Blacktown News - June 2022 by Community Broadcast Network (CBN)

ISSUE 15 | JUNE 2022

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VE I US L C X E

SHOCK

SALE

Nirimba education precinct may be sold off for $500M

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ABANDONED

HE unique Nirimba Education Precinct at Quakers Hill is under threat of being sold off to developers for around $500M, says Blacktown MP Stephen Bali. Expressing his concern for the future of university education in Blacktown, Mr Bali has written to Western Sydney University (WSU) Senior Vice Chancellor and Provost, Professor Clare Pollock calling on the university to clarify its position on the campus. Mr Bali told The Blacktown News that be believed the Precinct's prime land was under threat and was estimated to be worth half a billion plus. More page 3.

The abandoned swimming pool at Nirmba precinct.

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WEXPO Blacktown 2022 is headed for Blacktown Workers Club: 6.

NEW LOOK TAVERN

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important community announcements upcoming events transformational projects school holiday activities community award programs competitions much, much more...

ISSUE 15 | June 2022

Blacktown City blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Blacktown

Snapshot

403,000

27,247

average economic growth

registered businesses

$21.67 billion economy

population

153,193 local jobs

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COUNCIL DELIVERS RECORD $809 MILLION BALANCED BUDGET

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Council has delivered a record balanced budget and a 20-year blueprint for sustainable development in the wake of 2 challenging years of COVID-19.

Co gic Strate Plan

RESOURCING STRATEGY

2022-2032

ion exhibit 2 public 202 Draft for sday 7 June y to Tue y 11 Ma

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Long Term Asset Manage Financial Plan 2022-20 Work Wor kforce Manage ment Strategy 2022-20 32 32 ment Strateg y 2022-2026 Draft for

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Council is seeking public feedback on a draft budget of $809 million for the 2022/23 financial year, including a major capital works program of $284 million to deliver projects for the people of Blacktown City. In addition to the draft budget, Council is presenting a suite of important documents, including a draft Community Strategic Plan, Our Blacktown 2041 which expresses its long term vision for the City. This represents the largest-ever Council budget and follows the $681 million budget delivered last year. This budget ensures our Council delivers the projects which are the foundation for the modern Blacktown City that our residents and businesses need.

Have you subscribed to Council’s community e-newsletter? Keep up to date with the latest news in and around Blacktown! Council’s community e-newsletter includes news and information on: •

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Council is seeking to re-establish Alcohol-Free Zones within the City. The zones will operate from the date of the appropriate Council Resolution and will expire on 30 June 2026, unless Council resolves to suspend or cancel such zone during this period of operation. Any interested parties are invited to lodge representations or objections via Council’s website. To view the full list of alcohol-free zones in our City, or to lodge a submission, visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au/alcoholfree

Blacktown City Council acknowledges the Darug people as the traditional owners of the land on which Blacktown City was built.

Email us: council@blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Call us: 9839 6000

Visit us: 62 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown

Mail us: PO Box 63, Blacktown 2148

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o ISSUE 15 | Junep2022 e lR a i ec Sp

FEARS NIRIMBA MAY BE SOLD OFF

Education precinct future unclear HE unique Nirimba Education Precinct at Quakers Hill is under threat of being sold off to developers for around $500M, says Blacktown MP Stephen Bali. Expressing his concern for the future of university education in Blacktown, Mr Bali has written to Western Sydney University (WSU) Senior Vice Chancellor and Provost, Professor Clare Pollock calling on the university to clarify its position on the campus. “I acknowledge the role WSU has played iп the provision of academic courses in the Blacktown area but unfortunately rumours persist as to WSU's intentions for Nirimba campus,” Mr Bali said in his letter to Professor Pollock. Mr Bali told The Blacktown News that be believed the Precinct’s prime land was under threat and was estimated to be worth half a billion plus. “I have been previously informed Ьу WSU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Glover АО that I ought to support the selling of the Nirimba campus so part of the funds may Ье invested into the Blacktown CBD campus. “Obviously, at the time, I could not see the benefit to the people of Blacktown City, receiving а potentially minimalist approach for tertiary education in our expanding region.

Nirimba precinct.

“The evidence is clear that over the past 15 years that there has been а dramatic drop in course offerings, student numbers and staffing arrangements at Nirimba campus. “Conversely, since 1995 and the establishment of WSU, Blacktown City's population grew Ьу more than 170,000, predominantly in the north-west area. Also, one cannot forget the closure of the pool which was part of the responsibility of the precinct and the university,” Mr Bali said The 65ha Precinct comprises Western Sydney University's The College, Wyndham College, Nirimba TAFE NSW, St John Paul II Catholic College and Wyndham College Many local residents in adjacent Quakers Hill purchased their properties because they were close to the Precinct

and it was promoted as a future powerhouse of education in the West. Nirimba, which means pelican, was previously an RAAF base in WW2 and a Naval Training Academy up until 1994. Mr Bali said the Education Precinct was established in 1995 with a vision of being a world-class educational community spanning senior secondary, TAFE and university sectors to provide a unique delivery of education and training through collaborative partnerships. “Western Sydney University (WSU) began in 1995 to offer undergraduate courses through to post-graduate degrees in a range of disciplines, while TAFE offered opportunities for apprentices and trainees in building and construction industries, business, social sciences and other disciplines.”

Mr Bali said the secondary schools had gone from strength to strength, but it was a different story for WSU and TAFE. “WSU began reducing degree offerings in 2004 and by 2007 announced the closure of degree courses forcing 2700 students to relocate to other campuses despite outcries by Blacktown City Council, State and Federal parliamentarians and the community, “he said. “To somewhat address the community outrage UWS College began in 2009 with the goal of Blacktown City residents having pathway courses to start their university education.

Thriving community of students “WSU College Nirimba was a thriving community of students as they began their university life through diplomas across arrange of disciplines. “Despite being a profitable business unit for WSU, the past few years have seen many courses being deleted without any community or student consultation. “Nirimba was once a thriving community of students numbering more than 10,000 but has turned into a ghost town.” Mr Bali said he was outraged at the treatment of the business college students. “WSU failed to fund the Nirimba pool for its upkeep and did not have the Continued on page 6

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ISSUE 15 | JUNE 2022 How to get The News The Blacktown News is available at strategic locations throughout Blacktown LGA. To find a location near you visit our website.

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ISSUE 15 | JUNE 2022

TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

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Nirimba educat ion precinct may be sold of f for $500M Special Report By Blacktown New s

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TH THI T HIIS HIS H IS EDI ED E DIITIO D TION IO IO ON N

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ABANDONED The abandoned swimming

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

HE uniqu e Nirim ba Education Precin ct at Quak ers Hill is under threat of being sold off devel opers for aroun to d $500M , says Blacktown MP Stephen Bali. Expressing his conce rn for the future of university educa tion in Blacktown, Mr Bali has writte n to Western Sydney Unive rsity (WSU ) Senio r Vice Chancellor and Provost, Professor Clare Polloc k callin g on the unive rsity to clarify its positi on on the camp us. Mr Bali told The Black town News that be believed the Precin ct's prime land was under threat and was estimated to be worth half a billion plus. More page 5.

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• important com munity announce ments • upcoming even ts • transformatio nal projects • school holiday activities • community awa rd programs • competitions • much, much more ...

Admin and General info@greaterblacktownnews.com.au Editor Michael Walls michael@accessnews.com.au

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LOCAL PIONEER HONOURED

MINISTER MICHELLE ROWLAND

BACKING FEMALE APPRENTICES

Blacktown Council has recognised the contribution of well-known local entrepreneur and giant of the construction industry, Bill McNamara OAM with a key to the city.

Michelle Rowland claimed victory for her seat of Greenway at the Blacktown RSL and is now Federal Minister for Communications in the Albanese Government.

Mt Druitt plumbing apprentice Shani Staples is the face of a new campaign encouraging women to take up learning a trade.

Julie Jackson julie@accessnews.com.au

Administration Rebecca Swaleh rebecca@accessnews.com.au

Design and production Design2Pro, Words and Pixels.

Platinum Media Partner The Blacktown News is platinum media partner for the Greater Blacktown

AYANA'S SUCCESS SECRET

BAZ A CUT ABOVE

BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD

How Ayana found life changing study options at migrant women education specialists, Macquarie Community College.

Award winning barber, Baz Tastan from Tapered the Barbershop loves cutting hair - just as mcuh as his endeqaring relationship with the local community.

By 2035 more than one billion people around the world are predicted to be living and working as digital nomads as advances in technology, remote working and workplace culture continue to grow.

Business Chamber

SECTIONS Support Partner The Blacktown News is the official media partner of Blacktown FC.

News .......................................... 3 Stephen Bail .............................. 7 Blacktown Workers .................... 8 Best of Blacktown .................... 15 Local Business Awards ........... 23

Magazine ................................. 27 Property ................................... 28 Auto ......................................... 29 Games ..................................... 30 Travel ....................................... 31

Trends ...................................... 32 Fitness ..................................... 33 Mindset .................................... 34 Sport ........................................ 38 Michelle Rowland .................... 40

Local entertainment Watch locally made films. Stay up to date on infrastructure. Watch profiles of regional leaders. www.netwerx.tv

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

Park immortalises beloved principal  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM ELOVED Blacktown Girls High School principal the late Ms Beryl Simes Smith has been immortalised in a brand new park just 500m from the CBD. ‘Beryl’, as she was known by all and sundry, devoted 40 years of her life to educating children and young adults. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale officially opened the Beryl Simes Smith Park, on the corner of Fourth Ave and Prince St. Councillor Julie Griffiths, Blacktown MP Stephen Bali, Beryl’s relative Philip Smart, Blacktown Girls High Deputy Principal Zoe Van-Stolk, former Councillor Kevin Gillies and former students also attended the ribbon cutting to mark the park’s opening. The $2m park features an outdoor gym, volleyball court, play equipment and undercover picnic areas and is conveniently located near Blacktown Girls High School and Blacktown Mosque. Mayor Bleasdale said Beryl inspired generations of students during her four decades years in education. “This park is a wonderful tribute to the much-respected Principal, who made her mark on our local community as Deputy Principal and Principal of Blacktown Girls High from 1958-71. “Beryl is remembered as someone who instilled a strong sense of integ-

rity, perseverance and ethics in her students. “She was also a big believer in the importance of a well-rounded education and even opened a school garden. “Therefore, it is apt that this wonderful new park and meeting place be named after Beryl Simes Smith. “This playspace provides a much-needed open space and recreational facility for these residents,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “Families can come down here and have a picnic, watch their children enjoy the play equipment, or have a game of volleyball.” The park also includes new paved pathways and landscaping.

Teachers and local dignatories open Beryl Simes Smith Park.

Blacktown’s 20-year plan LACKTOWN City Council has delivered a record $809M balanced budget as the region undergoes massive growth. The Council has also released a 20year blueprint for sustainable development in the wake of two challenging years of COVID-19. Council adopted the draft budget for the 2022/23 financial year, including a major capital works program of $284M. This represents the largest-ever Council budget and follows the $656M budget delivered last year.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the budget ensured “our Council delivers the projects which are the foundation for the modern Blacktown City that our residents and businesses need”. “It comes after another 12 months of disruption and staring down ever-present challenges but shows that our commitment to delivering services for our community remains resolute. Council has allocated $16Mm in 2022/23 for the construction and

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maintenance of roads, footpaths and bridges. A further $108M has been allocated for purchasing land in new release areas to deliver essential drainage and transport infrastructure. Council presented a suite of important documents, including a draft Community Strategic Plan, Our Blacktown 2041 as well as the Delivery Program 2022–2026, Operational Plan 2022/23 and 10-year Resourcing Strategy. See more at www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

Melissa Wu headlines Wexpo event LACKTOWN will have its own expo experience when WEXPO comes to the Blacktown Workers Club in October. WEXPO will showcase local businesses with more than 100 stalls and specialty workshops on subjects including: health, networking, property, networking, tourism, culture, charity, personal development, professional development and more. The full day of events includes a breakfast and lunch with two high profile guest speakers. Melissa Paige Wu has been confirmed as the breakfast speaker. Melissa is an Australian diver and silver medal winner at the2007 World

Aquatics Championships, the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2008 Summer Olympics. She is an Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holder and recently competed on SAS Australia. WEXPO Blacktown will also feature two unique round table sessions where up to 100 hand-picked guests will experience presentations about health and infrastructure. The guests will then submit their feedback to the presentations which will be formulated into formal summary documents by Australian Catholic University Blacktown. Charity partner for the event is

the Better Foundation. The Blacktown News and Western Sydney Business Access (WSBA) are the official media partners. Event Patron, Stephen Bali MP, said Wexpo Blacktown is a unique opportunity for businesses and visitors to interact as we emerge from the impact of COVID. Event partner and gold sponsor Blacktown Workers Club has allocated the Diamond Room for stall holders plus three separate function rooms for workshops and seminars WEXPO will be held on October 24 at Blacktown Workers Club. More at www.wexpo.com.au

Melissa Wu participating in the recent SAS Challenge series.

Education precinct future in doubt Continued from page 3

MP Stephen Bali.

foresight to discuss with Olympic sports such as diving and water polo whether they could work with the University in delivering pathway opportunities.” Mr Bali said the State Government had overseen trade and non-trade apprenticeships and traineeship commencements plummet by more than half in the past 10 years with dozens of TAFE campuses across NSW being either sold off or repurposed. “What is the fate of the Nirimba campus? Is the writing on the wall?”

“The site would easily be worth a half a billion dollars in its raw form to property developers and it may be too much for the NSW Government and WSU to ignore.” He claimed WSU failed to consult with anyone in 2007 prior to their degree closures, failed to consult with the pool closure, failed to consult with students when their diploma courses were relocated to other campuses. “This is a legacy educational asset for the people of Blacktown City. This is not a cash cow for the State or WSU to sell off to put money into ‘other’ projects outside Blacktown City.”

Mr Bali is calling for transparent and community consultation on the future of Nirimba. A spokesperson for WSU said Western Sydney University has a long and proud history at the Nirimba campus and the surrounding Nirimba Education Precinct. “Western Sydney University is committed to a strong educational presence in Blacktown – continuing to optimise its course offerings at Nirimba to ensure it best meets the current and future educational needs of the local western Sydney community,” the spokesperson said.

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

ONE OF BLACKTOWN’S TRUE PIONEERS

Council honours construction giant LACKTOWN City Council has recognised the enormous contribution of well-known Blacktown City entrepreneur and giant of the construction industry, Bill McNamara OAM. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM awarded the Key to the City to Bill for his role in shaping the landscape of Blacktown City over the course of 60 years. Mayor Bleasdale said: “Bill has played a pivotal role over many decades in helping transform Blacktown City into the modern city it is today. “Thanks to his knowledge and foresight, Bill led the way in the 1970s with the biggest single development in Blacktown, Westpoint Shopping Centre. “He was not only a businessman but a true community leader and gave generously of his time to his community. “As Mayor of Blacktown City, it is a great honour to present the Key to the City to Bill for his unparalleled innovation and community service.” The McNamara family has been part of Blacktown City’s history for the past century, when Bill’s family moved to Riverstone from Western NSW in the 1920s. Born in 1927, Bill attended Riverstone Public School before completing his secondary schooling at Auburn High School, where he received his Intermediate Certificate.

one of the first factories to be built in that industrial area. The McNamara Group delivered and was responsible for many large developments that have shaped both Blacktown and Western Sydney over the past 50 years. The McNamara Group was responsible for WestPoint Shopping Mall at Blacktown and Marketown Shopping Centre at Riverstone, Mount Druitt High School, Riverstone Schofields Memorial Club and Blacktown Aquatic Centre, which are landmark building projects in Blacktown City. Bill and his team also built the Del Rio Resort on the Hawkesbury River and many important buildings in Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (right) with Key to the City recipient Bill McNamara OAM (centre) and Parramatta–the McNamara Councillor Julie Griffiths (left) at Blacktown Aquatic Centre’s 60th anniversary celebration. Centre, the Octagon, the five years with the Riverstone Meat Com- United Permanent building, the ParraBill recalls that it was during his matta Cultural Centre, the J.A. Fleming pany and attending Granville Technical school days that he wanted to become a Stand at Rosehill and the Riverside College. builder and remembered fixing strucTheatres. In 1950, Bill and his wife Pat built a tures and nailing iron onto fowl sheds Bill turns 95 this year and continues home at 22 Hunter Street, Riverstone. that had blown off in the wind. to work and serve the Blacktown City In 1953, the McNamara Group built an He became an apprentice carpenter community to this day. office and joinery in Riverstone Parade– at Riverstone Meatworks, signing up for

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

MINISTER Michelle Rowland celebrates  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM ichelle Rowland’s resounding win in the seat of Federal seat of Greenway was a result of “Communication and community concern” and “becoming a better me”.. Ms Rowland celebrated and claimed victory at the Blacktown RSL and is now Federal Minister for Communications in the Albanese Government. She led Liberal candidate Pradeep 48.8% to 29.8% at the close of counting, increasing her healthy margin by another 2.9% With her young family beside her at the lectern and surrounded by supporters from many ethnic backgrounds who voted for her, Ms Rowland said since 2019 there had been “a lot of soul searching, a lot of changes and a lot of growth in me personally.”

Michelle Rowland.

Ms Rowland, who has held the seat since 2010, said the ALP had succeeded with the way it communicated with people. She said groups who would not normally align themselves with the ALP in the past came together in a community led result. “We have done so to connect with people and make our community a better place,” she said. “We have had bushfires, floods and the pandemic and the toughest lockdown restrictions of just about anywhere else in Australia and that meant being a member of Parliament required you to be something new.” Ms Rowland became the “something new“ that the community of Greenway required. “The last three years almost to the day, I decided to become a better version of myself and I decided to put a different kind of effort into the people of Greenway.

“As a result, this result demonstrates that was the right decision.” “However that was not executed by me, it was executed by you,” Ms Rowland said pointing toward her supporters. Ms Rowland said rather than calling it a campaign, it was communication, and it was a dialogue, it was “a real sense of community concern.” “The final thing I would like to say tonight is ‘we have a mandate in Greenway to do things better’,” Ms Rowland’s main campaign policies included: • Creating a better future for all • Investments in secure, local Western Sydney jobs. • Better infrastructure. • A plan to make things here, in Australia. • Cheaper energy. • Better local living. • Enhanced mobile coverage. • Mmore affordable childcare.

Crackdown on shonky advisors ROFESSIONAL advisors who promote tax avoidance strategies will face tougher penalties under new legislation passed in Parliament. Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said the reforms represent a significant enhancement to the integrity of the NSW taxation system. “For too long dishonest operators have managed to get away with leading others into tax avoidance

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arrangements without any penalty,” Mr Tudehope said. “Under the new laws that will change. If you are promoting tax avoidance schemes you will be penalised. “While we recognise that most taxpayers and their advisors do the right thing, there remains a small number of people who don’t. We make no excuses for

cracking down on dishonest tax advisors. The new laws are meant for them.” The promoter penalty rules will extend to anyone who promotes or attempts to market a scheme for avoiding NSW taxes. The consequences for promoters are significant with penalties more than $1.1 million for an individual and $5.5 million for a corporation.

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

Blacktown Workers Club staff at a previous sleepout.

Sleepout support for women’s centre LACKTOWN Workers Club is hosting the CEO and Co Winter Sleep Out on June 23 to raise funds for the Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre (BWGHC). The goal is to raise $40,000 on the night. Not only is it a chance to raise much needed funds, but it is also the chance to enjoy a unique experience under the stars. BWGHC is a community-based centre which provides accessible health and wellbeing services for women and girls in Blacktown LGA regardless of their income.

They provide emergency crisis intervention and support for women and children, including domestic violence counselling and case management, emergency backpacks, food and overnight accommodation. The centre also provides transport to and from destination then back to the centre for further assistance. Women and children going through Domestic and Family Violence are at risk of homelessness which is a huge factor that may impact their wellbeing. You have to be registered to take part in the Sleep Out. All participants

will pay $50 and the donation includes a T-shirt and beanie to wear on the night. Throughout the night, you will learn about BWGHC and how they aid girls, women, and their children, especially those in need of emergency accommodation so they are not left homeless. There will be light entertainment and you will receive dinner, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Once the official proceedings have concluded, you will be left to experience the night in the cold.

Calvet re-elected WSROC President OUNCILLOR Barry Calvert (pictured), the Deputy Mayor of Hawkesbury City Council, has been returned for a fourth term as President of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC. WSROC is the peak body representing councils in Greater Western Sydney, and advocates on key issues of value to Western Sydney communities. More than a million people live in the six WSROC council communities.

The WSROC member councils are Blacktown City Council, Blue Mountains City Council, Cumberland City Council, Hawkesbury City Council, Lithgow City Council and Liverpool City Council. Councillor Calvert was re-elected as at WSROC’s President at its Board Meeting held at Blacktown Civic Centre. As President, Councillor Calvert chairs the WSROC Executive which sets

region-wide priorities and strategies for the WSROC Board and provides organisational direction to WSROC’s Chief Executive Officer and staff. Councillor Calvert said he was delighted to be re-appointed as WSROC President and for the opportunity to continue the pursuit of WSROC’s priorities. “It is an honour to take on this role again, to work with the WSROC Executive and staff,” he said.

With the weather predicted to be cold, participants should make sure they wear warm and comfortable clothing, bring a sleeping bag and a pillow. Electronic items such as mobile phones, tablets and cameras are welcome to capture your experience. To register, go to Workers Blacktown web site for details. If you can’t go but wish to donate, please visit Workers Blacktown or follow this link: https://www.mycause.com.au/events/ceocowintersleepout Questions should be directed Tina Maamari on 9830 0613 or tmaamari@bwcl.com.au

NewS

ISSUE 13 15 | April June 2022 2022

Time to get out the skateboard EAUMONT Hills on the northern fringe of Greater Blacktown is to get a new $4m parkland beside the elevated Northwest Metro rail line. Among its features will be a skateboard park and a bike riding facility. The 1ha block adjacent to Windsor Rd and will provide a vital recreation area for residents of the rapidly growing region. Residents will soon have the opportunity to test out their training wheels, nail a couple of ‘kickflips’ or take a leisurely stroll, with the stateof-the-art park on its way. Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Artist impression of thje project. Anthony Roberts said the site on Windsor Rd was “The feedback has been invaluable in helping shape set to be transformed thanks to the $4m investment. what will soon be an incredible asset that is close to It is part of the NSW Government’s $150M program to secure and improve green space across Greater homes and community facilities, including the Caddies Creek Sports Complex,” Mr Roberts said Sydney.

“Along with plenty of space for recreation and play, the park will feature a new bike pump track, a skate plaza, public art and 60 new trees.” Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams said the new park would also incorporate the archaeological heritage site of the White Hart Inn. “Parks play an important part in people’s lives – they are places to gather, play and reflect, so we’re thrilled to be delivering what will be a diverse, community-oriented and resilient public space,” Mr Williams said. The new Beaumont Hills Park is one of eight being created or upgraded in Greater Sydney under the Parks for People program. Construction of the park will begin later this year in collaboration with The Hills Shire Council. For more information visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/parksforpeople

Libraries launch book of lockdown stories LACKTOWN City Council Libraries has launched a special book compiling 50 stories of life during COVID-19 lockdowns, in partnership with a local author. Council worked with Quakers Hill storyteller Emie Roy of ‘The Stories Untold’, the Community Migrant Resource Centre and Westpoint to publish the book, The Light at the End of the Tunnel. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the book docu-

mented an unprecedented time in history and its effects on the local community. “We know Blacktown City residents were hit especially hard by COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions for an extended period of time,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “I congratulate Emie Roy and all contributors for making this important project happen.” The book features anecdotes, reflections and experiences from

lockdown as well as hopes for a post-lockdown future and was officially launched at a special event at Bowman Hall last week, with more than 150 guests in attendance. Emie Roy said, “The Light at the End of the Tunnel has been released after 10 solid months of work and it is here that the journey of the book begins. The book is available to borrow from Blacktown City Council’s libraries.

Donate today at

betterfoundation.org.au Support your local hospital & healthcare workers.

Curator and storyteller Emie Roy (right) with Dr G K Harinath, Chairman of Multicultural NSW (left), at the launch of the ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’.

NewS

ISSUE 15 | June 2022

Shani backing female apprentices  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM t Druitt plumbing apprentice Shani Staples is the face of a new campaign encouraging women to take up learning a trade through an apprenticeship. Shani and her fellow female apprentices want more women to try their hand in a traditional trade to increase women in the construction sector. Shani is studying a Certificate III in Plumbing at TAFE NSW Mount Druitt and is one woman paving the way for more females to break into trade industries. “The plumbing industry is incredibly rewarding and offers a hands-on environment which is fastpaced and no two days are the same,” Ms Staples said. “Many people are unaware of the scope of work that a plumbing trade covers, so if a trade is something you’ve ever considered, now is the time to give it a go.” Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government was investing in fee-free and low-fee apprenticeships and train-

eeships to help address industry needs, including Built for Women, a program designed to boost female participation. “We want to make it easier for women to access the skills they need for a first job, a new job, or a better job,” Mr Henskens said. “The NSW Government’s infrastructure investment is providing great opportunities for women to pick up the tools and enter a dynamic and rewarding industry.” Recently released data from the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research shows that female apprentice and trainee numbers are booming across the state, with a 91% surge in commencements in the year to September 2021. Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the Built for Women program had supported close to 5000 free training places for women in trade-related work, including construction, manufacturing, engineering, transport and logistics. “Greater diversity makes our workplaces stronger and a secure and fulfilling future awaits women who choose a career in trades,” Ms Taylor said. The two ministers visited Shani at work recently as part of the State Government promotion.

Plumbing apprentice Shani Staples talks with the Minister.

Technology to reduce homelessness ECHNOLOGY is being used to better connect people in need with services as the NSW Government looks for new ways to reduce homelessness. A new custom-built mobile app is being rolled out to help match outreach workers with the homeless. Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the Journey on Home app

is an important initiative to tackle street sleeping acrossNSW. “The Journey on Home app means homelessness outreach workers have a client’s history in the palm of their hand,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said. “This enables outreach workers to connect people to services on the spot, which is critical to supporting the

homeless into more permanent accommodation. Staff will have visibility and information on hotspots and locations where there is evidence of people sleeping rough to help them better plan their patrols.” The app is part of a $2.3M investment in technology which is helping to deliver the Premier’s Priority to halve street homelessness by 2025.

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Blacktown doctor Jana

Pittman competes in SAS

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SAS JANA

Sub-branch answers calls for support: 10

LACKTOWN Hospital’s famous Olympian Dr Jana Pittman for a grueling survival challenge has swapped her stethoscope in the latest series of ‘SAS’ Jana’s roller coaster ride TV on the Seven Network. of triumph, defeat, failure and makes her ideal for the rigorous format of the show. success throughout her life one of the 18 celebrities The 38-year-old dual Olympian who will be subjected to is extreme physical and psychologica on the upcoming military-styl l testing e show. More page 5.

Why Blacktown is tops for property investment: 14

Blacktown City blacktow n.nsw.gov.au

Blacktown

Snapshot

395,000

18.81 billion

population

regional economy

4.6% average economic growth

24,990 registered businesses

143,259 local jobs

Never miss out. Get the digital edition 24/7 at www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au

ISSUE 15 | June 2022

Winners: The Blacktown Local Business Awards typify the commitment to excellence among the local business community.

RIGHT HERE – RIGHT NOW

Blacktown’s a growth standout  STEPHEN BALI lacktown City is one of the best kept secrets regarding economic activity. How often do we hear about the massive Government investment into Parramatta, Liverpool and Penrith council areas and Blacktown City struggles to get its fair share? Blacktown City’s economic growth over the past five years to June 2021, including the COVID lockdowns was 4.4% per annum. The annual growth over the past 5 years is a mixed story with preCOVID economic growth at 6.75% p.a., followed by a 1.1% contraction in 2020, with a rebound in 2021 of 1.5%. Comparing Blacktown City to the combined council regions of Penrith and Liverpool, the combined councils are economically larger by 12% but economic growth rate was at three-quarters the pace of Blacktown. Blacktown City is currently a $22.35B economy with almost 200,000 residents employed and 153,000 jobs located in the area with over 27,000 registered businesses. In twenty years, Blacktown City economy is expected to pass $52B with a population larger than Tasmania. The ingredients are all present for entrepreneurial success in Blacktown. Blacktown City has a booming population through the north-west growth area; the establishment of Australian Catholic University in Blacktown CBD and three TAFE colleges to improve skills and knowledge; and one of the fastest regional economic growth rates in the country. Where are the future business opportunities in Blacktown?

Artist impression of a future Blacktown CBD.

The professional, technical, and financial service job opportunities has lagged in Blacktown compared to rest of Australia. Many people, whether growing up in Blacktown City or through professional migration programs find it difficult to obtain professional work in Blacktown and have to travel into Sydney for high value jobs. The recent pandemic and the growth in working from home will bring more high value jobs into Blacktown with the potential expansion of shared offices in the local area set to soar. Manufacturing continues to be a major employer in the region. From 2001

Key Employment Categories in Blacktown City

to 2015 the industry has only marginally increased but since 2016 the sector grew over 20% in output with only 3% increase in jobs. Blacktown manufacturers are substantially improving productivity with innovative new technologies with a relatively stable workforce but there is a demand to improve workers

skills so the industry remains competitive. Healthcare and welfare sectors are set to increase substantially. Many factors contribute to this including population increase; improved health support services; the need to provide important mental health and welfare support services. Hotel accommodation supporting the visitor economy is set to grow with major hotel chains negotiating to commence new construction. Motor racing park, Sydney zoo, Featherdale, Sydney Coliseum at WestHQ; Raging Waters plus the new sport and recovery centre in Blacktown International Sports Park are set to transform the visitor economy in the coming years. Tertiary education is set to expand in Blacktown City with Australian Catholic University (ACU) anticipating to reach 5,000 students in the 5 years. ACU is providing local residents opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge for the future. ACU is offering courses in nursing, sports science, teaching, business, law and social science; all these areas will be the growth opportunities for the future. The place to maximise your future is right here in Blacktown City! Stephen Bali is State Member for Blacktown.

General Economic Data for Blacktown City Sector

Employment Numbers

Value Added $m

Retail & Wholesale Trade

26,606

3,217.7

Transport, Postal, & Warehousing

19,887

2,687.4

Construction

18,472

2,505.7

Health Care & Social Assistance

18,419

1,420.7

2021

2041 estimates

Manufacturing

17,644

2,130.6

Gross Regional Product

$22.35 billion

$52.88 billion

Public Admin, safety, support

12,781

1,493.1

Population

405,000

612,500

Education & Training

11,855

921.5

Local jobs

153,160

275,000

Services: professional, scientific & technical

10,932

1,001.2

Employed residents

193,998

330,000

Food & Accommodation

6,178

262.9

Registered local businesses

27,247

44,000

Financial, real estate, media & communication

4,395

200.8

Economic Growth

1.1%

4.4%

Arts & Recreational

2,281

135.6

ISSUE 15 | June 2022

Women With Altitude Zoom awards event.

BRINGING CITY QUALITY OUT WEST

Time to explore hybrid events YDNEY Event Technical Specialists is an Audio-Visual production company based at Blacktown. Its mission is to help people hold events by bringing city quality events out west, without the big price tag.

Meet the team Chris has been in the industry for 10+ years, he has worked as a senior tech for most major AV companies in Sydney across all departments. Chris has been a production manager, system designer, skills assessor, and trainer. Michelle is the main contact for SETS and the project manager. Working in the industry for two years she brings her background in management and sales. Michelle is a lighting and vision operator with a major focus on video recording and editing.

Events run smoothly SETS works with you to ensure your event runs smoothly. They focus on the tech so you can relax and enjoy your event. They will work with you prior to ensure that on event day you can relax with the knowledge they know your requirements. They work with your budget and integrate with venue systems so you’re not paying for things twice.

Awards on Zoom SETS worked with Women With Altitude on the Altitude Awards 2021. Chris and Michelle focused on streamlining AV and were responsible for streaming the event to zoom for members who were unable to attend due to covid restrictions. Here is what some of them have to say: “I loved watching the awards on zoom!! It was great to interact through the chat with others and feel part of the event, even though we weren't there in person!!” “Watching the WWA Awards night on the screen in my loungeroom felt like I was watching a big celebrity event. The

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filming was so good that it was like a whole crew was there making it happen. I was so impressed.” “Attending the Women With Altitude Awards was such a great experience even if we had to do it via Zoom. I love tech! We were able to tune in and see it all. It was great. It was like we were in the room. I loved that we had the best seats in the house. Close up and personal....good view from every angle.”

Hybrid Events a great option Although restrictions have eased, there are still some people uncomfortable with being out and about or presenters who may be symptomatic but well enough to present virtually, therefore hybrid events are a great option, they give more flexibility. Sydney Events Technical Specialists is a one-stop-shop with all your AV and streaming covered, you’re not having to manage multiple companies trying to integrate. Visit: www. sydneyeventtechnicalspecialists.com

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

Joeseph Essay.

THE FINANCIAL FORMULA FOR GAINING

My passion for business owners  JOSEPH ESSEY HE title of management consultant or business advisor is not a label I have always worn comfortably. In my experience, as a small business owner myself for many years, consultancy services were rarely coming from people who understood my business and in particular the unique challenges of a small business owner. So, when I came to a crossroads in my own career and was considering providing consultancy services, it was

important to me that I would be able to offer businesses a pragmatic service that delivers value by servicing the unique challenges of small business owners. My professional background is quite diverse, but the common theme is that my experience is firmly rooted in the world of small to medium size and family run businesses. My experience in small business management started in my family’s distribution business where from a young age I was doing everything from making orders to calling customers for money.

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Passion helping small businesses While my career has seen me take on roles across finance, marketing, and business management in businesses of different sizes, my passion and much of my experience has been in helping small businesses to grow and achieve their goals. This includes helping to build my families own fast growing business, as the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and then orchestrating its multi-million-dollar sale in 2018. I have also recently joined the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber and look forward to making a positive contribution to the local Blacktown business community. Joining Business Growth and Exit Specialists (BGES) was a natural fit for me as it is an organisation that helps small to medium sized business owners to grow their business profitability and set themselves up for a successful Exit when the time is right. I know first-hand how hard this can be, the challenges small businesses in this situation face and the successful strategies that they can employ to overcome these. As a Virtual CFO I provide busy business owners with the financial and commercial information they need to be

able to make the right decisions to grow their business.

Establishing financial roadmap The practical services I offer can include establishing a financial roadmap or budget, cashflow management and forecasting, concise performance reporting including easy to read dashboard summaries for business owners and managers, process and accounting systems implementation and improvement and accounts and office team mentoring. Importantly, my services are completely flexible and cost-effective as I can tailor them to provide only the support that is needed. What I love about being part of the wider BGES team is that it also allows me to offer these services as part of a more holistic approach with access to business strategy, operations and sales and marketing, strategic human resources experts, and legal services with a proven track record. This ultimately helps me to better fulfil my passion of helping owners grow successful, high-value businesses. By Joseph Essey is Associate Partner–Small Business Advisory and Financial Control at Business Growth and Exit Specialists. Visit www.bges.co

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

SECRET TO AYANA’S SUCCESS

Finding the right kind of study IND something that gives you hope for the future, then find people who will sit with you, guide you, and help you.” This is expert advice from Anya, one of the great stories from Macquarie Community College. “We need help in the right way. I found this at Macquarie Community College and it made all the difference.” The answer to improving everything in a new country, Ayana has found, is study. Correction: the right kind of study. Nowadays, Ayana is a successful worker in the Aged Care industry who enjoys heart-warming interactions with clients every day. However, Aged Care is a different industry from the one Ayana thought she’d be working in when she first migrated to Australia from Ethiopia.

Ayana’s experience Ayana is a qualified dentist with a five-year university degree that she earned in Ethiopia. But the barriers to entering her profession in Australia were substantial. The Australian employment agency, whose role is to assist migrants looking for work, sent her to work at a factory production line instead of helping her find the pathway to work in her field.

Macquarie Community College offers a range of education options for migrant women .

In 2017, she came across the CareerPathways program. It specifically tailored training and services to meet the needs of migrant women experiencing barriers to work. It was a relief to finally find the kind of support that migrant wom-

en needed. Ayana graduated with a CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability) and was offered a job during her work placement – even before she graduated! She also went on to complete her Certificate IV.

SKILLS4You makes all the difference The newly launched SKILLS4You program is similar to the CareerPathways program that Ayana benefited from. It provides a pathway for migrant women to enter careers in Aged Care, Disability Care and Child Care. Unique to Macquarie Community College, SKILLS4You consists of quality, fee-free training that includes ‘wraparound’ services including English language and job ready skills. The next class starts on Monday June 20, at MCC Blacktown. Call 1300 845 888 or visit www. macquarie.nsw.edu.au/skills4you Note: The CareerPathways Program was run by the Department of Family and Community Services in partnership with the Department of Industry and Training, for which Macquarie Community College was a training partner. Eligibility criteria apply. Training under JobTrainer is fee-free and fully funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments. Courses delivered by Macquarie Community College (RTO 90033).

ISSUE 15 | June 2022

JOB TRAINING DESIGNED

FOR MIGRANT WOMEN

SKILLS4You is a holistic program designed to train and support migrant women into caring ing careers (aged care, child care, disability care) with quality fee-free* training and wrap-around support. port. • Develop Your English & Job Ready Skills • Pathway to Child Care • Pathway to Aged & Disability Care WORK PLACEMENT

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

New Tavern a family friendly venue LACKTOWN Tavern is at the heart of family friendly dining and entertainment in the Greater Blacktown region. The Tavern features a brand-new bistro where visitors and local resident and families enjoy mouthwatering meals. The newly renovated property features a stunning courtyard and is the perfect pub for locals, after workers, families and everything in between. Huge play equipment and older kids area are located right next to the bistro so families can keep the kids entertained while they catch up over classic pub food with a modern twist. There is Live Music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday plus Monster Raffles and a bottle shop available.

The new look Blacktown Tavern.

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

BLACKTOWN LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS - VIOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE BUSINESS

Vote for your favourite business

The Blacktown News is again proud to support the Blacktown Local Business Awards as media partner. Voting for the 2022 awards is now open - until July 6. To vote for your favourite business simply scan the QR code on the advertisement to be linked to the businesses' voting page.

www.thebusinessawards.com.au | www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au YOUR LOCAL LAWYERS, HERE TO HELP.

DO YOU NEED TO SPEAK TO A LAWYER? Scan the Barcode to vote for One Law in the Business Awards

Call us on our FREE advice line or leave your details and we’ll call you back.

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BLACKTOWN LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS - VIOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE BUSINESS

ISSUE 15 | June 2022

BLACKTOWN LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS - VIOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE BUSINESS

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

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MAGAZINE

ISSUE 15 | June 2022

INSIDE

Property Auto Crosswords Travel Mindset Films Trends Fitness

Baz at work at his Tapered the Barbershop.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Barber Baz cut above the rest 'D be honored to cut your hair and look after you but first it's a privilege for me to do it.' This is a motto that Baz Tastan and Tapered the Barbershop hold in the highest regard, also why Tapered and the wider Quakers Hill community have had such an endearing relationship. Tapered the Barbershop is now five years old and it recently won Best Barbershop in the Local Business Awards. Now, there is very much a two-way street in this business - you have a premium barbershop that has the highest quality of cuts, shaves and fades. It is as good as anything you'll get in the CBD, combined with a community that keeps coming back to support the business and sees the value in the service. As Baz said: ‘One needs the other to work’ Like all small businesses, there have been many difficult roads to navigate and no better example than the last two years of the pandemic when the business was closed for more than three months due to lockdown.

Unlike others however, Baz continued to be hugely active on social media where he has 8k followers. He constantly checks in on the community, staying positive and focusing on mental health issues and encouraging families and friends to look out for each other. It is that concept of giving back that has made Tapered the respected and loved business it is today. On top of this, Baz started his own mobile caravan barbershop with an aim to work more closely with mental health organisations. It has seen him on the last two Christmas Days show up and cut hair for the homeless and underprivileged, in Martin Place and Parramatta Park respectively. The caravan also serves as a private, after-hours barbershop for anyone that wants an out of hours appointment. Tapered The Barbershop is open Tuesday/ Wednesday/Friday 9am-5.30pm; Thursday 9am7pm; Saturday 9am-4pm; Sunday/Monday Closed.

WEXPO coming soon to Blacktown Workers Club

www.wexpo.com.au | Stall enquires: info@wexpo.com.au

Property Showcase

ISSUE 15 | June 2022

MARRIOTT COMMITS TO 200-KEY PROJECT

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

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

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

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MARCH 2022 | EDITION 130 APRIL 2021 Edition 120

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BUSINESS SURVEY

CHARITY SUPPORT

How Aussies are taking to the new plan: 2

Why finding staff is the biggest concern: 5

Our favourite charities in two years of COVID: 10

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

LINES

FULL STORY PAGE 10

Here’s how business traditions will change

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

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

TALE OF TWO POOLS SAS CHALLENGE A Parramatta Olympian THIS EDITION

INSIDE

Special S ttribute tto local b business w winners

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

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

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

Westmead Hospital’s new clinical tower oepns: 2

New suburb named BradÀeld

Govy ofÀcially names high tech city at Aerotropolis: 6

Minister pushing for more women on Parramatta Council: 3

BEST GIFT SINCE THE OPERA HOUSE

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Family business in COVID

How many leveraged patience capital during COVID: 12

How hope really works

Feature on the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal: 15

SALOVS: How hope really happens: 19

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

faces her toughest test

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ISSUE 12 MARCH 2022 LO|CA

NEW

TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

Issue 1 | April 2021

PROPERTY RTY UPDATEE

GAME TIME

MICHELLE ROWLAND

Inside the bank of mum and dad: 16

Blacktown FC is B ready to go: 31

How Afghan women typify our diversity: 18

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

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

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

WELCOME to the Blacktown NEWS

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

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

AutO

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

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

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

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

Crosswords/Games Solutions page 23

ISSUE 15 | June 2022

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

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

TraveL

ISSUE 15 | June 2022

WORKING OFFICE ON THE ROAD

Joining the digital nomads  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

Top cities for digital nomads in Asia

e’ve all heard the term grey nomads, but a new group known as digital nomads has evolved as a result of the COVID pandemic By 2035 more than one billion people around the world are predicted to be living and working as digital nomads as advances in technology, remote working and workplace culture continue to grow. According to predictions, this global nomadic workforce, capable of plugging in anywhere in the world with a decent internet connection, will make up one in every three employees. There are already 35 million digital nomads worldwide, with the trend being driven by technology, growing demand for flexible workspace and the increasing adoption of hybrid work. I joined this growing movement in Australia recently, setting up my office in the annex of my caravan at Budgewoi Caravan Park. It is a fabulous way to work, but I have drawn up a list of essential ‘needs’ if you want to do it successfully.

Rank

What is a digital nomad? A digital nomad is a remote worker who travels and works simultaneously, visiting locations nationwide and worldwide, working from beaches, coffee shops and coworking spaces. Some digital nomads only travel for a few months and others do it for years. Research suggests that 80% of digital nomads prefer to stay in one location for three to nine months. Office advisory service Instant Offices has ranked almost 80 locations on affordability, weather, broadband speed and more to reveal the best places to be a digital nomad in 2022. Unsurprisingly, over half the cities analysed in the top 60 are in Asia. Cities like Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong offer captivating travel experiences, scenery and food alongside stellar connectivity, infrastructure and a manageable cost of living.

Bustling metropolises across Central, East, South, Southeast and Western Asia are perfect for digital nomads who want to explore some of the world’s most iconic business centres and enjoy a continent full of exciting travel opportunities and sights. Demand for flexible office space in places like Singapore and Hong Kong is high as more people look to new ways of using workspace, meaning you can easily find creative coworking spaces, meeting rooms and serviced offices to work from as you travel.

City,Country

Bangkok, Thailand

Seoul, South Korea

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Delhi, India

Hong Kong, China

Beijing, China

Jakarta,India

Kathmandu, Nepal

Shanghai, China

Singapore

Taipei, Taiwan

Istanbul, Turkey

Tokyo, Japan

Hanoi, Vietnam

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Osaka, Japan

Jerusalem, Israel

Kyoto, Japan

Manila, Philippines

Connectivity is also second to none. Singapore boasts the fastest average broadband speed in this ranking, at 256 Mbps, while Jakarta has more than 97,000 wi-fi hotspots across the city. Neighboring countries in Asia-Pacific also feature high on the list for digital nomads, with Australia and New Zealand both offering plenty of coworking space, delicious cuisine, travel opportunities and probably most appealing of all, unparalleled sunny weather.

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

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

Games Solutions

ISSUE 15 | June 2022

TrendS

$20M FOR ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS

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

the smart capabilities of each charger. This includes: • 75 per cent towards buying up to four alternating current (AC) destination chargers per site location. • 75 per cent towards charger installation (capped at $1000 per charger). • 50 per cent towards a two-year charger software subscription. Eligible destinations can apply for the grants online https://www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au/ reducing-emissions-nsw/electric-vehicles/ electric-vehicle-destination-charging-grants.

Electric car charging.

ISSUE 15 | June 2022

FitnesS

MAKING EXERCISING FUN

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

10.

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

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

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

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

Mental Health

ISSUE 15 | June 2022

THE MAGIC POWER OF GOALS

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

“

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

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

A GUIDE TO

Living with

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

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

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ISSUE 15 | June 2022

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

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

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

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

Reviews by Jacob Richardson Creative Director | Film Focus www.filmfocusau.com

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

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

our main duo are naked for probably 45% of the runtime, and they don’t shy away from anything. It is also a wonderfully acted film. Colin Firth and Olivia Coleman do wonders with small roles, completely swallowed by their pain and loss. The main duo are also extremely compelling, particularly Young, who has to play really three versions of the same character throughout; the naive young lover in flashbacks, the realist, desperate and last-ditch hopeful lover in the main timeline, and the cynical, but faintly hopeful and wistful one in the flashforwards. The scripting is also fairly admirable. The piece for most of the runtime works extremely well, and lines like Coleman’s biting remark to Young’s Jane, or Firth’s simple approval of her characters choice to move on, hit home and trust the audi-

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

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