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$1.6B in WestInvest grants
WEST and South-West Sydney community groups can now apply for WestInvest funding with the $1.6B Community Project Grants program open to registrations of interest today.
Community, sports, multicultural and faith-based groups, non-government organisations, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, universities, Local Councils, registered charities and more are encouraged to put forward transformative ideas for their neighbourhoods.
Eligible projects must be based in one or more of the 15 eligible Sydney Local Government Areas and deliver transformational infrastructure that addresses one of the six focus areas: 1. Parks, urban spaces, and green space; 2. Enhancing community infrastructure such as local sporting grounds; 3. Modernising local schools; 4. Creating and enhancing arts and cultural facilities; 5. Revitalising high streets; 6. Clearing local traffic.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the allocation of $1.6B to community grant projects would enable locals to take the lead on infrastructure projects that would benefi t the community.
“Any eligible organisation with a great idea to improve livability in the West and South-West can now apply for a share in these grants to fund a project which will make a diff erence in their community,” Mr Kean said.
“Th is isn’t about major roads or tunnels or highways – this is about more quality green space, bett er high streets, strengthening the connection between schools and communities and improving local facilities. Th is is about allocating funds to projects that will make a real diff erence in the West and South-West of Sydney.”
Minister for Enterprise and Trade, and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said WestInvest had been designed to fund projects that address real, local community need.
“Th is $1.6B grant program is signifi cant, and its importance lies in that it is driven by local people with local ideas,” Mr Ayres said.
“Th is isn’t a top-down approach to community improvements – this is about informed, capable community groups being able to access funds for projects to transform their communities on a tangible, local level.
“Already we have had more than 5,300 submissions suggest projects through the WestInvest Have Your Say website, so we know the people of the West and SouthWest Sydney want to have input into the infrastructure projects in their neighbourhood.”
Community organisations will be able to participate in the mandatory Registration of Interest (ROI) process by 21 April, 2022 to help inform their applications and determine their eligibility.
Applicants will be advised of the outcomes of the ROI process before grants open for eight weeks from May 2, 2022 until June 27, 2022.
To find out more about WestInvest and how your organisation can apply and to access application support, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/grants-andfunding/westinvest
Treasurer Matt Kean.
Surge in odometer tampering
CONSUMERS are being warned
about odometer tampering after a four-fold increase in the number of fines issued for the offence in NSW, with hundreds of thousands of kilometres being knocked off vehicle odometers and sold to unsuspecting buyers. Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said as used motor vehicle sales have risen amid the COVID-19 pandemic, so too have incidents of odometer fraud where perpetrators wind back the mileage or replace the odometer with one showing fewer kilometres.
“NSW Fair Trading Investigators dished out $112,200 in fi nes and 76 penalty notices in 2021 and 2022 – a huge jump from 22 total penalties in 2020,” Ms Petinos said. In one case a seller shaved off more than 400,000km off a 2012 Subaru XV, reducing the odometer from 470,000km down to 52,709km. Th e vehicle was then sold for $32,000, an $11,000 increase on the original sale price. To report suspected odometer tampering, visit: www. service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/report-suspected-odometer-tampering
Precise Precincts named Aerotropolis open for business
Artist impressions of the Aerotropolis.
DALLAS SHERRINGHAM
THE Western Sydney Aerotropolis is set for take-off after the NSW Government released the final Precinct Plan for the nation’s biggest infrastructure project.
When completed, Aerotropolis will support more than 100,000 jobs and provide 11,400 new homes.
Th e detailed information on the precincts provides precise opportunities for business in Western Sydney.
Th e fi nalised plans give the community, investors, business and developers the certainty they need to plan for the future.
“Th e fi nal Precinct Plan will enable the development process to begin in the Aerotropolis, and kick start the benefi ts and opportunities that a new international airport will bring to Western Sydney,” Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said.
“Th e fi nalisation of the plan for the initial precincts lays the foundation for the transformation of 6,500 hectares of land, with new homes, jobs and open spaces, supported by the right infrastructure.”
Th e package includes fi nalised plans for the Aerotropolis Core, Badgerys Creek, Northern Gateway, Agribusiness and Wianamata-South Creek precincts following extensive consultation.
Mr Roberts said developer contributions under the special infrastructure contribution framework would fund up to $1.1B in infrastructure like roads, public transport, health facilities and schools, to support the new city.
Thriving commercial city
“Th e Aerotropolis will be our newest, thriving commercial city to rival the world’s greatest and that’s why we took time to get the planning right, sett ing us up for success over the decades to come, ” he said.
“We’ve listened to the community and the Independent Community Commissioner, and fi nalised these plans in line with their feedback.”
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the feedback from the community had created a bett er balanced Aerotropolis plan, that would create more jobs closer to where people live.
“Th is is a once-in-a generation opportunity to deliver a thriving new city for Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.
“Infrastructure investment in the airport, roads and the new Metro will make the Aerotropolis one of the best-connected areas in the country, making the Western Parkland City the best place to live, work and invest in for generations to come.
“Th e revised Open Space Network will ensure more than 95% of homes in the future Aerotropolis are located within 400m, or fi ve minutes’ walk of open space.”
For more information and to view the final plans visit: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/aerotropolis
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AboutUs
TheWesternSydneyAcademyofSportisanon-profitcommunity basedsportingorganisationthatassistswesternSydney’stalented youngathletesachievetheirsportinggoals,throughtheprovisionof qualitydevelopmentprograms.Academyprogramsprovidelocalised training and development opportunities not only for the young athletesoftheregion,butalsoforcoachesandadministrators.
TheAcademy’sprogramshaveestablishedbenchmarkstandardsand valueintheofficiallyrecogniseddevelopmentpathwayforathletes insport.
TheAcademycollaborateswithStateSportingOrganisations,the NSW Institute of Sport, professional sporting clubs and local Associationstoensureourprogramsarefullyendorsedandprovide anintegratedstepinthepathwayfortalentedathletedevelopment.
The Academy’s holistic programs provide not only on field development opportunities, they also focus on educational and personal development of the athlete. Aside from laying the foundations for athletes to become better within their sport, foundationsarealsolaidfortheathletestobecomebettercitizens withintheircommunities.
TheAcademyreceivesfundingfromtheNSWGovernment,butis notpurelyagovernmentfundedorganisation.TheAcademyrelieson thesupportofitsmajorbusinesspartners,communitypartnersand thepartnersalignedwitheachofthesportprogramstocontinueto furtherdevelopandensurethebestpossibleserviceisprovidedto eachandeveryyoungathlete,coach,officialandadministratorwho progressthroughtheorganisation. TheAcademy’sbrandhasbecomesynonymouswithquality-bothin thestandardoftalentedyoungathleteswedealwith,andthequality ofourprogramcontent.
Western Sydney Academy of Sport graduates include numerous athleteswhohavecompetedatanationalandinternationallevel:
JessicaFoxOAM-tripleOlympian(2012,2016,2021)and WorldChampion-Canoe/Kayak(Slalom); TaylahTsitsikronis-Olympian(2021)-Softball RachelLack-Olympian(2021)-Softball PaigeHadley-AustralianDiamondsNetballSquadandCaptain oftheNSWSwifts; KimRavaillion-AustralianDiamondsNetballSquad; AmandaSpratt-Olympian(2012,2021)-Cycling; IanBorrows-Olympian(2016)-CanoeSlalom.
RegionalAcademiesofSportacrossNSWcontributesignificantlyto boththeeconomicandsocialvalueoflocalcommunities.Western Sydney Academy of Sport currently contributes to the regional economythrough:
Supportingover200subeliteathletesacrossarangeof11sport programs; Facilitatingover4,150volunteerhourswhichequatesto16full timejobs; Creationof$4.9mineconomic&socialvaluefortheregion.
PartnerWithUs
TheAcademystrivestoalignwithstrongbusinesspartnersand supporterswhosharethesamecommonvisionandcorevalues.
Weareinafortunatepositiontoreceivesupportfromanumberof partners who provide generous contributions toward the overall operationsandsuccessoftheAcademy.Eachofourindividualsport programsaresupportedbytheirownuniquegroupofpartners,who haveakeeninterestandinvolvementinthatparticularsport.
Ourgrowinglistofofficialsuppliersensurethatwecancontinually offerthebestpossibleproductsandservicestoourathletes,coaches, officialsandadministratorswithpreferredpricinganddiscounted purchases.Withoutourhighlyvaluedmajorbusinesspartners,sport programpartners,officialvenuesandsuppliers,wewouldnotbe abletocontinuetodeliverourservicestothetalentedyoungathletes ofWesternSydney.
TheAcademyoffersawiderangeofopportunitiesforalllevelsof partnership.
Allpartnershipopportunitieshaveagenuinecommunityfocusand allowyourbusinesstobealignedwithabusinesscommittedto makingadifferencetotheyoungathletesofwesternSydney.
Just like your business, we appreciate that your objectives are unique.Wecantailoranyofthefollowingpartnershipstomeetyour specificrequirements.
PenrithStadium,143StationStreet,PenrithNSW | P 0247324977 E martin@wsas.com.au | www.wsas.com.au
Australia Post stamp of approval
WORK has started on Australia Post’s new warehouse, creating 1,700 new construction jobs and injecting more than $55M into the Western Sydney economy.
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said Australia Post has approval to process more than 400,000 parcels per day at its new warehouse under construction in Kemps Creek
“Australia Post will be the latest company to move into Goodman and Brickworks’ Oakdale West Industrial Estate in Kemps Creek, joining companies such as Amazon and Coles,” Mr Roberts said.
“It’ll start processing 200,000 parcels a day when it opens in early 2023, with the ability to scale up to more than 400,000 a day with further automation.
“Another two warehouses were also approved in the same application to be built in the Estate, which could create an extra 800 construction jobs and 150 operational jobs and a further $20 million in investment to the community down the track.”
Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said construction on the new warehouse kicked off in January and will be completed early 2023.
“As people have turned more and more to online shopping, it’s imperative that our postal system keeps up with the surging demand,” Ms Davies said.
“Th is was one of seven state signifi cant warehouse developments to be approved across Sydney last year, including Woolworths in Auburn and Marsden Parks’ Sydney Business Park.”
Together these approvals have paved the way for $693 million in investment and created the opportunity for more than 5,500 new construction and operation jobs.
Artist impression of the new warehouse.
For more information on the proposal visit https:// www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/ project/40341
Car registrations go digital
FORGETTING or losing vehicle registration paperwork
is now a thing of the past, with the NSW Government launching a fully digitised, paperless rego service. Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the new Digital Vehicle Registration service is a one-stop shop for millions of drivers, offering digital renewal notifications and a Certificate of Registration all in one place. “Around 16 per cent of registrations are not renewed on time due to paperwork being damaged, misplaced or simply stuck on the fridge and forgotten about,” Mr Dominello said. “Through the new service, motorists can opt-in to get electronic reminder notices and access their digital Certificate of Registration through their MyServiceNSW Account.” To opt-in to Digital Vehicle Registration, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au.
Free solar - savings up to $600 on electricity bills
The NSW Government is trialling a new way to assist people on low incomes with their power bills by installing free solar systems for up to 3,000 eligible households in place of their Low Income Household Rebate. This program aims to improve energy this means you will no longer receive the $285 annual rebate on your electricity bill, you could receive up to $600 in savings per year from your new solar system!
The program is only available to a limited number of households that live in the region and meet the eligibility criteria. When participating in this program households will receive a free,
SAE Group are the approved provider, designing and installing solar systems to eligible homes in your region.
To be eligible you must: - Currently be receiving the Low Income Household Rebate - Agree not to receive the rebate for ten years - Own your own home - Not already have a solar PV system Gold Card - If you are not the registered homeowner, but your spouse is, you may be considered eligible collectively as a household
electricity savings depending on each household’s energy consumption. Managing Director ease the pressure on low income households.”
SAE Group are an Australian owned and operated organisation with over ten years’ experience in the solar industry. SAE Group are a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer, households that will deliver ongoing savings for many years to come.
Low Income Household Trial is supported by the NSW Government.
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Save up to $600 in electricity bills!
SAE Group is the approved provider, designing & installing solar systems for the NSW Government Solar for Low Income Households Trial.
Get in touch with SAE Group today to find out more 1300 18 20 50 www.saegroup.com.au
Artist impressions of the development.
Jewel of Western Sydney Waterfront investment for generations
WESTERN Sydney will soon enjoy a greatly enhanced riverside walk and nature reserve thanks to work starting on a $13M waterfront investment at Tench Reserve as part of the NSW Government’s $50M Parks for People Program.
Tench Reserve in Jamisontown will see the creation of a new amphitheatre, inclusive playspace and improvements to the 7km River Walk stretching along the Nepean River, and is the fi rst of eight new and upgraded parks to begin construction.
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the works would support a growing community in Western Sydney and deliver improvements to more than 11 hectares of regional open space close to homes.
“Th is is a milestone for the Parks for People Program as the fi rst to get underway, inspired by one of Penrith’s most beautiful natural assets, the Nepean River,” Mr Roberts said.
“Along with the upgraded wharf precinct and improved amenities, the park will feature an inclusive playspace, bett er access to the water, landscaping and 80 new trees.”
Mr Roberts said Parks for People would create hundreds of new jobs from its $50 million investment in new open spaces, including in Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfi eld, Parramatt a, Penrith, Northern Beaches and Th e Hills.
Minister for Western Sydney and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said six of the eight parks in the program were in Sydney’s West and would support the Government’s priority of increasing the proportion of homes in urban areas within ten minutes’ walk of quality green, open and public space.
“We’re working in partnership with councils to set a new standard for high-quality public open space, with easily accessible places to relax, exercise, and connect with families and friends in the beauty of well-designed green spaces,” Mr Ayres said.
“Th e upgrades build a stronger connection between the park and the river and will support our vision of making the Nepean River precinct an exceptional destination for nature and recreation. Our investment in the river precinct has made it the beating hear of Penrith”
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the Nepean River was the region’s greatest natural asset and a much-loved recreational destination for residents and visitors alike.
Tench Reserve is due to be completed in December 2022 with the other parks to get underway throughout the year.
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Work starts on Liverpool Hospital
SOUTH-western Sydney communities can look forward to accessing more first class health services close to home, with construction beginning on a six-storey hospital tower as part of the $790M Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct.
Premier Dominic Perrott et said the new hospital would deliver enhanced health facilities and will include an integrated cancer centre, a larger emergency department, intensive care unit and more theatres.
“Th e $790M health and academic precinct the NSW Government is building here at Liverpool is one of the largest hospital redevelopments across the state – and will transform healthcare services in this rapidly growing part of Sydney,” Mr Perrott et said.
“We have the best health system in the nation and we are ensuring that no matt er where you live in our State you have access to the best healthcare facilities.”
Th e new hospital will also include a larger neonatal intensive care unit and six new in-patient units including paediatric, maternity and women’s health services – all designed to cater to the area’s growing population. A new multi-storey car park, which is nearing completion, will also provide an additional 500 spaces across the campus.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons turned the sod on the site of the new hospital tower and toured the project’s ‘Buraga Gul’ skilling and employment hub which will help drive education and jobs throughout construction and beyond.
Mr Hazzard said the new precinct in the heart of Liverpool would be an att ractive drawcard for clinicians, specialists, researchers and educators locally and worldwide, which would boost the community and deliver bett er long term health outcomes.
“Th e NSW Government is investing an unprecedented $790M into south-western Sydney to meet the community’s healthcare needs and also provide employment opportunities for our future generations of nurses, doctors, researchers and educators,” Mr Hazzard said.
Project builder Lendlease has opened a new skilling and employment hub next to the hospital construction site to create more education and employment opportunities for south-western Sydney communities and boost the local workforce.
Th e new precinct forms part of the NSW Government’s record $10.8B investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2024-2025.
Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 170 hospitals and health facilities across the state, with more than 110 currently underway.
Learn more about the $790M redevelopment of Liverpool Hospital at www.lhap. health.nsw.gov.au
Artist impression of the new Liverpool Hospital.
Small business support extended
SMALL businesses hit hardest by the Omicron wave have been handed a further lifeline, with the Small Business Support Program extended to a new closing date of April 29, 2022.
Th e fi nancial support package has assisted businesses, workers and the performing arts across NSW with cash fl ow and to continue trading.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the four-week extension was important to ensure small businesses have the resources they need to survive COVID-19 and bounce back.
“Th is extension will allow more businesses to apply,and takes into account potential application delays for businesses from fl ood-aff ected areas,” Mr Kean said.
Small Business Minister Eleni Petinos said that due to the crucial role played by the 800,000 small businesses across NSW in providing essential goods, services and jobs, the Government wanted to ensure suffi cient time was provided for as many to apply as possible.
Th e Small Business Support Program provides eligible businesses a lump sum payment of 20 per cent of weekly payroll with a minimum payment of $500 per week and a maximum payment of $5,000 per week.
Businesses with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $50 million that experienced a decline in turnover of at least 40 per cent in January 2022 and the start of February 2022 are eligible.
For more information please visit www.nsw.gov.au.
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The great workplace disconnect Mental health needs discussion
DALLAS SHERRINGHAM
THE rise in mental injuries in the workplaces has led to a major disconnect between employees and managers, hindering crucial conversations.
New research by Allianz reveals two in fi ve or 43% of employees are uncomfortable initiating crucial conversations in the workplace, with nearly a quarter not satisfi ed with how oft en their manager checks in with them about their mental health.
Workplace mental health or psychological injury claims have increased since pre-pandemic times, yet 90% of managers’ report they are satisfi ed by their workplaces’ ability to create a mentally healthy environment in the last 12 months.
As a result, to encourage employees and managers to have more open and honest conversations, Allianz has created the Crucial Conversations Toolkits. Th e toolkits provide both employees and managers with tips to navigate crucial – and sometimes uncomfortable – conversations about challenges in the workplace.
It shows that despite a new year and revitalised hopes for stability, Australian workers are experiencing further disruption as the pandemic continues to put pressure on the workplace.
A crucial conversation is a discussion with high stakes, diff ering opinions and strong emotions and if handled poorly or ignored, the outcome can lead to strained relationships or broader mental health issues in the workplace.
Dr Mark Cross
Th e new research comes as Allianz data reveals workplace mental health injuries are continuing to rise, with active psychological injury claims increasing 12% since the pandemic began. In response, Allianz is seeking to understand the current challenges facing both employees and senior managers in the workplace, and the barriers in the way of conducting crucial conversations.
While the urgency for open dialogue around mental health in the workplace has never been clearer, more than a third of employees do not feel satisfi ed with their employer’s ability to create a mentally workplace and nearly a quarter are not sat-
Tips for the crucial conversation
For employees where possible: • Write a list of the topics you want to discuss and think about how you’re going to discuss them.
This can help you feel more confident when entering the conversation. • Know that it is ok to feel nervous, and consider speaking to a support person before, during or after your crucial conversation. • Clearly share your expectations for the meeting upfront, ensuring you’re working towards a positive outcome. • Approach the meeting with solutions in mind, while being open to negotiating to ensure the solution is suitable for all involved. • Follow up on the conversation in writing to ensure you and your manager are aligned on the discussion and agree on the solution that has been reached.
For employers where possible: • Before the meeting, look to understand what the discussion will be about so you can lean on internal resources or support teams where needed. • Bring an empathetic and respectful approach to the discussion. While you may not personally agree with the approach to the topic, expressing empathy will help you digest
their perspective and allow them to feel heard. • Use verbal and body language techniques such as direct eye contact and relaxed voice and facial expressions to set a safe tone for the discussion. • Follow up in writing with the next steps following the conversation. Where appropriate, discuss the matter with your
HR team or your own direct manager to determine an appropriate solution. • Suggest solutions to your organisation to further support your team, for example, modernising your workplace mental health policy.
isfi ed with how oft en their manager checks in with them about their mental health.
Check in with team members
In contrast, nearly a quarter of managers say they proactively check in with team members regularly to create opportunities to share their concerns about mental health, however, almost a third have an expectation that their teams need to make them aware.
While two in fi ve managers believe that facilitating crucial conversations and having an open discussion promotes a mentally healthy workplace, the research found that 65% of employees would not turn to their manager fi rst to conduct these conversations, with 41% of those turning to their peers or someone outside their workplace before their manager.
Dr Mark Cross, mental health expert and author of Changing Minds and Anxiety said the Allianz research revealed that both employees and managers want and expect to be having crucial conversations, but there was a growing disconnect between both groups.
“Employees feel their manager should proactively bring up diffi cult topics or discuss their mental health with them, while managers feel their direct reports should be responsible for bringing their concerns forward.”
“Th is confusion is being felt across every industry and demographic. Organisations and individuals need to feel comfortable initiating and managing these conversations and this shift can only happen with a change in workplace culture, education and att itude.”
Australian employees rank the top three most uncomfortable topics to raise with their manager as requesting a pay rise at 68%, requesting a promotion 55% and raising issues around bullying and harassment at 43%.
Similarly, managers rank their direct reports requesting a pay rise 53%, discussing bullying and harassment 49% and requesting a promotion 47% are the top three most uncomfortable topics for them.
Additionally, in 2022 managers are expecting their team to raise concerns around fl exible working arrangements at 55%, increased pressure and workload at 35% or extended leave at 30%.
Th rough its Personal Injury division, Allianz is a leading provider of Workers Compensation and off ers a range of support and services for the evolving needs of Australian employers and employees. Visit the Allianz Workplace Mental Health Hub to learn more about crucial conversations and access the Crucial Conversations Toolkits for employees and managers.
It’s a new way of training for West It’s a new way of training for West
WESTERN Sydney manufacturing workers will be able to respond quickly to industry training needs as part of the NSW Government’s $37.4M New Education Training Model (NETM).
Western Sydney University and GE Additive have teamed up to deliver job–specifi c short courses at the MakerSpace facility at the Kingswood campus.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the “fi rst micro-credential” course will launch this month, providing students with the skills necessary to secure newly-created jobs.
“Th is sends the message that Western Sydney is an optimal place to train the workers of tomorrow in the most industry relevant way. We’re working with GE Additive to provide the skills necessary for their metal additive design and 3D printing business,” Mr Ayres said.
“Th e New Education and Training Model (NETM) delivered through the Western Parkland City Authority helps us build the pool of talent in Western Sydney, it’s a win for industry and workers making it possible to upskill in a meaningful way in as few as 40 hours.”
“Th ere are huge opportunities for people in Western Sydney to take up highskilled, high-paid jobs and under this new model, businesses can propose the design of a micro-credential and work directly with the education sector.”
Chair of Western Parkland City Authority Jennifer Westacott said the courses will feed the pipeline of skilled workers for a range of cutt ing-edge industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence and pharmaceuticals manufacturing.
Reframing Heroism The ultimate test of leadership
PRISCELLA MABOR
WHEN the Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky was offered safe passage out of his country’s warzone in the first days following the Russian invasion, he firmly announced: “I need ammunition, not a ride.“
As leader of 44 million Ukranians, facing down a neighbouring country of 144 million, he was asked the ultimate test of any leader facing occupation.
His response was one of resistance facing down the Goliath of Russian might, and he communicated in an authentic and plain-spoken manner which appeared to unite a nation. Overnight he assumed the position of wartime leader in lock step with the citizens of his country.
Since that day in February, every speech Zelensky has delivered from behind a desk, out on the streets or in a bunker standing side by side by with the citizens of Ukraine, has been carefully dissected.
More recently, he has been addressing Parliaments of many countries and on March 30, he addressed the Australian Federal Parliament.
Many are looking now for clues as to what and how explains this one person and their elevation to global hero / leader. For some in elected positions, questions of leadership arise in a crisis. For others, they may be tapped on the shoulder or they may volunteer for the role.
At challenging times like this the Community Migrant Resource Centre has been refl ecting on heroism, leadership, sacrifi ce and collective action on a more localized level.
At our recent 25-year Anniversary, we paid tribute to Weyata Badu who worked tirelessly for the Sierra Leonean community here in Sydney, aft er the brutal ethnic cleansing campaign in her home country.
When a crisis unfolds, how do we respond as individuals, communities, as a society. As we have learnt from global pandemics and the recent fl oods, a community-led response generally emerges well before a government, and oft en operates quietly in the shadows of our suburban streets.
Th e Ukranian community in Sydney and across Australia has now been called to action. I spoke to Olha who volunteers with the Ukranian Association of Sydney, who was precise in when she assumed a
Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenski.
leadership role.” It was 2pm on Th ursday the February 24 when Putin started bombing Kiev, then I started work.”
Having fl ed to Australia following Russia’s invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014, Olha only relocated to Sydney from Melbourne last year.
Social capital working at its best
“I see myself fi rst as as Ukranian, before I see myself as part of an association. First, I was able to help my family, and then I started helping others with the knowledge I had gained.
Following her own escape with her family, there is much that Olha has learnt over the last 5 – 7 years and that includes how to navigate a number of complex systems. Social capital working at its best.
“I was able to help Ukranians overseas with visa information, explain the process, recommend airlines, talk about entry requirements, where to fi nd accommodation here and access to basics upon arrival.”
For fi ve weeks, Olha has been assuming the role of DFAT, immigration and resett lement; all on a voluntary basis while working part-time as a marketing manager.
Th is was a crisis that was not completely unexpected but escalated quickly as four million fl ed across borders and six million became internally displaced.
“I had to build a structure of support overnight and launch a team of volunteers who were coordinating accommodation and the data bases. We then shared our best practice methods, nationally.
“Interestingly, it is not only Ukranians who have stepped forward to take in the new arrivals. We have many Australian families providing housing, plus also Russian families helping. “
Olha and others who fl ed following the Crimea annexation, are the “pioneers”. Post WW2, Ukranians arrived here, but Crimea ignited a second wave.
“I came on a skilled visa and I knew I was going to get as far away from Europe as possible. It was either going to be Canada or Australia. Europe is at risk and you can see what is happening now.“
While the men stay behind to defend, those arriving are mostly women, children and the elderly. For those in their 80s who have just arrived, they have left their homeland possibly for good.
With the Prime Minister announcing last week, 4, 500 places being allocated for Ukranians over the coming weeks and months, there will no doubt be many more stories like Olha’s out there.
It is these stories that reframe what active citizenship, the restoration of human dignity and serving the needs of the wider community, are all about.
Leadership does not always have to announce itself by hanging a shingle outside the door; it can operate in many shapes and forms to ignite the human spirit in us all.
Priscella Mabor Inclusion Strategy & Innovations Manager a the Community Migrant Resource Centre. Visit www.cmrc.com.au
Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC)
is a not-for-profi t, charitable organisation established in 1996. CMRC is a leader in the provision of specialised support services to newly arrived migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants. CMRC works within a community capacity building framework to encourage individuals and multicultural communities to identify and address their own issues. It works in collaborative partnerships with a great number of agencies to provide services which have both an immediate and long term benefi t for the community. CMRC employs over 60 full time, part-time and casual multi-lingual staff .
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Praise for innovative planning practices Penrith wins for Places of Penrtih
PENRITH City Council is adding to its list of achievements after winning an award and receiving a commendation at the 2022 National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) Awards.
Th e awards recognise innovation and excellence in projects and initiatives that support the development of growth areas across the country. Council’s planning team took out the Research and Practice category with their Places of Penrith submission.
Places of Penrith is a strategic framework that establishes a vision for Penrith and provides directions for change to create bett er places for the community to connect, play, learn, work and live.
Once completed, the framework will incorporate a suite of Council’s city-shaping strategies that explore Penrith’s challenges as well as its vast growth opportunities.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen att ended the event and was thrilled to hear Council named as a winner.
“Penrith is future-focused and aims to be on the front foot so to have our innovative, evidence-based approach to planning acknowledged is an outstanding achievement–and I congratulate the team for their continued eff orts in this space,” Cr Hitchen said.
“Places of Penrith has been developed to support Council’s ability to meet and exceed the planning requirements; it’s an extensive body of work underpinned by several of our existing strategies, including the Employment Lands Strategy and the Green Grid Strategy, and yet to be fi nalised strategies including planning for our centres, corridors, housing and rural lands.
Council has consolidated a number of these key strategies to eff ectively plan for and respond to the needs of the growing community while monitoring and evaluating these outcomes.
Th e Quarter Prospectus details the vision for a world-class centre of excellence in Penrith known as Th e Quarter, a 400-hectare health and education precinct at Kingswood. Th e Quarter Prospectus connects residents, students, investors, health practitioners and researchers to the vision and opportunities for the precinct.
“Council continues to lead the way in planning–well done to all who contribute to putt ing these strategies in place and positioning our city for the future,” Cr Hitchen said.
Penrith City Council’s General Manager, Warwick Winn, Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen, and Director–City Futures, Kylie Powell, at the NGAA Awards event for 2022.
To read more about Places of Penrith and Council’s work in strategic planning, Visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/buildingdevelopment/planning-zoning/vision-strategies-plans. To find out more about The Quarter and request a copy of The Quarter Prospectus, go to www.thequarter.org.au]thequarter.org.au.
Penrith Smart Space
THE self-storage industry is experiencing an unprecedented building boom fuelled by a growth in apartment style living.
Combined with escalating property prices, the demand for self- storage and mini warehousing is a great investment which will continue for many years to come.
Smart Space storage units and mini-warehouses are located in a modern, state-of-the art facility that has been designed with your comfort, convenience and security in mind.
With an entry point price of $145,000, it provides a great opportunity to invest in commercial real estate with minimal outlay.
With many small and online businesses operating from home, Smart Space provides an aff ordable storage and mini-warehouse solution.
Th is secure facility is the ideal space solution for tradespeople, business and homeowners to store tools, archived fi les, stock, furniture and personal items.
Smart Space is also appealing to hobby enthusiasts or anyone wishing to securely store their boat, water-sport equipment, caravan or extra vehicles.
Key investment benefi ts include: • Affordable purchase price • Net rental returns of approximately 7% with high capital growth • Low outgoings compared to residential property • Low maintenance with minimal upkeep • High demand with low vacancy rates
Construction is well underway with completion due in April 2022. For further information, please contact Yal Kaya on 0421 664 666.
