INDEPENDENT magazine group HAWKESBURY • HILLS • BLACKTOWN
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LOCAL LIFE
by Lorna Gordon
Growing up in Bankstown , Bill Ruxton remembers a simpler time and a different landscape to now , with not a high rise in sight . His father was an
BLACKTOWN ’ S FINEST ...
Flying has always been a passion for Bill , whether in the air or building models of planes . electrician , and his mother was kept busy looking after Bill and his three brothers .
“ It was completely different to what it is now ,” he recalls . “ Back then , it was a working-class community and we had very few people from overseas living in the area ,” Bill told me .
He was the eldest of four brothers and the only one who is still living .
“ The other three have carked it ,” he says with a bittersweet chuckle , showing his blend of humour and resilience .
After high school , Bill moved to Marrickville and soon found love at a Catholic youth organisation . He married his first wife in 1960 at St Bridget ’ s Church , and together they had three children .
The idea of serving your
country ran in Bill ’ s veins , and he knew from a young age what he was going to do to earn a living . Inspired by his grandfather , who served in World War I , and his father , who served in World War II , Bill enlisted in the Australian Army in 1954 .
“ From about the age of six or seven , I knew I was going to join ,” he says . “ I went to Victoria to train at the Officer Cadet School , but they released I wasn ’ t officer material , so I was sent back to Sydney and joined an artillery regiment .”
Bill admits that even though he had wanted to join up since he was young , army life wasn ’ t as good as he hoped , but his time in uniform instilled a sense of discipline that has stayed with him through his life .
After army life was over , Bill pursued an accounting degree but found the profession dull . “ I went back to night school and started an architecture course ,” he explains . “ That sparked my love for building things .”
He enjoyed making model planes as a child , and his new found skills from learning architecture expanded into a new passion , making scale models of houses . He makes models of houses , caravans and has started making model of castles and medieval style houses .
Bill took his love of planes one step further . Determined to experience the real thing , he earned his commercial pilot ’ s license at Bankstown Airport . “ Flying was pure pleasure ,” he says . “ Little things like watching the sunset , climbing another thousand feet
Harman Foundation ’ s Community Food Pantry and Library enhanced for greater impact
The Harman Foundation is delighted to announce the transformation of its long-standing Community Food Pantry and Library at the HOPE Multicultural Hub , located at 17 Balmoral Street , Blacktown . Since its establishment in 2022 , this initiative has been a vital lifeline for vulnerable individuals and families in the Westpoint area , providing essential food supplies and fostering literacy .
Thanks to the leadership and generous support of Parklea Correctional Centre Governor Wayne Taylor , the pantry and library were recently upgraded with a waterproof cabinet in January , under the supervision of the prison ’ s Senior Manager Operational Support Services , Michael Pugsley . This invaluable donation from MTC Australia , which operates Parklea on behalf of Corrective Services NSW , has significantly enhanced the accessibility and durability of this crucial community resource .
“ We have been running this pantry and library for over two years , but we could not afford to make it weatherproof ,” said Maninder Singh , Chair of the Harman Foundation .
“ This generous donation from MTC Australia , led by Parklea Governor
Wayne Taylor , has provided a muchneeded upgrade . It is a wonderful gift for the community , ensuring this service can continue to support those in need , whatever the weather .”
Governor Taylor emphasised MTC Australia ’ s commitment to supporting the Harman Foundation by using the expertise of overseers in the prison ’ s metal workshop , who guided inmates in constructing the cabinet , and the facilities management team , who installed it .
“ We have collaborated with the Harman Foundation on several community projects over the past few years , including supplying vegetables grown by inmates for food hampers and donating handcrafted wooden toys for Christmas presents ,” said Governor Taylor .
“ When they informed us they needed a waterproof cabinet for their charity , we knew it was something we could readily provide , and we were eager to help .”
Beyond the food pantry and library , the Harman Foundation offers critical services , including domestic and family violence support , chaplaincy care , and a 24 / 7 helpline . These initiatives provide essential assistance to vulnerable community members , offering safety , compassion , and guidance during times of crisis .
The food pantry distributes approximately 50 to 80 kilograms of groceries each week , aiding individuals and families facing financial hardship , mental health challenges , or difficulties accessing quality food . The initiative aims to uphold dignity and respect , ensuring those in need receive support in a safe and welcoming environment .
The library , which circulates 30 to 40 books weekly , has become a cherished community resource , encouraging reading and lifelong learning among children and adults alike .
The Harman Foundation is now appealing to businesses , corporations , and individuals to support this vital initiative . Regular donations , whether monetary or in-kind ( particularly longlife food items ), are essential to keep the food pantry well-stocked . Your generosity will help us continue to meet the growing needs of our community
Volunteers with the new waterproof cabinet made by Parklea inmates . and bring hope to those who rely on our services .
The waterproof cabinet serves as a powerful testament to the positive impact of community partnerships . This project reflects the generosity and compassion of those involved at Parklea , creating lasting benefits for the residents of Blacktown .
For further enquiries , contributions , or partnership opportunities , please contact the Harman Foundation at 1800 116 675 or via email at contactus @ harmanfoundation . org . au .
6 ISSUE 48 // MARCH 2025 theindependentmagazine . com . au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT