HEALTH GAME CHANGER
Sarah Kelly is one of the most respected health professionals in the sporting industry. The former Head of High Performance and Physiotherapy at the Western Sydney Wanderers, who is now back at Canberra United, is about to take her game and the medical industry to the next level. Kelly has developed a new software platform called Akuna Tec, which is an all-in-one software platform and patient app designed specifically for Allied Health businesses. With extensive experience as an elite footballer, and then a high performance manager and physiotherapist across a number of sports, Kelly is also a business owner in the healthy industry. There are very few who have a more wholistic view of sports medicine practices. More page 4.
Sarah Keyyly
STARRY SARI NIGHT AHIT
SCAMMERS USING SOCIAL MEDIA
A Century in the Hawkesbury Sky
ON 30 June 1925, three aircraft from No. 3 Squadron touched down on the broad fields of Ham Common.
That moment signalled the birth of RAAF Station Richmond, the first Royal Australian Air Force base outside Victoria, and the beginning of a partnership with the Hawkesbury that has now endured for a century.
This year, the base celebrated its 100th anniversary in style, throwing open its gates to thousands of visitors for a weekend of awe-inspiring flying displays, historic reflections, and a community celebration unlike any other.
Families, veterans, aviation enthusiasts, and locals of all ages came together to share in a moment of pride for both Defence and the region.
From its early days training airmen between the wars, Richmond quickly grew into a wartime hub during the Second World War. It supported multiple squadrons, training units, and even housed a major RAAF hospital.
TIn the decades that followed, the base became synonymous with air mobility, especially after the arrival of the C-130 Hercules in the late 1950s.
For generations, Hercules aircraft have lifted people, supplies, and hope to the most remote and disaster-stricken corners of Australia and beyond.
Whether responding to bushfires, floods, or humanitarian crises overseas, the men and women of Richmond
have ensured the Air Force could move quickly when it mattered most.
Today, No. 37 Squadron still operates the Hercules from Richmond, and the next chapter is already being written with the government’s commitment to 20 new C-130Js, due to arrive from 2027. That investment guarantees Richmond will remain a cornerstone of Australia’s defence and disaster-response capability well into the future.
But the centenary wasn’t just about history or Defence capability it was about community. Locals gathered in their thousands to see Richmond at its best.
From the roar of Hercules engines overhead to breathtaking aerobatic displays, visitors looked skyward in awe. On the ground, families explored heritage aircraft, spoke with Air Force personnel, and discovered stories that tied generations of service to the Hawkesbury heartland.
For many, it was also a time to reminisce. Veterans swapped stories of their time in uniform, parents explained the significance of the day to their children, and community members reflected on how closely tied Richmond and the Hawkesbury have become.
As the celebrations drew to a close, one message rang clear: RAAF Base Richmond is not just a Defence asset, but a neighbour, a partner, and a proud part of the Hawkesbury community.
of their application. The Government gave retailers and wholesalers a three-month grace period from 1 July to 1 October to apply for a license, after the Tobacco Licensing Scheme laws came into effect.
Celebrations at Richmond.
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Sarah’s game changer for health industry From elite player to elite business
JANAKAN SEEMAMPILLAI
SARAH Kelly is one of the most respected health professionals in the sporting industry.
The former Head of High Performance and Physiotherapy at the Western Sydney Wanderers, who is now back at Canberra United, is about to take her game and the medical industry to the next level.
Kelly has developed a new software platform called Akuna Tec, which is an all-in-one software platform and patient app designed specifically for Allied Health businesses.
With extensive experience as an elite footballer, and then a high-performance manager and physiotherapist across several sports, Kelly is also a business owner in the healthy industry. There are very few who have a more wholistic view of sports medicine practices.
Akuna Tec has been especially built to help clinics streamline their entire practice management, while combining an extensive exercise library and programming software.
“It removes the need for multiple plugins and different systems, bringing everything practitioners and businesses need into one intuitive platform that also provides a seamless patient experience,” said Kelly, who has previously worked in football, basketball, ice hockey and goalball.
“I’ve been a physiotherapist for 15 years, working in elite sport for most of that time, and running my own business for the past 11 years.
“I kept seeing the same problems - the need for multiple different software platforms and
Western
apps, each adding more admin time, more cost, and more frustration. It all takes away from patient care and the important parts of running a business.”
Akuna Tec has numerous benefits for practitioners and patients alike. It simplifies workflows, saves time, reduces costs, improves the quality of care, and enhances communication and accessibility for patients.
Access plans
Clinicians can quickly and efficiently assess, plan, and track client progress, build custom rehab or complex strength and conditioning programs, and assign them to patients with a single click. There are to-do lists, AI-generated notes, and in-house messaging to keep clinicians and admin staff connected and organised.
“For businesses, Akuna Tec allows you to run your entire operation through one platform. No more juggling multiple systems,” said Kelly.
“It combines patient forms and sign-ins, clinical notes, invoicing and payments, exercise programming, analytics and insights, and more. Push notifications replace costly SMS reminders, and integrations with Xero, personal calendars, and performance software keep everything connected.
“From the patient side, each business gets its own custom-branded app. Patients can view their programs, appointments, and classes, book or reschedule sessions, learn about their clinicians, read blogs, and even check in automatically when they arrive on site using geo-location.”
Kelly can vouch for the benefits of Akuna Tec from her own
experiences, from running a business herself as the Managing Director and Senior Sports Physiotherapist of SportsTec Clinic in Canberra.
“At one point, I was spending over $1,500 a month just on practice management software, patient sign-in forms, reminder SMS services, and exercise programs,” explains Kelly.
“There was a clear gap for a tool that was practical, clinically relevant, and improved outcomes (not just paperwork) while being cost-effective.
“I wanted to create something that made life easier for both practitioners and business owners, while also improving patient results.
Different forms
“Akuna Tec has been built by me, a practitioner and business owner, for other practitioners and business owners. I understand exactly what both sides need, from the big picture down to the intricate day-today details.”
The revolutionary software comes in a few different forms, all designed to enhance the user experience for everyone.
“I’ve also built a Teams ver-
sion that allows medical and performance staff to manage all their athletes,” said Kelly.
“In 2026, we’ll be expanding this to include performance data and a full team calendar, making it a true one-stop shop for teams.
“Our full release is set for January, but I’ve been extensively testing the system within my own clinic to ensure a seamless experience for every new business that comes onboard. This hands-on testing helps identify and refine every detail before release.
“I’ve already rolled out the Teams version with Canberra United, and it’s saving huge amounts of admin time around scheduling and exercise programming.
“It’s reduced no-shows, improved player engagement, and made key information easily accessible through the app’s custom blogs and info boards. Players love having everything they need right at their fingertips.”
A former Canberra Eclipse player in the now defunct National Womens Soccer League, Kelly has been involved in the medical industry for nearly two decades.
She has also been involved with Football Australia’s Junior National teams and National Futsal setup.
She recently worked with the Australian ParaMatildas’ team, who went on to make the 2022 IFCPF World Cup Final in Spain.
She was also a physiotherapist for the Australian Paralympic Committee for the goalball team for seven years from 2012 to 2019.
With Akuna Tec, Kelly is set to be a game changer off the field as well.
Sarah Kelly.
Extra wide platforms at WS Airport
PASSENGERS using the new metro line into Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport
will have the smoothest transits, with extra-wide platforms and a range of luggage-friendly features to make it a first-class public transport experience.
The first look inside Airport Terminal Station reveals the widest platforms on the entire Sydney Metro network – twice the width of the platforms at Gadigal Station in the Sydney CBD.
At ten metres wide, the large platforms are among design features to facilitate the high-volume movement of travellers with luggage in and out of the city’s newest airport.
Airport Terminal Station will also have larger lifts and wider ticket gates to smooth the connection.
The new 23-kilometre Metro line, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, will move up to 7,740 passengers every hour in each direction.
The six-stop line will connect Western Sydney International Airport to St
Marys in just 15 minutes where passengers can join services on the T1 Western Line that run direct to stations including Blacktown, Parramatta, Strathfield and Central Station.
A 60-tonne crane is being used
to lower precast concrete segments 25 metres below ground to the station floor, with segments then pieced together side-by-side and secured in place with bolts and concrete to create the platform.
The high-precision work will take about 25 days to complete, with work starting next at Airport Business Park and Orchard Hills stations. Bradfield Station is the first station box where the platform installation work is complete.
Construction progress on Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport comes amid a rush of milestones in recent weeks across the Sydenham to Bankstown metro conversion and Sydney Metro West mega-projects. These include:
• 80 per cent completion at Bankstown, with platforms and screens in place.
• The breakthrough of two tunnel boring machines into Pyrmont on their way to Hunter Street.
•· Breakthroughs at Parramatta as those TBMs head to Westmead.
• 90 per cent completion of all tunnelling on Sydney Metro West.
The $10.5B Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, each contributing $5.25B.
Scammers use social media to recruit
A20 per cent jump in fraudulent online account openings has prompted a warning from NGM Group cybercrime experts, as online criminals increasingly turn to social media to recruit individuals to facilitate money laundering.
Known as ‘money muling’, the practice commonly sees criminals seek out bank accounts to buy or rent from others which are then used to move stolen or illegal funds, often targeting vulnerable people through fake job ads, social media or online scams.
NGM Group Head of Financial Crime Operations
Craig Hollingsworth said cyber criminals were increasingly using social media to find unsuspecting money mules with the promise of quick cash.
“These criminals can be blatant, offering a few hundred dollars in payment to people who are willing to open an account on their behalf,” he said.
“They are scammers who are very good at exploiting people who may be too scared to refuse or do not understand that what is being asked of them is not just serious, it’s illegal.”
With more than 400 attempts made in July to open fraudulent Newcastle Permanent bank accounts, Mr Hollingsworth said that these criminals were relentless in their attempts to launder money.
“We take our responsibilities to prevent money
laundering very seriously, so we have extremely rigorous processes in place to stop these fraudsters in their tracks,” he said.
“When these criminals realise they can’t get away with it through us they will simply try with another financial institution, which is why public awareness of these tactics and their consequences is so important.”
Red flags to look out for include:
• Being offered money just for opening a bank account.
• Being offered money for someone to "borrow" your bank details.
• Getting paid to move money that isn't yours.
• Pressure to act fast, without asking questions.
• A job offer that doesn't seem to have real business behind it.
With money laundering funding often linked to serious criminal activity such as illegal gambling, terrorism, child exploitation and drug trafficking the consequences for those involved can be severe, even if the money mule was unaware of the crime. These may include:
• A criminal record that affects future employment, travel, housing, and visa applications
• Frozen or closed bank accounts, including loss of access to legitimate funds
• Banks declining or restricting future access to banking services
• Debt, if stolen money has been passed on or you have been tricked into spending it
• Police charges and even prison time for repeat or knowing involvement.
Mr Hollingsworth said that if it seems dodgy, it probably is.
“Your bank account is your identity, it’s not a product to rent out or hand over,” he said.
“If someone is offering you easy money to move funds or open accounts there’s a good chance you’re being drawn into criminal activity, so the best thing to do is walk away.”
Cumberland in the green with grant
MORE quality green open space is on the way for Cumberland with $220,000 investment from the state’s longest-running open space grants program.
The latest round of the Metropolitan Greenspaces program will invest $150,000 to create an edible garden at the Auburn Botanic Gardens and $70,000 to develop detailed designs to upgrade Hopman Street Park.
The new edible garden will showcase plants from around the world to reflect the cultural diversity of the region.
Hopman Street Park designs are set
to connect it with the Prospect Pipeline Open Space Corridor and in line with the Prospect Pipeline Corridor Masterplan.
This is an investment in the future of Cumberland, delivering more outdoor places where people can gather, play, relax and exercise in their community.
The NSW Government funding will be matched by Cumberland City Council to deliver a $440,000 investment across Auburn Botanic Gardens and Hopman Street Park.
The Minns Labor Government is building a better NSW and that means investing to improve and expand
green open space as we drive increased density to address the state’s housing challenges.
This is one of 15 projects between Gosford and Sutherland which received nearly $4 million funding from the NSW Government. The projects are together worth more than $9M thanks to council co-contributions.
The projects are at various stages with 6 receiving funding for planning and design while 9 are ready for the delivery phase.
The Metropolitan Greenspace program has provided over $65M to metropolitan and central coast councils
since 1990 with more than 680 new or upgraded projects completed.
For more information visit Metropolitan Greenspace Program | Planning (nsw.gov.au)
Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott said: “Hopman Street Park is a great slice of open space for surrounding residents and this funding will help unlock its potential and kick start work to link it to the Prospect Pipeline Corridor.
“This is another example of the Government’s investment in building better communities by pairing open green space with growing communities.”
Platforms beomg constructed.
New, safer laws for drunk patrons
VULNERABLE people on a night out are less likely to be assaulted on the streets, because venues will no longer be required to immediately remove intoxicated patrons from their premises.
This is a key measure of the NSW Government’s third tranche of vibrancy reforms that will be introduced to parliament next week.
In its first two years the NSW Government passed two tranches of vibrancy legislation aimed at rebuilding the state’s night-time economy by removing unnecessary restrictions on hospitality operators.
The new tranche of legislation will increase safety for patrons and workers, including a change in the Liquor Act relating to the treatment of intoxicated patrons.
Currently venues are required to immediately remove intoxicated patrons to maintain a safe and responsible service of alcohol.
Venues have reported this can have the unintended consequence of pushing vulnerable people onto the streets, increasing the risk of violence, sexual assault and getting hit by a vehicle.
Under the changes, venues can keep an intoxicated patron on the premises and actively monitor them
while transport or medical assistance arrives, rather than requiring them to leave immediately.
Other rules apply to the management of intoxicated patrons, including restrictions on entering gaming rooms or being served more alcohol.
Individual processes to support this proposed change will vary from venue to venue, but the harm minimisation measures will remain the same for all
licensees.
They are now able to use their discretion to prioritise patron safety and wellbeing over the immediate removal of intoxicated patrons.
Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) will work with the hospitality industry to ensure appropriate measures are in place and will support venues to provide advice and guidance to staff and management.
Other measures in the third tranche of vibrancy reforms include:
• Making extended trading hours incentives more accessible for regional venues.
• Streamlining the process for venues to have outdated license conditions removed, so they can more easily program live music and entertainment.
• Encouraging the ‘weekend away’ and supporting tourism by allowing Special Event Extended Trading for up to 24 hours prior to an event.
• Diversifying night-time offerings by allowing venues that provide entertainment such as pool tables, jukeboxes and amusement machines to apply for an on-premises liquor licence.
Street Side Medics launch in North West
STREET Side Medics, a not-forprofit, GP-led mobile medical service dedicated to people experiencing homelessness has launched locally to cover the Blacktown and North West regions. Located at Carevan Blacktown at Lalor Park
Community Hall the Street Side Medics clinic will operate every Tuesday from 6.30pm - 8.30pm. Street Side Medics is the brainchild of 2022 Young Australian of the Year Dr Daniel Nour.
Street Side Medics provides free primary healthcare to vulnerable Aus-
tralians via fully equipped and customised mobile medical units which on a weekly basis visit areas with demographically high concentrations of people experiencing homelessness.
Street Side Medics runs in collaboration with existing food services, shel-
ters and other homelessness-focussed service providers at each of its clinic locations to help alleviate the burdens faced by vulnerable communities in accessing primary healthcare.
Visit: www.streetsidemedics.com.au.
Western Sydney enters space race
APARTNERSHIP between the NSW Government and leading Australian space technology business Space Machines Company is lifting off, establishing Bradfield as a manufacturing hub for critical space infrastructure like satellites that will help safeguard space for Australia and our allies.
The Rapid Australian Production & Integration for Distributed Space (RAPID) agreement, will bring advanced space technology manufacturing to Western Sydney – delivering jobs and promoting the development and adoption of innovative technologies.
Under the leadership of the NSW Government, Bradfield is becoming a city for high tech innovation.
Space Machines Company will commence high-value manufacturing projects at the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility’s (AMRF) this year, with the aim to develop hyperscale production capability to produce satellites which are used to repair other satellites in long term orbit.
It’s expected the AMRF will support Space Machines Company to initially produce more than 30 units annually, with production expected to scale up to hundreds of units per year by 2030.
We’re also exploring opportunities for Space Machines Company at Bradfield’s Second Building and looking at establishing a dedicated Hyperscale Satellite Production Facility in Bradfield City.
The RAPID agreement also prioritises the development of a shared roadmap to build sovereign space manufacturing capability, open new market opportunities, and align with the strategic objectives of both the Australian and NSW Governments.
Partnerships like this support the delivery of high-quality jobs and advanced industries delivering economic benefits for Western Sydney and NSW.
CEO of Space Machines Company, Rajat Kulshrestha said: “Western Sydney is the ideal location to establish Australia’s sovereign space manufactur-
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ing capability. Through our partnership with BDA and the AMRF, we are not just building satellites – we’re creating the critical infrastructure that will safeguard space for Australia and our allies.
“Space production at scale is essential for national security in the modern era. This partnership enables us to build from tens of spacecraft annually and scale toward producing hundreds
by 2030, giving Australia and allied nations the rapid response capabilities essential for protecting our critical space infrastructure.
“As space becomes increasingly contested, having sovereign manufacturing capability ensures we can both defend our interests and protect the space-based systems that underpin our modern way of life.“
Signing of the agreement.
October 22 | Hall 5A | Sydney Showground | Sydney Olympic Park | From 9am
Exprience FREE speakers and expert panels.
• AI in Action: Hype, Help or Hindrance? 9.30AM
Founder shares how the CEO Sleepout went global. 10.30AM
• CashNO to CashFLOW – Business Growth and Performance Strategies. 11.30AM
• Trademark Expert Shares Insider Tips for Success. 12.30PM
• Creating Social and Digital Marketing ROI in 2025. 1.15PM
• The Fixers: From Stress to Strategy in Cash Flow, Tax Debt & Finance. 2.15PM
•
• Grow Your Business with Smart Solutions. 3.15PM
Admitting driving while distracted
NEW AAMI research reveals nine in 10 Australians admit to driving distracted, with 38% involved in an accident or near miss. Key distractions include smartphones (25%), adjusting music or GPS (60%), people-watching (40%), crash scenes (40%), and
eating (65%). Over a third cite cognitive distractions, while a quarter won’t change until facing direct consequences. To improve road safety, AAMI has launched the AAMI Driving Test (ADT), helping drivers assess and strengthen their skills.
Access for mobile related disability
MORE than two million Australians with mobility-related disabilities can now access over 1,000 safe and secure public toilets and Changing Places facilities with the Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK). Developed 30 years ago, the MLAK offers lifelong, subsidisable access through the NDIS. Advocates highlight its importance for independence, safety, and inclusion, while councils
are urged to expand installations. The MLAK also works at Liberty Swings and other facilities, ensuring dignity and reliable access for those who need it most.
Happy life drives worker satisfaction
AN international study of 160,000 people reveals life satisfaction is the strongest driver of job satisfaction, not the reverse. Published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, it shows happier individuals are 32%
more likely to experience increased work satisfaction over time. Researchers stress that workplace wellbeing must focus on holistic strategies - flexible work, mental health support, personal growth, and valuing life outside work - if employers want engaged, fulfilled staff. The study urges a people-first approach for lasting workplace satisfaction.
Money to research brain cancers
ANEWCASTLE-led research team, led by Professor Matt Dun, has secured an $18.7M Australian Government grant to develop next-generation therapies for high grade gliomas (HGG), the deadliest brain cancers. Backed by global experts, the team is creating brain-penetrant drugs to overcome the blood-brain barrier and improve survival when combined with radiotherapy. With clinical trials targeted within five years, the research offers new hope for patients and families facing DIPG and glioblastoma, cancers that currently have no effective treatment.
Tips to detect possible stroke event
Dangers of MORE than 110 Australians suffer a stroke daily, with one in four linked to atrial fibrillation (AF). AF affects over 500,000 Australians, often undiagnosed, and doubles stroke risk and mortality. During Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week (22–28 September), Hearts4heart director Dr Geoff Lester, himself a heart surgery survivor, has urged Australians of all ages to learn simple pulse checks to
detect AF early. Cardiologists stress early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can prevent debilitating AF-related strokes, reducing costs and saving lives. Govt seeks EOI
for housing program
THE NSW Government has opened Expressions of Interest for its Pre-sale Finance Guarantee (PFG) program to accelerate housing construction in NSW. The five-year initiative will commit up to $1B billion in pre-sales by purchasing up to 50% of off-the-plan homes in eligible projects, valued at up to $2M each. Designed to address finance hurdles and delays, the program reduces risk for lenders and developers, boosts housing supply, and ensures quality through NSW Building Commissioner oversight. Developers ready to build within six months are encouraged to apply.
Rural doctors finally recognised
RURAL Generalists (RGs) have been formally recognised as a distinct medical specialty in Australia, marking a milestone for rural healthcare. This recognition, announced by Minister Mark Butler, follows decades of advocacy by ACRRM, RACGP, and the RG Recognition Taskforce. RGs provide comprehensive care across clinics, hospitals, and emergency settings, particularly in rural, remote, and First Nations communities. The move boosts visibility, remuneration, and training opportunities, ensuring equitable, high-quality healthcare for all Australians regardless of location.
Liverpool’s Starry Sari Night Culture events are money spinners
LIVERPOOL City Council’s Starry Sari Night brought colour, culture and community spirit to the heart of Liverpool.
The annual celebration of South Asian culture is now one of Sydney’s biggest multicultural block parties.
This year’s event brought 12,500 people to Liverpool’s CBD, generating around $600,000 for the local economy.
So far this year, Liverpool City Council’s festival program has attracted over 260,000 visitors and generated a staggering $21.9M for the local economy.
Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said Events like Starry Sari Night show the very best of Liverpool.
“We might come from different backgrounds, but when we eat together, dance together, and celebrate together, we realise how much we have in common.
“People are voting with their feet and their wallets because they want to be part of something that unites us,” he said.
From dazzling saris and Bollywood beats to mouth-watering street food and family-friendly entertainment, Starry Sari Night is where Liverpool shines brightest.
George Street was transformed into a vibrant festival precinct bursting with colour, music and the irresistible smells of curries, sweets and snacks from across South Asia.
Starry Sari was made possible by sponsors Remitly and Liverpool Nissan and funding from the NSW Government through its Open Streets program and the Permit/Plug/Play pilot program.
It was a chance to enjoy a spectacular Sari Showcase on the runway, live music and dance that had the crowd moving, a Curry Cook-Off that spiced up the night, market stalls stacked with jewellery, fashion, and handmade treasures as well as family activities and art workshops.
“Cultural events like Starry Sari Night are not just fun, they are vital, Mayor Mannoun said.
“They help us break down barriers, build understanding, and celebrate the common humanity that binds us all.
“Liverpool is proud to be a city where diversity is embraced, and where every community feels at home.”
This year’s Starry Sari event
Parramatta Aquatic Centre a winner
PARRAMATTA Aquatic Centre (PAC) has proven to be a winner in and out of the water after it won the coveted International Architecture Award for landscape architecture.
The award, from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, was announced in Athens, Greece over the weekend and decided by an international jury.
plete with four multi-purpose pools, a high-tech fitness centre, a spa and sau
na, a café and more than 200 parking spots, opened its doors in September 2023.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said PAC had established itself as the go-to destination in western Sydney to cool off, exercise and relax.
“PAC’s profile has gone from one of the best in Sydney to one of the best in the world,” Cr Zaiter said.
“The centre’s unique landscaping
serves world class facilities. This award demonstrates that’s exactly what we’ve delivered.”
Cr Zaiter said it’s not the first time Parramatta has shone on the world stage.
“Last year, the City’s cultural hub PHIVE won an International Architecture Award and now it’s PAC’s turn,” Cr Zaiter said.
“This adds to an impressive trophy cabinet for PAC, including being awarded the 2025 Aquatic Centre of the Year at the 2025 Royal Life Saving Awards Gala, The AQUAS, and eight national
and international award wins for architecture and design in 2024.”
“These achievements would not have been possible without the innovation of Council staff and our successful collaboration with our project partners - Grimshaw and Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall.”
McGregor Coxall Associate Landscape Architect Xavier Font Sala said PAC is one of his proudest achievements.
“The PAC is more than just an3 aquatic facility – it’s a living landscape,” Mr Font Sala said.
The award winning Parramatta Aquatic Centre.
SWR 99.9FM – The Difference is the Music
Founded in the early 1990s by three passionate locals from Western Sydney, SWR 99.9FM was built on a simple yet powerful vision: to create a local radio station that provides unbiased, accessible, and community-driven content for everyone.
Today, SWR 99.9FM is the largest community radio station in Western Sydney, proudly supported by over 120 dedicated members and volunteers. We serve a diverse and growing audience across multiple platforms — FM, digital radio, live streaming, and on-demand — making it easier than ever for listeners to connect with us anytime, anywhere.
In 2021, our commitment to genuine local engagement was recognised nationally when we received the prestigious "Excellence in Community Engagement" award from the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia. Our impact continues to grow. From 121,000 monthly listeners in 2020 to an incredible 224,000 in 2025, we've seen a 57.7% increase in just five years — a testament to the trust and loyalty of our community.
At SWR 99.9FM, the difference truly is the music — but it's also the people, the passion, and the purpose behind every broadcast.
Volunteers Lead the Charge!
At SWR 99.9FM, we know that without volunteers, there is no community radio.
Our volunteers are the beating heart of everything we do. Passionate, dedicated, and community-driven, they bring unmatched energy, creativity, and commitment to keeping local voices on air.
Representing the diverse communities of Greater Western Sydney, our volunteers create content that truly matters — reflecting the stories, sounds, and spirit of the region.
From broadcasting and production to events, promotions, and social media, volunteers not only contribute their time and talents but also develop valuable, real-world skills along the way.
Whether behind the mic or behind the scenes, they are true team players — supporting each other and working together to deliver high-quality, meaningful radio and grassroots events.
Want to Be On Air?
No experience? No problem!
At SWR 99.9FM, we believe everyone has a story to tell — and we’re here to help you tell it. Whether you're into music, talkback, culture, comedy, or something entirely unique, we offer opportunities for anyone to start their own program.
No radio background? That’s totally fine! Our team will guide you every step of the way — from your first idea to your first broadcast.
Join a vibrant, creative, and supportive community of volunteers who are passionate about making great radio for Greater Western Sydney and beyond.
Ready to get on air?
Visit swr999.com.au to learn more and express your interest today. SWR 99.9FM — The Difference is the Music. The Voice is Yours.
AI and job applications
Many admit using AI to create CVs
ARTIFICAL intelligence is fast becoming a tool of choice for job seekers, with new research from people2people Recruitment revealing that 1 in 4 Australians (25%) have used AI to help write their CV or cover letter.
For some, it’s become a frequent habit – with 14% admitting they use it a lot.
Generationally, AI use during job search is highest among:
• Gen X (33%).
• Millennials/Gen Z (24%).
• Baby Boomers (22%).
But while AI promises efficiency, it is also raising concerns about honesty in applications. The research found:
• 35% of Australians have lied or exaggerated on a CV or cover letter, and 24% admitted to doing so multiple times.
• 45% of Millennials/Gen Z were likely to exaggerate, compared with 32% of Gen X and 31% of Baby Boomers.
• G0% of Australians believe AI makes it easier to mislead on job applications, with Baby Boomers the most wary (96%).
• The biggest fear when using AI is “sounding fake” (33%), followed by getting caught (23%) and accidentally lying (12%). Interestingly, 32% say they have no fear at all
when using AI.
Catherine Kennedy, NSW Managing Director at people2people Recruitment, says while AI can be a powerful support tool, job seekers need to tread carefully.
“AI can help candidates polish their applications, but employers are looking for authenticity. A CV or cover letter that sounds fake or over-engineered can raise red flags. AI should be used as an assistant, not a replacement for personal voice, accuracy, and honesty,” she said.
“Hiring managers are becoming more alert to AI-
written applications, and many now run extra screening or verification steps. Candidates who rely too heavily on AI risk being overlooked before they even get to interview. The most successful applications are still the ones that feel real and human.”
Advice for job seekers using AI in applications:
1. Keep it authentic – Use AI for structure or grammar, but ensure your skills, experience, and tone are your own.
2. Fact-check everything –AI tools can ‘make up’ details. Always double-check that what’s written is accurate.
3. Add personalisation – Tailor applications to the role and employer. Employers can spot generic AI text instantly.
4. Don’t overdo it – Use AI as a polish, not to create your application from scratch.
5. Be honest – Exaggeration can backfire. Employers often verify experience, and dishonesty can cost you the job.
AI is here to stay, and job seekers are embracing it. But trust is the currency of recruitment and if candidates misuse AI, they risk damaging their credibility before they even reach the interview stage.
Catherine Kennedy.
Connecting Sydney and Parramatta
Locomotive 4625 sits at Central Station, before hauling the first electric train along the Blue Mountains Line to Lithgow, 1957, NSW State Archives.
A train sits at the platform at the original Central Station in 1856, NSW State Archives.
Dr John Bradfield in the cab of locomotive 1905, the first train across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, 1932, NSW State Archives.
Crowds watch as the first train departs the current Central Station, 1906, NSW State Archives.
Portraits of the first driver - Mr William Sixsmith - and the first FiremanMr William Webster, NSW State Archives.
The first ticket issued for the first train on 26 September 1855, NSW State Archives.
Women in Small Business
The Power of Community Why we can’t do business alone
KYLIE KING
IF you’ve read some of my previous articles, you will have noticed me mention that running a business can feel lonely sometimes.
You’ve got a million ideas running through your head, endless decisions to make, and no “boss” to bounce them off. And while independence is what so many of us love about being in business, the truth is… we’re not meant to do it all alone.
Like that saying: “it takes a village to bring up a child,” I feel it’s the same for a business. “You need a community to run a business.”
And when you have found a community that you feel aligned with, it changes everything. It’s the late-night message to someone who just gets it. It’s that one connection at a networking event that turns into a referral, a collaboration, or even a lifelong friendship. It’s having people around you who remind you that you’re not crazy for chasing your dreams, even on the days when it feels too overwhelming or impossible.
When I first started the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative, it wasn’t about creating another business group. It was about creating a space where
women could show up as their whole selves, including the messy middles, the faceplants, the wins and still feel supported.
Because let’s be honest: most of us are juggling families, finances, clients, and life on top of building a business and without community, the load gets heavy quick.
I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when women come together. At our networking events, it’s not just about swapping business cards, it’s about someone jumping in to help another woman set up her ABN, or share tips for social media, or recommend the best local printer for her flyers.
At the ALIBI Awards, the magic isn’t just in the trophies, it’s in the way finalists cheer each other on, promote each other’s businesses, and celebrate every chapter of the journey.
That’s the real power of community. It’s not competition, it’s collaboration. It’s not about who’s “ahead” or “behind.” It’s about knowing that your success doesn’t take away from mine, and mine doesn’t take away from yours. In fact, when one of us wins, we all rise a little higher.
I can tell you from my own experience, there have been plenty of times I’ve questioned what I’m doing. Times when it felt too hard, too much, or
not worth it. And every single time, it’s been community that’s pulled me through.
A kind word, a kick up the bum or a reminder that I’m not the only one who’s been there. Sometimes it’s even just the laugh we share when everything’s going sideways and all you can do is shake your head and keep going.
So, here’s my reminder for anyone reading this: don’t try to do business in isolation. Find your people. Go to the networking event. Join the online group.
Start the conversation. Because yes, you can survive on your own but when you’ve got a community behind you, you don’t just survive… you thrive.
In the end, success isn’t just about the dollars or the titles. It’s about the people we walk beside on the journey.
And if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: business is better, braver, and a whole lot more fun when we do it together.
Kylie King is a hypnotherapist, business and mindset mentor, and the founder of th e 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
Groundbreaking study calls out hospitals Parental intuition is medically valid
ASTUDY published in The Lancet
Child & Adolescent Health has found that a parent’s concern that their child is deteriorating in hospital is as strongly associated with serious illness as abnormalities in vital signs like heart rate, breathing rate or blood pressure.
The research, led by Dr Erin Mills and Professor Simon Craig from Monash University’s School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, introduces compelling new evidence that listening to parents could play a crucial role in preventing adverse outcomes in paediatric patients.
"We know that parents are the experts in their children,” said Dr Mills. “But stories of parents not being heard, followed by devastating outcomes, are all too common. We wanted to change that.”
The study introduced a simple question for clinical staff to ask parents during every vital signs check: “Are you worried your child is getting worse?”
The results showed that children whose parents said they were worried were significantly more likely to experience serious illness – even when their vital signs appeared normal.
“If a parent said they were worried, their child was around four times more likely to require intensive care. That’s a signal we can’t afford to ignore,” Dr Mills said.
While the findings mark an important step forward, they come with difficult context. In recent years, several high-profile cases in Australia have shown the tragic consequences of not acting on family concerns.
Dr Mills works on oversight and review of cases where children are
harmed in hospital and says these findings address a major gap.
“There’s been no standard way to capture or act on parent concern,” she said. “We wanted to test whether parent input could help us identify deterioration earlier – and it can.”
The study highlights the need to formally integrate caregiver concern
into hospital early warning systems, noting that current tools often rely solely on physiological measurements.
Unlike escalation pathways such as Ryan’s Rule or REACH – which require families to initiate urgent reviews – this approach places responsibility with clinicians to routinely ask about concern.
That’s especially important because many families are unaware of these escalation options, or may not feel confident using them in high-pressure situations.
“This isn’t just about improving systems. It’s about changing how we listen,” said Dr Mills. “When we ask families directly, we create trust – and we act earlier.”
The authors say parent concern should be included in clinical review processes and treated as an important source of information, alongside physiological signs.
“Parent concern should be part of every clinical review,” Dr Mills said. “It’s not a complaint, it’s important clinical information.”
The message to parents is clear: your instinct matters, and your voice could make a critical difference.
“Parents are not visitors – they are part of the care team,” said Dr Mills. “We want every hospital to recognise that and give parents permission, and power, to speak up.”
in Western Sydney Mental Health Matters
Mental health affects how we live, work, and connect. In Western Sydney, over half of residents report low psychological wellbeing¹—yet support is available, and help is always within reach.
Know the Signs
Look out for:
• Ongoing sadness or worry
• Trouble sleeping or eating
• Withdrawing from others
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask for help.
Support for Everyone
Free mental health services are available for:
• Young people
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• People leaving hospital care
• Those with complex or co-occurring needs
Healthy Western Sydney is delivered by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.
Find the Right Support
WentWest offers free services across five levels of care:
1. Self-help tools – apps, online programs
2. Low intensity – short-term counselling
3. Moderate intensit – face-to-face therapy
4. High intensity – complex mental health support
5. Specialist care – acute and hospital-linked services Start with your GP or call a mental health line. Mental health support is here for you—no matter your background, age, or situation. Reach out. Speak up. Support is just a call away. Learn more: wentwest.com.au/mentalhealth
NSW Mental Health Line
1800 011 511 (24/7)
Free advice and referrals from trained professionals.
Medicare Mental Health Line 1800 595 212 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–5pm) Connect with local services and supports.
22 Travel with Emma Wilson |
My Spring Road Trip Through Southern NSW
BEAUTIFUL spring days, great boutique shopping and new experiences, all within a four and a half hour drive southwest of Sydney’s CBD. The Riverina towns of Junee, Temora and Coolamon are perfect for a few days away, don’t overthink it. Just book in your accommodation and get on the road.
Night One Junee
Roll out of Sydney and enjoy the scenic drive to Junee, heading straight for the historic Junee Hotel for a classic pub dinner and a chat with the locals. With renovated rooms and a very relaxed atmosphere, night one will set the tone for your whole trip (and this pub is moving to dog-friendly accommodation in 2026, take a note for future trips). In the morning, make your way to the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, a must-visit destination, a mix of decorate-your-own- chocolates, cafe for yummy meals, a lovely garden and live music.
Ready for Junee shopping?
Head to Studio on Sunshine, showcasing homemade products, art and homewares. Keen on antiques? Drop into RB Firman and Co for pieces from the Edwardian and Victorian era with a mix of Aussie, French and Aussie pieces. Or try your hand at Junee Junk Gypsies with their mix of old and new collectables. Stock up on 100% genuine sheepskin at Aussie Uggs or find gifts and homewares in Country Meadows. Enjoy a deli -
cious pub lunch at the Commercial Hotel or a light lunch in Cafe Ganmain before driving 40 minutes onto your next lovely town of Temora. This is hopping day done right.
Night Two Temora
There are amazing choices for accommodation in Temora to give you a feel for country life. Haberton House, a beautifully restored heritage building is ‘next-level gorgeousness’, decorated in all whites, oversized armchairs, stunning tapware and tile choices and a lovely backyard courtyard. SkyLodge Temora offers modern queen, king and family rooms right at Temora Aviation museum, which is a fun way to end the day. Three Ponds Estate has self-contained thoughtfully put together modern tiny homes to enjoy the sun going down in this fantastic part of the world.
Wake up the next morning, grab a coffee and breakfast from Expresso House. Start your shopping across the road at A Little Rae of Sunshine for very cool gifts and clothes, shop sustainable fashion at Kindly, Darling or modern and antique home furnishings at Mabel Rose. Check out Tanza’s vibrant colours and prints before pointing the car west.
A scenic 30 minute drive away is Coolamon, a classic country town with a main street lined with heritage buildings that house cafes, homewares shops, boutiques and galleries. Enjoy lunch at the Coolamon Cheese Co and taste award-winning cheeses and purchase gourmet food items. Drop into Somerset Rose for jewellery and accessories, quirky artworks and ornaments at Echoes of Arbortree and gorgeous signature pieces at Fisher and Farmer. Stay at the stunning renovated Coolamon Pub, it’s the perfect place for a fantastic pub meal downstairs with the locals.
Night Three Coolamon
Sleep late and head to the Station Collective at Coolamon Railway for great coffee and brekkie. Grab some last minute indoor plants, gifts and pots at The Sill before taking your time to meander back to Sydney and beyond.
It’s fun to support regional economies, to talk to locals and learn how they live and work in towns that create our agricultural industry. This region’s paddocks turn a brilliant yellow during Canola flowering season of August and Sept, read about it in Outer Edge magazine, Canola Country (outeredgemagazine.com/go-wildin-canola-country). Take a few extra gourmet treats home, the holiday season is just around the corner.
Go Wild at Australia’s Favourite Outdoors EXPO
ACROSS Gippsland’s rolling hills,
a new culture is unfolding - one that blends food, lifestyle, and sustainability, turning ‘pest to plate’ and ‘field to fork’ into a way of life. And there’s a seat waiting for you at the table.
Join thousands of visitors at Australia's premier event for hunting, fishing, 4WDing, camping, and outdoor adven-
ture enthusiasts, the Wild Deer Expo.
For more than 10 years, the Wild Deer Expo has been the country’s favourite hunting and outdoors expo, showcasing the latest gear, expert-led workshops, live demos, and activities for the whole family.
Under new ownership, the Wild Deer Expo is returning to Lardner Park, Victoria, on October 11–12, drawing over
Internationally renowned game chef Jo Barrett - The Age Good Food Guide 2024 Chef of the Year and World’s 50 Next Pioneer - will give talks on cooking game meat, reducing waste, and starting hunting with no experience. Her latest project, ‘Wildpie,’ turns Australian wild game and invasive species into handcrafted pies, offering conscious consumers organic, free-range proteins that support national population management.
A
new outdoor lifestyle:
10,000 visitors and up to 150 exhibitors in a vibrant celebration of the outdoors.
As the world urges us to unplug, step away from screens, and rethink our digital lives, be part of the quiet wave of Australians answering the call, by rediscovering the simple joy of reconnecting with the outdoors.
Field to fork experiences:
The Wild Deer Expo showcases how sustainable hunting and wildlife management translate directly into gourmet experiences. From “pest to plate” demonstrations to workshops on preparing venison in haute cuisine style, the expo celebrates a responsible, sustainable approach to food.
Among those headlining the expo include chef, game-harvester, and former co-host of SBS’s 'Gourmet Farmer' Ross O'Meara With more than three decades of culinary experience and a passion for ethical, paddock-to-plate eating, Ross is a sought-after authority on game meat harvesting and sustainable food.
Beyond the kitchen, the expo immerses visitors in the great outdoors with exhibitors offering guided hunts, 4WD adventures, camping gear, and wildlife education.
The Wild Deer Expo brings together a powerhouse lineup of people and brands under one roof with industry legends like Rick Petersen, Karla Pound and “Muzza” from the TV series Alone, sharing their bushcraft skills alongside prominent names in the hunting and outdoors world. Whether you’re after cutting-edge gear, premium optics, backcountry apparel, the latest in outdoor tech, or just want to learn something new, you’ll find it here.
Local and sustainable focus:
The expo highlights the importance of local ecosystems, ethical sourcing, and culinary creativity, showcasing how outdoor enthusiasts can engage with food in a sustainable, mindful way.
This is your chance to explore, connect, and gear up for your next hunt or outdoor off-grid adventure.
The Grand Finale - Review
A joyous watch for series fans
BY JACOB RICHARDSON
MARY (Michelle Dockery) finds herself in the midst of a public scandal, and wonders whether her place among society has forever been tarnished. Meanwhile, her father, Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) struggles with the idea of letting go, and passing the mantle to Mary.
To throw everything into disarray, Lady Grantham’s (Elizabeth McGovern) brother Harold Levinson (Paul Giamatti) returns with a mysterious stranger Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola), complicating things with money woes, and the family and servants plan a dinner with Guy Dexter (Dominic West) and Noel Coward (Arty Froushan) to try and win back Mary’s place among the town.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is kind of like a really long episode of the show. But not one of the good or important episodes; more like a middle of the season, nothing really happens episode. That’s because, as far as can be discerned, this film has no arcs whatsoever.
Ostensibly the final chapter in the DA oeuvre, The Grand Finale endeavours to wrap up, in some way, shape or form, the stories of this coterie
of characters. And in many ways it does. There’s an ending that sees each of these staples of your TV and cinema screen find their resolution; be it transformation, retirement, commiseration or comfort.
But the film is curiously devoid of any real sense of finality because there is so little arc to any of these characters. The film is hamstrung by the fact that this plays out like a serial on TV, and so we get moments that mid-season might have enough impact to carry the 30 minutes, but on the big screen feel underwhelming. The final result is emotionality
that feels less like a gut punch, and more like a cool wind somewhere off in the distance.
The cast is just as perfect in these roles as they have been for years, and the settings lose none of their grandeur. On the visual front, perhaps the only shame is that the film feels somewhat cheap on the big screenalthough it can hardly be blamed for that, when it has to carry the visual cinematography tone and style from a TV show into a medium where the crisp clarity no longer feels like prestige period piece but rather cheap melodrama.
Ultimately, for the uninitiated, this film is going to be a completely baffling experience. Very little happens to justify a big screen presence, none of the characters are built up to care about in this single film, and the visuals feel out of place for the cinema. But this movie isn’t for the uninitiated, and these problems would likely be the same for anyone jumping into the new Avengers as their first Marvel experience, or catching Fast X as their first drag race with Dom and the family.
No, this movie is for the fans. And if you’re a Downton fan, what more could you ask for? All the favourites, back together on the big screen. The wonderful family manor home, resplendent in soft dappled sunset. Witty repartee, banter and the frolics, fancies and rules of this period of aristocracy.
Sure, the film misses something crucial in the loss of Dame Maggie Smith, but that doesn’t stop the thing that will make this a win for its audience - when the Downton Abbey theme plays, you can’t help but feel a familiar stirring in your heart.
Welcome back to Downton. If it’s for the last time, then those who love this series will find this a bittersweet, if satisfactory, ending to the saga. 3 Stars.
