Parramatta Times - July 2023

SUBURBS MOST HIT BY AIRPORT NOISE

THE City of Parramatta will host three of the State’s biggest sporting events this July – bringing tens of thousands of people to the region in a boon for local business. In the space of eight magic days in July, the City of Parramatta will host:

• NSW V Queensland in State of Origin Game 3 at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, on Wednesday 12 July.

• Wallabies v Argentina in The Rugby Championship at CommBank Stadium, North Parramatta, on Saturday 15 July.

FAN CENTRAL

Major sporting events in July to bring huge crowds to city

• Australia Matildas v Republic of Ireland in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 at Accor Stadium (Stadium Australia), Sydney Olympic Park, on Thursday 20 July.

Capacity crowds are anticipated at all three major sporting events, with accommodation rates throughout Greater Sydney already reflecting the influx of fans heading to the events. More page 8.

MEETTahera NASSRAT

TAX AGENT, BUSINESS COACH and BUSINESS ADVISOR

National Ambassador for Refugee Council of Australia

Peace Ambassador for International Women Peace Group

From a refugee girl to a Boss Lady

My success is not a chance but a choice I made.

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HOME FOR 600 IN PARRAMATTA New build to rent project

MORE than 600 people will have a safe place to call home as part of a new build to rent project going on exhibition.

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said the $625M mixed use development on Fitzwilliam Street in Parramatta could provide 316 units for more than 600 renters as well as support 1,500 construction jobs.

“Build to rent projects like these are vital to help people in need get a roof over their head and provides a new level of housing security,” Ms Davis said.

“The Fitzwilliam Street concept proposal is one of 19 build-to-rent developments currently in the NSW Planning system.

“Projects like these could pave the way for approximately 6,600 new homes with more than

2,400 earmarked for Parramatta alone.

“It’s great to see this build-to-rent proposal moving through the planning system to offer tenants long-term security over their lease.

“We really encourage the community to have its say.”

If approved, the development would be based over two towers, one will be 33 storeys and the other 47 storeys. The development will also include new office space, retail, a rooftop swimming pool and bar as well as gym, co-working space and other amenities.

“This is a well-connected project with housing close to existing infrastructure, including train and bus services at Parramatta Railway Station, Westfield Shopping Centre and other high street shops and services within walking distance,” Ms Davis said.

Industrial land now selling

With Stage 1 of the Employment Zone now completely sold out, Stage 2 offers another opportunity to secure industrial space in Oran Park’s growing community.

Whether you’re a small or large business owner, this is your opportunity to take your enterprise to a new level in one of the fastest growing areas in Sydney’s South West.

An active and vibrant employment area in the making, the Employment Zone is growing rapidly to meet the expanding needs of the surrounding business community.

“The build to rent model often allows renters to make changes to units such as painting bedrooms and there are shared facilities and communal outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy,” she said.

Issues raised during the exhibition must be addressed by the applicant before the Department of Planning and Environment carries out an assessment of the proposal.

If approved, the applicant would also need to carry out a competitive design process before lodging an application for the detailed design and construction of the development.

For more information visit https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ major- projects/projects/fitzwilliam-and-argyle-streets-build-rent

• 15 industrial lots ranging from 1,999–3,002m 2 , available for purchase by Expression of Interest

• Located around 15 minutes south of the future Western Sydney Airport and Bradfield City

• Registration is anticipated for November 2023

Don’t miss this opportunity. Submissions close 4pm Thursday, 27 July.

For more information or to Express your Interest, please visit our website or call the Oran Park Sales Office on 9043 7500

Artist impression of the development.

Vacant land in Parramatta.

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ISSUE 39 JUly 2023

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FASCINATION WITH BUSES

Bus driver celebrates 50 years

BUS operator Busways is honouring and celebrating Ryde Depot bus driver, Ross Ivory for an amazing 50 years of service behind the wheel.

A Girraween local, Mr Ivory started his career as a bus conductor in 1972 and says from a young age he always had a fascination with buses.

“As a young boy, I would always travel on the bus with my mum and brother, and I always had an innate curiosity about buses. Eventually, as I got older, I thought this is something I need to do or I will regret it,” he said.

“As soon as I was 18, I applied to become a bus conductor. Back in those days you needed three years of training as a bus operator first before becoming a bus driver.”

“Once I got in, I quit my job as a telegram operator and began my career in buses. I spent three years training as a bus conductor, and at 21 I was finally a driver.”

Mr Ivory states he still can recall the first day he was able to drive his own bus on his own.

“I was a bit nervous at first, but I was more excited about doing it because it was something that I had thought about since I was a young boy.”

Ivory goes on to say the passengers are the reason he loves his job, and he enjoys meeting the public and trying to help them on their endeavours of where they need to get to.

“What I have learnt over the past 50 years, is that passengers are just people wanting to get from point A to point B without any hassle. Every trip I do, I make sure I drive in a professional manner and make my passengers feel welcome.

“My favourite interactions with the public would have to be when they thank you or even from the back door, they’ll give you a wave and motion thank you.”

Ivory says one of the best compliments he received

from a customer was when I was driving across the Anzac Bridge and the traffic was just at a standstill.

“The passenger said to me we beat all the traffic! I can’t believe it!”

Ivory recalls in many circumstances going out of his way to make sure his passengers arrived home safe and sound.

“One woman was completely lost, and so I walked her up the street, found her house and made sure she got inside safe.”

Ryde depot manager, Steve Bakous, says Ross Ivory’s outstanding achievement of 50 years in the bus industry dedication is a testament to his commitment, to the transportation sector.

“Ross has left an indelible mark on countless lives and the communities he has served,” he said.

“In my 18 years in the Bus Industry, I have seen many people come and go, and leave their mark in some form, but Ross continues to power on, not only for himself but for the community.”

Busways is actively recruiting drivers across New South Wales and encourages anyone who loves driving and is seeking a stable career serving their community to apply.

To apply and or learn more about our current opportunities visit busdriver.au, or email driving@busways.com.au or call the driver recruitment team on (02) 9497 1800.

New works for percussion ensemble

COMMON Time is a program of new works for percussion, presented by Synergy Percussion, one of Australia’s most venerated contemporary music ensembles.

It’s about time, shared time, common shared principles, sounds and instruments. It’s about a time and place - and the placement of time.

The swing, the groove, the space, the clave - 2/3, 3/2 - shared and common elements.

In Common Time, Synergy Percussion brings together percussive brethren through the pairing of Western 20th & 21st century art music, improvising jazz groove and Afro-Latin percussion artists - and more - to explore the differences and commonalities of their artistic approaches.

This dynamic program features living composers whose backgrounds and musical training are as diverse as percussion.

Works by Gai Byrant, Ryuji Hamada, Lee McIver, Kaoru Watanabe, Sandy Evans, and Ed Goyer are performed by a

cohort of virtuoso percussionists drawn from across the spectrum of the world of drumming.

Common Time is living art, the vanguard of modern percussion, and a thrilling musical snapshot of contempo-

rary multicultural Australia. See it now, before the world changes.

Common

Agatha Christie epic sells out

PARRAMATTA’S Riverside Theatres has reached a significant major milestone, recording its highest gross box office result in 35 years with a sell-out season of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap.

The show which has been produced by John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia and directed by Australian theatre icon Robyn Nevin, is touring major centres across Australia, including Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. More than 156,000 people have seen the show

since it opened at Theatre Royal Sydney in October last year.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Sameer Pandey said the box-office record reflected Parramatta’s growing popularity as an arts and cultural precinct.

“This box office record fits perfectly into our goals and ambitions to make Parramatta CBD a go-to destination after dark and provides confidence in building our multi-billion-dollar night-time economy,” Cr Pandey said.

“We are committed to developing

our city into a thriving art and a cultural destination and look forward to working with major Australian and international producers and arts companies to realise our vision in the years ahead.”

Riverside Theatres Director Craig McMaster said it was a key moment for both Parramatta and the world-famous play.

“The Mousetrap’s record-breaking Parramatta season has seen the show attract visitors from across Greater Sydney and regional NSW to enjoy the fabulous theatre, dining and experiences the City of Parra-

matta has to offer,” Mr McMaster said.

“As we head towards Riverside’s major redevelopment, The Mousetrap’s success further demonstrates that the demand and market exist for a worldclass theatre centre capable of successfully staging major commercial productions in Western Sydney and we can’t wait to deliver our new venues this growing audience.”

For more information about upcoming performances visit: www.riversideparramatta.com.au

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:

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• Maintenance included

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• Level flooring throughout

• Emergency call system

• Public bus stop onsite

• Home Care onsite

• Aged care onsite

Time plays at Parramatta Riverside Theatres on July 15 at 8pm. Book at www. riversideparramatta. com.au/whats-on/common-time/

Synergy Percussion in action.

HUGE CROWDS TO CITY OF PARRAMATTA July is a sports mega month

„ BY STAFF REPORTERS

THE City of Parramatta will host three of the State’s biggest sporting events this July – bringing tens of thousands of people to the region in a boon for local business.

In the space of eight magic days in July, the City of Parramatta will host:

• NSW v Queensland in State of Origin Game 3 at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, on Wednesday 12 July;

• Wallabies v Argentina in The Rugby Championship at CommBank Stadium, North Parramatta, on Saturday 15 July;

• Australia Matildas v Republic of Ireland in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 at Accor Stadium (Stadium Australia), Sydney Olympic Park, on Thursday 20 July.

Capacity crowds are anticipated at all three major sporting events, with accommodation rates throughout Greater Sydney already reflecting the influx of fans heading to the events.

While the NSW Blues will be chasing their first win of the State of Origin series, demand for tickets to Origin 3 in Sydney remains high.

Despite Queensland’s recent dominance in Origin, NSW has a remarkable record at Accor Stadium where they have won 20 (and drawn 1) of the 30 Origin matches played at the Blues’ spiritual home.

NSW fans can be expected to turn Sydney Olympic Park into a Blues fortress come July 12.

The Wallabies will play just one Test match in NSW this year in the lead-up to Rugby World Cup 2023 in France – and that game will be against the Argentina Los Pumas at Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium on Saturday 15 July.

The Test match pits Jones against another former Wallabies mentor in Michael Cheika, who now coaches Argentina.

The last time Argentina played at CommBank Stadium, the Los Pumas humbled the mighty All Blacks 25-15 in November 2020.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will be the biggest international sporting event seen in Australia since the Sydney 2000 Olympic & Paralympic Games.

The Matildas will feature on Day 1

of the tournament, with a sellout crowd expected for the match against Republic of Ireland at Accor Stadium, which will revert to its generic name Stadium Australia under FIFA international “clean venue” regulations.

Thirty two nations will be represented at FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023,

with Stadium Australia to host five major games including the World Cup Final on Sunday 20 August.

July will also be a big month for the surging Parramatta Eels in the NRL premiership, with key games at CommBank Stadium against the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday 8 July

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 individu als 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

and the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday 16 July.

In another significant sporting event for City of Parramatta this July, the Parramatta Eels will open the new NRLW season with a stand-alone match against debut club Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium on Sunday 23 July.

Protection for retail workers

THE NSW Government has introduced a Bill to Parliament that proposes stronger penalties for individuals who assault retail workers. The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Assaults on Retail Workers) Bill 2023 includes three new offences in the Crimes Act. The reforms aim to address the high rates of abuse and assault faced by retail workers, with penalties ranging from 4 to 11 years’ imprisonment depending on the severity of the assault. The government is committed to supporting workers and ensuring their safety in the workplace, sending a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable.

Support for insurance schemes

THE NSW Government faces a $669M bill to support the state’s insurance schemes, which have been mismanaged under the previous Liberal-National administration. The emergency funding aims to protect in-

jured public sector workers and address issues such as historic liabilities for child sexual abuse, natural disaster damages, and workers’ compensation claims. The funding injection highlights the challenges inherited by the Minns Government and adds to the budgetary pressures. The

reforms seek to improve return-to-work rates and create a financially sustainable workers’ compensation system.

Venues reminded to minimise harm

LIQUOR & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has reminded venues

in NSW to comply with gaming harm-minimisation requirements after discovering ATMs with credit card withdrawal functions at two Sydney venues. The Gaming Machines Act 2001 prohibits hotels and clubs with gaming machines from having ATMs with credit access. The Wentworth Hotel and the Earlwood Hotel were issued directions to remove the credit card functions from their ATMs.

L&GNSW inspectors were able to withdraw money from credit accounts during their visits.

Failure to comply with L&GNSW carries a maximum penalty of $5,500.

Role in reducing skills shortage

ACCORDING to the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in New South Wales are playing a crucial role in addressing skills shortages. Government data referenced in the ITECA State Of The Sector Report shows that independent RTOs support 80.8% of students in skills training. These providers outperform public TAFE colleges in terms of course completion rates, student satisfaction, and employment outcomes. The data indicate that students prefer independent training providers for quality skills training that leads to better job prospects.

Charity sector generates $10B

THE Australian charity sector has generated $190B revenue and employs 10.5% of the workforce, according to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). The 9th edition of the Australian Charities Report reveals growth in charity revenue, assets, and donations during the 2021 reporting period. However, expenses and liabilities have also increased, and volunteering numbers have declined. The report highlights the significant contribution of small charities, with 65% operating on annual revenues under $250,000 and a third having less than $50,000 in revenue.

Coles raises $8M for MND COLES has raised $8.3M for FightMND’s Big Freeze 9 campaign, bringing its total fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research to over $30M in six years. Shoppers contributed by purchasing beanies, Coles Brand Australian Fresh pork products, or Peters Icy Pole Lemonade 8-packs, or by making donations at the checkout. The funds will be invested in research projects for MND treatments and improving the lives of those affected by MND. Coles considers the Big Freeze campaign its largest annual community fundraiser and expressed gratitude to customers and suppliers for their support.

CHANCE TO RECONNECT WHAT TECHNOLOGY HAS TAKEN Parent and child survival course

WE are living in unprecedented times, with technology giving us convenience and knowledge but the dark side is disconnection between kids and parents.

The bad news is this leads to a disastrous loss of simple life skills, poor verbal communication and an epidemic of teen suicide and mental health issues.

The good news is a trailblazing Survival Course could prove to be in Western Sydney and the Central Coast could provide a solution for under fire parents.

It’s a Three-Day Survival Course for ages 10 to 18 that started in May and is running monthly.

The Course will provide help for relationship repair and it involves a lot of fun and not a huge outlay of time

Tony Loughran, spokesperson for Channel 7 on local and global events is an ex-Commando Medic. Tony is used to treating Commando’s physical and mental health in remote Arctic and Mountains locations and is well versed in spotting signs of mental deterioration.

During the past few years Tony developed a unique survival course for Australian kids, to restore life skills, self-confidence and family connection.

“Two of my friends’ children sadly took their own lives by jumping off a cliff in my area. These kids could

Day One

no longer communicate with their parents and friends and didn’t have basic skills to face daily challenges and could barely put one foot forward,” he said.

Tony developed a hybrid Survival Course, teaching kids and their parents basic bush survival that empowers them and gets them out in nature while imparting daily life skills.

The three-day curriculum is fun and includes build-

COURSE OUTLINE

Lesson 2.

• Building a first-class shelter with the evening spent learning how, where and when to lay hunting snares and fishing hooks, closely followed by keeping your fire going and boiling water.

Day Two

Lesson 1.

• Learn to treat several common injuries, breathing, bleeding, bone fractures all learnt through simulation played out during a simulated motor vehicle accident, delegates woken from survival night slumber forced into action, re-engage with the art of communication. “It’s a great trigger to get parents and children to communicate with each other.” says Tony

• Remote survival, drawing on every ounce of collaboration between parent and child to get them through complex challenges such as a simulated ‘close target recce and a fast-flowing river crossing’. At night, we brief them for a night navigation exercise, culminating in a camouflage exercise and a Close Target Recce (CTR) on a house. All this before checking their snares and fishing lines and then back to their native bivvy to sleep.

Day Three

• Morning snare and line check & freshwater collection.

• Preparation for breakfast and then straight into a lesson about bullying, recognising where it comes from and how to deal with it, followed by Occupational

Violence Training, which is a successful conflict man agement session de veloped and used by the media, aviation and retail industry. Survivalists learn about personal space, defusing verbal threats & attacks then are run through a skills training ranging from attacks from edged weapon to non-weapons.

• Most fam ilies are buzzing by now, eager to head home and deliv-

ing your own shelter, trapping, snaring, skinning and preparing anything you catch.

Keeping a fire going, boiling water, when to lay your hunting snares and fishing hooks. Treating injuries, dealing with verbal and physical abuse and many of the other challenges facing our future generation.

Contact kylie@zeroriskinternational for dates, locations and details and register your interest.

er a few moves from the course. First they’re run through a simulated check point (complete with guard force). The idea of this scenario is to put parent and child through a confronting situation. Once completed, it illustrates how far they’ve come in repairing their damaged communication skills. All leave for home with a huge sense of achievement, a radiant smile and a Course Completed Certificate.

The course in action.

Tony Loughran.

Preventing D ABETES in Western Sydney

Western Sydney is a diabetes hotspot with rates far higher than the NSW average.

Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) is a collaborative initiative led by Western Sydney Local Health District, Western Sydney Primary Health Network and Diabetes NSW & ACT to help detect and prevent type 2 diabetes in Western Sydney.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose (blood sugar) in the blood. This is normally due to low insulin levels or ineffective insulin which normally helps break down the glucose. Over time, high glucose levels can cause long-term health damage to your heart, kidneys, eyes and feet.

Getting Tested

At Workers Blacktown, WSD runs a free diabetes detection program twice a month on alternate Tuesdays for members and guests. Since the detection program started in January, more than half of the community members entering the club have shown results that suggest pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Diabetes tests are quick and easy and you can find out if you are at risk of diabetes in just three minutes. The free finger prick test checks your HbA1c (blood glucose) levels to advise if you could be diabetic or pre-diabetic. If you do test within an at-risk range, a nurse will send a letter to your GP and provide you with diet and exercise recommendations.

During Diabetes Week, 9-15 July, the team from Western Sydney Diabetes will be running additional daily diabetes detection and prevention activities at Workers Blacktown, 55 Campbell Street, Blacktown NSW 2148.

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

Who Should Get Tested?

If you fit any of the following criteria, you should consider getting tested for diabetes:

Have a family history of diabetes

Have an inactive lifestyle

Are overweight or obese

Had diabetes during pregnancy

Are aged 45 years or over and have a Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent, African, Asian, South Asian, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island background.

Western Sydney Diabetes runs free healthy cooking demonstrations on the last Thursday of each month at Workers Blacktown.

A nutritionist provides tips on cooking three fast, affordable, tasty meals to feed the whole family.

westernsydneydiabetes.com.au/cooking-demonstrations/

For more educational resources and videos, head to westernsydneydiabetes.com.au

PROS AND CONS OF ADVENTURE TOURISM Good attitude to safety is key

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

THE terrible destruction of the deep-sea Titan submersible has thrown the spotlight on to Adventure Tourism, one of the fastest growing segments of the travel market.

In years gone by, adventurers trained for months to climb Mt Everest, paddle the Amazon or trek Antarctica. They were young and fit and well prepared to take on the difficult challenges.

And young adults still dominate the extreme end of the market, but today’s “soft” adventurer is more likely to be a 60-y-o retiree or an office worker who dreams of “going wild” once a year.

In our amazing modern world, it is possible to fly out of Sydney one day and be standing on top of Victoria Falls or gazing into a volcano the next. Anyone can be an adventurer including those people who have a disability.

This puts many underprepared travellers in the firing line for an accident at the hands of a cowboy operator…or worse, as the submersible disaster graphically illustrated.

In other cases such as the White Island volcano explosion, it is simply a case of bad luck- being in the wrong place at the wrong time,

So how risky is it and how can you guard against an accident?

Every adventure has a risk element, but participants are willing to take that risk for the thrill of it all.

My advice is to do plenty of research before you go. Read reviews to find out the most professional operators versus the cowboys attracted to the big amounts of money people are willing to pay.

Operators who have been in the business for years without having an accident caused by negligence are your best bet. English speaking operators are preferred simply because they instruct you in our language and they can answer your questions and concerns.

A good operator is wholly concerned about your safety and will have the best equipment available and never take a major risk with your life. He wont allow anyone in your group to take a risk.

They will fully school you on the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ of walking with elephants or sky diving from 5000m. And you need to pay careful attention.

I have been in groups where some members are more interested in taking selfies or having a good time than listening.

One particular memory stands out.

I was white water rafting with a group of Japanese in North Queensland and the instructor said: “Whatever you do,

sit on the side and

paddle when we go through rapids.”

As soon as we entered the rapids, they panicked, threw their paddles away and dived into the centre of the raft. The raft was out of control and hit rocks, Luckily it did not flip over.

The Japanese group learnt some

new English words as the Instructor erupted in a tirade of expletives.

For the solo traveller undertaking an adventure as a single, it is a good idea to team up with a group or a couple of fellow adventurers.

The other aspect of planning is to understand what safety equipment is necessary for a specific location where you are going. You may need correct communication equipment, for example: GPS equipment and emergency radio which shows the weather forecast, a radio phone and correct clothing and footwear.

Also, the adventurer needs correct knowledge of the environment in order to protect themselves.

A good safety rule is to go through survival school on the environment where you are going and in order to have opportunity to defend yourself and survive high risk situations.

When people undertake adventure activities without appropriate experience of activities or training, it can be dangerous with a high risk of possible injuries or death.

People, if they are travelling independently, should have a good attitude towards their own safety to survive or not get injured.

A handful of adventures I have done and recommend:

• Walking with lions in Zimbabwe. Heli-skiing in the New Zealand Alps.

• Climbing Yasur Volcano on Tanna island, Vanuatu.

• Swimming with sharks in New Caledonia.

• Swimming with a sea lion

• Being attacked by crocs in a tinny in the Daintree. Taking a dive on a submersible in Hawaii.

• Walking with bears in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

• Climbing Uluru and trekking the Snowy Mountains.

The Flash – 2 stars

JACOB

RICHARDSON

Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) is living his day to day as The Flash, helping the Justice League fight crime. But he still laments the loss of his mother, and his father’s imprisonment.

When he finds a way to go back in time using his super speed, he does sodespite the warnings of Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck). He goes back and saves his mother, but in doing so resets the universe.

He finds himself stranded in an earlier time - General Zod (Michael Shannon) is about to come to Earth, and Barry has to team up with his younger self and an alternate Batman (Michael Keaton) to find Supergirl (Sasha Calle) and stop him, all while finding a way to put the universe right.

The Flash, hyped off the back of CinemaCon as one of the best superhero movies of all time, is a frankly disappointing product. Visually, thematically, and on a bare bones execution perspective, the movie just does not work.

Let’s tackle the visuals first, because one of the most exciting things about the Flash’s appearance in earlier DC films was how cool his slo-mo visuals looked. Lightning sparking around him, warping space and time.

Who doesn’t love that scene of a resurrected Superman’s eyes flicking to the slo-mo Flash, and reaching out to knock him off balance? Here, the visuals look garbage. The historically great looking slo-mo looks weird and terrible.

The baby scene at the start is horrid, and the chronosphere time warp region looks like it was shot in the early 2000s.

As much as these ones stand out, rightly, for their objectively terrible VFX, perhaps the most shocking work happens with Zod. While objectively not as bad, what really shocks is that we have seen these exact fights and exact scenes pretty much, in Man of Steel, and back

then they looked better! Director Andy Muschetti takes a character who already fought on Earth, and drops him into a gray, random desert landscape, and makes it look 100x worse than it did in the visually stunning Man of Steel. The story also just does not work. The leg work for Flash really has not been done to the point where you can jump into this sort of multiversal content.

It’s nice to see Keaton back as Batman, and Sasha is fantastic as Supergirl (although with some of the worst effects of the entire movie), but these characters and the journey they go on is at once too high stakes, too low stakes, and too unresolved to be of any real import.

Elemental – 3 stars

The ending, in a sign of how deeply off the rails this gets, feels both unearned in its scope, and wraps up too neatly in a little bow in about 20 seconds.

A lot has been said about Ezra Miller and the pervasive off screen antics seeping into perception of their performance. Outside of that, their work as the two Barry’s is both clearly defined and strong, but also a little miffing as an audience member.

Once the younger version of the character begins his descent arc, the movie picks up speed a little, but until then there is a sort of misbalance, where you are meant to be rooting for the original Flash, but he comes across boring and un-fun by comparison.

What made this character sing in the previous films, has seemed to be done away with here, in service of making the older and younger versions of the character more distinct.

There are a couple of nice, fun cameos, and a couple of troubling (ethics-wise) cameos, but ultimately the movie is a bit of a misfire.

A WARM AND LOVELY ANIMATED ADVENTURE

„ JACOB RICHARDSON

EMBER (Leah Lewis) is a young fire element woman, who is preparing to take over the local community store from her father, Bernie (Ronnie Del Carmen).

But her temper keeps getting in her way, and her father doesn’t feel comfortable initiating the transition until she gets it under control. When he gives her a chance, she blows up, and causes a leak in the basement that literally draws in city inspector, and water element man, Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie).

Wade is the opposite of Ember entirely, but when she wins him to her side, the duo have to pair up to fix a city leak, stem the flow of water, and protect not just the shop, but the entire fire community.

As Wade and Ember go about fixing the city, they also fall in love with one another; but can two elements, from different backgrounds, ever really mix? And can Ember ever truly pursue her passions, when her father expects so much from her?

Elemental is a heartwarming film that evokes some of the beautiful moments of Pixar’s storied history, building on beautiful themes of love, friendship, and cross-class engagement.

But it’s also a movie that smashes you in the face with its social commentary, presenting a perfectly worthy level of messaging with the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie are both fantastic as Ember and Wade, and the two characters really sing as personalities.

Each is really strong and engaging, and probably will generate a mass of young fans. I also really loved Ember’s dad, Bernie, who feels like a very real and warm interpretation of everyone’s Dad or Granddad.

Visually, Elemental is both stunning, and a little underwhelming. Effectively a

meld of Inside Out and Zootopia, Elemental plays fast and loose with the physics of its world, but all in the service of creating something visually stunning. There are a heap of really beautiful ideas in this movie, and the four different elements provides the great opportunity for a wide variety of visual inspo.

The backstory to the fire nation really came across well also. The strong imagery of their native land, the deep bow element, and a lot of the fun, fire themed parts to their society, all worked.

What didn’t work as well, was the sledgehammer style force feed of the messaging. The movie has a great heart,

and a strong message and reason for being.

The story really brings to life the class and racial divide between immigrant and non-immigrant communities, along with the inherent debt many first and second generation immigrant children feel towards their parents, and the impact of that debt on their life.

However, it does so with a complete absence of subtext; everything is spelt out in text.

This script needed a strong rewrite to nuance it up a little, and provide a little less explanation. The audience isn’t dumb, but this movie thinks they are.

Ultimately, while that can grate at times, and the plot dealing with the water leak is pretty nonsensical, the warm romance between Ember and Wade, along with the beautiful family dynamics on display, carry this movie as a light, beautiful and fun entry into the Pixar pantheon.

Elemental has a pretty poor mcguffin, and a bare bones message delivered without nuance, but the visuals and the heartwarming romance make this one to watch.

HORRIFIC CGI, a plot that makes little sense, and a deeply unsatisfying conclusion, all delivered only a couple of weeks after one of the greatest superhero movies of all time, makes for another disappointing DC adventure.

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

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

Suburbs most hit by airport noise

„ BY DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

The long-awaited preliminary flight paths for Western Sydney’s new multi-billion-dollar airport are finally on view to the public and that very same public is not happy.

The flight paths will have a major effect on some suburbs and a lesser effect on others.

If you live in Erskine Park, Greendale or Luddenham the noise will be most apparent with lesser noise hitting spots like Parramatta, Rossmore and Springwood.

An online tool allows residents to see the noise impact over their homes by inserting their address,

It’s like a game of Twister trying to work out the overly complicated map which is at the heart of the tool.

However, the figures are less confusing with the suburb of Erskine Park set to experience 20 to 49 flights exceeding 70 decibels over 24 hours

By 2033 Greendale residents will shudder through 10 to 19 flights per night which exceed 60 decibels.

The $5.3 billion Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek will be the first in NSW with no curfew, which means flights taking off and landing 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It’s all about the wind to decide if your suburb will suffer at any given time.

The flight paths show wind conditions will determine which of two main runway directions, Runway 05 and Runway 23, will be used at any time during the day and night.

A noise level of 70 decibels is the benchmark for aircraft noise since it is enough to disturb a conversation indoors.

Luddenham, Badgerys Creek and Erskine Park are all predicted to experience flights above 70 decibels during the day.

Further afield, Springwood, Rossmore and Parramatta, would experience some flights, but at levels well below 70 decibels.

Erskine Park will be one of the worst affected suburbs by aircraft noise when Runway 05 is used.

By 2033, residents are predicted to experience 20 to 49 flights exceeding 70 decibels over 24 hours.

But, when Runway 23 is used, residents around Greendale will be most affected, experiencing 20 to 49 flights exceeding 70 decibels over 24 hours.

By 2033 Greendale residents will hear 10 to 19 flights per night which exceed 60 decibels, which is a level that disturbs sleep.

And 60 is the magic number for deciding if your sleep is disturbed.

In fact, Greendale and Luddenham are predicted to experience these noise levels at least 10 to 19 times a night.

Further afield at St Marys and Marsden Park these

noise levels will be experienced two to four times a night.

Meanwhile, locals in Liverpool and Kellyville will hear the occasional flight at 42 decibels during the night, well below the limit to disturb sleep.

When Runway 05 direction is used, all aircraft will arrive from the south-west and depart to the north-east, while Runway 23 direction will see all planes arriving from the north-east and departing to the south-west.

And a third plan, which can be used at night when air traffic demand is lower, is designed to minimise the

impact of noise on the most heavily populated areas of Western Sydney.

Member of the Residents Against Western Sydney Airport (RAWSA) community group Peter Dollin told the ABC the release of preliminary flight paths had been a long time coming.

“We’re looking forward to having that transparency, but obviously we’re quite anxious about what the final flight paths will be,” he said.

Mr Dollin has lived in Blaxland for almost four decades and is most concerned about the potential impacts of aircraft noise in his area.

“There’s an absolute inequality going on here between eastern Sydney and Western Sydney,” he said.

“Sydney Airport has the benefit of a curfew, there’ll be no curfew for this airport.”

To find out more, community information sessions will be held across Western Sydney in the coming months, where locals will be able to speak with the flight path design team.

Construction of the airport is past the halfway mark and right from the start it will have capacity for up to 10 million passengers and around 81,000 air traffic movements a year by 2033.

Qantas and Jetstar became the first airlines to sign a deal with the airport with five Qantas and 10 Jetstar aircraft operating in its first year of operation.

Penrith City Council has welcomed the announcement of the flight paths, which brings the opening of the new Airport one step closer

Council said it would continue to assess all information to get a clearer picture of what it will mean for the community and encouraged all residents to get informed about the fight path related to their address through the Government online tool at wsiflightpath. gov.au.

Artist i,mpressions of compelted Western Sydney Airport.

Remarkable benefits explained

HIGH blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

It is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. While medication and lifestyle modifications are often recommended to manage blood pressure, exercise is an incredibly effective and natural way to lower and control blood pressure

indirectly contribute to blood pressure management.

Chronic stress is known to raise blood pressure levels. Regular physical activity acts as a powerful stress reliever, promoting the release of endorphins, or “feelgood” hormones, in the brain.

These endorphins help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can contribute to elevated blood pressure.

Jobs Available

Project Manager –

Fire Services Location: Sydney, NSW

Control Fire Protection is currently seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Project Manager with previous fire services experience to join our growing team.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Manage Council fire orders and ensure compliance.

2. Conduct site meetings and liaise effectively with clients, team members, and other stakeholders.

3. Manage and deliver major projects ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

4. Liaise with staff and contractors, ensuring efficient and effective communication throughout all project stages.

5. Prepare detailed quotes and proposals, accurately reflecting project scope and costs.

Key Requirements

1. Previous experience in a project management role within the fire services industry.

2. Thorough understanding of various fire systems and the relevant standards and regulations.

3. Proven experience in project planning and budget management.

4. Strong ability to identify potential project risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.

5. Excellent communication skills with the ability to liaise effectively with a variety of stakeholders.

6. Proven problem-solving skills

Seeking an Experienced Scheduler / Works Co-ordinator

with the ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions.

7. Experience in overseeing quality control processes and ensuring all work meets necessary standards and regulations.

8. Demonstrated team leadership skills with the ability to lead and motivate a team effectively.

9. Experience in vendor management, including managing relationships with vendors and suppliers.

10. Ability to create and present clear and concise project reports.

Benefits:

This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic and growing company in a key role. We offer a competitive salary, great working environment and the opportunity for career progression.

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to apply by submitting their resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience. Control Fire Protection is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applications from all interested individuals. Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Address: 15/70 Holbeche road Arndell Park.

Working Status: The candidate must have the right to live and work in Australia

Enquire: Info@controlfireprotection.com.au | www.controlfireprotection.com.au

Join the Industry Leaders in Fire Protection Services

At Control Fire Protection, we are known for delivering worldclass fire protection services while offering attractive remuneration and work conditions to our talented staff. We are industry leaders in our field, not just for our exceptional services, but also for how we value our employees.

We are currently looking for an experienced Works Co-ordinator/Scheduler to join our dynamic team. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy coordinating and planning works, and have a knack for problem-solving, then we would love to hear from you.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop project schedules and timelines based on each job’s requirements. Coordinate the availability of resources such as materials, equipment, and manpower to ensure smooth project progression.

Maintain regular communication with all stakeholders, including clients, service managers, and contractors. Ensure everyone is aware of the work status, progress, and any changes. Provide administrative support to the team.vAUtilise Uptick & Microsoft Office to effectively manage and track jobs.

Ideal Candidate:

We are seeking candidates who are not only proficient in the duties above but also possess a good understanding of the Fire Industry. Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills are paramount, as well as the ability to work effectively under pressure. Previous experience in a similar role is required.

In return, we offer a competitive salary package, opportunities for growth, and a supportive work environment. This is your chance to be a part of a company that values its employees just as much as it values its customers.

If you believe you are the right person for this position, we would love to hear from you. Apply now, and let’s explore how you can contribute to our shared success at Control Fire Protection.

• Must have uptick experience.

• Must have previous industry experience.

• Control Fire Protection is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals.

The candidate must have the right to live and work in Australia.

Info@controlfireprotection.com.au| www.controlfireprotection.com.au

MANY

Promoting essential self-care

IN today’s fast-paced and demanding world, it is no wonder that stress, anxiety, and mental health disorders are on the rise. A midst our busy lives, it is crucial to prioritize relaxation and create space for moments of calm and tranquility.

Relaxation not only provides a much-needed break from the pressures of everyday life but also plays a vital role in promoting and maintaining good mental health.

In this article, we will explore the importance of relaxation for mental well-being and discuss various techniques that can help you unwind and find inner peace.

Relaxation allows our bodies and minds to rest and recharge, helping to alleviate the physical and psychological effects of stress.

When we experience stress, our bodies go into a “fight or flight” response, releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.

Prolonged exposure to these hormones can have detrimental effects on our mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. By practicing relaxation techniques, we activate the body’s natural relaxation response, counteracting the effects of stress and promoting a state of calmness.

One of the significant benefits of relaxation is its ability to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of tranquility.

When we relax, our heart rate slows down, blood pressure decreases, and our muscles relax. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation techniques are effective tools that can be used to induce a state of relaxation.

These practices help calm the mind, release tension from the body, and provide a much-needed break from racing thoughts and worries.

Regularly engaging in relaxation exercises can improve overall mental well-being, enhance self-awareness, and cultivate a sense of inner peace.

Moreover, relaxation has been shown

to improve sleep quality, which is essential for optimal mental health.

Take

in a good book

Lack of sleep can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression and make it more challenging to cope with stress.

By incorporating relaxation techniques into your bedtime routine, such as practicing mindfulness or listening to soothing music, you can prepare your body and mind for a restful night’s sleep.

Quality sleep rejuvenates the body, improves cognitive function, and helps regulate emotions, promoting better mental health overall.

Another important aspect of relaxation is its ability to foster self-care and self-compassion. In our hectic lives, it is easy to neglect our own well-being and put the needs of others before our own. However, self-care is crucial for maintaining good mental health.

Taking the time to relax and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment can reduce feelings of overwhelm and burnout.

Whether it’s reading a book, taking a bubble bath, or going for a walk-in nature, finding activities that promote relaxation and self-care is essential for nurturing our mental and emotional well-being.

In conclusion, relaxation is a fundamental component of maintaining good mental health in today’s fastpaced world. By incorporating relaxation techniques into our daily lives, we can counteract the negative effects of stress, reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and foster self-care and self-compassion.

Whether it’s through deep breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in activities that bring us joy, finding moments of relaxation is crucial for nurturing our minds and promoting overall well-being. So, prioritize relaxation, create space for tranquility, and reap the countless benefits it brings to your mental health.

puzzles

QUICK CROSSWORD

16 Not moving (9)

18 Retention (7)

19 Reasonable (7)

21 Least distant (7)

23 ‘Not on your —!’ (5)

25 Hatred (5)

26 Opposite of downs (3) HARD

1 The Arc de Triomphe in Paris was built to honour soldiers in which two wars?

2 How many letters are in the Welsh alphabet?

3 The lotus flower is the national flower of which two countries?

4 Does a solidus – a punctuation mark – lean towards the left or the right?

5 Holly Valance (pictured) stars as Katie in which 2011 Australian comedy?

6 IDR is the code for what currency?

7 Other than the Tour de France, what are cycling’s Grand Tour races?

8 The Macquarie Dictionary declared which word the word of 2010: a) vuvuzela b) googleganger c) aquaponics?

9 How many films did Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers make together?

10 In what year did The Beach Boys release their album Surfin’ USA?

ACROSS

1 Adverse fate (4)

5 Rounds (4)

6 Makes brown (4)

7 Greek god of war (4) DOWN

1 Facts given (4)

2 Man’s name (4)

3 All (4)

4 Lichen (4)

WORD FIND No. 031

The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

9-LETTER WORD No. 031

E B

R A N T B

S

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included, and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Secret message:

29 words: Good

words:

ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD

WORD FILL

5 L e TT e RS

ACROSS

1 Tom Rosenthal’s character in Plebs, – Gallo (6)

5 Actress who played Louise Ellis in Revenge, – Satine (5)

7 Matt Tyrnauer documentary, Where’s My Roy –? (4)

9 The main protagonist in The Matrix franchise played by Keanu Reeves (3)

10 Movie directed by Duncan Jones and starring Jake Gyllenhaal (6,4)

No. 040

16 John Malkovich thriller adapted from the Patricia Highsmith novel of the same name (7,4)

17 The voice of Todd Chavez on the Netflix animated series BoJack Horseman (5,4)

18 Halle Berry’s supernatural horror (7)

19 Actor who portrays Prince Philip in The Crown – Smith (4)

22 War film starring Billy Bob Thornton as Davy Crockett, The – (5)

24 Actor (pictured) who plays the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Charles Dickens in The Man Who Invented Christmas, – Stevens (3)

Each number corresponds to a letter. Can you crack the code?

12 Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider character, – Croft (4)

13 British actress who plays Mary Walker in the Netflix series Iron Fist, – Eve (5)

Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations.

Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

14 Actor known for Love & Other Drugs and Out of the Furnace, – O’Malley (5)

15 Actor who plays stuntman Cliff Booth in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, – Pitt (4)

27 Actress who played Lenny Cohen in the miniseries Imposters, – Thurman (3)

TILES ULTRA VENUE WISPS

28 English actor who plays Bernie Taupin in Rocketman, Jamie – (4)

6 L e TT e RS ENSURE MOSSES

29 Star of A Walk in the Woods and Angel Has Fallen, Nick – (5)

30 Actress of Lovelace and The Disaster Artist, – Stone (6)

DOWN

7 L e TT e RS CONDEMN EGOTISM LEASING

2 Michael Haneke’s acclaimed romantic tragedy (5)

3 Black comedy crime film starring Angela Jones (7)

4 Italian actress who played the lead in Dario Argento’s horror film The Card Player (8,5)

5 Musician and producer who scored Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Brian – (3)

6 Director of Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, – Lee (3)

SEVERAL SLACKEN SPEARED

8 L e TT e RS

ASTEROID ESCAPADE

PORRIDGE TORTILLA

26 Acclaimed British spy series, Killing – (3)

10 L e TT e RS

SLENDEREST THUNDERING

HIDDEN WORD

Solve all the clues and an eight-letter word will be spelled out.

1 Apple mp3 players

2 Australian tennis player, Bernard —

3 Number of legs on a spider

4 — books are full of cartoons

5 Tools for clearing leaves

6 Aussie city, — Springs

7 Month before May

8 Group of angry wasps or bees

18 Star of As Good as It Gets and Little Miss Sunshine, – Kinnear (4)

e e

S A S

e e Y

7 Canadian actor of Just Shoot Me! and Veronica Mars, Enrico – (9)

N O

20 Director Asif Kapadia’s motorracing documentary (5)

21 Marvel series starring Hayley Atwell, – Carter (5)

23 Star of Romulus, My Father Eric – (4)

25 Charlie Sheen’s ’90s sci-fi horror (3,7)

P T Y

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words –five reading across the grid and five reading down.

8 US comedy-drama series starring Rachel Bilson (4,2,5)

1. When did Beverly Hills, 90210 premiere?

A. 1990

B. 1988

C. 1992

D. 1993

3. What was the surname of twins Brandon and Brenda?

A. Taylor

B. Silver

C. McKay

D. Walsh

NOTe: more than one solution may be possible

11 Actor who plays “Spud” Murphy in the Trainspotting films, – Bremner (4)

14 Tim Burton’s superhero film with Michael Keaton in the lead role (6,7)

2. Who was the series producer?

A. Aaron Spelling

B. David Lynch

C. Dick Wolf

D. David E. Kelley

4. How old was Gabrielle Carteris when she portrayed 15-year-old Andrea Zuckerman?

A. 21

B. 29

C. 22

D. 32

New aquatic centre is filling up

WORK on Parramatta’s new $88.6M state-of the-art aquatic centre is going swimmingly with the centre’s four pools now filled with more than 2.5 million litres of water.

Located within Parramatta Park on the doorstep of the CBD, the Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC) will be a yearround destination for swimming, fitness and wellness for the whole community to enjoy.

“This marks a major milestone for the Parramatta Aquatic Centre which will be a fantastic asset for our growing community,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Sameer Pandey said.

“Anticipation is building for the opening in Spring. Now we have the pools filled, we’re working hard to put in

the finishing touches, complete landscaping and test operations.

“By the time the weather warms up, Parramatta will have a brand-new place to cool down.

“Our new aquatic centre will be a place where local kids learn to swim their first lap and potentially a training ground for our next Olympians.”

Once complete, the centre will include four pools – a 10-lane, 50m outdoor pool; 25m indoor pool; indoor learn-toswim pool; indoor water playground; spa, steam and sauna facilities; café; fitness centre; multipurpose community rooms; and onsite parking.

inister for Sport, Steve Kamper said: “Parramatta Aquatic Centre will cater for competition, learn to swim classes, recre-

ation and relaxation. The NSW Government is proud of its $38.5M investment to provide an aquatic facility that serves the needs of the Parramatta community year-round.”

Foundation Memberships for the Parramatta Aquatic Centre are selling fast. Memberships will provide access to all facilities, including the pool, gym, spa, steam and sauna facilities and group fitness classes. Other benefits include two hours free parking, locker access and a creche.

Recruitment is now underway for more than 150 jobs across swim, gym and operational roles.

Designed by Grimshaw Architects, Andrew Burges Architects and McGregor Coxall, and built by construction company Lipman, the new aquatic centre will

sit seamlessly in Parramatta Park’s lush surrounds.

PAC boasts a sustainable design including 358 rooftop solar panels, generating around 273 megawatts per hour in energy savings annually; automated, natural ventilation in the fitness centre instead of air-conditioning; three rain gardens; rain tank for onsite irrigation; skylights which filter harmful UV, maintains temperature and absorbs sounds; LED lights and sustainably harvested blackbutt timber.

The PAC is due to open in Spring 2023.

The project is being co-funded by Council and the NSW Government, which is investing $38.5M from the Restart NSW Fund.

For more information, please visit www. cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/the-pac

SPORTS QUIZ

SPORT QUIZ

1. In which year did Stefanos Tsitsipas defeat tennis great Roger Federer in a shocking upset at the Australian Open?

2. Which team was Collingwood star Brodie Grundy traded to in the 2022 off-season?

3. Former Manly Sea Eagles star Martin Taupau plays

4. True or false: Ronda Rousey is an Olympic bronze medallist?

5. What nationality is F1 racer Alexander Albon?

6. Who won the 2016 Super Bowl?

7. Which AFLW Melbourne star announced her retirement in 2022?

8. At what time did the mammoth five-set match between Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis end at the 2023 Australian Open?

Which former WWE champion has a leading role in M. Night Shyamalan’s 2023 horror film, Knock at the Cabin?

Which UFC athlete goes by the nickname ‘The Baddy’?

What is the nickname of the NBL team based in South East Melbourne?

What is the name of the recent Netflix tennis documentary series?

13. Ash Gardner represents Australia in which sport?

14. The NFL team Buffalo Bills are based in which US state?

15. Before competing in 2023, how many times had Victoria Azarenka won the Australian Open women’s singles title?

16. Former Western Bulldogs star Lachie Hunter currently plays for which AFL team?

17. In January, which cricket star was involved in a public altercation in with Karl Stefanovic?

18. Dwight Yorke recently ended his tenure as coach of which A-League team?

19. In which year did the first AFL Women’s season take place?

20. How many nations participated in the first modern Olympics in 1896?

21. Jack Ziebell stepped down after six seasons as captain of which AFL club?

22. Which A-League team rivalry is known as ‘The Big Blue’?

23. Which 224cm NBA basketballer played a hitman in the film John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum?

24. Bronson Xerri is set to return to the NRL with which club?

25. Which Australian former tennis professional is the youngest to win the Australian Open men’s singles title?

26. Football commentator Rex Hunt played a total of 202 games for which three VFL/AFL clubs?

27. Which Swiss former tennis professional is the youngest to win the Australian Open women’s singles title?

28. Which two NFL teams played off in the 2023 AFC Championship game?

29. Which Barbados-born performer headlined the halftime show at Super Bowl LVII?

30. Which two NFL teams played off in the 2023 NFC Championship game?

Ronda Rousey

0-10: Rookie 11-20: Off the bench 21-25: Rising star 26+ Most valuable player

Lord Mayor Sameer Pandey at the new pool.

Drone view of the new aquatic centre.