APPLAUSE FOR CONSERVATORIUM PLAY
40 YEARS OF ACE IN PARRAMATTA
VOLUNTEERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
CROWNE IN TOWN
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a partnership with developer-builder Urban Property Group (Urban) to introduce Crowne Plaza Parramatta, at the heart of Parramatta. Scheduled to open in 2029, the 217-room hotel will be situated in the centre of a new landmark mixed-use development directly opposite Parramatta rail station, seamlessly connected to the vibrant Westfield Parramatta shopping and lifestyle precinct. The hotel will offer unrivalled transport connectivity with a direct link between the station and the hotel, ensuring effortless access for guests and visitors. More page 3.
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Artist impression of the proposed Parramatta Crowne Plaza Hotel.
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ISSUE 67 NovEmbEr 2025
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Crowne Plaza in Parramatta
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a partnership with developer-builder Urban Property Group (Urban) to introduce Crowne Plaza Parramatta, at the heart of Parramatta.
Scheduled to open in 2029, the 217room hotel will be situated in the centre of a new landmark mixed-use development directly opposite Parramatta rail station, seamlessly connected to the vibrant Westfield Parramatta shopping and lifestyle precinct. The hotel will offer unrivalled transport connectivity with a direct link between the station and the hotel, ensuring effortless access for guests and visitors.
Crowne Plaza Parramatta will feature an inviting selection of dining options, including a contemporary all-day restaurant and an intimate lobby bar, designed to create stylish social settings for guests and locals alike.
It will also offer flexible meeting and event spaces, a rooftop infinity pool with an outdoor terrace, making it an ideal destination for business travellers, event delegates, and leisure guests seeking to experience the energy of this thriving city.
Parramatta has evolved into Sydney’s second CBD, with strong demand drivers across commerce, education, health, and the arts. Major cultural investments such as the new Powerhouse Parramatta Museum and the expanded Riverside Theatre precinct are helping to attract increasing
numbers of visitors, while the opening of Western Sydney International Airport will further enhance accessibility, placing Parramatta at the centre of a new era for tourism and business in Greater Sydney.
Matt Tripolone, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific: said: “Western Sydney is one of Australia’s
most dynamic growth corridors, underpinned by record levels of infrastructure investment, a flourishing business and government sector, and the arrival of Western Sydney International Airport in 2026. Crowne Plaza Parramatta will be a flagship destination for both domestic and international travellers and an important
and attractive addition to the city’s evolving skyline.”
Patrick Elias, Co-CEO of Urban said: “We are excited to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring Crowne Plaza Parramatta to life. This marks our first-ever hotel collaboration and will become a striking, defining feature within our mixed-use development when it opens in 2029.
“Parramatta is set to play a key role in Sydney’s future as a major city centre, and we are proud to be creating a must-visit destination that combines quality hospitality and unrivalled connectivity for those who work here or visit from home or abroad.”
Crowne Plaza Parramatta joins other xamples of the brand including Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour, Crowne Plaza Melbourne, and Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes within the brand’s Australian estate which has grown to 14 open hotels and seven pipeline properties.
One of the world’s fastest-growing upscale hotel brands, Crowne Plaza remains synonymous with purposeful design, energising guest experiences, and flexible meeting and event spaces that blend work and life seamlessly.
Crowne Plaza Parramatta continues the global growth of the Crowne Plaza brand, which has reached 415 hotels and 144 in the pipeline properties and continues to expand worldwide.
Artist impression of the development.
Harris Park woman wins $2.5M Lotto
AHARRIS Park woman is struggling to grasp the fact that her second-ever Saturday Lotto ticket landed her a $2.5M prize in a recent draw. The Sydneysider held one of the eight division one winning entries nationally in Saturday Lotto draw 4621 on Saturday, November 1. Each division one winning entry pocketed $2.5M. “I checked my ticket after the draw, and I initially thought I’d won $2,500!” she laughed
while speaking to an official from The Lott. “Then I just wasn’t sure what I was seeing. I just didn’t know if it was correct or not. “I just tried to get back to sleep, but really couldn’t. “I still can’t believe it. It feels like I’m in a dream.” he Lott’s division one winning tally has now reached 363 so far in 2025, including 103 won by NSW Lotteries customers. In FY25, Saturday Lotto created 165 millionaires across Australia.
Powerhouse 100-year time capsule
NSW’s brightest minds from students, educators, academics, industry researchers, scientists and enthusiasts can nominate innovations which best capture this moment in time, with the Powerhouse Parramatta preparing items to be included in a time capsule to be opened in
100 years. Ahead of its 2026 opening, Powerhouse Parramatta, in collaboration with award-winning Australian industrial designer David Caon, the Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer, the Science Teachers Association of NSW and the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility in
Rookwood Catholic Cemetery
A sacred place of rest for generations
Bradfield City are collaborating to develop a high-tech vessel created using advanced manufacturing processes to store a selection of items. The contents will be NSW innovations that have shaped the fields of science, engineering, manufacturing and computing. It will also celebrate
For nearly 160 years, Rookwood Catholic Cemetery has been a place of peace, remembrance, and Catholic tradition - welcoming people of all faiths.
With landscaped grounds, historic chapels, and Sydney’s only Catholic crematorium, families can honour their loved ones with dignity and compassion.
the achievements of the scientists and engineers whose breakthroughs have transformed the way we live. Applications close at 5pm Wednesday 26 November 2025.
For more information: http://bit.ly/4q54vtg
› Dedicated Catholic lawns and chapels › Sydney’s only Catholic crematorium › Memorial and inscription services now available, with easy arrangement through our office
Contact our friendly team to explore our burial, cremation and monumentation options all tailored to your family’s needs.
Building new palliative care unit
ASIGNIFICANT milestone has been marked for the new inpatient Supportive and Palliative Care Unit at Westmead Hospital, with construction now underway.
Delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $93M World Class End of Life Care program, the new Unit will feature 15 beds with ensuites, and provide specialist care in a comfortable, home-like setting that supports patients, their families and carers.
The new Unit will provide privacy, comfort, and dignity to support people with life limiting illnesses who have complex symptoms and those in their final stages of life, and ensure they receive the highest standard of care and support.
The new Unit has been designed in close consultation with health professionals who provide supportive and palliative care, consumers with a lived experience and Aboriginal, multicultural and multi-faith representatives.
Located on level 5 of the Central Acute Services Building at Westmead Hospital, it features communal and private spaces, a multi-faith room and outdoor access from every room, to provide a welcoming and
Asupportive environment for patients and their families.
The new Unit will boost supportive and palliative care services in the Western Sydney Local Health District, complementing existing units at Auburn Hospital and Mount Druitt Hospital.
The World Class End of Life Program will deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities across the state. In addition to Westmead, other locations include Wyong, Nepean, Tamworth and Orange Hospitals.
The new Supportive and Palliative Care Unit at Westmead Hospital is being delivered by Health Infrastructure and Western Sydney Local Health District, with Interior Construction Group engaged as the construction contractor.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.
More information on the program here: World Class End of Life Care Program - Health Infrastructure NSW
“At Westmead Hospital, the new Supportive and Palliative Care Unit will offer patients and their families a private, comfortable setting where they can access the care and support they need.”
Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said the new Unit at Westmead Hospital will improve access to high-quality end-of-life care in a purpose-designed setting, ensuring patients and families receive the support they need.
Libs support Camellia-Rosehill project
N elected NSW Liberals and Nationals Government in 2027 will press go on the long-delayed Camellia-Rosehill project, ending years of Labor excuses and paralysis that have left Western Sydney families waiting for homes
that should already exist, said Opposition Leader Mark Speakman. Mr Speakman confirmed the commitment at a recent Business Western Sydney Roundtable Lunch, where he delivered the keynote address outlining the Coalition’s bold hous-
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ing and infrastructure agenda to get New South Wales building again. The Camellia-Rosehill Place Strategy was finalised under the former Liberals and Nationals Government in 2022 with a clear plan for up to 10,000 new homes, up to 15,400 new
jobs, light rail connections, public spaces and an 18-hour entertainment precinct along the Parramatta River. The blueprint was ready for delivery, but Labor has done nothing except delay and obstruct, said Mr Speakman.
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Artist impression of the new unit.
POWERHOUSE PARRAMATTA HITS MILESTONE Exhibition spaces now complete
THE NSW Government is continuing work to strengthen Sydney’s reputation as a world-class events and tourism destination, with construction on Western Sydney’s first state cultural institution Powerhouse Parramatta well underway.
Work on 5 of the 7 exhibition spaces and the Lang Walker Family Academy is now complete, with the project moving into a stage exhibition fit out ahead of opening in late 2026.
Powerhouse Parramatta will celebrate innovation across the applied arts and sciences. It is expected to attract up to two million visitors annually and serve as a key driver of Western Sydney’s visitor and night-time economies.
A new cultural destination for Sydney and Australia, Powerhouse Parramatta will have seven exhibition spaces, public space and a purpose-built academy for high school students from regional NSW and Western Sydney. The academy will welcome more than 10,000 students each year.
The public space and museum precinct will create a 24-hour access to the riverfront, and complete the civic link between the river, Parramatta Square and upcoming Metro West.
Through a staged handover the Powerhouse has started to install the first two of its five opening exhibitions fit out in Exhibition Spaces 1 and 2, while construction continues across other areas of the site.
The internal areas are being progressively completed to enable fit out in parallel with completing the building facade and public domain.
Almost 3,500 workers have contributed to the delivery of the project to date, collectively working over 2.1 million hours on site.
Powerhouse Parramatta will open with five major international exhibitions that will feature the Powerhouse Collection and include commissions and international loans sharing important Australian stories of innovation and creativity. Connecting the stories of Western Sydney with the best collections in the world.
Task Eternal, one of the five major exhibitions, will be one of the most ambitious aerospace exhibitions ever staged in the world.
Task Eternal brings together over 600 objects, including items from the Powerhouse Collection and loans from leading local and international science and cultural institutions including the British Museum, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, space agencies and start-ups across 12 countries alongside 16 major new artist commissions by
Australian and international artists.
Powerhouse Parramatta is the first public building in Australia and the first project in Western Sydney to be assessed as a 6 Star Designed project under the?Green Building Council of Australia’s new Green Star Buildings assessment tool.
Construction of the internal base build is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with public domain works to follow early next year ahead of the museum’s official opening in late 2026.
Construction of Parramatta Powerhouse.
Discover exclusive townhome living in Oran Park.
Inviting you to enjoy the best of both worlds, Oran Park townhomes combine the space of a house with a backyard and the low-maintenance qualities of apartment living.
You can choose from an exceptional selection of architecturally designed townhomes located near all the town’s popular amenities and most loved attractions. Ideal for growing families, downsizers and couples, these distinctive residences offer excellent value-for-money.
• Spacious, designer interiors
• Landscaped grounds
• Two to five-bedroom layouts
• Private porches and courtyards
• Family-friendly living areas
• Premium finishes and inclusions
• Tranquil locations
Ready for you to move in, these elegant townhomes are curated for comfort and practicality. A beautiful lifestyle in one of Australia’s fastest growing suburbs awaits.
Arena - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes
The Circuit - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes
Civic Collection - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes Banksia - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes
The Residences -
Typical example of Oran Park townhomes TOWNHOMES NOW SELLING
DEMOUNTABLE DISASTER COMES TO AN END Delivery of new school upgrades
THE $230M upgrade of Carlingford West Public School and Cumberland High School will result in the replacement of more than 130 ageing demountables with modern permanent classrooms.
Once the demountables are removed in early 2026, Carlingford West Public School will go from having 104 demountables, the highest number of demountables in any public school in metropolitan Sydney, to zero demountables.
Cumberland High School will go from having 29 demountables on site to zero.
These major upgrades at Carlingford West Public School and Cumberland High School and the removal of every demountable will return more than 5,000 square metres, the equivalent of ten basketball courts, of play space to students, while also delivering new world class facilities for.
Carlingford West’s upgrade means the school will have 56 permanent new classrooms. Students will also benefit
from new collaborative learning spaces, a new school hall, library, multi-purpose playing court, and canteen. Next door, at Cumberland High School students will benefit from 77 new and upgraded classrooms.
There will also be three new collaborative learning spaces, seven new workshops for visual arts, wood, and metalwork, alongside a new library, school hall, and a canteen.
With construction of the
all-new permanent classrooms now complete, the only outstanding work is the refurbishment and upgrades of an existing 49 permanent classrooms at Cumberland High School, some demountables will remain on site until
this work is completed in early 2026.
Once complete the redeveloped public school and high school will be capable of catering for more than 3,600 students, more than double the current capacity at the schools.
The upgrades to Carlingford West Public School and Cumberland High School are among 16 new schools or major upgrades being delivered in this region of Sydney. These upgrades will provide capacity for almost 7,000 additional students in the area.
Schools in the North West have been over capacity for more than a decade. The NSW Government is also building three new public preschools in the region. The public preschools will be co-located with Melrose Park Public School, Ermington West Public School, and Oatlands Public School.
The NSW Government’s $9B school infrastructure investment includes $3.9B for new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney.
Artist impression of the upgarded school.
Volunteering that makes a difference
COIMMUNITY for Everyone is making a difference in the Parramatta and Ryde areas.
This is a local initiative led by Side By Side Advocacy, that is helping bridge the gap between people with intellectual disability and the wider community.
This project works by matching participants with volunteers who share similar interests, whether that’s gardening, art, craft, animals, music, sports, or just catching up for a friendly chat.
These interests are then explored in the local community, opening opportunities to meet more people, have some fun and, sometimes, fulfil lifelong dreams.
Project participant Carole is happy to be a part of the project and said: “I had a dream of studying for my school certificate and now I’ve started TAFE. I’m enjoying it!”
The heart of the Community for Everyone Project is simple; creating a community where everyone belongs. Volunteers do not need special skills, just a belief that good communities are made up of all people and a willingness to share at least 30 minutes of their time every week.
Community for Everyone is not just about volunteering. It’s about friendship, community, and showing that everyone belongs.
With isolation still a major challenge for many people with disability, projects like Community for Everyone is showing how community-based support can make a real difference.
Now, the project is looking for more volunteers in the Parramatta and Ryde areas.
If you enjoy craft, gardening, a good conversation, love connecting with others, or want to give back in a personal and meaningful way, this could be your chance.
To find out more about this project or express your interest in joining us, contact: evelyn@ sidebysideadvocacy.org.au or call 03 9808 5500.Visit: www.sidebysideadvocacy.org.au
New courtesy bus for NBC
NBC Sports Club is has unveiled its new community courtesy bus, made possible through funding from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership grant program.
The new bus will not only serve club members but also provide valuable transport support to local community groups and residents, helping to improve accessibility and strengthen connections across the area.
The official unveiling took place on November 5, at NBC Sports Club, and was attended by Mark Tayloor, NSW Member for Winston Hills, Councillor Georgina Valjak (LIB) – City of Parramatta, Darren Thornton – CEO of The Doylo Lifestyle Group, and Anthony Twomey – President of The Doylo Lifestyle Group, along with other guests and community representatives.
NBC Sports Club Venue Manager Frances Tawhara said the bus will make a tangible difference to both members and the broader community.
“We’re thrilled to have this new courtesy bus on the road. It’s not just a convenience for our members — it’s a resource for local groups and residents who rely on safe, reliable transport to stay connected,” she said.
The Community Building Partnership grant provides funding for infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental, and recreational outcomes for local communities.
NBC Sports Club has extended its gratitude to the NSW Government for their support, as well as to Mark Taylor MP and the City of Parramatta Council for their continued partnership in serving the community.
Australia’s leading media voice for Australia’s fastest growing region –Greater Western Sydney.
Western Sydney Express covers the people, projec ts and potential of our dynamic region.
Read the digital edition 24/7 and st stay up to date with the issues that matter in your area.
From left: Darren Thornton, Mark Taylor MP, Cr Georgina Valjak, Anthony Twomey and Trevor Oldfield.
Program participant Carole, right.
PARRAMATTA HITS THE RIGHT NOTE
City’s Sydney Conservatorium of Music
THE Sydney Conservatorium of Music will open a new dedicated teaching and research space in Parramatta in the second half of 2026 - featuring state-of-the-art facilities designed for 21st-century music technologies.
It will be the first of its kind in an Australian tertiary setting.
This historic expansion, the first in the SCM’s 110-year history, reflects the University of Sydney’s Sydney in 2032 commitment to increasing its presence in Western Sydney, delivering worldclass musical education opportunities to the region’s aspiring community seeking future careers in music, film, culture and the arts.
The University of Sydney is investing $30M into the development of the Parramatta facility.
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music campus in Macquarie Street will remain home to all students, while the new teaching space at 60 Station Street, Parramatta in the heart of Parramatta CBD will cater for Bachelor of Music students requiring high-tech music production and recording equipment.
With a $2M strategic grant from Sound NSW, SCM Parramatta will be a key piece of Parramatta’s burgeoning arts corridor and contribute to the region’s night-time economy.
Live music concerts will be staged in a new, boutique, 60-seat performance auditorium and, outside of teaching hours, local artists and community will be able to use the Dolby Atmos recording studio and music practice facilities. The auditorium will have a Meyer constellation immersive audio system, which will adjust the acoustics of the space to suit the needs of different events from concerts to lectures.
Vice-Chancellor and President Mark Scott said the expansion reflects the University’s commitment to supporting the arts at a time of sector-wide change.
“We know it’s a challenging time for music education in Australia. That’s why we’re proud to offer a new home for music in Parramatta – a place where creativity, collaboration and community can thrive. Music matters, and
we’re committed to supporting the next generation of artists and educators,” he said.
Minister for the Arts, John Graham said the NSW Government is proud to support the Conservatorium of Music’s Parramatta facility. “Strategic partnerships like this one foster cultural equity and ensure that the creative industries in Western Sydney continue to thrive, He said.
Community of talent
Kirsten Andrews, Vice-President (External Engagement), said the new music offering reflects the University’s long-term commitment to Western Sydney. “We’re excited to be growing our presence in Parramatta and deepening our connection with Western Sydney. This is a community full of energy, talent and ambition – and we’re proud to be part of it. Supporting music
here means investing in the cultural life of the region and making sure students have access to world-class opportunities close to home.”
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr Martin Zaiter said Parramatta is the natural home for the new Sydney Conservatorium of Music teaching space. “As the geographical heart of Sydney and Western Sydney’s cultural capital, we are proud to welcome the Con to our City, to open new doors for the next generation of amazing musicians.”
The SCM Parramatta will play a vital role in strengthening the NSW contemporary music industry and responds to the growing demand in Western Sydney not only for contemporary music education but also contemporary music infrastructure.
Internal modelling estimates the initiative will contribute $164M to gross state product over 10 years and generate 400 full-time equivalent jobs across the state.
Over its first decade, up to 590 additional paid music professionals are expected to enter the arts sector, in roles ranging from performers to producers, educators, sound engineers and arts administrators (within three years of their graduation).
“This new space will allow us to train the next generation of contemporary music artists using cutting-edge facilities and a curriculum that reflects the realities of today’s music industry,” said Professor Anna Reid, Dean of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
“SCM Parramatta represents a bold step forward in our mission to make world-class music education more accessible. We are proud to be expanding into Western Sydney, a region rich in
cultural diversity and musical talent,” said Professor Reid.
Students will have access to advanced recording studios, rehearsal rooms and a purpose-built performance auditorium. The teaching space will support up to 180 students by its fourth year and will offer a curriculum focused on songwriting, performance and digital music production. Students will be trained to enter the Creative Industries with strong technical skills and industry knowledge.
Parramatta will become a vibrant space for Bachelor of Music students participating in units of study in the Contemporary Music Practice, Composition for Creative Industries and Digital Music Composition programs: Contemporary Music – for singers, songwriters and members of bands who want to learn inventive approaches to writing, performing and producing contemporary music (pop, rock, dance, electronic).
Composition for Creative Industries – focused on training digital music artists writing music for screen arts, including feature films, animation, television, documentary, video games and online media, as well as live events, such as theatre, dance, fashion shows, commercial and special events.
Digital Music Composition –designed exclusively for students who want to write and produce music with computers and other electronic devices. It takes full advantage of the Conservatorium’s multifaceted art music perspectives and its unique take on the 21st-century music industry.
The new teaching space is across the road from Parramatta train station and a 10-minute walk from the ferry.
Conservatorium students perform in Parramatta
Artist impression of the new facility.
Red light cameras at Sydney Olympic Park
ROAD safety in Sydney Olympic Park will receive a boost with the installation of a new red-light speed camera at the intersection of Australia Avenue and Sarah Durack Avenue. Transport for NSW Executive Director, Road Safety Regulation, Duncan Lucas said the new camera will target red-light running and speeding from November 10, 2025 to improve safety for all road users. “We know that running red lights can lead to serious T-bone crashes or vehicles hitting pedestrians,” Mr Lucas said. “About 40 per cent
of red-light speed camera offences are from people running red lights so we are addressing this problem head-on. “In the five years from 2020 to 2024, 19 crashes occurred at this intersection and eight people were seriously injured. Road crashes claimed the lives of 327 people on NSW roads last year with speed the biggest killer. Research shows that red-light speed cameras dramatically reduce the number of serious crashes on our roads. To sign up for alerts to changes in camera locations, visit www.saferroadsnsw.com.au. Sydney
Name the Crane competition
THE first of two tower cranes has been installed at the $526.8M Ryde Hospital Redevelopment site to support construction of the new seven-level Acute Services Building (ASB).
The NSW Government is investing in the redevelopment to ensure Ryde Hospital meets the healthcare needs of the growing community.
Standing at more than 60 metres tall, the tower crane will support construction of the new ASB, which will house a new and expanded Emergency Department, intensive care, surgical and outpatient services.
Construction of the redevelopment is progressing on site, and work is being carefully staged to en-
sure continuity of care at Ryde Hospital for patients and staff. The footprint for the future ASB has been cleared and work to lay the foundations for the new hospital is underway.
During construction, the project is reducing its environmental impact by using electric, battery-powered tower cranes, helping to reduce carbon emissions and smooth energy demand.
This method will provide energy savings equivalent to powering the lights in more than 150 Australian homes at once.
Construction of the ASB for the $526.8M Ryde Hospital Redevelopment is on track for construction completion in late 2027.
To celebrate the arrival of the tower cranes, local children aged 2–12 are being invited to take part in a “Name the Crane” competition.
The two cranes will remain on site for the duration of construction, and the winning names will be displayed on the cranes for the community to see throughout the project.
The initial crane took two days to assemble. Each crane will have the capacity to lift to 20 tonnes at a time.
To learn more about the local “Name the Crane” visit: www.nsw. gov.au/ryde-hospital-redevelopment/ntc.
Olympic Park.
40 YEARS OF ACE IN PARRAMATTA Showcasing cultural leadership
THE Arts & Cultural Exchange (ACE)
Parramatta will mark its 40th anniversary with Cosmic Connections, a major showcase event presented by Gili Gatherings on November 22 at ACE Parramatta.
The evening brings together artists, performers, and community to celebrate four decades of creativity, collaboration, and cultural leadership in Western Sydney.
“For 40 years, ACE has been a constellation of creativity, culture and the arts. A place where cultures meet, stories intertwine, and luminous trans-
formations flourish.” said Anne Loxley, Executive Director at ACE.
“Cosmic Connections honours this legacy with a stellar program that features 29 brilliant artists. All five of ACE’s program pillars - First Nations, Multicultural Women’s Hub, Youth Engagement, Artists with Disability and Screen Cultures - will combine for an unforgettable gala event, promising a kaleidoscope of music, dance, fashion and storytelling.”
First Nations
Proud to put First Nations first, the Jannawi Dance Clan & Uncle Chris Tobin will lead a Welcome to Country, setting the stage for performers including Elina Roberts-Turner, Mason Browne, and singer-songwriter Akala Newman (also ACE’s First Nations program advisor) joined by Amy Flannery and the Lost All Sorts Collective for a special premiere song. The new Yapa Mali Fashion collection, a contemporary take on Ngiyampaa traditions, will also be unveiled in a spectacular fashion runway featuring youth models from ACE’s First Nations Still Growing program.
Multicultural Women’s Hub
The celestial theme of the night will take shape with a hands-on botanical
workshop led by artists and storytellers from ACE’s Multicultural Women’s Hub and Youth Engagement programs. A unique journey for all ages, participants will be guided across the night sky through collaborative art-making and sustainable upcycling by the GUL Collective, Paula do Prado and Joyce HX Tang.
Youth Engagement
In the Cosmic Cave, guests will experience family-friendly shadow puppetry from Bria McCarthy, and encounter a new exhibition by Natalie Snedden. Meanwhile, the sounds of Samoan hip-hop word warriors Toah & Bluetongue will blaze with stellar energy.
Artists with Disability
ACE’s neurodiverse music program Club Weld Attitude will showcase solo pianist Patrick Li and the bluesy tunes of Tua Hunt.
Screen Cultures
Select works by local filmmakers will delight and inspire. Audiences can look forward to a night of captivating performances, bold visuals, and heartfelt storytelling, celebrating one of Sydney’s biggest independent arts organisations.
Tickets are $25, with free entry for First Nations. Book now at: https:// aceinc.org.au/whats-on/cosmic-connections-celebrating-40-years-of-ace/
INFORMATION
Tickets: General admission: $25 | Family ticket: $40. Free for First Nations. Catering provided, drinks available for purchase. When: Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 4:0010:00PM Where: Arts & Cultural Exchange, 8 Victoria Road, Parramatta 2150.
Entertainment at ACE.
The smoking ceremony at ACE.
Young house investors taking over
ANEW wave of young property investors is emerging, with nearly 60% of clients at Unicorn Buyer’s Agents now aged 30 or under. Gen Z is entering the market not just to own a home but to build long-term wealth, approaching property with strategy and financial literacy. They prioritise data, risk management and expert advice, partnering with buyer’s agents and advisors to future-proof purchases against policy, climate and planning changes. Their disciplined, information-driven approach is reshaping Australia’s property investment landscape.
LUpgrade to seniors housing units
THE Federal and NSW Governments are delivering 116 new social housing units for seniors in Sydney through the $2B Social Housing Accelerator Fund, with more than half already completed. Recent developments in Northmead, Riverwood, Matraville and North Parramatta are providing safe, accessible homes close to services and transport. A further 55 homes are underway, including major projects in Parramatta and Pagewood. The initiative forms part of a broader plan to build 1,500 SHAF-funded social homes in NSW by 2028, supporting ageing residents’ independence.
Call for new Silica worker register
EADING law firm Slater and Gordon has welcomed the NSW Government’s new Silica Worker Register, calling it a vital step in protecting workers from rising silica-related illnesses. Practice Leader
TNicole Valenti said silica exposure poses a serious risk to nearly 600,000 Australian workers, particularly in mining, construction, tunnelling and engineered stone. The register requires employers to record high-risk workers
within 28 days of starting employment. Valenti noted younger workers are increasingly being diagnosed, urging ongoing protections, early monitoring and awareness of potential legal compensation avenues.
Protecting night workers with planning
HE NSW Government has launched the NSW Night Worker Action Plan 2025–2028 to improve the wellbeing, safety and economic contribution of the 1.27 million people working
Abetween 6pm and 6am. The plan follows new research showing night workers face transport, security, health and childcare challenges. Key actions include better late-night transport, pilot gig-worker
hubs, healthy food micro-markets, and new health and wellbeing resources. The initiative aims to boost productivity and better support workers who keep NSW running overnight.
mental health impact finally revealed
N Australian-first survey has revealed severe mental health impacts for people with Tourette syndrome and tic-related disorders, with half of affected children and almost three-quarters of adults
Bhaving contemplated suicide. One in ten children and one in four adults have attempted suicide. The research found long delays in diagnosis, lack of treatment pathways, widespread bullying and discrimination, and dai-
ly physical pain from tics. The report calls for national clinical guidelines, better professional training, improved mental health support, and stronger educational and workplace protections.
Scams use fake terms deposit schemes
ENDIGO Bank is warning that scammers are increasingly targeting Australians aged 65 and over with fake term deposit schemes. Criminals impersonate legitimate financial
institutions and lure retirees into transferring large sums by promising unrealistically high returns. Older Australians reported almost $100M in scam losses last year, making them the most affected
Free park entry for veteran card holders
THE NSW Government will extend free vehicle entry to NSW national parks for all Commonwealth Veteran Card holders from July 2025. Previously limited to some DVA Gold Card holders, the expanded program will now include White and Orange Card holders, allowing more veterans to access 45 fee-paying parks. The initiative aims to support veterans’ physical and mental wellbeing while recognising their service. NSW has 895 national parks and reserves, with only 5% charging entry fees. Applications will open via the NSW National Parks website.
Aage group. The bank advises people to be wary of unsolicited investment contact, avoid clicking links, verify account details, and seek trusted advice. Suspected scams should be reported immediately.
Help for social anxiety sufferers
UNSW and Black Dog Institute study has found a oneweek intensive online CBT program can significantly reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder, which affects one in seven Australians each year. The trial tested a seven-day version of the THIS WAY UP program and showed major reductions in anxiety and impairment, with SAD diagnoses halving at one-month follow-up. The program achieved high completion and satisfaction rates, demonstrating that brief, accessible digital therapy can overcome barriers such as cost, time and fear of judgement.
Warning over next natural disasters
THE Salvation Army Emergency Services is urging Australians to prepare for a higher risk of natural disasters this summer, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting increased bushfire, heat and flood threats from October to April. The Salvos, which have supported disaster-hit communities for over 130 years, are encouraging households to create emergency “go bags” and stock essential supplies. In the past three years, SAES volunteers have served 380,000 meals and helped 75,000 people. Practical preparedness resources are available on their website.
Unions want medical cannabis reform
UNIONS NSW is urging the NSW Government to fasttrack reforms so medicinal cannabis is treated like other prescription medicines for drivers. Currently, legally prescribed patients risk losing their licence and jobs due to roadside THC detection, even when not impaired. The Government has committed to “investigating” a medical defence, but unions argue this is too slow. They want the Road Transport Act amended to focus on impairment rather than presence of THC, so patients following medical advice are not penalised.
SUCCESS LOOKS DIFFERENT FOR EVERY WOMAN And the ALIBI Awards prove it
KYLIE KING
ON Friday, October 17, women from across Australia gathered to celebrate the fourth annual ALIBI Awards. It was a night filled with laughter, tears, celebration and stories that reminded everyone why they started their business journey in the first place.
From new start-ups to seasoned entrepreneurs, each woman who stepped onto that stage represented something unique: courage, resilience, and creativity. Because in the ALIBI community, success isn’t defined by how many zeros are in your bank account, how many followers you have, or how long you’ve been in business. It’s defined by your journey, your impact, and the way you show up not just for your business, but for yourself and the people around you.
This year’s winners were a true reflection of that diversity like April Moulds-Dumbleton taking home the “Overcoming the Odds” award and sharing her story of overcoming grief with the loss of her husband, or Stacy Jane’s work as the “Social Change Maker” who used her own experience to create a business which in turn has gone on to help many women escaping domestic violence.
One of the most moving moments came when “First Nations Business Lady”
winner Jess Chalk shared a heartfelt speech. Her words about strength, identity, and perseverance that resonated with everyone in the room. A powerful reminder that leadership comes in many forms, and courage often means standing proudly in your truth.
The energy lifted again when “Golden Entrepreneur” Karen Skillen took the stage, the self-proclaimed “Lighting Chick” turned business owner who’s grown her printing business with hard work, authenticity, and determination. Her journey shows starting new chap-
ters aren’t the end of the story.
We celebrated women from all around the country. Our “Regional Superstars” Alison Shaw and Tammy Johnson who travelled from Tambo, QLD to accept their trophy to our Townsville, QLD winner of “Personal Service”, Mel Ashford who spoke with such honesty about her journey.
We celebrated the beautiful handmade creations of Karen Almond to the soulful leadership of Linda Willow Roberts.
And, of course, the night closed
with the incredible Gina Field being named “ALIBI Business Lady of the Year”. A recognition of her leadership, vision and the way she embodies the ALIBI values of authenticity, integrity, fun, community, and courage.
Her powerful story shared from the stage inspired many attendees in the room as well as encouraging winners to “milk” and leverage their Award win.
As I looked around the room, what struck me most wasn’t the trophies or the gowns (though there were plenty of both), it was the genuine connection. The cheering for each other. The hugs between finalists. The proud tears. Because that’s what this movement is really about.
The ALIBI Awards aren’t just a night of recognition. They’re a celebration and a reminder that that success has many faces.
So, to every woman who nominated, attended, or watched from afar - thank you! You are proof that no matter where you’re from, what stage of business you’re in, or how many times you’ve faceplanted along the way… your story matters.
And that’s exactly what we’ll keep celebrating. Every year. Every chapter. Together.
Kylie King is a hypnotherapist, business and mindset mentor, and the founder of the ALIBI Awards, a national business awards program that celebrates women doing business their way. Visit: www.alibiawards.com.au
This year’s winners.
AI’S FALSE REVOLUTION Study buddy or smoke and mirrors?
Billions spent, minds dulled, and little to show for it – we need to keep control of our thinking in the age of artificial intelligence, writes CQUniversity’s Head of Educational Neuroscience, Professor Ken Purnell.
BILLIONS of dollars are being poured into artificial intelligence systems that promise to change how we learn and work. Yet, according to one major 2025 MIT study, 95 per cent of corporate AI investments have so far generated zero return.
This sobering statistic reveals an uncomfortable truth: the AI revolution isn’t delivering the transformation many expected. Instead, we’re witnessing a widening gap between the dream of a tireless digital study buddy – one that helps us think, write and solve problems – and the reality of fragile, energy-hungry technology that often costs more than it contributes.
Brains on autopilot
In education, AI’s potential is both exciting and perilous. Imagine a world where everyone has a personal study companion – endlessly patient, lightning-fast and always available. Today’s most advanced large language models can already explain complex ideas, edit essays and offer creative inspiration.
But neuroscience tells a different story. When people outsource their thinking to AI, brain connectivity and learning capacity actually weaken. Genuine learning depends on active engagement: questioning, refining and extending what AI suggests.
As I often remind students, you must lead the thinking – AI can only follow.
The real power comes from collaboration, not delegation. Don’t outsource your brain.
Mirage of returns
In the corporate world, the “AI revolution” looks much the same.
Most projects stall before showing measurable results. Only a small fraction – roughly five per cent – achieve lasting impact, and those are the ones that embed AI strategically and focus on targeted, solvable problems.
The rest find themselves caught in what I call the “prestige loop”: investing in AI for status, not strategy. In too many cases, “AI” becomes a convenient scapegoat for layoffs or underperformance. But technology isn’t making these decisions – leaders are. It’s time to
question the mantra that “AI did it”.
The hidden environmental bill
Meanwhile, hidden environmental costs are mounting. Every AI prompt draws on vast, energy-hungry data centres that consume staggering amounts of electricity and water. By the late 2020s, AI-specific electricity use could rival a quarter of household power consumption in developed nations, and in some regions, pushing data centres toward 15 per cent of national energy loads. The convenience of instant answers comes with real-world costs and these – costs we no longer can afford to ignore.
A fragile partnership
The most valuable AI isn’t one that runs on autopilot. It’s one used critically as a partner that challenges our thinking, reveals blind spots, and helps us see problems differently. It isn’t about automation – it’s augmentation.
The danger lies in passivity. Overreliance on AI breeds cognitive laziness and dulls expertise. When people accept AI’s output uncritically, they lose the
Topportunity to think deeply or creatively themselves.
As institutions chase the next big thing, success will belong to those who pair human judgment with technological capability, not those who surrender one to the other. The best outcomes happen when we stay in the driver’s seat – not when we hand over the wheel.
Counting the real costs
Whether in classrooms or boardrooms, the myth of effortless AI progress has collided with hard reality. Real returns are rare, sustainability costs are rising, and unchecked reliance threatens the very skills society needs most: creativity, critical thinking and ethical judgment.
If AI is to be truly revolutionary, it must remain under human command – a critical friend rather than a replacement.
The true measure of progress won’t be how intelligent our machines become, but whether we stay smarter than the tools we create.
So, don’t outsource your brain – lead, question and use AI critically.
Land iQ system expands planning
HE NSW Government will invest a further $20M in its world-first Land iQ system to expand the land-use technology tool for a broader range of planning uses by governments, universities, consultants and private enterprise.
The funding boost is part of the Government’s commitment to build a faster fairer and modern planning process, with the world-first Land iQ system already paying dividends.
It has been at the forefront of the Government’s land audit, which has helped assess sites capable of delivering more than 10,000 homes across the state.
The $20M funding will make Land iQ more effective, accessible and affordable, including:
• expanding its use across government to identify land for open space, employment and industrial use,
as well as environmentally sensitive land needing protection.
• allowing users to subscribe to the parts of Land iQ they need, making it more cost effective for a range of users, including tertiary educators,
councils and land councils.
• providing access to Land iQ for users of the Giraffe mapping, modelling and analytics software to enhance its capabilities.
• enabling users to access Land iQ data for integrated use with other programs to provide enhanced functionality.
• delivering additional features, including site feasibility analysis tools that enable integration of individual user data with Land iQ data.
Land iQ is a digital platform that helps planning and property professionals make faster and smarter decisions about land use, including identifying land for new homes across NSW.
The platform combines government and external data in an interactive 3D map interface, enabling users to visualise and analyse land, run land-
use scenarios, collaborate with property professionals in real time and optimise land-use plans.
Since March, private sector organisations have been able to secure licences for Land iQ and its modules. The platform draws on a library of more than 200 data sources and 75 land-use data types to deliver insights for property and planning decisions.
The platform played a critical role in identifying suitable land for emergency housing following the NSW Northern Rivers floods. Land iQ is now being used by the government and local councils to more effectively and proactively plan and respond to future natural disaster events.
Property and Development NSW has been working with technology partners WSP, Giraffe, and Aerometrex since 2021 to develop and expand the Land iQ platform.
A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE REVIEW
It’s tense, but frustrating viewing
JACOB RICHARDSON
WHEN a single, unattributed missile is launched at the United States, a race begins to determine who is responsible, and how to respond.
A House Of Dynamite plays out in a series of vignettes, following different groups of military / civil servants as they respectively deal with an almost real-time crisis.
We initially follow Captain Olivia Walker in the White House interspersed with scenes with Major Daniel Gonzalez at a remote missile defense system launch site, before transitioning to follow the Secretary of Defense Reid Baker, General Anthony Brady, Deputy National Security Advisor Jake Baerington, and finally a sequence with the President himself.
All these viewpoints serve to showcase the communication failures, and the ineffectiveness of many hands in a situation where no one really knows what to do.
Some of the cast are very
strong - Rebecca Ferguson, as always, carries any scene she’s in. Idris Elba and Jason Clarke are great additions, and Jarred Harris is always a welcome sight. But some of the side characters can be a little grating at times in their complete self-interest. Visually, this is a good looking but unadventurous film, although it has little ability to break the mould given the settings it is dealing with. Ultimately, this movie comes down to two things; does it build
tension, and does that tension pay off.
To the first end, undoubtedly the film is a tense watch. Bigelow does another astounding job of masterfully building up pressure and tension to an almost unbearable point, pushing ever closer towards catastrophe. We’re left on the edge of our seats, baited breath, chewing our nails, as we wonder what is about to happen.
It’s a masterclass, and what’s so impressive here about that is that she doesn’t have the -
perhaps easier - settings of a military battlefield in The Hurt Locker or dank prison cells in Zero Dark Thirty to rely on. In this film, she gets that same tension in an office space, or in a car stuck in traffic. The wonderful score goes a long way towards aiding this as well.
The issue comes with that second goal, to pay the tension off. And while this movie undoubtedly serves its purpose of confronting our complete unreadiness and lack of safety net for a nuclear strike, and it ends in a way that supports the statement it’s been making all the way through, it also ends in a payoff that feels like a bit of a letdown.
Perhaps that could have been fixed with footage of an explosion, perhaps not, but it’s tough to deny that at the end of the film, you’re left with a distinct sense of feeling like something was missing.
A House Of Dynamite is a wonderfully tense examination of our safety in the age of nuclear weapons, but the master of tension can’t quite stick a landing that feels like its worth all the edge-of-seat waiting. 3 stars.
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH AT NOVOTEL
SYDNEY PARRAMATTA
Celebrate with a premium festive buffet, kids’ entertainment, and Christmas magic.
SPECIAL OFFERS
10% Early Bird Discount
15% Accor Plus Member Discount
EVENT DETAILS
25 December 2025 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm Adults $239 | Teens $119 | Kids $89
T&CS APPLY
Novotel Sydney Parramatta
350 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia
T: +61 (2) 9630 4999 | E: Novotel@NMSP com au novotelparramatta com au
CITY DESTINATION FOR A ROMANTIC GETAWAY Summer fun at Adina Town Hall
HEADS to Sydney’s CBD during the warmer weather, there’s so much ‘summer fun’ to be had. Do absolutely nothing, laze around the beautiful private pool and simply dine in, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and recharged at Adina Town Hall. My husband and I stayed in a one bedroom apartment and spent the afternoon enjoying the sunshine - reading, sunbathing and swimming in the lovely pool. Then we bar-hopped around a couple of rooftop pool bars. We didn’t venture beyond 2 or 3 streets from the hotel, by choice and were tucked up in bed by 10pm, no Ubers required.
Great deal: Guests can enjoy a late checkout of 1pm if a stay is booked by 30th November, 2025.
Things to do in the Area
Adina Town Hall, recently renovated, is in Sydney’s Kent Street, across the road from Town Hall and close to China Town. It’s centrally located, smack-bang in the middle of so many activities, a 2 minute walk downhill to Darling Harbour, a block from great shopping at the Queen Victoria Building and Pitt Street Mall and just a few minutes walk to the Capitol Theatre, currently showing the Book of Mormon then The Great Gatsby from February.
The Hotel
We’re frequent travellers but had never stayed in an Adina Hotel before, have you? Adina Town Hall, Sydney has a fresh, light feel throughout the hotel, including the foyer and business meeting area, it’s a perfect hotel for sunny days, you feel you’re part of the weather and not escaping it, as as hotels can sometimes feel if you disappear into dark, hotel gloom. Adina’s 144 rooms have so many different room configurations, great for couples or families, ranging from King Studio to King 2 bedroom apartments, kitchens are stylish and modern, our apartment kitchen had a stylish black sink and benchtop and overlooked the streetscape below. Our loungeroom was spacious and welcoming, we gravitated here before heading out, then again after breakfast to read and relax.
Rooftop Bar Hopping
Chase the good weather all the way till the sun goes down, we headed to the Vibe Hotel in Sussex Street, across from Adina Town Hall and took the lift to Above 319, for margaritas during happy hour (4.30pm-6.30pm Wed-Fri $15 cocktails and $10
house wines and house beer). The Vibe Hotel has a stunning rooftop pool that many gorgeous sunbathers were taking advantage of. A low-key hen’s celebration was in full swing here, the location deliberately chosen for lovely decor, oversized floral arrangements hugely popular with young people, and all very instagrammable
A few minutes walk is the lovely Harper Rooftop Bar, with Mediterranean bites available from fresh Aussie produce, Sydney Rock Oysters and Kingfish Ceviche or more substantial poolside fare of burgers or antipasto adding to the holiday vibe. This is a hugely popular (yet underrated) destination to enjoy Aperol Spritz and DJ tunes 4-7pm Fri and Sat (note happy hour days are Wed, Thurs and Sunday 5-7pm).
Sunny mornings and Dining San Marzano style
Back to the Adina Hotel pool to wake up properly with a swim greeting another great weather day. Then, a real treat: an incredible Italian breakfast downstairs on the ground floor in the San Marzano cafe. This is an authentic Italian retro dining experience serving breakfast
and lunch all day. My husband and I chose a comfy booth (love a booth) and ordered Honey Butter Crust Brioche Toast, Scrambled Egg Carbonara and fresh juices, eyeing off each other’s selection. Both choices were hand-crafted deliciousness. Other selections like oversized croissants (plain and almond) looked amazing, this is a great CBD brunch spot for another day.
We walked off our hearty breakfasts with a lap around Darling Harbour, prolonging the brilliant weather before checking out. Both super-impressed with this Adina Hotel, we’d recommend it as a great staycation, an alternative warm weather option to Bali or Fiji, it’s just an hour from where so many of us live, enjoying great poolside weather and dining options so locally, there’s so much to love about this. It’s on the train line at Town Hall station and one block from Garigal Metro Station, so easy, you won’t need a car but if you do, there is onsite parking.
Current deals include: Save up to 20% when you stay 3 nights or more at any Adina around the world and earn Double Qantas Points at Adina Hotels across Australia and New Zealand when you book and stay by 30 November 2025. Address is 511 Kent Street Sydney
YOUR STYLISH CANBERRA BUSINESS STAY A By Adina offers simple style
IT’S easy to get hotel accommodation wrong in Canberra, the city is more spread out than it appears on a map and everything can feel far away or difficult if you book something random online and think everything is walkable.
The 130 room A by Adina hotel at 1 Constitution Place is an easy stay when you’re in Canberra for business and very centrally located if on foot.
Right next door to the Canberra theatre, just a couple of minutes away on foot to the mall and surrounded by restaurants and cafes, you can duck out easily if you forgot something or feel like a coffee, a glass of wine or need to head to the mall to buy a gift or get a blow dry from the Saloon blowdry bar closeby.
Hotel Rooms
Simple, stylish and fresh with views all the way to the hills beyond Canberra, enjoy a lovely sitting room with dining table and kitchenette with kettle, toaster and microwave. The bed is very comfortable accompanied by stylish ensuite (with particularly lovely tiling) in a variety of configurations from studios to 2 bedroom apartments and family rooms. Baby cots and high chairs available upon request.
Constitution Place
Inspired by Walter Burley Griffin’s design for Australia’s capital city, this 12-level precinct is home to the ACT Government, commercial institutions and some of Canberra’s best dining and retail options and is a 5-star NABERS energy rated building, with 200kw roof-mounted solar and one of the first WELL-rated buildings in Canberra.
The Hotel Vibe
A good mix of low-key and style, this neutral toned hotel foyer has separate lounge areas to meet in, or do some work on a laptop with windows views looking to Canberra’s distant hills.
Redbrick Caf? next door has delicious breakfast fare, including avocado on sourdough, a nourish bowl with edamame and poached egg, Chilli scram, burgers, soup and a kids menu. Open
7am to 3pm during the week or 8am to 2pm on weekends.
Within the same precinct, enjoy dining at Club Lime, Fuel (from the same owners as Farmers Daughter in Yarralumla), Hero Sushi, Meat and Wine Co, Mu Omakase, Ramen Bar and Cicada Bar.
BYO Bicycle
This is a town of bicycle riders and the building walks the walk with lock-
ers, bike storage and bathroom facilities known as ‘ end-of-trip facilities’ (have a shower, get changed, attend your meeting). Constitution Place is amongst Canberra’s comprehensive bike lane system which has been integrated into bike paths that weave across the city. Ride around the lake after your meeting, enjoy Canberra’s great outdoors.
Parking
Constitution Place has 560 basement parking bays below the hotel, 225 of which are for public access. Uber to the airport or train station and back is just 13 minutes away by car and easy to drive to and from and not a hassle to park. And under 9 minutes walk to the light rail, if it’s further outside the centre of Canberra you need to go.
Artwork
Around the hotel enjoy large artworks of various mediums. Outside Redbrick Caf? enjoy ‘Andrew Inglis Clark’, a sculpture by April Pine depicts the architect of the Australian Constitution, materials are natural dark-toned metal linking the bronze facade and the sculpture, giving it robust and high weathering properties pre-rusted for longevity and minimal maintenance. Duck down to the National Gallery, whilst in Canberra, it’s open 10am to 5pm and admission is free.
The Cocktail Enthusiast Package
Enjoy one night's accommodation at A by Adina with a complimentary room upgrade, a $25 beverage per person credit for Karl or Cicada Bar, and an exclusive and exquisite Omakase dining experience at Mu Omakase if booked by December 31st, 2025. This package is priced from $249.
with Emma Wilson
with Emma Wilson
Guide to dog friendly stays
HATE the thought of leaving your doggo at home? Prefer a dog-friendly outing or holiday?
The list of dog-friendly eats and stays is expanding so here are a few
picks around town…
The Golden Sheaf, Double Bay
‘The Sheaf’ in Double Bay has a dog-friendly courtyard and treats dogs
as guests welcoming dogs in the beer garden till late. Most recently The Sheaf hosted its Pound Paws Dog Day event, raising awareness for pet adoption.
Public House Petersham
After just undergoing an extensive revitalisation, PHP is the inner west’s favourite dog friendly venue. They even have dog friendly menu items such as the Pup Cake and the Poochy Bowl and provide water bowls and treats behind the bar.
Kimpton Margot
A beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco building, this dog-friendly hotel blends heritage charm with contemporary luxury with a rooftop bar. Centrally located, you can order a special dog menu from room service, it’s not far for a little walk around Hyde Park.
Hotel Indigo Sydney (and Hotel Indigo, Brisbane!)
This Sydney contemporary hotel sits behind the famous Coca-Cola sign and is Neon nightlife themed. It’s Brisbane cousin is a boutique hotel centrally located in the city and decorated with hand painted artworks and sculptures. Both welcome dogs and is a great way to pound the pavement with your pup before bed or for a morning walk.
Need info about ski trips
Are you trying to work out where to go? Snow Action is your go-to resource for choosing new skis or ski boots and checking out gear reviews. It’s a deep dive on snow travel destinations around the world. From Spain, Japan, Canada, USA, New Zealand and Australia, this print magazine and website is where you find everything you need. Snow Action is the official snow travel magazine at the Sydney and Melbourne Snow Travel Expo in May each year.
Snow Action has info for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers
and snowboarders about ski camps, women's ski weeks, family travel, senior travel, long haul air travel with babies, toddlers, young kids, accessible travel for travellers with disabilities and much more.
Some of the most popular articles on the www.snowaction.com.au website during 2025 are:
• A Beginners Guide to Skiing at Perisher - where to go, what to do.
• Big White’s Got the Goods, Terrain for Every Snowboarder and Skier - Canada’s affordable family snow destination.
• Inclusive Overseas Adventures, How are We Travelling? A look at issues surrounding international travel for disabled people.
• Getting Back on the Slopes - how to have a ski holiday after having a baby
• New Zealand South Island Food Guide - A foodies guide to New Zealand’s South Island.
LOVE THE WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES?
Don’t miss these Snow Action topics:
• Breanna Walker, Australia’s Bobsled Star Chasing Gold
• How is Olympic Ice made and so many more to come in the lead up to Milano-Cortina 2026.
with Emma Wilson
BOOK OF MORMAN IS NOW ON
Pre-theatre dining at Luke's Kitchen
SPRING and Summer theatre is in full swing with the award winning, The Book of Mormon now on at the Capitol Theatre, followed by The Great Gatsby from February 2026.
Where do you dine pre-theatre? There are a plethora of choices but it has to be somewhere nearby to ensure a smooth dinner-to-theatre transition and no last-minute dashes or lock outs. Have you been to the nearby heritage-listed, Art Deco Kimpton Margot Sydney lately? Harper Rooftop Bar on level 7 is Sydney’s best kept secret with extensive bar and light Mediterranean dining options next to a lovely rooftop pool. Take advantage of the ‘buy two spritzes get one free deal’ ending at the end of October and extended dining hours throughout spring and summer (Wednesday, Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday, Saturday 12pm-8pm.
Luke’s Kitchen
This ground floor restaurant Luke’s Kitchen is a glamorous spot, run by Australian celebrity chef and restauranteur, Luke Mangan. Luke’s Kitchen is where dining is a farm-to-plate experience where you can enjoy dishes such as Australian scallops or oysters from Yamba and sashimi fish caught fresh from Ulladulla the very same morning.
Special pre-theatre menu
The restaurant acknowledges you need to be seated at the theatre in plenty of time and offers a pre-theatre menu with dinner service starting from 5pm. Try an entree of soft polenta and gruyere cheese tart, cured and seared Kingsfish or BBQ Quail. For mains choose from baked barramundi, mushroom ravioli or roast chicken breast. Make sure to save room for dessert as you can choose between banana toffee pudding or poached winter fruits. It’s
just $35 for a one course meal, two courses is $55 and three courses is $65.
Staff are professional and attentive to your dining requirements and can
help you pair wines and Luke Mangan has thought of everything. “You don’t want to feel rushed before a show, but you also don’t want to be watching the clock.Our menu offers dishes that are light, flavour-packed and perfectly timed. You can enjoy two or three courses in under an hour and still feel like you’ve had a proper dining experience,” said Luke.
Other a’ la carte options include off the grill pasture fed beef tenderloins and pasture fed sirloin, sharing plates for two of Coral trout fillets or Wagyu flat iron.
Luke’s Kitchen is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 5pm and 9.30pm. If you are staying at the hotel and not heading to the theatre, Luke’s Kitchen is not dog-friendly, but the hotel itself is dog-friendly and you can order room service from Luke’s Kitchen for both you and your dog. Luke’s Kitchen has an evolving menu so the items are indicative.
Address: Level 7, Kimpton Margot Sydney, 339 Pitt St, Sydney @lukeskitchen
More info and bookings: https:// www.kimptonmargotsydney.com/
Australia’s most iconic on-water marine event returns this spring
From 13–16 November, the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show takes over Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour with a dazzling display of luxury yachts, powerboats, marine tech, and interactive exhibits, plus onshore with a festival precinct spanning Palm Grove, Tumbalong Boulevard and Tumbalong Park.
Enjoy live entertainment and a dedicated food and wine lovers showcase, perfect for boating enthusiasts and lifestyle seekers alike. Bring the whole family or network with marine industry leaders — this is the must-attend event of the season.
• Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour.
• 13–16 November, 2025.
• sydneyboatshow.com.au.
The Book of Morman.
Raising Child Health and Wellbeing in Western Sydney
More than 90 per cent of a child’s brain development happens during the first 5 years of their lives. During this time, parents, caregivers, general practitioners and anyone in a child’s life play a critical role in setting the foundation for future growth and development.
Regular Well-Child checks with your general practitioner or paediatrician from birth help to keep track of immunisation and developmental progress. They also ensure children are meeting their milestones as needed. The My Personal Health Record (the Blue Book) is a great way of tracking your child’s growth and developmental progress.
The Blue Book
The Blue Book is given to new parents or caregivers at birth and is available in English and 18 other languages. Inside the Blue Book, you’ll find pages for recording your child’s milestones, visits to the doctor and immunisation records. By using this book, you can easily monitor your child’s health and ensure they are on track with their development. It also serves as a helpful resource to share with health care providers during check-ups.
Find out more about the Blue Book here
The Importance of Immunisation
Immunisation is a key part of keeping your child healthy and protecting them from serious diseases. Vaccines help build your child’s immunity, which is their body’s defence against illness. The Blue Book contains information about which vaccines your child needs and when to get them. There are several resources available for parents on the NSW Health First five years webpage
Healthy Western Sydney is delivered by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.
The Immunisation Bike Competition in Western Sydney
Do you have a 12-month, 18-month or fouryear-old who is due for their immunisations? The 2025 Immunisation Bike Competition is now open and will run until 31 January 2026.
Children who are immunised at a participating practice can enter the annual prize draw to win a bike and helmet.
A list of participating practices and the competition entry form are available on the WentWest website. Please immunise your child at a participating practice and complete the competition entry form to join.
T&Cs apply.
Learn more about the Immunisation Bike Competition here
