Parramatta Times - September 2026

ISSUE 77 | September 2026

TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

POWERHOUSE PARRAMATTA UNVEILS EXHIBITION

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ARRAMATTA Square will become an even brighter and more vibrant destination at night with concepts endorsed for new lighting in the precinct. Set to improve the visitor experience, the Parramatta Square Lighting project will help create a more welcoming and engaging city centre both day and night. City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the project reflects Council’s commitment to creating a safe, vibrant and world-class CBD. “Parramatta Square is the heart of our CBD and this project will help make it an even more welcoming and inviting place to visit after dark,” Cr Zaiter said. “Great cities are defined by great public spaces, and Parramatta is no exception.”

Stage 1 of the project will focus on five locations across Parramatta Square and is expected to be complete in late 2027.

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ISSUE 77 September 2026 How to get The Times The Parramatta Times is available online 24/7 and shared through our social channels reaching more than 250,00 people per edition.

Digital edition Each edition of The Parramatta Times can be viewed and downloaded in digital format at our ISSUU platform: www.issuu/communitybroadcastnetwork

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ISSUE 77 | September 2026

PARRAMATTA'S TRUSTED

LOCAL MEDIA VOICE

Read the digital edition 24/7 at our website

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Return and Earn for North Parramatta.

New Westmead mental health facilty.

Showcasing a region ready for growth.

Admin and General: info@parramattatimes.com.au Editor: Michael Walls michael@accessnews.com.au

Newsroom Travel Editor: Emma Wilson travelwellwithemma@gmail.com

Advertising sales Julie Jackson julie@accessnews.com.au Linda Miller linda@accessnews.com.au

Administration

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Slowing down in Stanley, Tasmania.

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News.......................................... 3 Tourism...................................... 8 Local Business Awards............. 9

Newsbytes............................... 13 Tax Debt Matters..................... 14 Travel....................................... 16

Local news voice for Sydney’s North West

Puzzles.................................... 20 Film.......................................... 21 ISSUE 11 | May

2026

TRUSTED LOCaL

REBULDING QUALITY EDUCATION

NEWS FOR SyDNEy’S

FOODBANK CEO’S STALLAR LEGACY

NORTH WEST

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LOCAL STUDENT WRITES HER FIRST BOOK

RI VO FE ST IVAL T

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.

Discover new ideas, product and child friendly s options across Australia

Parentopia  Australia’ . s marketplace for products, number one services and resources for children, parents and families.

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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.

www.thenorthwestnews.au | www.facebook.com/thenorthwestnews/

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ISSUE 77 | September 2026

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Family Planning Australia turns 100

AMILY Planning Australia has launched its Centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of advocacy, education and services supporting women’s health, sexual health and reproductive rights.

The celebrations kicked off with a lunchtime seminar at FPA’s Newington clinic, featuring renowned women’s rights activist Wendy McCarthy AC as guest speaker. Donna Davis MP, State Member for Parramatta, was among those attending the event.

Family Planning Australia opened its doors in 1926 and went on to establish Australia’s first birth control clinic in 1933 before helping bring the contraceptive Pill to Australia in 1961.

Ms McCarthy joined the Family Planning Board in 1975 and later became its first professional Media, Information and Education Officer, working alongside Antoinette Wyllie.

She has spent more than five decades advocating for women and girls.

“Family planning was and still is the place you go to for trusted advice,”

Ms McCarthy said, noting the organisation had continued providing crucial services to women when there were often few alternatives.

Family Planning Australia CEO

Sue Shilbury said the organisation’s history was closely connected with the emergence of women’s rights and reproductive autonomy in Australia.

She highlighted the ground-

breaking decision in the 1970s to make contraception available to all women, regardless of whether they were married or had their husband’s permission.

FPA has also delivered sex education and discussed consent since 1942 and, in 2019, championed the NSW Parliament’s decriminalisation of abortion.

Ms Shilbury said challenges remained, including medical misogyny, low rebates for critical procedures and medications, and insufficient understanding of significant women’s health issues such as menopause.

She said FPA’s work had evolved beyond reproduction to address health needs across different ages, sexualities and stages of life.

The Newington seminar, which included a day surgery, health clinic, education and research centre, formally launched a year of activities recognising Family Planning Australia’s century-long contribution to reproductive and sexual health.

Agents fined in covert property crackdown

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SW Fair Trading has fined 10 real estate agents a total of $20,900 following a covert crackdown on underquoting and property sales breaches. Inspectors from the Strata and Property Taskforce posed as buyers at almost

80 open homes over two months, also issuing five warnings and 16 education directives. The operation comes ahead of the spring selling season and six months after the launch of the NSW Government’s Name and Shame Register, which

has attracted 118,000 visits. The $8.4M taskforce is targeting misconduct and strengthening consumer confidence by ensuring property price information is accurate, transparent and consistent with agency records.

Rookwood Catholic Cemetery

A sacred place of rest for generations

For nearly 160 years, Rookwood Catholic Cemetery has served as a place of peace, remembrance, and tradition - welcoming people of all faiths.

With beautifully landscaped grounds, Rookwood Catholic Cemetery offers families a place to honour life with faith, dignity, and compassion.

› Dedicated Catholic lawns and historic chapels › Selection of high-quality monument services and packages › Sydney’s only Catholic crematorium › Monthly and special Masses for All Souls, Mother’s Day, & more › Grief Care support, workshops, and remembrance events

Barnet Avenue, Rookwood NSW 2141 | 1300 114 997 | catholiccemeteries.com.au

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ISSUE 77 | September 2026

Help shape future community spaces

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ESIDENTS are encouraged to have their say on a long-term plan that will help shape the delivery of community spaces and facilities across Parramatta as the City continues to grow.

The Draft Community Infrastructure Strategy outlines priorities for new and upgraded community facilities, including parks, libraries, community hubs, aquatic centres and recreation spaces and is now on public exhibition.

Developed through extensive community consultation, the draft Strategy assesses current and future demand for community infrastructure across the local government area and identifies key priorities and actions to meet the needs of existing and future residents.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said community infrastructure plays a vital role in bringing people together and supporting healthy com-

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munities.

"From neighbourhood parks and libraries to community hubs and aquatic centres, these are important

places where people connect, learn, play and belong,” Cr Zaiter said.

"We've listened to our community throughout the development of this draft Strategy and now we are asking residents to take a look and tell us their thoughts.

“Their feedback will help shape the final plan and guide future investment across our City, especially as our City and neighbourhoods continue to grow.”

The Strategy includes detailed analysis of community facilities, open space and recreation needs, while also identifying priorities for areas experiencing significant population growth.

The Draft Community Infrastructure Strategy 2026 is on public exhibition until 5pm on Tuesday 20 October.

To make a submission or for more information, visit Parramatta Participate.

River project enters final stretch

ARRAMATTA River foreshore’s transformation is a step closer with construction starting at Royal Shores in Ermington, as part of the City’s Eastern Parramatta River project.

Royal Shores between Silverwater Bridge and George Kendall Riverside Park is the largest section and final stage in a program of safety, capacity and amenity improvements to the Parramatta River foreshore path.

A separate pedestrian path for the entire length will complement new cyclist paths at either end along with new locally native trees. The existing steep path up to George Kendall Riverside Park on the east will also be replaced by a wider boardwalk with gentler grades, improving accessibility for all park users.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the commencement of works at Royal Shores marked another important step toward delivering a continuous and connected river corridor.

"From the newly reopened Rangihou Reserve to the works underway at Reid Park and now Royal Shores, we are gathering real momentum along the eastern foreshore of Parramatta River,” Cr Zaiter said.

"Royal Shores is one of the most popular destinations along this stretch of river with almost three quarters of a million people using the path in the last year, so these upgrades will make a huge difference to the people who walk, ride and spend time here every year.”

"The design reflects what our community told us they wanted – a better riverside experience through

safer paths and improved connections that balance the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and families.

“Locals can now enjoy an uninterrupted 2.5km of pedestrian-only foreshore path between Ermington Bay and Rydalmere Ferry Wharf.”

The project has already reached a significant milestone with Rangihou Reserve now open to the public following upgrades including a wider foreshore promenade, improved lighting and new tree planting.

Construction is also underway at Reid Park where separated walking and cycling paths are being delivered to improve safety and capacity.

For the latest project updates and information about temporary closures and diversions, visit Participate Parramatta.

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ISSUE 77 | September 2026

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Return and Earn for Nth Parramatta

ARRAMATTA residents have more locations to recycle their eligible bottles, cans and cartons with the opening of a new Return and Earn machine in North Parramatta.

The Parramatta CRC Return and Earn machine is the 16th return point in the City of Parramatta Council area, making it easier than ever to recycle eligible containers and get a 10c refund.

The machine is located in the carpark at the rear of Parramatta Community Recycling Centre, 89 Fennell Street, North Parramatta.

It is open Monday to Saturday from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm and from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm on Sundays and public holidays.

The new machine features the latest ‘takes-all’ technology. This means all eligible drink containers can be returned through either of the machine’s chutes, without the need to pre-sort glass containers from plastic and aluminium ones, making it quicker than ever to recycle.

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MP Donna Davis and Parramatta Mayor Martin Zaiter at the new Return and Earn.

Recyclers at the machine can print a voucher for the refund amount, which can be redeemed at Coles for a discount on their shopping or for cash.

Recyclers can also opt for payment directly into their bank or PayPal account using the Return and Earn app.

Locals can also donate their refund

to one of over 600 donation partners listed on the Return and Earn app, including Muscular Dystrophy NSW, which supports people living with neuromuscular conditions and their families through information, connection and advocacy.

Alternatively, recyclers can donate to the current statewide donation partner, The Smith Family, who help provide young people experiencing disadvantage with an equal chance to learn, and create better futures through the power of education.

Return and Earn has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups in NSW. Over $100M has been raised from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme launched in 2017.

State Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said residents are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over 176 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began.

Insurance rebates may cause more harm

HE Australian Medical Association has warned proposed changes to private health insurance rebates for older Australians could increase pressure on public hospitals and threaten

struggling private facilities. AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said removing higher rebates for people aged 65 and over could make insurance unaffordable, particularly for lower-income Australians. The

AMA fears people may downgrade or abandon cover, shifting demand to already stretched public hospitals and potentially delaying healthcare.

Regional private hospitals could be particularly affected by reduced ac-

tivity. While supporting increased aged care funding, the AMA wants existing rebate arrangements retained for older Australians on Medicare Levy Surcharge base-tier incomes.

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ISSUE 77 | September 2026

Westmead mental health facility

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ONSTRUCTION of the new $540M Westmead Centre for Mental Health has reached its highest point, marking a major milestone for what will become NSW’s largest mental health facility.

The 10-storey development is on track for completion in late 2027 and will significantly expand mental health capacity across Western Sydney.

The purpose-built centre will provide acute mental health beds for young people, adolescents, adults, older people and those living with eating disorders. It will also include intensive care and high dependency units, a mental health assessment area, sub and non-acute beds and multidisciplinary outpatient services.

Once completed, mental health services currently operating from Cumberland Hospital will relocate to the new facility, which will be integrated into the broader Westmead Health Precinct and connected directly with Westmead Hospital.

A new link bridge will provide staff

The new development taking shape.

and visitors with access to Westmead Hospital’s main building, improving connections between mental health and general health services, including the Emergency Department.

Construction is also delivering a significant employment boost, with around 440 workers currently on site each day. This is expected to increase to about 500 workers during peak

construction.

The project comes as the NSW Government delivers a record $3.3 billion investment in mental health services in the 2026-27 Budget, representing a 20 per cent funding increase since 2022-23.

Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said the project would deliver modern, recovery-focused care in a safe and therapeutic environment.

“This $540M investment is delivering world-class health infrastructure for Western Sydney,” Ms Jackson said.

Parramatta MP Donna Davis said the development represented an important investment in the local community.

“More importantly, this development is creating local jobs today while delivering improved mental health services for our community into the future,” Ms Davis said. Cormac Russell Construction will continue with concrete pours and services installation over coming months as work progresses towards the late-2027 completion date.

Lotto wins deliver $2.2M local windfalls

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LIDCOMBE man and a mystery Toongabbie player have each won more than $2.2 million in Saturday Lotto draw 4709. The Lidcombe winner discovered his fortune after checking his ticket without his glasses, initially struggling

to believe the result. He said the $2,222,222.23 prize would allow him to buy his first home and provide welcome financial relief. Meanwhile, the Toongabbie winner remains unidentified after purchasing their entry at Toongabbie Newsagency

in Aurelia Street. Owner Robert Chong said it was the outlet’s seventh division one winning entry in six years. The Lott is urging Toongabbie players to check their tickets and come forward to claim the prize.

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ISSUE 77 | September 2026

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Powerhouse Parramatta unveils exhibition

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OWERHOUSE Parramatta has revealed its opening exhibition program, promising a mix of science, engineering, art, culture and experiences for children when the museum opens on Saturday, November 7.

All exhibitions will be free for visitors aged under 16, while most of the program will be accessible without charge.

The $915M project includes Powerhouse Parramatta, a new collection storage facility at Castle Hill and the digitisation and preservation of more

than 371,000 Powerhouse Collection objects.

The project has also exceeded its $75 million philanthropic target, securing $80.28 million in contributions.

Five opening exhibitions will feature more than 3,000 objects, including over 1,600 from the Powerhouse collection.

The Dark, designed for children aged four to 12, will feature more than 800 objects alongside First Nations animations and treasures contributed

by Western Sydney children.

British artist Es Devlin will exhibit in Australia for the first time with The Turning, featuring five major immersive works spanning sculpture, film, architecture and performance.

First Nations-led exhibition Overflow will explore the importance of NSW salt and freshwater systems, working with seven Aboriginal organisations and filmmaker Ivan Sen. Task Eternal will examine humanity’s quest for flight through design, innovation and technology. Highlights include the historic Qantas Avro 504K aircraft, Leonardo da Vinci drawings, a NASA Moon

rock and an immersive light work by American artist James Turrell. The exhibition will be ticketed but free for under-16s.

Across two storeys, The Mall will examine the cultural and technological evolution of shopping centres.

Objects include Levi’s 501 jeans worn

by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, early barcode designs, 1980s arcade machines and a bitcoin mining rig.

Arts Minister John Graham described Powerhouse Parramatta as a “once-in-a-generation project” bringing extraordinary stories and experiences to Western Sydney.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Community Representatives for Local Planning Panel City of Parramatta Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from eligible representatives from the local community to join Council’s Local Planning Panel (LPP).

A LPP is a panel of a chair, two independent expert members and a community representative who determine development applications and make recommendations on planning proposals submitted to local councils. LPPs are in place so that the process of assessment and determination of development applications of high value, corruption risk, sensitivity or strategic importance is transparent and accountable.

What Council is looking for in community representatives: • Has knowledge of the local community, understands local concerns and is able to represent the interests of the community.

• Has an understanding of the planning process and assessment issues (but is not expected to be an expert).

• Committed to adhering to the LPP Code of Conduct and Operational Procedures.

• Willing to be a LPP member part-time for up to three years, commencing in 2027.

City of Parramatta Council’s LPP currently meets once per month, on the third Tuesday of the month. Please note the community representative position will be allocated on a rotating basis, and you will not be required to attend every meeting.

• Not a Mayor, Councillor, Property Developer or Real Estate Agent.

To apply, obtain the LPP Code of Conduct and Operational Procedures and additional details: • Visit cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/council/latest-news/ community-representatives-for-local-planning-panelexpression-of-interest or • Scan the QR code EOI submissions close Friday 2 October 2026.

Further enquiries: Sarah Irani, City of Parramatta’s City Planning & Design team on 9806 5368 or LPP@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

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ISSUE 77 | September 2026

Showcasing a region ready for growth FAZILA FARHAD

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ELCOME to our first monthly column with CBN (publisher of The Blacktown News). We sincerely appreciate their support in helping elevate the profile of Western Sydney’s visitor economy and our members.

Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce NSW is the region’s leading tourism industry association, bringing together businesses, attractions, accommodation providers, hospitality operators, tour companies, clubs, and key stakeholders to promote Western Sydney as a premier visitor destination.

As the region’s peak tourism advocacy body, we work to strengthen collaboration, attract investment, increase visitation, and drive economic growth across one of Australia’s most dynamic and diverse regions.

With the opening of Western Sydney International Airport, the region is entering an exciting new chapter.

From its rich cultural heritage and multicultural dining experiences to major events, natural attractions, and world-class visitor experiences, Western Sydney is preparing to welcome the world.

We are also pleased to announce a media partnership with Community Broadcast Network (CBN), Western Sydney’s leading publisher.

Through its extensive network of print and digital publications, including Northwest News, Parramatta Times, Western Sydney Express, Hawkesbury News, Macarthur Advocate, and Blacktown News, this partnership will help showcase the region’s tourism opportunities, industry achievements, and future growth.

Supporting Future Talent We have recently teamed up as a ambassador of Western Sydney University (Friends of Western Sydney Initiative) to support student work placements across the visitor economy.

This initiative will strengthen industry pathways, provide valuable practical experience for students, and help develop the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals.

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As an ambassador for the program, I am proud to support this important partnership, which will deliver longterm benefits for both students and industry across the region.

Industry Forums Events and Tourism Awards From industry forums focused on hotels, aviation, business events, and tourism development to the delivery of our annual awards program, our mission is to position Western Sydney as a leading domestic and international destination.

The Western Sydney Tourism Awards 2026, now in their third year, recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation, leadership, and achievement across the visitor economy.

The awards have become a pre-

mier industry event, bringing together tourism operators, business leaders, government representatives, educators, and industry stakeholders to celebrate the success of our growing sector.

Research and Advocacy We recently launched our landmark white paper, Greater Western Sydney Unlocked, highlighting the region’s hotel accommodation capacity, conferencing infrastructure, transport connectivity, and the opportunities created by Sydney’s two airports and expanding public transport network.

This research has been submitted to Destination NSW, BE Sydney, Premier Minns, Minister Kamper’s office WSI and local councils.

Join Us. We invite you to join us in celebrating the outstanding achievements of Western Sydney’s tourism industry and to be part of the exciting future that lies ahead.

More information: www.visitwesternsydney.com/ Western Sydney Tourism Awards 2026. Date: Friday, 16 October 2026.

Time: From 6:00 PM. Venue: Western Sydney Convention Centre (WSCC), 81 Mulgoa Road, Penrith NSW. Tickets: www.westernsydneytourismawards.com.au/ More to follow next month.

Fazila Farhad is Chair and Founder of the Western Sydney Tourist Taskforce.

AT PARRAMATTA PRESENTATION EVENING THE 2026 Parramatta Local Business Awards Presentation Evening was an occasion of elegance and excitement.

The room filled with cheers as winners were announced and made their way to the stage on Tuesday, 4 August 2026.

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

Precedent Productions Managing Director and Awards Founder Steve Loe said: “the highlight of the evening is always the presentation of the award winners in each category”.

“What I love to see is the support that everyone gives the

finalists, the huge cheers for winners, and the heartfelt speeches” Mr. Loe said.

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

Mr Loe thanked The Epping Club for the incredible service, the remarkable talent who provided entertainment for the evening, our MC who kept things running smoothly, and our Presenting Partner: Commonwealth Bank, Major Partner: NOVA Employment and Support Partners: The Epping Club, media partner The Parramatta Times and Bx Networking.

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

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

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

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ISSUE 77 | September 2026

What an unforgettable moment for all of us at Abla’s Pastries!

We are incredibly proud to announce that we won Outstanding Bakery/Cake Business AND Business of the Year at the Local Business Awards.

This recognition is the result of the passion, commitment, and hard work of our entire team.

To our wonderful customers, thank you for supporting us, making us a part of your celebrations and everyday moments over the years.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of our journey. We are proud to share this milestone with you.

52 Railway Parade, Granville NSW 2142

Phone: 9637 8092

Email: orders@ablaspastries.com.au

Web: www.ablaspastries.com.au

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Why WISB?

ABS data shows a 46 per cent rise in the number of female business owners in the last 20 years. Female small business owners represent a formidable economic force.

Women in Small Business (WISB) is an empowering online resource that champions the female entrepreneurial spirit in all its forms and stages.

WISB covers the diverse and rich world that is the women in small business ecosystem, with profiles and back stories of success and innovation.

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Newsbytes

ISSUE 77 | September 2026

Dentist combines song and science

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HILDREN’S dentist and educator Dr Bethany Fisher has launched Tooth Tales On Demand, described as the world’s first premium digital streaming platform dedicated to children’s oral health. Targeting preschool children in regional and rural Australia, the platform combines songs, stories, science experiments, arts and crafts and play-based learning with resources for educators and parents. Dr Fisher said the initiative aims to address poorer oral health outcomes and reduced access to dental education outside metropolitan areas.

End-of-life pathways could be better

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GEING Australia and Palliative Care Australia have welcomed a Senate recommendation to remove funding and time restrictions from the Support at Home End-of-Life Pathway. The peak bodies say older Australians with life-limiting illnesses should receive clinically guided care based on individual needs rather than fixed funding periods or life-expectancy predictions. They argue greater flexibility would help more people remain at home, support families and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and pressure on the health system.

Research detects counterfeit alcohol

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DELAIDE University researchers are developing laser technology capable of detecting counterfeit alcohol, wine fraud and hazardous chemicals inside sealed bottles. Using Raman spectroscopy, the system identifies the chemical “fingerprint” of liquids through packaging, including coloured glass.

Research has shown it can detect toxic methanol at concentrations well below international safety limits.

Scientists are now exploring applications including wine authentication, pesticide detection in olive oil,

counterfeit perfumes and hazardous chemicals, with potential uses across food, agriculture, law enforcement and manufacturing industries.

Records of sexual assault need protecting

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HE NSW Government has commissioned research into better protecting counselling records of sexual assault victim-survivors during criminal proceedings. Led by University of Sydney Professor Rita Shackel, the study will examine how often counselling notes are subpoenaed, their impact on survivors and alternative protection models. The research follows concerns that accessing counselling records can retraumatise survivors or discourage them from seeking support. Findings will be reported to the Department of Communities and Justice in June 2027.

The long journey of assistance dogs

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SSISTANCE Dogs Australia is celebrating 30 years of providing life-changing support during International Assistance Dog Week. The organisation breeds and trains accredited assistance

www.parramattatimes.com.au

dogs for Australians with physical disabilities, autism and PTSD. Each dog costs more than $60,000 and takes around two years to prepare. With demand exceeding availability, ADA aims to increase the number of Australians it supports by 50 per cent by 2028.

Call for ban on gambling advertising

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AMILY First’s Lyle Shelton has called on federal and NSW governments to introduce a complete ban on gambling advertising across television, streaming, radio, social media, online services and sporting venues. Shelton said gambling had become increasingly normalised through sport, exposing children to betting messages. He argued partial restrictions were inadequate and compared gambling advertising with tobacco promotion, saying governments should prioritise protecting families from financial, social and mental health harms.

Bank’s digital feature a customer hit

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ENDIGO Bank’s new Community Link feature has attracted 1,113 new customers since launching in April, combining digital account opening with connections to local branches. Around 70 per cent nominated a Community Bank as their home branch, supporting the bank’s community-focused model. Bendigo Bank says the uptake demonstrates demand for convenient digital banking while maintaining local connections. Community Bank Upwey and District currently leads Community Link registrations nationwide.

Public invited to comment on energy

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SW electricity and gas customers are being invited to share their experiences as IPART reviews the state’s retail energy markets. The regulator is examining prices, competition, affordability and consumer participation, including the growing use of virtual power plants. IPART says energy prices have risen faster than inflation in recent years, placing pressure on households and businesses.

Its 2025–26 Energy Market Monitoring Report will be submitted to the Energy Minister in November.

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

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DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE

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Tax Debt Matters

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ISSUE 77 | September 2026

HOW PERSPECTIVE CHANGES EVERYTHING

And not just with tax debt

er remission would have changed the shape of the problem first.

MICHAEL MOON

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HERE’S an old line in medicine.

Go to a surgeon, you'll end up with surgery. Go to a psychiatrist, you'll end up with pills. It's not that either of them is wrong.

It's that whoever you walk in to see, that's the toolkit your problem gets solved with, whether or not it was the only tool that fit.

In tax debt, the pills and the surgery are usually funding and formal process, a new loan to make the number disappear, or a restructure to manage it from the outside.

Both can be exactly the right call.

But neither one starts by asking whether the underlying debt itself can shrink.

That's the piece that sits closer to what we do, remission and a payment plan that holds, and stopping any legal action from escalating further while that gets sorted. It's a different question to the one most advisors are set up to ask first.

Most business owners don't realise this until they're holding two or three answers that don't add up.

Same debt, different outcomes Two businesses can carry the exact same debt, same industry, same size, and end up in completely different places within six months. Not because one had better luck. Because one saw that number from a single angle and one saw it from several.

An accountant sees a compliance and cash flow problem. A lawyer sees exposure and risk. A broker sees serviceability and funding, refinancing it, consolidating it, borrowing around it.

An insolvency specialist sees a solvency question and a set of formal options.

Every one of those is a real, useful, professionally sound answer. None of them is wrong. Each is just running the

A conversation last week

debt through the lens they're trained and licensed to use.

The lever that goes missing without a negotiation lens in the room None of those specialists is set up to check whether the debt itself can shrink before anything else is decided.

Remission, interest and penalties coming off the debt, can run anywhere from 20% to 70% or more of what's owing.

On a debt of any real size, that's often the biggest lever on the table, bigger than the funding, bigger than the payment plan restructure. It's also the lever most likely to be missed, not through anyone's fault, but through absence. If nobody in the room is looking through a negotiation lens, nobody asks the negotiability question.

Skepticism plays a part too. Business owners who've been burned by an overpromise elsewhere sometimes assume any mention of debt reduction is a sales pitch rather than a checkable fact, which is exactly what lets a real, sizeable reduction go unexplored.

This is also part of why funding tax debt has become a more common answer lately. Since GIC is no longer tax deductible, the true cost of carrying ATO debt has gone up, and lenders have grown more willing to fund it.

That's a legitimate option in the right circumstances. But it still tends to arrive before remission has been checked, which means a business can end up financing a number that was larger than it needed to be.

Speed matters, but not the speed people think Business owners under pressure chase the fastest path to a number going away. What actually matters is the speed of finding the right solution, not the speed of clearing it.

The right solution depends on the whole picture, the business, the personal debt exposure behind it, and exactly where compliance and enforcement currently stand.

Move too fast toward the first option offered, and you can lock in a path before anyone's checked wheth-

I sat with a business owner recently, whose situation had gone further than we could help with. It involved a matter that required going to court with the ATO, not negotiation, it was beyond that now, so it sat outside what we do.

We told him that directly, and pointed him to who it actually belonged to.

He said afterwards that it was the clearest conversation he'd had in weeks. He'd already spoken to four specialists, and had no idea what was up from down or who to believe from those conversations. Not because he wasn't smart. He was. Not because he didn't understand his business.

He did, he likely had some finance or accounting background of his own.

It wasn't a knowledge gap. It was that four capable people had each answered from their own patch, and nobody had told him that's what was happening.

Not because we hadn't tried to sell him anything, that's not really the point, and it shouldn't be the thing that earns trust. The point was simpler. We were clear about what we could and couldn't do, and specific about where the line sat.

That's the actual issue underneath all of this. Deciding who to trust with a problem this size shouldn't come down to a gut read on who feels genuine.

It should be something you can check. Does this advisor tell you plainly what's inside their scope and what isn't. If they can't answer that clearly, that's worth noticing before anything else they tell you.

Michael Moon is Director at Tax Assure, Australia's leading tax debt negotiation firm.

Visit: www taxassure.com.au

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Travel

September 2026 | ISSUE 77 | www.parramattatimes.com.au | Edited by Emma Wilson | travelwellwithemma@gmail.com

Slowing down in Stanley, Tasmania

BY THE OUT OF OFFICE SISTERS (JORJA LEROY AND CANDACE GIBB)

T

HERE are some places you visit and immediately understand why everyone is talking about them.

Stanley was one of those places.

Recently named Australia’s number one History and Heritage Town by Australian Traveller, Stanley sits beneath the unmistakable Nut on Tasmania’s northwest coast. And after a few days there, we completely understood the fuss.

For two corporate sisters used to rushing between meetings, Stanley gave us a very different kind of agenda: climb something, eat something delicious, drink something local, watch the penguins come home and, most importantly, slow down. And then there was the Bond Store.

The Bond Store The Bond Store is the sort of accommodation that makes you notice every single detail. Set right on Stanley’s original wharf, the building dates back to the 1850s and has been beautifully restored, retaining its original bluestone walls and timber beams while adding all the little luxuries you didn't know you needed.

Fresh eggs waiting in the fridge. Local milk. Beautifully considered interiors and amenities. Gorgeous Tasmanian touches. A wood fire. A deep bath. And, as if that wasn't enough, a sauna tucked away in the courtyard.

It felt luxurious without being flashy. Everything had a purpose and everything had been thought about.

Sitting right on the water, the views become part of the experience. We could wander back after exploring the town, pour ourselves a drink and simply watch the light change across the bay.

It was also incredibly quiet, which we quickly realised was exactly what we needed. At the Bond Store, we were quite happy to stay in, make breakfast, drink coffee and debate whether walking to the next café technically counted as an activity.

The Nut- when the chairlift says no You can't go to Stanley without tackling The Nut. The enormous flattopped volcanic plug rises 143 metres above the town and is its defining feature.

There is a chairlift for those who prefer to admire it without too much exertion, but unfortunately for us, the chairlift was closed. So, we walked.

The track is steep enough to get the heart rate going, particularly after a slow breakfast, but once at the top it is absolutely worth it. The summit circuit gives you sweeping views across Stanley, Bass Strait and the surrounding coastline.

The town began as an important centre for the Van Diemen's Land Company, established in 1824, and its historic buildings and fishing heritage remain central to its character. We came down feeling pleased with ourselves. We also decided that if the chairlift had been operating, we absolutely would have taken it.

Whisky at Angels Share One of the things we loved about Stanley was how easy it was to turn an ordinary afternoon into something memorable. At Angels Share, we found ourselves looking out over the coastline with a local whisky in hand, chatting with the couple who owned and ran

it. There are worse ways to spend an afternoon.

With big skies, rugged coastline, Bass Strait stretching out in front of you and The Nut looming behind, the landscape around Stanley is dramatic without trying too hard. With a Tasmanian whisky to taste and nowhere we needed to be, we finally settled into holiday mode.

wander down the road, find yourself in a game of pool and suddenly you're chatting to people who actually live there.

For two sisters normally surrounded by corporate conversations, spreadsheets and meetings, talking rubbish over a pool table with locals was exactly the kind of evening we didn't know we needed.

Penguins at dusk

Why Stanley?

We had heard Stanley was a great place to see little penguins, but there is always a bit of scepticism when someone tells you wildlife will conveniently appear at a particular time. At dusk, we headed towards the waterfront and waited. And then they appeared.

Tiny little penguins making their way back from the water, waddling towards shore as the light faded. We stood quietly and watched, completely absorbed. It felt very Stanley: wildlife, water, history and a town that still feels like a real community rather than somewhere that exists purely for tourists.

Stanley was ranked 17th overall in Australian Traveller's 2026 list of Australia's 100 Best Towns and took out the number one spot in the History and Heritage category. But rankings don't really explain Stanley.

It has history without feeling like a museum, incredible scenery without the crowds, and beautiful accommodation and great food while still feeling relaxed and genuine. And the Bond Store somehow captures all of that.

We arrived in Stanley as two corporate sisters who had promised ourselves we were going to slow down. We left having perfected the art.

Our out-of-office was on. Our walking shoes were dirty. We'd climbed The Nut, watched penguins, tasted whisky, played pool with locals and eaten very well. And, for once, there was absolutely no rush to get back to the office.

Dinner, pool and meeting the locals That night we headed to the Stanley Hotel for dinner. What we hadn't expected was to end up playing pool afterwards with some of the locals. The town has a wonderfully unpretentious feel. You can have a beautiful dinner,

Visit: https://stanleybondstore.com.au bookings@stanleybondstore.com.au

TraveL

ISSUE 77 | September 2026

with Emma Wilson

www.parramattatimes.com.au

17

A different way to do Queenstown?

WORDS BY EMMA WILSON

M

Y husband and I had been to Queenstown before, so this time we wanted to base ourselves away from the town centre and use our accommodation as a base for exploring the wider Otago region. Here’s what we recommend.

That’s the thing about Queenstown, you can come here ten times and have ten completely different holidays. You can base yourself right in the centre and spend your days shopping, eating, drinking and wandering the lakefront.

You can come for skiing or bike riding, make it an adventure holiday, disappear into the wine country or simply use Queenstown as a base for exploring everything around it.

Explore Queenstown’s Surrounds We had a couple of days, so we decided to see how much of the surrounding area we could squeeze into a full day. Our first stop was Jack’s Point Golf Course, around the other side of the lake from central Queenstown.

It’s worth the drive to check it out and send cheeky photos to your golfing mates, pretending you’re teeing off at this exclusive club. You can have a coffee and enjoy the views, and it was actually the barista who gave us our next recommendation.

“You have to go to Ayrburn,” he told us. So that's where we checked out next, it's well worth it.

Ayrburn I’d describe Ayrburn as a scenic, historic precinct and definitely worth at least an hour wandering in and out of its collection of bakery, bistro, bar, restaurant and cellar door buildings, with low-lying scrub, water fountains and ancient trees.

Ayrburn gets this so right, covering the breakfast crowd with families, an awesome kids’ play park, morning coffees and pastries, lunches, tasting paddles, ice creams and delicious dinner options. So much so, we circled back a few hours later for an early dinner on our way home. We’ll be back.

Arrowtown Our next stop was Arrowtown, and it was every bit as busy as we’d expected on a Saturday morning, but for very good reason. The old gold-rush buildings, boutique shops, pubs and restaurants sit beneath a spectacular mountain backdrop, and wandering the historic streets is an easy way to spend a few hours. If you

want to splash the cash, the boutiques are incredible.

We stopped for lunch in the sunshine at one of the pubs and it was divine.

Arthur’s Point From there, we headed towards Arthur’s Point to eyeball the incredible view from Coronet Ridge Resort, the view is to die for and we drove up to Coronet Peak to see what all the fuss is about with this popular ski resort.

I hadn’t been to Coronet Peak for 20-plus years, when I visited driving around NZ on a motorhome driving holiday with a boyfriend. At the time I was a snowboarder and we loved to go night skiing. I quickly saw that night skiing is still popular, the terrain is expansive and its reputation as a cool place for young people is still evident with DJ nights and a young vibe for group travel.

This little Otago day trip was so easy. For us, it was tacked onto a week in Wanaka skiing with mates for my husband’s 50th, but it’s so easy to add a night or two and pick away at Queenstown and its surroundings.

So… The Accom?

On previous visits, we’d stayed closer to the town centre action, and it’s a fun way to experience this stunning natural beauty of a town. This time, we wanted a little less action. Instead of being surrounded by bustling shops and restaurants, we headed a little further around Lake Wakatipu to Platinum Villas. This was exactly the change of pace we were looking for.

Space to slow down The villas are perched on the hill, close enough to Queenstown that you can still walk into town, but once you’re back at the property, the feeling is completely different. Instead of looking out at restaurants, traffic and people, our view was Lake Wakatipu and the mountains.

It feels like you’re all alone in the region, and the vista makes you visualise Queenstown 200 years ago. Or at least I did, I love thinking about how areas were long ago.

That became one of the biggest pleasures of staying there.

Step outside and you’re on the lawn, with the property regenerating more native grasses out the front and drawing in local visitors such as ducks and birdlife. The villa itself

was spacious and incredibly comfortable, particularly because we had been travelling with friends all week and this was our final night together. We had space to breathe.

On our first of two nights, rather than head back into town, we bought takeaway Chinese food, opened a bottle of New Zealand red and settled around the coffee table in front of the fireplace.

It felt more like being in someone’s very comfortable holiday home. The décor was warm, with lampshades and comfy couches, and for families, I think this is where the villas really make sense.

I pictured our kids running around on the front lawn burning energy before heading in for a bath and dinner, rather than being under your feet in the kitchen while you cook.

And you can’t beat the lake view while you cook.

It’s a proper kitchen, with a gas cooktop, full-sized fridge, island bench and everything you need to make breakfast, lunch or dinner rather than eating out for every meal.

After travelling for a while, eating out gets tiring.

It’s nice to mix it up. You can still easily walk into town, with the property around 1.5km from the town centre and 500m from the lake edge.

A very useful Queenstown tip If you’re flying out early, don’t be put off by a 6.30am departure. We left Platinum Villas at around 4am expecting airport traffic, but there was practically nobody on the road and we breezed it. We were at Queenstown Airport in just 15 minutes and back in Sydney in time for our daughter’s 11.30am rugby match.

I mean… it’s all so painless!

Visit: www.platinumqueenstown.co.nz

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ISSUE 77 | September 2026

FilM

www.parramattatimes.com.au

21

The End of Oak Street - Review JACOB RICHARDSON

T

HIS throwback Spielberg-like dino flick will have you thrilled at the nostalgic vibes, dino scares and pacy, fun time in the cinema.

Denise (Anne Hathaway) and Greg (Ewan McGregor) are going through relationship troubles.

Their kids, Audrey (Maisy Stella) and Brian (Christian Convery) can tell.

But all of that goes out the window when blinding lights transport them, and their entire neighbourhood, millenia in the past.

One minute, it’s 1982 - the next, they find their little 80’s slice of suburbia invaded by dinosaurs, and they have to fight to stay alive.

The End of Oak Street feels like a movie from a different era. And that’s not just the costuming (which is remarkably nostalgic with its 80’s vibes), or the setting, or the performances and dialogue.

No, this film feels like a movie from another period. A time when a good original idea could get made, and find an audience. When movies didn’t need to be 5 hours long (this is only 1 hr 40 mins and flies). When you could just have a good time and lose yourself in someone’s imagination.

Ewan McGregor and Anne Hathaway are great in this film. They play a struggling married couple who are forced into cooperation by their uniquely prehistoric circumstances, and both have moments to shine. Hathaway in particular takes the cake, but she has a lot more to work with given some of the events of the film.

The dinosaurs are also rendered in fun ways.

Sure, there are questions about whether the neighbourhood is too staged for the film, whether the dinosaur behaviour is designed to keep our main

characters alive, and how hard exactly can Greg swing that baseball bat.

But if you suspend your disbelief and enjoy the film for what it is, there’s enough tension here to keep you on edge.

Outside of a handful of minor side plots (the lesbian relationship for Audrey, and Brian’s bully saga, both feel unearned and unnecessary), the film keeps itself tightly on a single track and benefits from that choice.

It’s funny when it needs to be, scary and tense in spades, and occasionally heartwarming. Above all, it feels fresh and original - and for a movie so steeped in throwback nostalgia, that’s saying something.

An absolute blast in the cinema. The End of Oak Street is a winner. Four stars.

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