NEWS: MORE AMBOS ON THE WAY
WEXPO: MELISSA WU SHINES FOR STUDENTS
Why half are planning to boost incomes through a small business or side hustle in the next five years. years. Story inside.
TRAVEL: MEMPHIS FOR YOUNG MINDS
SIDE HUSTLE
More paramedics, call takers for NSW Ambulance
NSW Ambulance has welcomed 23 new paramedic interns and 21 trainee emergency medical call takers after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney. They join 495 paramedics and 117 emergency medical call-takers who have begun roles with NSW Ambulance this year so far.
These new recruits will further boost frontline health services across the state, when they start their roles from Saturday.
The new recruits joining the service come with a range of backgrounds and experience, including Paramedic Intern Rebecca Olds was inspired to join NSW Ambulance following a horse-riding accident involving her mother which NSW Ambulance paramedics responded to.
The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.
The emergency medical call takers will be posted to the Sydney, Northern
and Western Triple Zero (000) control centres.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting our paramedic workforce, investing in a record pay
increase for paramedics in December making them among the highest paid in the country and rolling out of 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities.
Ambulance stations growing in West
THE Liverpool community is a step closer to having a new purpose-built ambulance station at Prestons following the purchase of a site on Enterprise Circuit.
The new Prestons Ambulance Station is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $615.5M NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program. Health Infrastructure and NSW Ambulance carried out a thorough evaluation of the site to ensure the
location best meets the needs of our emergency ambulance operations and paramedic staff
New ambulance stations are located at places which optimise ambulance response performance and meet the needs of local community. NSW Ambulance identified Prestons as a high priority location following a comprehensive service planning process using best practice modelling software to map Triple Zero (000) calls.
The next steps for the project include design development and seeking planning approval for the new ambulance station. Construction and operational timeframes will be determined as the project progresses.
The NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program will deliver 30 additional ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong over the coming years, boosting frontline
emergency ambulance care.
Health Infrastructure is working with NSW Ambulance and other Government stakeholders to identify potential sites for new ambulance stations. Sites are confirmed for North Sydney, South Windsor, Oran Park, Berowra and now Prestons.
New stations across western Sydney are also planned to service the communities of Raby, Prairiewood, Doonside, Glenmore Park, the Aerotropolis and Bargo.
Greater Western Sydney footprint
Graduating paramedics.
BUILDING A HOME/BUYING OFF THE PLAN
Deal with legal issues, reducing costs of briefing multiple services
Wide range of property development expertise:
• Owner/builder
• Residential purchase
• Contracts for design/building/landscape business
• Registration and sub-divisions
• One contract for all of above.
National coverage using PEXA
Time to call stop on bus shelter misery
THE peak body representing councils in Greater Western Sydney, the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) is calling out a galling inequity in the public transport system — a glaring shortage of bus shelters in Sydney’s west.
Buses are a vital element of metropolitan Sydney’s public transport. However, Sydney’s network of more than 20,000 bus stops leaves a lot to be desired.
While buses account for 37% of public transport trips across New South Wales, bus shelters — basic infrastructure that protects commuters from the elements — are woefully inadequate, particularly in Western Sydney, where summer temperatures can soar over 9°C higher than in the east.
“WSROC is urging the New South Wales Government to heed the recommendations of its own recent Parliamentary upper house inquiry into the Future Public Transport Needs of Western Sydney, including the urgent need to fund thousands of new bus shelters across the city with a particular focus on Western Sydney,” said WSROC President, Councillor Barry Calvert.
“This is especially concerning for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, who face serious
health risks from extreme heat.”
“Yet, even though bus services are largely operated by private companies or by the NSW Government, it’s left to local councils — already stretched thin — to foot the bill for bus shelters.
“This is a blatant example of cost-shifting, with local ratepayers essentially being forced to subsidise large, profit-making private transport businesses or the operations of NSW government buses.
“Why should the residents of Western Sydney, who are already grappling with extreme heat and substandard infrastructure, bear the cost of providing basic public transport amenities?
A recent study conducted by national advocacy group ‘Sweltering Cities’, the Busted Bus Stops report revealed glaring problems with Western Sydney’s bus network, including:
• More than 60% of 105 bus stops mapped in the new growth area around Schofields in the north-west had no shelter, shade or seating.
• Almost 70% of 596 bus stops mapped in and around Penrith, where temperatures have reached over 50°C in summer, had no shelter, shade or seating.
• In comparison, in the inner-west suburbs of Strathfield, Ashfield and Summer Hill, over 65% of 101 bus stops mapped had seating and shade or shelter.
“It's time for the NSW Government to step up and fund the thousands of new bus shelters Western Sydney urgently needs,” said Councillor Calvert.
“Overturned milk crates with no shading will not do as ‘public transport infrastructure’ in Western Sydney,” he said.
Woman wins $200,000 jackpot
ABLUE Mountains woman has declared she’s ready to weather any storm after discovering she bagged $200,000 in a recent Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot draw.
The resident scored the 1st Prize in Lucky Lotteries Mega
Jackpot draw 1689, drawn in October and pocketed $200,000.
The winning woman shared she had been bracing for a storm when the unexpected winning call swept in, instantly brightening her day.
“Oh my god. Oh my god. That’s beautiful! That’s wonderful!” she cheered.
“I can help my family! We can have a better Christmas this year. Oh, I’m going to cry.
“You know, things are tough at the moment and a lot of people in my family could do with some help.
“We’ve been expecting a big storm, so I’ve been preparing for that. I’m going to have a lovely day now, storm or no storm!
Her winning entry of six random numbers was purchased from Katoomba Newsagency, Shop 1 101, Katoomba Street, Katoomba. Katoomba Newsagency owner Simar Singh said he and the team were overjoyed to sell a 1st Prize winning entry. “It’s incredible news. We’re absolutely delighted to be a part of someone’s win!” he said.
St Marys bus shelter.
Uder 25s want a side hustle
1in 2 Australians to boost their incomes through a small business or side hustle in the next five years
AS the cost-of-living crisis persists, more than half (55%) of Western Sydney residents are considering starting a small business in the next five years, driven by younger generations.
Nationally 38 per cent would start a side hustle, and 17 per cent would start a small business for their sole income. Overall, 68 per cent are motivated to boost their income.
Over the last 12 months, Australian Living Cost Indexes (LCIs) rose 3.7-6.2 per cent, with food, housing and insurances being the main contributors1. Half (51%) of people already receiving income support are now skipping meals due to increased prices while a staggering 71 per cent are cutting
back on meat, fruit and vegetables.
To find out whether Australians would consider starting a new business – even if it was a less serious side hustle - to generate extra income, business loan comparison platform Small Business Loans Australia commissioned a survey of an independent, nationally representative panel of 1005 Australians.
Small business Loans Australia found that the younger the age group the more likely they are to start a small business for their main income in the next five years or a side hustle to complement their income. Half (51%) of under-25s would start a side hustle, closely followed by 49 per cent of 35-44-year-olds.
The findings come as financial stress and economic anxiety im-
pact Australians as young as 15-19 years old at triple the rate (31%) of previous years. In the workforce, Australians spent an additional 24 million hours a month working than they did 12 months ago.
Small Business Loans Australia investigated the motivations among respondents, offering them seven reasons for starting a small business: better income, desire for more control and independence over their career growth, worklife balance, opportunity to fill a market gap, to create work they enjoy, opportunity for creativity, and to leave toxic work cultures or bosses.
Few respondents were driven by market opportunities or filling service gaps (at 19%). Instead, 68 per cent of respondents are motivated to improve their income, followed by 56 per cent
St Marys Transport hub revealed
The new look of St Marys station has been revealed for the first time, as the 162-year-old railway station is set to transform into a train, metro and bus hub. This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to make Western Sydney an even better place to live and work.
A new footbridge (artist impression show here) is being planned to connect the current St Marys Station with the future Metro station, which will
whisk passengers from St Marys to the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
The new footbridge providing access for people with disabilities, prams and luggage will be located at the eastern end of the current station platforms. A new northern plaza off Harris Street with green space will become a major entry to the upgraded station precinct. The existing footbridge will remain, connecting T1 Western Line passengers to Queen Street.
who are looking to enjoy their work. Achieving work-life balance motivated 48 per cent, while 37 per cent are seeking career control and creativity. Only 14 per cent aimed to leave a toxic work environment.
The desire for better income is driven by 25-44-year-olds, who are more likely to have mortgages and families: three quarters (74%) of respondents aged 35-44 chose this reason, followed by 72 per cent of those aged 25-34.
The desire for more independence and control over careers was important to Aussies starting out in the workforce. An equal 44 per cent of 18-24-year-olds and 25-34-year-olds valued this compared to just 24 per cent of people aged 55-64, who are more likely to be at the height of their career or nearing retirement.
«Don’t know if any of you have done anything where you felt super nervous before, felt like the butterflies in your stomach, feeling sick? That’s basically how I have felt my whole career in diving for
WEXPO SCHOOL EDITION
WESTERN Sydney’s leading business - community expo series has gone mobile. Now in its third year, WEXPO events have delivered national economists, Government Ministers, senior government representatives, business and community leaders in addressing issues such as health, education, cost of living and opportunities for business and community success.
WEXPO is a people led initiative that that allows community and business leaders to gather, network and residents to engage with exhibitors and learn from experts
WEXPO now takes a new slant on connection. WEXPO is going on the road with WEXPO Student Edition. This is where WEXPO links up with schools in Western Sydney for a special presentation purposed to educate students and attendees on life skills such as building resilience, success mindset, overcoming adversity and more.
Showcase speakers are prominent performers in sport, academia, community and business.
On November 4 an audience of around 200 students, teachers and guests gathered at CathWest Innovation College Mt Druitt to hear heard a very inspiring keynote presentation by Blacktown’s own Olympic medal winning diver and business owner, Melissa Wu, plus a demonstration on weightlifting from her brother, Josh. CathWest principal Paul Stenning welcomed guests and said that supporting the WEXPO Student Edition aligned with his school’s mission of enabling students to start careers and opening opportunities for jobs.
The event was sponsored by ACU
Melissa Wu in her own words
ged a s from deve d O Patron, We’ve done d this is the he school –ng ach, sick? about 20 years.» - Melissa Wu.
Blacktown Campus and Dean Valentine Mukuria in her opening address urged students to dare to dream and to take on board messages from Melissa’s presentation to develop their own ambitions.
Melissa was introduced Member of Blacktown and WEXPO Patron, Stephen Bali who said: “We’ve done three years of WEXPO and this is the first time we’re going to the school –everyone’s excited.”
Here is an edited transcript of Melissa’s presentation.
I really appreciate you guys having me here today. I’m very proud to be an Olympian, a five-time Olympian in diving someone who’s local in the area, someone who not only has lived here for many years and grew up here, but also as mentioned, I own a business, I own a gym with my brother Josh who’s here as well today. So, to have the chance to not only represent this area, but to now work here, help the next generation of athletes coming through, it’s something I’m very, very proud of.
I don’t know if many of you know a lot about diving, it’s not a huge sport in Australia, but I actually got into it. My older sister was a swimmer, so that’s where I first saw it. It’s not very popular, but we’re working on that. But today I’m going to chat to you a little bit about my journey as an athlete in diving and some of the challenges I’ve overcome along the way. And I think that my experience as an athlete shaped who I was a lot.
The things that I learned from it helped me not only in my sporting career to I wanted to achieve, but now
later in life, in business, in any other thing that I encounter, the challenges along the way, the things I learned from diving have helped me with that. Whether it’s sport or whether it’s your job that you want to do later, whether it’s music, anything that you guys want to do, the things that you learn along the way.
And I guess my overall message today when we finish would be just to never give up on your dreams to have something that you’re working towards and focusing on. And when things get tough, that’s part of it. In life, that’s where you learn the most and keep what you want to do in sight and never give up on that.
I’ve been to five Olympics. My most recent was the Paris Olympic games and I’m very fortunate to have had a very long career.
So as a young athlete, I was lucky enough to have a lot of good role models and I grew up in Sydney, but then I moved to Brisbane and was training up in Brisbane with a lot of Olympians at the time. And even though I was lucky to be in that squad, it was also tough because we were basically reviewed very fre-
quently on our performances.
And even day to day in training was was nerve racking because everything you did at training; it felt like they were judging you and they were taking notes and we’d have these review meetings and you’d get told that you weren’t hitting targets. And I think even at that age, so that was before then, that was probably when I was 11 or 12. It was a lot of pressure for me because I had this opportunity, and I had this opportunity to dive with athletes at where I wanted to be at that Olympic level. And seeing them every day really inspired me. But at the same time, I had this worry every day that I wasn’t going to measure up.
When I first made this Commonwealth Games, I was really young. But everyone was like, oh no, you’re amazing at this pint-sized little diver. And they kept telling me all these positive things. And for me, I always really struggled I think even at that age because inside my own head was telling me, oh, you’re not good enough. What if you get kicked out?
And then I suddenly made this event, made this Commonwealth
Photos by Ajila Miller Gersbach and Olivia Bottom. See the full video presentation at www.wexpo.com.au
Josh demonstrates correct weight lifting techniques.
«My overall message would be just to never give up on your dreams to have something that you’re working towards and focusing on. And when things get tough, that’s part of it. In life, that’s where you learn the most.» - Melissa Wu.
Games where I won a silver medal and suddenly people were, I got thrown into the media and that was back in the day before social media when we just had TV and radio and things like that.
Lacking in self-belief
It was funny in my head I guess just being told all these amazing things, but then also lacking that self-belief at such a young age. And I guess that was the start of a big challenge for me that I had to work at throughout my whole career basically was having that confidence and that belief in myself to be able to perform to the level that I knew that I could.
So yeah, that was my first competition, silver medal in Synchro. This was my synchro partner. She was just a little bit taller than me. I don’t think she’d probably still be that much taller than me. But yeah, we basically got thrown together for that competition. I did individual and syncro diving at that comp individual was not too bad, not my best performance, but my silver medal then was in synchro. That was a really good experience for me, even though I was really nervous.
I won quite a few international medals in Synchro individual. I was still competing, but it was very up and down for me. So that’s where a lot of my success happened. At a young age in Synchro, I had to change Synchro partners between Commonwealth Games and Olympics. So, they do that fairly frequently in diving. They mix you up and you’ve got to work with other people.
So, this synchro partner that I had at my first Olympics, we’d competed together for probably a year or a year and a half and we’d done very well. So going into these Olympic games, even though I was so young, because I had already done a Commonwealth Games, I was still in this squad where there was a lot of pressure on me all the time. And because we’d done so well in the lead up, they basically going into Olympics said to us, you must win a medal, you must come back home with a medal.
And so going into the Olympics, I was confident in our ability to do that, but I was definitely very nervous. I felt like anything less than a medal would be a failure. So again, going in, all the media were behind
me, everyone was saying, you’ve got this. And when we won that medal again, everyone was saying all these amazing things and in my head was, it was a big relief for me. It was like I ticked a box.
And I think at that age I didn’t truly appreciate the gravity of an Olympic medal. It felt to me it was just like my duty to kind of go there and do it for the team and then come back. And so over the years throughout my career, I was lucky to win a medal at my first Olympic games, but then I didn’t win another medal until three Olympics later.
It took me 12 years to be able to win another Olympic medal after that. And that journey for me was when I think I faced a lot more of the challenges and I had to kind of work through them a lot more.
But at this age I already had some issues with competition nerves and as I mentioned, competing by myself was a big issue and I was lucky that I could do it in synchro, but that didn’t last forever actually.
I’ll chat with you about some of the pressures and why I struggled to perform in competition. I think some of it was to do with the training environment that I grew up in and that pressure all the time. But basically, I Dunno if any of you guys have done anything where you felt super nervous before, has anyone woken up and felt like their stomach, like the butterflies
in their stomach feeling sick?
That’s basically how I have felt my whole career in diving for about 20 years on one thing that for me never got any better. I think when we care about something and you want to do well and it means something to you, that’s why you feel nervous. That’s why you feel these things. Your palms sweat.
If you didn’t care about it and it didn’t mean anything to you, you wouldn’t get nervous. I think for me, when I was younger, I used to always get that feeling in my stomach in the morning and I used to always think to myself, oh, you’re not ready. And all I wanted to do was just leg it down the street and just run. Or I’d be waiting on the platform to go up for my dive and I just want to run back down and go under my covers in my bed.
I had no in-between
But what I learned later was that those feelings that you feel, the nerves, all those things, it’s actually, it’s your body’s way of telling you that you’re ready. But regardless, even though that’s the case, it still sometimes feels really hard.
And for me, that would be the same thing every time I would compete, whether it was at the lowest level or the highest level. I don’t have an in-between basically. What that feels like is basically when you’re walking up the stairs, the time goes really, really slow for me. It might only be
10 seconds, but it feels like a lifetime. And I constantly must tell myself positive things on the way up and you start to feel your legs shaking. And then one thing people always ask me is about that moment right before I dive, what that feels like.
And literally you feel it’s kind of dead silence and the crowd’s watching you and then they’re dead silent. And so, you literally, as you walk to the end to dive off, you’ll be in this massive pool with all these people, but all you can hear is the sound of your own heart beating. And yeah, it’s like this eerie silence.
And I always talk about this moment I get when I’m walking to the end of the platform and it’s like in those cartoons when you have the little angel and devil on your shoulder talking, and it’s this constant battle in my head of me telling myself something positive and then you have this doubt that creeps in. Maybe it’s not going to go, well, maybe I can’t do this. But then you have this positive thought that you’re trying to counter it with. And that little battle in my head happens with me right until the end of the platform.
And then when you go to the end, you turn around, we just stand on our toes. As you saw on the video, there’s a million times and I thought I was literally going to fall off or in my handstand dive, you feel your arms shaking and you’re like…. not on this international stage, I can’t fall off
But yeah, it’s crazy. You train your whole life for this moment, but no matter how many times you do it every time in that moment, it just feels the same, just as nerve wracking. And it’s like I said, it’s because I care about it and I’ve always wanted to do well.
So that’s where this comes in, what I call this decide and do moment. Something I learned over the years was that, whatever happened in that last moment right before I took off in my dive would be the moment that would, I guess control what would happen.
If I let that voice in my head that self-doubt win, then that’s when things wouldn’t go well. But if I trusted myself and trusted in what I could
Continued
WEXPO Student Edition audience.
CathWesr principal, Paul Stenning.
MP Stephen Bali thanks Melissa Wu.
«No matter what happened, if I achieved my goals or I didn’t, if I won another Olympic medal or I didn’t, I knew that looking back, if I could walk away and be happy with ever y-thing I’d done.» - Melissa Wu.
do and tried to really reinforce that positive thought right before I took off, then that’s how it would go. So, for me, I always knew as a young athlete how powerful my mind was, but I didn’t always know how to control it. In in the beginning, it was strong, but it was strong, I guess more in a negative sense. And it really held me back for a long time. But over the years I learned how to get better at that and control my thoughts and try and use it to my advantage a little bit more. It’s amazing in the moment when you’re at Olympic games, but it’s like this roller coaster and you kind of hit this rock bottom a little bit after.
Learning to perform on the world stage
And my first games, I struggled with that a lot, and I had some mental health issues and actually at the time I was living in Queensland but decided to come back to Sydney and change programs, dive with a different coach. For me, that was a massive step for me in trying to improve my mental game I guess, and how I felt about myself. But even when I moved back here, I felt a lot better in myself, but it took me a long time to get ahold of those comp nerves and that self-belief and being able to perform on the world stage.
So that was around that time then
where I really started to hate diving and I wanted to kind of quit and thought, is it really worth it?
I guess I got to a bit of a turning point where I just felt like I was doing the same things for a long time and getting the same result. I’ve always been a person that works hard. And so a good measure for me, and I’m someone that always loved training. I loved training and not so much competing because of what I talked about before, how nervous I would get, but I really loved the feeling of going to training.
So I got to this point in my career after coming fourth, fifth at the Olympics when I thought, okay, if I want to do another four years of this again and try again, something has to change.
I must do something a bit differently. I started seeing a psychologist who helped me really work through a lot of that stuff. A lot of it was working on me as a person, not as an athlete. We started there. So I even remember the first time that I went to him very first time, he said, right, we’re just going to start with something easy.
So how you look at things makes all the difference. And it comes back to that your mind is a lot more powerful than you think it is. And the same thing could happen to you, but the way you look at it and what you take from it and how you learn
from it could be completely different. I learned to, rather than looking back at all my results that I wasn’t happy with or the things I hadn’t done, rather than looking at that negatively, we tried to reframe that and look at all the lessons that I’d learned along the way and all the things I could take in my toolkit to help me going forward.
And because I did it like that and I focused on me as a person, that’s why all these things I learned along the way helped me then later in life, in business and these other things because we’re all so much more than what we do.
We’re able to do what we do because of who we are and the things that we learn along the way. And for me, that was the case. So yeah, those were some of the things that I worked on in terms of mindset shifting that being a lot more positive. And then one other thing that I also did was based, oh, sorry, I’ll talk about this while we’re on that.
Walking from diving happy
I think for me, learning those things, I learned from my psychologist before when I was younger, I used to think that these things on this side were the things that were going to make me very successful if I worked hard, if I focused, if I was strong, and I would try really hard and I just couldn’t perform under pressure.
But when I worked with my psychologist and they focused more
on the things that were more on me as a person, I learned that these were the things that were going to make me successful. Doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t work hard or have all these things as well, but rather than having this, I guess hard mindset, mindset on it, I basically learned to care about myself a little bit more, focus more on these things, optimism, positivity. If I got those things right along the way, then that would ultimately help me achieve my goals rather than just hoping that if I kept doing the same thing, that I get the same result basically.
And there was a lot of times where I thought, it’s not worth it. I just want to quit. I dunno if I can do this. And I think just that thing, it’s the unknown. It’s not knowing if I could do all the right things and keep trying, but there’s no guarantee that I’ll be able to do it.
And I think for me, as I got older, that really weighed down on me a lot. And I struggled with that a lot just knowing I could go through all of this and never know, but at the same time I knew that if I did everything I could do that I wouldn’t have any regrets later.
And no matter what happened, if I achieved my goals or I didn’t, if I won another Olympic medal or I didn’t, I knew that looking back, if I could walk away and be happy with everything I’d done and know that I’d left no stone unturned, that that would make the biggest difference for me.
Students at the event.
Stepen Bali and Emmanual Martin form BREED Australia with the ACU team and right, ACU Blacktown Dean, Valentine Mukuria.
Start on page 7
Spending more on Christmas cheer
THE opening of suburban pop-up Christmas stores for 2024 is reviving the tradition of holiday decorating. Despite rising living costs, Christmas Warehouse's Retail Manager, Naomi Ramirez, anticipates families will spend a bit more on festive cheer. With stable prices amid inflation, the stores offer a wide selection of Christmas trees and decorations. Ramirez predicts trends like Grinch themes and pink decor will be popular this year. Families are encouraged to visit early for the best selection.
Scheme allows for easier mediation
ANEW Lawyer Mediator Accreditation Scheme (LMA Scheme) will help people resolve disputes outside of court by allowing them to select legally qualified mediators. Law Society of NSW President Brett McGrath emphasised that lawyer mediators offer unique analytical skills and subject matter expertise. The scheme sets rigorous training standards and requires ongoing professional development. It aims to provide a dignified, cost-effective alternative to court litigation, ensuring mediators adhere to strict ethical obligations.
Dementia the top cause of death
NEW ABS data reveals dementia is poised to become Australia’s leading cause of death, accounting for 9.1% of deaths in 2023, just behind ischaemic heart disease. Dementia remains the top cause of death for women and is now the leading cause in NSW, SA, and the ACT. With 421,000 Australians living with dementia, numbers are expected to double by 2054. Dementia Australia urges public health efforts to prevent cases and improve support for those affected.
Burnout rates worrying in this sector
PALLIATIVE Care Australia’s national workforce survey reveals rising burnout, with 44% of palliative care and 41% of aged care workers experiencing it frequently. Only 47% are satisfied with their mental health, and 46% with their physical health. However, 85% are keen on further training. CEO Camilla Rowland emphasizes the need for ongoing support to manage the emotional demands of end-of-life care. More insights will be released, with self-care resources available on PCA’s website.
Govt scraps outdated venue rules
THE NSW Government is scrapping restrictive “no entertainment” clauses to revive live music and nightlife in NSW. Outdated rules, such as limiting music genres, banning bands, or prohibiting strobe lights, have stifled venues and artists. The reforms will ease restrictions, giving venues control over entertainment and removing barriers like costly council approvals. This is part of broader Vibrancy Reforms aimed at supporting live performances, extending trading hours, and reducing red tape for licensed venues.
Building sector facing more crisis
AUSTRALIA'S residential construction sector faces a crisis as companies collapse, leaving consumers with lost deposits and unfinished homes. High immigration and declining housing starts intensify the need for new builds, but 2,832 companies went insolvent in 2023-24. Builders operate with slim margins, and consumer funds lack protection, often misused to cover other projects. Experts urge stronger regulations, like project accounts, to secure deposits, protect subcontractors, and restore confidence in the sector.
Rent increases caped to once a year
THE NSW Government will cap rent increases to once per year under new rental law reforms in NSW. The changes apply to both fixed-term and periodic leases, closing existing loopholes. Key reforms include ending no-ground evictions, easing pet ownership in rentals, offering free rent payment options, and banning fees for background checks. The reforms aim to protect the state’s 2.2 million renters, enhance transparency, and align with the National Cabinet’s Better Deal for Renters.
Half don't know they have this condition
ONE in 13 Australians over 40 have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but only half are aware of it. COPD, a leading cause of avoidable hospitalisations, causes breathing difficulties and has no cure. To improve care, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care released the first national COPD care standard, endorsed by 20 health bodies. Early diagnosis via spirometry and treatment, including quitting smoking and pulmonary rehabilitation, can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups
Breast cancer estimates surprising
AFTER 25 years of advocacy by Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), NSW has identified 7,900 people living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), surpassing previous estimates. This treatable but incurable cancer's true prevalence nationwide is higher than the previous estimate of 10,553. BCNA urges the National Can-
cer Data Alliance to adopt NSW's data model across Australia. Accurate data is crucial as treatments improve, allowing policymakers to address the growing needs of those living longer with MBC.
Surprised that dementia drug was rejected
DEMENTIA Australia expressed disappointment over the Therapeutic Goods Administration's (TGA) rejection of Lecanemab, a treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Developed by Eisai, Lecanemab removes amyloid plaques to slow cognitive decline. Already approved in countries like the U.S. and UK, it was also recently rejected by the European Medicines Agency. CEO Tanya Buchanan emphasised that while not a cure, the drug offers hope and could improve quality of life for some Australians with early Alzheimer’s.
Partner violence same as sports injury
MONASH University researchers used blood tests to detect concussions caused by intimate partner violence (IPV), including cases with non-fatal strangulation. Their study, published in Brain, Behaviour, and Immunity, found elevated biomarkers in IPV-related brain injuries. With IPV frequently targeting the head and neck, early detection is critical to prevent severe outcomes. The team aims to expand their research into national programs, emphasising that IPV-related concussions are as severe as sports concussions but often underreported.
Immigration the cause of housing problems
SUSTAINABLE Population Australia (SPA) supports Australia’s fertility drop to 1.5 children per woman, countering media claims of economic crisis. SPA President Peter Strachan argues that low fertility is manageable, citing Europe's stable economic performance with similar rates. He criticises Australia’s high immigration levels— over 500,000 annually—for driving rapid population growth, overstretched infrastructure, and unaffordable housing. Strachan contends that stabilising the population could improve living standards, dismissing fears of a labor shortage as a myth.
Child Health and Wellbeing Nurturing in Western Sydney
Most of a child’s brain development happens in the first 2,000 days of their lives. During this time, parents, caregivers, general practitioners and anyone in a child’s life play an important role in setting the foundation for future growth and development.
Regular Well-Child checks with your general practitioner or paediatrician from birth help to keep track of immunisation and developmental progress. They also ensure children are meeting their milestones as needed. The My Personal Health Record (the Blue Book) is a great way of enjoying your child’s growth and developmental progress.
What is the Blue Book?
The Blue Book is given to new parents or caregivers at birth and is available in English and 18 other languages. Inside the Blue Book, you’ll find pages for recording your child’s milestones, visits to the doctor and immunisation records. By using this book, you can easily monitor your child’s health and ensure they are on track with their development. It also serves as a helpful resource to share with health care providers during check-ups.
The Importance of Immunisation
Immunisation is a key part of keeping your child healthy and protecting them from serious diseases. Vaccines help build your child’s immunity, which is their body’s defence against illness. The Blue Book contains information about which vaccines your child needs and when to get them.
There are a number of resources available for parents on the NSW Health First five years webpage
Healthy Western Sydney is delivered by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.
The Western Sydney Immunisation Bike Competition
Do you have a 12 month, 18 month or four year old who is due for their immunisations? The 2024 Immunisation Bike Competition is now open and will run until 31 January 2025.
Children who are immunised at a participating practice can enter the annual prize draw to win a bike and helmet.
Please immunise your child at a participating practice and complete the competition entr y form to join.
More than 16,972 Western Sydney children have been throughoutimmunised the campaign periods since 2011.
By staying on top of immunisations and using the Blue Book, you’re taking an important step in safeguarding your child’s health and wellbeing.
Visit WentWest’s Child and Family webpage for additional resources and information about programs available for children in Western Sydney.
POKOLBIN HUNTER VALLEY
A gateway that won’t break the bank
IF you’re looking for an easy ‘no need to think’ weekend getaway with fine wines and a tranquil vibe, it’s hard to beat the Hunter Valley's picturesque Pokolbin.
LEISURE INN, POKOLBIN HILL
ust over 2 hours from Sydney, the Leisure Inn, Pokolbin Hill, is the perfect escape that won’t break the budget. Conveniently located at 485 Macdonalds Rd, this expansive property boasts its own Gourmet Trail Experience all within walking distance. Upon arrival, park the car and discover the nearby expansive Hunter Valley Gardens, Roche Estate and the delicious Hunter Valley Cheese Factory. Stroll over to the vineyards or rent an e-bike if you’d prefer. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
The Leisure Inn, Pokolbin Hill villas provide all that you need for a comfortable stay. The hotel recently installed EV chargers on site for any guests travelling by car and whether you require a studio, one or two bedroom apartment, you’ll be fully equipped with in-room amenities and can just sit back and relax with views of the river and the kangaroos at dusk, enjoying a glass of one of your local purchases.
GREAT ACCOMMODATION FOR KIDS
Parents should take advantage of the units with adjoining rooms and there’s attractive rates/packages from Sunday through to the mid-week, which are a steal during the popular peak Spring period. Additionally, if you want to stay in after being out and about all afternoon, apartments have a fully equipped kitchenette to rustle up an easy meal, and BBQ facilities are next to the pool. It was a fun surprise to find an impressive CD collection in the reception for guests to borrow and bathroom products to enjoy in your inroom spa. My kids are all a little older now, but I thought the Kids Explorer Pack with a T-pee and other goodies was a fun touch.
HUNTER VALLEY CHEESE FACTORY
From the moment we entered, we felt immersed in the cheese-making process. The building is contemporary with lots of light providing peaks of the magic that takes places behind the counter. It’s best to pre-book a cheese platter tasting prior to your visit to avoid missing out. Fresh, friendly and delicious. The staff are warm and welcoming with an expansive knowledge of the process of making cheese. All cheeses are made on site. Our personal favourite was Riley’s Fromage, aka ‘Angels Cheese’, the house marinade blend of local herbs and oils. I bought some to take home to make pizza/salads, but it didn’t last long. The factory’s clever cheesemaker, Dave, has just created ‘Watagan’s Hot Washed Tomme’, semifirm and aged four months with a nutty rustic flavour akin to cheeses made in the French Alps and Switzerland.
The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory is licensed (November 2024), which facilitates patrons to perfectly match their platter with tasty local wines. This venue is a must on your Hunter itinerary.
BLANCHIE’S, COFFEE AND THE HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS
Our Gourmet Trail continued Sunday morning with a full buffet breakfast at the inn’s Blanchie's on Leisure Restaurant. We were lucky enough to meet the friendly Chef ‘Blanchie’, who ensured our tummies were full and well-prepared for a day of adventure in Pokolbin. Our next stop was the Hunter Valley Gardens, adjacent to a collection of charming village shops, including cafes, clothing and local art. We grabbed a coffee and set off to explore the walking paths of the beautiful individually themed gardens, containing both native and exotic plants.
FUN SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
There are scavenger hunts and amusement rides for the kids plus an upcoming Christmas Lights Spectac-
ular November 1st through to January the 26th 2025. Take note that over 4 million lights will manifest a glowing wonderland throughout this summer. On our next visit, I’d also like to check out the nearby Aqua Golf, a fun deviation from the traditional putt putt, but on this occasion, we couldn’t be late for our cellar door bookings.
CELLAR DOOR
The cellar door experience has evolved extensively over the last 30 years. There is something for everyone today, whether it’s a classic Hunter Semillion, a soothing red blend or a healthier zero alcohol option. The McGuigan Wines story stretches over four generations of winemaking built on tradition. Walk-in visits are welcomed but it would be best to experience their wines in one of their ‘curated tasting experiences’ where their learned team will educate you on the rich history of viniculture in the Hunter and this iconic winery. The Mastercraft Cabernet Merlot pairs beautifully with antipasto. You also mustn’t miss trying the
limited release 2016 ‘The Philosophy’, which is a remarkable testimony to the elegance of this winery.
TEMPUS TWO
Just next door is the contemporary Tempus Two. This trend setting winery has broken free from tradition and offers a range of unique contemporary experiences, including their VIP Copper bar. Our charming host, Caitlin, taught us the art of how to pair wine with chocolate varietals and informed us of their new Copper Gin Series, gin made from wine spirits. The Shiraz Gin has earned extensive global awards from Singapore to San Francisco and is definitely worth trying! The non-conformist approach of Tempus Two is as refreshing as their new Tempus One Spritzers, a revitalising break from a big Shiraz on a sunny afternoon. Take your pick from passionfruit, berry or watermelon.
THE WINE HOUSE
It would be remiss not to visit The Wine House, Hunter Valley, where you can find a collection of independent family-owned winemakers all under the one roof. They offer a range of wonderful ‘wine experiences’ for all types of palettes and a unique first in Australia self-serve wine machine, akin to the popular model in Queenstown, where patrons can curate their own tasting. The Wine House benefits from sharing next door’s Roche Estate acoustics. On November the 30th, Cold Chisel’s ‘Big Five-O’ Concert will perform and if you missed out on tickets, the Wine Bar is the perfect consolation to hear the old Oz rock classics such as ‘Khe Sanh’ while enjoying a pre-paid hamper or treats from the onsite food truck. Bring it on.
Is FIJI the best overseas holiday for kids?
WITH the end of the year fast approaching, almost half (49%) of Australian and New Zealand employees admit to experiencing feelings of burnout or exhaustion and with the festive season also known to cause stress for a lot of people, embracing Fiji Time might just be the way to help navigate this stressful time of year.
In a destination that boasts warm, sunny days throughout December and January, and as the home of some of the happiest people in the world, Fiji is the perfect escape for a stressfree and relaxed festive season. Just under a four-hour flight from Australia’s East Coast, there are myriad ways to end your year on the right note.
Royal Davui Island Resort
After a recent multi-million-dollar transformation, the resort intertwines luxury and Fijian tradition. With just 16 appointed vales nestled among the exclusive, adults-only island, privacy and serenity come hand in hand at Royal Davui.
Christmas: Guests will enjoy a long Christmas lunch on the 25th of December including a festive welcome cocktail, a Pure Fiji gift and an intimate carol performance by the staff New Years Eve: The resort will be hosting an all-white theme gala dinner looking out onto Beqa Lagoon’s scenery and featuring a live band and fireworks to ring in the new year.
VOMO Island Resort
Situated in the picturesque Mamanuca Island group, this private resort has become an oasis for guests particularly families searching for a retreat off the beaten path.
Christmas: The resort will be offering a line-up of
activities including a church service in the morning, Santa’s arrival (by water), a decadent Christmas Day feast including a Yasawa lobster; local delicacies, followed by gift giving and a performance of carols and Fijian hymns by the VOMO choir. News Eve: The kids remain a huge part of the festivities beginning with a Little Mermaid-themed show performed by the Australian Gotcha Back Productions, fol-
lowed by early fireworks and a disco in the resort’s dedicated Kids Village. While they are kept entertained, adults can indulge in a buffet spread, live band, dancing and fireworks at a Grecian-themed takeover of the Rocks Bar.
Malolo Island Resort
A rustic and intimate resort designed in a South Pacific beach cottage style, Malolo is perfect for both
families and couples. Christmas: The program includes Santa’s arrival and parade with gifts, a performance by the Malolo Band, a treasure hunt with a 3-night stay prize, festive cocktails, and a Christmas buffet dinner in the kids club or Terrace restaurant, before finishing with carols by the Malolo Resort Choir.
New Year’s Eve: A buffet dinner and foam party at the
kids pool lawn will keep them occupied for most of the night while adults will be treated to pre-dinner drinks hosted by the resort, several performances (including a fire dance) by the Ahura Dance Group, a buffet dinner, best-dressed awards and a fireworks display to finish.
For more information on Fiji visit: https://www.fiji.travel * According to a recent survey conducted by Sonder.
Memphis ideal for young minds to explore
THE vibrant city of Memphis is well-known for its iconic music, rich history, and world-famous food scene, making it the perfect destination for a family holiday. With a wide range of museums, parks and plenty of outdoor and indoor activities, Memphis offers a variety of attractions for young minds to explore and discover.
Children’s Museum of Memphis
A great spot for families seeking fun, educational, and interactive experiences, this museum intends to inspire
children to explore, imagine and create.
The Fire Museum of Memphis
Experience the excitement of firefighting at America’s premier interactive fire museum and, quite literally, Memphis’ hottest attraction. Children of all ages can dress up in fire coats and helmets, play on authentic fire equipment, put out a simulated fire, ride on an aerial platform and slide down a brass fire pole.
National Civil Rights Museum (ages 12+)
Bring the kids to explore a
significant chapter of the U.S. at the historic Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spent his final moments. While a heavy subject to teach kids, it has been noted as one of America’s most important historical events and can be used as a dialogue-opener with the kids about oppressive racism in the US during that time. A family guide can be found on the NCRM website here.
Graceland
Introduce your kids to the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll at the late Elvis Presley’s legendary home. This cultural icon offers kids (and parents!) the opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Elvis, from his legendary music and lasting impact on pop culture.
Sun Studios (ages 5+)
Nicknamed The Birthplace of Rock’n’roll, the well-known recording studio offers families a thrilling journey into the history of rock' n' roll and soul music. While primarily geared towards older children and adults (ages 5+), kids can still immerse themselves in the recording process, explore vintage instruments, and discover the stories of legendary artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
Shelby Farms Park
Located just 20 minutes from Downtown Memphis is this 4,500-acre playground, which is one of the largest urban parks in the country, five times the size of New York City’s Central Park. There’s an outdoor ropes course with ziplines, a Woodland Discovery Playground, horse-riding, and a Water Play Sprayground for those hot summer days and much more.
Peabody Ducks
For a unique hotel stay in Memphis for families, The Peabody Hotel, with its daily duck parade will give the kids something fun to watch each day. The hotel is considered to be Memphis’ grandest and most legendary hotel, and it offers a unique family package in which your family becomes honorary Peabody Duckmasters for the day.
The Pyramid
The Cypress Lodge: Inside the big Pyramid located on the Mississippi River, you’ll find a massive outdoor-inspired luxury hotel. You can “camp out” in rustic cabin-style rooms overlooking a swamp with live alligators and a variety of fish and Cypress trees, giving a true wilderness vibe.
Explore more of Memphis here: www.memphistravel.com
Wining and dining around Sydney
Did you know only 12% of Sydney restaurants and bars serve NSW wines? Why aren’t we supporting our own wine industry? You drink Italian wine in Italy and South Australian wine in South Australia. Let’s give our local wines some love.
NSW Wine Month
Come and enjoy the 4 weeklong Sydney-wide celebration of local wine from NSW’s 16 wine regions with events to savour, including pop-ups, happy hours, masterclasses and long lunches. For the full program and all the info on NSW wine month, please visit www.nswwinemonth.com.au and follow NSW Wine on social media at @nswwine. From a pop-up cellar door on the lawns of Chiswick, a Brokenwood Banquet at Luna Lu, a Dine and Stay experience at Taronga Zoo, Sydney Tower’s Bar 83 oysters and sparkling to the Sydney Cellar Door festival on Tallawoladah Lawns in the rocks. Find it all during November and support our delicious local wines.
puzzles and games
QUICK CROSSWORD
1 The Hoysala Empire ruled in the south of what country between the 10th and 14th centuries?
2 In the children’s cartoon Tom and Jerry, what sort of animal was Jerry?
3 US singer/songwriter Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr was better known by what name?
4 True or false: elephant seal bulls can grow to 7m long?
5 The Scandinavian Peninsula covers which three countries?
6 Which Australian band released a remix of the ABC News theme song in 2010?
7 Before Mick Malthouse, who was the coach of the Collingwood Football Club?
8 In Roman mythology, who was the god of love?
9 In what year did Frank Sinatra (pictured) release the song My Way?
10 Not including Australia, how many countries have a flag that is only red, white and blue?
ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD
ACROSS
2 Big-budget adventure starring Alexander Skarsgård as the title character, The Legend of – (6)
4 2014 British drama starring Max Irons, – –Club (3,4)
9 John Ford classic starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara (3,5,3)
11, 25-down British actor and comedian behind fictional radio and TV star Alan Partridge (5,6)
29 Actor who plays Neil Armstrong in the 2018 bio First Man (4,7)
30 Actor who portrays Dryden Vos in Solo: A Star Wars Story, Paul – (7)
31 Superhero played by Paul Rudd (3-3)
DOWN
1 US reality series looking at plastic surgeries gone wrong (7)
No. 042
15 The voice of King Julien XIII in the Madagascar films, Sacha Baron – (5)
16 Jim Carrey’s 1997 fantasy comedy (4,4)
18 2013 drama starring Naomi Watts and Xavier Samuel (9)
20 Action movie starring Bruce Willis and his daughter Rumer (7)
21 Actor (pictured) who plays old school tycoon Reuben Tishkoff in the Ocean’s film series, –Gould (7)
23 Debate forum hosted by Jenny Brockie (7)
24 Star of the title role in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Michael – (4) 25 See 11-across 27 Actor who played Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight – Eckhart (5)
HIDDEN WORD
Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations.
12 Dystopian series based on the novel by Margaret Atwood, The – – (9,4)
2 Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway’s (pictured) 2015 comedy (3,6)
13 Actor who plays Dominic Toretto in the Fast and the Furious franchise, Vin – (6)
Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.
15 Star of Shopgirl and Stardust, – Danes (6)
16 Gerard Butler action thriller, – Has Fallen (6)
17 Star of Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky, – Swank (6)
19 Star of 8-down, –Judd (6)
22 Australian TV presenter and sports commentator, – Meadows (6)
26 Black comedy starring Edward Norton as identical twin brothers (6,2,5)
28 Japanese actor who plays Hogun in the Thor movies, Tadanobu – (5)
3 Acting siblings Patricia, David, Richmond, Rosanna and –Arquette (6)
5 Series starring Esme Creed-Miles, based on the film of the same name (5)
6 English comedian, actor and author, – Brand (7)
7 Nigerian-born star of cop show Shades of Blue, Dayo – (7)
Insert the missing
8 Musical biopic based on the life of Cole Porter and starring 19-across (2-6)
NOTE: more than one solution may be possible
10 Johnny Depp and Benedict Cumberbatch’s crime drama, Black – (4)
14 American musician who plays Cinna the stylist in the first two Hunger Games films, – Kravitz (5)
1. In which year was Cumberbatch born?
1980
1982
1976
1972
2. Which prestigious school did Cumberbatch attend? A. Harrow B. Eton C. Westminster D. None
3. For which series did Cumberbatch win an Emmy Award?
A. Sherlock
B. Parade’s End C. Patrick Melrose D. None
4. Which animated character did he voice on film?
A. Simba
B. Buzz Lightyear C. The Grinch D. Mowgli
MulticulturalHub
BeyondBoundaries:
‘PassonaHOPEtoSomeone’
AtHarmanFoundation,ourmissionistoempowerandupliftvulnerable communities.HOPEMulticulturalHubofferscomprehensivesupport servicesandasafe,transitionalspaceforvulnerablewomenandtheir children.AttheHOPEMulticulturalHub,womencansafelystaywiththeir children,whohaveasecureenvironmenttoplayandrest,whilethemothers receivethenecessarysupporttonavigatevariousgovernmentagencies. TheHubisopenforallfamiliesinneedofothersupportservicestoo.This includesassistancewithpaperwork,suchasfillingoutformsforCentrelink, legalaid,victimservices,andmore.StrategicallypositionednearBlacktown Station,theHubtrulylivesuptoitsname—aplaceofhopeandnew beginnings.Weinviteeachoneextendhelpandjoinusinthemissionto makeadifferencebyvolunteering,donatingorparticipatinginourevents& workshops.
Location:17,BalmoralStreet,Blacktown,NSW OperatingHours:10amto4pm.Available24/7viaHelpline
Aninitiativetoempowercommunities
BeyondBoundariesisaninitiativebyHarmanFoundationtocompile storiesofpeoplefromallwalksoflifeandreleasethemasanebook.This bookisanopportunityforpeopletoreflectbackontheirownlifeand shareitwithothers.BeyondBoundariesisnotjustabook,itsa compilationofsuccesses,failures,offallingandrisingagain,withdignity andselfrespect.Thisyearwecelebratedtheeventon20thSeptember andreleasedstoriesof17peoplefromvariedbackgrounds.Thebook launcheventwasafullhouseeventwithfashionwalk,classicaldance performanceandinspiringtalksbythestorytellers.
Step Into Action
