ISSUE 54 October 2015
FOUNDED IN PARRAMATTA WWW.WSBA.COM.AU Available at 240 drop points in Western Sydney and online
Success for Parramatta Chamber of Commerce
BLACKTOWN’S worldd class l new zoo will ill attract tt t 750,000 750 000 visitors i it each h year to the state’s most populous city, creating up to 480 jobs and contributing tens of millions to the local economy. A development application for the $36 million Sydney Zoo will be lodged with the Department of Planning and Environment later this year, but the green light is expected to be a mere formality.
See story pages 6-7
See pages 54 - 56 for a special tribute to Parramatta Chamber of Commerce for winning the best Chamber in the region award at the 2015 WSBAE gala event.
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OCTOBER 2015 Liberal name change ploy fails: ...........................Page 7 Apartment market in Parramatta:.......................Page 11 Smart cities embrace innovation: .......................Page 16 Currency fluctuations are expected: ....................Page 18
Above and below: Artist impression of Sydney Wonderland.
WONDERLAND LIVES AGAIN DEVELOPMENT By Keiasha Naidoo OURISM in Western Sydney is gearing up with the new Western Sydney Theme Park Pty Ltd set to finalise its plans within the next 12 months, and open within the next three to five years. Revitalizing the theme park entertainment market in Western Sydney is the brainchild of Mount Druitt businessman, Ammar Khan. Last month his company, Urban Estate Developments welcomed the international firm, Fox Petroleum Limited for the development of Sydney’s newest theme park, incorporating ‘Sydney’s Wonderland’. Plans for the new theme park is to build, own and operate the multi-themed entertainment precinct. The company will soon finalise the proposed site, and formally lodge a proposal to the NSW Government. For many living in Western Sydney, the Australia’s Wonderland was a big part of growing up and having access to a theme park in this region. None more so than for Ammar whose deep association with the theme park started when he was employed for nine years at the now closed Australia’s Wonderland in Eastern Creek. “I was devastated by the loss of the park, and as a Western Sydney resident I vowed to bring the park back, not just as a desire but a life consuming obsession,” he said.
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For many people just like Ammar, those childhood memories will be resurrected and new ones built with the new theme park set to be built within three to five years. The new theme park will not operate from the former site, Ammar says a site is yet to be identified, but plans are to find one close to the second airport n Badgery’s Creek. The new theme park is a private initiative, but is in addition to the already popular
Wet ‘n” Wild in Prospect, and plans for a new beach on the banks of the Parramatta River – all driving the economy in the Western Sydney region, and meeting the needs of the rapidly increasing population. Under the Draft Parramatta City River Strategy, expected to cost more than $100 million in total, now on public exhibition. The strategy looks at bringing the river to life with paddle boats and kayaks, an open plaza, mini parks, terraced seating and activities such as outdoor cinemas. “Parramatta has for too long turned its back on the river, we are a river city,” Parramat-
ta Council chief executive Greg Dyer said. Speaking about the new theme park, Dr Ajay Kumar, Managing Director of Fox Petroleum Limited, said: “We are excited by the potential opportunities brought by the Western Sydney Theme Park precinct, and the much sought Sydney’s Wonderland theme park.” Ammar Khan, managing director of Urban Estate Developments Pty Ltd, has led the Western Sydney Theme Park project since 2009. He said: “We are very pleased to be in partnership with Fox Petroleum Limited, an organisation of quality leadership and a great vision.” The Western Sydney Theme Park is now proposed to be an even larger project then before. Fox Petroleum Limited will inject $1 billion dollars over 5 years for the stage one of the development consisting of Sydney’s Wonderland, along with a wildlife park, water park, connected by a Multi-themed ‘boulevard’ with hotels operations, cinemas, restaurants and an array of entertainment facilities. Stage 2 of development will come with sporting, live music and convention venues. Further expressions of Interests are now being sought from interested businesses to take part in this new dynamic development. Ammar said: “The tourism market of Sydney has long awaited and much needed a major entertainment and tourism precinct. We are excited about transforming the Australian tourism economy, working hand-in-hand with all other tourism operators, and bringing countless opportunities for employment and business.” Further information is available on the Western Sydney Theme Park website on: www.sydneyswonderland.com.au
Hawkesbury too close to Sydney to be a tourist destination
Siobhan’s success started in West: ................Page 41
Early success for Uni rebrand: .....................Page 11 VIEW EACH EDITION ONLINE AT www.wsba.com.au Western Sydney Business Access (WSBA) ABN 9336 7098 582 Publisher/editor: Michael Walls M: 0407 783 413. E: michael@wsba.com.au
TOURISM By Red Dwyer HE Hawkesbury is too close to Sydney to be regarded as a tourist destination in its own right, according to the Hawkesbury Tourism Strategy. The strategy noted that Hawkesbury was only about 70 minutes’ drive from central Sydney – a plus and a minus affecting its tourism potential.
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‘‘Whilst this [proximity] makes Hawkesbury highly accessible, it is not far enough away to be regarded as a destination in its own right,’’ it said. The strategy stated that although council had been involved in promoting tourism, mainly through its visitor information centre, it ‘‘will need to play a greater role to help focus industry, provide visitor services and to support destination-based infrastructure’. ‘‘Industry, despite best efforts, has struggled over some time to achieve a collective way forward through co-operative marketing campaigns, regional events and other initiatives,’’ it said.
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
It also noted most of the region’s tourism operators were small businesses which did not operate all year round. The report recommended a working partnership between Council and tourism operators and the development of a Hawkesbury ‘‘brand’’. ‘‘Whilst the Hawkesbury is unlikely to be a major tourism destination such as Sydney or the Gold Coast, it can be more effective in the way it responds to attract a fair share of visitors,’’ it said. Tourism is Hawkesbury’s 12th-largest industry, generating $186 million for the region in the 2013-14 financial year and employing slightly more than 1000 people
Associate editor: Di Bartok. • M: 0404 147 743 Business development: Graham Maughan • M: 0431 557 791 Printer: New Age Printing, Rydalmere Design: Design2pro.com, MBE Parramatta Website: www.accessnews.com.au Email enquiries: info@wsba.com.au Phone: 02 4572 2336 • Fax: 02 4572 2340 DISCLAIMER: The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights in respect of the copyright of their work. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form without the written consent of the publisher. No person or organisation should in any way act on the information and content of Western Sydney Business Access or www.wsba.com.au without first seeking professional advice. The publisher, contributors and agents accept no responsibility for any actions that may arise from the contents of this newspaper or website www.wsba.com.au. The opinions and views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Advertisements are published in accordance with WSBA terms and conditions published in the media kit downloadable at www.wsba.com.au. Advertisers agree to indemnify the publisher and his agents for any actions that may arise as a result of published advertisements.
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Libs back veteran for Lord Mayor NEW MAYOR By Di Bartok AUL Garrard brought a spade to Parramatta Council on the night he was elected to his sixth term as Lord Mayor - but it had nothing to do with how he almost dug his own grave. Always ready for a light-hearted dig, the self-effacing but consummate politician - who always calls a spade a spade - announced that the sturdy implement signified how he would continue to build “Sydney’s dual CBD”. But Liberal sources have told WSBA that Clr Garrard’s ability to rankle both sides of the chamber almost led to his own burial. While Garrard was promised the Lord Mayoralty for this term as per an “agreement” struck with the majority Liberals after the last local government election in 2012, the deal looked like it would unravel at the 11th hour. According to Garrard himself, the ruling Liberals were set to reinstate Scott Lloyd as Lord Mayor over two sticking points - his publicly-stated opposition to council mergers and his intention to field his own team at next year’s council elections. “It has been tough, I have to say, I’ve had to do some negotiating,” Garrard told WSBA the night before the meeting. Liberal councillor Steven Issa, the outgoing deputy lord mayor, told WSBA before election night that his side would stick to its agreement despite reservations over Garrard’s ongoing support. The Liberals commitment to their agreement thwarted Labor’s plans to back Lloyd for another term; given the bitterness Garrard’s former party has towards him.
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IN OTHER COUNCILS:
ELISSA Ellis, general manager of the Castle Hill Country Club has won the 2015 GMA NSW Manager of the Year Award. The award was presented at a dinner following the Melissa Ellis. annual Captain/ Presidents/General Managers Day at the Elanora Country Club recently. The award recognises and acknowledges a member who has excelled in his/ her position as General/Secretary Manager/Chief Executive Officer of their Golf Club during the past year, achieving goals above normal expectations. The award carries significant industry recognition and prize of an all expenses paid trip to the CMAA World Conference in San Diego in February 2016. “I have staff whose enthusiasm matches my own in making Castle Hill Country Club the very best in can be and always striving for continual improvement. We are proud of our course,” Melissa said. “The golf industry is truly collegiate and other GM’s have been of great assistance. We are fortunate to have access to people at the pointy end of the business who are more than happy to make time to discuss their successes and give advice. Melissa has been General Manager at Castle Hill Country Club for over two years and is the first female manager in the 65-year history of club.
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• Holroyd: Greg Cummings reelected • Blacktown: Stephen Bali reelected • Penrith: Ross Fowler re-elected • Hills: Michelle Byrne elected • Liverpool: Ned Mannoun continues four year term That is according to political sources but denied by Labor councillor Pierre Esber, who stood for the position as a formality. So, on Monday September 29, the “grandfather of the house” Paul Garrard was elected as Lord Mayor for the sixth time in his 41 year career in a show-of-hands vote. He was supported by Liberal councillors and independent Liberal Andrew Wilson, with independent Lorraine Wearne abstaining in protest over the “horse trade” voting agreement. Liberal Makous Makari was elected deputy lord mayor. After his election, Clr Garrard said he would drive the Smart City initiative he had instigated when Lord Mayor five years ago. “There are many positive changes taking place in Parramatta, with work set to start on a $300 million redevelopment of Pirtek stadium, plans for the Powerhouse Museum to come to the City and work still underway to determine the first route of the Western Sydney Light Rail,” he said. “We have made great progress on the $2 billion Parramatta Square urban renewal project, which will see a new City heart created for residents, workers and visitors. “We also stand at the crossroads of how Local Government will be administered for generations to come with the Independent
Country Club’s Melissa Ellis NSW Manager of the Year
Paul Garrard.
Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) soon to release its recommendations on the State Government’s ‘Fit for the Future’ reform process. I support Council’s proposal for the creation of a new Parramatta based Council with the scale and capacity to deliver growth and improved services. “We will continue to work closely with State and Federal Governments to achieve large scale projects to enhance our City and secure Parramatta as Sydney’s dual CBD.” But he also emphasised that there would be renewed focus on Parramatta’s suburbs, as well as a greater acknowledgement of the original custodians of the land as well as new arrivals from other countries.
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Cage-free zoo at Blacktown COVER STORY By Anthony Stavrinos LACKTOWN’S world class new zoo will attract 750,000 visitors each year to the state’s most populous city, creating up to 480 jobs and contributing tens of millions to the local economy. A development application for the $36 million Sydney Zoo will be lodged with the Department of Planning and Environment later this year, but the ‘green light’ is expected to be a mere formality. Located in Blacktown’s large-scale entertainment precinct, in Bungarribee Super Park, the zoo is the latest instalment in a growing roster of major attractions to call the city home. Blacktown City’s Mayor, Councillor Stephen Bali says the reason local residents and visitors were enjoying an ever-expanding selection of leisure options was simple. “Blacktown is the perfect location for a large scale attraction like the Zoo,” Cr Bali told Western Sydney Business Access. “We not only have the space, but because we are on the intersection of the major northsouth and east-west motorways, they are easily accessible. In a way, Sydney is coming to Blacktown and we are happy to entertain them.” And it seems that when the good news starts in Blacktown, it just doesn’t stop. The latest coup for Blacktown appears to be of the sporting kind, with a new deal that will foster stonger long-term ties with the region’s most successful sporting team, the Western Sydney Wanderers. It’s also develop-
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ing key tennis facilities. “We have just announced a deal that will make Blacktown the main venue for the Western Sydney Wanderers and we’re building a David Cup standard tennis centre that will be operating in early 2016,” Cr Bali said. “Blacktown is one of Sydney’s fastest growing areas and we’re determined to maintain the momentum.” An economic analysis by audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG estimated the tourist attraction would initially generate 59 full-time and 50 part-time positions in addition to 160 jobs being created during the construction phase and between 120 and 210 jobs once full scale operations commence. KPMG also forecast the zoo would contribute around $45 million a year to the NSW economy and boost tourist spending by $3 million. Sydney Zoo Managing Director Jake Burgess said the zoo will be a significant contributor to job creation particularly benefiting younger residents of western Sydney. “The jobs created will be in a range of roles and industries. Importantly we will have a number of entry-level, flexible positions for young people seeking to join the workforce,” he said. “Our brand will be widely recognised and working for us will represent a good start for young people. “We are working proactively with Blacktown Council to maximise the number of roles provided to people from the local area.” Cr Bali confirmed Council was working closely with Mr Burgess, with the aim to draw on the city’s rich cultural resources, with its 332,000 residents comprising 184 different nationalities and speaking 156 different languages. “It has been a privilege to work with Syd-
Artist impression of the zoo.
At a glance HE zoo will contain approximately 30 exhibits with a variety of exotic and native species including: • A glassed-in viewing area to observe hippopotamus, crocodiles and other aquatic life. • An Australian reptile and nocturnal animal’s house.
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ney Zoo Managing Director, Jake Burgess and the Western Sydney Parklands Trust Director, Suellen Fitzgerald, to bring the project to this stage,” Cr Bali said. He said a zoo in the heart of Blacktown City was yet another reason why Sydney’s west was fast becoming NSW’s must-visit destination. “It will be a cage free zoo with limitless horizons which brings visitors safely face to face with animals, making it a hugely successful attraction,” Cr Bali said.
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Sydney Zoo would stands strongly alongside other large-scale entertainment venues in Blacktown City, including Wet ‘n’ Wild, Sydney’s only drive in movie theatre, Sydney Motorsport Park and the 2000 Sydney Olympics legacy venue, the Blacktown International Sportspark. “Blacktown is fast becoming an entertainment epicentre,” the Mayor declared. Earlier this month, NSW Environment Continued on page 7
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Continued from page 6
Minister Mark Speakman announced the approval of the lease of a 16.5-hectare site earmarked for the new attraction. “The proposed zoo, adjacent to Bungarribee’s new picnic and playgrounds, will be a popular new attraction to Western Sydney, bringing family fun, recreation and ecological education to visitors,” he said. “And adding to the already great assortment of recreational activities available in the Western Sydney Parklands.” “The focus on native animals and Indigenous culture will be a highlight, and it will illustrate the dramatic and compelling stories of the local Darug people,” Mr Speakman said. “I’m not lion [yes, pun intended], when I say this zoo will create fantastic memories for hundreds of thousands of Sydney families every year. “I’ll stick my neck out and predict the giraffes will be hugely popular, which is a tall order.” He resisted the temptation to declare the government “wasn’t monkeying about”
“
I’ll stick my neck out and predict the giraffes will be hugely popular, which is a tall order.” - SW Environment Minister Mark Speakman. over plans for the zoo and refrained from any suggestion that visitors could get closer to the elephants by “making a trunk call”, but said the zoo was planned for launch in late 2017, subject to approval.
Artist impression of the zoo.
Sydney Zoo would be on par in size with Auckland and Perth zoos and twice Adelaide Zoo’s size, but would be smaller than Sydney’s not-for-profit Taronga Zoo which houses 3,500 animals in its 28 hectare harbour front location. And it is also larger than the long-established Featherdale Wildlife Park a few kilometres away in Doonside, which doesn’t believe competition from the new zoo will threaten its business. “Featherdale is a born and bred local in western Sydney so any investment into tourism into the area we welcome with open
arms,” its general curator Chad Staples told ABC Radio. “Featherdale will do more than survive. We’re an extremely successful business that the locals just love.” He said there would unlikely be an impact because what Featherdale does, “we do better than anyone” and there were plans to expand its offering in the future. Sydney Zoo is also in talks with Western Sydney University about potentially establishing a Centre of Excellence in Wildlife Conservation – a research facility housed on the Zoo site.
Liberal name-change ploy fails as Council re-elects Mayor Bali POLITICS ITH the re-election of Blacktown mayor Stephen Bali, the plan to rename the council area is on its way out for now. The unpopular move to rename state’s largest council was born out of the Liberals’ desperation to secure independent veteran Russ Dickens’ vote for their mayoral candidate Jess Diaz. Clr Dickens has been pushing for a “more suitable name” for the city for more than 30 years.
W Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali.
And the plan could have worked if Clr Jacqueline Donaldson had not resigned from the Liberal Party and swung her support behind Bali at the September 22 vote. She was elected deputy mayor for her troubles in the tight 8-7 vote. Despite large-scale opposition to the renaming plan, Clr Bali said council would go ahead with planned community consultation on the issue. Greater Blacktown Business Chamber president Trevor Oldfield has told WSBA that the business community would prefer Blacktown to retain its proud name.
Greater Blacktown Chamber President Trevor Oldfield.
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a i v i r T TIPS &
have no trouble raising $3,000 in an emergency. A further one-third could find $3,000 though it may mean relying on a credit card or taking out a loan. About 10 per cent of survey respondents said they would have to take drastic action to raise $3,000 – like selling a valued possession. About 20 per cent – one in five - Australian households say they simply couldn’t raise the money at all.
Well-being, life satisfaction All lit up TRIVIA: This year is the 125th anniversary of switching on electric lighting at Penrith. To celebrate this milestone, a plaque was unveiled at the former electric light station site near the Penrith Railway Station on October 9. April 30 1890 was a big day in the history of Penrith. The Electric Light Station was in Belmore Street and on October 3 1890, Penrith streets were illuminated and 60 homes and business gained electric lights.
Mega trends INTERESTING stats from the report called Future State 2030 – Global Mega Trends Shaping Governments. This report was used as part of a presentation by KPMG to a select group of business people in Parramatta recently. RISE OF THE INDIVIDUAL: By 2030
80% of the middle class will reside in developing regions, up from 58% in 2010, and 60% of the world’s population will be middle class, up from 27% in 2009. ENABLING TECHNOLOGY: 90% of the digital data in the world today was created in the last two years. ECONOMIC INTERCONNECTEDNESS: Asia’s share of global exports is expected to nearly double to 39% by 2030. POWER SHIFT: Developing countries will become home to 440 of the world’s fastest growing cities, generating 47% of global GDP growth through 2025.
Can’t find $3,000 A SURVEY conducted by www.mebank. com.au found two-thirds of Australian households would struggle to find $3,000 in an emergency. The Household Financial Comfort Report says just one in three would
ALSO on money…a study of 1000 clients of financial advisors has found that many clients experienced high levels of psychological well-being and life satisfaction as a result of engaging a financial planner. The first of its kind ARC-funded study also found areas where client and advisors were mismatched. The pilot study in 2010 indicated clients said their financial situation affected a range of areas in their lives including mental health and wellbeing, said Professor Cameron Newton. He said clients overestimated their financial literacy and their understanding of regulations designed to protect them, such as the role of the financial ombudsman and their consumer rights and the industry’s legal framework.
Sweet spot for emails MAILCHIMP recently published the
following headline on their blog: “Subject Line Length Means Absolutely Nothing”. Their research found no significant advantage to short or long subject lines in emails. Clicks and opens were largely the same. By applying this principle you would be forgiven to think that you could write an email of any length, however additional research indicates that the “sweet spot” is 28 – 39 characters. A study released by Mailer Mailer around the same time as MailChimp’s study found a slight bump in opens and clicks at a certain range of characters: • 4–15 characters: 15.2% open; 3.1% click. • 16–27 characters: 11.6% open; 3.8% click. • 28–39 characters: 12.2% open; 4% click. • 40–50 characters: 11.9% open; 2.8% click. • 51+ characters: 10.4% open; 1.8% click.
Sci-fi world ACCORDING to www.dictionary.com.au the following are 10 words coined in the sci-fi universe: Time Travel, Robotics, Zero Gravity, Warp Speed, Droid, Alien, Nantechnology, Clone, Cyberpunk and Virus.
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WWW.WSBA.COM.AU “Globally, cities are becoming increasingly more important. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology predicts cities will “account for nearly 90% of global population growth and 80% of wealth creation” in the future.” – Parramatta MP Geoff Lee.
“We see this part of Western Sydney as a key market where there are low levels of vacancy and improving tenant demand.” – John Schroder, group executive and CEO commercial property, at Stockland, on the company’s purchase of a 4.3-hectare site, at Eastern Creek. “This is going to be a highly sophisticated and automated operation,” – Dr Kerry Schott, chair of the Moorebank Intermodal Company, overseeing the $1.9 billion development of Australia’s first automated freight hub. “What’s concerning is that the Baird Government is opening the door to a second Sydney zoo locally, when right around the corner we have an established local tourist icon in Featherdale Wildlife Park,” – Federal Labor MP for Chifley, Ed Husic, on the proposed $36 million zoo to be built at the Bungarribee Super Park in Western Sydney Parklands.
allocating $50,000 for an initial feasibility concept report linking Badgerys Creek to the Sydney CBD. “Parramatta provides a more compelling work, rest and play environment than most of the locations where significant high density development is occurring throughout suburban Sydney.” – Knight Frank Managing Director West Sydney David Morris. “Not every employee will support their leader. Some reflect on the missed promotion to the same rank, whilst others will see the management style as being disconnected with the work force.’ – Hardeep Girn, managing Director Know My Business.
“If you have not spoken with the person for many years and there is no longer any relationship this is important to point out in your Will. The executors will then be able to argue your intentions to the Court if the Will is challenged.” – Solicitor ChelseaWinter from Watts McCray. “Some people want to kill the debate outright. But the community meetings will give us reasonable grounds to make an informed decision.’’ – Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali on silly proposals to rename Blacktown. “On reflection, no business, meeting or training is more important than your health. In fact I challenge you that a healthy and
successful business or career starts and ends with a healthy and successful you.” – Glenn Anthoney, Franchise Owner, BNI Sydney Northwest “Drama, Tragedy, Inspiration, Hope and Triumph in a single story which is being (regrettably) retold in many countries among millions of people. Story telling in video is powerful, especially when the story is a script very few writers could ever imagine writing let alone suffering first hand. Deng Adut is making a difference as is Western Sydney University – it’s a story worth retelling for sure.” Communications Expert, George Kolovos ,creator of the new Western Sydney University television advertisements. “Featherdale is a born and bred local in western Sydney so any investment into tourism into the area we welcome with open arms. Featherdale will do more than survive. We’re an extremely successful business that the locals just love.” – general curator Chad Staples on the proposed new zoo for Blacktown.
“It opens the way for the provision of new and better infrastructure and facilities for the community in The Hills, which will be envied by many other councils,” – Hills Mayor Michelle Byrne, on council selling a 1.42-hectare site next to Castle Towers for a record Hills price of $140 million for apartments. “Evidence from around the world indicates that cities that have been successful in establishing viable second airports have established fast rail links,” – Former Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Scott Lloyd, on council
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Entrance to the proposed Western Sydney zoo.
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
NEWS
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Early success for University rebrand AWARENESS By Anthony Stavrinos ESTERN Sydney University’s $30 million rebrand has been criticised by some students, but its inspirational launch TV advertisement “went viral”, kicking-off efforts to increase its brand’s global awareness. The rebranding, over three years, includes an extensive media advertising campaign, a change from the name “University of Western Sydney” and replacement of the ‘blue bird’ logo with a bold white ‘W’ on a red shield. “With a bold new vision and brand positioning, we are reaffirming our place as a world-class university with international reach, a reputation for academic excellence, and a track record in delivering impact-driven research,” Western Sydney University’s website declares. But stealing the show so far has been an inspirational TV commercial telling the story of alumnus Deng Thiak Adut from boy soldier in war-torn Sudan to Bachelor of Laws graduate and practising Blacktown solicitor. The advertisement has been posted on youtube and other video sharing sites with 500,000 views since it began airing on Australian television networks at the beginning of September, extending its reach globally. Communications Expert, George Kolovos, who has created television commercials for major brands, including Disney, Nestle, Hungry Jacks, Shazam and Woolworths, says the Adut TV commercial is “what a perfect storm looks like in the communication landscape”. “Drama, Tragedy, Inspiration, Hope and Triumph in a single story which is being (regrettably) retold in many countries among millions of people,” Kolovos said. “Story telling in video is powerful, especially when the story is a script very few writers could ever imagine writing let alone suffering first hand.
W
“Deng Adut is making a difference as is Western Sydney University – it’s a story worth retelling for sure.” Western Sydney University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover, said the public’s response to Adut’s inspirational story showed what extraordinary contributions can be made to society if those escaping conflict and civil unrest were given the chance to start a new life. “Deng’s story is a shining example of the transformational power of education and the enriching flow-on effects not only for individuals, but for their families and our community,” Professor Glover said. The video condenses Adut’s lifelong experiences overcoming adversity into 90 seconds, starting from the mid-1980s, when the Sudanese government began destroying villages, the catalyst for the rise of the People’s Liberation Army. Not long after, six-year old Deng Thiak Adut was taken away from his family’s banana farm in South Sudan and conscripted into the Army, undergoing military training, several years of army service and witnessing numerous atrocities. Deng was still a boy when he was shot in the back while running through a village. A chance meeting reunited him with his brother, who helped smuggle him out of the country in a corn sack on the back of a truck. The brothers befriended an Australian family and eventually arrived as refugees in 1998. Working at a local service station to learn English, Adut enrolled at TAFE and completed his Advanced Diploma in Accounting before deciding to study law. In 2005 he enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University and became the first person in his family to graduate with a law degree. Adut now works as a lawyer in Bankstown, where he is determined to ensure that other Sudanese refugees have the legal advice and support they need before entering the court system. His story clearly impressed the university’s Board of Trustees, but what may have shocked them most was the revelation that while studying to complete his degree, “he chose to live in his car”. “The board was provided with
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
Screen shots from the hugely popular television advertisement.
a presentation on the successful launch of the rebrand at Open Day,” the Vice-Chancellor’s Report at the Board’s September 9th meeting notes. “In particular the Board noted the story of Deng Thiak Adut featured in the campaign and agreed to set up a scholarship fund for students from refugee backgrounds to assist with living expenses.” The following day, Western Sydney University announced a halfmillion dollar scholarship fund to assist refugees on humanitarian visa undertaking further education, with plans to raise a total of $12 million
through a fundraising campaign to assist 400 students over the next four years. The scholarships, valued at $7500 per year, will be used for study and living expenses and will be available to students studying across the full range of courses offered by Western Sydney University. Not everyone is thrilled about the University’s image makeover, including students who are unhappy they weren’t consulted in its preliminary stages, with more than 2,500 adding their name to the “#SavetheBird - Don’t Rebrand UWS” online petition.
“We love our University, but as students of UWS we are outraged that we were not consulted about changes to the branding of the University,” the petition reads. “We call upon the University of Western Sydney to abandon its proposed rebranding, and to keep the current name - University of Western Sydney, and to scrap the hideous proposed design for the University logo.” You can find Western Sydney University’s Unlimited microsite at: http://www.westernsydney. edu.au/unlimited/home
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REGIONAL ROUND-UP NORTH WEST $100 million project THE $100 million North Village project of shops, restaurants and 209 residential units, in Samantha Riley Drive, Kellyville, has gained approval from the Sydney West Joint Regional Planning Panel. The developer, Combined Projects Kellyville, will construct three residential towers up to 25m high over 12,148square metres of vacant land
BMRE refunded BLUE Mountains City Council voted unanimously to renew its funding of the Blue Mountains Economic Enterprise (BMEE) for a further four years. BMEE’s mission is to stimulate economic development in the Blue Mountains through advocacy, investment and job creation.
5800 new dwellings THE draft Riverstone East Precinct Plan proposes a new community with 5800 new dwellings, 20 hectares of open space, new schools, walking trails cycleways and upgrades to local roads and public transport. “This new community will be a terrific place to live with the facilities and infrastructure people need and deserve,” said Member for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly.
Local head office THE global essential oils company, headquartered in the US state of Utah, will lease 1031 square metre, at Columbia Court, in Norwest Business Park, as its local head office. Norwest commercial and industrial director, Peter Beaumont, said the precinct’s vacancy rates had dropped because of strong demand for office and industrial stock in the Hills area.
$15m proposal A PROJECT manager has been appointed and tenders will be called for refurbishing
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Riverstone Marketown, following approval by Blacktown City Council. The $15 million DA proposal includes an extra food court and two major supermarkets, as well as parking, loading docks and specialty shops, council said.
Personnel boost MILITARY presence in Richmond will increase when 10 new C-27J Spartan planes call the RAAF Base home by 2017. The first was delivered last month. The others will arrive over the next couple of years. The new aircraft means the squadron will grow from 160 personnel to 300 by 2017.
SOUTH WEST Warehouse leased HELAS Europe Australia Pty Ltd has leased a 970-square-metre warehouse, at10 Centenary Avenue, Moorebank, from Siafakas & Fascolas, at $127 a square-metre gross for three years plus a three-year option.
Bunnings store ABOUT 450 construction jobs will be created during construction of a new $58 million, 16,000-square-metre Bunnings Warehouse, in Kingsgrove. Some 200 jobs are expected to be created when it opens mid-next year. The project will include the main warehouse, indoor timber trade sales area and outdoor nursery, as well as an indoor playground, cafe and parking for 410 cars
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CBD revival
$20 million proposal
CAMPBELLTOWN Mayor, Paul Lake, said a proposed $45 million, 14-storeys residential tower development as a way to revive Queen Street, in the CBD. He it would bring more people and more money into the area. The Draft Corridor Strategy provides a vision for renewing the area around the stations, including new homes, shops, cafes and improved public spaces
PARRAMATTA developer, Dyldam, bought the former Rositano’s Furniture site at 224-240 Pitt Street last year and plans to turn it into a four-stage, mixed-use development with 1000 units. Stage one is worth more than $20 million and a DA has been lodged with Holroyd Council.
$40 million purchase THE CPIF Fund has purchased a 15-hectare site, at 290 Kurrajong Road, Prestons, from private investors for $40 million. It will be used for industrial pre-leased investments. The site, at the junction of the M7 and M5 motorways is expected to provide over 70,000 square metres or more than $100 million of modern logistics facilities.
Project under way CONSTRUCTION on the $240 million Macarthur Square expansion has officially started. Once complete, the facility will feature an additional 16,000 square metre of floor space which will include: a new 4500 square metre Coles; 1500 square metre Aldi; expanded Target; 2500 Harris Scarfe; refurbished Woolworths; and 550 extra car spaces. More than 2000 jobs are expected to be created during construction and 1000 retail jobs once the project is complete.
CENTRAL WEST
Maintain role
$52.5m approval
CAMDEN Airport Ltd’s vision for the airport is to maintain its role as a leading recreational and training aviation facility in NSW. The Preliminary Draft Master Plan (2015 PDMP) sets out in part how the airport will meet the aviation demand over the planning period.
AN application by Saab Parramatta Pty Ltd and Sonenco Parramatta Pty has been approved for the construction of a 41 storey mixed use development containing a retail tenancy, 216 apartments and 198 car spaces, at 11 Hassall Street, Parramatta. Estimated cost of the work is $2.5 million.
Precinct rezoned THE North Rocks Employment Precinct will be rezoned from IN1 General Industrial to B6 Enterprise Corridor in an effort to revitalise the area. Shop-top housing will be prohibited and the minimum lot size will halve to 4000 square metres under the proposal, which will be forwarded to the Department of Planning and Environment for approval.
Swift leases space SWIFT Transport has become the first major industrial occupier to sign up to the $500 million, 60-hectare Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre being developed by NSW Ports. Swift has committed to lease more than 200,000 square metres. The centre is Sydney’s first intermodal hub.
Sites sold for $135m HOLDMARK property group has purchased an industrial site from the pharmaceutical Group, Eli Lily, at 112 Wharf Road, Melrose Park, for $40 million. Payce Consolidated purchased the nearby Reckitt Benckiser site, on Wharf Road, for $95 million.
Powerhouse sites THE NSW government has shortlisted the former Parramatta Golf Course and Riverside (the former David Jones car park), in the CBD as potential sites for Parramatta’s new Powerhouse Museum. A business case will now be developed to determine the viability and cost of each site and canvas the views of the community before one is chosen. A preferred site is expected to be announced in mid-2016.
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NEWS
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Workers in tall buildings at risk PRODUCTIVITY By Red Dwyer MPLOYEES in high-rise buildings risk falling asleep on the job at a time when emphasis is placed on workers’ productivity to boost the economy, Academics from Western Sydney University and the University of Canterbury, in New Zealand, have teamed up to increase their understanding of the “sopite syndrome� – the development of drowsiness of workers in tall buildings. “Sopite syndrome can be described as drowsiness caused by prolonged periods of motion, for example the motion-induced drowsy feeling babies get when they are rocked to sleep,� said Professor Kenny Kwok from the Institute for Infrastructure Engineering, at WSU. ‘This syndrome has also been found to affect occupants of high-rise buildings due to the swaying of the structure caused by strong winds,� he said. Recent work has found that building motion can significantly impact the wellbeing of office workers and that sopite syndrome may be involved by reducing the rate of work – sleepiness – and the capacity for work, he said. “Although there are no obvious visual cues of motion, structures in our ears sensitive to gravity and acceleration are capable of detecting subtle changes of our head position in space brought by the swaying of a tall building. Professor Kwok, along with Professor Vaughan Macefield from the School of Medicine, WSU, and Dr Darren Walton,
Locations for new sporting stadiums THE REGION
E
HE NSW Government plans to invest $300 million to develop a new state-of-the-art stadium in Parramatta. The project will involve the full redevelopment of the existing Parramatta stadium. A new, purpose-built 30,000 seat facility will be constructed as part of a sporting precinct that will offer a world class experience for all visitors and users of the stadium. The stadium will be the first built as part of the State Government’s stadia strategy. It will not only be the long-term home of the Parramatta Eels and Western Sydney Wanderers, but a regional facility which will enable Parramatta to host a range of other marquee events and sporting fixtures. However, Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler says Penrith is a logical choice for the construction of an outer Western Sydney sporting venue under the State Government’s recently announced Stadia Strategy. The report gave six recommendations of which the construction of a dedicated rectangular stadium in Western Sydney was a priority in the next 10 years to meet future sporting and event requirements. Councillor Fowler said Penrith’s location as a regional city centred between Sydney’s north-west and south-west made it an obvious choice. “Penrith has a catchment of half a million people which is expected to grow in excess of a million people in the coming decade,� Cr Fowler said. “I am confident the State Government will make the right decision and build the world-class venue the people of Penrith deserve.�
T
Workers in tall buildings are at risk of suffering from “sopite syndrome� – the development of drowsiness of workers in tall buildings.
from the University of Canterbury, have received funding from the Australian Research Council though its Discovery Projects scheme, to conduct a research project The research will determine the amount of building motion that will induce sopite syndrome, uncover other potential
causes of motion induced performance loss and identify the physiological changes in sopite syndrome. The data from the research will also help identify ways to mitigate the effects of motion sickness, and strategies to design buildings that are less prone to sway in strong winds.
LIVERPOOL CHAMBER AGM & GENERAL MEMBERS MEETING
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NOVEMBER 11
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PROPERTY HOT SPOTS
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Welcome to Property Hot Spots By Mike Walls ESTERN Sydney Business Access (WSBA) in collaboration with Knight Frank Western Sydney is proud to be launching an exciting new section this month called Property Hot Spots. Over the coming editions Property Hot Spots will take a close look at the drivers, opportunities, people and places that shape Western Sydney’s property market with a particular focus on the commercial and industrial sectors. Property Hot Spots is destined to become the go-to section for anyone serious about gaining insights into the property plays in one of Australia’s most dynamic regions – Western Sydney. With more than 370 offices throughout the world Knight Frank is a global powerhouse that focuses on all the prime residential and commercial property markets of the world. Such extensive reach means Knight Frank is perfectly positioned to access the very best market intelligence. For the first edition of Property Hot Spots, I sat down with Knight Frank West Sydney Managing Director David Morris and the Director Commercial and Leasing West Sydney, Wally Scales to ask them some questions around the Parramatta commercial market. Q: There seems to be an oversupply of apartments in the greater Sydney market. Will this situation affect Parramatta to the same extent? A: Unlikely. Parramatta provides a more compelling work, rest and play environment than most of the locations where signifi-
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Parramatta CBD.
cant high density development is occurring throughout suburban Sydney. Additionally, the residential rates for equivalent product is competitively priced compared in inner ring locations closer to the Sydney CBD. The combination of access, amenity, jobs and affordable price in Sydney’s second CBD will drive for demand for the next decade and enable Parramatta to withstand a market correct more effectively than other Sydney hot spots. Q: Will the supply of commercial space in Parramatta meet the predicted employment growth in the region, bearing in mind that it will be a while before suitable office space is delivered in the other key growth centres such as Camellia and Rydalmere? A: The Parramatta CBD workforce is forecast to increase by 50%, from 50,000 to 75,000 by 2035. This increase of 25,000 workers will
require about 250,000 sqm of new commercial space over the 20 year period. Once potential office withdrawals for proposed high rise residential development around the perimeter of the commercial core are taken into account we estimate that a new 25,000sm office building will need to be delivered about every two years or so over the next two decades to accommodate this growth. Parramatta Square can only account about one third of the take-up requirement, so numerous other major commercial development projects will be required. Fortunately there are various sites throughout the CBD that can be redeveloped for this purpose in the medium term and all the critical infrastructure is already in place so Parramatta is well positioned to facilitate this scale of commercial development activity over the next 20 years.
Q: Why should major corporations consider Parramatta as an alternative location to the Sydney CBD or Macquarie Park? A: Access, amenity and competitive pricing in a strategically central location that is closer to where the bulk of the workforce live makes Parramatta a logical location for corporates seeking cost effective alternatives to the Sydney CBD. New supply of high quality, efficient buildings will provide corporate business with the choice and standard of office premises that have been lacking here in the past and generally only been available in suburban business parks. Being easier to get to with much more to do when you get there also makes Parramatta a much more appealing location for employees, which is an increasingly important consideration for corporate staff recruitment and retention. Q: Which of the light rail routes does KF think will be most beneficial to the western Sydney region, and why? A: The Sydney Olympic Park route has the potential to stimulate greater development activity in the medium term to accommodate Sydney’s population growth than the other routes. However, for the Western Sydney light rail network to be fully deployed it is vital that first route is well patronised to justify further extensions and the Macquarie Park option is better positioned to deliver this initial success. Hopefully, the value sharing proposition that allows private funding to contribute to the cost of the Sydney Olympic Park route will enable the government to commit to both these routes in the initial deployment. The positive impact that both routes will subsequently have on Western Sydney will then facilitate the further extension of the network to the two remaining options of Castle hill and Bankstown at a later date.
E E Y
R R T F N E
DATE
Wednesday 28th October 2015, 11am - 4pm
ADDRESS 540 High Street, Penrith NSW Entry by Tattersalls Function Room Entrance
TO BOOK A STAND email bookings@penrithchamber.org.au or phone 4722 6969 or 0417 651 004 www.penrithchamber.org.au ABN 82 052 267 306
The Penrith Chamber of Commerce, Telstra Business Centre Penrith and iwork@penrith bring to you the inaugural business technology showcase of the latest apps, hardware, software and tools suitable for all types of business. Official opening by the NSW Small Business Commissioner Robyn Hobbs. This is a not to be missed opportunity to view the latest innovations in technology. 14
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' IWORK
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Next Step In The Exciting Revitalisation of Wentworthville Wentworthville Centre Strategy Released
Picture: The new Dunmore Street Plaza envisioned by the Wentworthville Planning and Placemaking Strategy The next step in the exciting revitalisation and renewal of the Wentworthville Centre is here. After extensive community engagement and the completion of expert studies, Holroyd City Council has released a Planning and Placemaking Strategy, as part of the Wentworthville Centre Revitalisation Project. Council is now asking the community for their comments on the Strategy. The Strategy provides a bold vision for a progressive, colourful, vibrant and engaging local centre, which will include: • • • • • • • • •
1,600-1,800 new apartments Potential for 30,000m2 commercial space 3 new public spaces – Dunmore Street Plaza, Civic Plaza and Kingsway Link Expansion of Friend Park by 850m2 A new traffic ‘bypass’ and laneway extensions Vibrant main streets and 6 pedestrian through links Viable commercial parking for 650 car spaces Bonus floor space incentives for a new supermarket and commercial space A new Civic Precinct with larger community facilities
Council is seeking the community’s feedback on two future development options for town centre – to finalise the shared vision for the Wentworthville of tomorrow. Option 1 – generally 8 storeys with 8 x 12 storey buildings; Option 2 – generally 8 storeys with 5 x 12 storey and 3 x 18 storey buildings Your feedback will help Council make potential changes to planning controls and allow us to attract new businesses and visitors into the heart of Wentworthville, creating 750 new jobs and opening the door to a greater variety of housing supply.
You can view the Planning Strategy at: • Council’s website www.holroyd.nsw.gov.au/wentworthvillecentre •
Holroyd City Council Administration Building 16 Memorial Avenue, Merrylands
•
Merrylands and Wentworthville Libraries
Or you can attend two public information sessions that Council is holding on: • Wednesday 14 October 6pm - 8pm Grevillea Room, Wentworthville Community Centre, 2 Lane Street, Wentworthville •
Saturday 17 October 9.30am - 11.30am Banksia Room, Wentworthville Community Centre, 2 Lane Street, Wentworthville
Submissions can be made via: 1. Email: submissions@holroyd.nsw.gov.au 2.
Mail: General Manager, Holroyd City Council, PO Box 42, Merrylands NSW 2160
3.
Filling out a submission form: Holroyd City Council Administration Building, Merrylands or Wentworthville Library.
Submission close on Wednesday 4 November 2015
Holroyd City Council 16 Memorial Avenue PO Box 42 Merrylands NSW 2160 T 9840 9840 F 9840 9734 E hcc@holroyd.nsw.gov.au www.holroyd.nsw.gov.au
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
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COMMENTARY
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Smart cities that embrace innovation THE FUTURE By Geoff Lee Member for Parramatta
N his first address as Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull said that “the Australia of the future has to be a nation that is agile, that is innovative, [and] that is creative.� His message that there “has never been a more exciting time to be alive than today and there has never been a more exciting time to be an Australian� sets an exciting and positive tone for the future. In keeping with his vision, the Prime Minister has appointed the first Federal Minister for Cities and Built Environment, Jamie Briggs and Minister for Industry, Science and Innovation, Christopher Pyne. The Federal Government has seized on the importance of cities to Australia’s future prosperity. The importance that cities play in our future cannot be underestimated. The Grattan Institute reports1 that over 80% of Australian’s live in cities which account for 80% of the value of goods and services generated in the nation - Sydney and Melbourne CBDs’ alone generate 10% of the value of national goods and services. Globally, cities are becoming increasingly more important. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology predicts cities will “account for nearly 90% of global population growth and 80% of wealth creation� in the future2. The concept of a ‘smart city’ has been
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1 2
Mapping Australia’s economy: cities as engines of prosperity, July 2014 http://cities.media.mit.edu/about/cities
Geoff Lee and NSW Premier visit the Millennium Institute in the Westmead Bio-Medical Precinct
around for some time although what is a ‘smart city’ is less clear. I prefer to think of a smart city as one that is built around the needs of the people, not around buildings. This view stresses the need to understand what is important to the community – like seamless communications connectivity, access to high-value jobs, efficient public transport, sustainable energy use, recreation and entertainment facilities, and creation of communities that we want to live in. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has recently announced a similar strategy to establish 100 smart cities across India.Â
Modi said “Private property developers should not decide how a city should grow; it should be decided by residents and city leadership‌Many people are wondering about what exactly Smart City is... Smart city is a city that provides more than what a citizen expects3.â€? London, a global city, recognises the opportunities that technology and innovation can play in addressing the key challenges of economic growth, population density, infra3
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-live-pm-narendra-modi-launches-3-mega-schemes-for-transformingurban-india-2098678
structure usage, and industry disruption. For instance, they are early adopters in open data sharing. Data sharing allows appdevelopers to tap into the city’s data warehouses to create novel solutions to address critical issues such as reducing congestion and improved energy usage. Indeed, Western Sydney with its polycentric city structure, Parramatta, Penrith and Liverpool, can learn from places like London that has already embraced innovative practices – and become NSW’s ‘smart cities’. To their credit, Parramatta City Council has adopted a Smart City Master Plan to guide the integration of leading-edge technology and town planning design into new developments across the city. This plan builds upon ParraConnect, a program that has been working on initiatives like free Wi-Fi in public areas, smartcards for parking stations and a web portal for community feedback. Recently, Council has appointed a dedicated strategic project officer to implement the blueprint and oversee the roll-out of future smart city initiatives. Parramatta is perfectly poised to be the innovation city of Australia with close to $3 billion investment in infrastructure from the NSW Government. This massive investment underpins the economic-arc that extends from Westmead Bio-medical Precinct, through Parramatta CBD, Rydalmere Knowledge Precinct and Camellia to Olympic Park. With careful planning and investment, the recently announced Camellia Precinct has the potential to become Australia’s own Silicon Valley. Parramatta needs to capitalise on the momentum from record levels of public and private investment in the city - to become Australia’s first ‘smart city’.
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16
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
COMMENTARY
WWW.WSBA.COM.AU
Building a smart city is my focus
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NEW MAYOR By Cr Paul Garrard Parramatta Lord Mayor
AM honoured to again have the opportunity to serve the people of Parramatta in what is now my sixth term as Lord Mayor of this great city and my 41st year as a Councillor. A key focus of my term will be to position Parramatta as a ‘Smart City’ – a project which is even more relevant today than it was when I launched the ParraConnect program five years ago. A ‘Smart City’ is one that incorporates clever planning, leading edge technology and innovative entrepreneurship. By making Parramatta a Smart City we will attract new business, and support and enhance the experience of existing businesses that already contribute so much to our economy and community. I look forward to updating you on our Smart City initiatives in the coming months, including details of a Smart City conference we are hosting on November 10. Another critical project that is rapidly gaining momentum is Council’s $2 billion Parramatta Square development, with the concept design for the $35 million public space now on exhibition until 30 October. The new 20,000sqm public space includes a 10,000sqm main thoroughfare, and is a key element of this landmark urban renewal project, which will completely revitalise the heart of our CBD. The plans include a long water course that changes shape and form as it winds through the 250 metre length of the space, as well as an
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Council is pushing for the new stadium to be serviced by light rail when the State Government determines the first route for the planned Western Sydney Light Rail Network.”
Artist impression of the new Parramatta Square Public Space concept design.
iconic main fountain, green areas, public art installations and digital way finding. To have your say on the plans created by a team of architects and designers known as 42 visit parracity.nsw.gov.au/on_exhibition. In other news, the State Government’s announcement last month of a new $300 million purpose-built stadium for Parramatta is a great win for the City and sporting fans across Western Sydney.
The state-of-the-art 30,000 seat stadium will be constructed as part of a wider sporting precinct and is the top priority in the State Government’s stadia strategy. The commitment is a massive boost for our region’s sports fans who will receive the first class stadium they deserve. It will also ensure that Parramatta remains the home of the Parramatta Eels, Western Sydney Wanderers and Greater Sydney Rams, and
the true sporting capital of Western Sydney. The new stadium is essential to retaining the economic benefits these iconic teams bring to our City and will support Council’s objectives of establishing Parramatta as sport and entertainment destination. Council is pushing for the new stadium to be serviced by light rail when the State Government determines the first route for the planned Western Sydney Light Rail Network.
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davies.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
17
COMMENTARY
WWW.WSBA.COM.AU
Currency fluctuations to be expected REPUTATION
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By Hardeep Girn Managing Director Know My Business
hange is a certainty and none more recent years in politics. Our former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Treasurer Joe Hockey have been shifted into history with the changes in leadership from their own party. To some overseas commentators we’re the “coup capital of the democratic world”. Well consider this for a moment; the changes in the last Federal Budget gave small businesses a reduction in the tax rate to 28.5 per cent and immediate tax break for purchases up to $20,000. These initiatives were well received and seen to reflect government acknowledging how small business needs to continue to support the economy. Even with these positive changes, the polls remained low to lead to September’s internal Liberal party revolt. We’ve all evidenced the value proposition diminish with regular media coverage, even though we voted in the past leaders. There seems to be a currency of an individual or an organisation that rises and falls. In simple terms, popular one minute, out of favour the next. In the business environment the same applies. Leaders in a company are seen to have achieved a rank based on past experience and current capability. They are seen to have attained a currency that is high value. However not every employee will support their leader. Some reflect on the missed promotion to the same rank, whilst others will see the management style as being disconnected with the work force (especially in a public traded
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We have all evidenced the value proposition diminish with regular media coverage, even though we voted in past leaders.”
BIG HELP FOR SMALL BUSINESS
tomorrow to realise and when we don’t expect it, we can inspire and generate a following. On the flip side, if you’ve hit your lowest point in your career or business life, survival instincts kick in. Few followers exist when you’re down on your luck. But there are ways we can increase the value of our currency. The most important is not paying much attention to generating a following. Increasing the value of your personal currency can be outside of the business environment. Those in the public eye through support of community and charitable causes are elevated as local heroes. Also, being a leader in your field is much easier in a digital world. Whilst your revenue may be drying up, your industry commentary can be invaluable to others. When you’re part of a system or culture, your profile is elevated to being the expert in your field. Crazy as it seems I’ve seen this nearly be-
ing washed away with a business seeking cost control and saw long service in business as a liability. The CFO making a decision on retrenchment didn’t see the $10 million liability kept off the balance sheet by a single individual in the large organisation managing account allocations. An intervention to challenge his decision was seen as career suicide, but was successful when referencing the lawsuits brought on by a number of customers. Erving Goffman’s theory on Impression Management was coined in 1959 and the concept of Personal and Business Currency is evolving. However both Goffman’s theory and the evolving concept currency involve the personal brand. Next month’s commentary will discuss recent cases on major shifts in personal and business currency. The area is fascinating and we can all learn from it. If you have your own examples that I can reference, you can reach me on hardeep@girn.com.
Experience the MyBoard Program Become a member of the Sydney Hills Business Chamber and get free access to significant expertise offered through ‘MyBoard’. It’s a big help when making major business decisions and overcoming challenges. • Gain insight from other businesses • Share ideas and challenges • Access a range of expertise • Build your network
INKREDIBLE 2270-34
company serving shareholders and not just customers). The value placed on the person or brand representing a business is dynamic in nature. It increases and decreases on factors that can be controlled and some that can’t. Major influences can be operating style, performance, demeanor and efficiency. Others are subtle, such as the frequency of communication, social skills and community support. Your currency is dynamic and has near infinite permutations and considerations to those around you. Yes, you can’t be everything to everyone and the “Theory of Personal and Business Currency” can’t be prescriptive. But can you sustain your value easily? Can others sustain it for you? No doubt some can break it too. Stand still and your currency value is sliding away. Momentum is your best friend. Your achievements are someone else’s dream
JOIN NOW 9659 3366
sydneyhillsbusiness.com.au 18
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
COMMENTARY
YOUR NEXT EVENT
Greg Cummings delivers the petition to Luke Foley.
Let’s hope that common sense prevails this month AMALGAMATION By Cr Greg Cummings Holroyd City Mayor
HIS month, October, is when the Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is due to deliver its assessment of which councils are ‘Fit for the Future’. Like many councils across Sydney, Holroyd City Council is keen to see how IPART will respond to the overwhelming opposition to forced mergers and to the community’s anti-amalgamation stance. Holroyd’s submission to IPART demonstrated we are Fit for the Future and meet all of the required benchmarks in making our case to be a ‘stand-alone council’. We are supportive of the State Government’s objectives under the Fit for the Future agenda, but remain concerned that bigger, merged councils, as being proposed, will not better serve their local communities. Our local community also feels the same with more than 10,000 people signing the ‘Hands off Holroyd’ petition which was officially tabled in Parliament last month by NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley. Every one of those 10,000 signatures represents a reason why Premier Mike Baird and his Local Government Minister Paul Toole must say NO to our forced merger. All across Holroyd, throughout Sydney and in rural and regional areas, there is growing opposition to council mergers which the Premier and the Minister cannot continue to ignore. As I told the Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government, the people of Holroyd will go from no debt to a debt of $257 per person under a proposed mega council in western Sydney.
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Holroyd locals will inherit the debts of other councils like Parramatta, which currently has a 7.3% debt services ratio, if Holroyd is forced to merge. Amalgamating our councils will have dramatic impacts on the people of Holroyd who will be forced to pay for corporate services in the Parramatta CBD. There would also be a reduced level of local representation with the current one Councillor per 9,000 residents growing to one Councillor per 32,000. Holroyd is financially sustainable and can maintain current and future services as a ‘stand-alone’ council. Our community has told us they want Holroyd to maintain its local identity and sense of community with greater levels of representation on local matters, especially planning to reflect our local needs. We strongly believe that the size of a council does not determine how effective a council will be, the quality of the projects it produces, the quality of customer service or whether they are financially sustainable. The effectiveness of how successful an organisation will be - whether it is a council or any other business - depends on how well it is managed. Holroyd continues to meet strategic targets such as 17,000 new dwellings – delivering more than $300 million in S94 developer contributions back to the community. While we have proved we are financially fit for the future, the State Government has failed to show how a forced merger would provide any economic or social benefits to the people of Holroyd. Council and our community eagerly await the assessment by IPART and the State Government’s response. For the sake of residents and ratepayers in the Holroyd area we hope that common sense prevails.
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
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http://waldorf.com.au 19
PARRAMATTA SQUARE MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN PARRAMATTA SQUARE PROJECT PUBLIC SPACE DESIGN CONSTRUCTION OF THE URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT THAT IS CHANGING THE FACE OF THE CBD WILL SOON ENTER AN IMPORTANT PHASE WHEN WORK BEGINS ON THE TWO BIGGEST STAGES OF THE $2 BILLION PARRAMATTA SQUARE DEVELOPMENT - THE LANDMARK ASPIRE RESIDENTIAL TOWER AND THE DUAL COMMERCIAL TOWERS THAT WILL ANCHOR THE PROJECT.
demolition of the existing buildings on the site, including Council’s former administration building at 30 Darcy Street, is likely to be completed early 2016, paving the way for construction to begin.
Council’s $35 million investment in the public space area is central to the $2 billion Parramatta Square redevelopment that will include commercial, residential, educational and civic buildings. Key to the concept design is a central fountain and watercourse that winds through the length of the 10,000sqm space. While the final design is still to be determined, the stream could take on a variety of forms including still water, running water, a shallow curtain, mist or spray.
In August this year, following an exhaustive selection process, Council appointed Walker Corporation to develop these key buildings, which will comprise around 70% of Parramatta Square. Aspire tower will be the tallest residential building in NSW, and pending approval from the Federal Civil Aviation Safety Authority, could rival the tallest in Australia, while the dual towers of stages 5 & 6 will offer state-of-theart, premium office space in the heart of Parramatta. Development applications for the two projects are expected to be lodged with Council by the end of the year and full
As well as the iconic water feature and main fountain, the public domain will include digital way finding and public art, a northern lawn and southern plaza, play garden, a new Town Hall lobby, focal artwork and multiple crossing points across the stream. The design has been created to pay homage to Parramatta’s unique heritage, while creating a versatile, modern and visually appealing space.
Artist’s impressions of the Aspire residential tower and the dual commercial towers.
NEW STADIUM ANNOUNCEMENT A WINNER FOR PARRAMATTA PARRAMATTA IS SET TO BECOME WESTERN SYDNEY’S GO-TO SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION FOLLOWING THE STATE GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT IT WILL INVEST $300 MILLION IN A NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART STADIUM IN THE CITY.
A WINDING STREAM THAT CHANGES SHAPE AND FORM, AREAS OF GREEN OPEN SPACE AND PUBLIC ART INSTALLATIONS ARE AMONG THE FEATURES OF A CONCEPT DESIGN FOR PARRAMATTA SQUARE’S PUBLIC DOMAIN AREA RECENTLY UNVEILED BY PARRAMATTA CITY COUNCIL. THE DESIGN IS CURRENTLY ON PUBLIC EXHIBITION UNTIL WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER 2015.
for all of Western Sydney. The stadium will not only be home to the Parramatta Eels and Western Sydney Wanderers, but is also likely to host other NRL clubs, along with other marquee events and sporting fixtures.
The draft concept was created by 42 – a design team including award-winning firms James Mather Delaney Design (JMD), Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL), Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (TZG) and Gehl Architects, Denmark. The team have won acclaim for their individual and collaborative work both locally and overseas, including projects in New Zealand, the UK and New York’s Time Square and Broadway. Council recently announced that Walker Corp will be developing and sourcing tenants for Stages 2 and Stages 5 & 6 of t Parramatta Square. The public domain will be completed in stages to ensure coordination with the construction projects in Parramatta Square including the Western Sydney University high-rise campus, new civic and library facilities and commercial and premium office buildings. For more details visit parracity.nsw.gov.au/your_council/news/ on_exhibition
The purpose built 30,000 seat facility will be developed on the site of the existing PirtekStadium as the first stage of the Government’s stadia strategy. It will offer a world-class experience for all visitors and users of the venue. Planning for the new stadium is underway and demolition of the current stadium is due to begin late in 2016. It is hoped the new stadium will be finished by 2019, and once complete, it will be a regional sporting hub
WHAT’S ON IN PARRAMATTA PARRAMATTA LANES FESTIVAL A new taste around every corner 6 - 9 October 5pm - 10pm parramattalanes.com.au
Proposed designs on exhibition
PARRAMATTA DAY
LOY KRATHONG
Celebrate Parramatta’s rich heritage and contemporary cultural scene at an all-day family-friendly event Saturday 7 November Experiment Farm Cottage, Harris Park 12pm - 8pm parramattaday.com.au
Parramatta’s Thai Water festival Saturday 14 November Parramatta River between Barry Wilde St Bridge and Elizabeth St Bridge 4pm - 10pm parramattaloykrathong.com.au
www.cityofparramatta.com.au Content on this page is sponsored by Parramatta City Council in the interests of informing residents and businesses of Council initiatives and events. Any views expressed on this page are not necessarily those of WSBA, now does WSBA accept any responsibility for claims made on this page.
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WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
F B By David Pring
FAMILY BUSINESS W E S T E R N S YD N E Y
WELCOME
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hat’s that famous saying about planning – failing to plan to planning to fail? Welcome to this month’s family business feature. In this month’s edition we focus on the need to plan for a number of different scenarios that commonly arise in family owned businesses. While some are very operational, there are many scenarios, if not planned for appropriately, can have a detrimental effect on the business. The European Family Business Barometer was recently launched and pro-
vides a good insight into the trends in family owned businesses in Europe, it’s good to see that they are optimistic about the future. The findings of the KPMG and Family Business Australia (FBA) Survey of Family Businesses will be released at the end of October so it will be interesting to compare and contrast the findings. The family business we feature this month is Robert Cliff Master Jewellers where communication is the key to success.
Cliffs glitter in community PROFILE Di Bartok HE key to working with the family in business is communication - and not treading on each other’s toes. So says the man at the helm of one of the Hills’ most successful businesses Robert Cliff Master Jewellers. “In our business, we all have our separate tasks so we don’t run into each other all the time, but we have regular meetings to make sure we are going in the same direction,” Mr Robert Cliff, jeweller for more than 30 years, told WSBA. Being a happy family that loves being together also helps run a successful business that supports Robert, wife Sue and 30-yearold twin sons James and Daniel. An older daughter Kate is a teacher. While Sue runs accounts and advertising, James is one of the jewellers, Daniel is in stock and Robert is in the Castle Towers store as the face of the business. And, speaking of faces, any Castle Towers shopper could not fail to notice the Cliff boys dressed a’la Men in Black on a giant advertising poster above the cinema escalators. But that brilliant advertising aside, perhaps the best advertisement for the business is the community involvement of the Cliffs themselves. Robert and Sue are regulars at community fund-raising events, with Robert even braving the cold as a regular at the Hills Mayor’s SleepOut to raise funds for the homeless. “The community supports us as customers so we have to support the community,” Mr Cliff said. “I believe businesses have to give back.” Anyone who knows the Cliffs know that “giving back” is not so much an obligation but as a way of having fun - because Robert and Sue do love to party, being the best-outfitted at any fancy dress event. And the community loves them for it, with the Cliffs the top of the invite-list at most Hills shindigs.
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Above: Family shines in jewellery trade, from left Daniel, Robert, Susan and James Cliff and below Robert Cliff at work.
Last year, the Cliffs celebrated 30 years in business with a glittering event at their store. Robert and Sue opened their first store in Parramatta just as their twin boys were born, with family and friends pitching in. Success was swift with a second store opening in Castle Hill, later moving to Beecroft during Towers renovations. Just over 14 years ago they moved to their current store in the new look shopping centre and sold the Parramatta store. With custom-made jewellery a dying art, the Cliffs stand apart for their specialised service. “We have five full-time jewellers who are able to design one-off pieces for customers,” Mr Cliff said. Mr Cliff said he could hardly believe that 30 years has passed in a job he has loved. “It is the customers who have kept us going.” .
Thinking
Beyond
today
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In our business, we all have our separate tasks so we don’t run into each other all the time, but we have regular meetings to make sure we are going in the same direction.” - Robert Cliff.
Are you thinking beyond today? So are we. Talk to KPMG. kpmg.com.au
© 2015 KPMG, an Australian partnership. All rights reserved.
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
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F B
FAMILY BUSINESS W E S T E R N S YD N E Y
WWW.WSBA.COM.AU
What do FBs need to plan for? DYNAMICS O two family businesses are the same. They each have their own unique mix of family dynamics and business challenges. The dynamics and challenges also aren’t static and change over time depending on the maturity of the family and the business. However whilst all family businesses are different, they are also the same. There are predictable family business events or scenarios which the family will need to address as the family and the business grow. This is why we strongly advocate to family business clients the importance of transition and succession planning, in concert with pre-agreed family rules, to pre-empt how the family will deal with the predictable events or scenarios if - but more likely when – they occur. One of our family business clients put it best when he addressed his siblings in one of our family governance workshops. “No surprises... we need to discuss and
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agree now, so that when something like this happens, this is how we will deal with it”.
So what do family businesses need to plan for? It’s what we often refer to in our family business workshops as the ‘what if’ and ‘what happens when’ scenarios. Whilst far from an exhaustive list, family businesses need to plan and agree on rules around: What happens if a family member wants a job? What conditions should we have in place for the benefit of the family member whilst also acting in the best interests of the business? As a family how do we prepare and equip family members to be considered for future management and leadership roles in the business? What happens to family ownership if a family shareholder divorces? What happens on the death of a family shareholder…what happens to their shares? What if a family member wants to sell their shares and exit the family business? What happens when siblings working in
the business disagree about expected remuneration and benefits afforded to them by the business? As you would expect, if these scenarios aren’t planned for – and clearly communicated to family members – they can cause underlying tension or open conflict within the family. This distracts the family to the detriment of family relationships and ultimately the success of the family business. We are not suggesting that there won’t be disagreements and tension along the way. But by planning and having clear rules, the family is far better placed to lessen the chance of tension and conflict paralysing the family. The family will also be best equipped to constructively manage change. We are often asked, when is the right time to plan and what size does the family business need to be? Based on our experience, the challenges of family business aren’t limited to ‘large’ family businesses. Also, planning under ‘harmonious and calm conditions’ leads to far better outcomes;
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By planning and having clear rules, the family is far better placed to lessen the chance of tension and conflict paralysing the family.” people rarely make well considered choices in the middle of a ‘crisis’, and it is hard to implement rules retrospectively – i.e. it is very important to establish plans and rules well after the ‘horse has bolted’.’
European FB survey positive about future BAROMETER UROPEAN Family Businesses (EFB) and KPMG launched the fourth edition of the European Family Business Barometer, which seeks to measure the confidence levels of family-owned businesses across Europe. This year, the clear message is that European family businesses continue to be highly optimistic about the future and despite the challenges; they are focused on pursuing new business opportunities in order to continue growing their business. Two years after the release of the first European Family Business Barometer, the number of companies who are optimistic in their forecasting has reached 75 percent. Though the survey shows an overall confidence across businesses of all sizes, small companies are slightly less optimistic than the
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large ones: while 66 percent of small companies express a positive outlook for the future of their business, this rises to 81 percent among large companies.
Concerns persist around employment and attracting the best people Although the performance indicators are positive, increased competition (37 percent) is now leading the list of major challenges for European family businesses. Unsurprisingly, the ‘War for Talent’, an increasing trend over the last 2 years, continues to be a big influence on future success. European family businesses are well aware that employing the right people with the right skills is key to their success, and 33 percent of them are concerned about their company’s capability to compete, recruit and retain skilled staff. In 2013 this issue was not even ranked in the top five challenges, however last year it
moved to number two where it remains. This may be a warning sign for some businesses, as difficulty to compete for the best talent may pose limitations for the future performance of European family businesses’.
Many European family businesses are planning a strategic change The survey also reveals that European family businesses are thinking about their long-term strategic future. This year 41 percent of the surveyed companies are planning a strategic change in the next 12 months; of this group, 26 percent plan to pass their management to the next generation and 20 percent plan to pass on their ownership to the next generation, first and third choice respectively in the ranking of envisioned changes. These figures are consistent with the results of the previous editions and confirm that the drive to transfer the business to the
next generation is still highly important for European family businesses. Overall, the findings of our survey reflect the rise in European family businesses confidence in the future, and the positive trends in all of the major business performance indicators confirm these improved results. With 58 percent of respondents reporting that their turnover has increased, 26 percent indicating that they have maintained turnover, and only 16 percent reporting decreased turnover(half the number of 2 years ago), the future for the majority appears bright. The European Family Business Barometer is based on the responses of an online survey from over 1400 questionnaires, which were received from family businesses across 25 European countries. This fourth edition took place from May 1– July 5,2015. The results of the Australian KPMG and FBA Family Business Survey 2015 will be released at the end of October, it will be interesting to compare and contrast the results.
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
Thinking
Beyond today Positioning for continued success in a rapidly changing environment means thinking beyond today’s business models.
KPMG’s Private Enterprise group works with family businesses to help them envision what tomorrow might look like. We help them harness innovation to enhance productivity, reduce costs and develop new products and services. We think big and we think long-term, just like you do. Contact David Pring on 9455 9996 or Leanne Hegarty on 9335 7397. kpmg.com/au/familybusiness
© 2015 KPMG, an Australian partnership. All rights reserved. August 2015. VICN13132PE.
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
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FAMILY BUSINESS W E S T E R N S YD N E Y
WWW.WSBA.COM.AU
Ensure your assets are protected YOUR WILL By Chelsea Winter Solicitor Watts McCray
OST people know the importance of having a Will but fail to understand the importance in ensuring that the Will is the properly drafted. Whilst most Wills pass through probate without an issue, some are challenged. Wills can be challenged for a variety of reasons (i.e. because the deceased lacked capacity, the Will was not properly witnessed; the deceased acted under duress) but most commonly Wills are challenged because people are not adequately provided for within the Will or are left out altogether. Your Will outlines your intention as to how you want your assets to be distributed on your death. The Courts’ wish is to protect your right to leave your assets to whom you choose. Your Will, however, can be challenged in certain circumstances. Under the family provision laws, your Will can be altered or overturned if you fail to provide for someone the Court considers you had responsibility to provide for. You may however be able to protect yourself against a challenge by ensuring that your Will is properly drafted. Below I will outline the law surrounding family provision claims and when they occur and will then provide some tips on how to protect yourself from such claims.
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The law Individuals who have been left out of a Will or believe they have not been adequately provided for in a Will may make an application to the Court for further provision from the deceased person’s estate; that is, they may seek to challenge the Will. Under the Succession NSW 2006 (NSW), certain people can apply for an order for provision to be made out of an estate for maintenance, education and advancement in life.
Time limits apply Challenges can only take place within 12 months after the death of the person. If however the person challenging the Will can show sufficient cause, the Court may, in limited circumstances, permit a claim after that time.
Who can Challenge? In order to apply, the person must be either: • A spouse of the deceased; • A de facto spouse; • A child of the deceased (biological or adopted); • A former spouse of the deceased; • A grandchild of the deceased (if at any time was wholly or partially
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dependant on the deceased); or • a person who was living with the deceased in a close personal relationship at the time of death. Close personal relationship is 2 adult persons who are living together and one provides the other with domestic support and personal care. A person may an eligible claimant, but this does not mean that the Court will automatically grant further funds from the estate to be granted to the claimant. The Court will only make an order in the claimants favour if the Court considers that the person has been left out of a will without adequate provision. In deciding the issue, the Court must consider the following: • The financial position of the person challenging the Will; • The size of the estate and the deceased’s intentions; • The relationship between the deceased and the person challenging the Will; • The financial circumstances of all other beneficiaries to the estate; • The age of the person challenging the Will and whether they have any disabilities • Whether the person challenging the Will made any contributions to the estate; • Whether the deceased assisted the person challenging the Will; • The deceased’s character and conduct; and • Any other matter the Court thinks relevant.
Order made by the Court If the Court consider that the person has been left out of a Will without adequate provision after taking into account the above considerations, the Court will determine what provision should be made out of the deceased’s estate and in effect, ‘re-write’ the Will.
Considerations when making a Will There is therefore a possibility that a claim will be made after you pass away. There are important steps that you can take upon drafting your Will which should reduce the chances of the Will being challenged. If you are considering leaving a family member out of your Will then you should consider outlining the reasons why you intend
to leave the person out of your Will. This may reduce the likelihood of a challenge to your Will. Your statement of reasons should be clear and concise. For instance, you may have already gifted the person a portion of your assets during your lifetime such as a house or a loan. Without such reasons outlined in your Will, the person may feel upset and may wish to challenge the Will as a result. If you have not spoken with the person for many years and there is no longer any relationship this is important to point out in your Will. The executors will then be able to argue your intentions to the Court if the Will is challenged.
Why do the Courts allow Wills to be challenged? People often query why a Court would allow a challenge to a Will when a testator has clearly outlined their testamentary intentions in their Will. There are important policy justifications for the Court’s willingness to effectively “re-write” a Will. If, for instance, you decide to leave a child out of your Will who has significant medical needs and you pay for their daily care during your lifetime, the Court is of the opinion that the estate assets should provide for their ongoing needs. If the Court allows the Will to remain as is with no funds being left to the child, the child will be dependant on the public purse for daily support. The Court will therefore consider all circumstances including the needs and financial position of any other beneficiaries to see whether the Will should be “amended” in order to adequately provide for a child with such needs.
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If you have not spoken with the person for many years and there is no longer any relationship this is important to point out in your Will. The executors will then be able to argue your intentions to the Court if the Will is challenged.” Thoughts to consider – Whilst it may seem unfair for a Court to amend a Will in certain circumstances, there are important reasons why such Will challenges are justified. If you are considering leaving a child or another person for whom you take care of or have a close personal relationship with out of your Will, be sure to outline your reasons for doing so in a clear and straightforward manner. This may reduce the chance of your Will being challenged or at least, the Court will know your clear intentions for doing so should a challenge occur. Contact Watts McCray Norwest on 02 9680 6800.
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Healthy career starts with a healthy body MY STORY By Glenn Anthoney Franchise Owner, BNI Sydney Northwest
RUN a business. I work hard and long hours for a reason. The reason is family and lifestyle. I get tired, but that is not surprising with what I pack into each day. Said this before? What have I left out that; you say to yourself? We are human beings, not robots (and even robots break down or need repairs). But if we are not careful we will break and as I have experienced it can be so gradual you don’t even notice. I was an undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetic for years and that has left me with plenty of legacies that are coming home to roost now. I would like to share a little of that with you here and then you maybe encouraged to look, listen and act for yourself and all that matters.
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One of the big contributors to heart disease is Diabetes. Particularly if it is undiagnosed and hence unmanaged. So the signs my body was giving me for some time before I listened were always tired, constant trips the toilet, feeling like I could not quench my thirst, and later on some pain in my arms, especially the left one. It got earlier each night that I would start to nod off and my legs ached after drinking alcohol. Time to check this out after maybe three years of the tiredness and toilet thing; I am working long hard days, I should be tired and if I am always trying to quench my thirst I should go to the toilet, right? So I had Type 2 diabetes, this is where the insulin in the body isn’t doing the job and removing sugar. Lifestyle change instantly with getting fit again, changing eating habits, losing weight and managing my new life; the food stuff is hard in my business, because I am involved in business breakfasts in the morning and then plenty of nibbles available at after 5pm there are the business functions.
Glenn Anthoney is visited in hospital by his grandson.
So I managed my new lifestyle well, dropped weight, implemented a daily walking regimen and all seemed to be going well for 5 years. Then….
Walking one morning I felt like I had heartburn, it tingled a little and I burped a bit and it seemed to pass. I had a good chilli dish the night before so 2 +2 =? Right? Wrong; the next day worse, pain in the back now and felt like I was struggling to walk and breathe. I called the doctor and within days I was at a cardiologist. So how do you go from someone fit, healthy and active with six km walks in 50 to 60 minutes to a 90% blocked main heart artery almost overnight? Answer is, it wasn’t overnight. I was getting sleepy at night early, and on reflection not walking as far in the hour, it was gradual, so gradual it was unnoticed. So if you have experienced any of the symptoms I have shared, don’t put them off as effort related and get checked it out. It could be one, or the other; diabetes or heart disease. On reflection, no business, meeting or training is more important than your health. In fact I challenge you that a healthy and successful business or career starts and ends with a healthy and successful you.
How the right diet can control diabetes HEALTH CHECK ORE than 350 million people worldwide suffer from type 2 diabetes. The condition is already rampant in several Western countries and numbers are now rising fast in emerging economies, such as India and China. But the right kind of dietary changes could dramatically reduce the impact of the illness on both patients and economies. Alongside the impact of the disease and its associated complications on the lives of patients and their families, diabetes’ cost to health-care systems is huge. In Australia, for example, the total economic impact of type 2 diabetes is estimated at A$10.3 billion, while in the United States it is likely to exceed US$174 billion. There are many ways to beat diabetes or reduce its impact; the key is making changes to your diet and lifestyle that you then follow for life. Indeed, lifestyle modification – eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly – is the cornerstone of any effective diabetes-management plan.
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More than sugar For decades now, the general recommendation has been for everyone to cultivate a high-unrefined-carbohydrate, low-fat diet.
More recently, reducing sugar intake, even though it is one of the most popular carbohydrates, has been receiving a lot of attention. But a healthy eating plan for diabetes is not just about cutting out sugar. And scientific opinion is now turning in favour of lower carbohydrate diets – for everyone. While excessive sugar will no doubt increase blood sugar levels, especially if you’re having sweetened drinks, any source of carbohydrate will have the same effect. This includes anything that contains flour, rice or pasta, as well as fruit and potato. Eating foods like this will only increase the risks of diabetes and its associated complications. Josephine Stenudd/Flickr, CC BY Carbohydrate foods with a low glycaemic index (GI), such as oats and legumes, on the other hand, will dampen down the blood sugar response. That’s why careful carbohydrate selection is now recommended for everyone, especially people who have type 2 diabetes. New data from high-quality nutrition research now strongly suggests that restricting carbohydrates even further, while moderately increasing protein and unsaturated fat intake, may have further benefits for controlling type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of complications. Based on these ideas, our research teams have been studying the effects of a “Mediterranean” diet – which has low carbohydrate, high
protein and includes a lot of vegetables, nuts, lean meats and healthy fats – in combination with an exercise plan. We wanted to see how much we could improve the health of people with type 2 diabetes. We assigned 115 adults with type 2 diabetes to one of two weight-loss programs. One group followed a very low-carbohydrate and high-protein diet for 24 weeks. The other had a higher carbohydrate, but still low GI, diet.
Early results Early results have been ground-breaking; our diet is better at improving diabetes control compared to traditional weight-loss diets. But its most striking benefit is that it reduces the amount of medication someone with diabetes has to take by half. This reduction was three times greater than for people who followed the lifestyle program that incorporates a traditional high-carbohydrate diet plan. Our very low-carbohydrate diet also improved blood cholesterol profile by increasing the levels of good (HDL) cholesterol and decreasing triglyceride (blood fat) levels to a greater extent than the traditional highcarbohydrate, low-fat diet. Both diets achieved similar reductions in bad (LDL) cholesterol levels – often a concern with some low-carbohydrate diets.
Variation of blood glucose levels through the day is emerging as a strong independent risk factor for diabetes complications. In our study, the very low-carbohydrate diet was also more effective in reducing the number and levels of blood glucose variations over a 24-hour period. In 2008-09, of the estimated A$1,507 million spent on the health care of diabetes in Australia, A$490 million was spent on diabetes-related medications. Our findings suggest that, by implementing a lifestyle program incorporating a healthy low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-unsaturated-fat diet at a national level, the country could save up to A$250 million annually through reductions in diabetes-related medication alone. This does not even account for any additional cost savings that could be generated from the marked improvements in diabetes control and patients’ well-being. It is these costs – related to the complications of diabetes and patients’ ability to contribute to the economy – that account for most of the economic impact of type 2 diabetes. Our research shows evidence from the latest nutrition science can guide dietary approaches to tackling one of the most serious global health challenges of this century. THIS ARTICLE AS FIRST PUBLISHED AT WWW.THECONVERSATION.COM.AU
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Celebrating 21 years of education BREED HE Mayor of Blacktown, Member for Riverstone, business, school and community representatives together with past and present students and clients have helped BREED celebrate its 21st anniversary of Incorporation. An initiative of the local community, BREED has adopted the mantra that education leads to employment that in turn generates economic development. It is a continuous cycle, as the economy grows more people are employed. BREED prides itself in providing experiences and opportunities that strengthen a person’s education and employment opportunity. Initially BREED undertook considerable research consulting with local residents, businesses, education providers, trade unions, community groups and government agencies. BREED released various reports and recommendations, including: • Literacy, Numeracy and Employment Skills Audit. • Training Needs Analysis. • Small Business Incubator Feasibility Study. • Economic Development Strategy, and a • Tourism and Hospitality Strategic Plan. Stephen Frost, Managing Director of BREED said: “The questions were asked, what is going to happen after all this research, how are the recommendations going to be implemented?” Thus, the decision was made to Incorporate BREED as a community managed not for profit organisation. “This way BREED could apply for funding to action the recommendations and continue to work in with the community to put in place education, employment and economic development opportunities.” One of the early initiatives, called Operation Job Hunt, was to gather a group of long term unemployed people and provide them with support, motivation and job seeking skills. They then went out cold calling factories, offices, shopping centres and industrial estates. Over a two-week period, this exercise alone succeeded in 800 new jobs being offered. This initiative was well received by the Federal Government, resulting in funding for a much larger program called West Jobs. Targeting businesses from Katoomba to Homebush, over 8,500 new jobs were offered over the six-week campaign. BREED was successful in obtaining a grant to refurbish a surplus TAFE building into a “Small Business Incubator”. Trading as the BREED Business Centre, it is essentially a facility that provides a physical location for new and expanding businesses to operate from with the benefits of using shared facilities, reception and administration support, all in an encouraging and friendly environment with likeminded people.
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Stephen Frost.
“This has been a great success story” Mr Frost said. “Recognised as Australian Business Centre of the Year, the Centre has assisted more than 300 businesses start and expand, generating more than 1,000 jobs with these businesses directly contributing more than $7M back into the local community”. You cannot have employment and economic development without young people being “job ready” when they leave school. Since 1999, BREED has been working with schools and TAFE, linking students studying vocational subjects as part of their Higher School
Lisa Christie – Administration Manager Featherdale Wildlife Park
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Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali.
Certificate with employers. “By undertaking industry specific structured work placements, students are able to practice in industry the theory they have learnt in the classroom. They also get to develop their employability skills and use equipment and processes that are not available in a classroom setting”, Mr Frost said. Over the years, BREED has worked with more than 3,000 employers who have placed in excess of 45,000 students. “These employers provide an invaluable contribution to the student’s work place learning.
Conservatively, the businesses have provided “in-kind” contributions in excess of $27M in supervision and material costs alone”. BREED builds partnerships within the community. By working with businesses and establishing trusted relationships, BREED is able to enlist their support to assist youth. “It is not only those students studying vocational subjects; we also work with youth disengaging from school and run Employment Boot Camps. By linking young people with industry mentors, it assists them to refocus on their future and to get a better understanding of the relevance of education. It can also demonstrate alternative career pathways they may not have thought of”. Whilst some of BREED’s programs operate on a fee for service basis, BREED would not have delivered its outcomes without funding and support from the Federal, State and Local governments, grants from Blacktown Workers Club, the NRMA, and Australia Post. Individual schools, TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute and the University of Western Sydney have also been major supporters over the years. 21 Years is a significant milestone for any organisation. Mr Frost credits BREED’s success to the generous contribution made by the Board, the dedication of the BREED team driving the individual programs and the enormous support of the individual businesses and the local community who have so generously given their support. For more information visit BREED’s website www.breed.org.au.
Steven Brown – Chairman Etienne Lawyers (BREED’s Director, Secretary and Public Officer) with Stephen Frost Managing Director of BREED). WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
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Business minds ignite bright ideas NETWORKING By Keiasha Naidoo Photos by Melinda Hird OOD businesses develop further by protecting valuable assets, and planning for strategic growth, and the start of a series of thought leadership talks addressing this topic began in Western Sydney. The special event series on the topic of “Protect and Grow” brought the topics of Intellectual Property, Could Computing and Research and Development Tax Incentives to the forefront of business discussions. Over 80 business leaders from the Greater Western Sydney region attended and participated in the engaging discussions and networking sessions. The first “Protect and Grow” series was held on Wednesday, September 23 at Lily’s Function Centre in Seven Hills. Adjunct professor and Jim Taggart OAM, one of Western Sydney’s most respected business leaders was the MC, and facilitated the session. He also talked about impression management and social capital.
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Jim’s discussion centred on the non-verbal behaviour and the social exchange between people in business. He said one of the most important elements of a business is building relationships, how we package information to build that relationship is key to growing business. Damon Henshaw from Davies Collision and Cave, an awarding winning Intellectual Property (IP) firm spoke about protecting intellectual property that has a commercial value. Some of the assets Damon talked about protecting are copyrights, patents, trademarks and designs. The most important thing businesses should remember is to seek advice early on. “Many people will ask the question – ‘is IP protection too expensive’. The real question a business needs to ask is how much will it cost not to do something?” said Damon.
The Event Centre at Panthers the ULTIMATE corporate playground.
David Newton from the Telstra team in Western Sydney presented on the change in business, and how consumers are driving the change up the line. With the technological changes, more consumers want to engage with businesses via a device. “Most cloud services are device agnostic and can be accessed from any device, consumers also want automatic updates, and to be able to access information from anywhere,” David said. While cloud computing and portability are important factors to keep customers and employees happy, the value of protecting IT assets is invaluable. David said some websites and IT storage can be accessed in open Wifi spaces, or could be threatened by rogue employees. “That’s why it is so important to have the
right IT support to build the security and capability for a business.’’ He said cloud security is growing, and at the same time more than 43% of companies experienced a data breach last year. Still though some companies don’t have security policies in place and businesses are not using the right tools to do their job properly. Paul Van Bergen, Tax partner at KPMG, talked about the opportunity for businesses to maximise its capture of R&D Tax Incentives. Paul said there were prospective ways for businesses to position themselves to access a range of grants, better manage innovations and protect intellectual property to grow businesses. “Federal and state governments provide significant funding through hundreds of grant programs to assist businesses in a range of endeavours,” he said. Grant applications are not always successful, but assistance can be sought from professional teams. Paul said some of the areas where grants are growing in Australia are Aged Care, Digital Economy, Logistics, Agriculture and Mining. The morning session was supported by media partner, Western Sydney Business Access and branding partner, DMC Advertising. A second event in the series is planned for Wednesday, October 21 at Novotel Parramatta To book visit www.wsba.com.au
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Escaping the conference room is a must, so surprise your delegates with the ultimate team building and conferencing experiences in the Event Centre at Penrith Panthers! Our unique setting on 80 hectares offers the perfect blank canvas for creative corporate events and team building. Penrith Panthers features Western Sydney’s largest Exhibition Marquee based onsite, free car parking for over 2000 vehicles, 10 event venues, aqua golf and the indoor skydiving experience, iFly. It really is the “World of Entertainment” and offers unlimited experience potential for your delegates and guests! The Event Centre at Panthers is the ultimate destination for your delegates to Meet, Eat, Stay and Play. For more information or to book an upcoming conference package from $68pp or your corporate Christmas Party from $95pp, contact the ECP Team now!
Contact the Event Centre at Panthers team on T: 02 4720 5511 or by email E:eventscentre@panthers.com.au FREE WIFI
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HOW TO ENTER Simply book and hold your meeting at Mercure Parramatta between 1st June and 30th September 2015, with a minimum $1,000 spend and receive an entry in the draw. For every $1,000 spent, receive one entry! For a quote or to book your next meeting, contact Skye on 02 8836 1004 or email h2123-sl1@accor.com BONUS: MENTION “SUMMER REWARD” WHEN BOOKING A MEETING ON A DAY DELEGATE PACKAGE, TO RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY HALF-HOUR DRINKS GATHERING AT THE END OF YOUR MEETING. Conditions apply. Full terms and conditions and details of prizes can be obtained at www.mercurehotelparramatta.com.au Permit number: NSW: LTPS/15/034 ACT: TP 15/05828 MERCURE SYDNEY PARRAMATTA 106 Hassall Street Rosehill. Phone 02 8836 1000
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
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The only difference with men and women is that men back themselves; they approach things with an entrepreneurial mind. They don’t wait until they are 100% ready.” - Siobhan Hayden.
Siobhan’s success formula PROFILE By Keiasha Naidoo ORTGAGE and Finance Association of Australia CEO, Siobhan Hayden leads a 12,000 member national organisation, but says the foundation of her success is firmly rooted in Western Sydney. Growing up in the Campbelltown area, Siobhan went to school, worked in hospitality and retail in the area, studied at TAFE and university in the Greater Western region. Her career journey though has taken her to Ireland, back to Australia and seen her take on some remarkable roles. Some of her roles involved working as security guard, HR lecturer, manager of a menswear store and even as a martial arts instructor. So where did her incredible journey begin? “When I was in school, I told my career counsellor that in my ideal career I would like to wear a suit, carry a briefcase and tell people what to do. Looking at my personality I was advised to go into the hospitality industry, so that’s where I started,” explains Siobhan. Armed with this knowledge of herself, she took on odd jobs in school working in restaurants from the time she was about 15-16 years old. “I knew after a few years that if I had a family I did not want to be raising children at the back of a restaurant.
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“I had been doing martial arts since I was eight years old, so I continued teaching children and took a job managing a menswear store,” she explained. It was a chance encounter with a parent at one of the martial arts classes who mentioned she would be good at Industrial Relations and encouraged her to apply for a role at Liverpool Council. “I worked as an HR coordinator for two years and then took on a role at Armaguard. I took on a role from a 40 year old male and I was 24. One of the questions they asked me was if I had a gun licence and a security licence. “I think they were surprised as a young female I had both. Strangely enough I had both the licences because when I was working at council I used to work as a female bouncer or security guard at private events,” she said. In Siobhan’s career she has managed multi-million dollar projects at Woolworths, completed an MBA, managed the operations and recruitment for her a mortgage software firm, and worked in an entrepreneurial environment. However since becoming CEO of MFAA she says one of the most commonly asked questions is about her being female in a largely male environment. Siobhan is also the first female CEO of the organisation. Seventy-five percent of MFAA is male participation. “My strength is in my leadership and my capability to get things done. I don’t see success as a gender-based thing, but I see my role as a fantastic opportunity as a person,” she enthused.
Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia CEO, Siobhan Hayden says the foundation of her success is firmly rooted in Western Sydney.
With a strong strategic plan, under Siobhan’s leadership the MFAA has in the last 12 months improved its Net Promoter Score from 3% in 2014 to an incredible 30% in 2015. “The most important thing about a member-based organisation is understanding who you represent and how you can reposition the organisation to meet their requirements. “ Siobhan continues to make positive changes to support MFAA members and bring great
recognition to the organisation. As a female leader she says it’s all about backing yourself, not being risk averse, being authentic and delivering on what you promise. “The only difference with men and women is that men back themselves and they approach things with an entrepreneurial mind. They don’t wait until they are 100% ready, they take the opportunity when it presents itself,” she said.
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It’s time to visit Penrith THE ADVENTURE CAPITAL OF NSW Penrith is the Adventure Capital of NSW with more than 1.3million visiting every year. The City offers many experiences and world class events from heart pumping action to relaxing walks along the beautiful Nepean River. QUICK FACT: The number of visitors to Queenstown New Zealand is approximately 1.9M per annum (Destination Queenstown visitor research report October 2011)
YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE IS HERE!
More than 2800 people in Penrith work in this industry, through either direct hospitality/ tourism employment or providing goods and services to support it. Penrith Council has been working closely with tourism providers in the City to grow both visitor numbers and employment opportunities. Your Next Adventure is Here is a comprehensive marketing campaign to launch Penrith’s new tourism website visitpenrith.com.au
visitpenrith.com.au
THE GRILL TEAM’S ADVENTURE IN PENRITH Join Matty Johns, Gus Worland and Penrith’s own Mark Geyer as they broadcast their breakfast radio program from Penrith on Friday 16 October at Cables Wake Park. This outside broadcast is the culmination of a six-week on-air promotion with Triple M, so make sure you’re listening to the radio station. This promotion is just one element of the larger advertising campaign running from September to November to promote Penrith as the Adventure Capital and encourage people to visit the new tourism website. Connect with Visit Penrith on social media to keep up to date with news and information about the location of this special event and you’ll also receive regular updates on what’s happening in and around Penrith.
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NEW CAMPAIGN INVITES PEOPLE TO VISIT PENRITH
COUNCIL ROLLS OUT RED CARPET FOR EVENTS
An exciting era of marketing Penrith as a visitor destination has begun, with the launch of a new tourism website visitpenrith.com.au and awareness campaign by Penrith Council.
Penrith City Council has developed a suite of documents to attract new events to the City and make the process of holding an event in Penrith as easy as possible.
Former Penrith Mayor Cr Ross Fowler shared these initiatives at an event, attended by local tourism operators, industry stakeholders and Minister for Tourism, Trade and Major Events and Member for Penrith, the Hon. Stuart Ayres MP.
The Event Prospectus is targeted at intrastate and interstate event organisers; it gives them an overview of the City and provides information about venues, facilities and services available in Penrith.
The new website, social media sites and Visitor Guide have been branded as Visit Penrith to strengthen the image and appeal of the region, while the threemonth advertising campaign aims to connect people to the adventure experiences in Penrith. The new website is dynamic, engaging and delivers a personalised experience. It invites people to choose what sort of adventure theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re after or what location they want to visit and then provides tailored activities, events and attractions. The website also connects to Visit Penrith Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube sites, encouraging visitors to upload their own photos or videos, post comments and share their adventures using the hashtag #visitpenrith. The advertising campaign includes a mix of radio, online and outdoor promotions which speaks to the adventurer inside all of us. The eye-catching imagery and thought-provoking messages will direct people to visit the new website. This new way of marketing and promoting the city was IDENTIlED IN 0ENRITH S Destination Management Plan (DMP) AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SIGNIlCANTLY BOOST THE number of visitors to the area. The DMP was developed, in consultation with local stakeholders, to help achieve the target of doubling visitor numbers to Penrith by 2025. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essentially a road-map to ensure our local visitor economy continues to grow and thrive.
New Sponsorship Guidelines and Application Forms OUTLINE THE lNANCIAL SUPPORT #OUNCIL OFFERS AS WELL AS important information about holding an event in Penrith. These documents have been developed by Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s %VENT $EVELOPMENT /FlCER IN RESPONSE TO THE GROWING number of requests to hold events in Penrith. Penrith City Mayor Councillor Karen McKeown said Penrith has become the destination of choice for event organisers. With world-class venues, plenty of open space and access to public transport, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to see why Penrith is a popular choice for music, sport, cultural and community events,â&#x20AC;? Cr McKeown said. Penrith welcomes more than 1.3 million visitors annually and more than 20% of these are attending special events, annual, monthly and weekly events. These events inject approximately $22.5 million into the local Penrith economy, and last year created the equivalent of 158 full time temporary jobs. We value the positive impact events have and want to make the process of holding one here as easy as possible. The documents weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve created are a onestop-shop for event organisers; providing them with all the information they need to hold a successful event in Penrith. !S WELL AS OUTLINING THE lNANCIAL PROMOTIONAL AND logistical support Council offers, they pool relevant event information from several Council departments into the one document.
Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got the framework to guide decisions moving forward, the collateral to support objectives and most importantly the attractions, events and features which set us apart from other destinations.
Saving people time and making the process as easy as possible is what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to achieve, and I THINK EVENT ORGANISERS WILL lND THESE DOCUMENTS A valuable resource.
Penrith offers a range of adventure experiences from white-water rafting to indoor skydiving, kayaking on the Nepean River to touring a sake brewery, bushwalking to strolling through museums and galleries. There really is so much to see and do here, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to Visit Penrith.
The Event Prospectus, Community Event and Major Event Sponsorship Guidelines and Event Application Form are available to download from Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au.
PENRITHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW VISITOR GUIDE HAS LANDED Penrith Council has produced a new Visitor Guide which provides a comprehensive list of things to see and do in Penrith. 4HE 6ISITOR 'UIDE PROlLES THE !DVENTURE #APITAL and the wide range of attractions, activities and events in Penrith. It also includes useful information on how to get around the City and places to eat and stay. Visitor Guides continue to be incredibly popular with people researching and planning an upcoming trip. There has been a lot of time and effort into making it a great selling tool for Penrith. The latest edition of the Visitor Guide is by far the best yet. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full of vibrant new images, and contains
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
updated content, links to the website and social media pages and maps to direct visitors across the City.
they want to challenge themselves and expose themselves to unique experiences.
Activities and attractions are categorised into four new adventures: Action-packed, Laid-back, Outdoor and Eats and treats.
Whatever type of adventure theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re after, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re CONlDENT VISITORS WILL lND IT IN 0ENRITH "EST OF ALL THEY LL be able to read all about it in our new Visitor Guide and use it to research and plan their next adventure.
These categories make it easier for people to identify the type of experience they want when they come to Penrith. 4HE GROWTH OF ADVENTURE TOURISM HAS INmUENCED THE overall look and feel of the new Visitor Guide, with the adventure theme continuing in the imagery, graphic design and language of the document. Research from Tourism Australia shows that visitors want to move away from the traditional tourist route,
The Visitor Guide will be available at Penrith City Council, Penrith City Library and at visitor centres across NSW. It will also be available to view and download online from visitpenrith.com.au.
visitpenrith.com.au penrithcity.nsw.gov.au 35
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WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
Some attendees at the Australian Made launch including Chief Executive of Australian Mode, Mr Ian Harrison
Hey True Blue, its Western Sydney too! LACKTOWN City Council wants its local businesses to join the Australian Made campaign. Council, in partnership with Australian Made and the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber recently hosted an Australian Made Campaign launch for local businesses. The aim was to promote the benefits of being accredited to manufacture Australian made products and promote them by leveraging country of origin branding. Over 40 people attended the event, including representatives of 21 local manufacturing organisations. Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali was enthusiastic about the
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event and welcomed the opportunity to discuss manufacturing in detail. “Manufacturing is a major contributor to Blacktown City’s economy. At a time when industry faces ongoing pressure, it is important for Council to look at ways we can support industry through information, advocacy and advisory support.” Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive, Ian Harrison was thrilled to welcome Western Sydney businesses making and growing products locally who attended. “Country-of-origin branding is a powerful marketing tool that is readily available to Australian growers and manufacturers,” Mr Harrison said. “The Australian Made Campaign is
proud to help promote local growing and manufacturing in Western Sydney, particularly in the City of Blacktown, where there is such a strong connection with industry and jobs.” Research shows that a significant proportion of Australian shoppers have a strong preference for buying locally made products and produce - but many find it difficult to identify truly Australian goods. According to Mr Harrison, the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo is recognised by 98% of Australians and trusted by 89% as an identifier of genuine Aussie products. It is a powerful visual symbol.
During the event, Mayor Bali highlighted why Blacktown City Council became the first council in New South Wales to join up as a supporter. “A strong marketing focus is needed in order to remain competitive in both global and domestic markets,” Mayor Bali said. “Firms need to leverage any advantage they can to maintain or attract new markets. This is why Australian Made is such an important campaign and why we chose to support it. We believe the campaign can positively assist manufacturers in Blacktown and across Western Sydney.”
Agreement with Telstra brings internet access to all I-Fi will soon be free for all in Blacktown and Mt Druitt city centres. Blacktown City Council has struck a deal with Telstra that means the carrier will be installing approximately 20 public Wi-Fi access points in the two localities. “This is a prime example of how a far sighted council can strike deals which are of tremendous benefit to the community,” said Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali.
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“Under this deal, Telstra will provide the free Wi-Fi access for five years, in a deal that provides significant value to the Blacktown community”. Based on initial plans, there will be 15 access points in Blacktown and five in Mount Druitt. “Telstra is rolling out public Wi-Fi across Australia and has chosen to strike this special deal with Blacktown City because of our population and expected growth,” Mayor
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
Bali said. “Australians are amongst the largest consumers of mobile technology in the world. “This has created strong demand for mobile Wi-Fi access and we see having this in our city will attract more business and visitors. “Free Wi-Fi is common throughout South East Asia and Europe, but not in Australia. “Blacktown will be one of the first cities
to provide free access in this way.” Up to 50 users will be able to access each of the 20 access points at any one time, and there is a half hour limit for each user per day. “The free Wi-Fi is more for quickly browsing web pages and watching YouTube videos, rather than sitting and watching movies,” Mayor Bali said. It is anticipated that installation of the Wi-Fi access point will start by the end of this year.
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INDIAAUSTRALIA Business Connect
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Let the cultural celebration begin PARRAMASALA By Keiasha Naidoo Photos by Ali Mouwasi ITH three international acts, Indian Tourism week launching, and thousands of visitors from all over Australia, Parramasala brings cultural diversity and international recognition to Parramatta, and boosts local businesses. Colour, lights, dancing and exotic food will transform parts of Parramatta in October into a glamourous hub for the 6th annual Parramasala celebration. This free event celebrates the many cultures of western Sydney and will take place from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25 at the Prince Alfred Square and Wigram Street with some events being held at the Riverside Theatre. During this weekend thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Parramatta boosting local restaurants and small business in the area. This year’s event presents a wide diversity of cultures in Australia with more than 36 cultures and nationalities represented through dance, music, food, art and theatre. Parramasla 2015 is also the host of the inaugural India Tourism Week with an India Tourism Pavilion located in the main event hub – the Prince Alfred Square. While this annual event celebrates the diversity of cultures in Australia, it is also recognised on the international stage, and this year international acts from India and China coming to Sydney to perform especially for this three day event. NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, The Hon John Ajaka MLC said the NSW Government is proud to support a festival that celebrates the cultural diversity of Sydney and more broadly, Australian society. “As a leading cultural celebration in NSW, Parramasala plays a vital role in bringing people and cultures together through a shared appreciation of music, food, dance, art and much more,” he said. More than 600 people are expected to take part in the popular Opening Night Street Parade on Friday 23 October. The Parade starts at Parramatta Town Hall, dances its way along Church Street and culminates in Prince Alfred Square where an Official Opening Ceremony and Concert will take place. Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Paul Garrard said Parramasala is a true highlight on the City’s event calendar and draws thousands of visitors every year. “Parramasala is a vibrant, fun festival that celebrates the diversity of cultures we have here in Parramatta,” said Cr Garrard. “The event offers something for everyone from fantastic musical and dance performances, to delicious foods offering flavours from around the world. I encourage people to come and see what Parramasala has to offer.” For more information, visit http://www.parramasala.com
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Parramasala performers at the launch of the festival program for 2015.
Food festivals at Maharaja’s Haveli HAVELI HE Biryani Festival has been the most famous food festival at Maharaja’s Haveli of the past and again it was proven when the September 19 weekend saw an abundant array of Biryani’s. Sydney locals had flocked from near and far for the much awaited food festival to enjoy the many flavors of rice cooked delicately with different meats and vegetables. The list of Biryani’s included the long time favorites; Mumbai Lamb Biryani, Lucknowi Chicken Biryani, Malabar Prawn Biryani, Sindhi Goat Biryani, Awadhi Kathal Biryani, Shubnam (Kumb and Channa) Biryani, Rampuri Vegetarian Biryani served with variety of traditional raita’s to cool the palates of the Biryani devours. Food festivals are regular run events at the Haveli running over full weekends.
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Keep a watch on Maharaja’s Haveli facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/ maharajashaveli) for further upcoming food festivals; Kebab Festival, Paratha Festival,
Chaat Festival, Indo-Chinese Festival, IndoPak Festival etc. Week-end breakfast dining is also becoming very popular. Enjoy a scrumptious
North Indian breakfast on Sunday’s and now, by demand, a new South Indian breakfast buffet on Saturday’s awaits you. For all enquiries and bookings call 96261913.
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A New Sport s Bar at
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Maharaja’s Haveli
f you thought Maharaja’s Haveli only
offered the best regional Indian Cuisine
around, you’re wrong. Regular patrons would have recently witnessed a new
BAR emerging in the Haveli Vedah..next to the famous Punjab Truck. Maharaja’s
Bar is fully stocked with all the best liquors & beers beautifully featured in oversized bottles. Maharaja’s Bar has been
Inauguration of Maharaja’s Bar by famous Punjabi singer Harbhajan Mann
thoughtfully furnished providing comfort in the form of leather lounge chairs and
SPECI AL FOR T HE MONT H SEPTE OF MBER Buy
1 dr anothe ink get r availa free, bl the lat e with est ba r menu (kebab s & snac ks)
allowing close mingling and laughter around high tables and bar stools. A striking portrait of Maharaja Ranjit Singh adorns the wall opposite the bar and
A local Sports Bar showing big Sporting events on Big Screen
Skywise-Sept 2015
beside it a collection of glasses dating back centuries. As with the rest of the Haveli, Maharaja’s Bar is certainly befitting of a KING. Maharaja’s Haveli is the ideal place to join in drinks with friends and enjoy the excitement of a footy match whether it’s AFL, League or Union, Cricket IPL or Ashes, Soccer Leagues
Celebrating the first drink from the bar Mr. Neni Tiwari and Mr. Anil Berri
from around the world or any other big sporting event on the BIG SCREEN. Watch all the action of the Rugby World Cup and the Finals of the Footy season at the new Maharaja’s Sports Bar.
14 Douglas Rd, Quakers Hill NSW 2763 P: 9626 1913 E: info@maharajahaveli.com.au www.maharajahaveli.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
Enjoy the BIRYANI FESTIVAL 19th-20th September 2015 at Maharaja’s Haveli
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PEOPLE
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New GM at Novotel Parramatta PROFILE HIS month sees the official launch of 350 Restaurant and Lounge and introduction of new general manager, Stephen Wills. Stephen takes the reigns of General Manager at Novotel Sydney Parramatta after previous GM Michael Daviss moved to Novotel Sydney Central. Stephen joins the team with a tremendous amount of hospitality experience which started at the age of 14 when working as a chef in his hometown in England. After moving to Australia in 1998, Stephen started working with family owned hospitality group; Doherty’s which gave him the opportunity to explore Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales as Executive Assistant Manager across the group’s properties. During his time in Ballarat, Stephen joined the Accor Hotels Group as general manager for Mercure Ballarat Hotel. Stephen’s greatest achievement to date is his assistance in the successful operation of Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour following the closure of Sydney Convention and Events Centre. He then went on to lead the hotel’s $6 million refurbishment on its public area and launch of their new restaurant “The Ternary” Now at Novotel Sydney Parramatta, Stephen brings his knowledge and expertise in time for the launch of the hotel’s new 350 Restaurant and Lounge. Stephen says he is thrilled to be part of the new look restaurant and to showcase the new menus designed by executive chef Kiki Kiki. The new menus have already received great feedback from guests and locals enjoying the new concept and bright, contemporary surrounds.
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New general manager at Novotel Parramatta, Stephen Wills.
Stephen says he feels right at home at Parramatta, with the Western Sydney business partners making him feel part of the community. The team at Novotel has also made his transition to the hotel a pleasure. He sees great opportunities to further the hotel’s success
and secure its leading position in the West Sydney market. Stephen’s bubbly and down-to-earth personality has made him an easy fit in the existing team at Novotel Sydney Parramatta. He is described as an approachable family
man, who enjoys spending time with his three daughters and keeping fit. Pop along to Novotel Sydney Parramatta to meet Stephen. He can often be seen greeting guests in the hotel lobby. Visit www. novotelparramatta to explore the new menus.
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Ph: 1300 207 122 www.mitronics.com.au enquiries@mitronics.com.au 44
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ENTERTAINMENT
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London stage productions at Riverside SHAKESPEARE ROM October 17, Western Sydney audiences will have the unique opportunity to secure front-row seats to some of London’s most outstanding recent Shakespearean theatre productions without venturing beyond Parramatta! Filmed live during their season run across high-profile London stages, the criticallyacclaimed productions will be screened in high-definition and full surround sound on Riverside Theatres’ cinema screen. Throughout the Shakespeare screening season, audiences will be treated to performances from a bevy of theatre and film stars including Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC’s Sherlock, The Imitation Game and Frankenstein at the National Theatre), Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers, War Horse, BBC’s The Hollow Crown), Hugh Quarshie (Star Wars) and Michelle Terry, winner of the 2011 Olivier Award for her portrayal of Sylvia in Tribes (Royal Court).
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Screening Program: • 17 to 27 October – Macbeth (performed at Shakespeare’s Globe) Directed By: Eve Best; Starring: Jospeh Millson (Casino Royale) as Macbeth and Samantha Spiro (From Hell) as Lady Macbeth; Synopsis: When three witches tell Macbeth that he is destined to occupy the throne of Scotland, he and his wife choose to become the instruments of their fate and to kill the first man standing in their path, the virtuous King Duncan. But to maintain his position, Macbeth must keep on killing – first Banquo, his old comrade-in-arms; then, as the atmosphere
of guilt and paranoia thickens, anyone who seems to threaten his tyrant’s crown. • 17 October – Othello (performed at Royal Shakespeare Theatre) Directed By: Iqbal Khan; Starring: Hugh Quarshie (Star Wars) as Othello; Synopsis: Othello is the greatest general of his age – a fearsome warrior, loving husband and revered defender of Venice against its enemies – but he is also an outsider whose victories have created enemies of his own, men driven by prejudice and jealousy to destroy him. As they plot in the shadows, Othello realises too late that the greatest danger lies not in the hatred
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
of others, but his own fragile and destructive pride. • 1 to 22 November – A Midsummer Night’s Dream (performed at Shakespeare’s Globe) Directed By: Dominic Dromgoole; Starring: Michelle Terry (Tribes, Love’s Labour’s Lost) as Titania; Synopsis: Hermia loves Lysander and Helena loves Demetrius – but Demetrius is supposed to be marrying Hermia. When the Duke of Athens tries to enforce the marriage, the lovers take refuge in the woods and wander into the midst of a dispute between the king and queen of the fairies.
• 7 November to 17 December – Hamlet (performed at Barbican Centre) Directed By: Lyndsey Turner; Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC’s Sherlock, The Imitation Game, Frankenstein at the National Theatre) as Hamlet; Synopsis: As a country arms itself for war, a family tears itself apart. Forced to avenge his father’s death but paralysed by the task ahead, Hamlet rages against the impossibility of his predicament, threatening both his sanity and the security of the state. • 5 December – Henry V (performed at Royal Shakespeare Theatre) Directed By: Gregory Doran; Starring: Alex Hassell (Henry IV Parts I & II) as Henry V; Synopsis: Henry IV is dead and Hal is King. With England in a state of unrest, he must leave his rebellious youth behind, striving to gain the respect of his nobility and people. • 12 – 13 December – Coriolanus (performed at Donmar Warehouse) Directed By: Josie Rourke; Starring: Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers, War Horse (film), BBC’s The Hollow Crown) as Coriolanus; Synopsis: When an old adversary threatens Rome, the city calls once more on her hero and defender: Coriolanus. But he has enemies at home too. Famine threatens the city, the citizens’ hunger swells to an appetite for change, and on returning from the field Coriolanus must confront the march of realpolitik and the voice of an angry people. Tickets: Adult $25 / Conc $22 / Child $15 Bookings: From the Box Office (02) 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com. au. Venue: Riverside Theatres – Corner of Church and Market Streets, Parramatta.
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CHILDSCENE
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Test scores aren’t good quality indicators for schools, students EDUCATION By Jennifer Chesters Research Fellow, University of Canberra
n a new research paper, prominent education researcher John Hattie suggests current education policies aren’t improving our place in world education rankings because we are appealing to what parents want rather than doing what we know works in education. He identifies five “distractions” we tend to focus on that have little or no effect on improving education outcomes: appeasing the parents; fixing the infrastructure; fixing the students; fixing the schools; and fixing the teachers. Rather than label these quick-fixes as distractions, it may be better to reframe the debate and examine why, and indeed if, parents are concerned about Australia’s place in the world ranking of education systems. Education rankings: do people care about them? Comparing education systems across the world is a complex endeavour that is currently reduced to one indicator: the performance of 15-year-old students as measured by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The value of standardised testing such as PISA is contestable. However, given the difficulties of attracting funding for long-term evaluations of other measures of success, the
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relatively quick and easy test score indicators are filling the gap. Within any educational system, linking test scores to teacher effectiveness will ultimately result in teaching to the test rather than educating for life or, as Hattie points out, focusing on “surface” learning rather than “deep” learning. Parents expect their children will develop a wide variety of skills during their school years, conscious that the ability to regurgitate information is now the work of search engines. In this way, standardised tests where students are simply asked to recall information are relics of the last century. The skills we require of people are changing along with technological advances, so the way we assess students should change too. How do you measure school quality?
“School quality” has become a buzz phrase in recent years. If it is to dominate the national debate, Australians need to carefully consider how “quality” is measured. Are NAPLAN results or ATARs true indicators of school quality? Or is it higher fees? In a market system, price is generally viewed as an indicator of quality. However, in education, paying more guarantees more status and prestige but does it guarantee better quality? Quality depends on what you value. If test scores are all that is valued then this is an easy measure to access via the MySchool website. However, apart from the average test scores for each school, the MySchool website reports on a range of other indicators that parents may value. The ICSEA (Index of Cultural, SocioEducational Advantage) mean is a measure of
the average level of advantage of the students attending the school. The higher the ICSEA mean, the higher the level of advantage. The ICSEA quartiles provide an indication of the concentration of students with high, or low, levels of socio-educational advantage. Parents wanting to increase their children’s awareness of differences in levels of socioeconomic advantage may select a school with a relatively equal proportion of students in each quartile. The percentages of students from nonEnglish-speaking backgrounds (NESB) and Indigenous students are indicators of multiculturalism within the school. Therefore, parents wanting to increase their children’s cultural awareness may select schools with relatively high proportions of NESB and/or Indigenous students. The MySchool website also provides information on the number of students and the number of teachers, allowing parents to estimate the student-to-teacher ratio. The number of non-teaching staff is also reported. On the finance page, parents are provided with information about the amount and sources of income and the level of funding per student. If we are to engage in a national debate about the quality of Australian schools, we should at least be clear about how we measure quality and why we need to measure it. If Australians are truly concerned with our “world ranking”, then perhaps it is timely to consider how this ranking is formulated and whether it is relevant to what we want to gain from education. THIS ARTICLE AS FIRST PUBLISHED AT WWW.THECONVERSATION.COM.AU
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
CHILDSCENE
Don’t panic, the internet won’t rot kid’s brains DIGITAL AGE By Andrew Whitehouse Winthrop Professor, Telethon Kids Institute at University of Western Australia
OU know the deal: a social phenomenon rises from obscurity to international familiarity within the blink of an eye. Pitchforks are sharpened, torches lit, and higher thought goes out the window. Elvis Presley’s hips, the skin revealed by a bikini, Harry Potter’s sorcery – you would think by now we’d have learnt to occasionally sit back and thoughtfully stroke our collective chin before writing the eulogy for humankind. You’d be wrong: an editorial published in the BMJ highlights one more example of our societal knickers getting into almighty knot. The editorial focuses on Professor Susan Greenfield, British scientist and high-profile commentator, who has been publicising the idea that internet use and video games have harmful effects on children’s brain and behavioural development. Her views are so strident that her recent book, Mind Change: how digital technologies are leaving their mark on our brains, draws deliberate parallels with climate change, arguing the two issues are of equal importance to our collective future. Greenfield’s dire predictions on the future of children’s brains are shocking; not least because of how flimsy the evidence is to support these views.
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The (lack of) evidence One claim is that social networking media can negatively affect children’s sense of personal identity, and also how they develop empathy within friendships. Even more controversially, Greenfield has drawn a link between social media use and the development of autism. However, a large amount of research in this area has found that adolescents’ use of social networking sites often enhances the quality of existing friendships. It has also been found that most adolescents actually portray their identity quite accurately on Facebook. What’s the big deal, you may ask, isn’t this just harmless theorising? I strongly disagree. The purported link between social media and autism, which is without evidence and scientifically implausible, is insulting at best, and breathtakingly stigmatising at worst. Another Greenfield claim is that intense use of video games may lead kids to become aggressive and have shorter attention spans. Again, this view needs far more nuance than is being presented. One recent review, for instance, found playing action video games may actually provide a small improvement in
cognitive abilities. The evidence linking violent video games and aggression in kids is not clear-cut. Some studies have found the playing of violent video games can lead to small, short-term increases in aggressive thoughts and behaviours. But questions have been raised about the quality of this evidence. The sacrifice of physical activity for more screen time is a real concern that’s in grave danger of being overshadowed by a hyperbolic discussion about how technology damages kids’ brains. Lighttruth/Flickr, CC BY-NC These particular studies also don’t consider the social benefits that can come with gaming. Playing video games isn’t the socially isolating experience that it once was, and the friendships and social learning of multiplayer gaming can also be very important. This, of course, is not to downplay other concerns that may accompany the increased use of social media and video games among children. Cyber-safety and the sacrifice of physical activity that accompanies more screen time are legitimate, evidence-based concerns with which parents need to engage. But these important issues are in grave danger of being over-shadowed by a hyperbolic and evidence-light discussion that frames technology as damaging kids’ brains. There is little evidence for this view.
Scientists and their responsibility Perhaps the biggest issue this kerfuffle raises in my mind concerns the responsibilities of scientists. There’s no admission ceremony to become a scientist, no Hippocratic-like oath, no hand placed on a holy book while pledging to uphold this or that. There’s no need for any of this, because without following the fundamentals of science, you are, quite simply, not a scientist. At the very core of science is the judgement of theories in light of available evidence. Scientists are humans. We have our own beliefs and prejudices, and at times it is near-on impossible to divorce ourselves from these. That’s why the only kingmaker in science is evidence: objective, irrefutable observations. For every scientific theory proven through observations, there are dozens that lie shattered on the floor. And that’s how it should be. Scientists can and should play a role in public discourse, particularly with issues of such importance as the impact of technology on children. At the very least, a scientist’s voice should – hopefully – add a dispassionate dimension to a very passionate debate. There is currently little evidence that internet use and video games create “mind change” in kids. The only thing needed to change this position is evidence to the contrary.
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
ARTICLE FIRST PUBLISHED AT WWW.THECONVERSATION.COM.AU
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LEGAL
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Things home workers should know ment of consumables, repair and insurance.
EMPLOYMENT
Confidentiality and Security By Steven Brown Etienne Lawyers
ODAY with the ease of access to the Internet many people can work from their own homes. Sounds interesting; no traffic jams, no transport costs, and you can relax is a familiar environment. But like all good ideas, there are some issues that have to be dealt with.
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Conditions Working at home can be a short term or permanent arrangement. The conditions of employment remain unchanged. The number of days working from home can vary. However, the employee’s duties and reporting requirements need to be suitable.
Equipment The employer and employee need to consider such issues about: • Who owns any equipment required and how maintenance is to be scheduled; • Insure against theft or damage; • Ensure that employee understands that employer-owned equipment is used for work related activities only and remains the property of the employer; • Establish notification processes for equipment performance, operation or loss; • Establish proportion of employee owned equipment to be costed to the employer, where appropriate. This may include maintenance, replace-
Accessing employer’s equipment and data requires consideration of security precautions. Particular care needs to be taken with the confidential information of clients and the employer. • Employees working from home should have a dedicated work computer and not use a computer shared by other household members. • Employers must set standards for desktop, laptop and mobile firewalls on all devices used by the employee. • Install tracking software on any equipment of the employer to expedite recovery if equipment is lost or stolen. • Give employees training on security and data management for off-site locations. One situation we had was with a brand manager working from home. Her husband was also a marketing professional. After a change in job, our client’s employee’s husband took on the role of her fiercest competitor’s role as brand manager. Our client was gravely concerned. Passing of pricing information could result in jail time for her and her superiors. Strong privacy and confidentiality procedures were needed if she was to work from home.
Work Health and Safety All WHS policies relevant to the employee’s usual place of work apply, as far as practical, in the designated home office. For further information go to the WorkCover website at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
Worker’s compensation Workers compensation arrangements
apply to all injuries arising out of or in the course of employment, regardless of their work location. For instance, an employee was working from home and at lunch decided to make a jam sandwich for her four year old son. In attempting to open a can of jam, she cut a finger. This was treated as a worker’s compensation claim that her employer had to pay. It was an injury that occurred while at work; lunch being an ordinary part of a working day. Just because she was in her own home was not relevant as the employer and her had agreed to have her home as her place of work, even if only for that day.
Etienne Lawyers checklist of issues for work from home arrangements We have a guide that outlines some of the issues to be considered in introducing work from home arrangements. Work agreements between an employer and employee must be clearly document the arrangements agreed to, including hours of work and workplace safety and accessibility. A workplace assessment of the home must be undertaken to identify work, health and safety hazards, and how to address them. This assessment should only be done by an appropriately trained person and be limited to that part of the home which is used as a workplace. Employers must establish: • Whether the duties are suitable for work from home. • What, if any, equipment will be requires for an employee to safely work from home. For example, if: the desk, chair and computer Is suitable; other equipment or machine is required for work undertaken; and there is a firstaid kit available (NSW Regulations
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• •
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require that all places of work have a first-aid kit. A basic (type C) kit is sufficient for most home based work situations). That the proposed working environment is healthy and safe. For example, if: there is sufficient lighting; emergency exits from the work area are clear; there is a smoke detector and/or an earth leakage protection device installed; and power points are used safely. That the employee has the information and training necessary to work safely. Agreed hours of work, communications procedures between the staff and their colleagues and manager, clear performance requirements and methods of assessment. Proper and secure means for business information to be used and transmitted from the home.
Other considerations Other issues for consideration include enterprise agreement or industrial award provisions, tax, mortgage and/or lease arrangements, and local government approvals.
Work from Home Policy and Agreement For an employee to work from home on a permanent or semi-permanent basis, employers need to have a documented Work From Home Policy that deals with all of the issues discussed above and for the employer and employee to enter into an agreement so that each knows the duties, responsibilities and obligations of each other when an employee is working from home. When you need to establish this contact Etienne Lawyers on 02 88452400.
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ARTS
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A triple treat for textile-lovers GALLERY HREE fibre-textile themed exhibitions open at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery in Windsor on October 9, featuring work by two Blue Mountains artists and a number from far-away Alice Springs; home of the popular Alice Springs Beanie Festival.
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The Alice Springs Beanie Festival The third annual Alice Springs Beanie Festival is expected to be just as popular as ever and according to Hawkesbury Mayor, Kim Ford, everyone at the Gallery is looking forward to another fabulous showcase of the iconic Australian headwear. The exhibition highlights work produced by Indigenous artists from the Central Desert region, who always come up with something special.
Cloth: From Seeds to Bloom
Julie Paterson, Cloth: From Seeds to Bloom. Photo courtesy Armelle Habbib
This exhibition features contemporary textiles designed and produced by Blackheathbased designer, Julie Paterson. Inspired by the Australian bush, Paterson’s stunning fabrics are a riot of colour, floral forms, and patterns that are much sought after, with short batch productions quickly snapped up by avid collectors, interior decorators, and commercial clients.
Dog Days Featuring the works of artist Louise Kerr, this exhibition looks at dogs from the
wild and remote landscapes as well as Lisa Waller ‘I’m your fan’ Wool and Felt 2011 40 x 30 x the domestic canine habitat. 30cm. Image the Alice Springs Beanie Festival. Artist Louise Kerr says “the wild the neighbourhood with their owners. landscape is the home of the dingoes and Louise Kerr Yellow Dogs 2015. Hand sewn soft sculpture The Alice Springs Beanie Festival is wild dogs of the Wild Dog Mountains which - coiled twine sewn with cotton and paint. Courtesy the proudly presented by Artback NT: Arts lie south of Katoomba. This area has features artist and King Street Gallery Sydney. Development and Touring and. Cloth: named after dogs such as Mt Dingo, Mt WarFrom Seeds to Bloom is an Australian Design Where: Deerubbin Centre (1st floor) 300 rigal, Mt Yellow Dog, and Cattle Dog Ridge. Centre Touring Exhibition - developed and The dingo is now returning to these reGeorge Street Windsor first presented by Sturt Gallery, Mittagong as mote places and guarding the landscape once Open: Monday, Wednesday - Friday 10am Cloth Fabric: 20 Years in the Making. more. The works featuring domestic dogs are – 4pm closed Tuesdays and public holidays When: 9 October - 29 November of the dogs I live with as well as those I see in Weekends 10am – 3pm free entry.
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MONEY
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10 rules for wealth builders EDUCATION
heavily on risk and fear and ignore the fundamentals of investing.
10 simple rules for successful wealth building 1
Wealth Builder’s set smart goals
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Wealth Builder’s pay themselves first
If you don’t know where you are going, how are you going to get there? Your Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed. A Smart Goal means that each investment decision made is done “On Purpose” Investing “what’s left over” is not a key to success, setting aside an amount to fulfil your goals can be.
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Wealth Builder’s automate their cash flow Wealth Builder’s replant when they harvest
Preparing a budget and taking responsibility for “ where your money goes” allows you to automatically allocate cash for now, for a rainy day and for your long term goals. Investing is like farming, you are planting seeds of cash that you intend to grow. Reinvesting income means that you are constantly adding to your wealth.
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Wealth Builder’s diversify their investments.
“Not putting all your eggs in the one basket” is a fundamental investment rule. Diversification manages risk and ensures that you have access to more potential rewards.
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Wealth Builder’s seek Tax will be the single biggest non-productive expense to the Wealth Builder. Paying opportunities to pay less tax tax is an integral part of Australia’s social structure, legally reducing the amount of tax you pay is a key element of successful wealth building. Like Risk it can’t be avoided just recognised, understood and managed.
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Wealth Builder’s know it’s time in the market that counts not timing
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Wealth Builders understand Borrowing to invest and borrowing to consume is a balancing act that all Wealth and use Debt to achieve their Builder’s need to master. goals Wealth Builders take risks That they have recognised, understood and managed as part of making a smart decision to invest. Wealth Builders stay on track Use experts like Financial Planners, Mortgage Brokers, Accountants, Solicitors to help using experts to coach, guide them make smart decisions about money. A panel of experts form a circle of trust with and strategies for them Wealth Builders providing them with timely advice to protect, manage and build their wealth.
You can’t avoid risk By Sheila Cabacungan N 2009 the Global Financial Crisis caused our Australian share market to hit rock bottom. For wealth builders holding the Australian Shares Index, it wiped more than 50% of the value of their investments. The Australian Share market recovered slowly over the last four years clawing back more than 30% of its losses. Then the Greeks and the Chinese started to worry investment markets and it looks like we’re back to the uncertainty again. The aftermath and the fallout continue with each news week bringing us more uncertainty and fear. We are living through Greece’s debt crisis, the Chinese economy slowing down and what seems like constant turmoil in Syria. At home the concerns of our “patchwork” or “two speed” economy are compounded by fears about a how we tax ourselves, when the property bubble is going to burst, the merrygo round of Prime Ministers, refugees and asylum seekers. It’s all enough to make you crawl under the bed tucking that hard earned cash along with you.
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But that would be a mistake In the years leading up to the Global Financial Crisis, some wealth builders chased returns and ignored risk. The danger is that now the same wealth builders licking their wounds will focus too
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Accepting this as truth allows you to get on with things. Some people see Life as a series of risks taken for the promise of rewards or the lessons learnt from the act of trying. Wealth building is no different. Risk can’t be avoided entirely it can only be recognised, understood and managed. Now more than ever, Wealth Builders need to devote a little more time in: • Recognising the potential risks with their investment decisions, • Understanding how these risks will affect their potential rewards and • Managing risks where possible to bring certainty of achieving the reward.
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Risk is only half of the equation. The other half is reward. Achieving your financial goals, meeting your current financial needs, having the financial freedom to plan for a better future for yourself and your children; these are the rewards of wealth building. Wealth builders that achieve their “rewards” know that building wealth requires you to manage risk and to protect what you already have. So even though the game has changed the rules are still the same.It is still possible to successfully build wealth amid all of the uncertainty and risk. You can find more wealth education on http://www.carnegie.com.au/wealth-education
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The ultimate success of your investment portfolio largely depends on the length of time you spend in the market, NOT your ability to predict short-term market highs and lows. Don’t let procrastination rob you of any further financial security and the freedom to afford your dreams. The earlier you start investing and the longer you stay invested, the more wealth you can build up over the long-term.
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TRAVEL
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ESTMEAD Medical Research Foundation - raises funds for health care and research. Everyone who is sick deserves access to the best possible treatment and
W The new Plumeria Lounge
Hawaiian Airlines operates over 170 flights per day between the islands, and in 2014, celebrated 85 years of continuous service. Enjoy the comfort of Airbus A330-200 aircraft from Sydney and Brisbane. Flights depart from Australia in the evening, crossing the international dateline and arriving in Honolulu the same morning so you can be sipping a cocktail and relaxing on the beach by the afternoon.
Hawaiian Airlines new Plumeria Lounge
Honolulu offers a variety of accommodation options.
Supporting medical research
Hawaiian Airlines is proud to announce Business Class guests traveling to any of its 11 international destinations will now receive complimentary access to the airline’s new Plumeria Lounge, a 3,600-square-foot space at
the Honolulu International Airport (HNL) designed to deliver the airline’s signature hospitality in a warm, spa-inspired environment. From the moment you check in you will experience unsurpassed service. The flight crew will pamper you as you enjoy all Business Class has to offer, including: • Priority Business Class check-in line • Priority luggage handling • Lounge access in Sydney or Brisbane and Hawaii. • Priority pre-boarding • Generously sized recliner seats with extra legroom. • Amenity kits by Hawaii designer, Manuheali‘i • 18 recliner seats in a 2-2-2 configuration, 45 – 46inch seat pitch • Chef Chai created Hawaiian Inspired in-flight cuisine Sign up free of charge to Hawaiian Airlines frequent flyer program; Hawaiian Miles, for further attractive opportunities.
care. To help make this possible we recognise the health problems Australians are facing and search for the best way to help. Funds raised by generous donations support the purchase of state of the art medical equipment, life-saving research and enhanced services at Westmead Hospital and Westmead Millennium Institute for Medical Research. Together, these beacon’s in the health community work together to provide bench to bedside treatment and care to ensure that breakthroughs and discoveries made by researchers are translated into actual outcomes for the patient, helping to secure a healthier future for everyone. Supporting these organisations that have such huge reach and impact across Australia means your support can reach so many people who are sick. Over one million patients, their families and countless others impacted by the breakthroughs of medical research all over the world. Our donors can make a local, regional, national and global impact. How can you help - For more information on how to support health care and research, call 1800 639 037 or visit www.wmrf.org.au OR Purchase your International holiday with our Travel Partner ‘Elite Travel/Elite Business Travel’ and they will donate $100.00 for each booking made between 01st Oct 15 - 31 Mar 2016 towards Westmead Medical Research Foundation. Please quote ‘Promo Code-WMRF15’. For more information, please call us on 1800 627 746 or visit www.elitetravel.com.au
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PARRAMATTA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
- BEST IN THE REGION
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Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business voice since 1911 HISTORY By Keiasha Naidoo ARRAMATTA Chamber of Commerce has supported and engaged with local businesses for over a century, and seen the city transform into one of the fastest growing business centres in Australia. Formed in 1911, the chamber held its inaugural meeting in February 1912 when its first president, Walter Jago, was elected. He was also the then Mayor of Parramatta. This year the chamber celebrates its 104th birthday. Also this year Parramatta Chamber of Commerce won the Local Chamber of the Year for the Western Region in the Western Sydney Regional NSW Business Awards (WSABE) held in August. Established as an organisation to protect the interests of business people in the local community and encourage members to do business with each other, the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce has evolved and extended its purpose and role in the community. Current events organised by the Chamber include three â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;eNRGYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; meetings per week. These are a network referral group meeting held every Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings, the popular â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Business After Fiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which occurs on the first Tuesday of every month, and a quarterly â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Business Before Nineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; event. The Chamber also hosts annually the State of City Address which invites world class business leaders as speakers for the local business community. Chamber President, Michael Mekhitarian, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a great opportunity for our busi-
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ness leaders to hear about different growing cities and how Parramatta is emerging as a
the Homeless, as well as other â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;one off â&#x20AC;&#x2122; events
work with other organisations to develop and
world class city.â&#x20AC;? Other annual events hosted by the Chamber are the Charity Golf Day in support of local charities, an Aussie Christmas BBQ for
As a non-profit organisation, local businesses benefit from the all the resources reinvested into services for the Parramatta business community to continually improve and grow. Michael said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We see the recent WSABE award as a great recognition and very timely for Parramatta Chamber. We are at the cusp of so much happening in the area, and Parramatta developing as a really vibrant and smart city.â&#x20AC;? Present day activities are very different to some of the services offered by the Chamber in its earlier days. Some of the historic facts about this vibrant and growing chamber is that arranged its first shopping week in Parramatta in 1912. Now shopping in Parramatta has evolved into large shopping malls, main street boutiques, hotels, apartments, and a range of world class restaurants finding a presence in the city centre. This is a world away from when the Chamber first began. At that stage a Town Crier would walk down Church Street ringing a bell to summon people to events. Now obviously social media, advertising and marketing have made business in the area more connected with the local community as well as connecting with international businesses choosing to find a home in Parramatta. Early on in the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, there were some iconic events organised or hosted by the Chamber. 1928 the Chamber organised a reception for Bert Hinkler to commemorate the first solo flight from England to Australia. A year later, in 1929 the chamber was instrumental in having Parramatta proclaimed a city. The Chamber was incorporated in 1947, and in the 1950s it actively campaigned for the construction of an Olympic sized pool in Parramatta Park. The organisation also lobbied successfully to have the Lord Mayoralty bestowed on the city. This was ultimately done by the Queen in 1988, and Alan Hyman was the first Lord Mayor given the honour. The first paid employee joined the Chamber in 1992, and its first female president, Betty Barrie, was elected in 1993. The most recent Lord Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;State of the Cityâ&#x20AC;? address was attended by over 300 business people keen to hear what has been achieved and the future plans at Local and State level for the City of Parramatta. Parramatta Chamber of Commerce has continued to support local businesses, and
country town to Sydneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second city Immediate past President, Roger Byrne reflected on the last five years, saying the chamber focused on keeping businesses here. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our attitude has been to position the Chamber as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;go toâ&#x20AC;? place for businesses already here, and for those thinking of coming to Parramatta.â&#x20AC;? he said. Michael said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a Chamber body, we are a voice for the business community, and we see Parramatta as a place where people can work, live and play.â&#x20AC;? For more information on the Chamber visit its website http://www.parramattachamber.com.au
HISTORICAL IMAGESrelating OF PARRAMATTA CHAMBER COMMERCE transformOF Parramatt a from what used to be a to current issues.
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WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS OCTOBER 2015
PARRAMATTA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
- BEST IN THE REGION
Parramatta now a world class business centre EVOLUTION By Keiasha Naidoo ARRAMATTA’S evolution into a vibrant, energetic, smart, and connected city is exciting and invigorating for business and lifestyle says Chamber President, Michael Mekhitarian. An accountant by profession who operated a business in Parramatta for over 15 years, he has seen the area change and develop into a world class city, which is accessible and easily operates as a second city to Sydney’s CBD. “One of the most exciting things is that there is so much energy, injection of funds and developments all happening concurrently. What’s happening right now in Parramatta is great for business, lifestyle or even visitors to the area,” he said. Michael said some of new developments in Parramatta include the Eat Street Precinct, an Arts hub, redevelopment around the Riverside Theatre, the redevelopment of Parramatta River, the second airport, the Historical District rejuvenation and the light rail plan, and a sports stadium in North Parramatta, “All these developments and changes are bringing a new vibrancy to the Parramatta City, and is great for businesses in this district. “This is very quickly becoming a modern, smart city with infrastructure and technology. I would like to see in the future even a technology hub emerge in the Parramatta CBD.”
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As a Parramatta Chamber of Commerce Board member for five years, and chairman since April this year, Michael has seen epic changes in new businesses starting in the local area, and those moving into Parramatta. “We are seeing some larger Australian and international corporates basing themselves in Parramatta. This is because they need good facilities and good infrastructure. In addition to buses, the ferry and trains, the infrastructure is enhanced by the new light rail system coming into Parramatta and the new Civic Square development located near the Parramatta railway,” he said. Even more inspiring for business is the growth of Western Sydney University in the region, and the Parramatta Chamber President, Michael Mekhitarian. University of New England entertainment venues in the area for employers opening a campus in Parramatta. Michael said and visitors to choose. For example Jamie Oliver another change to come for Parramatta is the opened his restaurant in the Eat Street precinct. State Government’s plan to reconsider council “These are all drivers for Parramatta to get footprints. the recognition it deserves as a smart, integrated, “The Chamber is also seeing more and world class city. As the local Chamber we could more high calibre employees choosing to work not be happier about the businesses we support in Parramatta than ever before, which is great and are attracting,” he said. for businesses here. There are also some great
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WSABE recognises business excellence ARRAMATTA Chamber of Commerce is the facilitator of the annual WSABE awards which attracts more than 500 people to the event alone. In addition to this, hundreds more businesses are involved in the award each year as applicants in close to 20 different categories. The businesses involved range from design to manufacturing, fashion, child care, education sectors, aged care, finance, legal, entertainment and administration. WSABE also attracts businesses from all across the Western Sydney region, including Campbelltown, Penrith, Strathfield, Ashfield and Norwest – broadening its scope from the Parramatta business locality. Chamber president Michael Mekhitarian said: “The WSABE awards recognises business excellence in the Western Sydney Region.” A hardworking team of people from the Chamber form a subcommittee to organise, manage and drive the WSABE awards. Parramatta Chamber won this year’s WSABE as the Local Chamber of the Year for Western Sydney. Delighted with the Chamber’s recognition, Michael said the Chamber members see this award as an endorsement of all the great things happening in Parramatta. “We are growing as a business community, and we are finding a voice as a world class city,” he said.
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Congratulations to the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce Winners of the Local Chamber of Commerce of the Year Regional Chamber Awards for Western Sydney Parramatta Chamber of Commerce has been recognised for its outstanding services and benefits to its members, Parramatta and the Western Sydney community. Having won at the local level, it is now an entrant to the State awards to be held in November 2015. The Parramatta Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary partnership of business and professional people working together to build a healthy economy and to improve the quality of life in the community. It has a strong commitment to the local business community and advocates on key issues to all levels of government. The Chamber meets regularly with Council to discuss and inform them about local business issues and priorities; to identify ways to collaborate; and to work together to host the annual State of the City address. The Chamber’s commitment to the business community is reflected in its strong membership base which grew 50% over the last year. It holds popular events such as Business Before 9am and Business After 5pm with up to 150 people attending. There are also referral groups which bring small business operators together. The Chamber organises the high profile Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence (WSABE) and has ensured its ongoing success by actively reaching out to other business chambers across Western Sydney to make the awards truly regional.
We wish them every success for the State Award.
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