2 Rifle Range Road SOUTH WINDSOR P : 4577 6488 E : functions @ windsorleaguesclub . com . au www . windsorleagues . com . au
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SEE PAGES 26-27 The Colebee , Nurragingy Reserve
Rooty Hill Hall RSL © Blacktown City Libraries
PHOTO : KATHRYN JOHNSTON . LOCATION : THE VINEYARD HOTEL
By Maryann Callaghan
discussions on connecting the metro line to heavy rail in the Riverstone electorate .
At just 47 years of age , Ryan Jones was already a 303-game rugby league veteran with the Minchinbury Jets , as the Duck Man reported on our sports page , along with the Blacktown Warriors rise to fame .
OCTOBER
The spectacular Diwali festival of lights was featured on our front cover this month .
Much loved Uncle Wes Marne AM , a Bigambul man and Elder , passed away at 102 years of age . He lived in Mt Druitt for 50 years and was committed to sharing his culture and traditional knowledge throughout the city .
The tireless work of communityminded Rachael Hanlon , Citizen of the Year awardee , was our Finest story , while dance teacher and mum Nicole Matutina , who lives with MS , is making a difference raising awareness of the condition and fundraising for a cure .
Medal winning efforts of Paris Paralympians , locals Timothy Hodge ( swimming ) and Gordon Allan ( cycling ) were relayed in our pages .
Maret Archer , Blacktown resident , local actor and early DV champion passed away ; MP Hugh McDermott discussed unmasking coercive control as an insidious form of domestic abuse and how government can take a role in its prevention .
The Doonside Hawks came out on top adding another Premier League trophy
to their club cabinet and we were invited along to the inaugural International Multicultural Athletics event in Blacktown , hosted by the Glenwood Sport and Athletics Club .
NOVEMBER
We commemorated Remembrance Day throughout the district and read about its history in Blacktown City .
Our Finest came in the form of the marvelous Derek Whorlow , proud recipient of the NSW Volunteer of the Year Award , for his decades of volunteering with Marine Rescue Hawkesbury unit , Kenthurst RFS , St John Ambulance , Blacktown Scouts and Probus .
Dog walker and pet sitter Bianca Santucci showed us how she makes a difference by regularly taking dogs to visit first responders to give them a quick mental health break .
Our wedding , functions and events lift out showed off many of the stunning facilities available in the greater area .
Isaiah Lazaro continues to take on the world in Jiu Jitsu , former netballer Sharon McLachlan showed us how she ’ s developing female football game leaders at Marayong Football Club and Riverstone Dolphins RSL Swimming Club turned 30 years young .
Harpo ’ s Marks column contemplated if the Penrith Panthers NRL team was the greatest of the modern era , with their four-in-a-row Grand Final win , as compared to years and teams gone by in earlier eras .
Windsor Leagues Club is the perfect venue to celebrate your next special event !
DECEMBER
Mayoress Bunting ’ s Christmas Gift Appeal was launched for us to donate items to share joy to families who may not be well off during the cost-of-living crisis .
Western Sydney ’ s Mobile Dental Clinic celebrated its 1000th school visit , while Elvis Danso was the subject of our Make a Difference column , having received the Inspirational Person of the Year Award for his work with Mt Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency .
Castle Group announced it would fund the Blacktown women ’ s refuge for another year , and our Finest was Maureen Caird , the Seven Hills girl who won gold in the 80m hurdles as a 17-year-old at the 1968 Mexico Olympics .
Olympic veteran Melissa Wu and Paralympic gold medalist Tim Hodge were awarded the Key to Blacktown City . MP Michelle Rowland announced that anyone with an existing student loan , will benefit from a 20 percent reduction on it commencing June 2025 .
All three teams of the Australian Aesthetic group Gymnastics Federation based in Rooty Hill , reached the finals of the Hong Kong Cup International Rhythmic Gymnastics Invitation Championships .
Duck Man gave us the history of the Blacktown Little Athletics Club as well as the rise of the Western Magic , AFL Diversity Club of the Year .
CELEBRATE YOUR
AT WINDSOR LEAGUES CLUB
Celebrate your upcoming event with FREE ROOM HIRE *
With function packages catering to all budgets , whether you ’ re planning an intimate gathering or an extravagant party , we ’ ve got you covered !
Get in touch with us today to discuss your plans , and let ’ s make your next function truly unforgettable .
To find out more email functions @ windsorleagues . com . au
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Where the
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Urapun Muy by Deb Belyea
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One fire
7-14 JULY 2024
SAMUAWGADHALGAL , TORRES STRAIT Aboriginal Flag
‘ Urapun Muy ’, from the Kalaw Kawaw Ya dialect of the Top Western Islands of the Torres Strait , means ‘ One Fire ’. The title of this work pays homage to Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal people everywhere , as we all have that one fire : our passion for our culture . In this work , I have depicted the hands of our ancestors that have carefully dropped a burning ember on to a fire . This ember burns hot with intensity , stoking the flames , as it combines with the new fire . The linear detail shows the energy and power as cultural knowledge is transferred from our ancestors to us today . Culture is the fire that gives us knowledge , wisdom and purpose . It is our responsibility to maintain , practice , and pass on our fire to our future generations . Afterall , Culture keeps us Blak , Loud and Proud .
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Farewell to a true champion of the people
Vale Tony Bleasdale OAM
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CHRISTMAS
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