Western Sydney Express - December 2025

December 2025 | EDITION 172

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THE RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES OF WESTERN SYDNEY

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PENRITH BEACH THE HOT SPOT

INCLUDING WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS

GIVING PETS A FUR-EVER HOME

GOOD RETURN

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ETURN and Earn has celebrated eight years of rewarding NSW communities for recycling and making a positive impact. An astounding 14.7 billion drink containers have been returned for the 10c refund since the program started on December 1, 2017. The much-loved scheme is supported by 93 per cent of NSW adults and has a participation rate of 83 per cent. There are 88 Return and Earn outlets in Western Sydney. In just eight years, over $1.4 billion in container refunds have gone back into people’s pockets, helping with the cost of living, saving for a special goal or supporting charities and organisations.

More page 5.

Your guide to frailly friendly living.

2 NEWS

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Giving pets a FURR-EVER home

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EOPLE hoping to welcome a four-legged friend to the family this Christmas are encouraged to adopt from council pounds and shelters to give dogs and cats in need a loving furr-ever home.

Pets are part of the family in thousands of NSW households, with over 78,000 dogs and 37,000 cats registered across the state this year alone.

But for those animals that don’t have a home, adopting from a council pound or rehoming organisation rather than buying from a breeder or pet shop, gives them a second chance at life.

In the year ending 30 June 2025, 5,043 cats and 4,301 dogs were adopted from council pounds, up more than 10 per cent on the previous year.

Adopting takes pressure off animal rehoming organisations, many of which are run solely by volunteers who give their time to care for some of the most vulnerable animals in the state.

The NSW Government is providing a much-needed boost to animal rehoming organisations committing $6M in funding over the next four years to help

these organisations continue caring and rehoming animals across NSW. This funding complements further work the NSW Government is doing in this space including the first comprehensive review of the Companion Animals Act in more than 20 years. The Minns Labor Government

has also banned puppy framing in NSW, with tougher laws for dog breeders coming into effect on 1 December this year.

To adopt a pet contact your local council for information on council pounds, or visit an approved rehoming organisation.

Pet owners are also being reminded to ensure their dog and cats are microchipped and registered on the NSW Digital Pet Registry. Registration is free-of-charge for desexed cats and dogs adopted from pounds, animal shelters and approved rehoming organisations.

Animal Welfare League NSW Acting CEO Mark Seymour said the Animal Welfare League NSW supports the Minister’s call to adopt rather than shop this Christmas.

In 2024/25, Animal Welfare League NSW helped rehome more than 3,500 cats and dogs across New South Wales. Every one of those animals deserved a second chance, and thousands more across the state are still waiting for theirs.

Healthcare help this holiday season

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O you know where to go when your doctor is closed this holiday season?

As the festive season approaches, Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, is reminding residents across Western Sydney that the emergency department is not the

only option for non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries.

Each year, preventable accidents and minor health issues spike between Christmas and New Year, and many people are unaware of the alternative care available when their GP is closed.

Wentworth Healthcare CEO, Lizz Reay, said that the Federal

Government funds after hours services and Medicare Urgent Care Clinics through Primary Health Networks to help ease the pressure on emergency departments.

“If you need medical help after hours, on weekends, or during the holidays, visit www.doctorclosed.com.au to find out what

other local healthcare options are available. This site can also help you find GPs who offer after hours care, as well as your closest urgent care clinic or service,” Ms Reay said.

In an emergency, always call 000. For urgent mental health support call Lifeline which is available 24/7 on 13 11 14

READ THE DIGITAL EDITION

CONTENTS

News 2 Sport 9 Newsbytes 10 Business 11 Women in Small Business

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Digital Business

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Travel 21 Film 26 www.accessnews.com.au

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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December 2025 | EDITION 172 Published by the Community Broadcast Network.

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www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Penrith Beach opens for summer

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ESTERN Sydney can get ready to slip, slop, slap and swim with their newest swim spot Penrith Beach, otherwise known as Pondi, now open.

This year we’re delivering extended opening hours from 7am to 7pm in the peak of summer and more shade and amenities than ever thanks to a $5.2M investment from the NSW Labor Government.

Residents of Western Sydney won’t need to travel long distances or pay money to enjoy a beach experience as the mercury rises.

The beach will offer a great free day out, whether to enjoy a swim, play in the sand or get together with the family.

Residents and visitors will be able to take advantage of a much-needed place to cool down daily, until April 2026.

New on-site amenities include shaded seating areas and outdoor showers, on top of amenities previous beachgoers will recognise, including: • A hydration station.

• Ahange rooms and accessible toilets.

• Accessible parking and pathways to the beach, and an access mat extending into the water.

• More than 350 parking spaces.

Water safety remains a top priority with trained lifeguards from Surf Life Saving NSW patrolling the beach each day during opening hours and offering first aid services to visitors who need it.

Penrith Beach will again offer free water-safety programs, learn to swim and junior lifesavers workshops and water confidence education, as well as on–site wellbeing activations from Skin Check Champions.

Since it was opened by the NSW Government in December 2023 Penrith Beach has attracted more than 330,000 visitors.

Penrith Beach is part of the Government’s Places to Swim program, a

$16.7M funding commitment to provide high quality places to swim in areas that need it most.

Water quality is regularly tested, with results publicly available at waternsw.com.au and beachwatch.nsw.gov.au For more information, including hours of operation and programming, and to subscribe for regular updates, visit www.nsw.gov.au/ visiting-and-exploring-nsw/penrith-beach

Demerit point reward program stays

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AFE drivers and motorcyclists across NSW are set to receive an early Christmas present, with the NSW Government announcing the Demerit Point Reward Program will be made permanent.

The program removes one demerit point from unrestricted licence holders who stay offence-free for a 12-month period, offering a practical incentive that recognises safe behaviour over time.

Since the first trial began in 2023, more than 1.7 million licence holders have benefited from having at least one point removed.

This year alone, more than one million NSW licence holders are eligible to have a point wiped if they continue to do the right thing and remain offence-free.

Making the program permanent is a move that supports commonsense on NSW roads and recognises

motorists who choose safer, more responsible driving every day.

The announcement comes as NSW roads will see increased traffic during the Christmas and summer holiday period, reinforcing the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel.

The Government will introduce legislation to support the permanent Demerit Point Reward Program in early 2026, when Parliament resumes in February.

Once legislated, the permanent program will sit alongside the Government’s broader road safety agenda, which sees an investment of $2.8B over four years, with a focus on education, essential infrastructure upgrades, targeted enforcement, and rebuilding a stronger culture of safety and personal responsibility on our roads.

Premier Chris Minns.

Celebrating migrant women's success

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YDWEST Multicultural Services has proudly joined communities across Australia and the globe in celebrating International Migrants Day on December 18 – a day dedicated to recognising the invaluable contributions of migrants and the richness they bring to our society.

Migration has shaped Australia’s identity for generations. In Greater Western Sydney – one of the most culturally diverse regions

in the country – this diversity shines brightly where 88% of residents speak a language other than English, in some suburbs.

In the past year alone, SydWest delivered 11,424 sessions to 3,760 clients through Women and Family programs, creating safe and empowering spaces for women and children to flourish.

These programs include playgroups, women’s support groups, digital literacy training,

and initiatives that strengthen family relationships and children’s development.

“Belonging is at the heart of everything we do,” says Elfa Moraitakis, CEO of SydWest.

“Every program we deliver is about creating spaces where people feel valued and supported.

On International Migrants Day, we celebrate the resilience and achievements of migrant women and families who enrich our communities every day.”

SydWest CEO Elfa Moraitakis.

Govt sets up Bondi support pledge

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HE NSW Government is asking faith and community leaders from around the state to pledge their support to the Jewish community.

This is a call to action for our faith and community leaders; we need everyone to meet words with action. The NSW Government is currently undertaking a whole-of-gov-

ernment response to ensure our Jewish community are supported.

The statement reads: “In the wake of the unspeakable attack on our Jewish community at Bondi Beach, we come together across cultural, linguistic and religious differences to make a unified pledge: • We collectively mourn for vic-

tims and their families and pledge our support and solidarity for the Jewish community in NSW. • We pledge to stand up and stand united against antisemitism, racism and hate and to support all victims of racism, hate and religious intolerance.

• We pledge to protect and promote the rights and responsibilities

of all the people of NSW in a cohesive and multicultural society.

• We pledge to work in unity across cultural, linguistic and religious differences to uphold our democratic values and freedoms.

• We are stronger together.”

To sign the pledge, please visit: Support pledge - Bondi attack

NEWS 5

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Happy birthday Return and Earn

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ETURN and Earn is celebrating eight years of rewarding NSW communities for recycling and making a positive impact.

An astounding 14.7 billion drink containers have been returned for the 10c refund since the program started on December 1, 2017.

The much-loved scheme is supported by 93 per cent of NSW adults and has a participation rate of 83 per cent.

In just eight years, over $1.4B in container refunds have gone back into people’s pockets, helping with the cost of living, saving for a special goal or supporting charities and organisations.

Return and Earn’s birthday coincides with the scheme releasing the latest Local Government Area Network Volume Report, which shows the total volume of containers redeemed by the community through return points by local government area since the scheme launched.

Return and Earn is delivered in partnership between the NSW Government, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change

and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, said the network had grown to over 660 return points.

“NSW recyclers love Return and Earn and the variety of ways to return their containers, including depots for large vol-

umes of containers, hundreds of machines or over-the-counter options,” he said.

“As we celebrate this birthday, we’re moving into the busiest time of year for Return and Earn, with up to nine million containers expected to be returned daily.

“Recyclers can check the status of

their local return point on the Return and Earn app or website before heading out. People wanting to return large quantities quickly should try a Return and Earn depot.”

Danielle Smalley, CEO of scheme coordinator, Exchange for Change, said she believes Return and Earn is the best product stewardship scheme in the country.

“Return and Earn’s birthday is a great opportunity to look at the impact the scheme has made over the last eight years,’’ she said.

“Its convenience means recycling eligible drink containers is now part of everyday routines such as shopping, the school drop-off or driving home from work.

“Return and Earn is also supporting important causes, with over $82M raised for charities and community groups through donations and return point hosting fees.”

There are 88 Return and Earn outlets in Western Sydney. For more information visit www.returnandearn.org.au

Longer flu season disrupts hospitals

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HE effects of a prolonged influenza season continue to be felt across the NSW hospital system, but it’s not too late to protect yourself from illness. For the week

ending November 16, more than 370 people presented to emergency departments across the state with an influenza like illness. In the face of this unusually prolonged flu season,

ED wait times remain stable. Driven predominantly by influenza A, more than 3100 cases were notified in NSW for the week ending November 15. If an illness or injury is not

serious or life-threatening, such as a mild case of influenza, the community is encouraged to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for 24-hour advice.

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www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Securing Futures 2026

International Experts at two Events to Transform Employment for People with Disability

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INDING meaningful employment for people with disability continues to be one of the biggest challenges faced by families and communities in NSW. The Securing Futures - Advancing Employment for all People with Disability events aim to address this by focusing on customised employment and disability employment reform; giving attendees practical tools, confidence and motivation to create or support personalised employment opportunities for people with disability.

Dates: • Monday 9 February 2026, 9am to 4.30pm – Employment: Strategies in Practice • Tuesday 10 February 2026, 9am to 4.30pm – Shaping Employment Reform Location: PARKROYAL Parramatta, 30 Phillip Street, Parramatta NSW

Led by International Leaders in Customised Employment These events feature two highly respected professionals from Marc Gold & Associates (MG&A) in the United States, global leaders in Customised Employment, inclusive employment practice and successful reform initiatives: Therese Fimian, President, MG&A, and Randy Dicks, Senior Consultant & Lead Instructor, MG&A.

Therese Fimian.

Who Should Attend?

• People with disability seeking employment.

• Families and carers.

• Self advocates.

• Employment practitioners.

• NDIS professionals.

Randy Dicks.

• Support coordinators.

• Education Professionals.

• Policy makers interested in disability employment reform.

Why Attend?

Understand Customised Employment Learn what Customised Employment is, why it is effective, and how it benefits people with disability — especially people with significant disability.

Gain practical, actionable strategies: • Discovery techniques.

• Employer engagement strategies.

• Building personalised job roles.

• Supporting people through early employment stages.

• Strength-based approaches to job creation.

Hear real stories from NSW families Deepen your understanding of disability employment reform Connect with a community committed to inclusion

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www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Westmead metro station milestone

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HE largest formwork arch in the Southern Hemisphere has been manoeuvred into place inside the Westmead metro station cavern.

The latest construction milestone comes as the NSW Government reveals a budget review of metro projects has exposed funding blackholes and delivery bungles of the former Liberal-National government.

At Westmead, an 82-hour operation saw work crews jack and winched the temporary arch into position with millimetres to spare.

Once the structure was in place, the team completed a 1,941-tonne concrete pour to create the cavern’s 2.5-metre-thick walls.

It took almost 12 months of careful planning to get the 21-metre arch in place.

The Government is injecting an additional $2.4B into the Sydney Metro build, with a record investment of $60B delivering 25 new stations and three new lines.

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Building three metros at the same time, instead of consecutively, has placed additional pressure on costs, and makes projects compete with each other.

The additional investment is also necessary after construction cost escalations, scope changes, design changes and significant cost pressures.

As a result of the new budget base-

line, Metro West is now estimated to cost $27-$29B to complete to its 2032 timeframe.

The Metro Southwest conversion is now expected to cost $22$23B while Western Sydney Airport Metro faces legal claims from its private sector delivery partner Parklife which may increase total costs by more than $1 billion.

The protracted dispute may push out the timeline for the opening date.

The Government is committed to delivering three metros and 25 new stations – on top of the 21 stations delivered by the former government.

Sydney Metro is Australia's biggest public transport project, a program of more than $60 billion investment in new metro rail. These city-shaping Metro projects are vital infrastructure for Sydney but managing them responsibly within budgets and timeframes is essential to their viability.

What makes an e-bike safe

S e-bikes surge in popularity across NSW, particularly among teenagers, the NSW Government is introducing measures to improve safety and reduce risk for families. With around 600,000 households now owning an e-bike, and many more

expected to buy one this Christmas, parents are being urged to check that any new device is safe, compliant and appropriate for young riders.Parents buying an e-bike this Christmas are encouraged to look for: • A clear EN 15194 sticker or certification.

• A motor output of no more than 250 watts.

• A reputable brand with proper safety documentation.

• A model that has not been modified, “chipped,” or had its speed limiter removed.

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Sport 9

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Magpies looking to grow the nest JANAKAN SEEMAMPILLAI

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HE Ingleburn Magpies Junior AFL Club has a reputation for being one of the most welcoming and family friendly sporting clubs in the South Western Sydney region.

Boasting 140 juniors, of which one third are female, from the Auskick (U-4s) to Superkick (U-12s) the Magpies are ready to grow their nest at Memorial Oval. Their home venue recently received a $1.8M upgrade in, which includes a state-of-the-heart amenities building.

“We are extremely proud of our Club and what we have achieved over the years, we pride ourselves on providing a safe, friendly and welcoming environment for kids, our parents and families to come and enjoy a social environment as well as a footy environment,” said the Club’s Committee Registrar, Kylie Jarvis, when speaking to the GWS GIANTS website.

“Training nights and Sundays at Memorial Oval have a great community vibe, which is the most important thing.”

For the other U13’s to 15’s age groups, the Magpies formed a South West Sydney alliance with the Liverpool Eagles, Bankstown Bullsharks, Macarthur Bulldogs and South West Tigers. For U17’s age groups, the Magpies are also part of an alliance representative team called the South West Devils.

While proud to be a community club, the Magpies also provide a genu-

Ingleburn Magpies.

ine pathway for those who want to play footy at the elite level.

The Magpies have a close affiliation with the GWS GIANTS, whose highly regarded Academy provides the opportunity for those with special talents to take their game to the next level.

The likes of Cooper Pritchard, Michael Clarke, Kiera Eagles, Keisha Prasad, Emme Langdon, Sully Odwyer, Archie Houston, Jack Obrien, Hudson Prenter, Ethan Matthews, Brynley Ryan and Annabelle McHale to name just a few, are currently part of the GWS GIANTS U-15s to U-18s Academy.

Magpies President Shannon Prenter was proud of the strong relationship

the Magpies have with the GIANTS. “We are extremely proud of the kids who have decided to take their footy to another level. Many of them are GIANTS fans and it’s so nice to see them be able to pursue their dream by joining the GIANTS Academy,” said Prenter to the GWS GIANTS website.

“It’s important for kids in this part of the world to see there is a Club that represents them, and a Club they can play for at the AFL and AFLW levels that represents their community. The community they grow up in and a community they will always be connected too.

“Regardless of whether our kids play for the GIANTS, we love seeing

families from the Campbelltown region turning up at Engie Stadium to cheer on the GIANTS. “It’s important that kids see an AFL and AFLW club that represents them on a national stage.

“Along with the great support from the AFL and the GWS GIANTS and our many volunteers, male and female, we have been able to create a competitive, relevant, sustainable and successful program that has enabled opportunity and importantly a pathway through to senior football for the entire Western and South West Sydney region.”

A number of Magpies and South West Sydney players have also made their way to senior footy, playing for the South West Sydney Blues in the AFL NSW Premier Division competition.

The Magpies want to be part of a resurgence of Aussie Rules football in Western Sydney. In 2025, there were more than 14,000 participants in Western Sydney, with a 250% increase in Auskick (ages 4-6) and Superkick (ages 7-12) participants.

Kids receive a $100 Play Your Way vouchers which can be used to pay for registration fees.

As with all sporting clubs, the Magpies rely on volunteers to stay alive and provide the opportunity for kids to play footy.

The Magpies are seeking committee members and sponsorships for 2026, and anyone interested can email: aflingleburn@bigpond.com

New recruit shooting for the stars JANAKAN SEEMAMPILLAI

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HEN Yasmeen Janschek decided to put her budding netball career on hold to give her the maximum opportunity to become an AFLW star, it was always going to be a risk.

However, when Janschek was selected by the GWS GIANTS at pick 55 in the 2026 AFLW Draft on Monday night, it turned out to be quite an intelligent decision.

This is something that is to be expected though, after all Janschek is studying Astrophysics at Sydney University and is hoping to one day become an astronaut.

Janschek, who has an Iraqi background through her grandmother, has represented NSW in netball, and is also studying physics and maths, showing her academic prowess is on par with her sporting ability.

When speaking to the Netball Australia website earlier this year, Janschek spoke of childhood dream of being an astronaut.

“From a young age I always wanted to be an astronaut,” she told netball.com.au.

“I don't know if I'll actually go to space, but it would be cool.

“Australia isn’t up there as world-leading in the space race but there’s lots of opportunities that can come from studying different fields.”

While flying above packs to take a mark, isn’t quite the same as making it to outer space, it’s probably the next best thing for Janschek and the GIANTS, who have picked up a handy 184cm ruck.

The GIANTS Academy invested heavily in Janschek in 2025, and it has paid rich dividends, with the

Yasmeen Janschek in action.

Sydney sider averaging 33 hitouts per game. She also performed for the Allies against Vic Country.

It is an inspiring story, and Janschek admitted that she didn’t have to look far for a role model.

“My grandma on my Iraqi side of the family, we call her Bibi,” she explained.

“Bibi’s incredible and funny but has endured so much coming from Iraq.

“She's the happiest person, every time I see her, she makes me feel so happy.

“She very strong and fiery but we love her and she comes to watch all my games whether I’m playing netball or footy.”

Janschek will undoubtedly be a key recruit for the GIANTS in their 2026 AFLW campaign. Joining her at Olympic Park will be highly regarded duo Scarlett Johnson and Kiera Yerbury, who were taken at picks 2 and 3 respectively.

There is no doubt her and her new team-mates will be shooting for the stars come finals time.

10 Newsbytes

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Domestic violence safety expands

T Free kits for Clean-Up Australia

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LEAN Up Australia Day returns on March 1, 2026, with individuals, families, schools and community groups urged to register now. More than 23 million volunteers have participated since the event began, including over 800,000 in 2025.

Chair Pip Kiernan says litter—espe-

cially plastics, which made up 81% of rubbish collected in 2024 - remains a major environmental problem. Free Clean Up kits are available for volunteers, and early registrations enter a Coles voucher draw. Donations also support nationwide environmental action.

More safety for hospitality venues

Salvos warn of a worrying surge

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HE NSW Government is strengthening safety in NSW hospitality venues with tougher sanctions for venue owners, licensees and staff who fail to protect workers and patrons. New reforms expand grounds for suspending or cancelling liquor licences to include failing to prevent significant safety risks, including sexual assault.

The Responsible Service of Alcohol card can also be revoked for harmful behaviour, preventing offenders moving between venues. Updated mandatory training and revised intoxication rules aim to create safer, more accountable nightlife environments.

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HE Salvation Army warns of a surge in children and women experiencing homelessness, with over 5,000 children under 14 seeking support and Homelessness Australia reporting a 20% rise in women and girls needing help. Nearly half have faced family or domestic violence. Limited resources mean only 20% of people can access homelessness services. A Salvos survey shows severe housing stress, missed rent payments, instability and rising violence-driven displacement. The organisation delivers widespread national support.

HE NSW Government is strengthening safety for women and children by expanding the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service (IDFVS) to six new regional locations, giving more than 1,000 additional people access to whole-of-family case management.

Backed by $13.7M over four years, the program supports victim-survivors and connects people using violence with behaviour-change services. IDFVS assisted over 1,700 people last year, including 300 children. The expansion increases providers to 17 statewide and complements broader NSW domestic violence reforms.

Warning: loneliness affects health

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N World Mental Health Day, Relationships Australia NSW urges recognition of relationships as a core pillar of mental health. Loneliness affects one in six people globally and contributes to significant ill-health, yet social connection is often overlooked in a medically focused system. CEO Elisabeth Shaw says relationship distress is a major driver of mental health issues and calls for early intervention, stronger integration with mental health services, and greater investment in relational support to improve wellbeing.

Claim farming will be outlawed

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HE NSW Government has introduced new legislation to outlaw ‘claim farming’ in motor crashes, protecting injured people from coercive tactics used to pressure them into lodging compensation claims.

The Motor Accident Injuries Amendment (Claim Farming Practices Prohibition) Bill 2025 strengthens earlier reforms by adding two new offences to the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017, each carrying $55,000 penalties.

The changes ban unsolicited contact, safeguard vulnerable crash victims, and protect the integrity of the CTP Scheme.

Return and Earn and guide dogs

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SIX-MONTH Return and Earn campaign has raised more than $175,000 for Guide Dogs NSW/ ACT, funding the breeding, raising and training of three new guide dogs, each costing over $50,000. The donations—generated through 10c container refunds—will support people living with low vision or blindness, a growing group of more than 500,000 Australians. Return and Earn has become an important fundraising channel, raising over $82M for charities and community groups since 2017 through the NSW Government’s recycling initiative.

Money worries rate with youth

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ONASH University’s 2025 Australian Youth Barometer shows widespread financial insecurity among young Australians, with 85% affected in the past year and many feeling they’re missing out on a happy, healthy life.

Affordable housing, youth employment and climate action top their concerns. Most struggle to save, face unemployment or underemployment, and doubt they’ll ever buy a home.

Researchers say young people are losing confidence in government action and need immediate financial, mental health, housing support and structural reform.

Business 11

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Public servant to migrant champion

Personal story of Sellanes Clark TONY BOSWORTH

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ELLANES Clark, a Parramatta-based immigration law firm run by a tight-knit team of 14 immigration professionals is led by founder and CEO Carlos Sellanes.

He’s a man whose own journey as an immigrant - and long career inside Australia’s Department of Immigration - has shaped his mission - to help others navigate the country’s complex visa system with compassion and expertise.

Carlos’s vision for Sellanes Clark is deeply personal. “I had the idea of starting this company because I used to work for the Department of Immigration. I spent almost 25 years in the department at different levels and in different locations.”

But it’s not just his professional experience that fuels his dedication.

“Having also been an immigrant myself with my parents when we first arrived in Australia back in the early seventies, that also gave me the connection to migration and migrants. I understood them.”

Witnessing the system’s shortcomings firsthand when he came to work for Immigration led him to believe he could do things differently.

“I thought if I was in charge of the

The Sellanes Clark team with CEO Carlos second from left.

department, this is what I would do.”

And so, after departing the government service, Mr Sellanes became a registered migration agent and wasted no time launching his own firm. Within weeks he had reconnected with a former colleague, equally driven, who joined him in turning a shared vision into reality. “I started giving him work and after a while I said we might as well make a company and run it. So we did, and that is how Sellanes Clark came about.”

Today, Sellanes Clark specialises

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in a wide spectrum of immigration matters—everything from corporate employer-sponsored migration to family and skilled visas, complex waivers, character and health issues, and judicial reviews. Their approach is grounded in transparency, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to their clients’ wellbeing.

Though it’s not the biggest immigration agency, thanks to the depth of Carlos’s 22-year career at the Department of Immigration, followed by more than 20 years building Sellanes Clark

- it is one of the most experienced.

For Carlos, the work is more than business - it’s civic and ethical.

“I do it because I really like helping companies [with migration issues] and I believe in the migration program. I believe that Australia needs migration. If we were to stop migration, our country would actually slow down to a crawl. We could see that when Covid kicked in.

“There were a lot of issues then, a lot of businesses closed down because of that.”

His words reflect a conviction that migration is not a burden but a lifeline for the nation’s economy, and his team can make that lifeline more accessible and fair.

Carlos’s philosophy is echoed throughout Sellanes Clark. On their website, he states simply: “You start your journey as a client and leave as a friend.”

And for many migrants, newcomers, and employers in Australia, that kind of friendship - and professional guidance can make all the difference.

Sellanes Clark is at Suite 03, Level 2, 90 Phillip Street, Parramatta, and you can also call them on 1300 99 88 88, or get in contact via email at enquiries@sellanesclark.com.

Visit: sellanesclark.com

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14 NEWS

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Huge data centre at Marsden park

T

HE biggest data centre in the Southern Hemisphere has been given the green light by the NSW Government creating hundreds of jobs, supporting fast-growing demand for cloud storage and the booming digital economy.

The $3.1B data centre from proponent CDC data centres will join 90 that are already up and running in NSW and will provide reliable infrastructure for computing needs of the community, governments and businesses across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

The facility is at Marsden Park in

A

Sydney’s north-west approximately 36 kilometres from the centre of Sydney.

It will also provide a major boost to the Western Sydney’s economy generating 220 construction jobs and 265 operational jobs.

Despite its size the centre is also leading the way in green technology incorporating advanced sustainability and energy efficiency measures to reduce water and energy use.

Its power usage will be among the most efficient in the world for data centres as CDC Data Centres, plans to source energy from renewable energy

providers, with the aim to minimise greenhouse gas emissions from the development by up to 99 per cent by 2030.

The development will also target a Water Usage Effectiveness measure (WUE) of 0.01 through an air-based cooling system that includes chilled water, which is reused. That means for every 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy consumed by the facility it uses only 0.01 litres of water.

When assessing the proposal, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure made sure the appli-

cant carefully addressed issues such as operational noise, air quality and bulk and scale.

The proposal was approved in 12 months representing an efficient and timely assessment process for this critical modern-day infrastructure.

The Government is driving further major investments and innovations like this project through the Investment Delivery Authority (IDA), which was set up to accelerate approvals for major projects across all industries, including advanced technologies and energy.

What makes an e-bike safe

S e-bikes surge in popularity across NSW, particularly among teenagers, the NSW Government is introducing measures to improve safety and reduce risk for families. With around

600,000 households now owning an e-bike, and many more expected to buy one this Christmas, parents are being urged to check that any new device is safe, compliant and appropriate for young riders.

Parents buying an e-bike this Christmas are encouraged to look for: • A clear EN 15194 sticker or certification.

• A motor output of no more

than 250 watts.

• A reputable brand with proper safety documentation.

• A model that has not been modified, “chipped,” or had its speed limiter removed.

The North West’s trusted local news source.

Connect with us www.facebook.com/thenorthwestnews/

16 Women in Small Business

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Why December Is the most powerful month

It’s about honoring the year KYLIE KING

D

ECEMBER is here and with it comes with that overwhelming feeling to rush.

And that feeling of rushing comes from juggling end-of-year deadlines, last-minute orders, kid’s activities, Christmas chaos, and the mental load of wrapping up both business and home life. I t’s easy to buckle in and move through the month in survival mode with your eyes fixed on January like it’s the magic reset button.

But the truth is, December is one of the most powerful months of the year for women in business and not because of how much we get done, but because of what it invites us to notice.

December gives us perspective It’s the only month where we can look back at the full year and see the entire journey - the highs, the faceplants, the surprises and the growth we didn’t realise was happening. It’s the moment we finally exhale and say: “Wow… I really did all that.”

Inside the ALIBI community, I see this every year. Women who’ve pushed through, pivoted, rebuilt, reimagined, restarted, and risen and done this often

quietly and often without applause.

December shines a light on those moments we didn’t have time to celebrate when we were in the middle of them.

And that’s why December matters.

Because it isn’t just about finishing the year.

It’s about honouring it.

This is the month where women rediscover how strong they are.

Where they finally acknowledge the courage it took to keep going.

Where they reconnect with what they want and not what they were “supposed” to want.

Where they get honest about what they’re finished with and not carrying into the new year.

December holds a kind of magic that January can’t touch: It’s reflection without pressure. Clarity without the noise.

A moment to breathe before you begin again.

For so many ALIBI women, the biggest shifts don’t come in January.

They come right now. In the quiet moments between school holidays and Christmas lists, or in those late-night bursts of honesty where you admit what you really want next.

This is when new ideas start whispering. This is when old stories finally

Time to reflect.

loosen their grip. This is when you decide what stays and what goes.

And the best part?

There’s no rush.

December isn’t asking you to overhaul your entire life or hustle harder. It’s simply giving you space to see yourself clearly. For you to see your growth, your courage, your impact, your brilliance.

So before you close the year, take a moment for yourself.

Sit with your wins, both the big ones and the quiet ones.

Acknowledge the lessons that shaped you.

Celebrate the things you didn’t think you could do, but did anyway.

You don’t need a New Year’s resolution to decide who you’re becoming.

You just need awareness. And December is full of it.

• So to the women of ALIBI: the dreamers, the doers, the rebuilders, the resilient ones please remember this: • You are allowed to end the year with softness and pride.

You are allowed to enter the new year with clarity instead of pressure.

And you are allowed to begin the next chapter exactly as you are.

December isn’t the end. It’s the insight.

And it’s exactly what you need before you rise into the year ahead.

Kylie King is a hypnotherapist, business and mindset mentor, and the founder of the ALIBI Awards, a national business awards program that celebrates women doing business their way. She believes every chapter of your journey deserves to be honoured. especially the ones that required the most courage.

Visit: www.alibiawards.com.au

Digital Business 17

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Accountant’s tip for young Aussies

AI is your business opportunity

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USTRALIA’S largest accounting body, CPA Australia, is urging young Australians to seize the unprecedented opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) and turn their entrepreneurial ideas into reality.

CPA Australia’s Business Investment Lead, Gavan Ord, says that AI is transforming business models and lowering barriers to entry, making now the ideal time for young people to start or acquire a business.

“Encouraging more young Australians into business ownership isn’t just good for them, it’s vital for the economy,” he said.

“AI gives young entrepreneurs the ability to innovate and scale quickly, which will help revitalise Australia’s small business sector and strengthen our long-term economic vitality.”

CPA Australia is urging policymakers to promote entrepreneurship as a career path and provide targeted support for young business owners, including training in digital capability and improved access to finance and professional advice.

The call comes during Australia’s AI Week – a federal government initiative to help businesses understand the benefits of AI and how to integrate it into their operations.

Mr Ord says further government support is needed, but young people shouldn’t wait. If they have a business idea, they should use any available tools to help pursue it.

“Embracing AI will be key to boosting productivity and economic growth.

Young Aussies should be proactive, leveraging AI, professional advisers and mentors to follow their entrepreneurial and creative instinct,” said Mr Ord. “AI enables small businesses to automate processes, analyse data and innovate faster than ever before. For young Australians with ambition, AI

CPA Australia’s Business Invest-ment Lead, Gavan Ord.

provides the tools to help them compete locally, nationally and on a global stage.”

Mr Ord says young people are often presented with the potential negatives of AI, rather than seeing it as an opportunity.

“Rather than viewing AI solely through the lens of misuse and workforce anxiety, we should recognise it as launchpad for young entrepreneurs,” he said. “It empowers young people to turn ideas into ventures with unprecedented speed and minimal resources.

“From branding and market research to customer service and content creation, AI tools are making running a business more accessible than ever.

“It’s time to shift the narrative. Let’s show how AI can be a force for entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.”

CPA Australia’s Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey, which has captured insights from 50,000 small businesses across the region over 16 years, consistently shows that businesses owned by people aged under 40 are significantly more likely to grow, create jobs, adopt new technologies and innovate.

“Whether it’s starting a new business or acquiring an existing one, the evidence shows that younger people are more likely to adopt new technologies and inspire growth,” said Mr Ord. “In Australia, most small business owners are aged 50 and above, so it’s

crucial that we get more young people interested in business by promoting the many benefits of business ownership, such as being your own boss, improved work-life balance and pursuing a passion or personal interest.

“Young Aussies are well-placed to learn the basics of business very quickly – if they are making money from YouTube, Instagram or TikTok, they are effectively a sole trader, even if they hadn’t realised. They are picking up valuable business skills.

“Used correctly, AI gives young people the perfect opportunity to supercharge their business ideas, which in turn could create jobs and boost the national economy.”

Western Sydney

Feels the Heat During extreme heat events, it can be six degrees to 10 degrees hotter than the rest of the city. Heatwaves and bushfires are most common from October to April, so knowing how to prepare, stay cool, and act if someone becomes unwell is essential.

Stay Safe in Extreme Heat Heatwaves can affect everyone, but some people are more at risk: expectant mums, young children, older adults, people with chronic conditions, and outdoor workers.

What to do: 9 Drink plenty of water 9 Avoid strenuous activity in peak heat 9 Take breaks in cool, shaded areas 9 Monitor weather and stay indoors if needed 9 Check in on vulnerable people Plan ahead and stay informed—preparation is key to staying healthy during severe heat.

Caught in Extreme Heat?

Rest in a cool, shaded spot

Remove extra or tight clothes

Cool down with a shower or by soaking hands and feet in cold water

Watch for to warning Symptoms look outsigns: for • Excessive sweating 9 Heavy sweating • Thirstiness 9 Intense thirst • Headache or dizziness 9 Headache or dizziness

Moisten skin and use a fan

Sip water often

Western Sydney Cool Centres There are several cool centres across Western Sydney where you can seek refuge from the heat. These centres are for people who are unable to keep cool at home and include swimming centres, libraries and community hubs.

Learn more about the Cool Centre locations here

Healthy Western Sydney is delivered by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.

Being Prepared for Bushfire Season With warmer weather conditions comes increased bushfire risk. Being prepared for a bushfire is not only about preparing your home or property, but also your physical, emotional, and mental health. Health concerns during a bushfire include smoke irritation, asthma, burns, heat-related illness and other heart and lung conditions.

For more information on how to prepare and stay well, please visit the NSW Health bushfires and bushfire smoke page

Contact your GP or visit a local Urgent Care Service centre if you experience: 9 High body temperature (above 40 °C) 9 Nausea 9 Confusion and fainting 9 Call 000 in an emergency 9 Call the Urgent Care Line on 1800 371 372

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Travel with Emma Wilson | travelwellwithemma@gmail.com 21

Where luxury meets purpose

Sleep next to a lion in 5-star

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MAGINE waking from one of the best sleeps of your life to the deep roar of a lion.

In most hotels you might think you are still dreaming, but at Jamala Wildlife Lodge this is simply part of the experience.

Jamala offers guests luxurious accommodation paired with an encounter with wildlife that is unlike anything else in Australia.

Set within the grounds of the National Zoo and Aquarium, in the centre of Canberra, the lodge features a range of safari style suites and bungalows designed to suit the needs of every kind of traveller.

Your stay begins with a high tea in the grand uShaka Lodge, served beside the 200,000 litre shark tank and a lively family of colobus monkeys.

Afterward, a zoo guide leads an exclusive behind the scenes tour where guests meet some of the remarkable animals in the zoo’s care.

Guests may find themselves up close with a rhino or interacting with one of the other animal residents.

The tour highlights the work of the National Zoo and Aquarium and shows how each stay contributes to the wellbeing of both the resident animals and their species in the wild.

After the tour, guests are escorted to their suites where their neighbours may include a majestic tiger, a stunning sun bear or a chattering meerkat.

Those staying in the Giraffe Treehouses are even treated to the unforgettable experience of hand-feeding giraffes from their private balcony with the help of an

education guide!

Each suite and bungalow is adorned with original African art and d?cor, creating an atmosphere that feels worlds away from Australia’s capital city.

The interiors rival the finest safari lodges, yet offer the warmth and intimacy of a proudly family-owned retreat.

Guests are invited to unwind in deep soaking baths, sink into luxurious bedding and relax on private terraces, all while knowing that some of the planet’s most extraordinary animals are just steps from their door.

As evening arrives, the experience continues with drinks on the terrace before a four-course dinner in the striking Rainforest Cave.

Dining beside white lions and hyenas while enjoying fine wines and Moet champagne gives the impression of eating in a secluded oasis rather than in the nation’s capital.

When you sample Jamala’s incredible tasting plate entree, you will experience why they have won some of Canberra’s most prestigious restaurant awards.

In Canberra, Jamala Wildlife Lodge stands as a beacon of what travel can be when luxury meets purpose. It is more than a stay.

It is a story, an adventure and a call to protect the extraordinary creatures with whom we share our planet.

Visit: www.jamalawildlifelodge.com.au

22 Travel with Emma Wilson | travelwellwithemma@gmail.com

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Summer in Queensland’s Hinterland…

Much more than Gorgeous Beaches EMMA WILSON | GROUP TRAVEL EDITOR

T

HE Queensland Hinterland behind the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane is a treasure trove of summer experiences and discoveries. From rainforest retreats to waterfalls, bushwalks and watering holes.

Pubs with expansive valley vistas, local produce markets and excellent shopping. This ancient volcanic land is an easy domestic trip for Sydneysiders.

The area is known for lush, rolling hills due to rich and fertile volcanic soil, subtropical rainforests, and charming towns.

Make sure you base yourself at Spicers Tamarind Retreat and make your trip as restful or adventurous as you like.

The Stay Spicers Tamarind Retreat is a wellknown boutique getaway in Maleny surrounded by rainforest. It’s a wonderful destination in itself, no need to go anywhere, if you prefer to swim in the pool, eat, sleep, read, watch tv or enjoy drinks on your balcony.

If you’re bringing kids, they can happily play on lovely lawn areas, while the parents keep an eye nearby or pass a happy day back and forth down to the swimming holes, a short walk away.

The accommodation configuration is self-contrained villas set in the rainforest, each villa is separated so you can have a bath in the bathtub and open all the doors and feel ‘at one with nature’.

Foodie Culture You’re in for a treat if you love your food. Enjoy gourmet food with a big

Asian focus and local beverages in the restaurant and bar, The Tamarind. With modern Asian dining celebrating bold and balanced flavours with authentic Thai cooking techniques the range of food experiences in their lovely indoor/ outdoor restaurant are amazing.

One such experience,‘The Tamarind Experience, described as ‘A journey through bold Asian flavours, served banquet-style to share’ in 4 distinct courses consists of the first coursecoconut and galangal soup of macadamia, smoked fish and caramelised pork, roasted chilli jam, peanuts and fruit.

The main course includes sticky pork belly, roasted Mooloolaba prawns and steamed chicken dumplings. Third course, if you have room for more deliciousness is Chu Chee curry of slow cooked brisket, stir-fried fish and dessert is Pandan coconut parfait.

Choose wine pairing or mix and mingle pairing with your meal, the staff are knowledgeable and can create Coconut Margaritas or a lovely Thai Basil Gin Smash instead

of a thoughtfully constructed beer and wine list.

Other foodie experiences are delightful in their simplicity, such as Oyster Hour on the restaurant balcony, with Smoked Soy and Yuzu, Prik Nam Pla or Natural oysters paired with champagne, lager or gin martini.

Don’t miss Mojito and Gelato Hour out by the pool or a low-key picnic on the grass or down at nearby Gardners Falls. If you want to level up your on-site experiences, join a horticultural tour of the property or join an Italian or French or Festive cooking class run on Saturdays at the cooking school established here but you will need to book ahead as they do fill up.

Hinterland Highlights The region is in Jinibara Country, who lived here for 1000s of years pre-European settlement. Up in the mountains the temperature can be 4 degrees cooler than down below, a welcome respite in the summer months.

A meandering drive along the Hinterland roads, takes you along ridges with dramatic views over east-facing escarpments or west facing farmlands.

Stop at little villages and enjoy local honey, handicrafts, coffees or lunch.

The Hinterland has a rich agricultural past, once known for pineapple plantations and other farming pursuits Continued on page 23

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Travel with Emma Wilson | travelwellwithemma@gmail.com 23

Continued from page 22 and that heritage is evident today in incredible fresh local produce in farmers markets and local restaurants.

Locals take pride in supporting local woven into menus, making the food scene here something special. Try the limes, avocado and pineapples, they pop in your mouth with freshness.

Spicers Tamarind Retreat sources local produce where possible and offers local beers, such as Brouhaha and sources water from an underground local water source.

Local Towns Maleny, perched on the Blackall Range is a standout, it’s a little like Byron Bay, Noosa or Bowral in natural beauty and local shopping but unique in its Queensland-ness and has an artisanal vibe. In Maleney’s vibrant main street you can find Rosetta Books, a hugely substantial spot to lose yourself in for an hour, wonderful caf?s, some of note are located in tiny lanes filled with locals enjoying time off and a visit to Ben Messina art gallery is a must-visit for local landscape photography.

Local brewery, Brouhaha offers an extensive food menu as well as Hinterland pale ales and lagers and low-key Maleny Cheese Cafe, recently won Silver in Excellence in Food Tourism at Queensland's Tourism awards and is a great spot for milkshakes, yoghurt and cheese tasting.

The cheese simply melts in your mouth.

Montville Known for gorgeous views, this village is popular among those in the know. It’s a perfect spot to experience that blend of history, scenery, and local charm, if you can get a parking spot and is an excellent place to buy gifts for loved ones back home.

How to Get Here Fly into Brisbane Airport, there are multiple flights per day and picking up a rental car is easy and it’s necessary to have access to a vehicle to get the most out of your stay. If you prefer, you can fly into the Sunshine Coast Airport at Maroochydore, which is roughly the same driving distance to Maleny. In a little over one hour it’s a scenic drive up the mountain to Spicers Tamarind Retreat. Enroute you pass the majestic Glass House Mountain peaks, formed 27 million years ago, with the softer rocks eroding over time to form structures that appear to rise into the sky, Mt Coonowrin and Mt Tibrogargan are two of the 13 peaks that make up the Glass House Mountains.

Great Walks and Swimming Holes For Kids Fabulous swimming spots abound in the region. There are stunning lookouts over Glass House Mountains and bushwalks of every length and ability required.

Gardners Falls, just a short walk from Spicers Tamarind Retreat, located off Obi Lane South (the same road as the retreat) is an easy, flat walk down to a series of swimming holes and the morning I had the pleasure of swimming there I saw two turtles, reportedly rare to see, but it had been raining.

If you prefer a gentle rainforest walk, the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a short drive away and features

well-maintained walking tracks and it is common to see a Pademelon, a marsupial, similar to a wallaby and it’s fun to spot them.

This walk is suitable for all ages, the centre is really well run, there are activity maps for kids and you’ll discover stunning views of the Glass House Mountains right from the cafe.

ly Estate in Montville for local music, this 22 acre former pineapple plantation welcomes all visitors for a drink or a meal and has a day spa on site.

Head to https://spicersretreats.com/ retreats/spicers-tamarind-retreat/ to book your easy Queensland Hinterland summer break, there is so much to do, you’ll need to come back next year.

Wheelchair Accessible

Summer Deals by Salter Brothers, Luxury without the long haul

Spicers Tamarind Retreat has a wheelchair accessible villa with doorway and space surrounding the bed large enough for a wheelchair. Tamarind Restaurant has a wheelchair accessible ramp, you can enjoy the lawns next to the restaurant and nearby Bird World and Australia Zoo are wheelchair friendly.

Summer Cultural and Music Events in the Queensland Hinterland The Hinterland region comes alive over summer with a variety of local music and cultural events that draw visitors from all over. If you’re not in the Hinterland for any of the major regional events, you can drop into Clovel-

Salter Brothers Hospitality invites travellers to leave the passports behind and discover some of Australia’s most breathtaking regional destinations.

From November 2025 guests can enjoy 25% off a collection of luxury regional getaways from an exclusive mountaintop lodge on the Scenic Rim in Queensland; the European charm of Montville’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland to soul-soothing retreats in the Blue Mountains or refined Estates in The Barossa and Hunter Valley. These handpicked stays promise a season of slow travel, fine food, and memorable moments of reconnection.

Summer Escapes are available to book until 5th January 2026 for stays between 1 December 2025 – 31st March 2026.

Retreat highlights and pricing Spicers Peak Lodge, QLD All-inclusive Mountain retreat with premium dining in the stunning Scenic Rim. The price for up to two guests is all-inclusive of lunch, dinner, breakfast & premium beverages.

Spicers Hidden Vale, QLD Retreat into nature at elegant Spicers Hidden Vale, set on 12,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes. Price per night including breakfast, up to two guests.

Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny, QLD A tranquil rainforest sanctuary in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. From $499 per night including breakfast, up to two guests Spicers Clovelly Estate, Montville, QLD A French inspired estate reminiscent of Europe’s grand manors. Price per night including breakfast, up to two guests Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain, NSW All-inclusive bushland sanctuary with premium dining and wellness focus. Price per night, up to two guests (all-inclusive of lunch, dinner, breakfast & premium beverages.

Spicers Guesthouse, Hunter Valley, NSW Luxury retreat in the heart of wine country. From $419 per night including breakfast, up to two guests.

Bannisters Port Stephens, NSW Coastal indulgence with breakfast daily.

Price per night including breakfast, up to two guests for a minimum two night stay.

The Hydro Majestic NSW Secluded country retreat alongside world-heritage listed Blue Mountains. Price per night including overnight accommodation for up to two guests (two-night minimum, excludes breakfast.

Kingsford The Barossa, SA Opulent estate living amid Barossa’s most famous vineyards. Price per night including breakfast for up to two guests.

24 Travel with Emma Wilson | travelwellwithemma@gmail.com

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Try some delicious foodie venues…

Jimmy’s Kitchen a MUST VISIT

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E had the pleasure of dining at the newly opened Jimmy’s Kitchen, prominently nestled within Sydney’s waterfront at the historic Campbell’s Store in The Rocks.

Owned by Chris Drivas and named after his father, Jimmy, this sandstone and beautifully appointed restaurant offers authentic Greek cuisine and the food is absolutely divine.

The simple menu is a celebration of fresh, traditional Greek flavours.

We started with mixed olives, served hot, creamy taramasalata with warm pita, melt-in-yourmouth moussaka croquettes, and saganaki halloumi drizzled with honey, oregano, lemon, and sesame.

For mains, we savored prawn saganaki, grilled octopus, and slow-cooked beef cheek, paired perfectly with authentic Greek wines, including the 2023 Sigalass Assyrtiko and a 2021 Karyiannina Naquessa Village Zinomavro red wine.

Though we felt full, we enjoyed a light and delicious Bougatsa for dessert. While we didn’t try the cocktails, the restaurant also offers a great selection, perfect for a pre-dinner drink at the bar.

The setting suits a special occasion, date night, group dining

or a fabulous night out to ‘pop the question’. During our meal there were several young couples and I was waiting for one of the men to get down on bended knee, but alas, we tend to be in bed by 9pm these days so may have missed it!

Jimmy’s Kitchen accommodates all dietaries with vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options.

It’s an ideal spot for dinner this summer season.

The restaurant is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:30pm to 9:00pm, and on Saturdays from 12:00pm to 2:30pm and 5:30pm to 9:00pm. For reservations or more details, call 9251 0897 or visit: thevenuesco.au/jimmyskitchenbaynine.

Find Jimmy's Kitchen at: Bay 9, 7-27 Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW.

Burleigh Head’s new delicious Mexican

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OSITIONED among the popular Burleigh foodie strip and just steps from the golden shores of Burleigh beach, you will find the lively and vibrant Costa Taco.

The bright and colourful d?cor, upbeat music, and aroma of grilled tortillas in the air transports you straight to a taqueria in Mexico City.

With its open-plan kitchen and cafeteria style seating, I suggest a table at the front for people watching, since you are smack bang in the heart of Burleigh.

Or a cozy booth down the back for a special occasion also is great.

From the moment we arrived the staff were attentive and quick to suggest their menu favourites.

From the share-style menu we opted for the ceviche tostadas and elote street corn - a zingy, fresh combo packed with flavour. The street tacos were the stars of the show, soft corn tortillas filled with beef birria or baja crispy fish. The nachos are huge and the condiment selection of fresh salsa, guac and fiery chilli sauces will suit any palate. No fiesta is complete without a margarita and Costa Taco offer their very own in-house agave spirit, crafted in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Authentic, vibrant and full of heart - this casu-

al eatery has an ambience that captures that lively, street-food spirit.

The vibes were high and the atmosphere was 10/10. Arriba!

Costa Taco takes walk-ins only, no pre-booked reservations required and is open from 11.30am daily. Find Costa Taco at 1718 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads. Visit: www..costa-taco.com

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

Travel with Emma Wilson | travelwellwithemma@gmail.com 25

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

A stay that deserved more time

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E recently stayed overnight at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, and we left wishing we’d thought ahead and planned a much longer visit.

Club Mill?sime

Once we discovered how lovely Club Mill?sime is on the 35th floor, we realised we probably didn’t even need to leave the hotel for our prebooked dinner in the city at all and could have happily gone to bed after evening nibbles and drinks.

We spent an enjoyable afternoon in Club Mill?sime drinking tea soaking up the views over Sydney. At 5.30pm, the menu switches to cocktail hour so we returned to sample some cocktails, Belle Rose is delicious and The Pakman is popular with rum lovers with a caramel twist.

Nibbles are very substantial, not just olives and great charcuterie with extensive cheese selection but also cauliflower bites and salmon in little dishes that made it hard to tear ourselves away.

We both agreed we could have easily skipped dinner, had an evening swim in the Sofitel pool instead and stayed in. The Sofitel is the destination in itself and not to be rushed. Evening canapes are served between 5.30pm to 7.30pm for Club members (see info below on how to join).

The View The view from Club Mill?sime is something special. Looking east, you can see over Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay, right down to Barangaroo and the Crown Casino.

Watch the activity on and around the harbour just below, ferries, people strolling along the foreshore and the general buzz of Sydney on a Saturday evening.

Breakfast is also served up in Club Mill?sime, and it has that same calm, refined atmosphere, which really sets the tone for the day ahead and is served 6.30am to 10.30am (on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays served until 11am).

The Vibe The hotel definitely leans into its French-inspired vibe. The staff cheerfully greet you with a warm bonjour, and the overall styling is elegant

but simple, nothing fussy, just tastefully done. It feels chic in a very effortless way. The pool area is spacious with a lovely view and lit up with blue lights in the evening very invitingly.

Our room had a beautiful sweeping view out to the west, across the waterways. You can see superyachts moored near Anzac Bridge, with plenty of water traffic criss-crossing the harbour. We spent a long time looking out at the view, just appreciating how Sydney seems to grow and change every time we look at it.

If you’re not staying in a Club Mill?sime room, you can still enjoy breakfast or dinner at the hotel’s main dining space, on the third floor and there is the champagne lounge if you’re after somewhere special in the evening.

Between Sunday to Thursday 5pm to 11pm or 3pm to 12am Friday and Saturday, enjoy Champagne and Sabrage, popular in upmarket USA ski resort, Deer Valley.

This is the art of opening a bottle of Champagne with a sword and something special to experience.

For anyone wondering how to get access to that incredible club on the 35th floor: you can either book a room category that includes club access or simply join the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) program as Sofitel is part of the Accor group.

The Location This wasn’t my first time at the Sofitel, I’ve visited three times prior, but only ever for quick business coffees and a conference on level 2 during the daytime. The foyer has private little nooks that are perfect for a chat or if you need to wait for someone and the International Conference Centre (ICC) is right outside the hotel, which makes the Sofitel such an easy place to stay.

Don’t Miss After work drinks at the Champagne Bar in the Sofitel. A refined yet relaxed setting, enjoy gourmet bites, freshly shucked oysters, and sparkling cocktails as DJ MIMI sets the evening mood.

With Darling Harbour as your backdrop, it’s the perfect way to unwind with colleagues, host clients, or simply celebrate the week in style.

Dates: Thursday 11 December 2025 | Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm.

Christmas Lunch Gather your loved ones and indulge in the joy of holidays with the Festive Lunch Buffet a deliciously abundant spread designed to delight guests of all ages. Whether you’re bringing the whole family or planning a cosy catch-up with friends, our buffet has something for everyone.

12yrs and above – $295 per person* Children 5yrs -11yrs – $99 per child.

New Year’s Fun This New Year’s Eve, step into an evening of elegance and culinary artistry. Join us on Tuesday, 31st December for a bespoke five-course tasting experience, crafted exclusively for the final night of 2025. From the first bite to the last sip, indulge in a celebration of fine flavors and refined hospitality.

Visit: www.sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au, phone: +61 2 8388 8888. Book through the official website or by calling directly.

26 Film

www.accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY EXPRESS December 2025

This version is a hell of a ride

The Running Man Review JACOB RICHARDSON

T

HIS updated adaptation of The Running Man might be a bit long, but it’s full of edge of your seat action, laugh out loud one liners, and a great underlying world that at times is more interesting than the plot itself.

In a futuristic society, blacklisted worker Ben Richards (Glen Powell) takes an offer from Dan Killian - head of the mighty Network - to participate in their flagship show The Running Man. He’ll make an obscene amount of money, but only if he survives; because this show has a team of ‘Hunters’ track down the titular participant for 30 days, trying to kill them, aided by a public who are primed to believe Richards is a murderous despot.

Richards goes to ground, and tries to survive his 30 day hunt in order to provide for his wife and sick daughter.

Edgar Wright’s adaptation of The Running Man is too long. That has to be said up front, because it’s one of the only things that doesn’t work for the film.

By 20 minutes or so, Wright overstays his welcome, and we find ourselves longing for a tighter version of this.

It’s not a feeling aided by the structure of the story, which has Richards needing to survive 30 days - a plot device that inevitably leads to a repetitive structure of hide, be found, kill and escape, hide again.

But outside of this, The Running Man is a competently made, electric action film that never takes itself too seriously - a true triumph for a movie this grounded in a statement on capitalism, the wealth gap, government oversight and AI. These themes all zing about in

the background, but Wright never loses sight of the fact that this should, first and foremost, be a fun movie. And it is.

There are myriad explosions galore.

Action set piece after action set piece, each a little more audacious than the last (although the final plane fight is a tad anticlimactic).

New characters pop up all the time, and while there may be a few too many, some of the later ones are great additions.

Then there are the performers, a

few of whom really stand out. Colman Domingo is endlessly watchable as the host of The Running Man, with standout line after standout line. Brolin is great too, as the sleazy, sneaky Network owner.

And Glen Powell is magnetic in the lead role, bringing a more nuanced, fun, and energetic take on the role than Arnie did back in the day.

The only gripe might be that angry Glen Powell at the top of the movie fades away to a more understated one by the end - which is a shame, because one of this movies best scenes is a psych eval that ends with Richards being declared the most angry man the evaluator has ever met.

The Running Man is perhaps not as well done as some of Wright’s other works; it’s not as slick or well constructed as Baby Driver, not as funny as Hot Fuzz.

But the original property here is more topical than ever, and it’s not hard to proclaim this as the better adaptation.

If you’re looking for a fun, funny action flick that never takes itself too seriously, The Running Man is your game.

The Running Man is a hell of a ride!

FOUR STARS.

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