Blacktown News April 2021

L OCA L NEW

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N Issue 1 | April 2021

Blacktown's LOCAL media voice

EXCLUSIVE: Bob Turner on his new role at Blacktown FC.

Young people turning their lives around at BYSA.

Youth Needs Our Support VITAL youth service in Blacktown is set to close after missing out on important State Government funding. The Blacktown Youth Support Association’s Youth HQ program helps young people at risk - those who have

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been in trouble with the law or those who may be headed that way. But the service was told at the end of last year by the Department of Communities and Justice that they had missed out on funding, in favour of more “targeted” youth

programs. A letter from the Minister for Families and Communities Gareth Ward suggested that the BYSA seeks funding from other government departments such as education and sport.

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WELCOME to the Blacktown NEWS ELCOME to Blacktown's NEW LOCAL media voice, The Blacktown News (BN).

The Blacktown News is the much-anticipated new newspaper and digital media brand that covers Blacktown LGA with local news written by experienced journalists.

The Blacktown News is Blacktown's ONLY printed newspaper and is independently owned and managed locally by a management team that has been working in Blacktown for almost 20 years.

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The News will be distributed across 110 strategic distribution points in the LGA. Published in digital and print editions the Blacktown News offers maximum impact for targeted advertising opportunities and reach to Blacktown's diverse population.

With a mission of championing community and business issues, the BN is a proud media partner of the Greater Blacktown Chamber of Commerce, the Blacktown Local Business Awards and Blacktown FC.

As one of the state’s fastest growing cities, Blacktown has undergone a significant transformation.

It's population is set to rise from 400,000 to 540,000 residents by 2036.

The Blacktown News is the print and digital media resource that connects residents and visitors to the city’s diverse community, its progress, business opportunities and lifestyle.

We value your feedback. Go to www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au to share your story.

Keep up to date with the latest news in and around Blacktown!

Get your monthly community e-newsletter today.

blacktown.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

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important community announcements upcoming events transformational projects school holiday activities community award programs competitions much, much more...

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ISSUE 1 | April 2021

Blacktown City blacktown.nsw.gov.au

$

Blacktown

Snapshot

395,000 population

18.81 billion local economy

4.6%

24,990

average annual economic growth

registered businesses

143,259 local jobs

Students celebrate official opening of ACU Blacktown Hundreds of students are now being equipped with the skills for a bright future right in the heart of Blacktown following the official opening of Australian Catholic University’s Blacktown Campus.

Up to 700 tertiary students will be enrolled this year to study at ACU Blacktown’s vertical campus in the Blacktown city centre.

The official opening ceremony was held recently at the new campus in Main Street, Blacktown.

Speaking at the opening, Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the needs and desires of the current and future students of ACU Blacktown were at the heart of the reason why the campus existed.

‘We believe in the potential of our young people, and we believe they should have access to the best opportunities, education, and training right here in Blacktown City,’ Mayor Bleasdale said.

‘This is the City of Talent, and education is the single most effective way to harness talent.’

For more information, visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au

What creative and cultural experiences are important to you?

Our Creative City is a new cultural plan for Blacktown and we would like to know about the creative and cultural experiences that are important to you.

Help us name one of 2 new parks in the Warrick Lane redevelopment At Council, your opinions and contributions are important to us.

We want your help in naming 2 parks in the new Warrick Lane redevelopment in Blacktown’s CBD.

In Blacktown, our libraries, arts centre, community events and festivals are well loved and attended.

There are also many other groups and individuals that provide unique and valuable experiences. But how important are these activities to you, and what are the other ways you would like to participate in creative and cultural experiences in Blacktown?

The redevelopment contains 2 parks: •

1 main central plaza on Main Street

Help us imagine the future of Our Creative City and have your say in the new cultural plan for Blacktown.

•

1 smaller ‘pocket park’.

The survey will take about 5 minutes to complete.

Names that reflect Blacktown’s local history, fauna (animals), flora (plants) or local Indigenous history may have a greater chance of being selected.

For more information, or to have your say, visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au/warricklaneparks

Raging Waters are offering the chance to win 1 of 5 double passes for a single day visit to participants who enter the draw at the completion of this survey!

For more information, or to Have Your Say, visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au/creativecity

Blacktown City Council acknowledges the Darug people as the traditional owners of the land on which Blacktown City is built.

Email us: council@blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Call us: 9839 6000

Visit us: 62 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown

Mail us: PO Box 63, Blacktown 2148

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Bon Turner is announced the new Chairman of Blacktown FC.

Big boost for local football fans Bob Turner the new Blacktown FC Chairman ATIONAL Premier Leagues NSW Men’s club Blacktown City has announced the appointment of one of Australia's most respected sports personalities in former NBL Basketball legendary coach Bob Turner as part of the club’s new restructure.

The 70-year-old organisation will see Turner as an asset in it’s bid to recommence the club’s redevelopment.

Turner will be using all his expertise in taking the club to the next level.

“When I weighed up the positives of the club’s history, its culture and reputation, the proven coaching reputation that Mark Crittenden has brought to the club and its home venue, which is one of the best facilities in Sydney, the ingredients were stacking up that the opportunity to capitalise and make a difference was a great one,” Turner said.

“In addition, the last 11 years of my association with Blacktown, including my current role as Vice President of the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber, have opened my eyes to both the misunderstandings and the potential of the city.

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“Our name Blacktown City FC is priceless and critical to achieve the objectives of the new Board.”

Joining Turner on the board will be former Blacktown City legend and business owner Luke Roodenburg, Chris Gafa, Steve Crawhall, Gina Moutzouris while the club’s Head of Football Mark Crittenden will also assist with the new team.

Steve Crawhall was looking forward to working alongside Turner in ensuring Blacktown City remained at the top of their game on and off the pitch.

“It’s great to have Bob as part of the Blacktown City FC family. Blacktown City FC has a proud tradition of success and we believe having Bob onboard will continue that success off the field, which will compliment all the work done from previous boards.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale was delighted with the club’s appointment.

“If the new Board can achieve even half their goals in the next few years, the city of Blacktown will be the winner,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

One of the most important ingredients for future

success is the teams home venue and the club is grateful to Vince Camera of Lily Homes for his efforts to maintain and improve the venue. Vince was a previous Blacktown City FC Director and has provided long term support to the club.

He is fully behind the new move and will remain as an advisor to the Board. Lily Homes Stadium has a current capacity of 6,000, and the end goal is to fill the stadium on a regular basis.

The priority of the new Board is to structure a firm financial operation for the long-term stability of the club. A focus on building attendance, corporate support, and acceptance from its home city–Blacktown, will be priorities.

The credentials of the on-field activity at Blacktown City FC are generally accepted by most in football to be first class and was another selling point for Bob Turner.

The Blacktown News is the official local media partner of Blacktown FC. See page 13 for this season’s game schedule and page 31 for Bob's exclusive column.

Kiddo Stations is Supervised Playroom We are on a mission to revolutionise parents' lifestyle choices and the way they spend time between self and family's well-being.

Kiddo Stations aims to support, encourage, and provide parents within the local community with the flexible opportunity for “me-time” (may that be for self-care, business, career, hobbies, shopping, or other errands) while their kids are well looked after in a safe and engaging environment Flexible OnDemand supervised playroom Diverse age group: 1 to 12 years old Dedicated junior and senior stations Strategically located within shopping centre

Safe, fun, and engaging environment Active-Play facilities, Toys, Games, Books, Arcade School Readiness Program, Homework Club /Tutoring Yoga, Arts & Crafts, and STEM Workshops

Contact Details: 0468988842 ∙ Open Thu-Sun ∙ www.kiddostations.com ∙ info@kiddostations.com

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www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au www.facebook.com/theblacktownnews www.instagram.com/communitybroadcastnetwork/

ISSUE 1 | APRIL 2021 How to get The News The Blacktown News is available throughout the Blacktown LGA at 110 strategic locations. To find a location near you visit our website.

Digital edition Each edition of The Blacktown News can be viewed and downloaded in digitalf ormat at our ISSUU platform: www.issuu/communitybroadcastnetwork

Contacts Editorial: michael@accessnews.com.au Admin and General: info@greaterblacktownnews.com.au Editor: Michael Walls michael@accessnews.com.au

Trevor Oldfield at the launch of Greater Blacktown Business Chamber in 2014.

Exciting to be launching THE NEWS

Newsroom News Editor: Di Bartok dibartok@yahoo.com.au News Reporter: Lawrence Machado lawrencemachado@yahoo.com News Reporter: Elizabeth Frias elizfrias@gmail.com Travel Editor: Dallas Sherringham dallas@accessnews.com.au

 TREVOR OLDFIELD T is both exciting and humbling to provide an article for the new Blacktown Paper.

The Blacktown News will quickly become a wonderful conduit for information from all levels of Government local Business and of course your Business Chamber.

Having a voice whether it be through social media, print media or in a networking environment is crucial to succeeding today in business.

Connecting with your peers and local leaders gives vast opportunities to understand the business landscape and helps you decide the direction of your marketing.

The past 12 months has changed the way in which we do business with each other.

While it has reduced personal interaction and our ability to connect in a social environment, the other side of the coin is that it has helped us discover quicker and more effective methods to market our businesses. T The difficulty many of us have is adjusting to this new way of connecting and to that end I thought it relevant to provide a piece on Developing and maintaining your voice through the written word.

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Advertising sales Graham Maughan graham@accessnews.com.au Julie Jackson julie@accessnews.com.au

Administration Rebecca Swaleh info@greaterblacktownnews.com.au

Design and production Design2Pro, Words and Pixels.

Support Partner The Blacktown News is the official media partner of Blacktown FC and the Greater Blacktown Chamber of Commerce.

Tips for Developing and Maintaining Your Voice in Your Business Writing Know the Difference Between Your Voice and Your Tone and Style Tone indicates the writer’s attitude toward what she or he is writing. For instance, a writer can use a sarcastic, witty, casual, or humorous tone. Business writers should always write in confident, sincere, and respectful tones, unless their target audiences can greatly benefit from a different type of tone. And they should never use a condescending, derogatory, or dismissive tone if they want to gain their audience’s trust.

Additionally, a business writer’s style is more about how she or he organizes a piece of writing. Do they use chapters, subheadings, etc.? Do they follow a particular style guide?

Always Write in the Active Voice In grammar, there is the “passive voice” and the “active voice.” In business writing, always use the active voice to establish your authority and reliability. Think of the following example and which option you would want to see in your weekly sales report:

Passive Voice: An error may have caused the ordering platform to stop working for several days, which impacted the dates on the sales report.

Active Voice: The dates listed on the sales report are inaccurate because the ordering platform stopped working for several days.

As you can see, the active voice is clearer, more direct, and easier to understand.

Try to Avoid Too Much Jargon When Using Your Voice To further emphasize the authority and simplicity in your business writing, don’t use too many euphemisms, industry slang words, or acronyms that are easily confused or difficult to decipher. Your business writing voice should always aim to be clear and effective for your target audience.

If you want your business writing voice to become trustworthy and credible, then use industry jargon sparingly, when it genuinely builds a deeper rapport with your target audience. Don’t use it just to cut corners or save space on a page.

Trevor Oldfield AM KSJ JP is President of the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber

INDEX

Our Broadcast Partner www.netwerx.tv – NETWERX is a broadcast hub that hosts and creates videos of public interest and commercial benefit.

News .................................3

Salvation Army ...............17

Directory .........................26

Cover Story ....................10

Property ..........................22

Films ...............................28

Entertainment .................14

Family Business .............24

Sport ...............................30

Crosworrds .....................15

Breed ..............................25

Business Awards ............32

FREE SEO Review For Your Business In A Video Are you confused about SEO? Have you tried it before but didn't get the benefits?

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4. If SEO is a right fit for your business or not?

ISSUE 1 | April 2021

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Great news for Blacktown drivers Prospect Hwy upgrade moved up the priority list  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM HE long-awaited Prospect Hwy upgrade at Blacktown has been moved up the Priority List by Infrastructure Australia.

It is welcome news the district’s motorists and truck drivers who have to battle this notorious road every day in the fastest growing urban area in Australia.

The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the announcement by Infrastructure Australia to lift the Prospect Hwy Upgrade to “Priority Project” status following a review of the project’s business case.

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“Blacktown is on the cusp of transforming into one of Australia’s great urban centres,” the Property Council’s Western Sydney Regional Director Ross Grove said.

“The local council has a bold vision for its CBD and is following through with action on the ground, so sooner is definitely better when it comes to upgrading the key access roads like the Prospect Hwy. “The current road is two lanes and a chore to drive on. Blacktown has experienced significant growth since the road was initially built and the corridor exists to enable widening in the future.

“With the business case prepared, reviewed and given a ‘thumbs-up’ now is the

time to build the road to the width the city needs, rather than what we presently have.

“As the key connection from the Blacktown CBD to the M4 this upgrade is a must-have to ensure the city reaches its potential,” Mr Grove said.

The Infrastructure Priority List currently features 20 initiatives and projects of relevance to Western Sydney and the most recent publication updates the status of the Prospect Hwy upgrade and Picton Rd to reflect the latest information.

A copy of the updated Infrastructure Priority List can be found at: https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/infrastructure-priority-list

Ross Grove.

Mayor opens new cricket pavilion NE of the traditional sounds of summer is the crack of willow hitting a red ball at local cricket grounds around the Blacktown district.

And one of the most attractive grounds in the West is Pearce Reserve in Kings Langley.

The ground now has the amenities and club rooms to match the white flannels and shouts of “Howzat” echoing through the trees.

The new pavilion adjoining the oval at Pearce Reserve were officially opened recently.

Mayor of Blacktown City Tony Bleasdale joined the Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland and Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor, along with cricket officials and supporters at the official opening of the pavilions.

O Mayor Tony Bleasdale, Kings Langley Cricket Club President Paul Giumelli, Pearce Reserve Park Committee President Greg Monaghan and Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths. (Council Facebook photo).

The $1.5m project involved the construction of two new pavilions housing change rooms, storerooms, toilets, club rooms and a canteen.

There are also upgraded spectator facilities, with raised and covered terraces and tiered seating fronting the cricket oval.

Blacktown City Council contributed more than $1.1m towards the project, with the NSW Government and NSW ICC T20 2020 Cricket Legacy Fund providing $100,000 and Kings Langley Cricket Club raising $75,000 towards the project.

The pavilions provide cricketers of all ages with a social home in Blacktown and will be an important base for the sport in the decades ahead.

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Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM, Nursing student Faith Edeko, Vice-Chancellor Professor Zlatko Skrbis, and high-performance sport student Oskar Stamiucha on the first student orientation day at ACU Blacktown.

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Mayor Tony Bleasdale and Vice-Chancellor Professor Zlatko Skrbis with students and mentors on the first day of enrolments at ACU Blacktown.

First students at ACU Blacktown Students can study locally at a leading university LANDMARK for education in Western Sydney is being celebrated with the enrolment of the first students at Australian Catholic University’s Blacktown Campus.

Up to 700 undergraduate students will be enrolled this year to study at ACU Blacktown’s vertical campus in Main Street Blacktown.

The first students to be enrolled were welcomed to the campus by Australian Catholic University Vice-Chancellor Professor Zlatko Skrbis and Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM. Professor Skrbis said: “This is a very exciting day for our University and for education in Western Sydney. ACU Blacktown is our third campus in Sydney and is situated in a region of exciting growth and development.

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“I’m delighted because so much planning, preparation and work has gone into setting up this campus. We’ve been really blessed with the collaboration and partnership that we have with Blacktown City Council.

Quality education a game changer “But this is about students and I’m delighted to see such a large and diverse cohort of students here today. I can see their excitement, I can see that they feel that they have arrived at the right place, we are so excited to have them here.” Professor Skrbis said.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale said: “This day has been more than 2 decades in the planning.

“Up to 18 thousand students travel out of Blacktown City each day to study at uni-

versity. But now students can study at one of Australia’s leading universities right here in Blacktown city centre.

“It’s a game changer absolutely in terms of education for our city. No great city can grow without fantastic education opportunities and certainly ACU is now providing another level of education right here in Blacktown City.

“Council has been instrumental in welcoming ACU and we’re delighted that hundreds of our students can now look forward to getting a quality education without having to commute for hours across Sydney.”

Faith Edeko from the Blacktown suburb of Colebee has enrolled in a nursing degree in the Health Sciences faculty.

“As a Blacktown local, I really love how everything is interconnected. There’s

shopping centres, there’s the Max Webber Library nearby so I can do research and everything including the train station is easily accessible.”

Champion swimmer, 18-year old Oskar Stamiucha completed his HSC at St Dominic’s college, Kingswood and is studying high-performance sport.

“Swimming is my life at present and I eventually want a career in high-performance coaching. I’m also excited to see the plans for Council’s International Centre of Training Excellence.

ACU's Blacktown Campus has been developed in partnership with Blacktown City Council and is named in honour of St Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of Sudan and of victims of slavery. Blacktown City is home to one of Australia’s largest Sudanese communities.

Glenorie Pizzeria!

Fresh produce prepared daily to make you your favourite pizzas, pastas, salads, ribs, and desserts!

Locally owned and operated since 1986, we pride ourselves on using local ingredients, supporting local suppliers, and employing from our local community

OPEN for Lunch

Tuesday - Friday

OPEN for Dinner

Tuesday - Sunday

ISSUE 1 | April 2021

Working together to deliver for Blacktown City Congratulations for the start of Blacktown News We recognise the importance of local newspapers in reporting local news including sporting and community updates and engaging with local businesses. Wishing you all the best in reporting on stories and events covering the City of Blacktown.

We can help or provide links on a range of State issues including: • Public Housing • Homelessness • linking you to local services providers for DV, mental health, disability services support or other health issues • State Government rebates • NSW grants for community and sporting clubs • Health issues • Education • Public transport • Policing and public safety • Fair trading issues • Attending community events • Congratulatory messages • JP services by appointment • EPA (environment issues)

Edmond Atalla MP

Hugh McDermott MP

Prue Car MP

Stephen Bali MP

Member for Mt Druitt

Member for Prospect

Member for Blacktown

(02) 9625 6770 mountdruitt@parliament.nsw.gov.au

(02) 9756 4766

Member for Londonderry Shadow Minister for Education (02) 9833 1122 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

blacktown@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Suite 201, Westfield Shoppingtown, Carlisle Av, Mt Druitt

prospect@parliament.nsw.gov.au 2/679 The Horsley Dr, Smithfield

154 Queen St, St Marys

(02) 9671 5222 Shop 3063, Westpoint Shopping Centre, Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown

Authorised by Stephen Bali MP, Edmond Atalla MP, Prue Car MP and Hugh McDermott MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

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New nursing chief for local hospitals Marie’s had the passion to help others since age 12 LACKTOWN and Mount Druitt hospitals’ new Director of Nursing and Midwifery Marie Baxter knew she wanted to be a nurse from age 12.

Marie joins the hospital from Western Australia, where she has been the Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery for Western Australia Rural and Country Health Services.

“I feel very fortunate to have been appointed this role; I am excited to support the growth and development of the nursing and midwifery team,” Marie said.

“At the end of the day, what I want is a happy, sustainable nursing and midwifery workforce.

“My role is fluid and ever-changing, but essentially I am the bridge between man-

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agement and nursing and midwifery staff. I need to marry what our nurses and midwives need with what the district needs so we can be aligned and meet all our objectives.”

Marie started her nursing career in the UK and brings with her extensive management and operational experience across both metro and regional health as well as community services with a strong passion for exemplary nursing care.

“I knew I wanted to be a nurse from the age of 12 and I wanted to be the best nurse I could be,” she said.

“By the time I left the UK in 1995, I was a senior nurse but did not expect to get into that role when first arriving in Australia as I didn’t know the healthcare system.

“I worked my way back up

in Australia – this gave me a very holistic view and an authentic sense for the nursing scene.”

Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals’ general manager Ned Katrib said the appointment of this role will set Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals on a pathway to a bright future.

“We’re very excited to have Marie join our team as we continue to drive excellence in care and service delivery,” Ned said.

“We are committed towards embedding a culture of compassion, capability and innovation across Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals.”

Cheryl Trudinger, who has been acting in the position for the last few months, will now start her new role of Operation Nurse Manager Medical.

Marfie Baxter.

Health board seeks candidates SW Health is seeking expressions of interest for the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) board, providing the opportunity to play a leadership role in the delivery of world-class health care in New South Wales.

Board members contribute to the management and future direction of the NSW Health system, WSLHD chief executive

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Graeme Loy said.

“Board members play a pivotal role in setting the strategic direction and accountability for managing our public hospitals and health institutions,” Graeme said.

The WSLHD Board consists of six to 13 members, all appointed by the Minister for Health.

The selection criteria ensure board members have an appropriate mix of skills, experience, and expertise to oversee and provide guidance to large and complex organisations.

Individuals should demonstrate the capacity to represent the interest of consumers of health services and the local community served by a district/network,

and indicate any affiliations with universities, clinical schools or research centres.

To apply, individuals need to complete an expression of interest indicating their skills and experience relevant to the role.

For information and to obtain an Expression of Interest form visit: www.health.nsw.gov.au/eoiboards or please call 1800 328 998.

THE BROTHERS FISH MARKET

Shop 71-73 Seven Hills Plaza (Located next to ALDI) Ph: (02) 9621 8776 C O O K E D & F R E S H S E A F O O D

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TLC’s values are all in the name ENDER Loving Care Disability Services (TLC) are NDIS registered service providers with a vision to grow and nurture people with disabilities within our communities. With over 50 years combined experience in disability, they provide excellent outcomes for people with intellectual, mental, physical and cognitive challenges.

The organisation’s core values are enshrined in the name. TLC is passionate about providing genuine and caring assistance that you can depend on. TLC supports people aged 0 to 65 living with a disability.

They provide guidance and planning enabling participants to understand how NDIA Plan funding works, ensuring funding goes a long way.

TLC has over 50 years of combined experience in the disability sector, with a legacy of quality support for people of all ages and walks of life with intellectual, mental, physical and cognitive challenges.

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The helpful team at TLC.

The NDIS system can seem complicated, which is why, TLC’s am is provide people with the right guidance, planning and support to understand how the NDIS Plan funding works and how to get the most value out of the best services.

Some of the services provided include: In-home support, daily living activities and duties, Accommodation, Support Coordination, Allied health professionals, Specialised transport, Plan Management, Social, Community and Recreational Participation, Day Programs, Multilingual services and Pathway to Employment opportunities.

Their mission is to care for NDIS participants to enable better health, wellbeing and improved life skills. An important part of this is making sure that clients have every opportunity to be active members within their local communities and have access to a diverse range of learning and personal growth experiences.

Phone TLC on 1300 998 885 or visit www.tenderlovingcare.com.au

Working again, after 24 years jobless N 1996, a crippling workplace accident left Davinder Kaur, a then 35-year-old wife and mother of three children, unemployed for 24 years.

As a result of her injuries from that ill-fated day, Davinder developed Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and lives with constant pain.

Despite being left bedridden for two and a half years and eventually, diagnosed with depression - Davinder never gave up hope.

'I was determined to go back to work because I was so depressed all the time

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and in so much pain,” said Mrs. Kaur, who was hired 12 months ago, as an administration assistant, by Alexander Lee & Associates, solicitors in Blacktown.

Disability recruitment specialist and Blacktown, NOVA Employment Manager, Neena Sood, reveals why working means much more than just a paycheck.

“Being employed means you are being productive,” said Neena Sood, a 9-year veteran in disability employment service.

NOVA Employment first worked with Davinder to upskill her administration

knowledge and by focusing on her abilities, determined the right job match for her.

In the past year, Davinder's life hasn't been the same.

“This job has changed my life, as I am feeling less depressed and concentrating on other things, other than my pain,” said Davinder.

For more information about this FREE service contact, Blacktown NOVA Employment Manager, Neena Sood via email neena.sood@novaemployment. com.au or M: 0414 233 921

Happy to be working again: Davinder Kaur.

Low-Cost Western Sydney Shared Office Hire Available

Looking for affordable office space in Western Sydney?

We currently have limited office spaces available for hire for you to nurture and grow your business.

• Convenient Western Sydney location close to Blacktown CBD and quick access to M2, M4 and M7.

• Close to public transport • Flexible Rental Terms (Month to month rental agreements).

• Free 24/7 Parking and Security.

• Access to Kitchen Facilities, Training and Meeting Rooms.

• Participate in free Business Incubator Programs and Networking Events.

• Reception and Administration Services

Prices start at just $360 per month INC GST

We are offering first month rent-free to Blacktown LGA businesses (offer ends 15/5).

To enquire about our great rates and monthly specials contact us on (02) 9853 3200 or email us at reception@breedaustralia.com.au

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Youth officers Natalie and Alison.

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Young people turning their lives around at BYSA.

Blacktown Youth needs our support Vital youth faces closure without support Below: Blacktown MP Stephen Bali's letter to the Minsiter.

 DI BARTOK VITAL youth service in Blacktown is set to close after missing out on important State Government funding.

The Blacktown Youth Support Association’s Youth HQ program helps young people at risk–those who have been in trouble with the law or those who may be headed that way.

But the service was told at the end of last year by the Department of Communities and Justice that they had missed out on funding, in favour of more “targeted” youth programs.

A letter from the Minister for Families and Communities Gareth Ward suggested that the BYSA seeks funding from other government departments such as education and sport.

State Labor MP for Blacktown, Stephen Bali, has also appealed to Mr Ward without success.

BYSA is surviving on support from private businesses but Mr Bali said “BYSA cannot survive on private philanthropy or charge fee for service to the most vulnerable people in our society”.

Mr Bali sent the letter to Mr Ward in early March and, at the time of publication, had not heard back from the Minister.

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We are getting desperate “We are getting quite desperate,” Mr Bali told the Blacktown News.

“Other youth services may offer support in finding employment for young people but BYSA is more activity-based, where people can hang out and be themselves but also get guidance,” Mr Bali said.

“These are young people who may be struggling with life, escaping domestic violence, or who need support in the criminal justice system.”

Mr Bali said the cost of diverting young people from trouble was less than trying to get them out of trouble.

“This centre cannot close, for all those kids who want to make a difference in their lives,” Mr Bali said. He and the centre’s management are hoping to get more business support as well as a government grant that will enable the service to carry on.

BYSA Youth Officer Alison Becroft told the News that the service would close, or at least struggle, when the $10,000 received from the Blacktown Workers Club ran out.

“We are just buying time until we receive more help- from the government or Blacktown businesses,” Ms Becroft said.

“We are the only youth service offering help that engages young people the way we do. These are at-risk young people who are facing the justice system.

“The cost of running our service is small compared to the cost of locking up young people.”

Any businesses or organisatons interested in helping BYSA can check out their website for more details–www.bysa.org.au

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TENDER LOVING CARE

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Lucky swim day for Aihan IFTEEN million certainly proved to be a lucky number for one Blacktown family.

It started out as just another day for Amara and her son Aihan as they walked through the doors at Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope.

For 3-year old Aihan in particular, he was as excited as ever to get to his Little Kickers class. For Amara things were about to get much more exciting.

There waiting in reception was Council’s Manager Key Venues Kevin Jones was ready to greet the centre’s 15 millionth visitor. And it was Amara!

As the 15 millionth visitor, Amara was congratulated with flowers, a merchandise pack, a free gym membership for her and her husband and a complimentary term of swim lessons for Aihan.

Mayor of Blacktown City Tony Bleas-

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dale said: “It’s great to see Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope reach yet another remarkable milestone.”

“With the vast array of programs on offer and the wonderful Dennis Johnson Branch Library sharing the facilities, this is truly a great asset for the local community,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

Since opening in February 2003, Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope has been a huge hit with the local and regional community. Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope is Council’s flagship leisure facility and it offers a diverse range of programs and activities for the community and is also home to Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope.

For information on Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope contact 9421 2600 or visit thewebsite at www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/blcs

Kicker Coach Craig Stewart and council’s Kevin Jones congratulate the lucky couple.

Historic police watch house restored T could be called Blacktown district’s miracle house because the historic old cottage has survived the ravages of time as antiquated buildings disappeared all around it.

For many years, Blacktown City Council had been trying to secure the restoration of the dilapidated building in Reservoir Rd, Prospect that played a key role in Blacktown City’s history.

It is believed the house was constructed sometime between 1870 and 1890 and is the earliest recorded premises to be used as a Police Watch-house at Prospect.

According to records, it was occupied by policeman, Charles Beattie who joined

I The old house.

the force in 1887 and the cottage continued to be used by the Police after he retired in 1915.

The cottage is owned by the Western Sydney Parklands Trust and is within the grounds of Raging Waters, Sydney.

With a recent change in the site’s tenancy Council was successful in seeing the old building reconstructed to a very high standard.

Recently, Mayor of Blacktown City Tony Bleasdale paid a visit to the cottage, accompanied by Cr Kathie Collins, CEO Kerry Robinson, members of Council’s Historical Advisory Committee and President Jill Finch and members of the Prospect Heritage Trust.

IISSUE SSUE 1 | April 2021 21

13 3

EntertainmenT

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ISSUE 1 | April 2021

An Outdoor Cinema with a cause ROM Friday April 16 to 18 Blacktown Workers Club will transform into a world of fun with the ultimate outdoor cinema experience playing a selection of blockbusters.

Not just about what's on the screen, the outdoor cinema will also feature tasty food from local icons BlackBear BBQ, fun live music, kids’ entertainment and a graffiti wall art competition with all proceeds from ticket sales going to Blacktown Youth Services Association.

The massive 3-day event is part of NSW Youth Week and will provide vital funding for Blacktown Youth Services Association with all money raised going directly to the charity.

Established in 1986 for youths needing guidance and assistance to find their purpose, BYSA runs a multitude of programs focused on skills development, capacity building and social inclusion of young people in the local area.

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Legends of the slow cooked meats First up on Friday is family night with ‘Scoob!,’ the 2020 re-make of old-school favourite, Scooby Doo. With plenty of positive messages about loyalty and friendship, this recent release is not just for the kids as it also features some tongue in cheek jokes especially for grown-ups.

Saturday is dedicated to ‘Youth Week’ where live graffiti art from talented youth artists in the community will kick off from 4.30pm. Come the evening, sit back for ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ – last year’s follow up to the iconic 1970s Hollywood blockbuster about beloved female superhero played by the stunning Israeli actress, Gal Gadot.

Finally, enjoy a giggle to finish the weekend with 2011 American romantic comedy, ‘Crazy Stupid Love,’ starring a

killer cast of Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei, and Kevin Bacon.

Cinemagoers will also be able to enjoy a bite from community legends and kings of the low-and-slow cooked meats, BlackBear BBQ, who will be serving up delicious, hearty feed from their food truck throughout the entire weekend.

After a difficult 2020 leaving them on the brink of bankruptcy, Blacktown Youth Services Association is excited to be in partnership with Blacktown Workers Club Group (BWCG) for its debut Outdoor Cinema Fundraiser to continue empowering

local young people to create transformative change in the lives and communities.

BWCG President, Kay Kelly, said: “The work BYSA do is critical to our community and so we’re proud to be able to offer our support and host this fantastic event to raise the crucial funds BYSA need to keep their doors open.”

Other sponsors for the fundraiser include, Paynter Dixon, one of Australia's leading Design and Construction builders who offer expert services in the construction industry.

Get in quick to join the “Grass Class”, just $20 including popcorn. Or why not

pick one of the following upgrades: the “Blanket Crew” featuring a picnic blanket to keep and bonus popcorn ($30 per person) or the premium “Bean Bag Lounge” seating inclusive of picnic pack ($40 per person). For those with kids, “Family Time” includes with two blankets and popcorn to feed four ($80 for two adults and two kids).

Kids are 3 to 12 years. Infants aged 2 years and under free.

To book tickets, please visit: www.workersclub. com.au, Workers Blacktown, 55 Campbell Street, Blacktown or via phone on 02 9830 6000. Tickets strictly limited.

CONNECTING LOCAL BUSINESSES TO GROW THE BLACKTOWN ECONOMY

WE APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT OF OUR PLATINUM & GOLD MEMBERS PLATINUM

GOLD

BECOME A MEMBER from $299 p. 0439 812 709

www.greaterbbc.org.au

ISSUE 1 | April 2021

Crosswords/Games Solutions page 36

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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Point on the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake 6. The man who invented the cube that became a world hit, Hungarian designer, Erno ...

9. First person to circumnavigate the world in a balloon, ... Fossett 10. New York World Series baseball team 11. China's ... Zedong 12. West African republic with Conakry as its capital and chief Atlantic port 13. Sweet sparkling wine from the Piedmont area of northern Italy 15. Soviet statesman, ... Gorbachev 16. Wave-riding 18. Geothermal springs 20. Moving ice mass (Aletsch is Europe's largest) 21. US president's country home, ... David 23. London monument that stands close to the site of the Tyburn gallows, ... Arch 24. Flightless Australian bird 27. An ancient Greek one would have competed naked!

28. UAE sheikhdom, Abu ...

29. Tennis champion, Monica ...

30. Jazz legend, Duke ...

DOWN 1. English racing town or sort of salts used as a purgative 2. Fast and furious sport involving a puck (3,6) 3. Florida swamp region 4. World champion ice dancers, Jayne ... and Christopher Dean 5. Paris boulevard leading to the Arc de Triomphe, Champs ...

6. Cricket scores 7. Dutch word for 'farmers' used to denote Afrikaans-speaking South Africans 8. American statesman noted for his efforts in establishing a cease-fire in Vietnam in 1973, Henry ...

14. Final battle at the end of the world or the movie starring Liv Tyler and Bruce Willis 15. CS Lewis Narnia tale, The ... Nephew (8'1) 17. Door-to-door (hawker) 19. Term for conjoined twins first used to describe Chang and Eng Bunker 20. Archangel generally depicted in art blowing the trumpet that will announce the second coming 22. Mausoleum Shah Jahan built to commemorate his wife, the Taj ...

25. Workers' body formed to safeguard salaries and conditions 26. Followers of Judaism

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Games Solutions

ISSUE 1 | April 2021

TrendS

Is love passing you by?

The bad habits that may be ruining your love life  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM F you worry about love passing you by or your relationship has gone down the drain, the answer may be your own bad habits.

A million songs have been written about lost loves, broken hearts and cheating, but the three minutes of self-pity never explain why it all happened in the first place.

You see, negative self-talk and low self-esteem are two of the most common challenges people face when it comes to finding and holding on to love.

Never fear, help is here–renowned hypnotherapist Mark Stephens could be the answer to your ‘tragic’ love life.

He has developed practical techniques to help anyone, single or in a couple, break the bad habits of the past and attract healthy love into their lives.

By harnessing the power of the subconscious and changing deeply entrenched thought patterns, Mark’s hypnosis treatments can help:

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1. Heal a broken heart.

2. Have a healthy, baggage-free relationship.

3. Attract the perfect partner.

Heal your own broken heart: “Having your heart broken can trigger a range of negative emotions, sometimes years later, that affect every part of your day-to-day life, including feelings of worthlessness, despair, self-blame, loneliness, insomnia, lack of appetite and binge eating,” Mark said.

“By accessing your subconscious, you can process your heartbreak, break those negative thoughts and behaviors and move on to live your best life.”

Mark’s top five tips for healing a broken heart are: 1. Crying: Do not underestimate the power of crying – it can be a powerful tool to help you process and move on from pain.

2. Gratitude: Practicing gratitude helps you appreciate what you have rather than focusing on what you don't have.

3. Self-love: Create positive experiences for yourself by changing the story running through your mind.

Tell yourself – ‘I am enough, I am worthy and I am loveable’.

4. Acceptance: Accepting the situation will help you let go of the pain attached to it.

5. Mindfulness: After a breakup, many people will continually

replay events over and again in their minds. Practicing mindfulness can help break this pattern, bringing your attention back to where you are and what you are doing in the present moment.

Leave your baggage at the door “Many people will unconsciously bring baggage from their last relationship into their new one, eroding it before it’s even properly begun. The key is to face the issues from your past, rather than fear them, look at them clearly and objectively and learn from them,” he said.

Mark’s top five tips for leaving your baggage at the door are: 1. Stop comparing: Break the habit of comparing your new relationship with your past one.

2. Clear emotional baggage: Learn to let go of your past so you can cre-

ate healthy space for your future.

3. Reset your thought patterns: Replace negative self-talk with positive self-reinforcement.

4. Invest in the relationship: Do this with acceptance, compassion and mutual support.

5. Meditate: Learn to think away the stress that causes those everyday conflicts.

Attract the right partner “The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. Getting that relationship right first and not relying on others for your happiness is key to attracting the perfect partner”, Mark said.

Mark’s top three tips to attracting the right partner are: 1. Release the past: Through meditation and self-hypnosis, learn to let go of the negative emotions and

pain of previous relationships in order to create space for a healthy new one.

2. Positive self-talk: Be open to attracting a wonderful new partner and know that you deserve it.

3. Learn from past lessons: Rather than turning away from past relationship pain, look back objectively and consider what went wrong.

Use these insights to inform your choices about what you want in your next relationship and what don’t you want.

Mark has created a meditation and self-hypnosis app titled MindFree with hundreds of sessions to help users change negative thinking patterns, feel happier and make healthier choices. For more information on Mark’s hypnosis and meditation sessions visit www.mindfreeapp.com.

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ISSUE 1 | April 2021

Message from Divisional Commander ear friend, Australians have been through a testing time recently, and while progress has been made, we still find ourselves in unfamiliar territory. The collective impact of the drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated existing social issues like homelessness and financial hardship.

Countless Australians – some for the first time – have found themselves reaching out to The Salvation Army for support, and for many, the phrase “it can happen to anyone” has taken on new significance.

With unemployment, financial instability and serious impacts on mental and physical health being major issues, The Salvation Army is particularly concerned that more people are at risk of becoming homeless. We are now needed more than ever to ensure the harmful impacts of the pandemic will not have a long-lasting effect on the most vulnerable.

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While we continue to provide essential COVID-safe services to people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness, we know that the need has been steadily increasing.

Between April and December 2020, The Salvation Army’s Homelessness services assisted more than 27,000 people. For every one person you see homeless and sleeping rough, there are 13 more you don’t, making homelessness an ever-growing issue in Australia – one we are passionate about addressing.

This year we are asking the people of NSW to support the Red Shield Appeal and help those without a home find stability and security.

Please join us as together we can make a difference in the lives of Australians experiencing homelessness and leave no one in need.

Thank you and God bless, Lieutenant Colonel Miriam Gluyas NSW/ACT Divisional Commander The Salvation Army Australia

It’s raw: How hope really happens  ELIZABETH FRIAS VERY day at the new Parramatta Salvation Army, Major Kylie Collinson is stunned by raw stories of hardship faced by a section of people that is growing in her community.

“I need help to pay bills, I lost my job, I cannot afford to pay rent, I am sick and couldn’t work, my children need school uniform and shoes,” she said.

Most of us may not have experienced any of these predicaments. These are some of the reasons we mustn’t look the other way when volunteers are in our community in the month of May for the annual Red Shield Appeal.

In Western Sydney, Major Collinson says they hope to raise more than $310k to expand the Salvos’ community support programs to support people in times of crisis.

“While we are seeing disadvantaged families that regularly come for help, we also expect new people who have been put off work since the JobKeeper payment has been stopped to visit our centre at 426 Church Street,” Major Collinson said.

Based on the latest treasury data on JobKeeper recipients by postcode, the suburbs of Parramatta, Wentworthville, Granville and Westmead had 3,235 individuals on JobKeeper who ceased receiving income support from April.

Those currently receiving JobSeeker and youth allowance in the Parramatta electorate has increased to 15,488, according to the Australian Council on Social Services which is proposing an increase in the rate of unemployment benefits.

The Salvos are assisting stranded

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Each day, foreign students such as these ones pictured arrive to seek help at the Salvos on 426 Church St.

foreign students who had no way of going home since the pandemic and lost jobs by providing vouchers for food and groceries.

Woolworths has provided the Salvos with vouchers that can only be used for purchasing food and other grocery items, except alcohol and tobacco.

It varies from week to week but on average, as many as 60 come through the door daily to pick up Woolworths vouchers while the Salvo Assessment Line handles the bulk of phone calls for other types of help, Major Collinson said.

Those who have lost jobs are referred to the Salvos’ employment program, Employment Plus, to get the jobless back into the workforce or receive training to reskill for industries needing workforce.

Salvo community member Henry Laferla, 68, and Major Kylie Collinson reflect on the history of the Salvation Army depicted in the huge photo collage displayed in the foyer for all to see.

It’s a dramatic increase The Salvos Moneycare offers a free financial counselling service for individuals and families. This is available in 17 centres across Sydney.

In Western Sydney, at least 600 individual cases since last year are ongoing and are receiving support by ensuring they are being reconnected to work opportunities, receiving emergency relief and Centrelink entitlements, and learning skills how to repay their debts and manage their money for the longer term.

“We look closely at the person’s expenses and provide tips and options on reducing expenses where possible, and work on these priorities,” says Mita Mitra, Moneycare regional manager.

Those receiving JobSeeker or youth allowance of just over $44 a day under the new JobSeeker rate of $620 a fortnight would be finding it very hard to budget their money because housing rental alone takes up bulk of their weekly expenses.

The $250 a fortnight coronavirus supplement included in the JobSeeker allowance also ended in March.

“Much [of JobSeeker’s weekly budget] depend on rent which is the biggest cost so it will be very hard,” says Ms Mitra.

The Moneycare service does not provide loans but provide people experiencing financial hurdles with emergency assistance such as relief on paying energy and phone bills, Ms Mitra says.

To be able to assist more people, the Salvos’ new facilities at Parramatta are being re-purposed to raise funds from renting the spaces such as its community hall with commercial kitchen, conference room and office spaces.

“The monies we raise from renting these facilities within the new building will be used to give it back straight into helping the community and expand our services,” Major Collinson said.

“To be able to pass it onto services for the people in the community we are open to partnering with businesses and organisations in the area.”

To find out more about the Salvation Army in Parramatta, click on to https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/parramatta/ For opportunities to volunteer for the Red Shield Appeal in May please go to: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/get-involved/ red-shield-weekend/.

Major Kylie Collinson (right) and Salvo volunteer Jan Roberts (left) who has been a helping hand for decades serving up hot coffee and sweets to visitors at the new Salvo Café.

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ISSUE 1 | April 2021

The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal 2021– Case for support HE Red Shield Appeal is The Salvation Army’s signature fundraising campaign and raises crucial funds for our vast network of social and community services.

The appeal is run over the months of April, May and June each year, with the Red Shield Doorknock traditionally being held on the last weekend in May (29-30 May 2021). Vulnerable Australians rely on these programs every day.

Our services range from providing shelter for the homeless, assisting families in crisis through practical support and financial counselling, to guiding people with addictions through to a clean, healthy lifestyle.

The Red Shield Appeal 2021 is seeking to raise funds and awareness around the many faces of homelessness who are often overlooked – those sleeping in cars, couch surfing or in unstable accommodation.

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Years of experience responding to crisis

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HE Salvation Army is a movement dedicated to walking alongside people experiencing hardship and injustice and we have been doing this in Australia for over 140 years.

Whether it is a large-scale crisis, like natural disaster, or an individual crisis, such as poor health, job loss, or addiction – we are there on the frontline providing

financial, practical and spiritual support.

Through simple actions like assisting someone with a roof over their head, or a warm meal and listening ear, we make a difference in people’s lives and we do this every day – right around Australia.

Without a home, a person’s ability to access and maintain employment, education, social networks and personal well-

being is severely tested. But as Australia’s largest provider of homelessness services, The Salvation Army is well-placed and experienced in addressing the needs of those at risk.

Our comprehensive wrap-around suite of services include accommodation, case management, advocacy, financial assistance, counselling, and meals, as well as

connection and referral to other specialist services.

Our goal is to raise $32M for this year’s Red Shield Appeal so we can continue to serve the most vulnerable in our communities. No matter how much you give, you will be helping fellow Australians facing hardship. Will you join us to give hope to those who need it most?

Homelessness services in Australia HE Salvation Army actively works to see an end to homelessness. To do this, we not only help those already experiencing homelessness, we also provide a support network that seeks to prevent people at risk from becoming homeless.

We deliver a vast range of services and programs throughout Australia that address the root causes of homelessness such as financial hardship, unemployment or underemployment, addiction, family and domestic violence, disasters and emergencies, and youth disengagement.

For those already experiencing homelessness, The Salvation Army offers secure accommodation and support services right across the country at over 1400 properties.

We provide crisis, transitional and long-term accommodation, refuges for women and their children, rooming houses and community housing. Our services and programs provide the wrap-around support necessary for people undergoing hardship to end the cycle of homelessness and disadvantage –but the need is great.

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The current social and economic climate has led to a steady increase in demand for homelessness services nationwide. According to government data: In the 2019-2020 financial year: • 290,500 people were assisted by homelessness services across the sector.

• 6 in 10 were at risk of homelessness.

• 4 in 10 were homeless.

• 100% increase in people seeking service in multiple sites.

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ISSUE 1 | April 2021

Over the past 10 years, there has been a sharp rise in calls for help as well as costs in providing crisis accommodation.

On the frontline  ST. KILDA CRISIS SUPPORT SERVICES, MELBOURNE person can be in crisis at any time – not just during business hours – and when that happens, having access to a service that can provide safety and immediate care is vital.

The Salvation Army Crisis Support Services in St. Kilda incorporate the Crisis Contact Centre (CCC) – the only 24/7 statewide facility – and the Interim Support and Linkage Program (ISLP).

This service acts as a “safety net” within the current homelessness system, assisting and advocating for people in immediate crisis and who fall through the service gaps. This includes providing emergency

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accommodation assistance to people experiencing health and mental health issues and who have been discharged from hospital into homelessness; family violence risk assessment, safety planning, crisis accommodation and referral to family violence services; emergency accommodation assistance to young people; and travel assistance to safe accommodation.

“I wouldn’t wish this [homelessness] upon anyone, it’s been an absolute struggle… But I’m proud of what I’ve achieved with a bit of help. I have my place, I feel happier and I have a future now.”

- Lisa*, a 52-year-old woman supported out of homelessness and into stable accommodation through Crisis Support Services. *Names changed for privacy

Stories of homelessness  STREET2HOME, TASMANIA any people experiencing homelessness are living with significant trauma, which can lead to issues in trusting support and service providers. The Salvation Army’s Street2Home (S2H) in Hobart addresses that need.

The program helps people within the greater Hobart area who are experiencing primary homelessness. It provides swags, tents, sleeping bags, blankets, clothing and food for those who have nowhere to go. It also actively advocates to local and state governments to highlight the plight of those who are slipping through the gaps, this has resulted in an increase in the capacity of shelter accommodation across Tasmania.

Over the last few years, S2H has seen more single females and mothers with children escaping domestic violence. They are

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also seeing a younger cohort of people under eighteen who have not been seen previously.

Once a successful sheep farmer, 60-year-old Fred* became homeless due to illness and a succession of tragedies. When first contacted by the Salvos, Fred was living in his car. He had not been receiving any support for both his physical and emotional issues and in his own words, was at a “low ebb”.

FRED’S STORY Through continual engagement, Fred acknowledged he needed help. S2H linked him with a GP, a psychologist, and a room in private boarding.

Although he has come a long way, Fred still has a long journey ahead. And that is why we need your support – to ensure Fred and many others experiencing hardship like him can get the help they need to continue moving forward. *Name changed for privacy

At a glance, Street2Home: • 43% ^ – Helped 267 clients in 2019-2020 compared to 186 clients in 2018-2019 • 61% ^ – Received 6835 calls for help in 2019-2020 compared to 4230 in 2018-2019 • 18 – Actively managed approximately 18 cases each day in 2019-2020 • 23% ^ – Recorded an increase from 290 to 358 people sleeping rough in the last 12 months

• 5000 – Total incoming calls for assistance (FY19/20) • 4752 – People provided after-hours emergency accommodation (FY19/20) • 88% ^ – Increase in people needing emergency accommodation since 2010 • 32.4% ^ – Increase in total cost of providing emergency accommodation since 2010 • 266% ^ – Increase in emergency accommodation cost in FY 19/20 • $34,000 – Spent on emergency accommodation during FY19/20 • 165% ^ – Increase in crisis calls from single women with single men remaining the largest group accessing the service • 19% – Of after-hours care provided in FY19/20 was due to family violence

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ISSUE 1 | April 2021

What is in need?

OUSING security has continually been on the decline across Australia.

Increasing house prices, long waiting lists for public housing and a lack of affordable rental properties have pushed many individuals and families – especially those on low incomes – to the brink.

Right now, for every person you can see who is homeless, there are 13 more that you can’t see. And this issue is only predicted to worsen due to the COVID-19 crisis.

As the country adapts to a new normal, with widespread job losses and financial instability, many Australians are facing hardship in ways no one could have foreseen.

The lifting of the moratorium on evictions and decreasing government payments is set to put undue financial pressure on the vulnerable and place them at greater risk of homelessness. And for many who were homeless before COVID-19 measures placed them in motel accommodation, a return to rough sleeping is inevitable.

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How you can help There are people hurting in every community across Australia, and the need for support is very real and extremely urgent.

In times like these, when the need is great, your support of the Red Shield Appeal can help us make a difference and give precious hope to the countless Australians doing it extremely tough.

With the pandemic clearly exposing and intensifying so many of these social issues, we have a great opportunity to see significant and long-lasting change around housing security. But there is a lot of work to be done in order to build on this momentum to end homelessness.

Your support provides the necessary resources to continue meeting vulnerable people at their point of need. Whether

through crisis accommodation or preventative programs and services, your support can help fill the gaps so that no one slips

through. The contribution you make has the power to transform countless lives for the better.

An end to homelessness is achievable, and the Salvos will continue to live and breathe this mission in our work with individuals and families experiencing hardship and crisis in communities across Australia.

We are strongly committed to walking alongside people in need, providing vital support to overcome crisis and see a pathway to life transformation. By contributing to the Red Shield Appeal, you can support the ongoing work of The Salvation Army in the face of this crisis.

Together, we can help end homelessness.

COMMITMENT TO RECONCILIATION The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present. Our vision for reconciliation is to be a faith movement committed to equity, freedom and the righting of injustice.

SALVATIONARMY.ORG.AU To find out more please contact Major David Collinson - PR Secretary or Greg Donovan – Relationship Manager or email PRNSWACT@salvationarmy.org.au

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ISSUE 1 | April 2021

“ I NEVER THOUGHT I’D BE HOMELESS.” Like many of us, Megan* never thought it would happen to her – she never imagined she would need to escape a violent relationship; she never imagined her own family would turn their backs on her; she never imagined she and her daughter would become homeless and have to live out of their car.

Right now, there are thousands of Australians like Megan* experiencing homelessness but going unnoticed. Couch surfing, living out of cars, staying in refuges or transitional housing and sleeping rough – they are often not represented in official statistics. In fact, for every person experiencing homelessness you can see, there are 13 more that you can’t see.

Together we can help stop the rise in homelessness.

Visit salvationarmy.org.au or scan the QR code *Name changed for privacy

PROPERTY SHOWCASE 22

WESTERN SYDNEY

ISSUE 1 | April 2021

Published in Western Sydney Business Access | Parramatta Times | Blacktown News | www.westernpropertyguide.com.au

FIVE KEY TRENDS FOR PROPERTY

Why 2021 is tipped to be great year VERY year is tipped to be a “great year” for property in Blacktown, and that’s definitely been true in recent years, but 2021 is looking especially rosy for this vital sector of the city’s economy.

Experts predict we are at the beginning of a new property cycle, with all the pieces of the ‘boom’ puzzle falling into place.

This means a number of particularly ‘great years’ ahead for our property market.

So let’s have a look at five property trends tipped to occur in 2021.

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1. Property demand from home buyers is going to continue to be strong: One of the leading indicators is finance housing approvals and these are at record levels, suggesting that we will have strong demand from owner occupiers and investors in the first half of this year.

Despite the “recession we made ourselves have”, rising unemployment and many small businesses facing challenges, interest in buying residential property has skyrocketed.

This has come particularly from owner occupiers who have amassed household savings at levels not seen since the mid1970s, and this is in part because they have not been able to spend their money on vacations or even local entertainment as they normally would.

Now, with borrowing costs lower than they ever have been, the reassurance that interest rates won’t rise for at least three years and increasing confidence that we’ve got this virus thing under control, it is likely that buyer demand will remain strong throughout the year.

As property values increase and the media reports more positively about our property markets, FOMO (fear of missing out) will once again kick in and more buyers will be keen to get in the market before it prices them out.

2. Investors will squeeze out first home buyers: While currently there are many firsttime buyers (FHB’s) in the market, buoyed by the many incentives being offered to them, demand from first homebuyers will fade as property values rise from increasing competition as investors re-enter the market.

You see…typically investors compete for similar properties to FHB’s.

Of course during the last few years, investor lending has been low, but with historically low interest rates and the prospect of easing lending restrictions, it is likely that investors will re-enter the market with a vengeance.

At the same time the federal government’s HomeBuilder scheme will disappear in March.

3. Property Prices will continue to rise: While many factors affect property values, the main drivers of property price growth are consumer confidence, low interest rates, economic growth and a favorable supply and demand ratio.

As always, there are multiple real estate markets around Australia, but in general property values should increase strongly throughout 2021.

However certain segments of the market will continue to suffer, in particular in the city apartment towers and accommodation around universities. It is unlikely the segments of the market will pick up for some time and the value of these apartments is likely to continue to fall as there just won’t be buyers for secondary properties.

At the same time, some rental market will remain challenged. In particular the inner-city apartment markets which are reliant on students, tourists-AirBNB and overseas arrivals.

4. People will pay a premium to be in the right neighborhood: If COVID-19 taught us anything, it was the importance of living in the right type of property in the right neighborhood.

In our new “Covid Normal” world, people will pay a premium for the ability to work, live and play within a 20-minute drive, bike ride or walk from home.

They will look for things such as shopping, business services, education, community facilities, recreational and sporting resources, and some jobs all within 20 minutes’ reach.

Residents of these neighborhoods have now come to appreciate the ability to be out and about on the street socialising, supporting local businesses, being involved with local schools, enjoying local parks.

5. We will not fall off the fiscal cliff in after March: Some commentators are concerned that we will fall off the fiscal cliff when

JobKeeper and the mortgage deferral system end in March.

However, the Government is unlikely to allow this to happen after having put so much time effort and money into “building a bridge to get us across the other side” as Prime Minister Scott Morrison promised.

At worst, the fiscal cliff will be a little step down to the new normal.

In fact, APRA (the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority) released data showing loan deferrals plummeted from 493,440 in June to 169,677 in November – a 66% reduction.

Australia’s economy is recovering faster than most expected, unemployment is falling, jobs are being created, consumer and business confidence is rising and there are more buyers out there than there are good properties for sale.

Source: Yahoo Finance

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23

ISSUE 1 | April 2021

100 BED WELLBEING HOTEL AT WESTMEAD

This could be the healthiest stay in Australia  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM ESTMEAD is gaining a new Travelodge Hotel which could prove to be the healthiest hotel in Australia.

The $100M health and wellbeing Travelodge Hotel at West Grove will have 100 rooms and will be closed to Westmead’s medical facilities.

It will be managed by Drill Pty Ltd Hotel at West Grove after signing a long-term management agreement with TFE Hotels.

The Travelodge will be located on the current Westmead Shopping Centre site at the gateway to Westmead’s Health and Innovation Precinct.

Drill chief executive Mark Hovey told leading web site Urban Developer the revised development application for the 2150sq m site would ensure West Grove provided the accommodation, infrastructure, retail and food and beverage services needed into the future.

“The hotel accommodation is a key component of West Grove. Drill are the first to introduce this option within the Westmead Health Precinct, so it fills an important gap within the overall district offering,” Mr Hovey said.

“At the moment, if you are family living outside of greater Sydney and your child or other family member is transferred to Westmead, your only options for hotel accommodation are 15 minutes away.

At West Grove you will be just metres away.”

W

Travelodge Hotel Westmead - Exterior Day.

Travelodge Hotel Westmead - Precinct Courtyard at Night.

The Travelodge also features commercial space for healthcare businesses, specialists and co-working providers.

These include a Woolworths metro-style fresh food supermarket, a hawker style food court, a tavern, courtyard cafes, and specialist retail.

Electric car charging It will include 126 car spaces, along with end-of-trip facilities and electric vehicle charging stations.

Mr Hovey said West Grove would be a thoughtfully designed “oasis” for people

with loved ones receiving medical treatment.

Drill recently received approval for its revised plans for the 100-room health and wellbeing hotel, scaling back from a residential apartment component.

TFE Hotels’ chief executive Antony Ritch said TFE was proud to partner with Drill and introduce the Travelodge Hotels brand into Australia’s largest health and innovation precinct.

“Not only will the Travelodge Westmead debut a fresh new interior design with warm timber and earthy tones,” he said.

Shop 1035A Westpoint Blacktown 17 Patrick St Blacktown NSW 2148 and the phone number: 02 8814 9387.

“But, in partnership with the West Grove development, it will deliver longterm benefits as the thriving Westmead community continues to grow.”

Mr Ritch said the hotel would feature simple, stylish interiors throughout including the rooms, sixth level lobby, eatery and bar. One of West Grove’s central design features is a lush, landscaped courtyard space activated with restaurants, cafes and bars.

“West Grove is the future heart of the Westmead Health and Innovation Precinct for healthcare professionals as well as local and regional visitors,” Mr Hovey said.

Drill has started leasing West Grove’s healthcare space including a day surgery, large general practice and independent health consulting suites with Healthcare Property Group.

Construction of the multi-storey complex at West Grove is expected to start this year. The opening of West Grove is scheduled for Christmas 2022, with Travelodge Westmead opening early 2023.

Sources: The Urban Developer, Westmead Shopping Centre

24

Family Business

ISSUE 1 | April 2021

Faster global rollout of COVID -19 vaccine a $17bn boost to Australia

 BRENDAN RYNNE IN our latest Quarterly Economic Outlook, KPMG forecasts a global rise of 4.4 percent in GDP this year. But there is a big caveat. So much is dependent on the speed and success of international vaccine distribution.

So much so, that we modelled two scenarios for the global roll-out of vaccines – firstly, an efficient, equitable distribution, which will lead to all countries opening their borders to international travellers by the start of 2022. In this ‘upside’ scenario we assess a 2.8 percent boost to the world economy, compared to our base forecast.

But in a downside scenario, failure to deliver a comprehensive and timely program for low and lower-middle income countries will see thwarted mobility and global services trade being hit.

In this downside scenario we assess a 1.2 percent drop in the world economy. GDP would be weaker in all countries – especially, but only, those who have been unable to secure sufficient doses of the vaccine.

This would have a meaningful impact on the Australian economy. The smooth international roll-out of vaccines this year envisaged in the upside scenario would boost the Australian economy by $17bn and generate nearly 40,000 jobs.

On the downside, continued international travel restrictions until the end of 2021, resulting in global services trade remaining depressed, would result in lower Australian GDP of $4bn and 13,100 fewer jobs. Our economy is particularly vulnerable to a drop in service exports.

These scenarios come just after a year since the COVID virus turned the world upside down. From an economic perspective thankfully prospects of recovery from the low point of mid-2020 – when world GDP had declined by seven percent (compared to 2 percent in the GFC in 2009) – looks brighter each day as vaccines get rolled out and new vaccines come on-line.

“

Some policy support has involved guaranteeing loans to businesses to maintain their viability; therefore the fiscal cost of responding to the coronavirus crisis will rise for those jurisdictions adopting this policy only if the supported businesses eventually fail.”

But a return to full capacity will take some time. All economies are poorer than they would have otherwise been if not for the pandemic.

The global economic recovery is likely to be uneven, driven by vaccine distribution but with lockdowns still affecting much of the Northern hemisphere.

The covid recovery will be consistent with the history of how the world economy has recovered from previous global events – where the maturity and robustness of industrial and institutional structures and policy responses are critically important.

The recovery is also going to be driven by how monetary and fiscal policy has been utilised by individual countries. Only some countries have cut interest rates to their lowest levels (or beyond) and/or employed Quantitative Easing, while some have used

government spending more sparingly than others.

For example, some policy support has involved guaranteeing loans to businesses to maintain their viability; therefore the fiscal cost of responding to the coronavirus crisis will rise for those jurisdictions adopting this policy only if the supported businesses eventually fail.

Importantly, there is an understanding that the monetary and fiscal policy response associated with combating the economic fallout of the pandemic is not free.

Rapid increase in deficits We have seen a rapid increase in deficits and government debt; so far the increase has been about 15 percentage points on pre-pandemic levels for advanced economies and around 10 percentage points for emerging economies.

Such an increase would usually raise concerns for global institutions like the IMF and World Bank, but given the unique circumstances they have tacitly endorsed the conclusion that “doing nothing” is not an acceptable option.

Globally, while the final quarter of 2020 saw a return to lockdowns in the northern hemisphere, industrial activity appeared to be returning to pre-pandemic levels.

However, the personal services, travel, accommodation, food, and entertainment sectors, remains severely impacted by the government policy interventions aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

Job losses have also tended to be concentrated in these sectors, and, given these sectors tend to employ low-wage workers, the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated income and wealth distribution problems in society.

The economic performance of individual countries during 2020 was heavily influenced by consumption spending.

Household spending over the past year has necessarily focused on the purchase of goods (as opposed to services), which has meant those countries producing manufactured output have (generally) seen a

sharper recovery than countries that have an industrial structure biased towards services.

Our high resilience rating Australia has weathered the global coronavirus pandemic better than most other countries. A mix of good management and good luck has meant that the spread of COVID-19 within the Australian population has been limited, and as a consequence of that (and also due to the high-quality health system that exists in Australia) the fatality rate associated with the disease has been very low.

Australia is ranked No.2 in the world behind New Zealand in Bloomberg’s COVID Resilience Ranking, reflecting not only the strong health response that has been undertaken to date but also due to the fact we have secured enough doses of the AstraZeneca / Oxford University vaccine to inoculate the whole population.

So what of the near future? In terms of outlook this year will see a strong performance in the Australian economy, with GDP boosted by the pent-up demand from a lockdown-affected 2020 being met, but this will start to taper off in 2022.

Our forecasts on inflation (rising) and unemployment (falling) mean that by next year the RBA will come under pressure to review its pledge to keep ultra-low interest rates until 2024. The inflation genie is still in the bottle, but can definitely be seen edging up the sides.

Real wage growth will continue to be minimal and reflects Australia’s need to implement measures to boost productivity, coming out of the covid era. KPMG analysis has shown a clear link historically between increased capital/technology investment and higher wages. Capex is still a worry, despite recent improved figures.

To read our Quarterly Economic Outlook, please visit KPMG.com.au First published by Brendan Rynne, Chief Economist, KPMG Australia on KPMG Newsroom on 23 March 2021.

25

ISSUE 1 | April 2021

BREED Australia rebuilding small businesses REED Australia, Western Sydney's only non-for-profit business incubator, is about to launch new small business mentoring and community-focused social impact programs under a new leadership team's guidance.

The majority of the new BREED Australia board will initially consist of independent directors who have a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion in shaping the organisation's strategies to help Australia rebuild as a result of the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BREED Australia's chairman Nathan Burbridge is a senior government policy advisor and economic development professional and has been part of the not for profit and charity sector for over 15 years.

"After being part of the board of this great organisation over several years, I am very excited about the experience, passion and commitment that this new board brings to the table in helping BREED Australia achieve its mission and objectives," Mr Burbridge said.

BREED Australia was formed in 1994 to stimulate economic and employment growth in the Blacktown regional area.

Subsequently, the BREED Business Centre was established in 1996 after receiving a grant to refurbish an unused TAFE building into 34 modern offices, reception and administration.

Since then, the BREED Business Centre, based at Quakers Hill, has been providing office rentals for small businesses with shared facilities, administration support and networking events for its tenants and the local community According to General Manager Emmanuel Martin, the catastrophic economic and social impact of COVID-19 has given extra impetus to expand BREED's offering to Australian Small Businesses and their communities.

B

From left: Yasmine Shah (independent director), Emmanuel Martin (general manager), Nathan Burbridge (chairman).

Looking to launch a new business incubator "We are looking to launch new BREED Business Incubator Programs later in the year that will provide Australian early-stage business start-ups with skills and mentoring to establish commercially viable business models. These businesses will grow and create more jobs and social impact within our communities," Mr Martin added Yasmine Shah, an independent di-

rector of BREED Australia, believes that the organisation can create meaningful change through education and community engagement.

“We are on a mission to ensure the Breed community of talented entrepreneurs secure many opportunities to succeed with their business and life goals by empowering each other through shared peer to peer support, networking and learning,” Yasmine ssaid.

Emmanuel Martin said BREED Australia is a representation of its tenants.

"Our tenants at the Nirimba Business Centre will play an active part in building BREED Australia. For example, the new website was designed by Mindsite Web Services, while at the same we support tenants through free mentoring programs and meaningful networking opportunities."

Anne Denham, BREED Australia's treasurer, is a school principal with the Department of Education whose purpose is to help provide access to resources and support through stepping into the community and listening to their stories, needs and hopes. Her strong connections to disadvantaged communities will be instrumental in driving the success of BREED's future social impact-focused projects.

The shape of BREED Australia's future business incubator programs will also rely on independent director Thais Oso, who has proven experience in the Business Startup and global incubator space.

BREED Australia's past achievements include the Featherdale Work Experience Program, BREED Transitioning Youth Program, Young Entrepreneurs Program, and in 2009 it was awarded the 'Incubator of the Year' by Business Innovation and Incubation Australia (BIIA) Matthew Pearce, BREED Australia's company secretary, works for Redman Solutions that provides systems solutions to assist local councils. With a background in consulting, he wants to help businesses thrive and reach their full potential. He aims to help BREED Australia nurture businesses to work smarter, not harder, through technology.

For information on BREED Australia, please visit www.breedaustralia.com.au or contact via phone on 02-98533200

Attention Small Businesses Owners!

Our Virtual Office Solutions can help save time and reduce stress so you can focus on your customers.

Our virtual tenant solutions will: • Save you time. Having a virtual office can relieve the stress of administrative duties, giving you more time to focus on your customers.

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As a BREED virtual tenant, you will benefit through: • Discounted office room and equipment hire • Invitations to free business seminars and networking events

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28

ISSUE 1 | April 2021

French Exit – 5 Stars Odd, charming and immensely lovable, French Exit is a triumph

rances Price (Michelle Pfeiffer) is a Manhattan socialite known as much for her acerbic wit and unusual antics as she is for the rumor that she murdered her late husband. Her expensive taste is challenged, however, when her inheritance dwindles to almost nothing.

Faced with the prospect of poverty, Frances sells what she can and ups and leaves the city, travelling with her son Malcolm (Lucas Hedges) and her cat to a friend’s apartment in Paris. There, she seems intent on whiling away what’s left of her inheritance before eventually killing herself when the money runs out.

Directed by Azazel Jacobs, French Exit is undoubtedly a polarising film. There’s no question this movie won’t be for everyone, with it’s slow pace, it’s ad hoc indulgence in the surreal and strange, and it’s Wes Anderson-esque humor.

At the same time, however, for every viewer who can’t stand it’s style, they’ll be another so in love with it as to forgive the storytelling flaws in favour of what is a cohesive and engaging vibe.

The most impressive thing about this film is without a doubt Pfeiffer’s performance. Acerbic, antagonistic, utterly classy, and truly aloof, Pfeiffer’s Frances Price is a blend of drug-addled swaying a

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la Jack Sparrow, Miranda Priestly-esque one liners, and a wardrobe that screams colour blocked French Fashion Week haul.

It’s a character one could be utterly obsessed with, and it is elevated by a performance from Pfeiffer that screams her talent from the rooftop–one that makes the Oscar snub a truly abhorrent occurrence.

Hedges performs admirably too, bringing an disquieting strangeness, stillness and acceptance to his character that counterbalances Frances’ wilder impulses. The rest of the cast then starts to take on less complex, more one-dimensional characters–Madame Reynard (Valerie Mahaffey) is the overbearing, lonely widower, Madeleine (Danielle Macdonald) is the strange, street urchin medium, and Susan (Imogen Poots) is the commitment-seeking adorer of Malcolm. Alas, all of their performances are entirely outstripped and overshadowed by Pfeiffer’s, for better or worse.

There’s a peculiar and intriguing colouring to the picture, and sense of cinematography, that almost begins to mimic some of Wes Anderson’s pieces.

That’s not a bad thing, because while the first 40 minutes of the film are relatively standard storywise, the back half of the

picture truly takes on an absurdist lens–a talking cat, and odd bunch dynamic in the flat, and the final stroll from Frances, all have Anderson-esque overtones. It is also an engagingly funny film, and there are genuine laugh out loud moments strewn throughout.

This isn’t a movie for everyone, but for those with the taste for great scriptwriting, a showstopping performance from

Michelle Pfeiffer, and slightly absurdist and witty comedy, this could be the movie of the year. French Exit is unapologetically niche, but undeniably a gorgeous, hilarious and engaging piece of cinema.

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

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ISSUE 1 | April 2021

29

Godzilla Vs Kong – 2 Stars Giant monsters fighting each other is let down by the hamfisted human stories interspersed throughout lene Andrews (Rebecca Hall) is a scientist in charge of working with King Kong.

They have him trapped on his island for his own safety, afraid that when Godzilla discovers there is another Titan on Earth, he will rip Kong to shreds.

Nathan Lind (Alexander Skarsgard), at the behest of an evil conglomerate led by Walter Simmons (Demian Bichir), convinces Ilene to bring Kong to Antarctica in pursuit of the Hollow Earth–a cavernous, monster-filled space in the middle of our Earth where Kong came from.

Their movement attracts the wrong kind of attention however, and it puts Godzilla on their tails. As Godzilla and Kong duke it out in the ocean, Madison Russell (Millie Bobby Brown), Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry) and Josh Valentine (Julian Dennison) are hot on the trail of a tech creation in Hong Kong– Mecha Godzilla is here, and draws the ire and rampage of both Titans.

The easiest thing to cover off about Godzilla vs Kong is what it does well–which is exactly what it says on the cover. The handful of fights between Godzilla and Kong in this film are great; giant spectacles that feel bodily, destructive and brutal.

There’s a lot of fun to be had despite the shaky physics, the ridiculous workarounds

I

to make Kong remotely a match for Godzilla, and the seemingly constantly shifting size. When these guys duke it out, it feels visceral, and you’re sitting up in your seat loving every second.

It’s a shame, then, that this movie takes 40 minutes to get to any of that. The craziest thing about this film is how insistent they are on slogging through the most laborious plotting and workarounds to get these two Titans to fight one another.

It feels like someone should have sat down with them at the start and just said “No one cares–make the monkey fight the lizard”. Instead, we get endless exposition about another evil tech company, massive logic leaps, a ridiculous C-plot around the Hollow Earth theory, and ever more garbage dumped on us. You’re slogging for most of the movie through something that, without the monster fights, would be unwatchable.

Then you’ve got the people. This franchise has always struggled with the human element of these stories–ever since the 2014 Godzilla. This film is another level though.

We don’t care one ounce about any of the characters here. Dennison is unwatchable, Tyree Henry is laden with one of the shittiest characters ever written (by someone who maybe once heard at a great distance what a podcast is).

Millie Bobby Brown eviscerates any acting bonafides her time on Stranger Things gave her, Eiza Gonzalez does nothing with the most cliche character of the film, and even Alexander Skarsgaard is phoning it in here. Only Rebecca Hall brings any credibility to her role, but then again it could just be that she seems competent when compared to an entire cast that seems to be coasting through in the lowest gear just for the paycheck.

Nothing can save this actioner from the bland betrayal of its human elements– not even these two Titans ripping each other apart. Godzilla Vs Kong is a disappointing romp.

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

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ISSUE 1 | April 2021

My vision for Blacktown FC I saw an opportunity for the club too good to miss  BOB TURNER N 2010 I brought the revitalised Sydney Kings to play a pre-season game at Kevin Betts Stadium in Mt Druitt.

It was an amazing experience with a packed stadium and an energy as good as the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

That game started my appreciation of Blacktown and the diversity that makes it one of the most unique Council precincts in the country.

Over the next 11 years through my time with the Sydney Blue Sox at Blacktown International Sports Park, BREED Australia based in Quakers Hill, Blacktown Business Chamber, the institution of the ACU campus in Blacktown and work with Blacktown Council, I also grew aware the misunderstanding of Blacktown by those living outside the city.

When I was approached by the historical and iconic Blacktown City FC for advice on their required restructure late last year, I could see an opportunity for the club, the city and football in general.

I weighed up the positives of the club’s history, its culture and reputation, the proven coaching reputation that Mark Crittenden has brought to the club, and its home venue, one of the best football facilities in Sydney, the ingredients were stacking up that the opportunity to capitalise and make a difference was a great one for all concerned.

I accepted the role as Executive Chairman to drive the business of the club to the next level. Over my career I have promoted a variety of sports and events including Jack High Lawn Bowls, Mazda

I

Superchallenge, the Sydney Blue Sox, four NBL teams including the Sydney Kings,

Blacktown FC: strong roster of players.

The goal of the new board is to live up to its team name and become a top-ofmind sporting organisation to represent Blacktown with pride and distinction.

The 70-year history of Blacktown City FC, its credible playing reputation and the culture established through our Head of Football are excellent starting points.

Playing in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition with iconic teams such as the Marconi Stal-

to name a few in one of the best home grounds in Sydney add to the required ingredients.

And now an enthusiastic Board will build on that history, culture and club name to generate a following in Blacktown.

In addition, football is a universal and global sport that ideally fits the multicultural demographic that is Blacktown.

Our home ground in Seven Hills at Lily Homes Stadium has a current capacity of 5,000, and the end goal is to fill the stadium on a regular basis.

Blacktown City FC proved that was possible when they played the Western Sydney Wanderers in the Quarter Finals of the FFA Cup back in 2017.

They not only packed the stadium but almost pulled off a major upset after defeating the Central Coast Mariners the

lions, Sydney United 58, Sydney Olympic, APIA Leichhardt and Wollongong Wolves

week before.

A healthy Blacktown City FC playing in

gymnastics, speedway and a host of others.

The principles of building a professional sporting club are similar for most sports that include the team, a competition, a culture, a city for support, a home venue people want to go to, and a great deal of energy to sell the program.

Our goal is to live up the challenge

front of full houses will not only be a game changer for the club but for the city itself to have a team they can proudly follow and call their own.

The goal is to build the senior men’s team to earn the respect and appreciation of our city. Our name Blacktown City FC is priceless and critical to achieve the objectives of the new Board.

Taking Blacktown City FC to the next level is one of the most challenging yet exciting opportunities I have encountered in my 45-year sporting career and the new Board and our growing number of advisors are up to the challenge. See you all at the next home game!

Go Blacktown City!

Bob Turner is Executive Chairman of Blacktown City FC

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