Parramatta Times - January 2023

Workers rescue Peregrine falcons at Accor Stadium.

DISCOVER a world of brick creations and build your own adventure at the LEGO display in PHIVE during the school holidays and through until April 23.

You can step inside Brickman Cities, the amazing and immersive world of LEGO scale models featuring global icons and landmarks .

Experience skyscrapers and cityscapes through recreations and 3D story projections brought to life by the Southern Hemisphere’s skilled brick artist, Brickman, star of TV’s LEGO Masters.

Plus, PHIVE will have everything you need to build your own architectural showpiece, including more LEGO than you can literally shake a brick at.

This unique experience in the heart of Parramatta includes a whole global built from LEGO.!

It means you don’t need a passport to visit the world’s greatest cities just a ticket to Brickman Cities at PHIVE.

Visitors can explore Lower Manhattan built entirely of white LEGO and

enjoy 3D projected stories of New York and take a journey from the First People’s villages right through to present day.

Visit London, Tokyo, Dubai and Sydney. Each city is represented by Brickman’s trademark, cutaway, detailed models of skyscrapers and landmarks at different stages of history.

Build in the brick pit

There’s plenty of space to build your own creation at Brickman Cities with more than two million LEGO bricks to play with.

Meet Brickman

The Brickman team is made up of skilled LEGO brick artists and craftspeople led by Ryan McNaught, a.k.a ‘The Brickman’.

Ryan is a LEGO certified Professional, one of only 14 in the world and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere.

Brickman has produced some of the most recognisable creations around the world and is well known as the judge on the hit TV series LEGO Masters.

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

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

• A variety of schools and future tertiary institutions

• Multiple pre-school and day-care centres

• Pedestrian-friendly streets, creating easy access to amenities

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

• Oran Park Library

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

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

• State-of-the-art Leisure Centre which houses a 50m indoor Olympic pool, gym, four basketball courts, sauna and more • Jobs close to home within the Town Centre and nearby Western Sydney International Airport

Contact the Oran Park sales team on 9043 7500.

Scan to learn more or to register your interest.

www.parramattatimes.com.au www.facebook.com/parramattatimes www.linkedin/parramattatimes ISSUE 33

How to get The Times

Digital edition

LAKE PARRAMATTA DUE FOR

Beach comes to the West

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

F

One of Western Sydney’s mostloved swimming spots will be given an upgrade including a ‘beach’.

City of Parramatta Council has revealed concept plans for the swimming area at Lake Parramatta and is now seeking feedback from the community.

The proposed design includes several new elements to help improve safety and accessibility, including creating a gentle sloping entrance to the lake and separate steps and handrail for greater accessibility.

The plans for Lake Parramatta also include a new ‘beach’, seating and umbrellas for shade. An overwater pontoon is also being considered but will be subject to further assessment.

“Lake Parramatta was officially reopened for public swimming and recreation in 2015 and it has been incredibly popular ever since. About 50,000 people visit every year,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.

ORGET Bondi, forget Manly, going to the beach in the heart of the west will soon be a whole lot easier.“Surrounded by bushland, it’s a great spot to soak up the sun and take a dip during the warmer months. It’s important to get the balance right to provide accessibility for all, while respecting our environment.

“I have no doubt that regular visitors to Lake Parramatta will be excited to see these upgrades. The intent is to maintain the natural bushland setting, improve safety and accessibility and add a few extra comforts, like seating and shade.”

Cr Davis said the addition of a permanent ‘beach’ surface and a second entry point with steps and handrails will dramatically improve accessibility to the area, which is frequented by families, young people and the elderly – especially

Artist impressions of Parramatta Beach.

between October and April, when lifeguards are on duty.

“I encourage everyone who has visited Lake Parramatta to have their say on our proposed design, so we can make sure the changes we make truly reflect the needs of the community,” Cr Davis said.

This project has been made possible by a $905,000 grant from the NSW Government’s ‘Places to Swim’ program.

Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the creation of new places for people to get in, on and around water was one way to support community health and wellbeing – particularly in growing communities.

“People living inland have less access to natural swimming spots than those on the coast, which is why this project will be so beneficial for the Parramatta community, especially for families and children,” Mr Lee said.

The final plans will reflect feedback from community consultation, and the results of site investigations including geotechnical and engineering considerations. A Review of Environmental Factors will also be completed. Construction is expected to start in April 2023 and be completed before next summer.

For more information or to have your say, visit cityofparramatta.co/lake-parra

At Cardinal Gilroy Village, our refurbished units offer comfortable seniors living with on-site community facilities, social event programs, and transport links with proximity to Merrylands and Parramatta.

These bright and airy apartments are spacious and well-appointed, featuring generously proportioned rooms, modern kitchens, ensuite bathrooms, plenty of built-in storage and access to the outdoors.

For your comfort and peace of mind features also include air conditioning, shower grab-rails and level flooring throughout. With your lawns and general maintenance taken care of, you can spend more time doing what you love.

Features include:

• 1 and 2-bedrooms units

• Air conditioning

• Modern appliances

• Energy efficient LED lighting

• NBN-ready

• Maintenance included

• Gardening included

• Level flooring throughout

• Emergency call system

• Public bus stop onsite

• Home Care onsite

• Aged care onsite

Cardinal

HAS ONE IN A BILLION…

Opal network turns 10

EVERYDAY Janki Patel takes the train from Parramatta to St Ives to go work using her Opal Card.

Janki is a nursing student at Western Sydney Uni and is also an international student and relies on the train to get around.

However, one day recently was like no other for the 20yo as she became the 4.5 billionth tap-on to the Opal network at Parramatta Train Station.

It was a dual celebration for the revolutionary ticketing which also turned 10yo.

In welcoming Janki, Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said commuters had clocked up billions of Opal card trips since the network launched 10 years ago.

“We’ve seen 4.5 billion trips taken on the Opal network in the decade since it was introduced - that’s an average of one million trips on our public transport system each day,” Mr Elliott said.

“The sheer volume of trips taken on the Opal network shows how much Sydneysiders and visitors love using the technology and see it as a part of their everyday lives.

“The State Government is building on the Opal success with the investment of $568M over the next five years to deliver a new state-of-the-art Opal

system, Opal NextGen.

“This will give commuters even more choice and convenience when booking and paying for public transport, helping them seamlessly travel across NSW like never before.”

The first tap-on was made on the Neutral Bay to Circular Quay ferry route on December 7 2012 and since then the Opal network has expanded to operate on the Metro, rail, bus, ferry and light rail networks across Greater Sydney.

Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said the introduction of the Opal network a decade ago had revolutionised the way commuters travelled across all modes of public transport.

“It’s amazing when you remember that only six years ago in August 2016, paper tickets were fully retired and now, many commuters travel on the network without a physical Opal card, ”Mr Collins said.

“More than 56m Opal cards have been issued giving commuters easy access to our public transport network, whether they’re local, from interstate or overseas.

“We look forward to rolling out Opal NextGen that will see travel from A to B on public transport and other transport services become even more seamless.”

Janki Patel with Minister David Elliott at Parramatt5a Station.

„

LIVING IN THE ROOF AT ACCOR STADIUM

Baby peregrine falcon saved

STORY AND PICTURES

BY AYUSH KUMAR

AFAMILY of Peregrine Falcons have made their home in the roof of Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park for the past four years.

When tragedy struck in the countdown to Christmas, wildlife rescuers were called in to save an ailing nestling and locals are now calling it a small Christmas miracle.

Often flying majestically above Accor Stadium, the resident birds of prey have become a feature at Sydney’s Olympic venue.

In early October, eggs appeared in the nest of the Peregrine adult pair who have mated for life and produced offspring each year since making a home for themselves in the Stadium roof. Three baby chicks were spotted in the nest on November 7.

The alarm was raised when one of the nestlings fell to its death from the nest, and a second died suddenly.

Accor Stadium’s Security team had been closely monitoring the Peregrines’ progress via the Stadium’s CCTV system and alerted General Manager Asset Management Simon Davies who called in the experts an organisation aptly called Raptor Recovery Australia.

“We found that the chick that had died in the nest had been infected by a parasite that causes lesions in their throat leading to quick death,” explained Amara Mohan, on-site rehabilitator for Raptor Recovery Australia.

“We decided to remove the surviving baby Peregrine from the nest and treat it for the parasite or trichomonas infection.

“After the bird completed the treatment, it spent a week in our care before we returned it to the nest at Accor Stadium.”

And so far so good, with Stadium staff reporting the baby Peregrine –dubbed Little Jet by the locals and approaching 6 weeks in age – appears to be doing well, with Mum and Dad bringing it a regular supply of food, everything from medium-sized birds to small reptiles and insects.

The Peregrines have got used to the large crowds and loud events at Accor Stadium . . . not even the recent Guns N’ Roses concert appeared to trouble them.

While the future is uncertain in the wild, Ms Mohan likes what she sees in young Jet: “As soon as I approached her, she would scream and scream, which is what we want from a wild bird as we want them to stay as wild as possible so we can easily get them back to where they need to be with their families.”

The Peregrine mates for life and nests on cliff edges or, in recent times, on tall human-made structures hence the appeal of Accor Stadium, the State’s largest venue that sits on the Greater Parramatta and Olympic Park peninsula.

Ground staff have enjoyed having the Peregrines around the Stadium, as they are a natural deterrent to pigeons that like to eat all the grass seeds needed to keep the turf growing all-year round.

The Peregrine Falcon is fascinating, majestic and threatened. It became an

Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC)

is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation established in 1996. CMRC is a leader in the provision of specialised support services to newly arrived migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants.

CMRC works within a community capacity building framework to encourage individuals and multicultural communities to identify and address their own issues. It works in collaborative partnerships with a great number of agencies to provide services which have both an immediate and long term benefit for the community.

CMRC employs over 60 full time, part-time and casual multi-lingual staff.

Paramatta office

Level 4, 1 Horwood Place

Parramatta, NSW 2150

Ph: (02) 9687 9901

Monday – Friday: 9AM – 5PM

The Hills office

Community Hub Castle Towers

Level 3, 6-14 Castle Street, Castle Hill, NSW 2154

Northern Region office

endangered species in many countries including Australia because of the widespread use of certain pesticides, especially DDT. Since the ban on DDT from the early 1970s, populations have recovered, supported by large-scale protection of nesting places and releases to the wild.

Raptor Recovery Australia is a registered Australian charity that is part of the Wildlife Recovery Australia group. Its primary purpose is to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured or orphaned Australian birds of prey with the goal of releasing the birds back to the wild with the highest possible chance of survival.

You can make a tax-deductible donation on https://chuffed.org/project/saveraptors to help the group their great work in 2023 and beyond.

Shop 3030 Top Ryde City CNR Devlin And Blaxland Rd RYDE NSW 2112

The Peregrine Falcon has the mantle as the fastest member of the animal kingdom – reaching amazing speeds in excess of 300km/h during their characteristic hunting stoops or high-speed dives for food.

Peregrine Falcons Peregrine Falcon family and the associated rescue mission.

ELECTRIC BUSES A CENTURY OLD IDEA History of the Trolleybuses

„ DALLS SHERRINGHAM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEXPO at Blacktown Workers Club

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

The first electric trolleybus.

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

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

Healthy Body

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

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

Live Life Get Active

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

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

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

Healthy Mind

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

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

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

Find support today

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

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

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

Named: top 10 2023 destinations

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

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

In a State which includes icons like Port Douglas and the Whitsundays,

Yeppoon proved to be the quiet achiever. However anyone who has visited this beautiful place just north of Rockhampton will realise why it’s on this prestigious list

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

Dubbed as The Year of the No-Nor-

mal, the latest Traveller Trends report finds that there is no longer a ‘one-sizefits-all’ approach to travel and that 2023 will bring us a year all about breaking routine and searching for experiences without compromises.

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

Rubbing shoulders with the diverse travel destinations of Bright and Wodonga in Victoria, Tamworth and Goulburn in NSW, and Nietta in Tasmania, Yeppoon has cracked the list of 10, with the data showing that the demand for each of these hotspots has increased by 55% or more.

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

“We're seeing a surge in trips to culture capitals, streaming services inspiring travel and a spike in demand

The Big Merino, Goulburn.

for outdoor destinations beyond just beaches - not a new normal, but people branching out to unexpected trends in what we're calling the "no-normal."’

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

“While we know that this data release is looking into a crystal ball towards the future, we know that the past remains a perfect indicator of what’s to come,” Mary said.

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

“We have no doubt that this will continue in 2023, and we look forward to

continuing to see our beautiful seaside villages along the Coast and our easily accessible island paradises continue to thrive,” Mary said.

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

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

have seen the highest demand increase for farm-style escapes.

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

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

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

„ MATT BROGAN

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

Offering more power and torque, and improved fuel economy courtesy of a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine and continuously variably transmission combination, the five-seat Qashqai is also larger, safer and better equipped than before. Designed at the Nissan Design Europe facility in London, and manufactured in the UK, the Qashqai draws on the styling of the X-Trail with a familiar ‘floating’ roof with integrated spoiler, Nissan’s trademark V-motion grille and frontal motif, Boomerang LED headlights, active grille shutters and a single ‘fast line’ that runs in profile from front to rear.

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

With a stiffer body than before, the new Qashqai is said to offer 41 per cent greater torsional rigidity while being some 60kg lighter. The front and rear doors, front mudguards and bonnet are all constructed from aluminium, delivering not only a safer and stronger body,

but improved refinement, handling and response.

Nissan has grown the Qashqai in every dimension. The wheelbase is now 19mm longer than before which overall length grows 31mm. The model is also 30mm taller and 29mm wider, making it

the widest model available in the Small SUV under $40K segment.

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

Like the X-Trail, the Qashqai offers wide-opening doors (85 degrees) to improve ingress and egress, while rear-seat leg- and knee-room is likewise improved. Enhanced passenger comfort also stems from the use of multi-link rear suspension (replacing the torsion beam arrangement offered previously) in all grades. The front-end retains a MacPherson strut set-up.

Under the bonnet, the Qashqai

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

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

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

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

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

The entry-grade model further in-

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

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

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

Finally, and topping the range, we find the Qashqai Ti priced from $47,390 plus ORCs. In addition to/in lieu of those features listed for the ST-L, the variant arrives as standard with a panoramic glass roof with electric sunshade, quilted leather accented upholstery, LED ambient lighting, a black hood liner, 10.8inch head-up display, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, 10-speaker BOSE audio system, electric handsfree tailgate,

reverse tilt mirrors, Divide-N-Hide cargo storage divider, key-based driver profiles, a power adjustable passenger seat, driver seat memory, front seat massage function and self-parking assist with side parking sensors.

“This new model delivers more of everything Australian drivers love about the Qashqai, with more power, better efficiency, segment-leading safety equipment and technology, and confidence-in-

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

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

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

Visit GoAuto News again to read our local launch review of the 2023 Nissan Qashqai range.

WEIGHT LOSS STRATEGIES AND WHY THEY WORK

The road to a slimmer YOU

„ ADAM SIMPSON

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

While some of these strategies are effective, they may not be the best strategy for you. It is important to understand the basic principles of weight loss and then you can pick and choose a strategy that is easy for you to adapt to your own lifestyle.

1. Cutting out Carbohydrates

One common strategy I hear is people cutting out carbohydrates from their diet in order to lose body fat. This method can work for weight loss but it doesn't mean that you should do it. By cutting out an entire macronutrient from your diet you are going to drastically reduce your total caloric intake. Which is the key to dropping body fat. A better strategy would be to continue to eat carbohydrates in moderation and monitor your total calories consumed. A basic guideline to keep your carbohydrates in the right portion size is have a portion with every meal and use a cupped hand to measure out your serve.

2. Cutting out chocolate and sugar

We all know that eating too much

chocolate and sugary type foods isn't the best for us. Cutting out chocolate and sugar would definitely help you lose weight. But again, you probably don't need to be that extreme with it. Instead understand how many calories are in the chocolate and sugary treats you are eating and then eat those in moderation according to your goals and total calorie budget. Cutting something that you enjoy completely is not going to be a sustainable long term approach to fat loss.

3. Quitting alcohol

Alcohol is a very calorie dense beverage so drinking too many alcoholic drinks is going to make losing body fat that much harder. It’s probably a great idea to reduce how many days you are drinking alcohol, reduce the number of drinks you have on a night out or choosing lower calorie alcoholic drinks. Ideally the fewer calories you drink the better, but cutting out alcohol completely may not be necessary.

Eating bread, pasta, rice, chocolate, sugar and drinking alcohol didn't cause you to gain weight. Over consuming them did!

4. Taking a fat burner

Fat burners are typically high in caffeine and caffeine can cause your

body to increase its energy expenditure which in turn make it easier to get into a calorie deficit. Fat loss comes down to balancing your energy input vs energy output. So anything that increases your energy output is going to be a good thing. However, the affect they have isn't that beneficial on its own. Training consistently and managing your overall calories consumed is going to account for 95% of your success.

5. Intermittent Fasting

Another strategy that can work well for weight loss is intermittent fasting. This method basically revolves around

fasting for certain days of the week or eating between certain windows of the day. The key to fat loss in this strategy is that you are going to drastically reduce your total calories consumed as you are going for long periods of time with out eating. This can be a useful way to control your calories as it can be a simple method and can be easy to implement for some people. Again, there is no miracle to this strategy it works because overall calories are reduced.

6. Meal Replacement Shakes

Meal replacement shakes are another strategy that can be used to lose body fat. By replacing a meal with a meal replacement or protein shake you are again reducing your total calories for the day. Instead of eating a meal which could be 500 - 600 calories you are getting between 200300 with your replacement shake. Again, this is just another way of controlling your total calories consumed.

If you have a weight loss goal and need help reach out to me, we can work out a strategy that works for you. I guarantee you it will work.

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

Workers Blacktown is bringing you a place to enjoy life while staying connected to your Blacktown community, your local sports, your family and friends.

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

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

Image is for illustrative purposes only. J006714

Happiness Unleashed

“empowering you to your best life”

ABOUT GORDO

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

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

• Become extraordinary • Saying YES more

• Let go of guilt

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

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

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

from what is holding them back

ABOUT GORDO

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

Happiness Unleashed

“empowering

you to your best life”

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

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

Take no offence

Contribute and be generous

Challenge yourself

• Become extraordinary • Saying YES more

Let go of guilt

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

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

WHO IS THIS FOR

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

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

• People who want to break free from negative thinking

Retirement downsizing workshop

Leon Shohmelian Shohmelian Legal

Courtney Younie

Property Styling

1 Centenary

Australian Unity Retirement Community homes at Constitution Hill are sold under a loan lease arrangement. You will have to pay a departure fee when you leave this village. You will have to share any capital gains received with the operator of this village. For more information please email us at: customercare@australianunity.com.au or call us on: 1300 160 170. AU1580_221213

Phil