WSBA - June 2022 by Access News Australia (ANA)

BUSINESS | LIFESTYLE JUNE 2022 | EDITION 133 www.accessnews.com.au

RECYCLING IS A

FAMILY BUSINESS State environmental award goes to Bin Chicken

WESTERN Sydney community recycling project called The Bin Chicken has been named the 2022 NSW Environmental Citizen of the Year by the NSW Government on World Environment Day. Environment Minister, James Griffin congratulated the winner and all the nominees for their initiatives

that help protect and conserve the environment while growing community spirit. Alexis Bowen started The Bin Chicken initiative two years ago in the Campbelltown region after picking up litter with her children every evening while on a walk. Within five weeks, they had collected more than 5,000 single use drink containers.

The Bin Chicken aims to reduce recyclable material entering landfill and inspire the community to use the Return and Earn deposit scheme to return more money to local sports clubs, day care centres and a community pantry that contains food to help those in need. More page 12.

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Future of paediatric care

Westmead stage 2 will be world class ARDENS, playgrounds, family rooms and accommodation for carers are among the highlights of a major expansion being delivered as part of the $619M Stage 2 redevelopment at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. New fly-through video showcases the world-class clinical areas within the new state-of-the-art Paediatric Services building which has been designed to create a homelike and supportive environment for treatment and recovery. Premier Dominic Perrottet said the redevelopment will deliver new and expanded critical health care facilities as part of the NSW Government’s record investment in our health system. “The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network is the largest provider of paediatric health services in Australia, and this redevelopment will deliver the best paediatric healthcare in the country,” Mr Perrottet said. “This is a once-in-a-generation project that will strengthen our frontline services by delivering world-class healthcare facilities and services for families to provide them with the care and support when they need it most.” Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the major expansion at Westmead, alongside redevelopments at the Sydney’s Children’s Hospital at Randwick, is part of a record investment of more than $1.3B in paediatric healthcare across the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. “Due for completion in 2025, the new state-of-the-art paediatric hospital for Western Sydney will consolidate the state’s most critical paediatric services including intensive care, surgical, medical and cancer care and provide the latest facilities for child and adolescent health,” Mr Hazzard said. “Patients, families, staff and community have been involved at every stage of the planning to ensure these facilities support patient wellbeing, enable new models of care, and provide modern working environments for our staff to accommodate current and emerging treatments and technology.” The new Paediatric Services Building, which will provide new and expanded

G Last shout for family pubs

ABSC launches 3rd Ekonomos

Reinvigorating Liverpool CBD

What West women want

Joining the digital nomads

FITNESS: Motivation quick tips

The magic power of goals

Connect with us HOW to get ACCESS facebook.com/AccessNewsAustralia WSBA is available free at 280 youtube.com/AccessNewsAustralia strategic distribution points linkedin.com/company/3278807 and online at www.wsba.com.au twitter.com/AccessNewsAus See website for distribution locations. Western Sydney Business Access (WSBA) ACCESS NEWS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ABN 39 600 436 799 Publisher/editor: Michael Walls WESTERN SYDNEY M: 0407 783 413. E: michael@wsba.com.au MEDIA ALLIANCE Associate Editor: Dallas Sherringham Journalists: Di Bartok. Account Managers: Julie Jackson: 0447 291 780 Contributors: Adam Simpson, Jacob Richardson, John Mellor. Printer: New Age Printing Design: Design2Pro, Words and Pixels. General enquiries: info@wsba.com.au Phone: 02 4572 2336 We pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of our region and acknowledge their continued connection to their country and culture.

critical care and acute healthcare services including: • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. • Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. • Cancer services. • Operating theatres. • Cardiac catheterisation and interventional laboratories. • Pharmacy. • Inpatient units. The redevelopment also features a revitalised forecourt and playground called KIDSPARK to welcome families, an Aboriginal Meeting Place, village green, and enhanced retail offerings to improve the experience for patients, families and staff at the hospital. Roberts Co has been awarded the contract to build the Paediatric Services Building with work set to begin later this year. To address the growth in healthcare services at Westmead, a new multi-storey car park is also being delivered as part of the project which will provide almost 1,000 car parking spaces. The new hospital car park will be the first in NSW to feature solar panels on the façade and roof, generating around 600kW of renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions and general power at the hospital. Australian-owned business Kane Constructions has been awarded the contract to build the new carpark. Early work is under way with work expected to be completed in 2023. More information can be found at: www. westmeadkidsredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au/

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Scott Hudson new Wanderers CEO ESTERN Sydney Wanderers FC has confirmed general manager Scott Hudson has been appointed CEO of the club. A Western Sydney local, Hudson has been part of the Wanderers family since 2013 where he has worked his way up through the club’s corporate partnership’s department before taking over as commercial manager in 2015. In recent years, he has helped oversee the development of Wanderers Football Park, the launch of the Wanderers Foundation, and built an impressive portfolio of Corporate Partners – many which have supported the club for close to a decade.

Hudson was promoted to the general manager role in March this year to oversee the club’s transition following the announcement of inaugural CEO John Tsatsimas’ stepping down from the role, and has now officially been named the club’s second CEO. Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer congratulated Hudson and said the next few seasons would be crucial for the club. “Today marks a new beginning for this football club, and I would personally like to congratulate Scott Hudson for his role in its formation and the responsibility he has been tasked with for its future,” said Lederer.

Hudson said he was proud to be leading the club into the new decade. “First of all I am extremely excited by the opportunity ahead for this club, I have dedicated nine years to helping build the foundations of our club and have a plan and a pathway for the future I look forward to sharing over the coming months and seasons ahead,” said Hudson. “I love this club, and everything it stands for from the Wanderers Foundation and our work in the community, to the mens and womens teams that represent Western Sydney on the field.”

Scott Hudson.

Coleman Greig’s Warrick McLean resigns ARRAMATTA based Coleman Greig Lawyers has announced that its Board of directors has accepted the resignation of Mr Warrick McLean, CEO. The board has appointed Ms Andrea Galloway as acting CEO to be effective upon Mr McLean’s resignation. Ms Caroline Hutchinson will remain in her role as Chairperson of the board. The Board will begin a search for a permanent CEO shortly.

P Warrick McLean.

“I look forward to working closely with our Board of directors, executive team and all our employees to achieve Coleman Greig’s strategic goals. Since joining the Board in 2018 I have been acutely aware of all facets of the business and have huge confidence in Coleman Greig’s future.” said Ms Galloway. Ms Hutchinson said: “The Board and shareholders are delighted to have Andrea step into the role as acting CEO. She is ideally suited to the acting CEO role.”

Mr McLean said: “I want to thank everyone who helped make Coleman Greig Lawyers the leading law firm in Western Sydney. It’s been an honour to work with our shareholders, Board, brilliant team and our external stakeholders over the past 16 years. “I realise that all corporate journeys must come to an end and wish Andrea and the team every success as they continue to evolve the business with that sense of infectious confidence that is unique to Coleman Greig Lawyers.”

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New hospital more like a hotel  STAFF REPORTERS ARRAMATTA will have a new private hospital in the heart of the CBD which will provide a “hotel type” experience for its patients. Architecture firm FJMT has won a design excellence competition for the Royal Parramatta Private Hospital. The firm’s winning design for Royal Parramatta at 41-43 Hunter Street will incorporate the existing heritage house on the site. The retention of the red brick facade – characteristic of the early architecture of the region – and its redeployment throughout the proposed building is a key element the design. It will be 24 storeys high with 120 beds

which will help alleviate the region’s healthcare shortfall. “Our initial estimates show that there is about a 3000-bed shortage and even with new, similar projects planned at Blacktown and Westmead, there is still a lot of demand that needs to be met,” Chief executive of developer ICC Group Harold Dakin told ArchitectureAU magazine. Government Architect NSW and City of Parramatta Council held a national design excellence competition in 2021 and the winning design was selected by an independent jury. Royal Parramatta Private Hospital will be the region’s first private hospital, located next to Parramatta Square. This will make it a centrally located healthcare facility for the residents of Parra-

matta and surrounding neighborhoods. The 1400sqm space will include a ground floor cafe, outdoor dining spaces and views of the city overlooking St Johns Anglican Cathedral. It will include six operating theatre suites, day surgery units and pre-admission medical clinics. Designs also include opportunities for teaching and research facilities for undergraduate and postgraduate medical training. Private Hospital Demand Study Pending state government approval, construction on the hospital will begin next year, with completion expected for 2025. Globally, with increased pressure on existing healthcare services and limited resources available, there has been a growing interest in developing models of care to

Forklift safety blitz imposed

AFEWORK NSW has started a Forklift Safety Blitz until the end of July. Following recent tragic fatalities, 30 SafeWork NSW safety inspectors will proactively visit workplaces across the State to conduct forklift compliance safety checks and provide educational material. NSW Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said that safety was one of her key priorities and that is why SafeWork is stepping up their compliance and education efforts.

“Until the end of July, SafeWork NSW inspectors will visit upwards of 600 workplaces to conduct compliance safety checks and provide the necessary support,” Ms Petinos said. “Our message today is clear – think about safety before you operate a forklift, check the area is clear of pedestrians, the load is secure and you have enough room to use the forklift safely. “Inspectors will also be issuing fines for safety breaches if businesses and

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS JUNE 2022

drivers are caught doing the wrong thing but will also be building strong working relationships to embed a culture of forklift safety.” The Forklift Safety Project has been running since June 2021 with efforts stepped up since March this year. For further information on forklift safety, including a fact sheet, visit: www.safework.nsw. gov.au/hazards-a-z/forklifts

Artist impression of the project.

facilitate a seamless transition at the acute care to primary care interface. They provide supervised overnight accommodation for self-caring, low acuity patients who require some acute hospital services, but are not acute enough to require 24 hours inpatient care. The benefits of patient hotels include: • Providing high quality patient care in a setting which feels less like a hospital and more of a hotel, adding to patient comfort and expediting discharge. • These hotels are usually located in close geographic proximity to the hospitals, enabling higher level of surveillance and monitoring if the need arises. • Provide facilities for a family member or carer as required. For more information visit the Royal Parramatta Private Hospital website.

Our Brand The Academy’s brand has become synonymous with quality - both in the standard of talented young athletes we deal with, and the quality of our program content. Western Sydney Academy of Sport graduates include numerous athletes who have competed at a national and international level: Jessica Fox OAM - triple Olympian (2012, 2016, 2021) and World Champion - Canoe/Kayak (Slalom); Taylah Tsitsikronis - Olympian (2021) - Softball Rachel Lack - Olympian (2021) - Softball Paige Hadley - Australian Diamonds Netball Squad and Captain of the NSW Swifts; Kim Ravaillion - Australian Diamonds Netball Squad; Amanda Spratt - Olympian (2012, 2021) - Cycling; Ian Borrows - Olympian (2016) - Canoe Slalom. Regional Academies of Sport across NSW contribute significantly to both the economic and social value of local communities. Western Sydney Academy of Sport currently contributes to the regional economy through: Supporting over 200 sub elite athletes across a range of 11 sport programs; Facilitating over 4,150 volunteer hours which equates to 16 full time jobs; Creation of $4.9m in economic & social value for the region.

About Us The Western Sydney Academy of Sport is a non-profit community based sporting organisation that assists western Sydney’s talented young athletes achieve their sporting goals, through the provision of quality development programs. Academy programs provide localised training and development opportunities not only for the young athletes of the region, but also for coaches and administrators. The Academy’s programs have established benchmark standards and value in the officially recognised development pathway for athletes in sport. The Academy collaborates with State Sporting Organisations, the NSW Institute of Sport, professional sporting clubs and local Associations to ensure our programs are fully endorsed and provide an integrated step in the pathway for talented athlete development. The Academy’s holistic programs provide not only on field development opportunities, they also focus on educational and personal development of the athlete. Aside from laying the foundations for athletes to become better within their sport, foundations are also laid for the athletes to become better citizens within their communities. The Academy receives funding from the NSW Government, but is not purely a government funded organisation. The Academy relies on the support of its major business partners, community partners and the partners aligned with each of the sport programs to continue to further develop and ensure the best possible service is provided to each and every young athlete, coach, official and administrator who progress through the organisation.

Penrith Stadium, 143 Station Street, Penrith NSW @WesternSydneyAcademyOfSport

Partner With Us The Academy strives to align with strong business partners and supporters who share the same common vision and core values. We are in a fortunate position to receive support from a number of partners who provide generous contributions toward the overall operations and success of the Academy. Each of our individual sport programs are supported by their own unique group of partners, who have a keen interest and involvement in that particular sport. Our growing list of official suppliers ensure that we can continually offer the best possible products and services to our athletes, coaches, officials and administrators with preferred pricing and discounted purchases. Without our highly valued major business partners, sport program partners, official venues and suppliers, we would not be able to continue to deliver our services to the talented young athletes of Western Sydney. The Academy offers a wide range of opportunities for all levels of partnership. All partnership opportunities have a genuine community focus and allow your business to be aligned with a business committed to making a difference to the young athletes of western Sydney. Just like your business, we appreciate that your objectives are unique. We can tailor any of the following partnerships to meet your specific requirements.

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WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS FEBRUARY 2022

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$24.5M for St Marys rubber facility NVESTORS continue to scoop up western Sydney industrial property, with a St Marys site selling for $24.5M in a sale and leaseback among the latest deals. The freestanding industrial facility at 54-74 Dunheved Circuit has production space, warehouse storage space and office accommodation across 11,613 sqm. It is leased on a five-plus-five-year term to Nepean Rubber Mouldings Pty Limited. With IN1 industrial zoning, the property also has additional undeveloped land, providing an opportunity to construct further buildings on site or to redevelop entirely in time. Carl Pearce and Matthew Flynn of Colliers sold the property, at an initial yield of 3.79%. With the sector’s sales doubling over 2021, prime yields in Sydney have tightened to an all time low, recording yields between 3.25% to 4.75%. More than 90 enquiries were received during the campaign for 54-74 Dunheved

54-74 Dunheved Circuit.

Circuit, generating 30 inspections and 11 offers to purchase. “The property was extremely well received during the sale campaign, attracting significant interest given the long-term leaseback to a well-established

business, in a well-connected in-fill industrial precinct,” Pearce said. The purchaser is a private investor who will hold on to the property for future growth and potential redevelopment. “This sale has set a new benchmark

for buildings of this size and nature in St Marys and demonstrates the continued strength of the broader western Sydney investment market in the sub-$50M price bracket,” Flynn said. Western Sydney saw a 20% surge in land values for one to five-hectare lots over the March quarter, according to Knight Frank. Colliers data shows demand over the period was broadly spread across the western Sydney submarkets, with the outer west and south west being the most active. The lack of leasing options also continues to push rents higher. Rents are going up by $5 per sqm each month in some of the tightest-held markets, like western Sydney. Speaking to Australian Property Journal’s Talking Property podcast, MaxCap Group’s David Oudshoorn discussed the significant amount of industrial development that will take place around the future Sydney Airport in Badgerys Creek.

It’s time to get out the skateboard EAUMONT Hills on the northern fringe of Greater Blacktown is to get a new $4M parkland beside the elevated Northwest Metro rail line. Among its features will be a skateboard park and a bike riding facility. The 1ha block adjacent to Windsor Rd

and will provide a vital recreation area for residents of the rapidly growing region. Residents will soon have the opportunity to test out their training wheels, nail a couple of ‘kickflips’ or take a leisurely stroll, with the state-of-the-art park on its way.

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Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the site on Windsor Rd was set to be transformed thanks to the $4M investment. It is part of the NSW Government’s $150M program to secure and improve green space across Greater Sydney.

Construction of the park will begin later this year in collaboration with The Hills Shire Council. For more information visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/ parksforpeople

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Massive hotel purchases

Last shout for family pubs  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM RADITIONAL Aussie Pubs in Western Sydney have come bouncing back as a major investment after years of playing second fiddle to the emerging licensed club. But the typical family-owned and operated suburban hotel is fast disappearing as cashed up buyers dominate the market. Not so long-ago pubs seemed to be on the way out as the glittering high profile mega clubs dominated the hospitality scene. Many of the pubs had been owned by families for generations and they started disappearing, demolished for new developments or public works such as the Parramatta light rail. In the 1950s era, pubs were riding the crest of a wave with a pub on every corner in the suburbs and country towns of Australia. Changes in drinking habits, the rise of licensed clubs and the introduction of mobile alcohol testing by police all led to a gradual decline for the industry that once dominated Australian social life, More than 200 years since we first started swilling booze in pubs, there are now more than 6000 pubs and bars in Australia. NSW leads the way with more than 2000 pubs – twice as many as in Victoria and Queensland and a whopping 65 times more pubs than in the ACT. And 69% of our pubs are still on corner blocks and there is a return to drinking locally brewed beers after a major decline. Beer, in particular, is falling out of favor. In 1990 beer made up 60% of all alcohol sold, today it’s 40%. “The introduction of random breath testing, .05, .08… that had a significant impact on how people behaved,” Ian Horne, General Manager of the Australian Hotels Association (SA), told media. “And in the late-’80s, we had a lot of venues fall over, because that was in a period when housing loan interest rates were at 17%, business loans were 21%, so if you borrowed a million dollars to buy

Pendle Inn Hotel.

a pub or restore a pub then your interest payments alone were $200,000 a year. For publicans still in the industry and fighting to stay out of the red, there was an unfortunate “white knight” in the form of a piece of 1992 legislation: the Gaming Machines Act. “We certainly had a massive reinvigoration, driven to some extent by gambling, but also driven by general consumer confidence, an increasing level of affluence, higher inflation,” he said. Politics of the pokies Politics of the pokies aside, the industry received a boon from them and fewer publicans jumped ship on their hotels than potentially could have, staving off demolition or re-purposing and instead, the profits they made were eventually reinvested into the buildings.

“In the early-2000s to around about 2008, that’s when we saw significant money spent on refurbishments and redevelopments,” Mr Horne said. This was a golden era; coffers were stacked, fit outs were under construction and managers were employed to take care of the day-to-day. In the punters’ eyes, cheap schnitzels and beer specials for a long while outweighed the negative sentiment toward poker machines and regardless of whether you were at a pub in the outer suburbs, or in the centre of the city, you knew you could rely on consistent pub fare in a familiar environment. Now, the booming buyers’ market is providing the impetus for private owners to sell their pub investments at record prices, including families that have held on to them for many decades and across multiple generations. AFR reports a record $1.3B of hotel sales has been negotiated in the past 12 months – and a record low cost of debt had created an environment “conducive to divestments”. Highlighting the surge of capital into pubs, the Duggan family, owner of the Avondale Hotel in Burwood in Sydney’s inner west, has agreed to pay about $75m for the Pendle Inn Hotel. The hotel was built in the 1950s by the current owners. The sale marks the first time it has changed hands and the second-highest price for a Sydney pub following the $160m sale of the Crossroads Hotel at Casula to former Sydney Lord Mayor Nelson Meers. “JLL have managed 75% of generational family exits in the Sydney hotel market in the past 12 months,” JLL

Hotels’ Ben McDonald, who brokered the sale of Pendle Inn, said Standing opposite Pendle Hill station, the Pendle Inn Hotel includes a public bar, bistro, gaming room, drivethrough bottleshop, outdoor terraces and accommodation rooms. Price expectations of $90M Records show the vendor of Pendle Inn was a company registered in 1956 whose shareholders include members of the Hardy family. The Glenquarie Hotel, a gaming hotel in Macquarie Fields is in the final stages of a circa $30M sale on behalf of the Radford and Cullen families, who have owned it since 1975, according to media reports. In addition, the Strathfield Hotel, built and owned by the Whelan family for more than 60 years, will soon hit the market through JLL with price expectations of more than $90M. At Blackheath, the 1930s Art Deco-style New Ivanhoe Hotel, which had been owned and operated for 46 years by the Ray family sold to a Sydney-based investor for about $5m. On the Central Coast, a number of family-owned hotels changed hands including the Beachcomber at Toukley for $20M, the Coast Hotel at Budgewoi for $15M, the Woy Woy Hotel for $32M, the Elanora Hotel in East Gosford for $12.2m and the Bayview Hotel in Woy Woy for $38m. Amongst the Coast buyers are the Laundy Group, John Singleton and former NRL players Sam and Luke Burgess. Sources- Wikipedia, AFR, Facebook

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Business Council launches 3 Ekonomos MIDST the lush premises of a fivestar hotel chain, The Australian Business Summit Council Inc. (ABSC) hosted a Who’s Who of business leaders, diplomats and politicians at the 2022 ABSC Inc. Annual Gala Dinner in May. The event was held to formally launch the third issue of EKONOMOS, the annual business affairs magazine published by the management consulting forum. ABSC president for the fourth consecutive year, Dr. Frank Alafaci welcomed more than one hundred VIP guests and other persons to this signature event at The Langham, Sydney, including–the Ambassador of Turkey, the High Commissioner of Pakistan, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Ukraine, the Consuls General of Spain, Austria, Poland, India, Chile, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Turkey, the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism and Seniors, and the state Shadow Minister for Small Business, Multiculturalism and Property. Since its registration as an incorporated association in 2018, the ABSC has served the needs and requirements for Australian businesses to expand, increase profitability, and maximise expectations. Under its charter, the ABSC Inc. seeks to promote the bona fide rights of Australian businesses by enhancing Australian entrepreneurship in the domestic market and across the international community.

Business leaders at the recent ABSC lunch.

The ABSC acts as an intellectual mouthpiece for debates about business policies and practices that stimulate a vibrant, sustainable and competitive economic environment with lucrative capabilities for Australian businesses. EKONOMOS magazine presents reports and appraisals of the current business trends and forces that impact on economic growth by authoritative experts in the fields of finance, trade, investment, politics and diplomacy drawn from the Australian and international communities. As an evident Greek-sounding play on the English term that denotes the study of the distribution of wealth and income, EKONOMOS Issue 3, 2022 includes 14 article contributions business experts. One measure of the ABSC’s reputation is the high calibre of corporate, SME and individual members, and the

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ABSC President, Dr. Frank Alafaci.

gold, silver and bronze sponsors whose generous financial assistance towards the recent Annual Gala Dinner and the publication of EKONOMOS Issue 3, 2022 was formally recognized. Heading the eminent VIP speakers at the 2022 ABSC Inc. Annual Gala Dinner, the Ambassador of Turkey, H. E Mr. Korhan Karakoc and the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Mohammad Sufiur Rahman joined with Mr. Joseph Rizk AM / OAM, the CEO / Managing Director of the Arab Bank Australia Limited, the Hon. Mr. Mark Coure MP, NSW Minister for Multiculturalism and Seniors and the Hon. Mr. Steve Kamper MP, NSW Shadow Minister for Small Business, Multiculturalism and Property to commend the Australian Business Summit Council Inc. for its remarkable successes and continuing efforts to promote Australian businesses.

Under ABSC President, Dr. Frank Alafaci, the organization is expanding rapidly to augment its influence within the business community in Australia and abroad. ABSC promotes business investment and innovation into high value-added and technologically advanced sectors and industries and assists businesses to further multilateral business relationships within the national economy and extraterritorially. The ABSC is increasing its links within the Australian and global business networks and continuing to formulate policies, measures and recommendations through seminars, conferences, partnerships, EXPOs, delegations, negotiations with political and business leaders and participation in economic roundtables. Visit www. www.absc.online

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Models from Fabrics of Multicultural Australia walk the runway wearing designs from local businesses in the event’s Sari Showcase.

Sydney-based Punjabi music composer and singer Pav Dharia takes the stage performing a medley of hits.

Reinvigorating Liverpool CBD

Starry Sari Night a roaring success IVERPOOL Mayor Ned Mannoun has dubbed Liverpool City Council’s returning Starry Sari Night a roaring success, as thousands descended on the Liverpool CBD over three nights in May to experience South Asia in the South West. Mayor Mannoun said Starry Sari Night delivered on its promise to be a feast for the senses with George Street encapsulating the sights, sounds, colours and flavours of the region. “We wanted to ensure that each person who came to Starry Sari Night walked away with their own slice of South Asia, and I think we really achieved that,” Mayor Mannoun said. “You couldn’t look anywhere without coming across something to see, taste or do that was inspired by the many wonderful cultures that encompass South Asia.” “Thank you to everyone who joined us at the event and supported local food vendors, merchants and the close to 200 performers we had on the ground over the weekend. While the weather wasn’t ideal at some points, it was trumped by the amazing community spirit on display that saw people come out of their homes in the rain in support of the event.” Mayor Mannoun said Council received an outpouring of positive feedback from local businesses along George Street and the broader Liverpool community,

Mayor Mannoun takes a photograph with a young attendee at Liverpool City Council’s Starry Sari Night

The event included a bustling bazaar with Henna artists.

with calls for the event to return next year gaining momentum. “We’re delighted with the community feedback which we have received equally from attendees who are from a South Asian background and those who are not.” Mayor Mannoun thanked those who worked alongside Council to help organise the event including Fabrics of Multicultural Australia (FOMA) whose diverse array of models participated in the highly popular Sari showcase.

CBD to be a destination for innovative community events that draw crowds.” “The popularity of Starry Sari Night has further reinforced the importance of Council’s commitment to reinvigorating the CBD – and events are a major part of this moving forward,” Mayor Mannoun said. The event was also supported by media partners Desi Australia, Indian Link, Zee TV and ZEE5, Time Out and SBS, and Liverpool Plaza.

Starry Sari Night was proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Festival of Place Open Streets Program, a funding partnership program with 13 Greater Sydney councils most impacted by the 2021 COVID-19 lockdowns. “We are grateful for the support from the NSW Government without which this event would not be possible.” “Starry Sari Night was all about showing the limitless potential of the Liverpool

Local South Asian restaurants and stallholders lined George Street, Liverpool, feeding hungry attendees. They were joined by Messina who served gelato flavours inspired by South Asia.

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NEWS

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A GUIDE TO

Living with

C VID Self-protection tips and strategies

ISSUE 1

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COVER STORY

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Environmental award goes to Bin Chicken

Grassroots campaign pays off WESTERN Sydney community recycling project called The Bin Chicken has been named the 2022 NSW Environmental Citizen of the Year by the NSW Government on World Environment Day. Minister for Environment James Griffin congratulated the winner and all the nominees for their initiatives that help protect and conserve the environment while growing community spirit. “Grassroots initiatives are what make our communities great, and the Environmental Awards encourage community champions, everyday individuals and local organisations that are improving our environment,” Mr Griffin said. “From recycling and litter reduction, to land care, creating community gardens and protecting our wildlife–this year’s Environmental Awards nominees are extraordinary, and their perseverance in times of hardship should be applauded.” Alexis Bowen started The Bin Chicken initiative two years ago in the Campbelltown region after picking up litter with her children every evening while on a walk. Within five weeks, they had collected more than 5,000 single use drink containers. The Bin Chicken aims to reduce recyclable material entering landfill and inspire the community to use the Return

Alexis Bowen and children working their recycling scheme.

and Earn deposit scheme to return more money to local sports clubs, day care centres and a community pantry that contains food to help those in need. The Environmental Award is part of the annual NSW Local Citizen of the Year Awards held on Australia Day, where members of the public are invited by their local councils to nominate fellow citizens.

Chair of the Australia Day Council of NSW Andrew Parker congratulated the winner and all nominees on their inspiring environmental projects deserving recognition. “The Awards acknowledge the incredible efforts of individuals and organisations that have risen to the challenge to tackle environmental issues – every project large or small

makes a positive impact for NSW,” Mr Parker said. The state winner of the NSW Environmental Citizen of the Year Awards receives $3,000 and the runner-up will receive $1,000 to support their community initiative. For more information on the winner, runner-up and all the nominees, visit www.australiaday.com.au

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MAGAZINE

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Amanda Rose.

What (Western Sydney) women want

Will this new government do better?  COMMENT | AMANDA ROSE NEW prime minister has been swept into power on the promise to do politics better, but what will Anthony Albanese deliver to the women of western Sydney? As we look to building our future, there must be acknowledgement of the ongoing challenges we continue to face. Subject to disproportionately harsh lockdown conditions during the height of the pandemic, western Sydney has suffered from massive job losses on top of its already lower-than-average salaries and higher-than-average unemployment. The challenges facing aspirational western Sydney women including its small businesswomen are stark. Women are being held back by a lack of investment and opportunities even as they battle rising inflation, a shortage of skilled workers and long existing barriers to entry into the workforce. Though western Sydney is the third largest economy in Australia, home to 44% of Sydney’s population, it receives significantly less funding than other parts of the country. For instance, it received less than 1% of the federal budget for arts and culture in 2022. This is in spite of the fact that the region is poised to become an economic powerhouse in the next 30 years due to its vibrant manufacturing, logistics, construction, and healthcare sectors. Far from the stereotype of being an electorate that lacks ambition, western Sydney is growing and changing faster

than ever. Its population of 2.6 million which eclipses that of Brisbane is expected to surge to 4.9 million by 2054. Brimming with potential, western Sydney is close to reaching self-sufficiency with its own airport, critical services and infrastructure, and people with the desire and drive to build a prosperous life for themselves and their families. This entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in the industries and jobs that are the main preoccupations of western Sydney residents. ABS business data compiled by demographer Bernard Salt shows that there were 450,000 ABNs operating in western Sydney in 2020 compared with 125,000 in the rest of the city. The skills shortages crisis impacts small businesses Due to the high concentration of small and medium enterprises, Salt referred to western Sydney as the “small business heartland of the Australian continent”. He suggests that the region has the makings to drive Australia’s post-Covid recovery led by exceptional growth in logistics, healthcare, and home improvement industries. The post-election courting of western Sydney is over for now, what remains to be seen is if the government truly understands this region and its unique needs. The seismic shifts that have changed the political landscape this election has brought some home truths to the major parties. It is essential they pay attention to what local communities are saying and

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS JUNE 2022

learn to prioritise the things that concern them most. Western Sydney generates 31% of Sydney’s $104B gross regional product (GRP), and women’s contributions make up a sizeable chunk of that. To keep on generating wealth for the region, female small business owners must be supported in their bid to return to post-COVID normal. A report by McKinsey suggests that this is no easy task. In the US many small businesses will take up to five years or more to fully recover, and some may not bounce back at all. The emerging issues afflicting small businesses include supply chain disruptions, price increases and dampened consumer spending. Though the patchwork of state and federal grants, loans and financial assistance is welcome, without a greater national plan to facilitate recovery, female small business owners will find it difficult to look to the future. The skills shortages crisis in particular disproportionately impacts small businesses, with 45% experiencing shortages in skills and staff. Increasing the availability of free education and upskilling for women would be a great start. Skilling up women in male-dominated industries (trades and STEM programs) is another common-sense step in getting western Sydney women job ready in a region where trade and manufacturing dominates. Further education of women in the areas of financial literacy and job readiness programs for long term unem-

ployed women increases opportunities for vulnerable women at risk of being left behind. Multilingual programs and programs targeted towards marginalised ethnic and socioeconomic groups are much needed and always well received. And since western Sydney has a lower high school completion rate compared with greater Sydney, creating more professional opportunities for high school aged girls is yet another important area of focus. No discussion of economic opportunities for women would be complete without touching on the pervasive issue of affordable and available childcare. Figures show that more than 100,000 women could not even search for employment due to lack of childcare and childcare “black spots” in western Sydney urgently need to be addressed. Another possibility for female small business owners could be group childcare arrangements at co-working hubs to minimise costs and give them the peace of mind they need to meet their full productive capacity. The PM said: “I want to bring people together and I want to change the way that politics is conducted in this country”. It’s a welcome change that will hopefully herald a positive and close working relationship with communities. Women have always been instrumental to the wellbeing of their communities. By putting their concerns and opinions first, the government can help secure a better future for all. Amanda Rose is Founding Director of Western Sydney Women. Visit: www.westernsydneywomen.com.au

PROPERTY SHOWCASE

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Marriott commits to 200-KEY project

Aerotropolis lands first hotel $70M, 200-key Marriott-branded offering will be the first hotel to open in the Aerotropolis at the future Western Sydney International Nancy-Bird Walton Airport. Marriott International, Inc has signed an agreement with 1990 Developments Pty Ltd to open the Courtyard by Marriott Western Sydney Airport, expected to be complete in 2026 to coincide with the opening of the Airport in Badgerys Creek. It will be developed and owned by 1990 Developments Pty Ltd, which is controlled by the ASX-listed Maas Group Holdings and Gibb Group. The new-build will be designed Hassell Architects and feature an all-day dining restaurant, café and bar, fitness centre and 580 sqm of meeting and ballroom space. “We have been developing commercial, industrial and large format retail property for more than 12 years and are now very excited about being a new entrant to the hotel sector,” said Matt Gibb, Gibb Group managing director. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Marriott International on our first development and look forward to expanding our involvement with this market-leading company.” CBRE handled the operator selection process. The 11,200-hectare Aetropolis region is expected to become a major economic and industrial hub. Logistics company DHL has bought 24 hectares of land in the precinct for $140 million, with plans to develop four warehouses worth $180 million. The land was bought from Roberts Jones Pty Ltd, which acquired 344 hectares of land last year for $499M and is developing 240 hectares into an industrial and logistics estate. Developer contributions will fund up to $1.1B in infrastructure in the region, according to Minister for Planning Anthony Roberts. Marriott International operates more than 500 airport hotels across the globe.

Above: artist impression of the Aerotropolis city below, of the proposed Marriott project.

Courtyard by Marriott is its largest brand, with more than 1,200 properties around the world, three open hotels in Australia, and five more in the local pipeline. “Marriott International is placing an important focus on expanding our footprint in greater Sydney, where we currently operate five hotels. We look forward to continuing to grow our footprint in the Sydney region,” said Sean Hunt, area vice president, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific for Marriott International. Marriott International currently operates 39 hotels across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. In Melbourne, Marriott has launched its new AC by Marriott Southbank and Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands.

HOW TO WIN THE WEST WESTERN SYDNEY MEDIA ALLIANCE BUSINESS | LIFESTYLE

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WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS

ParramattA ParramattA Pa arram

ISSUE 20 | MARCH 2022

LO OUR CA CI L PA TY PE ’S R

MARCH 2022 | EDITION 130 APRIL 2021 Edition 120

TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

Voice of Australia’s most progressive city

BUY NOW PAY LATER How Aussies are taking to the new plan: 2

BUSINESS SURVEY

CHARITY SUPPORT

Why finding staff is the biggest concern: 5

Our favourite charities in two years of COVID: 10

POWERHOUSE Parramatta CEO Lisa Havilah is more interested in the flood of excitement over the controversial $920M project than any flood-waters that may lap at its riverside approach. After the recent devastating rains that saw Parramatta River break its banks between the ferry wharf and the site of the museum, Ms Havilah is adamant that the building and its exhibits will not be affected.

LINES

FULL STORY PAGE 10

Here’s how business

traditions will change RETAIL BOUNCES BACK -T HE ecommerce craze shows no signs of abating with a new generation of young entrepreneurs

swapping traditional jobs for selling everything Фf^ ÌÓ æ â î î±Ë æ ® þ Ì î® îÓó©® æî ÓÌ EÓÿ â î ±Å âæ ® þ â þ Å î® æÓÅóî±ÓÌæ Ì from pet food to high end clothing online. They â Óâ ¨Óâ w æî âÌ ^ą Ì ąФæ У â± Âæ Ì ËÓâî âФ æóßßÓâî Ë æóâ æ Ì ¨Óâ î® ±Ì óæîâą ÓóÌ are part of the revolution which has seen a large proâ î ±Å ±Ì óæîâąϻ óî î®±æ æ îÓâ ® æ ßâÓó Â î®±æ ą â Ì ąÓÌ Ϻ portion of Aussies continue to earn a living from home, relocate out of cities and take precautions to reduce ®±æîÓâą Ó¨ ÓóÌ ±Ì© Â ¨âÓË î® ® â æî Ó¨ î±Ë æϺ FULL STORY PAGE 5 their risk of viral infections. There will be some blurring between what we wear to bed or lounge around in at

TALE OF TWO POOLS SAS CHALLENGE A Parramatta Olympian THIS EDITION

INSIDE

S Special ttribute tto local business b winners w

AUTO: SsangYong's mid-life update: 30 BUSINESS: Retailers reveal solutions: 34 TRENDS: Is love passing you by?: 36

home de and what we wear out. The forecasts come from si in Davie Fogarty, Founder and CEO of Davie Group, the

fast-growing company behind brands The Oodie, Calming Blankets and Pupnaps. More page 20.

Westmead Hospital’s new clinical tower oepns: 2

New suburb named BradÀeld

Govy ofÀcially names high tech city at Aerotropolis: 6

Minister pushing for more women on Parramatta Council: 3

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ISSUE 9 | April 2021

Family business in COVID

How many leveraged patience capital during COVID: 12

How hope really works

Feature on the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal: 15

SALOVS: How hope really happens: 19

FTER a few hot summers rather than refurbish it. After a bit of for swimmers who æ óĖ îÿ Ì W ââ Ë îî ÓóÌ ±Å loved Parramatta and and the NSW Government on who w ÌîÿÓâî®þ±ÅÅ ßÓÓÅæ Ì æóđ â would pay for its replacement, an during their closures, relief is on the agreement was reached on funding way. Just a day apart, the refurbished for the state-of-the-art aquatic Wentworthville pool opened and centre. And in Wentworthville, a î® Ĝâæî æÓ ÿ æ îóâÌ ÓÌ î® concerted community campaign and ARRAMATTA’S four-time Olympian Melissa Wu has well and truly dived in the deep end as aParramatta contestant onAquatic the blockbuster SAS Show on Channelsaved 7 andthe 7plus. spectacular theAustralia Cumberland Council, AndBoth the Olympic diver won’t diminutive stand in her way While as she Centre. communities havebe letting her beloved poolsize with an upgrade. takeswithout on a hot field of sporting andthe celebrity contestants the top rating After been a pool since 2017, Parramattainresidents waitprogram. two years all, she won four Commonwealth Games goldfor medals wasthey full ofare determination Parramatta Memorial Pool demolished theirand pool, welcome toin an peek of the 2022 season of SASdive Australia, which started on February 21 on toall-new makesneak way for Bankwest Stadium to Wenty. Channel 7 and 7plus. More page 6. and the previous Holroyd Council FULL STORY PAGE 6 wanting to close the tired Wenty pool

faces her toughest test

%ඔඉඋඓග඗ඟ1 Bඔඉඋඓග඗ඟN

ISSUE 12 MARCH 2022 LO|CA

NEW

TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

Issue 1 | April 2021

PROPERTY RTY UPDATEE

GAME TIME

MICHELLE ROWLAND

Inside the bank of mum and dad: 16

Blacktown FC is B ready to go: 31

How Afghan women typify our diversity: 18

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Youth Needs Our Support VITAL youth service in Blacktown is set to close after missing out on important State Government funding. The Blacktown Youth Support Association’s Youth HQ program helps young people at risk - those who have

been in trouble with the law or those who may be headed that way. But the service was told at the end of last year by the Department of Communities and Justice that they had missed out on funding, in favour of more “targeted” youth

programs. A letter from the Minister for Families and Communities Gareth Ward suggested that the BYSA seeks funding from other government departments such as education and sport. FULL STORY 10

WELCOME to the Blacktown NEWS

Grant owes his life to mate Echo W ELCOME to Blacktown's NEW LOCAL media The News will be distributed across 110 strategic disAs one of the state’s fastest growing cities, Blacktown voice, The Blacktown News (BN). tribution points in the LGA. has undergone a signiĜcant transformation. The Blacktown News is the much-anticipated It's population is set to rise from 400,000 to 540,000 Published in digital and print editions the Blacktown And we all know the healing Hews has amedia great reason to be inseparable News ođers maximum impact other. for targeted advertising newRANT newspaper and digital brand that residents by 2036. power of an animal, a opportunities and reach to Blacktown's popula- never covers Blacktown local news written by experi-Echo Thebe Blacktown News is the printThe and digital media powerdiverse that should underestimated. heartfromLGA hiswith best mate and savior, the Maltese enced journalists. resource that connects residents and visitors to the city’s tion. warming story in late December when Grant was Terrier. You see, Echo saved heoffell diverse community, its progress, business opportunities The Blacktown News is Blacktown's ONLY printedGrant’s life Withwhen a mission championing community and begins and lifestyle. newspaper and is independently managed business the BN is a proud media partner of theCOVID-19 into a diabetic owned comaand and when Grant wasissues, admitted diagnosed with and other underlying health We value your feedback. Go to www.greaterblacklocally by a management team that has been working in Greater Blacktown Chamber of Commerce, the Blacktown to Blacktown each More: page 6. issuesFC.at the hospital.townnews.com.au Blacktown for almosthospital, 20 years. the pair were lost without to share your story. Local Business Awards and Blacktown

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AUTO

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Modern, substantially larger Kombi gets ready to hit local showrooms  MATT BROGAN OLKSWAGEN’s commercial vehicle division and Jayco have teamed up to create the Crafter Kampervan, a modern and substantially larger take on the Kombi that VW Australia says will become the halo of its evolving van range. The model will sit above the Caddy California and Multivan California as the brand’s flagship recreational offering Down Under. Alongside a five-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty, the Crafter Kampervan will be available in three grades when it goes on sale this July: Kampervan, Kampervan Style and Kampervan All-Terrain, the latter replete with a suite of Seikel off-road equipment. Measuring in at a generous 6.8 metres in length and 2.0 metres in width, the Crafter Kampervan range offers not only ample living and sleeping quarters, but seating for four, sleeping for three, multiple dining and seating areas, freshand wastewater tanks, a full bathroom with shower and toilet, full kitchen with two-burner gas cooktop, microwave, fridge and sink, reverse cycle air-conditioning, and diesel heating and hot water. The 4Motion-equipped Crafter Kampervan range is further equipped with a TV and DVD system with internal and external speakers, lithium in-house battery with additional solar array, LED internal and external lighting, App Connect, a WiFi extender, plus an external awning. Volkswagen says the Crafter Kampervan has been “extensively tested” at the Anglesea Proving Ground in Victoria, showcasing not only the Australian engineering at work inside the vehicle, but – without elaborating – the “testing and tuning that makes it perfect for local conditions”.

The Crafter Kampervan will be offered in seven paint colours, including four two-tone schemes. Volkswagen has yet to announce available driveline specifications or pricing of its all-wheel-drive Kampervan, but it is expected the variant will demand a premium over the current Crafter 4Motion flagship, which sells from $76,990 (plus on-road costs). Brand director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle, Ryan Davies, said the partnership with Jayco combines

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS JUNE 2022

the expertise of two leading brands and presents “another milestone in our brand’s collaboration with Australian auto building. “Just as Walkinshaw took the Amarok to the next level, Jayco (as the leading brand in its field) is making the Crafter Kampervan the perfect choice for those who want to drive a brilliantly engineered vehicle – then live and sleep comfortably across endless Australian destinations,” said Mr Davies. Jayco motorised division national

sales manager, Bruce Astbury, said: “Jayco is proud to be associated with Volkswagen and the touring lifestyle that both brands embody. This is a partnership that will enhance the depth of the Volkswagen range and continue to support local employment at our stateof-the-art, 50-acre, Dandenong South facility.” Customers may register their interest in the Volkswagen Crafter Kampervan at volkswagen. com.au/en/models/crafter-kampervan

CROSSWORDS/GAMES

Solutions page 22

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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Research rooms 5. North African expanse 11. Similar type 14. Nitrogenous waste 15. Readied 16. Date or age beginning 17. Driver's ___ 18. Blow to pieces 20. Bowler, but not golfer 21. Fox chaser? 22. Orbital extreme 23. Not so cordial 25. Tot tenders 26. They're twirled in parades 28. Rome septet 29. Take effect, in legalspeak 30. Island of entertainment 31. So ___ 34. Emulated Lady Godiva 35. Less firm, maybe 36. Add a kick to 37. Common tip jar bill 38. Moisten, poetically 39. Pulverize 40. Repaired a shoe 41. Moves unobtrusively 42. Worldly, not spiritual 45. "Haystacks" artist 46. Collar, for cops 47. Whim 48. Small handful 51. Call girl 53. Bridges of film 54. Tiny particle 55. Ducks 56. Caveat to a buyer 57. Lacking liquid 58. Colt's sound 59. Bank adjuncts

DOWN 1. Opulent 2. Grounds 3. Exalted happiness 4. Created a lap 5. Future ferns 6. Pergola 7. Saber handle 8. Bud in Burgundy 9. Shopkeeper 10. With skill 11. Celebrity's concern 12. Not as timely 13. A couple of big joints 19. Languishes 21. One of a trident trio 24. Compost heap discard 25. Connective tissue 26. Ball point pen inventor 27. In a moment 28. Was optimistic 30. Sweet or hard beverage 31. Most flawed 32. Cause of some scars 33. Lipstick hues 35. Family tree entry 36. Metal deposit 38. Prop up 39. Color for the tickled 40. Files litigation 41. Hurting the most 42. Flavorsome 43. Trial associate? 44. Close pal 45. Agrippina, to Nero 47. Form of pachisi 49. Injure badly 50. Cat in boots 52. Astaire specialty 53. Bucolic cry

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EDUCATION

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Working office on the road

Joining the digital nomads  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

Top cities for digital nomads in Asia

e’ve all heard the term grey nomads, but a new group known as digital nomads has evolved as a result of the COVID pan-

Rank

demic By 2035 more than one billion people around the world are predicted to be living and working as digital nomads as advances in technology, remote working and workplace culture continue to grow. According to predictions, this global nomadic workforce, capable of plugging in anywhere in the world with a decent internet connection, will make up one in every three employees. There are already 35 million digital nomads worldwide, with the trend being driven by technology, growing demand for flexible workspace and the increasing adoption of hybrid work. I joined this growing movement in Australia recently, setting up my office in the annex of my caravan at Budgewoi Caravan Park. It is a fabulous way to work, but I have drawn up a list of essential ‘needs’ if you want to do it successfully. What is a digital nomad? A digital nomad is a remote worker who travels and works simultaneously, visiting locations nationwide and worldwide, working from beaches, coffee shops and coworking spaces. Some digital nomads only travel for a few months and others do it for years. Research suggests that 80% of digital nomads prefer to stay in one location for three to nine months. Office advisory service Instant Offices has ranked almost 80 locations on affordability, weather, broadband speed and more to reveal the best places to be a digital nomad in 2022. Unsurprisingly, over half the cities analysed in the top 60 are in Asia. Cities like Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong offer captivating travel experiences, scenery and food alongside

stellar connectivity, infrastructure and a manageable cost of living. Bustling metropolises across Central, East, South, Southeast and Western Asia are perfect for digital nomads who want to explore some of the world’s most iconic business centres and enjoy a continent full of exciting travel opportunities and sights. Demand for flexible office space in places like Singapore and Hong Kong is high as more people look to new ways of using workspace, meaning you can easily

City,Country

Bangkok, Thailand

Seoul, South Korea

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Delhi, India

Hong Kong, China

Beijing, China

Jakarta,India

Kathmandu, Nepal

Shanghai, China

Singapore

Taipei, Taiwan

Istanbul, Turkey

Tokyo, Japan

Hanoi, Vietnam

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Osaka, Japan

Jerusalem, Israel

Kyoto, Japan

Manila, Philippines

find creative coworking spaces, meeting rooms and serviced offices to work from as you travel. Connectivity is also second to none. Singapore boasts the fastest average broadband speed in this ranking, at 256 Mbps, while Jakarta has more than 97,000 wi-fi hotspots across the city. Neighboring countries in Asia-Pacific also feature high on the list for digital nomads, with Australia and New Zealand both offering plenty of coworking space, delicious cuisine, travel opportunities and

probably most appealing of all, unparalleled sunny weather. Travel while you work Trends in commercial property reflect the general movement towards increased workplace flexibility. .As the role of the office changes and flexibility increases globally, more people will be able to travel and work virtually anywhere. Market forecasts show flexible workspace as a proportion of the total office market will grow from 5% to almost 13% by 2025

DAL’S TOP 10 TIPS • Good communications are vital at all times. Zoom for face-to-face meetings. • Make sure you have a portable wifi system. Caravan and accommodation wifi systems are notoriously bad. • A comfortable chair and a generous size foldup table if you are camping or caravanning. • If a laptop is not possible, use a portable keyboard with your phone screen. • Backup everything on a portable hard drive. • Download and backup photos from your phone and camera daily. • Extra batteries for your camera. • Small, portable printer is always useful. • Keep a handwritten diary of your trip and expenses. • Business cards for the journey – you never know when they will come in handy. WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS JUNE 2022

GAMES SOLUTIONS

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TRENDS $20M for electric charging stations

Driving boast in electric cars P to 3500 electric vehicle (EV) chargers will be rolled out across regional NSW, with the NSW Government offering $20M in grants to establish Australia’s largest destination charging network. Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the co-funded grants, ranging from $2000 to $40,000 per site for EV chargers across regional NSW, would boost regional tourism and were part of a $171M investment in EV charging over the next four years. “EVs are growing in popularity and this will help ensure our regional areas have the charging stations needed to welcome EV-driving visitors,” Mr Kean said. The EV destination charging grants will be offered on a co-funded basis for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in regional areas, which can provide a top-up of up to 130km of range in an hour. A range of destinations across regional NSW can apply for the grants, including motels, wineries, cafes, restaurants, natural attractions, visitor information centres, museums and zoos. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said a series of EV tourist drives would also be developed across the state to promote EV travel across regional NSW, following the rollout of the EV chargers. “This will grow local economies and support small businesses in areas impacted by Covid, bushfires and floods,” Mr Farraway said. The NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy aims to increase EV sales to 52 per cent of all new car sales by 2030-31, and the vast majority by 2035. Funding under the strategy also includes a $131 million investment for ultra-fast charging infrastructure and a $20 million investment in EV charging in commuter car parks, creating a world class charging network across the state. The EV destination charging grants can be used for the purchase and installation of select electric vehicle (EV)

chargers as well as software to tap into the smart capabilities of each charger. This includes: • 75 per cent towards buying up to four alternating current (AC) destination chargers per site location. • 75 per cent towards charger installation (capped at $1000 per charger). • 50 per cent towards a two-year charger software subscription.

Electric car charging.

Eligible destinations can apply for the grants online https://www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au/ reducing-emissions-nsw/electric-vehicles/ electric-vehicle-destination-charging-grants. WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS JUNE 2022

FITNESS

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with Adam Simpson

Making exercising FUN

Motivation quick fix tips  ADAM SIMPSON HEN it comes to exercising or training it is only natural to not be super motivated 100% of the time. But the key to long term results is being super consistent and getting your workouts done when you really can’t be bothered. Here are some quick fix motivational hacks that you can use to make sure you get that work out in. 1. Get a workout buddy – Call or text a friend and book that workout in with them. You are much less likely to skip that workout, if it means you are going to let someone else down as well. 2. Do something fun – If you have a structured program and you just really don’t want to do it. Go off script and do some other activity for the day that gets you moving. 3. Prepare your gym gear – If you train early in the morning get your gym gear out the night before and lay it somewhere so it is all ready to go. You will feel silly the next day if you don’t go and train and you have to put your gym gear back in the cupboard.

10.

4. Do not go home after work – After a long stressful day at work, it can be easy to skip the gym. Whatever you do, do not go home. Pack your gym clothes and go straight to the gym. If you go home and sit down, you are not getting back up. 5. Buy new workout gear – If you are in a bit of a rut, go and

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buy some new workout gear that you are excited to wear. It may be the little motivational boost you need to get you back on track! 6. Buy some exercise tracking technology – Myzone Bands, Garmin Watches, Fit Bits are all great tools you can use to track your exercise levels and give you

that little bit of accountability you need to get your next work out in. Put on some music that fires you up – Music is a great tool that you can use to get yourself in a certain mood. Find a play list that gets you pumped up, crank up your sound system and get yourself to the gym. Short workouts – Don’t overcomplicate it, if you are just not in the mood for an hour of exercise. Just commit to a 10 to 15-minute sweat session and call it a day. Fitness Pro’s – Jump online and watch some of your favourite fitness pro’s ripping into their workouts for inspiration. Quit making excuses – Just go and do it, you will feel so much better when you are done!!

Next time you are lacking that motivation you need, give one of these hacks a go. If you have any hacks that I haven’t mentioned that you currently use, I would love to hear from you! Shoot me an email adam@repetitionspt.com.au Adam Simpson is lead trainer and founder at Repetitions Group fitness and Personal Training. Visit: www.repetitionspt.com.au

MENTAL HEALTH

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The magic power of goals

It’s real, I’ve experienced it  MINDSET | MARCUS WHEAN STRONGLY believe that goals have magic powers! Come on, magic powers, how so?, you might ask. I believe this because I have experienced it and when I truly understood and embraced goal-setting into my life, I have been able to not only better manage my own mental health but have been able to completely re-invent my life and experience myself and life as more fulfilled, happy and content. By having and working on meaningful goals you can not only feel like you’re surviving in life, but thriving! This is what I incorporate into my work with clients. First things first, though. We must firstly understand that we are all goal-directed. That is, we are setting and achieving goals albeit sub-consciously. Even when we are not actively working on goals or plans, like if we are avoiding such things, this is still a goal. These are avoidant goals. Many of us have and achieve avoidance goals all day every day. We might say we are not motivated, but to avoid things is still motivation. It is motivation to avoid. This pattern is obviously negative because it does not bring us the contentment and happiness we crave. It can bring immediate comfort

“

If you’re unsure of what goals to set, ask yourself what you value. What YOU truly value.” but ultimately it is not serving our health and life well. Negative behavioural patterns like avoidance goals reinforce negative belief patterns. These patterns when left unaddressed can lead to or exacerbate unhelpful stress and can affect your mental health. A famous psychologist once said: “That which remains unconscious is our fate”. This is where the magic power of goals comes in. We must get conscious about our goals. We must think about a vision for ourselves and our life.

This vision sets the tone for the goals we set. Our vision and goals must be based on positive intent, EG: Hhow do you want to be, what do you want to achieve?’; and not on negative intent. EG:. ‘How you don’t want to be’. For instance, you could have a vision for how you want to be, or what you want to be doing, in say, the next 12 months. We must give this some time and thought because we must get consciouss and clear on how we want to be because the old negative mind will likely be there fuelling negative thoughts on how not to be. If we don’t get clear on the positive, the negative thoughts can lead to fear of failure, which leads to that negative motivation pattern all over again (our fate). When you’re clear on your vision, it’s time to brainstorm goals. I usually suggest around 2 or 3. Maybe there’s one personal, one professional and one material goal. If you’re unsure of what goals to set, ask yourself what you value. What YOU truly value. By values I mean things you really like to do; values that are yours that make you, you. These values require little motivation or inspiration to do, but they also should be challenging and rewarding. They should require some effort. Because it’s in the effort and process of working on and achieving your goals, where the magic happens.

A GUIDE TO

Living with

When you have your 2-3 goals for the year, break those down into quarterly subgoals, then monthly, then into weekly and daily plans. The weekly and daily plans require regular attention. We must make sure we’re staying accountable and on track. Get yourself a journal to write and review your plans weekly at least. This is great to build confidence and that sense of achievement. Giving our goals and the plans daily attention is akin to giving ourselves attention. If our goals are aligned with our values, and we value the things we are working on, then by implication we are valuing ourselves. Then as we progress and achieve our goals the reward is we not only value ourselves but feel great that we are actively working on ourselves and our life and no longer avoiding taking meaningful action in our life. It requires effort but it is, again, in the process of taking meaningful action where the magic power of goals lies and how we can not only survive but feel like we are thriving in life. Marcus Whelan is a Registered Psychologist and Mental Fitness Coachwith 10+ years’ experience in private practice. He holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in psychology and education. Visit: www.marcuswhelanpsychology.com.au

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FILMS

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with Jacob Richardson

Top Gun: Maverick – 5 Stars Pete Mitchell, callsign Maverick (Tom Cruise), has spent over 30 years as one of the Navy’s top aviators, doing exactly what he is best at–flying planes. ut it’s a new era, and the top brass ground Maverick when disobeys orders to test pilot a new high tech plane; that is, until his old friend Iceman (Val Kilmer) steps in, and selects him to go back to his old stomping ground of Top Gun. At the Naval Flight Academy, Maverick is tasked by Admiral Simpson ( Jon Hamm) with a mission. An Iranian nuclear weapons base is on the verge of readiness, buried in a crater, surrounded by SAMs and fifth gen fighters. They have three weeks to destroy the base before the radioactive materials arrive, and the flight in and out is thought to be impossible. Maverick has to teach a new generation, one so reliant on technology, the skills he has learnt in a lifetime, in order to not just complete the mission, but survive it. In doing so, he will have to reckon with the mistakes, regrets and memories from his past, not least of which is his relationship with his old wingman Goose, whose son Rooster (Miles Teller) is in his class. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, Top Gun: Maverick is the sort of movie that they just don’t make anymore, and you can feel it right from the opening credits. As the Paramount logo fades, a beautiful grainy sunrise-over-the-ocean shot is punctured by the distinctly not modern font displaying Miles Teller’s name, and the dulcet, rockabilly tones of Kenny Loggins classic Highway To The Danger Zone plays, the heart pumps a little bit faster. It’s right here that you realize you’re

feeling something you haven’t felt in the cinema for years–genuine excitement. Thus commences the 2-hour 11 minute magnum opus that is Top Gun: Maverick. From a plot perspective, it’s a genuinely ingenious way to bring back the magic of the first, while modernizing it for the modern era (and Cruise’s advancing age). The dialogue is slick for the most part, with a bunch of classically cheesy one-liners thrown in for good measure, but always aware of itself. It’s also surprisingly affecting in its emotionality. Scenes with Kilmer, who famously had his vocal box removed due to cancer, bring a tear to the eye, and Kosinski isn’t tokenistic with his representation of the actor; instead using him to deliver one of the best scenes in the movie.

The cast across the board is uniformly excellent. The newcomers looking for a place in the squad are, due to numbers and by necessity, largely one-dimensional, but that’s ok. The harder edges from the first installment that may not play well in the modern era, like any overt bullying, are rounded off without losing the chemistry, zest and rivalry. Miles Teller, who strikingly resembles Anthony Edwards Goose from the first movie, is absolutely fantastic, re-cementing his status as one of the best young actors on the scene after a few years of missteps. Jennifer Connolly is also spectacular, bringing some real vintage vibes to the piece. Ultimately, this is the Tom Cruise show though, and it doesn’t disappoint. This is Cruise on his A-Game, his best

performance in years. There’s a joy that shines through in his performance; a little smirk constantly playing behind the eyes, that seems to say to the audience that he, too, feels what they feel; the joyous nostalgia of being back in this world. The simple pleasures of a time gone by, when all you needed was a cracking soundtrack, a couple of planes flying around, and a game of shirtless beach volleyball to have a hit movie, instead of the modern requirement for hundreds of millions of dollars of CGI. Cruise is the lifeblood of this film, and indeed in the resurrecting of this character, and the delivery of a film that literally has to be seen in cinemas, he is the lifeblood of the modern theatrical experience. Top Gun: Maverick is the sort of film that, when first discussed, seemed like a terrible idea. You’d have been forgiven for thinking that surely, there’s no way they can do anything but harm the legacy of the original. Which is why it’s such a joy that, after you leave the cinema, having witnessed heart, pathos, some incredible action sequences, and a whole heap of sunset-drenched 80’s nostalgia in bomber jackets, you find that they’ve absolutely succeeded. This is the perfect sequel; perhaps even better than the original. Reviews by Jacob Richardson Creative Director | Film Focus www.filmfocusau.com

Mothering Sunday – 3 Stars Beautifully shot, staged and acted, but ultimately unfulfilling period drama. ane Fairchild (Odessa Young) is a maid living in post-World War 1 England. She makes plans to secretly meet with the high-born Paul Sheringham ( Josh O’Connor), whom she loves and has been having an affair with, for a romantic tryst before he leaves to marry another woman. Surrounded by the overwhelming sense of death, mourning and grief from the high-born families around her who have all lost children to the war, and interspersed with flashforwards to a future Jane who, successful in her writing, is in the midst of another loss, the film charts the final hours before a tragic accident; one that destroys the community Jane lives in, and both forces her and liberates her in the pursuit of writing. Mothering Sunday is a prime example of slow cinema. Fundamentally, the story charts pretty much a single afternoon, with admitted flashforwards and the occasional flashback interspersed amongst that afternoon. While it is definitely interesting and intriguing, and holds your interest, it would be a stretch to say that this piece captivates it.

On the plus side, it is gorgeously shot and staged. The visuals in this film really are incredible, and for the lovers of cinematography among us, it may be tough to resist a second visit to rewatch those elements alone, even if you didn’t care for the film as a whole. With gorgeous colours, beautifully shallow depth of field, and a penchant for focusing not on faces but on details (around lips, shoulders, hair and more), this really is stunning to look at. Be forewarned, however, this isn’t one to take the kids to nor a prickly mother-in-law; our main duo are naked for probably 45%

of the runtime, and they don’t shy away from anything. It is also a wonderfully acted film. Colin Firth and Olivia Coleman do wonders with small roles, completely swallowed by their pain and loss. The main duo are also extremely compelling, particularly Young, who has to play really three versions of the same character throughout; the naive young lover in flashbacks, the realist, desperate and lastditch hopeful lover in the main timeline, and the cynical, but faintly hopeful and wistful one in the flashforwards. The scripting is also fairly admirable. The piece for most of the runtime works extremely well, and lines like Coleman’s biting remark to Young’s Jane, or Firth’s simple approval of her characters choice to move on, hit home and trust the audience to work with little wordage, and lots of performance.

Where stems the issue then? Ultimately, Mothering Sunday feels empty, and that’s a problem. Sure, there are the occasional general missteps–chief among them a horrible reporters-at-the-door scene with a much much older Jane, which feels plucked from an entirely different film. But the issue with the film is more insidious than that. The whole thing feels bereft of weight, and import. It’s tough to pinpoint where exactly that happens. Perhaps the film is too slow cinema for its own good. Perhaps it is the arrangement of the scenes, or a characters lack of backstory. In the end, this is a story about the lingering effect of loss, and both its inhibiting effects and its catalysing ones. We’re looking at all of these characters feeling so much–so much pain, so much loss, so much grief–and yet we feel nothing. That’s why the film, despite being stunningly beautiful, is ultimately unsuccessful. Reviews by Jacob Richardson Creative Director | Film Focus www.filmfocusau.com

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