt “very lucky” to have the cancer caught early and be supported by her husband at every appointment.

“There’s no shame with a cancer diagnosis,” Patricia said.

“I am thankful they found it and I’m grateful that we have so much treatment available at our disposal.”

More than one in eight women in NSW will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but almost half of women aged 50-74 are not getting their recommended two yearly mammograms.

Westmead BCI Director A/Prof Nirmala Pathmanathan said that by taking the time to talk to a friend about screening and arranging to go for a mammogram together, you could not only save her life, but your own.

“We know there are many reasons why women

“Cancer is a horrible disease but it centres you.

It makes you aware of who you are and what you want in life,” Patricia said.

“My advice to any woman is have a mammogram for peace of mind, do it as soon as you can. Don’t wait until you find a lump.”

might be missing their recommended mammogram – they put it off because they are too busy, they are nervous about going, or nervous about the results,” A/Prof Pathmanathan said.

“By encouraging a friend to go with them, women can ensure that making the appointment becomes a priority. It also means that they will have someone to support them on the day and as they get the results.”

Figures from the Cancer Institute NSW show that in Western Sydney LHD, around 600 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone.

Seven years on from her diagnosis, Patricia is looking forward to more world travels and hopefully having grandchildren to enjoy in the near future.

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Lidcombe Shopping Centre is hosting the BreastScreen NSW trailer from November 5-13 to offer women free and convenient breast screening.

Appointments are also available at BCI Sunflower Clinics at the MYER stores in Blacktown, Parramatta and Castle Hill as well as Mount Druitt Hospital.

“More than 47,000 women visited a BCI Sunflower Clinic for their free mammogram in the last financial year, and we want to see this encouraging number grow even more,” A/Prof Pathmanathan said.

“Screening mammograms are the most effective way of detecting breast cancer early. With early detection the treatment of breast cancer is less invasive, survival rates are better, and women can get back to their normal lives quicker.”

An appointment for a free mammogram can be made by phoning 13 20 50 or book online at https:// book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/.

Westmead Breast Cancer Institute (BCI) spends more than $11 million per annum on breast screening, clinical care, research and education.

The institute provided more than 47,000 free breast screens in the 2018-19 financial year and plans to do a similar number in 2019-20.

The NSW Government, through the Cancer Institute NSW, is investing $62.2 million in breast cancer screening this financial year.

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ocal high school student leaders rubbed shoulders with state parliamentary leaders in NSW Parliament recently at the Riverstone Electorate Senior School Leadership forum, an annual event hosted by Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly MP. The forum was started by Mr Conolly when he was first elected into NSW parliament in 2011 and was designed to inspire high school students in leadership roles to think more broadly about leadership in our community.

20 students and staff from 7 local high schools and colleges attended the Leadership Forum at NSW Parliament House and had the opportunity to discuss leadership with The Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP, Treasurer and the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Ms Helen Minnican.

“I take this opportunity to recognize the hard work that school captains and leaders give to their school communities also,” Mr Conolly said.

The students from Wyndham College, Riverstone High School, Glenwood High School, St Mark’s Catholic College, The Ponds High School, Quakers Hill High School and Rouse Hill Anglican College were acknowledged directly by the President of the Legislative Council. The students then watched proceedings in the Legislative Council Chamber.

The students then moved to the Legislative Assembly where they were acknowledged directly by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The students then watched Question Time in the Legislative Assembly Chamber and saw the Premier and government Ministers in action.

“I hope this experience may have opened their eyes to wider possibilities for their own futures,” said

Mr Conolly.

Here’s what some of the students had to say of their experience yesterday: Mia, The Ponds High School – “I really enjoyed the day, especially Question Time. I was inspired by the experience and have a lot to take back to school”.

Sadaf & Tamara, Wyndham College – “It was a pleasure to attend. We found the day to be a very

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Western News 8 November 2019 Issue 97

Riverstone senior school student leaders visit nsw parliament

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rewarding experience”.

Ebony, Glenwood High School – “Today was a valuable learning experience. It was great to ask questions to the guest speakers and we have gained a lot from the day to take back for our own leadership roles”.

Lachlan, Glenwood High School – “It was interesting to see how government comes about”.

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

Western News 8 November 2019 Issue 97

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A poem by Tomas Hamilton - St Marys Sub-Branch

Sydney Heads came into view, we were finally home So many comrades left behind, to rest neath foreign loam Yet with all the cheering, the laughter and the toasts Our nation shared the burden, of sixty thousand ghosts Each of us a father, a brother, or a son Everyone a volunteer, our duty we’d not shun A tin leg my souvenir, that came at such a price For the soldier always loses, when the devil rolls the dice The newspapers sang out our praise. “Heroes of the day!”

But the nightmares and the shaking, would never go away Though we tried to settle down, some could just not cope A simple funeral notice, for those who gave up hope I was soon to realise, my dreams I would forgo A new suit and a ticket home, were all I had to show With little time to settle down, I was back to planting crops For a one legged farmer, it seemed life never stops

Vineyard

Schofields

If only we had known

We had all bravely faced, the horrors of mankind The memories of the western front, would always haunt my mind We were part of history, victors on the throne We won the war to end all wars.

WELL - IF ONLY WE HAD KNOWN!

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Western News 8 November 2019 Issue 97

Historic date for opening of new Westmead Hospital building confirmed

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t’s official!

The opening of the Central Acute Services Building (CASB) at the Westmead Health Precinct is now less than a year away.

20 October 2020 has been confirmed as the date when the new hospital begins to transform western Sydney’s health for generations to come.

The 14-storey CASB is a key component of the $1.1 billion Westmead Redevelopment. It will host several adult and children’s services, including two new emergency departments, pharmacy, imaging and state-of-the-art operating suites.

Described by NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard as the “jewel in the crown of our state’s health”, the CASB represents the cornerstone to further cement Westmead’s glowing reputation as a global health, education and research hub.

The new hospital will increase integration between Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and the University of Sydney.

Western Sydney Local Health District chief executive said Graeme

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Loy said the opening of the new building will be a game-changer for western Sydney.

“The new facilities will help futureproof health outcomes and experiences for patients, carers, families, staff, students and communities in the nation’s fastest-growing population,” Graeme said.

“Ground-breaking medical studies and research discoveries will also benefit Australians.

“For our hospital staff, they will love walking into a brand new building that’s contemporary and fresh. It’ll be a brand new era for Westmead.”

Find out more about the Westmead Redevelopment here: http://www. westmeadproject.health.nsw.gov.au/

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Enhancing quality child care facilities for our youngsters

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ore pre-schoolers throughout our community will have access to better quality early childhood learning facilities and specialised educational programs, thanks to the NSW Government’s Quality Learning Environments program.

Member for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly announced the following preschools and not-for-profit long day care centres in the Riverstone electorate will receive grants under the program: • Goodstart Early Learning Quakers Hill - $7,674.73 • Goodstart Early Learning Glenwood - $1,063.91 • Western Sydney University Early Learning Blacktown - $9,328.55 Mr Conolly visited the Goodstart Early Learning Centre on Bali Drive in Quakers Hill to meet with Goodstart Early Learning’s area manager Susan

O’Keefe and centre Director Michelle Hollier Newsome and see first-hand the value being added by use of the grant in upgrading their outdoor facilities.

“I am thrilled that the littlest learners in our local community will benefit from this funding now and for years to come,” Mr Conolly said.

“These grants to not-for-profit centres can be used to make physical improvements to early childhood services, like new gardens, jungle

gyms or bathroom renovations, and can also assist the rollout of new learning programs, like music lessons or yoga classes.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said it is crucial to continue to invest in the State’s youngest learners.

“Research shows the cognitive, social and emotional benefits a quality early childhood education has on our children, so it is important that as a Government we continue to make

these important investments.”

“Our future doctors, lawyers, farmers and teachers are being shaped in our preschools and long day care centres as we speak, so an investment in them really is an investment in our future.” Ms Mitchell said.

“We are so lucky to be able to have access to grants like this one as it gives us an opportunity to improve our centre environments and resources for children attending the centre. We want the best outcomes for children, and we know that developing a strong foundation for life can happen in the first five years,” said Michelle Hollier Newsome (Centre Director).

For more information, visit https://education.nsw.gov.au/earlychildhood-education/operating-anearly-childhood-education-service/ grants-and-funded-programs/qualitylearning-environments-programguidelines-2019

Aboriginal heritage garden opens in Nurragingy Reserve A

traditional Darug welcome and smoking ceremony formed part of the opening on Saturday of an Aboriginal heritage garden within the Nurragingy Reserve at Doonside.

The Aboriginal Heritage Garden includes a yarning circle, decorated pathways, murals, native plantings as well as artworks of tree and sandstone carvings by local father and son artists, Danny and Jamie Eastwood.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the garden is of major importance to the indigenous heritage of Western Sydney.

“More than 8,000 people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage call our City home.

“I am proud that Blacktown City has the

highest urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in New South Wales.”

“We are paying tribute to our important indigenous history and heritage through this garden,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

The name “Nurragingy” commemorates one of the two men of the Darug tribe who received the first Aboriginal land grant from Governor Macquarie in 1819. The other title holder was Colebee, whose name has been given to the Centre within the Reserve.

The opening of the aboriginal Heritage Garden by Mayor Bleasdale also included a performance by the Wagana Dancers.

The project has been driven by Blacktown City Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee and strongly supported by Council.

(L-R) Jamie Eastwood, Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths, Cr Moninder Singh, Danny Eastwood and Cr Kathie Collins at the opening of Aboriginal Heritage Garden

Raising funds for National Breast Cancer Foundation

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ocal residents raised $1,166 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) at Michelle Rowland MP’s annual Pink Ribbon Morning Tea. Michelle holds the morning tea each year to raise crucial funds to support cancer research.

Representatives from the NBCF, WentWest Inc. and Westmead Breast Cancer Institute encouraged guests to be proactive in their healthcare and get screened regularly. Knitted Knockers – who knit cotton prostheses for women following mastectomies – also encouraged guests to join their knitting club to support survivors.

“Thank you to the over 70 locals who gave generously at the morning tea”, Michelle Rowland said.

“Breast cancer is an insidious disease that has touched so many lives – including my own. We all

want to help the National Breast Cancer Foundation find a cure”.

“Morning teas like these raise important funds, but they also raise awareness”.

“Women – as mothers, daughters and wives – are great at caring for others but often put themselves

last. Check in with your family, friends and colleagues, and encourage them to put their health first’.

“Special mention goes to the Kings Langley Lions Club, who again helped by selling merchandise and raffle tickets”.

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Western News 8 November 2019 Issue 97

Suicide survivor calls on others to speak up

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anet Wilton knew she was struggling, but it wasn’t until a suicide attempt landed her at Westmead Hospital that she decided to take her mental illness seriously.

The Blacktown mother-of-four was among the guests at the Western Sydney Mental Health Month event in Dawson Mall Mount Druitt on Thursday, October 24.

This year’s theme of ‘Share the Journey’ resonated with Janet as she recalled her traumatic childhood and decades of trying to cope alone.

“I suffered from depression for many years but I tried to ignore the signs. It wasn’t until I attempted suicide that I realised I didn’t want to die and I reached out to my sister for help,” Janet said.

“Now I’m an abuse survivor and a depression survivor. I’ve got a lot to be proud of considering where I’ve

been and where I am today. No matter how many times I fall into the dip of depression I keep moving forward.”

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Mental Health was among the organisers of today’s event, which featured emergency services and not-for-profit support organisations

including LikeMind, Parramatta Mission and atWork Australia.

WSLHD Mental Health director A/ Prof Beth Kotze encouraged people take care of their mental health every day, and feel comfortable seeking informal and professional help.

“The theme of ‘Share the Journey’ fits for health workers as the journeys of our consumers inspire us to provide the best possibly mental health service,” Beth said.

“It’s so important not to walk that journey alone but to connect with people and support each other. It can be daunting taking that first step in asking a tough question or giving a personal answer, but connecting with others gives us a sense of security, support, purpose and happiness.”

Janet said she is alive today thanks

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to the support of family, friends and mental health organisations. atWork Australia helped her land a job at McDonald’s Granville last year after she was forced to leave her childcare job due to workplace bullying.

“Not everything in life is going to go your way. You are going to have challenges and defeats, but for me I just stay positive and do the best I can wherever life takes me,” Janet said.

“You only get the privilege of living once and I’ve realised I don’t need much.

I have my family and my girlfriends and that’s good enough for me.”

If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, please call triple-0 or the following organisations for support: Mental Health Hotline (Open 24 Hours) – 1800 011 511 Lifeline – 13 11 14 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 46 36 Men’s Help – 1300 78 99 78

Western News 8 November 2019 Issue 97

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COVER STORY

Western News

Under pressure: Schofields get your health checked

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hen the report arrives from studies that have been conducted across the country, there are some that you don’t want your local area to take out the number one spot in. Unfortunately this is one of them, and it pits Schofields as the highest risk suburb in the nation.

The new report has revealed the suburb of Schofields is Australia’s hot spot for high blood pressure, putting local residents at serious risk of a potentially devastating stroke.

To mark World Stroke Day last week, Stroke Foundation and SiSU Health Group have released Australia Under Pressure – Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check Report.

The report found a staggering 46 percent of people in Schofields, who had a health check, recorded high blood pressure (hypertension). This is three times the national average of 15 percent.

Stroke Foundation New South Wales State Manager Rhian Paton-Kelly said high blood pressure was the largest modifiable risk factor for stroke, yet it had no immediate symptoms.

“Over time high blood pressure puts extra stress on blood vessel walls. This can cause them to narrow or break down, eventually leading to a stroke,” Ms Paton-Kelly said.

“High blood pressure is preventable and it is manageable, but you need to know if it is an issue in the first place. The best way to do this is by having it checked with your GP, at your local pharmacy or on a digital SiSU Health Station.”

Stroke can change lives in an instant. It strikes the brain, which controls everything we do, including our thoughts and movements. Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability.

The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk of stroke.

“I urge the people of Schofields to learn about their personal stroke risk and take steps to reduce it,” Ms Paton-Kelly said.

“High blood pressure can be managed with medication and by living a healthy, active lifestyle.

“Research has found the number of strokes in Australia could be almost cut in half if high blood pressure alone was eliminated.”

SiSU Health Group Managing Director Dr Noel Duncan was proud to partner with Stroke Foundation on Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check to encourage people to prioritise their health and reduce their risk of stroke.

“It is pleasing to see a 60 percent reduction in high blood pressure nationally in Australians who have had more than one health check on our SiSU Health Stations over time,” Dr Duncan said.

“This shows, that with knowledge, people will take action to improve their health. Change is possible.

“Schofields residents are encouraged to get a health check today – it’s free, fast and could save your life.”

Across NSW, more than 206,000 free health checks were conducted on SiSU Health Stations, the results were: - 15 percent of participants had high blood pressure - 64 percent of people with high blood pressure were not on blood pressure lowering medication - 20 percent of those with high blood pressure had high stroke risk rating This World Stroke Day served as a reminder that one in four people will have a stroke worldwide.

The key message is #DontBeTheOne.

Think F.A.S.T Act F.A.S.T

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he Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke.

Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions: Face: Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?

Arms: Can they lift both arms?

Speech: Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

Time Is critical: If you see any of

these signs call 000 straight away.

Think F.A.S.T. act FAST A stroke is always a medical emergency. The longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance of stroke-related brain damage.

Emergency medical treatment soon after symptoms begin improves the chance of survival and successful rehabilitation.

Facial weakness, arm weakness and difficulty with speech are the most

common symptoms or signs of stroke, but they are not the only signs.

The following signs of stroke may occur alone or in combination: • Weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body • Difficulty speaking or understanding • Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall • Loss of vision, sudden blurring or

decreased vision in one or both eyes • Headache, usually severe and abrupt onset or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches • Difficulty swallowing Sometimes the signs disappear within a short time, such as a few minutes. When this happens, it may be a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

If you or someone else experiences the signs of stroke, no matter how long they last, call 000 immediately.

Western News

local columnists

Western News 8 November 2019 Issue 97

Tasmania’s east coast

By BEN CRANNEY

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t Wineglass Bay in Tasmania, everyone climbs to the lookout. There must have been hundreds of people there, and thousands over the course of the day. It’s a steep climb to what many consider one if the best views in Tasmania.

That’s a big claim, but it is spectacular. The thing is, it’s so tiring for most, that even if it wasn’t a good view, people would sit and pretend to admire it. Thankfully, there are lots of good views on the way up, so you can pretend to stop to admire the coast line and have a rest.

Most people satisfy themselves with the lookout over Wineglass Bay, but a fair number continue down to lounge on the bay itself. This adds an hour or two to the walk, including a much longer hill climb on the way back. If you’ve got the time, a much better return is the loop via Hazards Beach. Near no-one does this walk, and after walking through scrub and marsh, and past more snakes than people, you’ll pop out over a dune at Hazards Beach. A handful of yachts were moored here, and about the same number of people. I think it’s more spectacular than Wineglass Bay, with pink sandstone rocks giving way to white sand and hidden bays that feel worlds away from the conveyor belt to the Wineglass Bay lookout. It adds another hour or two, but I would definitely make time if I was going back.

For more dramatic sandstone, Bay of Fires is meant to be great, with red lichen swallowing the rocks. Maria Island can only be reached by ferry from Triabunna, and has the remains of a world heritage listed penal colony, a re-introduced

Tasmanian devil population, and some dramatic colours swirling through the sandstone of the Painted Cliffs. Bicheno’s November food and wine festival is building on Tasmania’s reputation as a gastronomical delight. Or if you’re visiting outside this time, enjoy scones and tea at Kate’s Berry Farm, with views over the strawberry field, to Great Oyster Bay and on to Freycinet National Park. Find a farm stay, like Twamley Farm, whose 1840s converted stables and outdoor spa are the

perfect place to forget the world and enjoy a bottle of Tasmanian wine by the fireside.

In fact, the beauty of the east coast is that one moment you can be on the beach, the next, on a mountain, and then later, in sandstone farmhouse.

And all of them have views that rival the most popular, like Wineglass Bay, but you don’t have to share it.

Next time: Riding through the desert

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel The Memory Lingers on

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n my last column I raised the question of whether spirits attached themselves to people or places and since that time, I have had two very good examples of the latter.

We have just come back from a couple of weeks away, driving to Adelaide and back. This was a real eye-opener of a trip, not only seeing first hand the arid, drought-ridden landscape and realising how very tough our valiant farmers are doing it, but also because it did rather confirm my thoughts that some people never leave when they move through the glass darkly.

The second day of our trip, we drove from Wagga Wagga to Mildura, a town of which I am extremely fond. The journey was dusty and hot and, I have to admit rather boring, and we arrived at our hotel tired and looking forward to a nice shower and an aperitif before dinner. We went up to our room - which was awful. It was tiny with two little slit windows almost at ceiling height like a cell, not the sort of accommodation we had been expecting, especially from a group of hotels we had often stayed at on our travels both here and in Europe. Huffing and puffing, we went back down to reception. The nice young lady on the desk was obviously used to dealing with tired and cranky folk who were getting on a bit. The hotel was almost full, but she managed to find a couple of family rooms free. She led us up the stairs and along a couple of corridors and opened the door to what was in effect a self contained apartment. David had a rather resigned air about him, or maybe he just needed a beer, but he let me go and investigate. The nice young lady also stood well back. I went in along a passageway

past a kitchen, sitting room and twin bedroom until I came to the master bedroom. It was baking hot as the air conditioning wasn’t on, but as soon as I went in I started to shiver. There was no way I was staying another minute in there. Even the cell was preferable. We went to see the other room which was lovely. Happily we trotted down to get our luggage and I as I was still shivering in spite of the heat, just happened to ask if anything had ever happened in the first room. Well, this caused a huge reaction. She said she hated going in to that room as she always got scared and several members of staff felt the same. I got a strong feeling that a murder had been committed but had been judged an accident back in the days before forensics and CSI. My other experience was in West Wyalong, a place I have much maligned for years due to a bad experience in a sort of Bates Motel about fifteen years ago. We arrived just as everything

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was closing but spotted a lovely looking wine bar with accommodation. The place was really old but beautifully done up and our room was even better equipped than the Stamford Plaza where we had stayed in Adelaide. Quick as a flash, I was in the fantastic two headed shower, wallowing in a cascade of water. When I emerged, thoroughly refreshed, I came face to face with an old lady who gave me a rather old-fashioned look before fading away. “Oh no!” I thought. “Not another Mildura.”

Anyway, off we went for dinner and I quite forgot about her until we got back. There she was again but I didn’t feel she was in any way threatening.

She just seemed a bit bewildered. I explained that we were just there for the night and she seemed quite happy.

The next morning as we were leaving, we bumped in to the cleaner, a real down to earth Aussie battler.

I couldn’t resist and rather nonchalantly enquired if anyone had mentioned an old lady in that room.

“Oh,” she said laconically. “You’ve seen the ghost.”

The hotel had been the home of one family for years but had gone to rack and ruin before being lovingly restored. The cleaner had known the family and it seemed we had bumped into the old and benign chatelaine.

Two very different experiences had left their mark on two very different places. I enjoyed the company of the old lady in West Wyalong but don’t think I would have been happy with the unquiet spirit in Mildura - although I am very tempted to find out what happened there.

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

REMEMBRANCE DAY ~ 11 NOVEMBER 2019

Western News 8 November 2019 Issue 97

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Remembering the Thai-Burma railroad

By Keegan Thomson

I

N REMEMBERING all those who’ve sacrificed everything in all theatres of war we mustn’t forget the neglected POWs and those who suffered under oppression and tyranny whilst their brothers in arms fought on the open seas and in the skies.

Between October of 1942 and October of 1943 around 13,000 Australian prisoners of war joined a workforce of nearly 60,000 Allied POWs to build, in unimaginable conditions, the Thai-Burma Railroad.

Along with the POWs the Japanese forces enslaved some 200,000 Burmese, Javanese, Malays, Tamils and Chinese workers who were known as Romusha. Many of the Romusha workers were coerced into working on the railroad with the offer of housing, good pay and easy work.

Japanese forces used brutal tactics and employed harsh penalties to build the 415 kilometre long railroad, which ran from Bangkok in Thailand to Rangoon in Burma.

The treatment of the POWs was inhumane and barbaric with diseases like cholera, dysentery, malaria and tropical ulcers ravaging the camps and labourers. Starvation and malnutrition were also prevalent across the railroad with many dying of treatable diseases and exhaustion.

One of the most bloody segments of the build

was at Hellfire Pass on the Thai-Burma boarder.

The construction of the railroad at Hellfire Pass was the largest rock cutting along the railroad taking 6 weeks to build with POWs working 18 hours a day.

Some Allied prisoners of war were beaten to death

by Japanese forces at Hellfire Pass.

The most infamous section of the railroad is bridge 277 or more commonly known as the bridge over River Kawi. Originally named the Mae Klong River, the bridge depicted in the film, The Bridge on the River Kwai, was nothing like the original bridge the POWs built. In fact the bridge was much smaller and was destroyed a number of times during Allied bombardment of the region during the war. Today a concrete bridge stands in place of the original wooden bridge. It is unknown how many prisoners perished during the construction of the bridge.

During the 12 month campaign to build the

railroad many POWs risked life and limb to record the horrid conditions and the decaying lives of the men. Artists used brushes made of human hair to paint scenes with plant juices and blood used for paint. During some of the hardest months of construction moral was lifted across the camps though songs and music.

Within the Australian forces was a surgeon from Victoria, Colonel Ernest Edward “Weary” Dunlop. After serving in the European theatre of the Second World War, Colonel Dunlop was moved to the Pacific where he was captured in Java. He was sent to the railroad where he took charge and restored morale to dying and disenfranchised. One POWs said he was “a lighthouse of sanity in a universe of madness and suffering.” It has been said that the Australian casualties on the railroad were significantly reduced because of Colonel Dunlop’s medical interventions.

When the Allied forces eventually drove the Japanese from Thailand they came across some of the worst treated POWs across the Pacific theatre.

Many of the men were skin and bone, stick thin, with a great number of ailments and trauma to their minds and bodies.

All up around 3000 Australian POWs died in the construction of the now mainly defunct railroad, with around 150,000 of the Romusha workers dying along side. In total around 13,000 Allied POWs died on the railroad, yet those numbers aren’t official due to the lack or up to date records.

We honour our brave Aussie Diggers who have sacrificed so much in the past and those serving our country today Lest We Forget

Kevin

Conolly MP

State Member for Riverstone Phone: (02) 8883 3499 Fax: (02) 8883 3355 Mail: P.O. Box 65, Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768 Email: riverstone@parliament.nsw.gov.au www.kevinconollymp.com.au

REMEMBRANCE DAY ~ 11 NOVEMBER 2019 An incredible loss of Australian lives

O

n 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare.

With their armies retreating and close to collapse, German leaders signed an Armistice, bringing to an end the First World War. From the summer of 1918, the five divisions of the Australian Corps had been at the forefront of the allied advance to victory. Beginning with their stunning success at the battle of Hamel in July, they helped to turn the tide of the war at Amiens in August, followed by the capture of Mont St Quentin and Pèronne, and the breaching of German defences at the Hindenburg Line in September.

By early October the exhausted Australians were withdrawn from battle. They had achieved a fighting reputation out of proportion to their numbers, but victory had

Western News 8 November 2019 Issue 97

Remembrance Day 2019: Lest We Forget

11

A machine gun position established by the 54th Battalion during the morning of the attack through Peronne, 2 September 1918. The photo shows the morning after the battle.

come at a heavy cost. They suffered almost 48,000 casualties during 1918, including more than 12,000 dead.

In the four years of the war more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas, and more than 60,000 of them had died. The social effects of these losses cast a long shadow over the postwar decades.

Each year on this day we observe one minute’s silence at 11am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

B

y 1918, the First World War had been in progress for over three years, and thousands of Australians had already been killed or wounded. Possibly every Australian town had experienced a loss of one or more of their community.

In March 1918 the German army launched its final offensive of the war. The Germans initially met with great success, advancing 64 kilometres past the region of the 1916 Somme battles, before the offensive lost momentum. Between April and November the stalemate of the

preceding years began to give way, as the allies combined infantry, artillery, tanks, and aircraft more effectively, demonstrated in the Australian capture of Hamel spur on 4 July 1918. The allied offensive, beginning on 8 August at Amiens, also contributed to Australian successes at Mont St Quentin and Péronne and to the capture of the Hindenburg Line. In early October the Australian divisions withdrew from the front for rest and refitting; they were preparing to return when Germany surrendered on 11 November.

ON REMEMBRANCE DAY WE PAUSE TO REFLECT ON THE SACRIFICE OF THOSE WHO PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY, AS WELL AS THOSE CURRENTLY DOING SO. LEST WE FORGET.

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

Western News 8 November 2019 Issue 97

12

WESTERN HISTORY

Jacka Street, St Marys

by Lyn Forde – Pr esident/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

D

id you know that sometime after 1915, a St Marys’ street was named Jacka Street? Albert Jacka was a country boy who had answered his country’s call to arms at the first opportunity in October 1914. He was born on his family’s dairy farm at Layard in Victoria in 1893. His parents were Nathaniel and Elizabeth Jacka (Nee: Kettle) and Nathaniel was for some years in the Police Force.

Albert completed elementary schooling before working as a labourer with his father. Albert later worked fencing for the Victorian State Forest Department near Wedderburn where his parents and grandparents resided.

Private Jacka enlisted in the A.I.F. into the 14th Battalion and after training in Egypt he landed on Gallipoli with his battalion on 26 April 1915. In May at Courtney’s Point in Gallipoli, Lance-Corporal Albert Jacka along with four soldiers were holding a part of a trench when they were attacked. The men were killed. and seven Turkish troops rushed the trench. Albert killed five of them single-handed with rifle fire and the two with his bayonet. Because of this heroic deed, Albert was the first Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross in World War One. Albert quickly became famous back home in Australia where his likeness was used on recruiting posters and his exploits featured regularly in newspapers, particularly in Victoria. He rose rapidly through the ranks and was soon commissioned as a Lieutenant. He went on to serve on the Western Front where he received the Military Cross at Pozières in August 1916 and again the military bar at Bullecourt in April 1917.

Australia’s official war correspondent Charles Bean described Albert’s actions at Pozières as “the most dramatic and effective act of individual audacity in the history of the AIF” when he rescued a group of recently captured Australians. He was severely wounded during this action and was further wounded when hit by a sniper’s bullet in July 1917. Albert returned to the front after both occasions, but in May 1918 he was gassed during a German artillery bombardment near Villers-Bretonneux that brought his exemplary military career to an end. An interesting letter dated 15th September, 1918 turned up in London at Headquarters 5th Army to the Administration Headquarters, AIF written by General Sir W. R. Birdwood mentioning that he received a letter regarding Albert’s return to Australia, where he had been in touch with Albert who “very strongly opposed to returning back to Australia at that time. His reasons were “1. He is engaged to a lady in England and has arranged to get married to her within the next two or three months. 2. He is at the present time somewhat estranged from his father who is a strong anticonscriptionist in Australia, Albert being of course a conscriptionist and he feels that if he goes out to Australia to help in the conscription campaign it will considerably widen the breach between them. A thing he is particularly anxious to avoid”. He returned to Australia (no wife?) via the “Euripides” a year later in September 1919 and was greeted by a huge crowd. The Governor-General, along with thousands of

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Victorians were there to meet the diggers upon return and all of them particularly wanting to see Albert. They were met with a convoy of eighty-five cars that proceeded to take the members of the 14th battalion onto the Town Hall with Albert leading the convoy. He was demobilised as a Captain in January 1920. Albert was described in one newspaper as “the symbol of the spirit of the Anzacs”. He started up his electrical business along with two former members of the 14th battalion (R. O. Roxburgh and E. J. L. Edmonds). Their business was to import and export electrical goods and was named after them called “Roxburgh, Jacka & Co. Pty Ltd.” with Albert being the major contributor to his business putting in £700 of his own money, but because of a man named Arthur Wren who held three quarters of the shares to the business, the name was changed to “Jacka Edmonds & Co.” after Roxburgh decided he would withdraw from the company to spend time with his family. According to close friends, Albert dedicated a lot of his time to this business which was very successful. Albert married Frances Veronica Carey in January1921 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Kilda. Frances was a typist from Alfred’s business, and they went on to adopt a daughter a couple of years later. Albert was elected to the St Kilda Council in September 1929 and became Mayor the following year. He dedicated a lot of his attention to the business and was very passionate about helping and assisting the unemployed, particularly ex-servicemen. When he was elected to the council, the Scullin Government increased import tariffs and his business was forced into voluntary liquidation in September of 1930. Company difficulties were also assisted by the removal of support from Arthur Wren after Albert refused to give in to his undesirable wishes. Afterwards Albert became a commercial traveller with the Anglo-Dominion soap Company. Around this time his health began to deteriorate and in December 1931 he fell ill with Chronic Nephritis (kidney disease) and entered the Caulfield Military Hospital. Albert suffered various injuries that he encountered in the war and these injuries led to his early death. He died in January 1932 just 39 years of age. More than 6,000 people filed past his coffin as it lay in state and his Melbourne funeral procession, flanked by thousands of onlookers, was led by more than 1,000 First World War veterans. His coffin was carried by eight other Victoria Cross recipients and he was buried with full military honours in St Kilda Cemetery. Albert lived a very successful life. He showed true courage, braveness, eagerness, fairness, kindness and true pride in his country. After Albert’s death in 1932 there began an intense and prolonged public debate over the quality of his life and the unfortunate circumstances of his last few years. Photo courtesy of National Archives. We do not glorify war, but we do remember.

LEST WE FORGET. Sources: Australian War Memorial. YouTube, http://www.whitehat. com.au, Archives, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Singleton Argus Newspaper, Ian Grant: Jacka VC.

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Western News

INSTRUCTIONS

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

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

13 Western News 8 November 2019 Issue 97

SUDOKU: EASY

ENTERTAINMENT

SOLUTIONS: 25 October EASY

MEDIUM

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 High school certificate (7) 5 Spoke in ignorance (7) 9 Bellicose (9) 10 San Antonio fort (5) 11 A writer of laments (7) 12 Cloths used in mending (7) 13 Very irritable (9) 15 Coarse files (5) 17 Not yesterday (5) 19 Teachers (9) 22 Find innocent (7) 25 Acquired the

knowledge (7) 26 City in Viet Nam (5) 27 Grape plantations (9) 28 Jagged (7) 29 Inhabits (7)

solution 25/10/19

down 1 Haggles (7) 2 Struck with a fist (9) 3 Applause (7) 4 A Greek philosopher (9) 5 Pup (5) 6 Praise dishonestly (7) 7 Averse (5) 8 Snoozes (7) 14 Matings (9) 16 Villain (9) 17 Instructs (7) 18 Sharp high-pitched dog cries (7) 20 One who examines processes (7) 21 They inflict pain for pleasure (7) 23 Spanish for “Mister” (5) 24 Emissary (5)

Western News 8 November 2019 Issue 97

14

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

T

Western News

Buy Now Pay Later - the hidden danger potentially stopping you from owning your own home

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

Convenience you could say, is a most sort after global commodity. Quick finance has now joined the likes of Uber, online calendars, sleep tracking alarms, with buy now, pay later services ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ providers such as AfterPay and Zip Pay have recently flooded the market and experienced massive growth in popularity, with the number of users jumping from 400,000 to approximately 2 million between 2015 and 2018.

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

But as the sector’s breakneck growth continues, mortgage professionals are warning users, particularly in the younger demographic, to be cautious of overdoing it as this could risk effecting their chances of securing a home loan further down the track.

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

can become problematic.

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

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

The National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 says lenders have to take steps to make sure borrowers can afford to repay. Afterpay and the like are exempt from such legislation, so there’s no way to tell whether the people paying late fees should or shouldn’t have been loaned the money in the first place.

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

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

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

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decline the application.

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

If you are concerned about your level of expenditure or your ability to secure a home loan, a conversation with your mortgage broker could set you on the right path.

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

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

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

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

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Western News

SPORT

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Giants have welcomed the release of the 2020 Toyota AFL Fixture with the club set to host an array of blockbuster home games in Western Sydney and Canberra.

After making their inaugural Grand Final this year, the Giants are set for a big 2020 AFL Premiership season with a fan-friendly mix of big-name opponents and family-orientated time slots.

The Giants kick-off next season with an historic AFL/AFLW double-header at Giants Stadium against Geelong in round one, before the rivalry between the AFL’s youngest club and the Western Bulldogs resumes in a roundthree Friday night blockbuster at UNSW Canberra Oval.

A host of mouth-watering clashes at Giants Stadium punctuate the remainder of the season, with powerhouse clubs Richmond, Essendon and Collingwood coming to Western Sydney.

David Matthews, CEO of Greater Western Sydney Giants spoke of the excitement around the club regarding the 2020 season.

“We’re already looking forward to what promises to be a huge season at Giants Stadium and UNSW Canberra Oval in 2020,” he said.

“Our suite of Sydney home games features numerous highlights, including the men’s first game of the

season where history will be made as the Giants become the first club to host an AFL/AFLW double-header for Premiership points.

“Hosting clubs like Geelong, Richmond, Collingwood and Essendon at Giants Stadium is a big win for our supporters, as is a blockbuster Friday night against the Bulldogs in Canberra.

“We’re pleased to be able to secure five twilight Saturday games at Giants Stadium, which is the preferred slot for our members and supporters.

“Pleasingly, we also get the chance to take on fellow finalists Brisbane in the nation’s capital – the first time the Lions have played in the ACT. “There’s no doubt it’s an exciting time to be a Giants fan with a very attractive 2020 fixture ahead of us.”

Highlights of the Giants’ 2020 AFL Premiership fixture include: • The first-ever AFL/AFLW doubleheader at Giants Stadium • Hosting traditional Victorian powerhouses Richmond, Collingwood, Essendon and Geelong at Giants Stadium • Opening the season in Canberra in round three with a Friday night blockbuster against the Western Bulldogs • Five home games in Sydney in the family-friendly Saturday twilight time slot • Two Sydney Derbies in round five at the SCG and round 19 at Giants Stadium • Three regular-season games at the MCG in rounds two, seven and 18

• Nine games broadcast nationally on the Seven Network and 12 games on Fox Footy • Friday night away clash against Minor Premiers Geelong in round 21 at GMHBA Stadium The Giants will play the Tigers, Cats, Bulldogs, Bombers and Swans twice. As well as nine games shown nationally via the Seven Network, every game will be shown live in NSW and the ACT on 7mate and Fox Footy.

After a historic season in 2019 where the club made its first-ever Grand Final and set another membership record with over 30,000 members, there’s only one way to be there for all the action - visit membership.gwsgiants. com.au or call 1300 442 687.

Dunheved pipped in Club of the Year rankings

By Noel Rowsell

P

enrith GC has staged a barnstorming final round to claim the ‘Club of the Year’ title in the 2019 Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association (WSRVGA) Inter-Club competition.

Trailing leaders Dunheved GC by four shots heading into the final event, Penrith’s players saved one of their best collective games until last to score a commanding 8-shot victory.

Leonay GC continued the trend of home clubs winning their own event but only got past Penrith on a countback, with both clubs recording 166 points on the day.

The finishing positions of all clubs for the season, apart from Penrith and Dunheved, remained unchanged after the last high-scoring event, with reigning Club of the Year Richmond in 3rd, Wallacia 4th, Leonay 5th, Springwood 6th, Glenmore Heritage Valley 7th and Stonecutters Ridge taking the wooden spoon in 8th spot.

The battle for ‘Male Player of the Year’ was also hotly-contested, with

Action from the final WSRVGA Inter-Club event for 2019.

Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

leader Greg Williams (Dunheved) putting in a solid performance at Leonay with 36 points but he would ultimately be swamped by four of his rivals to finish back in 5th spot.

Penrith’s Russell Cruikshank climbed a staggering 9 shots in the final round to claim the Player of the Year title on 119 points, ahead of Peter Green (Dunheved) 118 c/b, Gary Allsopp (Penrith) 118, Graham Anderson (Wallacia) 114, Williams 113 c/b, Ian Forrester (Penrith) 113 c/b, Phil Tunchon (Penrith) 113 c/b, Garry Smith (Richmond) 113, Stephen Cromer (Wallacia) 111 c/b,

Stephen Johnston (Penrith) 111.

On a day of high-scoring, five new faces jumped into the year’s Top Ten ranking following red-hot scores at Leonay, with just under 20% of the field shooting par or better, including each of the players who finished 8th or higher in the Player of the Year rankings.

In the Ladies division, Judy Loader (Stonecutters Ridge) had already posted a staggering 8-shot lead and despite 6 of her rivals improving their scores in the final round, could not be run down on the day, taking out the ‘Ladies Player of the Year’ title.

Elaine Williams (Dunheved) finished runner-up on 104, ahead of Carol Carter (Richmond) 101 c/b, Margaret Brownsell (Springwood) 101, Sarah Dean (Glenmore) 100 c/b, Sue Evers (Springwood) 100, Carol Lozier (Richmond) 98, Kerry Robertson (Penrith) 97, Diane Bowden (Dunheved) 96 and Mei McCormick (Leonay) 95 c/b.

2BBB: Ross Woodley, Steve Cromer (Leonay) 52 points, Runnersup Phil Tunchon, Ian Forrester (Penrith) 51; 2BBB Medley: Sarah & Malcolm Dean (Glenmore) 44 c/b, Runners-up Margaret & John Brownsell (Springwood) 44.

Men’s Singles Division 1: Peter Green (Dunheved) 43 points, Peter McFarlane (Leonay) 41, Graham Anderson (Wallacia) 39; Division 2: Garry Allsopp (Penrith) 44pts, Gordon McConnell (Leonay) 42, Chris Holden (Leonay) 40; Division 3: Bob Sproule (Leonay) 41, Russell Cruikshank (Penrith) 40, Peter Blazek (Leonay) 36 c/b.

Ladies Singles Division 1: Judy Benson (Richmond) 33 pts, Carol Carter (Richmond) 32 c/b; Division 2: Elaine Williams (Dunheved) 36, Annette Leck (Richmond) 35.

Western News 8 November 2019 Issue 97

Giants set for a blockbuster season in 2020

15

Western News Friday, 8 November 2019

SPORT

Wanderers announce Ambassadors for Ronald McDonald Charity

By CONNER LOWE

W

estern S y d n e y Wa n d e r e r s FC are proud to announce that captain Mitchell Duke and defenders Dylan McGowan and Patrick Ziegler will be the club’s new Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney (RMHC GWS) Ambassadors.

The announcement came in time of the club’s annual Ronald McDonald House fixture last Saturday against Brisbane Roar.

Over the course of the partnership, Wanderers players and club officials have regularly given their time in support of the various events and programs the charity provides for families throughout the year.

A favourite day in the Wanderers calendar is when the players and staff visit the House and cook a healthy home-cooked meal for families who have spent a long day in the hospital ward with their seriously ill child. It is a chance for players and staff to meet families, hear their stories and offer a

little support during their journey.

By acknowledging RMHC Greater Western Sydney at Saturday’s match against the Roar, and including families from Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney as part of the game-day experience, the Wanderers really are keeping families close.

Belinda Woolford, Chief Executive Officer at Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney said the house was honoured to have the Wanderers’ support.

“We’re forever grateful to the Wanderers for their ongoing support of seriously ill children and their families,” she said.

“When the players visit the house, you can see the impact immediately, spirits are lifted, which is priceless”.

John Tsatsimas, Western Sydney Wanderers CEO said he was proud of the club’s long-standing relationship with the charity.

“The Wanderers are so proud of our long-standing relationship with Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney,” he said.

“When we visit the house, we all walk away with a little more perspective and are grateful for the opportunity to bring a smile to the faces of the children in the house.”

Mitchell Duke, Captain of Western Sydney Wanderers said the relationship with the house was a special one for him.

“It means a lot to me and I’m very proud to be an ambassador actually, especially having my own son that’s three years old,” said Duke.

“To see such young kids fighting and battling with such bad things is tough to see, but it’s also inspirational that they are such fighters and battle every day for what we take for granted.”