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October 2026
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WORK STARTS ON HEALTH CVENTRE
MACQUARIE FIELDS STATION UPGRADESS
SHINING LIGHT ON INVISIBLE DISABILITIES
2026 WINNERS
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ESTERN Sydney’s tourism industry took centre stage on October 16 as the Western Sydney Tourism Awards 2026 brought together the region’s leading tourism operators, businesses and
industry figures for an evening of celebration and recognition. Hosted by Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce NSW (WSTTF) at the Western Sydney Convention Centre in Penrith, the awards recognised the people and businesses
driving excellence, innovation and growth across one of Australia’s fastest-growing visitor economies. Quest Campbelltown was awarded Gold Winner in the Apartment Hotels and Unique Accommodation category. More inside.
Your guide to frailly friendly living.
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Just Cuts wins salon of the year award.
Australian Idol stars at Campbelltown.
E-Bikes get crushed.
info@macathuradvocate.au Editor Michael Walls michael@accessnews.com.au
Advertising sales Julie Jackson julie@accessnews.com.au
Administration Rebecca Swaleh rebecca@accessnews.com.au
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HEALTH $26.5M surgical centre for Campbelltown.
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Support Partner Local Business Awards in Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly.
Stay tuned for more great events coming
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Work starts on health precinct
day was an exciting moment for Campbelltown ONSTRUCTION started on the $112.2M secand the future of healthcare in our region. ond stage of the Macarthur Health Precinct, “As our community continues to grow, it’s marking a significant investment in healthimportant that our residents can access the health care services for Campbelltown and the wider services they need close to home. This precinct Macarthur region. will bring more healthcare services into the heart Representatives from Campbelltown City of our city and make quality care more accessible Council, Vital Healthcare Property Trust (Vital) to people across Macarthur.” and Erilyan were joined on site today by State Vital Chief Executive Officer Chris Adams said: Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren, the “Vital invests in critical healthcare infrastructure precinct’s healthcare providers and members of for the long term and this development reflects the community to celebrate the commencement of the confidence we have in Campbelltown and the construction. wider Macarthur region. The successful delivery of The six-storey development will deliver a Stage 1 established the foundations for an integratshort-stay surgical hospital and medical outpaed healthcare precinct. We are now building on tient building with more than 9,000 sqm of net that investment with a much larger second stage lettable area. Completion is targeted for early that will introduce new essential services to the 2028. Erilyan Co-Founder Tim Curtain, State Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren, local community, including surgical capacity on Ramsay Health Care will anchor the develop- Campbelltown Mayor Cr Darcy Lound and Vital CEO Chris Adams. site." ment with a short-stay surgical hospital. Sonic Construction follows extensive planning between Healthcare is expected to establish a pathology collec- and will provide residents with convenient access to the project partners. Erilyan Co-founder Tim Curtin a broader range of healthcare services closer to home. tion centre and laboratory, while Lumus Imaging will said, “Erilyan is proud to continue its involvement The building is targeting a 5 Star Green Star rating expand its existing presence within the precinct. in the Macarthur Health Precinct. Our focus is now and is centrally located near Campbelltown Public Stage 2 builds on the GenesisCare Integrated CanHospital, Campbelltown’s city centre, Western Sydney on delivering a high-quality facility that serves its cer & Health Centre, which Vital completed in March healthcare providers well and makes a lasting contriUniversity, Narellan Road and the M5. 2024. The new building has been designed with the bution to the community.” Campbelltown Mayor Cr Darcy Lound said: “Toneeds of the growing Macarthur community in mind
Set for Life winners to receive $200,000 upfront
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USTRALIANS winning Set for Life division one will now receive an additional $200,000 upfront, alongside the existing prize of $20,000 monthly for
20 years. Introduced on September 14, the changes increase the initial payment to $220,000. Division two winners will also receive a $20,000 bonus, lifting their first payment to
$25,000. Since launching in 2015, Set for Life has produced 176 division one winners nationally, sharing $830 million. Mondays have recorded the highest proportion of wins at 18.8%,
while February has been the luckiest month. The changes provide winners with greater financial flexibility while maintaining the game's longterm income benefits.
Aboriginal Community Consultation and Registration of Interest Regal Heritage Pty Ltd (Regal Heritage) has been engaged by Planning Ingenuity on behalf of Procent Pty Limited (here on referred to as the ‘Proponent’), to assist in the preparation of an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) including Aboriginal community consultation for the proposed construction of a hospital with at-grade carparking, service provision, landscaping and site works at 1755 Remembrance Driveway, Picton, NSW (Lot 100 DP 1201967, here on referred to as ‘The Project’), The Project Area is located 1 km north of Picton’s Central Business District within the administrative boundaries of the Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council’s administrative boundaries. The Proponent can be contacted via: Ms Emma Ziegenfusz Principal Planner Planning Ingenuity Emma.z@planningingenuity.com.au In accordance with Section 4.1.3 of the Office of Environment and Heritage (now Heritage NSW) Aboriginal cultural heritage consultation requirements for proponents 2010, the Proponent is seeking to consult with any Aboriginal persons or groups who may hold cultural knowledge of Aboriginal cultural heritage within the Project area. The purpose of this consultation will be to assist the Proponent in the preparation of: • An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report (ACHAR) • Determining the significance of any Aboriginal objects/ and/ or places that may be identified during the process • Appropriate management recommendations for any Aboriginal objects and/or places that might be identified during the process • To assist the Proponent in the preparation of any potential Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) and to assist the Director General of Heritage NSW in their consideration and determination of the application; and • To assist the Proponent in the development of a Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) for inclusion in the Development Application to Wollondilly Shire Council. Please be advised that as per Section 4.1.6 of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents 2010 (OEH, 2010) the names of Aboriginal persons or groups who register an interest will be forwarded to Heritage NSW and the Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council, unless the person or group specifies that they do not want their details released. All registrations should be forwarded in writing by 5pm, 29 October 2026 to: Ms Renée Regal Director/ Heritage Consultant Regal Heritage PO Box W51 West Wollongong NSW 2500 renee@regalheritage.com.au
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ISSUE 46 | October 2026
Finally, Macquarie Fields upgrades
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ORE than ten thousand weekly commuters will benefit from significant improvements to Macquarie Fields station, including a new footbridge, two new lifts, and increased canopy coverage to the platforms. Originally built in 1888 Macquarie Fields station last received significant upgrades in the 1970s. For the past five decades, passengers have needed to climb up to 92 stairs, or 78 stairs and a steep ramp, to access the platforms. For some passengers using mobility scooters or similar aids it was easier to travel to other stations, such as Ingleburn or Glenfield Stations, to catch a train with access lifts. A 23-metre-long passenger footbridge, connected by lifts and the pedestrian overbridge will now make daily travel easier for people using mobility scooters, prams, luggage, wheelchairs or other mobility limitations. The Macquarie Fields station upgrade was delivered ahead of schedule and has delivered tangible benefits, improving everyday commutes, enabling local residents to better access and use their local train station. Commuters will find it easier to access transport options, thanks to an upgraded station forecourt and greater pedestrian connections, as well as five accessible parking spaces, eight additional bike parking spaces and a relocated bus stop on Railway Parade.
The upgraded Macquarie Fields station.
Upgrades to Macquarie Fields Station include: • Two new lifts. • A new passenger footbridge. • Upgraded station forecourt, including new ramp and stairs to Platform 2. • Improved Boarding Assistance Zones on both platforms with canopy coverage, with a new dedicated Boarding Assistance Zone waiting area on Platform 2. • Accessible parking spaces, kiss and ride spaces and one longer accessible community bus bay to accommodate accessible community transport vehicles. • A new pedestrian crossing across Railway Parade to the station entrance.
• Safety and security improvements at the station and surrounding precinct. • Bus stop relocation on Railway Parade. • Eight new bicycle spaces at the station access from Railway Parade. Compliance with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport was one of the NSW Government’s early commitments and this shows that we are continuing to deliver on that commitment. An additional $200M allocated to the Safe Accessible Transport program in the 2026–27 NSW Budget will accelerate accessibility upgrades at several stations, bringing the Government's total investment in the program to more
than $1B since the 2023–24 Budget. The NSW Government is continuing to accelerate maintenance work to strengthen reliability and safety across the Sydney Trains network, with a record $2.B investment in the 2026-27 Budget. Further improvements are on the way, with precinct work to be delivered in the coming months. For more information visit the project website. Member for Macquarie Fields, Anoulack Chanthivong said: “The upgrade removes long-standing accessibility barriers for the Macquarie Fields community. It improves safety and convenience and better integrates the station into the local transport network.
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Contact our caring team today to explore your memorial options. 166–176 St Andrews Road, Varroville 1300 086 689 | info@mmpark.com.au www.mmpark.com.au
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Melissa shines light on invisible disabilities
ORMER Campbelltown resident Melissa Hammond is using art to challenge perceptions of disability, with her work Making the Invisible Visible selected as a finalist in the 2026 Fisher’s Ghost Art Award. Currently on display at Campbelltown Arts Centre, the artwork highlights the experiences of Australians living with disabilities that are not immediately apparent. The exhibition coincides with Invisible Disability Awareness Week, October 18–24, and the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3. It continues until December 4. Now based in Canberra, Hammond developed multiple invisible disabilities following two car accidents, experiences that have increasingly influenced her artistic practice. Her finalist artwork features an empty chair positioned in a corner, a blurred floor symbolising life's uncertainty, and a
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard representing conditions that may not be visible. Light flooding the scene symbolises the need for greater awareness and understanding. More than one in five Australians live with disability, with many experiencing conditions that cannot be identified through appearance alone. Hammond believes traditional disability symbols, particularly the wheelchair icon, can reinforce misconceptions that disabilities are always physical and visible. Through her artwork, she hopes to encourage greater curiosity, empathy and recognition of the challenges faced by people living with non-visible conditions. Her selection as a finalist also marks a personal homecoming, bringing her disability advocacy to Campbelltown's major annual art exhibition.
Making the Invisible Visible.
Funds recognise community contributions
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HE NSWs Labor Government has allocated $3,000 to support two Camden electorate events recognising unpaid carers during National Carers Week. The funding forms part of a $214,364 statewide grants program supporting 125 initiatives celebrating the contribution of unpaid carers across NSW from October 11. Local recipients include the Macarthur Transitional Aged Care Program,
which focuses on building carers’ resilience, and South Western Sydney Local Health District, supporting carers of palliative care patients. Grants of between $1,000 and $2,000 have been awarded statewide for activities including wellness retreats, educational workshops, cultural lunches and community events. NSW has at least 958,500 unpaid carers, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data. Nationally, unpaid
carers contribute an estimated 2.2 billion hours of unpaid work annually, valued at $77.9 billion. Member for Camden Sally Quinnell welcomed the funding, highlighting the important contribution carers make to local families and communities. “Unpaid carers deserve to know their contribution is valued,” Ms Quinnell said. Minister responsible for carers Jodie Harrison said carers worked tirelessly
behind the scenes and deserved greater recognition. Carers NSW interim CEO Kristen Hannah said the grants would help reduce isolation, strengthen community networks and improve understanding of carers’ challenges. The funding complements existing NSW Government programs supporting carers, including workplace accreditation initiatives and the NSW Companion Card scheme.
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ISSUE 46 | October 2026
$26.5M surgical centre for Campbelltown
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ATIENTS across South West Sydney will have greater access to private surgical care, with Ramsay Health Care planning a new purpose-built day surgery centre in Campbelltown. Ramsay Surgical Centre Campbelltown is expected to open in mid-2028 within the Macarthur Health Precinct developed by Vital Health Care Property Trust, following a $26.5M million investment by Ramsay Health Care. It will provide surgery across a range of specialties including orthopaedics, general surgery, endoscopy, gynaecology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), urology and plastic surgery. The new facility will feature three operating theatres including a dedicated procedure room, with capacity for a fourth operating theatre in the future. It will also include 12 inpatient beds, enabling a broader range of surgery to be performed at the facility. The new centre is expected to create around 35 jobs in the initial phase, building a new team of nurses, allied health professionals and other healthcare workers to support its surgical services. The investment comes as Campbelltown experiences significant population growth, with NSW Government projections estimating the local population will increase by more than 45,000 people between 2021 and 2041.
Artist impression of the project.
Ramsay’s National Growth & Partnerships Manager, Claire Thurwood, said the new centre was being designed to meet the changing surgical needs of patients across South West Sydney. “As our community grows, we want more patients to be able to access the surgical care they need locally, without having to travel further across Sydney,” Ms Thurwood said.
The surgical centre will form part of the Macarthur Health Precinct, where Stage 1 of the development has already opened with the Genesis Care Integrated Cancer & Health Centre. Ms Thurwood said the new centre would complement existing healthcare services in the area and provide patients with greater choice about where they receive their care.
Just Cuts wins salon of the year award
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UST Cuts Campbelltown Macarthur Square has won Justice HairCare Salon of the Year Australia at the 2026 Just Cuts Franchise Owners Conference in Queenstown, New Zealand. The national recognition coincides with the salon's 30th
anniversary and owner Joanne Ashkar's 10 years at the helm. Ashkar, who has spent 27 years with Just Cuts, credited her team's dedication and loyal customers for the achievement. “This award really belongs to our whole team,” she said. The salon pre-
viously won Campbelltown Local Business Awards in 2014 and 2020. Beyond hairdressing, the team supports local charities, providing free haircuts for homeless people and assisting domestic violence and breast cancer initiatives.
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Australian Idol stars at Campbelltown
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ACARTHUR music fans will get the chance to see Australian Idol 2026 winner Kesha Nevé and fan favourite Kalani Artis perform live when their joint tour arrives at The Cube in December. The pair will bring their SIDE BY SIDE tour to the venue on Saturday, December 12, combining the country-pop sound of Nevé with Artis’ soulful indie-folk style in a show celebrating their journeys on the popular television talent competition. Nevé, who hails from the Snowy Mountains, captured the Australian Idol crown with her powerful vocals and emotive performances, while Central Coast singer-songwriter Artis finished third and built a strong following with his heartfelt interpretations of well-known songs. The tour will feature performances of songs that helped win over audiences during their Idol journeys, alongside
original material and acoustic moments. Fans can expect Nevé’s takes on hits including Miley Cyrus’ The Climb, Adele’s When We Were Young and Olivia Dean’s Man I Need. Artis will perform his versions of Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club, Crowded House’s Don’t Dream It’s Over and Natalie Imbruglia’s Torn, which has attracted significant attention online. The artists will also perform original songs, including Nevé’s Better This Way and It Ain’t Right, Right Now, alongside Artis’ Winter Never Ends and Torn, backed by a full band. The tour gives local fans an opportunity to experience the performers beyond their television appearances as they begin building their careers following the 2026 competition. Tickets for the Campbelltown show are available through keshaneve.com.au and kalaniartis.com.au.
Australian Idol starts scheduled to perform at The Cube.
Wollondilly adopts a weed management strategy
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OLLONDILLY Shire Council has adopted a new five-year strategy to prevent and manage invasive weeds across the region. The Weeds (Biosecurity) Strategy 2026–2031
sets out how Council, landholders and partner organisations will work together to stop new invasive species, contain high-risk weeds and reduce the impacts of widespread infestations. Mayor Matt
Gould said effective weed management was essential to protecting the Shire’s bushland, waterways and agricultural land. The strategy includes monitoring, community education and landholder
support, with implementation primarily funded through the NSW Government’s Weed Action Program 2025–2029, alongside existing Council resources and future funding opportunities.
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ISSUE 46 | October 2026
WESTERN SYDNEY TOURISM AWARDS
Region’s winners take centre stage
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ESTERN Sydney’s tourism industry took centre stage on October 16 as the Western Sydney Tourism Awards 2026 brought together the region’s leading tourism operators, businesses and industry figures for an evening of celebration and recognition. Hosted by Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce NSW (WSTTF) at the Western Sydney Convention Centre in Penrith, the awards recognised the people and businesses driving excellence, innovation and growth across one of Australia's fastest-growing visitor economies. Quest Campbelltown was awarded Gold Winner in the Apartment Hotels and Unique Accommodation category. The evening brought together leaders from government, tourism and business, Guests heard from the Hon. Steve Kamper MP, Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Mayor of Penrith Cr Todd Carney; Panthers Group CEO Andrew Hill, and prestigious representatives from the Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce and Western Sydney International Airport. A total of 13 awards were presented, recognising excellence across tourism, hospitality, accommodation, events, arts and visitor experiences. Winners were acknowledged by prominent government and industry leaders, including Kellie Sloane, NSW Opposition Leader and Karen Jones, CEO of Destination NSW, along with representatives from Qantas, Accor, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Vietnam Airlines, Western Sydney University, Business NSW and Cabravale Club Resort, and Liverpool Catholic Club. The evening culminated in the presentation of the coveted Tourism Business of the Year award, before a finale of some exciting lucky draw prizes coordinated by the WSTTF, including airfare tickets, accommodation packages and a range of experiences sponsored by the region’s hotels, wineries, Vietnam Airlines, Qantas and Jetstar. Opening the evening, Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce Chair Fazila Farhad reflected on the remarkable progress of the region's tourism industry. “Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and winners, whose innova-
Taskforce Chair Fazila Farhad.
NSW Opposition leader Kellie Sloane,
tion, passion and commitment continue to showcase the very best of Western Sydney,” said Farhad. “Since launching in 2024, these awards have celebrated the people, businesses and experiences shaping the future of tourism in our region. As Western Sydney prepares to welcome the opening of Western Sydney International Airport and enters a new era of opportunity, success will be defined not by infrastructure alone, but by the people and experiences that bring our region to life and make it such a unique destination for visitors.” At the event, the Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce treated guests to a sneak preview of its upcoming destination campaign, ‘A World at Your Doorstep’ - an exciting next step in raising Western Sydney’s profile and inspiring visitors to discover the wealth of experiences across the region. Further details will be announced in the coming days.
Winners of the Western Sydney Tourism Awards 2026: 1. Outstanding Tourism Campaign of the Year Winners Platinum Winner: West HQ Filipino Festival Gold Winners: Club Marconi Festa Della Repubblica Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park Wake Up with the Wildlife 2. Event Campaign Award – Council Winners Platinum Winner: Fairfield City Council Moon Festival - National Lion Dance Competition Gold Winners: City of Parramatta - New Years Eve 2025
Minister Steve Kamper.
Penrith City Council - REAL Festival 2025 3. Meeting/Conference Venue of the Year Winners Platinum Winner: Liverpool Catholic Club Venues Gold Winners: Australian Turf Club - Rosehill Gardens Racecourse Visy Dior Hotel International 4. Tour Group Experience of the Year Winners Platinum Winner: Anderson's Tours Gold Winner: Gledswood Homestead & Winery Highly Commended: Vietravel Australia 5. Outstanding Achievement in Accessible Tourism Winners Platinum Winner: Quest Penrith Gold Winner: Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park 6. Apartment Hotels and Unique Accommodation 6a: Apartment Hotels Winners Platinum Winner: Meriton Suites Liverpool Gold Winner: Quest Campbelltown 6b: Unique Accommodation Winners Platinum Winner: Novotel Sydney Cabramatta Gold Winner: Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys 7. Tourism Excellence – Team Member of the Year Winners Platinum Winner: Amanda Fuller the William Inglis Hotel – MGallery Collection Gold Winner: Ruwani Weerasinghe La Vie Hotels & Resorts 8. Best Bar/Pub of the Year Winners Platinum Winner: Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains -Two Doctors Whiskey Tavern Gold Winner: Station Hotel Parramatta 9. Best Rated Cuisine – Hotels/ Clubs/Restaurants Winners Platinum Winner: Magma by Dany Karam-Cabravale Club Resort Gold Winner: Wenty Leagues Highly commended: Fairways Restaurant & Bar - Comfort Inn Leura 10. Tourism Transformation Excellence Award (New or Refurbished Project) Winners
CEO Karen Jones.
Platinum Winner: Western Sydney International Airport Gold Winner: Cabravale Club Resort 11. Best Music and Arts Venue Winners Platinum Winner: Coliseum Theatre - West HQ Gold Winners: EVAN Theatre - Penrith Panthers Leagues Club Liverpool Powerhouse - Liverpool City Council Highly Commended: Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre (WPAC)-Wollondilly City Council 12. Chief Executive/General Manager of the Year (Hotels, Clubs & Tourism Businesses) Winners Platinum Winner: Stephen Wills - General Manager, Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley Gold Winners: Noah Moseley - General Manager, Calmsley Hill City Farm Vicki Le - Chief Commercial Officer, Cabravale Club Resort 12.A Special Award: Leadership Legacy Award Winner: Belinda Thomson - General Manager, The William Inglis Hotel – MGallery Collection 13. Tourism Business of the Year – Major Winners Platinum Winner: Cabravale Club Resort Gold Winner: The William Inglis Hotel - MGallery Collection
About the Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce The Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce NSW Inc. is the region’s leading tourism industry association. It advocates for and promotes Western Sydney’s visitor economy across the entire region. An independent, member-based body, the Taskforce represents the industry as a whole, connecting accommodation providers, attractions, tour operators, venues, hospitality businesses and stakeholders. Its aim is to showcase the region’s rich cultural diversity and outdoor attractions to a global audience and to position Western Sydney as a premier destination for domestic and international visitors.
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ATO stops accepting credit cards
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HE Australian Taxation Office will stop accepting credit card payments from December 1, 2026, following the Reserve Bank’s review of merchant card payment costs and surcharging.The ATO says it is inappropriate for credit card merchant fees to be passed on to the community. Taxpayers using credit cards for payment plans will need to switch payment methods before their first instalment after November 30. The ATO is contacting affected taxpayers directly and says support remains available for people experiencing financial hardship.
Free legal for sexual assault survivors
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NSW free legal service will help sexual assault victim-survivors across NSW understand their rights and navigate the justice system. The $1.74 million Sexual Assault Survivors’ Legal Service, delivered by Legal Aid NSW, offers advice on reporting to police, criminal proceedings, subpoenas and related matters. It also helps health professionals respond to requests for counselling and medical records that may be protected by law. The service forms part of a broader $6.2M government package to strengthen responses to sexual violence. Contact the service on (02) 9219 5888 or sasls@legalaid.nsw. gov.au.
Trust shapes home energy choices
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RUST, safety and control are increasingly shaping how Australians embrace new household energy technologies, according to Monash University research. The Foresights for Future Australian Home Life report found cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, affordability and uncertainty are influencing attitudes towards home
First illegal e-bikes get crushed
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HE first illegal e-bikes seized under new NSW laws have been crushed at a Blacktown wrecking yard. The 23 bikes were among 36 confiscated by NSW Police and Transport for NSW in a mid-September Northern Beaches operation, with return applications for 13 being assessed. They included a bike capable of over 90km/h seized from a 14-year-old. Compliant e-bikes must cut power assistance at 25km/h and be limited to 250 watts continuous power. Transport Minister John Graham said it was a graphic warning to riders to ensure their e-bikes were legal.
batteries, electric vehicles and smart energy systems. Researchers studied 42 households and surveyed more than 5,000 Australians. They identified six key factors — trust, control, safety, care, inclusivity and uncertainty — influencing technology adoption.
$200M boost for NSW bus drivers
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HE NSW Government will invest $200M to improve pay and conditions for more than 8,000 bus drivers as it tackles ongoing driver shortages and service cancellations. Funding will be tied to wage increases negotiated between private operators and unions, along with improved parttime opportunities, training and workplace conditions. The Greater Sydney driver shortage has fallen from more than 500 to 168. Since taking office, the Government says it has added 5,910 bus services, ordered 1,089 new buses and introduced new Western Sydney routes, including connections to Western Sydney International Airport.
Stronger rules to sell parts to repairers
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HE Insurance Council of Australia is calling for stronger Right to Repair laws requiring vehicle manufacturers to sell genuine parts to independent repairers on fair terms. The ICA says
mechanics can have the technical information needed to repair vehicles but still be prevented from completing work because manufacturers refuse to supply parts. CEO Andrew Hall said restricted access increased repair costs and delays and could result in otherwise repairable vehicles being written off, ultimately contributing to higher insurance premiums for Australian motorists.
Training mandatory for strata committees
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SW strata committee members must complete free online training within three months of their appointment, under new rules from the NSW Government. The one-hour NSW Fair Trading course, delivered via Strata Hub, covers committee duties, repairs, finances, meetings, record keeping and dispute resolution. It is the first in a planned series, with more modules from 2027. Acting Fair Trading Minister Paul Scully said the training would give the 1.2 million NSW apartment residents greater confidence in those managing their buildings.
$4.3M for festival drug checking
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HE NSW Government will invest $4.3M to continue drug checking services at up to 15 music festivals annually following a successful
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12-month trial. An independent University of Sydney evaluation found the service reduced drug-related risks and was associated with fewer urgent hospital presentations and ICU admissions. More than 1,800 festivalgoers used the trial, with about 1,500 samples tested. NSW Health will continue providing free, anonymous testing and harm-reduction advice. The Government stressed illicit drugs remain illegal and no level of use is safe.
Taxes top business concerns, says Opposition
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AXES and government charges remain the top cost concern for NSW businesses for a second straight quarter, according to Business NSW’s September report. Confidence sits at -65.0, with nearly one in three businesses cutting staff and only 12 per cent hiring. The NSW Opposition has proposed raising the payroll tax threshold to $1.5M and cutting the rate to 4.75 per cent on the first $10M. Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said Labor must address high taxes amid record insolvencies.
Disaster rebuild costs outpace inflation
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HE cost of rebuilding homes after extreme weather is rising faster than inflation, adding pressure to housing construction and insurance premiums. Insurance Council of Australia analysis shows building costs increased about 30 per cent in the five years to March 2026, compared with 24 per cent CPI growth. Roof tiles jumped 77 per cent, while windows, plaster, steel, cement and other materials recorded sharp increases. Between 2022 and 2026, insurers received more than 400,000 disaster-related home claims, costing $11.3 billion and further stretching construction capacity.
Telling stories, celebrating success, inspiring all WISB is about progress. The stories that stem from the rich ecosystem of women growing in and succeeding in businesses across all sectors and all levels.
WWW.WOMNENINSMALLBUSINESS.AU WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/WOMENINSMALLBUSINESS
GOLDEN BROWS ACADEMY EXCELLING
SUCCESS FROM THE DAYS OF COVID
DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE
TASTE OF AUSTRALIA
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Tax Debt Matters
www.macarthuradovcate.au
ISSUE 46 | October 2026
WHY PAYMENT PLANS FIX EVERYTHING
And the wrong one can wreck It MICHAEL MOON
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PAYMENT plan is one of the most underrated tools in dealing with the ATO. Done properly, it solves almost the entire problem in one move. Done badly, it's the reason a manageable debt turns into a genuine crisis. The difference is never the plan itself. It's whether it was ever going to fit. Most businesses are offered a standard shape. A fixed monthly figure, over a fixed period, calculated off the debt rather than off the business. For some businesses that shape fits well enough. For a lot of others, it's a square peg being pushed into a round hole. The number looks reasonable on paper the day it's signed and stops looking reasonable the first month cash flow doesn't cooperate. That's not a failure of willingness. It's a mismatch between the shape of the plan and the actual shape of the business, its seasonality, its payment cycle, the lumpiness of when money actually lands versus when it goes out. Force that mismatch through anyway and the plan doesn't bend to fit. It breaks. Here's the part worth understanding properly. A plan that's actually shaped around the business, built against its real cash cycle rather than a generic template, can run for up to three years and hold the whole way. That's not a lesser outcome than clearing the debt fast. For most businesses, it's the better one.
It keeps the business compliant, keeps enforcement away, and keeps cash in the business doing what cash needs to do. Handled properly, the payment plan isn't a consolation prize. It's the panacea most businesses never realise they had access to. Shaping that fit is the specialist work, and it's worth being direct about that. It takes knowing what evidence the ATO needs to agree to a longer term, and knowing where a business's real cash cycle sits well enough to build a plan around it rather than around a template.
That's not a side task for someone whose training is compliance or general advice. It's a different discipline, done daily, against a target that keeps moving. The cost of getting the shape wrong has never been higher. A plan that doesn't fit tends to default, and a default isn't a neutral reset. The ATO's patience for a second attempt is measurably lower than for the first, and options open on day one are frequently gone by the time a business needs them again. Set against that, the cost of hav-
ing the plan shaped properly the first time is small. It doesn't come close. If your business already has an ATO payment plan, the question worth asking isn't whether you have one. It's whether it was shaped around your business or around a template. One of those is the hidden panacea. The other is just delaying the same problem, at a higher price, for later. Michael Moon is Director at Tax Assure, Australia's leading tax debt negotiation firm. Visit www.taxassure.com.au
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Travel
October | ISSUE 46 | www.macarthuradvocate.au | Edited by Emma Wilson | travelwellwithemma@gmail.com
INTERESTING THINGS PEOPLE ARE DOING
The William Inglis Hotel
EMMA WILSON, TRAVEL EDITOR
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’M fascinated by people doing interesting things, and something that I love about Sydney is just how diverse the experiences and destinations on our doorstep can be. That was certainly the case when I found myself at the William Inglis Hotel for Saturday night’s Candlelight concert. Have you ever set foot inside the William Inglis Hotel? Neither had I and yet walking through its doors felt like being transported straight into the epicentre of Australia’s horse-racing world. And it was. The hotel sits within the 22-acre Riverside Stables precinct, home to the annual yearling sales and right beside Warwick Farm Racecourse. Before you even enter, you’re greeted by a statue of a horse with a trainer. Then the front doors, decorated with subtle horse motifs, open into the beautifully appointed William Inglis, a horse-themed MGallery hotel and part of the Accor group. I was so intrigued by this world that I stepped into, so I immediately called a close friend who knows this ‘horsey’ world inside out. I wanted to know what I had been missing and whether this fascinating little pocket of Sydney was as significant to the horse world as
it seemed. “Oh yes. I haven’t been there for a while, but it’s a lovely hotel and very well known. We really enjoy staying there when we do. Warwick Farm Racecourse next door has state-of-the-art facilities for the horse sales. They used to hold the sales in Randwick, but had to move further out because of space restrictions in the city. People love it there.” Do they? Well, that was enough to pique my curiosity. It’s certainly worth ducking in for a cocktail on the second floor or booking dinner, if only to discover this fascinating corner of Sydney for yourself. Every little detail has been thoughtfully considered, right down to the guest rooms, each individually named after a Group 1-winning horse sold through the Inglis family. The artwork is phenomenal, think striking blackand-white photographs of horses being hosed down in all their magnificent glory, radiating water droplets, alongside equestrian touches including horse-print carpet. We loved the convenience of being able to simply walk out of the Candlelight concert and head straight upstairs to our room. And if you’re at the hotel to simply unwind, the rooftop pool is a great spot to watch the orange sun slip away, preferably from one of the poolside cabanas. It would make a beautiful
wedding venue for those reasons, and is equally suited to a girls’ weekend, a romantic escape or a little Sydney getaway when you feel like discovering something completely different.
Why Western Sydney makes sense to bring more cultural events here Western Sydney is changing at extraordinary speed, as we know, with Western Sydney International Airport, Parramatta Light Rail, Sydney Metro
West and major cultural investment reshaping the region. Powerhouse Parramatta is due to open in November 2026, while plans progress for the redevelopment of Riverside Theatres. As Western Sydney builds cultural infrastructure to match its growing population, Candlelight feels very much at home in that story, taking an experience that could feel formal or exclusive and making it accessible through local venues, familiar music, beautiful surroundings and just an hour of your evening. The William Inglis Hotel is home to more than 26 unique event spaces, each with its own character and connection to our rich Inglis history. Across the precinct, we host everything from weddings and gala dinners to conferences, concerts, cultural events and horse sales. The Sales Arena, where the Candlelight Concert was held, is incredibly versatile and can accommodate up to 1,000 guests depending on the setup. In just one week, we saw it transform from an intimate Candlelight Concert illuminated by hundreds of candles to a completely different event with a boxing ring in the centre. Weddings are also a big part of the hotel, with spaces including the Rose Pavilion for beautiful garden ceremonies, the Sales Arena for large-scale celebrations and The Big Barn for a more intimate, rustic setting steeped in Inglis heritage”. Why not join the Pink October event , Melbourne Cup on Tuesday 3rd November or Christmas Day Lunch in the Newmarket Room. Visit: www.williaminglis.com.au
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www.macarthuradovcate.au
TraveL
ISSUE 46 | October 2026
with Emma Wilson
WHERE COAST MEETS CRAFT AT THE
Refurbished Adina Darling Harbour
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EATING 60, the all-day venue draws inspiration from the natural tones and textures of the harbour, where timber, stone, brushed brass, and soft textiles create a contemporary space that feels warm, relaxed and distinctly connected to its waterfront setting. Complementing the restaurant's interiors and harbour location is a menu shaped by Executive Chef Evan Prayogo. With more than 15 years of experience across Australia's hospitality industry, Evan's approach is grounded in seasonality, quality produce, and the belief that simple food done well is often the most satisfying. Having studied architecture before pursuing a career in hospitality, Evan also brings a strong eye for detail to the kitchen. It's an influence reflected across the menu, where generous, approachable dishes are presented with care. "For us, Shoreline Kitchen is about creating the kind of place people want to come back to. Somewhere for breakfast before work, a long lunch by the harbour or dinner with friends as the city starts to slow down. The food matters, of course, but so does the feeling people leave with." Influenced by the sociable nature of Mediterranean dining while placing Australian produce at its centre, the menu offers generous, dishes suited to breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast highlights include coconut chia pudding with yuzu, seasonal fruit, finger lime, and toasted coconut alongside Tasmanian smoked salmon on potato rösti, with white tarama, pickled cucumber and poached egg and thick brioche French Toast, topped with whipped mascarpone, honey, and seasonal fruit.
For lunch, crisp market salads sit alongside Blue Swimmer Crab Mafaldine with brown butter, chilli, burnt lemon and dashi, and Shoreline's signature fish burger with potato bun, finger lime, tartare, and pickled cucumber. Diners looking to share can enjoy salt & pepper calamari with mountain pepper, lemon, and herbs, or burrata with seasonal tomatoes, whipped labneh, basil and native pepper. The dinner menu features a selection of larger plates and dishes to share, including Daily Whole Market Fish with Dashi butter, brassica greens, sumac, capers and charred lemon; a Shawarma spiced Marga lamb neck, whipped labne and pickles or Shio koji roasted chicken, with caramelised date, blistered grapes, saltbush, jus and preserved lemon; and Raw Yellowfin Tuna with seasonal stone fruit, finger lime, yuzu kosho vinaigrette, herb oil, smoked almond. These are complemented by local wines, cocktails, and craft beers. Chef Evan says that ingredients are sourced locally, with an emphasis on seasonality, provenance, and supporting producers. From freerange eggs and artisan sourdough through to premium Australian beef and market-fresh vegetables, quality produce is at the heart of every dish. "Our belief is that great food starts before the first bite, in the hands of local farmers, growers and producers who care deeply about their craft," Evan said. "We want every meal to feel nourishing, whether guests are stopping by for a coffee, joining us for lunch or winding down with a drink at the end of the day." Positioned between Darling Harbour, Barangaroo and Sydney's CBD, Shoreline Kitchen is a convenient meeting place for hotel
guests, conference delegates, city workers, and visitors exploring the waterfront. In addition to restaurant dining, Shoreline Kitchen also caters to room service, poolside dining and meeting and events catering across the hotel. Open seven days a week from 7am, Shoreline Kitchen caters to everything from early-morning coffee
and breakfast meetings to leisurely lunches, with dinner available from mid-October. Shoreline Kitchen: Address: Adina Sydney Darling Harbour, 60 Lime St, Sydney NSW Open: Breakfast and lunch seven days a week from 7:00AM | Dinner available from mid-October.
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www.macarthuradovcate.au
ISSUE 46 | October 2026
WHERE BUSINESS MEETS EXPERIENCE
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Location among best in region
HE Western Sydney Convention Centre (WSCC) has established itself as one of Western Sydney’s premier destinations for conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, product launches and major corporate events. Located at 81 Mulgoa Road, Penrith, within the vibrant Panthers Entertainment Precinct, WSCC combines contemporary event facilities with accommodation, dining and entertainment, creating a genuine destination experience for organisers and delegates. At the heart of the venue is 1,250 square metres of flexible, pillar-free event space that can be transformed into everything from sophisticated dinners and conferences to exhibitions and trade shows. The wider Panthers precinct further expands the possibilities, providing access to additional event spaces, restaurants, bars and entertainment. A major advantage is the exceptional accommodation available virtually on the doorstep.
The five-star Pullman Sydney Penrith is directly connected to the Convention Centre and features 152 stylish guest rooms and suites. Facilities include premium dining, bars, an elite fitness centre, sauna, 24-hour in-room dining and complimentary undercover parking. Also within the Panthers Entertainment Precinct is Mercure Penrith, just a short two-minute walk from WSCC. Offering 222 rooms, it provides valuable additional capacity for larger conferences, exhibitions and multi-day events. Together, the two hotels enable organisers to combine events and accommodation in one convenient precinct. WSCC’s Penrith location also positions it strategically within one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. It is located about 18 kilometres from Western Sydney International Airport, with major road and rail infrastructure continuing to strengthen connections across the region. For organisations looking beyond the traditional Sydney CBD event market, Western Sydney Convention Centre delivers an impressive combination of modern facilities, premium accommodation, accessibility and entertainment—all in the heart of Western Sydney. Discover more at www.westernsydneyconventioncentre.com.au
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ISSUE 46 | October 2026
www.macarthuradovcate.au
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COYOTE VS ACME - REVIEW
Stop it, you’re crying over a cartoon Coyote JACOB RICHARDSON
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OR years, Wile E. Coyote has been trying to catch and kill the Roadrunner with a series of gadgets from ACME. But when his rocket skates fail, he says enough is enough. He approaches local personal injury lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte) to take on ACME in court, going up against their formidable legal team led by Buddy Crane (John Cena). And while Avery might be initially reluctant to take up the case, as they unravel a deeper conspiracy, he finds himself drawn into the fight. Coyote Vs ACME is a movie that was never meant to see the light of day. Written off by Warner Bros as a tax write off, and subsequently rescued by another firm and finally released, the question was always going to be; was it worth the wait? The answer is a resounding yes. It’s a bonkers concept, played out with aplomb. Beautifully mixing the Looney Tunes vibes with the live action, and building a world that perfectly integrates all of the different canon characters without ever losing sight of its main story, it sucks you into an absurd tale. While the synopsis might read like a mix between a fever dream and an exceptionally dry legal procedural, the end product is neither. And that’s not to even begin to talk about the ending. The finale of this movie hits you so hard in the feels, you’ll feel like Wile E. Coyote having come acropper a large mountain after a malfunctioning ACME product. There’s a genuinely lovely message in here about
the chase; about what it means to have something to pursue, and someone to pursue it with. It’s a beautiful resolution to a movie that could have been about a Coyote finally eating a bird, but turns into something much more heartfelt. The live action cast are all perfectly serviceable here, and it’s nice to see Cena play a bit more of a villain. Forte is well cast, striking the blend between too funny and just funny enough well. But ultimately, this isn’t their show. The script is fantastic, but it’s the gags aping classic WB
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cartoons, the love of the lore, and the love of these characters from director Dave Green that really shines through. And for a movie so belaboured by release dramas, it winds up both directly and indirectly proving that sometimes, the chase is worth it. Coyote Vs ACME winds up being one of the best movies of the year. A genuinely heartfelt film, that will entertain you from start to finish while also impressing you with its innovation. Worth seeking out for sure! FOUR STARS
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