Blacktown News - June 2021 by Community Broadcast Network (CBN)

L OCA L NEW

N Issue 3 | June 2021

Blacktown's LOCAL media voice

THE GOOD

DOCTOR

Dr Dhaval Ghelani.

BLACKTOWN DOCTOR SETS UP VITAL INDIAN ICU LACKTOWN Hospital Intensive Care Unit specialist Dr Dhaval Ghelani wasn’t going to let distance, border closures and his own personal family devastation stop him from playing a crucial role in the COVID-19 fight in India. Watching the drama unfold on our TV screens and talking to affected family members in India, he

THIS EDITION 2021 Local Business Awards Finalist feature. All finalists listed: centre pages.

decided he could use his expertise to help thousands of people hit by the pandemic. “These doctors are putting their lives and their family’s lives at risk by treating seriously unwell COVID patients – the least I can do from here is help them in any way I can,” Dr Ghelani said. Full story page 3.

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

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Blacktown City blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Blacktown

Snapshot

395,000 population

18.81 billion regional economy

4.6%

24,990

average economic growth

registered businesses

143,259 local jobs

Australian Workers’ Union National Secretary Daniel Walton and Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM unveil a plaque commemorating “The Harvester Decision” next to the restored Sunshine Harvester.

A restored 1907 harvesting machine has been installed in a workers’ memorial garden at Blacktown Showground as a commemoration of a pivotal moment in Australian industrial history.

The Sunshine Harvester was unveiled in a ceremony to mark International Day of Mourning, a day when gatherings around the world pause to commemorate workers who have died or been injured as a result of workplace incidents or occupational disease. Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; ‘Not only did the Sunshine Harvester forever change agriculture in Australia, but it was at the heart of a test case that set the country’s first minimum wage and set the standard for National Wage cases for many years.’

Pop-up community forums are back Council’s pop-up community forums are back after a COVID-19 enforced absence.

‘The Harvester Decision in 1907 by the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Court (CCAC) changed the way wages were determined in Australia by setting a minimum wage for all Australian workers.’ Until 1907 wages were set either by individual contract between each worker and their employer or through union negotiations at each worksite. The Australian Workers’ Union represented workers at the Sunshine Harvester factory, where each worker on the production line was paid a different wage.’ Mayor Bleasdale and AWU National Secretary Daniel Walton unveiled the 1907 Sunshine Harvester in the Workers Memorial Precinct, a collection of sculptures and pools established by Blacktown City Council. Robert O’Neill donated the harvester to Council in 2019. It was trucked to Liverpool Plains Shire Council depot in Quirindi in 2020 and restored to mint condition by the Quirindi Men’s Shed before being returned to Blacktown. Blacktown City Council and Liverpool Plains Shire Council enjoy a ‘Sister Cities’ relationship.

Pop-up community information sessions are a chance to raise your concerns about important issues that affect you and hear about what’s happening in your neighbourhood. Blacktown City Council hosts community and pop up forums throughout the year for community members to have their say. The ‘Have your say’ events are held in different wards across the City to allow as many people to have their voices heard.

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

Westlink M7 registrations open This year’s Westlink M7 Blacktown Running Festival will be held on Sunday 25 July at Blacktown International Sports Park and online registrations are open. This year’s Blacktown Running Festival marks our 15th year partnership with Westlink M7. There is a race for everyone from professional athletes to families, and kids just having a go! The traffic free marathon circuit makes it one the world’s most unique. The Marathon, Half Marathon, 10 km and 5 km events will be run on the Westlink M7 Shared Pathway and IAAF/AIMS Certified Accurate and member of AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races). All finishers will receive a medallion and certificate. There will also be discount vouchers from supporters and sponsors. Find out more: blacktown.nsw.gov.au

The Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, ward Councillors, and our staff bring important information to each forum. Topics discussed at the forums aim to address matters of interest for each ward. These include road upgrades, the provision of new facilities at parks and reserves, community safety programs and events. Sign up for our monthly community e-newsletter to find out when the next pop-up community forum will be held near you at blacktown.nsw.gov.au/ subscribe

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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ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Battling COVID via Zoom Distance no issue for our Dr Ghelani  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM LACKTOWN Hospital Intensive Care Unit specialist Dr Dhaval Ghelani wasn’t going to let distance, border closures and his own personal family devastation stop him from playing a crucial role in the COVID-19 fight in India. Watching the drama unfold on our TV screens and talking to affected family members in India, he decided he could use his expertise to help thousands of people hit by the pandemic. “These doctors are putting their lives and their family’s lives at risk by treating seriously unwell COVID patients – the least I can do from here is help them in any way I can,” Dr Ghelani said. Using his medical expertise and compassion, Dr Ghelani helped a not for profit organisation, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur Australia, set up a COVID-19 Health Centre in India in just 10 days. The hospital has been running at 100% occupancy and is situated in a small town, Dharampur in Gujarat State, Western India.

“The dedication, enthusiasm and commitment from staff – a willingness to learn in the most difficult of circumstances – has been inspiring,” he said. Dr Ghelani trained medical staff online via Zoom meetings from Blacktown. In these ‘telehealth’ sessions, he has been able to teach hospital staff in India the skills they need to battle the massive outbreak. These include how to navigate the ventilatory and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) management of COVID-19 patients.

Left in limbo The hospital was conceived out of a rundown rehabilitation facility and is situated in a small town in a poor rural area which has been badly ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital has been running at 100% occupancy ever since. Installed with a piped oxygen supply, ventilators, haemodynamic monitors, bilevel positive airway pressure machines (BPAP) and an ICU ward, this hospital has been able to bring first class medical care to the inhabitants of 238 nearby villages.

“Families are being left in limbo because of COVID-19 with many women are losing their husbands to this wicked virus,” said Dr Ghelani. Staffed by a physician, two anesthetists, seven junior medical officers and nursing staff, the hospital treated 1500 patients with COVID-19 within a week of opening. “One of the preconditions for hiring new doctors was making sure they were vaccinated. Doctor safety has been at the heart of this work,” Dr Ghelani said. His own family was sadly impacted by COVID-19 with his uncle dying from the disease. “Being the only doctor in the entire family has been a challenge. I have been receiving messages from family and friends asking for support and advice.” With such a high demand for life saving healthcare, a second facility was established nearby to treat patients with mild to severe COVID symptoms. With the help of Dr Ghelani, the hospital staff are also involved in a community outreach program, visiting the homes of villagers to screen them for COVID-19,

Blacktown Hospital Intensive Care Unit specialist Dr Dhaval Ghelani.

with positive cases referred to either facility for quarantine and monitoring. “It’s been devastating hearing the stories from the on the ground; the statistics are just the tip of the iceberg,” Dr Ghelani said. “There have been vocational courses set up to provide professional cooking or sewing skills and have allowed women to be employed by local industries.” For more information head to https://www.srloveandcare. org/coronavirus-relief-initiatives-australia NOTE: If you’d like someone to talk to please reach out to the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. The Mental Health Line is a state-wide 24-hour mental health telephone access service. Source: Western Sydney Health

New child car seat safety ratings EW child car seat safety ratings have been released to help parents and carers choose safe seats, and to encourage manufacturers to produce safer and easier-to-use products. Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the ratings help

remove a lot of the confusion for parents when they need to buy a car seat. “With so many child car seats on the market it is crucial parents and carers have easy access to the latest safety ratings and testing information so they can make the right choices for their children,” Mr Constance said.

“We’ve made improvements to the testing procedures and scoring protocols, including introducing a side-impact test with intruding door, new advanced crash test dummies and a new test rig featuring current popular vehicles.” The safety ratings are a result of

independent crash tests carried out by a partnership between Transport for NSW, Transport Accident Commission (Victoria), Department of Transport (Victoria), Kidsafe and RACQ. Information at www.childcarseats.com.au

Networking the key to success

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

ISSUE 3 | JUNE 2021 How to get The News The Blacktown News is available at strategic locations throughout Blacktown LGA. To find a location near you visit our website.

ISSUE 1 | April 2021

It’s a good idea to actively ask your contacts about developments and techniques, but also to keep an eye on what kinds of articles your contacts are sharing on LinkedIn – don’t forget to comment to let them know that you’ve appreciated the piece. And don’t discount the insights of people from other industries – they may be able to offer new angles you hadn’t previously considered.

 TREVOR OLDFIELD ETWORKING is about sharing, not taking. It is about forming trust and helping one another toward goals. Regularly engaging with your contacts and finding opportunities to assist them helps to strengthen the relationship. By doing this, you sow the seeds for reciprocal assistance when you need help to achieve your goals. A great place to start is your local Chamber, there you will find like minded people who are keen to connect share experiences and often help you grow your business. Here are my tips for building your business profile through engagement with your local business chamber:

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

6. Get career advice and support

Trevor Oldfield.

strong talent and who may be more likely to approach you with offers.

Gaining the advice of experienced peers is an important benefit of networking. Discussing common challenges and opportunities opens the door to valuable suggestions and guidance. Offering genuine assistance to your contacts also sets a strong foundation for receiving support in return when you need it.

Contacts

1. Get fresh ideas

3. Advance your career

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

Your network can be an excellent source of new perspectives and ideas to help you in your role. Exchanging information on challenges, experiences and goals is a key benefit of networking because it allows you to gain new insights that you may not have otherwise thought of. Far from it being a nuisance, most people love being asked for help – it’s flattering and makes them feel useful. If you’re struggling with a decision, challenge or new direction, calling up a trusted former colleague, mentor, teacher or friend to organise a coffee can be beneficial to both of you, as they will in turn think of you when next they have a challenge. Offering helpful ideas in return is an excellent way to build your reputation as an innovative thinker.

Being visible and getting noticed is a benefit of networking that’s essential in career building. Regularly attending professional and social events will help to get your face known. You can then help to build your reputation as being knowledgeable, reliable and supportive by offering useful information or tips to people who need it.

By continually putting yourself out there and meeting new people, you’re effectively stepping outside your comfort zone and building invaluable social skills and self-confidence that you can take with you anywhere. The more you network, the more you’ll grow and learn how to make lasting connections.

4. Get access to job opportunities

8. Gain a different perspective

Expanding your contacts can open doors to new opportunities for business, career advancement, personal growth, or simply new knowledge. Active networking helps to keep you top of mind when opportunities such as job openings arise and increases your likelihood of receiving introductions to potentially relevant people or even a referral. Don’t forget that many jobs don’t even get advertised – particularly as your career advances – so being a recognised part of networks is a key way to gain access to opportunities that you might not have otherwise.

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-today of your professional realm and end up in a rut. By talking to others in your field or people with expertise in a particular area, you can gain insights that only come from viewing a situation with fresh eyes. Asking for opinions from contacts you trust or admire can help you see things in a new light and overcome roadblocks that you might not have known how to circumvent otherwise.

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

2. Raise your profile

Advertising sales

Being visible and getting noticed is a benefit of networking that’s essential in career building. Regularly attending professional and social events will help make your face known. Create value for other attendees by listening carefully, following up on conversations, remembering names, and offering your knowledge and expertise. You can then help to build your reputation as being a knowledgeable, reliable and supportive member of your profession by offering useful information or tips to people who need it. Raising your profile within professional circles will also help you stand out to recruiters, who are always on the lookout for

Graham Maughan graham@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.

5. Gain more knowledge Networking is a great opportunity to exchange best practice knowledge, learn about the business techniques of your peers and stay abreast of the latest industry developments. A wide network of informed, interconnected contacts means broader access to new and valuable information. The opportunity to gather new information is an often-overlooked benefit of networking, as it’s not the most obvious one, but it also offers career progression and development.

7. Build confidence

9. Develop long-lasting personal relationships Of course, the point of networking is to develop and nurture professional relationships, but some of the strongest and most long-standing friendships are borne from work connections. Your networking contacts are probably like-minded people with similar goals as your own, so it’s not unlikely that your professional support network will spill over into your personal friendships. My advice, connect with your local Chamber and start networking today! Trevor Oldfield is the President of Greater Blacktown Chamber of Chamber of Commerce. Visit: www.greaterbcc.org.au

INDEX

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News .................................3 Blacktown Workers ...........8 Property ..........................13 Michelle Rowland ...........16 Business Awards ............17

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ISSUE 3 | June 2021

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First look at local VET facilities ORK on the pilot initiative to deliver new specialist VET facilities at two NSW public high schools is progressing with the first artist’s impressions released to the community last week. Seven Hills High School will benefit from the construction of specialist learning spaces, supporting students who want to further their studies in vocational education. Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the new facilities will be an opportunity for students to gain practical skills while gaining qualifications for their future careers. “We want our students to be inspired when they come to school and be excited to engage in learning that is relevant to them and where they want to go in their post school lives. The schools will be a place for these students to get hands on experience,” Ms Mitchell said. Minister for Skills and Tertiary Edu-

cation Geoff Lee said the future focused learning spaces will support pathways to apprenticeships, traineeships and trade qualifications, as well as pathways to higher education. “Integrating vocational training into schools is a game changer for students who are looking to take advantage of the pipeline of skills-related jobs created from major projects like the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and other industries this will attract,” Mr Lee said. Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor said he was looking forward to seeing students benefit from the new facilities, focusing on the industries of construction, logistics and health services. “It is very exciting to see the concept designs finalised for the upgrade at Seven Hills High School,” Mr Taylor said. The NSW Government is investing $7B over four years, continuing its program to deliver more than 200 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW.

Artist impression of the Seven Hills facility.

Great Western adventure Walking with trees through Blacktown  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM ORE than 26,000 new trees will be planted by the NSW Government along the Great West Walk which passes through Blacktown CBD after leaving downtown. The 65km urban trail links Parramatta to the lower Blue Mountains through three Western Sydney council areas. It is fast become a mecca for Western Sydney’s growing band of walkers. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes was joined by representatives from Penrith, Parramatta and Blacktown City Councils at Ironbark Reserve in Cranebrook to plant the first tree under the ‘Greening the Great West Walk’ initiative. “One of Sydney’s finest green links will now be adorned with more trees, our greatest weapon in the battle against the urban heat in Western Sydney,” Mr Stokes said. “We’re creating a city within a park and we’re doing that by linking our green spaces with living infrastructure like the Great West Walk. “Penrith, Parramatta and Blacktown Councils have received close to $1M for landscaping work which includes planting and maintaining around 11,000 trees in four locations along the Great West Walk, with more than 15,000 trees to be planted by our partners Greening Australia and Landcare.”

Minister Rob Stokes opens the new walk and trees that line the walk.

Important link through the region Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the walk traversed stunning landscapes and was an important link through the region. “We know that sections of the Great West Walk have low tree canopy cover and can be 8-11 degrees warmer than other parts of Sydney, so this investment will go a long way to reducing the urban heat island effect,” Mr Ayres said. The investment will see 3200 trees planted at Tregear Reserve in Tregear, 7600 trees in Toongabbie Creek in Winston Hills, 100 trees at Ironbark Reserve

in Cranebrook and 9000 trees at multiple sites across the walk. “We will be planting more than 100 trees in Ironbark Reserve, each representing a year of the great work carried out by Rotary, which is celebrating its centenary in 2021,” Penrith City Council Mayor Karen McKeown said. “More than 3000 trees will be planted in Tregear Reserve, supporting the protected Cumberland Plain woodland, local river systems, public parklands, and some of Blacktown’s most iconic urban landscapes,” Mayor of Blacktown City Tony Bleasdale OAM said. “Parramatta welcomes this funding,

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which will enable us to plant more than 7500 trees along Toongabbie Creek at Winston Hills and make the daily walk even more beautiful and enjoyable for hundreds of local residents and visitors,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said. The Greening the Great West Walk initiative supports the Greening our City Premier’s Priority, which aims to increase the tree canopy and green cover across Greater Sydney by planting one million trees by 2022. More than 500,000 trees have been planted so far. For more information visit the Great West Walk web page.

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ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Electric vehicle charging at Westpoint ESTPOINT Blacktown has announced the installation of two state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the centre’s carpark. Each EV charging station can charge six cars simultaneously, two Tesla vehicles and four other electric vehicles, delivering up to 7.4kW and 50 km of charge per hour. Agata Rynkiewicz, Westpoint Centre Manager, said the installation of the EV technology, in partnership with Chargefox, was a major advance for the centre and another forward-thinking initiative for the community. “The new charging stations at Westpoint, the first in the Blacktown CBD, revolutionise the EV public charging experience, connecting Australian drivers with efficient, clean fuel for their vehicles,” Ms Rynkiewicz said. “The charging stations include a total of 16 designated charging bays, with facilities for four Tesla and eight other electric vehicles at any one time.” The new EV stations are located on levels 2 and 3 of the car park, and are accessible via the Balmoral and Alpha

Street entries, providing a valuable service and enhancing the centre’s environmental credentials. “It is important to me that our centre contributes to our community as much as we can, in as many ways as we can, to help make the Blacktown area even better than it is already,” Ms Rynkiewicz said. “We have also recently undertaken a number of other initiatives to enhance our car park, including a beautification program to enhance the lighting and ambience, and installation of park assist technology to help customers find a parking space more easily. “The final element, a new parking guidance system, will soon be completed, assisting customers to move between levels based on the number of parking spaces available, helping to cut down queuing and waiting times in the carpark. “Our goal is always to enhance the customer journey. These new facilities will help us to future-proof our centre and ensure we not only meet but exceed customer expectations.” The new electric vehicle charging stations are available now.

Agata Rynkiewicz, Westpoint Centre Manager and Geoff Mewing, Head of Partnerships for JET Charge launch the new electric vehicle charging stations at Westpoint, a first for the Blacktown CBD.

Sustainable coffee scheme thrives in West ESTERN Sydney cafes and coffee lovers have saved almost 30,000 single use takeaway cups from going into landfill, in the first 12 months of the Refill Don’t Landfill swapand-go program. Rising to the challenges of 2020, Western Sydney coffee drinkers and businesses have embraced the program, placing the

region squarely on the map of sustainability-conscious communities. Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) partnered in 2020 with Australian sustainability champions, Green Caffeen, introducing the established reusable coffee cup system to Western Sydney as a way for cafes to save money and reduce waste.

In its first year, the EPA-funded Refill Don’t Landfill campaign saw 45 local cafes sign up and more than 1000 locals download and register, using the Green Caffeen app. In 2021, WSROC extended participation in the scheme for a further six months. Visit: www.greencaffeen.com.au

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ISSUE 3 | June 2021

TENDER LOVING CARE

Blacktown WorkerS

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Blacktown Workers Club Group and Learning Links hroughout our partnership, Blacktown Workers have done much to empower local children to learn and live a life unlimited by circumstance. Thanks to generous funding from Blacktown Workers to Learning Links, local schools have benefitted from providing local children with professional support which they and their families would not otherwise have access to. A specific area that Blacktown Workers have been at the forefront of in their local area is funding local children to receive support from Learning Links’ professional Speech and Language Pathologists. The need for speech pathology intervention services at schools in Blacktown is significant. Many children entering the schools are from non-English speaking backgrounds which creates significant communication barriers on top of existing speech and language delays that may be present. Thanks to support funded by Blacktown Workers, great progress has been made with notable improvements in oral communication skills. This has enabled local children to become more active participants at school, in the community and engage more fully to support their learning and future employment outcomes.

Sophia Screening revealed Sophia* had severe speech sound delay for her age. She was from a non-English speaking background and had a severely restrict-

Club director George Vella, Carmen Cefai and Don Tilley from Leaning Links

ed phonemic inventory (i.e. unable to produce many speech sounds required for English). This reduced her speech intelligibility, making it extremely difficult for her to communicate effectively with teachers and classmates. Sophia has responded very well to targeted speech therapy across the term. She is now aware of the correct tongue position for several speech sounds which were previously produced in error and can self-correct unprompted. Her end of term screening revealed she could pro-

duce target speech sounds with 97% accuracy (previously 60%) which indicates a significant response to intervention.

Thomas Screening revealed Thomas* had a severe level of speech sound difficulty for his age. His connected speech was characterised by several sound errors, including sound omissions and substitutions. Thomas particularly had difficulty producing multisyllabic words. This reduced his speech intelligibility, making it

Help local children of Blacktown learn better with Learning Links and Blacktown Workers Club Group.

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difficult for him to be clearly understood by others. Thomas has been a highly engaged student during therapy and has made very encouraging progress. He has benefited from learning strategies to reduce his articulatory breakdowns and has achieved greater levels of accuracy during structured therapy tasks. Resources and instructional materials were also provided to the class teacher to allow them to support Thomas’s therapy progress by providing additional practice opportunities.

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ISSUE 3 | June 2021

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ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Drivers start your engines! New speedway at Eastern Creek roars into action  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM ONSTRUCTION on the new Sydney International Speedway at Eastern Creek has passed the halfway mark and is on track to be hosting race fans at the start of the 2021 racing season. It is a great opportunity for Speedway to once again with the hearts of motor racing fans in the west. Speedway was once a major sport in Western Sydney, drawing up to 40,000 people and producing top drivers such as Triple F1 World Champion Jack Brabham. However the loss of tracks at Westmead and Cumberland Oval and declining standards at Parramatta raceway in Clyde, led to a fall in attendances and the Touring Car Championship replaced it in the minds and lounge rooms of motor sport supporters. The new speedway should see it come roaring back, especially if it can score a major TV contract.. Minister for Sport Natalie Ward and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance recently inspected construction works at the Eastern Creek site. “This is an exciting and revolutionary addition to motorsport in Sydney which will bring in interstate and overseas competitors, crews and spectators, delivering a boost to our economy,” Ms Ward said.

More than just motor racing “Motorsport fans can look forward to more world-class motor racing in Western Sydney with the new speedway on track to be operational for the 2021 racing season.” Mr Constance said the project was a win for the sport and for the local economy. “The project is boosting investment with more than 325 workers onsite and 60% are local to Greater Western Sydney. The project is also using the services of 58 local small to medium businesses, further spreading the benefits.” Construction began in December last year and has included: • Excavating one million tonnes of soil and rock at the site to support construction. • Constructing a 500m long reinforced retaining wall using almost 1000 precast concrete panels and 40,000 tonnes of recycled sandstone from the WestConnex project. • Work on the construction of a 1,200,000 litre storm water retention tank. The tank’s capacity

Artist impressions of the speedway.

See video at www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au

is the equivalent of 60% of a standard Olympic-size swimming pool and is one of two water retention tanks being built for the project.

• Construction of new dedicated car park for speedway competitors and an additional car park for Dragway events also under construction.

The speedway circuit is also taking shape, while the grandstand, seating and corporate boxes will all be installed in the coming months. Ms Ward said investment in the new speedway came on top of a $33m upgrade of Sydney Motorsport Precinct which would enable the site to host some of the biggest motor racing events in Australia and provide a tourism and economic shot in the arm for Western Sydney. “This is the first time in more than 20 years a Five Star speedway has been built in Australia with the last one being Perth Motorplex, which opened in 2000,” Ms Ward said. Greater Sydney Parklands is finalising the tender process to appoint the operator of the new speedway to prepare for the upcoming racing season. The new speedway is expected to be operational by the start of the Speedway season in late September following the decommissioning of the previous speedway at Clyde, which was on land required to stable new metro trains for the mega Sydney Metro West project.

Chance to recycle old toothbrushes N innovative new program encourages Blacktown residents to ‘brush up’ on their recycling habits. Responsible residents are now able to recycle everyday oral health products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and flossing containers at Bupa Dental Blacktown. The partnership with Teracycle will see the used products dropped off at Bupa Dental Blacktown’s recycling station. They will be given a new life after being melted and remolded into, recycled products. Amazingly, more than 30 million toothbrushes are used and disposed of by Australians each year, leading to approximately 1000 tonnes of landfill annually. With a population of almost 400,000, Blacktown residents can help reduce this figure significantly and make a positive change to the environment. Practice Manager at Bupa Dental

Blacktown Tahnee Gillies said it was hoped that dental care recycling would form an ongoing part of the local community’s sustainable mindset. “Most people don’t know these products are recyclable or that they can’t be disposed of in their yellow bins at home.” “Through this program, we look forward to welcoming the Blacktown community into our practice to drop off their used dental products and show off their healthy smiles–together we can make a big difference,” Tahnee said. Blacktown residents can drop off empty toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, toothpaste caps, floss containers and mouthwash bottles at Bupa Dental Blacktown between Monday and Saturday without the need to make an appointment. Bupa Dental Blacktown is located at Level 1, Westpoint Blacktown, 17 Patrick St, Blacktown.

The staff at Blacktown Bupa Dental are ready to start recycling.

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Working together to deliver for Blacktown City Blacktown City: The City of Opportunity Blacktown City is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. By 2041, population growth will result in our region having over 615,000 residents – easily larger than Tasmania! Only by working together can we deliver the jobs, infrastructure and social services to support a vibrant and exciting City – Opportunity for All!

All promise, no delivery from NSW Liberal Government The Liberals made many school promises across Blacktown City in the lead up to the 2019 election. More than two years on, residents are still waiting for promised school infrastructure that’s still not built. Firstly, the Marsden Park High School. We have been running a campaign alongside parents in Marsden Park and Melonba for the promised high school to be built. The high school was promised in 2019, yet more than two years later there has still been no construction started. Residents in Tallawong and Rouse Hill were promised a new primary school. This school also hasn’t been delivered, with the proposed site gathering weeds. Other promised upgrades at Glenwood High School and John Palmer Public School also haven’t begun construction. When it comes to schools this Government is dishing out disappointment across our growing suburbs. Our commitment to the residents in Northwest Sydney and across Blacktown City is that the NSW Opposition will keep up the fight against the Liberals school infrastructure failures. North West Sydney residents should not be treated as second-class citizens and deserve high quality schools, not more delays.

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.

NewS

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Local women making a big difference Council awards recognise outstanding efforts by many women  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM HEN the Blacktown City judges named two joint winners of the Woman of the Year earlier this year, it was a celebration of the outstanding efforts made by many women in our community. Women are the backbone of life in Blacktown City and their efforts were recognized at the ceremony. For the sixth time in its history, the Blacktown City Woman of the Year Award was jointly won by two outstanding local women. Rissa McInnes and Harinder Kaur were co-named winners for the coveted award. The award was presented to Ms McInnes and Ms Kaur by Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale and the Chairperson of Council’s Women’s Advisory Committee Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths. “After the extraordinary and difficult year we experienced due to COVID-19, it was wonderful to be able to jointly name Ms McInnes and Ms Kaur as Blacktown City’s Woman of the Year,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “I know that through their combined passion and efforts Blacktown City’s women will be well-represented.” The resumes of the two winners are outstanding: Rissa McInnes is a tireless volunteer and fundraiser for local charities. Since her retirement in 2013 she has devoted herself to her community and has raised $500,000 for local and international community groups. These include The Ponds Social School in Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals, Autism Community Network and Rouse Hill Fire Brigade.

Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths, joint winners of the 2021 Blacktown City Woman of the Year Harinder Kaur and Rissa McInnes and Mayor Tony Bleasdale.

With her ‘can-do’ approach to life, Ms McInnes has also undertaken leadership roles in a number of organisations such as The Ponds Lions Club, Blacktown City Lions Club, Philippines Community Council, and Aguman Capampangan Australia. Harinder Kaur has been employed in the Department of Communities and Justice for more than 30 years and is currently an Education Services Coordinator at Dillwynia Correctional Centre. In her work, and in her local community, Ms Kaur is a genuine crusader for justice, in particular for women and families who have experienced domestic violence. She is known as being passionate, dedicated and loyal to those people who do not have a voice. She co-founded the Harman Foundation when her eldest son died in a car accident in 2012. Despite her enormous grief she has worked tirelessly to support subcontinent communities to deal with death, domestic violence, family separation, incarceration and poverty. She has been instrumental in creating a new refuge, telephone support line and material aid services. There were 22 nominees for this year’s award and the finalists included:

Nadiana Albistur, a young social justice champion working within Indigenous, multicultural and LGBTGIA+ communities. A recent Social Work graduate with first class honors, she has used her qualifications as a platform for change. She is employed as a Senior Policy and Project Officer at Western Sydney Community Forum where she has undertaken a range of projects including an International Women’s Day “Voices of the West” event and video. She has recently provided training in cyber security during the COVID-19 pandemic for community groups and agencies doing business on-line, co-founded the Blacktown Elder Abuse Prevention Collaborative and is assisting Dementia Australia to roll-out their Dementia Friendly Communities program across Western Sydney. Mithila Zaheen is a junior doctor at Blacktown Hospital. She has a passion for health equality, with a particular interest in improving access for rural, Indigenous and refugee communities. She volunteers extensively including a refugee tutoring service for the Sudanese communities, homework club at Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation and with The Wa-

ter Well and Share the Dignity programs. Mithila is eager to give back to her profession. She has been appointed a Conjoint Associate Lecturer at Western Sydney University School of Medicine and is currently studying a postgraduate Master of Medicine in Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Sydney. Shelley Fletcher is a Senior Executive at Blacktown Workers Club where she drives their community engagement and volunteering programs. She championed a major industry reform with Enterprise Agreements, creating a National benchmark which allowed paid Family Support Leave for staff experiencing domestic violence. This led to the Club becoming the first club to gain White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation. During these activities she led from the front demonstrating her commitment and passion. Shelley has initiated and led a number of initiatives at the club including promoting equal employment opportunities for women and multicultural groups, staff volunteer and fundraising initiatives and oversight of the Anita Coby fundraising community events. And the sky is the limit for women in the area. In 2017 Blacktown City Council established a Women’s Advisory Committee to provide advice on issues relevant to women. The Committee has supported the establishment of a new women’s refuge in the suburb of Dharruk, and is working with the families of domestic or family violence victims to design a new memorial garden at the Blacktown Showground Precinct. Each year, Council hosts a Women’s Forum and in 2021 is hosting its inaugural Young Women’s Forum.

Doonside hero Blacktown Woman of the Year ICHOLE Sansom achieved the honour of being 2021 NSW Local Woman of the Year Award for Blacktown by Stephen Bali MP, Member for Blacktown. Nichole did not want to be presented at some fancy ceremony in Sydney but she elected to receive the award surrounded by her family, friends and co-workers at SUPA VALU IGA Doonside. Nichole’s has made an amazing contribution to the local community by mentoring or provided support to approximately 30 children over many years. Many have stayed with her. Nichole’s passion is to help make a difference and provide opportunity for young

people. She sees troubled young lives can be improved if you show some love, guidance, feed, and believe in them. Nichole was visibly moved and emotional by the award nomination, which came via one of her co-workers acknowledging the importance of the support of her family and friends around her. Nichole said, she was “shocked about being nominated, and I just do this to help make a difference in the kids’ lives. Everyone is a good person, regardless of what they have gone through, but the importance is reaching out to support one another.” Nichole has worked at the SUPA VALU

IGA Doonside since 2005-becoming a friendly and familiar face that many shoppers know and love. Her respect amongst workers and managers earned her the position of becoming SDA Union delegate so as to help and provide advice to her co-workers. Prior to the COVID-19 restrictions Nichole enjoyed helping to run bingo every Friday night at Blacktown RSL. “Nichole Sansom is a worthy recipient of the 2021 Blacktown Local Woman of the Year Award and is an inspiration to us all as she makes a real difference in you people lives and generates a positive impact in the community,” said Stephen Bali MP.

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Nichole Sansom being presented the 2021 Blacktown Local Woman of the Year Award by Stephen Bali MP, beside her family and friends.

20 JUNE BLACKTOWN CITY VS SUTHERLAND SHARKS 4 JULY BLACKTOWN CITY VS WOLLONGONG WOLVES 18 JULY BLACKTOWN CITY VS MARCONI STALLIONS 25 JULY BLACKTOWN CITY VS SYDNEY OLYMPIC

NewS

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Used car sales boom in COVID But authorities warn buyers over the contract CON  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM LACKTOWN residents are being urged to be cautious when buying used cars following a recent spate of dealers being found guilty of offences relating to misleading customers. Used car purchases have boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic, opening up a major source of revenue for dodgy dealers in Western Sydney. Second-hand car dealership Narita Imports has been found guilty of seven offences relating to misleading customers by entering false information on to an approved sales contract. Lansvale dealership directors Azizul Hakim Chowdhury and Nahida Akhter pleaded guilty to the charges brought by NSW Fair Trading at Parramatta Local Court and were ordered to pay $7,725 in fines and costs. Fair Trading Executive Director of Investigations and Enforcement Valerie Griswold said she was pleased Narita Imports had been convicted and fined given the company’s conduct and intentional nature of the offences. “Narita Imports has previously received education and Penalty Infringement Notices. NSW Fair Trading subsequently made the decision to commence prosecution proceedings,” Ms Griswold said. “Several of the offences concerned dealers notices given to consumers that were false and misleading in that they include a Personal Property Security Register (PPSR) check number and guaranteed that the motor vehicle being

Beware the car sales contract con.

purchased had been checked against the Register and came with clear title, but the PPSR number recorded did not exist on the Register.”

Get what you pay for “The non-existent PPSR check numbers in particular are worrying as this check relates to the guarantee from the dealership that the vehicle comes with clear title, in that no finance is owing. It also shows whether the vehicle has been stolen or if the vehicle has ever been written off. “All motor dealers must make sure that all of the information in dealers notices is reliable. Buying a car is a significant and costly event in a person’s life and consum-

ers must be able to be confident that they are getting what they are paying for.” With the boom in second-hand car sales due to COVID-19, Fair Trading is warning consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing a vehicle. It has outlined methods buyers can use to avoid being ripped off: • Make sure the dealer is licensed under the Motor Dealer & Repairers Act 2013. This can be easily done for free at Public Register–Service NSW. • Ask for registration paperwork and proof of ownership. Compare the VIN number, engine number and registration number to that on the actual car.

• Do your own Security Check which can be done for $2.00 online at www.ppsr.gov.au or call 1300 007 777 – you will need the VIN, registration number, engine number or serial number. The PPSR checks for: - Outstanding finance owing, water damage, written off,, odometer tampering, stolen vehicle • Do an RMS (Roads and Maritime Services) Vehicle check for: - Registration status and expiry, CTP Policy and expiry. This can be done free at Check a vehicle registration | Service NSW or via the Service NSW app.

Work From Home Opportunity

GROW & CONNECT

WEXPO Events - Sales Professional WEXPO is Western Sydney’s premium business expo series built around the themes of Growth and Connection that was originally planned to launch in 2020. With COVID restrictions easing, the organisers are now planning to hold a series of WEXPO events in Western Sydney in 2021 - at Parramatta, Blacktown and Penrith. We seek to engage an experienced professional (s) to work with us to market-sell stall packages and sponsorship options across the participating venues. This role would ideally suit a contractor based at home who is looking for additional projects or someone looking for a solid, flexible part-time project. You will have excellent client management, communication and sales skills and be competent in admin and organisational tasks. WEXPO has the support of some of Western Sydney’s leading media brands and taps into excellent networks of contacts and prospects. An attractive remuneration will be agreed upon with the right candidate (s). If this sounds like you send us an email for further discussion: michael@accessnews.com.au The project will likely run from May to October 2021.

COMING SOON TO BLACKTOWN

WWW.WEXPO.COM.AU

PROPERTY SHOWCASE WESTERN SYDNEY

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

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

Suburbs become millionaires Market sizzles in Autumn cold  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM HE weather has turned cold as autumn bites Western Sydney, but the sizzling hot property market shows no sign of abating. Cashed up buyers are flooding the market in the west according to leading property site realestate.com.au with families on the hunt for larger houses. They have led to an explosion in property prices across Sydney’s west and transformed once affordable suburbs into “millionaire’s row’s”. The latest suburb to become a millionaire’s row is St Clair on the M4, just west of Blacktown. A property sold for $1.438m, which was $238,000 above the reserve price. It was the third property to break the St Clair suburb record this year. The luxury five bedroom home shattered the former record of $1.15M earlier this year. And that property in Tweed Pl beat the previous record from February when a Belledale Cl home went under the hammer for $1.096M. Belle Property Strathfield Principal Norman So said the latest record auction in Galway Pl attracted 11 registered bidders. He said the vendors were thrilled with the result after wanting their home to get the suburb record. “The vendors didn’t care what price it got as long as they got the suburb record title,” he said. There are now 53 suburbs in the Greater Western Sydney region with a median house price above $1 million. And another 11 suburbs are on track to hit the milestone by the end of the year if prices rise by the up to 15% margin forecast by some banks. CoreLogic date shows suburbs that recently became millionaire’s rows included Rydalmere and Northmead near Parramatta and Blacktown suburbs Stanhope Gardens and The Ponds. It means prices in many of the new $1M suburbs were once accessible for critical service workers on lower incomes, such as nurses and teachers, but have since pulled well out of their reach. Getting a mortgage for a house priced near $1m would require a household income of at least $140,000 a year at current loan rates.

The St Clair property.

Houses with backyards are now in danger of becoming affordable only for “elites”. It means parts of the west are now moving in the direction the inner west was 20-30 years ago, according to one expert on realestate.com.

Affordable by comparison Leading auctioneer Michael Garofolo said part of the reason prices had been ballooning out west was because it was more affordable relative to the rest of Sydney. This made it an attractive market for families in other parts of the city who, after enduring lockdowns, wanted larger houses but had budgets in line with more expensive areas, he said. “Where you’re coming from can skewer your perspective,” Mr Garofolo said. “If you’re used to the inner west or the east, you see the houses as cheap and don’t care if you pay well over the listed price to beat other buyers.” Mr Garofolo said it was a similar pattern to how inner west suburbs like Concord evolved 30 years ago.

“Concord was once a blue-collar area considered a bit out of the way but it was a cheaper suburb a lot of people could afford,” he told the property site. “Now it’s one of the most expensive suburbs, it’s a white-collar area. The same thing is now happening in places like Merrylands.” The record St Clair sale means the team at Belle Property Strathfield has sold 278 properties in the last 12 months, with an average sale price of $1.6m and total sales valued at $405.7m. The team sold 143 houses, 134 apartments and 1 block of land or rural property with 151 sales by private treaty and 127 by auction–and these properties were on the market for an average of 50 days. The highest recorded sale price was $6M for 16 Torrington Rd, Strathfield NSW, a 5-bedroom house which sold by auction and was on the market for just 35 days.

Kings Langley $977,000 Constitution Hill $957,550 Chipping Norton $940,000 Moorebank $935,000 Parklea $930,000 Auburn $920,000 Wilberforce $920,000 Canley Vale $900,000 Bossley Park $895,000

THE NEWEST $1M SUBURBS INCLUDE: Mulgoa $1.12m Winston Hills $1.1m Lidcombe $1.1m Glenwood $1.0m Kellyville Ridge $1.08m Northmead $1,08m The Ponds $1.06m Harrington Park $1.05m Berala $1.02m Camden Park $1.02m Stanhope Gardens $1,02m Macquarie Links $1.01m Glenbrook $1m

WESTERN SUBURBS ON VERGE OF $1M HOUSE PRICES Wentworthville $993,000 Carnes Hill $988,000

Sources: Belle Property Strathfield, realestate.com.au, CoreLogic

APRIL 2021 Edition 120

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS

LO OUR CA CI L PA TY PE ’S R

HOW THE WEST IS WON

ParramattA Voice of Australia’s most progressive city

T I M E S

ISSUE 9 | April 2021

L LOCA NEW

Minister pushing for more women on Parramatta Council: 3

%ඔඉඋඓග඗ඟ1 Issue 1 | April 2021

Blacktown's LOCAL media voice

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

BEST GIFT SINCE THE OPERA HOUSE POWERHOUSE Parramatta CEO Lisa Havilah is more interested in the flood of excitement over the controversial $920M project than any flood-waters that may lap at its riverside approach. After the recent devastating rains that saw Parramatta River break its banks between the ferry wharf and the site of the museum, Ms Havilah is adamant that the building and its exhibits will not be affected.

FULL STORY PAGE 10

RETAIL BOUNCES BACK -

THIS EDITION

AUTO: SsangYong's mid-life update: 30 BUSINESS: Retailers reveal solutions: 34 TRENDS: Is love passing you by?: 36

World class health care

Westmead Hospital’s new clinical tower oepns: 2

New suburb named BradÀeld

Govy ofÀcially names high tech city at Aerotropolis: 6

Family business in COVID

How many leveraged patience capital during COVID: 12

TALE OF TWO POOLS

Фf^ ÌÓ æ â î î±Ë æ ® þ Ì î® îÓó©® æî ÓÌ EÓÿ â î ±Å âæ ® þ â þ Å î® æÓÅóî±ÓÌæ Ì â Óâ ¨Óâ w æî âÌ ^ą Ì ąФæ У â± Âæ Ì ËÓâî âФ æóßßÓâî Ë æóâ æ Ì ¨Óâ î® ±Ì óæîâą ÓóÌ â î ±Å ±Ì óæîâąϻ óî î®±æ æ îÓâ ® æ ßâÓó Â î®±æ ą â Ì ąÓÌ Ϻ ®±æîÓâą Ó¨ ÓóÌ ±Ì© Â ¨âÓË î® ® â æî Ó¨ î±Ë æϺ FULL STORY PAGE 5

How hope really works

Feature on the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal: 15

SALOVS: How hope really happens: 19

FTER a few hot summers for swimmers who loved Parramatta and w ÌîÿÓâî®þ±ÅÅ ßÓÓÅæ Ì æóđ â during their closures, relief is on the way. Just a day apart, the refurbished Wentworthville pool opened and î® Ĝâæî æÓ ÿ æ îóâÌ ÓÌ î® spectacular Parramatta Aquatic Centre. Both communities have been without a pool since 2017, the Parramatta Memorial Pool demolished to make way for Bankwest Stadium and the previous Holroyd Council wanting to close the tired Wenty pool

rather than refurbish it. After a bit of æ óĖ îÿ Ì W ââ Ë îî ÓóÌ ±Å and the NSW Government on who would pay for its replacement, an agreement was reached on funding for the state-of-the-art aquatic centre. And in Wentworthville, a concerted community campaign and the Cumberland Council, saved the beloved pool with an upgrade. While Parramatta residents wait two years for their pool, they are welcome to dive to Wenty.

FULL STORY PAGE 6

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

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

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.

The News will be distributed across 110 strategic distribution points in the LGA. Published in digital and print editions the Blacktown News ođers 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.

l l l l

48,000 Facebook followers Build your own resume Media support programs Multiple packages available

blacktown.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

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

The home of jobs in Western Sydney. Connecting businesses with job seekers directly

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. FULL STORY 10

WELCOME to the Blacktown NEWS

• • • • • • •

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

High impact media that reaches Australia’s fastest growth region - Greater Western Sydney, home of Australia’s newest 24-IPVS airport. Targeted reach. Four powerful media brands in digital and printed formats. Contact us today for a conversation about your success plans: HSBIBN!BDDFTTOFXT DPN BV

www.accessnews.com.au | www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au | www.parramattatimes.com.au | www.jobswesternsydney.com.au

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

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ISSUE

with MICHELLE ROWLAND

2 | May 2021

I am available to help with a range of Federal matters, including: • Aged Care & Pensions • Centrelink • Immigration • Medicare • National Disability Insurance Scheme • Taxation & Superannuation

How will Budget measures actually improve the lives of the hardworking families in Western Sydney?

Budget 2021: More smoke and mirrors N my last column, I noted the countdown was on to the Federal Government’s 2021 Budget. I posed a commonsense test to determine whether this Budget was any good: will the measures announced actually improve the lives of the hardworking families in Western Sydney? The answer is no. Despite racking up one trillion dollars in debt – that is, $1,000,000,000,000 – not a cent was earmarked for important projects in our community. Imagine what targeted investment in our community could do. We’ve got local schools built in the last decade littered with demountable classrooms. Blacktown Hospital waiting times are worse for common procedures like knee replacements than in other parts of Sydney. The “hospital” the NSW Liberal Government says it will build at Rouse Hill won’t even have an emergency ward. Riverstone and Schofields are often at a standstill, with industrial traffic being directed along suburban roads never intended for that sort of traffic. What’s Scott Morrison’s response to the problems our community faces? Nothing. Not a peep. Not a cent. Even on measures which appear on their surface to support working families with this tired Government, you always need to read the fine print. For example, the Morrison Government’s childcare announcement – presented over six months after Labor announced its comprehensive childcare plan – will only cover a mere 8% of Australian families! Compare that to Labor’s childcare policy, which will result in 92% of families will be better off. What we saw from this Federal Budget was just more smoke and mirrors.

Michelle Rowland MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR GREENWAY

Level 1, Suite 101C, 130 Main Street, Blacktown PO Box 8525, Blacktown NSW 2148 (02) 9671 4780 Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au www.michellerowland.com.au MRowlandMP Authorised by Michelle Rowland MP, Australian Labor Party, Suite 101C, Level 1, 130 Main Street, Blacktown NSW 2148

Despite the Federal Government ignoring us, I’ll keep up the fight to make sure North-West Sydney gets the investment it deserves. I always welcome your views on these important issues. You can contact me by email at Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov. au or by calling 9671 4780.

Greenway Grants Bulletin Did you know I compile a Greenway Grants Bulletin to assist local community groups access government and private sector grants? To join the mailing list, visit michellerowland.com.au.

Sign the petition: We need a public emergency ward in the North-West I’ve launched a petition to send a message to the Federal and NSW Liberal Governments: we deserve a fully funded, public hospital with an emergency ward in North-West Sydney. You can sign the petition by scanning the QR code, or by visit michellerowland. com.au.

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

L IA EC SP

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

E UR AT FE

Scenes from last year's gala event.

Get set for business night of nights Local Business Awards recognise hard work and success  CHRIS JAMGOTCHIAN XCITEMENT is building as finalists in this year’s Blacktown City Local Business Awards are announced in time to dust off their finery, ready for the biggest night of the year. The date? Monday, July 26. The place? Blacktown Workers Club. The event? The Blacktown City Local Business awards presentation evening. Precedent Productions Managing Director and Awards founder Steve Loe said the announcements of this year’s awards winners and celebration of all finalists was the annual night of nights for the Blacktown City business community. “It’s the night where local business owners and their staff let down their hair and celebrate,” he said. “The annual awards presentation is chance for these hardworking locals to take a break, look back on their achievements and join in celebrating each other’s successes. “We announce the winners of each category, but in my eyes, every single finalist is a winner.

LBA managing director, Steve Loe.

“Every finalist has worked hard to get there, and the evening is a wonderful opportunity to catch up, enjoy great food and entertainment, and relax in a fabulous atmosphere.”

Mr Loe said the Blacktown City Local Business Awards presentation evening was always a glittering spectacle, with finalists dressed in their best and ready to laugh and cheer for everyone in the room.

“You simply can’t beat the atmosphere,” he said. “I defy the Oscars to equal it for genuine, heartfelt speeches and warm support.” “All finalists in each category are announced, with their picture shown on the big screen. “It’s heart-warming to hear the deafening cheers from the crowd as everyone celebrates the achievement of all the businesses in the room.” “Western Sydney Business Access, which has supported the awards as a media partner, contains a special feature that lists all the finalists in each category.” “This is a chance for customers and clients to see if the businesses they nominated have become finalists.” The Blacktown City Local Business Awards are only possible with the support of major partners, Blacktown City Council, Blacktown Workers Club, NOVA Employment and Westpoint and support partners, Seven Hills Plaza, Woodcroft Village, White Key Marketing, Greater Blacktown Business Chamber and Rotary Club of Blacktown City. For more information about the Local Business Awards, visit www.thebusinessawards.com.au.

Why being positive is good business  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM BUSINESS mentor once told me that our brains were like movie projectors that could screen positive or negative films, depending on our mental situation. “You need to make sure you are screening positive thoughts at all times,” he said. “The minute you stop concentrating or believing, the negative film will start to seep back in.” I never forgot that advice. Negative thoughts lead to anxiety and its inevitable consequences. Worried brains can be retrained to respond to everyday situations in a less threatening way to reduce anxiety levels, according to new research from the University of Western Australia. The study, published in Behavior Research and Therapy, reported on the initial feasibility and effectiveness of a free online intervention program for anxiety and found it was successful at reducing anxiety in highly anxious individuals. The intervention program was based on research showing that anxious individuals tended to interpret upcoming situations in a threatening manner and that modifying this interpretation style could reduce anxiety.

Dr Julie Ji from UWA’s School of Psychological Science said the study showed six sessions of the computerised online intervention program that repeatedly challenged their threatening interpretations and replaced them with less catastrophic ones could successfully modify anxious peoples’ habit of expecting the worst. This in turn helped to reduce anxiety over time.

Thinking patterns “This research is particularly important right now because most of the world has been operating under highly stressful and anxiety-provoking conditions for almost a year-and-a-half,” Dr Ji said. “Our study provides key evidence that it is possible to provide freely accessible, digital interventions that can help us change the thinking patterns that keep our minds and bodies in states of anxious arousal.” The team carried out the study with 807 highly anxious participants worldwide and randomly assigned them to three groups to receive either positive training interpretations, balanced positive and negative interpretations, or no training control. Dr Ji said the study found the positive training was most effective at reducing negative interpretations and increasing positive interpretations, reducing anxiety across the training period.

“Although it is good to see increased mental health funding in this year’s Federal Budget, that funding is for frontline mental health services and represents only the very tip of the iceberg in terms of addressing Australian’s mental health care needs,” Dr Ji said. “For the majority of people suffering from anxiety, having free online interven-

tions that can help them cope better with everyday life and be accessible from their own home can make a big difference.” Funded by the US National Institute of Mental Health, the training program, developed at the University of Virginia, is part of a larger research project and is freely available online at mindtrails. virginia.edu.

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS

Congratulations to ˢ˨˥ Ѓˡ˔˟˜˦˧˦ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ 2021 Blacktown City ʿˢ˖˔˟ ʵ˨˦˜ˡ˘˦˦ ʴ˪˔˥˗˦ʔ

ʪʻ˜˟˟˦ ʶ˛˜˖˞˘ˡ ʶˢ˥ˡ˘˥ ʴ˗ˢ˥˘ ʸ˦ˣ˥˘˦˦ˢ ʴ˞˜˥˔ ˆ˨˦˛˜ ʴˠ˜˖˜ ˀ˨˦˜˖ ʶ˔ˣ˦˧ˢˡ˘ ʷ˘ˡ˧˔˟ ˆ˘˩˘ˡ ʻ˜˟˟˦ ʹ˔ˠ˜˟ˬ ʵ˔˥˕˘˥ ˆ˛ˢˣ ˆ˘˩˘ˡ ʻ˜˟˟˦ ʹ˨˞˨ ʽ˔ˣ˔ˡ˘˦˘ ʶ˨˜˦˜ˡ˘ Hills Hair Cuts ʼ˦˔˕˘˟˟˔ ˁ˔˜˟˦ ʽ˘˧˧˦ ˆ˘˩˘ˡ ʻ˜˟˟˦ ˀ˖ʷˢˡ˔˟˗Ϡ˦ ˀ˘˗˜˛˘˔˟˧˛ ˔ˡ˗ ʵˢ˗ˬ ˇ˥˘˔˧ˠ˘ˡ˧ ˀ˜˟˟˘˥˦ ˁ˜˗ˢ ʸ˔˥˟ˬ ˆ˖˛ˢˢ˟ ˆ˘˩˘ˡ ʻ˜˟˟˦ ˁˢˡ˜ ʵ ˃˜ˡ˄ ʹ˔˦˛˜ˢˡ ˃˥ˢ˨˗˦ ˧˛˘ ʽ˘˪˘˟˟˘˥˦ ˆ˘˩˘ˡ ʻ˜˟˟˦ ʴˡ˚˘˟ ʹ˟ˢ˥˜˦˧ ˆ˨˭˔ˡˡ˘ ʺ˥˔˘ ˇ˛˘ ʵ˥ˢ˧˛˘˥˦ ʹ˜˦˛ ˀ˔˥˞˘˧ ˇ˛˘ ˅˘˝˘˖˧ ˆ˛ˢˣ

The Blacktown News congratulates all finalists in the 2021 Blacktown Local Business Awards. In partnership with our sister publication, Western Sydney Business Access we are proud once again to the the porgram's media partner.

Support local and get all your essentials from our wonderful retailers at Seven Hills Plaza.

www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au www.accessnews.com.au Message from Mayor Tony Bleasdale, OAM Blacktown City Council is proud to sponsor the 2021 Local Business Awards. Blacktown is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia, with our current population of 395,000 forecast to be well over half a million residents within 15 years. The growing size of our community provides more opportunities for our local businesses to enlarge their customer base. In turn, your energy and activity can help us grow our local economy. Our economy is $22 billion and based on the trading activity of 26,000 businesses in our City. 'XULQJ WKHVH GLI¿FXOW WLPHV ZH VHH WKDW LW LV SDUWLFXODUO\ LPSRUWDQW for our Council to support local businesses who are weathering the current storm and uncertainty of this pandemic. As a result, the Blacktown City Local Business Awards is an opportunity for our community to acknowledge the great work our local businesses are doing in providing jobs, goods and services to support our City’s people.

Phone: (02) 9621 3144

facebook.com/sevenhillsplaza

instagram.com/sevenhillsplaza sevenhillsplaza.com.au

Blacktown City blacktown.nsw.gov.au

BLACKTOWN SNAPSHOT 26,000 Registered businesses supporting

153,000 Local jobs

395,000 Population $ 22 billion Economy S 6.1% Average economic growth rate

/08 "33*7*/(

The exciting transformation of the Blacktown CBD has begun

I look forward to acknowledging these great efforts when presenting the winners of the business categories later in the year. &RQJUDWXODWLRQV WR DOO ¿QDOLVWV LQ WKH $ZDUGV

New urban plaza

Warrick Lane Precinct redevelopment

ACU university campus

For more information visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au/warricklane

450+ car spaces

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

2021

02 9679 8992 20 Garling Road, Kings Park

Servicing Sydney since 1997

services with the latest digital scanning technology. All of our Medical eligible examinations are BULK BILLED.

info@aussieforklifts.com.au www.aussieforklifts.com.au

Winner of the 2021 Blacktown City Business Awards 2021

BLACKTOWN MEDICAL IMAGING Shop CW8-10 City Walk, Westpoint Shopping Centre 17 Patrick Street, Blacktown (02) 8602 3450

We are also located at: CARLINGFORD MEDICAL IMAGING

EMERTON MEDICAL IMAGING

HIGH STREET MEDICAL IMAGING

TORONTO MEDICAL IMAGING

BELMONT MEDICAL IMAGING

(02) 9873 5533

(02) 9625 7399

(02) 4789 0009

(02) 4062 9099

radiologygroup.com.au

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

24/7 Emergency Plumbing Phone: 0430 054 007

www.plumbmasterplumbing .com.au

Get 10% off when you mention this ad

Blacktown's premier local news service Covering Blacktown LGA and supporting local businesses and community organisations Don't miss a single edition. View all digital editions 24/7 at www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au Have a story idea or contribution? Send it to us at info@greaterblacktownnews.com.au

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

MTC Australia Opportunities to Become MTC is the social enterprise that gives people the inspiration, capability and opportunity to create a fulfilling life. We deliver high impact employment, training and youth programs that help more than 20,000 people every year gain skills for employment and entrepreneurship, build self-worth, and enable possibilities for transformative change. We deliver a range of proven programs, including federal government programs such as the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS), jobactive, Career Transition Assistance (CTA) and Skills for Education and Employment (SEE), and help those living with disabilities access employment opportunities through Disability Employment Services (DES). We also deliver nationally accredited Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses and innovative youth programs, such as Opportunity Hub and Transition to Work (TTW).

Find out more: 1300 232 663 or info@mtcaustralia.com.au

EXTRAORDINARY RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE

Do you want the best for your Child?

When you dine at Pink Palate Restaurant, you can expect a delicious and friendly, relax dining experience.

Our team of educators:

From the moment you walk through our doors, you will see that we have worked hard to cultivate an open and inviting atmosphere WKDW LQVSLUHV \RX WR WDVWH WKH EROG ÀDYRXUV of China and South-Eastern Asia, including Thai, Malaysian and Japanese. Nothing compares to our dining experience and our menu. 1. Free prawn chips over $40 per order 2. Free Delivery over $40 3. lunch special from $9.00 with Boil rice

Contact Justin Ye 02 96743424 z 02 96748988 www.pinkpalate.com Shop 10, Kings Langley shopping centre

· Take one on one time with you to discuss your child’s day, every day. · Keep you informed of their learning and growth through our Storypark Park app. · Work in partnership with parents to establish learning goals for your child. · Tailor unique individualised learning programs through our curriculum planning · Provide regular opportunities to share your ideas, feedback and contribution to your child’s learning · Prepare them for the future.

www.learningblocks.com.au Lalor Rd. Quakers Hill: 02 9837 4102 Sherridon Cr. Quakers Hill: 02 8604 7074 242 New Line Road Dural NSW: 02 9651 7700

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

20/9 Hollinsworth Rd, Marsden Park NSW 2765 Phone: (02) 8625 4649 Order: menulog.com.au

2021

• Prescriptions • Medicine & Ailments • Baby & Child Health • Women's Health • Men's Health • Vitamins & Supplements • Home Health Care • Personal Care & Wellbeing • Household • NDIS Service Provider Centre Cincotta Discount Chemist 2021

67 Main St, Blacktown NSW 2148

Ph: 02 9622 1937

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Blacktown Local Business Awards 2021 HONOUR ROLL - All FINALISTS Category Name

Business Name

Category Name

Business Name

Category Name

Business Name

Automotive Services

BWA Auto

Dental Services

Northwest Dental & Implant Centre

Fitness Services

Rebuild You Fitness

Automotive Services

L&M Smash Repairs

Dental Services

Kings Family Dental Centre

Fitness Services

Jetts 24Hr Fitness - Seven Hills Plaza

Automotive Services

Riverstone Battery Warehouse

Dental Services

Bupa Dental - Westpoint Blacktown

Fitness Services

Anytime Fitness - Quakers Hill

Automotive Services

Kings Langley Automotive

Dental Services

Evolution Orthodontics - Westpoint Blacktown

Fitness Services

Goshukan Karate Academy

Automotive Services

Ultra Tune - Blacktown

Dental Services

Quakers Dental Care

Fitness Services

24-7 Fitness - Blacktown

Automotive Services

Kings Park Prestige

Dental Services

Capstone Dental

Fitness Services

La Pole Dance and Fitness Studio

Automotive Services

Aussie Forklifts

Dental Services

Finesse Dental - Stanhope Village

Fitness Services

Vibe Health Club - Westpoint Blacktown

Automotive Services

Xtreme Car Audio

Dental Services

Riverstone Family Dental

Fitness Services

Anytime Fitness - Glendenning

Automotive Services

Powerhouse Auto Electrical & Mechanical Repairs

Dental Services

Prospect Dental Clinic - Prospect Shopping Village

Fitness Services

Plus Fitness - Seven Hills

Bakery/Cake Business

Bakers Delight - Stanhope Village

Dental Services

Westpoint Dental Clinic

Fitness Services

Gracie Barra Blacktown City

Bakery/Cake Business

InstaCake

Early Childhood Centre

Nancy Poppins Schroder

Fitness Services

CrossFit Seek

Bakery/Cake Business

Cake Time Espresso

Early Childhood Centre

Kids Early Learning - Kings Langley North

Florist/Plant Retail Store

Woodcroft Florist & Art - Woodcroft Village

Bakery/Cake Business

Bread Top - Westpoint Blacktown

Early Childhood Centre

Best Early Learning Centre

Florist/Plant Retail Store

Pot and Posy

Bakery/Cake Business

Lalor Park Hot Bread

Early Childhood Centre

Nido Early School Seven Hills

Florist/Plant Retail Store

Rose Moon Flowers

Barber Shop

Clippers Barber Shop

Early Childhood Centre

Tina's Kindergarten

Florist/Plant Retail Store

Seven Hills Angel Florist - Seven Hills Plaza

Barber Shop

Moe & Co - Stanhope Gardens

Early Childhood Centre

Blacktown Anglican Child Care Centre

Florist/Plant Retail Store

Paper Daizy

Barber Shop

The Men's Grooming - Westpoint Blacktown

Early Childhood Centre

Aurora Early Learning Centre

Florist/Plant Retail Store

Flowers by Jody

Barber Shop

Tapered The Barbershop

Early Childhood Centre

Learning Blocks Child Care Centre

Fresh Food

Lancaster St Fresh Fruit Market

Barber Shop

King of Scissors - Woodcroft Village

Early Childhood Centre

JumpStart 4 Kids

Fresh Food

Daily Fresh Food Market - Westpoint Blacktown

Barber Shop

Tori's Barbershop

Early Childhood Centre

Children First - Blacktown Road

Fresh Food

Deli Extra - Westpoint Blacktown

Barber Shop

Scissors Style Barber - Westpoint Blacktown

Early Childhood Centre

Rose of Sharon Childcare and Preschool

Fresh Food

Costi's @ Westpoint - Westpoint Blacktown

Barber Shop

Family Barber Shop - Seven Hills Plaza

Early Childhood Centre

Little Explorers Early Learning Centre - Blacktown

Fresh Food

Westpoint Growers - Westpoint Blacktown

Barber Shop

Boyz 2 Menz - Westpoint Blacktown

Education Service

CodingPro Education

Fresh Food

7hills Chicken Corner - Seven Hills Plaza

Barber Shop

The Men's Grooming - Stanhope Gardens

Education Service

Prompt Driving School

Fresh Food

Wesfresh

Beauty Services

New Look Beauty Point

Education Service

Onroad Driving Education

Fresh Food

The Brothers Fish Market - Seven Hills Plaza

Beauty Services

Laser Clinics Australia - Westpoint Blacktown

Education Service

Fizzics Education

Hairdresser

Hairhouse Warehouse - Westpoint Blacktown

Beauty Services

Get Threaded Brow & Beauty Bar - Westpoint Blacktown

Education Service

World of Minecraft

Hairdresser

Taylanah Hair Design

Education Service

Kumon Stanhope Gardens Education Centre

Hairdresser

Hair By Sherry

Beauty Services

Adeva - The Art of Beauty

Fashion

Suzanne Grae - Westpoint Blacktown

Hairdresser

The Urban Fringe Kings Langley

Beauty Services

Bless Khin Beauty

Fashion

Millers Fashion Club - Seven Hills Plaza

Hairdresser

Just Cuts - Westpoint Blacktown

Beauty Services

Le Beauty Aﬀair

Fashion

Pihu Boutique

Hairdresser

R & V's Hair Studio

Beauty Services

Skinﬂuent

Fashion

Ally Fashion - Westpoint Blacktown

Hairdresser

Deanna McGowan Hair Styling

Beauty Services

Isabella Nails - Seven Hills Plaza

Fashion

Suzanne Grae - Seven Hills

Hairdresser

The Cutting Room

Beauty Services

ALL ABOUT YOU Indian Beauty Services

Fashion

PinQ Fashion - Seven Hills Plaza

Hairdresser

La Rells Hair & Beauty - Westpoint Blacktown

Beauty Services

Aqua Room

Fashion

Noni B - Westpoint Blacktown

Hairdresser

Eternity Hair & Beauty

Beauty Services

Transformed by Tee

Fashion

Punjabi Trendz

Hairdresser

Body Cocoon Hair and Beauty

Beauty Services

Skin Smile Remedy

Fashion

Noni B - Seven Hills Plaza

Hairdresser

Sliq - Westpoint Blacktown

Cafe

Adore Espresso

Fashion

SK Menswear - Westpoint Blacktown

Hairdresser

Hair @ St Martins

Cafe

Limestone Cafe

Fast Food/Takeaway

Hairdresser

Salon Gi

Cafe

Gloria Jean's Coﬀees - Woodcroft Village

Chicken Heaven Charcoal Chicken & Lebanese Cuisine

Hairdresser

Haus of Hair

Cafe

Grind and Grill

Fast Food/Takeaway

Boost Juice - Westpoint Blacktown

Hairdresser

Hills Hair Cuts - Seven Hills Plaza

Cafe

Young Lions Cafe

Fast Food/Takeaway

FUKU Japanese Cuisine - Seven Hills Plaza

Health Improvement Services My Peak Performance

Cafe

Two Birds Prospect

Fast Food/Takeaway

Atlantic Fish and Chips - Westpoint Blacktown

Health Improvement Services Connect Hearing - Blacktown

Cafe

Nadia's Cafe - Westpoint Blacktown

Fast Food/Takeaway

Domino's Quakers Hill

Health Improvement Services Eastbrooke Blacktown GP Super Clinic

Cafe

Piccolo Me - Kings Park

Fast Food/Takeaway

McDonalds - Seven Hills Plaza

Health Improvement Services Cloud Nine Paediatric Therapy Services

Cafe

Ricco's Cafe

Fast Food/Takeaway

Subway - Stanhope Village

Health Improvement Services Sydney Physios and Allied Health Services

Cafe

Caﬀe Cherry Beans - Westpoint Blacktown

Fast Food/Takeaway

Kebab Express - Blacktown

Health Improvement Services Specsavers Blacktown

Cafe

The Baristas' Shed

Fast Food/Takeaway

Prospect Kebab House

Health Improvement Services Woodcroft Family Practice - Woodcroft Village

Cafe

The Backshed Cafe

Fast Food/Takeaway

Time To Eat!

Health Improvement Services Nazarian Optometrist - Westpoint Blacktown

Cafe

Industrial Grind

Fast Food/Takeaway

Gumballs Tea - Westpoint Blacktown

Health Improvement Services Myhealth - Westpoint Blacktown

Cafe

The Coﬀee Club - Westpoint Blacktown

Fast Food/Takeaway

Achilleon Takeaway

Health Improvement Services Blacktown Medical Imaging - Westpoint Blacktown

Dental Services

Elevate Dental Group

Fast Food/Takeaway

Akira Sushi - Seven Hills Plaza

Gala presentation event: July 26 at Blacktown Worders Club | Tickets at www.thebusinessawards.com.au

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Category Name

Business Name

Category Name

Business Name

Category Name

Business Name

Health Improvement Services Medihealth and Body Treatment - Seven Hills Plaza

Pet Care

Barking with Bianca

Service & Trade

Boycorp

Health Improvement Services Integrated Chiropractic and Wellness

Pet Care

All Fur Cuddles

Service & Trade

AJB Kitchens

Health Improvement Services Blacktown Family Medical Centre

Pet Care

Plush Paws

Service & Trade

Landmark Electrical

Health Improvement Services Dr Ashraf Nashed Surgery

Pet Care

Petnest.com.au

Service & Trade

NexGen Carpentry

Jewellery & Fashion Accessories Store

Prouds The Jewellers - Seven Hills Plaza

Pet Care

Family Pet Minding

Service & Trade

Sydney Electrical Contractors

Pet Care

Greater Western Sydney Horse Parks

Service & Trade

AR Decor

Jewellery & Fashion Accessories Store

Gregory Jewellers - Westpoint Blacktown

Pet Care

Witty Woofs

Service & Trade

The Mowing Queen

Jewellery & Fashion Accessories Store

Pandora - Westpoint Blacktown

Pet Care

Quakers Hill Veterinary Hospital

Service & Trade

Dump It Bins

Pharmacy

Terry White Chemmart - Stanhope Village

Service & Trade

Redline Pest Control

Pharmacy

Xtreme Chemist - Blacktown Mega Centre

Service & Trade

Rhino And Co Fencing

Pharmacy

Chemist Warehouse - Blacktown

Service & Trade

Top Level Construction

Pharmacy

Barones Pharmacy - Woodcroft Village

Service & Trade

Ozinn Tiles and Bathroom

Pharmacy

Priceline - Westpoint Blacktown

Service & Trade

Plumbmaster Plumbing - The Ponds

Pharmacy

Kings Langley Discount Store

Sole Operator

Love.Light.Soy Candles

Pharmacy

Pharmacy Nutrition Warehouse

Sole Operator

Betterview Bathrooms

Pharmacy

Cincotta Discount Chemist Blacktown

Sole Operator

Harmonia At Home

Pharmacy

Priceline Pharmacy - The Ponds Shopping Centre

Sole Operator

Jordan Vassallo Celebrant

Professional Services

Victory Group

Sole Operator

Little Hearts Photography

Professional Services

MAK Financial Group

Sole Operator

Dearest Lips

Professional Services

iVisaPoint Migration Services

Sole Operator

White Magnolia Events

Professional Services

Broadcast SEO

Sole Operator

Serena Jones Photography

Professional Services

Sterling Migration & Education Consultants

Specialised Business

Inner Peace Mindfulness College

Specialised Business

MTC Australia

Specialised Business

Ecosave

Specialised Business

HCF - Westpoint Blacktown

Specialised Business

ORATEL Network Solutions

Specialised Business

NPM Events

Specialised Business

STAR Uniforms Australia

Specialised Business

My Pool Safety

Specialised Business

H & H Limousines

Specialised Business

KJ's Brush n Canvas

Specialised Business

Sydney Fun Faces

Specialised Business

4G Metals

Jewellery & Fashion Accessories Store

Angus & Coote - Westpoint Blacktown

Jewellery & Fashion Accessories Store

Bevilles - Westpoint Blacktown

Jewellery & Fashion Accessories Store

Watch Plus Jewellers - Woodcroft Village

Jewellery & Fashion Accessories Store

Tansi Collections

Jewellery & Fashion Accessories Store

Prouds The Jewellers - Westpoint Blacktown

Jewellery & Fashion Accessories Store

Goldmark - Westpoint Blacktown

Manufacturing

Simco Catering Equipment

Manufacturing

Achurch Signs & Designs

Manufacturing

Xpress Packaging

Manufacturing

Hercules Plastics

Professional Services

OzLedger

Most Inclusive Employer

Northwest Community Childcare

Professional Services

Wealthwiz Wealth Management - Blacktown

Most Inclusive Employer

WeLove Kitchen

Professional Services

One Law Group

Most Inclusive Employer

Arrow Packaging

Professional Services

Flash Conveyancing

New & Used Motor Vehicles

West End Mazda

Professional Services

SME Tech Solution

New & Used Motor Vehicles

Heartland Hyundai

Professional Services

Risk Assist Australia

New & Used Motor Vehicles

Heartland Kia - Blacktown

Real Estate Agency

Century 21 Inﬁnity

New & Used Motor Vehicles

Cumberland Ford

Real Estate Agency

LJ Hooker - Blacktown

New & Used Motor Vehicles

Lander Mitsubishi

Real Estate Agency

Qﬁrst Invest Sydney Australia

New Business

Kiddo Stations - Westpoint Blacktown

Real Estate Agency

Waratah Estate Agents- Marsden Park

New Business

I Love Cruising with Dianne

Real Estate Agency

Australian Real Estate

New Business

Rhino Social

Real Estate Agency

Blacktown Real Estate

New Business

Discount Hot Water

Real Estate Agency

Oakley Real Estate

New Business

BK Collective

Real Estate Agency

Elders Real Estate-Kings Langley Shopping Centre

New Business

Messy Makers

Real Estate Agency

Century 21 Davelis & Co

New Business

Brothers Kebab House

Real Estate Agency

Sapphire Estate Agents

Performing Arts

Studio Dance Australia

Restaurant

Zeko Mediterranean Cuisine

Performing Arts

Bam Bam Music

Restaurant

Pink Palate - Kings Langley Shopping Centre

Performing Arts

Natasha's Arts Theatre

Restaurant

Kumar's Taj Indian Restaurant - Quakers Hill

Performing Arts

Powerhouse Dance Factory

Restaurant

Savariya - Pure Vegetarian Eatery

Performing Arts

Helen Perris Music Studio

Restaurant

Green Peppercorn

Performing Arts

Hype-O Performing Arts Academy

Restaurant

Jade 88 Chinese Restaurant

Performing Arts

Step Up and Dance

Restaurant

Fratelli Pizzeria

Performing Arts

Inferno Cheer and Dance

Restaurant

Eastern Palace Chinese Restaurant

Performing Arts

Phoenix Dance Studios - Riverstone

Service & Trade

West Sydney Traﬃc Control

Performing Arts

DIS Dance

Service & Trade

Hydraulic Distributors

Performing Arts

Dream Team Entertainment

Service & Trade

Hyhaus Painting

Specialised Business

WoodnWhimsy Events

Specialised Retail Business

Target - Westpoint Blacktown

Specialised Retail Business

Flight Centre - Blacktown

Specialised Retail Business

Nerd Alert Collectables - Westpoint Blacktown

Specialised Retail Business

Godfreys - Westpoint Blacktown

Specialised Retail Business

BCF - Boating & Outdoor Equipment - Blacktown Mega Centre

Specialised Retail Business

Mister Minit - Westpoint Blacktown

Specialised Retail Business

Rebel Sport - Westpoint Blacktown

Specialised Retail Business

Amici Music - Seven Hills Plaza

Specialised Retail Business

JB Hi-Fi - Westpoint Blacktown

Specialised Retail Business

Woodcroft Newsagency - Woodcroft Village

Specialised Retail Business

The Reject Shop - Seven Hills Plaza

Specialised Retail Business

Typo - Westpoint Blacktown

Specialised Retail Business

CeX - Westpoint Blacktown

Gala presentation event: July 26 at Blacktown Worders Club | Tickets at www.thebusinessawards.com.au

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

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Clippers Barber Shop Arndell Park @clippersarardellpark

13/69 Holbeche road • 2155 Blacktown

(02) 9671 2013 Hours 09:00 - 18:00

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&EVDBUJPOBM UPZT HBNFT (SFBU DIPJDF PG UIF CFTU DIJMESFO CPPLT 7BSJPVT CPBSE HBNFT

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-PDBUFE JO 8FTUQPJOU 4IPQQJOH $FOUSF "EESFTT 8FTUQPJOU 4IPQQJOH $FOUSF 1BUSJDL 4U #MBDLUPXO /48 )PVST $MPTFT TPPO 1. ȍ 0QFOT ". 8FE 1IPOF

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HEARTLAND KIA BLACKTOWN 6XQQ\KROW 5RDG %ODFNWRZQ 16: KHDUWODQGNLDEODFNWRZQ FRP DX

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

Heartland Hyundai Blacktown. Proudly serving our local community.

Level 1, Suite 2/18 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown NSW 2148 Heartland Blacktown Hyundai 196-198 Sunnyholt Road, Blacktown NSW 2148 02 8806 3603

Hours: 9 - 5:30PM

(02) 9621 2808

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

Physiotherapy

Dietetics

Exercise Physiology

Hydrotherapy

Massage

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Acupuncture & Dry Needling

Podiatry

SYDNEY PHYSIOS & ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES Sydney Physios and Allied Health Services is committed to providing quality physiotherapy services to the Sydney community. Our team at Sydney Physios are fully quali¿HG DQG UHJLVWHUHG ZLWK $XVWUDOLDQ 3K\VLRWKHUDS\ $VVRFLDWLRQ 7KLV DOORZV WKH WUHDWPHQW DQG DVVHVVPHQW DW 6\Gney Physios to be strictly at the highest standards. Our WKHUDS\ LV EDVHG RQ WKH PRVW UHFHQW VFLHQWL¿F UHVHDUFK complemented by the most recent equipment and modern

facilities. This is directly indicated in our goal at Sydney physios that each patient receives complete care. This PHDQV WKDW HDFK SHUVRQ LV ZHOO HGXFDWHG DQG LQIRUPHG about every stage of his or her treatment and rehabilitation. This is just one step in the process of ensuring your SK\VLRWKHUDS\ DQG VSRUWV LQMXU\ QHHGV DUH VDWLV¿HG ZHOO EH\RQG H[SHFWDWLRQ HYHU\ WLPH 0DNH 6\GQH\ 3K\VLRV \RXU QXPEHU RQH FKRLFH

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Kish Nadesan - CEO / Senior Physiotherapist

To book call us on (02) 9620 9897 'LVWULEXWLRQ 3ODFH 6HYHQ +LOOV Other locations: Toongabbie, Glenwood, Lidcombe, and Parramatta. V\GQH\SK\VLRV FRP DX

is in Kings Langley Shopping Centre. Currently a Finalist in the Local Business Awards and have been two years running. Recently refurbished, modern, clean, professional and COVID safe.

Our fantastic team of experienced hairdressers are ready to give you the hair you always wanted! Mention this ad for a free treatment with any service over $60. Go on treat yourself!

The Urban Fringe Kings Langley Shop18a 125 James Cook Drive, Kings Langley Kings Langley Shopping Centre

02 9674 3250

Address: Shop 1011 Westpoint Centre, Patrick St, Blacktown NSW 2148 Phone: (02) 9672 4636 Appointments: hairhouse.com.au

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

Your body is your single greatest physical possession.

CHALLENGE, PROTECT & MASTER IT How do you plan to make the world a better place? Make a better YOU thru jiuMLWVX (YHU\ SHUVRQ FDQ PDNH D GLႇHUHQFH DQG QR GHHG LV WRR VPDOO WR PDWWHU SXWWLQJ WKH ZRUOG EDFN WRJHWKHU D OLWWOH DW D WLPH HDFK RI XV HYHU\ VLQJOH GD\ ³&RXUDJH LV QRW WKH DEVHQFH RI IHDU EXW UDWKHU WKH MXGJHPHQW WKDW VRPHWKLQJ HOVH LV PRUH LPSRUWDQW WKDQ IHDU 7KH EUDYH PD\ QRW OLYH IRUHYHU EXW WKH FDXWLRXV GR QRW OLYH DW DOO )URP QRZ RQ \RX¶OO EH WUDYHOOLQJ WKH URDG EHWZHHQ ZKR \RX WKLQN \RX DUH DQG ZKR \RX FDQ EH 7KH NH\ LV to allow yourself to make the journey!” Classes are available for Kids and Adults.

045 222 1882

Unit 1/1 Melissa Place Kings Park (Blacktown City) http://www.gbblacktowncity.com.au info@gbblacktowncity.com.au Instagram: @gbblacktowncity

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Looking to Buy, Sell or Rent?

Speak to Blacktown’s #1 team

The management and staff would sincerely like to thank the Blacktown community for making LJ Hooker Blacktown a Ёˡ˔˟˜˦˧ ˢˡ˖˘ ˔˚˔˜ˡ in the 2021 Blacktown Local Business Awards

Call 9621 1222

61 Main St Blacktown blacktown@ljhooker.com.au

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

Northwest Community Childcare is an HVWDEOLVKHG DQG JURZLQJ 1RW )RU 3UR¿W business, providing Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) in the Northwest region of Sydney for the past 25 years.

located in The Ponds, has a capacity to SURYLGH FDUH IRU FKLOGUHQ Daily, they provide exceptional care for RYHU FKLOGUHQ

Northwest Community Childcare was WKH ZLQQHU RI WKH %ODFNWRZQ &LW\ Local Business Awards as the ‘Most Northwest Community Childcare Inclusive Employer’. Their diversity and RSHQHG LW¶V ¿UVW VHUYLFH LQ LQ 4XDN- inclusivity between the services is drivers Hill, where they recognised the need en by their embedded company values for quality childcare in the local commu- and community focus. nity. NWCC feels very honoured to have 6LQFH WKH\ KDYH RSHQHG PRUH EHHQ QRPLQDWHG DV D ¿QDOLVW DJDLQ IRU 26+& VHUYLFHV ZLWK RI WKRVH WKH %ODFNWRZQ &LW\ /RFDO %XVLQHVV VHUYLFHV EHLQJ LQ WKH ORFDO %ODFNWRZQ Awards. It is an even greater honour Council area. for them to continue to serve the local %ODFNWRZQ FRPPXQLW\ Their services range from being one of the largest in NSW, to one of the For more information, visit their smallest in NSW. Their largest service, website: www.nwcm.com.au/childcare The organisation is a community initiative of Rouse Hill Baptist Church.

(02) 8678 0279 G11/320 Annangrove Road, Rouse Hill NSW 2155

We do things differently at One Law We have a great team of lawyers DQG VXSSRUW VWDႇ HPERG\LQJ ROG VFKRRO values with a fresh, modern, and dynamic approach to get outstanding results for our clients. More importantly though, and something that continues to take us from strength to strength is that we treat our clients like family.

Our team can help with: - Injury and Accident Compensation Claims; - Family & Divorce Law; - Buying and Selling Property; - Business and Commercial Law; - Building and Construction Disputes; - Wills and Will Disputes; - Criminal Law.

Call our free advice line on

02 9119 2232 or drop in and see us at Suite 2A, Level 1, 112 Main St, Blacktown.

www.onelaw.com.au

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Rose of Sharon Childcare & Pre-School 167 Stephen Street Blacktown NSW 2148

Enrolment is still going on!!! Meeting National Quality Standard

We offer Long Day Care Facilities for 59 Children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. *Specialised school readiness program *Early literacy and numeracy program *Approved Learning Framework *Child-Centered

*Quality Inclusive Programme *On-line portal with the daily activity of your child *Toilet training assistance *All meals are prepared fresh on site

Call us today for more information

02.88148822

(Alice) 0433949717 (Jing) 0419846508

2021

T H E B R O T H E R S FI SH MAR K E T Shop 71-73 Seven H ills Plaza

Ph: (02) 9621 8776

(Located next to ALDI)

C O O K E D & FR E SH SE A FO O D

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

Local Business Awards Magic

Scenes form the kolas gala awards event at Blacktown Workers Club.

2021 LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

BLACKTOWN Unit 1, 136 Sunnyholt Road (behind the Shell Coles Service Station)

9622 2641 blacktown@ultratune.com.au

Russell and Tammy are the proud new owners of Ultra Tune Blacktown, a franchise that has been in the area for over 21 years. We have a ĨĂŶƚĂƐƟĐ ƚĞĂŵ ǁŚŽ ŚĂƐ ŽǀĞƌ ϲϬ ǇĞĂƌƐΖ ĐŽŵďŝŶĞĚ ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ŽīĞƌ Ă ŐƌĞĂƚ ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ƚŽ ďŽƚŚ ŇĞĞƚ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞ ŵŽƚŽƌŝƐƚƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ŵŝŶŽƌ͕ ŵĂũŽƌ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌĞƌ͛Ɛ ůŽŐ ďŽŽŬ ƐĞƌǀŝĐŝŶŐ͕ ƚǇƌĞ ĮƫŶŐ͕ ǁŚĞĞů ĂůŝŐŶŵĞŶƚƐ͕ Ăŝƌ ĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶŝŶŐ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ͕ ƌŽĂĚǁŽƌƚŚǇ ĐĞƌƟĮ-

ĐĂƚĞƐ͕ ĂƵƚŽ ƚƌĂŶƐŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ ƐĞƌǀŝĐŝŶŐ͕ ĂŶĚ Ă ďƌŽĂĚ ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ƌĞƉĂŝƌƐ͕ ŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ĞůĞĐtrical work. All work is backed by the Ultra dƵŶĞ ϲ ŵŽŶƚŚ ͬ ϭϬ͕ϬϬϬ Ŭŵ ŶĂƟŽŶǁŝĚĞ ǁĂƌƌĂŶƚǇ͘ EŽ ũŽď ŝƐ ƚŽŽ ďŝŐ Žƌ ƐŵĂůů͘ tĞ ĂůƐŽ ŚĂǀĞ a specialty inhouse performance centre for ĚǇŶŽ ƚƵŶŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ĂƌĞ ĂŶ ĂƵƚŚŽƌŝƐĞĚ ŝŶƐƉĞĐƟŽŶ ƐƚĂƟŽŶ ŽīĞƌŝŶŐ ƉŝŶŬ ƐůŝƉƐ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ďůƵĞ ƐůŝƉƐ ĨŽƌ ƵŶƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ ǀĞŚŝĐůĞƐ͘ L BUSIN CA

2021

Ultra Tune Blacktown | 9622 2641

ARDS

FINALIST CENTRAL CENTR CENT RAL COAST COAST

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Crosswords/Games Solutions page 37

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Little jerks 5. Head downtown? 10. Help in a holdup 14. Balming target 15. Beyond partner 16. Screenplay direction 17. T-bone region 18. Medical research goals 19. Every family has one 20. Illuminated 23. Holiday follower? 24. Skiier’s challenge 25. Unlike a litterbug 27. Palindromic windmill part 30. End of two state names 33. Scratch, say 36. Better copy? 38. Bahrain bread 39. Passed with ease 41. Genetic info carrier 42. Arboreal abode 43. Things to rattle 45. Fishtail, e.g. 47. Daydreamer’s limit? 48. Fit to be fare 50. Killed, as a dragon 53. Tux accessory 54. Prepare for hanging 57. Wrestling area 59. Serving as a diplomat 64. Beer selections 66. Hindu grouping 67. Tat-tat intro 68. Folk facts 69. Pagoda roofing 70. Black cat, some think 71. It may come before “we forget” 72. Failed as a sentry 73. Bird’s perch, perhaps DOWN 1. Chaucer bit 2. They may be clicked on 3. Flu symptom 4. Grad-to-be 5. Bushwhacker’s tool 6. Go to the edge of 7. The good olde days 8. Cooking place 9. Transmit anew 10. Back on a battleship 11. Crooners, often 12. Creation location 13. “High School Musical” extra 21. Main mail drop (abbr.) 22. Disconnected, as a phone line 26. Like siblings 28. Chances in Vegas 29. Roller Derby milieus 31. Checklist item 32. Pretentiously stylish 33. Attack deterrent 34. Military sch. 35. Enrolls 37. Barbary ape’s lack 40. The red 44. Inner city concern 46. Most absurd 49. Official orders 51. Emotion of the miffed 52. Long and thin 55. Sight from Biscayne Bay 56. Gourmand 57. Shoppers’ site 58. Ubiquitous lily relative 60. Place for some polish 61. “Cast Away” setting 62. Manual component 63. A driver may change one 65. Firm or fixed

BINARY

Each square in the puzzle may contain either 0 or 1 1. No more than two adjacent squares may contain the same digit, ie you cannot have three adjacent squares in a row or column of the same digit. 2. Each row and each column must contain the same number of 0s and 1s, eg for a 10x10 grid, each row and column will contain five 0s and five 1s. 3. No row may be the same as another row and no column may be the same as another column. However, a row may be the same as a column.

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

APRIL 2021 Edition 120

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS

LO OUR CA C L P ITY AP ’S ER

HOW THE WEST IS WON

ParramattA Voice of Australia’s most progressive city

T I M E S

ISSUE 9 | April 2021

AL LOC NEW

Minister pushing for more women on Parramatta Council: 3

%ඔඉඋඓග඗ඟ1 Issue 1 | April 2021

Blacktown's LOCAL media voice

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

FULL STORY PAGE 10

RETAIL BOUNCES BACK -

THIS EDITION

s in

AUTO: SsangYong's mid-life update: 30 BUSINESS: Retailers reveal solutions: 34 TRENDS: Is love passing you by?: 36

World class health care

Westmead Hospital’s new clinical tower oepns: 2

New suburb named BradÀeld

Govy ofÀcially names high tech city at Aerotropolis: 6

Family business in COVID

How many leveraged patience capital during COVID: 12

TALE OF TWO POOLS

How hope really works

Feature on the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal: 15

SALOVS: How hope really happens: 19

FULL STORY PAGE 6

Young people turning their lives around at BYSA.

Youth Needs Our Support

WELCOME to the Blacktown NEWS

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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. FULL STORY 10

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www.accessnews.com.au | www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au | www.parramattatimes.com.au | www.jobswesternsydney.com.au

Games Solutions

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

TrendS

Cheers! Shout Perrottet an Aperiti Business lunch is making a comeback  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM COCKTAIL, a big steak and a contract went hand in hand during the golden years of the famous, sometimes infamous, tax deductible Great Aussie business lunch. Today’s busy generations have missed out of the many benefits of a business lunch, but finally salvation is at hand for the nation’s long suffering business lunch devotees. It all disappeared in the days of the miserly Federal Treasurer Paul Keating who reckoned we didn’t deserve a tax break for our business lunches. As a consequence, hundreds of restaurants and cafes were hard hit and thousands of people were left without a job, many of them ‘at home’ parents who could fit in a few hours around midday to host businesspeople. About the only thing that benefitted was the nation’s waistlines, left malnourished and shrunken by the lack of Oyster Kilpatrick and Lobster Thermidor washed down with a liberal splash of Marlborough Sounds Sauvignon Blanc followed by Irish Coffee. Taxi! Well, if Paris is known as the city of light, Sydney will once again become known as the city of the business lunch if the State Government has its way. NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet has indicated enthusiasm for winding back the Fringe Benefits Tax, or FBT, in order to restore the era of the tax-deductible business lunch. “I’m all in favor of bring-

ing back the long lunch in Sydney,” Mr Perrottet said recently.

A first class move Business lunches largely vanished following the introduction of the FBT in 1986. This was a rare anti-business mistake by the usually sensible Hawke government. It was a class-based move. Proponents of the tax argued that wealthy business types should not earn tax breaks by eating oysters and drinking wine. This argument misses the point that business lunches frequently lead to busi-

VIDEO OPTIONS

ness deals, creating employment opportunities for other Australians. If ever Sydney and Australia needed some business-boosting incentives, it is right now, during our economic recovery from the damage wrought by the coronavirus pandemic. Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, mindful of the $3.8bn a year generated nationwide by the FBT, won’t cut the tax. So keen is Mr Perrottet, however, that he flagged a NSW-only FBT reform. “If they don’t do it themselves, I’m more than happy to look at something in a

creative space from the NSW government level to help drive that,” Mr Perrottet told media. This would give Sydney a significant advantage over other state capitals which won’t have tax deductions in place. There are also the flow-on effects for restaurants across Western Sydney, which is among the areas most damaged by our economic contraction. Leading restaurateur Luke Mangan told media that bringing back the long lunch by scrapping the FBT could increase trade by up to 50%.

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TraveL

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Working while you holiday… Welcome to the new trend called SLOW TRAVEL  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM he COVID-19 pandemic’s shutdown of international borders and the move to working from home will have important positive benefits for the Australian travel industry. One of the major findings of the pandemic has been the well documented ability of management and staff to work remotely, using the latest telecommunications. For example, I am writing this story from the annex of my caravan with the sparkling Pacific Ocean laid out before me. So, with tourists opting for longer stays due to many being able to work remotely, and sustainability featuring more heavily in travel decisions, it is clear that slow travel could be a global phenomenon in the next few years. Slow travel mainly refers to the speed of which a trip is taken. And slow travel also means tourists staying longer, connecting with local people, culture, food and music. They will also be able to travel outside the normal holiday peak periods. Sustainability is also at the forefront of consumers’ decisions. Pent-up demand for immersive travel experiences with no set time limit will help ‘slow travel’ become the next big tourism trend. Slow travel mainly refers to the speed of which a trip is taken, where travelers take a train through Australia instead of flying, for example.

Sustainable for local communities However, slow travel is also more sustainable for local communities and the environment and can make a significant contribution to the economies of regions and towns in traditional off peak periods.. Various consumer trends already suggest that slow travel will take off post-pandemic. A trip longer than 10 nights is more highly desired at 22% than a day visit at 10%

or short break away from one to three nights 14% according to an industry poll. And the trend will spread worldwide. There is also a larger remote workforce across the globe due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 70% of global respondents opted to work remotely full time or have a mixture of both remote and office work. Many offices are likely to be more flexible regarding working hours and the location of an employee as a result of the pandemic, meaning blending work and leisure will be easier for employees. Sustainability is also at the forefront of consumers’ decisions. ‘Supporting social causes’ was identified as a key driver in product purchases for 25% of global respondents in the industry’s 2021 consumer survey and for 45% this was ‘nice to have’. Preference for products can reflect on service trends and this identifies that consumers may feel more inclined to support local communities post-pandemic, which is a gap that ‘slow travel’ can fill.

Competition is already intensifying between both niche and major travel intermediaries, suggesting that slow travel is sure to make its mark in post-pandemic travel overseas. Travel intermediaries that offer ‘slow travel’ holidays range from niche operators such as Intrepid Travel and Responsible Travel to more mainstream providers such as Airbnb and Expedia Group. This niche trend reflects consumers’ growing desire for more experiential forms of travel, going above and beyond the hordes of tourists gathered for sun, sea and sand. Its potential growth could further rival the concept of mass tourism and the all-inclusive package holiday concept in travel’s recovery post COVID-19. So it’s, time to put the laptop down and head for the beach and some more research. Love this remote working. Source: ETN Travel Industry News Dallas Sherringham is Associate Editor at Access News Australia and one of Australia’s most experienced travel writers.

ISSUE 3 | June 2021

Blacktown Business

Problem of unconscious staff bias It’s time to open your barriers to a diverse workforce  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM F you are having trouble finding and developing the right staff it may be that unconscious bias is stopping you from achieving your best. In Australia’s multicultural, multilayered community, it is all too easy to label people you ‘don’t’ want to employ. You set out to find the perfect new staff member to employ and promote based on your own perceptions. And this can be extremely detrimental to achieving your optimal business performance. Could be, you are making a big mistake because the best applicant for the job may be passed over by this personal bias. A new report claims business leaders should base recruitment and promotion decisions on objective assessment data, not their own superficial perceptions. The report from Questionmark, the online assessment provider, argues that leaders should test the skills of workers so that they can make objective decisions on recruitment and promotion. Titled “Overcoming bias and building diverse business success,” it shows how more diverse workforces deliver better business performance. But despite the clear business imperative, leaders are struggling to master diversity and inclusion. The report said there were three main barriers were preventing employers from nurturing a more diverse workforce: 1. Active discrimination – almost 30% of ethnic minority and 39% of LGBT+ respondents claim they have heard de-

rogatory comments or jokes about people like them from co-workers, according to McKinsey research. 2. Unconscious bias – without realizing it, employers could be basing their decisions on who to recruit or promote on factors other than who is best for the job. 3. Lack of visible inclusion – diversity begets diversity. If workers do not see people like them in senior leadership positions they may not push for their own progression.

Measuring and testing the skills of workers using online assessments can help employers make more objective and inclusive people decisions. Assessments draw attention to people’s skills and knowledge irrespective of their background. Data from assessments indicates which candidates are best for the role and which workers are ripe for promotion. This objective information can challenge bias and lead to the workforce becoming more diverse.

ACU hosts chamber event ustralian Catholic University (ACU) Blacktown CBD campus was the venue for the June Greater Blacktown Chamber of Commerce Business After 5 event. The audience heard from Mayor Tony Bleasdale and executives from ACU. Visit www.greaterbbc.org.au for details about chamber events.

CEO of Questionmark Lars Pedersen said: “Assessments help employers make more inclusive people decisions. They can detect attitudes across the existing workforce that need challenging. They reveal whether diversity training is effective.” The “Questionmark Anti-discrimination for People Managers” test provides a ready-made assessment to measure knowledge of discrimination law and help managers make fair and balanced decisions. Questionmark was founded in 1988 and has customers worldwide including Australia. Its software is used to deliver at least 25 million assessments per year. It provides the secure enterprise-grade assessment platform and professional services to leading organizations around the world, delivered with care and unequalled expertise. Its full-service online assessment tool and professional services help customers to improve their performance and meet their compliance requirements. Questionmark enables organizations to unlock their potential by delivering assessments which are valid, reliable, fair and defensible. And Questionmark offers secure powerful integration with other LMS, LRS and proctoring services making it easy to bring everything together in one place. Questionmark's cloud-based assessment management platform offers rapid deployment, scalability for high-volume test delivery, 24/7 support and the peaceof-mind of a secure, audited Australian-based data centre. For more information or to download the full report: “Overcoming bias and building diverse business success” visit: www.questionmark.com

Blacktown News - June 2021

Articles inside

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BREED

Michelle Rowland

Films