News

International focus on local opportunities GWS Summit by AmCham

IN a fresh initiative to assist business growth in Western Sydney, the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia (AmCham) will deliver its first Greater Western Sydney Summit (GWSS) in March 2022.

Th e GWSS is a rolling day of panel discussions, workshops and information presentations which will give clarity for business owners on where to put their focus for growth.

Th e event will be held at CommBank Stadium Parramatt a and is expected to att ract delegates from throughout the region and beyond.

CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, April Palmerlee said Greater Western Sydney is on the cusp of a boom in jobs, expansion and prosperity and sees enormous potential for business to fl ourish in the west through this un precedented development.

“By 2036 over half of Sydney’s population will live west of Parramatt a. To support this enormous growth Australia’s single largest planning, investment and delivery partnership between industry and government is underway to directly link Western Sydney to the world,” Ms Palmerlee said.

A record $20B of public funding has been committ ed to create an integrated city fl ourishing with new industries and provide critical public infrastructure and deliver education opportunities and high-skilled jobs for the future.

“Opportunities for investment are ripe. Th e new Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek which is being built by AmCham members like Lendlease, Bechtel, and others, will be a signifi cant driver of activity in the area,” Ms Palmerlee said.

“Th e United States is by far the biggest investor in Australia, and US-based multi-nationals are ideally placed to consider the prospects available in a region with such a culturally diverse, young and growing population with a highly skilled workforce.”

At its core, the region around the new international airport will operate as a 24hour global economic centre for industry, workers, residents, and visitors and off er a vibrant and thriving aft er-hours economy of entertainment, arts and cultural experiences and accommodation options.

“AmCham Australia is pleased to be able to bring together this business focussed Summit to connect att endees with thought leaders from industry, business and government to gain the information, resources and strategies needed to invest and succeed in a rapidly evolving city of opportunity,” Doug Grant, General Manager of AmCham said.

Th e Western Sydney Media Alliance (WSMA) has been announced as the event’s offi cial media partner. Th e Blacktown News is a member of the WSMA.

CommBank Stadium. April Palmerlee.

Doug Grant.

The AmCham Greater Western Sydney Summit will be held at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta on March 23, 2022. Enquiries and registrations can be directed via nsw@amcham.com.au

NOVEMBER 2021

WESTERN SYDNEY MEDIA ALLIANCE

Western Sydney Business Access (WSBA)

ACCESS NEWS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ABN 39 600 436 799 Publisher/editor: Michael Walls M: 0407 783 413. E: michael@wsba.com.au Associate Editor: Dallas Sherringham Journalists: Di Bartok, Lawrence Machado. Account Managers: Julie Jackson: 0447 291 780; Graham Maughan: 0431 557 791 Contributors: Pierre Wakim, Adam Simpson, Jacob Richardson, John Mellor. Printer: New Age Printing Design: Design2Pro, DMC Advertising Group. General enquiries: info@wsba.com.au Phone: 02 4572 2336 Fax: 02 4572 2340

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Artrist impressions of Woodward Place.

Woodland Place Masterplan on exhibition Liverpool city being transformed

LIVERPOOL City Council has released the Woodward Place Master Plan for public exhibition detailing Council’s bold vision to transform the 28-hectare Woodward Park into Woodward Place, a precinct which will inject new life and connectivity into the heart of the city.

Mayor of Liverpool, Wendy Waller, said Woodward Place is another key milestone in Council’s journey to cement Liverpool as Sydney’s third CBD, and comprises a critical component of the $445M worth of major infrastructure projects Council is seeking immediate funding for from the NSW Government.

“Our City Centre has been undergoing cataclysmic change and transformation in recent years, with the development of Liverpool Civic Place, the Liverpool Innovation Precinct, and the endorsement of the Liverpool City Centre Public Domain Masterplan,” Mayor Waller said. “Th e Woodward Place Masterplan ensures this momentum continues.”

Mayor Waller said Council has been at the forefront of driving this momentum and wants to work in direct partnership with the NSW Government to deliver this transformative project in Liverpool.

“Th e economic benefi ts of these major infrastructure projects at a regional, local and even individual level cannot be understated.

“Funding from the NSW Government for these projects will help further stimulate the local economy, potentially creating around 1110 jobs annually, over the next four years. Th is comes at a time when job creation will be essential to what is likely going to be a long post-pandemic recovery for Liverpool, Mayor Waller said.

“We believe now is the right time to start this conversation with the recent announcement of the $5B WestInvest Fund.

“We continue to face challenges around liveability and connectedness in our own backyard, which are becoming more urgent by the year, as our population grows,” Mayor Waller said.

Th e Woodward Place Masterplan outlines a staged revitalisation of public lands, to the west of the City Centre, over the next thirty years, enhancing and building on the existing character and uses of the 28-hectare site.

Currently, the Woodward Park site is home to the Whitlam Leisure Centre, netball courts, football fi elds and a range of community services and facilities including Autism Advisory and Support Service.

“Woodward Place will be a ‘Uniquely Liverpool’ lifestyle precinct, that will improve liveability and activation for the Liverpool City Centre and make the city a more att ractive destination for investment and job creation.

“We are very supportive of actions that will improve Liverpool’s public amenity and make it a bett er place for people to live, work, play and learn,” Executive Director of Business Western Sydney, David Borger said.

Mayor Waller said the wonderful part of this process is that the community can help shape their own uniquely Liverpool experience.

An online survey is available for the community to help Council gather feedback on the Woodward Place Masterplan: https://listens.liverpool.nsw. gov.au/woodwardplace

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We are in for a summer of freedom Moonlight cinema heads West

THE Summer of freedom is fast approaching, there is a feeling of celebration in the air and with it comes the return of Australia’s favorite outdoor cinema.

Moonlight Cinema is back, bringing the nostalgia of picnics, popcorn and fi lm-watching amongst Australia’s most idyllic inner-city parklands.

Th e original cinema under the stars returns to Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands, as well as Centennial Park and locations in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

Tickets go on sale and the full December program will be announced on November 11, with the fi rst sessions at Western Sydney Parklands from December 16.

Expect a line-up of festive favourites including Love Actually, Th e Holiday, Home Alone and Th e Grinch, McDonalds Sing Together sessions where guests can unabashedly sing along to classic hits like Dirty Dancing, as well as Hollywood blockbusters that may have been missed in lock-down such as Black Widow starring Scarlett Johansson and Cruella with Emma Stone, to list just a few.

Under balmy summer night skies, each Moonlight location will come to life with on-site activations, food trucks, bars and the comfi est of bean beds.

New this season, Moonlight will launch Parlour Lane Fiesta, a food truck off ering Mexican-inspired morsels.

Joys of Moonlight Cinema.

Guests can grab their nachos and churros and recline happy with a Fat Bastard wine or chilled Byron Bay Larger.

Or indulge in a delicious ice-cream in the Connoisseur Lounge, where you’ll have the chance to try their latest decadent collaboration with chocolatier KOKO Black.

Of course, guests can also prepare their own picnics, bring along a bott le of bubbly and enjoy one of Australia’s quintessential summer experiences.

Renowned as a beloved dog-friendly night out, this season you can even book the furriest member of your family a plush dog bean bed thanks to Moonlight’s dog partner, K9 Natural, who will also have the hungry fur-babies covered for movie snacks.

Whilst off ering movie-lovers an unforgett able evening, the team also goes to every length to ensure the only thing left behind are the memories. Partnering with Garnier as Green Partner, this year, Moonlight will deliver the most environmentally friendly season ever.

Moonlight will implement COVID-safe initiatives in line with local health guidelines and recommendations, including social-distancing, capacity limits and increased hygiene measures.

Taking place in sprawling parklands and under a ceiling of stars, guests can return to Moonlight with peace of mind ready to enjoy an evening outdoors with their loved ones.

TICKETS: www.moonlight.com.au

WHERE & WHEN: Western Sydney: Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands, opening December 16, 2021 – January 30, 2022.

Free APP checks fuel prices

MOTORISTS are being encouraged to download the NSW Government’s free FuelCheck app and reap the rewards at the bowser, with higher petrol prices causing pain at the pump and the easing of COVID restrictions resulting in more vehicles on roads.

Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the popular app was an easy win for motorists, giving them the real-time data to fi nd the best deal at the pump for all fuel types across every service station in NSW.

“Th is is a smart digital solution to make life easier for a smart state. Th e app has been downloaded more than 1.5 million times, with 93 per cent of drivers giving it the thumbs up,” Mr Dominello said.

“With higher petrol prices and more freedom to travel, now is a great time to download the app and fi nd the best bargain.

Th e app allows users to save their favourite stations and features a trends page showing the cheapest day of the week to fi ll up and the day’s price range.

If the price at the pump doesn’t match the price on the app, drivers can report this to NSW Fair Trading.

For more information on FuelCheck and to download the app visit: https://www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app

Moving Forward

Like all sporting clubs and organisations across the State, the Western Sydney Academy of Sport has certainly been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, however we are now excited and extremely positive about the current and ongoing easing of restrictions and the re commencement of sport as a vital element to community health and well-being.

Our Academy will be delivering a range of high quality, holistic pre-elite athlete development programs in partnership with respective State Sporting Organisations throughout 2021-22. These programs include BMX Riding, Cycling (Track & Road), Golf, Netball and Netball Umpiring, Lone Star, Rowing, Softball, Triathlon and Rugby Union.

All our programs have specific qualification criteria including relevant ages, skill level and place of residency, and the Academy's website features all relevant program information so we suggest that any aspiring young athletes interested in nominating for inclusion head to our website www. wsas.com.au for more details.

Partner Recognition

We would like to sincerely thank the corporate and government partners that continue to support us. Without our partners we would not be able to provide the high quality programs that we currently offer. To view a full list of our partners head to www.wsas.com.au/partners/

Academy Alumni

Current Academy initiatives aside - the entire Regional Academy movement is highly motivated by the awarding of the 2032 Olympic Games to Brisbane!

Western Sydney Academy, together with the 10 other Academies located across NSW, will play a vital role in identifying and inducting talented young athletes into a pathway that can potentially lead them to representing their country at Brisbane in 2032. Today's aspirational athletes aged between 15-16 will be the ones who will be at the ideal age and level of performance by 2032.

Following on from looking ahead to the Brisbane Olympics, I think it is appropriate also to once again recognise our Academy alumni who represented Australia so well at the Tokyo Olympics. Jessica Fox was of course unmatched in her success, while we took great pride in watching Amanda Spratt (Cycling), Rachel Lack and Taylah Tsitsikronis (Softball) and Gordon Allan (Paralympic Cycling) compete.

Penrith Stadium, 143 Station Street, Penrith NSW | P 02 4732 4977 E natalie@wsas.com.au | www.wsas.com.au

Final planning package to unlock precinct potential Final planning package to unlock precinct potential WhyAerotropolisneedsCommunity Why Aerotropolis needs Community

THE final planning package to unlock the potential of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis is a step closer to completion, with proposed changes to the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) now on public exhibition.

Th e changes include large reductions to the size of the Aerotropolis’ open space network and environment and recreation zone, responding directly to community feedback and following a comprehensive review of open space needs.

“Planning a new city is an incredibly complex task, and this process proves that nothing is fi nalised without community consultation,” Mr Stokes said.

“We’ve listened to the community and the recommendations of the Independent Community Commissioner Professor Roberta Ryan, and reduced the amount of land earmarked for open space or an environment and recreation zoning.

“We will still achieve our vision for a Western Parkland City under these proposed changes, while allowing landowners to continue using their property as they do now. Th is means fewer properties needing to be acquired while still ensuring 95 per cent of homes in the Aerotropolis will be within fi ve-minutes’ walk of open space.”

Th e revised open space network will see 16 per cent of land in the initial precincts (869 hectares) acquired for parks and public spaces.

Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the vision included an exciting network of green spaces.

“Th e future Aerotropolis won’t just be a great place to work and do business, it will also be home to some of Sydney’s best parks,” Mr Ayres said.

Under the proposed SEPP amendments, the environment and recreation zone at Wianamatt a-South Creek will be reduced by a third and a rural zoning re-applied.

Previously permitt ed land uses would also be reintroduced in the Aerotropolis and the Government will consider options for the future of Luddenham.

Th e public exhibition includes proposed changes to the Aerotropolis SEPP; the draft Phase 2 Development Control Plan; and the Luddenham Village Discussion Paper. Submissions will be accepted from 8 October until 5 November 2021.

Th ese accompany the ‘Responding to the Issues’ report, which outlines the Government’s response to Professor Ryan’s recommendations and Precinct Plan submissions; the Open Space Needs Study and Community Guidelines on Existing Use Rights and Permissible Land Uses.

Artist impression of Western Sydney Airport main terminal.

For more information, visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/aerotropolis

Councils challenge exhibition planning

PENRITH and Liverpool City councils

have expressed concerns relating to the planning for the new Aerotropolis near Badgerys Creek.

Th e councils highlighted key details relating to the planning of the Aerotropolis are missing which include infrastructure, stormwater, development contribution plans and master planning guidelines.

To date, these have not been properly clarifi ed by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, ahead of the public exhibition.

Th e Department of Planning, Industry and Environment have repeatedly rejected the council’s combined request to delay the exhibition to clarify the gaps ahead of the public exhibition.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM is both frustrated and disappointed that the documents will go out on public exhibition without a signifi cant number of outstanding issues being resolved.

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller says that both councils agree with the fi ndings and recommendation from the Independent Community Commissioner Professor Roberta Ryan that community consultation should be open and transparent.

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Five-day festival of intimate & large performances Parramatt a wins Sound West event

Ministers Stuart Ayres and Geoff Lee at the launch of Sound West.

PARRAMATTA has won the bid to host the SOUND WEST Technology & Music Festival, Australia’s first major music, tech and networking expo running from 30 March 30 to April 3, 2022.

Th e fi ve-day extravaganza includes live music performances in venues across Parramatt a and Greater Western Sydney, along with a Technology and Music Conference at CommBank Stadium where young creators, professionals and entrepreneurs can network with industry leaders.

“Th e City of Parramatt a is proud to be a major partner and the host city of the inaugural SOUND WEST Technology & Music Festival,” City of Parramatt a Lord Mayor Cr Issa said.

“As a Smart City at the forefront of innovation and with an eclectic mix of cultures, a vibrant food and arts scene, and world-class hotels and venues in the centre of global Sydney, Parramatt a is the perfect home for this cutt ing-edge event.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the event would highlight the unique talent and development of the region.

“Th is region is going from strength to strength through industry development, investment in research and innovation, and a rich cultural foundation that makes for a dynamic city to live, work, visit and host events,” Mr Ayres said.

“Sydney has established itself as a hub of creative industries in the Asia-Pacifi c region, largely through the delivery of incredible events such as Vivid Sydney, ARIA Awards and Semi Permanent, and Sound West stands in good stead on the State’s 2022 event calendar.

Council is a key partner in the notfor-profi t event, committ ing $250,000 in funding. Other partners include Destination NSW, Create NSW, Western Sydney Business Connection, Western Sydney Business Chamber, Rise Funding, ARIA, Tik Tok, and NEC.

“Some of Australia’s best emerging and established musical and digital creatives have cut their teeth in Parramatt a, known as a competitive technology and arts hub. Council is thrilled to help foster this new generation of professionals by supporting SOUND WEST,” Cr Issa said.

Local talent showcased

Th e fi ve-day festival will feature intimate and large performances from established and emerging artists and a two-day music and technology conference at CommBank Stadium, including sessions, workshops and mentoring from some of Australia’s biggest tech brands and music industry leaders.

NEC Ambassador Dylan Alcott OAM, along with Greater Western Sydney talent comprising hip hop star L-FRESH Th e LION, multi-platinum Grammy nominated producer and composer Khaled Rohaim and digital NFT artist Serwah Att afuah, are among the fi rst to be announced in an impressive line-up of presenters and performers for the event.

The SOUND WEST line-up will be announced early next year. Visit www.soundwestsydney.com.au

Helping people with disability to live big Achievement has many faces

ACHIEVING milestones looks different for each person.

For Matt hew, a 33-year-old Western Sydney resident living with Down Syndrome, it was about making improvements to his muscle tone and being able to communicate his needs to the friends, family, and carers around him.

“Two years ago, Matt hew found it challenging to hold and grip things, making it diffi cult to pick items up and function to his full ability. In addition, he had limited speech, so I was looking for ways to support him in overcoming his communication barriers,” says Debbie Sturdy, Matt hew’s Mum.

“I came across and contacted an organisation called LiveBig that looked like they could help. Th ey provide disability support services in Western Sydney.”

LiveBig is a specialist allied health and assessment services provider for people with disability, including those on an NDIS plan. Th eir goal is to simplify the process of accessing support services at home, via telehealth and in the community.

Aft er Debbie contacted LiveBig, Matthew was assigned an Occupational Th erapist and Speech Pathologist from the LiveBig team.

Matt hew’s Occupational Th erapist Fiona was able to evaluate his needs and select the correct treatment and delivery method, which was centred around fi ne motor skills.

Not long aft er the initial assessment, he made great progress in building hand strength and his ability to grip had improved phenomenally.

Some of the activities Matt hew can now complete confi dently include making shapes and fi gures with play-doh, using tongs, tearing and gluing and more.

Together with his speech therapist Cheryl, Matt hew established goals within his NDIS therapy plan, which aimed to develop his functional language skills and continuously improve communication.

Cheryl assisted Matt hew through increasing coordination in his mouth to form words, while also showing alternative communication techniques such as sign language to express his needs and wants.

Collectively, the progress he has made in Occupational Th erapy and Speech Th erapy has allowed Matt hew to become more independent and bett er care for himself.

“We couldn’t be happier with the service and with our Occupational Th erapist and Speech Th erapist. Fiona and Cheryl are great at working with Matt hew, and even if he tries to be silly, they’re fi rm with him and support him in gett ing back on track. He loves his therapists, and LiveBig has been really great for him,” says Debbie.

LiveBig is an Arriba Group company that was recently named ‘Most Innovative Healthcare Company 2020’ by AFR BOSS.

CEO of LiveBig, Marcela Romero, says she started the organisation because she saw a gap in the provision of quality and transparent allied health services for people with disability.

“I saw a real need for fl exibility and transparency in providing allied health services, like psychology, occupational therapy and speech therapy, for people with a disability, particularly those on an NDIS plan,” says Ms Romero.

Visit: www.livebig.com.au

Mathew is making great progress.

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