Western Sydney Business Access - December 2022

by the publisher.

New survey results reveal: Banks are OUT and online is IN

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

ONCE the bastions of Australian society, traditional banks are now on the nose with customers according to new research.

The days when everyone knew their local bank manager and it was one of the most prized jobs from Bondi to Bullamakanka are now over.

And our abandonment of loyalty means we are switching to online choices much quicker than anticipated.

Just released research shows that three in four Aussie customers are losing trust in banks and would switch to less costly online financial services

The new research suggests that consumers have a limit to the level of interest rates, fees and charges they can take before they lose trust in their banking providers.

Nearly three quarters of Australians say they have lost at least some trust in banks based on high interest rates and fees and 74% would consider switching their accounts, loans or transactions to more affordable online services.

Money Transfer Comparison, a comparison website that enables Australian individuals and businesses to source the best money transfer rates, commissioned a survey of an independent panel of 1009 Australians to gauge whether high loan interest rates and fees have caused Australians to lose trust in the banks.

The survey found that 42% of respondents have lost trust in some bank services and 28 % have lost trust in traditional banks as the best platform for all their financial undertakings.

A higher proportion at 75% of respondents are willing to switch their financial undertakings to these non-traditional services, when they believe their banks are charging too much.

Even before the RBA began raising interest rates in May 2022, banks were increasing fixed-rate loans in anticipation of ongoing cash rate increases. Some loan interest rates are sitting 4-5% higher than the current RBA cash rate of 2.85%.

Banks also charge wire fees of up to

$40 for international money transfers and often higher exchange rates than specialist online money transfer platforms. Missed payments on bank loans and credit cards, and overdrawn accounts, incur fees of up to $15.

Specialist, alternative online financial services – such as money transfer platforms – can often be much more cost-effective options.

When comparing the results across the States, Money Transfer Comparison found that a relatively higher proportion of NSW and Victorian residents – who are likely paying off the largest mortgages in Australia - have lost trust in the big banks due to their high fees.

An equal 72% of respondents in each State have lost trust, followed by 71% of Queenslanders and West Australians and just 60% of South Australians.

Younger age groups are more likely to have lost at least some level of trust in traditional banking: 74% of 18-54-yearolds, compared with 58%t of over-65 respondents.

When comparing age-based responses, the highest proportion of respondents likely to look for cheaper financial services elsewhere are in the 35-54-year age bracket at 80%. This was followed by 73% of 18-34-year-olds and only 67% of over-55 respondents.

Full survey data: https:// moneytransfercomparison.com/australia-info/ bank-high-rates-rates.html

Support for taxi license holders

THE NSW Government has presented a final assistance package to NSW taxi license holders, offering the most generous assistance payments in Australia worth $905M. The extra cash injection will see the passenger service levy (PSL) increase by 20 cents to $1.20 (ex GST) and be extended to 2030. The package is more than double the compensation offered by the Victorian Government and more than nine times the package offered by the Queensland Government, says the Government. This now takes the

total assistance package, designed to help fully deregulate the industry, from $645M to $905M. The new package provides $150,000 for every Sydney metropolitan taxi license holder with a cap of six plates. Each regional taxi plate will be paid between $40,000 and $195,000, with no cap on the number of plates. Should the final package not be accepted, legislation will not be introduced. A Government appointed review will then be launched to assess a compensation package, based on the existing passenger service levy.

WESTERN SYDNEY MEDIA ALLIANCE

Unnatural has become normal.

Airport ready for take off.

Migrant works face jobs lock-out.

Healthy Western Sydney.

TRAVEL: From New York to Brooklyn

LDV Mifa people mover here.

Winner of the 2022 Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence in Small

We are very grateful and humbled to win this award, we thank the organisers and sponsors for this great event. We also thank our wonderful team, clients and supporters who have motivated us to excel.

Our clients are the centre of our customer service, ensuring their experience is as pleasant as possible from their initial contact to the end of their matter and beyond.

We are happy to assist with your legal requirements, whether you are local, interstate or overseas, and we aim to ensure that your experience and results are the best that we can provide.

Skilled migrants battle jobs lock out Solutions for employability

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

GREATER Blacktown is seen as a hot spot in the struggle of skilled migrants and refugees facing an uphill battle to secure work in the community.

The migrants and refugees are being locked out of the job market, facing policy and funding barriers and discrimination by employers, according to new research from the Australian Catholic University.

ACU’s Stakeholder Engaged Scholarship Unit (SESU), carried out an evaluation of SydWest Multicultural Services - a leading employability organisation that works with recently arrived migrants and refugees in Western Sydney.

The report found SydWest had outperformed national standards, delivering successful employability course work programs, innovation and partnerships that profoundly assisted the majority of recent migrants and refugees.

However, report author Dr Haydn Aarons said a key challenge facing agencies like SydWest was how to help highly skilled and highly credentialled migrants and refugees.

“This stands out as a significant current and ongoing challenge to settlement and ongoing prosperity,” Dr Aarons said.

“There are really complex, systemic issues that make it extremely difficult for skilled migrants and refugees to resume their careers in Australia.

“Entry into certain professions in Australia is often subject to strict government and industry regulation, often requiring substantial retraining at significant cost, which can create insurmountable barriers for recently arrived migrants and refugees.

“English language teaching for high skilled and high-credentialled migrants and refugees is also an issue, with little or no access to professional vocation or technical English related to professional occupations.”

Dr Aarons said these issues were

having an impact on the mental health of highly skilled migrants and refugees.

“Settlement problems associated with employability for high skilled and high credentialled clients extend into poor mental health, anxiety, and depression,” Dr Aarons said.

“The downward shift in social mobility and accompanying loss of class and status through loss of profession creates a real turmoil around family and gender roles within culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Can be a trigger for reforms

“This can be a trigger for various forms of family disfunction such as domestic violence.”

SydWest Multicultural Services CEO Elfa Moraitakis said highly skilled refugees and migrants faced significant levels of unemployment and underemployment, despite massive labor shortages.

“In partnership with ACU, this research project and final report is an important step in identifying solutions to increase the employability of individuals from refugee and migrant communities, and enhance their chances of securing employment in alignment with their work experience and overseas qualifications,” Ms Moraitakis said.

“It makes practical sense to take advantage of the skills that our refugee and migrant communities bring, especially as NSW is experiencing skill and labor shortages due to international travel restrictions imposed by the pandemic.”

Dr Aarons said the report made several recommendations, including the establishment of a formal network with a range of local partners with the specific focus of employment for migrants and refugees.

It also recommended partnering and developing plans with universities and technical colleges to develop bridging programs, professional trainee or work placements, specialist English programs, and other related occupational infrastructure, could enhance the settlement process for these clients.

From left: Dr Haydn Aarons, Senior Lecturer, ACU, Elfa Moraitakis, CEO SydWest Multicultural Services, Ms Fedaa Breakea, Architect and Mr Elias Youssef, Medical Doctor.

Unpacking challenges of women in danger

Inspiring stories of survival

„ SASWATI MUKHERJEE

HARD to believe but every one in six women has experienced physical or sexual assault at the hands of a current or former partner.

Not surprisingly, violence and abuse are the primary reasons which drive homelessness among women. To make matters worse, a mere 3.2% of women in crisis accommodation receive the longterm solutions they need.

This, and many more grim facts took centre stage at ‘UNSEEN’, a collaborative arts project that aims at highlighting the challenges faced by helpless women.

Held at Parramatta between November 24 and 27, this project was all about providing a safe space for women share their personal experiences, be it related to domestic violence, housing insecurity or even homelessness.

UNSEEN, a collaborative, was established in early 2021 in Australia and is overseen by Belinda Mason. A social documentarian, Ms Mason heads the BLUR Project.

The four-day showcase was an integral part of the UN Women’s ‘16 Days of Activism’ against gender-based violence. In

its essence, it is a multi-year effort aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls around the world.

The Parramatta program featured a chrome tiny house and matching car located in temporary performance space Centenary Square, as an art installation.

The house highlighted the lack of affordable private rental and social housing, while the car exposed the hidden nature of women’s homelessness.

“The Nowhere to Go (2021) report

into the long-term housing needs of women and children escaping domestic and family violence indicates 16,810 social housing units are needed nationally, so we have a very long way to go,” said Ms Mason.

“But many more women stay in unsafe environments because of the stigmas associated with domestic violence and homelessness. The voices of women with lived experience must be heard so that public attitudes can change, and that the right to safe and adequate housing for women is embedded in our housing policy,” she added.

Fiona Arnold (63), a community worker and interdisciplinary artist today, draws attention to her heart-wrenching story through ‘Walk a mile in my shoes’, an installation of many women’s shoes laid out on the street, inviting passers-by to participate.

The shoes are a snapshot of the women’s lives and written stories. “They represent different intersections of life, some confronting homelessness, abuse, addiction, mental illness, poverty, sexuali-

ty, ageing, racism, domestic violence, loss, unemployment and also seeking asylum,” explained Fiona. She herself had sought refuge at her local library when faced with homelessness.

“These shoes represent the women in our communities who fight so hard advocating for change, human rights and social justice. These stories are often not heard and go unseen, “she said.

UNSEEN at Parramatta also featured other artists who have their own stories of homelessness to share with the world.

First Nations artist Aunty Peta Link’s mixed media paintings and award-winning ‘Spirit Women’ were also being exhibited in the illuminated Tiny House Gallery Window, narrating her powerful story of domestic violence, survival, and hope.

The FACTS

• During 2020-21 around 167,400 Australian women sought special homeless services and of these around 13,300 were over 55.

• Older women are the fastest growing group of homelessness people in Australia, with Aboriginal people making up 27% of those homeless, yet represent only 3.2% of the population. Twice as many Aboriginal women than men use services.

Fiona Arnold.

Taste of Penrith history at café

PENRITH City Council has today unveiled the restored historic Police Cottage at Emu Plains. The $3.2M upgrade means more residents and visitors to the City will be able to enjoy the riverfront, with the café set to open in January 2023.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said it’s fantastic to see Council’s innovative idea and the joint vision of Council and the NSW Government to bring the former Police Cottage back to life as a restaurant coming to fruition.

“Both Council and the NSW Government wanted to celebrate and conserve the City’s heri-

tage, while also ensuring the community can enjoy this historically significant site for many years to come,” Cr Hitchen said.

“The Police Cottage was originally constructed in 1908 as a purpose-built police station and residence for Emu Plains until the 1950s, then later served as a private residence until 2015.

“Now refurbishment and enhancements are completed inside and out, I’m thrilled to see the Police Cottage reopen to the public for the first time in over 70

years, with the new restaurant soon to offer a memorable dining experience alongside the beautiful Nepean River,” Cr Hitchen said.

The refurbishment of the Police Cottage was proudly funded by the NSW Government and Penrith Council, with $1.5M stimulus funding from Crown Land and a further $1.7M from Council.

Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith said the restoration of the Police Cottage showcases a great adaptive reuse of this beautiful heritage building.

“Bringing this building back to life has given it a bright future and offers locals and visitors the opportunity to experience its history while enjoying a coffee or a meal right on the banks of the Nepean.”

Rouse Hill hospital confirmed

THE master plan for Rouse Hill’s new $300M hospital has been released by the NSW Government.

The fast-growing Rouse Hill community will benefit from a wide range of new health services when the hospital is completed.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new hospital on the corner of Commercial Rd and Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill would include emergency services, inpatient and outpatient services that will be designed to take advantage of digital innovations in

healthcare.

“The new hospital will be specifically designed and built to embrace advanced digital technology and innovative models of care to bring world-class care right into the home,” Mr Hazzard said.

These innovative models include:

• One Health urgent and emergency care that means a co-located emergency department, urgent care centre and general practitioner services with access to pathology, pharmacy and medical imaging services.

• One Health short stay care medical assessment services (up to 48 hours) for patients requiring further investigation, stabilization and direction to an appropriate care pathway.

• InTouch Care which will provide digital healthcare connectivity across all settings including the hospital, the community and in the home.

• Prehabiliation, Rehabilitation and Lifestyle Medicine which delivers therapy, education and interven-

tions that support management of chronic conditions and improving health outcomes.

Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said the selected site and Master Plan for the new hospital campus ensured convenient and easy access to hospital services for the community.

Western Sydney Local Health District will work in partnership with Health Infrastructure on the next phases of the project with the aim of commencing construction on the project in early 2023.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen and Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith cut the ribbon at the restored historic Police Cottage at Emu Plains.

Accor and Panthers team up

REIGNING back-to-back NRL premiers Penrith Panthers’ $1B redevelopment of their western Sydney sports, hospitality and entertainment precinct will include a five-star Pullman Hotel after its owners struck a deal with accommodation giant Accor.

The upscale 153-room Pullman Sydney Penrith hotel is expected to open its doors in the final quarter of 2023. It will form part of the Panthers Group’s 60-hectare precinct and will adjoin the new 1,250 sqm Western Sydney Conference Centre (WSCC) that will open at a similar time and include a restaurant and bar with private dining rooms, and ground- floor café.

Pullman Sydney Penrith will service the WSCC, which will host trade shows, exhibitions, seated functions for up to 1,000 people, along with other major events.

Also in the area, the NSW government is developing a new 30,000-seat stadium on the harness raceway site, and

local developer Cabe is building an 850unit residential project.

“Pullman Sydney Penrith will be a welcome addition to Western Sydney’s tourism offering and builds upon the existing and upcoming new amenities within the Panthers precinct and the wider Penrith locale,” Panthers Group CEO, Brian Fletcher, said:

Further infrastructure works are underway in the City of Penrith ahead of the planned 2026 opening of the Western

Sydney International Airport, which will be a 30-minute drive away.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Panthers Group to deliver Pullman Sydney Penrith. Western Sydney is widely renowned as the engine room of Sydney and we are incredibly proud of our thriving hotels and incredible teams here,” said Sarah Derry, Accor Pacific chief executive officer.

“Pullman Sydney Penrith will offer leisure and business travelers memorable

guest experiences and superb facilities and, once open, this hotel will quickly become the leading accommodation choice in Penrith.

“Sport plays a crucial role in Australian culture and, by tourism and sporting organisations working together, our guests have the ability to enjoy incredible experiences and service.”

There are 18 Pullman hotels across Australia.

In the City of Penrith, Accor also operates Mercure Penrith, which is located adjacent to the Penrith Panthers precinct. Accor has more than 350 hotels, resorts and apartments in Australia, with brands including Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Novotel, Mercure, Tribe, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis Budget.

Accor recently late last year signed a seven-year deal for the naming rights of the Homebush stadium at Sydney’s Olympic Park.

Review of firearms and weapons

THE NSW Government today announced an independent, wide-ranging review of sentencing for firearms, knives and other weapons offences in NSW.

Attorney General Mark Speakman said the review will be undertaken by the NSW Sentencing Council, the state’s independent advisory body on sentencing matters and sentencing trends.

“This is the first time that such a comprehensive weapons review will have been undertaken in NSW by the Sentencing Council. A limited review of firearms

offences was last undertaken by the Council in 2004, and some knife offences have never been reviewed,” Mr Speakman said

Under the terms of reference, the Sentencing Council has been asked to conduct a review of sentencing for firearms, knives and other weapons offences, including but not limited to offences in the Crimes Act 1900 and Summary Offences Act 1988, and make any recommendations for reform that it considers appropriate.

Calling big names in commerce Airport seeks global solutions

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

MANY of the big names in world commerce are being asked to provide innovative solutions for the new Bradfield city Centre adjacent to Western Sydney Airport.

Companies from across the globe are being asked to offer up ideas for energy, digital, cyber and circular economy systems that will service stage one of the Bradfield City Centre development.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said the market sounding process for the 30ha stage one site would showcase the technology of the future, unlocking innovative ideas capable of servicing a whole city.

“Bradfield is a city for the future, and we are calling for partners from all across the world to work with us in delivering the best and most advanced services for the residents and businesses that will call it home,” Mr Henskens said.

“We only have one chance to get this right and as we develop this new city from the ground up, we need to make sure we’re investing in the right assets, the best products and the services and solutions that will drive the economy for generations to come.”

Western Parkland City Authority Chair Jennifer Westacott said going to the market for these essential systems would kickstart development across the Bradfield City Centre and secure Australia’s economic future.

“As part of this process we’re asking the market for cutting edge solutions, capabilities and partnerships to optimise government investment and reduce costs to customers.”

“The systems we seek must be customer centric, sustainable, flexible and future proofed. This work will help us attract new investment to Western Sydney and deliver better paid and more diverse local jobs,” Ms Westacott said.

The WPCA has set ambitious targets for stage one of the Bradfield City Centre development that will set new benchmarks in city design in Western Sydney and Australia. These include:

• Significantly reduce energy consumption, customer bills and avoid carbon emissions.

• Provide high-capacity fibre, ultra-high-speed connections and coverage.

• Enable digitally connected, efficient buildings that activate services like cooling and waste

collection.

• Capture useful city data for energy and water use, weather conditions and service disruptions.

• Establish circular economy systems where by-products are minimised and residuals such as organic waste are redirected to produce higher value products instead of going to landfill; and

• Offer resilience in daily life, so people are less vulnerable to the disruption of major weather events, cyber breaches or other incidents.

The market sounding activity will run until March 2023. For more information, visit https:// www.wpca.sydney/news/events/2022/11/09/ bradfield-city-centre-stage-1-market-sounding/.

Airport’s B&B’s for the bees, bugs, butterflies

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

Huge international airliners won’t be the only thing creating a buzz around Western Sydney Airport when it opens in 2026.

Western Sydney students and workers from the new airport have rolled up their sleeves to build new habitats for bees, butterflies and bugs, to promote biodiversity and support budding young scientists across the region.

The Airport has partnered with PlantingSeeds, a not-for-profit dedicated to educating students about supporting sustainability and biodiversity, to visit schools across Western Sydney and build a ‘B&B Highway’ – Bed and Breakfasts for bees, butterflies and biodiversity.

WSA Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey said the partnership had seen

students and WSA employees build 12 garden beds, plant more than 200 natives and install three native stingless beehives at Mulgoa, Wallacia and Luddenham Public Schools.

“We are building an airport for Western Sydney’s future and a big part of that is being a good neighbor, giving back to our local community and ensuring that

Western Sydney International Airport represents a commitment to future generations,” Mr Hickey said.

“These new ‘Insect Bed and Breakfasts’ will not only support local biodiversity, they give our aspiring young scientists the opportunity to learn about different species and to actually help the nation’s top scientists by collecting valuable data about insect habitats.

“Sustainability is a key consideration as we design and build the airport - having our employees get out and work with local students to create habitats for native fauna to thrive in our community is just one of the ways we are living our values.”

Western Sydney International has 117ha of permanently protected Environmental Conservation Zones on the

airport site, which will be used to conserve a habitat corridor for biodiversity surrounding the airport.

PlantingSeeds Founder and Chief Executive Dr Judy Friedlander said local students were now collecting data from the habitats and uploading it to global databank iNaturalist and CSIRO’s Atlas of Living Australia to help scientists map out species distribution across Western Sydney.

“Citizen Science is a key part of the B&B Highway program that involves identifying local species, planting to support them and assisting with constructing habitats. Students are actually identifying species and helping chief scientists across the nation track the regeneration of biodiversity,” Dr Friedlander said.

“This is citizen science in action and we value that an organisation like Western Sydney Airport is partnering with us and these schools to help build a thriving ecosystem.”

Artist impressions of Bradfield.

New habitat for bees.

Helping people living with cancer since 2005

MAGAZINE

New record for Made In The West

Our own film festival shines

ALEX HON and MISTY MCPHAIL MADE in the West Film Festival celebrated their 11th annual red carpet gala event on Saturday, November 26 at Event Cinemas in Liverpool.

A record-breaking 320-strong audience attended on the night to support local filmmakers and celebrate the Western Sydney film community.

Hosted by Still Searchin’ Productions, Made in the West showcases short film content independently produced in Western Sydney, including all genres such as comedy, drama, sci-fi, horror, animation, web series and music videos.

All films feature cast members, crew members or film locations from Western Sydney.

“The atmosphere at the festival this year was absolutely electric with so many people in the house and all the action on the red carpet,” says artistic director Ross Page.

“The films this year were outstanding and we’re so pleased to see so many new filmmakers and upcoming artists included in the festival line-up.”

This year’s official selection featured 19 short films that were judged by a panel of 10 industry professionals, including renowned Bankstown-born actor Bryan Brown, ABC presenter Sunil Badami and local film director Michael Budd.

Kamil Domaradzki took home the ‘Best in the West’ trophy for the film Leopard, Katrina Lay won ‘Best Student Film’ for Baby Dole, and Ashley Dawes was awarded ‘Best Music Video’ for Only One. There were also 9 individual category awards for outstanding achievement awarded throughout the night.

At the end of the show, the audience cast their votes for the highly coveted Audience Choice Award, won by WSU student filmmaker Pamela Manos for Hello My Name Is Mother Nature.

The festival attracts hundreds of filmmakers and fans from around the greater Sydney region to celebrate and network with other creatives while watching the cutting edge screen content made by emerging artists from the western suburbs.

Scenes from the 2023 gala event.

The prize pool for this year’s festival was valued at over $10,000 thanks to the generosity of local businesses and festival sponsors Still Searchin’ Productions and The Pagey Train podcast, Western Sydney University, Luke Walker Productions, Sydney Prop Studios, Creative Plus Business, Irierootsini Photography, Million Masters, AFTRS, Arts and Cultural Exchange (ACE), the Australian Writers’ Guild and Australian Production Design Guild.

Made in the West Film Festival will be screening online throughout December and January via a new on-demand content platform that welcomes a worldwide audience for Western Sydney films.

“We’re excited to be sharing the festival experience on demand this year with our new online platform – online

screenings are a great way for local festivals like ours to reach a wider audience,” says general manager Misty McPhail.

“Hybrid digital and live streamed events have become more popular since 2020 and it's important to continue making this local content accessible to audiences across our region in particular, as well as across Australia.”

The online festival includes all 19 finalist short films in a 3-hour movie marathon with red carpet highlights and filmmaker interviews during intermissions – perfect for anyone who wants to experience the excitement of Made in the West Film Festival from home.

More information can be found at www. madeinthewest.com.au Photo credits: Lexy Potts, Nataly Thomson, Liam Dealtry, Aaron Tully

2022 MADE IN THE WEST AWARD WINNERS MAJOR AWARDS

• Best Music Video: Only One: Ashli by Ashley Dawes

• Runner-up: I Don’t Get You: Particles by Luke Walker

• Best Student Film: Baby Dole by Katrina Lay

• Runner-up: Arco’s World by Kasey Medeiros

• Best in the West: Leopard by Kamil Domaradzki

• Runner-up: Yannis by James Elazzi

• Audience Choice Award Hello My Name is Mother Nature by Pamela Manos

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

• Best Director: Kamil Domaradzki and Ali Zoghi for Leopard

• Best Screenplay: Kamil Domaradzki for Leopard

• Best Editor: Sharon Mani for Seen

• Best Sound Design: Jarad Avnell for Bogan Moths

• Best Production Design: Katrina Lay for Baby Dole

• Best Original Score: Emma Greenhill and Ali Zoghi for Leopard

• Best Lead Actor: Will Bartolo for Yannis

• Best Supporting Actor: Tyson Ibrahim for Leopard

Alcohol and Other Drug Concerns Support for people with

Many people have alcohol and other drug (AOD) dependencies as a result of personal experiences or underlying conditions.

Alcohol and other drugs often start as an escapism for many people, yet addiction can create more problems than the ones they are covering up. The damage caused by addiction can affect the individual, their family, friends and the wider community.

The Western Sydney Primary Health Network supports service providers in Western Sydney to make sure that AOD services are accessible to as many people as possible, paying special attention to vulnerable and marginalised groups.

AOD

AOD Videos

9 Living with Alcohol Dependency is a series of videos featuring Western Sydney community members sharing their experiences about receiving AOD treatment, lifestyle changes and advice on staying alcohol-free. These videos are available on YouTube at bit.ly/AODvideos 9 Getting Help with Alcohol and Other Drug Dependence is an animated video designed to help community members find their way from AOD dependence towards a happy and healthy future. The video is available in English, Arabic, Dari, Farsi and Tamil at bit.ly/gettinghelpAOD

Youth Off The Streets

Young people with alcohol and drug concerns are often alienated from their community and family, and without support and guidance, it can be even harder for them to reach out and get help. Youth Off The Streets (YOTS) is a community organisation that supports young people dealing with alcohol and other drug dependencies, trauma or homelessness.

The YOTS team encourage young people to talk about what they are experiencing, set personal goals, and realise that they deserve a better, AOD-free future. After the initial assessment, the team work with each young person on the root causes of their AOD use, including any previous trauma. They then connect the young person with other providers to ensure they have ongoing support.

Young people are open to change and possibilities. The work we do with them is hard because they make positive gains and then often have to go home to challenges. It’s about helping them understand that their past doesn’t define where they’re going.

- AOD Counsellor for Youth Off The Streets.

We Help Ourselves - Eli’s Story

We Help Ourselves (WHOS) run therapeutic programs for those recovering from alcohol and other drug dependencies.

The Opioid Substitution To Abstinence Residential (OSTAR) program is a live-in program designed to help people reduce their drug use using a Therapeutic Community model. Clients receive drug reduction treatment and counselling and attend workshops to develop the skills needed to live a drug-free life.

Eli* is a 66-year-old man with a history of drug and alcohol misuse which was impacting his health and wellbeing. Eli was living with depression and was also struggling to master the three flights of stairs out of his apartment.

Healthy

Eli participated in the Therapeutic Community program and received treatment to help with his alcohol, cannabis and heroin addictions. Since joining OSTAR, a multi-disciplinary team of staff have supported Eli, including social workers who advocated for him to apply for a housing transfer to a ground floor flat. The team have connected Eli to other support services and helped him rebuild a relationship with his mum and other family members to expand his social network. He has had access to other allied health professionals, and there has been a marked improvement in his physical and mental health. Eli’s positive attitude and commitment to the program have helped him to achieve a better quality of life for himself.

*Name has been changed to protect the identity of this client

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

ACROSS

1.

Point on the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake

First person to circumnavigate the world in a balloon, ... Fossett

New York World Series baseball team

China's ... Zedong

West African republic with Conakry as its capital and chief Atlantic port

Sweet sparkling wine from the Piedmont area of northern Italy

Soviet statesman, ... Gorbachev

Wave-riding

Geothermal springs

US president's country home, ... David

BINARY

CROSSWORD #0303

London

monument that stands close to the site of the Tyburn gallows, ... Arch

An ancient Greek one would have competed naked!

Fast and furious sport involving a puck (3,6)

World champion ice dancers, Jayne ... and Christopher Dean

Paris boulevard leading to the Arc de Triomphe, Champs ...

Cricket scores

Dutch word for 'farmers' used to

8.

American statesman noted for his efforts in establishing a cease-fire in Vietnam in 1973, Henry ... 14. Final battle at the end of the world or the movie starring Liv Tyler and Bruce Willis 15. CS Lewis Narnia tale, The ... Nephew (8'1) 17. Door-to-door (hawker) 19. Term for conjoined twins first used to describe Chang and Eng Bunker 20. Archangel generally depicted in art blowing the trumpet that will announce the second coming 22. Mausoleum Shah Jahan built to commemorate his wife, the Taj ... 25. Workers' body formed to safeguard salaries and conditions 26. Followers of Judaism

1. Pirates Of The Caribbean actor, ... Depp (6) 3. Ashton Kutcher replaced Charlie Sheen in the hit comedy, Two ... Men (3,1,4) 8. Brothers & Sisters actress, ... Flockhart (7) 10. Gordon Ramsay cooking competition show, Hell's ... (7) 12. Lana Del Rey's album, ... To Die (4) 13. Soccer star, ... Beckham (5) 14. Pop power ballad by Beyoncé from her I Am... Sasha Fierce album (4) 17. Dallas Buyers Club actor, Jared ... (4) 18. J Edgar and Fair Game actress, Naomi ... (5) 20. Shia LaBeouf action thriller, ... Eye (5) 22. The Chronicles Of Narnia siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund and ... (4) 25. Sitcom starring Jason Lee as a man who believes in karma, My ... Is Earl (4) 26. Remake of a Wes Craven horror, A

Nightmare ... Street (2,3) 29. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' daughter (4) 32. The Matrix actor, Hugo ... (7)

33.

Pop star sisters, Kylie & Dannii ... (7)

Savages actor, John ... (8) 35. The Black Eyed Peas singer and solo artist (6)

1. Grace Of Monaco and The King's Speech actor, Derek ... (6) 2. Russell Crowe's character in A Beautiful Mind, John ... (4) 4. Thirteen actress who plays Rosalie in the Twilight films, ... Reed (5) 5. Movie and computer game, Grand Theft ... (4) 6. Fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Pink with lead single So What (8) 7. Actress who provides the voice for

Gloria in the Madagascar films, ... Pinkett Smith (4)

9. CSI: Miami actress, Eva ... (2,3)

11. Angelina Jolie plays Mariane Pearl in the biopic, A Mighty ... (5)

15. Adam Sandler voices Dracula in ... Transylvania (5)

16. Whitney Houston song, ... Always Love You (1,4)

19. Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel bringing-up-baby comedy, Life As ... (2,4,2)

21. Clash Of The Titans actress, ... Arterton (5)

23. TV presenter and model, Alexa ... (5)

24. Brazilian supermodel, ... Bündchen (6)

27. Colin Farrell vampire horror comedy, Fright ... (5)

28. Fred Durst's band, ... Bizkit (4)

30. Lindsay Lohan's nickname (4)

31. Fairy tale drama series, ... Upon A Time (4)

Day tripper’s hidden Hawkesbury gem

From New York to Brooklyn

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

BROOKLYN on the Hawkesbury River is a hidden gem with a fascinating history most travelers bypass as they head north on the M1.

This little port and growing residential area has a lot to offer the day tripper looking for new experiences. It’s major attraction is the famous Riverboat Postman cruise that draws busloads daily.

Heritage buildings, an interesting shopping centre and good picnic spots are all framed by the literally thousands of pleasure boats now moored at Brooklyn.

It is less than an hour from Parramatta, or you can take the train.

The town provides a range of amenities and activities, while maintaining a quiet village atmosphere. Brooklyn provides convenient access for Western Sydney residents and day trippers to the Hawkesbury River and Pittwater waterways for boating, swimming and fishing and to Kuring-gai Chase and Muogamarra National Parks for bushwalking and scenic views

And it has close links with another Brooklyn in faraway New York.

In January 1886, the Union Bridge Company from New York was awarded the contract to build a railway bridge across the Hawkesbury River.

The American roots of the bridge are reflected in the name given to the con-

struction camp, which was named after the 1883 Brooklyn suspension bridge.

The Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge was the final link in the Eastern seaboard rail network and was a major engineering feat at the time of its construction. "Hawkesbury River" was the original platform name when the station opened in 1887 but names varied over the following 20 years with the names "Flat Rock", "Brooklyn" and "Hawkesbury" all being used until the final change in 1906 to Hawkesbury River.

Ferry queues

Peat's Ferry Post Office opened in 1874 and was renamed Brooklyn in 1888.

Brooklyn is positioned at the northern end of the Cowan Bank, a scenic stretch of steep railway track on a 1 in 40 grade. The line drops 200m from the ridgetop near Cowan to almost water level, passing through four tunnels in the process.

Prior to electrification and diesel locomotives, Brooklyn was a staging post for trains heading south to Sydney with "push up" or bank engines being attached to the rear of steam trains here for extra assistance on the 8km climb to Cowan.

Early road traffic was conveyed across the river by George Peat's ferry and prior to the first road bridge being completed there were two vehicular ferries in operation, the "Frances Peat" and the "George Peat".

The new concrete road laid down between Hornsby and Gosford had been completed by 1930 and the increased traffic was beyond the capacity of the ferries. Long queues formed on holiday weekends as vehicles awaited their turn.

Work began on the first road bridge in 1938 and it opened in 1945. The width

and depth of the river between Kangaroo Point and Mooney Mooney presented problems. The total distance to be covered was nearly 800m metres, but an embankment of fill was built out from the northern side, and the actual bridge spans only covered 580 m.

This was supplemented by a second road bridge, a six-lane concrete construction that was completed in 1973 as part of the Sydney to Newcastle freeway.

Riyal visit

In 1901 the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George V and Queen Mary, while in Australia for the inaugural opening of federal parliament, anchored their yacht the "Ophir" in Cowan Creek and boarded the paddle wheel steamboat the "General Gordon" for a tour of the lower Hawkesbury.

A small obelisk unveiled in 1939, adjacent to the railway station and the avenue of tall palms in McKell Park, commemorates the discovery and naming of the Hawkesbury River by Governor Phillip in 1789.

Attractions of Brooklyn.

Getting serious about weight loss 50 tips to save calories

„ ADAM SIMPSON

WHEN it comes to weight loss, total calories consumed is what truly matters. If you are consuming less calories than you are burning you will lose body fat. Below are 50 ways that you can reduce the total calories that you consume.

These are just practical suggestions on where I see people over consume without realising. Have a read through and see which of these examples you could implement into your daily routine.

1. When you fill up for petrol stop buying yourself a chocolate or lollies to go with it.

2. Switch from regular Coke to Coke zero.

3. Choose Mustard over Mayonnaise.

4. Go for an open cut sandwich and take off the top slice of bread.

5. Swap your sour cream for Greek yoghurt.

6. Choose the extra lean cut mince.

7. Use olive oil spray over free pouring your oil.

8. Choose grilled fish over fried.

9. If you get takeaway order the water to have water with your meal.

10. Drink white wine over red.

11. Choose red pasta sauces over white.

12. Cut off the fatty bits over your read meat.

13. Have a Paddle Pop instead of a Magnum.

14. If you want something sweet go for a Zooper Dooper..

15. Greek Yoghurt and Berries over ice cream for dessert 16. Choose Fresh Fruit over Dried. 17. Cottage Cheese over Brie Cheese. 18. Eat off a smaller plate to control your portion sizes. 19. Stop drinking so many calories. 20. Don't eat dessert every day of the week. 21. Choose the smaller size Chocolate bars or thin Dark Chocolate blocks over the large Milk Chocolate blocks. 22. Eat foods high in protein to keep you full. 23. Read the label and choose a lower calorie bread. 24. Reduce the sugar you add to your tea and coffee. 25. Eat your veggies firs.t 26. Eat your food more slowly. 27. When you order at the pub, choose the mash and veg over the chips. 28. Stop ordering large meals at McDonald’s and just get the regular. 29. Stop eating "kids treats" and have a protein shake as a snack instead. 30. Choose the mini dessert options. 31. Read the food labels and make the lower calorie choice. 32. Choose the thin crust pizza. 33. Drink the lower calorie beers.

34. Drink Seltzers instead of cocktails. 35. Stop eating when you are no longer hungry and not when you are absolutely full. 36. Be aware that low fat or no fat options are not always lowest in calories. 37. Don't keep sugary drinks at home 38. Be mindful of the total calories in your "healthy juices". 39. Make veggie smoothies over juices. 40. Don't over load your salad with dressings. 41. Choose lower calorie nuts like almonds over macadamias'. 42. Don't eat the whole avocado, a portion size would be the size of your thumb.

43. A portion size of carbohydrates is roughly what would fit in your cupped hand.

44. Stop eating the big bag of chips, if you must eat them choose the individual size bags and stop at one. 45. Eat more seafood and reduce your red meat consumption. 46. Eat less of the skin on your BBQ chicken. 47. Choose the lower calorie wraps over Lebanese bread. 48. Choose a light butter they are often half the calories. 49. Choose the baked potato over wedges. 50. Have your protein shake with water and not milk.

Lunch Ideas!!

Often, I get asked for ideas on what people can eat while they are out during the day or just want a good lunch option. I have put together some lower calorie, high protein nutritious lunch options that you can go with when you are out and about or on the run. Remember to adjust portion sizes depending on your overall activity level and goals.

Out and About Options:

1. Subway Sandwich with Turkey and Salads

6 Inch - 263 Calories and 17.2 grams of protein.

Foot Long - 526 Calories and 34.4 grams of protein.

2. Subway Sandwich with Roast Beef and Salads

6 Inch - 267 Calories and 16.6 grams of protein.

Foot Long - 534 Calories and 33.4 grams of protein.

Adam Simpson is lead trainer and founder at Repetitions Group fitness and Personal Training. Visit: www.repetitionspt.com.au

Adam Simpson

Thin crust pizza.

Blacktown Council lets the dogs (and cats) out of Huntingwood

THE Huntingwood East site of Western Sydney Cats and Dogs has entered the market, as plans for Australia’s first custom-built animal rehoming centre go ahead.

The 46,164sqm prominent corner development site at 415 Flushcombe Road boasts 327 metres of street frontage to Great Western Highway, in addition to frontages to both Flushcombe Road and Oatley Close.

Zoned IN1 General Industrial within a key Western Sydney industrial precinct, the site includes DA approval for two lots at a time where demand is sky-high for industrial and logistics space.

Ray Trimboli and Michael Wall from Savills have been appointed by Blacktown City Council to sell the former animal holding facility via an expressions of interest campaign.

“The site represents a rare opportunity for developers and owner-occupiers to acquire an industrial zoned greenfield site within the M7 Motorway. Huntingwood is one of the most centrally located industrial precincts in the Sydney market with immediate access to its major road networks,” said Trimboli, director of industrial and logistics at Savills.

“We’ve seen occupiers increasingly look to optimise their fulfilment models, either because they are increasing their stock holdings to mitigate supply chain risk or to develop shorter delivery time frames to maximise their operational efficiency.”

The site offers connections to Western Sydney’s arterial road network and interstate B- double transport routes and exposure to approximately 34,000

vehicles each day on the Great Western Highway.

“This has intensified the demand for areas with linkages to Sydney’s orbital network, in turn keeping vacancy at record low,” added Trimboli.

Wall noted that the vacancy rate for investment grade stock above 3,000sqm is currently sitting below 1% in Western Sydney.

“This shift in demand is up against constrained supply, despite an uptick in the development pipeline, resulting in a

28-30% rental growth rate on assets in the last 12 months. In fact, the combination of intense competition for few availabilities and no significant supply relief has seen growth rates jump well above their long run average of about 3.3%,” added Wall.

“This substantial rental growth, alongside a shortage of existing options and record preleasing commitment on new builds, has also resulted in a notable increase in interest from major groups to own their facilities.”

The property has become available after the Blacktown City Council announced plans to move the existing animals held at the facility to a new and improved $30 million state-of- the-art Animal Rehoming Centre at 20 Owen Street in Glendenning.

The new facility will include a cattery, dog kennels, adoption condos and kennels, surgical spaces and more.

The expressions of interest campaign for 415 Flushcombe Road is scheduled to close 16 November 2022.

Aerotropolis land ready for take off

AROUND 200 acres of prime land is up for sale with price expectations of $70M, in the largest property to ever come to market in the rapidly developing Western Sydney Aerotropolis precinct.

Offering investors an unprecedented opportunity between Luddenham Village and the western pocket of the airport, 2215 The Northern Road has recently been largely rezoned to Agribusiness.

The strategically positioned Luddenham site, around 42km west of the Sydney CBD, offers flexibility for multiple uses through its zoning, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, logistics and freight, commercial, retail and warehouse.

Thomas Mosca and Nick Estephen from Colliers have been exclusively appointed to list the property via an international expressions of interest campaign.

“I don’t think a property with as much potential has ever been offered to the market. This is 200 acres of land adjoining Sydney’s only 24-hour international airport. It’s a blank canvas,” Mosca said.

“The Western Sydney Airport is charging towards its deadline of 2026 with construction of the first runway and terminal almost complete.”

Earlier this year, the Aerotropolis Planning Package was finalised adding amendments to boost investments in the future Western Sydney International Airport’s employment precincts, which will see more than 100,000 jobs and 11,400 jobs generated at the circa 65,000-hectares of land.

“Opportunities like this are seldom seen and with the region’s growth already evident, there’s no better time to invest into Western Sydney,” concluded Estephen.

The expressions of interest campaign for 2215 The Northern Road closed on November 24, 2022.

The Huntingwood site.

LDV Mifa people mover here from $53,990

Ambitiously priced LDV Mifa MPV has

160kW 2.0-litre petrol, lots of standard kit

„ MATT BROGAN AND HAITHAM RAZAGUI

LDV’s futuristically styled, three-variant Mifa people mover range is now available in Australia from $53,990 plus on-road costs and topping out at $72,990 + ORC for seven-seat versions, while eight-seaters will arrive early next year.

The Mifa’s entry and flagship prices are both higher than those of major competitors including the Kia Carnival ($47,480-$67,580 + ORC), Hyundai Staria ($48,500-$66,500 + ORC) and Volkswagen Caddy Maxi (from $48,140$54,640 + ORC) – all before on-road costs.

LDV’s ambitious pricing for the Mifa pitches it against TDI340 versions of the VW Caravelle and Multivan ($66,490$75,490 + ORC) as well as the Toyota Granvia ($65,250-$75,950 + ORC).

According to LDV, the Mifa has been designed from the ground up with space, comfort and convenience in mind, while also bringing a comprehensive range of safety features to the segment.

The Mifa range begins with the entry-spec Mode from $53,990 + ORC, followed by the mid-tier Executive from $63,990 + ORC and top-shelf Luxe from $72,990 + ORC.

Alongside the driver, passenger, side and full-length curtain airbags, every Mifa variant is equipped with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, anti-lock brakes, stability control and emergency brake assist, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, fatigue reminder and attention assist, LED adaptive headlights with auto high beam assist, auto hold, rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a speed assist system.

Executive and Luxe grades get front and rear parking sensors plus a 360-degree camera and adaptive headlights with auto high beam system whereas the entry level Mode has rear sensors, a reversing camera and fixed-beam dusk-sensing LEDs.

The mid-and top-spec variants also get leather-trimmed steering wheels, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, 220-volt power outlet, rear privacy glass and dual pane sunroof that are absent from the base grade.

Over the Mode, Executive and Luxe grades have electric sliding side doors and a powered tailgate, heated auto-folding door mirrors, one-touch front window switches, rain-sensing wipers and cabin air purification. All have multi-zone climate control.

Exclusive to the Luxe are 64-colour ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, eight-way driver’s seat adjustment with memory and front-seat heating, cooling and massage functions, while the Mode has manual adjustment and the Executive has eight-way electric adjustment for the driver and four-way electric adjustment for the front passenger. Executive and Luxe also have four-way lumbar support adjustment for both front seats.

In the second row, manually adjustable seats are in the Mode, the Executive has four-way adjustment with four-way lumbar support control and the Luxe has captain’s chairs with heating, cooling, massage and recline functions as well as extendable footrests. All variants have a manually reclining and sliding third-row bench as well as ISOFIX and top tether anchors for three child seats.

Every variant has a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment array wutg wired Apple CarPlay connectivity. A six-speaker sound system is fitted to the Mode, the Executive gets eight speakers and the Luxe twelve. Only the latter two get wireless mobile charging Wheel choices extend to 18- or 19-

inch alloys in varying designs according to grade.

The Mifa is offered in a range of five colours: Metal Black, Pearl White, Dynasty Red, Mica Blue and Concrete Grey, the latter with an accented black roof.

LDV backs the Mifa with a seven-year/200,000km warranty and five-year/130,000km roadside assistance program with service intervals are set at 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first).

All Mifa variants are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 160kW and 360Nm, equipped as standard with an Aisin-sourced eightspeed automatic driving the front wheels. The WLTP Combined cycle fuel consumption figure for the range is quoted at 9.3 litres per 100km.

“The all-new LDV MIFA is a glimpse into the future,” said LDV general manager Dinesh Cinnappa.

“Who said the practical people mover couldn’t look cool? With its revolutionary design, next-level passenger comfort and convenience, and impressive levels of standard safety equipment, the all-new MIFA has advanced the people mover game significantly.

“The all-new MIFA is set to shake-up its segment thanks to its sleek exterior styling, the latest safety and technology features, and room for up to seven passengers to travel in comfort and style no matter how far the journey.”

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - 3 Stars

„ JACOB RICHARDSON

THE death of King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) throws the geopolitical sphere into disarray. While Shuri (Leticia Wright) retreats into herself and her technology, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) fronts the UN accusing the nations of the world of increasingly brazen attempts at securing Vibranium from Wakanda.

Little does she know that there’s another party concerned about these attempts; the centuries hidden aquatic race of Atlanteans, led by the superpowered Namor (Tenoch Huerta). Shuri’s initial attempts at diplomacy are scuppered after a violent incursion and tragedy. Now, Shuri must find a way to resurrect the Black Panther and protect her people - and she might just lose herself in the process.

Directed once again by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was always going to have to overcome the tragic passing of the man who made Black Panther what it is today, Chadwick Boseman. The film bookends itself with touching tributes to the late actor, and indeed winds T’Challa and Boseman’s presence throughout.

There’s also some great acting on display here. Huerta is spectacular as Namor, and indeed the entire mesoamerican sub-aquatic species is rendered in beautiful interpretation, stunningly realized without a shred of fear to shooting endless underwater scenes. It’s a bold vision

for the comic book character, but one that comes off extremely well.

Then there’s the action. Despite a briefly brilliant fight scene on a bridge with series standout Okoye (Danai Gurira), and occasional flashes of iconic work with Namor, the rest of the CGI-heavy battle sequences feel flat, dull and frankly more than a little disappointing.

The final battle suffers from Waterworld-esque ocean action issues, and relies way too heavily on CGI suits, flying around and poorly choreographed set

The Menu - 5 Stars

pieces.

Script-wise too there is a distinctly underwhelming feeling. For a 2-hour 41 minute film, it’s shocking how much here is just completely irrelevant. The original Black Panther had broadly sweeping emotional beats that felt taut, and paid off. Here, those beats are more ethereal, less formed.

It would be trite to blame all of the issues of this movie on the passing of the original lead. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever does great work in building up

Namor and his people. But it loses so much of what gave the first film an identity. And while you could easily make the case that Wakanda Forever is much better than a lot of the superhero fare we’ve had in the last few years, it also doesn’t even come close to holding a candle to the original.

Reviews by Jacob Richardson Creative Director | Film Focus www.filmfocusau.com

„ JACOB RICHARDSON

TYLER (Nicholas Hoult) is a food snob, who takes Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) to a super exclusive restaurant on an island. The degustation experience doesn’t appeal to Margot, but it does to the chef-obsessed Tyler, along with the array of wealthy diners along with them - food critic Lillian (Janet McTeer), a fading movie star (John Leguizamo), wealthy older couple Richard (Reed Birney) and Anne (Judith Light) and finance bro trio Bryce (Rob Yang), Soren (Arturo Castro) and Dave (Mark St. Cyr).

They are excited to be entertained culinarily by famed Chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes), but the Chef has something else in mind for the group. That is, at least, until he discovers that Margot was never meant to be there - a spanner in his otherwise flawless plans for the murderous evening.

Directed by Mark Mylod (of Succession fame), The Menu is a beautifully poised, perfectly positioned piece of satire

for the Chef’s Table generation. It’s an eviscerating, eat-the-rich take on haute cuisine, that also frequently lambasts social media, cuisine and tech bro culture.

Frequently laugh out loud funny, but also shocking, surprising, beautifully performed, action-filled and thrilling, this plays as the perfect combination of a disparate array of ingredients that have so often been put together with less efficacy and taste in recent years.

The movie frequently has you howling with laughter - not just from the impossibly good dialogue, but even from the spot on menu descriptions on screen, or the sheer ludicrousness of it all.

On a performance level, we’re looking at a Michelin star treat here. Anya-Taylor Joy is fantastic as the main protagonist, and her dining and acting partner Nicholas Hoult is pitch perfect as the whiny, chef-obsessed social media hound.

Ralph Fiennes, however, steals the show with a truly wonderful performance. His slightest nuanced gesture or facial tick conveys so much, and he seems to be having an absolute blast with this slightly absurdist role.

The film chugs along nicely at a wellpaced 1 hour and 47 minutes. There isn’t an ounce of this movie that you would drop without losing something fun, witty, shocking or essential. There are a few plot threads that perhaps are dropped, or at least don’t make complete sense.

But this is absurdist satire, couched in a gorgeous meal and stunning food cinematography - the odd narrative misstep must be forgiven.

At the end of the day, The Menu is a fully satisfying dish from a satirical messaging perspective, from a comedy perspective, and most importantly from an entertainment perspective.

Reviews by Jacob Richardson Creative Director | Film Focus www.filmfocusau.com

Messy, overstuffed and without the same cohesive vision as the original, this sequel coasts by on memories of the first film, and touching tributes to Chadwick Boseman.

Delectable satire melds the salivating cinematography of Chef’s Table with the thrill of Midsommar and the satirical comedy stylings of Bodies, Bodies, Bodies.

Action the only way through fear

Unnatural has become normal

„ MINDSET | MARCUS WHEAN

FEAR is a primary emotion. It is psychological and physiological. We know all too well when in a state of fear.

Almost everything we do is in some way based in and/or around fear. This is very much normal and is the case because our brains are wired that way – to inhibit us out of safety, to look out for danger, to protect us from threats.

Fear is a necessary emotion for survival. When we were living in amongst the wilderness and wildness of nature it makes sense to have a brain that is wired more for fear and to be on the lookout always for danger.

Our ancient ancestors worked with their fears, had to conquer them and ‘do’ anyway regardless of fears. Why, because if they didn’t, they wouldn’t eat or find shelter.

Fast forward to modern times, our technological advances over the millennia and last hundred or so years have been exponential.

We have more comforts of living but in the name of seeking more comfortable lives we have not actually gotten any fearless. Our brains have not evolved at the pace of technology.

Nowadays, it could be argued, that because our lives are more safe, we are actually more afraid. Our fears are not now of wild beasts or other tribes attacking.

Now, our fears are “does he/she really like me”?; “what do people think of me”?; “what if I don’t, or do…”?; “that person didn’t like my post, they don’t like me”?; “what if…what if….what if….”?

What is happening now is our brains are ‘fear-sensitive’, there’s more anxiety and stress prevalent. Our technologies and busy lives have created a pervasive stress and anxiety not too shy of being a pandemic. What is unnatural has become normal.

We experience anxiety, fear etc and all the above in our minds as thought and in our bodies as heart racing, sweating, nausea, insomnia, headaches, memory loss, trembling just to name a few.

So often our psychology around fear

are thoughts of uncertainties and all the ‘what ifs’. These are often irrational thoughts based in some rationale i.e. even every lie has truth in it.

In my experience rethinking and rationalising the perceived threats can help but fundamentally the truth is often we can’t solve a problem with the same thing that created it.

Dissolve fear with action

People often know their fears and anxieties are irrational. So, changing them is often hard at best and people get even more frustrated or even depressed knowing they are certain the fears with thoughts and can’t change them with rethinking alone.

The way through fears, how to resolve and ideally dissolve them is via action.

Action always neutralises fears because it is the direct confrontation with and observation of and experience that provides ultimately contradictory evidence in real-time terms; moreover, the physiological reaction is neutralised through experience not thought.

The active part we play when confronting fears is based in psychological theory called operant conditioning. That means our direct involvement behaviourally with a stimulus and essentially ‘what we do’ that reinforces a new response.

So too, if we keep avoiding threats and fears we stay anxious and afraid. If we confront and ‘do’ differently re our approach to fears and threats we condition a new response, we could call this courage, bravery, confidence or otherwise

it’s a good feeling when we confront the world, our fears etc in real time the direct experience itself because ‘realised’ when it’s thinking alone it’s merely theoretical.

In short, always take action to dissolve your fears, always! Rethinking can help but only so much.

We must find courage to act and face our fears and experience directly, that we need not be afraid because being afraid helps us with surviving but inhibits us thriving and truly living freely and happily the way we all want and deserve to.

Marcus Whelan is a Registered Psychologist and Mental Fitness Coachwith 10+ years’ experience in private practice. He holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in psychology and education. Visit: www.marcuswhelanpsychology. com.au

Privacy and legal obligations are very important in terms of protecting a business owner’s interests

KATHERINE HAWES

FOR one, it ensures that you place a disclaimer on the limit and coverage of your liability in case something goes wrong.

Second, it allows you to fully dictate what you are as a company and what you do. Finally, it is the first legal defense that you have in terms of lawsuits.

With the recent GDPR developments, a lot of business owners are now asking this one question: What should my website’s terms and conditions say so I can stay protected for a long time?

The answer is not in just one thing. Your terms and conditions should reflect much more than just what is dictated. It should be flexible and ever changing. It should always adapt to the governing law and whatever law has jurisdiction over the business.

For full protection, it must include and say the following items: ƒ Who is covered by the Terms and Conditions of Use? Your websites

Terms should provide who is covered by it. In Australian law, this would include the users, customers, and the subscribers of the website.

a. It should cover your customers because it offers protection of the business in case of liability and in case problems should arise.

b. It should also cover your visitors, users, and subscribers to protect you from any person who would try to copy the content of your website. Plagiarism is a very serious matter.

ƒ Your terms and conditions should show a governing law. A governing law is the general law that would cover the business and in case there is a problem with the product or service you offer. Generally, the governing law is the place of registration of the business. It is advisable to only apply

other laws, including international law, when the business has already grown to scale.

ƒ You should also provide whatever is required by law. For Australian businesses, the Australian Consumer Law should provides that the following items must be in the terms and conditions:

a. A statement that you comply and follow the Australian Consumer Law;

b. A statement on how the company is going to detail with product defects and when it would need to do a refund, some repair, or when replacement becomes necessary;

c. A statement explaining information about your guarantee; and d. The details of your warranty.

ƒ Other details that are necessary to be placed on your terms and conditions are the following:

ƒ For those who are selling a product, it is important to provide details of the products, the expected delivery times, the terms of payment, and the kinds of payment that the company would accept.

a. A cancellation policy should also be provided.

b. If the company offers a subscrip-

tion, the terms and conditions of such subscription should be included here.

ƒ The privacy of your clients is also important as well as other legalities should be in this document, they are the following:

a. Limitation of your liability as a company.

b. Notification that you are using data collection policies compliant with the requirements of your country and compliant with the requirements of international law when it comes to data privacy.

c. A warning on plagiarism and liability for copying.

d. All other Terms that are required of you.

Now that you know the items that should be include in your company’s Terms and Conditions, it is important to always be updated with all of the latest requirements of your government and governing law.

Your Terms and Conditions should be the most flexible part of your website just so you can protect yourself with any kind of liability.

Katherine Hawes is principal at www.digitalagelawyers.com

to you by

Workers Blacktown is bringing you a place to enjoy life while staying connected to your Blacktown community, your local sports, your family and friends.

Exclusively for over 55’s and located next to Workers Sports Club, Parkside Lifestyle Community is planned to commence early 2023.

To receive progress updates and an invitation to events, express your interest at parksidelifestyle.com.au

Brought