Macathur Advocate - August 2026

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August 2026

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LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS

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AMILIES and science enthusiasts will have the chance to explore the hidden world of plant conservation when Sydney Science Trail Community Day transforms the Australian PlantBank and Herbarium at Mount Annan into a hands-on science hub on Saturday, August

22. Hosted by Botanic Gardens of Sydney as part of National Science Week, the free event will give visitors behindthe-scenes access to some of Australia’s leading plant science facilities, while showcasing the research helping protect the nation’s unique flora and threatened ecosystems. More page 3.

WORLD OF PLANTS Your guide to frailly friendly living.

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ISSUE 44 | August 2025 How to get Advocate The Macarthur Advocate is available at strategic locations throughout Blacktown LGA. To find a location near you visit our website.

Digital edition Each edition of The Macarthur Advocate can be viewed and downloaded in digitalf format at our ISSUU platform:

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ISSUE 44 | August 2026

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TASKFORCE TACKLES HOTEL SHORTAGE

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AMILIES and science enthusiasts will have the chance 22. Hosted by Botani to explore the c hidden world of ney as part of Nation Gardens of Sydplant al Science Week, when Sydney Science conservation the free event will give visitors behind Trail Comthe-scenes access munity Day transfo to some of Austra rms the Auslia’s leading plant science tralian PlantBank and Herbarium facilities, while showcasing the at Mount Annan research helping into a hands-on protect the nation’s unique science hub on Saturday, August flora and threate ned ecosystems. More page 3.

WORLD OF PLANTS Your guide to

frailly friendly

living.

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Atura Oran Park planned opening.

Australia Post opens new lockers.

Seeking names for airport city.

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Explore the hidden world of plants

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AMILIES and science enthusiasts will have the chance to explore the hidden world of plant conservation when Sydney Science Trail Community Day transforms the Australian PlantBank and Herbarium at Mount Annan into a hands-on science hub on Saturday, August 22.

Hosted by Botanic Gardens of Sydney as part of National Science Week, the free event will give visitors behindthe-scenes access to some of Australia’s leading plant science facilities, while showcasing the research helping protect the nation’s unique flora and threatened ecosystems.

Botanic Gardens of Sydney Chief Executive Simon Duffy AM said this year’s National Science Week theme, “Seeds of Science”, reflected the Gardens’ commitment to inspiring curiosity, learning and conservation.

“Science starts with curiosity, and there are few better places to inspire that curiosity than in our gardens,” Duffy said.

Visitors can tour the nursery, Herbarium and PlantBank laboratory, meet

Children enjoy science education at the Australian PlantBank and Herbarium, Mount Annan.

scientists and horticulturalists, and learn how seeds and plant specimens are collected, preserved and used in conservation research. The PlantBank laboratory tour is restricted to people aged 16 and over.

The program also features family-friendly activities, including seedling crafts, botanical printmaking and

opportunities to plant native species to take home.

Nature lovers can explore the critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland, with less than 10 per cent remaining, while First Nations experiences will provide insights into Dharawal Country, bush foods, culture and connection to Country.

Citizen science will also take centre stage, with participants able to learn about frogs through the Australian Museum’s FrogID project and discover local invertebrates through a Bug Hunt.

Other attractions include carnivorous plants, hands-on seed processing, invasive plant activities and research displays from the University of Technology Sydney.

The event combines science, conservation, culture and creativity, offering visitors of all ages an opportunity to discover how research and community participation can help safeguard Australia’s biodiversity for future generations.

Details: Sydney Science Trail Community Day Australian PlantBank and Herbarium Forecourt, Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan Saturday 22 August 2026, 10am3pm Free event, registrations required: https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/whats-on/ sydney-science-trail-community-day

Local sports groups can apply for grants

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OMMUNITY sporting organisations across NSW can now apply for a share of $4.65 through the NSW Government's Local Sport Grant Program.

Grants of between $2,000 and $20,000 are

available for equipment, participation programs and facility upgrades, with up to $50,000 allocated to each electorate. The funding aims to boost participation, improve inclusion and strengthen grass-

roots sporting clubs across the state. Last year, 586 projects shared $4.49M. Applications close at 1pm on Monday, August 17. Details and applications are available via NSW Grants and Funding.

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Authorised by Sally Quinnell MP, Shops G20/21 Narellan Town Centre, 326 Camden Valley Way, Narellan NSW 2567. Funded using parliamentary entitlements. August 2024.

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ISSUE 44 | August 2026

Atura Oran Park planned opening

IGHT Communications has been appointed to lead the strategic communications campaign for the opening of Atura Oran Park, the premium lifestyle hotel set to launch in early Q4 2026.

Located in one of Australia's fastest-growing regions, Atura Oran Park will become the closest hotel to Western Sydney International Airport and is expected to play a key role in South West Sydney's tourism and business growth.

The agency will oversee media relations, brand storytelling, influencer engagement, events, partnerships and community initiatives to build the hotel's profile before and after its opening.

Eight Communications Managing Director Angela Cowley said the hotel's distinctive design, dining experiences and strong community focus made it an exciting project, while General Manager Shannon Craig said Atura Oran Park would be a destination that connects visitors, businesses and the local community.

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The new Atura at Oran Park.

"We're delighted to be partnering with EVT and the Atura Oran Park team as they bring the Atura brand to Sydney’s South West," she said.

"Atura Oran Park is such a striking hotel, and you can see the Perich family’s vision in every detail, there’s truly nothing like it. The design is bold, the restaurants will be signature dining destinations in their own right, and

there is going to be a real connection to the local community, which gives us so much to talk about.

With the new Western Sydney International Airport opening nearby, it’s also arriving at such an exciting time for the region. We can’t wait to launch it and work with the fantastic team at EVT." General Manager at Atura Oran

Park, Shannon Craig said: "Atura Oran Park is being built for more than overnight stays. As the closest premium hotel to Western Sydney International Airport, we have an opportunity to create a destination that brings together visitors, businesses and the local community.

“With premium accommodation, signature dining and spaces designed to connect people, Atura will reflect the confidence and growth of one of Australia's most exciting regions. We look forward to sharing the stories, partnerships and experiences that will make Atura Oran Park a destination.”

Opening in early Q4 2026, Atura Oran Park will be South West Sydney's premium lifestyle destination, bringing together destination dining, distinctive design and genuine hospitality.

As the closest hotel to the new Western Sydney International Airport, it offers unrivalled connectivity and is set to evolve alongside one of Australia's fastest growing regions.

Pharmacists make case for prescribing

HE Pharmacy Guild of Australia says a review commissioned by the RACGP confirms pharmacist prescribing improves patients' access to healthcare. National Vice President Simon Blacker said earlier treatment helps reduce delays, frees

up GP appointments and eases pressure on hospitals.

Citing additional Australian and international research, the Guild said pharmacist prescribing is safe, effective and highly valued by patients, with strong adherence to clinical guidelines and high satisfaction

rates. The Guild is calling for a nationally consistent approach to pharmacist prescribing, arguing it would improve healthcare access regardless of where Australians live while maintaining rigorous clinical governance and patient safety standards.

Discover Macarthur Memorial Park, Sydney’s newest cemetery Set across 113 hectares of tranquil parkland, Macarthur Memorial Park offers affordable burial options, with inclusive spaces for diverse beliefs and cultures.

Designed for remembrance and reflection, it offers native bushland, peaceful memorial areas and a cafe and function centre the whole community can enjoy.

Contact our caring team today to explore your memorial options.

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Mates take out indoor golf title

HREE Macarthur workmates have turned last year’s heartbreak into championship glory, leading NSW to victory in the 14th annual X-League Championship in Brisbane.

Shane Zielonka, Andrew Robinson and Scott Green, who have worked together at a Macarthur logistics company for a decade, returned to the Trans-Tasman indoor golf competition after finishing runners-up in 2025.

This time, the trio went one better, defeating teams from across Australia and New Zealand to claim the title for NSW. “We came so close last year and that stayed with us, so to come back and actually finish the job is something we’re incredibly proud of,” Shane said.

The championship final against Far North Queensland’s Smoke Hazards went down to the wire. After Shane’s dramatic lip-out on the 18th hole forced a playoff, a costly Queensland shot into the water gave the NSW team the

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The winning team from Macathur.

advantage.

Shane then held his nerve to sink the winning putt and secure the championship.

For Andrew, the victory provided redemption after last year’s narrow defeat.

“We knew exactly how much it hurt to lose at the end,” he said. “We talked about it throughout the season, but

once we got back it was about putting that behind us and playing our own game. To walk away as champions is a pretty special feeling!”

Smoke Hazards finished runners-up after defeating South East Queensland’s Diamonds in the Rough in their semi-final.

The X-League Championship, held at X-Golf South Bank on August

8, brought together 27 finalists from nine teams across Australia and New Zealand. Competitors battled for the championship and $20,000 worth of prizes.

X-League is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest indoor golf league, featuring weekly three-player, ninehole matches on virtual versions of world-famous courses. Its handicapped format allows golfers of different abilities to compete together.

X-Golf Group X-League Coordinator Nick Treble said this year’s record field highlighted the competition’s rapid growth.

“This year has been our largest X-League yet,” he said, describing it as a pathway for everyday golfers to represent their venue and state on a national stage.

For the Macarthur trio, the championship marks the culmination of a year of determination and a chance to finally finish what they started in 2025.

Doctors back nicotine pouche restrictions

HE Australian Medical Association (AMA) has backed proposed federal restrictions on nicotine pouches, warning stronger action is needed to prevent unapproved products reach-

ing Australians. Health Minister Mark Butler announced reforms to close access through existing prescription pathways, following a Therapeutic Goods Administration consultation. AMA President

Dr Danielle McMullen said some pouches contained high nicotine levels and should not be promoted as safer smoking alternatives or proven cessation aids. The AMA called for tougher online and bor-

der enforcement, stronger regulation of synthetic nicotine and clearer public health messaging.

The warning comes as daily smoking among Australians aged 14 and over falls to 5.6 per cent.

THE WAKE-UP CALL LABOR CAN’T IGNORE Australians do not need economic reports to know they are doing it tough. Families, workers and small businesses across our region are working hard, making sacrifices and doing everything they can to get ahead, yet many feel they are falling behind despite their efforts.

Recent economic data confirms what Australians have been experiencing for years. The OECD found that Australian real wages have fallen by 5.1 per cent since 2021, while wages have increased across comparable countries. Australians are working hard but getting less in return for their efforts.

The Reserve Bank has also highlighted that interest rates alone cannot solve Australia's productivity challenge. While monetary policy can slow demand, it cannot build more homes, reduce red tape, lower taxes or create the conditions needed for businesses to invest, innovate and grow.

The government must focus on lifting productivity and restoring living standards.

Productivity growth remains weak, business investment is under pressure, and younger Australians are finding it increasingly difficult to buy a home, start a family and build financial security.

The IMF has downgraded Australia's growth outlook, while Deloitte has warned that population growth has masked weak productivity and declining growth per person.

Australians are rightly asking why a larger economy is not delivering better living standards.

Australians are not asking for special treatment. They simply want the opportunity to work hard, own a home, raise a family and build a better future. Restoring that promise should be the government's highest priority.

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ISSUE 44 | August 2026

Australia Post opens new lockers

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EPPINGTON residents now have greater flexibility when collecting online purchases, with Australia Post installing a new bank of Parcel Lockers at Emerald Hills Shopping Village.

Located outside the centre near the Street Posting Box at 5 Emerald Hills Boulevard, the lockers provide free, 24-hour, seven-day access to eligible deliveries, missed parcels and prepaid returns.

The installation comes as online shopping continues to grow, with Australia Post reporting a 14 per cent increase in online spending during the June quarter.

More than 9.3 million Australian households sShopped online during the period, highlighting growing demand for flexible delivery options.

Australia Post said nearly one in three Australians now consider access to out-of-home delivery options when making purchasing decisions online.

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The Parcel Lockers allow customers to collect packages outside tradi-

tional delivery hours, helping those who may not be home during the

day or who want greater control over when they receive their purchases.

Eligible parcels can also be returned or sent through the lockers, extending their use beyond simply collecting online orders.

Residents can access the service by creating a free MyPost account through the Australia Post app and selecting their preferred Parcel Locker. Shoppers can then use their unique locker address when ordering online.

The Leppington installation follows the recent addition of Parcel Lockers in Minto, expanding access to Australia Post’s out-of-home delivery network across the Macarthur region.

With Australians increasingly shopping/ online and seeking faster, more convenient delivery options, the new lockers provide local residents with another way to fit parcel collection and returns around their schedule.

New laws target illicit tobacco sales

EW laws targeting commercial landlords who knowingly allow tenants to sell illicit tobacco and illegal vaping products have come into effect across NSW. Under the new offence, landlords who are aware of illegal sales and fail to report the activity or take steps to evict the tenant

face up to one year in prison, a $165,000 fine, or both. The reforms also introduce tougher penalties for possessing or selling commercial quantities of illicit tobacco, with fines exceeding $1.5M and up to seven years’ imprisonment. NSW Health has issued 321 short-term closure orders since November 2025,

with 162 still in force as of June 26. Health Minister Ryan Park said landlords who turn a blind eye to illegal sales were undermining legitimate businesses and community safety. NSW Police and NSW Health are also targeting sellers using QR codes and social media to evade closure orders.

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Taskforce targets hotel shortage

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ESTERN Sydney's tourism industry has identified a critical shortage of hotel accommodation as one of the biggest challenges to capitalising on the region's unprecedented growth.

Industry leaders are calling for faster investment approvals and more accommodation ahead of the opening of Western Sydney International Airport.

The issue dominated discussions at the Destination Western Sydney Hotel Forum 2026, hosted by the Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce at Cabravale Club & Resort.

The event attracted representatives from most major hotels across Parramatta, Hawkesbury, Blacktown, Fairfield, Liverpool, The Hills, Penrith and Macarthur, alongside global hotel brands, developers and investors exploring future opportunities.

Opening the forum, Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce Chair Fazila Farhad said the region was entering a transformative period driven by major infrastructure investment and growing visitor demand.

"The airport is bringing more travellers to Western Sydney. We want them to spend, stay and experience our region," Ms Farhad said, stressing the need for

Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce Chair Fazila Farhad.

stronger collaboration between tourism, infrastructure and investment sectors.

Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones described Western Sydney as "one of Australia's fastest-growing visitor economies" and said the opening of Western Sydney International Airport would transform the region into a major international destination.

She said Western Sydney welcomed 28.6 million visitors in the past year and said the NSW Government's goal of growing the state's visitor economy from around $60B to $91B by 2035 would require a substantial increase in accommodation capacity.

Industry data presented by Colliers and the West-

ern Sydney Tourism Taskforce highlighted the scale of the challenge.

Western Sydney currently has about 8,700 hotel rooms, compared with around 26,000 in Sydney's CBD. While occupancy rates average between 75 and 77 per cent, only around 1,000 additional rooms are currently under construction.

A panel featuring senior executives from IHG, Accor, EVT Hotels and Holdmark agreed that stronger demand generation through major events, attractions and experiences was essential to encourage longer visitor stays and improve hotel performance.

Panelists also called for investment reforms, arguing the current $200M fast-track planning approval threshold should be reduced to between $50M and $100M to encourage more mid-scale hotel developments.

Ms Farhad said a combination of increased accommodation, streamlined approvals and more destination experiences would position Western Sydney to become one of Australia's premier tourism destinations.

"There is a clear gap in hotel supply, but also a clear opportunity. With the right collaboration and investment, Western Sydney can emerge as a vibrant, must-visit destination," she said.

Helping people with disability find work

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EOPLE with disability in Campbelltown have greater access to employment support following the opening of Breakthru’s new Employment Hub. Part of Royal Rehab Group, the hub is among 30 new centres opening across Australia’s

east coast under the Inclusive Employment Australia program. The Campbelltown hub will initially support 65 clients with personalised assistance to find meaningful, sustainable employment aligned with their skills and goals. Local client Brett Manton has

already secured work with Assetlink at Macarthur Square after more than a decade outside the workforce. Royal Rehab Group CEO Matthew Mackay said meaningful employment could foster independence, valuable skills and a strong sense of purpose.

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Seeking names for the airport city

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ESTERN Sydney residents are being invited to help shape the identity of Bradfield City by suggesting names for the streets, parks and public places of Australia’s first new city in 100 years.

The NSW Government has launched a community naming initiative seeking ideas that reflect the people, history, culture and innovation that will define the emerging city, located alongside Western Sydney International Airport.

Suggested names are being sought across three themes: First Nations Connection to Country; Western Sydney’s diversity and achievements; and Australian innovation and excellence.

First Nations suggestions could recognise Aboriginal technologies, language or people that connect the history of the area with its future, while other names could celebrate Western Sydney’s multicultural heritage or Australian achievements in science, technology, engineering and innovation.

Among the first major places to be named will

The first building at Bradfield.

be Bradfield City’s two-hectare Central Park, located above the metro station in the heart of the new city. The community is being invited to propose First Nations names reflecting the park’s future role as a welcoming gathering place.

Other suggestions will be considered for inclusion in a name bank that can be used as new roads, parks

and public spaces are developed.

Community pop-up sessions, school workshops and translated information will encourage participation from across Western Sydney, including First Nations and multicultural communities.

Following consultation, submissions will be assessed against planning and Geographical Naming Board requirements before the name bank is finalised.

Bradfield City is planned to deliver 10,000 new homes and 20,000 jobs, with advanced manufacturing and other future-focused industries expected to drive economic growth across Western Sydney.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said future residents and workers should have an opportunity to shape the city’s identity.

“Whatever the inspiration, this is an opportunity for the community to make their mark on Australia’s first new city in 100 years,” Mr Scully said.

Submissions close Tuesday, September 29, 2026 and can be made through the NSW Government’s Have Your Say website.

Plans endorsed to support Oran Park

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AMBEN Council has endorsed plans to support the future growth of the Oran Park Town Centre, paving the way for the proposal to be considered by the NSW Government.

At a recent meeting, Council endorsed a Planning Proposal and draft amendments to the Oran Park Precinct Development Control Plan (DCP), which aim to expand the town centre and increase maximum building heights in selected locations.

The proposal would expand the town centre, creating capacity for approximate-

ly 100,000 square metres of additional commercial floor space. This, in turn, would support more businesses, jobs and services for the growing community.

The proposal also includes increased maximum building heights across parts of the town centre, with taller buildings proposed in selected locations.

The Planning Proposal has been independently assessed and found to have strategic and site-specific merit. It was also supported by the Camden Local Planning Panel to progress to the next stage of the planning process.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said the endorsement was an important step in planning for the future of one of the fastest-growing centres in South Western Sydney.

"Oran Park is an award-winning master planned community and its growth isn’t over yet,” she said.

“It’s important we plan ahead to ensure the town centre can meet the needs of our community now and in the future.

This proposal is about creating opportunities for more local jobs, businesses, services and community facilities, while

supporting the long-term vision for the suburb,” she said.

Council's endorsement does not mean the proposal has been approved. The Planning Proposal will now be forwarded to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for Gateway Determination.

If Gateway approval is received, the proposal will be placed on public exhibition, giving the Camden community the opportunity to review the plans and provide feedback before any final decisions are made.

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WINNER FINALIST Campbelltown

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HE 2026 Campbelltown Local Business Awards Presentation Evening was an occasion of elegance and excitement.

The room filled with cheers as winners were announced and made their way to the stage on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

The celebration was an exciting culmination to a successful awards program, complete with a five-star gala-dinner, talented entertainment, and a sell-out crowd filled with finalists, families and staff, local dignitaries, and our awards partners.

Precedent Productions Managing Director and Awards Founder Steve Loe said, “the highlight of the evening is always the pre-

sentation of the award winners in each category”.

“What I love to see is the support that everyone gives the finalists, the huge cheers for winners, and the heartfelt speeches” Mr Loe said.

The evening not only sees the announcement of the winners but provides an opportunity for all finalists to celebrate their achievements over the past year with staff and loved ones.

Mr Loe would like to extend his thanks to Wests Leagues Club Campbelltown for the incredible service, the remarkable talent who provided entertainment for the evening, our MC who kept things running smoothly, and our Presenting Partner: Commonwealth

Bank, Major Partner: NOVA Employment and Support Partners: Macarthur Square, Rosemeadow Marketplace, Campbelltown Mall, and Bx Networking.

Most importantly Mr. Loe would like to thank the Campbelltown community for the huge support that they continue to show for their local businesses through the Awards every year.

“Without them, these outstanding businesses wouldn’t receive the recognition they deserve,” he said.

The Macarthur Advocate is the long standing media partner for the Campbelltown Local Business Awards and each year creates the sought after finalist anhd winners editions.

For a full list of winners or to register your business for the 2027 Local Business Awards, head to www.thebusinessawards.com.au

Your Event. Our Venue.

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ISSUE 44 | August 2026

Campbelltown Local Business Awards Winners 2026

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With small classes, personalised instruction, and a warm private facility, we focus on building confident swimmers and safer communities.

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Newsbytes

ISSUE 44 | August 2026

Call for medicinal cannabis control

The Odyssey a hit with film fans

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HRISTOPHER Nolan’s The Odyssey has delivered Australia’s biggest box office opening of 2026, grossing $13.4M and attracting more than 587,000 cinema-goers during its debut weekend. The film also achieved the highest-ever opening weekend for a non-franchise release in Australia and earned a 95% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. HOYTS CEO Damian Keogh said the blockbuster drove the cinema chain’s biggest weekend of the year, with premium formats proving especially popular.

Australian box office revenue is now up 17% in 2026, highlighting the continued recovery of the nation’s cinema industry. See The Odyssey review page 23.

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EADING NSW health organisations have urged the State Government to tighten regulation of medicinal cannabis, warning that profit-driven telehealth clinics and “closed loop” prescribing models are compromising patient care. The RACGP, Pharmacy Guild, PSA and AMA say more than one million Australians now use medicinal cannabis, despite most products lacking TGA approval. The groups are calling for prescriptions to be managed by patients’ regular GPs and dispensed through community pharmacies, arguing reforms are needed to improve oversight, patient safety and continuity of care.

Platform for children’s dental health

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HEAD of Dental Health Week, children’s dentist Dr Bethany Fisher has launched Tooth Tales On Demand, the world’s first premium streaming platform dedicated to children’s oral health. Designed for preschools and early learning centres, particularly in regional and rural Australia, the platform delivers engaging oral health education through songs, stories and activities. Developed in partnership with Ordo, it aims to improve children’s brushing habits and address higher rates of tooth decay among country children. Early learning centres can register and enter the competition via Tooth Tales On Demand.

Firearm reforms have come into effect

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HASE two of the NSW Government’s firearms reforms has come into effect, introducing stricter licensing and eligibility requirements aimed at improving public

Christopher Nolan.

safety. Firearm licences will now be limited to two years, identity verification will be mandatory, and applicants must meet tougher permit-to-acquire conditions, including safe storage and enhanced security checks. The reforms are backed by a $42.8M investment in the NSW Firearms Registry to strengthen oversight and support implementation.

Smokers can quit faster with exercise

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EW research from Adelaide University has found that regular exercise can help smokers quit by reducing cravings, lowering cigarette consumption and improving quit rates. A review of 59 studies involving more than 9,000 participants found exercise increased the likelihood of quitting by up to 21%, while even a

single workout reduced cravings for up to 30 minutes. Researchers say exercise should complement proven quitting methods such as counselling and medication.

Public warning over Robot My Life

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SW Fair Trading has issued a public warning against Robot My Life, also trading as MoeBot and PoolBot, after receiving 102 consumer complaints since November 2025. Allegations include failing to supply goods, delayed refunds, misleading product claims and poor customer service. Complaints totalled more than $90,000, although affected consumers have since been compensated. Consumers with unresolved issues are encouraged to lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading.

www.macarthuradovcate.au

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IPART probe into eConveyancing fees

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PART has released draft recommendations proposing continued regulation of Property Exchange Australia (PEXA) eConveyancing fees, citing its 99% market share and limited competition. The review recommends reducing property transfer fees while keeping most other charges stable in real terms and introducing nationally consistent pricing. IPART is seeking public submissions until August 14, with a final report to the NSW Government expected in September.

Fresh Start program funds 400 positions

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HE NSW Government is expanding its Fresh Start program with funding for 400 additional apprentice, trainee and cadet positions in councils next year, bringing the total to 1,700 new roles over four years. The initiative, which fully funds wages and qualifications, aims to address workforce shortages, particularly in regional NSW, where 65% of recruits are based.

More than 1,100 people have already started council careers through the program.

Patient belief impacts recovery rates

N

EW QUT research has found that a patient’s belief in their treatment can significantly influence health outcomes. The review identified five key factors shaping treatment belief: the patient, practitioner, their relationship, the treatment itself and the healthcare environment. Researchers say clear communication, trust and a positive clinical setting can strengthen confidence in treatment, improving outcomes without changing the medical intervention itself.

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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www.macarthuradovcate.au

Tax Debt Matters

ISSUE 44 | August 2026

Tax debt has Its own version of altitude sickness, and It's just as preventable MICHAEL MOON

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LTITUDE sickness isn't inevitable. Climbers who get it wrong go up too fast, without giving their body time to adjust.

Climbers who get it right ascend in stages, deliberately, building in time to acclimatise before they go higher. Same mountain. Completely different outcome. The difference isn't luck. It's pace and paying attention early.

Tax debt works the same way. It's not that carrying ATO debt is automatically dangerous. It's that most businesses climb into it without a plan, without checking in as conditions change, and without adjusting before the altitude becomes a problem.

That's the preventable part, and it's exactly where most of the damage happens.

Nobody sets out to get into trouble At the bottom, a bit of ATO debt feels completely normal. Cash flow's tight, you're not alone, the ATO isn't chasing hard, and there's always next quarter to sort it out.

That's fine, for a while, the same way the first stage of a climb is fine for almost everyone. The businesses that get into real trouble aren't the ones who started with debt.

They're the ones who kept climbing without checking whether their business could still handle the altitude it was at.

What the businesses that avoid trouble do differently Good climbers build deliberate checkpoints. They stop, assess how they're feeling, and adjust the plan

before pushing higher. That's the entire difference between a manageable ascent and a medical emergency.

The businesses that avoid tax debt trouble do the equivalent. They check the payment plan against current reality on a set schedule, not just when something breaks.

GIC is compounding daily right now at 11.43%, and it's no longer deductible, meaning the cost of standing

still gets heavier every quarter, whether you're paying attention to it or not.

A plan that fit six months ago might not fit today, and the businesses that catch that early are the ones that never end up needing a rescue.

The businesses that get caught out skip the checkpoints This is where it goes wrong, almost every time.

Not because the debt itself was unmanageable, but because nobody stopped to check in until the symptoms were already serious. A payment plan gets set up once and never revisited.

This quarter's BAS gets pushed to fund something more urgent. Nobody notices the altitude has changed until a supplier starts asking questions, or a Director Penalty Notice lands.

By the time those symptoms show up, you're no longer in prevention territory. You're in treatment territory, and treatment is harder, slower, and more expensive than prevention ever was.

The fix isn't complicated. It's just deliberate.

You don't need to avoid ATO debt entirely to stay clear of trouble. You need to treat it the way a good climber treats altitude: check in regularly, adjust before you're forced to, and don't assume that because it felt fine last quarter, it's still fine now.

If you're carrying ATO debt right now, that's your prompt to check where you actually sit, not because something's gone wrong, but because prevention only works if you do it before something does.

Michael Moon is Director at Tax Assure, Australia's leading tax debt negotiation firm. Initial consultations are obligation free.

Visit: www.taxassure.com.au

Travel

August | ISSUE 44 | www.macarthuradvocate.au | Edited by Emma Wilson | travelwellwithemma@gmail.com

Nesuto is Canberra's CBD Gem ROBERT KINKADE

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HEN you're travelling with a car full of luggage, the last thing you want to worry about is finding a secure parking spot or hauling bulky bags across a busy city street.

That's why pulling into the convenient, off-street parking at Nesuto Canberra Apartment Hotel felt like an immediate win.

But as we quickly discovered during our stay, this central Canberra hub offers far more than just practical convenience, it delivers a genuine sense of home.

Located in the heart of the Canberra CBD, Nesuto's location is hard to beat. If you enjoy a little retail therapy, Myer and David Jones are right next door, making it easy to browse the latest fashion or pick up those forgotten travel essentials.

Popular brands, supermarkets and cafés are all within walking distance, giving guests the flexibility to dine out or make use of the apartment's fully equipped kitchen.

The best local insights didn't come from a guidebook, but from the exceptionally friendly front desk staff. When we asked for dinner suggestions, they pointed us to a tucked-away ramen restaurant just across the plaza.

Steaming, rich and packed with flavour, it proved once again that the best travel experiences often come from local recommendations rather than online reviews.

The property strikes a wonderful balance between the independence of apartment living and the comforts of a hotel.

While the building isn't brand new, its generous layout comes with some unexpected advantages.

Chief among them is the shower pressure. In an era of eco-restricted, low-flow hotel showers, Nesuto's plumbing is a refreshing reminder that they simply don't build them like they used to.

After a full day exploring Canberra's museums, galleries, restaurants and attractions, a long, hot shower is a welcome luxury. Our apartment also featured a full kitchen, washing machine and dryer, making it an ideal choice for extended stays, family holidays or anyone who appreciates the convenience of home while travelling.

The real surprise, however, awaits on the rooftop. Nesuto has transformed the space into a lifestyle hub, complete with a lap pool, relaxing sauna and one of the city's more unexpected hotel amenities - a rooftop pickleball court.

The fast-growing sport has found a home here, with paddles and balls available for guests keen to have a hit while taking in views across the city.

Adjacent to the court is a cosy communal lounge with a television and a collection of books, providing a quiet place to unwind. It also highlights what makes the property unique.

Nesuto is a hybrid building where short-stay guests share common spaces with permanent residents, creating a warm,

lived-in atmosphere that feels more like a neighbourhood than a conventional hotel.

Whether you're visiting Canberra for a weekend escape, a cultural getaway, a family holiday or business, Nesuto Canberra Apartment Hotel delivers a winning combination of spacious accommodation, thoughtful amenities, a prime CBD location and genuinely welcoming service, proving that the best places to stay are often the ones that make you feel right at home.

Visit: www.nesuto.com/canberra

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www.macarthuradovcate.au

ISSUE 44 | August 2026

with Emma Wilson

Easy choice for business conferences EMMA WILSON

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HETHER you're planning a corporate conference, product launch or executive retreat, PARKROYAL Darling Harbour offers flexible event spaces, modern accommodation and one of Sydney's most convenient locations.

This was my second stay at PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, and I enjoyed it more than my first. The first time I was racing in and out, but this visit I worked from the hotel, which gave me the chance to appreciate all the little details I'd missed before.

One of my favorite design features is the open atrium. I love hotels where you can look up through the centre and see all the levels. It gives the space a real sense of openness and energy.

This is a great spot to host a conference or business get together for so many reasons. The hotel's largest function room accommodates up to 180 guests

theatre style or 120 delegate style when set as a single undivided space.

Smaller meeting rooms seating 40 to 45 delegates are also available, with options featuring either natural daylight or filtered light to suit different event requirements. All audiovisual production and technical support is professionally managed on site by Encore.

Booking flexibility is another advantage. While larger conferences are best secured several months in advance, quieter periods may allow bookings with as little as a week's notice.

Beyond the meeting rooms, guests have access to a convenient business nook in the spacious hotel foyer, complete with a computer and printer, making it easy to stay connected while travelling.

It’s an easy couple of minutes walking over to the International Convention Centre too, if you are in the CBD for events over there and it’s easy to walk up to Town Hall train station and catch the train to the airport.

If you’re travelling with kids, families are well catered for too, with a fun Friday-Saturday treat cart in the lobby for kids, called ‘The Local Cart’, plus novelty items like a tepee tent, as part of the Little Explorers Package (for DISCOVERY members). And being right on Darling Harbour means family attractions are just a short stroll away, which makes it an easy choice.

Dining is a highlight.

The buffet breakfast is

expansive and fresh, with a dedicated gluten-free station and an extensive Asian breakfast selection.

For lunch or dinner, My recommendation is to book a Club Room or Suite when making your reservation because this automatically includes Club Lounge access, giving you privileges like daily breakfast, all-day refreshments, evening twilight drinks and canapés (5pm to 7pm).

The view is spectacular there and it’s very private and lovely. There are lots of little nooks for meetings and to work - if you can tear yourself away from the view Check it out here.

Visit: www.panpacific.com

Bringing Hunter Valley to Parramatta DAVE HAGAN

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HERE are wine dinners, and then there are nights that remind you hospitality’s really about the people, not just the food and wine on the table. PARKROYAL Parramatta’s recent team-up with Hunter Valley’s Gartelmann Wines was one of the good ones.

We walked in and the newly renovated foyer already had a buzz about it.

Nice interiors, good energy, everyone was handed a glass of sparkling as we arrived for the degustation.

We were greeted by Matt, who handed my wife a glass of Blanc de Blancs (she was pretty happy about that) and had us settle into that relaxed vibe straight away.

It turned out we were seated next to PARKROYAL Parramatta’s General Manager Hans and his wife, which ended up being one of the best parts of the night.

Hans has been with the hotel over 20 years, started at the bottom and worked his way all the way up to GM. You don’t see that kind of loyalty much anymore, and you could tell he still genuinely loves the place.

That attention to detail showed up again pretty quickly too. After finding out I can’t eat red meat, Hans personally swapped my main from the slowcooked beef short rib to a barramundi

with sautéed broccolini.

Nothing dramatic about the request, but it was sorted without any fuss, which is exactly how good hospitality should work.

The food was solid, no doubt, but the wines were really the main event.

Matt and Gartelmann’s Wine Ambassador James took us through each course, and they had a good balance-going - informative without turning into a lecture. Instead of drowning everyone in technical talk, they told the stories behind the wines, the vineyard, and what makes Gartelmann one of the more respected boutique producers in the Hunter.

For me, the standout was Del’s Picpoul. I’d heard the name before but never really tried it, and it ended up

being my favourite of the night. Bright, refreshing, heaps of citrus with a crisp mineral finish - properly easy drinking.

James mentioned Picpoul’s still pretty rare in Australia, so a lot of people haven’t come across it yet. One glass in and it’s obvious why Gartelmann’s backing it.

My wife was all about the last wine of the night - Gracie’s Ambrosia. Rich but not too sweet, nicely balanced, and a great way to wrap things up.

It’s always good going to a wine dinner where the wines actually get to be the stars. Rather than sticking to the usual suspects, Gartelmann pushed people to try something a bit different. Looking around the room, plenty of people walked away with a new favourite.

But honestly, what stuck with me most wasn’t even the wine. It was the genuine warmth from everyone Matt’s welcome, James’s storytelling, Hans making sure every guest was properly looked after. It didn’t feel like a function. Felt more like a group of people who just genuinely love good Australian wine, hanging out together.

I’ve been to a fair few food and wine nights over the years, and these are the ones that stick with you after the last glass is done.

PARKROYAL Parramatta and Gartelmann Wines nailed it - great hospitality, interesting wines, good conversation. And if Del’s Picpoul ends up on your table one day, don’t be surprised. It’s already found its way onto mine.

ISSUE 44 | August 2026

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with Emma Wilson

Must do when in New Zealand EMMA WILSON

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HIS newly renovated resort is an absolute delight to experience and a must-do next time you're in Queenstown.

From the moment we walked into its welcoming interior with warm tones and local art and reading touches, we were already planning our return.

The View Alone is Worth The Stay.

Reopened in November 2025, this resort will quietly blow you away, from the extraordinary floor to ceiling views to the heavily local leaning food and beverage menu.

In fact, the piece de resistance is walking into the restaurant, looking straight out the floor-to-ceiling glass windows straight down the Shotover River valley, through the mist beyond kanuka and beech forest to snow-capped mountains as far as the eye can see.

The view feels a little Scottish but is very New Zealand, in its own right. Rooms are clean and eye-popping in their simplicity, tastefully decorated with every thoughtful touch, from pillow menu to sleep mist, from touch button bathroom mirror to your very own verandah with easy but stylish chairs to sip tea and enjoy the view from.

Everything from the armchair and cushion selection to artwork and generous book selections available throughout the resort would have been a super fun interior design job.

This is a great destination to sit around and do absolutely nothing, just laze around the fireplaces or drink tea in the lounge nooks. It really is.

Elevations Bar and Restaurant is a genuine destination. Presently along with a French trained chef, the menu leans heavily into seasonal Central Otago produce, combining local ingredients with refined techniques, while remaining approachable.

Every bite was delicious.

Smoked mussels in choux with crispy whitebait, New Zealand beef tartare or curried sago and Agria croquettes.

Mt Cook salmon with mushroom and kūmara rosti, slowcooked beef cheek with burnt cauliflower purée as a main course.

The wine list reflects a strong

sense of place, highlighting acclaimed Central Otago Pinot Noirs from wineries such as Felton Road, Rippon, Misha's Vineyard and Burn Cottage and staff are knowledgeable and professional.

We particularly enjoyed the ‘Ridge Hour’, a complimentary drink and beautifully crafted bites served 5pm to 6pm in the Elevation restaurant. Despite the food and wine, we could not tear our eyes away from the view for a moment.

Breakfast gazing out to snow-dusted mountains is also a highlight. Sipping a hot coffee, nibbling French toast with berries, scrumptious corn fritters and fresh

orange juice you feel the mountain air really refresh your body and mind. It’s a place where any stress of travel really evaporates.

Don’t forget a visit to the Resort’s refurbed indoor pool area, it’s a real beauty as a European-inspired classical relaxation area with a slightly theatrical resort spa feel, there is plenty to look at.

We both felt we could easily pass a few days moving from warm pool to steam room and sauna to the movie room and indoor squash courts. But down at this pool level you can experience a facial or massage and really rejuvenate.

It’s the perfect stay post-trekking trip, as well as recovering from the stress of work and the busyness of life. Outside the private hot tub sessions overlooking the Shotover River are a unique touch and gets you that little bit closer to nature.

It’s easy to stay in the resort, but if you must, the local village of Arthur’s Point is worth exploring.

The General Store and Tavern are buzzing with visitors and Queenstown itself is a 10-minute drive away.

During winter, if you’re here to ski you can ski Coronet Peak, this is the closest resort and a bus departs across the road from the resort starting from 7.30am and for The Remarkables, buses depart from 9:45am with most services depart from the Frankton Golf Course bus stop.

For ski equipment hire, Snopro, comes to the hotel to fit everyone for their ski rentals. Simply select a date and you leave the equipment behind on your departure date, to be collected.

Check it out here: www.coronetridge.co.nz

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ISSUE 44 | August 2026

www.macarthuradovcate.au

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REVIEW - The Odyssey JACOB RICHARDSON

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PIC, enormous and beautiful, Nolan brings his penchant for big screen scale to one of the grandest journeys of legend.

After his act of deceit won the Trojan War, Odysseus (Matt Damon) takes his crew and sails for home.

But bad luck, bad omens and perhaps the will of the gods keep him at sea for years and years. At home, his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland) try to delay a stream of suitors who are seeking to take Odysseus’ place, all while slowly losing hope their King is still alive.

Odysseus struggles against the tides that try to keep him away, fighting demi-gods, monsters and men in an attempt to find his way back home.

The Odyssey is the sort of film that needs to be felt in a cinema, on the biggest screen possible.

The seats rattling with every clang of the sword into a shield, or music cue.

The towering cyclops filling every inch of the screen.

The endless expanse of water Odysseus must travel rendered in impeccable detail. And the quiet awe of a cinema fully aware it’s watching a modern master at work.

The film is anchored by a truly impeccable performance from Matt

Damon, who brings a level of deep engagement, nuance and emotionality that hasn’t been seen from him in some time.

He hits all of the emotional beats to make this a really compelling drama, outside of its scale.

He is ably matched by Hathaway, who is fantastic - particularly in a late scene with Tom Holland. Outside of that, Robert Pattinson is a creepy, infuriating standout in a villainous role.

But oftentimes, these performances can feel a little dwarfed by the sheer scale of the visuals. The epic scope of the beach sequences.

The gorgeous Greek landscapes and brutalist castle designs. And the visually stunning moment when Agammenon stands in the open gates of Troy.

Nolan really elevates some of the sequences out of the ordinary - the remarkable Hades scene feels like a very modern, but deeply affecting take on it - but it is often the on location scale of these real environments that lends such a sense of wonder to the whole thing.

And Nolan breaks the mould too on some of his previous work. His rendering of the iconic meeting with Circe (played to perfection by Samantha Morton) is body horror a la Cronenberg, and the cave with the Cyclops terrifying in its depiction of the beast.

That being said, the classic hallmark of a Nolan critique - the maligned balance between dialogue and SFX - rears its head once again, often obscuring language that can be hard to take in even

S AVE

on a basic level given its blend between modernity and obscurity.

But then again, that SFX is something that sticks with you long after you leave the cinema.

If anything otherwise could be said in this film’s opposition, it can only be in the comparison with Nolan’s other work.

Films like The Prestige, Interstellar, Inception, and Memento, all hold a part of our cultural psyche nowadays often because of that big ‘A-Ha’ moment.

They all had an epic beat that the film built up to, and paid off in one revelatory, ecstatic sense of big screen cinema.

The Odyssey doesn’t have that in quite so clear a way. In many respects, it’s a little closer to Oppenheimer in the way the main character slowly realises the horrors he’s undertaken.

But for a film this long and this epic, a clearer epic sense of finality and dialogue might have been welcome.

For all that, the film does end in its last 20 or so minutes by wrapping everything together. It might not do it quite as loudly as his oeuvre, but Nolan nevertheless cuts through the huge, expansive text of Homer to really get to the crux of what he is saying; the meaning of a sacrifice, and the horrifying cost of what Odysseus sacrificed to get back home.

The Odyssey is a journey you’ll be wanting to take more than once. 5 STARS.

*

WITH FAMILY SAVER SESSIONS Bring the whole family to the movies and SAVE! Cinebuzz members enjoy Family Saver pricing on select films before 5pm.

Buy now in cinema or online at eventcinemas.com.au

*T&Cs apply. Online booking fee applies. Available on select family films before 5pm. Must be a Cinebuzz member. See website for full details.

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www.macarthuradovcate.au

Buy / Sell A Business

ISSUE 44 | August 2026

Paperwork nobody warned you about longer than you expect. And all of it is far cheaper to sort out while nobody is waiting for you.

The new rules are not an obstacle to selling. They exist to keep criminal money out of legitimate transactions, and every credible broker in the country is now working to them. But they do reward the owner who has their house in order, and they cost the one who does not, in the currency that matters most in a sale, which is time.

AUSTRAC publishes plain-language guidance on why you may be asked for identity documents and what to expect.

It is worth ten minutes of any owner's time.

ZORAN SARABACA

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omething changed on 1 July that most business owners have not noticed yet. They will notice it the moment they try to sell.

From that date, changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act mean business brokers in Australia have a legal obligation to verify the identity of buyers and vendors before providing services.

The AML/CTF Amendment Act 2024, widely known as Tranche 2, brought business brokers into the regulated fold alongside real estate agents, lawyers and accountants. It is not a change to how businesses are sold. It is a change to when the paperwork starts.

Most owners assume identity checks are a settlement formality, something the lawyers deal with at the end. They are not.

These obligations sit at the front of the process, before a broker can act for you. The first conversation now includes a request for documents, and until that is done, nothing else moves.

For most owners this is a minor inconvenience. Verify who you are, confirm the nature of the service, keep your details current. Twenty minutes of admin.

The one that stalls deals is ownership.

We are now required to identify who ultimately owns or controls the

Zoran Sarabaca is director at Xcllusive Business Sales. Visit: www.xcllusive.com.au

business involved in a transaction.

That sounds simple until you look at the paperwork. Family trusts where the deed has not been read in fifteen years. Companies with a share register that never caught up after a partner left in 2011.

A holding structure set up by an accountant who has since retired, which nobody has questioned since. None of this is unusual. A great many privately held Australian businesses have a version of it.

It only becomes a problem under time pressure. An owner who finds a

structural mess in the first week of a sale process has time to fix it.

An owner who finds it with a buyer waiting and a settlement date agreed has a very different problem.

Which brings us back to preparation. Every argument for getting your affairs in order two years before a sale just gained another item. Know your structure. Read your own trust deed.

Confirm your share register reflects reality. Make sure the people named on your documents are the people involved in your business.

None of it is difficult. All of it takes

Find a local business that comes to you in person or remotely. From dentists to your door, removalists, trades, telehealth, food and more

www.bizfind.com.au

2026 Apprenticeship / Traineeship & Jobs Expos

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