REATER Parramatta is better connected with the new L4 Westmead and Carlingford Line opening through the Parramatta CBD in a significant moment in NSW transport history. From December, passengers started boarding modern and comfortable air-conditioned light rail vehicles on the new 12-kilometre network, with frequent and reliable services across 16 accessible stops. More inside.
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HILLS Wellness Expo has announced that welcomes NRL player, Shaun Lane, will be one of its keynote speakers on Sunday, March 2 at Castle Hill RSL.
HUNTS CREEK Bridge build
Shaun will speak at the expo on men’s mental health and the importance of proactive support for mental wellbeing. Holding a Masters in Positive Psychology, Shaun will reflect on the lessons he’s learnt from his own life experiences within the professional sporting world and growing up with a father battling chronic depression.
a unique opportunity for the public to discover and connect with a broad spectrum of local health and wellness services aimed at supporting them on their personal health journey, whilst raising money for Melanoma Institute Australia.
Shaun’s 2024 documentary Out of My Lane—which chronicles his personal journey of self-discovery across Europe—has resonated with men, sparking conversations about vulnerability, resilience, and the importance of mental health.
Hills Wellness Expo is a FREE event offering
ak at the ntal healt ce proac ental wellMasters in g y, Shaun n of chroniourney cross natking ut lience, ce of Expo ffering
porting them o ealth journe oney for M e Australi
Shaun will be appearing in the Sovereign Room, joining a representative from Melanoma Institute Australia discussing her cancer journey, along with health professionals in a bumper line-up of talks and presentations, including: Master Your Pain by Rewiring Your Brain | Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause | A Holistic Approach to Women's Health | Harnessing Food As Medicine | Understanding Stress and Relaxation | A Guide for Parents of Young Children and An Introduction to Clinical Hypnotherapy. Event details page 5. at Castle Hill
WORK is set to start on construction of the Hunts Creek Bridge to replace the existing twin stormwater culverts under North Rocks Road in North Parramatta.
Shaun wi he Sovereign resentati oma Inst discus n eal a of t ta an o W n d n a P ld u o details
The 14-month construction program starts on Monday, January 20, 2025 and includes periods of nightwork, a series of weekend full road closures, and a onemonth closure of the northbound lane on North Rocks Road expected in June.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said the works were necessary to replace aging infrastructure and to keep the community safe in the long term.
“This multimillion-dollar project is highly complex and involves replacing the 1960s structure with a new single-span bridge on one of our busiest roads,” Cr Zaiter said.
The proposed works include:
Monday 20 January to Thursday 23 January 2025 – nightwork from 8pm to 5am each evening, north and southbound traffic flow will be maintained.
Friday 7 February to Monday 10 February 2025 – full weekend closure of North Rocks Road from the intersection of Church Street / Windsor Road and the Woolworths’ carpark driveway at The Mills Shopping Centre from 9pm Friday to 5am Monday, detours will be in place.
Mid-February to mid-April 2025 –nightwork from 8pm to 5am each evening,
up to five night shifts per week.
April to May 2025 – a series of full weekend road closures on North Rocks Road from the intersection of Church Street / Windsor Road and the Woolworths’ carpark driveway at the Mills Shopping Centre from 9pm Friday to 5am Monday, detours will be in place.
June 2025 – one month closure of the northbound lanes on North Rocks Road between Church Street / Windsor Road and the Woolworths’ carpark driveway at The Mills Shopping Centre.
From mid-2025, it is expected that traffic flow will be maintained in both directions on North Rocks Road until the end of construction in March 2026. The community will be provided with details should any further nightwork or road closures be required.
The project is funded by City of Parramatta with $4.5M million from the Australian and NSW Governments.
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.
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ISSUE 57 JANUARY 2025
How to get The Times
The Parramatta Times is available throughout the Parramatta LGA at 80 strategic locations. To find a location near you visit our website.
Digital edition
Each edition of The Parramatta Times can be viewed and downloaded in digital format at our ISSUU platform: www.issuu/communitybroadcastnetwork
Contacts
Admin and General: info@parramattatimes.com.au
Editor: Michael Walls michael@accessnews.com.au
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Travel Editor: Emma Wilson travelwellwithemma@gmail.com
AFTER its successful inaugural event in 2020, the highly anticipated Hills Wellness Expo returns/
Held at Castle Hill RSL, on March 2nd, 2025, this free, family-friendly event aims to connect the community with over 40 local practitioners from the Hills district, and 20 talks and demonstrations, while raising funds for Melanoma Institute Australia.
The exhibition will span multiple function rooms within the RSL, boasting an incredible array of highly qualified health professionals, and there will be something for everyone.
In the Sovereign Room, attendees can expect to engage in educational keynote presentations on topics like perimenopause and menopause, mental health, joyful brain-training, nurturing a positive mindset, children’s resilience, clinical hypnotherapy, pelvic organ prolapse, and more.
Bring the kids and start the day off with a family yoga class, learn about stress and relaxation for kids, or participate in a biofield tuning demonstration in the Phoenix room, whilst upstairs, the Gallery function room will be a destination Sanctuary where attendees can find calm with guided meditations or relax with a healing sound therapy experience.
Castle Hill RSL has much to offer also - from health focused Expo meal
Wellness expo returns to Hills
options, kids’ playground, and the Fitness and Aquatic Centre.
Throughout the day, attendees can chat one-on-one with various practitioners in the Lyceum Exhibitor Hall, and even indulge in a seated massage.
The exhibitor hall will feature local industry professionals from Naturopathy, Nutrition, Kinesiology, Myothera-
py, Massage, Psychology, Holistic integrative GPs, Yoga, Pilates, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Physiotherapy, Bowen therapy, First aid training, Counselling, Energy healers and more. Hearing checks will also be available in the RSL car park, with Hearing Australia set to have their mobile health bus in attendance.
This year's expo continues the legacy of Hills Wellness Expo and Healthy in The Hills founder, Rachel Aldridge, an accredited naturopath who sadly passed away last year due to melanoma. Her passion project now thrives with the dedication of Hills local residents Alice Bullivant (Kinesiologist & business owner of KinesiAlice), Judy Howard (Myotherapist & business owner of Hills Myotherapy), and Eva-Lotta Baad (Remedial Massage Therapist & business owner of FIT4YOU Personal Training & Massage), who have nurtured Healthy In The Hills, a business group of local health professionals, to over 300 members
“It’s exciting to get to chat to the community about what we do on such a large scale,” said Judy Howard.
So, mark your calendar, reserve your FREE ticket, and show your support by contributing towards Melanoma Institute Australia, along with directly supporting Rachel Aldridge’s family. There is even a chance to win lucky door prizes on the day!
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, March 2nd, 2025. Time: 9am to 4pm.
Venue: Castle Hill RSL, 77 Castle Hill Road, Castle Hill NSW.
For more information, to register for FREE tickets, and to make a donation, visit www. hillswellnessexpo.com or contact hwe@ hillswellnessexpo.com.au
NEW ERA OF TRANSPORT IN GWS
Parramatta Light Rail open for travel
GREATER Parramatta is better connected with the new L4 Westmead and Carlingford Line opening through the Parramatta CBD in a significant moment in NSW transport history.
From December, passengers started boarding modern and comfortable air-conditioned light rail vehicles on the new 12-kilometre network, with frequent and reliable services across 16 accessible stops.
The opening passenger service saw the light rail vehicles commence concurrently from the Westmead and Carlingford light rail stops at 5:00am, and Parramatta Square at 5:02am.
The L4 line will launch to a weekday timetable, with initial services every 9 minutes between7am to 7pm; every 12 minutes between 5am and 7am and 7pm and 11pm; and every 16minutes between 11pm to 1am.
The 13 new 45-metre-long light rail vehicles can each move up to 400 people, making iteasier for residents and visitors to connect to and move through Sydney’s second CBD.
The new light rail line provides connections to key destinations, including the Westmead Health Precinct, CommBank Stadium, Riverside Theatres, over 60 cafes and restaurants on and around Church Street, Parramatta
Square, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, and three Western Sydney University campuses.
The L4 Line is part of the Transport Opal network–passengers can tap on and off at Opal readers located at each
light rail stop, with ticket machines at Westmead Hospital, Childrens Hospital and Ngara stops. Passengers can plan their trips by visiting transportnsw.info or the Opal Travel App.
Over the coming weeks, additional staff will be placed at each stop to support passengers as they become familiar with the new service.
Audio help points are also located at each stop which connect directly to staff at Parramatta Light Rail’s Operations Control Centre.
Parramatta Light Rail is the first light rail project in the State to deliver ‘green track’, incorporating it with wire-free technology, in park lands and heritage-sensitive environments along 1.3kms of the alignment. The award-winning ‘green track’ design used 81 per cent less concrete in its construction, reduces noise and urban heat, and delivers environmental and health benefits.
Additionally, a new 5.7km walking and bike riding path between Carlingford and Parramatta opened to the public in May 2023 as part of the project, providing residents and visitors with more active transport options.
Cyclists will benefit from 160 new bike hoops located near most of the light rail stops across the alignment, with the trams equipped with four bike spots.
Parramatta Light Rail has converted the former single-track T6 Carlingford
Continued on page 7
Line between Camellia and Carlingford, which ran two train services per hour and stopped 70,000 drivers.
each day at the historic level crossing on Parramatta Road, Granville to dual-track light rail. This will provide residents with more frequent services and better connections to town centres, including Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.
With the Parramatta Light Rail now operational, bus routes 535which ran along the Carlingford to Parramatta alignment during construction and testing, and the 900 Parramatta shuttle bus will be withdrawn from service.
By 2026, around 22,000 people are expected to use Parramatta Light Rail every day, with an estimated 130,000 people living within walking distance of the 16 light rail stops.
Parramatta Light Rail was delivered by Ford Civil, Ventia, Diona Ward Joint Venture, Parramatta Connect (CPB Contractors and Downer Joint Venture), Great River City Light Rail consortium (Transdev and CAF Rail Australia), and their subcontractors.
In the 2024-25 Budget, the NSW Government committed $2.1B to Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 to extend Stage 1 and further connect growing communities in Western Sydney between Ermington, Melrose Park, Parramatta, and Olympic Park.
Early works commenced this month on the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 Enabling Works project to deliver the first 1.3km light rail alignment. This
For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/ parramatta-light-rail Continued from page
will include a 320m public and active transport bridge between Wentworth Point and Melrose Park. Major bridge construction is expected to commence in 2025.
The Parramatta Light Rail stages 1 and 2 network from Westmead to
Sydney Olympic Park will support the Greater Parramatta and Olympic Peninsula (GPOP) priority growth area, one of Sydney’s fastest growing areas.
With GPOP’s population expected to exceed 277,000 by 2041, light rail
will be critical to serve this growing demand and connect residents to key employment hubs, entertainment, and amenities
Dentists worry about children’s issues
DENTISTS are urging parents to prioritise regular dental check-ups as the 2024 Oral Health Tracker Report revealed a surge in preventable hospitalisations for children due to dental issues. Tooth decay affects over 27% of kids aged
5–10, contributing to hospital pressures. Initiatives like Bupa’s Members First Ultimate and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule offer cost-effective options for families to maintain oral health, reduce hospital demand, and prevent long-term dental problems.
Specialist training is not so healthy
THE AMA’s 2023 Specialist Trainee Experience Health Check highlights challenges in medical training, with no program rated above a C+. Key concerns include inadequate exam feedback, low confidence in reporting harassment, and limited rural training opportunities. Only 34% of metropolitan trainees consider rural practice, compared to 78% of rural-based trainees wanting to stay. The AMA urges reforms to improve support, feedback, and rural training options to address workforce shortages and trainee wellbeing.
After hours care needs a money model
THE Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is urging reforms to after-hours care, highlighting the need for improved funding and GP involvement to ensure accessibility and continuity
of care. The RACGP advocates after-hours rebates, multidisciplinary teams, and tailored services for rural and vulnerable populations. President Dr. Nicole Higgins stresses the importance of redesigning funding models to keep practices open longer and improve patient outcomes.
Charity sector releases review results
THE Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) 2023–2024 annual report highlights signi fi cant achievements, including 19 million Charity Register searches and 3.8 million website views. The ACNC conducted 250 charity reviews, addressed 2,309 concerns, and revoked nine charity statuses. Key focuses included compliance, cyber security, and transparency. For 2024–2025, priorities include
protecting vulnerable people, preventing fraud, and tackling misuse of complex structures to conceal non-compliance or fi nancial mismanagement.
Not so nice data about horse racing
AS Australia gears up for another year of horse racing, the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses' Deathwatch 2024 Report reveals 151 racehorse deaths on track in 2023/24, equating to three weekly fatalities. CPR warns the true toll is higher, with hidden euthanasia and exploitation rife. Campaigners urge awareness of the industry's cruelty and low profi tability for owners.
App that guides users to do CPR
THE GoodSAM app connects trains responders to nearby cardiac arrest incidents, guiding them to perform CPR and locate AEDs from the NSW public access defibrillator registry. With over 4,300 AEDs registered and 30 lives saved, including 12 with AEDs, this life-saving tool enhances survival rates while paramedics are en route. Registration is open to willing CPR-capable adults.
Why we rate seeing over hearing
ASURVEY by Audika Hearing Clinic reveals Australians prioritize sight over hearing, with 73% admitting hearing is the most neglected sense. Stigma and lack of understanding contribute to this, with 59% perceiving a negative stigma around hearing loss. Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold shares her journey of overcoming stigma, encouraging early checks. Audika urges. Australians over 26 to prioritize hearing health with free or online checks to improve quality of life.
High blood pressure Alzheimer’s connection
RESEARCH from UNSW’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) highlights hypertension treatment as a key Alzheimer’s prevention strategy. A study of 31,250 individuals found untreated hypertension after age 60 increases Alzheimer’s risk by 42%, while treated hypertension eliminates this risk. Antihypertensive benefits persist into the 80s, with similar effects across genders and ethnicities. Experts urge global efforts to address hypertension, crucial in tackling the growing dementia crisis.
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Staying safe in Extreme Heat
Western Sydney is typically 6-10 degrees hotter than the rest of the city during extreme heat events. Heatwaves are responsible for more deaths in NSW than any other severe weather event. Bring prepared prior to a heatwave is crucial to keeping yourselves and other safe.
How to Stay Cool in Hot Weather
Lie down in a cool or shady area
Remove extra layers of clothing and any tight clothes
Put your hands and feet in cold water, or have a cool shower
Cool by moistening skin and fanning
Have frequent, small sips of water
A Cool Centre is a place you can go to seek relief from extreme heat. These are especially for people who are unable to keep cool at home. For information about Cool Centres open in your area, please visit our Western Sydney Cool Centres webpage.
Those at Risk
While everyone is at risk of heat-related illness, those most at risk are:
Expectant mums and young children
Older people
People with chronic illnesses and mental health concerns
Outdoor workers
Healthy Western Sydney is delivered by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.
Mental Wellness During Extreme Heat
In addition to physical health risks, heatwaves can also exacerbate mental illness and increase the risk of domestic violence. Studies have shown that violence increases with warmer weather. This can be linked to disrupted sleep patterns, increased social isolation during extreme temperatures and increased discomfort and irritability due to temperatures1
For free mental health help and guidance, call 1800 595 212
Worried About the Heat?
Heat can be extremely dangerous. Exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke which can be a life-threatening condition.
Contact your GP or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 if you experience:
• High body temperature (over 40’C)
• Nausea
• Confusion and fainting
In an emergency, please call Triple Zero (000).
1 University of Sydney (2024), Rise in suicidal behaviours among young people linked to hotter temperatures. Accessed by: https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2024/10/rise-in-suicidal-behaviours-amongyoung-people-linked-to-hotter-temperatures
with Emma Wilson
Explore Machu Picchu here in Sydney
THE Pullman Sydney Hyde Park has partnered with the Australian Museum for their new and exciting summer exhibition that has come to Australia. At Pullman Hyde Park, you feel completely on holiday, next to Hyde Park, a very New York-style park right across the road with rooms on the West side looking down into the lush tree-filled park.
The Summer Experience
This incredible Museum exhibition is just one block from the hotel. Bring the whole family to the Pullman Hotel and enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast, order poolside drinks ordered to you from 7am till 11pm and base yourself on the rooftop for a few happy hours in the pool and spa. Happy hour in the lobby bar is 4pm till 10pm Tuesday-Saturdays and Candy hour is in the lobby on 3pm
Wto 4pm Friday and Saturday. The Pullman hotel has a special for the summer: Inclusions: Overnight Accommodation | Buffet Breakfast | Tickets to the Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition at the Australian Museum | Kids activity pack (available for bookings with children). STAY FROM $329: Book Now and Stay until 23 February 2025, www.pullmansydneyhydepark.com.au/offers
Go Boat experience has much to offer
HAT a fabulous way to explore waterways and do something completely different. GoBoat, based out of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and the Gold Coast is a fantastic electric-powered picnic boat that seats up to eight people and is very easy to Drive, no boat licence needed.
Our group of four ladies spent a wonderful two hours on Sydney’s waterway, arriving at Cabarita Point’s picturesque marina in time for a quick coffee and a 5 minute safety run through. On such a hot Sydney day,
our GoBoat’s boat canopy overhead kept us protected from the heat as we puttered along pleasantly, enjoying the view of stunning sandstone, concrete and timber mansions along the waterway. Our session was for 2 hours, and we felt one hour was not long enough for us, despite GoBoat offering one to four hour sessions for electric boats.
With a picnic table onboard, we ate and drank our way along the waterway during the daytime, but evening sessions are available too and would be a great way to watch the sunset.
GoBoats are pet friendly so fur babies are welcome. Staff are incredibly helpful and friendly and will track your boat in case you get lost – we only made one wrong turn and received a friendly phone call to help us get back on track immediately.
Australia has some of the best waterways in the world and boating is a great way to experience the great outdoors whether it is by power boat, sailing boat or paddle craft. This summer why not get out on the water with family or friends and soak up the vast health benefits, recharge the batteries
and create lasting memories. Head to www.goboat.com.au to book your vessel with friends and family or to find out more ways to get out on the water this summer visit discoverboating.com.au.
Tips for Sydney’s Northern Beaches
The only way to enjoy the Northern beaches is by using public transport as the rangers are plentiful and LOVE to hand out parking tickets. Catch the B line buses from Stand B, Carrington St at Wynyard (the street above George street). Buses come extremely regularly between 4.30am and 12.30am (after midnight) and can take you all the way to Mona Vale. The 190 or 190X will take you to Palm Beach stopping regularly and the easiest beaches to walk to from the bus stops are Collaroy and Narrabeen.
Collaroy Beach
Collaroy Beach has a terrific pool and enclosed park for kids and is close to the shops and movies, including surf shops and places to get snacks and lunch.
Narrabeen Bay
If you get off at Narrabeen it’s best to buy drinks, snacks and foods from the shops near the bust stop as there’s nothing at the actual beach that is an easy walk. On the lake side you can hire a canoe or SUP from Pro Kayaks on the lake, it’s open 9-4pm or 9-5pm on weekends. Call 9970 7081 with your questions.
Palm Beach
If you would like to catch the 190 or 190X to Palm Beach, it’s an easy stroll across the road to the sand and there are cafes, a surf shop and often an ice cream van there. If you’d like to try surfing Manly Surf School operates there. Reserve a spot in a lesson by booking https://manlysurfschool.com/location/ palm-beach/ or call 9932 7000.
Other Great Little Water Spots
Under the Roseville Bridge is a great place to picnic or put in a SUP, it’s not the best for swimming or for kids to water play due to ‘rumours of a few sharky creatures’ but the location and scenery is incredible and there is plenty of parking. If you’re prefer to be in a more bustling location with the support of staff to help you launch a kayak, Sydney Harbour Kayaks are based at the Spit, it’s a stunning location to paddle around. Parking is limited but possible, make sure you feed the meter, buses don’t stop directly at the spit from Wynyard. Call the transport info line 131 500 or go to https://transportnsw.info for detailed itinerary from your area for buses.
Ferry To Manly
There are great spots to swim all along the Manly beach as well as the Sydney Harbour side, and nice snorkeling at Shelly Beach. Parking is terrible so it’s best to arrive by ferry. You can hire a kayak on the Sydney Harbour side at Manly Sailing. Call 99774000.
Freedom Boat Club
If you’re curious about joining a Freedom Boat Club or you’re already a member, there are two Northern Beaches locations between Bayview and Newport. Freedom Boat Club is global with 400 locations and growing and is the easiest way to get out on the water. With a membership, you can reserve a boat for the day and the staff take care of the maintenance for you and they give you unlimited training. Call 9457 2000 and enjoy the gorgeous Pittwater waterway or the beautiful and secluded Bobbin Head.
with Emma Wilson
Perfect staycation to enjoy Darling Harbour
WHAT better way to enjoy all the fun of Darling Harbour with your family this summer than a staycation at the Park Royal Hotel. It’s a cheaper option than heading overseas. Rooms are extremely comfortable and if you request a room with Club privileges you can enjoy evening drinks and nibbles in the Club lounge overlooking Darling Harbour and the bustling waterways of Sydney. Enjoy your breakfast there too or in the lovely Barkers restaurant, fill the kids up with fresh fruit and a hot breakfast before a day of activities.
What can you do in Darling Harbour?
With the hotel positioned right at the edge of Darling Harbour, walk for 2 minutes to enjoy Darling Harbour’s family offerings - pedal boats (hire a pedal boat for up to two adults and two children) between 1st- 28 January in Darling Harbour’s Cockle Bay for just $45. Watch an IMAX film on the big screen, visit the Chinese Gardens, visit Sealife Aquarium or The Children’s playground at Darling Harbour is extensive and FREE, surrounded by great places for lunch.
James CameronChallenging the Deep Enter Curious. Exit Inspired. The Australian National Maritime Museum has a terrific exhibition between 1st to 31st January showcasing James Cameron’s, (explorer and filmmaker)
underwater passion projects in deep ocean science, technology and exploration, including material on his record-breaking dive to the bottom of the planet in the Deepsea Challenger, the submersible he co-designed and co-engineered.
EPark Royal’s Abode Restaurant
The Park Hyatt’s Abode Restaurant is a family-friendly yet stylish and chic. with delicious barramundi, aged sirloin, roasted cauliflower and house made bread. The olives are lovely or the cheeseboard or Sydney
Rock oysters are a quick healthy snack. The chocolate mousse dessert is to die for. Abode Restaurant is part of the Park Royal Hotel at 150 Day Street, Sydney phone 02 92611188 or reserve a room at enquiry.prsyd@ parkroyalhotels.com
Finding Sydney’s unexpected gems
EXPLORE Sydney’s past with a visit to the superbly renovated Old Clare Hotel in Sydney’s Chippendale area. In the earlier days of Sydney this heritage building formed part of the Carlton and United Brewery and is now a hotel with 69 rooms and a gorgeous rooftop pool. The Old Clare’s roof top bar looks over Sydney and is a destination in its own right. The rooftop bar is a great place to start your evening as the sun goes down before heading out for dinner.
The Old Clare Hotel
The hotel is a fascinating building with lots of historical features to look at. Rooms have been thoughtfully designed with a vintage feel with use of items, such as a vintage spotlight, a claw foot bath and zig-zag parquetry (mozaic wood tile) flooring. At night Spice Alley, the alleyway next door comes alive with restaurants, bars and cafes and foot traffic lifting the energy of the entire area into a happy, festive
place to eat, meet and have a drink. 1 Kensington St Chippendale phone 8277 8277
Longshore Restaurant
Right next door to the hotel, is a very unsuspecting gem of a seafood restaurant. Executive chef Jarrod Walsh produces excellent ethically sourced delicate dishes in small plates to share or large plates to enjoy yourself. ‘Inspired by the dynamic Australian coastline’ think BBQ Skull Island Tiger prawn, roast shellfish bisque, Fraser Island Spanner crabs or coal grilled Ulladulla swordfish loin. If you’re not a fan of seafood, you can enjoy BBQ Wollemi duck leg, Dry aged Byron Bay Borrowdale pork chops. This is just a sample of a very thoughtful, sustainable and seasonal menu. The desserts. - Burnt Aussie pavlova and dark chocolate brownie are delicious. Their current special is a glass of wine, a small plate and something larger for $70pp. Kensington St Chippendale phone 8227 8522 info@ longshore.com.au
Toch Bar
Drop in at the ultra-modern, utterly instagrammable TOCH bar for a delicious breakfast right next to the hotel. Smashed Avo on toast, Eggs Benedict and full breakfast are recommended. Open 7am – 10.30am Monday to Friday and 7am – 11am Saturday and Sundays.
The Rocks
It is wonderful to wander around Sydney’s Rocks market on a Saturday or Sunday. Buy a coffee, buy a handcrafted gift or jewelry and take in the historic vibe and the sights of the beautiful harbour. Open 10am to 5pm every weekend it really is the best way to enjoy historical Sydney.
TURBOCHARGED PETROL OFFERING
1.6 in REVISED Hyundai Santa Fe LINE UP
MATT BROGAN
HYUNDAI is set to introduce a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol powertrain under the bonnet of its Santa Fe range within weeks.
Priced from $53,000 plus on-road costs, the 2.5T badged model is available across the grade walk (Santa Fe, Elite, and Calligraphy), and with the choice of two- and all-wheel drive (full pricing details available below).
The G4KP-series powerplant delivers 206kW at 5800rpm and 422Nm from 1700-4000rpm – a 6kW and 91Nm uptick on the previous generation’s 3.5-litre V6 petrol.
The 2.5T offering is paired exclusively with an eight-speed (wet) dual-clutch transmission (whereas the Hybrid features a six-speed epicyclic automatic).
Hyundai has tuned the Santa Fe 2.5T range to operate safely on 91 RON regular unleaded petrol, reducing operating costs for Australian buyers.
The model features a 72-litre fuel tank and consumes claimed 9.3 litres per 100km on the Combined cycle. CO2 emissions are listed at 212 grams per kilometre.
While unchanged dimensionally from the Hybrid range, the 2.5T offering is considerably lighter, tipping the scale from 1835kg – or 90kg less than the petrol-electric entrant.
Importantly, braked towing capacity rises 400kg to 2000kg. The 2.5T variant also offers larg-
er diameter front brake rotors, up 20mm to 345mm.
The turning circle of the Santa Fe 2.5T is unchanged at 11.6m, assisted once more by an electrically assisted arrangement.
The Large segment SUV rides on a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels (with full-size spare) across the range.
All equipment offerings are
unchanged, including Hyundai’s generous list of standard safety technologies.
The Santa Fe offers four ISOFIX and five top-tether child seat anchor points across the second and third rows.
Optionally, the Santa Fe range remains available with a six-seat configuration on Calligraphy variants ($500), premium paint ($695), matte premium paint ($1000), and three optional interior colours –
Supersonic Grey, Forest Green, or Pecan Brown ($295).
The Hyundai Santa Fe currently ranks in seventh place within the SUV Large under $80K segment with year-todate sales of 4957 units (or 4.4 segment share points).
It is topped by body-onframe rivals including the Ford Everest (24,018 units and 21.2 per cent), Isuzu MU-X (16,790
units and 14.8 per cent), Toyota LandCruiser Prado (7115 units and 6.3 per cent), and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (6792 units and 6.0 per cent), and monocoque offerings including the Subaru Outback (9591 units and 8.5 per cent) and related Kia Sorento (9093 units and 8.0 per cent).
The Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5T will be in dealerships within the coming weeks.
