Western Sydney Business Access - August 2020 Edition by Access News Australia (ANA)

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AUGUST 2020 ISSUE 112

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CORONAVIRUS REPORT COVID-19 testing clinics POP-UP: 11

ACCESS TRAVEL Special Sapphire Coast feature: 25

FAMILY BUSINESS Need to step up on gender equlity: 35

Meet the franchisee, Dilan 18 AT JUST 14, Dilan Elia was proud to land a job at Pizza Hut while a student at Bossley Park High. By the time he turned 18 last year, well, who would have guessed? He’s now the franchise owner. SEE PAGE 4

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BRIEFS New app saves lives THE State Government has launched the SafeWork NSW’s app, Speak Up, Save Lives which allows workers to anonymously report workplace health and safety issues. The app makes it easier than ever to report workplace risks by sending photos of unsafe practices directly to SafeWork NSW. Type in ‘Speak Up NSW’ to your Apple or Android store or visit the SafeWork website https://speakup.safework.nsw.gov.au/ to report unsafe work, anywhere, anytime.

Parking back to normal TIME limits for both on-street and off-street parking and Penrith City Council carparks are set to return to normal in August, following five months of eased parking restrictions to support local businesses. From August 1, Penrith City Council will resume normal parking management operations including patrols of the Penrith and St Marys CBDs and other high activity areas, as well as enforcing time restrictions for on-street and off-street parking and Council car parks.

Pawsome discount for seniors NSW seniors looking for a canine companion or feline friend can take advantage of a 50 per cent discount on adoption fees for senior pets at RSPCA NSW shelters. The offer is open to NSW Seniors Card and Senior Savers Card holders. Seniors who take up this offer will also receive a 10 per cent discount on veterinary treatment at RSPCA NSW hospitals. Free delivery of the pet can also be arranged for seniors living within 45 minutes of the shelter. Visit: www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au

Library goes pocket-sized THE Liverpool community can now access the Library collection from anywhere, at any time, with the new Liverpool City Library mobile app. If members are out and about and see a book they like, they can use the app to scan the barcode on the back and find out immediately if it is in the Library collection. The app allows members to suggest new items to be added. Members can personalise the menu for easier access to their favourite shortcuts.Visit mylibrary.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/liverpool-library-app for more information.

Major facelift planned for CBD post-COVID Blacktown joins the $B club  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM LACKTOWN CBD will get a $1B facelift as part of the State Government COVID-19 response. It was a key element of the latest tranche of projects in the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program. A proposal to rezone land in the Blacktown CBD to allow increase building heights and remove floor space ratio controls is a part of a planned redevelopment of one of western Sydney’s already booming communities. Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes announced the facelift, one of 13 new projects that will be determined within the next four weeks. If approved, the projects could inject $4.3 billion into the NSW economy and create opportunities for more than 8400 new jobs. “The fast-tracked assessment program is a key part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan as we continue to get shovel-ready projects out the door to keep people in jobs and keep the economy moving,” Mr Stokes said. A new educational facility in Campbelltown and a $50m Cricket NSW Centre of Excellence at Sydney Olympic Park also make the list. The announcement mean Blacktown will join Mt Druitt CBD in the billion dollar club. “To date, we’ve determined 67 projects through the Planning System Acceleration Program since it launched on April 28, which has created the opportunity for almost 40,000 jobs, $17.7 billion in economic benefit, more than 18,000 homes and more than 4 million sqm of open space, parks and land for environmental conservation.”

CONTENTS

COVER: Main image shows 18-year-old Pizza Hut franhissee, Dilan Elia inside his store. Pizza Hut is celebrating its 50th birthday in Australia.

News Cover Story COVID-19 Report Opinion 15 Blacktown Local Business Awards Travel Technology Family Business Hills Local Business Awards Recruitment Property Crosswords/games Motoring 54

2 4 11 17 25 34 35 37 51 52 53

Artist impression of the redeveloped Blacktown CBD.

To be considered for a fast-tracked assessment through the Planning System Acceleration Program, a development application (DA) or rezoning must already be in the State’s planning system, deliver a public benefit and demonstrate an ability to create jobs during construction and once complete. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has selected projects that will be able to start construction within six months for a State Significant Development application or State Significant Infrastructure application or where a DA could be lodged within six months for a rezoning. The Planning System Acceleration Program complements the State Government’s recent announcement of $83m for the NSW Planning Reform Action Plan that will slash assessment times for rezonings, regionally significant developments and State Significant Developments. Details: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/fast-tracked-assessments.

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AUGUST 2020 Western Sydney Business Access (WSBA) ACCESS NEWS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ABN 39 600 436 799 Publisher/editor: Michael Walls M: 0407 783 413. E: michael@wsba.com.au Associate Editor: Dallas Sherringham Journalists: Red Dwyer, Elizabeth Frias, Paul Haigh. Account Managers: Julie Jackson: 0447 291 780; Graham Maughan: 0431 557 791 Contributors: David Pring, Adam Leto, Angela Haynes. Printer: Spotpress Design: Design2Pro, DMC Advertising Group. General enquiries: info@wsba.com.au Phone: 02 4572 2336 Fax: 02 4572 2340 We pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of our region and acknowledge their continued connection to their country and culture.

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Dilan has much to celebrate Free pizzas for all as Pizza Hut turns 50  ELIZABETH FRIAS T JUST 14, Dilan Elia was proud to land a job at Pizza Hut while a student at Bossley Park High, and by the time he turned 18 last year, well, who would have guessed? He’s now the boss. The young man is enthusiastic, energetic, and a familiar face among the bosses (many of whom are twice or thrice his age, at the sprawling shopping complex at Marsden Park where early each morning he arrives to get the restaurant ready for a long day serving pizza fans. Dilan’s story is another cause for celebration amid Pizza Hut’s 50th birthday celebrations during which they will give away 50,000 free pizzas from August 3 until August 7, between 4pm to 6pm. The 265 Pizza Hut restaurants located across Australia are giving away a whopping 10,000 pizzas every day for five days to celebrate and, more importantly, according to Dilan, to thank pizza fans for their support over the years and for holding on through the recent COVID-19 pandemic. As one of the many successful franchisees, Dilan is shouting his customers a lunch or early dinner to mark Pizza Hut’s anniversary in Australia after the company first opened its humble first red-roofed outlet at Belfield NSW, in Sydney’s south, in 1970. Dilan feels lucky to be celebrating with an iconic food brand. “For me, it means 50 years of good times, I hold many fond memories of enjoying Pizza Hut throughout my childhood and years

“

Many of my friends had grown up eating at Pizza Hut stores, they know the brand well, and this brought back a sense of nostalgia.” - Dilan Elia with the company,” says Dilan. “The past 50 years of Pizza Hut proves the success of a company I am proud to be a part of.” Dilan said running a restaurant was “stressful throughout” especially as Coronavirus pandemic hit Australia resulting to many businesses closing for public health safety. “Throughout this pandemic, it has been both challenging and exciting, but we got busier, and it was a great opportunity to evolve with the business during this period,” says Dilan. “We did it through the introduction of contactless delivery and pick-up, taking safety precautions throughout our service as well as maintaining high standards and quality of our pizza, pasta, wings, and side orders.”

Pizza Hut area manager Jackie Gavine and NSW South marketing manager Nathan Tillett with Marsden Park restaurant manager and owner, Dylan Elia.

Even as the coronavirus restrictions have eased, Dilan says the store continued to follow strict hygiene and physical distancing practices to ensure every staff and customer feel safe on the premises. There were reports of COVID-19 cases in at least two shops within the complex. The food industry is classified essential service thus Dilan remained open to serve his customers’ needs while others shut down.

New opportunities “I have offered opportunities to my friends from school because they couldn’t find jobs, and I took a few of them to work with me,” says Dilan. “Many of my friends had grown up eating at Pizza Hut stores, they know the brand well, and this brought back a sense of nostalgia.” Pizza Hut area manager, Jackie Gavine, says Dilan’s staff admired his disciplined work ethics. “It is amazing to work with Dilan; his passion and energy for the brand are second to none. He’s a young gun.” Dilan expressed gratitude to his

loving and supportive parents. His father is an English teacher and an Arabic language interpreter while his mother works at the restaurant. The Elia family originally came from Chaldean in Iraq. “If it wasn’t for my family’s support, and of course the team at Pizza Hut, I wouldn’t be where I am now,” he says. “My other dream is to franchise my next Pizza Hut store. There are plenty of opportunities for those who want to become franchisees and for anyone who wants to start a business. I know I have their support. Thanks to them, I am now ten-plus years set for my future.” On your GPS, set the location to Pizza Hut Marsden Park, 9 Hollinsworth Road, open daily from 11am till 11pm or call 13 11 66, and you’re all set to go and meet Dilan and the happy crew. “Let’s share the good times with family and friends by enjoying our amazing Deep Pan Pizza that turned 40 years old this year, too,” says Dilan. Free Pizza coupons that are claimed can be redeemed until August 31 only.

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New suburb called LITTLE INDIA Council sets up reference group to explore visitor economy benefits  DI BARTOK LITTLE India in Harris Park is set to bring the area alive, after Parramatta Council voted to set up a reference group to make it happen, at its July 13 meeting. But, in what seemed a straightforward proposal, councillors became mired in debate over whether the only Indian councillor Sameer Panday should represent the Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer when he cannot attend. Cr Pierre Esber had suggested that it would be wise to have “someone who speaks the language and understands the culture” to represent the council in the group that would include Harris Park business people, up to three Rosehill

Ginger Indian Restaurant.

ward councillors and up to two council officers. Cr Panday is not a Rosehill councillor but Cr Esber suggested he should be the one chosen to represent the Lord Mayor.

But Cr Dwyer disagreed, saying he would decide who would represent him. While humbled by the suggestion, Cr Panday said his inclusion was no different from anyone being set a task that matched their expertise. Cr Panday said his knowledge of Indian culture was “not something anyone else in this room has”. In the end, councillors accepted Cr Esber’s suggestion that Cr Panday represent the Lord Mayor in the reference group that would meet regularly to formulate the Little India plan. However, Cr Lorraine Wearne, a steadfast opponent of designated cultural eating precincts, said: “If we have a Little India, why not a Little Korea, a Little China, a Little Lebanon?” But the Indian community is the larg-

est ethnic group in the Parramatta LGA, and Harris Park has the largest concentration of Indian eateries. The plan had been originally proposed by former Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson in August 2019 as a way of activating culinary tourism in Parramatta. It was carried on by the present Lord Mayor who called for the report that was put to the recent council meeting. The report showed that there was unanimous support in the Harris Park Indian business community. A Little India would be widely promoted to draw more visitors to Parramatta. The reference group will allow stakeholders to decide on the nitty-gritty of the proposal, including marketing and how the Harris Park community can work with council to make it work.

Renaming dining precinct is a no-brainer  LAWRENCE MACHADA HARRIS Park street, famous for its sizzling array of some of the most authentic dishes from the Subcontinent, is ready to be unveiled as the Sydney’s bestknown secret. Most of you already know Little India, not just because it is home to a large Indian population but for some of the most aromatic and spicy subcontinent cuisine you would savour. The decision by Parramatta Council to investigate renaming Sydney’s most famous Indian food enclave, Little India, is a no brainer and will light the fuse for an even more vibrant Street in Harris Park.

On Monday, July 13, the council unanimously approved a motion to officially name it Little India, a name which has been given to it by patrons and owners of that street for many years. Vivek Gulati, experienced chef and partner in the top rated Indian restaurant in Wigram street, Not Just Curries, said the council decision will bring in more diners because it proves that if you want the best choices in Indian food, Harris Park is the address for it. Since he and his two partners opened Not Just Curries five years ago, their restaurant has been rated No 1 by TripAdvisor. “I heard about the council plans and the official naming will give our businesses a big boost and definitely more people will come here,” Mr Gulati said.

Vandana Setia and her husband Nitin who are partners in popular outlet, Ginger Indian Restaurant, said the proposal will be a big boon. “This will certainly bring more people from other areas too,” Mrs Setia said. “We already have places like Chinatown where you can have a variety of food from that country, so why not Little India? “Harris Park is full of Indian restaurants and stores and naming it Little India will enhance the culture and experience for everyone, not just Indians. It will also make this area more homely.” Mrs Setia – whose restaurant completes 11 years in December – also welcomes more Indian restaurants here, despite the narrow and packed street already boasting a mouth-watering variety of cuisines.

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Business NSW CEO steps down  ELIZABTH FRIAS TEPHEN Cartwright, the chief of Business NSW who drove numerous successful business-led campaigns is stepping down immediately this month after 11 years at the helm. Former Board president, Nola Watson, a known steady hand within the 194-yearold peak organisation and an expert in both business and government, has been appointed interim CEO while the search for Mr Cartwright’s permanent replacement takes place. Mr Cartwright’s departure was confirmed on July 22, soon after Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced the JobKeeper would be extended until December to continue the economic support for 3.5 million workers and 960,000 businesses affected by COVID-19 shutdown since March.

Business NSW CEO Stephen Cartwright: “This is the right time to hand over to a successor to take the organisation on the next phase of its journey.”

More than $16B has been paid to over 750,000 businesses to support their cash flow while 180,000 apprentices and

trainees have been granted 50 per cent wage subsidy. Business NSW has released its Back on Track COVID-19 Recovery Report calling for the extension of JobKeeper until businesses and workers relying on it for incomes were confident to resume operations without government’s financial backing. “Our survey showed two in five businesses receiving JobKeeper do not have a plan to manage when payments stop, and one in two recipients will need to reduce staff hours or headcount when payments stop,” Mr Cartwright said. Mr Cartwright said Business NSW has proposed the National Cabinet target its priorities on economic strategies to slash the current 11 per cent unemployment rate to below six per cent by 2022 and ensure youths are receiving skills training and guaranteed jobs. Mr Cartwright said, he was “immensely proud” of his achievements such as the full-tilt modernisation of the NSW

Business Chamber that advocated for NSW businesses since 1826 into Business NSW and Business Australia, as well as the increase of local business chambers and membership from 4500 in 2009 to over 34,000 today. He also led the launching of the Western Sydney Business Chamber in 2012 to campaign for the final plans for Sydney’s second airport in Badgerys Creek now set to open by December 2026. “Anyone who knows me knows of my love for sport, and the sports people I admire most are those who retire at the top of their game, having won everything there is to win, and I always feel sorry for the ones who play on for one season too long. You should always go out at the top of your game and under your own terms,” he said. Business NSW chairman Lyall Gorman said Mr Cartwright’s leadership has paved the way for the improvement in the operations of business communities throughout NSW.

New Western Sydney Airport CEO welcomed IVERPOOL Mayor Wendy Waller has welcomed the appointment of Simon Hickey as the new CEO of Western Sydney Airport (WSA). WSA is the Liverpool-based federal government organisation that will build and run the future Western Sydney International Airport. “I look forward to continuing the good relations with Western Sydney Airport which chose our

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city as its base in 2017, a meaningful commitment to Sydney’s third CBD,” she said. Mr Hickey has over 30 years of experience working in the commercial, infrastructure and aviation industries. He takes over from former CEO Graham Millett. WSA chair Paul O’Sullivan said Mr Hickey was the right man to lead the organisation through the airport’s construction and into operation in the years to come.

“Western Sydney Airport has a very positive profile in local and overseas aviation markets, which led to a very high level of interest in the CEO role from candidates across the world,” he said. Mr Hickey said his new role will be a challenging and rewarding experience. “Introducing choice to Sydney’s aviation market is a compelling proposition and one that will lead to stronger outcomes for

passengers, airlines and air cargo operators,” he said. For more than a decade Mr Hickey has served on the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation Board and is currently its Deputy Chair. “My focus will be not only on building the infrastructure, but on building the commercial proposition around passenger aviation, air cargo and our on-airport business park,” Mr Hickey said.

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CSIRO to call Aerotropolis home HE CSIRO will have up to 450 of the science agency’s staff and researchers based at a new state of the art facility in the heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the current CSIRO plan is to relocate many of its Sydney-based staff into a purpose-built facility that would support collaboration and the delivery of cutting-edge science. “The Aerotropolis will be a new focal point for Australian innovation, research and productivity, which is why it is the perfect home for Australia’s national science agency,” Ms Berejiklian said. “CSIRO is a national icon and would set the tone for the Aerotropolis as an innovation hub which will drive the creation of more than 200,000 jobs across the Western Parkland City.” Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the successful conclusion of negotiations will pave the way for construction on CSIRO’s facility in the Aerotropolis Core to start in mid-2023 and be complete by 2026. “The addition of CSIRO to the Aerotropolis would confirm the precinct as

Artist impression of the new CSIRO facility.

the future epicentre for science, research, innovation and industry collaboration in the Asia-Pacific,” Mr Ayres said. CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said the agency’s presence at Aerotropolis would support collaboration and put science and technology right at the heart of this new smart and liveable city. “The more we can put science in the hands of real people to solve real problems, the better our future will be, so the collaboration and connectedness of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis is an immense

opportunity for CSIRO and the future we are shaping for Australia,” Dr Marshall said. “The Aerotropolis reflects the new generation of CSIRO, agile and diverse, while building on a great 100-year legacy of innovation through collaboration. Sydney is where CSIRO invented fast WiFi and where we will invent the next innovations for our future prosperity and sustainability.” The plan is for a CSIRO facility of up to 18,000m2 with collaborative workshops and meeting spaces alongside state-of-theart facilities and laboratories.

The proposed CSIRO facility will benefit from the $11B Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail which will service the greater Western Sydney region, in time for the opening of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport in 2026. “Governments at every level have high aspirations for the employment generating potential of lands surrounding the airport and the announcement of negotiations with CSIRO is a key part of making that happen,” the Property Council of Australia’s Western Sydney Regional Director Ross Grove said.

Sale of electric vehicles is rising LECTRIC vehicles have been all the rage for some time amongst futurists, but that enthusiasm is now being backed up by an impressive “real life” sales performance. And the big jump in Australian EV sales underscores the massive untapped potential of this 21st century phenomenon.

Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Behyad Jafari said while the trend forf electric vehicles was promising, it showed how far Australia could go if it supported the EV industry like most other nations. “The good news is that the number of Australians buying EVs is surging despite a lack of government incentives or support,” Mr Jafari said.

“The bad news is that even with this strong growth, EVs still one represent 0.6% of sales. That compares poorly to 3.8 % of sales in Europe and 4.7% in China. “If the Australian EV market had the same incentives and support as the EU and China, we would be talking about some 50,000 new EVs on our roads. “That would start delivering signif-

icant benefit in terms of cleaning our air, lowering our carbon emissions, and lowering our dependence on foreign oil.” “Given that Australian decision makers at all levels are eager to start taking stronger action on climate change, transitioning away from combustion engine vehicles would be an excellent place to start,” Mr Jafari said.

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Small business benefits of COVID-19 in five Australians at 59% said they would preference small businesses, a 20% increase since before the pandemic. • Prior to the pandemic, millennials were most likely to small business to deal with over a large company at 44%. • Almost half of Gen Z Aussies at 48% will preference small businesses post pandemic. The Global Consumer Trends Reopening Report surveyed 11 countries with approximately 1000 interviews per country. Countries covered were the USA, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, China, Singapore and Australia. Dynata has the world’s largest database of people who have opted in to provide information, opinions and attitudes on everything from car to political preferences. An amazing 62 million people around the world participate in Dynata’s research.

 DALLAS SHERRINGHAM MALL business has taken a lot of knocks during COVID-19 but there has also been some positive aspects in the washup from the worst natural disaster the world has ever seen. New research from Dynata has revealed Australians are the most likely to support small businesses following the economic fallout of COVID19 when compared to other nations. The finding comes from Dynata’s Global Consumer Trends Reopening Report which surveyed people from 11 countries including Australian about how they are living their lives today. It looked at several areas of life including reactions to small businesses. Australian Small Business insights included: • Prior to the pandemic only two in five Australians at 39% would

always choose a small business to deal with over a large company, however since the pandemic this has risen more than half to 61% who feel obliged to help smaller business survive rather than larger companies.

• More than half of Australians at 56% believe the government should concentrate its efforts on supporting small businesses through this time rather than large companies. • Following the pandemic, three

No news on Bunnings sausage sizzle HO hasn’t been tempted by the delicious aroma wafting from a sausage sizzle at a Bunnings store? By buying a snag and a drink, customers help a community organisations and schools raise funds for various projects Bunnings stopped the sausage sizzles in March when the coronavirus pandemic began to bite, affecting several community groups who held regular fundraisers at their Parramatta stores. Now, Bunnings stores in Tasmania, NT, Queensland, South Australia and

Western Australia have begun to host these fundraisers. However, Bunnings customers in Western Sydney will have to wait a while longer to chomp on a barbecued snag. Bunnings operates stores in across Western Sydney. Bunnings said it will continue to “consult with government, team members and community groups and continue to follow the latest health advice” regarding to hosting sausage sizzles again in NSW and the ACT.

Bunnings, which halted the fundraisers in March when the coronavirus pandemic began to bite, said community groups who had pre-booked events during the lockdown will be given priority when they resume. Bunnings advised they have planned a new layout “that promotes physical distancing and includes increased personal hygiene processes” at their fundraisers. Several major and small organisations use these sausage sizzles to raise money for various causes and annually, more

than 40,000 sausage sizzles are run across the more than 290 Bunning stores across the country.

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New Bunnings complex a step closer UNNINGS Warehouse is one step closer to setting up shop in the Bringelly Road Business Hub in Sydney’s south west, after receiving construction approval from the NSW Government. Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the approval paved the way for a 22-hectare plot of vacant land in Leppington to be transformed into a Bunnings Warehouse and nursery by July 2021. “From home renovators to professional builders, the new Bunnings Warehouse will be a big boost for the community in Sydney’s south west,” Mr Stokes said. The Bunnings Warehouse is the ninth project to have its assessment fast-tracked through the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program. The project will create opportunities for up to 400 jobs and inject $22M into the NSW economy.

Artist layout of the precinct.

“Just over two weeks after announcing we would fast-track the assessment of shovel-ready projects, we’ve approved eight projects that will inject more than $1.9B into the State’s economy and create opportunities for more than 16,000 jobs,” Mr Stokes said.

BRIEFS ePlanning takes effect HOMEOWNERS in metropolitan Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast, Illawarra and larger regional local government areas can lodge development applications (DAs) anywhere in real-time, thanks to the NSW Government’s ePlanning mandate taking effect. Councils that make up the initial mandate account for two-thirds of all DA determinations in NSW, which equates to $39B in investment value across the State.

Benefits of CTP reforms MOTORISTS across the State have reaped the benefits of the NSW Government’s CTP reforms, as premiums hit a decade low. The previous scheme average

The NSW Government made temporary changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to: • Increase existing development consent lapse dates by an additional two years and guarantee new consents are provided a

premiums reached a record high of $635 in mid-2016. Without reform, the average Green Slip premium was projected to climb above $700. As well as easing the financial burden, it is estimated that sing the Green Slip Check is saving each customer over 15 minutes when obtaining Green Slip prices from multiple insurers and purchasing it online.

New tech taskforce THE NSW Government has launched a new taskforce that will make it easier for small and medium suppliers of information and communication technology (ICT) services to do business with government. The new ‘ICT and Digital Sovereign Procurement Taskforce’ will establish a greater diversity of Digital / ICT service providers and suppliers who engage with the NSW Government. For more information visit https://

minimum lapse period of five years; • Increase the time a business can remain closed or used for other purposes from one to three years before it loses its existing use rights; and • Double the amount of time a development consent decision can be appealed in the courts. The Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 has also been updated to clarify the level of works needed to be done for a project to be considered ‘physically commenced’. If a project has not begun – or ‘physically commenced’ – by the lapse date of its development consent, a new application would need to be lodged for the project to continue. For more information visit www.planning.nsw. gov.au/covid19

www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/ict-sovereign-procurement-taskforce.

Council welcomes funding THE Hills Shire Council has received a $1.2M funding injection to support local roads and community projects as part of the Federal Government’s Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI Program). Money from the LRCI Program and a list of projects were considered during an Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday, July 28, with Councillors unanimously supporting the list of planned works. Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, thanked the Federal Government for enabling Council to accelerate important community projects, while also helping to stimulate the economy through the creation of vital construction jobs.

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REPORT | AUGUST 2020

Pop-up COVID-19 clinics open across West ESTERN Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) continues to open pop-up testing clinics in strategic locations in response to ongoing COVID-19 community transmission. The latest drive-through clinic opened today at Western Sydney University (WSU) Parramatta South campus, following another drive-through clinic opened in Auburn on Monday. The WSU testing clinic will operate from 9am-3.30pm Monday to Friday in the P16 carpark off James Ruse Drive. Anyone arriving for testing is advised to stay inside their vehicle at all times. Health staff follow strict infection control protocols for the safety of themselves and others. The latest pop-up clinic follows the success of the clinic continuing to run at Parramatta Community Health Centre and the temporary clinic that was operat-

ing from Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral in Harris Park. WSLHD chief executive Graeme Loy thanked Western Sydney University for partnering with the District to open the latest pop-up clinic.

Good, but no room for complacency SW has reached a major milestone in the fight against COVID-19, with more than one million tests carried out in NSW since January. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the people of NSW should be proud of this achievement and thanked the community for doing their part to help keep NSW COVID-safe. “NSW has one of the highest COVID-19 testing rates in the world and reaching one million tests already is an incredible result,” Ms Berejiklian said. “I want to thank everyone in NSW who has come forward and been tested. This needs to continue – if you have the mildest of symptoms it is so important you come forward and get tested. “If you have already been tested and were negative but develop symptoms again, you need to come forward and get tested again.” Health Minister Brad Hazzard said high testing numbers is critical to finding

new cases and controlling the spread of COVID-19. A total of 1,007,662 tests have been done since testing began, including 18,524 over the past 24 hours. “NSW Health Pathology have been the quiet achievers during the pandemic, working incredibly hard behind the scenes, doing almost 60 per cent of these tests, averaging 7,500 a day,” Mr Hazzard said. “They’ve also received around 290,000 registrations for their pioneering SMS Results Service that has halved the average waiting time for negative results.” Mr Hazzard warned that the virus is likely circulating among people in the community with mild symptoms and the risk of outbreaks and a resurgence of cases remains. “While this is a fantastic response from the community, we must keep up the fight against COVID-19 and not allow complacency to set in.”

“We will continue to explore new locations and do everything we can to make testing as easy and convenient as possible for anyone who needs it,” Graeme said. “Thank you to everyone who has come forward for testing so far. Please continue to look for any symptoms, and if you are sick then make sure you self-isolate until you get a negative test result. This is the way forward to keep everyone safe.” There are now 20 testing clinics across Western Sydney Local Health District – find your nearest one and stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 news at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/ The drive-through clinic at Stockland

Merrylands will be closing on Sunday, having being the site of more than 5000 tests since it opened on May 25. WSLHD will continue to be flexible with operating pop-up testing sites in priority areas across the district according to changing needs. If you have any symptoms, it is important you self-isolate and arrange to get tested. Symptoms of COVID-19 include a sore throat, cough, high temperature or unexplained tiredness. Testing is free and a referral from your doctor is not necessary. To help protect yourself against COVID-19, exercise the following precautions: • Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. • Avoid touching your face. • Maintain 1.5 metres physical distance from others in public.

Nominations open for COVID SAFE businesses OMINATIONS are now open for the 2020 SafeWork NSW Awards, acknowledging NSW businesses that demonstrate an outstanding approach to work health and safety. Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson said this year’s awards will recognise businesses who’ve implemented innovative and effective measures to protect their employees throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “Nominations are now open and, given this year’s unique circumstances, we will focus on businesses who have best responded to the significant challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic in the workplace,” Mr Anderson said. “It’s not been an easy year for our businesses, and this year’s awards are a great opportunity to say thank you to the employers who have gone above and beyond to adapt their working methods

to make sure their workers are safe.” 2020 marks the 17th anniversary of the SafeWork NSW Awards, which will be broken down into three sub-categories: • Small business – non-government (two regional and two metropolitan). • Large business – non-government (two regional and two metropolitan) • Government. “Non-government businesses across NSW that are selected for recognition are eligible for a $3,000 safety rebate for their business.” Mr Anderson said. Nominations for the 2020 SafeWork Awards are open until August 9, with winners announced in October. To nominate, visit https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/advice-and-resources/campaigns/safework-awards

Help for hard-hit creative sector HE hard-hit creative sector will benefit as five new Business Connect advisors get to work, providing free-of-charge advice to small businesses affected by COVID-19. Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the creative industries were some of the most impacted industries by COVID-19 and the new Business Connect advisors would be able to share their insights with small businesses. “In total, there are now 10 Business Connect advisors with creative backgrounds and they have the skills to help small businesses in

T The creative sector has been hit hard by COVD-19. WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

that industry to navigate the current situation,” he said. “The advisors can also provide information about government support options for the NSW arts and cultural sector and put organisations in touch with State agencies.” Minister for the Arts Don Harwin encouraged small creative organisations to take up the opportunity for advice from Business Connect about the support measures available. “All guidance provided by Business Connect advisors is currently free of charge and has already proven itself to be invaluable to 6700 small businesses,” Mr Harwin said.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the NSW arts and cultural sector that has been so greatly valued by the community over this difficult time.” “The arts sector supports about 118,000 jobs across NSW and contributes $16.4B directly and indirectly to NSW’s Gross State Product.” The new advisors are among an additional 40 to be engaged through Business Connect to assist small businesses as they deal with the impacts of COVID-19. In total, Business Connect has more than 110 business advisors. Phone 1300 134 359 for more information.

Coronavirus Report

Curing the ills of social media RTA urges Covid-19 crackdown as misinformation spreads  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM SOCIAL media’s key role in the spread of misinformation during the Covid-19 pandemic has illustrated it can be a dangerously petulant child in the hands of the wrong people. We have known for years that Social Media is like the old Wild West with virtually no rules and regulations. Shoot first and ask questions later. Without the constraints of proper editing and editorial guidelines and legislation it has been free to make every kind of ridiculous claim from alien invasions to every kind of conspiracy theory under the sun. Then along came the pandemic and everything changed. What was funny and silly and entertaining took a serious turn when people started dying from Covi19 because they believed the advice of unqualified self-appointed ‘experts’. To give you a ‘for instance’, I spend a lot of time on Facebook through my media work and these are just a few of the Furpheys I have come across: • Bill Gates started the Pandemic so he could market his vaccine. The vaccine contains a tiny implant that will be able to track your every move. False of course but people swear it’s right. • Covid-19 can be prevented by any number of drugs, potions and herbs, to name just a few. NO!

• Covid-19 is being spread by a mysterious vapor trails dropped by Chinese jets. NO! • Covid-19 is being caused by newly installed 5G phone towers. NO! • Covid-19 is a pandemic caused by world business leaders. NO! • Praying will prevent Covid-19. NO! • The lockdown is a plan to control and take over the masses. NO! The list goes on and on and any intelligent person with commonsense realizes they are garbage but the two things Social Media lacks which are essential in a time of crisis are commonsense and human intelligence. They are the two things we must add to make it useable. And they are the two things often missing and the latest “outbreak” of misinformation could provide to be the deadliest of all. Social media ‘experts’ are now telling the community to refuse Covid-19 tests for any number of outlandish reasons

Dangerous misinformation The dangerous misinformation is being targeted by Responsible Technology Australia, better known as RTA. It says Social Media needs to grow up and be transparent about the ‘infodemic’. It said social media needed to be compelled to be transparent about the extent of its misinformation problem, particularly when it came to false information and conspiracy theories about COVID-19.

The policy group which advocates for the ethical progression of technology says the first step to countering false information about coronavirus online is showing the size of the problem. “We have no clear picture on why people are refusing coronavirus tests, but we do know that there are fast growing conspiracy theories hampering the government’s public health measures,” Chris Cooper, executive director of RTA, said. “Facebook and other social media platforms consistently say they are acting on misinformation, but they’ve never been transparent about the size or extent of the problem.” RTA is calling on the social media platforms to produce a live list of the most viral content about coronavirus, to finally give the public visibility on what

information is circulating in the community. “We don’t let restaurants just say their kitchens are clean - we have random inspections and we investigate any food poisoning, Mr Cooper said. “We don’t just accept people are paying their taxes - the tax office audits people. We don’t blindly trust construction firms - we have building inspectors,” Mr Cooper said. “Every important service provider or industry in our country has an inspection and enforcement method except Facebook and other social media giants. It’s time for social media to grow up and respond to proper public oversight. “Because regardless of how we use social media, or whether we use it at all – we are all affected by the current lack of accountability” he said.

NSW leads on virtual health care he NSW Government will investigate a wider roll-out of virtual healthcare services following the successful expansion of the NSW virtual health system during COVID-19. The success complements the NSW Government’s record spend on health, with more than $26B invested in the NSW health care system over the past year. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NSW patients and clinicians have embraced virtual healthcare, with a 700 per cent increase in the use of virtual health services over the four months from February to May 2020, compared with the same period last year. “The social distancing requirements that became a necessity with COVID-19 led to a rapid ramp-up of NSW Health’s virtual care system – with more than 82,000 outpatient appointments delivered via videoconference over four months,” Ms Berejiklian said. “Virtual healthcare has proven to be particularly effective for follow up and

and clinicians – and that’s why the NSW Government will continue to invest in the technology which provides easy to access, hospital in the home style care.

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secondary appointments, after a patient’s initial diagnosis at a face-to-face consultation. “Traditionally, less than a quarter of a per cent of all outpatient services are delivered via videoconference in NSW. However, by May 2020 this had risen to four per cent. “This rapid expansion allowed patients to be cared for in their own homes without the inconvenience of travelling outside their home. “Virtual health technology is proving to be a game-changer for both patients

“We are already nation leaders with our record health infrastructure program and now we want to lead the country in virtual health technology”. A recent survey of patients treated by the new RPAvirtual model in Sydney Local Health District found: • 89 per cent said the technologies used by RPAvirtual improved their access to care and treatment; • 80 per cent felt confident at home knowing their symptoms were monitored daily; and • 72 per cent said the wearable monitoring devices they were provided were easy to use. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said

virtual health had proven to be particularly useful in rural, remote and regional areas of NSW, where residents have been able to access a wider range of services without travelling long distances. “Patients have said while initial face to face contact with their treating clinician is important, follow up appointments by telehealth are well received,” Mr Hazzard said. “It means patients in regional and rural areas don’t have the stress of travelling long distances to hospital and have better access to specialists.” Hunter New England and Western NSW Local Health Districts have been early adopters of virtual healthcare, which has been further expanded over recent months. It is a Premier’s Priority to reduce preventive visits to hospital by five per cent by 2023 and virtual health is an important element in achieving this goal. The NSW Government has invested $75M over two years to support virtual health services.

Unsafe businesses risk penalties of $55k SW businesses must follow the State Government’s COVID safety warnings and public health orders or risk a penalty of up to $55,000. More than 117,500 COVID safety plans have been downloaded in less than a month but businesses also need to register to provide customers with confidence. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there are 10,500 registered COVID Safe businesses across NSW but she would like to see this number increase.

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“Thanks to the hard work of the community, thousands of businesses and have been able to reopen their doors and welcome back customers,” Ms Berejiklian said. “While communities embrace the easing of restrictions and we kick start the economy, safety must come first and businesses cannot be complacent. “Whether it’s a café, construction business, cinema or sports club, all organisations must ensure the safety of staff and customers. There are no more excuses.”

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said help and assistance is available for businesses. “Downloading an industry specific safety plan and registering as COVID Safe is simple and can be done online. Service NSW can help with any questions,” Mr Dominello said. “Customers are encouraged to give feedback to businesses. Our focus in June was on educating industry; while our focus in July will be on compliance.” Any business found in breach of the

public health orders will be held to account and could face a penalty of up to $55,000 or an on the spot fine of $5000. Breach of orders made under the Public Health Act 2010 is a criminal offence and attracts heavy penalties. In the case of any business, the maximum penalty is $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty may apply for each day the offence continues. To download a safety plan visit https://www.nsw. gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe-businesses

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

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Park design boosts Penrith economy VIBRANT, contemporary, and green open space in the heart of Penrith’s City Centre is one step closer to being realised with the delivery of the concept design for City Park. The concept design was informed by the ideas and input provided by the community during consultation last year and responds to their main request to bring nature into the city centre. Key features include a variety of large trees to provide shade, a sensory garden, several water features, as well as natural landscaping to transform the space into an urban retreat. The concept design also provides space for people to meet, eat, be active and celebrate together with these aspects set to stimulate the day and night-time economy by attracting residents, visitors and investors.

through smart technology, creative design and natural landscaping to create an iconic destination within the City Centre that we can all be proud of. “City Park will unlock the City Centre precinct to major opportunities and alongside other city-shaping projects such as Soper Place, Regatta Park, Gipps Street Recreation Precinct, will strengthen Penrith’s position as Western Sydney’s most liveable city.” The detailed design of City Park is progressing over the coming months and further community consultation will take place in late 2020. Construction is due to start in late 2021 and the project set to be complete by early 2023.

The concept design for City Park delivers on the community’s aspirations for the space to be a natural retreat in the City Centre.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the delivery of the concept design is an important milestone in this project and offers an exciting glimpse into the future of Penrith’s new city park. “Council has been working with the

community on this project for a number of years and it is wonderful to see our shared vision for City Park starting to take shape,” Cr Fowler said. “The concept design for City Park showcases elements for cooling the city

View the concept design and find out more at penrith.city/citypark

WSBC offers small business package

ESTERN Sydney Business Connection’s (WSBC) has launched a new membership program for small businesses. General Manager, Amanda Brisot said small business accounts for a significant proportion of Australia’s employment and production and about one fifth of its GDP. It is also the lifeblood of the local economy and the local community. To assist with their challenges and to support their growth, WSBC has introduced a new 12-month membership package designed

Amanda Brisott.

specifically for businesses with 20 employees or less. WSBC’s Small Business Membership offers a host of benefits including a one-hour marketing consultation, a business strategy session, access to training and development webinars and networking opportunities. Kathrine Holland took the leap to small business ownership earlier this year. Establishing a Marketing, Brand Management, and PR Consultancy, Ms Holland is enjoying the flexibility and the ability to make quick decisions.

She recently joined WSBC and is looking forward to utilising her membership to connect with liked-minded business leaders. “As a small start-up,S memberships are often out of reach. The small business membership is so affordable and offers great opportunities to network with other small businesses in Western Sydney,” she said. WSBC’s Small Business Membership is available for $200 + GST for 12 months. For further information go to wsbc.org.au

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Artist impressions of the Powerhouse Museum on the banks of Parramatta River.

Council reaffirms Powerhouse support As Mayor blocks move for a sit down meeting with Premier  DI BARTOK ARRAMATTA Council has affirmed its support for a new flagship museum in Parramatta as part of the Powerhouse family and is eager to work with the NSW Government to refine the project’s design. However, the desire of some councillors to have a sit-down meeting with Premier Gladys Berejiklian to refine details of the museum was again thwarted on the Lord Mayor’s casting vote at the recent council meeting. At the meeting, Councillor Pierre Esber, backed by deputy Lord Mayor Michelle Garrard,suggested that “now was the time” to put forward ideas on the museum, perhaps saving heritage buildings Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace from demolition. The councillors made the point that, now the Powerhouse at Ultimo was staying, plans for Parramatta may be open for change that would save the heritage properties.. The Premier has reaffirmed her commitment for an off-shoot museum for

Cr Michelle Byrne.

Lord Mayor, Cr Bob Dwyeer.

Parramatta, though there is a feeling that it may be a different version to the one originally proposed.

Cr Garrard said that, following the Ultimo announcement, there was hope that the government “may change its mind over the demolition” of the heritage buildings. Cr Steven Issa said it was inconceivable for council to sit down with the Premier in the time remaining for final acceptance of the proposal. In further discussions with this publication, Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said council would be in discussions with Arts Minister Don Harwin on the finer details of the Parramatta proposal.

Centre of global Sydney Council’s submitted formal response, to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Parramatta mu-

seum applauds NSW Government’s continued investment in cultural and social infrastructure in Parramatta, while again reiterating council’s continued advocacy for the retention of Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace. “Parramatta is the centre of global Sydney and deserves a world-class cultural institution. The new Powerhouse Museum will deliver that,” Cr Dwyer said in a statement.. “I thank the NSW Government for recommitting to this game-changing project and we will do everything in our power to ensure the best outcome for the community.” Council has identified in its submission opportunities to improve the proposed museum’s design, including the way it integrates the public domain and its interaction with the planned Civic Link – a key pedestrian spine linking Parramatta Square with Parramatta River. Council is requesting the NSW Government consider these matters and greater collaboration during the detailed design process. “We can use our local knowledge and technical expertise to help refine the museum’s design and make sure it takes full advantage of its riverside position in Parramatta’s CBD,” Cr Dwyer said. “While we fully support the new addition to the Powerhouse family in Parramatta and welcome the thousands of jobs it will bring to Western Sydney, it’s important for us to suggest ways to enhance the museum for the benefit of our community. “We look forward to working with the NSW Government on the museum’s design for what will be a once-in-a-generation, world-class cultural institution we can all be proud of.”

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OPINION:Councilors square off over Powerhouse Museum location

Preserving heritage a win-win for our city  CR DONNA DAVIS HERE are very few buildings you see that make you want to smile, but Willow Grove is one of these. Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace enhance Parramatta and are of high social significance.They must remain central to any reimagining of our city to ensure we incorporate the past in the present. The Parramatta community has campaigned for over three years to save these significant buildings because they are such an important part of the built and social fabric of our city. The State Government must accept that Parramatta needs and deserves investment in the arts and cultural institutions but not at the expense of our heritage. In 2014-15 the Council bought Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace because they were central to its River Strategy. When the Council was sacked in 2016, the State Government used this opportunity to purchase the sites and proceed with their proposal to move the Powerhouse from Ultimo. When a new Councillor body was elected in 2017, it unanimously supported the incorporation of both heritage buildings in any redevelopment of the site. Two weeks ago, the State Government capitulated to mounting pressure announcing that the Powerhouse will be staying in Ultimo thus putting into doubt the validity of the entire Powerhouse EIS process. It also raises questions about the key themes and objectives of the Powerhouse Parramatta. The proposal is to create a new institution with lots of flexible space but for such a significant project, funded primarily with taxpayer’s money, is this museum “fit for purpose” or is it more as it seems that the Government is making it all up as they go along?

Deficit of cultural infrastructure No one argues with the fact that there is a deficit of cultural infrastructure west of ANZAC Bridge, along with equitable arts funding. However, given the backflip, strong criticism of the building design (the undercroft, flood responsiveness, public domain), the CFMEU Green Ban and the looming Upper House Parliamentary Inquiry the project should be reconsidered, or at the very least reshaped, to ensure Parramatta cultivates its very own institution. A rethink right now gives the State Government the breathing space it needs to reassess the project at a time of extraordinary economic uncertainty. Reconsidering the project still allows for significant investment in our city while retaining the heritage that contributes so much to this place.

The fact is there are better alternatives. A return to the Council’s River Strategy provides an opportunity to save the heritage while creating a 24/7 arts and cultural precinct delivering an iconic cultural institution (an art gallery) to complement Riverside Theatres, an outdoor amphitheatre and open green space with visual links to the river. Even better is the opportunity to realise a museum in the Cumberland Heritage precinct that incorporates the Parramatta Female Factory. This National Heritage site is our equivalent to Sydney’s Macquarie Street.

Focus on the facts and forget the fluff  CR BILL TYRRELL S an elected councillor, I am more than comfortable to support and ensure that Powerhouse Parramatta has the central river location and is delivered now. The Premier, Minister Harwin and Geoff Lee the Member for Parramatta, and supporters agree that delivering right now the museum for us and future generations is important to Western Sydney and the City of Parramatta, the Central River City.

Cr Donna Davis

Cr Bill Tyrrell.

Commissioned by Governor Macquarie and designed by Francis Greenway, it is the earliest and most intact convict women’s site surviving in Australia. With a light rail route planned directly through the precinct it is the prime location to build a magnificent new museum sympathetic to its heritage surrounds. An alternative business case has been presented to NSW Treasury by community advocates that delivers a museum for a fraction of the cost of the proposed Powerhouse Parramatta. This is an option that won’t compromise heritage, nor building design but it unlocks countless possibilities for a museum in an extraordinary location just a stone’s throw from Parramatta Park and BankWest Stadium. This vision would provide an opportunity for the City of Parramatta to realise its River Strategy development with the current funding commitment shifted to a museum on State owned land at the Cumberland Precinct. Delivering double the cultural spaces for the community and tourist industry and double the jobs - it’s a win, win for Parramatta.

Focus now should be maintained on building a centrally located Arts and Cultural hub, focused on the Powerhouse Museum, rebuilt Riverside Theatres and in my opinion Roxy Theatres. Roxy Theatres has far more value historically and economically than the other two items, St George’s Terrace and Willow Grove combined; a thousand times over. The River location is perfect as it is centrally located to the CBD, trains, ferries, Parramatta Light Rail, the future Metro West station, shopping, restaurants, accommodation, universities and other tourism. It is also centrally located for workers, tourists, families, students and everyone from Western Sydney. It is connected to the River, being the heart of the Central River City, great for hosting or being the hub for events on the river to highlight our city.

Councillor Donna Davis was elected to City of Parramatta Council in September 2017. She represents the Epping Ward. Views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent Parramatta Council.

HAVE YOUR SAY Where should the Powerhouse Museum be located? Have you say: info@accessnews.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Our growing heart and soul It is connected to Riverside Theatres and close to the Roxy Theatre. The central location makes it a drawcard for conferences and business people to work, live and play while in our great city. It will draw millions of people into the centre of the city and adds to the activation of our city. The central River location is the only location that makes the Museum business case stack up and will be an iconic building to walk towards down Civic Link and through to the river. The Museum will form part of the growing heart and soul of our city. The Museum in the next five years will provide thousands of construction jobs and operational jobs as well as associated increase in surrounding employment in locally located tourism businesses which are badly needed, while

not having to wait at least 15 years for the employment benefits to flow. The economic benefits of locating, constructing and operating the museum, outweighs the sad and unfortunate loss of the locally heritage listed items. The North Parramatta Precinct is not suitable because: • The site is currently a Mental Health Facility; • A new location and purpose-built facility for NSW Health would have to be located, designed, approved and constructed and facilities moved, that’s a minimum of 10 years; • No available land in that precinct, that is large enough to house a new museum to allow the footprint, size and scale that is required to house the world class museum and exhibits to ensure that Parramatta and Western Sydney gets the world class museum it deserves. • It does not have any current transport connections, until Parramatta Light Rail is completed, but will only have one transport connection, • Workers, tourists, families, students and everyone else from Western Sydney will come to Parramatta via train, Metro West and ferry and will not want to make another transport connection and cannot walk to the museum, • No connection to shopping, restaurants, accommodation and other tourist locations which are located within the heart of the city or easily located, • No flow-on effects of employment in local tourism businesses, by having a location that is not centrally located to the city, The North Parramatta Precinct location for a museum will mean that the business case fails as it will not have the number of visitor numbers and mean that the economic benefit to spend the money to design, construct and operate the museum does not stack up. The North Parramatta location of being an arts and cultural precinct is only an idea still stuck in its infancy as all the parties up and around that location are not on the same page, which means that the only reason that a few parties are proposing the museum idea up there is that precinct needs a substantial drawcard to even get people interested in moving forward. Unfortunately, if it was to go ahead, the museum in that location would fail and so would the precinct. As far as the heritage buildings, Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace that have to be demolished for the Museum in its river location, they are not, World Heritage or State Heritage listed, nor is it considered that status, they are only locally heritage listed, St Georges Terraces is only a façade and not a complete building, which would require significant resources to restore and maintain, so why is it heritage listed? Councillor Bill Tyrrell was elected to City of Parramatta Council in September 2017. He represents the Epping Ward. Views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent Parramatta Council.

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

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2020 Blacktown Local Business awards

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2020 Blacktown Local Business awards

Scenes from last year’s event.

Tickets selling fast for gala night ICKETS for this year’s Blacktown City Local Business Awards presentation evening have gone on sale and are selling fast. Awards founder and Precedent Productions Managing Director Steve Loe described the event as the Blacktown City business community’s night of nights. “Forget the Academy Awards, this is an evening where we come together to honor the achievements and hard work of the local business community,” he said. “This doesn’t just mean the owners, but the managers and staff who are the face and backbone of every successful business.”

Mr Loe said the awards presentation evening was more than an opportunity to hear the winners of each category announced, but to network and catch up with friends in the business community. “It’s also a great way for colleagues to enjoy each other’s company and reflect on their achievements during a fun night out with fabulous food and entertainment,” he said. “Our master of ceremonies Paul Hancock, back for an amazing tenth year is always a crowd favourite and the one who keeps the evening moving smoothly on stage.” “But the most important people

on stage are, of course, the winners. It’s always a wonderful moment to hear the cheers and support from the audience as each winner is announced”. “It’s this support that proves how special Blacktown City business community is.” The presentation evening will be held at Blacktown Workers Club on Tuesday 22nd September. Tickets are extremely limited, and are available online at www. thebusinessawards.com.au, or by calling Precedent Productions on 8363 3333. “The Blacktown City Local Business Awards is made possible only through the generous support and encouragement

of our Major sponsors: Blacktown City Council, Blacktown Workers Club, NOVA Employment and Westpoint Shopping Centre and Support sponsors: Seven Hills Plaza, Stanhope Village, Blacktown MegaCentre, White Key Marketing, Greater Blacktown Business Chamber, BREED Business Centre and Rotary Club of Blacktown City,” Mr Loe said. “Without them, we would not be able to celebrate the wonderful small businesses that make Blacktown City the prosperous commercial area that it is.” For more information visit www.thebusinessawards.com.au

Special thanks to the Blacktown Local Business Awards 2020 Sponsors

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2020 Blacktown Local Business awards

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2020 Blacktown Local Business awards

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Century 21 Infinity Qfirst Invest Sydney Australia Wish Real Estate LJ Hooker - Blacktown Waratah Estate Agents- Blacktown Professionals Blacktown New Vision Real Estate Ray White - St Martins Village McGrath Estate Agents Blacktown Sapphire Estate Agents Waratah Estate Agents- Marsden Park Restaurant Kumar's Taj Indian Restaurant - Quakers Hill George's - The Pizza Shop Golden Ponds Chinese Restaurant Green Peppercorn Passage to India Zeko Mediterranean Cuisine Hi Thai - Westpoint Blacktown Savariya - Pure Vegetarian Eatery Fratelli Pizzeria Lalor Thai Restaurant Cucina Locale Revolving Restaurant Abyssinia Ethiopian Resturaunt Service & Trade Rhino And Co Fencing Mack Electrical Services Evolution Car Hire Hawkesbury Pools Esteem Building and Renovations Uneed Electrical & Appliance Services Your Local Painter Imperial Services Seal Appeal Andrews Express Dry Cleaning - Seven Hills Plaza Sydney Electrical Contractors AJB Kitchens Sole Operator Jordan Vassallo Celebrant Hype-O Performing Arts Academy Le Beauty Affair - Beauty & Makeup Studio Love.Light.Soy Candles Betterview Bathrooms Redline Pest Control A.S Virtual Solutions TipToes Nail Spa Specialised Business Messiah Studios Sharebooth 4G Metals BDP Girls NPM Events Superior Edge Sharpening Services Lenity Care Australia Sydney Print Studio Junaya Family Development Services Family Celebrations IGA - Rivestone Marketown Shopping Centre ORATEL Network Solutions Specialised Retail Business Sanity - Westpoint Blacktown Williams The Shoemen - Westpoint Blacktown Game Traders - Westpoint Blacktown TK Maxx - Westpoint Blacktown Flight Centre - Blacktown Hype DC - Westpoint Blacktown BCF - Boating & Outdoor Equipment Blacktown Mega Centre Save Rent a Car Target - Westpoint Blacktown Zone Bowling Blacktown Mister Minit - Westpoint Blacktown Helloworld Travel Seven Hills Radio Rentals - Westpoint Blacktown NOVO Shoes - Westpoint Blacktown Dusk - Westpoint Blacktown Nexen Energy Solutions

Media partner, Western Sydney Business Access congratulates all finalists. A permanent copy of this and other awards features can be viewed and downloaded at: www.issuu.com/accessnews

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Travel ACCESS

AUGUST 2020 Digital edition: www.issuu.com/accessnews

Edited by DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

We’re in the Business of Travel

Discover the amazing Sapphire Coast Perfect region for Sydneysiders to enjoy a relaxing getaway  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM HE magical Sapphire Coast is the perfect region for Sydneysiders to enjoy a relaxing getaway during the Spring and Summer months of this most unusual year. When describing the Sapphire Coast, words like “pristine, wilderness, untouched” easily come to mind. Then throw “blue waters, unspoilt beaches, oysters, local beer, adventures” and…well, you get the idea, I love this region and so will you. You see, along this beautiful stretch of coastline you will find everything you need in a perfect holiday destination, all within a short, relaxing drive from Sydney Spring on the Sapphire Coast means standing on an ancient coastline, watching the whales as they come in close to shore. It means Indulging in the freshest oysters grown just metres from where you dine or laying down under a sky full of stars listening to the wildlife settle in and waking to the crisp, clear dawn and the sound of the ocean.

Only five hours from Sydney, you can take a break away from rush the rush and bustle of the city in serene surroundings. It is the perfect place to reconnect with nature during the prime whale watching season on the Sapphire Coast.

Australian Geographic has named the Coast as one of the best places to watch whales in Australia. Travelling in large numbers and staying close to shore with their young, there is nothing quite like a close encounter of this kind.

From Eden to Bermagui, either by boat or from shore you can easily be a part of this massive migration. The Sapphire Coast is one of the few Continued from page 25

Albacore Apartments

Experience Merimbula at its best in our 4.5 star fully self-contained accommodation. Centrally located opposite Merimbula Lake. Our 1 and 2 bedroom apartments feature large open-plan living areas, fully equipped kitchens, laundry, spa baths, heating and air-conditioning. Private balconies with lake views and lift to all levels. Enjoy secure undercover car parking, heated pool, BBQ’s and large courtyard.

Market Street, Merimbula NSW 2548 • Phone: (02) 6495 3187 www.albacore.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Travel Each little town has a CHARM all of its own ACCESS

VISIT to the Sapphire Coast is all about little towns dotted along a pristine coastline. Each town has a charm of its own, so leave plenty of time to explore each one on your visit to the region. Bega is the urban centre of the Sapphire Coast, but its heart is dotted with rich lagoons and galleries and it is surrounded by rich pastures and rain forests. Bemboka is “the Village in the Valley” and the road through Candelo leads to Wolumla and Wyndham to the South and onward to the Monaro and the Mountains to the north. Bermagui is a beautiful town that hugs the edges of its harbor. It is the perfect place to stay awhile and relax without a traffic jam in site. You will love exploring Bermagui’s laid back lifestyle and the famous Bermagui Blue Pool. Brogo: Just 19kms north of Bega is the stunning Brogo Dam, which is contained within the Brogo wilderness area and the southern section of Wadbilliga National Park. Candelo: Travelling inland along the valley of the Bega River, the road ambles through rich dairy and beef country, passing the historic pastoral estate of Kameruka and arriving at the delightful little village of Candelo. Cobargo: It combines the skills and craft of a working village with a genuinely historic past, its streetscape featuring the many turn of the century buildings that make Cobargo such an attraction for visitors. Eden: The region is known as the ‘humpback highway’ and every year, between September and November, its waters play host to thousands of humpbacks heading home to Antarctica. Merimbula: This true gem’s magic begins with a first glimpse of the beaches, brilliant beneath the bright sunshine. Pambula: Enjoy a timeless day at this pretty coastal village, which is big on history, with the discovery of gold in local rivers in the mid 1800’s. Some of Pambula’s lovely historic buildings date back to this industrious time. Tathra: Another gem, featuring sparkling shades of green and blue. It surrounds itself in the natural beauty of both Mimosa Rocks National Park to the north, and Bournda National Park to the south, home to many seabirds and an abundance of wildlife. Wonboyn: The stunning Wonboyn Lake 30km south of Eden, is surrounded by pristine forests, unspoilt beaches and abundant animal and birdlife. It is the perfect getaway renowned for its breathtaking beauty of water and wilderness and particularly significant for bushwalkers, birdwatchers, and fishermen.

Sapphire Coast

Images from the amazing Sapphire Coast.

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Travel Discover the amazing Sapphire Coast ACCESS

Sapphire Coast

Experience the hospitality of the Sapphire Coast.

Continued from page 25

places in south east Australia that whales nurse and rest as they migrate to their summer grounds in Antarctica. In Australia, their lives are played out across the southern hemisphere, forever migrating between the warm equator to birth their young and the frozen pole to feed. More than 25,000 humpback whales make this journey annually plus seen orcas, southern rights and minke whales. Once hunted for their oil and baleen, today the whales are considered guests of honor on the Sapphire Coast. Its ancient coastline and ports offer unique opportunities for encounters from sea and shore.

There are also many short walks to take, headlands to picnic on and a small fleet of passionate boat operators.

brewers, farmers and chefs. Home to farm gates, cellar doors, bespoke cafes and waterfront restaurants.

Reconnect with Nature

This is your chance to break away from the city life with all its trials and tribulations and reconnect with nature. My suggestion is to choose an isolated beach and settle in with a picnic or wander the many nature trails that take you along rugged clifftops. For those seeking a little culture and creativity, visit the many galleries that feature art inspired by nature and coast or just take some time out with a good book. You can even be pampered if you wish.

Warmer weather and longer days mean a hundred adventures to enjoy along the entire Coast. You can choose whale watching, wilderness kayaking, fishing, walk the epic coastline or just settle in with a picnic on the sand. A visit to the Sapphire Coast in Spring is also a delicious voyage of discovery with the local produce taking centre stage. The region is home to some of the most awarded oysters in the world. Home to some of the most awarded dairy in the world. Home to passionate growers,

Relax and Rejuvenate

For more information: www.sapphirecoast.com.au

Bermagui Bait and Tackle NSW Gift hers vouc ble a avail

· All bait & tackle supplied · Fishing licence provided · Quality fishing gear · Assistance cleaning your catch · 42ft Randell Flybridge Cruiser in 1C Survey for 16 + crew · Deep Sea, Kingfish and Game fishing optional

The continental shelf is just 20 km offshore from Bermagui– its closest point to the Australian mainland. This means exceptional deep-sea fishing. In particular, the town is known for its yellow fin tuna and the famed black marlin. There are countless opportunities for the visiting angler to ‘do their own thing’ in Bermi. However, there really is no experience like being on the water fishing with locals. Our Charter Skipper and Deck Hands understand variations in tides, water currents, moon phases and prevailing weather patterns.

Call Bermagui Bait and Tackle to book your Charter 02 6493 5444. Fishing Charters are available as an exclusive booking for your group or as individual ﬁshers. WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Travel Stay at stunning Merimbula ACCESS

LBACORE Apartments is ideally located to explore the sparkling Sapphire Coast and is centrally located in Merimbula overlooking beautiful Merimbula Lake and only minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; walk to shops, clubs restaurants and the beach. Merimbula is just a leisurely six hours from Sydney, making this destination your perfect getaway. The Sapphire Coast offers abundant unspoilt natural beauty where National Parks meet a pristine coastline. Albacore Apartments offers a mix of generously proportioned and

Sapphire Coast

sip a cool drink on the balcony watching the changing tide or you can enjoy the heated swimming pool and sun-drenched private courtyard. Albacore Apartments offers a number of golf packages to suit your individual needs catering for couples or large groups on any or all of the seven local golf courses

well-designed one and two bedroom apartments all with magnificent lake views, Living spaces are open planned,

spacious and extend onto private balconies. After a tiring day on the golf course

Details: Your host at Albacore Apartments is Cathy 02 64953187 or via email Infor@albacore.com.au.

The Camel Rock Brewery

O visit to the Sapphire Coast is complete without a visit to the famous Camel Rock Brewery. The brewery is located within the BIG4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park in a building known as Allawah House. Allawah House was originally built on the shores of Wallaga Lake in 1917 on Payne's Island. It played host to travellers on the new coastal road, offering drinks, food and accommodation. After a few moves and repurposing, the property was sold in the 1960s and became a caravan park. Allawah House itself was extended

and converted into five accommodation flats. Steve and Sharon Watson purchased the caravan park in 2015 and when they and discovered the history of Allawah House, they decided to renovate the building into a microbrewery and restaurant. The rest is history and the superb beer has gained a great reputation with visitors and locals alike. There is nothing like a cleansing ale or three on a warm Spring of Summer day and it can be accompanied by the excellent local cuisine. Visit: www.camelrock.com.au

See whales with Cat Balou HE perfect way to see whales along the Sapphire Coast is with the experts at Cat Balou Cruises. Cat Balou operates from Twofold Bay at Eden, named Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Number One whale watching destination in 2014 by Australian Geographic. Cat Balou Cruises has been operating since 1987 and they are considered the most experienced whale watching operators in NSW. As a family owned and operated

business, they have gained the reputation of maintaining high safety standards, providing exceptional service and value on all cruises as well as sharing their love of the area and the ocean with their passengers. Cat Balou Cruises were inducted into the South Coast Tourism Hall of Fame in 2013, having won numerous tourism awards during the past 28 years.

Details: www.catbalou.com.au

BIG4 Wallga Lake Holiday Park www.wallagalakeholidaypark.com.au 186-188 Wallaga Lake Rd, WALLAGA LAKE, New South Wales, 2546

+612 6493 4655 BIG4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park is located on the shores of Wallaga Lake only 5 minutes north of Bermagui NSW on the Sapphire Coast. Activities to keep all the family entertained include; 18 Holes of Gold Rush Fever Mini Golf, Giant Jumping Pillow, Pedal Carts, Canoe Hire, Kayak Hire, Stand Up Paddle Board Hire, Tinny Hire, Tennis Court, Swimming Pool, Brewery & Licensed Cafe, Service Station and Convenience Store.

Gold Rush Fever Mini Golf

Camel Rock Brewery & Cafe

BIG4 Wallaga Lake Fishing Tips

Canoe & Kayak Hire

Having a cool beverage or meal at Camel Rock Brewery

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Travel The beautiful Loxley on Bellbird Hill ACCESS

Hawkesbury

ď Ž GRAHAM MAUGHAN HAD my first delightful experience at Loxley on Bellbird a few years ago when I was the Marriage Celebrant at a wedding. Since then I have heard from many people that it is not only a fantastic place for a short getaway but is also one of the best venues in Sydney for weddings, conferences, forums, or meetings. My wife Jenny who was also at the same wedding (of which I officiated) decided she wanted to celebrate her birthday in style and wanted the pleasure of staying at Loxley on Bellbird Hill in the heart of the beautiful Kurrajong Hills for a couple of days. We chose a chalet which consisted of a fantastic view of the valley, wood fire and spa bath. When we arrived, we were greeted by the owner Paul Maher and his son Brendon, who gave us a guided tour through-

Owner Paul Maher.

out the 30 acre (12.15 hectares) property which features a 200 year old Kauri tree. The tree seems to tower over the property's entrance road, the main function room, (The Kauri Room) and meeting room together with accommo-

dation areas, The Cellar, The Explorers Retreat, The Peppercorn Lodge, beautiful Chalets and of course the Honeymoon Suite. Paul emphasised the sustainability factor of the resort. They have their own

above ground water supply consisting of 400,000 litres sourced from a 400-footdeep natural spring. The water for the beautiful swimming pool is also sourced from the natural spring which means it is always crystal clear and clean without using chlorine or salt. When it comes to providing your taste buds with a "party" Loxley on Bellbird has it covered. Their chefs and service staff are first class. We received in our room on both days a superb breakfast and three course dinner with bubbly and chocolates in the afternoon. The next time youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a wedding, conference, meeting venue, or you need some space to unwind in a tranquil setting, consider Loxley on Bellbird. It's a world class destination with professional service and an award-winning venue which respects its heritage and magnificent environment. Graham Maughan is sales manager at Access News Australia and a seasoned traveller.

Ideal for weekend getaways, Loxley on Bellbird Hill.

:(/&20( 72 &$7 %$/28 &58,6(6 $BU #BMPV $SVJTFT IBWF CFFO PQFSBUJOH TJODF BOE BSF UIF NPTU FYQFSJFODFE XIBMF XBUDIJOH PQFSBUPST JO /48 $BU #BMPV $SVJTFT IBWF CFFO PQFSBUJOH TJODF BOE JT POF PG UIF MPOHFTU SVOOJOH XIBMF XBUDIJOH PQFSBUPST JO /48 "T B GBNJMZ PXOFE PQFSBUFE CVTJOFTT UIFZ IBWF HBJOFE UIF SFQVUBUJPO PG NBJOUBJOJOH IJHI TBGFUZ TUBOEBSET QSPWJEJOH FYDFQUJPOBM TFSWJDF BOE WBMVF PO BMM DSVJTFT BT XFMM BT TIBSJOH UIFJS MPWF PG UIF BSFB BOE UIF PDFBO XJUI UIFJS QBTTFOHFST $BU #BMPV $SVJTFT XFSF JOEVDUFE JOUP UIF 4PVUI $PBTU 5PVSJTN )BMM PG 'BNF JO IBWJOH XPO OVNFSPVT UPVSJTN BXBSET PWFS UIF QBTU ZFBST

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Travel Yeppoon is an OASIS for Aussies looking to escape ACCESS

Yeppoon

Popular playground with agreeable climate  WORDS AND IMAGES BY DALLAS SHERRINGHAM EPPOON has become a popular playground for Aussies looking to escape the big freeze down south. The rest of us can there all year round. People flock there in their thousands between March and October each year. It is particularly popular with families. It is close enough to comfortably drive there in a day or two from the southern states, yet it always seems to be warm. Nearby Rockhampton, which borders the tropics, Yeppoon has the best and most agreeable climate in Australia according to the scientists. You reach Yeppoon by veering east off the Bruce Hwy just north of Rocky and heading for the coast. It is the glittering jewel in the Capricorn Coast, a string of seaside communities stretching north and south. A tropical town, it lies 700 km north of the Queensland capital of Brisbane. Just off the coast, within sight, is Keppel Island which can be reached by daily ferry services. I drove to Yeppoon open minded about what I would find. I knew virtually nothing about this much touted holiday

Yeppoon is fringed by islands.

paradise. It turned out to be a typical seaside resort town with shops galore, a well-developed shoreline and the mandatory row of Norfolk Pines. Most people stay in the apartments that overlook the town and climb upwards over the steep hill besides the main street. The views are sublime. Sparkling turquoise blue waters, islands and palm trees combine in an intoxicating landscape. Downtown Yeppoon was less sublime. Hordes of tourists and long lines of traffic signalled “school holidays”.

Down at the beach I wandered down to the beach and was quite surprised to see people swimming. I thought all northern beaches were dangerous, with crocodiles and deadly jellyfish vying with the sharks for the tasty “humans”. There are beaches galore in this area and it is easy to find a secluded spot you have all to yourself. I had heard about the famous Capricorn Resort, so I drove for 20 minutes out of town until I came to the resort sprawled out over hundreds of hectares. It came as quite a shock to find it had

closed down. Worse still, the once beautiful championship golf course next to the resort had been allowed to “return to nature”, which was a quaint way of saying it had been abandoned. The other 18 hole course was still open and looked to be in good condition. Locals told me that the resort was being refurbished, but I think it has become another casualty of Australia’s high cost of holidays compared to cruise ships, Bali and Fiji. Continued on page 31

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Travel ACCESS

Sublime views across the tropical waters.

The main beach.

Apartments abound in Yeppoon.

Continued from page 30

It is cheaper to fly to Bali from Sydney and stay in a quality hotel for two weeks than it is to spend a week in Yeppoon. Still, there were thousands of people in the town so the closure of the resort didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

Yeppoon

Byfield State Forest's pine plantations

affect Yeppoon as much as I thought. Yeppoon has only entered the national psyche in the past 30 years or so, but it has a long history dating back to the days of gold mining and sugar cane plantations. A railway used to link the town with Rocky and the station has been preserved.

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

In the hills to the north west of town is the quaint little town of Byfield. It is set in Byfield State Forest which looks more like a North American forest than Australia. Thousands of hectares of plantation pines have been cultivated. Nearby is Byfield National Park

which has some stunning waterways and sub-tropical forests. So, when the weather turns cool next year, may I suggest you head north to Yeppoon for a break. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be disappointed. Feature supplied by: www.wtfmedia.com.au

Travel Experience the true joys of of EXPEDITION cruising ACCESS

Cruising

 WORD BY DALLAS SHERRINGHAM  IMAGES BY MICHAEL OSBORNE HEN I set off on my first Expedition Cruise in the Kimberley several years ago I had absolutely no idea what to expect. After 100 plus cruises on conventional ships around the world, the whole concept of undertaking an expedition on board a small ship was totally foreign to me. I had sailed on smaller ships before, but never on such an exciting and extensive itinerary as this. Now, it is a part of human nature to be a little hesitant in suddenly surrounding yourself with a group of strangers. I was worried about having to spend the next 10 days with people I didn’t know. When I turned up at the wharf in Darwin to board the Coral Discoverer (then known as Oceanic Discoverer), I was greeted by half a dozen smiling faces, all eager to welcome me aboard and assist me with my baggage and camera gear. Little did I know these people would become firm friends as the cruise progressed and would turn my experience into the journey of a lifetime. Within a couple of days, I realised that Expedition Cruising is as much

Continued on page 33

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Travel ACCESS

Cruising

Continued from page 32

about making friends and sharing experiences as it is about exploring new places. Each day we would go out on the Explorer expedition boat and cruise through amazing gorges and go ashore on the wildest beaches anywhere in the world. As a group, we found these places together and revelled in their wildness and their majesty. At every footstep in new places, we were guided by experts in wildlife and the ancient culture of this region. This gave our explorations a layer of enjoyment and self fulfilment that is impossible to achieve on a conventional cruise. Then as the sun settled in the west, we would gather in the upstairs lounge for a cleansing ale or a glass of wine while our expedition leaders gave a short talk on the day’s experiences. This was followed by a sumptuous a la carte dinner in luxury surroundings. The ship was abuzz with my fellow passengers excitedly discussing the day’s adventures. After dinner we sat on the back deck in the warm, clean Kimberley air watching the stars hung like chandeliers just above our heads. We talked for hours about the amazing places we had seen, places most Australians never get to see. We talked about many things and along the way we all confessed we had been a little bit concerned about setting off for 10 days with total strangers. This is the true joy of Expedition Cruising. It is all about the sharing of wild places with friends and crew members who genuinely love what they do. You can find out more about expedition style cruising at www.expeditioncruisespecialists.com.au

The highlight of the cruise came when we anchored under the impressive cliffs of a legendary Kimberley landform known as Raft Point. The crew set up a bar and a smorgasbord on the top deck and we all gathered on high. The air was still and embracing. Coral Discoverer was shrouded in a golden glow as the sun began to disappear behind us. All eyes were fixed on Raft Point as it suddenly blazed in a deep, rich red colour. We stood in silent wonder at what we were witnessing. Yes, Expedition Cruising holds many joys for the experienced traveller, but its true joy is the shared experience of exploring amazing places with strangers who have become close friends. Feature supplied by: www.wtfmedia.com.au

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Adapting to the new normal workplace  DARRYL MCALLISTER HE COVID-19 pandemic has not only disrupted life as we know it for months, it has changed business in its wake into a new hybrid model of office and remote working. As companies return to the workplace, they’re adjusting to this new altered reality. 78% of Australian office workers believe that once the pandemic shutdowns are over, remote working is going to become the new normal. One of the key elements to navigating a remote working environment is to keep the flow of communication enabled so everyone can stay on the same page whether they’re working from the office or from home. This requires using the right technology solutions that can keep teams connected to each other, to their digital resources, and to their customers. What’s one of the biggest causes of workplace failures? It’s ineffective communication, according to 86% of employees and executives. This new hybrid workflow holds opportunities for businesses and employees alike, including increased productivity, improved morale, and significant cost savings. Making it work means deploying tools that support not only virtual capabilities but deliver next-generation enterprise productivity and a fully collaborative experience. For those looking to empower their digital workplace and create a productive and efficient team-based culture, the Microsoft Teams platform acts a foundation and daily launchpad for digital workplace. According to NetCare’s Darryl McAllister, “Microsoft Teams is much more than a video conferencing app, it’s an entire platform that helps employees communicate and collaborate in the modern office. Despite the explosive uptake in the move to remote working, most companies are only using basic functionality of Teams. They don’t realise its potential, specifically that they have access to features that can maximise collaboration, enhance experiences and optimise organisational workflows.”

How Microsoft Teams Creates a Collaborative & Productive Working Environment There are several factors that go into a successful remote working environment, video collaboration is just one of these. Teams has multiple features that work together to create a central virtual work hub for employees no matter where they’re located, office, or home. Teams is more than just a messaging or conferencing app, it’s a virtual office that allows everyone to connect, collaborate, and manage their business processes in one place. Here are three ways that Microsoft Teams creates a collaborative and productive workflow:

Time Waster 73% of companies say they waste over an hour per day switching between apps. #1 Powers the Collaborative Process When everyone had to begin working from home due to the pandemic, it forced them to think of collaboration in a different way. It’s not about proximity, it’s about connectedness. Being able to instantly brainstorm via audio, video, or text chat, share screen and work on a Word document or an Excel spreadsheet side-by-side are all capabilities that can happen across the city or across the world in Teams. Teams has a set of collaborative tools that encourage people to interact and stay connected and make it as easy for them to interact virtually as if they were in the same room.

#2 Keeps Human Beings Connected “Face-to-Face” You can often communicate better when you can see someone’s face. The

face-to-face connection also makes us feel more in tune with our colleagues and mitigates feelings of isolation when people are working remotely. Microsoft Teams powers video conferencing with high-fidelity audio and visual capabilities. Companies have the flexibility to host one-on-one video calls, small group meetings, or large multi-attendee webinars and conferences. The guest feature allows you to use video conferencing with people both inside and outside your organisation, and the guest participant does not need to have a Teams account to join. Microsoft goes above and beyond to make the video call experience as close to the real thing as possible with current and upcoming features such as: • Document, whiteboard, and screen sharing. • Ability to join video calls from any device. • Together Mode, which adds a common background for all participants, so they feel more connected. • Dynamic View, giving more control over how participants are displayed

Presence indicators and status messages let everyone know who is “at the office” and available and who is currently unavailable. There are also multiple ways to filter tasks and messages so you can review those that are most important first. The Tabs capability in Microsoft Teams allows employees to link all the assets they use in their workflow – applications, documents, websites, and more – to a specific Teams channel where that asset is used. For example, someone working in marketing may add their social media app to the “marketing” channel tab in Teams. This allows everyone on that channel to instantly launch each piece of their workflow from a single window, reducing wasted time spent switching from application to application. 73% of companies say they waste over an hour per day switching between apps. Teams is fully integrated with Microsoft applications and you can also connect many third-party apps as well. Most apps, those that have the capability, open right inside the Teams window making for a more productive workflow.

#3 Workflows that are Optimised and Integrated

Ensure your modern office has the right digital tools to take you into the new business environment. NetCare can help you get set up on Teams and show you its full capabilities.

Teams works seamlessly with the other tools within Microsoft 365 and is designed to be the first-place employees go when they start their day. It’s just like walking into the office first thing in the morning, only this one is virtual.

Get Your Office Started on Microsoft Teams Today!

Darryl McAllistar is CEO at Netcare. Visit www. netcare.net.au

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With David Pring

Welcome to KPMG Family Business feature articles. If you would like to discuss these articles or how KPMG can help with your business please feel free to contact me on 9455 9996 or davidpring@kpmg.com.au

Board gender equality: mid-market companies need to take the initiative  SARAH CAIN OARDROOM diversity in mid-market companies is still at modest levels and represents an opportunity for business growth, a study of ASX300 companies carried out by KPMG with the 30% Club, shows. The report finds that, as at April 2020, companies in the ASX201-300 bracket had 22% female representation on boards, compared with nearly 32% in the ASX100 and nearly 31% in the ASX200. We spoke to eleven ASX200 non-executive directors so they could give their advice for mid-tier companies on increasing board and senior executive diversity. There are some positive examples – a quarter of businesses in the ASX201-300 category had achieved a 30% level of female board membership. But there are more concerning cases – over a half had either zero (23%) or one (35%) female director. So what is the relevance of the 30% threshold? The 30% Club (which began in the UK and whose Australian chapter started in 2015) explains that this level is widely recognised as the ‘tipping point’ at which the dynamics of the board conversation change. That is the critical mass for diversity. This was illustrated by the interviews with ASX200 non-executive directors we did during the research. A clear finding from companies which have already gone through the process of increasing board diversity was that women directors want their voices to be heard and valued on a board and do not want their appointment to risk being seen as tokenistic or ticking a box. Female directors are more likely to join a board with more than one woman already on it – so those mid-tier businesses which the study showed have none or one female should think about the impression they are giving to the market. Investors are increasingly asking questions on this issue – it is seen as good governance, at a time when ESG issues are becoming ever more important. Regulators too – changes to the ASX Corporate Governance Principles & Recommen-

“

dations last year specifically referenced boardroom diversity as good practice. But most importantly of all, there is a bottom-line implication to this. NEDS we spoke to all agreed with what research has consistently shown – that there is a correlation between greater boardroom diversity and better business performance. And our study gave further backing to this – we found those companies in the ASX201-300 bracket which had significant female representation on their boards grew more than others in the 12 months going into the COVID-19 crisis. There were several other key findings from the interviews: 1. Achieving board diversity is a function of leadership – NEDS said that the personal commitment of the board chair was crucial in driving a diversity agenda. 2. Diversity improves outcomes for the company in the longterm – companies in the top 200 see diversity as a business imperative, which research has proved brings long-term financial and non-financial benefits by recruiting from the broadest talent pool, challenging groupthink and improving governance and risk management.

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

While there are many priorities now this is not a ‘nice to have’ – mid-market companies need to see increased diversity as a business imperative coming out of the lockdown and an opportunity for growth.” – Sarah Cain 3. Modern, growth-oriented businesses strive for greater diversity – for top companies it is now embedded in their culture but for businesses striving to get into the top 200, it is important to explicitly spell out greater diversity as a source of competitive advantage. 4. Progressive companies look beyond line experience as prerequisite for NEDS – skills, rather than direct sector line experience is key. NEDS say that many ASX300 companies tend to have a restrictive view on what they need, but diversity of skills and capabilities is more important. 5. Focus on building diversity in executive roles and senior management as well – boards need to use their influence to in-

crease diversity throughout the company and create an environment and framework conducive to female career progression into top management roles. Mentoring and role modelling is also important. 6. Companies should set stretch targets for board and senior exec diversity – NEDS say the setting of specific targets and goals is the most effective method of increasing women and other minority board members. 7. Line experience can be useful – but should not be used to preclude other candidates. Often businesses feel direct executive experience in their sector is obligatory before they will consider appointing them to their boards. This frequently acts as a barrier to females in traditionally male-dominated sectors. NEDS we spoke to say the key is the range of unique skills and capabilities a candidate will bring to complement existing board capabilities. The strong belief of KPMG – and the 30% Club – is that the greater range of views and experiences across the boardroom table which diversity provides will be crucial in leading businesses out of the Covid-19 shutdown. Businesses are re-imagining themselves, looking at how they use technology, future strategic direction, workplace practices, new structures and a whole range of issues. They are considering what skills they might currently lack and will increasingly need, in their boardroom and management teams. So, while there are many priorities now this is not a ‘nice to have’ – mid-market companies need to see increased diversity as a business imperative coming out of the lockdown and an opportunity for growth. To read the full report, visit KPMG.com.au First published by Sarah Cain, Partner, Enterprise, KPMG Australia on KPMG Newsroom on 7 July, 2020

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Gender Impacts of COVID-19: Budget update  GRANT WARDELL-JOHNSON

rise in the measured unemployment rate for women.

EFORE the COVID-19 pandemic, the gender pay gap had narrowed to a record low and women’s participation in the workforce was at its highest level. That welcome progress is now at risk in a post-coronavirus environment. It is critical for a fast and sustainable recovery and that the labour potential of the whole population is fully leveraged. The impacts of COVID-19 are experienced differently depending on gender. The effects on women have been changing over the course of the pandemic. In the early stages of the pandemic, the employment figures pointed to a ‘pink recession’ as the paid hours worked by women fell by more than half that of men, with women cutting back their hours by 11.5 percent compared to 7.5 percent for men. The most recent Labour Force data (last week) found that hours worked increased more for females (5.0 per cent) than males (3.3 per cent) over the month – however hours worked for females were still around 7.3 per cent below March, compared to 6.5 per cent for males. The loss of employment remains relatively balanced between genders, with around 4 percent less male and female workers today compared to 12 months ago. According to today’s Economic Update the employment-to-population ratio and the participation rate declined more significantly for women than for men in the June quarter. The significant fall in female participation moderated the

JobKeeper 2.0

The JobKeeper review found that young people and women have been disproportionally affected by the current downturn. Compared with pre-Coronavirus employment females are slightly over-represented in JobKeeper coverage. The review found that 47.1 percent of employees receiving JobKeeper were female, compared to 44.9 percent in private sector employment. JobKeeper 2.0 is a welcome measure to support women during the pandemic given they make up a greater share of employment in the sectors most heavily affected by virus containment measures.

Childcare The Economic Update today outlines the $312 million cost of the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package which provided ‘free childcare’. This measure is partially offset from CCS that would otherwise have been paid in a nonCOVID-19 environment with regular childcare attendance. While families will continue to be supported through the pandemic by easing the Child Care Subsidy activity test requirements and ensuring childcare fees remain at their pre-COVID-19 levels, the Government may need to consider providing further support to the sector if families choose to keep their children at home while self-isolating or withdrawing their children altogether. This would be in line with JobKeeper and its continuation until March 2021.

Early Access to Super

Key insights

most of the additional burden that has come about due to home schooling and caring responsibilities. There is a real risk that the progress made in female participation may be eroded as high workforce disincentive rates and fewer work hours available make it an unviable option for women with caring responsibilities to increase their paid work hours. The extension of the JobKeeper program, funding for domestic violence and the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package have provided significant support for women impacted by the pandemic. We would encourage the government to monitor super withdrawals under the early access to super scheme and conduct a full distributional analysis to better understand any unintended consequences of the scheme. Other measures that the government could continue to support to ensure the crisis and recovery doesn’t disadvantage women includes investing in gender-disaggregated data including the ABS Time Use Survey and the continued focus on longer term structural changes including reviewing inequities in the super system, such as the paid parental scheme; and reviewing the affordability of childcare as a key element to a strong and sustainable Australian economy. To read our full insights on the Federal Government’s economic and fiscal outlook please visit KPMG.com.au

While the data now indicates a slightly more balanced impact between the genders, women have still been disproportionately impacted through increased levels of non-paid care work by taking up

First published by Grant Wardell-Johnson, Lead Tax Partner, KPMG Economics & Tax Centre, KPMG Australia on KPMG Newsroom on July 23, 2020

Data from the ATO in May indicated that men are withdrawing on average 40 percent more in super than women – however, the government has not yet completed a full distributional analysis of the impact on women’s super. We would be concerned if younger women were disproportionately accessing their entire super fund balance, as has been reported by some funds. There are also long-established factors in the super system which disadvantage women.

Domestic violence The Economic Update outlines $150 million in support for Australians at risk of domestic, family and sexual violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and further support to help protect victims of family violence in family law proceedings. This funding is welcome and supports the movement towards the fundamental right for women to feel safe in their homes and respected in their workplaces. Other gender measures for recovery The Prime Minister noted in his address to CEDA on 15 June that the government needed to maintain a key focus on its women’s economic security statement, which would get a refresh. While not included in today’s Economic Statement, we would welcome the refresh of this statement ahead of the October budget.

COVID-19 AN OPPORTUNITY FOR

family offices to review their purpose  KEITH DREWERY OR Family Offices (the office) now is a good time to reassess and prepare for the future through a thorough review into their structure and purpose.

Step one: Organise a meeting of the family and confirm the purpose of the office. During the pandemic, ensuring communication channels are kept open with family members is a top priority, with video conferencing often the only option for a face to face meeting. While these meetings are a great way to see each other again, it’s worth using them to ensure that the role of the Family Office and what it is designed to do remains relevant. When first established Family Offices should have a sense of its ‘mission’. Essentially what the family wanted it to achieve. Perhaps it was implicit but now it’s really important to ask the question, does that mission still reflect what the family needs the office to do on its behalf? This is also imperative if the office is serving the third or fourth generation of the family where the individual needs and wants of family members may diverge widely from its original purpose. The term ‘family wealth’ incorporates many elements not just the financial but also its social (reputation) and human capital. The younger generations may have a different view of what it most important is this equation.

Step 2: Consider a thorough risk review of operations and security. We’ve been aware of an increase in the incidence and impact of risks ranging from targeted cyber security breaches, to domestic fraud and payroll misappropriations over the past few months. It’s quite possible that risks may exist in the way younger family members use ‘social media’ often garnering unwanted attention. Education on safe use of technology is fundamental to ensure data and reputational breaches are avoided at all costs. At a global level, there has been an increase in threat activity directed towards high risk individuals and their private residences. If the office’s principle purpose is to ‘preserve the wealth of the family’ making sure that all financial and non-financial risks have been identified and mitigation measures undertaken is important.

Step 3: Understand how the family’s portfolio is reacting to COVID 19 The majority of Family Offices in Australia are well positioned with sufficient liquidity in their portfolio, well supported by the actions of the government both in reaction to the crisis and before. However, it is worth identifying what holes have appeared since COVID-19? Are there extraordinary opportunities to deploy capital? Family Office platforms enabling ‘peer to peer’ deal flow have become increasingly useful as a basis for assessing what other families are considering. Re-

cently there’s been a great deal of interest in private equity deals where ‘founders fund founders’, early stage venture into tech orientated businesses, and continued interest in ‘distressed’ situations debt.

Step 4: Review consumption patterns and family expectations. Whilst, investment opportunities exist that can generate significant capital growth, it is likely that yields on certain more diversified pools of capital will reduce as interest rates continue to remain low and companies in the short to medium term reduce their dividend payouts. It is also likely the weakening of the US dollar will negatively impact on the amount of Australian capital generated from global equities portfolios. One conversation that may be important is to manage the expectations of the family as regards the prospective returns the Family Office is capable of returning to the family in the next two to three years and start planning with the family what this may mean for ‘distributions’.

Step 5: Review technology and reporting Finally, many Family Offices benefit from reviewing their current reporting frameworks and utilisation of software. The time costs related to the manual input of data and upkeep of excel spreadsheets is a common problem and can be streamlined with a more up to date approach to record keeping. Thankfully there have been significant advances made in the capability of non-custodial reporting platforms which can lead to the reduction in Family Office investment management costs from anywhere between 10-50bps on assets under management. Now may be a good time to test the operational framework from a cost and durability perspective. Taking these five steps will help to recast the Family Office’s role, on behalf of the family. First published by Keith Drewery, Director, Family and Private, Enterprise, KPMG Australia on KPMG Newsroom on July 15, 2020

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Hairdresser I Am Hair - Dural KandCO. Hairdressing Boyz 2 Men - Stockland Baulkham Hills YCJ's at Norwest - Norwest Market Town Hair by Anne MGL Hair Studio Royals Hair - Castle Towers The Hair Bar Studio Pixie.est Entourage Hair and Beauty Cam & Co. Salon Lavish Hair and Beauty Bar - The North Village Jean Haddad Hair Studio - Castle Hill

Salts of the Earth Dural Mindworx Psychology - Norwest Business Park Arrow Physiotherapy FIT4YOU Personal Training & Massage Interior Design / Styling Allure Property Styling Sass Property Styling Inspired Spaces Designs Tailor & Nest Interiors Jewellery Store Prouds The Jewellers - Baulkham Hills The Ritz Jewellers - Norwest Market Town Pandora - Rouse Hill Town Centre Robert Cliff Master Jewellers - Castle Towers Dracakis Jewellers - Castle Towers Carati Jewellers - Rouse Hill Town Centre Most Inclusive Employer Contented Cat Inn Round Corner Cafe Interfab Castle Hill Country Club Coco Cubano The Fiddler Hotel Seating Matters New Business Shuttle Saints Thinking Artz Insight Blinds & Shutters Group Pinot and Picasso Rouse Hill Scoopi Ignite Music The Gin Birds Bubblegum Baby Shows I Heart Collection ZO Performing Arts Higgins Academy of Irish Dancing Sydney iDance Studio Aerial Enchantment Metcalfe Studios Instyle Performing Arts ScoopFX Music Titan Athletics Cheer & Dance MNM Creating and Performing - Stockland Baulkham Hills Jack Daniels Magic To Believe Dance on Q Pet Care Petstock Vet Hospital - Dural Glenorie Stockfeeds & Nursery Hills Dog Walking & Pet Care Pet Resorts of Australia - Dural Hills District Pet Resort Unleashed Dog Grooming Sydney Petlands Pet Bodyworks Pharmacy Healthshed Discount Pharmacy - Castle Hill Bests Pharmacy Cherrybrook - Cherrybrook Village Choice Pharmacy - North Kellyville Square Terry White Chemist - Winston Hills Mall Mullanes Pharmacy - Stockland Baulkham Hills Professional Services Four Legged Sages Shuriken Consulting Dural Phoenix Building Approvals Katz Recruitment SB Finance (Aust) Merit Planning Hills Omnia Business Solutions Samidesign Nocturnal Designers Australia Norwest Recruitment Platinum Technology iPlace Recruitment Scintillate

Focus Mediation Foundational Business Consulting Real Estate Agency Laing+Simmons Bella Vista Belle Property - Castle Hill Abode Agents Saliba Estate Agents Raine & Horne - Baulkham Hills McGrath Estate Agents - Rouse Hill Response Real Estate - Kellyville Award Group Real Estate Marcs Property Wiseberry Rouse Hill Century 21 The Hills District Restaurant OSSO - Rouse Hill Town Centre Billy The Greek Griddle Restaurant - Rouse Hill Town Centre Barbara's Italian Restaurant Sarino's Restaurant & Bar Entrata Harmony Lakeside - Norwest Market Town Fortuna Gardens Chinese Restaurant Bella Vista Hotel - La Stella Pizzeria George's Gourmet Pizzeria Service & Trade Lindus Dry Cleaners - Stockland Baulkham Hills Highland Security Services Clickbiz Australia Executive Building Group The Clean Machine Hills Flooring - Castle Hill Super Centre That Personal Touch Domestic Cleaning Services Kellyville BOSETTI Blinds Shutters Awnings Platinum Locksmiths MPD Constructions Group Sole Operator TH Makeup Artistry B U Girl Tween and Teen Workshops In Natures Hands Me You We: Helping Families Thrive Benson Auctions AMA Antennas Versatile VA Specialised Business Brand Candy The Flower Heart Co. Busy Izzy and Friends Web Profit Maximiser Hamilton's Childcare Agency Choice Paper and Imaging SummitCare National Inquiry Agency Mantikore Cranes The Bug Bloke Termite, Pest & Vermin Control Ability Connect Specialised Retail Business Cake Decorating Central - Castle Hill The Source Bulk Foods - Rouse Hill Town Centre Boori Kids - Castle Hill Super Centre Castle Hill Camera House - Castle Towers Blends & Brothers - Rouse Hill Town Centre World of Tiles homegas Travel Money Oz - Winston Hills PartyJay Your One Stop Party Shop Lena Kasparian Kuber Vaults Australia Post - Winston Hills Mall Travel Agency Atour Travel Service Flight Centre - Winston Hills Mall Helloworld Travel - Winston Hills Mall Flight Centre - Castle Towers Travel Time

Media partner, Western Sydney Business Access congratulates all finalists. A permanent copy of this and other awards features can be viewed and downloaded at: www.issuu.com/accessnews WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

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ADELAIDE | SYDNEY 02 9836 6015

89.3% of our staged properties sold in the ďŹ rst 2 weeks! 92% of our staged properties sold for well above the owners expectations! Staging from as little as $1,950 plus GST

Selected as One of The Leading Styling Companies in Australia!

! " # $ # % $ ! & ' ( )) * " + ( ()

2020

T H E BROT H ERS FI SH MAR K E T Shop 71-73 Seven H ills Plaza

(Located next to ALDI) P h: (02) 9621 8776

C O O K E D & FR E SH SE A FO O D 44

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

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Billy the Greek Restaurant opened in Dural 5 years ago. Billy and Merrynne returned from Queensland continuing Billy’s passion for cooking delicious Greek and Mediterranean food. Billy’s menu comprises his family’s traditional recipes, with the freshest produce sourced locally as much as possible, including the best vegetables from their family’s farms. Billy and Merrynne’s fourth restaurant was popular from day one, welcomed by locals and beyond, especially those customers that had followed their journey from their original restaurant in Castle Hill to Port Douglas, Queensland and back to Dural. They are so grateful for the support and devotion to the restaurant, especially in the last few months, with all the challenges and restrictions that have been placed on dining.

Billy the a Greek is open for Takeaway every night Tuesday to Sunday, Takeaway lunch Wednesday-Sunday! The restaurant is open for dining in Tuesday-Sunday!

That Personal Touch Homepage About That Personal Touch Costs The Difference? Our Services Employment Guest Book Contact

** That Personal Touch of Cleaning Excellence! **

Reliability, Efficiency, Respect, Courtesy... Four ways that we hope to revolutionise the domestic cleaning industry. We have opportunities available now for new clients and new reps "That Personal Touch" Domestic Cleaning Agency was established in 2001 in the HILLS and NORTHERN DISTRICTS of Sydney Based in Thornleigh, we currently clean for the following and surrounding suburbs: Castle Hill, Pennant Hills, West Pennant Hills, Glenhaven, Kellyville, Cherrybrook, Thornleigh, North Rocks, Epping, Beecroft, Cheltenham, Carlingford, Hornsby, Mt Colah, Mt Kuring-Gai, Berowra, Turramurra, Wahroonga. Eastwood.

How can we help you? Contact: kerrie@tptcleaning.com WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Carati Jewellers at Rouse Hill specialises in custom made diamond jewellery, as well as having some of the biggest known brands of jewellery in the world! We are stockists of Pandora, Swarovski, Thomas Sabo, Michael Kors, Emporio Armani to name a few. We are your one stop shop for all your gifting needs. Our friendly staff are here to help you celebrate life’s greatest moments. Carati Rouse Hill Sales Tel: (02) 9435 3512 rousehill@carati.com.au

Store Details Shop GR 188 Rouse Hill Town Centre NSW 2155 - Australia

www.carati.com.au PO BOX 6605 Rouse Hill NSW 2155 Australia

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DIRECT2U (D2U) is the place where you can conveniently source suppliers that provide their products and services directly to you at your home or business either by delivery or remotely. D2U is Australia’s home delivery marketplace. D2U lists only businesses come to you with their products and services.

www.direct2u.online www.facebook.com/ direct2uglobal/

Breathe easy this year! Relieve skin and respiratory symptoms with salt therapy at Salts of the Earth. Salt therapy is a natural and non-invasive therapy that can help relieve the symptoms of a wide range of respiratory and skin conditions such as asthma, eczema, KD\ IHYHU DQG D FROG RU ÀX

When you need help hiring the right staff for your business, call Katzy's Angels, we'll come to the rescue!

Book in for a complimentary consultation with our salt therapist today.

Call us now on 0405-499-228 and we'll get on the mission to find the right people for you!

Salts of the Earth Dural 11/286 New Line Rd, Dural NSW 2158 BOOK NOW: 02 9651 4396 saltsoftheearth.com.au

L BUSINE CA

Western Sydney Business Access is proud to be the official media partner for the 2020 Local Business Awards. We congratulate all finalists on the effort and talent it takes to be a successful local business.

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We specialise in Business Support Customer Service Human Resources

Accounting Sales & Marketing Information Technology

Supply Chain Construction Medical

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

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Designing luxurious homes in harmony with nature Proud finalists of the 2020 Sydney Hills Local Business Awards

At Sami Design, we’re highly respected architects renowned for creating luxurious, detailed, and unique designer homes and prestige commercial projects. We work collaboratively with our clients and team members to ensure value and win-win outcomes for everyone involved.

Committed to Communication Sami Design professionally handles the process from start to finish. We form strong partnerships with our clients, keeping them involved with every step of the journey.

Our Vision To be the most respected and recommended Architects in Australia for the design of luxury homes and prestige commercial projects

Our Mission Designing functional spaces and structures of timeless beauty which exist in harmony with the natural environment and improve everyday life

Sourcing Solutions

Our Team Values

We are proactive in our approach and thrive on sourcing solutions for any unforeseeable issues thrown our way. Our team takes full responsibility to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Partnership – we work in partnership with our clients and team members to add value and create win-win outcomes

Dedicated to Details With a solid background knowledge in construction, architecture, and design, our Director, Sam Gohari, is across the finer details. He knows what needs to be considered and improved to enhance the overall outcome.

Ownership – we are proactive and professional in our approach, focusing more on solutions than problems and taking responsibility to make the right things happen Details – understanding the power of small to influence large, we are passionate about getting the finer details just right to create the best outcome Sustainability – in our business operations, our architectural designs and in supporting initiatives that enhance our community

Embracing the Environment As winners of international awards, we strive to create structures of timeless beauty that sit in harmony with nature. No trees are disturbed and no views are concealed. The space, surrounds, and sustainability are all taken into consideration when formulating elegant and tranquil homes for our clients.

Why are we the experts in dream homes? • • • • •

Start your new building project with confidence and clarity. Contact us for a complimentary 45 minute design workshop today: Sam Gohari 0403 600 609 sam@samidesign.com.au Suite 604, 12 Century Cct, Baulkham Hills 2153 WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

SNAPSHOT

Internationally recognised architects Innovative Understand construction Enjoy problem-solving Integrate Emotions, Design, Engineering, Legislation and many more

When bringing your dream to life, we 1. Seek the ‘wow’ factor 2. Find the best ways to utilise the space 3. Ensure harmony and respect nature 4. Aim to add value and enhance the location 5. Take a unique approach 6. Integrate design themes 7. Pay attention to detail

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VIDEO OPTIONS

Silver Package*

Gold Package**

• Your own profile video constructed with your images or our stock images or video footage. Up to 2 minutes duration. Perfect for all types of social media or websites. Include script writing and up to 2 edits. $400 ex GST includes supply of files and hosting at www.netwerx.tv

• Custom video production where we come to your place of business and film your premises and personnel. Broadcast quality production with minimum of 90 minutes of actual on-location filming. Assistance in concept development and direction. Includes script writing, video logo creation, editing and final product of up to 10 minutes duration. $1,599 ex GST includes supply of files and hosting at www.netwerx.tv for six months.

400

(ex GST)

Premium Package • The complete broadcast experience. Custom production for maximum impact. Dedicated film crew for a day. Multiple location filming. Ideal for expert interviews that educate and inform. Be positioned as a source of authority in your field. Can be adapted for a mini-series of videos. Includes concept development and script writing, video logo creation. Makeup and production management. PR support campaign for select projects. Supply of social media grabs. • All your exclusive content hosted permanently at www.netwerx.tv

Julie 0427 993 654 WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

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We pride ourselves on providing a great local culture with 5 core values -

BEING FUN & FRIENDLY, FAMILY ORIENTATED, SOCIAL & PROFESSIONAL

SnapÂ Fitness Dural will get you Energized and Fit, helping you live your extraordinary everyday life to the Fullest! Snap Fitness is open 24 hours, giving you access when other gyms can not. At Snap Fitness Dural we are a little different to your average Health Club.

256 New Line Rd Dural, New South Wales, Australia 2158 WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

+61 431 812 847 www.snapfitness.com 49

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Scenes from last year's event.

Hills business awards thanks sponsors HE Sydney Hills Local Business Awards presentation evening is drawing closer, but the event is only possible due to the support of its Major and Support sponsors. Precedent Productions Managing Director and Awards founder Steve Loe thanked the awards’ sponsors for their support and tireless efforts to make the annual event a success. “All of our sponsors put in an enormous amount of effort behind the scenes every year to ensure the success of the awards program,” he said. “They do this because of their dedication to the Sydney Hills community and the local businesses that support it by supplying not just goods and services, but also employment opportunities. “This year’s Major sponsors, who have made the 2020 awards program such an outstanding success are: NOVA Employment and Rouse Hill Town Centre, and Support Sponsors: Hornsby RSL Club, Castle Towers, Stockland Baulkham Hills, Winston Hills Mall, White Key Marketing, Castaway Fore-

casting and the Sydney Hills Business Chamber”. “Their outstanding commitment to promoting the awards has helped

to ensure one of the largest number of nominations ever received for the program.” Mr Loe also praised the work of the

anonymous judges, who had spent time visiting finalists. “Our judges have told me that the standard amongst all finalists has been so high that they are finding it difficult to determine clear winners,” he said. “This comes as no surprise to me, as over the years I have had the pleasure of meeting so many Sydney Hills business owners and their staff, hearing their stories and seeing their dedication for myself.” Mr Loe praised the efforts of the awards’ media partner Western Sydney Business Access, which will publish a Finalist Feature in the coming weeks. “The editorial and advertising staff at the Western Sydney Business Access always work extremely hard to produce an outstanding finalists feature,” he said. “Every finalist in every category is listed, ensuring that the entire community is aware of who is regarded as the ‘best in the business.” The awards presentation evening will be held on Monday, October 19 at Hornsby RSL Club.

Special thanks to the Sydney Hills Local Business Awards 2020 Sponsors

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Success Through People

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RECRUITMENT: EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT

Keeping up with the JobKeeper scheme  GREG MITCHELL HE JobKeeper scheme has been a godsend to many small businesses and their employees endeavouring to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic over the last few months. While initially scheduled to end in late September, the federal Government recently announced an extension of the scheme to 28th March 2021. The Government has also announced several important changes to the scheme, highlighted below:

Introduction of Two-Tier System and Changes to Payments: Effective from September 28 a twotiered system will be introduced, and eligible employees will be regarded as being in either the “high tier” or “low tier”; Eligible employees who worked 20 hours or more per week in the four weekly pay periods ending before March 1, 2020 will be in the high tier, and the payment amount reduced to $1,200 per fortnight (instead of the current amount of $1,500) until 3 January, 2021. After this, the payment will reduce again to $1,000 until the new March 28 end date. Eligible employees who worked less than 20 hours (on average) in the four weekly pay periods ending before March 1, 2020 will be deemed as being in the lower tier, and the payment amount reduced to $750 per fortnight until January 3, 2021. After this date, the payment will reduce further to $650 until March 28, 2021.

Important Changes to Business Eligibility While the same JobKeeper criteria will continue to apply in terms of determining employee eligibility for JobKeeper, changes to business eligibility have been announced which will likely significantly reduce the number of businesses eligible for the scheme beyond September 28 (importantly, businesses currently eligible under the original criteria will remain eligible until at least the September 27). While the revenue shortfall requirements will remain the same (that is; businesses with an annual turnover of less

than $1B can continue to claim if they have a revenue shortfall of 30% or more; businesses with an annual turnover of more than $1B can claim if they have a revenue shortfall of 50% or more, and; Registered charities and not for profits (excluding schools and universities) can claim if they have a revenue shortfall of 15% or more), the means by which businesses need to demonstrate the relevant shortfall is changing. Forecasting a decline in revenue will from the 28th September no longer be sufficient for a business to be eligible. Businesses will need to be able to demonstrate that they have experi-

enced the relevant revenue decline in each quarterly period – namely both June (April, May, June) and September ( July, August, September). Business eligibility will be reassessed at the end of September 2020 and again in January 2021 (with January tests also having to include proof of revenue loss in the final quarter of 2020 – October, November, December). For most businesses, the eligibility test will require them to demonstrate revenue decline compared to a comparable period (most likely the same period last year). The ATO will continue to have discretion to apply alternative tests in certain situations. Other key features of the scheme remain the same (for example, payments will continue to be made by the ATO to eligible employers in arrears and employers must continue to pass on the full JobKeeper payments to eligible staff ). This article provides general information only and should not be relied upon as formal or legal advice. Refer to the ATO website for further details or seek the advice of your accountant. Of course, HR Success can also provide additional info/support as required. Greg Mitchell is the Principal Consultant/Owner of HR Success, which has been supporting businesses and organisations in Western Sydney for over 13 years. Visit www.hrsuccess.com.au for further information or make contact via ph. 1300 783 211 or email greg@hrsuccess.com. au for assistance with managing your team.

NEED HR HELP FOR YOUR BUSINESS? • Are staff issues constantly distracting you from growing your business? • Does your team seem to lack direction, motivation and drive? • Do you find it difficult to recruit and retain quality staff? • Are compliance and staff performance worries keeping you awake at night? • Is running your business just not as enjoyable as it used to be? HR Success has been providing professional, practical HR support for start-ups, SMEs and larger organisations in Western Sydney for in excess of 13 years, and we do so with NO RETAINERS OR LOCK-IN CONTRACTS! Our services include: • Recruitment Support • Leadership, Culture & Engagement • HR Risk Management • Short N Sharp Training Need help to sort out the “people stuff” in your business? Check out our websites or give Greg or Margot a call. www.hrsuccess.com.au | www.shortnsharptraining.com.au ph. 1300 783 211 | support@hrsuccess.com.au WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Residential Property

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Tailwinds for Build-to-Rent sector USTRALIA’S Build-to-Rent (BTR) development pipeline has surpassed a landmark threshold of 11,000 units – across more than 30 projects – through a major acceleration of new projects. This is one of the key highlights in a recent CBRE report: Build-to-Rent Development Pipeline, which profiles the sector’s supply and development in Australia over the first half of the year. As the BTR asset class continues to gain momentum in the Pacific market, the report credits a weakening of new residential supply across Australia, which was already in decline pre-COVID-19, providing potential tailwinds for the sector over the next 12-24 months. In 2019, residential commencements were circa 35% below 2018 levels, with CBRE Research estimating that the

Ben Martin-Henry.

market will tip back into an undersupply situation from 2020 onwards for the first time since 2014. CBRE Research’s Ben Martin-Henry said the impacts of a much lower rate of population growth from 2020-22 would,

however, offset lower supply scenarios and push dwelling undersupply in many markets out to 2022 – rather than this occurring earlier. “Build-to-Rent has a role to play in filling this market void, with the sector facing a perfect storm of ideal conditions,” Mr Martin-Henry continued. “We expect to see developers capitalise on the dynamics accelerating structural shifts in demand drivers, such as young, well-educated urban professionals prioritising lifestyle aspirations over home ownership (due to unaffordability) and thereby seeking to rent in well-located, high-quality residential developments.” CBRE’s Puian Mollaian, Associate Director of Structured Transactions & Advisory Services, said Build-to-Rent projects were being delivered across the country,

with majority of activity in dense, urban locations like Melbourne and Sydney. The report reveals that there has been a clear emphasis on scale and delivering large institutional-grade product, allowing owners to achieve operational efficiencies through economies of scale, with an average size of over 350 units per BTR project. In another key takeaway, the yield gap between commercial office and residential has been narrowing – boosting the relative attractiveness of the asset class, given its innate defensive characteristics. “As a result, a growing number of seasoned international institutional investors are diversifying their portfolios into the BTR sector and seeking exposure to this asset class in Australia, mirroring their substantial exposure across global holdings,” Mr Mollaian said.

Considerations when buying a reno S a buyer-renovator, you need to have a budget that covers off the cost of the property itself and funds for renovations. If you don’t do your numbers and only have a vague renovation budget in mind, you might find yourself in over your head financially once you start the renovation rescue. A good starting point when it comes to choosing a property to renovate typically involves finding the worst house on the best street in a popular locale. Revamping an ordinary property on a pleasant road is usually a better strategy than picking a smart home on less popular street and overcapitalising beyond the neighbourhood’s prevailing standards. Avoiding overcapitalising is crucial if

you plan a quick sale for profit once the renovation is completed. When choosing a house to renovate, establish whether the makeover will require structural or cosmetic building work. Most renovation rescuers will tell you it’s typically best to steer clear of properties that need expensive structural repairs, which won’t provide significant capital improvements to offset the cost of the restoration. A better strategy is to seek out a property with good fundamental bones, and that comes with bathrooms and kitchens that won’t cost an arm or leg to bring up to date. By buying a fixer-upper with no significant issues, allows you to focus on cosmetic renovations that visually update a property.

BEFORE

AFTER

For example, adding a new verandah is more than a cosmetic restoration, and will be relatively costly. In contrast, it might be considered a cosmetic improvement if the verandah floor only requires retiling. Before buying a fixer-upper, check whether the local council’s planning department has renovation restrictions in place.

You might the local planning regulations either will not allow you to extend the property or build beyond a certain height. Also, check whether it’s possible to remove trees from the property if that is part of your makeover plans. From Raine and Horne.

Breaks in lenders mortgage insurance CLOSE to half (48%) are saving more to buy in their desired area, and nearly three in every 10 first home buyers are struggling to find a property that suits their needs. In response, Westpac-owned St George Bank has slashed its lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) charges to just $1 for qualified first home buyers borrowing up to 85% of the property value despite heightened economic uncertainty during the pandemic. St. George General Manager, Ross Miller, said: “By reducing the expense of Lenders Mortgage Insurance, first time purchasers may be able to afford a property that meets their needs sooner and save thousands of dollars.” The St. George research found that one in every 10 Australians looking to

buy a home are doing so for the first time and that the COVID-19 pandemic has made one third of Australians want to save for that goal quicker.

Benefits available to upgraders too In acknowledgement of the challenges shaped by the pandemic, a leading credit union has gone a step further by slashing LMI obligations for essential workers regardless of whether they are first-time borrowers or not. Through Community First’s Community Support Employees home loan offer, eligible, essential front-line workers such as nurses, firefighters, police force employees, ambulance officers and teachers can borrow up to 90% of the value of a home without the need to pay LMI.

Protection for the lender, not the borrower Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance, or LMI, is an insurance that protects the lender, not the borrower against a shortfall in the sale of the home and the outstanding loan amount should they default on a loan, explains John Tancevski, Chief Executive of Community First Credit Union.

“LMI is usually levied on a borrower if they take a loan of more than 80% of the home’s value. “LMI is a one-off payment made by the borrower at the time of the loan settlement, and this fee can add many thousands of dollars to the size of the mortgage.” Generally, for a family home with a property value of $650,000 a buyer would also be looking at a one-off payment of more than $6,000 for the cost of LMI if they had less than a 20% deposit, according to numbers crunched by St George. John concludes: “Our home loan offer is available to eligible vital essential services workers on owner-occupied properties and could save them many thousands of dollars

Empowering home owners to save energy INDING ways to save money and reduce household costs has never been so important, and a new online video series created by Penrith City Council aims to help residents to do just that. The video series titled Empowering Penrith covers a range of useful and important topics to help residents understand their energy use, reduce their energy consumption at home and save money on energy bills. The seven short, informative and entertaining videos are co-produced by energy expert, Adam Corrigan from Your Energy Friend and are available to view on Council’s YouTube channel and on Council’s website. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said as we head into the middle of winter there’s small, simple changes that residents can make around the home to reduce their energy consumption.

F 52

“Energy is very expensive especially as we all try to heat our homes at this time of year, but there are ways you can reduce your energy use, stay warm and save money,” Cr Fowler said. “From switching off standby to installing solar power, the online videos are full of hints and tips to empower residents to upskill and update themselves with the latest energy saving information and technologies. “The videos are short, entertaining and informative but most of all, they will show you that just a few small, simple changes around the home can make a big difference to your bank balance, and to the environment, “ Cr Fowler said. View the Empowering Penrith video series at youtube.com/penrithcitycouncil or for more information visit: penrith.city/empoweringpenrith WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Crosswords/Games

www.wsba.com.au

CROSSWORD ACROSS

1. Six-sided figure 4. Huge 7. Sheep barber 8. Hang in folds 9. Actress, Joanna ... 12. Off guard 15. Deceived (lover) (3-5) 17. Baghdad citizens 18. Perceived sound 21. Driver’s chart (4,3) 22. Preliminary version 23. Forwards

DOWN

1. Meekest 2. For some time 3. Legendary ‘fiddling’ emperor 4. Earl 5. Mends 6. One of the Great Lakes 10. Delicious 11. Fete, ... Gras 13. Wurst & salami 14. East African country 16. Curved fruit 18. From ... to toe 19. Blast! 20. Mexican food shell

PUZZLE SOLUTION Carrot, airbed, barman, bather, caddie, dampen, dimply. Mystery keyword: CAN WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Games Solutions

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Auto

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with John Mellor

Toyota updates Camry styling, revamps interior and enhances SAFETY for 2021  CALLUM HUNTER OYOTA has unveiled a substantial mid-life update for its strong-selling Camry medium-sized sedan, with the overhaul bringing fresh exterior styling, a revised cabin layout and enhanced safety systems. Not due to touch down in Australia until mid-2021, the MY21 Camry series has received a bolder, more aggressive-looking grille and front bumper combination while the rest of the body goes largely unchanged. Inside, the dashboard has been reorganised in a bid to improve ergonomics and make it more aesthetically pleasing, including the addition of new a 7.0- or 9.0-inch ‘floating multimedia’ touchscreen, depending on the variant. On the safety front, Toyota Australia would not be drawn into specifying what changes have been made to the Camry’s safety suite, telling GoAuto that information would be revealed closer to the updated model’s introduction next year. That said, the US-spec Camry has been confirmed as the first Toyota model to be offered with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, the company’s latest and most advanced driver-assist active safety suite to date. Compared to the existing system, the pre-collision system with pedestrian detection has been upgraded to now detect cyclists in daylight and pedestrians in “low-light conditions”.

“

Pre-Collision A new feature of the pre-collision system is the ability to stabilise the driver’s emergency steering manoeuvres while avoiding a pedestrian or cyclist within their lane.

The radar cruise control system with stop-and-go function available on higher-series variants has been tweaked to allow for smoother acceleration when overtaking a slower vehicle, while lane-departure alert and lane-keep assist have been added to the suite. Other new safety features include automatic high beam, road-sign assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. No major mechanical changes have been made to the petrol-engined variants, with the familiar 2.5-litre four-cylinder and 3.5-litre V6 carried over unchanged, as is the eight-speed automatic transmission. While not strictly included as part of the update due next year, Toyota Australia will be making some running changes

to the powertrain of the Camry hybrid as of next month, swapping out the current 245V nickel-metal hydride battery for a more efficient 259V lithium-ion unit. Standard equipment on the American-spec cars will include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity and an optional digital instrument cluster. According to Toyota Australia sales and marketing vice-president Sean Hanley, the facelift will deliver a stronger look and image for the Camry as it continues to step up as an Australian favourite. “Toyota’s reputation for quality, durability and reliability has long been a hallmark of Camry, which together with its strong and efficient powertrains, advanced safety technology and, in recent years, its hybrid drivetrain, has ensured its

Toyota’s reputation for quality, durability and reliability has long been a hallmark of Camry, which together with its strong and efficient powertrains, advanced safety technology and, in recent years, its hybrid drivetrain, has ensured its enduring appeal for Australian customers.” enduring appeal for Australian customers,” he said. Through the first six months of this year, the Camry has dominated the sub$60,000 medium car market, occupying a massive 69 per cent of the segment with 6518 sales. Despite its all-conquering success however, that figure is still down almost 18 per cent in comparison to the same period last year (7940 units). Article courtesy: www.goauto.com.au

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

News

www.wsba.com.au

MOVING HOME OR OFFICE?

USE SYDNEY’S MOST TRUSTED REMOVALIST. VOTED NO. 1 FOR DEPENDABILITY & AFFORDABILITY!

RELOCATING YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS? AAA City Removalist is renowned as Sydney’s most trustworthy company when it comes to ĵŅƴĜĹčƉĘŅĵåŸƉŅųƉŅþÎåŸţ So aside from the advantages you get in terms of us understanding your needs, ƼŅƚűųå ±ĬŸŅ čŅĜĹč ƋŅ ÆåĹåĀƋ üųŅĵ čåƋƋĜĹč THE BEST PRICE! We can organise free box hire and ŅýåųƉüƚĬĬƉŅųƉŞ°ųƋƉŞ°ÎĩĜĹčwƚĹŞ°ÎĩĜĹčƉ ŸåųƴĜÎåŸţ In other words, we’re your ONE-STOPSHOP when it comes to “removalist services!” So if you’re moving soon, contact us to discuss how we can help!

FREE BOXES It’s our way of giving you that “extra” customer service that makes all the difference. ce.

SECURE PACKING G

Our packing material exceeds industry stryy standards and is available in various us sizes.

DISCONNECTION N & RECONNECTION N We can organise your changeover & provide you with our expertise in disconnecting & reconnecting your utilities.

INTERSTATE REMOVALS We are one of the largest Removal Companies nie es servicing Interstate (Melbourne, Brisbane and nd d Canberra/ACT).

Unit 4, 7 Roberts Rd, Greenacre Sydney NSW 2190 1800 77 77 81 info@aaacityremovalist.com.au www.aaacityremovalist.com.au www.facebook.com/AAACityRemovalist/ ovvalist/

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS AUGUST 2020

Western Sydney Business Access - August 2020 Edition

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Property

Motoring

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Family Business

Hills Local Business Awards

Blacktown Local Business Awards

Technology

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COVID-19 Report