A YOUNG father was stabbed and savagely beaten to death with a baseball bat by a mob of up to 15 people who turned on him in Sydney's south-west yesterday.

Wayne Boyce, 23, from Bonnyrigg, was set upon in Trevanna St, Busby, just after 3am.

The father of two infant boys had driven to the address after a friend, known as Joel, called him for help when the angry group turned up at his house.

Neighbours said they awoke to the sound of smashed windows, as members of the group shouted for Joel to "come outside".

A car parked in the driveway was also badly damaged by the men, who had allegedly come after Joel for reasons which are still unclear.

It is understood he had called Mr Boyce, a long-time friend, who at first dismissed the problem, saying he should just tell the men to "go away". Eventually the dangerous situation became clear and Mr Boyce rushed over from his home in Bonnyrigg.

His brother-in-law, Mohammed, said the moment Mr Boyce arrived at the Busby address and got out of his car, the group turned its anger onto him.

He attempted to escape, but was stabbed in his lower back and fell to the floor where his killers continued to bash him with bats and metal poles.

Paramedics were called and attempted to revive him at the scene, but he died a short time later from his injuries at Liverpool Hospital.

Police yesterday formed Strike Force Harney to help track down his killers, who had fled the scene, and forensic officers and local detectives later secured evidence.

Authorities said the trouble had occurred as a result of an altercation between "two groups of men" outside the home.

Friends and family gathered at the home of Mr Boyce's parents, just metres away from where the attack occurred, to offer support.

His girlfriend, Casey Tyrell, 19, was too distraught to speak yesterday, but her mother described him as a beautiful soul who should not have died in such a senseless way.

"Wayne loved my daughter and my daughter loved him," Sharon Tyrell said.

"She loved him so much."

She said it was incomprehensible why he had to die.

"It was just a fight - they didn't have to bloody stab him," she said.

The report into the review of Ngo's conviction for the September 1994 shooting of his political rival, released yesterday, is scathing of Ngo's supporters, who had lobbied for the inquiry, and praises the work of police officers.

Chief Justice Jim Spigelman, who commissioned the inquiry last year, confirmed yesterday "no further steps are to be taken".

"I am satisfied the conclusions drawn … are justified and amply supported by the detailed analysis of the evidence set out in the report," he said in a statement.

The outcome of the inquiry, by the former judge David Patten, means Ngo will remain in jail for the rest of his life. Mr Patten's report criticised Ngo's supporters for their "lack of objectivity", "intemperate language" and "unsupported allegations".

"[The submissions by Ngo supporters] included allegations of fraud, perversion of justice, and other improper conduct against the police and prosecuting authorities without, in my view, a shred of evidence to support them," Mr Patten said.

Ngo was handed a copy of the report yesterday afternoon by his former solicitor Peter Breen, who said Ngo was "extremely disappointed". Ngo responded, he said: "Nobody knows who murdered John Newman and there's not one bit of evidence linking me to that unknown person."

The inquiry followed a report on the ABC's Four Corners and a submission to Justice Spigelman by the Canberra academic Hugh Selby. Mr Selby had raised concerns about the reliability of the analysis of mobile phone records, evidence by two indemnified witnesses "T" and "N", evidence about the discovery of the murder weapon and the failure by police to disclose certain evidence to Ngo's legal team.

Later, the inquiry broadened its scope, and examined criticism by a former police officer, Dean Krzeminski, and allegations about the murder weapon, but decided not to pursue them after some investigation.

It also heard allegations that the then Labor Party secretary John Della Bosca had offered Newman's seat to Ngo hours before the murder.

But after the inquiry, Mr Patten found there was an even stronger case against Ngo than before. "Nothing in the matters raised by Mr Selby, or otherwise now available, casts doubt upon, or raises, a sense of unease or disquiet in respect of the conviction of Mr Ngo," he wrote.

Ngo's friend Marion Le said yesterday she disagreed with the findings and the "disgusting vilification" of her. Mr Patten said the "difficult and complex investigation" was conducted "thoroughly and competently" by police, including the Deputy Commissioner, Nick Kaldas.

"There is no evidence that Mr Kaldas, at any stage of the investigation, acted improperly or without competence and diligence, apart from the minor error he made in giving evidence earlier referred to."

Mr Kaldas said the inquiry had been stressful for the police and for Mr Newman's family.

The Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, said the report vindicated the work of police. "Police arrested and charged the right man," he said.

Geesche Jacobsen

SMH Online, 17 April 2009

After a six-month inquiry into his conviction, evidence that Phuong Ngo did mastermind the murder of former Cabramatta MP John Newman is stronger than ever, the judge conducting it has found.

Retired Judge David Patten said Ngo's supporters ignored the strength of the evidence against him.

"Unsupported allegations of gross impropriety were substituted for analysis of the facts," he said.

Newman was gunned down outside his home in September 1994.

Ngo, a Fairfield Labor councillor, was jailed for life for masterminding the murder in November 2001.

The inquiry started last October. It was ordered by Supreme Court Chief Justice James Spigelman in June, after an ABC Four Corner's program raised concerns about Ngo's conviction.

Canberra academic Hugh Selby wrote a submission to Justice Spigelman on Ngo's behalf, which asked for a review on three grounds: questions over expert evidence on the mobile network, doubts about the independence of two witnesses "T" and "N", and the alleged failure to provide certain evidence to Ngo's defence.

During the inquiry, Ngo admitted for the first time that he was familiar with the footbridge at Voyager Point, near which the murder weapon was found.

Expert evidence about the time the gun, which was severely corroded when found, had been in the river was revised during the inquiry.

And Ngo's own evidence, given during his second trial, but not at the third, was "very destructive to his claim of innocence", Mr Patten said.

His lawyers probably gave him the right advice, when suggesting he not give evidence at the third trial - advice Ngo criticised during the inquiry.

While Mr Selby's submission had "on its face raised matters calling for investigation" they had seemed insignificant under scrutiny and cross examination, Mr Patten found.

"In the result, I find that nothing in the matters raised by Mr Selby, or otherwise now available, casts doubt upon, or raises, a sense of unease or disquiet in respect of the conviction of Mr Ngo."

Mr Patten also exonerated the police officers conducting the original investigation.

"Nothing which has come before me suggests that the very difficult and complex investigation into Mr Newman's murder was conducted otherwise than thoroughly and competently by police officers dedicated to the task," he said.

Ngo was convicted in June 2001 at a third trial after one aborted trial and one hung jury. Two others, including the accused gunman, David Dinh, were found not guilty. No one has been convicted for pulling the trigger.

Geesche Jacobsen is the Herald's Crime Editor

I work in Artarmon, in the north shore.  Work seems to be getting more and more frantic lately meaning many early mornings and some late nights and the occasional weekend.

In good traffic, it’s an hour drive, when things are bad it could take two hours – each way. Some of my kind work friends (and there are many because I’m particularly blessed) have asked if I’ve thought about moving closer to work or at least to the City.

It’s not like I haven’t moved out of the Cabra ghetto, I’ve lived just about everywhere in Sydney; as far west as Penrith, Lane Cove in the North, Paddington, Kensignton, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills in the east and Newtown and Enmore in the inner west – and even York Street in the heart of the City.  I have never been one to plan out my life or where I live much, it seems like I moved out of home early and kept moving.

I must admit when I get up at 5am during dark winter mornings, I have thought about moving away from Cabra.  It seems just about anywhere would be closer to work.

But then I think of the things I’d have to give up, the Saturday 6am ritual of buying hot knot rolls for breakfast from my favourite bread shop in Canley Heights.

Chatting to the old women who make Vietnamese desserts and cured pork at home to sell them illegally on John Street on the weekends.  Sometimes our casual conversation is abruptly ends as they quickly pack their wares into a trolley and sprint away, with the speed of someone half their age, from an approaching Council Officer.  Admiring their resilience, because they’d be back once the Council Officer is gone.

And speaking of food, of course how could I leave all the delicious food from all around the world which is literally outside my door step?

Then there’s the homeless guy that sits on Railway Parade between Canley Vale and Cabramatta.  He has a shock of mangled Asian jet black hair, a beard that was long but patchy and starting to grey.  His skin dark and uneven, his eyes bloodshot but necessarily alert.  Last Christmas Day I made a point of finding him to give a Christmas plate which had freshly sliced ham, buttered bread, mango and cherries.  He politely refused but asked for $10.  As I walked away clutching the plate, I saw him fished out some old fried rice which someone had chucked in the bin.

I’d miss seeing the old men on the mall, their eyes cloudy and weary but their voices and gestures loud and strong, reading the paper or just watching the world go by.  They dress up in their finest slacks, shirt and obligatory loose grey or brown jacket… but they’re not doing anything special.  They’re happy though because they are part of a community, I know it because I see their smiling, wrinkled faces.

I still get swept up with the local drama of Cabramatta – which restaurant is doing well, who’s son has just graduated as a doctor, who’s daughter is now a pharmacist.  Even saucier still, who’s divorcing, who’s put on weight, who’s lost weight, who’s lost too much at the pokies and who’s had plastic surgery.

There’s something about this community that seems to have seeped into every part of me.  Like a slow drug it runs through my vein and I can’t imagine my life before that.  Now, I can’t imagine a life outside Cabramatta. 

My hair has been short for very practical reasons, I save time by not having to worry about how to do my hair.

But the past few weeks have been hectic, and have not had time to get a trim, in short it was looking abit worse for wear - untidy around the edges. And then eventually, it wouldn't stand up anymore and I've had to do a part, complete wi

th fringe... harkens me back to a decade ago.

At the first opportunity, on Wed this week, I got it cut at a Korean place in the city. I don't know what she did to it, but for the whole evening, I felt totally glamorous (see pic). But of course, I can't seem to reproduce that film star hair on my own.

From the practical to complete vanity!

Thang Talk, Fairfield Advance
23 February 2009

It might sound flippant, but food is one of the main reasons we chose to live in Cabramatta.  My partner and I are rarely home by 7pm - who has time to shop, cook, eat and wash up?  Why cook, when we’re surrounded by good, honest, delicious food.

Over the years, so many friends have asked me to recommend places to eat in Cabramatta.  So I’ve decided devote a blog to share with you my favourite local eats.

But first a disclaimer, which might save me from being lynched by restaurants who didn’t make the list: it’s a competitive market in Cabramatta – diners are fussy, if a place is no good, it won’t last.  So just by being open, the restaurant is pretty good already!

If we’re talking Cabramatta and food, we must start with Pho; Vietnamese flat rice noodles in clear soup, usually with different cuts of beef and served with a side accompaniment of basil, bean sprout, lemon, fresh chilli and a small dish of hoi-sin sauce.

My two favourites are Pho Tau Bay (flying boat) and Pho 54.  Tau Bay’s soup is a little sweeter, while Pho 54 packs a stronger punch, you can taste the fish sauce. Goi cuon, Vietnamese fresh rolls is also particularly good at Pho 54.

If you like egg noodles and chicken, both of which I’m particularly partial too, then Tan Viet is not to be missed.  Mi ga don, crispy chicken noodle soup is the best in Sydney.  The skin melts in the mouth to get your taste buds ready for the tender chicken flesh.  The egg noodle can come in the soup (uoc/wet) or you can get them in separate dishes (kho/dry).  Try dry, it’s different and delicious.

If you fancy heartier dinner dishes, try Hai Au or Thanh Mai.  Both offer some of the best Canh Chua, sour soup in Sydney.  Canh Chua is made from a dozen types of vegetable and herbs.  It’s sweet from the pineapple and sour from tamarind and tomatoes with more flavour contribution from bach ha, fried garlic, several types of fresh mint and of course, hot chilli.  Hai Au’s prawn Canh Chua is particularly good, while Thanh Mai’s fish Canh Chua hot pot is sensational – you get the whole fish.

A delicious vegetarian version of Canh Chua can be had at Duy Linh, where rice vermicelli noodles come with the soup, making it a meal on its own.  Another favourite for vegetarian is An Lac, a vegetarian restaurant run by Phuoc Hue, a local Buddhist temple, my favourite is tomato stuffed with tofu, which you have with a side dish or rice.

If meat is more your style, go all the way at Phuoc Loc Tho (PLT) in Canley Heights, specialising in seven delights of beef.  Yep, beef cooked seven ways! From paper thin slices of beef which you cook at the table to roll up with pickles and mints in rice paper, to beef grilled in betel leaves, beef soup and beef hot pot.  At $22 a head, it’s a steal.

If chicken is more your fare, try Frank’s Lebanese restaurant in nearby Fairfield for the best bbq chicken, served with homos, tabouli, Lebanese bread and the most pungent and delicious garlic paste. 

Yum Sab is the place to go for humble but mouthwatering Thai-Lao.  Spicy Lao sausage is a favourite, as is Som Tam, green papaya salad.  Most people go for the Thai Som Tam, but if you’re adventurous, ask for the pungent Lao interpretation, it contains small fermented crabs with shells.

Al-Diaffah Al-Iraqi restaurant in Fairfield serves up hearty lamb curry with warm, fluffy flat bread made on the premises.  The bright green, red and yellow pickles which come with the meals are especially good.

La Paula Café’s Chilean chacarero is a particularly delicious burger consisting of beef, beans and mayonnaise – make sure you put lots of chilli sauce.  Wash it down with pipping hot coffee while you watch cable TV from Chile.

If you’re still hungry, Trung Nguyen Vietnamese is open for a late night snack.  Bo Luc Lac is a melt in the mouth square cubes of tender beef steak served over a bed of tomato rice.  Here, you can try a local favourite - Com Tam, plain rice topped with pork chops, pork pate and fried egg, over which you liberally pour sweet chilli sauce.

Now you know why we rarely eat at home.

Al-Diaffah Al-Iraqi
13 The Crescent
Fairfield NSW 2165
Phone (02) 9755 0870

An Lac
94b John St
Cabramatta NSW 2166
Phone (02) 9727 5116

Duy Linh Vegetarian
Shop 10, 117 John St
Cabramatta NSW 2166
Phone (02) 9727 9800

Frank’s Restaurant
16 Smart St
Fairfield NSW 2165
Phone (02) 9724 3000

Hai Au
48a Canley Vale Rd
Canley Vale NSW 2166
Phone (02) 9724 9156

La Paula Café
Shop 1, 9 Barbara St
Fairfield NSW 2165
Phone (02) 9726 2379

Pho 54
Shop 2, 54 Park Rd
Cabramatta NSW 2166
Phone (02) 9726 1992

Pho Tau Bay
Shop 12, 117 John Street
Cabramatta NSW 2166
Phone (02) 9726 4583

Phuoc Loc Tho
Level 1, 233 Canley Vale Rd
Canley Heights NSW 2166
Phone (02) 9723 0701

Tan Viet
Shop 2-3, 100 John St
Cabramatta NSW 2166
Phone (02) 9727 6853

Thanh Mai
252 Canley Vale Rd
Canley Heights NSW 2166
Phone (02) 9726 6883

Trung Nguyen
Shop 4
219 Canley Vale Rd
Canley Heights NSW 2166
Phone (02) 9724 1344

Yum Sab
6 Dale St
Fairfield NSW 2165
Phone (02) 9727 2444

Lisa Carty, Sun Herald
February 15, 2009

A LIBERAL Party powerbroker once accused of racist road rage gatecrashed an art exhibition opening and "threw a temper tantrum", a mayor claims.

Liverpool mayor Wendy Waller was so outraged by the actions of upper house right-winger David Clarke that she has complained in writing to the Premier, Nathan Rees.

Her account is backed by the council general manager, Phil Tolhurst, who said Mr Clarke "was very vocal and argumentative", and by a senior exhibition staffer Nikita Karvounis, who said the MP was "very rude and aggressive and basically accused us of being a communist organisation".

Cr Waller said the MP, who was not on the guest list, had been aggressive and offensive.

"He threw a temper tantrum and made demands of local government staff who had nothing to do with him. I was gobsmacked," she said.

Mr Tolhurst said he didn't know much about art but he knew what he didn't like - and that was an MP badgering his staff over a legitimate, long-established art exhibition.

"He was quite argumentative," Mr Tolhurst said. "He was trying to indicate to me that Liverpool Council had done the wrong thing having this display and I was quite clear to him that I knew enough about the subject to know that wasn't right."

Mr Karvounis, acting director of the Casula Powerhouse museum, said Mr Clarke had been "very rude and aggressive". "I actually didn't say anything to him because he didn't give me the time to respond," Mr Karvounis said. "He had his own agenda and didn't want to listen to anyone."

Mr Clarke denied the claims and said he did not realise the January 29 preview of Viet Nam Voices, a decade-old touring exhibition which received funding from the Howard government, was an invitation-only event.

He said he had been asked to attend the Casula event at short notice by members of the Vietnamese community who were upset at the exhibition's content. He said he was loud by nature, but denied yelling or pointing his fingers in anger. He was, instead, indicating works that members of his group found offensive, particularly a pop-art depiction of then Communist leader Ho Chi Minh.

"I made the point forcefully, but it was not a situation of chest-pointing," he said. "Anyone who is trying to make out I went there to throw my weight around is being rather cute."

The woman who asked Mr Clarke to accompany her group, Anh-Linh Pham, denied he had been aggressive. "He did not shout or raise his voice or use bad words but of course he was advocating for our view."

In 2005, the MP denied he was being racist when he allegedly yelled, "We do things differently in Australia", after an incident behind State Parliament. He had actually said "words to the effect [of] … 'What are you trying to do? We don't act like that to each other on Australian roads,"' and had not meant any race slur.

In a unique co-incidence, Australia Day this year coincides with Lunar New Year, the largest festival celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese.

Already a few of my friends have asked what will I be celebrating on 26 January 2009.

Early in my first term on Fairfield Council, a constituent asked me something like “what do you identify with?”

I had no idea what she was asking.

She clarified “like, are you Vietnamese-Australian or Australian-Vietnamese?”

I think she might have been happy with Australian-Vietnamese because I would have put Australia first. But I knew, to get bonus points, the answer should have been simply just “Australian” - without any other allegiances.

Our family was one of the first Vietnamese refugees to arrive in Australia. And for most of my school life, I was just about the only Asian child in my school. Not that I saw myself as Asian, because my mates, the people I saw on TV, the music I listened to, were as Aussie as meat pie. 

Like any child, I wanted to fit in.  I would run away as far as possible from anything remotely Vietnamese.  My dream was to wake up with anything but my coarse, jet black, hair.

Back then my answer would be: “I see myself as Australian”.

While at uni, I went back to Vietnam for the first time. I saw a resilient, proud, strong people, with a rich, complex history and who survived through so much adversity - war and poverty to name just two.

Through this experience I realised that I and others that have gone through the migrant/refugee experience are much more complex and it’s almost impossible to put us into any one box.

How do you describe someone who left everything they own to arrive empty handed to a new country where the culture is completely foreign?

How can I describe to you my first day at primary school when I could not speak a word of English?

What am I now, at 42 years old having lived more than three decades outside Vietnam and actually choosing to live and work in Australia?

Putting people in discrete boxes rarely do them justice. 

During this coming Monday, I’ll probably be celebrating Australia Day sometimes, Lunar New Year at other times, and sometimes both.

I love and respect both cultures, so why can’t I celebrate both?

Oh, and my answer to the constituent? 

“All of the above.’’

Thang's Blog for the Fairfield Advance