Blacktown News - January 2023

V8s TO VOLTAGES

It's a new world for mechanics across the West

GENERATIONS of motor mechanics have kept Western Sydney’s car population on the road with skills learnt over decades and vast knowledge of everything from faulty water pumps in Fords to timing chains problems in Holdens. They often learnt their skills from their dad and proudly displayed their heritage with a set of 20-year-old overalls covered in oil. Now, all that is about to change as the motoring public is dragged kicking and screaming into the new Electric Vehicles age. Nearly 50,000 car mechanics in NSW are not skilled enough for the electric vehicle revolution, according to the Motor Traders’ Association of NSW (MTA NSW), which is calling for the state government to help foot the training bill for small automotive businesses. More: page 11.

NewS SPORTSPARK GOES WORLD CLASS Best facilities for athletes

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

WHEN the new $100M Blacktown Exercise, Sports and Technology (BEST) Hub and Lodge is completed this year, the region’s sports men and women will have access to a world class facility.

BEST will be the stunning centrepiece of a bold ambition to transform the Blacktown International Sportspark into Australia’s most innovative and integrated sports, health and education precinct.

The 60ha Blacktown International Sportspark in the centre of global Sydney that began life as a Sydney 2000 Olympic Games training and competition venue is now being reimagined from the “grass” roots up.

The region that produced so many sports stars can now offer the BEST facilities anywhere for the new generation of emerging athletes.

In recognising the importance of being a healthy, active and sporting city, plus the motivational power of physical activity to change lives for the better, Blacktown City Council saw BEST as a unique opportunity to shape an ambitious and inclusive future for the Sportspark.

When complete in 2023, the BEST will bring together allied health, sports medicine, rehabilitation services and training facilities for athletes to push the

boundaries of health care, education and sporting performance.

And the services will be underpinned by practice-informed research and higher education.

“BEST will deliver world-class facilities and will take community health and sport innovation to a new level. These

transformational projects are a source of much excitement in our city.” Mayor of Blacktown Tony Bleasdale said.

Neil Gibson, precinct director Blacktown International Sportspark, told media the key stakeholders in BEST were important.

“Our partners share our vision for the project and continue to push the project team to deliver a building that is transformational not just in its design but in how it delivers healthcare for the community.”

Innovation will be led by the BEST partners, Blacktown City Council, the Australian Catholic University (ACU), Sydney West Sports Medicine, AFL and WentWest, along with the teams and organisations that call the Sportspark home.

Blacktown City Council will operate the strength and conditioning gym,

aquatic recovery centre, meeting rooms and auditorium.

Outdoor facilities include a rectangular synthetic pitch and large-scale physical literacy area, a space where people of all ages can benefit from the health benefits of being active within a safe environment.

The new cafe will be the perfect place for a catch-up with friends, a pit-stop on a family cycle or walking adventure, and will offer a healthy mix of snacks, meals and drinks.

A new shared user path will connect the Sportspark to Rooty Hill town centre to the west and Charlie Bali Reserve to the east. The shared user path will create a 1.3km trail through the Sportspark for cyclists and pedestrians, creating a route for The Great West Walk.

SOURCES: Blacktown City Council, Urban Developer

Lower cost of PBS medicines

THE new, lower cost of PBS medicines came into effect on New Year’s Day, meaning the most patients will pay for a PBS listed medication is $30, down from $42.50. This follows Parliament passing leg-

islation late last year to lower the maximum co-payment cost of PBS medicines. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s National President, Professor Trent Twomey, says this will be a big help to some 19 million patients,

especially those who have been struggling to afford their medicines. “In 2019-20 we learnt that 900,000 Australian patients did not get a script filled because they could not afford it," he said.

First

Town Centre Living

Live at the Park

Oran Park has a new land release positioned less than 500m from the Town Centre!

O ran Park is constantly evolving, so now is the time to take advantage of everything this great community has to offer. Here’s what you can look forward to while living at the Park:

• A variety of schools and future tertiary institutions

• Multiple pre-school and day-care centres

• Pedestrian-friendly streets, creating easy access to amenities

• 160km of paths and cycleways for you to explore parklands, playgrounds and sporting fields

• An award-winning skate park and splash park which includes flying foxes, table tennis tables, basketball courts, a ninja warrior course and a parkour course

• Oran Park Library

• Meeting friends and family at Oran Park’s major shopping centre, The Podium

• New dining experiences at the Oran Park Hotel, Atura Hotel and food precincts within The Podium

• State-of-the-art Leisure Centre which houses a 50m indoor Olympic pool, gym, four basketball courts, sauna and more

• Jobs close to home within the Town Centre and nearby Western Sydney International Airport

• World class fiber optic networks with high-speed internet

• An integrated health hub for your wellbeing needs

• Good public transport with a current rotation of buses and a future train station

• A fresh new start in a masterplanned community

Don’t miss out on the opportunity of securing a lot close to the Town Centre.

Contact the Oran Park sales team on 9043 7500.

Scan to learn more or to register your interest.

Artist impression of the development.

NewS

GLOBAL GATEWAY REFLECTS RESPECT First Nation flies the flag

FIRST Nations students are making their mark on Sydney’s new airport with a flag celebrating Aboriginal culture proudly flying atop a crane currently building what will be Australia’s best airport terminal.

The flag, designed and painted by First Nations students from neighboring Luddenham Public School as part of Western Sydney Airport’s School Engage-

ment Program, will fly 75m high on the Western Parkland City skyline.

Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey said the airport was committed to ensuring Australia’s new global gateway reflected and respected the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage, with First Nations people consulted throughout the airport design process.

“From 2026, Western Sydney International will welcome millions of visitors from across Australia and the world and we want the airport to celebrate more than 60,000 years of First Nations’ culture with every one of them,” Mr Hickey said.

“But we’re not waiting until 2026 –we’re celebrating and embedding First Nations culture into everything we do here at Western Sydney Airport from construction to opening.

“These young students will be able to drive past the airport construction site and proudly see their flag flying high on what will one day be Western Sydney International Airport.

“We want to engage students in what will be one of the most transformational projects in Australia’s history and hopefully one day see them working at Sydney’s new airport.

“We are committed to ensuring that Western Sydney International makes a meaningful difference to the lives of First Nations people, providing jobs and economic opportunities

now and into the future once the airport is operational.”

Construction of the airport terminal is charging ahead with work underway to build the baggage handling system platform. The departure and arrival levels are also underway with more than 450 tonnes of structural steel installed to date and 365 supporting columns now poured.

Luddenham Public School Education Support Officer Krystal Player said flying the flag was an important representation of the school community, where more

than a fifth of students are Aboriginal.

“The flag features 50 dots to symbolise each student in our school and around the dots are the artworks created by each student along with their handprints,” Ms Player said.

“This is a great opportunity for students to really connect with the airport and be part of its journey.”

Since construction began, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers have accounted for an average of 2.6 per cent of the Western Sydney Airport team, exceeding the project’s target.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers have accounted for an average of 2.6 per cent of the Western Sydney Airport team. The First Nations Flag.

NewS

BLACKTOWN’S DISABILITY STARS SHINE

Pride to celebrate all cultures

BLACKTOWN City Mayor Tony Bleasdale has congratulated award winners following the 2022 Blacktown City Disability Awards.

Council recognised 4 outstanding recipients at a special ceremony and talent showcase held on the International Day of People with a Disability at Emerton.

“As Mayor, I am incredibly proud to be part of a City that embraces, supports and celebrates people of all cultures, backgrounds and abilities,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“These awards were a fantastic opportunity to recognise the incredible contributions and successes of people with lived experiences with a disability, carers, advocates and disability service providers in Blacktown City.

“People with a disability make wonderful contributions to our community

and these awards were a chance to celebrate them and their achievements.

“Council is committed to support people who have different abilities to have access to important programs and facilities that can change their lives.

“Congratulations to all award recipients and finalists.”

Laura Naing was named Volunteer of the Year for her dedicated work with the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association (MDAA).

Laura was awarded for giving her time and running art workshops for people with a disability from non-English speaking and culturally-diverse backgrounds.

Inspirational Person of the Year was awarded to Kylie Smith for her work as a mental health advocate.

Kylie founded Embracing Arms Peer

Support Community in 2014, and for the past 8 years, has volunteered her time in helping those living with a mental health condition.

Kylie runs free, fortnightly online sessions for people needing connection and support. She also runs her own private counselling practice and is the service leader at Stride's Safe Space, leading a team making a difference in suicide prevention.

Alice ‘Ally’ Horspool was named Inspirational Young Person of the Year for her achievements in her studies and in her transition to independent living.

Ally is studying kitchen operations at TAFE and has completed work placement with a local café. She is due to start a new job at Coles and hopes to receive her driver’s licence in the near future.

Discover the perfect place to retire at St Hedwig Retirement Village, Blacktown

Surrounded by peaceful, native bushland just a short stroll from the thriving heart of Blacktown’s shops, services, healthcare and amenities, St Hedwig Retirement Village is a relaxing sanctuary, where you have everything you need on your doorstep.

This vibrant new retirement community features beautifully crafted one, two and three bedroom apartments starting from $450,000*. Come home to a place where nature, community, comfort and convenience connect. You’ll feel right at home from the moment you walk through the door.

Come and see for yourself what makes St Hedwig Retirement Village the perfect place to retire. Call 1300

The Organisation of the Year award was given to Minchinbury Jets JRLFC Try Time, which is an inclusive, all-abilities rugby league team.

The program was launched in 2016 and has grown from 6 to 20 players in just six years. Try Time inspires players of all abilities to be active and take part in the game of rugby league through a regular competition with other clubs.

Council’s event also featured guest speaker Jayme Richardson, a Blacktown-born Paralympic cyclist who spoke of her inspirational journey to winning a Paralympic bronze medal.

The International Day of People with a Disability is a United Nations-sanctioned event that promotes an understanding of people with a disability. The event marked its 30th year in 2022.

Volunteer of the Year Laura Naing with Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (second right), Councillor Moninder Singh (left) and Mount Druitt MP Edmond Atalla (right).

Inspirational Person of the Year Kylie Smith with Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (second right), Councillor Moninder Singh (left) and Mount Druitt MP Edmond Atalla (right).

Inspirational Young Person of the Year Ally Horspool with Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (second right), Councillor Moninder Singh (left) and Mount Druitt MP Edmond Atalla (right).

Organisation of the Year Minchinbury Jets JRLFC try Time with Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (second right), Councillor Moninder Singh (left) and Mount Druitt MP Edmond Atalla (right).

THE JUNCTION LAUNCHED AT SEVEN HILLS

New purpose-built NDIS provider

THE Sydney-based NDIS program provider, The Junction Works (TJW), has launched a $2M purpose-built campus on Prospect Highway in Seven Hills.

This is their first NDIS service based in the Northwest Sydney region. The Junction Works delivers day programs and provides community supports for people with disability.

The campus includes a range of diverse spaces, like a commercial kitchen and café, an IT room, a space for plant propagation, and health therapy spaces to support NDIS participants work towards accomplishing their individual aspirations.

All programs set to operate on the campus will be co-designed with participants to ensure they are fit for purpose. This project is consistent with the Albanese Government’s objectives to ensure people with disability are supported to reach their goals and NDIS partici-

pants who want to work are supported to do so, said Michelle Rowland, Federal

Member for Greenway, Minister for Communications.

“I am so pleased to welcome TJW to Seven Hills, bringing invaluable services closer to our local community,” said Ms Rowland.

“My community of Northwestern Sydney is growing rapidly, with some suburbs forecast to reach over 300% growth by 2040. Crucial infrastructure like this will help to support our residents with disability now and into the future.”

“I look forward to seeing the things our NDIS participants achieve.”

with Michelle Rowland

Opening of the new NDIS Centre at Seven Hills

NewS

V8S TO VOLTAGES… New world for mechanics

GENERATIONS of motor mechanics have kept Western Sydney’s car population on the road with skills learnt over decades and vast knowledge of everything from faulty water pumps in Fords to timing chains problems in Holdens.

They often learnt their skills from their dad and proudly displayed their heritage with a set of 20-year-old overalls covered in oil.

Now, all that is about to change as the motoring public is dragged kicking and screaming into the new Electric Vehicles age.

Nearly 50,000 car mechanics in NSW are not skilled enough for the electric vehicle revolution, according to the Motor Traders’ Association of NSW (MTA NSW), which is calling for the state government to help foot the training bill for small automotive businesses.

The MTA NSW puts the cost of upskilling the automotive repair and service industry in preparation for the uptake of EVs at $100M — a hefty bill considering 97% of the industry is SMEs.

The association said any automotive business that works on EVs must undertake specific safety training to fulfil its obligations under Section 19 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, noting EV batteries are of high voltage of between 400 and 800V DC.

The problem is, the cost of a full EV training course can be up to $3000 a person, which doesn’t include the outlay of additional infrastructure and space required for servicing EVs.

“Our industry is already battling a skills shortage and as we face arguably what is the biggest transition in our sector’s history, it’s crucial that specialist training in electric car and battery maintenance is prioritised to ensure the safety of everyone that works on an EV as well as to mitigate driver risks,” MTA boss Stravros Yallouridis told media.

All this comes as the NSW government has vowed to increase the number of EVs on the road to 52% by 2030-31. But with approximately 40,000 electric cars sold so far in Australia and around 20 million registered cars on our roads, there’s a long way to go.

Almost 40% of new battery electric vehicle sales this year were Tesla Model 3 (8647 sales) and 25% were Tesla Model Y (5376 sales). Other top-selling models

include the Hyundai Kona (897 sales), MG ZS EV (858 sales) and Polestar 2 (779 sales).

This is smart business

The Electric Vehicle Council’s Behyad Jafari said that skills and training are an important part of the country’s EV transition, and “we’re thrilled to see a number of institutions developing programs for the future of the automotive sector”.

“This is smart business, as more people buy EVs, there will be more commercial opportunities right across the value

chain, including for technicians.”

However, a report from the EV Council suggested the vehicles actually need far less maintenance than their petrol counterparts. Of Tesla owners surveyed, 65% of respondents said they do not have an ongoing maintenance schedule, as logbook servicing requires in a petrol-powered car.

Just 6% of respondents said they had their Tesla serviced every six to 12 months, 10% reported every 12-18 months, 8% every 18-24 months, and 10% reported seeing a mechanic every 24 months.

It may be because an electric motor is an enclosed unit that needs no regular maintenance and lasts between 15 and 20 years, according to RAC, with no spark plugs, leads, fuel and engine air filters, and belts that can need replacing in an internal combustible engine vehicle.

Out of the Tesla drivers who calculated their maintenance savings, two in five reported saving more than $1000 a year on repairs and servicing for their EV, compared to their previous petrol-run cars, the EV Council report notes.

The MTA is also calling for the NSW government to implement an end-of-life

strategy for ICE vehicles and a statewide policy to ensure that the vehicles are disposed of sustainably.

In addition, the MTA says the government should prepare a recycling strategy for EV batteries too, which the association say can contain high levels of cobalt, copper, zinc, and lithium.

It comes as the Federal Government prepares to launch its National Electric Vehicle Strategy, which aims to drive up EV sales in Australia by incentivising car-makers to direct more supply of low-emission vehicles to the local market.

Mr Jafari described the strategy as “well overdue” after decades of inaction from successive Coalition governments on implementing fuel efficiency standards to encourage car makers to produce EVs.

It’s led to Australia becoming a global laggard in the technology. Of about 300 EVs on sale in global markets, only about 30 are available here right now, and less than 20% of vehicles sold had a purchase price below $65,000, though both are set to improve drastically.

The Albanese government’s strategy is a sign that Australia is finally “taking a holistic approach to ensure we are prepared to benefit from an accelerated shift to electric vehicles”, Mr Jafari said.

Hyundai Kona.

“

“Our industry is already battling a skills shortage and as we face arguably what is the biggest transition in our sector’s history.”

Stravros Yallouridis.

Stravros Yallouridis.

Behyad Jafari.

Beware of scams this year

WITH a range of exciting events on offer in the coming weeks the NSW Government is encouraging people to remain vigilant and avoid disappointment when buying tickets to sporting and entertainment events online.

Minister for Fair Trading Victor Dominello said as demand for event tickets increased there was also a rise in scams and scalping.

“People need to buy tickets from reputable platforms to avoid the risk of re-selling where the cost is often increased to exorbitant levels, in violation of State laws,” Mr Dominello said.

“Some consumers may also be scammed if they purchase tickets from resellers then find the ticket is invalid or not refundable if an event is cancelled.

“If online offers or private sales seem ‘too good to be true’, it’s often because they are.

“We can learn from previous cases of issues in ticket scalping, such as when tickets to the 2022 National Rugby League were offered at 49 per cent above the original price on eBay.

“eBay was issued a $44,000 fine, so there are serious consequences.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said everyone has a right to attend their favourite concert or support their sports teams without the fear of being scammed.

“It is important consumers know about the risk when buying from a reselling platform and know how to identify scams,” Mr Henskens said.

Minister for the Arts and Tourism

“With a fantastic range of events on offer across the State in 2023, I encourage everyone to prevent and minimise the risk of being scammed,” Mr Franklin said.

“If a price seems too good to be true or if a price is advertised for far more than originally advertised, these can be are signs of scalping or ticket fraud.

“If you spot the signs always stop to check. If a seller threatens you for immediate payment, it’s likely a scam.

“Check the communication is real

by contacting the seller or organisation directly using details you have found yourself.”

Where a business is based in Australia, NSW Fair Trading will intervene to try and negotiate an outcome where someone has been scammed.

Where there is limited information, consumers will be made aware they have most likely been scammed and given options to attempt to recover their money, including informing the police and contacting their financial institution.

NSW Fair Trading urges consumers to report scams to the ACCC’s Scamwatch site: https://www.scamwatch.gov. au/report-a-scam.

Anyone who has dealt with a ticket reseller and was not satisfied with their interaction is encouraged to contact NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or online at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/contact-us

World’s best arrive in West

TWO new Heavy Rescue Vehicles worth almost $1M each have rolled off the production line and into operations, in a major capability boost for firefighters across Western Sydney. Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the trucks and highly-trained crew will be based at Hurstville and Regentville Fire Sta-

tions. “These Heavy Rescue Vehicles are the most advanced type of rescue truck used by firefighting agencies anywhere in the world and are fitted out with large hydraulic tools, specialised air trolley and rope rescue equipment, a vehicle-mounted winch, inflatable flood rescue boats and search cameras,” Ms Cooke said. Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul

Baxter said the role of a modern firefighter is no longer just about fighting fires.“Firefighters are trained, prepared and equipped to respond to all types of rescue incidents,” Commissioner Baxter said. The Heavy Rescue Vehicles have been delivered as part of a $17M NSW Liberal National Government investment in upgrading the Fire and Rescue NSW fleet.

Nutritious meals suitable for healthy ageing

No minimum orders or lock in contracts

Local and seasonal menu’s Peace of mind for family members knowing a friendly Volunteer checks in on their loved ones Nutritional needs of clients are considered prior to commencement of meal service

Speak to your Home Care Package Provider about receiving Meals on Wheels

If you are transitioning from the Commonwealth Home Support Programme to a Home Care Package you can request continuation of meals

Ben Franklin said everyone should be on the alert to the threat of scams when purchasing tickets to events and exhibitions.

ELECTRIC BUSES A CENTURY OLD IDEA History of the Trolleybuses

„ DALLS SHERRINGHAM

WITH environmentally friendly electric buses now all the rage in Western Sydney’s public transport network, most readers would not know that the city had two electric bus systems almost a century ago.

And at the time they were designed to be extended across the city to replace the tramway and expand into fast growing areas like Parramatta and the Inner West.

They would have provided a cheap, pollution free answer to Sydney’s growing smog, traffic jams and parking problems.

Called ‘Trolleybuses”, they were te perfect answer to electric transport, being much cheaper to install compared to trams and light rail and able to run in the normal flow of traffic.

They were introduced in the inner city, running to Potts Point in 1934 and from Rockdale to Sans-Souci. This became the famous system with giant, green double deck buses able to move large crowds quickly and effectively.

Inexplicably, they were removed in 1960 at the same time as the much-loved trams and replaced with smaller diesel buses belching black smoke. That proved to be a disaster.

Recent research overseas by Seattle and San Francisco transit operators showed that trolleybus systems were still cheaper to run than electric and hybrid buses and much cheaper than light rail.

In 1933, prior to the opening of the Inner City system, the Sydney Morning Herald reported:

“Already Increasing attention Is being paid by the authorities In several Australian capital cities to the trolleybus and the advantages claimed for its operation In dense traffic.

Perth is putting Into service several six-wheeled vehicles, each capable

of seating 38 people, and the Sydney authorities have ordered two single deck six-wheelers, to seat 34 passengers. These vehicles have electric traction, and take their energy from overhead cables.

The important difference between trolleybuses and trams is that the trolleybus, which is fitted with large sectioned pneumatic tyres, does not run on rails, and is free to pull into the kerb to pick up and drop passengers.

This facility avoids checking the flow of traffic (a condition which arises when trams are operated down the centre of a street). Notable features of the trolleybus are its quietness, smooth running, rapid acceleration, high average speed, and quick deceleration.

In Great Britain the use of the electric trolleybus Is developing steadily, 21 municipal systems being In operation.

All told, 513 units are in service, representing an outlay of £1,913,099. During 1932 they carried 145 million passengers, approximately 283,000 people per vehicle per annum, at a running cost of /10.5 a mile. The municipal tramways cost /12.74 a mile unit for the same period, and transported 326,700 passengers per vehicle. The respective average dally totals of people carried per unit were:-Trolleybus, 785; tramway, 907.’

The trolleybus could run forever and never need refueling or recharging yet the city and state’s civic fathers of the 1950s and 60s, blinded by the rapid growth in the ownership of motor cars

With diesel now costing over $2.30 a litre, both the trams and trolleybuses would be priceless today.

There was great public outcry when the State Govt started closing tram routes including the independent Enfield to Mortlake system via Burwood.

Instead of adopting the switch to the less comfortable double decker diesels, many commuters went out and bought cars.

The tram ran down Coronation Pde, one of the primes streets in the west and was electrified wat back in 1912. It allowed locals to link with rail and ferry services with trams running every five minutes in peak hour, but was closed in 1948.

WEXPO at Blacktown Workers Club

and the cheapness of diesel fuel, decided electric vehicles were out.

The first electric trolleybus.

There’s no better time to focus on health and wellbeing than at the start of a new year. Whether prioritising your wellbeing, quitting smoking, moving your body more or eating healthier – there are plenty of ways to ensure this is one new year resolution you keep!

Chronic conditions are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in Australia and are becoming increasingly common due to our ageing population and changing lifestyles. Western Sydney is a diabetes hotspot with disease rates higher than the New South Wales average, but our community also faces other common chronic conditions such as heart disease and respiratory disease.

Healthy Body

It’s no secret that moving your body is essential to good health and is one of the best ways to reduce the risks or manage chronic disease. Many of us spend long days in front of computers, driving or watching TV – this inactive lifestyle can have a huge impact on our immediate and long-term health by increasing the chances of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes or joint and back pain. Statistics show that nearly half of Australians have at least one chronic condition.

Exercise not only helps improve physical health and reduce the risk of chronic health conditions, but also has mental health benefits, such as improving sleep quality, building relationships and reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Live Life Get Active

Live Life Get Active (LLGA) is an initiative that offers a series of free exercise classes in the community.

The goal for LLGA is to get people moving to improve their fitness levels, become healthier, build up their strength and have fun along the way. Boxing, crosstraining and yoga classes are all provided for free in local parks so that people can enjoy exercising outdoors, Live Life Get Active also offers free online programs such as home workouts and nutritional guides with daily live streams and on-demand videos. As well as the physical health and wellbeing benefits, many participants report that classes have increased their confidence and helped them to make friends in their community.

Find out more about LLGA at wentwest.com.au/chronic-health

Healthy Mind

When we work on strengthening our overall health, it’s important to remember our mental health. Our bodies and minds work together, so it’s not surprising that mental health can affect your body and vice versa.

Over two in five Australians aged 16-85 years will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, and last year, 16,989 people in Western Sydney were diagnosed with a mental health condition.

Prioritising your wellbeing this year is important, so if you think you or someone you know needs support for mental health, remember to reach out.

Find support today

The Western Sydney Primary Health Network commissions services to support people experiencing various mental health challenges. Our services aim to provide free access to mental health support that is culturally appropriate, timely and affordable.

Read more about mental health services available in Western Sydney at wentwest.com.au/MentalHealth

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

Named: top 10 2023 destinations

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

WHEN three travel internet giants named their Top 10 travel trends for 2023 it came as quite a surprise when hidden gem Yeppoon was the sole Queensland town on the Australian list.

In a State which includes icons like Port Douglas and the Whitsundays, Yeppoon proved to be the quiet achiever.

However anyone who has visited this beautiful place just north of Rockhampton will realise why it’s on this prestigious list

Expedia, Wotif and Stayz have recently delved into a vast bank of travel data and surveyed thousands of people to discover popular travel trends for this year.

Dubbed as The Year of the No-Normal, the latest Traveller Trends report finds that there is no longer a ‘one-sizefits-all’ approach to travel and that 2023

will bring us a year all about breaking routine and searching for experiences without compromises.

The findings were obtained from the group’s first-party data as well as custom research of thousands of travellers and industry professionals across 17 countries.

Rubbing shoulders with the diverse travel destinations of Bright and Wodonga in Victoria, Tamworth and Goulburn in NSW, and Nietta in Tasmania, Yep-

poon has cracked the list of 10, with the data showing that the demand for each of these hotspots has increased by 55% or more.

“When we look at Expedia, Wotif, and Stayz data together, we see a detailed and robust picture of travel into 2023,” President of Expedia Brands Jon Gieselman said.

“We're seeing a surge in trips to culture capitals, streaming services inspiring travel and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond just beaches - not a new normal, but people branching out to unexpected trends in what we're calling the "no-normal."’

The Big Merino, Goulburn.

to Yeppoon.

As the Capricorn Coast gears up for a very strong summer holiday period, Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said this latest published travel trend was in line with “what we already know, as we come off the back of a record couple of years”.

“While we know that this data release is looking into a crystal ball towards the future, we know that the past

remains a perfect indicator of what’s to come,” Mary said.

“Our destination has continued to sustain visitation across 2022, with our accommodation operators from across both the Capricorn Coast including Rockhampton experiencing 85 – 95% occupancy consistently.”

“We have no doubt that this will continue in 2023, and we look forward to continuing to see our beautiful seaside villages along the Coast and

our easily accessible island paradises continue to thrive,” Mary said.

The insights revealed that more than 40% of travellers were inspired by streamed movies and TV shows, while another 31% were influenced by social media.

Travellers are also exploring charming locations from high alpine places to farm-style escapes and the Capricorn Coast is among the destinations that have seen the highest demand increase

for farm-style escapes.

“Not only are we proud to promote our stunning beaches and islands on the Capricorn Coast, but we are also fortunate to be in abundance of both country landscapes and national parks, providing visitors with a broad diversity of experiences,” Mary said.

View the full 2023 Travel Trends Report herehttps://www.expedia.com/see/2023traveltrendsexpedia

Stock of Nissan’s four-variant Qashqai small SUV range ready to go from $33,890

„ MATT BROGAN

NISSAN has launched its Qashqai small SUV in Australia this month, the all-new model – which shares its CMF-C underpinnings with the larger X-Trail – due in local showrooms from January 2023 priced from $33,890 plus on-road costs.

Offering more power and torque, and improved fuel economy courtesy of a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine and continuously variably transmission combination, the five-seat Qashqai is also larger, safer and better equipped than before.

Designed at the Nissan Design Europe facility in London, and manufactured in the UK, the Qashqai draws on the styling of the X-Trail with a familiar ‘floating’ roof with integrated spoiler, Nissan’s trademark V-motion grille and frontal motif, Boomerang LED headlights, active grille shutters and a single ‘fast line’ that runs in profile from front to rear.

The tailgate, which is now constructed of composite and weighs 2.6kg less than before, offers horizontal theming to exaggerate the model’s width, giving it a

‘more athletic’ stance, Nissan says. With a stiffer body than before, the new Qashqai is said to offer 41 per cent greater torsional rigidity while being some 60kg lighter. The front and rear doors, front mudguards and bonnet are

all constructed from aluminium, delivering not only a safer and stronger body, but improved refinement, handling and response.

Nissan has grown the Qashqai in every dimension. The wheelbase is now

19mm longer than before which overall length grows 31mm. The model is also 30mm taller and 29mm wider, making it the widest model available in the Small SUV under $40K segment.

Braked towing capacity for the model jumps 300kg to 1500kg, bettering some models even in the next segment up (Medium SUV under $60K).

Like the X-Trail, the Qashqai offers wide-opening doors (85 degrees) to improve ingress and egress, while rear-seat leg- and knee-room is likewise improved. Enhanced passenger comfort also stems from the use of multi-link rear suspension (replacing the torsion beam arrange-

ment offered previously) in all grades. The front-end retains a MacPherson strut set-up.

Under the bonnet, the Qashqai arrives exclusively with turbocharged petrol power, for now, Nissan set to offer its e-Power hybrid driveline from later in 2023. At launch, the Qashqai arrives only with Nissan-Renault’s HR13DDT four-cylinder unit coupled to a continuously variable transmission and driving the front wheels.

Power and torque numbers are listed at 110kW (at 5500rpm) and 250Nm (at 1600-3750rpm) while fuel consumption comes in at 6.1 litres per 100km, down 0.8 litres. The engine is also equipped with idle-stop technology, trimming combined cycle CO2 emissions to 138g/ km, down 21g.

Braking is disc all-round with the expected electronic aids as standard. Alloy wheels are likewise standard across the range.

Inside, and on the technology front, we find all Qashqai variants equipped with a touchscreen audio system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. All model variants receive keyless entry and push-button ignition, folding wing mirrors and rear-seat air vents as well as LED headlights with high beam assist, LED DRLs and a shark fin-style antenna.

For the Qashqai ST (from $33,890 plus ORCs) we also find 17-inch alloy wheels, an electronic park brake with auto hold function, adaptive cruise control, two front and two rear USB charging ports (USB-A and USB-C), manually-adjustable front seating, a six-speaker audio system with DAB+ digital radio reception, 8.0-inch infotainment screen and 7.0-inch driver assistance screen

within the instrument cluster.

The entry-grade model further includes a rear camera and parking sensors and Nissan’s comprehensive Intelligent Mobility safety suite comprising forward collision warning, AEB with junction assist and pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind spot warning and intervention, lane departure warning and intervention, traffic sign recognition, rear AEB, rear cross-traffic alert, active speed limiter and rear seat/door alert, a tyre pressure monitor and seven airbags –including a far side centre airbag.

ST+ variants (from ($37,890 plus ORCs) add a 12.3-inch infotainment array with satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay, LED front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch alloys, 360-degree camera technology and an optional two-tone roof ($500).

For third-tier ST-L (from $42,190 plus ORCs) – which is expected to take the lion’s share of Qashqai sales – Nissan adds 19-inch alloys, a wireless smartphone charger, roof rails, LEF indicators (rear), auto-dimming rear-view mirror, adaptive headlights, dual-zone climate control, centre console with tray and ambient lighting, luggage hooks, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats, cloth/PVC upholstery, power driver’s seat adjustment, a rear seat armrest, alarm, front parking sensors, and Nissan’s ProPilot driver assistance technology.

Finally, and topping the range, we find the Qashqai Ti priced from $47,390 plus ORCs. In addition to/in lieu of those features listed for the ST-L, the variant arrives as standard with a panoramic glass roof with electric sunshade, quilted leather accented upholstery, LED ambient lighting, a black hood liner, 10.8inch head-up display, 12.3-inch digital

instrument panel, 10-speaker BOSE audio system, electric handsfree tailgate, reverse tilt mirrors, Divide-N-Hide cargo storage divider, key-based driver profiles, a power adjustable passenger seat, driver seat memory, front seat massage function and self-parking assist with side parking sensors.

“This new model delivers more of everything Australian drivers love about the Qashqai, with more power, better efficiency, segment-leading safety equip-

ment and technology, and confidence-inspiring ride and handling that feels as at home in the city as it does on a twisting road,” said Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson.

“It really is the small SUV that’s big on everything that matters, and we can’t wait for our customers to experience it for themselves.”

Year-to-date figures published by the FCAI show the 23-vehicle-strong Small SUV under $40K market segment is currently dominated by the MG ZS (19,410) ahead of the Mazda CX-30 (12,975), Mitsubishi ASX (11,976), Hyundai Kona (11,082) and Kia Seltos (8198). Visit GoAuto News again

our local launch review of the 2023 Nissan Qashqai range.

The Still Standing Program is a light exercise program to help reduce the risk of falling over.

Falling can be very dangerous as we get older, and the Still Standing Program aims to reduce the risk of falling and associated hospitalisation. This program helps you complete low intensity (light) exercise whilst under the supervision of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

The exercises completed during the classes include:

9 Exercises to build leg strength.

9 Balance exercises to improve balance.

9 Mobility exercises to improve how you move.

9 Reflex exercises to help sharpen the mind.

The Still Standing Program is free and includes:

9 Initial assessment with Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) plus home exercise program designed by AEP with free exercise bands

9 12-week supervised group exercise program with AEP to be completed over maximum 16 weeks.

9 Tea and coffee provided after each class

9 Final assessment with AEP after completion of the program.

WEIGHT LOSS STRATEGIES AND WHY THEY WORK The road to a slimmer YOU

„ ADAM SIMPSON

BELOW are some common strategies that I often hear people implement into their lifestyle or adapt to their eating regime all in the attempt to lose body fat.

chocolate and sugary type foods isn't the best for us. Cutting out chocolate and sugar would definitely help you lose weight. But again, you probably don't need to be that extreme with it. Instead understand how many calories are in the chocolate and sugary

fasting for certain days of the week or eating between certain windows of the day. The key to fat loss in this strategy is that you are going to drastically reduce your total calories consumed as you are going for long periods of time with out eating. This can be a useful way to

Happiness Unleashed

“empowering you to your best life”

ABOUT GORDO

Gordon Rutty, more popularly called Gordo, works with the aim of ‘empowering you to your best life’. He’s a loving husband and dad, dedicated friend, fitness enthusiast and an all-round happy guy. Gordo is also the author of ‘The Happiest Man in the Universe’ which is a title that speaks for itself.

How many times have you heard ‘happiness is a choice’ and rolled your eyes at how it isn’t backed up by any details? Well, it is pretty true that you choose happiness but the ‘key’ to happiness arguably lies in practicing simple techniques and lifestyle habits, according to Gordo.

• Become extraordinary • Saying YES more

• Let go of guilt

Your outlook towards life changes when you are happy, which subsequently means more productivity and satisfaction in your everyday life. The aim for this event is to realign your energy through mindful actions like: • Taking responsibility • Take no offence • Contribute and be generous • Challenge yourself

Gordon Rutty has designed seven guiding principles that, when implemented, can allow for fuller lives. His research has spanned over 10 years and is derived from the greatest wisdom he could gather. It is then that he consolidated these seven principles. While greater things in life do make us happy, there are also much smaller things that can leave you feeling pleasant. Gordo will help you achieve balance and the best of both worlds.

held back from a past event or experience and want to let go

from what is holding them back

ABOUT GORDO

Gordon Rutty, more popularly called Gordo, works with the aim of ‘empowering you to your best life’. He’s a loving husband and dad, dedicated friend, fitness enthusiast and an all-round happy guy. Gordo is also the author of ‘The Happiest Man in the Universe’ which is a title that speaks for itself.

Happiness Unleashed

“empowering

you to your best life”

How many times have you heard ‘happiness is a choice’ and rolled your eyes at how it isn’t backed up by any details? Well, it is pretty true that you choose happiness but the ‘key’ to happiness arguably lies in practicing simple techniques and lifestyle habits, according to Gordo.

Your outlook towards life changes when you are happy, which subsequently means more productivity and satisfaction in your everyday life. The aim for this event is to realign your energy through mindful actions like: • Taking responsibility

Take no offence

Contribute and be generous

Challenge yourself

• Become extraordinary • Saying YES more

Let go of guilt

Gordon Rutty has designed seven guiding principles that, when implemented, can allow for fuller lives. His research has spanned over 10 years and is derived from the greatest wisdom he could gather. It is then that he consolidated these seven principles.

While greater things in life do make us happy, there are also much smaller things that can leave you feeling pleasant. Gordo will help you achieve balance and the best of both worlds.

WHO IS THIS FOR

• People who are being held back from a past event or experience and want to let go

• People who want to break free from what is holding them back

• People who want to break free from negative thinking

Enjoy life while staying connected to your Blacktown community, your local sports, your family and friends... every day.

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

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