THE Community Recycling Centre in Campbelltown is taking part in a new NSW Government trial to help households dispose of problematic embedded batteries found in wireless household products, light up toys and disposable vapes.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is joining forces with Campbelltown City Council to make it easy for households and small businesses to safely dispose of embedded batteries.
This will reduce both the number of products going to landfill, and the risk of batteries sparking fires in bins and waste facilities.
As part of the trial, Campbelltown Community Recycling Centre – operated by Campbelltown City Council – is now accepting household embedded battery products free of charge.
Embedded batteries are small batteries which are built into products and cannot be removed. They have become
Trial for disposal of embedded batteries
increasingly common thanks to a rising demand for compact, long-lasting wireless devices.
Often found in household items such as single-use vapes, electric toothbrushes, e-bikes, smart watches, portable speakers and vacuums, the batteries are uniquely challenging for the waste management sector because they are made of materials –including lithium-ion – that are difficult to recycle
and a significant fire hazard risk.
There were 193 battery-related fires in NSW between January1 and August 1, 2024. That is an 18% increase over the same period last year. In 2023, the number of lithium-ion battery-related fires in NSW jumped to 285, more than double the previous year.
The Community Recycling Centre in Campbelltown is one of
Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said “This trial is a much-needed initiative that will help protect our local community and environment by reducing the number of embedded battery products that are mistakenly disposed of in yellow and red kerbside bins.
21 centres across the state participating in the new EPA-led trial, with dedicated waste bins now on site to collect embedded battery products.
E-waste that may contain embedded batteries, including laptops, gaming controllers and tablets, should still be directed to Campbelltown City Council’s e-waste collection service.
More information about the NSW Government’s embedded batteries trial, which is active now and will run until September 2026, can be found on the NSW EPA website here: https://www.epa. nsw.gov.au/embedded-batteries
Construction begins on new park at Appin
THE NSW Government has announced that construction has commenced on a major park at Appin as part of the NSW Government’s Parks for People Program.
The $4.5M transformation will see 23 hectares of pastureland turned into an inclusive play space with nature and
water play features, picnic areas and trails to the surrounding bushland.
This new park adjoins the Georges River koala corridor and is situated less than 1km north of the Appin Town Centre.
The new park will provide nature play space, a place to relax, picnic areas and trails surrounded by bushland.
The design of the new recreational space also protects the existing environmental and Aboriginal cultural heritage values of the area.
As part of the Government’s commitment to address the housing crisis with the delivery of more well-located and well-serviced homes, it is also
delivering vibrant and accessible public spaces to support better communities.
The new park is one of seven projects delivered across Sydney to deliver better access to public open spaces, in partnership with council and the community.
Construction on the project is expected to be completed by early 2025.
Premium land release coming soon
Set in one of the fastest growing LGAs in Australia, Oran Park is a thriving, peaceful, master planned community of new homes, wide open spaces, exceptional new schools and expanding dining and retail precincts.
Premium land is scheduled to release soon and there’s a lot to fit every budget and lifestyle.
• Well positioned near the rapidly expanding Oran Park Town Centre
• Close proximity to award-winning parks, green spaces and waterways
• Easy build lots ranging from 300m 2 to 600m 2
Visit the Sales Office today and discover all Oran Park has to offer. Scan the QR code to register your interest to be informed about future land releases.
ISSUE 22 | October 2023
How to get Advocate
The Macarthur Advocate is available at strategic locations throughout Blacktown LGA. To find a location near you visit our website.
Digital edition
Each edition of The Macarthur Advocate can be viewed and downloaded in digitalf format at our ISSUU platform: www.issuu/communitybroadcastnetwork
Support Partner Local Business Awards in Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly.
WOLLONDILLY PERFORMING
ARTS CENTRE GOES LIVE
Tickets on sale for top acts
TICKETS are now on sale for the first release shows at the brand-new Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre.
The website is now live, featuring information about the gleaming new cultural hub and giving audiences their first opportunity to access online ticket sales for a range of exciting performances in the new venue.
Patrons can go to the new website at www. wollondillypac.com.auto see what is coming up at the Performing Arts Centre, buy tickets or grab a membership package for discounted tickets, exclusive vents, drink vouchers and special offers.
First release tickets include some of Australia’s finest comedians: Jimeoin-Who’s your Man (7December), Anh Dothe Happiest Refugee (27 March) and Arj Barker (15 February).
Visitors can also look forward to seeing musical theatre great such as Mark Vincent–Life is Beautiful (2 February), as well as some of the best touring live acts and tribute bands including, the Robertson Brothers–1960s TV Variety Show (7September) and Echoes of Pink Floyd–60 Years of Pink Floyd (1 March).
Mayor Matt Gould said: “The Performing Arts Centre is the centre piece of the Wollondilly Cultural Civic and Community Precinct, which will contribute to the appeal of the Picton CBD as a vibrant and welcoming hub for creative and community connection. I can’t wait to see some of these big-name acts come to the Wollondilly Shire after the doors are open in November 2024.”
As well as providing a professionally staffed and equipped venue for hire by commercial and community groups, the Performing Arts Centrewill present its own diverse program of events, designed to appeal to every age, taste and interest. Ablack-tie season launch will unveil the 2025 Season in late November.
A fun, free and high energy event in Menangle Street, The Big Bang Street Party and Arts Festival on Saturday November16 will be a celebration of the launch of this exciting new community facility. The legendary Rogue Traders with Natalie Bassingthwaighte will head the line-up, with plenty of high energy action from African street performers,
Taiko drumming and a sizzling Samba show.
Mayor Matt Gould with his membership.
Residents urged to be vigilant about pool safety
CAMPBELLTOWN City Council is urging residents to be vigilant about their pool safety as the weather continues to warm up.
All pool owners in the Campbelltown area are encouraged to check their fence, check their gate and supervise pool users ahead of the 2024/25 summer months.
Campbelltown pool owners are also reminded to be aware of keeping children safe around pools. According to the 2023 National Life Saving Report, 25 per cent of drownings for children aged under four in 2023 were swimming pool related.
“We know that our community embraces the Australian culture of being in and around water, and we are committed to increasing awareness about the swimming and water safety skills amongst our residents,” Campbelltown City Council CEO Lindy Deitz said.
“There are some incredible swimming spots in the Campbelltown area, including at the Campbelltown
$50,000
THE NSW Government is providing $50,000 to the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur for fundraising to support cancer care at Campbelltown Hospital and Camden Hospital.
Health Minister Ryan Park makes the funding announcement as the 24Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur’s hosted it 20th anniversary event at the Campbelltown Athletics Centre.
The annual cancer relay was established by the late Fred Borg in 2005 to raise funds for cancer care in the
Billabong Parklands which has now opened ahead of the summer season,” Ms Deitz said.
“We want everyone to have fun but stay safe over the coming months. Ensuring you take your responsibility as a pool owner seriously by making sure it
is safe for everyone is important, particularly as the weather warms up.”
Campbelltown pool owners are urged to:
• Supervise – Residents must actively supervise children around water.
• Restrict – Pool safety fencing will restrict children’s access to water.
• Teach – Teach children water-safety skills.
• Respond – Learn how to respond in the case of an emergency.
• Book – Book in your swimming pool safety inspection with Council.
Campbelltown residents must have approval from Campbelltown City Council for the construction of any swimming pool.
Council’s Compliance officers undertake routine swimming pool safety inspections of pools in the area. Residents are reminded to book in an inspection through Council’s website.
funding for cancer support
growing Macarthur region.
This year approximately 1500 people representing families, local businesses and community organisations will join the relay over 24 hours.
Participants include the Dawn Breakers who will walk 22km from Camden to Campbelltown selling raffle tickets along the journey to raise funds.
Since 2005, the 24-Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur has raised more than $5M, providing services and equipment to assist in the treatment,
Macarthur Memorial Park is the first greenfield memorial park to be built in Sydney in over 0 years.
With its stunning landscaped gardens, walkways, native plants and carefully designed community spaces, Macarthur Memorial Park will be an innovative, sustainable and multi-denominational memorial and parkland destination, designed to honour life, culture and community for generations to come. Due for completion in early 2025, now is the time to find out more about memorial space options at Macarthur Memorial Park.
care and comfort of both adults and children with cancer.
The registered charity has supported Campbelltown Hospital’s Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Oncology ward and Paediatric Ambulatory Care and Camden Hospital’s palliative care unit and associated services.
Items purchased through funds raised by the 24-hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur include:
• Mattresses, chairs and cushions for patient loan.
• Fall prevention alarm/sensors for patient loan to minimise the risk of cancer patients sustaining injuries at home.
• Paws Pet Therapy visits.
• Artwork for clinic rooms.
The charity has also supported services including specialised paediatric care nurse training and counselling for children and young people of family members with cancer.
NO longer will the next Ariarne Titmus or Cameron McEvoy born out of Southwest Sydney be forced to travel far to mould their dreams of glory – with the Oran Park Leisure Centre opening on October 21.
Set to become Southwest Sydney’s premier leisure and aquatic centre, the new facility is home to an indoor 50m pool, a leisure pool and learn-to-swim pool, an indoor multipurpose sports hall with four basketball courts and a state-of-the-art gym.
It also features a spa, sauna and steam room, caf?, cr?che and ample undercover parking. The $67M project was co-funded by Camden Council and Greenfields Development Company. It is the largest project ever delivered by a Council in Southwest
Oran Park Leisure Centre opens
Sydney. The leisure centre, located at 74 Central Avenue, Oran Park, designed by Warren and Mahoney
Architects and built by ADCO Constructions, will be managed by BlueFit.
Community win: school crossings underway
SALLY QUINNELL
THE Camden South School Crossing is underway!
I’m pleased to announce that I’m delivering on my election promise to build Camden South Public School a new raised school crossing. Over the July school holiday break, preliminary construction was carried out on the wombat crossing and
over the coming October break, the construction for the raised wombat crossing will begin. The crossing is designed to slow down highway traffic, providing a safer path to school for our local students. It is set to be ready for Day 1, Term 4.
As a former teacher and parent in the area, I know how vital this infrastructure is. Camden South Public School had been left for years without a safe school crossing. This had resulted
in parents needing to drive their kids directly to school to avoid risk, despite living within walking distance. This crossing could not wait. Under the previous government, essential upgrades were announced, but never delivered. Since being elected, I have been focused on addressing the neglect of the former government by improving community safety – because nothing is more important than knowing our children are looked after.
I am so proud to be able to have seen this process the whole way through, and fully deliver this necessary infrastructure to the community. Thank you to our community for raising these issues and helping me to action this change.
As always, If I can assist you in any other state matters, please don’t hesitate to contact me at my office on 4655 3333 or at camden@ parliament.nsw.gov.au.au.
The new Oran Parl Leisure Centre.
Project
to make cruise ships cleaner
NSW has launched a $20M Shore Power project at White Bay Cruise Terminal, providing electricity to docked cruise ships to reduce emissions. This will cut over 4,000 tonnes of emissions annually, benefiting local communities. The project, to be completed by 2026, aligns Sydney with global ports and enhances sustainability in NSW's cruise industry.
Tougher domestic violence laws
THE NSW Government has introduced tougher domestic violence laws, including higher penalties for breaching Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs). New offences target intentional and persistent breaches, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison. A Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Order (SDAPO) has been introduced for high-risk offenders, with similar penalties for violations. Additional reforms include enhanced stalking definitions and electronic provisional AVOs. The laws complement earlier measures and a $245.6M investment in victim support.
Grant money for cancer research
THE NSW Government is committing $2.1M in grants for cancer research, coinciding with World Cancer Research Day. Funding includes $700,000 each for Professors Georgina Long and Paul Timpson for advanced imaging systems to study tumor environments. Three clinical trials grants, worth $250,000 each, aim to improve access to trials for underserved communities. The Cancer Institute NSW has invested over $470 million in research over the past 20 years.
Scouts appoints Kaylene as deputy Chair
SCOUTS NSW has appointed Anthea Cudworth as Chair and Kaylene Hubbard as Deputy Chair following its Annual General Meeting. Anthea brings over 20 years of corporate affairs experience and has volunteered with Scouts for over a decade, while Kaylene has 25 years in professional services and is a former Managing Partner at KPMG. The Board also welcomed new Ex-Officio Directors Philip Cooper and Niamh Hitchman. Chief Commissioner Lloyd Nurthen praised the new lead-
Looking at better training for venues
Tership’s potential to navigate challenges in the not-for-profit sector.
HE NSW Government is exploring adding sexual harassment and violence prevention training to the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) handbook for licensed venues. This follows recent updates addressing drink spiking, requiring staff to take specific actions during incidents. Advocacy groups have pushed for expanded RSA training, and the revised handbook, issued to training providers, must be updated by September 30, 2024. Campaigns like “Ask for Angela” complement these efforts to improve venue safety.
Critical shortage of stem cells
AUSTRALIA faces a critical shortage of registered stem cell donors, with 1,000 patients urgently waiting for a match, mostly blood cancer patients. The Leukaemia Foundation and Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry are urging Australians aged 18-35 to sign up as donors, especially from diverse backgrounds. Most stem cell donations are simple, similar to plasma donation. Increasing local donors can improve patient survival chances. Sign up at Strength to Give.
Doctors say don’t ignore symptoms
DOCTORS are urging Australians not to ignore hay fever symptoms, particularly asthmatics, as allergy season begins. Bupa’s Dr. Tony MacDermott warns that hay fever, affecting 1 in 5 Australians, can worsen asthma, potentially leading to serious health issues if untreated. Symptoms of hay fever and asthma can overlap, making diagnosis challenging. Dr. MacDermott advises consulting a GP for proper treatment and ensuring asthma prevention measures, like checking inhalers, are up-to-date.
Need for early dementia detection
RESEARCH from CHeBA’s Sydney Memory and Ageing Study, led by Dr. Russell Chander, reveals that dementia and mild cognitive impairment significantly affect social cognition, which includes interpreting social cues and empathy. Over 300 adults aged 70-90 were assessed, showing dementia worsens social skills, while mild cognitive impairment leads to subtler deficits. This highlights the need for early detection and targeted interventions to maintain social engagement and reduce the burden on caregivers.
Diabetes medicine has been approved
THE Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved Mounjaro, a medicine originally for type 2 diabetes, for chronic weight management in Australians with obesity or overweight and a related health issue. It is used alongside diet and exercise. Mounjaro mimics two hormones to regulate blood sugar and promote fullness. Healthcare professionals welcome the approval, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based treatments in tackling Australia’s obesity epidemic, which affects two-thirds of adults.
Salvos are calling for volunteers
THE Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) is urging NSW residents to volunteer ahead of the upcoming disaster season. Volunteers provide vital support during disasters, offering meals, supplies, and emotional assistance to first responders and survivors. With a long history of disaster relief, SAES seeks passionate volunteers for various roles. The thorough application process ensures the right fit, with training provided. Visit the Salvation Army website for more details.
E- Scooter riders face tough penalties
E-SCOOTER riders can face significant penalties for breaking the law, similar to car drivers. Slater and Gordon Legal Counsel, Jess Lyons, warns of license loss for offenses like exceeding alcohol limits or speeding. Rules vary by state, with speed limits ranging from 15-25km/h. Helmets are mandatory, and restrictions apply on where e-scooters can be ridden. South Australia has the strictest regulations, requiring registration and insurance for e-scooters used outside private property.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE EXERCISE?
Follow this easy reference
EXERCISE is often touted as a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, but many people are left wondering: how often should I be exercising to maximize the benefits?
The answer varies depending on individual health goals, current fitness levels, and personal circumstances. However, general guidelines can provide a solid foundation for most people seeking to enhance their health and well-being through exercise.
Understanding the Guidelines
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and various health institutions, adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week.
This can be broken down into manageable sessions, such as 30 minutes a day, five days a week. For those looking to achieve additional health benefits, the recommendation increases to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.
This can contribute to weight management, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced mental well-being.
Types of Exercise
To maximize the benefits of a workout routine, it’s essential to include different types of exercise: Aerobic Exercise: Activities like walking, running, cycling, or swimming increase your heart rate and improve cardiovascular health. Aim for a mix of moderate and vigorous-intensity activities to keep things interesting and effective.
Strength Training: Incorporating strength exercises at least two days a week is crucial. This can involve lifting weights, using resistance bands, or performing bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats. Strength training not only builds muscle but also enhances bone density and metabolism.
Flexibility and Balance: Activities such as yoga or tai chi improve flexibility and balance, which are especially important as we age. Including flexibility training a few times a week can enhance overall mobility and reduce the risk of injuries.
Listening to Your Body
While the above guidelines are useful, it’s vital to listen to your body. Individual factors, such as age, current fitness level, and health conditions, can impact how often and intensely you should exercise.
For beginners, starting with shorter sessions and gradually increasing duration and intensity can help prevent injury and build confidence. Conversely,
those who are already active may benefit from varying their routines to include different types of workouts, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which can deliver maximum results in a shorter time frame.
The Role of Recovery
Rest and recovery are just as important as the workouts themselves. Overtraining can lead to injuries, burnout, and decreased motivation. Incorporating rest days into your routine allows your body to recover, rebuild muscle tissue, and prevent fatigue. Aim for at least one or two rest days per week, depending on the intensity of your workouts.
Making Exercise Enjoyable
Finding activities, you enjoy can greatly increase the likelihood of sticking to a routine. Whether it’s joining a dance class, hiking with friends, or participating in team sports, enjoying your workouts makes it easier to stay committed. Variety not only keeps things fresh but also engages different muscle groups and enhances overall fitness.
In summary, for maximum benefit, adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week, combined with strength training and flexibility work. Listening to your body, prioritizing recovery, and engaging in activities you enjoy will help you maintain a consistent and rewarding exercise routine.
Remember that the journey to better health is a marathon, not a sprint; finding the right balance will lead to sustainable results and a healthier, happier life.
Let’s Talk About It Caring For Your Mental Wellbeing:
Community in Western Sydney have been through a lot in the last few years: COVID-19 lockdowns, floods, increased financial pressures and more. Mental health has been one of the biggest challenges our region has faced, and it’s important to keep checking in on each other.
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Month is, ‘Let’s Talk About It’ . This prompts us all to reflect on our mental health and overall wellbeing. Maintaining good mental health is important in our daily lives and encourages a proactive approach to seeking help when necessary.
Five Tips to Boost your Mental Wellbeing
1.Prioritise self-care: Make time for activities that recharge you and reduce stress. Whether it’s a hobby, relaxation techniques or taking a break; find something that fills your bucket.
2.Stay active: Exercise helps release endorphins which improve your mood. Aim for regular exercise such as walking, yoga or playing a team sport.
Where to Get Help
3.Build and maintain relationships: Spending time with family, friends or support groups can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
4.Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises can help you stay present and manage stress.
5.Seek professional health: If you are struggling with your mental health, please speak with your GP or visit a mental health service available in your area.
There are services available to community in Western Sydney which offer support. Please visit our Mental Health webpage for more information.
Healthy Western Sydney is delivered by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.
Support for Young People: headspace
headspace is an early intervention program for young people aged 12-25 years, providing access to support and information for a broad range of concerns including mental health, physical or sexual health, drugs and alcohol and work and study support.
There are headspace centres in Castle Hill, Mount Druitt and Parramatta. Appointments and referrals are required. Visit the headspace website for more information.
Support for Adults: Head to Health
If you’re not feeling like yourself, Head to Health can connect you to free mental health support. Visit the Head To Health website for more information. You can call their support line or visit their safe space in person. No appointment or referral is required.
Call 1800 595 212 (9:00 am –9:00pm weekdays, 3:00 pm – 7:00pm weekends and public holidays)
Visit in person Ground Floor, Suite 1, 150 George Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Support for First Nations Community: Marrin Weejali
Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation provides culturally safe counselling and referral services for Western Sydney’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members affected by drug and alcohol dependency, and non-acute mental health issues.
Services include counselling, group therapy, transition assistance, health support, case management and community work.
Call: 02 9628 3031
Health professional or self-referral: Complete form
Crisis Support
If you, or the person you are supporting, needs immediate crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 . If it is an emergency, please call triple zero ( 000 ).
Sydney’s unusual dining experiences
An illumination night out at Luna Lu
IF you haven’t visited Sydney’s Rocks area in a while don’t go past Luna Lu restaurant. What a thrill to be in one of Sydney’s older sandstone buildings whilst enjoying an incredible Immersive Dining Experience’, a light show all around the walls in 360-degree view as you dine. The lights include intricate Japanese wall art and ocean scenes as a whale lazily swims by.
This Immersive Dining experience is available every Thursday and Sunday night at Bar Lulu and you can enjoy these scenes whilst enjoying a delicious 3-course set menu for $120pp. For details: www.lunalu.com.au/whats-on/immersive-dining-at-bar-lulu/ Luna Lu’s new spring menu is well-worth experiencing for a date night or just a fun night out with friends. Mentai scallops and Flying Fish Roe are
delicious entrees as are Salmon and Snapper Crudo Mosaic. Mains include Char Siu Pork, Spicy Dan Dan noodles and Kungpao Cauliflower and select a dessert that is pure edible art. Choose between Yuzu Namelaka or Luna Opera House (a berry and coconut sponge coulis).
If you like to dine outside to enjoy Sydney views including the Opera House you can reserve the Dining Dome while enjoying a bespoke four-course banquet menu.
Luna Lu has partnered with Chateau Tanunda, so you can also enjoy a complimentary Chateau Tanunda wine pairing created specifically to accompany the course of meals throughout the evening. Details here: lunalu.com.au/what’s-on/dining-dome/
Champagne. Jacquart Bar and high tea
FOR something special head into Sydney’s CBD for a special high tea day with your kids at David Jones’s Champagne Jacquart Bar on level 2 in David Jones. The high tea feels very ‘New York’ style, situated in a department store overlooking green leafy Hyde Park outside. Head Chef, Alessandro Morabito (formerly Bel and Brio and Pepi’s) has created a masterpiece tower of edible delights including petit fours, home baked scones with jam and a choice of Mosaique NV Brut or Rose for the adults.
It’s open 10am to 4pm and bookings are essential and children must be accompanied by an adult. www. champagnejacquartbar.com.au
Champagne Jacquart Bar, Level 2, 86 – 108 Castlereagh Street, Sydney
The Yum Cha Project
Have your kids ever eaten Yum-cha? Mine had heard of it but never tried because I kept promising to take them to Chinatown on a Sunday and that never eventuates. Yum Cha was popularised in the 80s and 90s in Australia and translates to ‘drink tea’. It’s typically a long sit-down lunch with trollies circling the restaurant offering steaming dim sum share baskets. It’s ‘a thing’.
City-lovers are in luck! Yum Cha comes to Grosvenor Place, (close to Circular Quay) and is fast, friendly and delicious. It’s the latest dining concept from culinary maestro Howin Chui, founder of Ni Hao Bar, Kowloon Cafe, Stir Fry King and Senpai Ramen.
Looking to modernise the Yum Cha experience Chui and co-owners offer a selection of delectable Dim Sum ‘by the piece’ and along with contemporary tea options - swapping a pot of Jasmine for an iced bubble tea.
It’s hard to find reasons to enjoy a day out with older teens but luckily most like to shop for clothes (if you’re paying) and they are always starving. Meet them at The Yum Cha Project and try delicious Hainan chicken pizza, Signature siu mai dumplings, steaming pork dumplings and spring rolls and pork buns, Peking Duck pizza and cheeseburger spring rolls.
Yum Cha Project is open during daytime hours –Mon-Thurs 8am to 4pm and Thurs –Fri 8am to 8pm and found at Shop 3, 225 George Street (on the high / west side of George St). Enjoy their company for the 20 minutes they will grace you with before they’re off again exploring the shops!
Travel tech – Don’t leave home without them
Charging Station - No more fighting over who has the charger. Anker’s Mag Go Wireless
Charging Station allows you to charge your iPhone, earbuds and Apple watch all at the same time at twice the speed. And it’s magnetic and foldable so stores and travels easily. Check out www.anker.com
Trackers - Track your passport, keys, wallet, bicycle or carry bags with a portable ‘tile’. Very easy to use - it comes with an app and when downloaded you can activate a tile and keep track of where
your item is. Go to tile.com/en-au to order one (or 10) today.
YOUR QUEENSTOWN FAMILY GETAWAY
Stunning scenery and friendly locals
BY TRAVEL EDITOR EMMA WILSON
IT’S just across the ditch and you’ve completely forgotten it exists, but Queenstown is an easy family holiday for every age group. For an overseas destination it truly is Sydney’s easiest destination. It’s not just an adrenalin-mecca for active young people, there are activities to suit every age group – active, less active or disabled travelers. The scenery is stunning, the shopping is great, dining options are plentiful, the water is safe to drink, and the locals are very friendly. Why not reconsider your next family holiday here?
Getting to Queenstown
Just a three-hour flight from Sydney, Queenstown airport is a wow-factor entry into New Zealand with its backdrop of rugged snowcapped mountains towering over you on the airport tarmac. With this clean, efficient and smallish airport, you are out in the fresh air with your luggage surprisingly quickly. Transport options into town are plentiful and there are wheelchair options for transport as well. To get into the downtown area the route one public bus runs every 15 minutes and stops regularly along Lake Whakatipu. The Stanley Street will deliver you to the centre of the downtown action. Or to maximise sightseeing time take a ferry into the downtown area, ferries leave every 30 minutes and depart from the Hilton Hotel, which is a short taxi ride from the airport. Alternatively, there are shuttle buses that also accommodate wheelchairs upon request. Head to www.queenstownairport.co.nz/transport for all your options.
Where to Stay
If your trip is short or you prefer the buzz of nightlife and vibe of staying within a busy downtown area, many hotels, restaurants, shops and activities radiate from Lake Whakatipu’s Tahuna area harbour, the ‘Queenstown Beach’ area. If you’re staying in town, you won’t need a car and can do a lot on foot, including many of Queenstown’s iconic activities and there are options to be picked up from your hotel by activity providers if you book something fun to do. You may need a car if you prefer to stay further away, like in rural accommodation, otherwise local buses can take you downtown or along Wakatipu's length.
Like anymajor city there are new hotels and older hotels so it will depend on your preference, but newer buildings have building codes that are wheelchair friendly so take this into consideration when booking.
Skyline Gondola
A great ‘first day’ thing to do to get a good orientation of Queenstown is to head to the Skyline Gondola in Brecon Street. This is a spacious state-of-the-art new gondola that will bring you up to a restaurant and activity precinct at the top of the hill. Here you can sit and enjoy the views of the Remarkables and have a bite to eat. There’s also a lolly shop for kids or take a turn riding the luge if you’re feeling adventurous. Views look out over the lake, mountains parks and town as far as the eye can see and it is spectacular. There is a wheelchair entry here as well, it’s very accessible. www.queenstown.skyline.co.nz
Ziptrek Ecotours
Explore the forest above Queenstown on a zipline for something different. For ages 7 to 85, depending on your level of adventure, you can choose from a few different zipline options, 2 to 6 zipline rides that gradually deliver you gracefully to the base of the mountain.
The 6-line zip includes a 20-minute hike through the forest down to the final zipline section, which is the ‘steepest tree-to-tree zipline in the world. What makes this eco-friendly is that tourists can explore the area ‘in the air’ without leaving an impact and at each stage of the zipline tour guides teach you about the local area, the flora, fauna and Mauri culture and the history of the area. It’s fun and informative and the zipline travel is extremely safe and utterly exhilarating. This is not a wheelchair friendly activity due to the uneven surfaces everywhere. Head to www. ziptrek.co.nz to buy tickets online.
Indoor Skydiving
This is an all-ages and all abilities activity that suits people even people who are NOT tempted to try outdoor skydiving (that’s me). The iFLY centre is run by the very incredible Matt Wong who has gone out of his way to make this experience accessible to all, including people who experience terrible anxiety, young kids right up to elderly people and it is a wheelchair friendly activity (and great fun to sit and watch).
The trainers for this experience are extremely experienced and reassuring. Sessions start with just one minute with the trainer physically holding you
100% of the time and you are just in a very safe and contained wind tunnel and ‘fly’ just a metre or two from the ‘ground’ in a flying suit with earplugs and helmet. It is impossible to ‘fly away’ but if you enjoy that one minute you can progress to a longer session or a session where you and the trainer can utilise stronger winds (upon request) and ‘fly’ higher up the wind tunnel and even begin learning to move and turn in the wind. The feeling you have ‘flying’ is utter freedom and really a once in a life experience and you can choose add ons such as VR goggles. Head to www.flynz.co.nz for more info.
Sherwood Hotel
Queenstown is leading the way in sustainable tourism and thanks to Destination Queenstown this will get even better over the next few years. This is terrific news in an industry where everyone wants to visit popular sites and sights but can often ‘love places to death’. This is sad for our kids and grandkids who may never experience the very thing we all love about a place.
The Sherwood is an excellent example of a hotel reno in the right direction, they took an 80s Motor Inn and transformed it into a sustainable tourism icon, with food sourced from the kitchen garden, local growers and producers. From the garden eat fresh beetroot, butternut squash, rhubarb, lettuce among other yummy ingredients.
Hotel rooms are decorated with local artworks and wall hangings, blankets woven with New Zealand wool, interiors utilising recycled materials and locally sourced manuka and myrtle ingredients for shampoo and body wash. www.sherwoodqueenstown.nz
For more information about what is the best time of year to visit Queenstown and what tours are on offer and suggested itineraries, visit Destination Queenstown. www.queenstownnz.co.nz/
