Parramatta TIMES September 2020 - 1

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ParramattA Voice of Australia’s most progressive city

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ISSUE 1 | September 2020

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Welcome to the

Parramatta Times

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ELCOME to Parramatta’s NEW LOCAL media voice, The Parramatta Times (PT).

The PT is the much-anticipated new newspaper and digital media brand that covers Parramatta with news that matters written by experienced journalists.

The PT is Parramatta’s ONLY printed newspaper and is independently owned and managed locally.

Published in digital and print editions the PT offers maximum impact for targeted advertising opportunities and reach to the progressive population of Parramatta LGA. With a mission of championing community and business issues, the PT is a proud media partner of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce and various community groups.

Our dedicated sections include sport, history, trav-

LITTLE INDIA NEW ATTRACTION

el, police, auto, jobs, technology, CityScapes, dining, entertainment, property, education and much more.

As the regional heart of Greater Western Sydney Parramatta is the driving force and economic heart of Australia’s third largest economy.

With a GRP topping $27B Parramatta is a diverse community of over 200,000 people. THE TIMES is destined to play an integral role in promoting our city and informing our residents.

Councillors square off over Powerhouse: .............. 6

SEE PAGE 3 ATC partnership brings Everest to Rosehill: .......... 21 City crime update: .......... 12

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Little India at Harris Park Restaurateurs call for formation of a breakaway brand  DI BARTOK LITTLE India at Harris Park could be on its way soon with a meeting between the business community and Parramatta Council representatives scheduled for the first week of October.

In July, councillors agreed to set up a reference group to talk about dubbing the restaurant precinct in Harris Park Little India to bring the area alive, promoting the area as the place to come for Indian cuisine But, in what seemed a straightforward proposal, councillors became mired in debate over whether the only Indian councillor Sameer Panday should represent the Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer when he cannot attend.

Cr Pierre Esber had suggested that it would be wise to have “someone who speaks the language and understands the culture” to represent the council in the group that would include Harris Park business people, up to three Rosehill ward councillors and up to two council officers.

Cr Panday is not a Rosehill councillor,

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but Cr Esber suggested he should be the one chosen to represent the Lord Mayor.

But Cr Dwyer disagreed, saying he would decide who would represent him.

While humbled by the suggestion, Cr Panday said his inclusion was no different from anyone being set a task that matched their expertise.

Cr Panday said his knowledge of Indian culture was “not something anyone else in this room has”.

In the end, councillors accepted Cr Esber’s suggestion that Cr Panday represent the Lord Mayor in the reference group that would meet regularly to formulate the Little India plan.

However, Cr Lorraine Wearne, a steadfast opponent of designated cultural eating precincts, said: “If we have a Little India, why not a Little Korea, a Little China, a Little Lebanon?”

Personalities of Indian restaurants at Harris Park

But the Indian community is the largest ethnic group in the Parramatta LGA, and Harris Park has the largest concentration of Indian eateries.

The plan had been originally proposed by former Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson in August 2019 as a way of activating culinary tourism in Parramatta.

It was carried on by the present Lord Mayor who called for the report that was put to the recent council meeting.

The report showed that there was unanimous support in the Harris Park Indian business community.

A Little India would be widely promoted to draw more visitors to Parramatta.

The reference group will allow stakeholders to decide on the nitty-gritty of the proposal, including marketing and how the Harris Park community can work with council to make it work.

Delicious slice of India at your doorstep HARRIS Park street, famous for its sizzling array of some of the most authentic dishes from the Subcontinent, is ready to be unveiled as the Sydney’s best-known secret.

Most of you already know Little India, not just because it is home to a large Indian population but for some of the most aromatic and spicy subcontinent cuisine you would savour.

The decision by Parramatta Council to rename Sydney’s most famous Indian food enclave, Little India, is a no brainer and will light the fuse for an even more vibrant Wigram Street in Harris Park.

On Monday, July 13, the council unanimously approved a motion to officially name it Little India, a name which has been given to it by patrons and owners of that street for many years.

Vivek Gulati, experienced chef and partner in the top rated Indian restaurant in Wigram street, Not Just Curries, said the council decision will bring in more diners because it proves that if you want the best choices in Indian food, Harris Park is the address for it.

Since he and his two partners opened Not Just Curries five years ago, their restaurant has been rated No 1

by TripAdvisor.

“I heard about the council plans and the official naming will give our businesses a big boost and definitely more people will come here,” Mr Gulati said.

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“There are around 20 Indian restaurants and 10 grocery stores, which makes our area the best for Indian food and goods in Sydney.”

Like many business owners on Wigram Street, Mr Gulati, however, bemoans the lack of parking.

Over a typical weekend, there are thousands of diners, “but only around 25 car parking places on the street”.

“I think having underground parking or making Wigram an one-way street with angled parking will help ease the huge parking problem,” Mr Gulati said.

Vandana Setia and her husband Nitin who are partners in popular outlet, Ginger Indian Restaurant, said the proposal will be a big boon.

“This will certainly bring more people from other areas too,” Mrs Setia said.

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“We already have places like Chinatown where you can have a variety of food from that country, so why not Little India?

“Harris Park is full of Indian restaurants and stores and naming it Little India will enhance the culture and experience for everyone, not just Indians. It will also make this area more homely.”

Mrs Setia – whose restaurant completes 11 years in December – also welcomes more Indian restaurants here, despite the narrow and packed street already boasting a mouth-watering variety of cuisines.

She pointed out that the recent opening of a paid public car park nearby is a much-needed boost for their business because parking is a nightmare on Wigram Street.

“I don’t mind other Indian restaurants opening on this street as I feel the more exposure the better,” Mrs Setia said.

“There will be more choices because all the restaurants and their chefs will have at least five different special dishes of their own.

“I know new restaurants will not affect my business because it will bring more people here and give them more options.

Ramesh Sharma, the owner of Taj Bhavan, speaking through a spokeswoman, loved the idea.

“It already feels like Little India so I am very happy with the idea to make it official,” he said. “We have been operating here for the past 15 years with our sweets being the most popular.”

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ISSUE 1 | September 2020

No smoke on sausage sizzles

How to get The Times The Parramatta Times is available throughout the Parramatta LGA at 110 strategic locations. To find a location near you visit our website.

Contacts Advertising: contact@parramattatimes.com.au Editorial: michael@parramattatimes.com.au Admin and General: info@parramattatimes.com.au Editor: Michael Walls michael@parramattatimes.com.au

Newsroom Features editor: Di Bartok dibartok@yahoo.com.au News Reporter: Lawrence Machado lawrencemachado@yahoo.com Travel Editor: Dallas Sherringham dallas@accessnews.com.au

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community groups and continue to follow the latest health advice” regarding to hosting sausage sizzles again in NSW and the ACT.

New NCAT facility

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

Got something to share. Send suggestions or tips to: info@parramattatimes.com.au

WHO hasn’t been tempted by the delicious aroma wafting from a sausage sizzle at a Bunnings store? By buying a snag and a drink, customers help a community organisations and schools raise funds for various projects. Bunnings stopped the sausage sizzles in March when the coronavirus pandemic began to bite, affecting several community groups who held regular fundraisers at their Parramatta stores. Now, Bunnings stores in Tasmania, NT, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia have started to host these fundraisers. However, Bunnings customers in Parramatta and Sydney will have to wait a while longer to chomp on a barbecued snag. Bunnings operates stores in the Parramatta LGA area at Carlingford, Northmead, Rydalmere and Lidcombe.

Bunnings said it will continue to “consult with government, team members and

FOR the first time, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) will have its own premises at Parramatta, providing greater access to tribunal services in Western Sydney. Attorney General Mark Speakman said the new premises will quadruple capacity in Parramatta from five hearing days a week to 20 hearing days a week. The new state-of-the-art purpose-built facilities will include four hearing rooms equipped with high definition video conferencing technology, five conciliation rooms, a registry, public service counter and waiting room.

Construction company Rork Projects Pty Limited will carry out the $2.3 M fit out on Level 5 of 9 George Street, Parramatta.

In 2018/19, NCAT held nearly 4,300 hearings at Parramatta.

Justice precinct expanded CITY of Parramatta Council has unveiled an innovative proposal to expand the Justice Precinct in the Parramatta CBD, bringing more than 2,200 legal jobs to the City and boosting the local economy by $350M a year. Under the proposal

the expanded precinct would include a permanent Supreme Court circuit, a new law school, and a legal start-up hub to encourage new ideas in the delivery of legal services. The investment in an expanded Parramatta CBD Justice Precinct was vital given the number of legal professionals living within 30 minutes of Parramatta will almost double over the next 15 years.

Number crunchers to emotional props ACCOUNTANTS are usually seen as number crunchers and problem solvers able to detach themselves emotionally from the businesses they work with. However, Covid 19 has revealed another side to them with many adding vital emotional support to their financial acumen to help businesses and owners navigate these uncharted waters. Chartered accountant Vishnu Naidu, who runs Your Business Group at Parramatta, said it has been very draining for both his clients and his team as their clients struggle with cash flow, paying their salaries and bills and no revenue and ability to service their clients.

“The past three months have been very stressful and I haven’t been able to switch off, being there for my clients at all times,” Mr Naidoo said. “Accountants are much more than number crunchers, which is just one small aspect of what we do.”

STREET VIEW: Is the time right to launch a newspaper in Parramatta?

Graham Maughan graham@accessnews.com.au Julie Jackson julie@accessnews.com.au

Mark Dinatale: I miss having local papers and that’s why I think it is a great idea to have a new paper in Parramatta. I normally read newspapers on a Sunday as that was a tradition with my Dad as we used to go for a bacon and egg roll and coffee while he read the papers on a Sunday morning. Now, everyone has adapted to reading the papers online.

Administration Rebecca Swaleh info@parramattatimes.com.au

Srikanth Artham: Frankly, I am not a regular reader of print newspapers, but I am glad we will have a new paper as it will inform us about local events, what’s new and council matters. However, I am not a big fan of the real estate section as buying properties is not affordable for us now.

Design and production Design2Pro, Words and Pixels.

Support Partner The Parramata Times is the official media parter of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce.

James Hannigan: A new paper is a good idea because there are only a handful of local newspapers around now. I like local newspapers because I like to know about community groups, local council news and people. I read most news online and I feel all suburbs should have local newspapers.

Alex Vo: I really miss the MX (distributed free by News Corp on Sydney Trains and transport hubs before being closed in September 2015) because it had a lot of news, gossip, discounts, cartoon strips and horoscopes. I am happy that the Parramatta Times is being launched and I would love to read about discounts, local deals and what’s on. Bring back the local papers!

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Super-size plans for McDonalds Fast food giant eyes 350-unit tower development  DI BARTOK HE fast food giant McDonalds and Stockland are in partnership to transform the North Parramatta restaurant and put a 350-unit residential development above it.

The development, if approved as submitted, will comprise two towers – one 29 storeys and the other 32 storeys.

Parramatta councillors voted for the proposal for the site on the corner of Victoria Rd and Church St to progress to the NSW Planning Department for its final say, at council’s July 13 Artist impression of the project. meeting.

The Stockland proposal, for a mixed-use developThe development is for a two-storey McDonalds ment, irst came to council in 2015 but was withdrawn under the apartments, which will range from one to when the Sydney West Regional Planning Panel dethree bedrooms. ferred its determination.

The restaurant will be 1355sq m with a two-lane The development is seen as a vital part of an emergdrive-through, playground and McCafe.

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ing, vibrant North Parramatta, which will be even more connected with the central CBD with the light rail due to open in 2023.

It is close to Bankwest Stadium, Western Sydney University and Westmead Hospital.

In debating the proposal, councillors expressed concern over parking.

Cr Martin Zaiter raised the lack of parking in North Parramatta as an issue at the council meeting.

Council’s manager of city strategy Jennifer Concato said parking was not proposed for the development, but Stockland has approached the government about expanding the site to an adjacent block of land.

Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said the planning proposal was a positive step for the City of Parramatta.

“It will see the removal of an underdeveloped site in a prominent CBD location, creating jobs, new homes and opportunities for businesses” Cr Dwyer said.

“This gateway site to the City has been under-utilised for a number of years and I believe the community would be pleased to see it revitalised.”

Makeover for major roads AVIGATING Parramatta will become easier following road upgrades completed as part of the Parramatta Light Rail program of works.

Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the widening and resurfacing of Hawkesbury Road, in association with the Westhead Redevelopment, marks the completion of Parramatta Light Rail preparation works in the Westmead Health Precinct.

“In response to the recent lockdown

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measures, the Parramatta Light Rail team has worked extended hours to complete these works as quickly as possible, “Mr Constance said.

“We have used this time to get ahead and deliver new footpaths for the community, as well as ensuring the provision of vital access for the Westmead Redevelopment’s new Central Acute Services Building.”

Major works can now begin for the light rai lat Westmead, which will transport thousands of workers and

students around one of Australia’s largest health, education, research and training hubs.

O’Connell Street between Barney and Albert Streets in North Parramatta has been widened to four lanes. This follows the recent transformation of George Street in the heart of Parramatta CBD to a two-way road.

“These changes mean traffic can now move in and around Parramatta more efficiently while we get on with building the light rail,” Mr Constance said.

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September 2020

Artist impressions of the Powerhouse Museum on the banks of Parramatta River.

Tweak in Powerhouse design for safety Despite disagreements, council supports the riverbank site  DI BARTOK HE NSW Government appears to have heeded Parramatta Council’s call for a redesign to reduce the dangerous flood risk of the controversial riverside Powerhouse.

While council has not managed to have a requested sit-down with the Department of Planning, Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer is pleased with the government’s announcement that a redesign would remove the publicly accessible undercroft identified as a death trap during downpours that swell the river.

“In our submission to the department, one of our concerns was water flooding into the undercroft, causing a danger to the public,” Cr Dwyer told the Times.

However, a last-ditch plea in council’s submission for the government to try for a redesign that would save the heritage properties Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace has again been ignored.

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Cr Michelle Garrard

Lord Mayor, Cr Bob Dwyer.

But Cr Dwyer said council was largely in the dark about what the latest is with the Parramatta Powerhouse.

“The government has gone quiet with us over the Powerhouse, so anything is possible,” he said.

At an earlier council meeting deputy Lord Mayor Michelle Garrard said that, following the announcement to keep the Ultimo building, there was hope that the government “may change its mind over the demolition” of the heritage buildings.

Despite some disagreements, council supports siting of the Powerhouse on the riverbank and is excited with the investment in Parramatta.

Centre of Global Sydney Parramatta is the centre of global Sydney and deserves a world-class cultural institution. The new Powerhouse Museum will deliver that,” Cr Dwyer said.

“I thank the NSW Government for recommitting to this game-changing project and we will do everything in our power to ensure the best outcome for the community.”

Meanwhile, the Upper House inquiry into the NSW Government’s handling of the Parramatta Powerhouse project will have its fourth hearing in October.

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OPINION: Councillors square off over Powerhouse Museum location

Preserving heritage a win-win for our city  CR DONNA DAVIS HERE are very few buildings you see that make you want to smile, but Willow Grove is one of these.

Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace enhance Parramatta and are of high social significance.They must remain central to any reimagining of our city to ensure we incorporate the past in the present.

The Parramatta community has campaigned for over three years to save these significant buildings because they are such an important part of the built and social fabric of our city.

The State Government must accept that Parramatta needs and deserves investment in the arts and cultural institutions but not at the expense of our heritage.

In 2014-15 the Council bought Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace because they were central to its River Strategy.

When the Council was sacked in 2016, the State Government used this opportunity to purchase the sites and proceed with their proposal to move the Powerhouse from Ultimo.

When a new Councillor body was elected in 2017, it unanimously supported the incorporation of both heritage buildings in any redevelopment of the site.

Two weeks ago, the State Government capitulated to mounting pressure announcing that the Powerhouse will be staying in Ultimo thus putting into doubt the validity of the entire Powerhouse EIS process.

It also raises questions about the key themes and objectives of the Powerhouse Parramatta.

The proposal is to create a new institution with lots of flexible space but for such a significant project, funded primarily with taxpayer’s money, is this museum “fit for purpose” or is it more as it seems that the Government is making it all up as they go along?

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Deficit of cultural infrastructure No one argues with the fact that there is a deficit of cultural infrastructure west of ANZAC Bridge, along with equitable arts funding.

However, given the backflip, strong criticism of the building design (the undercroft, flood responsiveness, public domain), the CFMEU Green Ban and the looming Upper House Parliamentary Inquiry the project should be reconsidered, or at the very least reshaped, to ensure Parramatta cultivates its very own institution.

A rethink right now gives the State Government the breathing space it needs to reassess the project at a time of extraordinary economic uncertainty.

Reconsidering the project still allows for significant investment in our city while retaining the heritage that contributes so much to this place.

The fact is there are better alter-

natives. A return to the Council’s River Strategy provides an opportunity to save the heritage while creating a 24/7 arts and cultural precinct delivering an iconic cultural institution (an art gallery) to complement Riverside Theatres, an outdoor amphitheatre and open green space with visual links to the river.

Even better is the opportunity to realise a museum in the Cumberland Heritage precinct that incorporates the Parramatta Female Factory.

Focus on the facts and forget the fluff  CR BILL TYRRELL S an elected councillor, I am more than comfortable to support and ensure that Powerhouse Parramatta has the central river location and is delivered now.

The Premier, Minister Harwin and Geoff Lee the Member for Parramatta, and supporters agree that delivering right now the museum for us and future generations is important to Western

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Cr Donna Davis

Cr Bill Tyrrell.

This National Heritage site is our equivalent to Sydney’s Macquarie Street.

Commissioned by Governor Macquarie and designed by Francis Greenway, it is the earliest and most intact convict women’s site surviving in Australia.

With a light rail route planned directly through the precinct it is the prime location to build a magnificent new museum sympathetic to its heritage surrounds.

An alternative business case has been presented to NSW Treasury by community advocates that delivers a museum for a fraction of the cost of the proposed Powerhouse Parramatta.

This is an option that won’t compromise heritage, nor building design but it unlocks countless possibilities for a museum in an extraordinary location just a stone’s throw from Parramatta Park and BankWest Stadium.

This vision would provide an opportunity for the City of Parramatta to realise its River Strategy development with the current funding commitment shifted to a museum on State owned land at the Cumberland Precinct.

Delivering double the cultural spaces for the community and tourist industry and double the jobs - it’s a win, win for Parramatta.

Sydney and the City of Parramatta, the Central River City.

Focus now should be maintained on building a centrally located Arts and Cultural hub, focused on the Powerhouse Museum, rebuilt Riverside Theatres and in my opinion Roxy Theatres.

Roxy Theatres has far more value historically and economically than the other two items, St George’s Terrace and Willow Grove combined; a thousand times over.

The River location is perfect as it is centrally located to the CBD, trains, ferries, Parramatta Light Rail, the future Metro West station, shopping, restaurants, accommodation, universities and other tourism.

It is also centrally located for workers, tourists, families, students and everyone from Western Sydney.

It is connected to the River, being the heart of the Central River City, great for hosting or being the hub for events on the river to highlight our city.

Councillor Donna Davis was elected to City of Parramatta Council in September 2017. She represents the Epping Ward. Views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent Parramatta Council.

HAVE YOUR SAY Where should the Powerhouse Museum be located? Have you say: info@parramattatimes.com.au

Our growing heart and soul It is connected to Riverside Theatres and close to the Roxy Theatre.

The central location makes it a drawcard for conferences and business people to work, live and play while in our great city.

It will draw millions of people into the centre of the city and adds to the activation of our city.

The central River location is the only location that makes the Museum business case stack up and will be an iconic building to walk towards down Civic Link and through to the river.

The Museum will form part of the growing heart and soul of our city.

The Museum in the next five years will provide thousands of construction jobs and operational jobs as well as associated increase in surrounding

employment in locally located tourism businesses which are badly needed, while not having to wait at least 15 years for the employment benefits to flow.

The economic benefits of locating, constructing and operating the museum, outweighs the sad and unfortunate loss of the locally heritage listed items.

The North Parramatta Precinct is not suitable because: • The site is currently a Mental Health Facility; • A new location and purpose-built facility for NSW Health would have to be located, designed, approved and constructed and facilities moved, that’s a minimum of 10 years; • No available land in that precinct, that is large enough to house a new museum to allow the footprint, size and scale that is required to house the world class museum and exhibits to ensure that Parramatta and Western Sydney gets the world class museum it deserves.

• It does not have any current transport connections, until Parramatta Light Rail is completed, but will only have one transport connection, • Workers, tourists, families, students and everyone else from Western Sydney will come to Parramatta via train, Metro West and ferry and will not want to make another transport connection and cannot walk to the museum, • No connection to shopping, restaurants, accommodation and other tourist locations which are located within the heart of the city or easily located, • No flow-on effects of employment in local tourism businesses, by having a location that is not centrally located to the city, The North Parramatta Precinct location for a museum will mean that the business case fails as it will not have the number of visitor numbers and mean that the economic benefit to spend the money to design, construct and operate the museum does not stack up.

The North Parramatta location of being an arts and cultural precinct is only an idea still stuck in its infancy as all the parties up and around that location are not on the same page, which means that the only reason that a few parties are proposing the museum idea up there is that precinct needs a substantial drawcard to even get people interested in moving forward.

Unfortunately, if it was to go ahead, the museum in that location would fail and so would the precinct.

As far as the heritage buildings, Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace that have to be demolished for the Museum in its river location, they are not, World Heritage or State Heritage listed, nor is it considered that status, they are only locally heritage listed, St Georges Terraces is only a façade and not a complete building, which would require significant resources to restore and maintain, so why is it heritage listed?

Councillor Bill Tyrrell was elected to City of Parramatta Council in September 2017. He represents the Epping Ward. Views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent Parramatta Council.

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September 2020

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Parramatta is a bit like a massive building site at the moment.

We get short term pains with road congestion even before we could totally improve public transport but we just have to cross our fingers and hang on to it because, at the end of it, we will be a much better city.”

– David Borger.

David Borger.

Parramatta’s boom town future More people, better transport and a cleaner lifestyle  ELIZABETH FRIAS VER the next decade, Parramatta will be a shadow of itself - busier, bustling, richer, stimulated by technology, and high-rise living is a norm as it evolves into a prime city centre for Western Sydney, next to Sydney CBD. Just 40 kilometres away, the much-awaited Nancy Bird Walton International Airport at Badgerys Creek opens after half a century of planning, smart jobs in sleek corporate offices will mushroom, and thousands of blue-collar trade jobs across an estimated 240,000 businesses currently operating in Western Sydney will make employment within easy reach for those who live in the region.

It’s not surprising the region’s economy in 2009 alone produced $72B worth of products for domestic and export markets.

Taller edifices with bustling retail shops at the base will rise, light rails will ease public transport system to and from Parramatta, and new residents, including families, move-in within the city centre as a typical lifestyle choice.

By 2031, Parramatta by itself is a boomtown for a projected 380,000 residents according to the NSW Department of Planning and this growth trend will surge by 2041 when nearly half a million people will call it home.

The Western Sydney’s projected population by 2036 is three million, another million more from its current number, of which 35 percent were born overseas, speaking about 100 languages reflecting the region is truly a melting pot in NSW.

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Parramatta Lakes.

Artist impression of Parramatta CBD erdevelopment.

Naturally, more homes will be needed particularly in the Parramatta precinct, new and modern schools are built, civic infrastructures such as the new Powerhouse Museum is up, Parramatta Square is spruced up, more parklands are created, and hopefully, in due time, the river meandering the city perimeters will be cleaner enticing fishing or summer dips and family picnics along its shores.

This forecast by David Borger, Executive Director of the Western Sydney Business Chamber, comes on the back of a multitude of existing infrastructure, cultural, health, education and transport projects both the Federal and State Coalition governments put into reality by the end of last year in response to the needs of the growth suburbs west of Sydney.

Major investments to the area Among the major investments that poured into Western Sydney in the last five years, Mr Borger said, included the $5.3B airport, billions more are expected from 17 MOUs with international investors on the pipeline, $3B for the upgrade of hospitals in Westmead, Liverpool, Nepean and Bankstown; $2.4B for the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1, $6.4B for the Sydney Metro West, $450M for new schools, $645M for the Powerhouse Museum and $2B for the road upgrade package.

These massive investment injections, according to Mr Borger, are the direct results of robust advocacy by the businesses and community organisations that the chamber represents to ensure Western Sydney, being the third-largest economy in Australia, next to Sydney and Melbourne, will be turbo-charged for its growth potentials.

“Parramatta is a bit like a massive building site at the moment,” said Mr Borger to describe the city currently a hive of construction activities with towering cranes occupying the skyline.

“We get short term pains with road congestion even before we could totally improve public transport but we just have to cross our fingers and hang on to it because, at the end of it, we will be a much better city.

“Western Sydney is growing in leaps and bounds but it had been an uneven story across the entire region. Parramatta has exploded with investment in the

last five years and that will only continue as we see the next round of major infrastructure investment start to roll out. Parramatta (being the region’s CBD) will be vastly different in 10 years’ time.”

“Sydney generates 10 percent of our total GDP and we are hoping the next big cities will become very wealthy, too,” Mr Borger said referring to economic projections for Western Sydney when the Aerotropolis is completed and fully operational.

“I think the industry is enthusiastic and excited, but they are also circumspect because we have yet to see the memoranda of agreements with international companies converted into actual investments in the new airport,” he added.

A study in 2013 by the NSW Business Chamber conducted by Deloitte Access Economics estimated up to $25.6B injected annually into Western Sydney’s economy by 2050. Nearly 32,000 new jobs each year to be filled by those residing in Liverpool, Blacktown, Hills Shire, Penrith and Parramatta.

“We have to give the government a tick because it supported the airport, the new roads and infrastructures around it as well the as the railway lines,” Mr Borger said.

“The next big things we want to see are the exact plans for the new railway stations [to and from the airport] because we want that locked in so that investments flow from there.”

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September 2020

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NewS

Artists and their art.

Street art for tough times Parramatta By Foot project transforms walkways N these dull Covid times, artists will be brightening up the lives of people in Parramatta’s Rosehill ward with colourful street art.

Curated by Parramatta Artists Studios, the Parramatta By Foot project will transform walkways in the Rosehill ward.

Artists Nadia Odlum, Kalanjay Dhir, Penelope Cain, Leanne Tobin and Jason Wing will work their magic in chalk to lighten the mood of people who have been restricted from venturing outside during Covid-19 restrictions.

The project is an initiative of Rosehill ward councillors Patricia Prociv, Steven Issa and Andrew Wilson and funded under the councillors’ ward initiatives program with the support of the Lord Mayor.

“With Covid-19 social distancing restrictions in place, Parramatta By Foot offers our community interesting street art to engage with when they head outdoors for exercise and fresh air,” Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said.

“This fantastic council project also provides emerging artists with an opportunity to showcase their work to a broader audience in a new and exciting way.”

The temporary artworks will be outside Wentworth Point Community Centre, Harris Park shops, outside Granville rail station and along Parramatta River bike path near Eric Primrose Reserve.

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September 2020

September 2020

NewS

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24-hour city? We’re already on our way HE NSW Government’s recently-announced vision to transform Sydney into a 24-hour city fits with Parramatta Council’s well-advanced plan for our city.

Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said the government’s announcement aligned with council’s Parramatta Night City Framework 2020-2024.

“We want Parramatta to be a shining example of a 24-hour economy with diverse business offerings, late-night events, and vibrant experiences,” Cr Dwyer said.

“City of Parramatta’s nighttime economy is valued at $1.1 billion and we’re excited that Parramatta has rightfully been earmarked as a critical precinct in th NSW Government’s plan.”

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Cr Dwyer said he also welcomes the establishment of a Coordinator General to drive the NSW Government’s 24-Hour

Economy Strategy, in collaboration with councils and industry.

“Parramatta will play a key role in Sydney’s transformation and we look forward to continuing to work with the NSW Government to realise its plan for a vibrant and diversified nighttime economy,” Cr Dwyer said.

Council’s Parramatta Night City Framework 2020-2024 provides a vision for how the City can become more vibrant after 5pm. It explores ways Council can cater to the whole community; attract new and diverse busi-

nesses and offerings; make the City safer and easier to navigate at night; and help foster creativity, live music and events.

“We are working hard to revamp the City’s night time economy and make Parramatta a thriving late-night destination, through dining, live music, sporting events, family activities and retail offerings,” Cr Dwyer said.

In August, Council won the Local Government of NSW 2020 Planning Award for its ‘Planning a 24-hour city: Parramatta Night City Framework 20202024’ for culture change, innovation and excellence.

To read Council’s Parramatta Night City Framework 2020-2024, visit: www.cityofparramatta. nsw.gov.au/council/night-city

St George’s Terrace love-bombed  DI BARTOK RARE splash of colour lit up Parramatta when artists came to town to protest against the NSW Government’s plan to demolish heritage properties to make way for the new Powerhouse Museum.

The Western Sydney artists “lovebombed” St George’s Terrace through their “guerilla gallery” of paintings, drawings and colourful yarns down at St George’s Terrace, in George St, with the theme of saving those buildings as well as Willow Grove, the 1870s Victorian Italianate villa up the road.

North Parramatta Residents Action Group president Suzette Meade said

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the day was a great success with many passers-by vowing to “stand in front of the bulldozers” if necessary to support the CFMEU green ban on demolition of those properties.

“This is one of the most well-supported green bans placed on heritage destruction in decades,” Ms Meade said.

“CFMEU was inundated after the announcement of the green ban, with emails and letters from all over the state.”

NPRAG and other heritage advocates want the Powerhouse to be built in the Fleet Street Heritage Precinct, on the site of the Cumberland Hospital, to become part of an invigorated tourism mecca – especially as it is on the route of the new light rail.

Colour lights up St George’s Terrace.

“This site just makes sense as a future cultural tourism destination for Parramatta. It already has World Heritage-worthy narratives, such as the Female Factory, expansive garden setting, room for growth of our arts industry,

a light rail stop and the fact it doesn’t flood,” Ms Meade said.

While Parramatta Council has concerns about flooding and demolition of the heritage buildings, it is happy with the riverside site.

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Law and ordeR

12

September 2020

Man charged after alleged assault at hospital A WINSTON Hills man has been charged with several offences following an incident where it is alleged, he assaulted a healthcare worker and a security guard at a Western Sydney Hospital last week. About 5.00pm on Friday, September 11, 2020, the male was receiving medical treatment in the hospital’s emergency department when he jumped from his bed and assaulted a 40-yearold male security guard. The male ran towards other staff, punching a female health care worker in the back before causing her to fall forward and strike her head on a metal edged door. As a result, the female health care worker sustained a significant laceration to her forehead.

Police attended and, once the male was medically cleared, arrested and returned him to Parramatta Police Station where he was charged with common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and reckless wounding. The male was bail refused and is due to appear before the Parramatta Local Court on the 24th September 2020.

Obese man becomes aggressive at rail station ABOUT 9:30pm on Friday the September 11, 2020, a 31-year-old Burwood man was sitting on a bench located on platform one at Pendle Hill Railway Station using a mobile telephone. An unknown male, described as Caucasian in appearance, in his 50’s, about 160cm tall, obese, white and black hair, wearing glasses with a black frame, approached and walked into the male’s bicycle. The male grabbed the bicycle to stop it falling

approached the intersection of Redbank and Brien’s road, Northmead. At this time there was a grey Ford Hatchback in front of him which was stopped in the middle of the intersection. As the lights were changing to amber the victim beeped his horn for the vehicle in front to proceed. Both vehicles have travelled about 200 metres along Brien’s road when they have stopped in lanes next to each other due to traffic. The male driver of the grey Ford Hatchback

Investigation underway after LGA robbed A POLICE investigation is underway after a male described as Caucasian, 30 years old, 180cm tall, wearing a black hoodie, yellow high visibility vest, grey tracksuit pants and a black face mask demanded cash and cigarettes at the IGA supermarket Toongabbie. About 2.08pm on Sunday, September 6, 2020, the unknown male approached the IGA staff member operating the cash register demanding cash and cigarettes. The staff member has opened the register and cigarettes cupboard with the male taking money and cigarettes from the location. He has then decamped in white Holden Commodore which has since been seized by Police. If anyone has any information about the incident, please call Parramatta Police on 9633 0799 or alternatively contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Woman, 55, records high range reading

Pendle Hill Station.

over. The unknown male became aggressive and began to swear at and abuse the male, before spitting at the man’s face.

The unknown male then boarded a train and left the location. The matter was reported to police and an investigation is underway. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Parramatta Police Station on 96330799 or alternatively contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Driver punches driver through the window ABOUT 4.25pm on Friday September 4, 2020, a 46-year-old Wentworthville man was driving southbound along Redbank road, Northmead. He

has engaged in conversation with the 46-year-old male before both parties began swearing at each other. Traffic began to move when the driver of the grey Ford hatch back has driven in front of the other vehicle, stopping and exiting his vehicle. It alleged he has approached the 46-year-old male and started to punch him through the open driver’s side window, he has then punched the side mirror causing it to smash. The male of the Grey Ford has gone back to his vehicle leaving the location. The 46-year-old male from the other vehicle has attended Wentworthville police station where a report of the matter was taken, and a police investigation is underway.

ABOUT 11.25pm on Friday, August 28, 2020, police were patrolling Parramatta when they observed a silver coloured Honda to overtake the police vehicle on the left-hand side at considerable speed. The vehicle was emitting a large amount of smoke and veered heavily from the left-hand lane to the right crossing two lanes of north bound traffic lanes, entering the third lane.

The vehicle brake lights illuminated before the vehicle veered heavily to the left crossing two left hand lanes. Police have indicated for the vehicle to pull over which has come to a stop on Early Street Parramatta. Upon approaching the vehicle police observed a female to be seated in the driver’s seat and extensive damage to the front of the vehicle.

The bonnet was pushed upwards, there was smoke emitting from the engine bay area and the front side passengers air bag had been deployed. The 55-yearold female driver was submitted to a roadside breath test which provided a positive indication to alcohol. The female was arrested and conveyed back

HOW YOU CAN HELP WITH POLICE ENQUIRIES If you have any information about the incidents covered on this page, please call Parramatta Police on 9633 0799 or alternatively contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

to Parramatta Police Station where she completed a breath analysis test returning a high range reading. Her licence was suspended, and she was issued with a court attendance notice for high range PCA due to appear before the Parramatta Local Court October 14, 2020.

Mid-range reading for 33-year old man ABOUT 1.20am on Thursday, August 27, 2020, the driver of a Silver Toyota was stopped by Police on Church Street Parramatta for the purpose of conducting a random breath test. The 33-yearold male driver returned a positive indication to alcohol and as a result was arrested and conveyed back to Parramatta Police Station for further testing. The driver was subjected to a breath analysis with returned a mid-range reading.

His licence was suspended, and he was issued with a court attendance notice for mid-range PCA, due to appear before Parramatta Local Court on the 16th September 2020.

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September 2020

Major Projects

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New city towers inject $200M Green light allows for up to 1,137 new homes HREE new towers are ready to take their place in Parramatta’s skyline after the NSW Government approved two rezoning proposals that will inject $264M into Sydney’s second CBD and create more than 530 local jobs.

The green light had been given to change planning rules and increase building heights to allow for up to 1,137 new homes to be constructed in Parramatta.

“Parramatta already boasts a thriving commercial sector and vibrant community hub and these approvals will pave the way for more people to live close to where they work and play,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said.

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“These fast tracked rezonings are part of our Planning System Acceleration Program to kickstart the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic by encouraging investment in construction and jobs growth.”

The rezoning approvals in Parramatta include: • Corner of 87 Church Street and 6 Great Western Highway: The maximum building height will be increased from 28 metres to 180 metres to allow for the development of approximately 430 new residential apartments and more than 3,300 square metres of commercial floor space.

• 189 Macquarie Street: The maximum building height for the

towers will be increased from 91 metres to 167 metres to allow for 705 new homes across two residential towers.

Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said Parramatta had undergone a significant makeover in recent years and has emerged as an economic leader with a thriving commercial centre.

“From its diverse economy and world-class education to high-quality public spaces and bustling restaurant scene, Parramatta is fast becoming the place in Sydney to live, eat, work and be,” Dr Lee said.

“More homes supported by improved infrastructure means everyone has a chance to live in Sydney’s second CBD.”

Artist impression of the project.

Sydney Metro West a step closer ONSTRUCTION of the Sydney Metro West, from Greater Parramatta to the CBD, is another step closer with the NSW Government today shortlisting three consortia to deliver the mega project’s first two major tunneling packages.

Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the project will create more than 10,000 direct new jobs and 70,000 indirect jobs, with many of them generated by these new tunnelling contracts.

“These contracts will require tunnellers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, concrete workers, truck drivers, labourers and security guards,” Mr Constance said.

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“The three shortlisted consortia have a wealth of Australian and international experience in delivering high quality infrastructure projects. We expect to be in a position to award the first contract by the middle of next year.”

Due to the scale of this city-shaping mega project the tunneling and excavation works have been separated into geographically-specific contract packages between Westmead and the Sydney CBD. The following consortia have been shortlisted for two packages: • John Holland, CPB Contractors and Ghella Australia Joint Venture (JHCPBG JV);

• Gamuda and Laing O’Rourke Australia Joint Venture (GALC JV); and • Acciona Australia and Ferrovial Australia Joint Venture (AF JV) They will firstly participate in the Central Tunneling Package, with the successful tenderer awarded a contract to build 11 kilometres of twin tunnels from The Bays to Sydney Olympic Park.

The remaining two tenderers will then bid for the Western Tunneling Package, with the successful tenderer awarded a contract to build 9 kilometres of twin tunnels from Westmead to Sydney Olympic Park.

Sydney Metro West will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, transforming Sydney for generations to come.

This once in a century infrastructure investment will have a target travel time of about 20 minutes between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD. It will link new communities to rail services and support employment growth and housing supply.

Subject to planning approval, work on the project is expected to start in The Bays later this year, with the first of four mega tunnel boring machines expected to be in the ground before the end of 2022.

$350M home for Westmead innovation

Artist vision of the project.

ESTMEAD Health and Innovation District has taken a major step forward with the launch of a new project delivering over 1,000 jobs and 28,000 square metres of health, research, education, and commercial space.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the $350M development, a joint venture between Western Sydney University and Charter Hall to be known as Innovation Quarter or iQ, would house leading some of the University’s leading research institutes and Australia’s national science agency CSIRO. “Commencement of ground works for this new complex will help strengthen Westmead Health and Innovation District as a leading global centre for health care, medical research and commercialisation, education and training,” Mr Ayres said.

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“It’s another sign of confidence in the NSW economy and demonstrates more progress out west in the Central City, supporting the NSW Government’s focus on technology and innovation as key drivers of growth.”

Western Sydney University will base its MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, NICM Health Research Institute and Translational Health Research Institute (THRI) at the complex when it opens in 2021.

CSIRO will bring world-leading research staff from its e-Health and Nutrition & Health programs.

Western Sydney University Vice-President (Finance and Resources), Peter Pickering, said the Innovation Quarter at Westmead is part of the University’s ‘Western Growth’ strategy – an ambitious program that is reshaping the University’s campus network and co-creating cities and transformative ed-

ucational infrastructure across western Sydney, in partnership with industry and government.

Mr Pickering said it will build upon the University’s existing footprint in Westmead to integrate first-class health and medical research into policy and practice.

“The University’s presence within the Innovation Quarter will enable researchers, industry partners and clinicians to come together and address the nation’s most pressing health challenges.

“During these challenging times, the Innovation Quarter will also make important economic contributions to the region, creating over 1,000 jobs and generating $150 million to the regional economy.”

Charter Hall Group CEO and Managing Director David Harrison said there had never been a more important

time to focus on health research and innovation.

“Our project collaboration with Western Sydney University will deliver a state-of-the-art innovation centre to support the work of both the Western Sydney University and CSIRO’s medical research facilities. “iQ will create a truly visionary precinct that brings together the most forward-thinking research, health education and commercial sectors in the Southern Hemisphere. The project will provide an environment for some of the brightest minds in the country to innovate, create opportunities for collaboration and solve global challenges in the heart of Westmead,” Mr Harrison said.

Dr Dave Williams CSIRO Executive Director said the move to Westmead would improve collaboration opportunities to create innovative health and wellbeing solutions for the nation.

ResidentiaL PropertY

14

September 2020

Tailwinds for Build-to-Rent sector USTRALIA’S Build-to-Rent (BTR) development pipeline has surpassed a landmark threshold of 11,000 units – across more than 30 projects – through a major acceleration of new projects.

This is one of the key highlights in a recent CBRE report: Build-to-Rent Development Pipeline, which profiles the sector’s supply and development in Australia over the first half of the year.

As the BTR asset class continues to gain momentum in the Pacific market, the report credits a weakening of new residential supply across Australia, which was already in decline pre-COVID-19, providing potential tailwinds for the sector over the next 12-24 months.

In 2019, residential commencements were circa 35% below 2018 levels, with CBRE Research estimating that the

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Ben Martin-Henry.

market will tip back into an undersupply situation from 2020 onwards for the first time since 2014.

CBRE Research’s Ben Martin-Henry said the impacts of a much lower rate of population growth from 2020-22 would,

however, offset lower supply scenarios and push dwelling undersupply in many markets out to 2022 – rather than this occurring earlier.

“Build-to-Rent has a role to play in filling this market void, with the sector facing a perfect storm of ideal conditions,” Mr Martin-Henry continued.

“We expect to see developers capitalise on the dynamics accelerating structural shifts in demand drivers, such as young, well-educated urban professionals prioritising lifestyle aspirations over home ownership (due to unaffordability) and thereby seeking to rent in well-located, high-quality residential developments.”

CBRE’s Puian Mollaian, Associate Director of Structured Transactions & Advisory Services, said Build-to-Rent projects were being delivered across the country,

with majority of activity in dense, urban locations like Melbourne and Sydney.

The report reveals that there has been a clear emphasis on scale and delivering large institutional-grade product, allowing owners to achieve operational efficiencies through economies of scale, with an average size of over 350 units per BTR project.

In another key takeaway, the yield gap between commercial office and residential has been narrowing – boosting the relative attractiveness of the asset class, given its innate defensive characteristics.

“As a result, a growing number of seasoned international institutional investors are diversifying their portfolios into the BTR sector and seeking exposure to this asset class in Australia, mirroring their substantial exposure across global holdings,” Mr Mollaian said.

Considerations when buying a reno S a buyer-renovator, you need to have a budget that covers off the cost of the property itself and funds for renovations.

If you don’t do your numbers and only have a vague renovation budget in mind, you might find yourself in over your head financially once you start the renovation rescue.

A good starting point when it comes to choosing a property to renovate typically involves finding the worst house on the best street in a popular locale.

Revamping an ordinary property on a pleasant road is usually a better strategy than picking a smart home on less popular street and overcapitalising beyond the neighbourhood’s prevailing standards.

Avoiding overcapitalising is crucial if you plan a quick sale for profit once the renovation is completed.

When choosing a house to renovate, establish whether the makeover will require structural or cosmetic building work.

Most renovation rescuers will tell you it’s typically best to steer clear of properties that need expensive structural repairs, which won’t provide significant capital improvements to offset the cost of the restoration.

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BEFORE A better strategy is to seek out a property with good fundamental bones, and that comes with bathrooms and kitchens that won’t cost an arm or leg to bring up to date. By buying a fixer-upper with no significant issues, allows you to focus on cosmetic renovations that visually update a property.

AFTER For example, adding a new verandah is more than a cosmetic restoration, and will be relatively costly. In contrast, it might be considered a cosmetic improvement if the verandah floor only requires retiling.

Before buying a fixer-upper, check whether the local council’s planning department has renovation restrictions in place.

You might the local planning regulations either will not allow you to extend the property or build beyond a certain height.

Also, check whether it’s possible to remove trees from the property if that is part of your makeover plans.

From Raine and Horne.

Breaks in lenders mortgage insurance Protection for the lender, not the borrower

LOSE to half (48%) are saving more to buy in their desired area, and nearly three in every 10 first home buyers are struggling to find a property that suits their needs.

In response, Westpac-owned St George Bank has slashed its lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) charges to just $1 for qualified first home buyers borrowing up to 85% of the property value despite heightened economic uncertainty during the pandemic.

St. George General Manager, Ross Miller, said: “By reducing the expense of Lenders Mortgage Insurance, first time purchasers may be able to afford a property that meets their needs sooner and save thousands of dollars.”

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Benefits available to upgraders too The St. George research found that one in every 10 Australians looking to buy a home are doing so for the first time and that the COVID-19 pandemic has made one third of Australians want to save for that goal quicker.

In acknowledgement of the challenges shaped by the pandemic, a leading credit union has gone a step further by

slashing LMI obligations for essential workers regardless of whether they are first-time borrowers or not.

Through Community First’s Community Support Employees home loan offer,

eligible, essential front-line workers such as nurses, firefighters, police force employees, ambulance officers and teachers can borrow up to 90% of the value of a home without the need to pay LMI.

Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance, or LMI, is an insurance that protects the lender, not the borrower against a shortfall in the sale of the home and the outstanding loan amount should they default on a loan, explains John Tancevski, Chief Executive of Community First Credit Union.

“LMI is usually levied on a borrower if they take a loan of more than 80% of the home’s value.

“LMI is a one-off payment made by the borrower at the time of the loan settlement, and this fee can add many thousands of dollars to the size of the mortgage.”

Generally, for a family home with a property value of $650,000 a buyer would also be looking at a one-off payment of more than $6,000 for the cost of LMI if they had less than a 20% deposit, according to numbers crunched by St George.

John concludes: “Our home loan offer is available to eligible vital essential services workers on owner-occupied properties and could save them many thousands of dollars

September 2020

CommerciaL PropertY

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Coleman Greig relocates to GPT tower HE GPT Group and Coleman Greig Lawyers have announced the firm will be relocating its Parramatta operation to the A-Grade office building in the first half of 2021.

Located on the corner of Smith and Phillip St, the 26,400 square metre tower will have an end value of more than $30M. With state-of-the-art technology, the new space will further enhance the firm’s position as an employer of choice and importantly it will also create a truly enhanced client Warrick McLean.

Artist impression of the completed project. experience. rating and 6 Star Green Star rating, and heart of Parramatta and deliver A-grade Committing to a full floor in the will further add to the transformation of office space with cutting-edge technolobuilding (1,352sqm) for 7 ½ years, Parramatta into a world-class business gy and workspace design,” said Matthew Coleman Greig’s relocation comes after and cultural district.”

Faddy, Head of Office and Logistics at spending more than 35 years at their GPT. current premises. JLL’s NSW Head of “This is an extremely exciting time “As we target a carbon neutral Office Leasing, Daniel Kernaghan, negotiand reinforces our ongoing commitment portfolio by 2030, this project is at the ated the lease. to the region. We now have five offices forefront of environmental sustainabil“GPT has provided Coleman Greig across Greater Sydney which has driven ity targeting a 5 Star NABERS Energy with state-of-the art premises in the the need to adopt new and innovative

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ways of working collaboratively in an industry that will see rapid growth over the next five years,” CEO, Warrick McLean said.

GPT’s flexible workspace brand Space & Co has also committed to taking a floor, which will provide GPT customers and other Parramatta tenants the ability to access the flexible space offering The design will include a ground level ‘urban room’ event space, an elevated podium terrace facing the Parramatta River and a tree covered sky deck with panoramic district views.

The car park will be located above ground on Levels three to five maximising ground level activation of the building.

Along with ground floor retail, public domain improvements will include two new laneway links known as James Lane to the east and William Lane to the south, as well as enhancements to Phillip and Smith Streets.

Property industry vital to the recovery HE latest ANZ/Property Council Survey has shown NSW property industry confidence has slightly lifted since the last survey conducted in April 2020, which reflects an increased positivity across property sectors due to the easing of COVID restrictions over the last few months.

NSW property industry confidence has increased 11 index points from 65 to 76 over the quarter, with all states and territories across Australia showing an uplift in sentiment. A score of 100 is considered neutral.

“The last few months have been a challenge for all sectors across the property industry, managing this crisis has been a tough time for all businesses, so it is good to see that there has been a uplift in sentiment and there is a positive light in this,” Property Council NSW Executive Director, Jane Fitzgerald said.

“It is clear however that we aren’t out of the woods yet and this is a reminder of the significant impacts that the COVID-19 crisis has had on many businesses and will continue to do so with forward work schedule

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Overall Context

Quarterly Result

Quarterly Change

Comment

Confidence Index

Index

NEGATIVE

UP

65 to 76

An increase of 11 index points over the quarter

State Economic Growth

NEGATIVE

UP

-79.5 to -57.7

Despite an increase over the quarter, sentiment remains in negative territory

State Govt Performance

POSITIVE

UP

2.4 to 28.4

Debt Finance Availability

NEGATIVE

DOWN

-12.0 to -14.8

The result is in line with national trends

House Capital Growth

NEGATIVE

DOWN

-24.2 to -42.1

Despite a large decrease over the quarter, the result is more optimistic than June 2019’s result of -62 index points

Forward Work Schedules

NEGATIVE

UP

-15.8 to -7.1

Slightly more optimistic sentiment recorded over the quarter

Staffing Levels

NEGATIVE

DOWN

-11.4 to -12.1

The lowest staffing level result on record

and growth expectations still in negative territory.”

“The NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program and creation of the new Planning Delivery Unit are the types of reforms and programs the government needs to continue implementing to create a more efficient and productive planning system which in turn encourages

investment and increased construction activity.

“The extra support, leadership and confidence from Government needs to continue not only in improving the planning system but also in getting people back into our CBDs and into offices to activate city centres and support local businesses, creating vital economic activity for Sydney

Second highest sentiment on record

and our regional areas both directly and indirectly.

“We must continue to be vigilant – there is still a long road ahead and we need to keep working together as an industry to tackle these challenges and support local government, to provide greater certainty for the community, businesses and the property industry.”

First time in 30 years for Auburn site PROMINENT Auburn property in Sydney’s sought-after Parramatta Road corridor is to be offered to the market for the time in over three decades.

CBRE’s Robert Dowdy has been appointed to steer the sale of the 259/261263 Parramatta Road site, which is situated in Auburn’s main bulky goods precinct.

Neighbouring national and international brand heavy weights such as Costco, Harvey Norman, Bunnings Warehouse, Fantastic Furniture, Adidas and Nike, the 3,439sqm site is expected to generate significant buyer interest given its suitability for multiple uses.

“There is the potential to develop, occupy or invest,” Mr Dowdy said.

“Development-wise, the site could accommodate industrial units or a hotel subject to the relevant planning approvals. The existing freestanding building is also ideally located to provide the brand exposure and main road location that retailers are seeking post COVID-19.”

Mr Dowdy noted that exposure and location were now more important than ever for retail customers, who wanted to

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Costco, one of the major businesses at the site.

go into a store with ease knowing that they could touch and feel the product and then walk out with the item which they had seen on-line.

Post COVID 19, retailers will be faced with a very different customer experi-

ence. Currently the online retail experience in Australia is behind other parts of the world, where customers can shop in-store via their mobile device.

Retailers are seeing this as an opportunity to outperform their less nimble

competitors and build a more digital, structured business for the future.”

The Auburn site has an existing freestanding building of 2,655sqm. Mr Dowdy said the sale provided a rare opportunity to secure a foothold on Parramatta Road - arguably the busiest commercial enterprise hub in the Sydney metropolitan region with over 22,000 cars passing daily.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, buyers have shown that they are still ready and willing to purchase well situated commercial property opportunities,” Mr Dowdy said.

The Auburn property is less than 1km to the M4 on/off ramp and within walking distance to Auburn railway station and bus stop.

It is situated in a B6 Enterprise corridor and features three street frontages on Parramatta Road, Junction Street and Short Street.

The existing building offers eight container-sized roller shutter doors and a clear-span warehouse reaching eight metres. It also includes a ground floor showroom area and huge signage potential.

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AutO

September 2020

17

with JOHN MELLOR

Toyota updates Camry styling, revamps interior and enhances SAFETY for 2021

“

Toyota’s reputation for quality, durability and reliability has long been a hallmark of Camry, which together with its strong and efficient powertrains, advanced safety technology and, in recent years, its hybrid drivetrain, has ensured its enduring appeal for Australian customers.”  CALLUM HUNTER OYOTA has unveiled a substantial mid-life update for its strong-selling Camry medium-sized sedan, with the overhaul bringing fresh exterior styling, a revised cabin layout and enhanced safety systems.

Not due to touch down in Australia until mid-2021, the MY21 Camry series has received a bolder, more aggressive-looking grille and front bumper combination while the rest of the body goes largely unchanged.

Inside, the dashboard has been reorganised in a bid to improve ergonomics and make it more aesthetically pleasing, including the addition of new a 7.0- or 9.0-inch ‘floating multimedia’ touchscreen, depending on the variant.

On the safety front, Toyota Australia would not be drawn into specifying what changes have been made to the Camry’s safety suite, telling GoAuto that information would be revealed closer to the updated model’s introduction next year.

That said, the US-spec Camry has been confirmed as the first Toyota model to be offered with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, the company’s latest and most advanced driver-assist active safety suite to date.

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Compared to the existing system, the pre-collision system with pedestrian detection has been upgraded to now detect cyclists in daylight and pedestrians in “low-light conditions”.

Pre-Collision A new feature of the pre-collision system is the ability to stabilise the driver’s emergency steering manoeuvres while avoiding a pedestrian or cyclist within their lane.

The radar cruise control system with stop-and-go function available on higher-series variants has been tweaked to allow for smoother acceleration when overtaking a slower vehicle, while lane-departure alert and lane-keep assist have been added to the suite.

Other new safety features include automatic high beam, road-sign

assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

No major mechanical changes have been made to the petrol-engined variants, with the familiar 2.5-litre four-cylinder and 3.5-litre V6 carried over unchanged, as is the eight-speed automatic transmission.

While not strictly included as part of the update due next year, Toyota Australia will be making some running changes to the powertrain of the Camry hybrid as of next month, swapping out the current 245V nickel-metal hydride battery for a more efficient 259V lithium-ion unit.

Standard equipment on the American-spec cars will include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity and an optional digital instrument cluster.

According to Toyota Australia sales and marketing vice-president Sean Han-

ley, the facelift will deliver a stronger look and image for the Camry as it continues to step up as an Australian favourite.

“Toyota’s reputation for quality, durability and reliability has long been a hallmark of Camry, which together with its strong and efficient powertrains, advanced safety technology and, in recent years, its hybrid drivetrain, has ensured its enduring appeal for Australian customers,” he said.

Through the first six months of this year, the Camry has dominated the sub$60,000 medium car market, occupying a massive 69 per cent of the segment with 6518 sales.

Despite its all-conquering success however, that figure is still down almost 18 per cent in comparison to the same period last year (7940 units).

Article courtesy: www.goauto.com.au

TraveL

18

September 2020

with DALLAS SHERRINHAM

We should answer the cry for HELP from our bush cousins  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM COME from the land and my beloved country that made Australia is crying out for help from its city cousin.

You see, Australia’s farming communities are reeling from one of the most devastating droughts in our history and now severe bushfires, Chinese boycotts and the Covid-19 impact.

Truth be known, a lot of farmers would simply walk off their land if they were realistic, practical men and women, but they are dreamers and dreamers go the whole journey, there is no turning back for them.

You can help out just by swapping your normal overseas holiday for a Bush Adventure. From the coast to the outback, you will be surprised by the choice – from camping to luxury and all in between.

Even a simple weekend away in the country will make a huge difference to the hundreds of thousands of struggling families in the wide, brown land.

Our nation is full of fascinating towns, regions and friendly people. There are hidden gems to be had out there - all you have to do is find them.

As a travel writer I get to see some amazing places worldwide, but for me there is nothing better than heading out on a road heading west with not a care in the world. Australia frees the soul of the weary traveller.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro hit the nail on the head when he said city dwellers spending a weekend in a regional area was one of the simplest and most meaningful ways people in the city could support regional towns and cities.

“Even though we are in drought, our cafes are still brewing coffee, our shops are still open and we are still in business.

“Some of the most beautiful iconic experiences are there ready for you to enjoy today.

“Support our businesses by getting out and spending some money in our regions.

“When you spend that money in a café, that money goes around that community. It means employment remains; jobs remain.

“Our servos would love you driving by. Our cafes would love you to have brekkie with some locals. Our accommodation houses, our hotels would love to have you stay and I tell you this, you’ll get that country hospitality each and every time,” he said.

“So, if you get the chance, please, get out for the drought and spend some time and some money in our regional areas.”

Now, if you have decided to take John’s advice and head bush, I have a few simple tips for you: Plan ahead. All regions and main cities and towns have visitors’ centres online. They also have clued up people on the phone or answering emails, so don’t be afraid to ask.

I South Coast NSW.

Hill End NSW.

Royal Hotel Hill End NSW.

Numbugga, Bega Valley NSW.

Candelo, Bega Valley NSW.

“

So, if you get the chance, please, get out for the drought and spend some time and some money in our regional areas.”

– Dallas Sherringham.

Contact Them You might see a place you really want to visit such as a winery, a museum, an historic building or a homestead. It is best to contact them before you leave so that you know the visiting hours and which days it is open.

The worst thing you can do is turn up in a town at 4pm, check in to your accommodation, have a drive around and leave next morning.

As I said at the start, every town has hidden gems and it takes more than a day to see it all.

Accommodation houses always have a plethora of pamphlets (try saying that in a hurry) featuring local attractions, clubs and restaurants, but once again ask your host about them and, if he recommends it, phone ahead.

Take some picnic and barbecue gear and a fold up table and chairs on your trip. And always take a billy! Oh, and some Aeroguard and plenty of water.

You can find amazing views, quiet river spots, and hidden places far from the madding crowd.

Often there will be a barbie or two in such places, so you can brew up a coffee or throw on a steak and sit back and breathe in the fresh air.

Stay on a farm at a farmstay property; a form of tourism that is really taking off.

As Darryl Kerrigan (Michael Caton) famously said in The Castle: “Ah, the Serenity!”

Here are some links for your own choice, or just go to Google and put in your own search!

https://www.visitnsw.com/accommodation/accommodation-farm-stays https://www.farmstayplanet.com/farm-stay-rural-travelguides/australia/ https://farmstaycampingaustralia.com.au/ Words: Dallas Sherringham Images: Michael Osborne Feature supplied by: www.wtfmedia.com.au

TraveL

September 2020

River Sled.

19

Aqua Quest.

Take a break at Port Douglas Tiny bright blue damselfish skirt past us while clownfish weave in and out of the coral and rock hollows. A large cod glides inches above the ocean floor and not far behind it is a wrasse, distinguishable by its trademark thick lips.

Schools of zebra-striped surgeon fish flit by and disappear further down along the reef. The marine life of the Great Barrier Reef is on full display.

Once back in the boat we remove the heavy diving gear and Kai starts to tell the story of how this dive site got the nickname ‘Gone Again’. It pays homage to the American couple who went missing in 1998 in the very same waters we’d just emerged from. We turned to each, mouths agape, glad he had not mentioned this before.

 SONIA LAI HE inflatable yellow raft bobs excitedly in the water beside me while my hand firmly grips the rope handle on the front, ensuring it won’t slip away and escape down the rapids.

Just an hour ago I was stepping out of an airliner on to the hot Cairns tarmac. Now I am in a full body wetsuit knee-deep in the Mossman River of Port Douglas.

Our group of six are embarking on a river-drift snorkelling adventure in the Mossman River, situated beneath the Mossman Gorge. The freshwater river is so pure, our guides Glen and Will inform us, that it can be drunk. In fact, they encourage it.

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To market, to market- Port Douglas Markets

Mossman River drift snorkel Zig-zagging down rapids and snorkelling when the water is calmer is how we spend the next three hours. Translucent fish the size of my thumb swim in large schools beneath the surface and large rocks cover the riverbed.

When the water is tranquil our rafts transform into makeshift lounges and we sit atop them, our legs dangling over the edge as we let the current lead us down the river.

During these serene moments, Glen and Will relate the history of the vegetation surrounding the river. The trees, ferns, and other plant species, we’re told, date back to Gondwanaland and are believed to be around 300 million years old. With the pride in their voices and the knowledge they possess about the ecosystem, it’s clear no two other people could love the Mossman River as much as they do.

It’s as if we are floating through prehistoric times.

To the Outer Reef The AquaQuest lurches in the swell as it makes its way towards the outer perimeter of the Great Barrier Reef. Many

Alfresco Dining Port Douglas.

Divers Den.

of us are sitting outside on the upper deck in the hope of warding off seasickness and the fresh air proves helpful for some..

The rocky two and a half hour journey across the Coral Sea comes to an end at the first dive site - St. Crispin’s - and any thoughts of seasickness are quickly forgotten as excitement fills us.

“All divers to the bottom deck please!”

That’s our call and all introductory divers, including me, make our way down to the bottom deck. The much-anticipated descent to the Great Barrier Reef is about to begin.

Our instructor, Kai, gives us an in-depth safety briefing and talks us through the use of our scuba equipment. Sundresses and board shorts are quickly swapped out for wetsuits, weight belts and tanks. I find my tank a bit heavier than expected, but what did I expect? This is my first scuba dive and we all wobble comically, laughing nervously as we attempt to get to our feet.

Diving underwater for the first time can be frightening and some in our group get a bit panicky the second our heads go beneath the surface.

After several practice goes, we’ve overcome the instinct to rush back to the surface and breathing underwater becomes slightly less terrifying. Kai assesses us individually and gives us the thumbs up (down actually, which means, ‘let’s dive’).

Diving on the outer reef with Divers Den Initially, the water is murky, thanks to recent storms, and not much can be seen. However, at three metres and below visibility improves and we begin to see coral in pastel hues of green, yellow and purple.

The coral isn’t as bright as you see in the brochures, but Kai says that this is actually a good sign because when coral is stressed it releases algae, which causes it to become brighter in color. So, the slightly subdued colors we see indicate a healthy reef.

Port Douglas Markets.

On our third day in Port Douglas the sun had come out to play and the temperature nudged 30 degrees. After a magnificent tropical breakfast at the Sheraton Mirage Hotel, it was time to visit the Port Douglas Markets.

These markets are renowned for their wide variety of fresh produce and that is exactly what immediately greets us.

Colorful stalls are filled with bargain-priced fresh fruits and vegetables like avocados at just $4 a bag as well as more exotic foods like flavored coconut chips, vanilla bean and cacao ice-cream, and pomegranate teas - all there for anyone with slightly more adventurous taste buds.

Food, however, isn’t the only feature of the markets. Stalls displaying all sorts of peculiar trinkets and salves like ‘magic’ crystals, crocodile facial oil, handmade ukuleles, pom-pom earrings, conical rainbow candles and silver turtle rings are there to tempt eclectic tastes.

When the adventure is done, spending some relaxing time at the markets is the perfect way to wind down a wondrous and thrill-packed weekend in Port Douglas. Easy does it.

SporT

20

Clint Gutherson leads his men out.

September 2020

Brad Arthur.

Eels need to rediscover their electricity Parramatta are the only team to defeat Penrith this season ARRAMATTA easily qualified for their 2020 NRL finals several weeks ago but with two rounds remaining it is time for them to rediscover the ‘’electricity’’ which has eluded the Brad Arthur coached outfit in the latter part of the premiership rounds.

In recent weeks, Injuries to key play makers, five-eighth Dylan Brown and hooker Reed Mahoney, and as well halfback Mitchell Moses, who is now back in action, have disrupted the team.

The Eels sit fourth on 26 points with two rounds to play.

Their opponents are teams out of finals contention, namely Brisbane Broncos and Wests Tigers.

P

The Eels tackle the 15th placed Broncos, who have had the season from hell, winning just three games, including sacking their coach Anthony Seibold, three weeks ago, this Friday, September 18, at Bankswest Stadium at 7.55pm. Mahoney could be back on Friday night.

In the final round before the finals, the Eels meet Wests Tigers on Saturday, September, 26, at 7.55pm, also at Bankwest Stadium.

Coach Brad Arthur has insisted in recent weeks with the team’s form slide, there is no need to panic.

He said this even after competition leader, Penrith, belted the Eels, 20-2, at Panthers Stadium, last Friday night.

Arthur said in the post-match press conference, his team’s effort is there, but not the execution with their attacking plays and ball handling, which he said is letting them down.

“I was probably a little bit disappointed that we defended for the first 20 minutes and defended our tryline and got down there and we got a set restart and got a play wrong and we dropped the ball on tackle three,’’ Arthur said at the press conference on Friday at Penrith.

Arthur praised his players’ brave defensive effort after they repeatedly turned the rampant hosts away.

“Look that’s the effort that’s required to play NRL every week so we’ll take confidence out of our defence but you’re certainly not going to win games of football if you give them possession at our tryline like we did,” he said.

The Eels made the finals in 2019, thrashing Brisbane, 58-0, in the opening weekend of the finals at Bankwest Stadium.

The next week they journey to Melbourne and the Storm knocked them out of the competition in a 32-0 masterclass victory at AAMI Stadium.

Arthur said the goal remains to regain their confidence and a winning edge in the final two games and stay in the top four of the top eighth NRL series.

Under the finals format, teams which finish in the top four, get two chances.

Triangle of Attack

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Likely minor premier Penrith, on 33 points, with two games left, are team number one, meet team four, in the opening finals rounds.

Another local derby clash between Penrith and the Eels, is likely, in a fortnight’s time.

For the first half of the season, the Eels were outstanding. They played with confidence and authority, discipline and toughness.

Their power game in the forwards and slick play in and around the rucks through halves, Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown, and captain and fullback Clint Gutherson, was sizzling.

This trio led the way with smooth passing, smart footwork and had their ball runners surging into space.

This triangle of attack, Moses-Brown-Gutherson, was dynamic, the Eels operation flowed like a river of blue and gold.Veteran centre Michael Jennings was dazzling outwide too. His impeccable defence, back to where it was when he played at Penrith and the Roosters.

MItchell Moses.

But in recent times, while the Eels defence and physicality has been resolute, the team’s attack has suffered. It has looked as rusty as old barn door, in need of a big spray WD40, it has creaked, and screeched and been hard to shift into gear.

Halfback Mitchell Moses, rather than playing straight and direct, has got into the trap of running at a ‘’45 degree angle’’ _ as a result pushing his outside supports, his back rowers and centres on either side of the field, towards the sideline, and out of room.

Parramatta are the only team to defeat Penrith this season.

The only other team that almost beat Penrith, was Newcastle, and they drew with the Panthers, in golden point extra time at Campbelltown Stadium, earlier this year.

Dylan Brown is a loss. He had ankle surgery recently and is likely to be out for the season.

His toughness, speed, passing game, and natural running ability, electrified the Eels.

Brown and Moses, work well passing to one another, but also on opposite sides of the ruck, aiming their back rowers onto the fringes and troubling defences.

The Eels last won a title in 1986. It seems like a moon ride ago.

In 1986, the late Bob Hawke was Australia’s Prime Minister, the Colin Hayes trained thoroughbred At Talaq, won the Melbourne Cup, and Brian Henderson read the news on Channel Nine.

The Eels’ most recent grand final appearances were in 2001 and 2009.

Can they do it 2020? Time will tell.

The Eels control their own destiny.

But the past six weeks, indifferent form, and scratchy wins, has tested the patience of their fans and many league pundits in the media, questioning the Eels’ premiership credentials.

September 2020

SporT

21

Racing at Rosehill.

Partnership brings Everest to Rosehill HE NSW Government has partnered with the Australian Turf Club (ATC) for the esteemed Everest Carnival to create new opportunities to promote NSW and Sydney as a leading destination for major events and lifestyle experiences.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres announced the partnership between the NSW Government and the ATC at the 2020 Everest Carnival launch.

“The Everest is now undisputedly a signature event on the Sydney calendar and the partnership between Destination NSW and ATC will ensure the prestige, energy and excitement of Everest Carnival is a magnet for locals and visitors,” Minister Ayres said.

“Whether someone is visiting from the regions or interstate to attend, or they’re a local enjoying some retail therapy and hospitality or even watching the races at home, these activities increase Sydney’s reputation as Australia’s premier events and lifestyle destination and provide a boost to our visitor economy.”

The partnership includes a collaborative media program showcasing the Everest Carnival and the flagship Everest race to prospective attendees, content on Sydney.com, social media and the inclusion of Sydney vignettes across ATC channels.

The seven-week Everest Carnival will be held from September 19 to October 31` at Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens, and features the world’s richest turf race, the $15 million The TAB Everest on October 17.

The Everest Carnival is anticipated to be seen by over 9.5 million viewers across Australia via broadcasts on Channel 7 and Sky Racing and in over 66 countries internationally via the Carnival’s broadcast partners.

Minister for Better Regulation and Minister responsible for racing, Kevin Anderson, congratulated the ATC and

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Racing NSW for their work in navigating the industry through the incredible difficulties of COVID-19.

“Today’s event is more than just a launch of the word-class Everest Carnival; it is a celebration of the incredible shape our state’s thoroughbred racing industry is in despite the challenges of this unprecedented pandemic,” Mr Anderson said.

“In just a few short years, The Everest has succeeded in taking Sydney Spring racing to the world, and this year will be no different with a massive global audience expected to tune in to what has become one of the world’s great races.”

ATC Chairman Matthew McGrath said he looked forward to an exhilarating

and COVID-safe event for racegoers to enjoy this spring.

“The Australian Turf Club is incredibly excited to be hosting the 2020 Everest Carnival with spectators in a COVID Safe environment to see some of the world’s best horses, jockeys and trainers compete at Australia’s world-class racing, hospitality and entertainment venues Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens,” Mr McGrath said.

“We are particularly pleased to be announcing this new partnership with the NSW Government through Destination NSW, to help strengthen Sydney tourism, and showcase everything this wonderful city has to offer, including a day at the races.”

The partnership reinforces Destination NSW’s commitment to driving visitation and growth in tourism expenditure in Sydney as part of the Government’s tourism recovery program.

Everest Carnival patrons will be tested on arrival with temperature scanning equipment, hand sanitizer will be available at all venues and routine cleaning of all venues will occur during race and non-race days. Attendees are reminded to observe NSW Health advice www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 Find out more about Everest Carnival: www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/ sydney-east/randwick/events/the-tab-everestthe-worlds-richest-race-turf

2020 Everest Carnival Dates Saturday 19 September – Fujitsu George Main Stakes Day, Royal Randwick.

Saturday 26 September – De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose Day, Rosehill Gardens, Saturday 3 October

– TAB Epsom Day, Royal Randwick.

Saturday 10 October

– Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day, Royal Randwick.

Saturday 17 October

– Everest Day, Royal Randwick.

Saturday 24 October

– City Tattersalls Club Cup Day, Royal Randwick.

Saturday 31 October

– Golden Eagle Day, Rosehill Gardens.

Philanthropy

22

September 2020

Charities doing it tough in COVID-19  LAWRENCE MACHADO HARITIES are seeing more people seeking help because of the Covid-19 pandemic but because of the economic downturn and redundancies, organisations, including the Salvos, have seen a big drop in their income from fundraisers.

Another little-known impact of COVID-19 has been less regular volunteers because several are in the high-risk category.

According to Salvation Army’s NSW spokesman Captain Brad McIver, there is a 20 per cent drop in fundraising even as numbers seeking help rose by 40 per cent.

“Despite the decline (in revenues from fundraising), we are very thankful and grateful to those giving to the Salvation Army,” Captain McIver said.

“It’s pretty good considering the circumstances.

“We are seeing over 800 individuals every day throughout western Sydney and providing assistance ranging from hampers, to case management and financial counselling assistance.”

A case in point is Liverpool Salvos which serves 250 meals per week, up by 130.

“There has been a 40 per cent increase in presentations in the last month and we are expecting this to increase over time,” he said.

Captain McIver, who has been involved with Red Shield Appeal since he was a child, said their major fundraiser each year, the Red Shield Appeal, was held in May in the middle of the Covid19 lockdown.

“

C

Fiona Coluccio.

Captain Brad McIver.

Captain McIver said that the small community fundraisers, including sausage sizzles at Bunnings stores, were usually held by local churches. These too have been suspended for now.

“Many of our volunteers are elderly so it is our duty to ensure they are also safe during this time,” Captain McIver said.

The Smith Family said the drop in volunteers has affected programs in western Sydney. The organisation, which said it is unable to provide figures for fundraising because their annual report has not been published, said programs have been impacted.

“We have seen a decline in the number of volunteers during the pandemic, with many people reluctant to take public transport, or staying at home to look after their health,” Fiona Coluccio,

The Smith Family NSW and ACT General Manager, said.

“Volunteers are the key to our Learning Clubs and Covid-19 has affected our ability to deliver programs in western Sydney.”

However, she said her organisation, which helps 56,000 students in Australia via its Learning for Life program, found a positive in all this.

“COVID-19 has provided a unique opportunity to deepen the strong connection we have with our volunteers,” Ms Coluccio said.

“We are continuing to support and engage our volunteers by regularly connecting with them and setting up opportunities where they can contribute via remote models.”

“Our Learning for Life program is about supporting and empowering

We are seeing over 800 individuals every day throughout western Sydney and providing assistance ranging from hampers, to case management and financial counselling assistance.”

– Brad McGiver. young disadvantaged children and their families on their education journey.

“Yes, each year that number has grown and each year we work in partnership with these students and their families to enable them in their educational journey.”

Learning Clubs provide both primary and secondary students with tutoring after school hours and are run in 12 communities in greater Western Sydney and 32 in NSW.

Support the Salvos: www.salvationarmy.org.au Support The Smith Family: www.thesmithfamily.com.au.

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HistorY

September 2020

Views of historic Hambledon Cottage.

History lives in Hambledon Cottage  TREVOR PATRICK HE history of Hambledon Cottage Museum, at 63 Hassall St Parramatta, is part of the Macarthur family story.

Following his return from political exile in 1817, John Macarthur turned his attention to the expansion of his family enterprises.

Central to these activities was a building program which included additions to his Parramatta home, Elizabeth Farm, and the erection of supplementary accommodation of the estate, then referred to as “the cottage on the plain” and now known as Hambledon Cottage.

With a shortage of bedrooms at Elizabeth Farm, Hambledon Cottage accommodated his children, grandchildren and close family friends for varying periods from several days to many years.

Henry Kitchen (1793-1822), a young architect seeking patronage in the colony, completed designs for a building for Macarthur at Camden which was described as a “small but extremely beautiful dwelling in the cottage fashion”.

The design which featured French windows opening onto a wide verandah leading to park-like garden so impressed Macarthur that in 1820 he instructed Kitchen to prepare plans for a similar cottage to be erected on his Parramatta estate.

The final plans submitted carry the marginal note “cottage for Miss Lucas”, former governess to the Macarthur daughters. As a link with her former home in Hampshire, England, Penelope Lucas chose the name “Hambledon” for her Australian home.

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Because of Kitchen’s premature death on April 8, 1822, Macarthur sought the professional help of Henry Cooper, a competent draughtsman, who was able to transfer Kitchen’s original and innovative designs into working plans for the building of the distinctive and elegant Georgian style domestic bungalow which we now refer to as Hambledon Cottage.

Parramatta & District Historical Society occupies the cottage as their headquarters and conduct guided tours throughout the year.

There are fully furnished rooms in the cottage: withdrawing or Lounge Room; Dining Room; Bedroom; Study; Kitchen, and the Lucas Gallery.

This unique room of the cottage features a changing exhibition of historic interest; the Female Factory of Parramatta; life and times of personalities from the pages of history; aboriginal artifacts; models of heritage buildings.

The two-acre Hambledon Reserve is designed to create the memory of an English country scene.

John Macarthur and his sons planted English Oaks in 1817 making them the oldest examples in Australia.

Australian native Bunya Bunya Pines dominate the skyline. The nuts from the Bunya Bunya trees provided a traditional food for the indigenous Australian people.

Trevor Patrick is Secretary at the Parramatta Historical Society.

The Historical Society continues to provide interesting views through their web site www.parramattahistorical.org.au and www. facebook.com/parramattahistorical. Due to Covid-19 Pandemic, the museum is currently closed.

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of this newspaper or website www.parramattatimes.com.au. The opinions and views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Advertisements are published in accordance with PT terms and conditions published in the media kit downloadable at www.parramattatimes.com.au Advertisers agree to indemnify the publisher and his agents for any actions that may arise as a result of published advertisements or contributions. Advertisers agree to abide by the terms of trade outlined by the publisher.

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24

EntertainmenT

Left to right: Todd McKenney, Riverside Theatres Director Robert Love, and City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer, at Riverside Theatres in Parramatta.

Recharge for city’s creative economy ITY of Parramatta Council has launched a new grants program to support cultural and creative enterprises as part of a $785,000 package of measures to revitalise the City’s $1B creative economy.

From today until 20 September, eligible businesses and organisations in fields including the arts, design, publishing, screen, sound and heritage are invited to apply for financial assistance under the $150,000 Creative Economy Grants Program.

“The creative sector has been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Creative Economy Grants Program is an investment in our City’s recovery – helping business and organisations to get back on their feet and continue to offer the community valuable cultural experiences,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.

Successful applicants will receive between $5,000 and $20,000 in funding under the program, which was developed following consultation with arts, screen, media and tech companies about the impacts of COVID-19.

“The pandemic has transformed how businesses operate and deliver services.

Our grants program taps into this change – it is designed to help the creative sector bounce back faster and stronger by encouraging innovation, adaptability and resilience,” Cr Dwyer said.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Council released a $3Mn Relief and Recovery package that included $785,000 in measures to support the creative economy. In addition to the Creative Economy Grants Program, this package includes the: • Riverside Theatres Digital series of livestreamed concerts and performances; • HOME AT Parramatta online platform, a gateway to diverse digital cultural experiences and offerings that attract new audiences; and • Digital festivals and programming, including WARAMI Live and Make Music Day.

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“Cultural and creative enterprises are the heart of our City and we are doing all we can to support them during this difficult time,” Cr Dwyer said.

“In addition to our grants program, Council’s creative hubs are continuing to deliver dynamic cultural programming and activities in new and innovative ways.

“These include Parramatta Artists’ Studios’ ‘Studio Conversations’ podcast series and ‘Parramatta By Foot’ street art project, City of Parramatta Libraries’ online story time and National Science Week programming, and the Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre’s Victory in the Pacific Day Online Experience.”

For more information about the Creative Economy Grants Program and to apply, visit: www. cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/creativegrants

Time to recharge our creative economy.

September 2020

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ExpertS

26

September 2020

RECRUITMENT: EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT

Keeping up with the JobKeeper scheme  GREG MITCHELL HE JobKeeper scheme has been a godsend to many small businesses and their employees endeavouring to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic over the last few months.

While initially scheduled to end in late September, the federal Government recently announced an extension of the scheme to 28th March 2021.

The Government has also announced several important changes to the scheme, highlighted below:

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Introduction of Two-Tier System and Changes to Payments: Effective from September 28 a twotiered system will be introduced, and eligible employees will be regarded as being in either the “high tier” or “low tier”; • Eligible employees who worked 20 hours or more per week in the four weekly pay periods ending before March 1, 2020 will be in the high tier, and the payment amount reduced to $1,200 per fortnight (instead of the current amount of $1,500) until 3 January, 2021. After this, the payment will reduce again to $1,000 until the new March 28 end date.

• Eligible employees who worked less than 20 hours (on average) in the four weekly pay periods ending before March 1, 2020 will be deemed as being in the lower tier, and the payment amount reduced to $750 per fortnight until January 3, 2021.

After this date, the payment will reduce further to $650 until March 28, 2021.

Important Changes to Business Eligibility While the same JobKeeper criteria will continue to apply in terms of determining employee eligibility for JobKeeper, changes to business eligibility have been announced which will likely significantly reduce the number of businesses eligible for the scheme beyond September 28 (importantly, businesses

currently eligible under the original criteria will remain eligible until at least the September 27).

• While the revenue shortfall requirements will remain the same (that is; businesses with an annual turnover of less than $1B can continue to claim if they have a revenue shortfall of 30% or more; businesses with an annual turnover of more than $1B can claim if they have a revenue shortfall of 50% or more, and; Registered charities and not for profits (excluding schools and universities) can claim if they have a revenue shortfall of 15% or more), the means by which businesses need to demonstrate the relevant shortfall is changing.

• Forecasting a decline in revenue will from the 28th September no longer be sufficient for a business to be eligible. Businesses will need to be able to demonstrate that they have experienced the relevant revenue decline in each quarterly period – namely both June (April, May, June) and September (July, August, September). Business eligibility will be reassessed at the end of September 2020 and again in January 2021 (with Jan-

uary tests also having to include proof of revenue loss in the final quarter of 2020 – October, November, December).

• For most businesses, the eligibility test will require them to demonstrate revenue decline compared to a comparable period (most likely the same period last year). The ATO will continue to have discretion to apply alternative tests in certain situations.

Other key features of the scheme remain the same (for example, payments will continue to be made by the ATO to eligible employers in arrears and employers must continue to pass on the full JobKeeper payments to eligible staff ).

This article provides general information only and should not be relied upon as formal or legal advice.

Refer to the ATO website for further details or seek the advice of your accountant. Of course, HR Success can also provide additional info/support as required.

Greg Mitchell is the Principal Consultant/Owner of HR Success, which has been supporting businesses and organisations in Western Sydney for over 13 years. Visit www.hrsuccess.com.au for further information or make contact via ph.

1300 783 211 or email greg@hrsuccess.com. au for assistance with managing your team.

THINKING OF STARTING A BUSINESS?

What you need for business set up?  MANI SHISHINEH his might be one of the most critical business decisions you make – so getting it right is important.

Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, selecting the right structure for your business can be challenging.

There are multiple options, all with different pros and cons. Far too many business owners just skip this important decision altogether, effectively merging their personal and business interests and leaving themselves at risk. If you’re serious about going into business, then you need to get serious about properly structuring it.

Here are the four most important criteria to consider: 1. Your personal liability exposure from your business products or services.

2. Whether you have (or plan to have) partners or investors in the business.

3. The administrative costs of setting up and maintaining your business structure.

4. The tax effectiveness of the structure.

The right legal and accountancy advice is essential in setting up the most appropriate structure for your business.

In Australia, there are generally four options for structuring your business.

Sole Trader: This is the simplest and least expensive option. Designed for business owners who are the sole proprietors of their companies, this structure doesn’t give you much protection if

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things go wrong. Your personal assets are unprotected from any claims arising from your business.

Pty Ltd Company: Incorporation effectively makes your business a separate legal entity from you. This structure involves quite a bit of paperwork and can be expensive to maintain. But it offers your personal assets protection from liability and only your company assets are at risk in the event of any legal actions and company debts.

Partnership: Creating a Partnership allows you to go into business with multiple people and share income. Partnerships are easier and less expensive than Companies to set up. However, all partners together are personally responsible for business debts and actions against the Partnership. And each partner is individually liable for debts incurred by the other partners. This means you have unlimited liability, unlike a Company structure.

Trust: A Trust isn’t an organisation at all, but instead a legal structure to hold assets. For example, you might set up a Trust to hold your business assets, then appoint a Trustee to manage them.

Commonly, the Trustee is a Company and the Trust provides asset protection and limits liability from operating the business. Trusts are very flexible for tax purposes. However, a Trust is a complex legal structure and establishing a Trust costs significantly more than a Sole Trader or Partnership.

Fun facts about registration Once you’ve decided on the best structure for your business and chosen a business name, you need to Register your business and business name. And you need to do this with several different Australian regulators and organisations.

Irrespective of whether you’ve chosen to be a Sole Trader, Partnership, Trust or Pty Ltd Company, you will need a:

• Registered business name.

• ABN (Australian Business Number).

• TFN (Tax File Number).

And will probably need to register for GST too. So there really are no differences between the various Australian business setup options here.

First you need to sign up for an ASIC Connect account. Next, you need to take your ACN and apply for an ABN (Australian Business Number). An ABN has become a very important unique identifier of your business (necessary for opening bank accounts, filing tax returns, including on invoices, etc.) and every Australian business needs one. At the same time, you can register on this Australian Government website for your TFN (Tax File Number), PAYG (Pay As You Go) and GST. There are no registration fees for these registrations.

IP Australia: This step is often skipped by start-up businesses, but is vital for protecting your business, brand name and intellectual property. Although you have registered your business name with ASIC, this does not mean that you have exclusive ownership of it. It can be used as a “trading as” name, “Pty Ltd” name or trademarked as a brand name. To prevent this, you need to register your business name (and logo and tagline) with IP Australia.

Website Domain & Social Media: You also need to register your business online and these days that doesn’t just mean a website address. It includes all the major social media platforms too! You can register your “.com.au” and all derivative domains with a service like Netregistry.

Mani Shishineh is principal solicitor at Legalbit.

Visit www.legalbit.com.au

ExpertS

September 2020

27

OFFICE TECHNOLOGY

Demystifying new named Office 365  OFFICE TECHNOLOGY  DARRYL MCALLISTAR N old favorite from Microsoft just received a new name change that impacts its SMB and home subscriptions. After debuting in 2011 and leading the cloud office transition, Office 365 has been renamed to Microsoft 365.

This had some Sydney business owners wondering if something was happening to the Office productivity suite itself, as well as trying to understand what’s changing and if the new name impacts pricing.

We’re here to bring some clarity to the transition as well as go over some of the reasons Microsoft 365 is an excellent platform for technology success and overall cybersecurity.

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Why Did the Name Change?

First, let’s address the worry about why “Office” was dropped. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook haven’t gone anywhere, they remain at the core of the Microsoft 365 platform.

The popularity of cloud programs like Microsoft Teams and OneDrive, which were part of Office 365 but not the original Office suite, is one reason. The new name expands the understanding of the 365 platform to be more inclusive of other Microsoft programs beyond Office.

Between March and April, 2020, Microsoft Teams number of daily active users jumped from 44 million to 75 million.

Added Security Enhancements in Microsoft 365

Microsoft began this transition from Office to Microsoft a while back when they renamed Office 365 Secure Score to Microsoft Secure Score.

They also previously brought out the package bundle of Office 365, Intune, Windows 10, and additional security features, called Microsoft 365. It’s still available, just with a slight name change.

What’s Changing with Microsoft 365?

Currently, all pricing and subscription features are staying the same. Only the names are changing. The old to new name transition is as follows: • Office 365 Business Essentials is now Microsoft 365 Business Basic.

• Office 365 Business Premium is now Microsoft 365 Business Standard.

• Microsoft 365 Business is now Microsoft 365 Business Premium.

• Office 365 Business and Office 365 ProPlus are now Microsoft 365 Apps (Where necessary, “for business” and “for enterprise” labels distinguish between the two.)

What Else Has Changed?

Microsoft brought out a new free Teams version for consumers. It also has added thousands of new free premium Office templates, fonts, stock images, and videos for Microsoft 365 users to take advantage of.

Improving Your Security with Microsoft 365 With four Microsoft 365 choices, which one gives you the best value for added cybersecurity?

77% of global organisations are actively improving their cyber resilience, and 60% believe a phishing incident will be likely in the coming year.

Security & Device Management in Microsoft Business Premium The reason that we recommend Microsoft 365 Business Premium, is because it has additional safeguards beyond the other subscriptions. These include security features, like anti-phishing tools and the ability to manage endpoint devices with Intune.

With remote workers becoming the norm since the pandemic, it’s vital to maintain visibility into the devices being used to access your business applications and data. Intune offers the ability to control device access, keep remote devices properly updated, and secure endpoints no matter where they are.

There are several features within Microsoft 365 that companies can use to improve security and do it in a way that saves them time. One of these is sensitivity labels. They allow automatic application of document security policies to protect sensitive data (watermarks, “do not copy,” encryption, etc.).

Using one integrated platform makes it easy to apply security and compliance policies across all your apps and data.

Just a few of the security features that Microsoft continues to rollout for users include safe links to combat phishing, Phishing campaign views in Microsoft 365 ATP and Safe documents Information barriers for compliance.

Use MFA the Way You Want Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the best ways to prevent compromised accounts due to credential theft or hacks. According to Microsoft, using MFA stops 99.9% of account hacks.

Using MFA with Azure and Microsoft 365 allows you to simply the MFA login process for users, while giving you the capability to apply the safeguards you want.

For example, you can choose to add security questions based upon the level of access to sensitive data. You can also choose between MFA notification types like voice calls and authenticator apps.

Darryl McAllistar is CEO at Netcare.

Visit www.netcare.net.au

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AerotropoliS

28

September 2020

Residents can name airport city

“

The area to be named is the parcel of land which will be the CBD of the Aerotropolis and we want its name to be as iconic as the existing major city centres of Sydney and Parramatta.”

– Stuart Ayres.

Artist impressions of the developed Aerotropolis.

 DALLS SHERRINGHAM ESTERN Sydney residents have the chance to suggest a name for a new section of the massive Aerotropolis complex as the State Government announces fast tracking of the project.

The State Government is billing the naming competition as “the naming of Sydney’s third city” but it is just part of the biggest urban project in the State’s history.

The area to be named is more than 100 ha of land that will become home to research, science and education facilities as part of the first stage of the Aerotropolis Core precinct. It is located north of Bringelly and needs a new name to reflect its new future.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the naming process to be carried out would find a unique name which would forever define Australia’s first 22nd Century City

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on the doorstep of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.

“Until now we have been referring to the area as the ‘Aerotropolis Core’, but with the city quickly moving from a vision to a reality now is the time for it to be given a real place name,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The area to be named is the parcel of land which will be the CBD of the Aerotropolis and we want its name to be as iconic as the existing major city centres of ‘Sydney’ and ‘Parramatta’.

“Whatever it is ultimately called after the naming process, this part of Greater Sydney’s third city will be a key driver of economic growth, jobs and opportunities across NSW and the nation for generations to come.”

Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said as part of the naming process the community would be consulted and asked to nominate potential names for the new city.

“We want the community to help us come up with a list of names that reflect the area’s heritage, recognise people who have contributed to NSW or honor significant figures with ties to Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.

“A naming committee comprising the Premier, myself, DPC Secretary Tim Reardon and Western Parkland City Authority Chair Jennifer Westacott will consider the options and make a final decision.”

Meanwhile, Aerotropolis has been named in the Fifth Tranche of projects as a key part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.

The latest tranche of projects includes a new school in Sydney’s South West, a multi-trades and digital technology hub at TAFE Meadowbank and a new road project linking WestConnex to Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport.

It includes the creation of the new Aerotropolis State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), which will unlock

rezonings for five new employment and environmental precincts around the new Western Sydney Airport including the Aerotropolis Core, Badgerys Creek, Northern Gateway and Agribusiness and Wianamatta-South Creek.

“The Aerotropolis SEPP is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lay the foundations for a brandnew State-shaping precinct, with the Aerotropolis set to support more than 200,000 jobs over 20 years in industries of the future,” Planning Minister Rob Stokes said.

This will be the second last tranche of fast-tracked projects under the current program, with details on a new recovery focused acceleration program to be released in the coming weeks.

Decisions will be made on tranche five projects by mid-September. For more information visit http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/ fast-tracked-assessments.

Crosswords/Games

29

Solutions page 30

CROSSWORD ACROSS

1. Six-sided figure 4. Huge 7. Sheep barber 8. Hang in folds 9. Actress, Joanna ...

12. Off guard 15. Deceived (lover) (3-5) 17. Baghdad citizens 18. Perceived sound 21. Driver’s chart (4,3) 22. Preliminary version 23. Forwards

DOWN

1. Meekest 2. For some time 3. Legendary ‘fiddling’ emperor 4. Earl 5. Mends 6. One of the Great Lakes 10. Delicious 11. Fete, ... Gras 13. Wurst & salami 14. East African country 16. Curved fruit 18. From ... to toe 19. Blast!

20. Mexican food shell

PUZZLE SOLUTION Carrot, airbed, barman, bather, caddie, dampen, dimply.

Mystery keyword: CAN

September 2020

30

Games solutions

September 2020

TrendS

Culture of harming older workers  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM Y 8-year-old grandson knows more about computers and the internet that I do and that underlines the biggest problem facing older workers in today’s tech orientated workforce.

Tech rules the world in offices and factories throughout the region with the former “number one” dominant attribute – management skills and people relations – taking a back seat.

This has resulted in many older job applicants being told they are not a “cultural fit” for the position.

What this really means is they are too old to fit into the office culture and much of that is to do with their lack of tech skills. Young people are being actively preferred for tech-heavy roles For example, Job Applicants are being asked to answer this question: How easy is it for you to strike up a good conversation with your younger colleagues in the office kitchen?

It may seem like a strange question, but that is the benchmark some companies are using to decide who to hire and the assumption is that older Australians will not know what to say to their younger colleagues.

One 44-year-old jobseeker told PM media outlet his confidence had begun to take a hit because after more than 100 job applications, and 30 final round interviews, the feedback was always the same.

“You interviewed well, they really liked you, but they didn’t feel you were a cultural fit for the role,” he said. “I mean what does that even mean?”

He feared it was a bit of a catch-all comment to imply he would not get along with his younger co-workers.

So, were his fears were well founded?

“The candidate you were talking about saying it’s used as a bit of a catch-all is true,” Mark Smith, the group managing director of recruitment firm people2people, said.

He shared his own example of a middle-aged candidate being passed over for not being the right cultural fit in a call centre.

“We had a more mature guy that went in for the job,” he said.

“In the interview he came out thinking, ‘I can do this job’, but in the end he missed out because he was the wrong cultural fit.

“That’s the way the client described it to us and that’s how we had to pass it on to him.”

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In this example, the company went with a younger candidate.

“The reality is that they asked him how are you going to deal with this particularly stressful job with the inbound calls,” Mr Smith said.

Navigating Office Banter “He said, ‘well I would engage in some banter in the kitchen with my colleagues’.

“That’s when the company turned to us and said, ‘you know what, he is probably not going to be able to engage in the banter in the kitchen with his colleagues because he really won’t have too much in common with them to talk about.

“So they went with another candidate who happened to be younger.”

But it is not just navigating office banter that’s tripping up older Australian job candidates, Kathryn Macmillan, the managing director of 923 Recruitment, said.

Her team places white-collar workers in finance, administration, sales, marketing and technical roles, from entry level to senior management.

She said for many admin and techheavy roles, companies were actively preferencing younger candidates.

“Perfect example of that is Single Touch Payroll,” she said.

“

There’s definitely a preference to take on younger people in those roles because of those perceptions.”

- Kathryn Macmillan.

“People in accounts need to be able to navigate a huge amount of software: MyGov ID, Single Touch Payroll, and it’s really quite complex.

“So it’s that ability to be proficient in that technological use.”

Ms Macmillan said she was seeing a preference from companies for younger people to take on those roles as opposed to older people who perhaps are not “digital natives”.

“There’s definitely a preference to take on younger people in those roles because of those perceptions,” she responded.

“So for people who are older it’s very important that they address that perception.”

Figures from the partly government-funded Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research show 18% of workers aged 55-64 believe their organisation discriminated on the basis of age in recruitment and selection.

This preference for younger candidates is starting to show up in the number of older Australians being forced on to government assistance programs.

Australians aged between 45 and 65 now make up about half of all unemployment support recipients, with more than 330,000 on the welfare payment as of September last year.

Recruiter Mark Smith said there was a need for older Australians to work on their job skills, A report from Oxford Economics predicts millions of lower-skill workers will lose their jobs to machines over the next decade.

SOURCE: PM media

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INSTALLERS – INDUSTRIAL ROLLER DOORS AND SHUTTERS

WELDER / STEEL FABRICATOR EXPRESS DOOR SERVICES - FULL TIME MANUFACTURING TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS - TRADES & SERVICES

EXPRESS DOOR SERVICES - FULL TIME - 2020 TRADES & SERVICES Job Description • • • • • • •

Industrial roller shutter installers.

Must have experience.

Must have welding experience.

Prefer MR licence or willing to obtain.

Must have white card.

EWP preferred.

Contractors encouraged to apply.

Benefits • • • •

Located near M5 vicinity.

Friendly family business.

Vehicle provided.

Onsite parking available.

How To Apply • Please forward copy of your resume to accounts@expressdoors.com.au

More Information • Address: 6 ENTERPRISE CIRCUIT. • Salary Range: $40,000 - $70,000.

• Total Years’ Experience: 0-5 • Working Status: The candidate must have the right to live and work in Australia.

WASH House

Your new employer…

The Women’s Activities and Self Help (WASH) House is a community-based information and resource centre for women that envisages a community in which women exercise equal rights, choose their own destiny and have a safe environment for themselves and their children. They work towards this by providing information and referral, advocacy, capacity building and support services.

The organisation has been established in the area for over 35 years as a support and resource centre for women. Over this time, the WASH House has grown and evolved to run a range of programs including Staying Home Leaving Violence, Counselling, Case Work, Group Work and Information Services. The WASH House is a service run by women, for women.

Leave work each day feeling part of making a difference to the local community! Find out more about WASH via www.washhouse.org.au

About the Program…

The Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) program is a casework model supporting women (and their children) escaping do-

Job Overview XPO Talent are recruiting for passionate Beauty Advocates nationwide for a short term contract from October – December 2020

About the Role: • As a Beauty Advocate, you will be required to be a true brand advocate for 3 of Australia’s most popular ‘foundation’ cosmetic brands; operating within a leading Health & Beauty Retail Store • You will be on hand to engage with shoppers on assisting with shade match-ing to find their perfect foundation fit • You will be required to conduct shade matching consultations throughout your time instore, demonstrating the key product benefits for each; and en-couraging sales

• Experienced welder / fabricator required for busy roller shutter factory.

• Please forward resume to sales@expressdoors.com.au.

More Information • • • •

Address: 6 ENTERPRISE CIRCUIT PRESTONS NSW 2170.

Salary Range: $40,000 - $70,000.

Total Years’ Experience: 0-5.

Working Status: The candidate must have the right to live and work in Australia.

management and a proven ability to support women & children in crisis with complex needs.

Your experience will also include networking, advocacy and you will have a good understanding of domestic violence.

Job Overview Our client, WASH House, is seeking a qualified and experienced professional to join their team in the role of Caseworker in their Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) program.

Job Overview

Selection Criteria… mestic violence to remain safely in their homes or leave safely.

Your new job…

This position provides support to women & children escaping domestic violence through intervention, case management and group work services. This role works closely with clients by assessing safety needs, seeking to improve social, health, economic and legal outcomes for families, reduce homelessness and promote accountability for offenders of violence.

• Key accountabilities will include: • Case Management.

• Community Development • Quality Improvement This is a 12-month locum role, part time at 28 hours per week. There is flexibility for days & hours to be negotiated, the role could be worked 4 or 5 days per week/school hours/9 day fortnight.

Salary for this role is classified at level 5 in the NSW SCHADS Award (Pay Point to be determined based on experience). The role is based in Mt Druitt but covers the whole of Blacktown LGA therefore will require some travel as necessary.

What you’ll need to succeed…

The successful applicant will be a passionate woman with sound experience in case

• Relevant tertiary qualifications e.g.: Social Work, Behavioural Sciences.

• Experience in case management of people with complex support needs including outreach and advocacy.

• Knowledge and understanding of domestic violence, social policy and issues that face women and their children in Western Sydney.

• Proven ability to support women and children in crisis or at significant risk of harm and understanding of trauma-informed practice.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

• Experience networking with multidisciplinary services and agencies and ability to build and foster relationships • Conceptual skills, with sound analytical and problem-solving ability.

• Ability to work effectively within a small team.

• Computer and internet skills.

• Current driver’s licence • Working with Children check and Police Check (or willingness to obtain).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Beauty Advocates What we’re looking for: • You’re a true beauty enthusiast, and live and breathe all things beauty and makeup! You love exploring new makeup trends and the ritual of applying your makeup. Your favourite Instagram and Youtube Vloggers are your go-to for learning about new products as well as makeup hacks and tricks • You are bubbly and outgoing, and not afraid of a chat!

• You have a passion for customer service, and understand what it takes to deliver amazing engagements with shoppers – experience in retail a bonus • A person with a drive for delivering results

• Formal qualifications in makeup and beauty are not necessary, but it will be highly desirable if you are in the process of undertaking beauty training • Full availability on Fridays, and selected Thursdays, from October 2020 through to December 2020.

Note that all casual contracts for this role will cease at the conclusion of December 2020

What we can offer: • A competitive hourly rate at $30 p/h inclusive super (min. 4 hour shifts) • Monthly performance based reward incentives • Full product training and support throughout your time on the campaign • Locations based in close proximity to your home suburb

The WASH House considers being a woman a genuine occupational qualification for this position under s.31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

What you’ll get in return…

• Some above Award conditions.

• Opportunities for multi skilling and up-skilling.

• High level of diversity in role.

• Excellent working environment.

If you have a background in Women’s Services or Domestic Violence and a passion for helping making a positive difference in people’s lives then this is the role for you!

What to do now…

You can find an Information Pack (including Job Description and more about this organisation) on our website www.totalworkforceservices. com.au or you can contact us on (02) 4555 4634 to discuss further.

Please make sure you let us know more about you than just sending your resume. Please ensure you include a cover letter addressing the selection criteria mentioned above and how you can meet these.

This position requires an IMMEDIATE START so please apply immediately as interviews will proceed without delay.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

More Information • • • •

Address: Mount Druitt, NSW. Salary Range: $70,000 – $100,000.

Total Years’ Experience: 0-5.

Working Status: The candidate must have the right to live and work in Australia.

How to Apply: • All applications will need to be submitted online through https:// apply.xpotalent.com.au/ • As a part of your application, you’ll be required to submit a recent photo of yourself, as well as a 1 minute submission video answering the following questions (don’t worry, iPhone videos are fine, but ensure that your back-ground is free from distraction, and you set yourself up in an appropriate environment for a filming) • Your name, age and suburb • Your favourite makeup trends • Your top source for makeup and beauty inspiration • Why you think you would make the perfect Beauty Advocate

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WINNER

CHAMPION

PARRAMATTA

FINALIST

AWARDS 2020

Parramatta Light Rail is under construction out the front of Vasco’s.

We are still OPEN for business as usual, and feeding not only our loyal customers, but the light rail workers too.

Check out their extensive CATERING MENU www.vascoscharcoalchicken.com/catering • Free Range Chicken • Halal Certified • Vascafe is open for breakfast and great coffee • Gourmet Burgers and Chips • Daily Fresh Salads

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