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HOUSINGVISION

AS part of the NSW Government’s plan to deliver more homes, Landcom has put forward a planning proposal which could deliver an additional 375 new homes at a major site in Campbelltown. The plan went on public exhibition for community feedback from Tuesday, March 11. The proposal builds upon an existing approval, aiming to bring the proposed total to just over 1,600 homes, with 10 per cent set aside for affordable rental housing. Located adjacent to Macarthur train station and only 200 metres from the Macarthur Square regional shopping centre, the plan will deliver nearly two hectares of active open space, while also taking advantage of close to 10 hectares of open space at the Bow Bowing Creek Reserve. More page 3.

ISSUE 27 | March 2023

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LANDCOM PROPOSAL FOR 375 NEW HOMES Community feedback on height increase

AS part of the NSW Government’s plan to deliver more homes, Landcom has put forward a planning proposal which could deliver an additional 375 new homes at a major site in Campbelltown.

The plan will be on public exhibition for community feedback from Tuesday, March 11.

The proposal builds upon existing approval, aiming to bring the proposed total to just over 1,600 homes, with 10 per cent set aside for affordable rental housing.

Located adjacent to Macarthur train station and only 200 metres from the Macarthur Square regional shopping centre, the plan will deliver nearly two hectares of active open space, while also taking advantage of close to 10 hectares of open space at the Bow Bowing Creek Reserve.

The active open space includes a station arrival park, central park and ﬁtness park.

This is the third proposal advancing under the new Social and Affordable Housing Program Pathway, which assists government agencies, such as Landcom and Homes NSW, to fasttrack the delivery of social and affordable housing.

The 18-hectare Macarthur Gardens North site, owned by Landcom, is al-

ready approved to build 1,250 homes. Community feedback is being sought on an updated proposal seeks community feedback to increase building heights from nine storeys to a range of heights between nine and 24 storeys to accommodate the extra homes. Landcom will work closely with Campbelltown City Council and the

local community as the proposal progresses.

An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) outlining the rezoning proposal and detailing proposed amendments to the Campbelltown Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2015 is on exhibition until Monday, 7 April.

Once the exhibition closes, the

Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will assess feedback and consider any changes that need to be made to the ﬁnal proposal.

Along with the planning proposal, which is expected to be decided later this year, Landcom will be required to submit a revised concept development application.

Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren said: “The prospect of more homes in Campbelltown, near existing infrastructure is always welcome news. The Macarthur Gardens North development is no exception as it will help to deliver long term, secure rental housing for our region. I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government that is taking action to address the housing crisis in NSW.”

Mayor of Campbelltown City Council, Darcy Lound said: “We welcome much-needed housing for our community here in Campbelltown, especially when located close to well established rail and other public transport connections. The voice of the community is crucial in shaping developments like this, so I urge everyone to have their say.”

For more information please visit Macarthur Gardens North | Planning Portal - Department of Planning and Environment

From left: a representative from Landcom, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scully and Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren.

Kathleen is Campbelltown Local Woman of the Year

THE Local Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate progressive thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates and innovative role models.

This year, 93 women were nominated by their local MPs to be acknowledged during NSW Women’s Week (2-8 March); an annual week-long celebration of women in NSW through a program of activities that empower women and promote gender equality.

2025 Award recipient Kathleen Nichele was nominated by Greg Warren MP for her outstanding work in the community through Kathy’s Kitchen at Blairmount Public School.

Kathy is an icon of the Blairmount PS community. She provides students with affordable, nutritious lunches and constantly puts a smile on the faces of everyone that she meets.

Her motto is “made with love”, and this drives absolutely everything that she does. She loves her community and her school and does so much to support them.

CWhen cost of living pressures are high on families, Kathy does her best to ensure that all students have the chance to buy food from the canteen and are given the opportunity to try new things.

Each Local Woman of the Year award recipient will receive their certiﬁcates at the 2025 NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Thursday 6 March.

Recipients who volunteer and live in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW will also be added to the 2024 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll; a public tribute to recognise the vast number of women who volunteer their time and energy to help others.

Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warrensaid: “Kathy is an outstanding individual who is incredibly deserving of this honour. For more than two decades Kathy has been an integral part of our Campbelltown community, supporting students to eat healthy and affordable food.”

Melanie Macmillan, Blairmount Public School

Principal said: “Kathy has been an integral member of our school community for over 18 years. She has been leading Kathy's Kitchen, our school canteen for over 15 years providing our students, staff and community with freshly made high quality products. Kathy loves our school and our students, often giving food to any child in need and the whole community loves her back! We are all so very proud for Kathy to receive this well-deserved award and honour of Campbelltown Woman of the Year!”

Camden Council links with police

AMDEN Council, in partnership with Camden Police Area Command, has launched a community safety campaign – See Something. Say Something – which aims to improve reporting of crimes and anti-social behaviour, as well as improve community safety in local public spaces.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said public spaces were essential to community life, whether they be parks,

town centres, or residential areas.

“By supporting this campaign, we can foster a sense of community pride and ensure that everyone, especially families, elderly residents and young people, feel safe when using shared spaces,” she said.

Superintendent Paul Condon, Commander Camden Police Area Command, said issues such as vandalism, theft, and anti-social behaviour could

make these areas feel unsafe.

“Our community safety campaign seeks to address these concerns by working with the community and Camden Council,” he said.

“Through this campaign we will be looking to the community to help us protect you from opportunist crime. This involves simple steps such as locking your car and homes when you’re not in them or not at home.

“We encourage the community to support this campaign by spreading the word and getting involved in reporting any crimes or anti-social behaviour,” he said.

If you see something unusual or witness antisocial behaviour or a crime, say something. In a non-emergency event call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. In an emergency, please call 000.

Macarthur Memorial Park is the ﬁrst new Crown cemetery to be built in Sydney in over 80 years.

With its stunning landscaped gardens, walkways, native plants and carefully designed community spaces, Macarthur Memorial Park will be an innovative, multi-denominational memorial and parkland destination, designed to honour life, culture and community for generations to come.

Pre-sales are now open, so register your interest today.

New live warning signage around Narellan

MOTORISTS at Smeaton Grange, Mt Annan and Harrington Park will beneﬁt from new permanent electronic (VMS) signage to be installed at three locations on the western, northern and eastern legs of the intersection at The Northern Road, Camden Valley Way and Narellan Road.

The new signage will advise drivers of road conditions in the area and be particularly useful in relaying up to date information during times of adverse weather, such as when roads are ﬂooded.

With the area’s population growing, a need to improve real-time information was identiﬁed after events in 2021 which saw sections of Camden Valley Way unpassable due to weather.

The new VMS will be installed at locations where drivers are given up to date information to help them make decisions on alternate routes to avoid congestion or are committed to a location adversely affected by weather.

The sites being selected will also have the beneﬁt of being near main power supplies, meaning they are more

likely to remain active even during the worst events.

With work commencing on the new signage, the local

Inetwork will be integrated into the Transport Management Centre, providing up to date real-time information. Work will take place for up to 15-night shifts (ﬁve nights at each location) between Thursday 6 March and Sunday 6 April 2025, weather permitting. Work hours are between 8pm to 5am from Sunday to Thursday. Motorists are urged to exercise care and be aware there may be speed restrictions while work is being undertaken.

Permanent signs are expected to be installed by April 6.

Wollondilly welcomes development report

PART found that all the infrastructure included in the draft Appin Contributions Plan is essential and reasonable and that community liaison occurred in the preparation of the plan, which meets 27 out of 35 assessment criteria.

Mayor Matt Gould the report validates Council’s position that a lot of new infrastructure is required to support the growth in new communities in Appin and that the developer,

not existing rate payers, should pay for that.

“We agree with IPART that the rezonings were released ahead of many planning strategies and funding commitments being in place,” he said.

“The plan will provide $1.36B of vital local infrastructure, such as new parks, community facilities, local roads, cycleways and stormwater management to support new growth area communities around Appin.

“Appin is one of the largest single growth areas to be released in Greater Sydney with no existing essential infrastructure to leverage development off.”

The draft Appin Contributions Plan was endorsed by Council on June 25, 2024, following a 38-day public exhibition period.

For Council to levy residential development more than the cap of QA Code: 420205241148 $20,000 per lot, the draft Plan had to go through

IPART’s assessment process. While Council had initially proposed to levy contributions of around $85,000 for a typical dwelling in the Appin Growth Area. IPART has recommended this rate be set at around $75,500 per residential lot and about $268,000 per ha of non-residential development. The total cost of the plan will be $1.36B, to be raised through developer contributions over a period of over 30 years.

Workshops require registration at www.wexpo.com.au

Venue

WEXPO 2025 will be hosted at Hall 5A at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, Australia.

Digital Business Awards event

6pm to 9pm, Theater Room 1, adjoining the main exhibition area.

For Exhibitors

Bump In from 1pm, Tuesday October 21 and 7am, Wednesday October 22.

Bumpout from 6pm, Wednesday October 22 until 11am October 23.

Event opens to the public at 8am, concludes 6pm. Includes

Workshops

Six in total running every 45 minutes with a 15-minute break between each session starting at 8.30AM.

More eggs means healthy hearts

AMONASH University study found that eating eggs 1-6 times per week is linked to a 29% lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related death and a 15% lower risk of all-cause mortality in older adults. Published in Nutrients, the study suggests eggs provide essential nutrients and support longevity, especially in moderate-to-high-quality diets. Findings also indicate no increased risk for individuals with high cholesterol, supporting eggs as a nutritious, accessible food for older adults.

Legal questions about self-driving cars

AS self-driving and semi-autonomous vehicles become more common, legal questions arise about liability in accidents. Slater and Gordon’s Bree Smith highlights the evolving legal landscape, emphasizing the need for public awareness. While fully autonomous cars remain

in trials, semi-autonomous features like Tesla’s Autopilot complicate fault determination. With no uniform national laws yet, the Federal Government is developing the Automated Vehicle Safety Law to regulate autonomous driving by 2030 and clarify liability issues.

Govt fast tracks housing approvals

THE NSW Government is fast-tracking housing approvals by cutting red tape and ensuring faster water and wastewater infrastructure connections. The Housing Approval Reform Action Plan—a collaboration between DCCEEW, Sydney Water, and WaterNSW—aims to streamline

approvals, expand risk-based triaging, and enhance industry engagement. With a $2.2B investment in infrastructure, the plan supports faster construction while maintaining environmental sustainability, reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing NSW’s housing crisis.

Woolies expands quiet hour times

WOOLWORTHS has expanded its Quiet Hour to ﬁve days a week, offering a low-sensory shopping experience for customers with sensory sensitivities. Running Monday to Friday, 10:30-11:30am, most stores will reduce lighting, lower noise, and minimize disruptions. Launched in 2019 with Life Without Barriers, Quiet Hour now operates in 900+ stores nationwide, enhancing accessibility and independence for customers. The expansion follows successful trials during peak shopping periods like Christmas.

Prison staff and inmate relationships

THE NSW Government has strengthened laws to criminalize all sexual relationships between prison staff and inmates, removing the need to prove risk to prison safety. The Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 now imposes criminal liability, including prison sentences. This follows an inquiry into misconduct at Dillwynia Correctional Centre, with all 31 recommendations accepted to improve transparency, safety, and trust in NSW corrective services.

Builders welcome rates cut with caution

MASTER Builders Australia welcomes the RBA’s interest rate cut but stresses the need for Federal Government action on housing and cost-of-living challenges. While lower rates provide relief, core issues like land shortages, planning delays, workforce constraints, and rising construction costs remain. With construction costs up 40% in ﬁve years and build times extended by 80% over 15 years, urgent reforms are needed to streamline approvals and boost productivity.

Koala Personality Quiz updated

THE Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) has updated its Koala Personality Quiz, adding new Koalas from its Adopt a Koala program. The fun, interactive quiz helps participants discover their Koala match while learning about conservation. With engaging prompts and interactive elements, AKF aims to boost awareness and encourage Koala adoptions. Available now on their website, users can share results on social media to spread the conservation message.

Warning over cashless gambling

THE NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) welcomes the NSW Government’s gambling reform consultation papers but stresses that mandatory cashless gaming remains the most effective harm-minimization tool. The papers propose facial recognition technology and a third-party exclusion register to help problem gamblers. While NCOSS supports these measures, CEO Cara Varian urges a statewide exclusion register and calls on the government to implement mandatory cashless gaming as recommended by experts.

Tasmania the healthiest place to live

AMONASH University study has ranked Tasmania and Hobart as Australia’s healthiest places to live, while Darwin and the Northern Territory ranked the unhealthiest. The Environmental Quality Health Index (EQHI) assesses air quality, green spaces, climate, and socioeconomic factors to measure health risks. Coastal regions generally scored higher than inland areas. The study highlights the need for targeted improvements in lower-scoring regions to reduce health risks and promote wellbeing across Australia.

PRETTY PRICE TO PAY FOR THE POOCH

Understanding pet custody battles

ADOG doesn't care if you're rich or poor...give him your heart and he'll give you his.

The tearjerker Marley and Me is a ﬁlm all about the emotions involved in being a pet owner.

And it is this emotional bond that proves very difficult when pet ownership has to be determined in the event a couple splits.

Mathew Nott, principal of Parramatta based Nott and Co Lawyers, has appeared in the seminal dog case in Australia in which the ownership of Harold the dog was contested.

“Couples start to build a life together and buy a dog and the dog becomes like a family member to them,” Mr Nott said.

“If things go sour, there is always a debate about who keeps the dog and this issue often ends up being litigated in court as part of a broader legal settlement.

“These court cases can rack up tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees.

“There are some amendments to the law coming which will see pets treated differently if there is a break-up and this is a good thing”

The legal battle often becomes bitter as pet owners do not understand the legal fact that dogs, according to Australian law, are currently treated as property, just like a can of baked beans.

New laws coming

The Family Law Act does not provide clear guidance on determining ownerhsip of the

pet in the event of a separation.

In 2024, a new bill was introduced into the NSW Parliament and it may provide assistance through its proposed amendments.

The Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 deﬁnes pets as companions animals, not property, and will empower courts to give ownership of

the pet to one party after considering factors such as:

1. Any history of family violence.

2. Who has cared for the animal.

3. Any history of cruelty to the pet.

4. The relationship of any children with the pet.

Courts will not assign joint custody of a pet, to prevent

ongoing and further disputes.

If the pet came into a relationship owned by one of the parties, this will be persuasive. The bill is not yet law.

How to get in front of the issue

Pet custody can be set out in consent orders, prenuptial, postnuptial, or de facto ﬁnancial agreements with your

partner.

Arrangements for the custody of pets can also be made verbally but it is better to have a written agreement of some form which can be relied upon.

If you own a pet and have recently split from your partner, contact Nott and Co lawyers at www. nottandcolawyers.com.au

Parramatta Medicare Mental Health Centre: Your Support Hub

The Western Sydney Primary Health Network is pleased to share that the Parramatta Medicare Mental Health Centre has undergone a name change as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthening Medicare and improving access to mental health services. Formerly known as Head to Health, the centre is now part of the new network of Medicare Mental Health Centres, ensuring that more community members can easily access support when they need it most.

What Does This Mean for You?

The renaming reflects a broader effort to make mental health services more accessible and easier to navigate. The

Who Can Access Support?

Anyone can access support at the Parramatta Medicare Mental Health Centre – you don’t need to be an Australian citizen to receive help. It’s a welcoming space for everyone

Healthy Western Sydney is delivered by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.

Will the Services Change?

No, the services you know and trust are staying the same. The centre remains open for extended hours, and you’ll continue to get immediate help without needing a referral. Whether you’re facing mental health challenges or looking for support for a loved one, the services are there to help you through.

What Support is Available?

The Parramatta Medicare Mental Health Centre offers:

Immediate assistance for anyone in

Parramatta Medicare Mental Health Centre

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday - 9am to 9pm

Saturday to Sunday - 3pm to 7pm

Public holidays - 3pm to 7pm

Address

Ground Floor, Suite One, 150 George Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150

Call

1800 595 212 for assistance

TINY ADVENTURERS WANTED

Parkroyal Darling Harbour’s Little Explorer package

KICKING off April 11 and running through to April 30, 2025, the ‘Little Explorer’ package offers the ultimate family-friendly hotel experience in the heart of the city, with overnight accommodation, daily breakfast at BARKERS restaurant for the whole family, a cozy teepee and explorer kit and delicious in-room amenity for the kids!

To help make the most of your city excursion, speak to PARKROYAL Localin the hotel lobby, where you’ll receive assistance with booking activities and getting local recommendations.

The hotel is also providing Explorer Packs, which include binoculars, a disposable camera, and a kid-friendly map to help navigate Sydney’s top attractions. Little explorers can easily check off each stop and capture the fun, creating lasting memories

along the way.

The hotel’s convenient location and family-friendly amenities make it an ideal choice to visit top nearby attractions, from Wildlife Sydney Zoo to SEA-

Discover the fun of watercraftpersonal

ISTARTED as the ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ of the group. Having just turned 50 and never having been at the controls of a boat or a PWC (personal watercraft) in my life, I was going to keep things pretty conservative.

With a few simple instructions on how to safely enjoy the latest Sea-Doo Personal Watercraft, such as maintain a safe distance because there are no brakes and wear a lifejacket, but then it was like, hang on, this is fun.

I was feeling the thrill of excitement the faster I went. They said in the safety

brieﬁng, it’s easier to turn once you have a bit of speed. Reaching speeds of up to 70km per hour, faster than the limit on most roads, I started weaving my turns with greater accuracy and precision.

This is an adventure in our own backyard. Just 30 minutes from Sydney exploring our wonderful waterways, I became quickly addicted to this new leisure pursuit. Who wouldn’t be?

“Believe me my young friend, there is NOTHING, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” (Wind in the Willows).

LIFE Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum, ensuring there’s no shortage of adventure to be had.

Offer Inclusions:

• Overnight accommodation.

• Daily buffet breakfast at BARKERS Restaurant (kids eat free!.)

• A cozy in-room teepee for your little explorers.

• Explorer Pack including binoculars, disposable camera and an Explore Local map curated by our PARKROYAL Local.

• Kid-friendly welcome amenity.

Room rates start from $w290 per night. Offer is valid for stays between 11th April - 30th April 2025.

Finally, this made sense to me. As we darted along the Hawkesbury River, under bridges, over wakes, watching for the ebbs and ﬂows and stopping to take in the amazing waterfall and the

shipwreck of the HMAS Parramatta, we were adventuring to places only reachable by water, with the sound of cicadas as our cheer-squad.

Jet Ski Safaris NSW at Brooklyn is offering a number of fun days out onboard Sea-Doo personal watercraft, at an affordable and accessible entry point for enthusiasts of all levels. With Jet Ski Safaris, you don’t even need to have your boat or PWC license to get started.

Who does a Jet Ski Safari suit?

As we cruised back to the Brooklyn Marina for lunch, I was already planning my return. First to bring my kids, maybe an extended family day out, but also how much fun would a ladies’ morning out zipping around the water, followed by lunch be?

Australia has some of the best waterways in the world and boating is a great way to experience the great outdoors whether it is by PWC, power boat, sailing boat or paddle craft. This summer why not get out on the water with family or friends and soak up the vast health beneﬁts, recharge the batteries and create lasting memories.

Head to jetskisafarisnsw.com.au to book in a session, sea-doo.brp.com to checkout the latest models and equipment, or discoverboating.com.au for more details on how you can get on the water.

NEW LUXURY VILLAS IN THE Coastal town of Bingin in Bali

IF you’re seeking the perfect blend of luxury, intimacy, and proximity to one of Bali’s most striking areas, look no further than Mazari Villas.

Located on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, this clever ﬁnd offers a tranquil retreat that’s still within reach of the island’s best beaches, vibrant nightlife, yoga studios, popular restaurants, and elevated boho fashion spots. Set in a rapidly developing area, this is a great time to visit before prices rise and adjacent new high-end developments take shape.

First impressions

From the moment we arrived, we were completely enchanted by the stunning cliffside vistas and sparkling views of nearby beaches such as Uluwatu, Dreamtime and Ngang Ngang. Mazari Villas is just 50 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, making it convenient without sacriﬁcing the exclusivity of its location.

As we neared the villa, our driver snaked through winding, secluded streets, lined with lush tropical gardens. This only heightened our anticipation of arriving at a luxurious, up-and-coming enclave that promises to be the next must visit Bali destination.

When we arrived at Mazari Villas, we were greeted with warmth and professionalism by our Villa Butler, Adhi, whose impeccable service immediately set the tone for our stay. Available 24/7 via WhatsApp, Adhi was quick to offer recommendations, arrange transport, and cater to any special requests. We were treated to a thorough villa tour with a refreshing arrival drink, and could immediately see why Mazari Villas is on the cusp of discovery for Bali lovers.

The villa itself was a modern

mansion, inspired by the crisp, whitewashed feel of Santorini. The open-air design featured pristine white walls, complemented by an aquamarine Mediterranean-style in-villa pool that was all ours. A cosmopolitan layout, with furnishings and artwork chosen to enhance the serene and inviting atmosphere.

Villas and In-villa services

We were fortunate to spend two nights in the Iona Villa, a two-bedroom residence that felt like our own magical escape. The villa was spacious with large ﬂoor to ceiling windows that allowed natural light to cascade throughout. One of the highlights was the sunken living room, which created

a cozy and intimate mood. It was the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the area or lounging by the pool.

We also enjoyed the new smart TV, which offered plenty of entertainment options for a quiet night in.

The villa also came equipped with a curated ‘Uluwatu Essentials’ and ‘Curated Experiences’ guides, thoughtfully put together by our Villa Butler. This guide not only included recommendations for local restaurants, but also insights into the best spas, beaches, and the most scenic sunset spots. Whether a local surf lesson, ﬁshing trip or bespoke art and craft workshop takes your fancy, Mazari will effortlessly cater to your needs.

Dining and food options

One of the best aspects of staying at Mazari Villas was the freedom to indulge in a variety of dining options without having to leave the property. While the villa’s kitchen was fully equipped and operational for cooking up a feast, we opted to take advantage of Bali’s thriving delivery culture. With apps like Gojek and Grab, it was easy to have delicious, local meals delivered straight to our door, often within 30 minutes.

The team provides a well-edited list of the best eateries in the area, making it simple to explore local cuisine. We enjoyed dinner by the pool, sipping California wine while sampling a range of Balinese dishes, from international to Indonesian favourites.

Surrounding areas

A fun and unexpected find just around the corner was Fleur Caf?, offering fresh coffee and pastries in a laidback atmosphere, making it a favourite among the global nomad crowd. I loved the sketch books and reflection cards in this cute cafe, encouraging patrons to express themselves or have a moment of quiet reflection over their morning brew before heading out to explore. The area around Mazari Villas is home to some of Bali’s best dining spots, offering everything from casual cafes to luxe dining experiences. The proximity to Bingin Beach and Uluwatu’s main drag meant that we could easily grab a scooter or arrange a quick ride for a night out.

For a full day of relaxation, Sundays Beach Club is the perfect option. Just 20 minutes from the villas, it features a stunning beachfront location that offers a range of activities, from swimming and reading a book under a private cabana, to enjoying a cocktail and snack by the water. Walk-ins are welcome but Sundays also offer a VIP pack with towels, welcome hamper and a food and beverage credit for your day.

Sunset at Sundays is magic with a saxophone performance and beach bonﬁres shifting the venue into nightlife mode. The Balinese gods thankfully got us to the airport on time, and we cheekily boarded our ﬂight.