WSBA - February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022 | EDITION 129

BUSINESS | LIFESTYLE

ESCAPE FROM LOCKDOWN

CUDDLES IS NOW A PET ROBOT

THE world’s most innovative film festival featuring productions undertaken on smartphones will feature notable entries from Western Sydney. Page 8.

ROBOTIC pets are becoming popular with Australia’s ageing Babyboomer population which is swapping rock ‘n roll for rocking chairs. Page 23.

VALUES

SOAR

West land values up 18.5% amid boom

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AND values have shot up by 18.5% across Western Sydney, reflecting the region’s booming property market. The latest land values have just been published for Western Sydney region and it is no surprise that there has been a dramatic increase in the figures. NSW Valuer General Dr David Parker released the land values for the region and they reflect the value of land only, as of July 1, 2021. Dr Parker said property sales were the most important factor valuers considered when determining land values. More page 10.

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Why Santa never came

Christmas trading was down 45%  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM T will always be known as the Christmas that Santa never arrived for small business in the greater Sydney region.

The December 2021 CreditorWatch Business Risk Index (BRI) has revealed that Australia’s trading activity was at its lowest point since the pandemic began due to the impacts of the Omicron variant.

Trade receivables for December were down a massive 45% on December 2020 figures.

Omicron conspired to ruin Christmas for many businesses through a combination of staff shortages, supply chain disruptions and consumers choosing to stay at home rather than go out and risk contracting COVID. The data also showed a dip in defaults, external administrations, payment arrears and court actions from November to December. Credit enquiries were also down after a 17% jump from October to November, although this was due to seasonality more than anything else.

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The nationality probability of default for December stands at 5.7%, down slightly from 5.79% in November.

Three regions of Western Sydney were in the top five regions most likely to default nationwide.

The default regions are: 1. Gold Coast – North QLD: 7.69%.

2. Canterbury NSW: 7.66%.

3. Springfield - Redbank QLD: 7.44%.

4. Merrylands – Guildford NSW: 7.79%..

5. Bringelly – Green Valley NSW: 7.74% Probability of default by industry number one was accommodation and food service 6.9% followed by arts and recreation services 4.7% and education and training 4.7%.

The lowest probability of default was manufacturing 3.5%, wholesale trade 3.5% and electricity, gas, water and waste Services 3.7%.

The number of defaults fell sharply in December 2021. That is hardly surprising given a spike of 53% in November.

Throughout 2021 the number of defaults averaged far lower than in 2020. Taking the last data points, defaults fell by 5.1% in the December 2021 quarter compared to the September quarter.

However, businesses are being protected by a relative degree of leniency still being afforded them by financial institutions and creditors. How that dynamic plays out in 2022 will tell a lot about the shape of Australia’s economic recovery against the backdrop of the uncertainty everybody faces.

“Everyone was expecting that the rapid spread of Omicron would have a significant adverse impact on Christmas trade, but few WSBA enables readers to appreciate and engage with the physical, community, cultural and business environments of one of Australia's fastest growing regions, Greater Western Sydney.

CONTENTS News Property Auto Films Travel Fitness Games Mens Health

would have predicted it to be this extreme,” CreditorWatch CEO Patrick Coghlan said.

“You can’t blame people for wanting to stay at home. We can only hope that the peak arrives soon and the business community can get back on its feet.”

He said Key Business Risk Index insights for December were: • Christmas trading activity the lowest on record due to impacts of Omicron • We expect trade activity to continue to slide during the first half of 2022.

• Defaults, external administrations, payment arrears and court actions have dropped. This is typically the case in December so we will be keenly watching the 2022 data for the size of the bounce.

The gong for the number of businesses with a proportion of payment arrears of 60 days or more belongs to the construction industry. Commercial activity has suffered in key areas such as offices and on the residential front, COVID has been no friend to a sector reliant on progressive payments.

Transport, postal and warehousing comes in next with an arrears rate of 9.4 % compared to 10.3% for construction. Supply constraints, COVID cases among workers and resulting strike action crippled this industry in late 2021.

Accommodation and food services is an industry where 9.3% of businesses are 60 days or more behind payments. Once lockdown restrictions eased in late 2021 there was so much promise for so many SMEs in this space.

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FEBRUARY 2022

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Free RSA course now available

HE NSW Government will fund 5,000 fee-free Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) courses to support new workers to enter the hospitality industry and help ease the staffing pressure on licensed hospitality venues.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the free courses will be available from February 7 and will allow more people to get the qualifications they need to enter the workforce during this critical time.

“The hospitality sector makes up over 2 per cent of total gross value added to the NSW economy and supports more than 300,000 jobs, which is why we are committed to supporting this critical industry,” Mr Kean said.

“By providing these free RSA courses we are not just supporting the hospitality sector during the current downturn, but

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are supporting the future of people who pick up an extra qualification courtesy of NSW Government funding.”

Minister for Hospitality and Racing

Kevin Anderson said the funding will help thousands of people to gain the skills to enter an in-demand industry.

“Staff shortages are adversely impact-

ing the hospitality sector which is why we are supporting more people to obtain skills and work to drive our economic recovery,” Mr Anderson said.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said refresher RSA courses will also be available free of charge from 7 February until the end of June.

“We are encouraging former hospitality workers to return to the sector by allowing anyone whose RSA competency card has expired within the past two years, or will expire before June 30, to complete a short online refresher course to renew their certification for free,” Mr Henskens said.

The RSA courses will be available through TAFE NSW and private providers who already offer government subsidised programs.

Funding for mental health program HE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to renew funding for a critical mental health program tailored to small business owners.

Acting Minister for Small and Family Business Anne Ruston announced that an additional $4.6M in funding will ensure Beyond Blue’s New Access for Small Business Owners program can expand and continue to assist small business owners who need mental health support.

A further $2.1M has also been announced to extend the Small Business Debt Helpline for 2022.

“I commend the Australian Govern-

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ment for supporting small business with this vital funding announcement,” Mr Billson says.

“Small business owners have endured so much over the past two years, pummelled by the pandemic and natural disasters. The road to recovery has been lengthy and challenging and that has understandably taken a toll on the bottom line and wellbeing.

“Critically, Beyond Blue’s successful New Access for Small Business Owners program will continue to offer free oneon-one telehealth sessions with specially trained mental health coaches providing evidence-based advice on strategies for managing stress.

“The additional funding will allow Beyond Blue to provide an extra six coaches to meet the needs of our small business community.

“The success of the New Access for Small Business Owners program is built on it being delivered by coaches who have experience in small business. Being able to speak to someone who understands the mental load of running a small business makes a big difference.

More information about the NewAccess for Small Business Owners program is available by calling 1300 945 301 or on the Beyond Blue website. Small business owners can contact the Small Business Debt Helpline by calling 1800 413 828 or visit https://sbdh.org.au/

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Lifeline for independent cinemas IBERAL candidate for Macquarie Sarah Richards is encouraging local independent cinemas to apply for grant funding under the second round of the Federal Government’s $20M Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund.

Ms Richards welcomed the Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, to Glenbrook Cinema, to meet with owners Ben and Fiona.

Glenbrook Cinema received funding under the first round of the SCREEN Fund.

Ms Richards said under the first round of the SCREEN Fund, more than $10M was allocated to 198 independent cinemas around the country, which included local operators.

“Last year, I was very pleased that funding flowed to our local independent cinemas, which made a real financial difference to those operators,” Ms Richards said.

“The Morrison Government listened to the

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independent cinema sector and delivered the required support to protect jobs and drive our economic recovery.

“Trading conditions remain difficult, so the federal government is again providing sensible economic management by opening a second round of funding.

“With Minister Fletcher in the Blue Mountains last week, I directly raised the need for funding to flow again to our local cinemas.

“Local cinemas are iconic and treasured institutions and I will be advocating hard on their behalf to help secure this funding.”

To help streamline the application process via Screen Australia, eligibility requirements for the second round of SCREEN funding will be the same as the first round, with the exception of the revenue period being reported on.

Applications under the second round close 5pm Friday, April 29, 2022.

Glenbrook cinema.

Hospital’s pathology lab expanded SW Health’s new pathology laboratory at Campbelltown Hospital has been doubled in size and received an equipment boost ensuring the people of south-west Sydney, one of the fastest growing areas in the country, has access to world-class testing facilities now and into the future.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Health Brad Hazzard visited the refurbished NSW Health Pathology laboratory, which was opened in late 2021 as part of the hospital’s $632M Stage 2 redevelopment.

“Our Government’s record health investment is increasing pathology

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capacity across Sydney’s South-West so families have faster access to diagnosis and treatment when they need it most,” Mr Perrottet said.

“The new laboratory ensures staff have the state-of-the-art tools and equipment they need to meet the needs of the growing hospital and community, with the capacity to process more than 80,000 diagnostic tests per month.

“NSW Health Pathology’s Campbelltown team has played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, processing rapid PCR test results for high-risk hospital inpatients.”

Mr Hazzard said in addition to increased processing and analysing capabilities for COVID-19, the expanded laboratory includes a larger blood bank, and biochemistry and specimen reception areas.

“The laboratory operates 24 hours, seven days a week, providing timely and accurate test results across all aspects of healthcare, and is crucial to detecting, diagnosing and treating disease and managing long-term health conditions,” Mr Hazzard said.

As part of a record $10.8B investment in health infrastructure across the state to 2024-25, the redevelopment of Campbell-

town Hospital will deliver a new clinical services building, set to be operational in mid-2022, along with a range of refurbishment and expansion works within existing buildings.

Completion of the new NSW Health Pathology laboratory complements previously completed enhancements to the hospital’s administration hub, Pharmacy Department, Clinical Information Department and Equipment Loan Pool service.

Learn more about the $632M Campbelltown Hospital redevelopment project at www. campbelltownredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au

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Our Brand The Academy’s brand has become synonymous with quality - both in the standard of talented young athletes we deal with, and the quality of our program content.

Western Sydney Academy of Sport graduates include numerous athletes who have competed at a national and international level: Jessica Fox OAM - triple Olympian (2012, 2016, 2021) and World Champion - Canoe/Kayak (Slalom); Taylah Tsitsikronis - Olympian (2021) - Softball Rachel Lack - Olympian (2021) - Softball Paige Hadley - Australian Diamonds Netball Squad and Captain of the NSW Swifts; Kim Ravaillion - Australian Diamonds Netball Squad; Amanda Spratt - Olympian (2012, 2021) - Cycling; Ian Borrows - Olympian (2016) - Canoe Slalom.

Regional Academies of Sport across NSW contribute significantly to both the economic and social value of local communities. Western Sydney Academy of Sport currently contributes to the regional economy through: Supporting over 200 sub elite athletes across a range of 11 sport programs; Facilitating over 4,150 volunteer hours which equates to 16 full time jobs; Creation of $4.9m in economic & social value for the region.

About Us The Western Sydney Academy of Sport is a non-profit community based sporting organisation that assists western Sydney’s talented young athletes achieve their sporting goals, through the provision of quality development programs. Academy programs provide localised training and development opportunities not only for the young athletes of the region, but also for coaches and administrators.

The Academy’s programs have established benchmark standards and value in the officially recognised development pathway for athletes in sport.

The Academy collaborates with State Sporting Organisations, the NSW Institute of Sport, professional sporting clubs and local Associations to ensure our programs are fully endorsed and provide an integrated step in the pathway for talented athlete development.

The Academy’s holistic programs provide not only on field development opportunities, they also focus on educational and personal development of the athlete.

Aside from laying the foundations for athletes to become better within their sport, foundations are also laid for the athletes to become better citizens within their communities.

The Academy receives funding from the NSW Government, but is not purely a government funded organisation. The Academy relies on the support of its major business partners, community partners and the partners aligned with each of the sport programs to continue to further develop and ensure the best possible service is provided to each and every young athlete, coach, official and administrator who progress through the organisation.

Penrith Stadium, 143 Station Street, Penrith NSW @WesternSydneyAcademyOfSport

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Partner With Us The Academy strives to align with strong business partners and supporters who share the same common vision and core values.

We are in a fortunate position to receive support from a number of partners who provide generous contributions toward the overall operations and success of the Academy. Each of our individual sport programs are supported by their own unique group of partners, who have a keen interest and involvement in that particular sport.

Our growing list of official suppliers ensure that we can continually offer the best possible products and services to our athletes, coaches, officials and administrators with preferred pricing and discounted purchases. Without our highly valued major business partners, sport program partners, official venues and suppliers, we would not be able to continue to deliver our services to the talented young athletes of Western Sydney.

The Academy offers a wide range of opportunities for all levels of partnership.

All partnership opportunities have a genuine community focus and allow your business to be aligned with a business committed to making a difference to the young athletes of western Sydney.

Just like your business, we appreciate that your objectives are unique. We can tailor any of the following partnerships to meet your specific requirements.

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Ambulance response rates concerning SW Ambulance response times are the worst they have been in at least a decade while the NSW Government has cut spending to the service, according to the latest Productivity Commission report.

The average wait time for the most urgent cases in the 2020/21 financial year were one full minute longer than the previous year in NSW, up to 12.3 minutes from 11.3 minutes–again exceeding the accepted target of 10 minutes.

It is the sixth slowest ambulance response time for urgent cases in capital cities across the country behind the ACT at 9 minutes, WA at 9.4 minutes, the NT at 9.5 minutes, Victoria at 10 minutes and Queensland at 11.3 minutes.

The report also found spending on NSW Ambulance went backwards at $140.9 per person in the population from $142.05 in the previous financial year.

The NSW Ambulance service remains

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critically under-resourced per head of population with only the St John’s Ambulance in

Western Australia having fewer paramedics per 100,000 people.

“The NSW Government’s decision to spend less on paramedics during the worst pandemic in 100 years is incomprehensible,” said Health Services Union NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes.

“Unprecedented pressure and fewer resources is a recipe for disaster. Wait times for urgent cases have blown out across the board and it’s the people of NSW and paramedics that are suffering.

“Ambulance response times can be the difference between life or death for a patient needing urgent medical treatment.

“Paramedics are at breaking point because there are simply not enough of them.

“The NSW Government needs to stop cutting funding to the service, employ more paramedics and also retain the ones we already have.

“That will only happen if their wages reflect the skills and productivity our paramedics contribute to the health and hospital system.”

Sydney Symphony for Blacktown City HE Sydney Symphony Orchestra will bring worldclass music to Blacktown City for a spectacular children’s event.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said Blacktown City Council, in collaboration with Blacktown Arts, was proud to partner with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to present ‘A Music Adventure– Emily Who & the Sydney Symphony’.

“This partnership with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will provide a wonderful opportunity to bring world-class music and musicians to Blacktown City for children to enjoy,” Mr Bleasdale said.

“This event will bring amazing musical talent to our

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WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS FEBRUARY 2022

own backyard and give our littlest musicians a chance to learn from some of the industry’s best.”

Singer Emily Who and musicians of the Sydney Symphony will combine their talents as children experience the sounds of a string quartet in an interactive musical mystery at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.

Children will learn about the violin, viola and cello as they solve a series of fun musical clues. They will stretch up high on their tip-toes and bend down low, all while listening and moving to different music.

The 30-minute concert is for children under 5 years of age and their parents.

A Music Adventure – Emily Who and The Sydney Symphony Date: Saturday, 12 February, 2022 at 11 am Location: The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown.

Tickets are $5 per person with all proceeds going to local charities. Entry is free for children 5 years and under.

Book tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a-music-adventureemily-who-the-sydney-symphony-tickets-228073543107

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Escape from Lockdown - filmed on smart phones.

Smartfone festival features WEST

Film makers embrace innovation

HE world’s most innovative film festival featuring productions undertaken on smartphones will feature several notable entries from Western Sydney in late February.

Australia’s hit international smartphone film festival is the SmartFone Flick Fest, or SF3, for short. And the bumper finals event will feature promise 70 films – including one by an Academy Award winner.

The festival’s seventh big year will be live on screen in-cinema in two venues on the weekend of February 26 and 27, plus online until March 13.

There were more than 300 entries for short films and 18 feature length films from countries all over the world.

Of these, more than 70 will feature online with curated programs for the festival’s

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ROUSE HILL

Gala Awards final, feature film and SF3 Mini screenings, SF3 Kids and SF360 categories.

The Gala Finals screening with its glittering awards ceremony takes place at Sydney’s Palace Chauvel Cinema, Paddington on Saturday February 26.

The 15 finalists include stunning short films from China, Italy, France, England and Scotland as well as a slew of Sydney, Melbourne and regional NSW entries.

Among them is “Leader” by English actor and filmmaker Chris Overton, a previous winner of an Academy Award for his short film “The Silent Child”.

Western Sydney entrants include Campbelltown’s Peter Majarich with «The Scharzschild Radius» in which an astronaut approaching a black hole delivers his final message...

The record number of SF3 Kids entries have been whittled down to the best 25 shorts by filmmakers 16 and under to be screened at the Actors Centre in Leichhardt on Sunday February 27.

Among the finalists is Jasmine Wastell of Revesby with «A Letter to a Friend».

This year’s Sydney lockdown meant the SF3 Mini category, formerly the ‘Iso’ Award, came into its own for films three minutes or less.

With a theme of “Rise”, these movies partnered with the United Nations Association of Australia.

Local filmmakers include Abbotsbury’s Brianna Collins with «Escape from Lockdown».

The nine best Feature Films selected include two superb Australian entries:

“One Punch” is by by AFTRS graduate Darcy Yuille and “Misplaced”, a stunning debut movie from Sydney’s James Demitri about grief and mental health.

Each will be screened with SF3 Mini programs on the Sunday. The finalists in the SF360, or 360 degrees movies will all screen online – due to Covid restrictions.

Co-founder Angela Blake said throughout the pandemic and snap lockdowns around the world, filmmakers had become more innovative than ever.

“Smartphones have enabled them to tell their stories during these extraordinary times.”

Her co-festival director -founder Ali Continued on page 9

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Movies filmed using smart phones.

Continued from page 8

Crew said: “With hard borders coming down–SF3 is looking forward to bringing filmmakers together from across the country and the world! for a true celebration of creativity and ingenuity.”

‘One Punch” feature filmmaker Darcy Yuille said SF3 was a top tier festival for smartphone films internationally.

“To be included in the official selection and have my film screen for a live audience is a huge honor.”

There is $50,000 worth of prizes on offer, including mentorships, classes, memberships, apps, lenses, mics, phones and tablets.

This year’s fest includes several innovations, including the inaugural SF3 First Nations Award – sponsored by Dolby.

On offer for the winners are mentorships with SF3’s new Indigenous Festival Ambassadors–journalist and producer Stan Grant, actor and director Wayne Blair and high profile screenwriter Jon Bell.

They join returning Festival Ambassadors Phillip Noyce, Kriv Stenders, Nicole da Silva, Jason van Genderen, Kerry Armstrong and Christopher Stollery.

The first ever SF3 Kids Ambassador is Emily Prior and the first African Ambassador is the Wanuri Kahiu from Kenya.

Among the more than 30 other awards across the five categories is the Filmbreaker award for first-time filmmakers titled Best Female Creative, Best Feature Film, two SF3 Kids Best Film awards for Teen and Junior Primary, plus three new ‘gongs’.

The three are Best Documentary, Best Editing and the SF3 Luma Touch, Finished

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on Mobile Award – for a film that is both shot and edited on a smartphone or tablet.

Legendary Australian filmmaker Phillip Noyce of “Rabbit-proof Fence”, “Heatwave” and “Bluu Drift” fame said: “A smart phone is an instant portal to the world. These innovators have no fear of technology, no barriers to expressing themselves.

“These are truly our next generation of cinema pioneers and I’m in awe of their films.”

For full details, bookings, access to online screenings and more, visit www.SF3. com.au Check the superb ‘sizzle reel’ here: https://youtu. be/l8azeIlc6qI

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Figures reflect property boom

West land values are up 18.5% Industrial land values in the region experienced a strong increase of 23.6% overall. These trends were driven by improved and proposed road transport infrastructure upgrades on the back of a booming industrial market in Sydney and lack of supply of serviced industrial land across Western Sydney not meeting increasing demand.

Liverpool and Penrith local government areas have shown stronger increases due to local industrial estates nearby to the Western Sydney Airport under construction at Badgerys Creek.

Rural land values also experienced very strong increases by 33.1% overall.

Many rural zoned areas located nearby or adjacent to existing and major planned rail and road infrastructure, that have mooted or established rezoning potential are additional factors influencing strong increases.

 DALLAS SHERRINGHAM AND values have shot up by 18.5% across Western Sydney, reflecting the region’s booming property market.

The latest land values have just been published for Western Sydney region and it is no surprise that there has been a dramatic increase in the figures.

NSW Valuer General Dr David Parker released the land values for the region and they reflect the value of land only, as at July 1, 2021.

Dr Parker said property sales were the most important factor valuers considered when determining land values.

“Land value is the value of the land only and does not include the value of a home or other structures,” Dr Parker said.

“Private contract valuers with expertise in their local areas have prepared the land values on behalf of the Valuer General, to determine new land values across the region.

“The valuers consider a range of factors in determining land value, including the features of the land and its legally permitted use.

“The Valuer General NSW department has quality assured the land values for fairness and consistency.”

Western Sydney West region local government areas include Blacktown, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Liverpool and Penrith.

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General overview The total land value for the Western Sydney West region experienced a strong increase between July 1 2020 and July 1 2021 from $240.6bn to $285.1bn.

Residential land values experienced a strong increase of 16.3% overall and occurred across the entire region.

The South West is benefiting from current and proposed development, as well as infrastructure projects and improved public and private transport networks around the Western Sydney Airport under construction at Badgerys Creek.

Calculate land tax

The South West region is a popular lower cost alternative area especially for the first home buyer market segment of the Sydney metropolitan area.

Commercial land values experienced a very strong increase of 30.3% overall. The movement in land values was not consistent across all market segments, however value uplifts in the commercial sector were driven by the demand for well-located properties in close proximity to infrastructure projects or with development potential.

Stronger increases in Fairfield were due in part to demand for higher density properties surrounding commercial precincts.

Revenue NSW will use the 1 July 2021 land values to calculate land tax for the 2022 land tax year.

Registered land tax clients will then receive a land tax assessment from Revenue NSW. “The latest land values for all properties in NSW are available on our website along with information on trends, medians and typical land values for each local government area,” Dr Parker said.

Dr Parker encouraged the public to visit: https://www. valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 110 038 for more information on land values and the valuation system.

The public can also find more information on land tax at: https:// www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/

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From oral to digital

Liverpool preserves it’s local history IVERPOOL City Library today announced that over 200 hours of detailed, local historical interviews will be preserved, after being awarded a Community Heritage Grant from the National Library of Australia.

Liverpool City Library was one of 52 community organisations to receive a share of the Community Heritage Grants which committed more than $389,000 to support community-led and volunteer-run organisations to care for their local history, stimulating local tourism and community wellbeing.

The Grant will facilitate the digitisation of local oral history recorded on analogue material from the 1980s to 2000s. The significant recordings detail fascinating aspects of Liverpool’s past dating back to the early twentieth century and include First Nations and migrant stories.

Currently held on 130 magnetic cassette tapes, the recordings will be digitised into high quality preservation files to protect them from the deterioration of old analogue formats, safeguarding important facets of Liverpool’s heritage.

Mayor of Liverpool Ned Mannoun said these interviews have immense local as well as national significance, given Liverpool’s history as Australia’s fourth oldest township behind Sydney, Parramatta and Hobart.

“We are delighted to be a recipient of this important grant which will ensure that our long and proud history lives on for generations to come,” Mayor Mannoun said.

“Our City has rapidly transformed from a semirural community into a thriving multicultural hub in South West Sydney over the last four decades.”

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Historical images from the Farewell to Badgery’s Creek, A Little Bit Country project.

“We are proud owners of these unique family histories and voices, providing researchers and members of the community with invaluable insights into the cultural impact of the changes that have occurred in Liverpool.”

The tapes hold interviews from the following five projects: 1. Farewell to Badgery’s Creek, A Little Bit Country, 1992: Residents recall life in an idyllic rural community ahead of the impending construction of the Western Sydney International Airport and the impact of this change on the community.

2. The Heart of a Place, 1992: Compiled by the Moorebank Womens’ Writing Group, residents from Moorebank, Chipping Norton, Hammondville and Holsworthy record unique family histories across several decades. The re-

cordings include descriptions of the impact of military settlements, social housing schemes and a simpler suburban life which echoes lifestyles across other Australian suburbs.

3. Looking Back on Liverpool, 19856: Recollections of life from everyday Australians, migrants and First Nations people in Liverpool from 1900 to 1960. Several themes are explored over these years including why migrants chose to settle in Liverpool, the Great War, school days, work and entertainment.

4. Edmondson Park South, 2012: Documenting the history of the former Ingleburn Army Defence Site, this recording includes interviews with former soldiers against the backdrop of Liverpool rapidly becoming a new residential and business centre.

5. On the Frontier, 1994 and Hargrave Park, Never Heard of It, 2007: Contains interviews with significant historians and community figures on Liverpool’s past and present.

Researchers and the broader community will have an opportunity to access the recordings through the Library’s online heritage collection from June this year.

“Our Libraries and the Liverpool Regional Museum are absolutely committed to preserving and promoting Liverpool’s cultural heritage, history and stories and this is another way we are doing this,” Mayor Mannoun said.

Members of Liverpool City Library have access to local and family history research services at Liverpool’s six branch libraries and specialised research services at the Liverpool Regional Museum and Family History Centre.

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WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS FEBRUARY 2022

PROPERTY SHOWCASE WESTERN SYDNEY

Published in Western Sydney Business Access | Parramatta Times | Blacktown News

The new rich in the west

Suburbs join magic $2M mark  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM N increasing number of suburbs in the west will join the magic $2M median house price in 2022, as Sydney’s property market continues to boom.

Suburbs threatening to reach the median price include Epping, Eastwood and Bella Vista, making the old key mark of $1M largely superfluous across the west.

Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee said a million-dollar home was now considered inexpensive, so you could say that $2m is the new $1M at a national level.

In 2021, the median house price in Sydney was around $1.5M and many suburbs out west recorded sales in this price range.

By comparison, 20 years ago a mere

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one per cent of NSW suburbs had a $1M plus median. Nowadays, suburbs like Old Toongabbie and Cabramatta West have recently joined the list, recording respective medians of $1.075M and $1.035M. Northmead and Roselands were joined

by Condell Park ($1.010M), Bankstown ($1.025M) and Georges Hall ($1,03M), all in the Canterbury Bankstown council area.

Glen Alpine (with a median of $1m) and Harrington Park ($1.185M), both more than 50km south-west of the CBD, and suburbs like Stanhope Gardens ($1,22M), Cecil Hills ($1.1M) and Heathcote ($1.2M) joined the million-dollar club.

Glenbrook ($1.2M) in the Blue Mountains was another region to top the figure.

They were part of a string of suburbs across Sydney’s west and south joining the ranks of the city’s ever-expanding mil-

lion-dollar club, as seven-figure house sales become the norm in the booming property market.

Significant growth Data shows more than half the city’s suburbs – some more than 50km from the CBD – have recorded a seven-figure median house price.

Suburbs hovering around the $1m mark and considered good buying opportunities include Wetherill Park, Milperra, Girraweeen, Punchbowl, Holsworthy, Auburn, Canley Vale, Greystanes, Regents Park., Rosehill, Yagoona, Merrylands, Sefton, Wiley Park, Wilberforce, Prairiewood, Quakers Hill, St Johns Park and Bass Hill.

Just under $1M are Casula, Edmonton Park, Chester Hill, Guilford, Hammondville, Marsden Park, Scofields and Seven Hills.

The end of 2021 property report for the west showed average prices from Emerton, Tregear and Bidwill ranging from the late $500,000 mark.

It’s all part of a wider nationwide trend and takes in the Central Coast which one of the hottest markets in Australia right now.

In just seven months, more than 300 suburbs in Australia reached a median value of $1m with Sydney the biggest winner, as prices across the country skyrocketed 22% in 2021.

There are now 1120 suburbs that can count themselves as part of the million-dollar club or higher in Australia, lifting the total nationwide to 38% of suburbs, CoreLogic data showed.

In Sydney, there are now 417 suburbs with median prices of $1M or more, which was first achieved in 2016.

HOW TO WIN THE WEST WESTERN SYDNEY MEDIA ALLIANCE DECEMBER 2021| |EDITION EDITION126 128 OCTOBER 2021

CELEBRATE FUNDING Sydney Hills

Chamber’s Local business plan for arts awards sector: feature:416

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POLITICS Why new State leadership Dune – 5 Stars. is good for The greatest the West: 2

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PCOVID LESSONS WSABE 2021 celebrates hope, resilience

ARRAMATTA Chamber of Commerce found- 2021, about 700 guests gathered at ATC, Rosehill immaculately dressed in theme ‘Back in Black’ with ed the Western Sydney Awards for Business Gardens to celebrate business excellence in the a touch of gold celebrating hope and resilience.

Excellence in 1990, affectionately known region. After what has been the most challenging The resilience of the business community in EEP saying the risk of getting a24, side effect to AstraZeneca renowned experts held recently a collaboration Access News “ as WSABE. Onthat Wednesday, November period of our working lives, guests flowed, Westernby Sydney is second toofnone.

More page 17. is one person sitting in a full SCG, and the risk of dying from it Australia and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research. The panel, is one in a million - the equivalent to a lightning strike.” Vivid who hail from a range of disciplines, spoke about their take on the stats voiced by infectious disease expert Professor Tony Cunningham lessons learned from COVID, and their prognosis of future trends in a as he took part in a Regional Roundtable webinar of internationally post-pandemic world. See pages 4,5.

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What it might look like to have flying cars over Parramatta CBD.

Thank you to all our readers and advertisers for your support during 2022 and we look forward to returning with some exciting new projects in 2022.

ITS beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the City of Parramatta with an assortment of fun Yuletide activities for people of all ages to enjoy. See page 12.

WEST WINNERS

WWW.PARRAMATTATIMES.COM.AU WWW.PARRAMATTATIMES.COM.AU

ParramattA

160 YEARS

CARS OVER CBD OF GROWTH C AN you imagine cars flying above the Parramatta CBD? Parramatta Chamber of Commerce president Luke Magee can certainly see it as a possibility after the N its 160 years asTimes a localdiscussed government area, from Parramatta certainly hassuggesting grown up -the all Parramatta a report University of NSW the way to thewas sky.not Four after a ceremony commemorating the declaration ofto concept fardays away.

“I hope it can be something we can look forward Parramatta as a municipality, Sydney’s burgeoning second city welcomed Premier in the future. It would be good for Parramatta, with its lack of parking,” Mr Magee said.

Dominic Perrottet to the “topping out” ceremony of the 225 metre 55 storey high 8 “These flying cars could work like the proposed driverless cars where you park them Parramatta Square, which, with adjoining 4 and 6 Parramatta Square, will house 9500 outside the city and they come to pick you up." More page ͢2.

NSW Government workers. More page 8.

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ISSUE 7 | OCTOBER 2021

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%ඔඉඋඓග඗ඟN COVID Guide to vaccination centre across Blacktown: 19

COMMUNITY NITY rren Vale Warren Hardy, ity community warrior: 14 Special free event for you and your business: 13

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IGH growth greenfield precincts in Blacktown will benefit from a share of $139M being handed out by the State Govt this year. The cash is up for grabs for eight Western Sydney councils as applications have opened for round two of the Accelerated Infrastructure Funding (AIF). More page 4.

Key to business relationships: 7

From top left clockwise: Grange Avenue, Loftus St and Glengarrie Rd all projects for possible development under the AIF program.

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WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS FEBRUARY 2022

NEWS

www.accessnews.com.au

West’s dreaded problem

$33M grant to battle flooding  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM VERY time it rains in Western Sydney, 140,000 residents and businesses go on red alert waiting for a possible flood to immerse their property.

The floods are increasingly becoming a part of life in the West and the announcement of a $33m program to combat problem will be welcome news for thousands of residents in the affected areas.

The Australian and New South Wales governments announced the funding which will identify more than 100 infrastructure improvements to “boost the resilience of the flood evacuation network throughout the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley”.

The project, which is being jointly funded on a 50:50 basis, will provide a plan of works to improve flood evacuation in the region such as road widening, new culvert and bridge structures, road raising, pinch point upgrades and drainage improvements.

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher said it was a vital investment, with 140,000 people currently living or working in the valley.

“The Federal Government is committed to the safety and wellbeing of residents across the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, which has the highest flood risk in NSW,” Mr Fletcher said.

“This jointly funded planning study is an important step towards developing a program of works that will help improve the resilience of the local road network and support an efficient evacuation in the event of flooding.”

NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said that, following the release of the State Government’s Flood Risk Management Strategy in 2017, Transport for NSW had identified a need for road infrastructure improvements across four Western Sydney Local Government Areas.

“These improvements include road widening, new culvert and bridge structures, road raising, pinch point upgrades and drainage improvements,” Ms Ward said.

“The NSW Government is working together with local councils and communities to manage risk and build flood resilience in this key area of Western Sydney.

The broader strategy “This will help ensure that both local issues and the broader strategy are considered to achieve best outcomes.”

Liberal Senator for Western Sydney Marise Payne said the infrastructure plan would establish a pipeline of critical projects that would help cement Western Sydney’s economic recovery.

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Drone view of flooding at Pittown, before above and after below.

“This plan will make our communities safer at the same time as generating local jobs across a variety of sectors,” Senator Payne said.

Minister for Western Sydney and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres said the Hawkesbury Nepean Flood Strategy was a comprehensive plan to manage the risk posed by floods.

“It will manage road upgrades to make them more flood resilient and to help enable evacuations in the event of a serious flood are an important part of that plan.”

Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh is advocating for this funding to be administered as quickly as possible.

“During the March 2021 floods, Llandilo, Castlereagh, Londonderry, Agnes Banks were severely impacted by these damaging and dangerous floods,” Ms McIntosh said.

“So many families suffered damage to their homes, their properties, livestock and many were left with damaged homes or lost possessions. Our community needs this critical infrastructure to lessen the impact of future floods.

“I look forward to this rolling out as quickly as possible and to see the installation of drainage and road upgrades to ensure our community is kept as safe as possible during floods.”

Transport for NSW will work with local councils in the valley to deliver the improvements, which have been identified across state, local and regional roads.

The majority of projects will be undertaken in Penrith Local Government Area, with others in the Hawkesbury, Blacktown and The Hills Local Government Area.

For more details about the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Road Resilience Program, go to: https:// roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/ flood-resilience-program/index.html.

Local entertainment Watch locally made films. Stay up to date on infrastructure.

Watch profiles of regional leaders. www.netwerx.tv WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS FEBRUARY 2022

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WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS FEBRUARY 2022

AUTO

www.accessnews.com.au

Turbo-petrol, hybrid and PHEV power available alongside next-gen safety  MATT BROGAN EXUS will roll out its next-generation NX into Australian showrooms from January 2022.

The five-seat SUV will be priced from $60,800 (plus on-road costs) and offer various engine choices, including a direct-injection 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol, and both petrol-electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Two- and all-wheel drive configurations will also available.

In addition to the broad powertrain line-up on offer, Lexus says the NX will debut a range of next-generation design and technology features, including new safety and connectivity features. Four trim grades will be offered, in conjunction with Lexus’ optional Enhancement Packs.

"The all-new Lexus NX combines luxury specification and famous Takumi craftsmanship with next-generation design and a level of technology that extends from active safety and security to infotainment and powertrains," Lexus Australia Chief Executive Scott Thompson said.

"The range starts with a focus on lightness and agility, extends to our renowned best-selling hybrid-electric system, and a focus on power with an all-new turbocharged petrol engine and a high-performance, low-emissions PHEV." The NX range begins with the NX 250.

Fitted with a 152kW/243Nm normally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, the two-wheel drive variant debuts Lexus’ “human-centric” Tazuna cockpit, which includes power adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and a 9.8-inch infotainment array featuring “Hey Lexus!” voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity, plus DAB+ digital radio reception.

The entry-grade NX also features 18inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist, a power-operated tailgate, as well as an extensive range of safety technologies. The NX 250 includes safe exit assist (SEA) with new e-latch electrically activated door handles, which can detect cyclist and passing vehicles and prevent the Lexus’ doors from being opened.

The Lexus-first system joins intersection-turn assist (ITA), emergency steering assist (ESA), parking support brake

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(PKSB), blind-spot monitor (BSM), dynamic radar active cruise control (DRCC), lane-tracing assist (LTA), and road-sign assist (RSA). All NX derivatives are further equipped with Lexus Connected Services, which includes SOS call functionality.

Lexus says the NX 250 will accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds and has a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 6.9 litres per 100km.

The Enhancement Pack (+$3000) for the NX 250 includes a wireless phonecharging pad, moonroof, and kick sensor for the powered tailgate.

Moving up the price sheet, the $65,600 (+ORCs) NX 350h Luxury range will arrive with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine coupled to an electric motor. The maximum combined power for two-wheel drive variants is listed at 179kW/239Nm (petrol engine), with the electric motor adding its own 270Nm kick.

On all-wheel drive variants, the peak output of the electric motor is 391Nm. Both variants feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Lexus says the two-wheel-drive NX 350h Luxury can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds and the AWD variant is a second faster. Optimal combined-cycle fuel economy is 5.0 litres per 100km. The NX 350h’s equipment levels are otherwise identical to those of the NX 250.

The Enhancement Pack (+$3000) for

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS FEBRUARY 2022

the NX 350h is identical to that offered on the NX 250.

Next up is the NX 350h Sports Luxury.

Priced from $73,100 (+ORCs), the mid-tier derivative is available in two- and all-wheel drive guises, but offers additional equipment compared with its Luxury-spec siblings. Extra features include 20-inch alloys, tri-beam LED headlights, leather-accented upholstery, a larger 14.0-inch infotainment screen, 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, colour head-up display, 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, digital rear-view mirror, wireless smartphone charging pad and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.

Priced from $73,000 The NX 350h Sports Luxury is available with two enhancement packs. Enhancement Pack 1 (+$3000) adds a panoramic moonroof, while Enhancement Pack 2 (+$6000) adds a panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel, digital rear-view mirror, parking assistant ¬ this marks the first time automatic reverse parallel and perpendicular parking has been offered on a Lexus NX. The F Sport range is also priced from $73,100 (+ORCs) and is offered with the hybrid powertrain found in the NX 350h or with a 205kW/430Nm 2.4-litre turbo-petrol engine and eight-speed automatic combination. Lexus says the latter can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 7.0 seconds and return a combined cycle fuel economy

figure of 8.1 litres per 100km.

F Sport derivatives include a sports body kit, body-coloured wheel arches, black window surrounds, scuff plates, perforated leather-accented steering wheel and transmission lever, alloy pedals, sports seats, Hadori aluminium ornamentation, and fivemode Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with performance dampers front and rear.

Lexus’ F Sport range is available with the same enhancement packs offered on the NX 350h Sports Luxury.

Finally, and priced from $89,900 (+ORCs) is the NX 450h+ F Sport allwheel drive. The range-topping variant merges the equipment from standard NX F Sport grades with a moonroof, heated steering wheel and a digital rear-view mirror.

The NX 450h+ F Sport is powered by a 227kW plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.5-litre petrol engine and dual electric motors – one on each axle. Power is sourced from an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which Lexus says can provide an all-electric driving range of up to 87km. The flagship variant is said to be capable of accelerating 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds and its optimal combined cycle fuel economy is rated at just 1.3 litres per 100km.

There are no further enhancement packages available on the NX 450h+ F Sport.

The Lexus NX range is available in eight paint colours: Sonic Quartz, Titanium, Sonic Chrome, Onyx, Graphite Black, Caliente, Khaki Metal and Celestial Blue.

F Sport variants are further offered with an additional two paint colours: White Nova and Cobalt Mica.

Four upholstery colours are available across the range: Hazel, Black & Rich Cream, Dark Rose, and Black. F Sport variants are available with F Sport Black, F Sport White and F Sport Flare Red. All Lexus passenger vehicles are backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants receive a 10-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty on the battery.

2022 Lexus NX pricing* NX 250 (a) $60,800 NX 350h Luxury (a) $65,600 NX 350h Luxury AWD (a) $70,400 NX 350h Sports Luxury (a) $73,100 NX 350h F Sport (a) $73,100 NX 350h Sports Luxury AWD (a) $77,900 NX 350 F Sport AWD (a) $77,900 NX 350h F Sport AWD (a) $77,900 NX 450h+ F Sport AWD (a) $89,900 *Pricing excludes on-road costs.

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FILMS with Jacob Richardson

www.accessnews.com.au

Belfast – 5 Stars A BEAUTIFUL movie, musing on the importance and extent of family.  JACOB RICHARDSON uch like family, though at times the film may frustrate, ultimately you feel more fully realised and whole on leaving the cinema than on entering.

Buddy ( Jude Hill) is a young kid growing up in Belfast, Ireland. His poor but peaceful life is disturbed, however, when the growing troubles between Protestants and Catholics bursts over, leading to violence in his streets, the army in presence, and his father (Jamie Dornan) returned from his fly-in fly-out job in England concerned for his family.

Buddy’s Pa feels the danger of these times is too much for his two sons and wife, and wants to move the family to England, but his Ma (Caitriona Balfe) loves Belfast, and has lived there her whole life; she doesn’t want to leave.

Throw into the mix Buddy’s grandparents, Granny ( Judi Dench) and Pop (Ciaran Hinds), who are dealing with Pops declining health, and you have a pressure cooker of danger, longing and memory; all while Buddy just wants to play in the street and

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romance his young classmate.

An evidently introspective and personal film from director Kenneth Branagh, Belfast is a quiet and explorative piece that in many respects seems told through the child’s eye.

Whether it’s the slow parsing of information our lead character, Buddy, won’t have been privy to, or the often-low camera angles–both upwards of adults, and cropped to remove upper halves of bodies out of the field of view–the film showcases life for a child during this period, in a world of gigantic happenings.

Presented in black and white with the occasional splash of colour, the film hints at modernity while maintaining a varnished sheen of remembered history.

There are some striking visuals; whether it’s the initial riot, some crowded and gorgeous set decoration behind young Buddy’s grandparent’s house, or the flickering flames of a midnight neighbourhood patrol in the centre of a tiny street The movie presents as art, almost as much as it does story. The visuals, even sans colour, capture the imagination and alight the mind, letting you chase down thoughts to fill in the gaps of these characters.

Buddy has a definite love of cinema, often taken by his grandma and family to see films of the period.

The joyous charm with which this is presented brings a glowing warmth to the movie, and for much of the first two thirds of the film, these moments of levity and warmth glue together the family unit in our eyes; make us realise that and why these people love one another, despite the troubles afflicting them.

Performance-wise, the movie is full of gorgeous work. Dornan, continuing to distinguish himself as the go-to Irish leading man of the period, does great work as the compassionate, strong and kind father, while Caitriona Balfe as the mother is also fantastic.

As Granny, Judi Dench does a heck of a lot with only a handful of scenes, and even fewer important dialogue moments.

Similarly, as Pop, Ciaran Hinds has a lot of eye-twinkling gravitas to imbue in the film.

Together, Dench and Hinds bring the

Spencer – 5 Stars A captivating performance from Kristen Stewart anchors a beautifully presented, but ultimately heartbreaking tale.  JACOB RICHARDSON T’S Christmas time, and the Royal Family is taking a holiday break at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. What should be a joyous time, however, has been grievously marred; Princess Diana (Kristen Stewart) is struggling with her mental health problems, and is in the throes of deciding to end her decade-long marriage to Prince Charles (Jack Farthing).

Her mental state isn’t helped by the watchful eye of new valet, Major Alistar Gregory (Timothy Spall). As she deteriorates over the three days, she finds comfort in her sons William (Jack Nielen) and Harry (Freddie Spry), and surprising allies in her

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dresser Maggie (Sally Hawkins) and chef Darren (Sean Harris).

Pablo Larrain, of Jackie directorial fame, directs this interesting and at times exceedingly tense biopic about one of the most famous women on Earth. Larrain obviously has a near superhuman grasp of this material, and he expertly sets this apart from the fantastic Netflix series The Crown; delivering a truly unique and must-see film that breaks through the miasmatic glut of Royal family content we have been subjected to in recent years.

Core to the success of Spencer is the stunning performance of the lead actress.

Kristen Stewart’s recent years of work in indie films, and even more recent toe-dipping back into mainstream cinema, have solidified her acting talent in the viewing public

far apart from her early work in the Twilight saga, but Spencer takes the cake.

For those in the know, it will be a welcome sight; for the unconverted, an indisputable display of talent. She’s a tour de force in this role, delivering a pitch perfect take on the people’s princess, while also bringing a lot of nuance and grace often without any verbosity.

Couple that with stunning cinematography. Visually, the film feels like a more artistic take on the already beautiful The Crown.

Whereas that series may be dark, contrasty and moody, this feels pastel and light; completely at odds with Diana’s mood.

It brings a sense of whimsy and levity to the visuals that (a) transports you back to the period quite well, particularly with the

emotional heart to the film; you may well cry at the trajectories their characters have, and their dialogue will stay with you long after leaving the cinema.

In the end, Belfast is a period piece that opens the eye to a deeply personal and individualistic perspective on one of the most recent armed conflicts in the Western world, and certainly one of the most recent significant religious conflicts.

But it keeps all this as a background curtain to the story of a kid and his family; his love for his town, his burgeoning love of the pictures, and above all else, a family’s uncanny ability to grow, adapt and stay together, despite the troubles thrown at them.

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

gentle haze misting each frame and (b) further heightens the suspense associated with Diana. There’s some truly on edge moments in this movie, and they play out in pastel royal dreamworlds.

These places feel like they are beyond the issues of us normal people, which is why when Diana suffers in these settings, it feels all the more wrong.

There’s a lot to love about this beautiful movie. Stewart brings whimsy to Diana that makes an already likeable underdog even more fun to watch, and her performance is legendary. The visuals are gorgeous, and mix fantasy with the most piercing historical period work.

The costuming is iconic, and Larrain stirs up as many of Diana’s most famous fashions as he can. Amongst all of that, and grounded in a story we know so well, the pacing is kept tight and runs over a simple three-day period, so Spencer never overstays its welcome.

Larrain’s previous work with Jackie was good, but frankly inessential viewing.

Spencer suffers no such flaw; it’s a movie that has to be seen on the big screen, more than once.

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

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS FEBRUARY 2022

TRAVEL with Dallas Sherringham

www.accessnews.com.au

Too hot? Too far? Too dear?

Dispelling myths of NT full of energy following an afternoon downpour.

There's nothing more 'Top End' than sitting back on the patio and watching afternoon storms roll in – preferably with a cold beer in hand!

 DALLAS SHERRINGHAM F you have dreamt of visiting the Northern Territory but are worried about making the journey, there are a few myths that you should dispel right from the start.

Maybe you tell yourself that it’s too hard, too hot, or it’s too far, or it’s too expensive.

Well, I’m here to tell you that the NT really does have something for everyone.

I have toured the Territory and Western Queensland in a 4wd, a campervan, a bus and a Toyota 4 cylinder sedan. The roads are good and the driving is easy.

So, it's time to bust the top seven myths about the NT!

I

Myth 6: The Territory is too expensive

Myth 1: The Northern Territory is too hot Australia is just about as hot as it gets, so a trip to the NT must be a mercury-busting experience, right?

Wrong! Whether you're in the Top End, the Red Centre or anywhere in-between, the NT is in fact one of the coolest places you've never been.

Darwin is famed for its waterholes and swimming lagoons – many of which are in and around the city itself. Darwin's waterfront Wave Lagoon generates artificial swell year round, while the Swimming Pool has waterslides and aquatic fun for the whole family.

There are beautiful waterholes where you can cool down all over the NT. In the Top End you can visit Gunlom Plunge Pool or Jim Jim Falls at Kakadu National Park and both the Litchfield National Park at 1.5 hours from Darwin and Berry Springs, just 45 minutes from Darwin will let you cool down in natural surroundings. If you're going swimming in the Top End, always check the signs and Be Crocwise.

Even in the Red Centre you'll find natural waterholes all year round which are perfect for a swim. The Tjoritja / West McDonnell region is home to Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen and many more refreshing places to cool off.

And for residents from Australia’s east or south coasts, the NT's temperate winter – which coincides with the Northern Territory’s dry season – provides an excellent escape in the cooler months. Just imagine sitting back with a cocktail in June while all your friends are shivering away down south!

Myth 2: The Northern Territory is too far away This is a total misconception–the NT is actually much closer than you think.

Qantas, Virgin Australia, Tigerair and Jetstar all operate regular domestic flights into the NT from most major Australian

capital cities. You could be in Darwin, Alice Springs or Uluru in just a bit longer than the time you waste during your average Sydney traffic jam.

If you have a bit more time, the Ghan Railway is internationally renowned for both its scenery and its luxury, while self-driving experiences let you combine getting there with the fun of actually being there.

Myth 3: The Northern Territory is too rugged I know that the NT has a reputation for being rough and rugged and if you're looking for your modern day Crocodile Dundee then the NT has its fair share of characters.

In fact, for many tourists, this is the appeal of a trip to the Territory.

But a trip to the Territory doesn't mean you have to rough it. You can do the NT in style, whether you're in the city or in the heart of the Outback. In recent years, the luxury accommodation scene in the Northern Territory has exploded.

In the Red Centre, go glamping in a luxury Dreamtime Escarpment tent near Kings Canyon, rest and recuperate at Longitude 131 in Uluru.

In Katherine, the Cicada Lodge is an Aboriginal owned-and-operated 5-star resort, situated right alongside Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. You can experience a range of relaxing activities, from canoeing down the pristine gorge to enjoying a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise.

Just two hours east of Darwin and on the door-step of Kakadu National Park lies Wildman Wilderness Lodge, a frontier-like

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS FEBRUARY 2022

experience with all the creature comforts you're accustomed to. Just west of Kakadu National Park on the Mary River floodplains you will find Bamurru Lodge, a stunning retreat that combines luxury and natural beauty.

Myth 4: The Northern Territory is too dry Look at a map or a postcard and you might think the Territory is one big, long desert. But look a little closer and you'll see that the NT possesses some of the most pristine and secluded waterholes on the planet.

In the Red Centre, there are plenty of waterholes just a short drive from Alice Springs, including Ellery Creek – which has its own gorgeous picnic area – and Redbank Gorge, where you can go tubing through ancient rock formations and tree-lined creeks.

Myth 5: The Northern Territory is too wet OK, so I convinced you that the NT is not too dry – but is it too wet? The famous Northern Territory wet season sees monsoonal rain each year, but that's certainly not a reason to stay home!

The Top End bursts to life in the wet season from November to April), when the waterfalls and natural landscape come alive with color and vibrance. If you want to really experience the Top End's luscious beauty, why don't you try a helicopter tour, a river cruise or an airboat ride? The wet season gives you access to some stunning natural wonders that you simply couldn't see if the rivers weren't flowing. Meanwhile, further south, you can watch dry river beds become

Earlier I mentioned that the NT is luxurious and modern – so does that mean it's expensive? Hardly. The NT has something for travellers on any budget. The temperate climate means camping is a cheap yet comfortable option, while the popularity of the Territory among Australian and international backpackers means that hostel accommodation is very affordable. What's more, an NT holiday is a unique experience like no other–the benefits will easily outweigh any costs.

Not sold yet? Remember that the best parts of the NT are free – the stunning natural beauty doesn't cost a cent. Whether it is a sunset walk around the Darwin Waterfront and a swim in the free lagoon, or visiting one of the local museums or art galleries, you can have a memorable time on a shoestring while in the Top End. In the Red Centre, all you need is a car, a tank of petrol and a full picnic basket to enjoy the natural wonders of the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. Don't forget to bring your swimmers, because you'll need them for the Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Australia's prettiest and most secluded swimming spots.

If you prefer bushwalking, you can head to Kings Canyon for some breathtaking outdoor experiences. Hike along the Kings Canyon's Rim Walk, or take the easier Kings Creek Walk through the creek bed, all the while observing the native wildlife and natural scenery. Cost of entry? Free!

Myth 7: I just don't have enough time to visit The NT is big, broad and beautiful, but the distances in the Northern Territory are not prohibitive. You don’t need months to explore it – although that would be a great way to spend a few months, we have to say.

No matter where you live, a long-weekend trip to either the Top End or the Red Centre is a great option.

In the Red Centre, a number of tour operators such as AAT Kings provide one, two or three-day tours that pack in all the highlights.

In the Top End, a long weekend in Darwin is a great option, including a day trip to swim in the waterfalls and explore the beauty of Litchfield National Park.

Sources: Northern Territory, authors travel notes.

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FITNESS with Adam Simpson

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Alcohol VS health, fitness goals  ADAM SIMPSON FTEN, I see people who have weight loss and training goals undo their hard work or minimise their results by consuming too much alcohol.

With Summer and the silly season almost behind us, I thought it might be a good opportunity to convey my thoughts on how you can manage your alcohol consumption and still reach your health and fitness goals.

Although I would never really recommend anyone drinking alcohol, many of you are like myself and do enjoy a social drink every now and then. Below are some tips you should follow or keep in mind when you are out enjoying a drink.

1. Calories add up! If you have been reading my articles, you would know by now that consuming too many calories is the main factor which will decide whether you lose body fat or not. If you are planning to go drinking on a night out and your goal is to lose or maintain weight it can be very deceiving the amount of drinks you can have before you've stacked on a whole lot of empty calories. Aim to not go over four or so standard drinks or at the very least choose drinks which are lower calorie options.

2. Make sure you eat! If you are going out on a night drinking, make sure you eat a healthy meal and try to fill up a little bit.

Not only do all the calories that you drink add up quickly, but the calories from the late-night Kebab or Takeaway joint can really compound on this. You may have been eating and training well all week but then consuming over 4000 calories in a single night is going to undo all of that good work you have put in. Aim to plan

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“

Aim to not go over four or so standard drinks or at the very least choose drinks which are lower calorie options.”

ahead and try have lower calorie snacks as your go to.

3. The lazy next day! If you have a big night out and are feeling a little sorry for yourself the following day, it can be easy to sloth about on the lounge and graze on too many foods that you probably shouldn’t.

My advice is to get up and get moving as soon as possible. Drink plenty of water, have a healthy breakfast and get some light exercise in. You definitely do not need to go smash yourself in the gym. But get out and

go for a walk and get your day started. After overconsuming the night before, the last thing you need is another high calorie day with little to no movement.

4. Don't eat less during the day. With the idea of saving your calories for alcohol!! You will feel far worse off. Instead try and eat a well-balanced diet on the day you are planning on drinking. Make sure you include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and get in a good amount of protein.

5. Like anything moderation is the key.

It is important to enjoy yourself and have a good time with family and friends.

If you enjoy a drink, go for it, but try not to go overboard. If you have too many it is not the end of the world, just get your health back on track the following day and minimise the damage.

Adam Simpson is lead trainer and founder at Repetitions Group fitness and Personal Training.

Visit: www.repetitionspt.com.au

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CROSSWORDS/GAMES

Solutions page 23

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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Little jerks 5. Head downtown?

10. Help in a holdup 14. Balming target 15. Beyond partner 16. Screenplay direction 17. T-bone region 18. Medical research goals 19. Every family has one 20. Illuminated 23. Holiday follower?

24. Skiier's challenge 25. Unlike a litterbug 27. Palindromic windmill part 30. End of two state names 33. Scratch, say 36. Better copy?

38. Bahrain bread 39. Passed with ease 41. Genetic info carrier 42. Arboreal abode 43. Things to rattle 45. Fishtail, e.g.

47. Daydreamer's limit?

48. Fit to be fare 50. Killed, as a dragon 53. Tux accessory 54. Prepare for hanging 57. Wrestling area 59. Serving as a diplomat 64. Beer selections 66. Hindu grouping 67. Tat-tat intro 68. Folk facts 69. Pagoda roofing 70. Black cat, some think 71. It may come before "we forget" 72. Failed as a sentry 73. Bird's perch, perhaps

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DOWN 1. Chaucer bit 2. They may be clicked on 3. Flu symptom 4. Grad-to-be 5. Bushwhacker's tool 6. Go to the edge of 7. The good olde days 8. Cooking place 9. Transmit anew 10. Back on a battleship 11. Crooners, often 12. Creation location 13. "High School Musical" extra 21. Main mail drop (abbr.)

22. Disconnected, as a phone line 26. Like siblings 28. Chances in Vegas 29. Roller Derby milieus 31. Checklist item 32. Pretentiously stylish 33. Attack deterrent 34. Military sch.

35. Enrolls 37. Barbary ape's lack 40. The red 44. Inner city concern 46. Most absurd 49. Official orders 51. Emotion of the miffed 52. Long and thin 55. Sight from Biscayne Bay 56. Gourmand 57. Shoppers' site 58. Ubiquitous lily relative 60. Place for some polish 61. "Cast Away" setting 62. Manual component 63. A driver may change one 65. Firm or fixed

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GAMES SOLUTIONS

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TRENDS

Cuddles is now a pet robot

Big growth of robot therapy  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM obotic pets are becoming popular with Australia’s ageing Babyboomer population which is swapping rock ‘n roll for rocking chairs.

Demand for the robotic pet therapy is on the rise following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and is developing into a stand-alone industry with huge possibilities, The Commission was told residential care facilities had found animatronic pet therapy was an innovative way to address challenges in the sector and reduce the need for physical and chemical restraint.

While use of robots in some industries and markets is causing ethical, economic and performance related challenges, demand is high in the healthcare sector, particularly in local aged care facilities in Australia and New Zealand, as well as the United States and United Kingdom.

Ageless Innovation CEO and Co-Founder Ted Fischer said studies recognised by the American Journal of Medicine had shown robotic pet therapy was effective in improving the quality of life and care for older adults and should be considered as part of an overall treatment plan.

“Independent clinical research has shown that animatronic pets reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and improve quality of care and life for older adults,” he said “This reduces agitation, anxiety and use of medication for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,” Mr Fischer said.

“We have seen a rise in demand for animatronic pets for ageing loved ones, especially those who largely cannot look after animals, but seek comfort and mechanisms to combat loneliness and bring relief.

“For those who can no longer care for a living animal, animatronic pets are a safer and more predictable alternative and the older adult population is one which could benefit most from the physical and emotional benefits of joy, companionship, and the power of play,” Mr Fischer said.

Carinity Hilltop Aged Care at Kelvin Grove in Brisbane has three Joy for All Companion Pets.

Residential Manager Ramandeep Gill said residents were responding well to the

R

animatronic therapy.

“Interacting with animatronic pets can help to improve residents’ health and wellbeing and social interaction, providing opportunities for residents to share stories about the pets they had in their younger years,” Ms Gill said.

“Some residents living with dementia who may be unresponsive to other therapies may brighten up, pat and talk to the Companion Pet,” she said.

For aged care resident Teresa Nunan, the animatronic pets bring back memories

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of her former cat ‘Cuddles’, which has now been replaced by the new ‘Cuddles’, one of three animatronic pets at Carinity Hilltop.

Leading Aged Care Services Australia’s Head of innovation Merlin Kong, said innovation played a central role in supporting older Australians towards better ageing.

“As the proportion of Australians aged over 65 is projected to grow steadily over the coming decades, this requires creative solutions and the ability to implement,” Mr Kong said.

“Technology is pivotal in age services

innovation. The right care technology is one that takes into consideration not just a person’s lifespan, but also their health span.”

Nearly half a million Australians currently suffer from dementia and this number is set to double in the next 25 years.

Despite the disease being the second leading cause of death in Australia, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and it costs the Australian economy $3bn annually in health and aged care spending.

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MEN’S HEALTH

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I’m unhappy, don’t know why I’M a Man Doing Everything I Think is the Right Thing to do in Life, But I Still Feel Unhappy. Why?  MENTAL HEALTH | MARCUS WHEAN ell, firstly, you’re not alone. So many men I talk to and work with echo this very sentiment and it’s such a common theme and highlights the very real issue that many men face and experience. It could explain why there is a growing prevalence of men suffering needlessly with mental and physical illness.

Life is difficult. This isn’t always the case.

It can be amazing but by-and-large, life is difficult because it has its many challenges that only seem to be growing in this fastpaced world built around so much technology; not to mention the issues we’ve had to deal with due to Covid-19.

Speaking generally, as men we are socialised as boys to “be a man”. We learn directly and indirectly from our parents and role models, social groups and peers, teachers, colleagues and of course, the big one, the media.

The notion of ‘being a man’ is unique to everyone but there is arguably a consensus that it usually means the following: You have to be strong. You must be a provider.

You mustn’t show weakness or your emotions. You must build wealth.

You must always show that you’ve got it together and so on. The point is, we, as men, come to define ourselves not by how

W

we would really like to be but by what and how we think we should be based on these influences.

When you start to feel stressed, unhappy or even depressed or anxious, the reality is that your body and mind is actually telling you something isn’t working.

Often what we then do as men is try harder and get ourselves frustrated that we just can’t seem to feel happy like we think we should. You’ve built your life around doing what you think you should do and maybe have done…get married, get the house, the car, the boat, the money, the promotion……whatever. These pursuits in and of themselves aren’t the issue but it’s what they mean or meant to you is where issues arise.

When doubts set in If you grew up thinking “being a man” and achieving these goals is the right thing to do and would make you happy, what can start to happen from about the age of 30 or so, is you don’t feel like you expected, then you question yourself and doubts set in.

And when these doubts set in, we lose trust and confidence in ourselves and try harder at the things that ultimately don’t work in the way we hope they will in terms of making us feel successful, accomplished, content and happy as men.

But if that sounds like you. It means you actually have an opportunity to take stock

of your life. How do you really want to be as a man? You! Not other men, you! How do you want to really live your life? What are your personal secret goals that no one knows about? What are your values and are you living by them?

Here are some easy steps to start with that I recommend: 1. Do an audit of your life to ensure it is well balanced and you’re doing things YOU want to do. 2. Write down personal goals for the next year and break them down into monthly goals and weekly plans. 3. Start a journal of your thoughts to reflect on what it is about your life that makes you feel unhappy and make plans to try and solve them if possible or to help you set your goals. 4. Connect with other blokes 5. If you’re really struggling see

your GP and get a mental health care plan to see a psychologist.

Finally, when we are working on and achieving goals that are aligned with our personal values, not what others value, but you; then you are in a really good place to feel truly fulfilled, content and happy as a man. You then define for YOURSELF what it means to be a man.

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

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WOMEN’S HEALTH

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Eating to support immunity  ANNEKA FINN S the kids return to school, I’m sure I’m not alone in letting out a big sigh of relief. Christmas and school holidays are exhausting enough. To add on top of this the likelihood that the majority of you reading this also battled covid during this time, it is enough to leave most feeling a little frazzled and worn out.

Nutrition in isolation is not responsible for a ‘good’ immune system; it is a complex matrix of our genetics, sleep, stress, exercise and the environment we live.

There are however some key aspects to consider when wanting to fight off and recover from illness and maintain good energy levels moving forward in 2022.

A

Focus on adding more of the good stuff rather than starting another “diet’ You have heard it before, but I’ll say it again – eat your veggies! Vegetables play a key role in overall health and immune function. They are rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants. These act in the body to help cleanup bacteria and poorly functioning cells which could potentially cause illness and harm. The key with adding more vegetables to your diet is not to overcomplicate it.

Pre-made salad mixes, packed stir-fry vegetables, frozen vegetables, baby cucumbers, roasted vegetables in the air fryer – make it as easy as possible to do so it is more achievable and sustainable.

Most of us include vegetables and salad with dinner. As a goal, aim to include some form of salad or vegetable to your lunch AND at least one snack each day.

Choose minimally processed carbohydrates Despite the dirt carbohydrates have received in recent years, they are the primary fuel source in the body. They play an important role in supporting a healthy immune system. The problem occurs when we start choosing highly processed options that are low in nutrition yet high in calories. Whole grains, rolled oats,

beans and legumes, low GI rice, pulse pasta, potato/ sweet potato, corn and fresh fruit are all healthy sources of carbohydrates.

As a goal aim to include a serve of carbohydrates at each meal (approximately 1/3 of your plate) and 1-2 serves of fresh fruit per day (approximately the size of a tennis ball each).

Balance meals out with protein Aside from building muscle, protein is essential in maintaining cell function and fighting infection in the body. Again, as per carbohydrates, aim to include minimally processed options. Traditional protein sources such as meat, chicken, fish, pork, eggs, milk, yoghurt & cheese all provide valuable nutrient rich protein options. Don’t underestimate the powerhouse plant sources of protein offer; soy, tofu, quinoa and legumes are all great sources. Combined with carbohydrates, protein helps to balance out blood sugar levels, which leads to more sustained energy levels.

The key with protein is portion size. Small and regular portions are best. For example: ½ the size of your palm of meat/chicken/fish, 1-2 eggs, ½ Cup chick-peas is a good serve to include 2-3 times per day.

Healthy food options.

Book a check in with your G.P or an Accredited Dietitian If you continue to feel fatigued and utterly exhausted after a few weeks check in with an expert. See your G.P for a check-up and a potentially a blood test. As I Dietitian I would be looking at your levels of vitamin D, iron, B12 and zinc as these all play a key role in our immune function and energy systems in the body.

We are all different and need an individualised approach to our nutrition and health.

Anneka Finn is an accredited practicing dietitian & nutritionist.

Visit www.afinndiet.com or email anneka. dietitian@gmail.com

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