North West News - August 2026

ISSUE 14 | August 2026 TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS FOR SYDNEY’S NORTH WEST www.thenorthwestnews.au

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ARSDEN Park Temporary Library has attracted strong community use, with Blacktown City Council encouraging more residents to discover the free library services available close to home. Blacktown Council extended the library’s opening hours in March following strong demand, particularly for Baby Rhyme Time, Story Time and school holiday activities. Thousands of people have used the service since it opened in 2024. Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the response showed the value of providing local services as Marsden Park continues to grow.

“Families have really embraced the temporary library and we have already increased its opening hours in response to demand.” More inside.

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ISSUE 14 | August 2026 How to get The News The North West News is available at strategic locations throughout Sydney’s North West. To find a location near you visit our website.

Digital edition Each edition of The North West News can be viewed and downloaded in digitalf ormat at our ISSUU platform: www.issuu/communitybroadcastnetwork

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

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Marsden Park’s new data centre.

FILM REVIEW: The Odyssey.

Paperwork no one waned you about.

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News..............................................3 Newsbytes...................................11 Tax Debt Matters.........................12

Healthy Western Sydney.............13 Comment ....................................14 Local Business Awards...............16

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HE annual Riverston e Festival has once again brought the community together to celebrate the people, culture and local spirit that make Riverstone one of the fastest growing communities in North Western Sydney. Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby was joined by NSW Premier Chris Minns, Australian Atorney-General and Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland, and Blacktown City Council Mayor Brad Buntng at this year’s festval, which showcased local businesses, community organisat ons, performances, exhibits and family actvites. More inside.

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Australia.

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Our sister publication covers the high growth area of Sydney’s North West, bounded

by Blacktown, Hills and Hawkesbury Councils, including: Kellyville Ridge, Marsden Park, Riverstone, Schfields, The Ponds, Plumpton, Stanhope, Collebee and more.

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Kellyville, Box Hill moving hotspots

ELLYVILLE and Box Hill have emerged as Sydney’s leading destinations for people on the move, with new industry data highlighting the continuing appeal of the city’s rapidly growing North West.

The Sydney Moving Trends 2026 report from A1 Removalists Sydney analysed 2,930 completed moves undertaken between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, providing a snapshot of where customers are relocating across the metropolitan area.

Kellyville recorded the strongest net inbound result of any suburb in the company’s residential moving data, with a net balance of 12 more arrivals than departures. Box Hill was close behind with a positive balance of 11.

The two North West suburbs were comfortably ahead of Marrickville and Lidcombe, which each recorded a net gain of eight, followed by Macquarie Park with seven.

According to A1, the results are consistent with the continued growth of Sydney’s North West corridor, where

new housing and expanding communities are attracting residents from other parts of the metropolitan area.

At the opposite end of the scale, Sydney CBD and Leichhardt each recorded a net outbound balance of 15 moves, while Campbelltown, Bankstown and Kogarah each recorded net

outbound figures of seven.

The company said the figures fitted a broader pattern of residents trading higher-density locations for more space further from the city.

The suburb analysis was based on 2,183 household-style moves where locations could be identified, excluding

commercial and recurring depot-style jobs. A1 stressed that its figures represent its own completed customer jobs rather than official population or migration statistics.

The report also revealed a significant increase in the company’s moving activity during the first half of 2026. A1 completed 1,694 jobs between January and June, compared with 1,236 between July and December 2025 — an increase of 37.1 per cent. January was the busiest month, with 317 completed moves.

Friday and Saturday were the most popular moving days, accounting for 1,085 jobs, or 37 per cent of the total, while Sunday represented just 4.8 per cent.

A1 Removalists Sydney director Oliver Mikha said the company’s records provided an insight into when and where Sydney families were moving.

For the North West, the findings add another indicator of the strong population and housing momentum transforming Kellyville, Box Hill and surrounding growth communities.

Powerhouse Parramatta to open in November

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ESTERN Sydney’s first state cultural institution, the $915 million Powerhouse Parramatta, will officially open to the public on Saturday, November 7. Located on the Parramatta River, the museum will launch

with five exhibitions featuring more than 3,000 objects, with most exhibitions free to visit. Opening highlights include Task Eternal, exploring humanity’s pursuit of flight through design and technology, and The Mall, examining the cultural

history of shopping centres and Western Sydney’s role in their development. More than 560 Powerhouse Collection objects will feature in The Mall, alongside international loans and community stories.

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Marsden Park embraces local library

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ARSDEN Park Temporary Library has attracted strong community use, with Blacktown City Council encouraging residents to discover the free library services available close to home.

Council extended the library’s opening hours in March following strong demand, particularly for Baby Rhyme Time, Story Time and school holiday activities. Thousands of people have used the service since it opened in 2024.

Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the response showed the value of providing local services as Marsden Park continues to grow. “Families have really embraced the temporary library and we have already increased its opening hours in response to demand.

“Libraries today are about much more than borrowing books. They are places to read, learn, take part in activities and connect with your community.

“If you live in Marsden Park and haven’t joined yet, I encourage you to come in and have a look. Membership is free and gives you access to services and resources across the entire Blacktown City Libraries network,” Mayor Bunting said.

Free membership includes access to books, eBooks and audiobooks, digital resources, online learning, events and activities.

Council has also heard from Marsden Park residents that they want more services and community facilities closer

to home, including more activities for children and families.

Council is delivering major library and community projects at Seven Hills and Mount Druitt through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, providing new and improved spaces for learning, programs and community connection.

“The temporary library has been a great success, but there are limits to what we can provide in the current space,” Mayor Bunting said.

“Marsden Park is one of Sydney’s major growth communities and we want residents here to have the same access to services as people in other parts of our city.

“Council will continue to advocate to the NSW Government for the support needed to deliver a larger, permanent full-service library for Marsden Park.”

The Marsden Park Temporary Library is at the Marsden Park Neighbourhood Centre, at the corner of Northbourne Drive and Elara Boulevard.

It provides about 1,500 books, children’s services, an HSC collection and community language titles in Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi and Hindi. Residents can also request and return items from the wider Blacktown City Libraries collection.

The Marsden Park Temporary Library is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays from 9.30 am to 2 pm.

Above, Mayor Brad Bunting and below a community event at the library.

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WEill Barton.

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Hawkesbury Council confirms Will as GM

AWKESBURY City Mayor Les Sheather has announced that Will Barton (pictured) has been appointed as General Manager of Hawkesbury City Council.

Mayor Sheather made the announcement at Tuesday night’s Council Meeting after Mr Barton was overwhelmingly selected as the preferred candidate at last Friday’s Extraordinary Meeting.

Mr Barton has been Acting General Manger since April 2026, and was previously the Director of Infrastruc-

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ture Services since November 2021.

Mayor Sheather said Mr Barton was the outstanding candidate in what was a high-quality field of applicants.

“On behalf of my fellow Councillors and Council staff, I warmly congratulate Mr Barton on his appointment to the role of General Manager,” Mayor Sheather said.

“Mr Barton brings more than two decades of experience in local government and infrastructure leadership, including extensive senior executive

experience across regional and metropolitan councils.

“He was instrumental in helping guide the Hawkesbury’s recovery following the unprecedented series of floods between 2020 and 2024, and my Councillor colleagues and I have full confidence that Mr Barton is the right administrator to lead this organisation as we continue our work to build a Hawkesbury that is loved by its people.”

Mr Barton’s appointment is effective immediately.

Parcel locker usage jumps 20%

USTRALIA Post has reported a 20% increase in Parcel Locker usage over the past year, as growing demand for flexible delivery reshapes Australian eCommerce.

To keep pace, the company plans to significantly expand its Parcel Locker network over the next five years.

More than two million Australians are now registered users, with the Parcel Locker network growing over

60% year-on-year and the broader out-of-home network expanding to more than 5,000 collection points nationwide, including over 1,500 lockers.

New sites are being added at post offices, residential precincts, shopping centres and transport hubs, supported by partnerships with major retail property groups.

Returns via Parcel Lockers have also grown 36% year-on-year, with research showing seven in ten consumers want delivery choice at checkout.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

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Australia Post Executive General Manager Gary Starr said the growth reflects changing shopping habits.

"Australians are looking for delivery options that give them greater flexibility and control, and Parcel Lockers provide a secure and convenient way to collect parcels when it suits them," he said.

"We're focused on expanding our Parcel Locker network in convenient locations and strengthening the capacity needed to support Australia's

growing eCommerce economy."

The Parcel Locker checkout widget has lifted uptake, particularly among Millennials and inner-metro shoppers, and cut missed deliveries by 12%.

Australia Post is also reshaping its retail footprint to match the shift, rolling out more parcel-focused post office formats, including agency models and dedicated Post Parcels sites, as it looks to keep up with the pace of change in how Australians shop and receive their deliveries.

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Marsden Park’s new AI data centre BIANCA STANTON

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N late 2024, NSW planning minister Paul Scully announced the approval of a data campus at Marsden Park in Western Sydney.

The facility is set to become the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, marking a developmental milestone for Australia’s artificial intelligence (AI) industry.

The $3.1B project includes six four-storey buildings, with each building capable of housing 24 data halls.

According to the project developer, CDC Data Centres (CDC), the facility consists of technological infrastructure necessary to store, process and distribute digital information.

In powering next-generation AI and cloud-computing workloads, the facility is expected to foster significant growth in Western Sydney’s digital economy.

“CDC Data Centres is proud to play a key role in ensuring Australia’s access to secure and reliable systems that underpin the progress of our economy and society.

“The Marsden Park campus is purpose-built to support next-generation cloud, high-performance computing and AI workloads, positioning Australia as one of the regional leaders in advanced data capability,” said CDC CEO and founder, Greg Boorer.

Along with its expansion of Australia’s digital economy, the facility is expected to offer significant financial benefits for Western Sydney.

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Artist impression of the data centre.

The NSW government projects that the development will generate about 220 construction jobs and 265 operational jobs.

“From skilled trades to project management, this development will offer a wide range of employment opportunities, supporting local families and contributing to the economic vitality of our region.

The size and scope of this project once again demonstrates that Blacktown City is the destination of choice for world-class, sustainable developments such as the CDC data centre campus,” said Blacktown City Council Mayor, Brad Bunting.

However, there are concerns about the significant energy demands of the facility as its 504-megawatt capacity is equivalent to the energy usage of 140,000 homes.

According to a greenhouse gas emissions report by environmental consultant Stantec High energy consumers Australia, the data centre’s buildings would be “high energy consumers, primarily sourcing power from the NSW electricity grid”.

The same report said the project’s emissions would exceed 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide in its initial years of operation, reducing as the NSW grid

decarbonises.

CDC has implemented sustainability measures in their project development regarding their energy usage.

The developer has plans to source up to 99 per cent of the energy required for the facility from renewable sources by 2030.

The facility’s air-based cooling and use of chilled and reused water will consume just 0.01 litres of water for every 1 kilowatt-hour of energy consumed.

In response to Australia’s rapidly expanding AI industry, the federal government recently announced plans for a national framework to regulate large-scale data centres, including CDC’s Marsden Park facility.

On July 15, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a speech titled ‘AI in Australia’s interests’ at the University of Sydney. In his speech, Mr Albanese said to expect mandatory requirements to cover power, grid connection, energy efficiency and water use.

Mr Albanese said the data centre companies would have to minimise their water usage and contribute at least as much energy to the grid as they consumed, including both renewables and firming power.

The government would also require new facilities to underwrite new electricity generation as well as pay the full cost for connecting to the grid.

“This world leading framework is about Australia choosing to shape the future rather than letting the future of AI shape us,” said Mr Albanese.

Calling aspiring poets across region

SPIRING poets, rappers and storytellers are invited to showcase their talent at the Australian Poetry Slam '26: Blacktown Heat at Blacktown City Libraries' Mount Druitt Hub on Thursday, August 20. Entrants need to

perform an original two-minute poem, with two winners progressing to the Sydney final. Successful finalists will compete at the national final at the Sydney Opera House on October 25, where the Australian Poetry Slam-bassador will be crowned

and awarded an international writers' festival tour valued at around $20,000. Blacktown Mayor Brad Bunting encouraged people of all ages and experience levels to take part. Visit council’s website for details.

UNRIVALLED AUDIENCE REACH ACCESS AUSTRALIA'S FASTEST GOWING REGIONS

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Tributes for animal rescuer Jean TONY BOSWORTH

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Animal welfare champion Jean Helson.

RIBUTES have poured in following the death of Willmot-based animal welfare champion Jean Helson, whose tireless work rescuing and caring for abandoned, neglected and in-need dogs, cats and other pets has touched thousands of lives across Sydney's west.

Mrs Helson, founder of Jade's Dog Rescue and one of the founding members of the Western Suburbs branch of the Animal Welfare League NSW, has passed away aged 86 after dedicating more than half a century to helping animals and the people who love them.

She quietly helped countless people care for their pets, often providing dog food and flea treatments to families who were struggling and unable to do so themselves.

Jean's dedication, hard work, and unwavering love for animals have left a legacy to many, said the AWL in an online tribute.

Mrs Helson was lauded as a compassionate advocate who helped establish the AWL branch in 1970 and continued serving for decades, including as its fundraising officer.

“Jean's dedication, hard work and unwavering love for animals have left a lasting legacy,” the organisation said in their tribute. “Rest peacefully, Jean.

Your contribution to animal welfare and the lives you changed will never be forgotten.”

Friends and fellow animal rescuers say her influence stretched far beyond organised animal welfare.

Long-time colleague and fellow rescuer Kerrin Lee said Mrs Helson founded Jade's Dog Rescue more than 40 years ago and never stopped putting animals first.

Ms Lee said Mrs Helson regularly paid for desexing operations herself and remained deeply involved in the Willmot community.

“She spent a lot of her own money on animal welfare because she simply couldn't bear to see an animal suffer,”

she said. “She wasn't looking for recognition. She just wanted to help.”

Having worked alongside Mrs Helson rescuing dogs for many years, Ms Lee said her passing leaves an enormous gap in the local community.

“It's a real loss to lose Jean,” she said.

“There is really no one in that area who will actively help with animals the way Jean constantly did.”

Friend and fellow volunteer Tammy Hammond remembered Mrs Helson as someone whose kindness never wavered.

“Jean was so kind-hearted and really passionate about animal welfare,” Ms Hammond said. “She will be sadly missed and was much loved. She was such a wonderful, kind person.”

For generations of rescued cats and dogs and other animals - and the families who were able to keep them because of her generosity - Jean Helson's legacy will live on long after her passing. Her life's work is a reminder that compassion, quietly given, can change countless lives.

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 Minns 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-

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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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Sydney 000 Expo is coming

HE Sydney 000 Expo will return on Sunday, September 13 offering a free, family-friendly day of interactive learning, emergency service demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes access to the agencies that help keep NSW safe.

Held at Castle Hill Showground, the event will run from 10:00am to 4:00pm and will bring together emergency services, support agencies, volunteer organisations, and specialist response teams from across the state.

Formerly known as Emergency Expo, the event has been rebranded as the Sydney 000 Expo to better reflect its focus on the “triple zero” services that respond to the community in times of need.

Organisers are working to secure more than 30 exhibitors for 2026, with plans to significantly expand aviation assets, live demonstrations, and hands-on public engagement opportunities.

The expo will feature emergency vehicles, rescue equipment, interactive displays, and live demonstrations designed to educate visitors about how different agencies respond to emergencies such as storms, fires, medical incidents, and road accidents.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to speak directly with frontline personnel and volunteers, gaining insight into the roles and responsibilities of each service.

A key focus of the event is community education and preparedness, helping visitors understand what to do in an emergency and which services are responsible for different types of incidents.

The event also aims to build confidence in young people through positive engagement with emergency personnel and interactive learning experiences.

Career pathways will also be highlighted, with many agencies showcasing employment and volunteering opportunities across a wide range of disciplines including emergency response, aviation, engineering, logistics, communications, and healthcare.

Families will be encouraged to take part in the popular Kids’ Stamp Rally, where they can download a game card from the expo website, and bring it to expo where children can visit participating agencies, complete simple learning tasks, and collect stamps for a chance to win prizes.

The activity is designed to make learning about emergency services both fun and memorable.

As preparations continue, additional exhibitors and activities will be announced through the official Sydney 000 Expo Facebook page, website and Humanitix.

FREE tickets are available via Humanitix, https://events.humanitix.com/000expo-com-au

Local jobs our primary focus NORTH WEST BUSINESS CHAMBER

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HE North West Business Chamber says delivering local jobs must be the primary focus as the NSW Government begins implementing the new Sydney Plan released on August 13, 2026.

The Chamber welcomes the NSW Government’s commitment to planning jobs, housing and infrastructure together.

Riverstone West, now known as Richards, provides an ideal demonstration precinct for translating the Sydney Plan’s vision into practical and lasting outcomes for the North West Growth Area.

The Chamber welcomes the significant infrastructure investment now being delivered by the State and Federal governments.

After years of extraordinary population growth, the North West is finally benefiting from meaningful investment in roads, new and upgraded schools, additional commuter parking at Tallawong and the long-awaited Rouse Hill Hospital.

With around 300,000 people ultimately expected to call the North West Growth Area home, infrastructure investment must now be matched by an equally strong and immediate commitment to substantial local employment.

Local jobs must be treated as essential economic infrastructure not an optional addition to residential growth.

Riverstone has a proud history of

The Riverstone Meatworks became one of the region’s largest employers, providing more than 2,000 jobs at its peak. Image courtesy www.riverstonehistoricalsociety.org.au

local employment. Established by Benjamin Richards in 1878, the Riverstone Meatworks became one of the region’s largest employers, providing more than 2,000 jobs at its peak.

The meatworks helped shape Riverstone, supporting workers’ housing, local businesses, schools and community services. The Chamber believes Richards can continue that legacy through a modern precinct providing professional, technical, health, education, commercial and service-sector employment.

Local jobs would give more residents the opportunity to work within approximately 15 minutes of home, easing congestion and returning valuable time

to workers and their families.

The former Riverstone Meatworks, now known as Richards, was fast-tracked in 2009 as the employment precinct for the North West Growth Area but remains undelivered.

Located beside the T1 heavy rail line, the precinct has the potential to support up to 20,000 jobs.

Better infrastructure will improve people’s lives, but its full value will never be realised without substantial local employment to support a balanced, connected and economically sustainable community.

“Every additional lane on Windsor Road and Richmond Road will eventually

fill if our population continues growing without local employment growing alongside it,” Kurt Hippe Chamber Vice President said.

“The same applies to trains and commuter car parks. Better transport is vital, but we must also reduce the need for thousands of residents to make long journeys away from their homes every day.”

They would also strengthen the local economy. Residents working nearby are more likely to shop locally, use local services and support cafés, retailers and small businesses, keeping more household income circulating within their local community.

“Transport should connect our residents with the rest of Sydney, but success should not be measured only by how quickly we can move people out of the North West each morning to find work,” “Richards gives the North West the opportunity to create jobs here, use existing rail and road infrastructure more effectively and build a more balanced community.”

The Chamber is calling for government, Council, industry and the community to work together on a clear delivery pathway for Richards.

“The infrastructure investment is arriving, and we welcome it,” the Chamber said. “The Sydney Plan must now help deliver the local jobs that will sustain our growing communities.

Visit: www.nwbc.biz

Tickets on sale for Echoes – Moon Garden

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ICKETS are now on sale for Western Sydney’s Echoes – Moon Garden light and sound spectacular at Bella Vista Farm. Running from September 18 to October 11, the immersive expe-

rience will transform the historic farm after dark with illuminated pathways, blooming light displays, sound installations and photo opportunities. Part of The Hills Shire Council’s Orange Blossom Festival,

Echoes returns for its second year in partnership with Dural-based Laservision. Visitors can also enjoy food trucks including Toby’s Milkbar and Gelato Messina, which will offer a special Orange Blossom

Festival-themed flavour. Sessions run Wednesday to Sunday, with additional dates during the NSW school holidays and low-sensory sessions available. Get tickets: echoesbellavista.com.au

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Hungarian water polo at Featherdale

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HE Hungarian are known for being a powerhouse nation in the world of Water Polo but they do have one soft spot. Hungarians love Featherdale Wildlife Park and made a special request to visit.

The world’s top eight men’s and women’s water polo nations competed at Homebush for 2026 World Aquatic Water Polo World Cup at Sydney Aquatic Centre Homebush between 22nd to 26th July.

It was 20 years ago since Australia hosted the world cup and the Olympic back in 2000.

Australia qualified for both the women’s and men’s final series and both competed in the bronze medal playoffs.

The Australian women’s team could not emulate the gold medal Olympic performance at Sydney 2000 games but won the bronze medal defeating Russia. The men’s team finishing fourth, losing to the Italians in the bronze medal play off.

Featherdale’s Glenn Willis (CEO) and Trish Reid (Operations Manager) where thrilled at hosting the Hungarians as Featherdale once hosted the Hungarian President, Janos Ader and First Lady Anita Herczegh, in 2016 as part of their State visit and even named a baby koala after him.

The men’s Hungarian Water Polo team got close & personal to the inhabitants of Featherdale Wildlife Park with Krisztian Manhercz (men’s captain) and Rita Keszthelyi (women’s captain) keen to meet Janos the koala, our famous boxing kangaroos and the numerous Australian wildlife.

The Hungarian men’s team was narrowly beaten by the Greeks to receive the silver in a thrilling game.

Featherdale has over 2,000 unique native animals

allowing visitors to hand feed some of the animals, all in a quaint bush setting.

No wonder Featherdale is the choice of champions, just like our visiting Hungarian athletes wishing to explore our beautiful native wildlife.

Ms Reid said, "We're always proud to showcase Australia's unique wildlife to visitors from around the world, and it was a pleasure to welcome the Hungarian Water Polo teams to Featherdale.

“We hope their visits provided a chance to relax, connect with nature and enjoy a uniquely Australian experience during their time in Sydney."

Women’s captain Rita Keszthelyi far left and left men’s captain Krisztian Manhercz and beloiw, the team outside Featherdale.

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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.

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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

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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.

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GOLDEN BROWS ACADEMY EXCELLING

SUCCESS FROM THE DAYS OF COVID

DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE

TASTE OF AUSTRALIA

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Tax Debt Matters

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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

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

August 2026 | ISSUE 14 | 13

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LOCAL DOCTORS RESPOND TO AI

Warning over patient diagnosis NICK NIKOLAIDIS

L

OCAL doctors have responded to Australian Medical Association’s (AMA) warning about the proliferation of misinformation and distrust in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The AMA says patients are using AI self-diagnose and is concerned about the effect they believe this will have on health care, a concern shared by local health experts.

It follows the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) earlier this saying that doctors are increasingly spending appointments to dispel mistruths their patients are encountering online.

This is not a new phenomenon; Dr Google has long been a headache for medical practitioners due to the algorithm tending to favour sensationalism and being unable to consider the severity of symptoms, how a patient is otherwise presenting, and medical history.

Well-meaning patients are then left with inaccurate conclusions and unnecessary panic which can clog waiting rooms and Emergency Departments.

But AI has accelerated the problem.

In just seconds a bad faith actor can generate false evidence; fake medical

journals, fake news sources, even photos, which look credible and spread like a virus infecting panic into patients.

It goes both ways; shonks selling ‘cures’ or ‘treatments’ backed up by false evidence, to conspiracy theorists attempting to stymie genuine medical progress (as was seen during COVID).

There is also the risk of ‘AI Hallucination’ where models generate false information as absolute fact and supported by false sources, which could have severe even lethal consequences when giving medical advice.

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is trying to get ahead of community concern, recently launching

‘ChatGPT Health’ in the United States.

The service allows users to connect Apple Health and supported medical records which in theory could provide better information and advice.

But this has raised concerns about the storage of sensitive information which could be the target of a largescale hack, as well as the risk of bad advice supported by hallucinations; in May a California teenager was advised by ChatGPT to consume a fatal concoction of substances.

There is no timeline for a ChatGPT Health launch in Australia.

As a result of increased concern in the medical community, the AMA has

taken to update its ‘Role of the Doctor’ statement to emphasise that while AI can be used to enhance care, it is not a substitute for trained clinical judgement.

Doctors must continue to oversee and safeguard the algorithms and digital tools that they may use.The AMA sees one role of these tools to be reducing the administrative burden on doctors to free up more time for patient care.

Dr Danielle McMullen, President of the AMA said: “At a time when misinformation spreads faster than facts, patients need [Doctors] they can trust to explain what the evidence shows and what it means for them.

“That trust is earned through years of medical education, supervised training, and ongoing professional development.”

Dr Hani Bittar from Mediclinic in Glenmore Park said: “We are already using AI to script medical appointments, which creates excellent records.

The problem emerges when using it as a primary diagnosis tool.

“We have seen a moderate rise in presentations of patients who have received alarmist advice from AI or the internet.

“Unnecessary presentations can increase waiting times and reduce capacity for patients with the more serious care needs.”

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14 | ISSUE 14 | August 2026

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with Michelle Rowland

RESIDENTS’ FRUSTRATION FINALLY ADDRESSED

Delivering More Parking at Tallawong MICHELLE ROWLAND

F

OR years, one of the most common frustrations raised with me by local residents has been the lack of parking at Tallawong Metro Station.

Anyone who drives to the station regularly knows the routine. You leave home before sunrise yet still end up circling the station car park looking for a space. Too often, every spot is already taken.

That is why I am pleased our local Labor team, working with the Minns Government, is delivering a new multi-storey commuter car park at Tallawong Metro Station.

The new car park will provide up to 1,100 additional spaces, more than doubling the parking available at the station.

It will make it easier for thousands of residents to access the Metro, reduce pressure on surrounding streets and help people get where they need to be sooner.

We're also adding an additional storey to the existing car park at the Hills Showground station, which will provide an extra 100 spaces. The Minns Government has committed $160 million to deliver this project and has committed to delivering it as quickly as possible.

Work on planning and approvals is now underway, and construction will begin as soon as those processes are complete.

This announcement is a direct response to the countless residents who have raised this issue with me.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experience and advocate for a better outcome.

Artist impression of the new Tallawong parking capacity.

Our local Labor team has listened, and we are acting.

The new multi-storey commuter carpark is part of broader work underway to deliver the infrastructure North West Sydney needs.

Construction has started on the new Rouse Hill Hospital.

We are investing in upgrades to major local roads, including Windsor Road, Richmond Road, Townson Road, Burdekin Road, Bandon Road and Garfield Road.

New and upgraded schools are being delivered in communities including Tallawong, Box Hill, The

ADVERTISEMENT

As your Federal Member for Greenway,

I'm here to help.

Please don't hesitate to contact my office.

Michelle Rowland MP Attorney-General Federal Member for Greenway PO Box 8006, Rouse Hill NSW 2762 Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au Shop 48, Level 1, Tallawong Village Tallawong NSW 2762

(02) 9671 4780 @mrowlandmp michellerowland.com.au

Authorised by Michelle Rowland MP, Australian Labor Party, Shop 48, Level 1, Tallawong Village, Tallawong NSW 2762

Gables, Rouse Hill and Lalor Park.

These are practical investments that will make a real difference to the daily lives of local families. There is more work to do, and I will keep working with the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments to deliver the infrastructure our community needs.

Michelle Rowland MP is the Federal Member for Greenway and Attorney-General of Australia. If you need assistance with any Federal issue, you can contact Michelle by phone on 02 9671 4780 or by email at Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au

THE Hawkesbury Local Business Awards is back, and it’s almost time for you to nominate your favourite business.

Nominations for the 2026 Hawkesbury Local Business Awards opened on August 10 and will close on Tuesday, September 8 with the winners announced at the Awards Presentation Evening, on Wednesday, November 11.

For over four decades, the awards have shared success stories, inspired businesspeople, and united the local community.

Precedent Productions Managing Director and founder of the Local Business Awards, Steve Loe said the program presents the opportunity for local businesses to be recognised for their hard work and celebrate their achievements.

“Many businesses have expressed over the years just how much it means to them to be nominated for an award and recognised for their efforts,” he said.

Mr Loe encourages everyone in the community to cast their vote and show appreciation for the outstanding goods and services providers of Hawkesbury.

“Nominating someone for their outstanding service or products is a great way to thank these people, who are the backbone of our community”, said Mr Loe. Businessowners, now is the time to get involved – to register your business or update your profile for the awards, head to www.thebusinessawards.com.au.

Mr Loe extended his thanks to the Awards Partners for their support and commitment to celebrating the achievements of local businesses in the Hawkesbury community.

As our official Media Partner, The North West News will provide updates on the Awards program and run a special Finalists and Winners Feature. To be involved in the feature contact:

julie@accessnews.com.au

For further information on the 2026 Hawkesbury Local Business Awards, visit www.thebusinessawards.com.au

16 | ISSUE 14 | August 2026

Hawkesbury Local Business Awards

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Helping businesses access funding

F

OR Australian businesses seeking finance to grow, manage cash flow or invest in new opportunities, Unitree Finance provides access to a broad range of tailored commercial lending solutions.

Based in Parramatta, Unitree Finance is a business finance broker with access to a network of more than 150 lenders. Led by CEO Adi, who has more than 12 years’ experience in the finance industry, the company focuses on simplifying the lending process and helping businesses identify finance suited to their circumstances.

Unitree Finance is a Credit Representative of AFAS Group Pty Ltd (ACL 414426) and assists businesses across Australia with a range of commercial finance requirements.

Its services include unsecured business loans,

business lines of credit, overdrafts, low-doc business loans, debtor and invoice finance, trade finance and start-up funding.

The company also provides business vehicle and equipment finance, loans against property and specialist finance solutions for medical and healthcare businesses.

Unitree Finance works with businesses across sectors including transport, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality and retail, with a particular focus on helping small businesses and self-employed Australians who may not always fit traditional bank lending criteria.

Low-doc finance options can provide eligible businesses with access to funding where reduced financial documentation may be appropriate, while Unitree Finance’s broad lender network allows it to compare a range of potential financing solutions.

The company promotes a client-first approach built around straightforward advice, streamlined assessment and helping business owners make informed funding decisions.

For growing businesses in Western Sydney and across Australia, Unitree Finance combines local finance expertise with access to a nationwide lending network.

Businesses can learn more about Unitree Finance and explore available commercial finance options at www.unitreefinance.com.au.

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20 | ISSUE 14 | August 2026

Buy / Sell A Business

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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

S

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

FilM

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August 2026 | ISSUE 14 | 21

REVIEW - The Odyssey JACOB RICHARDSON

E

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.

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

Travel

August 2026 | ISSUE 14 | www.thenorthwestnews.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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August 2026 | ISSUE 14 | 23

with Emma Wilson

Easy choice for business conferences EMMA WILSON

W

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

T

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.

24 | ISSUE 14 | August 2026

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with Emma Wilson

Must do when in New Zealand EMMA WILSON

T

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

The Australian Small Business Champion Awards originated in 1999 as the NSW Small Business Champion of Champion Awards, which were successful in recognising outstanding businesses from NSW. In 2007, the program expanded to recognise the achievements of outstanding small businesses from across Australia, and the Australian Small Business Champions Awards program was born. Developed and managed by Precedent Productions the Australian Small Business Champions Awards have grown into the flagship program recognising Australian Small Business excellence. Community Broadcast Network (CBN) is a proud media partner of this prestigious event and produced the souvenir magazine.

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