Western Sydney Express - August 2026

August 2026 | ISSUE 180

LOCAL TRADES AWARDS WINNERS

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WWW.ACCESSNEWS.COM.AU

INCLUDING WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS

SEEING SICK BABIES IN REAL TIME

AI TO DETECT DROWNING

ESTERN Sydney’s first state cultural institution, Powerhouse Parramatta, will open to the public on Saturday, November 27, on the banks of the Parramatta River. Promoted as the most significant cultural infrastructure project since the Sydney Opera House, the museum represents a $915M investment, including $75M in philanthropic funding, and covers the new Castle Hill collection storage facility. More inside.

POWERHOUSE PARRAMATTA Your guide to frailly friendly living.

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www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

AI offers drowning protection at pool

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IFEGUARDS at Liverpool Council, are getting an extra set of “eyes” on the water, with new artificial intelligence technology introduced at Whitlam Leisure Centre to help detect swimmers who may be in distress.

The Lynxight drowning detection system uses cameras and AI to monitor swimmers in real time, analysing movement patterns and alerting lifeguards when potentially dangerous behaviour is detected.

Introduced and funded by Belgravia Leisure in partnership with Liverpool City Council, the technology is designed to complement rather than replace trained lifeguards.

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the system provided another important layer of protection.

“This is about giving our lifeguards another set of eyes, not replacing the people who are watching the pool and are trained to respond when something goes wrong,” Mayor Mannoun said.

“Drowning can happen in seconds,

Rob Tomasums, Belgravia Leisure Area Manager NSW and Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun at Whitlam Leisure Centre.

so having technology that can alert our lifeguards to a potential problem gives them another tool when every second counts.”

When the system identifies unusual

swimmer behaviour, an alert is sent to lifeguards through a smartwatch, including a map showing the area of concern. Lifeguards then assess the situation and determine whether inter-

vention is required.

Mayor Mannoun said water safety was particularly important in Liverpool, where many residents come from countries where learning to swim may not traditionally be part of childhood.

Belgravia Leisure Area Manager NSW Rob Tomasums said the investment reinforced the organisation’s commitment to community safety.

“We are proud to have introduced this technology as it gives our team another layer of support,” he said.

The technology can be configured for pools of different shapes and dimensions, making it suitable for a range of aquatic facilities.

Liverpool City Council plans to extend the system to Michael Wenden Aquatic Leisure Centre, Holsworthy and the new aquatic centre planned for Carnes Hill.

The AI technology operates continuously in the background while lifeguards maintain their normal supervision of swimmers

Palliative care support changes welcomed

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GEING Australia and Palliative Care Australia have welcomed a Senate committee recommendation to remove funding and time limits from the Support at Home End-of-Life Pathway. The organisations say end-of-life care

should be based on a person's clinical needs rather than predictions about life expectancy, allowing more older Australians to remain at home with appropriate support. They argue the current system disadvantages people with dementia, frailty

and other progressive illnesses, while increasing hospital admissions. The sector will present a new clinically guided, needs-based model to the Senate inquiry into the Support at Home program later this month.

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CONTENTS

News Newsbytes Trades Success Champions Awards 2026 Trades Champions 2026 Winners Announced Travel Film Buy Sell A Business Tax Debt Matters www.accessnews.com.au

3 10 13 14 20 21 22 25 26 27

The Exporess readers to appreciate and engage with the physical, community, cultural and business environments of one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, Greater Western Sydney.

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Seeking names for airport city

ESTERN Sydney residents are being invited to help shape the identity of Bradfield City by suggesting names for the streets, parks and public places of Australia’s first new city in 100 years.

The NSW Government has launched a community naming initiative seeking ideas that reflect the people, history, culture and innovation that will define the emerging city, located alongside Western Sydney International Airport.

Suggested names are being sought across three themes: First Nations Connection to Country; Western Sydney’s diversity and achievements; and Australian innovation and excellence.

First Nations suggestions could recognise Aboriginal technologies, language or people that connect the history of the area with its future, while other names could celebrate Western Sydney’s multicultural heritage or Australian achievements in science, technology, engineering and innovation.

Among the first major places to be named will be Bradfield City’s two-hectare Central Park, located above the metro station in the heart of the new city. The community is being invited to propose First Nations names reflecting the park’s future role as a welcoming gathering place.

Other suggestions will be considered for inclusion in a name bank that can be used as new roads, parks and public spaces are developed.

Community pop-up sessions, school workshops and translated information will encourage participation from across Western Sydney, including First

Nations and multicultural communities.

Following consultation, submissions will be assessed against planning and Geographical Naming Board requirements before the name bank is finalised.

Bradfield City is planned to deliver 10,000 new homes and 20,000 jobs, with advanced manufacturing and other future-focused industries expected to drive economic growth across Western Sydney.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said future residents and workers should have an opportunity to shape the city’s identity.

“Whatever the inspiration, this is an opportunity for the community to make their mark on Australia’s first new city in 100 years,” Mr Scully said.

Submissions close Tuesday, September 29, 2026 and can be made through the NSW Government’s Have Your Say website.

Real estate agents hit with $200,000 in fines

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SW real estate agencies have been hit with more than $200,000 in fines after a statewide compliance operation by NSW Fair Trading's Strata and Property Taskforce targeted mismanagement of client trust funds. A Western Sydney agency lost its licence and was fined $22,000

for repeatedly failing to provide mandatory trust account audits, while another Sydney agency was fined $16,500 across two breaches. Overall, 34 businesses were put on notice, 41 overdue audits were submitted, 32 warnings issued, three industry bans imposed, and six mandatory training orders

handed down. Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said agents who fail to protect consumer funds "can expect strong enforcement action." The crackdown forms part of the government's $8.4 million taskforce investment and broader reforms to strata and property regulation.

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13,000 new homes for Westmead

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HE NSW Labor Government has placed a state-led rezoning proposal for the Westmead South Precinct on public exhibition, outlining plans to unlock up to 13,000 new homes.

Backed by Cumberland City Council, the proposal nearly doubles the housing capacity previously identified in the council's 2024 masterplan, which had projected around 7,000 homes.

Situated near Parramatta CBD and Westmead Hospital, the precinct will be serviced by the future Westmead Metro Station, due to open in 2032, along with existing heavy rail, light rail and bus links.

The rezoning builds on the Westmead 2036 Place Strategy by concentrating the highest density of housing within a five-minute walk of the future station, taking advantage of the area's proximity to major health, education and employment hubs.

Under the proposal, building heights would range from two to 38

Artist impression of the new developpment.

storeys, with the tallest towers located closest to the Metro station.

Between three and five per cent of homes would be reserved as affordable housing in perpetuity.

The plan also includes up to three hectares of new public open space, including a plaza at the Oakes Centre

and a green link between Sydney Smith Park and the Mays Hill Precinct, as well as improved pedestrian and cycling connections along Hawkesbury Road.

Land would be secured for a future public primary school and community facilities, alongside new opportunities for shops, cafes and local businesses.

The proposal also strengthens heritage protections, retaining all existing heritage items and adding recognition for the Tooheys Palm Estate.

The government has separately begun work to secure the former Sacred Heart Catholic School site for a future public primary school, with timing dependent on population growth.

Deputy Premier Prue Car said the plan reflected a commitment to pairing new housing with essential infrastructure such as schools, transport and open space.

Member for Granville Julia Finn and Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed both welcomed the plan, citing its balance of housing growth, heritage protection and community infrastructure.

The proposal is on public exhibition until 5pm on 16 September 2026, with drop-in sessions scheduled for Wednesday, September 2 at the Westmead Scout Hall. Community feedback can be submitted via the NSW Planning Portal.

University land unlocked for 1,500 homes

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HE NSW Government plans to transform under-utilised Western Sydney University land at Werrington, unlocking up to 1,500 homes and more than 1,000 jobs. The proposal, submitted by WSU and Stockland, covers 99 hectares

and includes a new town centre, 18.4 hectares of open space, and 12.5 hectares of conservation land, alongside heritage-listed Frogmore House and a potential future school site. Deputy Premier Prue Car said housing must be matched

with local infrastructure, while Planning Minister Paul Scully said the plan delivers homes, jobs and open space near transport. The proposal is on exhibition until August 20 via the NSW Planning Portal.

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www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

Taskforce targets hotel shortage

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ESTERN Sydney's tourism industry has identified a critical shortage of hotel accommodation as one of the biggest challenges to capitalising on the region's unprecedented growth.

Industry leaders are calling for faster investment approvals and more accommodation ahead of the opening of Western Sydney International Airport.

The issue dominated discussions at the Destination Western Sydney Hotel Forum 2026, hosted by the Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce at Cabravale Club & Resort.

The event attracted representatives from most major hotels across Parramatta, Hawkesbury, Blacktown, Fairfield, Liverpool, The Hills, Penrith and Macarthur, alongside global hotel brands, developers and investors exploring future opportunities.

Opening the forum, Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce Chair Fazila Farhad said the region was entering a transformative period driven by major infrastructure investment and growing visitor demand.

"The airport is bringing more travellers to Western Sydney. We want them to spend, stay and experience our region," Ms Farhad said, stressing the need for

Western Sydney Tourism Taskforce Chair Fazila Farhad.

stronger collaboration between tourism, infrastructure and investment sectors.

Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones described Western Sydney as "one of Australia's fastest-growing visitor economies" and said the opening of Western Sydney International Airport would transform the region into a major international destination.

She said Western Sydney welcomed 28.6 million visitors in the past year and said the NSW Government's goal of growing the state's visitor economy from around $60B to $91B by 2035 would require a substantial increase in accommodation capacity.

Industry data presented by Colliers and the West-

ern Sydney Tourism Taskforce highlighted the scale of the challenge.

Western Sydney currently has about 8,700 hotel rooms, compared with around 26,000 in Sydney's CBD. While occupancy rates average between 75 and 77 per cent, only around 1,000 additional rooms are currently under construction.

A panel featuring senior executives from IHG, Accor, EVT Hotels and Holdmark agreed that stronger demand generation through major events, attractions and experiences was essential to encourage longer visitor stays and improve hotel performance.

Panelists also called for investment reforms, arguing the current $200M fast-track planning approval threshold should be reduced to between $50M and $100M to encourage more mid-scale hotel developments.

Ms Farhad said a combination of increased accommodation, streamlined approvals and more destination experiences would position Western Sydney to become one of Australia's premier tourism destinations.

"There is a clear gap in hotel supply, but also a clear opportunity. With the right collaboration and investment, Western Sydney can emerge as a vibrant, must-visit destination," she said.

Helping people with disability find work

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EOPLE with disability in Campbelltown have greater access to employment support following the opening of Breakthru’s new Employment Hub. Part of Royal Rehab Group, the hub is among 30 new centres opening across Australia’s

east coast under the Inclusive Employment Australia program. The Campbelltown hub will initially support 65 clients with personalised assistance to find meaningful, sustainable employment aligned with their skills and goals. Local client Brett Manton has

already secured work with Assetlink at Macarthur Square after more than a decade outside the workforce. Royal Rehab Group CEO Matthew Mackay said meaningful employment could foster independence, valuable skills and a strong sense of purpose.

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www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

POWERHOUSE PARRAMATTA OPENS NOVEMBER 7

Featuring lineup of over 3,000 objects

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ESTERN Sydney's first state cultural institution, Powerhouse Parramatta, will open to the public on Saturday, November 27 026, on the banks of the Parramatta River.

Promoted as the most significant cultural infrastructure project since the Sydney Opera House, the museum represents a $915M investment, including $75M in philanthropic funding, and covers the new Castle Hill collection storage facility.

Most exhibitions at the museum will be free, with the opening lineup showcasing more than 3,000 objects. Over 1,600 are drawn from the Powerhouse's own collection and the rest sourced internationally.

The first confirmed exhibition, Task Eternal, will feature the historic Qantas Avro 504k aircraft and trace humanity's pursuit of flight through design, innovation and technology.

Organisers have announced the second of five opening exhibitions: The Mall, which explores the history and cultural impact of the shopping centre — one of the most ubiquitous architectural forms in modern life.

The exhibition highlights Western Sydney's role in shaping global retail.

Blacktown was home to Australia's first large-scale, transport-integrated Westfield centre, which opened in 1959. From there, the Westfield model expanded internationally to the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Italy.

Spread across two

levels, The Mall will feature more than 560 objects from the Powerhouse Collection alongside over 280 loaned items, ephemera and community stories.

Highlights include the first-ever public presentation of architect Victor Gruen's archive, rare materials from Australian fashion and streetwear labels such as Mambo, Globe and Crumpler, and a reimagined 19th-century arcade featuring window displays created with brands including Breville, David Jones and R.M. Williams.

Other notable items include Steve Jobs' Levi's 501 jeans, prototypes of the Predator football boot worn by David Beckham, an Australian premiere film by South Korean artist Ayoung Kim, a reimagined version of Roselands' Raindrop Fountain, and a robotic ballet installation by Japanese artist yang02.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car linked the museum to broader regional growth alongside Metro West and the new Western Sydney Airport, saying it would inspire the region's future scientists, designers and engineers.

Arts Minister John Graham said the museum would connect Parramatta's centre to its riverfront while offering free access to most exhibitions.

Minister for Lands and

Property Steve Kamper described the project as a "crown jewel" for the region, expected to boost tourism and local jobs.

Local representatives also weighed in: Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts Julia Finn called the museum a reflection of Western Sydney's creative community, while Member for Parramatta Donna Davis reflected on the site's former life as Parramatta's "Parra Mall" food court, since replaced by the Metro.

Powerhouse CEO Lisa Havilah said the museum was designed to merge local knowledge with global perspectives, adding that its opening season would bring five major exhibitions and a broad public program to the region this November.

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WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

Atura Oran Park planned opening

IGHT Communications has been appointed to lead the strategic communications campaign for the opening of Atura Oran Park, the premium lifestyle hotel set to launch in early Q4 2026.

Located in one of Australia's fastest-growing regions, Atura Oran Park will become the closest hotel to Western Sydney International Airport and is expected to play a key role in South West Sydney's tourism and business growth.

The agency will oversee media relations, brand storytelling, influencer engagement, events, partnerships and community initiatives to build the hotel's profile before and after its opening.

Eight Communications Managing Director Angela Cowley said the hotel's distinctive design, dining experiences and strong community focus made it an exciting project, while General Manager Shannon Craig said Atura Oran Park would be a destination that connects visitors, businesses and the local community.

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The new Atura at Oran Park.

"We're delighted to be partnering with EVT and the Atura Oran Park team as they bring the Atura brand to Sydney’s South West," she said.

"Atura Oran Park is such a striking hotel, and you can see the Perich family’s vision in every detail, there’s truly nothing like it. The design is bold, the restaurants will be signature dining destinations in their own right, and

there is going to be a real connection to the local community, which gives us so much to talk about.

With the new Western Sydney International Airport opening nearby, it’s also arriving at such an exciting time for the region. We can’t wait to launch it and work with the fantastic team at EVT." General Manager at Atura Oran

Park, Shannon Craig said: "Atura Oran Park is being built for more than overnight stays. As the closest premium hotel to Western Sydney International Airport, we have an opportunity to create a destination that brings together visitors, businesses and the local community.

“With premium accommodation, signature dining and spaces designed to connect people, Atura will reflect the confidence and growth of one of Australia's most exciting regions. We look forward to sharing the stories, partnerships and experiences that will make Atura Oran Park a destination.”

Opening in early Q4 2026, Atura Oran Park will be South West Sydney's premium lifestyle destination, bringing together destination dining, distinctive design and genuine hospitality.

As the closest hotel to the new Western Sydney International Airport, it offers unrivalled connectivity and is set to evolve alongside one of Australia's fastest growing regions.

Pharmacists make case for prescribing

HE Pharmacy Guild of Australia says a review commissioned by the RACGP confirms pharmacist prescribing improves patients' access to healthcare. National Vice President Simon Blacker said earlier treatment helps reduce delays, frees

up GP appointments and eases pressure on hospitals.

Citing additional Australian and international research, the Guild said pharmacist prescribing is safe, effective and highly valued by patients, with strong adherence to clinical guidelines and high satisfaction

rates. The Guild is calling for a nationally consistent approach to pharmacist prescribing, arguing it would improve healthcare access regardless of where Australians live while maintaining rigorous clinical governance and patient safety standards.

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www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

Parents see sick babies in real time

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IVERPOOL Hospital has become the first public site in NSW to go live with the AngelEye camera system.

The system gives parents and carers of preterm and critically ill babies in its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) the ability to view their child in real time, even when they can't be at the hospital.

The technology, installed on 24 cots in the NICU, allows parents to access a live video feed of their baby 24 hours a day, with the care team also providing updates via text messages and photos.

Staff can send secure, one-way communication to families in more than 100 languages,a significant benefit for south western Sydney's culturally and linguistically diverse community.

The rollout is part of the $930M Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct redevelopment. The NICU itself opened in 2024 within the hospital's new Integrated Services Building, the centrepiece of the redevelopment's first stage.

It includes 10 single rooms and four negative pressure rooms to isolate immuno-compromised babies, along with expanded space for parental involvement and kangaroo care.

In June, the NSW Government

announced an additional $100M for the redevelopment, lifting total investment to $930M, with completion expected in 2028.

Construction is now underway on the second stage, which will add six

new NICU parent rooms and a new multi-storey Integrated Services Building featuring expanded cancer services, new inpatient units, and women's and children's ambulatory care.

Deputy Premier Prue Car said the technology would give Western Sydney families "greater peace of mind," while Health Minister Ryan Park said it offered a practical way to ease the emotional strain of separation during a critical period of a child's development.

Liverpool Hospital General Manager Scott McGrath said the hospital is proud to be first in NSW to adopt the system, calling innovation central to its care model. NICU Director Dr Nele Legge said the cameras support bonding and reduce parental stress, helping integrate families into the care team.

Alexandra McCormack, mother of NICU patient Rocky, said the system had made a real difference: "It has given us peace of mind when we cannot be with Rocky, because we can see him at any time via our devices."

Helping exporters taps into India economy

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HE NSW Government has launched the NSW India Business Literacy Program to help local exporters tap into India's booming economy, with a focus on agrifood and clean energy.

Two-way trade between NSW and India reached

$6.87B in 2024-25, backed by strong education and diaspora ties. The program launched with a hybrid event in Parramatta on August 13, with a sector-focused workshop planned for September. Delivered with Asialink Business, Austrade

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and others, Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said it would equip businesses to succeed in India long-term. Member for Parramatta Donna Davis welcomed Western Sydney's role in hosting the launch.

10 Newsbytes Call for medicinal cannabis control

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www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

The Odyssey a hit with film fans

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HRISTOPHER Nolan’s The Odyssey has delivered Australia’s biggest box office opening of 2026, grossing $13.4M and attracting more than 587,000 cinema-goers during its debut weekend. The film also achieved the highest-ever opening weekend for a non-franchise release in Australia and earned a 95% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. HOYTS CEO Damian Keogh said the blockbuster drove the cinema chain’s biggest weekend of the year, with premium formats proving especially popular.

Australian box office revenue is now up 17% in 2026, highlighting the continued recovery of the nation’s cinema industry. See The Odyssey review page 23.

EADING NSW health organisations have urged the State Government to tighten regulation of medicinal cannabis, warning that profit-driven telehealth clinics and “closed loop” prescribing models are compromising patient care. The RACGP, Pharmacy Guild, PSA and AMA say more than one million Australians now use medicinal cannabis, despite most products lacking TGA approval. The groups are calling for prescriptions to be managed by patients’ regular GPs and dispensed through community pharmacies, arguing reforms are needed to improve oversight, patient safety and continuity of care.

Platform for children’s dental health

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HEAD of Dental Health Week, children’s dentist Dr Bethany Fisher has launched Tooth Tales On Demand, the world’s first premium streaming platform dedicated to children’s oral health. Designed for preschools and early learning centres, particularly in regional and rural Australia, the platform delivers engaging oral health education through songs, stories and activities. Developed in partnership with Ordo, it aims to improve children’s brushing habits and address higher rates of tooth decay among country children. Early learning centres can register and enter the competition via Tooth Tales On Demand.

Firearm reforms have come into effect

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HASE two of the NSW Government’s firearms reforms has come into effect, introducing stricter licensing and eligibility requirements aimed at improving public

Christopher Nolan.

safety. Firearm licences will now be limited to two years, identity verification will be mandatory, and applicants must meet tougher permit-to-acquire conditions, including safe storage and enhanced security checks. The reforms are backed by a $42.8M investment in the NSW Firearms Registry to strengthen oversight and support implementation.

Smokers can quit faster with exercise

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EW research from Adelaide University has found that regular exercise can help smokers quit by reducing cravings, lowering cigarette consumption and improving quit rates. A review of 59 studies involving more than 9,000 participants found exercise increased the likelihood of quitting by up to 21%, while even a

single workout reduced cravings for up to 30 minutes. Researchers say exercise should complement proven quitting methods such as counselling and medication.

Public warning over Robot My Life

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SW Fair Trading has issued a public warning against Robot My Life, also trading as MoeBot and PoolBot, after receiving 102 consumer complaints since November 2025. Allegations include failing to supply goods, delayed refunds, misleading product claims and poor customer service. Complaints totalled more than $90,000, although affected consumers have since been compensated. Consumers with unresolved issues are encouraged to lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading.

IPART probe into eConveyancing fees

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PART has released draft recommendations proposing continued regulation of Property Exchange Australia (PEXA) eConveyancing fees, citing its 99% market share and limited competition. The review recommends reducing property transfer fees while keeping most other charges stable in real terms and introducing nationally consistent pricing. IPART is seeking public submissions until August 14, with a final report to the NSW Government expected in September.

Fresh Start program funds 400 positions

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HE NSW Government is expanding its Fresh Start program with funding for 400 additional apprentice, trainee and cadet positions in councils next year, bringing the total to 1,700 new roles over four years. The initiative, which fully funds wages and qualifications, aims to address workforce shortages, particularly in regional NSW, where 65% of recruits are based.

More than 1,100 people have already started council careers through the program.

Patient belief impacts recovery rates

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EW QUT research has found that a patient’s belief in their treatment can significantly influence health outcomes. The review identified five key factors shaping treatment belief: the patient, practitioner, their relationship, the treatment itself and the healthcare environment. Researchers say clear communication, trust and a positive clinical setting can strengthen confidence in treatment, improving outcomes without changing the medical intervention itself.

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TRADES SUCCESS The magazine for Australia’s trades achievers | Issue 1 2026 | www.accessnews.com.au

Building

better future sites

14 2026 Trades Champions Awards

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

Australia’s trades champions recognised

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HE Champions have been announced for the 2026 Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards, recognising outstanding achievement across a diverse range of trade industries.

Winners were presented with their Champion trophy and winner's certificate at a prestigious red-carpet gala held recently at Sydney's Sofitel Wentworth hotel.

Hosted by Scott Irwin, the event, widely regarded as the "Logies of Australia's trade sector", brought together trade professionals from across the country for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, innovation, and success in small business.

Now in its fourth year, the Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards honour the passion, dedi-

cation, and hard work of Australia's most outstanding trade businesses across metropolitan, regional, and rural communities.

In 2026, more than 587 trade small businesses spanning retail, services, and manufacturing were recognised, with Champions announced across a broad range of award categories.

Thew awards are well-deserved recognition and for setting the benchmark for excellence within Australia's thriving trade sector.

“To be recognised as a Champion among businesses from across the country is an outstanding achievement and highlights the hard work, determination and leadership” said Steve Loe, Awards Founder and Managing Director of Precedent Productions, which

Winners from this year.

manages the program.

“Tradies form the backbone of Australia’s small business economy. With long hours, tough labour, and the pressures of ownership, it’s vital we acknowledge the businesses that perform at the highest standard.”

The 2026 Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards are proudly sponsored by Westpac, Lifestyle Tradie, NOVA Employment, Xcllusive Business Sales, Buy4Tradies, TradieSpec, VJB Group, Castaway Forecasting, Big Clean and MyHR. Community Broadcast Network (publisher of this title) is a regional media supporter for the awards.

For the full list of winners and more information, visit: www.championawards.com.au/trades

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CUSTOM DESIGNS Tailored outdoor solutions built around your lifestyle and space.

PREMIUM QUALITY High-end materials and expert craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

END-TO-END SERVICE From concept and design to ƬȒȇɀɎȸɖƬɎǣȒȇ ƏȇƳ ˡȇǣɀǝǣȇǕ touches — we handle it all.

Let Mr & Ms Group be the missing piece that completes your outdoor space — from concept to completion, we transform Sydney homes with premium decks, outdoor entertainment areas, and stunning landscaped gardens.

LICENSED & INSURED

Phone: Anthony | Director & Head Landscaper 0411 747 050

EXPERIENCED & RELIABLE

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

info@mrandmsgroup.com.au

AUSTRALIAN TRADES SMALL BUSINESS

CHAMPION

AWARDS 2026

WINNER

ROGERIO COSMO Winner 2026 Small - Hairdressers

Services Provided: ‫ ۥ‬CURLY HAIR SPECIALIST

‫ ۥ‬BLONDES & BALAYAGE

‫ ۥ‬HAIR TREATMENTS & HAIRCUTS

‫ ۥ‬HAIR EXTENSIONS

2-14 Kings Cross Road, Level 7 Suite 7.10,

@rogerio.cosmo

Potts Point, City of Sydney, NSW, 2011

rogerio.cosmo@outlook.com

0405 341 139

2026 Trades Success 19

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

End of lease cleans · Sales cleans Organisation · Home styling Office cleaning · Lawn mowing Residential cleaning

0422 703 172

office@cleanorganised.com.au

AUSTRALIAN TRADES MALL BUSINESS

CHAMPION

AWARDS 2026

WINNER

CA

L BUS I N

S ES

LO

www.tiktok.com/@clean_organised

Clean & Organised clean_organised_

2026

AUSTRALIAN TRADES SMALL BUSINESS

CHAMPION AWARDS2026

AW

ARDS

FINALIST CENTRAL COAST

Chittaway Bay Shopping Centre | Chittaway Centre, Shop 6, | 100 Chittaway Rd, | Chittaway Bay NSW 2261 | (02) 4388 3635

20 2026 Trades Champions

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www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

Premium outdoor living spaces

R & Ms Group is an award-winning, Sydney-based structural landscaping and construction company specialising in premium outdoor living spaces.

Through exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design and a truly bespoke approach, they deliver a unique, end-toend service unmatched in the industry, adding the missing piece to every home by creating exceptional outdoor living spaces that reflect the individuality, lifestyle and vision of every client.

Licensed and insured, the business combines technical expertise with

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OGERIO Cosmo Hair Studio’s journey captures a history rooted in uniqueness, empathy, human connection, community, and, most importantly, exceptional customer service.

Rogerio has built a reputation as one of Sydney's leading hairstylists.

Rogerio moved from Brazil to Sydney, Australia, in 2015, looking to expand his horizons and opportunities, with an unwavering passion for hair.

Being an immigrant, the beginning brought some challenges, forcing him to take on multiple jobs for survival in

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creative craftsmanship to transform residential properties into functional, elegant environments that enhance both lifestyle and property value.

With more than a decade of experience in the construction industry, Mr & Ms Group has built a reputation for quality, precision, and exceptional customer service.

Founded by husband and wife team Anthony and Laura, Mr & Ms Group combines expertise in structural landscaping, civil engineering, building construction, carpentry and project management.

mark for premium structural landscaping and a unique service across.

Visit: www.mrandmsgroup.com.au

A suitcase and a dream a completely different country, while juggling his studies to improve his English.

Rogerio started to build a loyal clientele in 2016, starting in his room.

His knowledge and skills quickly gained the attention of more customers.

Shortly after, his determination and dedication secured him his first full-time job in Sydney as a hairstylist, which allowed him to develop further skills and gain a deeper understanding of hair, while combining them with his pre-existing Brazilian techniques and

expertise.

Throughout the years of growth, Rogerio decided to venture into opening his very own hair studio, which launched in 2023. The idea originated from wanting to provide his customers with a luxurious experience, combined with a deeper focus on problem-solving and outstanding results.

At Rogerio Cosmo Hair Studio, hair is viewed as sacred, and quality is valued over quantity. In practical terms, this translates into expert cutting, colour transformations, personalised

styling techniques, and professional advice tailored to each individual, supported by ongoing training in modern techniques, hair care, and scalp health.

Rogerio Cosmo Hair Studio is a testament to hard work, a strong work ethic, resilience, determination, and the support of customers who are the beating heart of the business. Without them, this vision would not have manifested into existence.

Visit: www.instagram.com/rogerio.cosmo

Creating calm from chaos

OR many busy families, professionals and people preparing for a move, clutter can quickly become overwhelming.

That's where Clean Organised steps in, helping transform homes into functional, stress-free spaces that are easier to live in and maintain.

Specialising in professional home decluttering and organisation, Clean Organised works closely with clients to create personalised storage systems that suit their lifestyle rather than offering one-size-fits-all

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Mr & Ms Group offers a comprehensive range of services, including decking, pergolas, paving, retaining walls, pool surrounds, outdoor kitchens, fencing, stonework, water features, landscape design, softscaping, irrigation systems, and custom recreational spaces.

Every project is tailored to the client's vision, seamlessly integrating hardscaping and landscaping to create cohesive outdoor environments.

Renowned for its award-winning workmanship, transparent communication, and commitment to excellence, Mr & Ms Group continues to set the bench-

solutions.

From overflowing wardrobes and chaotic pantries to home offices, children's rooms and entire homes, every project is designed to reduce stress and make everyday living simpler.

The business also provides move-in and unpacking services, helping families settle into a new home quickly by unpacking, organising belongings and creating practical systems from day one.

Rather than simply tidying a space, the focus is on

developing long-lasting organisation habits that save time and make homes easier to manage.

Founded by professional organiser Jess, Clean Organised was created from a passion for helping people enjoy calmer, more organised homes.

As a busy mum herself, she understands the daily pressures families face and works alongside clients to create spaces that are both practical and enjoyable.

Visit: www.cleanorganised.com.au

Mindful team of cleaners

LEANING is never just about cleaning. It is the feeling of walking into a calm home after a long day. It is opening the office on Monday and knowing everything is ready. It is getting your weekend back.

That feeling is why Erica Marin and Michael Bayly created Mindful Team Cleaners. As parents of four, they understand how quickly life fills up and how much a beautifully maintained space can change the way a family lives, works and feels.

They also believed cleaning deserved to be seen

differently, not as an informal task, but as a skilled profession built on trust, training, care and pride.

Today, their award winning team provides premium cleaning services across Sydney, helping raise the standard of the industry while elevating the spaces entrusted to them.

From homes, offices and commercial properties to strata, real estate, Airbnb and post construction cleaning, every service is shaped around the client needs.

Regular maintenance, deep cleaning, windows, Steam clean carpets and end of lease cleans are all de-

livered with the same thoughtful attention to detail.

And yes, when moving day arrives, they know how serious those three little words can be bond money back.

Mindful Team Cleaners believes delegation is not a luxury. Time is one thing no one can create more of, and every hour spent cleaning is an hour taken from family, rest, business or the life waiting outside the front door.

Visit: www.mindfulteamcleaners.com

How to feel your absolute best

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NDULGE Hair & Beauty is an award-winning hair and beauty salon dedicated to helping clients look and feel their absolute best through exceptional service, personalised care, and the latest industry techniques.

Located at Chittaway Bay on the NSW Central Coast, the salon has built a loyal client base by delivering high-quality hairdressing and beauty services in a welcoming, professional,

and relaxing environment.

Its commitment to excellence has been recognised through multiple Australian Business Award finalist achievements and a Business Award win.

The experienced team specialises in precision cutting, creative colouring, balayage, foiling, blondes, styling, keratin smoothing treatments, and hair extensions, alongside a compre-

hensive range of beauty services including waxing, tinting, lash and brow treatments, and professional makeup.

Every appointment is tailored to the client's individual style, lifestyle, and hair goals, ensuring consistently outstanding results.

Built on a foundation of creativity, professionalism, and genuine customer care, Indulge Hair & Beauty prides itself on creating a positive salon

experience where every client feels valued and confident.

By combining premium products, ongoing education, and a passion for delivering beautiful results, the salon continues to set a high standard within the Central Coast hair and beauty industry.

Visit: https://www.facebook.com/ indulgehairandbeauty/

2026 Trades Champions 21

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

Premium barbering, specialty coffee

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EARTS & Minds is an Australian lifestyle brand that brings together premium barbering, specialty coffee, creative expression, and community connection under one purpose-driven business.

Founded in 2016 by Danny, a former Australian veteran serving with the Royal Marine Commandos, and his wife Laura, an experienced hair industry professional, the business was created as a welcom-

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Visit: www.heartsandminds.com.au

industry, the company delivers a full suite of services including general pest control, termite inspections, termite barriers and preventative maintenance programs.

At the heart of OCG’s approach is a structured process that begins with a detailed inspection, followed by targeted treatment and long-term prevention strategies—ensuring not only the removal of pests but protection against future infestations.

The business is also focused on education, provid-

ing clients with clear explanations, documentation and advice to help them maintain pest-free environments. This customer-first mindset has contributed to strong local support.

Operating as a family-owned business with licensed and trained technicians, OCG Pest Control emphasises safety, professionalism and environmentally responsible treatments.

Visit: www.ocgpestcontrol.com.au

Building better future sites

ITH more than 30 years of industry experience, Complete Demolition has established itself as one of NSW's leading demolition and site preparation specialists, delivering safe, efficient and environmentally responsible solutions for residential, commercial and industrial clients.

Based at Tuggerah, the company services the Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter Valley and surrounding regions.

Complete Demolition offers a comprehensive range of services including unrestricted demolition,

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as important as quality services and products.

Community impact is central to the Hearts & Minds mission. The business supports veterans by donating a portion of every product sale to the Mates for Mates charity and regularly hosts mental health awareness events that encourage open conversations and strengthen local community connections.

Keeping West homes pest-free

SOUTH West Sydney pest control provider is building a strong reputation for reliability and results, helping homeowners and businesses tackle everything from termites to rodents with confidence.

Based in Campbelltown, OCG Pest Control has become a trusted name across the Liverpool and surrounding regions, offering tailored pest management solutions designed to protect properties year-round.

With more than a decade of experience in the

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ing space where people can connect, relax, and feel supported without judgement.

Operating barber shops in Toukley and Tuggerah, NSW, Hearts & Minds has expanded beyond grooming to include a specialty coffee bar, a creative studio, and its own range of men's streetwear and grooming products.

The brand is built on the belief that authentic relationships and meaningful conversations are just

excavation, earthmoving, asbestos removal, tree removal, arborist services and contaminated site remediation.

By providing a complete end-to-end solution, clients benefit from a streamlined process managed by an experienced team committed to safety, compliance and quality workmanship.

A strong focus on sustainability also sets the business apart. Materials recovered during demolition are recycled wherever possible, with timber repurposed into mulch and firewood, while bricks, concrete

and other building materials are salvaged for reuse through the company's recycling depot.

This approach helps minimise waste while supporting more environmentally responsible construction practices.

Complete Demolition combines modern equipment, experienced operators and a commitment to customer service to deliver projects safely, efficiently and on schedule.

Visit: www.completedemolition.com.au

Quality craftsmanship the heart of the home

OR homeowners looking to transform the heart of their home, Jacaranda Kitchens combines personalised design, quality craftsmanship and experienced project management to create kitchens built around the way people live.

Based in Clontarf and servicing Brisbane, Jacaranda Kitchens specialises in new kitchens and renovations, working with clients to turn outdated or impractical spaces into stylish, functional environments.

Its team includes experienced kitchen designers, cabinetmakers, shopfitters and tradespeople who collaborate with customers from initial concept through to installation.

A key strength of the business is its comprehensive approach. Rather than leaving homeowners to coordinate multiple trades and suppliers, Jacaranda Kitchens can manage the renovation process, including scheduling trades, overseeing timelines and maintaining quality standards.

The company says this approach helps make what can be a complex renovation simpler and less stressful.

Customers can also access custom cabinetry and benchtop solutions for kitchens, laundries, bathrooms and storage areas, with DIY and trade options available. Custom cabinetry can be supplied pre-assembled or as flat packs using Australian-sourced materials.

With more than 25 years of industry experience, Jacaranda Kitchens places an emphasis on attention to detail, functionality and creating spaces that complement each customer's lifestyle.

Its cabinetry workmanship is backed by a 10-year

warranty, with additional manufacturer warranties applying to selected components.

Visit: www.jacarandakitchens.com.au

Travel

August | ISSUE 180 | www.accessnews.com.au | Edited by Emma Wilson | travelwellwithemma@gmail.com

Nesuto is Canberra's CBD Gem ROBERT KINKADE

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HEN you're travelling with a car full of luggage, the last thing you want to worry about is finding a secure parking spot or hauling bulky bags across a busy city street.

That's why pulling into the convenient, off-street parking at Nesuto Canberra Apartment Hotel felt like an immediate win.

But as we quickly discovered during our stay, this central Canberra hub offers far more than just practical convenience, it delivers a genuine sense of home.

Located in the heart of the Canberra CBD, Nesuto's location is hard to beat. If you enjoy a little retail therapy, Myer and David Jones are right next door, making it easy to browse the latest fashion or pick up those forgotten travel essentials.

Popular brands, supermarkets and cafés are all within walking distance, giving guests the flexibility to dine out or make use of the apartment's fully equipped kitchen.

The best local insights didn't come from a guidebook, but from the exceptionally friendly front desk staff. When we asked for dinner suggestions, they pointed us to a tucked-away ramen restaurant just across the plaza.

Steaming, rich and packed with flavour, it proved once again that the best travel experiences often come from local recommendations rather than online reviews.

The property strikes a wonderful balance between the independence of apartment living and the comforts of a hotel.

While the building isn't brand new, its generous layout comes with some unexpected advantages.

Chief among them is the shower pressure. In an era of eco-restricted, low-flow hotel showers, Nesuto's plumbing is a refreshing reminder that they simply don't build them like they used to.

After a full day exploring Canberra's museums, galleries, restaurants and attractions, a long, hot shower is a welcome luxury. Our apartment also featured a full kitchen, washing machine and dryer, making it an ideal choice for extended stays, family holidays or anyone who appreciates the convenience of home while travelling.

The real surprise, however, awaits on the rooftop. Nesuto has transformed the space into a lifestyle hub, complete with a lap pool, relaxing sauna and one of the city's more unexpected hotel amenities - a rooftop pickleball court.

The fast-growing sport has found a home here, with paddles and balls available for guests keen to have a hit while taking in views across the city.

Adjacent to the court is a cosy communal lounge with a television and a collection of books, providing a quiet place to unwind. It also highlights what makes the property unique.

Nesuto is a hybrid building where short-stay guests share common spaces with permanent residents, creating a warm,

lived-in atmosphere that feels more like a neighbourhood than a conventional hotel.

Whether you're visiting Canberra for a weekend escape, a cultural getaway, a family holiday or business, Nesuto Canberra Apartment Hotel delivers a winning combination of spacious accommodation, thoughtful amenities, a prime CBD location and genuinely welcoming service, proving that the best places to stay are often the ones that make you feel right at home.

Visit: www.nesuto.com/canberra

Travel 23

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

Easy choice for business conferences EMMA WILSON

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HETHER you're planning a corporate conference, product launch or executive retreat, PARKROYAL Darling Harbour offers flexible event spaces, modern accommodation and one of Sydney's most convenient locations.

This was my second stay at PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, and I enjoyed it more than my first. The first time I was racing in and out, but this visit I worked from the hotel, which gave me the chance to appreciate all the little details I'd missed before.

One of my favorite design features is the open atrium. I love hotels where you can look up through the centre and see all the levels. It gives the space a real sense of openness and energy.

This is a great spot to host a conference or business get together for so many reasons. The hotel's largest function room accommodates up to 180 guests

theatre style or 120 delegate style when set as a single undivided space.

Smaller meeting rooms seating 40 to 45 delegates are also available, with options featuring either natural daylight or filtered light to suit different event requirements. All audiovisual production and technical support is professionally managed on site by Encore.

Booking flexibility is another advantage. While larger conferences are best secured several months in advance, quieter periods may allow bookings with as little as a week's notice.

Beyond the meeting rooms, guests have access to a convenient business nook in the spacious hotel foyer, complete with a computer and printer, making it easy to stay connected while travelling.

It’s an easy couple of minutes walking over to the International Convention Centre too, if you are in the CBD for events over there and it’s easy to walk up to Town Hall train station and catch the train to the airport.

If you’re travelling with kids, families are well catered for too, with a fun Friday-Saturday treat cart in the lobby for kids, called ‘The Local Cart’, plus novelty items like a tepee tent, as part of the Little Explorers Package (for DISCOVERY members). And being right on Darling Harbour means family attractions are just a short stroll away, which makes it an easy choice.

Dining is a highlight. The buffet breakfast is expansive and fresh, with a dedicated

gluten-free station and an extensive Asian breakfast selection. For lunch or dinner, My recommendation is to book a Club Room or Suite when making your reservation because this automatically includes Club Lounge access, giving you privileges like daily breakfast, all-day refreshments, evening twilight drinks and canapés (5pm to 7pm).

The view is spectacular there and it’s very private and lovely. There are lots of little nooks for meetings and to work - if you can tear yourself away from the view Check it out here.

Visit: www.panpacific.com

Bringing Hunter Valley to Parramatta DAVE HAGAN

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HERE are wine dinners, and then there are nights that remind you hospitality’s really about the people, not just the food and wine on the table. PARKROYAL Parramatta’s recent team-up with Hunter Valley’s Gartelmann Wines was one of the good ones.

We walked in and the newly renovated foyer already had a buzz about it.

Nice interiors, good energy, everyone was handed a glass of sparkling as we arrived for the degustation.

We were greeted by Matt, who handed my wife a glass of Blanc de Blancs (she was pretty happy about that) and had us settle into that relaxed vibe straight away.

It turned out we were seated next to PARKROYAL Parramatta’s General Manager Hans and his wife, which ended up being one of the best parts of the night.

Hans has been with the hotel over 20 years, started at the bottom and worked his way all the way up to GM. You don’t see that kind of loyalty much anymore, and you could tell he still genuinely loves the place.

That attention to detail showed up again pretty quickly too. After finding out I can’t eat red meat, Hans personally swapped my main from the slowcooked beef short rib to a barramundi

with sautéed broccolini.

Nothing dramatic about the request, but it was sorted without any fuss, which is exactly how good hospitality should work.

The food was solid, no doubt, but the wines were really the main event.

Matt and Gartelmann’s Wine Ambassador James took us through each course, and they had a good balance-going - informative without turning into a lecture. Instead of drowning everyone in technical talk, they told the stories behind the wines, the vineyard, and what makes Gartelmann one of the more respected boutique producers in the Hunter.

For me, the standout was Del’s Picpoul. I’d heard the name before but never really tried it, and it ended up

being my favourite of the night. Bright, refreshing, heaps of citrus with a crisp mineral finish - properly easy drinking.

James mentioned Picpoul’s still pretty rare in Australia, so a lot of people haven’t come across it yet. One glass in and it’s obvious why Gartelmann’s backing it.

My wife was all about the last wine of the night - Gracie’s Ambrosia. Rich but not too sweet, nicely balanced, and a great way to wrap things up.

It’s always good going to a wine dinner where the wines actually get to be the stars. Rather than sticking to the usual suspects, Gartelmann pushed people to try something a bit different. Looking around the room, plenty of people walked away with a new favourite.

But honestly, what stuck with me most wasn’t even the wine. It was the genuine warmth from everyone Matt’s welcome, James’s storytelling, Hans making sure every guest was properly looked after. It didn’t feel like a function. Felt more like a group of people who just genuinely love good Australian wine, hanging out together.

I’ve been to a fair few food and wine nights over the years, and these are the ones that stick with you after the last glass is done.

PARKROYAL Parramatta and Gartelmann Wines nailed it - great hospitality, interesting wines, good conversation. And if Del’s Picpoul ends up on your table one day, don’t be surprised. It’s already found its way onto mine.

24 Travel

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

Must do when in New Zealand EMMA WILSON

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HIS newly renovated resort is an absolute delight to experience and a must-do next time you're in Queenstown.

From the moment we walked into its welcoming interior with warm tones and local art and reading touches, we were already planning our return.

The View Alone is Worth The Stay.

Reopened in November 2025, this resort will quietly blow you away, from the extraordinary floor to ceiling views to the heavily local leaning food and beverage menu.

In fact, the piece de resistance is walking into the restaurant, looking straight out the floor-to-ceiling glass windows straight down the Shotover River valley, through the mist beyond kanuka and beech forest to snow-capped mountains as far as the eye can see.

The view feels a little Scottish but is very New Zealand, in its own right. Rooms are clean and eye-popping in their simplicity, tastefully decorated with every thoughtful touch, from pillow menu to sleep mist, from touch button bathroom mirror to your very own verandah with easy but stylish chairs to sip tea and enjoy the view from.

Everything from the armchair and cushion selection to artwork and generous book selections available throughout the resort would have been a super fun interior design job.

This is a great destination to sit around and do absolutely nothing, just laze around the fireplaces or drink tea in the lounge nooks. It really is.

Elevations Bar and Restaurant is a genuine destination. Presently along with a French trained chef, the menu leans heavily into seasonal Central Otago produce, combining local ingredients with refined techniques, while remaining approachable.

Every bite was delicious.

Smoked mussels in choux with crispy whitebait, New Zealand beef tartare or curried sago and Agria croquettes.

Mt Cook salmon with mushroom and kūmara rosti, slowcooked beef cheek with burnt cauliflower purée as a main course.

The wine list reflects a strong

sense of place, highlighting acclaimed Central Otago Pinot Noirs from wineries such as Felton Road, Rippon, Misha's Vineyard and Burn Cottage and staff are knowledgeable and professional.

We particularly enjoyed the ‘Ridge Hour’, a complimentary drink and beautifully crafted bites served 5pm to 6pm in the Elevation restaurant. Despite the food and wine, we could not tear our eyes away from the view for a moment.

Breakfast gazing out to snow-dusted mountains is also a highlight. Sipping a hot coffee, nibbling French toast with berries, scrumptious corn fritters and fresh

orange juice you feel the mountain air really refresh your body and mind. It’s a place where any stress of travel really evaporates.

Don’t forget a visit to the Resort’s refurbed indoor pool area, it’s a real beauty as a European-inspired classical relaxation area with a slightly theatrical resort spa feel, there is plenty to look at.

We both felt we could easily pass a few days moving from warm pool to steam room and sauna to the movie room and indoor squash courts. But down at this pool level you can experience a facial or massage and really rejuvenate.

It’s the perfect stay post-trekking trip, as well as recovering from the stress of work and the busyness of life. Outside the private hot tub sessions overlooking the Shotover River are a unique touch and gets you that little bit closer to nature.

It’s easy to stay in the resort, but if you must, the local village of Arthur’s Point is worth exploring.

The General Store and Tavern are buzzing with visitors and Queenstown itself is a 10-minute drive away.

During winter, if you’re here to ski you can ski Coronet Peak, this is the closest resort and a bus departs across the road from the resort starting from 7.30am and for The Remarkables, buses depart from 9:45am with most services depart from the Frankton Golf Course bus stop.

For ski equipment hire, Snopro, comes to the hotel to fit everyone for their ski rentals. Simply select a date and you leave the equipment behind on your departure date, to be collected.

Check it out here: www.coronetridge.co.nz

Film 25

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

REVIEW - The Odyssey JACOB RICHARDSON

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PIC, enormous and beautiful, Nolan brings his penchant for big screen scale to one of the grandest journeys of legend.

After his act of deceit won the Trojan War, Odysseus (Matt Damon) takes his crew and sails for home.

But bad luck, bad omens and perhaps the will of the gods keep him at sea for years and years. At home, his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland) try to delay a stream of suitors who are seeking to take Odysseus’ place, all while slowly losing hope their King is still alive.

Odysseus struggles against the tides that try to keep him away, fighting demi-gods, monsters and men in an attempt to find his way back home.

The Odyssey is the sort of film that needs to be felt in a cinema, on the biggest screen possible.

The seats rattling with every clang of the sword into a shield, or music cue.

The towering cyclops filling every inch of the screen.

The endless expanse of water Odysseus must travel rendered in impeccable detail. And the quiet awe of a cinema fully aware it’s watching a modern master at work.

The film is anchored by a truly impeccable performance from Matt

Damon, who brings a level of deep engagement, nuance and emotionality that hasn’t been seen from him in some time.

He hits all of the emotional beats to make this a really compelling drama, outside of its scale.

He is ably matched by Hathaway, who is fantastic - particularly in a late scene with Tom Holland. Outside of that, Robert Pattinson is a creepy, infuriating standout in a villainous role.

But oftentimes, these performances can feel a little dwarfed by the sheer scale of the visuals. The epic scope of the beach sequences.

The gorgeous Greek landscapes and brutalist castle designs. And the visually stunning moment when Agammenon stands in the open gates of Troy.

Nolan really elevates some of the sequences out of the ordinary - the remarkable Hades scene feels like a very modern, but deeply affecting take on it - but it is often the on location scale of these real environments that lends such a sense of wonder to the whole thing.

And Nolan breaks the mould too on some of his previous work. His rendering of the iconic meeting with Circe (played to perfection by Samantha Morton) is body horror a la Cronenberg, and the cave with the Cyclops terrifying in its depiction of the beast.

That being said, the classic hallmark of a Nolan critique - the maligned balance between dialogue and SFX - rears its head once again, often obscuring language that can be hard to take in even

S AVE

on a basic level given its blend between modernity and obscurity.

But then again, that SFX is something that sticks with you long after you leave the cinema.

If anything otherwise could be said in this film’s opposition, it can only be in the comparison with Nolan’s other work.

Films like The Prestige, Interstellar, Inception, and Memento, all hold a part of our cultural psyche nowadays often because of that big ‘A-Ha’ moment.

They all had an epic beat that the film built up to, and paid off in one revelatory, ecstatic sense of big screen cinema.

The Odyssey doesn’t have that in quite so clear a way. In many respects, it’s a little closer to Oppenheimer in the way the main character slowly realises the horrors he’s undertaken.

But for a film this long and this epic, a clearer epic sense of finality and dialogue might have been welcome.

For all that, the film does end in its last 20 or so minutes by wrapping everything together. It might not do it quite as loudly as his oeuvre, but Nolan nevertheless cuts through the huge, expansive text of Homer to really get to the crux of what he is saying; the meaning of a sacrifice, and the horrifying cost of what Odysseus sacrificed to get back home.

The Odyssey is a journey you’ll be wanting to take more than once. 5 STARS.

*

WITH FAMILY SAVER SESSIONS Bring the whole family to the movies and SAVE! Cinebuzz members enjoy Family Saver pricing on select films before 5pm.

Buy now in cinema or online at eventcinemas.com.au

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

26 Buy / Sell A Business

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

Paperwork nobody warned you about far cheaper to sort out while nobody is waiting for you.

The new rules are not an obstacle to selling. They exist to keep criminal money out of legitimate transactions, and every credible broker in the country is now working to them. But they do reward the owner who has their house in order, and they cost the one who does not, in the currency that matters most in a sale, which is time.

AUSTRAC publishes plain-language guidance on why you may be asked for identity documents and what to expect.

It is worth ten minutes of any owner's time.

ZORAN SARABACA

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OMETHING changed on 1 July that most business owners have not noticed yet. They will notice it the moment they try to sell.

From that date, changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act mean business brokers in Australia have a legal obligation to verify the identity of buyers and vendors before providing services.

The AML/CTF Amendment Act 2024, widely known as Tranche 2, brought business brokers into the regulated fold alongside real estate agents, lawyers and accountants. It is not a change to how businesses are sold. It is a change to when the paperwork starts.

Most owners assume identity checks are a settlement formality, something the lawyers deal with at the end. They are not.

These obligations sit at the front of the process, before a broker can act for you. The first conversation now includes a request for documents, and until that is done, nothing else moves.

For most owners this is a minor inconvenience. Verify who you are, confirm the nature of the service, keep your details current. Twenty minutes of admin.

The one that stalls deals is ownership.

We are now required to identify

Zoran Sarabaca is director at Xcllusive Business Sales. Visit: www.xcllusive.com.au

who ultimately owns or controls the business involved in a transaction.

That sounds simple until you look at the paperwork. Family trusts where the deed has not been read in fifteen years. Companies with a share register that never caught up after a partner left in 2011.

A holding structure set up by an accountant who has since retired, which nobody has questioned since. None of this is unusual. A great many privately held Australian businesses have a version of it.

It only becomes a problem under time pressure. An owner who finds a

structural mess in the first week of a sale process has time to fix it.

An owner who finds it with a buyer waiting and a settlement date agreed has a very different problem.

Which brings us back to preparation. Every argument for getting your affairs in order two years before a sale just gained another item. Know your structure. Read your own trust deed.

Confirm your share register reflects reality. Make sure the people named on your documents are the people involved in your business.

None of it is difficult. All of it takes longer than you expect. And all of it is

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Tax Debt Matters 27

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS August 2026

Tax debt has Its own version of altitude sickness, and It's just as preventable MICHAEL MOON

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LTITUDE sickness isn't inevitable. Climbers who get it wrong go up too fast, without giving their body time to adjust.

Climbers who get it right ascend in stages, deliberately, building in time to acclimatise before they go higher. Same mountain. Completely different outcome. The difference isn't luck. It's pace and paying attention early.

Tax debt works the same way. It's not that carrying ATO debt is automatically dangerous. It's that most businesses climb into it without a plan, without checking in as conditions change, and without adjusting before the altitude becomes a problem.

That's the preventable part, and it's exactly where most of the damage happens.

Nobody sets out to get into trouble At the bottom, a bit of ATO debt feels completely normal. Cash flow's tight, you're not alone, the ATO isn't chasing hard, and there's always next quarter to sort it out.

That's fine, for a while, the same way the first stage of a climb is fine for almost everyone. The businesses that get into real trouble aren't the ones who started with debt.

They're the ones who kept climbing without checking whether their business could still handle the altitude it was at.

What the businesses that avoid trouble do differently Good climbers build deliberate checkpoints. They stop, assess how they're feeling, and adjust the plan

before pushing higher. That's the entire difference between a manageable ascent and a medical emergency.

The businesses that avoid tax debt trouble do the equivalent. They check the payment plan against current reality on a set schedule, not just when something breaks.

GIC is compounding daily right now at 11.43%, and it's no longer deductible, meaning the cost of standing

still gets heavier every quarter, whether you're paying attention to it or not.

A plan that fit six months ago might not fit today, and the businesses that catch that early are the ones that never end up needing a rescue.

The businesses that get caught out skip the checkpoints This is where it goes wrong, almost every time.

Not because the debt itself was unmanageable, but because nobody stopped to check in until the symptoms were already serious. A payment plan gets set up once and never revisited.

This quarter's BAS gets pushed to fund something more urgent. Nobody notices the altitude has changed until a supplier starts asking questions, or a Director Penalty Notice lands.

By the time those symptoms show up, you're no longer in prevention territory. You're in treatment territory, and treatment is harder, slower, and more expensive than prevention ever was.

The fix isn't complicated. It's just deliberate.

You don't need to avoid ATO debt entirely to stay clear of trouble. You need to treat it the way a good climber treats altitude: check in regularly, adjust before you're forced to, and don't assume that because it felt fine last quarter, it's still fine now.

If you're carrying ATO debt right now, that's your prompt to check where you actually sit, not because something's gone wrong, but because prevention only works if you do it before something does.

Michael Moon is Director at Tax Assure, Australia's leading tax debt negotiation firm. Initial consultations are obligation free.

Visit: www.taxassure.com.au

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