Canterbury Bankstown Torch

03/10/2024

Congratulations to Canterbury Bankstown’s newly elected Councillors.
See

Welcome to City of Canterbury Bankstown.

02/10/2024

The Bulldogs’ Stephen Crichton has taken out the Dally M Captain of the year award, after earlier being named in the NRL Team of the Year.

2024 Dally M Team of the Year

02/10/2024

Visit Australia’s oldest Parliament to learn about democracy in NSW, and join in the fun for young citizens, future leaders and their families. The Parliament of NSW will hold an open day on Friday, October 11, 9.30am - 3pm, packed with free, fun activities for families with children aged from 4 to 12 years. Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/free-family-fun-day-at-parliament-of-nsw-tickets-1008060896277
Also see https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/Family-Fun-Day-2024.aspx

The Parliament of New South Wales acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of all Aboriginal people, and pays respects to all Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Parliament of New South Wales stands.

02/10/2024

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is encouraging residents to follow barbecue safety advice to avoid serious ‘mis-steaks’ during October long weekend celebrations.
FRNSW Acting Commissioner, Paul McGuiggan, said simple precautions and a little bit of planning helps to avoid accidents, prevent fires and keep loved ones safe.
“Have your barbecue set up in an area that has been cleared of vegetation, on a firm, level base sheltered from the wind and away from structures such as your house, garden shed and fences,” Acting Commissioner McGuiggan said.
“Have a supply of water close by and, if possible, a fire extinguisher as well.
“In the event of a fire, we’ll be there…but every second counts and you can reduce your risk of injury or damage by following some simple steps.”
Top barbecue safety tips include:
• Service and maintain your barbecue correctly, following the manufacturer’s instructions for start up and shut down procedures;
• Check gas cylinders for expiry date, rust or damage and make sure connections are clear and fit properly before lighting;
• After use, make sure the gas is turned off at the cylinder;
• Never put flammable liquid on a barbecue;
• Check Total Fire Ban details before lighting your barbecue;
• Keep children away from the barbecue;
• Make sure lighters and matches are in a secure place;
• If a gas leak occurs, and it is safe to do so, shut off the cylinder immediately and allow any gas to disperse; and
• After use, make sure the gas is turned off at the cylinder
Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Barbecue fire safety fact sheets can be downloaded at www.fire.nsw.gov.au and Total Fire Ban information at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au For further advice or information, contact your nearest FRNSW station.

01/10/2024

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are now back-to-back Premiers in the Jersey Flegg Cup after having beat the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, 14-12 today at Commbank Stadium.
Full report https://www.bulldogs.com.au/news/2024/09/29/Bulldogs-Go-Back-to-Back-As-Jersey-Flegg-Premiers/
See also https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=832371938981080

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are now back-to-back Premiers in the Jersey Flegg Cup after having beat the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, 14-12 today at Commbank Stadium.

01/10/2024

For the second year running, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have been honoured with the Flowers Memorial Pennant, a testament to their impressive performances across all major competitions in the NSWRL.
Established in 1930 as the Fred Flowers Memorial Pennant, this prestigious Club Championship is awarded to the club that accumulates the highest total points across all grades at the conclusion of competition rounds.

For the second year running, the Bulldogs have been honoured with the Flowers Memorial Pennant for impressive performances across all major competitions in the NSWRL.

01/10/2024

Join in Padstow Library’s 65th birthday celebrations and commemorate the occasion with a day full of fun and exciting activities on Thursday, October 17.

01/10/2024

More than 70 people attended three Local Health Forums across Bankstown, Bowral and Campbelltown to share their experiences and discuss how the health of our region can be improved.
The forums, held in August and September, brought together a diverse group from our community, each bringing their unique perspective and experiences to help us better understand the challenges and barriers our communities face when accessing palliative care services and advance care planning.
The information gathered from the forums will help us ensure our communities’ healthcare wishes are met, and they receive ‘a good death’.
The feedback will also inform the South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) Health Needs Assessment, which explores our region's priorities, service needs and gaps.
If you missed out on attending the recent Local Health Forums and would like to have your say, go to https://surveys.swsphn.com.au/n/3z1tlK2?ver=311274083

30/09/2024

F45 Panania is rallying the community to support a fundraiser for Kids Helpline, in memory of Charlotte O’Brien who tragically took her own life due to bullying.
A 12-hour bike ride will be held in its Anderson Avenue studio this Friday, with teams of two-three people riding each hour on the hour from 8pm until 8am the next day.
Owner of F45 Panania, Gary El-Helou said they are hoping to rack up as many kilometres as possible across the 12 hours “so we say ‘Collectively we rode one lap of Australia to raise awareness in honour of Charlotte’.”
“We have had an amazing response so far – it’s been really so heartwarming to see the community rally together and step out of the comfort zone,” he said.
“Team F45 Panania Crew will be there for the duration of the night – we are so pumpesd.
“We are not limiting numbers at all, the more people on board the better.”
He said the F45 Panania community has been deeply shaken by the heartbreaking loss of one of its regular member’s 12-year-old daughter Charlotte.
“In honour of Charlotte, and to support Mat and his family, we are coming together to raise much-needed funds for Kids Helpline – a crucial service that provides support to children and young people facing emotional challenges, including those struggling with suicidal thoughts,” he said.
“We invite the community to join us for a 12-hour overnight bike ride. Whether you book a time slot to jump on a bike or simply come by to show your support and cheer on the riders, your presence matters.
“Every dollar raised will go towards ensuring other young children have access to the emotional support they need in tough times. Let’s stand together, cycle together, and make a difference in Charlotte’s memory.”
To book a spot (cost is $10) call 0416 693 851 or email [email protected], or donate at https://hostyourown.fundraise.kidshelpline.com.au/page/CycleforCharlotte.

30/09/2024

State MP for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson has congratulated all year 12 students graduating in her electorate and wished them all the best “as you take on new challenges and opportunities in the next chapter of your lives, and good luck to those studying for the HSC.”

30/09/2024

A man has been charged over a double fatality in Milperra in May.
The 52-year-old was charged with negligent driving occasioning death (two counts) and cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of motor vehicle (two counts).
About 7.40pm on Sunday, May 26, emergency services were called to Milperra Road, Milperra, following reports multiple cars had crashed and rolled.
Bankstown Police arrived to find a Toyota sedan and Toyota utility had crashed with the sedan rolling and trapping the driver and passengers.
Two passengers of the sedan, a 41-year-old man and a 12-year-old girl, died at the scene.
A third passenger of the sedan, a 10-year-old boy, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead in a stable condition.
The male driver of the sedan, a 52-year-old man, was also treated at the scene before being taken to Westmead Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The driver of the utility, a 19-year-old man, was treated at the scene for minor injuries before being taken to Liverpool Hospital for mandatory testing.
Last Thursday, the 52-year-old attended Bankstown Police Station where he was charged with negligent driving occasioning death (two counts) and cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of motor vehicle (two counts).
He was granted bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court in November.

30/09/2024

Australian Border Force (ABF) is warning international travellers attempting to smuggle illicit to***co into Australia that they will be caught, have their visas cancelled, and may face an exclusion period of up to three years from re-entering the country.
​Since July 1, ABF officers around the country have intercepted and refused immigration clearance to 24 passengers attempting to smuggle more than 800,000 undeclared ci******es, with estimated duty evaded of over $1 million, through airports around Australia.
Commander Ken McKern said investigations suggest the intercepted travellers were likely working for criminal syndicates.
“Recently, there has been increasing detections of passengers departing from airports across Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore attempting to smuggle ci******es into Australia," Commander McKern said.
“What we find is that passengers attempt to smuggle undeclared ci******es in their luggage via carry-on or checked luggage before passing them to criminal groups in Australia.
“There is a common misconception that engaging in the illicit to***co trade is a victimless crime, but it is far from it.
“Organised criminal groups generate significant profits from the sale of illicit to***co, which fund other criminal activities such as illicit drug trafficking."
A recent example of ABF interceptions of international travellers attempting to smuggle undeclared ci******es through Australian airports includes: ​From 5 to 6 July 2024, ABF officers intercepted nine Japanese nationals attempting to smuggle more than 330,000 ci******es in their luggage through Sydney International Airport - No ifs or butts for passengers stopped at Sydney Airport. ​
In all of the cases mentioned, ABF officers seized the ci******es and cancelled the travellers' visas under Section 116 of the Migration Act 1958. Those caught were removed from Australia at their own expense.
Australia's interim Illicit To***co and E-cigarette (ITEC) Commissioner, Erin Dale, said the ABF works collaboratively with customs administrations across the world to prevent the flow of illicit to***co to Australia and to ensure travellers understand the consequences of attempting to import undeclared ci******es and to***co into the country.
“However, enforcement at the border is only one response that complements a range of activities, including education, health and domestic enforcement and compliance. Border enforcement alone cannot stem the flow of illicit goods into Australia," Commissioner Dale said.
“Illegal importers are determined to circumvent border controls and take advantage of the Australian people.
“The trade is both domestic and international in scope and we're working to ensure collaborative efforts between local, state, federal, and international law enforcement partners to combat the issue."
Passengers seeking more information on what can be brought into Australia can check the ABF website here: www.abf.gov.au
Information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders can be provided to Border Watch - abf.gov.au.