Macarthur Advocate - February 2023

Celebrating local business awards

WE SUPPORT WE SUPPORT

Raising funds for Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre

WESTERRN is the theme for a night of entertainment and fun in support of the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre during

the Mayor’s Charity Gala Dinner at Ottimo House on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are now available to support

the event and raise funds to purchase a new scalp-cooling machine and chemotherapy chair for the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre. This year’s event

includes dinner, drinks and entertainment and coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Centre in Campbelltown. More: Page 3.

Baby bonanza at emergency

Korean nation team in town

OUR HOSPITAL’S JOYS AND SORROWS

Baby bonanza at emergency

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

THE new Campbelltown Hospital

Emergency has had its fair share of joys and sorrows since opening last year with 950 babies born and 33,000 patients seeking treatment.

Since commissioning of the new building, staff have also performed more than 1500 surgical procedures and cared for more than 780 inpatients through its new children’s unit.

The $632m department has tripled in size and Premier Dominic Perrottet, joined by Health Minister Brad Hazzard, Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves and Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith, have just officially opened the clinical services building, the centrepiece of the Stage Two redevelopment.

“It has been wonderful to see this amazing project progress to a modern facility, enabling our dedicated frontline

staff to deliver high-quality care to the people of Macarthur,” Mr Perrottet said.

The $632m Stage Two is on top of the $134m Stage One redevelopment of Campbelltown Hospital and the new $34m hospital car park.

Mr Sidgreaves said the new tower included a new maternity unit, increased medical and surgical services, expanded children’s services and integrated mental health services.

“The state-of-the-art building will service the more than 130,000 new residents expected to call the Macarthur Region home over the next decade.”

Mr Smith said over the past three years, some 4000 workers were employed to support construction for project.

The redevelopment is on track for overall completion in late 2023, with

works starting on the first nuclear medicine department, an expanded medical imaging department and an additional entrance.

The new 12-storey clinical services building includes: New state-of-the-art digital operating theatres and procedure rooms,

• Double the ICU bed capacity in the future,

Praise for visa decision

THE Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA) has praised the government's decision to grant permanent visas to around 19,000 refugees who hold Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEV).

The SCOA called the move a significant step towards

ending uncertainty and limbo faced by these refugees for the past decade.

These visa holders will now have the same rights as all other permanent residents, including access to social security benefits, higher education loans, and a path to Australian citizenship.

• Almost double the number of maternity beds, as well as an almost 60% increase in the special care nursery and 50% increase in birthing suites,

• New and expanded surgical services, including interventional radiology,

• Significantly expanded mental health services, including a specialised older people’s unit and civil secure unit for adults.

Former buildings have already received a range of refurbishment works, including significant expansion of the hospital’s Pathology Laboratory, Pharmacy, Clinical Information Department (medical records), and for the first time a new Dental Centre.

The works also include landscaping and a range of enhancements to Cancer Therapy Centre, staff administration areas, overnight stay rooms and a dedicated area for Junior Medical Officers.

The Albanese Government has committed $9.4M over two years to help TPV and SHEV holders with the visa application process.

The SCOA also welcomed the government's decision to restore the family reunion pathway for refugees on permanent visas.

Campbelltown Hospital.

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ISSUE 2 | February

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Support Partner Local Business Awards in Campbelltown, Camden abd Wollondilly.

Korean national team in town

THE South Korean women’s national football team will be based in Campbelltown during this year’s FIFA World Cup.

Campbelltown will be alive with the famous red colors of the squad and its fanatical supporters.

FIFA confirmed Campbelltown as one of 16 team base camps hosted in Australia during the Women’s World Cup, which is being hosted by Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.

South Korea will use Campbelltown Stadium as a training venue during and before the tournament starts.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup promises to be a massive nation-wide

event that will draw people from all across the world so we’re really excited to be hosting the South Korean team in our city during the tournament,” Mayor George Greiss said.

“It’s a ringing endorsement for the quality of Campbelltown Stadium’s pitch and our capacity to host topclass international teams during one of the world’s biggest sporting events,” Mayor Greiss said.

Support for cancer centre

WESTERRN is the theme for a night of entertainment and fun in support of the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre during the Mayor’s Charity Gala Dinner at Ottimo House on Saturday, March 4 March 2023. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are now available to support the event and help raise funds to purchase a new scalp-cooling machine and chemotherapy chair for the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre.

This year’s event includes dinner, drinks and entertainment and coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Centre in Campbelltown.

“The doctors and nurses at the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre have provided a vital service to thousands of people across the region over the past 20 years,” Mayor George Greiss said.

“That’s why I’m delighted to announce the therapy centre as the recipients for my charity gala dinner and I call on our generous local business community to once again step up and help raise funds for this important equipment,” Cr Greiss said.

“It promises to be a great evening of food, drinks and entertainment as well as an opportunity to celebrate the tireless work of medical professionals in our region,” he said.

Over the past year, the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre saw 5077 patients, a 5.4% increase from the previous year, while more than 49,000 treatments were administered to people.

Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre Director Dr Annette Tognela thanked Cr Greiss and Campbelltown Council for their support.

“We look forward to welcoming the South Korean team and helping them to prepare for their World Cup matches,” he said.

South Korea have been drawn in Group H and will kick off their campaign against Colombia on Tuesday July 25 at Sydney Football Stadium.

The team’s most recent success came at the 2022 AFC Asian Cup, where they finished the tournament as runners-up following a thrilling final against China.

Tickets for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 are currently on sale at www.fifa.com/tickets

“We are thrilled the mayor’s charity dinner is supporting our centre this year and we are looking forward to a fantastic event,’’ Dr Tognela said. Tickets are $150 per person or $1400 for a table of 10 people. Mayor George Greiss.

FERNHILL - OUR NEXT GREAT PARKLAND Time for Transformation

HISTORIC Fernhill Estate will be transformed into one of Sydney’s great public parklands making it a central part of the NSW Government’s Western Parkland City vision.

The landmark $65M investment, made possible by the $5B WestInvest Program, will transform the former private Fernhill Estate in Mulgoa into a 423ha public park.

The new expansive parklands will support the growth of the new Western Sydney Aerotropolis and will feature a network of paths and walking trails that will connect to the wider Mulgoa Valley, Penrith region and Blue Mountains National Park.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this investment would secure, protect and enhance critical green space establishing a major new parkland for the people of Western Sydney – one of the youngest, fastest-growing and most diverse populations in the nation.

“Parks and public spaces like this are Western Sydney’s answer to Centennial

Park and Hyde Park in the east, a generational investment to leave a legacy of beautiful public spaces,” he said.

The Greater Sydney Parklands will transform the former private property into an accessible public park showcasing the area’s great natural and cultural beauty. This will include:

• New and upgraded park entries for

safe vehicle access into the Estate;

• A new estate drive and pedestrian promenade to allow people to walk to Fernhill House from key recreational areas;

• A network of pedestrian paths and walking trails connecting to the wider Mulgoa Valley, Penrith region and Blue Mountains National Park;

• 300m boardwalk around the Northern Dam and access for kayaks and small non-motorised watercraft;

• 1km arc of Indigenous planting in

the shape of a lyrebird feather; A new nature-based playground and drop-off/pick-up zone for neighboring Mulgoa Public School;

• Bush revegetation and new interpretative and wayfinding signage.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the funding would ensure the Western Parkland City lives up to its name.

“We’re putting the park in the heart of the parkland city. Eastern Sydney has its harbor and beaches, Parramatta has its rivers and creeks, and Western Sydney will be defined by freshwater lakes and verdant parklands,” Mr Stokes said.

“It wasn’t that long ago that the public were almost locked out of Fernhill Estate forever and now it’s going to be completely transformed into one of Sydney’s most-cherished public spaces.”

Fernhill Estate was purchased by the NSW Government in 2018. The upgrades and improvements as part of this investment will take place over the next five years as part of The Foundation Plan of Management to 2026.

To find out more about WestInvest, visit www.nsw. gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

Building industry facing challenges

THE building and construction industry in Australia is facing challenges in meeting housing targets, according to the latest forecast released by Master Builders Australia.

The forecast shows that housing starts are below the 200,000 per annum needed between 2022 and 2025 and dips to its lowest over 2022-23 before rebounding in 2026-27.

The current environment is difficult for the industry, marked by rising interest rates, robust cost pressures, and labour shortages. Despite these

challenges, the total volume of construction activity grew modestly by 1.5% to $215.1B during 2021-22.

Detached housing and renovations are stable or steadily growing, but medium to high density remains hardest hit. This segment is more sensitive to interest rate fluctuations and is still recovering from the absence of inward migration over the past three years. The challenge is to put downward pressure on building and construction costs to increase output.

Master Builders Australia CEO

More nurses join health

THIS year, more than 3,600 graduate nurses and midwives will start their careers in 130 public hospitals and health services in NSW.

This marks an 18% increase from last year and is the largest intake of any state or territory in Australia.

Premier Dominic Perrottet, along with Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor and Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, extended their warm welcome to the new nursing and midwifery recruits, who will start work across NSW public hospitals this month.

The new graduates have an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in the

state's healthcare system, which continues to adapt and innovate in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over a third of the record number of new graduates have chosen to work in rural and regional hospitals, demonstrating their commitment to serving their communities.

The large intake of graduate nurses and midwives this year is a significant boost for patients and communities throughout NSW, and the new recruits have the opportunity to make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of those they serve.

Denita Wawn stated that the current challenges relate to supply of housing, workforce shortages, bottlenecks in the market for key building materials and products, and increased costs from regulatory changes.

To address these pressures, Master Builders recommends responses around housing supply, the construction workforce, supply chain risk and cost pressures, simplifying regulatory settings, and providing taxation settings that support investment in housing and productivity.

Along with the forecasts, Master Builders has released its priorities on Delivering the Housing Needs for All Australians, outlining the key housing policy areas that need to be addressed by all levels of government to achieve sustainable and affordable housing outcomes.

The Federal Government has announced an ambitious plan for housing, which is supported by Master Builders, and they will work closely with the government to ensure the most effective levers are pulled and are practically implementable by the industry.

New generation of smokers

THE Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has warned that funding of smoking harm research by Philip Morris International (PMI), the world's largest cigarette company, reflects Big Tobacco's attempt to gain a new generation of users.

PMI, the sole funder of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW), which claims its mission is to end smoking, contributed the vast majority of the FSFW's $166.2M income from 2019-21.

RACGP President, Dr Nicole Higgins, has previously called for

a crackdown on nicotine vaping products, which are often marketed to young people and sidestep regulations.

She says that the FSFW is just a front for PMI's real business, nicotine addiction. The RACGP supports nicotine vaping with GP supervision but warns that the industry is already lobbying for unrestricted sales in Australia, which would lead to a new generation of young users struggling to stop.

Dr Higgins calls the FSFW research a continuation of Big Nicotine's fight against public health.

The iconic Fernhill.

Artist impressions of what could be done.

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

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

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

AFCA welcomes new scams initiatives

THE Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has commended the recent banking initiatives aimed at combating scams. A FCA’s Chief Ombudsman and CEO, David Locke, said, “We see the devastating impact scams have on people and welcome any initiatives by banks to protect their customers, including the innovative use of technology.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia recently introduced “NameCheck” technology for money transfers and caller verification via the CommBank app.

AFCA received an average of 400 scam-related complaints per month in the current financial year, which was up 28% from the previous year.

According to Mr. Locke, the sums involved in these scams are increasing and people are losing home deposits and retirement savings.

AFCA will continue to collaborate with industry, consumer groups, and regulators to reduce scam transactions.

Survey reveals growth confidence

ASURVEY by Small Business Loans Australia found that 48% of small-to-medium businesses in Australia plan to expand in 2023, despite the risk of recession. The survey included 210 business owners and decision-makers across micro, small, medium and large businesses.

Businesses in Western Australia showed the most growth with 88% focusing on growth since 2019, followed by 86% in New South Wales. In 2023, the most confident about growth were businesses in the ACT, with 60% planning to focus on growth.

Do you need FREE help kickstarting

Micro businesses were the most positive about growth in 2023 with 50% planning to expand, compared to 48% of medium-sized businesses and 37% of small businesses.

Alon Rajik, founder of Small Business Loans Australia, said: “Despite the potential economic slowdown, SMEs will continue to be resilient and confident in their ability to weather tough economic periods.”

He advised businesses to make smart financial choices when expanding and to shop around for low interest rates and fees.

Photo

reaches 200M

DREAMSTIME, the world’s largest stock photo community, has reached two major milestones with 200 million online files uploaded by its one million contributors.

To celebrate, the agency will launch a series of photo and blog contests with prizes totalling over $36,000.

The four celebratory assignments will focus on stock photography, illustration, footage, and music and registered members can share their experiences and enter a blog contest.

In addition, Dreamstime is offering a discounted 200 download plan and a special anniversary with 100% royalties for all contributors on Valentine’s Day.

Dreamstime has been at the forefront of the stock photography industry, continuously improving and growing through the use of AI-powered features.

Its AI-powered PhotoEye service offers image filtering, copyright detection, smart cropping, and scalability to enhance search results for companies and their customers.

The localization search criteria include regionally mixed results to improve diversity and local content exposure.

The LicenseGuard tool monitors and detects unlicensed usage of visual content across the internet. The company recently announced its acceptance of AI-generated content and is working on adding more languages to its current 13 international versions.

CAMDEN LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS 2022

LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS A WIN FOR ALL

Glittering success of gala night

THE 2022 Camden Local Business Awards was a glittering spectacular that provided a fitting finale to the annual event.

Winners exchanged exuberant hugs and cheers filled the room as they made their way to the stage.

Awards founder and Precedent Productions Managing Director Steve Loe said the evening was an exciting culmination to a successful awards program.

“The Local Business Awards recognise the vital role businesspeople play in the lives of their communities,” he said.

“The presentation evening not only sees the announcement of the category winners but is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all the finalists.

“We had a sell-out crowd that included our finalists, their families and staff, as well as our sponsors and local dignitaries, who helped to present awards to the winners.”

“The winners’ speeches are always heartfelt and emotional,” Mr Loe said.

“2022 was no exception.

“It’s very emotional for everyone there to see their tears and smiles as well as hear the beautiful acceptance speeches.”

As official media partner for the Camden Local Business Awards, Macarthur Advocate will publish

Scenes from last year's awards.

Continued from page 9

a winners’ feature, that recognises all category winners from the presentation evening.

“Of course, the awards are only possibly with the support of Major Partners NOVA Employment and Support Partners, My Gateway and White Key Marketing.” Mr Loe said.

“Their involvement proves their commitment to their community and the businesses that thrive there.”

Mr Loe also thanked Wests Leagues Club for the high quality food and service it provided.

Camden awards

“Thanks to them it was a five-star occasion,” he said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the incredible entertainment and our fabulous MC Paul Hancock who kept the evening flowing smoothly.”

Businesses can register for the 2023 Local Business Awards at www.thebusinessawards.com.au

New world for mechanics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Our industry is already battling a skills shortage and as we face arguably

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

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

Almost 40% of new battery electric vehicle sales this year were Tesla Model 3 (8647 sales) and 25% were Tesla Model Y (5376 sales). Other top-selling models include the Hyundai Kona (897 sales), MG ZS EV (858 sales) and Polestar 2 (779 sales).

This is smart business

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

“This is smart business, as more people buy EVs, there will be more commercial opportunities right across the value chain, including for technicians.”

However, a report from the EV Council suggested the vehicles actually need far less maintenance than their petrol counterparts. Of Tesla owners surveyed,

65% of respondents said they do not have an ongoing maintenance schedule, as logbook servicing requires in a petrol-powered car.

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

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

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

The MTA is also calling for the NSW

government to implement an end-of-life strategy for ICE vehicles and a statewide policy to ensure that the vehicles are disposed of sustainably.

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

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

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

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

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

Source: SmartCompany

Hyundai Kona.

“Our industry is already battling a skills shortage and as we face arguably what is the biggest transition in our sector’s history.” Stravros Yallouridis. Tesla Model 3.

Mechanics learn the ropes of the EVs.

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HIGH School open days are an important part of the Australian education system.

They provide an opportunity for prospective students and their families to get a feel for the school, its culture and its educational programs. Open days are usually held in the second half of the year and are open to all members of the public. Here are some of the benefits of attending an open day:

• Get a feel for the school: Open days provide an opportunity to tour the school and get a feel for the school's atmosphere and culture. It's a chance to see the classrooms, labs, sports facilities, and other amenities that the school offers. You can also talk to teachers and staff members and get a sense of the school's approach to education.

• Learn about the curriculum: Open days provide an opportunity to learn about the school's educational programs, including the subjects offered, teaching styles, and assessment methods. You can also find out about any extra-curricular activities or support programs that the school offers.

• Meet teachers and staff: Open days are a chance to meet teachers and staff members and ask questions about the school. You can

learn about the qualifications and experience of the teachers and get a sense of their teaching style and approach to education.

• Talk to current students: Open days often provide an opportunity to talk to current students about their experiences at the school. You can ask questions about their academic and social experiences and get a sense of what life is like at the school. Make an informed decision: At-

tending an open day can help you make an informed decision about whether a particular school is the right fit for you. It can give you a sense of the school's strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide whether the school is a good match for your interests, abilities, and aspirations.

High school open days are an important part of the Australian education system. They provide an opportunity for prospective students and their families to get a feel for the school, its culture, and its educational programs. Open days offer a range of benefits, including the chance to learn about the curriculum, meet teachers and staff, and talk to current students. By attending an open day, you can make an informed decision about whether a particular school is the right fit for you.

HSC the way to the future

THE Higher School Certificate (HSC) is an important milestone in the education of Australian students. This two-year program assesses the academic progress and abilities of students in their final years of secondary school.

It is recognised by universities and employers as a reliable indicator of a student's academic ability and potential. Here are some reasons why doing well in the HSC is important:

• University Admission: One of the main reasons for doing well in the HSC is to gain entry into the university of your choice.

Many universities use HSC results as a primary means of selecting students for their undergraduate programs. A high score can improve your chances of getting into competitive courses and programs.

• Career Opportunities: A good HSC score can also open up a range of career opportunities. Employers often look for candidates who have demonstrated academic excellence and have a good foundation of knowledge in their field of interest. A strong HSC score can be an asset in job interviews and can give you an edge over other applicants.

• Personal Achievement: Doing well in the HSC is also a matter

of personal pride and achievement. It is a challenging and demanding program that requires discipline, hard work, and dedication. Achieving a good result in the HSC can boost your self-confidence, increase your motivation, and set you on a path of lifelong learning.

• Pathways to Further Study: The HSC provides a pathway to further study, including vocational education and training (VET) courses and apprenticeships. A good HSC result can make you eligible for a range of study and training options that can lead to rewarding careers in industries such as healthcare, trades, and hospitality.

• International Recognition: The HSC is recognized internationally as a rigorous and challenging program of study. A high score can increase your chances of entering prestigious universities and educational institutions around the world.

Doing well in the HSC is important for a variety of reasons. It can provide you with access to further study, open up career opportunities and increase your personal sense of achievement.

The HSC is a challenging and demanding program, but it is also a valuable and rewarding one. It requires dedication, hard work, and focus, but the benefits are significant and long-lasting.

JOHN THERRY CATHOLIC COLLEGE

Congratulations to the Year 12 students of 2022 on their outstanding results in the HSC. The College achieved 11 Band 6’s and 9 on the Distinguished Achievers list.

We commend Tameka Thorne on achieving College Dux for 2022 and attaining 14th in the State for English Standard. The College also received 2 InTech nominations, 2 OnStage selections and 1 OnStage nomination.

College Dux 2022

TAMEKA THORNE 92.30

14th in State in English Standard

I QUIT … AND NOW I REGRET IT

When resigning isn’t the answer

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

AT the height of the pandemic, many Australians quit their jobs to start a new job but now they are suffering "resignation regret"

And 2023 promises to be the year this becomes a major issue.

According to Christina Foxwell, leading life and business coach and prominent self-help author, tens of thousands of people jumped out of their secure jobs in 2022 to pursue a life of ‘doing what they love’ in response to the pandemic blues.

And now many are experiencing resignation regret.

“Resignation regret is real and many people are facing it. I regularly coach executives who are feeling burnt out and want to walk away from their jobs but

the first thing I always talk about is – can we develop up a system to help you make things better rather than jumping ship,” Ms Foxwell said.

“Often by developing up a strategy to address concerns and issues, managers can turn things around and go on to achieve much more in their roles and careers, with higher levels of satisfaction as well. They thank me for helping to guide them through their work challenges, rather than encouraging them to cut and run.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people didn’t seek advice and just threw in their job during the pandemic thinking they would find something better or enjoy more freedom setting up their own business. Sadly, the grass is not always greener, in fact, often it is brown on the other side, or it starts out green and quickly dies.”

Ms Foxwell has been working with managers, executives, business owners and board members helping them to hone their leadership style and overcome career and workplace challenges and she said resignation regret was going to be one of the biggest career issues of 2023.

“My advice is simple. Don’t get upset and depressed about your circumstances, act and start the new year on a positive note,” Ms Foxwell said.

“If you feel like you have made a mistake leaving your job or a particular industry during the pandemic, put things right in 2023. Make 2023 the year of reset, rather than regret. Do the things you need to do to put your career and your life back on track.”

Energise your social media

The first thing you need to do is to energise your social media presence.

Update your CV

There are plenty of creative design platforms online that enable you to create impressive CV formats.

Connect

with others

Resetting your career takes effort, but it also requires connections and networks.

Get moving

How is your health? Mental and physical health are always important, but especially so when you are feeling down.

FOOTNOTE

Ms Foxwell has just released her latest book, 'Glass Angel', which not only explores her difficult upbringing, it also provides readers with insight into how she turned her life around through employing the right mindset.

at Blacktown Workers Club

in Closing the Gap Playing a Role

Western Sydney is proudly one of the largest urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations in the nation.

Unfortunately, many community members are managing high rates of psychological distress1, and long-term health conditions impact almost 90% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 55 years2

WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN), has made supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health a top priority. Working with the local community and organisations around Western Sydney, WentWest aims to improve health literacy and accessibility to holistic, community-based, culturallyappropriate care. WentWest is incredibly proud of the work of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community partner organisations, who are making a significant positive impact in the region.

Marrin Weejali Culturally-Safe Counselling

Since 1996, the Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation has provided culturally-safe counselling and referral services for Aboriginal community members affected by drug and alcohol misuse or mental health challenges. Marrin Weejali provides counselling, group therapy, referrals and transition assistance, health support, case management and community work. In 2021-22 over 390 clients were supported by Marrin Weejali3 To

3 WentWest Annual Review 2021/22.

* Name has been changed to protect the identity of this client

Baabayn Reconnecting with Community

Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation connects Aboriginal community members to services that help them recover from trauma, reconnect to community, and build a sense of self-worth and confidence. Baabayn has strong contacts in the community and prides itself on providing a welcoming environment where individuals and families can heal. The organisation runs activities, drop-in support and counselling sessions, idea-sharing conferences and cultural Healing Circles for community members.

For more information, call Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation on (02) 8608 6054

Karri* is a young Aboriginal mother who came to Baabayn for support with one of her children. She began counselling sessions to address her child’s behavioural issues but has since continued counselling to recover from her own trauma. Karri has joined other programs at Baabayn and reports feeling more confident in her parenting skills, has more self-belief and identifies more strongly with her culture.

Luke* is a 60-year-old Aboriginal man who has attended The Shed for several years for health, wellbeing and legal services. He is one of the Stolen Generation and was taken from his family at a young age. The trauma still lives with him, but The Shed gave him a supportive space to share his story with a community of like-minded people.

The Shed A Safe Space to Connect

The Shed is a welcoming community environment that supports Aboriginal community members by connecting them to mental health, health, housing, financial, disability, legal and cultural services. In 202122, nearly 3,000 people were supported by The Shed, with over 1,000 of those seen by a case worker .

To find out more, call The Shed on 1300 550 099.

This place broke the monotony of being on a disability pension…I feel much more at home here than going to the medical centre. After meeting and talking to people, I realised I wasn’t alone…I suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder from being taken away, and it comes in waves. You might wake up and have a miserable morning, but coming here, life is not so bad

- Luke

Find out more

To learn more about other Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander health services in Western Sydney that support Western Sydney children and families, visit wentwest.com.au/aboriginal-health

AMERICA’S WILD WEST STILL A WILDERNESS

Aussies choosing to GO WEST

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

THE western United States is once again becoming a favorite with Australian travelers according to the latest statistics.

Around a million of us will ‘Go West’ in 2023 to tourist hotspots like Las Vegas, Anaheim, Aspen and San Francisco. And unless you are a confident, competent driver, you will take a tour to these regions and sit back and enjoy the spectacular views.

However, driving yourself is the best way to see it with hire cars relatively cheap. If you look at the accompanying breakout you will immediately notice that prestige cars are almost as cheap to hire for a week from LA International as small cars.

The reason for this is fuel usage with a litre average price at $US1.00 or $US3.82 per gallon according to www. globalpetrolprices.com

However I would rather the larger car for its space and safety and pay the extra fuel for a V6 compared to the more economical four cylinder models. You have to pack all your gear in the car and keeping it in the boot, or trunk as Americans call it, is safer than leaving it on the back seat,

The drive from LA to Las Vegas is easy once you clear the city traffic, however you could deter to Palm Springs for a day or before continuing to ‘Sin City’ for a few nights.

From Vegas you are heading east on the original Route 66 to a town called Williams which is a real Old West town. In Williams you can attend a real gunfight with real guns firing blanks.

Squirrels are a nuisance

Williams is the terminus for the Grand Canyon railway which runs right to the edge of the Canyon – try getting that one through a NSW Council!

From Williams, the road is an easy drive through the Ponderosa Pines to the national park.

Now, the West is still wild in places, with people still perishing in deserts like Death Valley, mountain lions appearing in unlikely places and black bears always a worry. At the Canyon it is the squirrels that are a big nuisance, and they will grab cameras, phones and bags.

Looking out across the vista, you finally get an idea how big the Grand Canyon is, running for 400km in big

curves with hundreds of off shoots along the way.

Much of the Canyon is still the wild, wild west and is under the control of the traditional Native American tribes.

I would allow a couple of nights at the Canyon just to take it all in and see it at sunrise and sunset.

From here you have a choice. If you are fan of Western Movies, you can head south east to Flagstaff, Tucson and Tombstone. On the hand, I would recommend driving back to Vegas and head to Valley of the Fires and Zion National Park.

Zion is as picturesque as the Grand Canyon and reminds me of the MacDonnell Ranges of our own Red Centre. From there you drive further east to the high-

light of the road trip- Monument Valley. You’ve seen it in many Western Movies and even in ‘Forrest Gump’ but nothing prepares you for its awesome grandeur in real life.

From here, some Australians head back to LA via the stunning National Parks of the region to the south, while others head for Denver and the Rocky Mountains. Wherever you choose to go, you will find this part of American a surprising region of great beauty and friendly locals… and wild.

Hire car rates in USA dollars for one week:

(From Los Angeles International Airport)

SMALL:

• Chevrolet Spark $502

• Ford Fiesta $540

MEDIUM:

• Hyundai Ascent $495

• Nissan Altima $506

• Toyota Rav 4 $545

• Toyota Corolla $533

LARGE:

• Buick Regal $507

• Chrysler 300 $506

• Chevrolet Impala $604

Mercedes Benz GLC $853

• BMW 3s $772

• Mustang Cabrio $696

Alert - 5 Stars

Michael (Jim Parsons) is a socially awkward TV-obsessed journalist, writing about shows for TV Guide.

ON a night out, he meets Kit (Ben Aldridge) - a much more outgoing personality, with a tonne of cool, hip friends, but also a man who has yet to tell his parents he is gay.

The two start dating, and their loving relationship is explored. The years pass, and their relationship comes under strain. Then the defining moment occurs; Kit discovers he has cancer, and the pair have to stand strong together as they try to beat it.

Directed by Michael Showalter, Spoiler Alert spoils its ending in the first minute or two of its runtime, showing the ending spectacle in all its traumatizing quietude and clinical pain. But the fact that we know where this story is going, never makes it hurt less, or make it any less engaging.

Parsons and Aldridge are tremendous as the leading duo. Parsons, still playing reasonably to type but different enough to his most well-known role, is lovably affable, weird, quirky and kind.

Aldridge, playing more of the ‘fuck boy’ vibe, while also coming across as deeply in love with Parsons’ character.

They are ably supported in particular by Sally Field and Bill Irwin, playing Kit’s parents Marilyn and Bob. Both are so wonderfully charming, that you really feel as if the four are a real family by the end. Field and Parsons have a beautiful back and forth dialogue, founded on their character’s love of running.

For a film that is so clearly, from the

off, about a cancer tragedy, it spends remarkably little time focused on that element. Instead, Showalter is comfortable luxuriating in the relationship between these two remarkable characters.

He doesn’t rush the meet, the first real date, the first sexual experience, the first time at each other’s apartments. Sure, he skips over plenty of details in relation to their respective careers, lives,

etc. but all in service to the relationship between the two of them.

Perhaps most impressive is the restraint shown in the collection of trauma facing these two. Too often, films like this feel the need to pile on drama after drama. A lesser film wouldn’t have restrained itself to just a troubled relationship and a cancer scare.

It would have had Kit’s parents

against his relationship with Michael, career drama for each, and perhaps even a hate crime involved. It may even have couched the events in a historically remarkable event related to their sexuality.

But Spoiler Alert is too good for that. It recognises that the elements on display here are more than enough drama for any normal couple. And that’s what Michael and Kit are, above all else - a normal couple.

They’re heartwarming in their love, absolutely hilarious when joking with each other (this movie will make you laugh much more than Bros), and ultimately completely heartbreaking when they drift apart from one another - first, across the city, and then across a much greater, more ethereal divide.

Spoiler Alert is one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking romances you will ever see, and is a must see for anyone interested in having a real experience in the cinema.

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

Knock at the Cabin - 3 Stars

ERIC (Jonathan Groff) and Andrew (Ben Aldridge) are holidaying with their adopted daughter Wen (Kristen Cui) in a remote cabin in the woods, without phone reception.

Their idyllic stay is interrupted by four visitors - Leonard (Dave Bautista), Sabrina (Nikki Amuka-Bird), Redmond (Ruper Grint) and Ardiane (Abby Quinn).

These visitors tie the family up, and tell them that they are harbingers of the apocalypse. They give them a choicethey can either willingly choose to kill one of their own family here in this cabin, or the entire world will be destroyed and everyone in it, with the trio left to wander the earth alone for the rest of their life.

M. Night Shamylan directs this taut thriller, which to its credit is both self-container and tightly wound. There’s little extraneous here, which makes it feel fast-paced and deserving.

He also has a lot of fun playing with the claustrophobic elements of this cabin; the space feels small, and this is aided by the constant tightly framed close ups

of the actors. We really feel how tight the space is; the danger of proximity, despite the woodland setting.

Groff and Aldridge are spectacular in their respective roles; the comfortable, calm and quietly spiritual Eric next to the angry, scared Andrew. Bautista is also remarkable in the film, calm and impos-

ing throughout.

The remainder of the four horsemen here make less of an impact - Grint’s appearance is mercifully brief, unexplainable-accent-forward, and impactless, Quinn is overly and oft-times annoyingly grating, and Amuka-Bird similarly OTT.

The real star, however, is Kristen

Cui as the young Wen. Wen’s incredulous performance is the perfect foil to the events unfolding on screen. She is a fantastic barometer for the audience; recognising that what we are seeing is ridiculous, but buying into it at the same time.

Ultimately, these films rely heavily on the plot, and while this one is interesting and certainly more successful than something like Old, it also feels overtly religious and a little disappointing. The plane scenes are fantastic, but the rest of the world ending horror is a little bit meh. The conclusion, when it comes, fires like a damp squib more than a culminating punch.

That being said, Knock At The Cabin is a perfectly fine thriller, with enough scares, an engaging enough story, and a suite of enjoyable performances, to make it worth your time in the theater.

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

This taut thriller eschews a lot of the more violent tropes in favor of its intriguing premise, but wraps everything in a religious gauze that feels odd and, at times, contrived.

Mazda ups the price of its 6 sedan and wagon as 20th Anniversary variants arrive

„ MATT BROGAN

MAZDA has increased the pricing of its Mazda6 medium sedan and wagon range by between $420 and $1120 effective from the first quarter of this year, now commencing from $35,540 plus on-road costs.

Additionally, the Mazda6 sedan and wagon line-up now includes Mazda’s 20th Anniversary ‘6’ flagship, the variant issued to celebrate two decades and 144,000 sales of the nameplate in Australia.

It sits atop the Mazda6 range locally and is priced from $53,635 + ORC in sedan format and $54,935 + ORC for the wagon.

Based on the range-topping Atenza, the commemorative model is offered in Artisan Red or Rhodium White metallic paint, features 20th Anniversary badging on the front guards, a high-gloss silver grille, and high-gloss silver 19-inch alloy wheels.

Tan Nappa leather and Leganu synthetic suede upholstery are said to provide the cabin with a “rich, dignified feel” while the front-seat head restraints are also embossed with the 20th Anniversary logo.

As the current-generation Mazda6 enters its fifth update, the model receives a minor upgrade to the Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine available in higher grades, with power rising to 173kW (+3kW) at 4250rpm. Torque remains unchanged at 420Nm.

Turbocharged models also have recalibrated shift logic for the six-speed automatic transmission, offering what Mazda says is more direct upshift response that will “provide drivers with a more direct and intuitive connection to the engine’s torque”.

Across the range, all Mazda6 grades get power steering tweaks to provide “more tactile feedback at medium and high speeds”, Mazda says, while the driver assist tech offered on GT SP and Atenza variants is enhanced with semi-autonomous Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS).

Touring variants also now receive wireless device charging and wireless Apple CarPlay functionality.

Visually, the Mazda6 range is largely unchanged, save for the addition of gloss black signature wings on the front and rear of the GT SP grade. The Mazda6 GT SP wagon further gains gloss black roof rails.

Finally, Atenza grades now arrive as standard with black Nappa leather.

A premium paint charge of $795 applies for Rhodium White, Soul Red Crystal, Polymetal Grey and Machine Grey

exterior finishes.

Speaking on the 20th anniversary of the Mazda6 range recently, Mazda Australia managing director, Vinesh Bhindi, said the special edition car is a tribute to the significance of the nameplate Down Under.

“For many years,

the Mazda6 has captivated driving enthusiasts with its clever mix of dynamics and style, to the point where it was our best-selling model behind the Mazda3 in the mid-2000s,” he said.

“Mazda6 retains a loyal following of fans, and the 20th Anniversary Edition is a special nod to those customers who share our passion for driving for the fun of it.”

2023

First factory right-hook Corvette Z06 lands in Australia ahead of customer deliveries

„ MATT BROGAN

THE first factory-built right-hand drive Corvette Z06 to arrive Down Under has been revealed by General Motors Special Vehicles (GMSV) this week ahead of a series of activations planned around the country through out the year.

Arriving almost 70 years to the day since the very first Corvette was unveiled in New York on 17 January 1953, the hardcore Z06 combines Chevro let’s new naturally aspirated LT6 5.5-litre V8 engine with flat plane crankshaft design and thunder ous 8600rpm redline.

The Z06’s widened wheel track is met with improved braking capabilities; the model offers larger 370mm front and 380mm rear rotors when compared with the standard Stingray. The front discs are grabbed by six-piston Brembo calipers.

GMSV says the Z06 features the largest wheels ever offered on a production Corvette measuring 20 inches in diameter at the front and 21 inches at the rear. The forged aluminium wheels are finished in a ‘Spider’ design and are said to provide “surefooted grip to get power to the ground”.

Victorian manufacturer Carbon Revolution produces the Z06’s optional factory-fit carbon-fibre rims, as featured on the show car GMSV has imported along with a raft of cosmetic, comfort and performance upgrades.

Inside, the tech-laden, driver focused cockpit is said to relay all of the vehicle’s necessary driving data quickly and concisely.

“This new Z06 is indicative of what customers in Australia and New Zealand can expect from a MY24 Z06, as we will be offering 3LZ trim as standard,” said GMSV director Greg Rowe.

“This includes a steering wheel beautified with carbon-fibre, shift paddles made from carbon-fibre, sueded microfibre on the upper interior trim, leather-wrapped interior door panels and in-

strument panel, as well as GT2 bucket seats with Nappa leather upholstery and carbon-fibre garnish.

“Our new show car also features the Z07 Performance Package, which makes it even more eye-catching and enhances its performance prowess thanks to the addition of larger brakes with carbon-ceramic rotors, carbon-fibre aerodynamic elements, unique suspension tuning, ultra-performance tyres as well as optional carbon fibre wheels.

“The Z06 will be on the road around

Melbourne and surrounds over coming weeks and

Corvette fans and performance car enthusiasts alike are welcome to stop and grab a photo when they see this amazing new model.”

The Z06 lands in Australia just days after Chevrolet released details of its new electrified Corvette, the E-Ray hybrid.

Promising all-season performance and composure – and a blistering 0-60mph (96km/h) time of 2.5 seconds – the third C8 model combines Chevrolet’s 6.2-litre LT2 small block V8 – devel-

oping 370kW at 6450rpm and 637Nm at 5150rpm – to drive rear axle via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with electric propulsion adding 119kW and 170Nm to the front wheels.

Total system power is rated at 488kW with battery energy sourced from a tunnel-mounted 1.9kWh lithium-ion unit. Chevrolet quotes a quarter mile (0-400m) time of 10.5 seconds – a tenth quicker than the Z06.

GMSV has yet to confirm if the Corvette E-Ray will be offered in Australia and New Zealand.

TOP 5 FOODS TO AVOID FOR FAT LOSS Focus on the basics

„ ADAM SIMPSON

SORRY to disappoint you, but there aren't any foods that you need to avoid for fat loss.

You can eat any food that you like and still get results. However, if you want results you must start educating yourself on proper portion sizes and learn how to eat certain foods in moderation.

Too much of any foods can lead to you consuming excess calories and that will hold you back from getting results. There is no silver bullet so stop looking for one, instead focus on getting the basics right most of the time and you will get results.

1. Control your total calories consumed.

2. Eat foods high in protein.

3. Moderate how much processed food you eat.

4. Eat a diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables.

5. Drink mostly water.

What to avoid instead

If you truly want something to avoid getting you results. Avoid people who tell you these things.

Anyone who mentions "Biohacking" for results.

People who believe in one dietary

protocol being superior to others without understanding why that particular dietary protocol works.

Anyone who tells you to cut out whole food groups from your diet.

People pushing extreme dietary measures that are not sustainable long term

Keeping the Calories Down with your Cheese Platters!

One easy way to make sure you blow out your calories is by overindulging on a cheese platter. Don't get me wrong I love a cheese platter just as much as the next person. But if you have a weight loss goal and you are trying to keep your total calories in check. It is important to be mindful of how many calories you are consuming. It can be really easy to mindlessly consume way too many cheese calories in a sitting and then make it that much harder to get to your goal body weight.

I have broken down the different aspects of a cheese platter and given you lower calorie options to choose from. Making these simple swaps is going to save you a bunch of extra calories and will mean you can still enjoy yourself.

"Lower" Calorie Cheese

Options per 100grams

Cottage Cheese - 96 Calories (a slightly weird option on a cheese platter)

Cambembert - 300 Calories

Brie - 332 Calories

Blue - 352 Calories

Higher Calorie Cheese

Options per 100grams

Cheddar - 400 Calories

Parmesan - 432 Calories

Lower Calorie Dips per 100 grams

Tzatziki - 119 Calories

Hummus - 166 Calories

Higher Calorie Dips per 100 grams

Olive Dip - 450 Calories

Spicy Capsicum - 461 Calories

French Onion - 500 Calories

Lower Calorie Nuts per 100 grams

Cashews - 553 Calories

Pistachios - 557 Calories

Almonds - 575 Calories

Higher Calorie Nuts per 100 grams

Brazil Nuts - 656 Calories

Pecans - 691 Calories

Macadamia - 718 Calories

Lower Calorie Fresh Berries per 100 grams

Blackberries - 43 Calories

Raspberries - 53 Calories

Blueberries - 57 Calories per

Higher Calorie Dried Fruit per 100 grams

Dates - 220 Calories

Dried Apricot - 241 Calories

Banana Chips - 519 Calories

Lower Calorie Cured Meats per 100 grams

Prosciutto - 145 Calories

Pastrami - 147 Calories

Higher Calorie Cured Meats per 100 grams

Cabanossi - 304 Calories

Mortadella - 311 Calories

Salami - 336 Calories

Lower Calorie Crackers per 100 grams

Wafer Crackers - 395 Calories

Sakata Rice Crackers - 396 Calories

An alternative would also be to load up your cheese platter with:

Celery - 14 Calories

Carrot - 41 Calories

Higher Calorie Crackers per 100 grams

Sao Biscuits - 460 Calories

Jatz Crackers - 468 Calories

Lavosh Crackers - 477 Calories

If you are looking to keep the calories down with your cheese platters just read the label and see what options come out at the lower end of the scale and then make your choices from there. Example to make the lowest possible Cheese Platter

Camembert and Blue Cheese.

Tzatziki Dip.

Cashews and Pistachios. Raspberries and Blackberries. Prosciutto.

Wafer Crackers with Celery and Carrot.

Adam Simpson is lead trainer and founder at Repetitions Group fitness and Personal Training. Visit: www.repetitionspt.com.au