Parramatta Times - June 2022 by Community Broadcast Network (CBN)

ISSUE 23 | JUNE 2022

TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

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ParramattA T I M E S

MAN FROM EAST WINS THE WEST ROMULUS ROMEO LEGEND Meet a real local legend: 3

PARRAMATTA LIGHT RAIL New stop names confirmed: 5

Andrew Charlton at the back with former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and local supporters in Parramatta.

Who is our new MP Andrew Charlton?

HILE Andrew Charlton, the “man from the East” managed to retain Parramatta for Labor in the Federal election, with a slight swing his way, the Liberals’ Maria Kovacic put up a good fight. Both were up against a field of candidates that won support from those disgruntled with the major parties. In fact, more than 23 per cent voted for the minor candidates, particularly the Greens and the United Australia Party. So, who is Andrew Charlton and what can we expect from him? More: Page 10.

38,000 NEW HOMES MORE than 38,000 new homes and around 66,000 new jobs are on their way for Parramatta and along Parramatta Road, after plans for the future of the area progressed: 6

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ISSUE 23 | June 2022

GUITAR GUY WINNING COMMUTER’S HEARTS

Meet a true local legend  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM HE ‘O'Connell Street Walking Dress Up Guitar Guy’ a.k.a. Romulus Romeo has been winning the hearts of commuters and passersby in North Parramatta with his outlandish performances. Rain, hail or shine, Romulus performs in his outrageous get-up and salutes, waves, sings and tells jokes at the traffic lights. In a routine reminiscent of funnier times, he could well be the legendary Benny Hill reincarnated and has become a novelty among drivers passing by during rush hour at North Parramatta. And motorists, bus commuters, truckies, tradies and pedestrians love his performances which for many are the highlight of their day. The social media messages flood in. For example: ‘To the Parramatta guitar man, thank you. I'm writing this on a rainy afternoon and yet I still get the pleasure of seeing this man, for the fourth time, dressed from beanie to footy socks in NSW blues gear, marching around North Parramatta with his guitar saluting at every bus he sees.’ So who is ‘The Guitar Guy’ a.k.a. Romulus Romeo, King of O’Connell St?

Romulus Romeo.

His name is Nick Henning and he is a reinsurance claims consultant specializing in audit wealth protection insurance claims. Now, there is a serious side to Nick’s performances which has taken him from charming the commuters to treatment for a brain tumor which threatened his life. And so he is using his growing urban profile to raise the awareness of this deadly disease for the Brain Tumor Alliance Australia, his primary charity. Once a year, right there in O’Connell

Nick Henning.

St, Nick takes off his Hawaiian Shirt, puts down the guitar and has an MRI scan at Superscan. Last week’s scan was clear which he said was “pleasing”. He said the effect of his alter ego on the people of Parramatta as The O'Connell Street Walking Dress Up Guitar Guy a.k.a. Romulus Romeo had “far exceeded all the expectations I had for my little routine and it wasn't something I set out expecting much from.” Indeed, it has been so successful the Guitar Guy is one of the most recognizable characters in Parramatta.

“I even have people referring to me as an icon and a noun like that is a big compliment.” Nick had dreams of playing professional baseball at one stage and he was and still is a massive Balmain Tigers fan. He even wrote two successful books on the Tigers which were the best selling Rugby League books on Amazon. “I miss the Balmain Tigers days. Mark O'Neill is director of football at the Parramatta Eels and he was one of two players to play Balmain's final game in 1994 and again in 1999 when they merged with Wests.” Life on the street is mostly fun for Nick, but it also has its serious side .There is no better example to illustrate it than the events of April 15 this year when he saved a man’s life. “It was Good Friday and he was moments away from gassing himself to death in his car parked on Dunlop St, North Parramatta,” Nick said. “I sang to him with his car in view and he changed his mind. His daughter and ex-wife have told me all the details and I clearly remember meeting this gentleman. The details of his story make me cry.” So, the next time you see a guy playing his guitar and waving in North Parramatta, you will know all about him.

CHEFS GALLERY PARRAMATTA Westfield Parramatta Ground Floor Shop 2184 159-175 Church St Parramatta 2150 parramatta@chefsgallery.com.au

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ISSUE 23 | JUNE 2022 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.

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ISSUE 23 | JUNE 2022

TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

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ES.COM.AU

ParramattA T I M E S

MAN FROM EAST WINS THE WEST

LOCAL MEDIA VOICE

ROMULUS ROMEO LEGEND

Meet a real local legend:

PARRAMATTA LIGHT RAIL

New stop names confirm

ed: 5

Andrew Charlton at

the back with former

Prime Minister, Kevin

Rudd and local supporter s in Parramatta.

Who is our new MP Andre w

Charlton?

HILE Andrew Charlt on, the “man from the East” manag for Labor in the Feder ed to retain Parram al election, with atta a slight swing his Kovacic put up a way, the Liberals’ good fight. Both support from those Maria were up against a field of candid disgruntled with ates that won the major partie voted for the minor s. In fact, more than candidates, partic 23 per cent ularly the Green So, who is Andre s and the United w Charlton and what Austra lia Party. can we expect from him? More: Page 10.

38,000 NEW HOMES

MORE than 38,000 new homes and around 66,000 new jobs their way for Parramattaare on Parramatta Road, after and along plans future of the area progres for the sed: 6

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Contacts Editorial: michael@parramattatimes.com.au Admin and General: info@parramattatimes.com.au Editor: Michael Walls michael@parramattatimes.com.au

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

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NORTH ROCKS MARKETS

CELEBRATING HERITAGE

WHAT WOMEN WANT

The future of North Rocks’ popular Weekly Markets has been included in the long-term plans for a new community in the area.

More than 1,000 people gathered to listen to the wonderful stories of Aboriginal Australia and colonial heritage.

NEW prime minister has been swept into power on the promise to do politics better, but what will Anthony Albanese deliver for western Sydney women?

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ISSUE 23 | June 2022

Stage 1 & 2 Parramatta Light Rail map.

Artist impression - light rail near Carter Street.

PARRAMATTA LIGHT RAIL STAGE ONE

New stop names confirmed HE NSW Government has revealed the official names of the 16 light rail stops along Stage 1 of the $2.4B Parramatta Light Rail following extensive consultation with the community. The final segment of track has now been laid across the 12-kilometre alignment of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 with preliminary work on the first light rail stop now underway. Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said finalising the light rail stop names was a significant milestone in the delivery of the NSW Government’s $2.4B light rail project.

“This official naming of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 stops and the completion of the tracks laid means commuters, families and small businesses will soon experience the benefits of a world class light rail system,” Mr Elliott said. “The chosen Parramatta Light Rail stop names reflect the rich culture of the area, as well as a strong connection to the Traditional Owners, and sporting and broadcast legend, Richie Benaud.” A list of proposed names had been submitted to the Geographical Names Board in 2020. The Geographical Names

Board undertook extensive community consultation and reviewed the name options based on feedback received. The official Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 stop names are: • Westmead • Westmead Hospital • Childrens Hospital • Ngara • Benaud Oval • Fennell Street • Prince Alfred Square • Church Street • Parramatta Square • Robin Thomas

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• Tramway Avenue • Rosehill Gardens • Yallamundi • Dundas • Telopea • Carlingford. By 2026, it is estimated 28,000 people will use Parramatta Light Rail every day and 130,000 people will be living within walking distance of light rail stops. Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and is expected to commence passenger services in 2023.

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ISSUE 23 | June 2022

NEW COMMUNITY PROJECT ANNOUNCED

Future of North Rocks Markets  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM HE future of North Rocks’ popular Weekly Markets has been included in the long-term plans for a new community in the area. Carlingford Rotary Club Markets is a long-standing weekly market at North Rocks which regularly attracts large crowds with the resultant benefit to charity. The inclusion of the markets is part of the long-term vision for a new community within the heart of the popular suburb. North Rocks Village has been proposed by EG Developments for the 12.67ha site on North Rocks Rd. It includes a new residential neighborhood incorporating a mix of new homes, as well as extensive parkland, an oval, a large village square and multipurpose community spaces including a library. The site has been home to the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC), publicly known as NextSense for six decades. The weekend Rotary markets have been based at NextSense for four of those six decades. Carlingford Rotary Chairman Mike Morgan said the markets were a key source of fundraising and since inception had netted the Club more than $5M, of which $1M has gone directly back to the RIDBC and NextSense. Mr Morgan said each year Carlingford Rotary Club sponsored a teacher at NextSense to undertake a post-graduate course while also sponsoring a nursing scholarship for an Indigenous student at Western Sydney University. The Sunday markets also fund the club’s charitable work for other programs like Parramatta Mission’s Meals Plus service and sending dental and hearing aid equipment to Samoa. Executive Chairman of EG Dr Michael Easson said in addition to initial consultation with Parramatta Council, working closely with many local groups such as Carlingford Rotary Club had been a crucial step in understanding how North Rocks Village would meet not only housing demands including for

Artist impression of the project.

Dr Michael Easson with Rotary's Mike Morgan and Trudy Stevenson.

seniors, but also cater for local community needs. “The Rotary markets have been an integral tenant on the site for decades and have become an instrumental part of the community, he said. “As EG started its long term planning work, we knew it was important to consult with Rotary about keeping that legacy alive. We want them to be able continue the fundraising work they do for the institute and other organisations, through the markets,” he said.

Rare opportunity for developer Dr Easson said while it was still in the early planning phases, once delivered, North Rocks Village would encompass an oval, village square, a multi-purpose community hub, childcare centre and neighborhood library. Almost 30% of the site will be publicly accessible open space with the oval precinct comprising around 1.8ha for a sports field and tennis courts.

EG Executive Chairman Dr Michael Easson with Western Sydney Women Founder, Amanda Rose.

A key feature of the masterplan is to retain a number of important mature trees and to plant many more within the project’s parks, along site boundaries and local roads. Dr Easson said EG’s vision for future projects was to not just provide much-needed quality housing, but to create authentic civic spaces for everyone. “Every developer has a responsibility to ensure they help curate a sense of community and don’t just cut and run. It’s important that when we deliver homes, we also deliver viable infrastructure and a genuine sense of community for people to connect with one another.” “It’s rare in Sydney that a developer has the chance to design a new site and build infrastructure. We are respectful of that opportunity and want to ensure the new civic space at North Rocks Village is made up of the oval, community hub and a beautiful village square that can house events like the Rotary markets. “It’s going to make a really exciting contribution to North Rocks.”

The transformation of the former RIDBC site into a “green village” dotted with parks and community facilities will include a diverse range of housing options, with a significant proportion dedicated to seniors "living, aged care, and a component of key worker housing. Mr Morgan said club members and supporters were pleased to learn that the market’s 40-year tradition at the site would continue as part of the plans. “It’s been a tough couple of years for the markets with Covid and lockdowns, so we’re all looking forward to having a new location and the chance for new stallholders and residents to come down on a Sunday morning and discover everything on offer, including what I have on good authority is the best Gozleme in Sydney.” The site for the proposed North Rocks Village is at 361-365 North Rocks Rd, North Rocks, just 5.5km north of the Parramatta CBD, 7km south of Norwest Business Park and 8km west of Macquarie Park.

38,000 new homes for Parramatta ORE than 38,000 new homes and around 66,000 new jobs are on their way for Parramatta and along Parramatta Road, after plans for the future of the area progressed. Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the NSW Government had finalised changes to planning rules around Parramatta CBD, guiding a vibrant and robust future for Greater Sydney’s second CBD. “Parramatta is one of the fastest-growing local government areas in Western Sydney, and this proposal will make it an even better place to live and work,” Mr Roberts said.

“We need to optimise land for homes while building sustainable and resilient communities. The finalisation of these plans are the culmination of work with Parramatta City Council to unlock more than 11,000 new homes and almost 16,000 new jobs in the CBD.” Mr Roberts said comprehensive traffic studies along Parramatta Road have also wrapped up, showing what infrastructure is required to support 27,000 new homes and 55,000 new jobs that will be created along the corridor in the next two decades. “Work is already underway to bring to life our vision for the road and sur-

rounds. The completion of this analysis enables councils to progress planning proposals to unlock hundreds of millions – if not billions – of dollars' worth of investment,” he said. Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee welcomed the finalisation of the proposal for Parramatta CBD. “It has always been my goal to make Parramatta Sydney’s second CBD. So, by finalising the changes to the planning rules around Parramatta’s CBD, we can unlock more land and essentially build more homes,” Mr Lee said. “We are also investing $49M towards significant infrastructure projects in the area. The NSW Government is backing

Parramatta and setting our city up for the future. This is a great win for the local community.” Infrastructure to be delivered over the next 12 months includes: • Upgrades to Alfred Street Bridge; • Significant improvements to the streetscapes in Alfred Street, Good Street and Bridge Street; • Open space for a new Urban Plaza at Granville; • Construction of a new park at Albert and Prince St in Granville, and; • Upgrades to F.S. Garside Park in Granville.

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

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ISSUE 23 | June 2022

Celebrating heritage at Parramatta ORE than 1,000 people gathered to listen to the wonderful stories of Aboriginal Australia, colonial heritage and culturally diverse communities, learn about the history of the precinct, and be mesmerized by inspiring talks. They participated in walking tours that took them on a tour of Parramatta’s incredible heritage, all of this was part of the recently held Parramatta North Heritage Festival – 2022. This festival proved to be just the perfect opportunity for a great family outing. The children were kept busy with the immensely popular Science, Technology, Arts and Maths activities with Build-AMind, collecting and making magic sticks and a range of outdoor games. They also got a chance to feed and pat farm animals and got involved in Indigenous craft activities. Children enjoyed face painting as well. There were ample food stalls and live music to keep the adults entertained too. At the event the crowd got a sneak peek into the Western Sydney Startup Hub, before it officially opens its door for the public later this year. About 200 people participated in the free guided walking tour of the Parramatta Girls’ Home and the Parramatta Female Factory. In short, the festival was a way to discover more about the history of the place as well as become aware of future conservation plans that would result in making the place more culturally alive.

More than 1,000 people turned out for the heritage event.

“The NSW Government invited the community to enjoy a family friendly day out at the National Heritage Listed North Parramatta Heritage Precinct. It was a unique opportunity to experience our history in person and to get a sneak peek of the restoration works currently being undertaken to preserve and activate this incredible colonial precinct

for the benefit of the community and generations to follow”, said Mr Leon Walker, Deputy Secretary for Property & Development, Department of Planning and Environment, NSW, the organizers of the event. He said the NSW government is continuing its work to restore and bring to life a number of colonial heritage

buildings, many of which are listed on the National Heritage Register and date back to the 1820s. This event was an integral part of the Australian Heritage Festival, country’s largest community-driven heritage celebration that kicked off on April 1, 2022. Interestingly, this year’s event revolved around the theme ‘Curiosity’.

Scholarships help youth shine OME of the state’s most disadvantaged young people are being supported to complete their studies and excel as part of the NSW Government’s Youth Development Scholarships program. Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said more than 4,700 students have been supported by the scholarship program since it was established in 2017.

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Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said a record 1,267 students across NSW will receive $1,000 scholarships from the NSW Government to help them finish school and realise their full potential. The scholarship program, now in its sixth year, supports young people living in social housing or on the housing register, students receiving

private rental assistance, or those living in crisis supported accommodation or out-of-home care. The funds can be used to help pay for education-related expenses such as textbooks, IT equipment and internet access. Information on the Youth Development Scholarships program can be found at http:// www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/scholarships.

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ISSUE 23 | June 2022

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ISSUE 23 | June 2022

MAN FROM EAST WINS THE WEST

So who is MP Andrew Charlton? HILE Andrew Charlton, the “man from the East” managed to retain Parramatta for Labor in the Federal election, with a slight swing his way, the Liberals’ Maria Kovacic put up a good fight. Both were up against a field of candidates that won support from those disgruntled with the major parties. In fact, more than 23 per cent voted for the minor candidates, particularly the Greens and the United Australia Party. Not surprisingly in an election campaign from which much of the electorate were disengaged, 8.9 per cent of Parramatta voters voted informal and a staggering 35 per cent did not vote at all, according to Electoral Commission figures. So, who is Andrew Chartlton and what can we expect from him?

 DI BARTOK REPORTS

“The swing to Labor in Parramatta was less than the 3.6 nationally, so I’m pleased with that,” Kovacic said. After buying a house in North Parramatta and parading his good-guy image, Charlton was able to water down that initial concern that he was out of the area.

HE day after the May 21 election that elected Andrew Charlton as the new Federal MP for Parramatta, he was back on the streets, talking to his new constituents, as he had done daily during the six-week campaign. “I’m back at railway stations to thank the people of Parramatta for putting their trust in me and again to promise I will work hard for them,” the 43-year-old told the Parramatta Times a few days after election that swept Labor to power. Parramatta already was a Labor seat, vacated by Julie Owens who held it for 18 years, in the end with a 3.5 per cent margin. Charlton, in the final count, swung it to Labor by 1.06 per cent, less than the 3.63 per cent national swing to Labor, showing there was some backlash against the “millionaire from Bellevue Hill”, who was Anthony Albanese’s pick that ruled out local branch pre-selection. Liberal candidate Maria Andrew Charlton campaigning in Harris Park. Kovacic also was a controversial choice, Scott Morrison’s pick in the wake As Labor councillor Pierre Esber said– of ongoing internal bickering in local Charlton was a quality choice, seen as a Liberal Party branches. Still, the busipossible future Minister. “It will be good for Parramatta to nesswoman and co-founder of Western have an MP in the Ministry, with a seat Sydney Women did as well as a Liberal at the table of government,” Esber said, candidate could do amid the anti-Morrioptimistically thinking ahead. son mood of the electorate.

Charlton, married with three young children, certainly has the goods. He was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University, economic adviser to PM Kevin Rudd during the global financial crisis and while in government was appointed Australia’s senior official to the G20 Leaders Summits. He also represented Rudd at the United Nations Climate Conference.

Excited about city’s future After that, Charlton started strategic economics consultancy AlphaBeta and has written or co-authored many books and essays on economics. With Accenture, a global consulting and technology firm, taking over AlphaBeta, Charlton took on a global role in sustainability services. Parramatta voters who initially were dubious about the “parachuted” rich

bloke from the East were swayed just enough to give him a chance. Riding on the anti-Morrison wave and with Labor’s promises for a lift in the basic wage, cheaper childcare, action on climate change, rebuilding manufacturing in Australia and integrity in

politics, Charlton also made his own pledges to Parramatta–namely a $3.5M upgrade lighting and parking in Harris Park and a push for World Heritage status for the neglected Female Factory site also helped. “People who came up to me knew a lot about me–they had done their research on my background,” Charlton told the Times. “I aim to be honest with people and that is important to voters.” He said people also were impressed that his father had worked as an engineer at Rheem in Rydalmere, connecting him to the area, along with his new North Parramatta house, enough for them to no longer worry about his initial out-of-area status. He is excited about Parramatta’s booming future, but also mindful of the past of Australia’s cradle city, seeing the past, present and future working together to make a stronger city. “There is a huge potential for the Fleet Street Precinct,” he said. “This area needs to be activated for tourism and recreation and obtaining World Heritage status for the Female Factory is essential. “There can be a good balance between retaining heritage and commercial development. Parramatta has some of highest quality colonial assets in Australia, and even if people are not interested in colonial history, this precinct could be a great place for families to go on the weekend.” But, looking to the future, Charlton said it was important to bring jobs and skills to Parramatta, as well as keeping up with transport and infrastructure. “Parramatta has a whole world of talent so it is vital we bring good jobs and build confidence in the business community,” he said. “Supporting businesses, building wealth and prosperity builds communities.”

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ISSUE 23 | June 2022

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ISSUE 23 | June 2022

BILLIONS FOR NEW TOWERS

Parramatta to be a global city  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM ARRAMATTA’S aspirations to be a major global city are gaining traction as new office and housing high rise projects are announced on a regular basis. And companies are flocking to lease new commercial properties as they come on to the market. When a $320M commercial tower was unveiled in Parramatta, there was no shortage of tenants battling for a slice of office space. Since the year 2000, the riverside city has grown from a backwater to a hip place to work and live. “I remember being there as a teenager and it was a place that looked like a country town, something like Tamworth,” the Property Council of Australia’s Western Sydney regional director Ross Groves told media. “But now it’s completely different. It has a real city feel. “It’s gone from having an old 1960s council civic building at the centre to Parramatta Square, one of the largest commercial redevelopment projects in Australia. In the past 10 years, there’s been $10B of investment in the CBD and there’s still a huge pipeline to go.” The new 28-storey office building at

32 Smith St.

Ross Grove.

32 Smith St, is the latest element in its smart renewal. It was designed by architects Fender Katsalidis and is owned by The GPT Group. The building contains 27,200sqm of space, with QBE as its anchor tenant taking 51% of the lettable area. The whole building is now 82% let. Now GPT has announced plans to build twin towers in the heart of Parramatta. It is planning two towers of 60 and 35 levels as part of an office precinct in Parramatta after securing four properties and amalgamating the site. The properties at 81 George St, 83 George St, 1 Barrack Lane and the heritage stables at 2/85 George St were reportedly bought for $9Mm and will form a precinct with an end value at $1.6 billion.

This adds to the group’s $75M holdings at 87-91 George Street and the heritage-listed Perth House which it purchased last year. The new precinct would add 125,000sqm of office space to Parramatta CBD and be built across two stages. And the plans include a courtyard around the historic buildings and the city’s largest fig tree to create an entertainment quarter with food and beverage offerings. GPT Wholesale Office Fund manager Martin Ritchie said in a media release it was an exciting opportunity for the fund. “The Parramatta CBD market is in a major transition with significant private sector investment coinciding with strong state government infrastructure

investment, including the Parramatta light rail, Sydney Metro West, Western Sydney Airport, and significant urban and road upgrades,” Mr Ritchie said. “We see Parramatta as an attractive alternative to the Sydney CBD market for tenants, given the improved accessibility and amenity Parramatta has, and will increasingly have to offer, as the area continues to grow.” Parramatta’s transport revolution with the new Metro putting the CBD within 20 minutes of downtown Sydney, plus the light rail and improved roads make the western capital the easy to reach centre of Sydney. For example, 32 Smith St is just a five-minute walk from another of Parramatta’s newest growth precincts – the $2.7B Parramatta Square on three hectares in the middle of the city. The Square has the new council chambers, a public library and a vertical campus for the University of Western Sydney, as well as four towers of 240,000sqm of new office space and retail, and 10,000sqm of public domain. Best of all, the new look CBD has lured major companies from the inner city to the west. These include offices of the State Government, the National Australia Bank, GT Insurance and Indesco, and will be home to 24,000 workers.

WHERE TO GET THE TIMES ISSUE 19 | FEBRUARY 2022

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NEW

5-STAR Artist impression of the

new hotel.

Luxury hotel planned for Parramatta P ARRAMATTA will boast a luxury fivestar Intercontinental hotel by a plan by Holdmark Property 2025 if Group is approved. The Sydney-ba sed developer has filed d plans with Parramatta Council for a dual tower ower develop development, one of which

G MIN COSOON

will accommodate the luxury as Parramatta’s first five-star hotel. Touted luxury hotel, it will comprise 212 rooms across a slender 31-storey ey tower capped by a rooftop bar and signature restaurant with outdoor terrace. More page 26.

ISSUE 20 | MARCH 2022

INSID SID DE LEADERS DANCE FOR CANCER Stars of Western Sydney Gala Night is approaching: 4

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SAS CHALLENGE INSIDE

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Special S ttribute tto local business b w winners

Parramatta Olympian faces her toughest test

ARRAMATTA’S four-time Olympian Melissa Wu has well and truly dived in end as a contestant on the deep the blockbuster SAS Australia Show on Channel 7 and And the Olympic diver 7plus. won’t be letting her diminutive takes on a hot field of sporting size stand in her way as she and celebrity contestant s in the top rating program. all, she won four Commonw After ealth Games gold medals and was full of determinat all-new sneak peek of the 2022 season of SAS ion in an Australia, which started Channel 7 and 7plus. More on February 21 on page 6.

NEVER MISS OUT. Get the digital edition 24/7 at www.parramattatimes.com.au

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

A GUIDE TO

Living with

C VID Self-protection tips and strategies

1 E U S S I

OUT ! W O N

A GUID

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Living w ith

C VID Self-pr otectio n

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01 | M ay 2022

tips an

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MAGAZINE

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

INSIDE

Property Auto Crosswords Travel Mindset Films Trends Fitness

Amanda Rose.

WHAT (WESTERN SYDNEY) WOMEN WANT

Will this new government do better?  COMMENT | AMANDA ROSE NEW prime minister has been swept into power on the promise to do politics better, but what will Anthony Albanese deliver to the women of western Sydney? As we look to building our future, there must be acknowledgement of the ongoing challenges we continue to face. Subject to disproportionately harsh lockdown conditions during the height of the pandemic, western Sydney has suffered from massive job losses on top of its already lower-than-average salaries and higher-than-average unemployment. The challenges facing aspirational western Sydney women including its small businesswomen are stark. Women are being held back by a lack of investment and opportunities even as they battle rising inflation, a shortage of skilled workers and long existing barriers to entry into the workforce. Though western Sydney is the third largest economy in Australia, home to 44% of Sydney's population, it receives significantly less funding than other parts of the country. For instance, it received less than 1% of the federal budget for arts and culture in 2022. This is in spite of the fact that the region is poised to become an economic powerhouse in the next 30 years due to its vibrant manufacturing, logistics, construction, and healthcare sectors. Far from the stereotype of being an electorate that lacks ambition, western Sydney is growing and changing faster

than ever. Its population of 2.6 million which eclipses that of Brisbane is expected to surge to 4.9 million by 2054. Brimming with potential, western Sydney is close to reaching self-sufficiency with its own airport, critical services and infrastructure, and people with the desire and drive to build a prosperous life for themselves and their families. This entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in the industries and jobs that are the main preoccupations of western Sydney residents. ABS business data compiled by demographer Bernard Salt shows that there were 450,000 ABNs operating in western Sydney in 2020 compared with 125,000 in the rest of the city.

The skills shortages crisis impacts small businesses Due to the high concentration of small and medium enterprises, Salt referred to western Sydney as the “small business heartland of the Australian continent”. He suggests that the region has the makings to drive Australia’s post-Covid recovery led by exceptional growth in logistics, healthcare, and home improvement industries. The post-election courting of western Sydney is over for now, what remains to be seen is if the government truly understands this region and its unique needs. The seismic shifts that have changed the political landscape this election has brought some home truths to the major parties. It is essential they pay attention

to what local communities are saying and learn to prioritise the things that concern them most. Western Sydney generates 31% of Sydney’s $104B gross regional product (GRP), and women’s contributions make up a sizeable chunk of that. To keep on generating wealth for the region, female small business owners must be supported in their bid to return to post-COVID normal. A report by McKinsey suggests that this is no easy task. In the US many small businesses will take up to five years or more to fully recover, and some may not bounce back at all. The emerging issues afflicting small businesses include supply chain disruptions, price increases and dampened consumer spending. Though the patchwork of state and federal grants, loans and financial assistance is welcome, without a greater national plan to facilitate recovery, female small business owners will find it difficult to look to the future. The skills shortages crisis in particular disproportionately impacts small businesses, with 45% experiencing shortages in skills and staff. Increasing the availability of free education and upskilling for women would be a great start. Skilling up women in male-dominated industries (trades and STEM programs) is another common-sense step in getting western Sydney women job ready in a region where trade and manufacturing dominates. Further education of women in the areas of financial literacy and job readiness programs for long term unem-

ployed women increases opportunities for vulnerable women at risk of being left behind. Multilingual programs and programs targeted towards marginalised ethnic and socioeconomic groups are much needed and always well received. And since western Sydney has a lower high school completion rate compared with greater Sydney, creating more professional opportunities for high school aged girls is yet another important area of focus. No discussion of economic opportunities for women would be complete without touching on the pervasive issue of affordable and available childcare. Figures show that more than 100,000 women could not even search for employment due to lack of childcare and childcare “black spots” in western Sydney urgently need to be addressed. Another possibility for female small business owners could be group childcare arrangements at co-working hubs to minimise costs and give them the peace of mind they need to meet their full productive capacity. The PM said: “I want to bring people together and I want to change the way that politics is conducted in this country”. It’s a welcome change that will hopefully herald a positive and close working relationship with communities. Women have always been instrumental to the wellbeing of their communities. By putting their concerns and opinions first, the government can help secure a better future for all. Amanda Rose is Founding Director of Western Sydney Women. Visit: www.westernsydneywomen.com.au

Property Showcase

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

MARRIOTT COMMITS TO 200-KEY PROJECT

Aerotropolis lands first hotel $70M, 200-key Marriott-branded offering will be the first hotel to open in the Aerotropolis at the future Western Sydney International Nancy-Bird Walton Airport. Marriott International, Inc has signed an agreement with 1990 Developments Pty Ltd to open the Courtyard by Marriott Western Sydney Airport, expected to be complete in 2026 to coincide with the opening of the Airport in Badgerys Creek. It will be developed and owned by 1990 Developments Pty Ltd, which is controlled by the ASX-listed Maas Group Holdings and Gibb Group. The new-build will be designed Hassell Architects and feature an all-day dining restaurant, café and bar, fitness centre and 580 sqm of meeting and ballroom space. “We have been developing commercial, industrial and large format retail property for more than 12 years and are now very excited about being a new entrant to the hotel sector,” said Matt Gibb, Gibb Group managing director. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Marriott International on our first development and look forward to expanding our involvement with this market-leading company.” CBRE handled the operator selection process. The 11,200-hectare Aetropolis region is expected to become a major economic and industrial hub. Logistics company DHL has bought 24 hectares of land in the precinct for $140 million, with plans to develop four warehouses worth $180 million. The land was bought from Roberts Jones Pty Ltd, which acquired 344 hectares of land last year for $499M and is developing 240 hectares into an industrial and logistics estate. Developer contributions will fund up to $1.1B in infrastructure in the region, according to Minister for Planning Anthony Roberts. Marriott International operates more than 500 airport hotels across the globe. Courtyard by Marriott is its largest

Above: artist impression of the Aerotropolis city below, of the proposed Marriott project.

brand, with more than 1,200 properties around the world, three open hotels in Australia, and five more in the local pipeline. “Marriott International is placing an important focus on expanding our footprint in greater Sydney, where we currently operate five hotels. We look forward to continuing to grow our footprint in the Sydney region,” said Sean Hunt, area vice president, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific for Marriott International. Marriott International currently operates 39 hotels across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. In Melbourne, Marriott has launched its new AC by Marriott Southbank and Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands.

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ISSUE 20 | MARCH 2022

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MARCH 2022 | EDITION 130 APRIL 2021 Edition 120

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BUY NOW PAY LATER

BUSINESS SURVEY

CHARITY SUPPORT

How Aussies are taking to the new plan: 2

Why finding staff is the biggest concern: 5

Our favourite charities in two years of COVID: 10

POWERHOUSE Parramatta CEO Lisa Havilah is more interested in the flood of excitement over the controversial $920M project than any flood-waters that may lap at its riverside approach. After the recent devastating rains that saw Parramatta River break its banks between the ferry wharf and the site of the museum, Ms Havilah is adamant that the building and its exhibits will not be affected.

LINES

FULL STORY PAGE 10

Here’s how business traditions will change

RETAIL BOUNCES BACK -T HE ecommerce craze shows no signs of abating with a new generation of young entrepreneurs

swapping traditional jobs for selling everything Фf^ ÌÓ æ â î î±Ë æ ® þ Ì î® îÓó©® æî ÓÌ EÓÿ â î ±Å âæ ® þ â þ Å î® æÓÅóî±ÓÌæ Ì from pet food to high end clothing online. They â Óâ ¨Óâ w æî âÌ ^ą Ì ąФæ У â± Âæ Ì ËÓâî âФ æóßßÓâî Ë æóâ æ Ì ¨Óâ î® ±Ì óæîâą ÓóÌ are part of the revolution which has seen a large proâ î ±Å ±Ì óæîâąϻ óî î®±æ æ îÓâ ® æ ßâÓó Â î®±æ ą â Ì ąÓÌ Ϻ portion of Aussies continue to earn a living from home, relocate out of cities and take precautions to reduce ®±æîÓâą Ó¨ ÓóÌ ±Ì© Â ¨âÓË î® ® â æî Ó¨ î±Ë æϺ FULL STORY PAGE 5 their risk of viral infections. There will be some blurring between what we wear to bed or lounge around in at

TALE OF TWO POOLS SAS CHALLENGE A Parramatta Olympian THIS EDITION

INSIDE

Special S ttribute tto local b business w winners

AUTO: SsangYong's mid-life update: 30 BUSINESS: Retailers reveal solutions: 34 TRENDS: Is love passing you by?: 36

home de and what we wear out. The forecasts come from si in Davie Fogarty, Founder and CEO of Davie Group, the

fast-growing company behind brands The Oodie, Calming Blankets and Pupnaps. More page 20.

Westmead Hospital’s new clinical tower oepns: 2

New suburb named BradÀeld

Govy ofÀcially names high tech city at Aerotropolis: 6

Minister pushing for more women on Parramatta Council: 3

BEST GIFT SINCE THE OPERA HOUSE

BLURRED

World class health care

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ISSUE 9 | April 2021

Family business in COVID

How many leveraged patience capital during COVID: 12

How hope really works

Feature on the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal: 15

SALOVS: How hope really happens: 19

FTER a few hot summers rather than refurbish it. After a bit of for swimmers who æ óĖ îÿ Ì W ââ Ë îî ÓóÌ ±Å loved Parramatta and and the NSW Government on who w ÌîÿÓâî®þ±ÅÅ ßÓÓÅæ Ì æóđ â would pay for its replacement, an during their closures, relief is on the agreement was reached on funding way. Just a day apart, the refurbished for the state-of-the-art aquatic Wentworthville pool opened and centre. And in Wentworthville, a î® Ĝâæî æÓ ÿ æ îóâÌ ÓÌ î® concerted community campaign and ARRAMATTA’S four-time Olympian Melissa Wu has well and truly dived in the deep end as aParramatta contestant onAquatic the blockbuster SAS Show on Channel 7 andthe 7plus. spectacular theAustralia Cumberland Council, saved And the Olympic diver won’t diminutive stand in her way While as she Centre. Both communities havebe letting her beloved poolsize with an upgrade. takeswithout on a hot field of sporting andthe celebrity contestants the top rating program. After been a pool since 2017, Parramattainresidents wait two years all, she won four Commonwealth Games goldfor medals wasthey full ofare determination Parramatta Memorial Pool demolished theirand pool, welcome toin an peek of the 2022 season of SASdive Australia, which started on February 21 on toall-new makesneak way for Bankwest Stadium to Wenty. Channel 7 and 7plus. More page 6. and the previous Holroyd Council FULL STORY PAGE 6 wanting to close the tired Wenty pool

faces her toughest test

%ඔඉඋඓග඗ඟ1 Bඔඉඋඓග඗ඟN

ISSUE 12 MARCH 2022 LO|CA

NEW

TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

Issue 1 | April 2021

PROPERTY RTY UPDATEE

GAME TIME

MICHELLE ROWLAND

Inside the bank of mum and dad: 16

Blacktown FC is B ready to go: 31

How Afghan women typify our diversity: 18

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Youth Needs Our Support

VITAL youth service in Blacktown is set to close after missing out on important State Government funding. The Blacktown Youth Support Association’s Youth HQ program helps young people at risk - those who have

been in trouble with the law or those who may be headed that way. But the service was told at the end of last year by the Department of Communities and Justice that they had missed out on funding, in favour of more “targeted” youth

programs. A letter from the Minister for Families and Communities Gareth Ward suggested that the BYSA seeks funding from other government departments such as education and sport. FULL STORY 10

WELCOME to the Blacktown NEWS

Grant owes his life to mate Echo W ELCOME to Blacktown's NEW LOCAL media The News will be distributed across 110 strategic disAs one of the state’s fastest growing cities, Blacktown voice, The Blacktown News (BN). tribution points in the LGA. has undergone a signiĜcant transformation. The Blacktown News is the much-anticipated It's population is set to rise from 400,000 to 540,000 Published in digital and print editions the Blacktown Hews has amedia great reason to be inseparable And we all know the healing newRANT newspaper and digital brand that residents by 2036. power of an animal, a News ođers maximum impact other. for targeted advertising covers Blacktown local news written by experi-Echo The Blacktown News is the printThe and digital media opportunities and reach to Blacktown's popula- never fromLGA hiswith best mate and savior, the Maltese powerdiverse that should be underestimated. heartenced journalists. resource that connects residents and visitors to the city’s tion. Terrier. You see, Echo saved heoffell warming story in late December when Grant was The Blacktown News is Blacktown's ONLY printedGrant’s life diverse community, its progress, business opportunities Withwhen a mission championing community and begins newspaper and is independently managed and lifestyle. business the BN is a proud media partner of theCOVID-19 into a diabetic owned comaand and when Grant wasissues, admitted diagnosed with and other underlying health locally by a management team that has been working in We value your feedback. Go to www.greaterblackGreater Blacktown Chamber of Commerce, the Blacktown More: page 6. to Blacktown each issuesFC.at the hospital.townnews.com.au Blacktown for almosthospital, 20 years. the pair were lost without to share your story. Local Business Awards and Blacktown

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ISSUE 23 | June 2022

AutO

Modern, substantially larger Kombi gets ready to hit local showrooms  MATT BROGAN OLKSWAGEN’s commercial vehicle division and Jayco have teamed up to create the Crafter Kampervan, a modern and substantially larger take on the Kombi that VW Australia says will become the halo of its evolving van range. The model will sit above the Caddy California and Multivan California as the brand’s flagship recreational offering Down Under. Alongside a five-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty, the Crafter Kampervan will be available in three grades when it goes on sale this July: Kampervan, Kampervan Style and Kampervan All-Terrain, the latter replete with a suite of Seikel off-road equipment. Measuring in at a generous 6.8 metres in length and 2.0 metres in width, the Crafter Kampervan range offers not only ample living and sleeping quarters, but seating for four, sleeping for three, multiple dining and seating areas, freshand wastewater tanks, a full bathroom with shower and toilet, full kitchen with two-burner gas cooktop, microwave, fridge and sink, reverse cycle air-conditioning, and diesel heating and hot water. The 4Motion-equipped Crafter Kampervan range is further equipped with a TV and DVD system with internal and external speakers, lithium in-house battery with additional solar array, LED internal and external lighting, App Connect, a Wi-Fi extender, plus an external awning. Volkswagen says the Crafter Kampervan has been “extensively tested” at the Anglesea Proving Ground in Victoria, showcasing not only the Australian engineering at work inside the vehicle, but – without elaborating – the “testing

and tuning that makes it perfect for local conditions”. The Crafter Kampervan will be offered in seven paint colours, including four two-tone schemes. Volkswagen has yet to announce available driveline specifications or pricing of its all-wheel-drive Kampervan, but it is expected the variant will demand a premium over the current Crafter 4Motion flagship, which sells from $76,990 (plus on-road costs). Brand director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle, Ryan Davies, said

the partnership with Jayco combines the expertise of two leading brands and presents “another milestone in our brand's collaboration with Australian auto building. “Just as Walkinshaw took the Amarok to the next level, Jayco (as the leading brand in its field) is making the Crafter Kampervan the perfect choice for those who want to drive a brilliantly engineered vehicle – then live and sleep comfortably across endless Australian destinations,” said Mr Davies.

Jayco motorised division national sales manager, Bruce Astbury, said: "Jayco is proud to be associated with Volkswagen and the touring lifestyle that both brands embody. This is a partnership that will enhance the depth of the Volkswagen range and continue to support local employment at our stateof-the-art, 50-acre, Dandenong South facility.” Customers may register their interest in the Volkswagen Crafter Kampervan at volkswagen. com.au/en/models/crafter-kampervan

Crosswords/Games Solutions page 23

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Research rooms 5. North African expanse 11. Similar type 14. Nitrogenous waste 15. Readied 16. Date or age beginning 17. Driver's ___ 18. Blow to pieces 20. Bowler, but not golfer 21. Fox chaser? 22. Orbital extreme 23. Not so cordial 25. Tot tenders 26. They're twirled in parades 28. Rome septet 29. Take effect, in legalspeak 30. Island of entertainment 31. So ___ 34. Emulated Lady Godiva 35. Less firm, maybe 36. Add a kick to 37. Common tip jar bill 38. Moisten, poetically 39. Pulverize 40. Repaired a shoe 41. Moves unobtrusively 42. Worldly, not spiritual 45. "Haystacks" artist 46. Collar, for cops 47. Whim 48. Small handful 51. Call girl 53. Bridges of film 54. Tiny particle 55. Ducks 56. Caveat to a buyer 57. Lacking liquid 58. Colt's sound 59. Bank adjuncts

DOWN 1. Opulent 2. Grounds 3. Exalted happiness 4. Created a lap 5. Future ferns 6. Pergola 7. Saber handle 8. Bud in Burgundy 9. Shopkeeper 10. With skill 11. Celebrity's concern 12. Not as timely 13. A couple of big joints 19. Languishes 21. One of a trident trio 24. Compost heap discard 25. Connective tissue 26. Ball point pen inventor 27. In a moment 28. Was optimistic 30. Sweet or hard beverage 31. Most flawed 32. Cause of some scars 33. Lipstick hues 35. Family tree entry 36. Metal deposit 38. Prop up 39. Color for the tickled 40. Files litigation 41. Hurting the most 42. Flavorsome 43. Trial associate? 44. Close pal 45. Agrippina, to Nero 47. Form of pachisi 49. Injure badly 50. Cat in boots 52. Astaire specialty 53. Bucolic cry

TraveL

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

WORKING OFFICE ON THE ROAD

Joining the digital nomads  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

Top cities for digital nomads in Asia

e’ve all heard the term grey nomads, but a new group known as digital nomads has evolved as a result of the COVID pandemic By 2035 more than one billion people around the world are predicted to be living and working as digital nomads as advances in technology, remote working and workplace culture continue to grow. According to predictions, this global nomadic workforce, capable of plugging in anywhere in the world with a decent internet connection, will make up one in every three employees. There are already 35 million digital nomads worldwide, with the trend being driven by technology, growing demand for flexible workspace and the increasing adoption of hybrid work. I joined this growing movement in Australia recently, setting up my office in the annex of my caravan at Budgewoi Caravan Park. It is a fabulous way to work, but I have drawn up a list of essential ‘needs’ if you want to do it successfully.

Rank

What is a digital nomad? A digital nomad is a remote worker who travels and works simultaneously, visiting locations nationwide and worldwide, working from beaches, coffee shops and coworking spaces. Some digital nomads only travel for a few months and others do it for years. Research suggests that 80% of digital nomads prefer to stay in one location for three to nine months. Office advisory service Instant Offices has ranked almost 80 locations on affordability, weather, broadband speed and more to reveal the best places to be a digital nomad in 2022. Unsurprisingly, over half the cities analysed in the top 60 are in Asia. Cities like Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong offer captivating travel experiences, scenery and food alongside stellar connectivity, infrastructure and a manageable cost of living.

Bustling metropolises across Central, East, South, Southeast and Western Asia are perfect for digital nomads who want to explore some of the world’s most iconic business centres and enjoy a continent full of exciting travel opportunities and sights. Demand for flexible office space in places like Singapore and Hong Kong is high as more people look to new ways of using workspace, meaning you can easily find creative coworking spaces, meeting rooms and serviced offices to work from as you travel.

City,Country

Bangkok, Thailand

Seoul, South Korea

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Delhi, India

Hong Kong, China

Beijing, China

Jakarta,India

Kathmandu, Nepal

Shanghai, China

Singapore

Taipei, Taiwan

Istanbul, Turkey

Tokyo, Japan

Hanoi, Vietnam

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Osaka, Japan

Jerusalem, Israel

Kyoto, Japan

Manila, Philippines

Connectivity is also second to none. Singapore boasts the fastest average broadband speed in this ranking, at 256 Mbps, while Jakarta has more than 97,000 wi-fi hotspots across the city. Neighboring countries in Asia-Pacific also feature high on the list for digital nomads, with Australia and New Zealand both offering plenty of coworking space, delicious cuisine, travel opportunities and probably most appealing of all, unparalleled sunny weather.

Travel while you work Trends in commercial property reflect the general movement towards increased workplace flexibility. .As the role of the office changes and flexibility increases globally, more people will be able to travel and work virtually anywhere. Market forecasts show flexible workspace as a proportion of the total office market will grow from 5% to almost 13% by 2025

DAL’S TOP 10 TIPS • Good communications are vital at all times. Zoom for face-to-face meetings. • Make sure you have a portable wifi system. Caravan and accommodation wifi systems are notoriously bad. • A comfortable chair and a generous size foldup table if you are camping or caravanning. • If a laptop is not possible, use a portable keyboard with your phone screen. • Backup everything on a portable hard drive. • Download and backup photos from your phone and camera daily. • Extra batteries for your camera. • Small, portable printer is always useful. • Keep a handwritten diary of your trip and expenses. • Business cards for the journey – you never know when they will come in handy.

Crosswords/Games

Solutions page 29

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

TrendS

$20M FOR ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS

Driving a boast in electric cars P to 3500 electric vehicle (EV) chargers will be rolled out across regional NSW, with the NSW Government offering $20M in grants to establish Australia’s largest destination charging network. Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the co-funded grants, ranging from $2000 to $40,000 per site for EV chargers across regional NSW, would boost regional tourism and were part of a $171M investment in EV charging over the next four years. “EVs are growing in popularity and this will help ensure our regional areas have the charging stations needed to welcome EV-driving visitors,” Mr Kean said. The EV destination charging grants will be offered on a co-funded basis for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in regional areas, which can provide a top-up of up to 130km of range in an hour. A range of destinations across regional NSW can apply for the grants, including motels, wineries, cafes, restaurants, natural attractions, visitor information centres, museums and zoos. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said a series of EV tourist drives would also be developed across the state to promote EV travel across regional NSW, following the rollout of the EV chargers. “This will grow local economies and support small businesses in areas impacted by Covid, bushfires and floods,” Mr Farraway said. The NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy aims to increase EV sales to 52 per cent of all new car sales by 2030-31, and the vast majority by 2035. Funding under the strategy also includes a $131 million investment for ultra-fast charging infrastructure and a $20 million investment in EV charging in commuter car parks, creating a world class charging network across the state. The EV destination charging grants can be used for the purchase and installation of select electric vehicle (EV) chargers as well as software to tap into

the smart capabilities of each charger. This includes: • 75 per cent towards buying up to four alternating current (AC) destination chargers per site location. • 75 per cent towards charger installation (capped at $1000 per charger). • 50 per cent towards a two-year charger software subscription. Eligible destinations can apply for the grants online https://www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au/ reducing-emissions-nsw/electric-vehicles/ electric-vehicle-destination-charging-grants.

Electric car charging.

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

FitnesS

MAKING EXERCISING FUN

Motivation quick fix tips  ADAM SIMPSON HEN it comes to exercising or training it is only natural to not be super motivated 100% of the time. But the key to long term results is being super consistent and getting your workouts done when you really can’t be bothered. Here are some quick fix motivational hacks that you can use to make sure you get that work out in. • Get a workout buddy – Call or text a friend and book that workout in with them. You are much less likely to skip that workout, if it means you are going to let someone else down as well. 1. Do something fun – If you have a structured program and you just really don’t want to do it. Go off script and do some other activity for the day that gets you moving. 2. Prepare your gym gear – If you train early in the morning get your gym gear out the night before and lay it somewhere so it is all ready to go. You will feel silly the next day if you don’t go and train and you have to put your gym gear back in the cupboard.

3. Do not go home after work – After a long stressful day at work, it can be easy to skip the gym. Whatever you do, do not go home. Pack your gym clothes and go straight to the gym. If you go home and sit down, you are not getting back up. 4. Buy new workout gear – If you are in a bit of a rut, go and buy

some new workout gear that you are excited to wear. It may be the little motivational boost you need to get you back on track! 5. Buy some exercise tracking technology – Myzone Bands, Garmin Watches, Fit Bits are all great tools you can use to track your exercise levels and give

you that little bit of accountability you need to get your next work out in. Put on some music that fires you up – Music is a great tool that you can use to get yourself in a certain mood. Find a play list that gets you pumped up, crank up your sound system and get yourself to the gym. Short workouts – Don’t overcomplicate it, if you are just not in the mood for an hour of exercise. Just commit to a 10 to 15-minute sweat session and call it a day. Fitness Pro’s – Jump online and watch some of your favourite fitness pro’s ripping into their workouts for inspiration. Quit making excuses – Just go and do it, you will feel so much better when you are done!!

Next time you are lacking that motivation you need, give one of these hacks a go. If you have any hacks that I haven’t mentioned that you currently use, I would love to hear from you! Shoot me an email adam@repetitionspt.com.au Adam Simpson is lead trainer and founder at Repetitions Group fitness and Personal Training. Visit: www.repetitionspt.com.au

CommenT

with Geoff Lee MP

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

Woman can shape our future

EMBER for Parramatta Dr Geoff Lee is inviting women across the region to shape the direction and priorities of the next NSW Women’s Strategy, with public consultation opening today. The NSW Women’s Strategy provides a policy framework to help improve the lives of women by addressing the structural issues that affect gender equality. Dr Lee said it’s important that the Strategy reflects the priorities and experiences of a diverse range of women from metro and regional NSW. “Getting the next Strategy right relies on us understanding what is working well for women and what areas we need to focus on,” Dr Lee said. Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the more women we hear from, the better understanding we have of what we need to do to improve the lives of all women in our state, no matter their age, their background or their postcode.” “We’ve made incredible progress in improving economic opportunity for women in NSW since the last strategy was released four years ago, but there is still work to be done to improve women’s health and wellbeing and increase women’s participation in our communities,” Mrs Taylor said. The NSW Government’s Women’s Economic Opportunities Review announced in February 2022 complements the development of the new NSW Women’s Strategy. Public consultation is open to all women, and any individuals or organisations that work closely with women. Online public consultation is open from Tuesday, 24 May until 5pm Monday, June 20.

To read more about the strategy or share your input, visit the Have Your Say website: www.haveyoursay. nsw.gov.au/nsw-womens-strategy-consultation

GEOFF LEE Del ivering for 11 , 3

Geoff LEE MP

Member for Parramatta 02 9891 4722

parramatta@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Ground Floor, 96 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 Authorised by Geoff Lee MP, Ground Floor, 96 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

Read the digital edition of the Times 24/7 www.parramattatimes.com.au www.facebook.com/ParramattaTimes

Mental Health

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

THE MAGIC POWER OF GOALS

It’s real, I’ve experienced it  MINDSET | MARCUS WHEAN STRONGLY believe that goals have magic powers! Come on, magic powers, how so?, you might ask. I believe this because I have experienced it and when I truly understood and embraced goal-setting into my life, I have been able to not only better manage my own mental health but have been able to completely re-invent my life and experience myself and life as more fulfilled, happy and content. By having and working on meaningful goals you can not only feel like you’re surviving in life, but thriving! This is what I incorporate into my work with clients. First things first, though. We must firstly understand that we are all goal-directed. That is, we are setting and achieving goals albeit sub-consciously. Even when we are not actively working on goals or plans, like if we are avoiding such things, this is still a goal. These are avoidant goals. Many of us have and achieve avoidance goals all day every day. We might say we are not motivated, but to avoid things is still motivation. It is motivation to avoid. This pattern is obviously negative because it does not bring us the contentment and happiness we crave. It can bring immediate comfort

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“

If you’re unsure of what goals to set, ask yourself what you value. What YOU truly value.” but ultimately it is not serving our health and life well. Negative behavioural patterns like avoidance goals reinforce negative belief patterns. These patterns when left unaddressed can lead to or exacerbate unhelpful stress and can affect your mental health. A famous psychologist once said: “That which remains unconscious is our fate”. This is where the magic power of goals comes in. We must get conscious about our goals. We must think about a vision for ourselves and our life.

This vision sets the tone for the goals we set. Our vision and goals must be based on positive intent, EG: Hhow do you want to be, what do you want to achieve?’; and not on negative intent. EG:. ‘How you don’t want to be’. For instance, you could have a vision for how you want to be, or what you want to be doing, in say, the next 12 months. We must give this some time and thought because we must get consciouss and clear on how we want to be because the old negative mind will likely be there fuelling negative thoughts on how not to be. If we don’t get clear on the positive, the negative thoughts can lead to fear of failure, which leads to that negative motivation pattern all over again (our fate). When you’re clear on your vision, it’s time to brainstorm goals. I usually suggest around 2 or 3. Maybe there’s one personal, one professional and one material goal. If you’re unsure of what goals to set, ask yourself what you value. What YOU truly value. By values I mean things you really like to do; values that are yours that make you, you. These values require little motivation or inspiration to do, but they also should be challenging and rewarding. They should require some effort. Because it’s in the effort and process of

working on and achieving your goals, where the magic happens. When you have your 2-3 goals for the year, break those down into quarterly sub-goals, then monthly, then into weekly and daily plans. The weekly and daily plans require regular attention. We must make sure we’re staying accountable and on track. Get yourself a journal to write and review your plans weekly at least. This is great to build confidence and that sense of achievement. Giving our goals and the plans daily attention is akin to giving ourselves attention. If our goals are aligned with our values, and we value the things we are working on, then by implication we are valuing ourselves. Then as we progress and achieve our goals the reward is we not only value ourselves but feel great that we are actively working on ourselves and our life and no longer avoiding taking meaningful action in our life. It requires effort but it is, again, in the process of taking meaningful action where the magic power of goals lies and how we can not only survive but feel like we are thriving in life. Marcus Whelan is a Registered Psychologist and Mental Fitness Coachwith 10+ years’ experience in private practice. He holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in psychology and education. Visit: www.marcuswhelanpsychology.com.au

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ISSUE 23 | June 2022

Top Gun: Maverick – 5 Stars Pete Mitchell, callsign Maverick (Tom Cruise), has spent over 30 years as one of the Navy’s top aviators, doing exactly what he is best at–flying planes. ut it’s a new era, and the top brass ground Maverick when disobeys orders to test pilot a new high tech plane; that is, until his old friend Iceman (Val Kilmer) steps in, and selects him to go back to his old stomping ground of Top Gun. At the Naval Flight Academy, Maverick is tasked by Admiral Simpson (Jon Hamm) with a mission. An Iranian nuclear weapons base is on the verge of readiness, buried in a crater, surrounded by SAMs and fifth gen fighters. They have three weeks to destroy the base before the radioactive materials arrive, and the flight in and out is thought to be impossible. Maverick has to teach a new generation, one so reliant on technology, the skills he has learnt in a lifetime, in order to not just complete the mission, but survive it. In doing so, he will have to reckon with the mistakes, regrets and memories from his past, not least of which is his relationship with his old wingman Goose, whose son Rooster (Miles Teller) is in his class. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, Top Gun: Maverick is the sort of movie that they just don’t make anymore, and you can feel it right from the opening credits. As the Paramount logo fades, a beautiful grainy sunrise-over-the-ocean shot is punctured by the distinctly not modern font displaying Miles Teller’s name, and the dulcet, rockabilly tones of Kenny Loggins classic Highway To The Danger Zone plays, the heart pumps a little bit faster. It’s right here that you

realize you’re feeling something you haven’t felt in the cinema for years–genuine excitement. Thus commences the 2-hour 11 minute magnum opus that is Top Gun: Maverick. From a plot perspective, it’s a genuinely ingenious way to bring back the magic of the first, while modernizing it for the modern era (and Cruise’s advancing age). The dialogue is slick for the most part, with a bunch of classically cheesy one-liners thrown in for good measure, but always aware of itself. It’s also surprisingly affecting in its emotionality. Scenes with Kilmer, who famously had his vocal box removed due to cancer, bring a tear to the eye, and Kosinski isn’t tokenistic with his representation of the actor; instead using him to deliver one of

the best scenes in the movie. The cast across the board is uniformly excellent. The newcomers looking for a place in the squad are, due to numbers and by necessity, largely one-dimensional, but that’s ok. The harder edges from the first installment that may not play well in the modern era, like any overt bullying, are rounded off without losing the chemistry, zest and rivalry. Miles Teller, who strikingly resembles Anthony Edwards Goose from the first movie, is absolutely fantastic, re-cementing his status as one of the best young actors on the scene after a few years of missteps. Jennifer Connolly is also spectacular, bringing some real vintage vibes to the piece. Ultimately, this is the Tom Cruise show though, and it doesn’t disappoint.

This is Cruise on his A-Game, his best performance in years. There’s a joy that shines through in his performance; a little smirk constantly playing behind the eyes, that seems to say to the audience that he, too, feels what they feel; the joyous nostalgia of being back in this world. The simple pleasures of a time gone by, when all you needed was a cracking soundtrack, a couple of planes flying around, and a game of shirtless beach volleyball to have a hit movie, instead of the modern requirement for hundreds of millions of dollars of CGI. Cruise is the lifeblood of this film, and indeed in the resurrecting of this character, and the delivery of a film that literally has to be seen in cinemas, he is the lifeblood of the modern theatrical experience. Top Gun: Maverick is the sort of film that, when first discussed, seemed like a terrible idea. You’d have been forgiven for thinking that surely, there’s no way they can do anything but harm the legacy of the original. Which is why it’s such a joy that, after you leave the cinema, having witnessed heart, pathos, some incredible action sequences, and a whole heap of sunset-drenched 80’s nostalgia in bomber jackets, you find that they’ve absolutely succeeded. This is the perfect sequel; perhaps even better than the original.

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

Mothering Sunday – 3 Stars Beautifully shot, staged and acted, but ultimately unfulfilling period drama. ane Fairchild (Odessa Young) is a maid living in post-World War 1 England. She makes plans to secretly meet with the high-born Paul Sheringham (Josh O’Connor), whom she loves and has been having an affair with, for a romantic tryst before he leaves to marry another woman. Surrounded by the overwhelming sense of death, mourning and grief from the high-born families around her who have all lost children to the war, and interspersed with flashforwards to a future Jane who, successful in her writing, is in the midst of another loss, the film charts the final hours before a tragic accident; one that destroys the community Jane lives in, and both forces her and liberates her in the pursuit of writing. Mothering Sunday is a prime example of slow cinema. Fundamentally, the story charts pretty much a single afternoon, with admitted flashforwards and the occasional flashback interspersed amongst that afternoon. While it is definitely interesting and intriguing, and holds your interest, it would be a stretch to say that this piece captivates it. On the plus side, it is gorgeously shot and staged. The visuals in this film really

are incredible, and for the lovers of cinematography among us, it may be tough to resist a second visit to rewatch those elements alone, even if you didn’t care for the film as a whole. With gorgeous colours, beautifully shallow depth of field, and a penchant for focusing not on faces but on details (around lips, shoulders, hair and more), this really is stunning to look at. Be forewarned, however, this isn’t one to take the kids to nor a prickly mother-in-law;

our main duo are naked for probably 45% of the runtime, and they don’t shy away from anything. It is also a wonderfully acted film. Colin Firth and Olivia Coleman do wonders with small roles, completely swallowed by their pain and loss. The main duo are also extremely compelling, particularly Young, who has to play really three versions of the same character throughout; the naive young lover in flashbacks, the realist, desperate and last-ditch hopeful lover in the main timeline, and the cynical, but faintly hopeful and wistful one in the flashforwards. The scripting is also fairly admirable. The piece for most of the runtime works extremely well, and lines like Coleman’s biting remark to Young’s Jane, or Firth’s simple approval of her characters choice to move on, hit home and trust the audi-

ence to work with little wordage, and lots of performance. Where stems the issue then? Ultimately, Mothering Sunday feels empty, and that’s a problem. Sure, there are the occasional general missteps–chief among them a horrible reporters-at-the-door scene with a much much older Jane, which feels plucked from an entirely different film. But the issue with the film is more insidious than that. The whole thing feels bereft of weight, and import. It’s tough to pinpoint where exactly that happens. Perhaps the film is too slow cinema for its own good. Perhaps it is the arrangement of the scenes, or a characters lack of backstory. In the end, this is a story about the lingering effect of loss, and both its inhibiting effects and its catalysing ones. We’re looking at all of these characters feeling so much–so much pain, so much loss, so much grief–and yet we feel nothing. That’s why the film, despite being stunningly beautiful, is ultimately unsuccessful. Reviews by Jacob Richardson Creative Director | Film Focus www.filmfocusau.com

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

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BusinesS

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

Chamber welcomes new board HE Parramatta Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting held in May addressed the Board’s strengthening commitment during a period of recovery and growth as it welcomes 2022/2023 Board of Directors. Luke Magee was re-elected as the President of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce with the executive team including vice president: Roy Halabi and Rosa Bellissimo, Treasurer Eric Tjoeng as well as Schon G. Condon. An experienced leader in IT, Luke will continue his work in expanding the Chamber’s reach and influence with Parramatta in the midst of an economic and cultural boom. “It is a privilege to play a pivotal role in representing businesses as the city continues to transform and evolve,” said Luke Magee. The chamber farewells Alan Cadman OAM, David Hill, Dominic Nair, Charles Galayini and John Siciliano and thank them for their contribution. Alan Cadman will continue as a WSABE patron.

Lincoln Wu, Romina Bousimon, Yesh Mudaliar, Weaam Mageed, Schon G. Condon RFD, Evelyn Gardis, Rosa Bellissimo, Luke Magee, Maria Bellissimo-Magrin, Eric Tjoeng, Mike Yeo, Alison Cui, Roy Halabi, Raymond Raad (not present) and Anthony Mazza (not present).

New board members are Alison Cui from Hammond Nguyen Turnbull, Yesh Mudaliar from Holiday Inn, Mike Yeo from CHRG and Raymond Raad from PARC Advisory who all bring experience

and perspective in shaping Parramatta’s future. These appointments underscore a commitment to ongoing Board refreshment and a focus on enhancing the

skills and expertise represented on the Chamber Board. “We are pleased to welcome Alison, Yesh, Mike and Raymond who will bring diverse expertise and vast experience to the Board,” said Chamber General Manager Romina Bousimon. “With the Chamber’s Board of Directors continual community and stakeholder engagement the Chamber is determined to ensure that we rebound from an extremely challenging year to celebrate economic recovery. “ The Chamber will continue to use its signature regional events such as Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence (WSABE) and State of the City Address Parramatta to showcase business success and establish a platform for emerging business and professionals to receive the recognition they deserve as a lifeblood to our recovering national economy.

For further information, please visit www.parramattachamber.com.au

Buyers continue to pour into pubs ESTERN Sydney’s Pendle Inn has sold for circa $75 million, in one of the largest deals to land in the pubs sector’s barnstorming run that has now stretched to 18 months, while the sale of the Merewether Beach Hotel has set a new record for Newcastle. The Pendle Inn was one of Sydney's longest-owned hotels, with the sale representing the first time it had changed hands since it was built in the 1950s. It sits on a 7,564 sqm site opposite the Pendle Hill Train Station, 30 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD. Hotel facilities include public bar, bistro, gaming room with 30 gaming machine entitlements, a large drivethrough bottle shop, outdoor terraces and accommodation. JLL Hotels selling agents Ben McDonald and John Musca sold the property off-market. “It is particularly fulfilling when you can drive great results for respected and long-time industry stakeholders and in doing so, present such a wonderful opportunity for the incoming hotelier”, McDonald said. Meanwhile, hotelier Glenn Piper has acquired Newcastle’s multi-level

Merewether Beach Hotel, which sits on a 1,850 sqm corner site a stone’s throw away from the shoreline and boasting panoramic views of the ocean. Piper has partnered with a small syndicate of investors, many of whom are locals, on the purchase. “Merewether Beach Hotel is a truly magnificent property, with one of the best pub views in the country. It has been part of the community since the 1880s, so I feel humbled and excited by this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take it on,” Piper said. Piper recently transformed the Harbord Hotel in Freshwater. “Both pubs share a wonderful affinity with the surf–the salty sea air is part of their DNA. That’s exactly what we wanted to capture at Harbord and certainly what we’ll celebrate at Merewether,” Piper said. Piper has also recently taken on the leasehold of Q Station, which sits on 30 hectares on the headland on Sydney’s northern beaches. He will take “considerable time understanding the history of the area and consulting with key land, heritage and Indigenous stakeholders before making any changes to its operations”.

The Pendle Inn.

Last month former Sydney Lord Mayor Nelson Meers AO paid an Australia record figure of nearly $160 million for the Crossroads Hotel in Sydney’s south west, smashing the previous record of $104 million paid in late 2019 for Byron Bay’s Beach Hotel by MA Financial (then Moelis Australia) to John “Strop” Cornell. An estimated $2 billion in pub sales were recorded in 2021, while specialist agency HTL expects the carried mo-

mentum will see up to $1 billion worth of sales concluded in the June quarter alone. Recent sales have also seen Pub Invest complete its portfolio selldown, netting a total of $126.5 million after divesting the North Nowra Tavern and the Crown Hotel in Surry Hills. The run has also delivered a record regional transaction with Harvest Hotels picking up Wagga Wagga’s Victoria Hotel for $29 million.

Coleman Greig’s Warrick McLean resigns ARRAMATTA based Coleman Greig Lawyers has announced that its Board of directors has accepted the resignation of Mr Warrick McLean, CEO. The board has appointed Ms Andrea Galloway as acting CEO to be effective upon Mr McLean’s resignation. Ms Caroline Hutchinson will remain in her role as Chairperson of the board.

P Warrick McLean.

The Board will begin a search for a permanent CEO shortly. “I look forward to working closely with our Board of directors, executive team and all our employees to achieve Coleman Greig’s strategic goals. Since joining the Board in 2018 I have been acutely aware of all facets of the business and have huge confidence in Coleman Greig’s future.” said Ms Galloway.

Ms Hutchinson said: “The Board and shareholders are delighted to have Andrea step into the role as acting CEO. She is ideally suited to the acting CEO role.” Mr McLean said: “I want to thank everyone who helped make Coleman Greig Lawyers the leading law firm in Western Sydney. It’s been an honour to work with our shareholders,

Board, brilliant team and our external stakeholders over the past 16 years. “I realise that all corporate journeys must come to an end and wish Andrea and the team every success as they continue to evolve the business with that sense of infectious confidence that is unique to Coleman Greig Lawyers.”

Online

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

BIG SHAKEUP IN THE DOMAIN NAME WORLD

Secure your .AU name by September  BINH REY AND SASHA BUAC O date Australian companies have had the luxury of feeling secured that companies without an Australian presence or proof of company entity could not apply and certain types of domain names. These include: .com.au. .net.au and .org.au On March 24, the Australian Domain governing body, ‘.au Doman Administration’ (auDA), released new domain extension ‘.au’ and has given current owners of Australian domain names including ‘.com.au’, ‘net.au’ and ‘.org.au’ a period of six months to register interest to own the ‘.au’ domain name. This period is called the ‘Priority Allocation Period’ and ends on the September 24, 2022. Unlike existing rules to obtain Australian domain names, the applicant for the ‘.au’ is not required to show proof of having a registered a company name, trust name, business trading name or trademark which corresponds to the domain name to be eligible to own the address.

What does this mean for Australian business owners?

Priority Category 2: Names created after the cut-off date of February 4, 2018 What happens if two or more parties lodge interested in purchasing the ‘.au’ domain name?

• If you are a business and have current domains with ‘.com.au’ ‘.net.au’ you only have priority for six months to purchase and register the new address with just ‘.au’. • After six months (September 2022) anybody will be able to purchase the ‘.au’ domain names. • If you own both the ‘.com.au’ and the ‘.net.au’ you will not have any problems registering the “.au” name(s) provided you do so prior to the September 24,2022 cut-off date.

Easy tool to use, you just need to type in your domain name, you will be able to generate a report on the availability of the ‘.au’ and/or state the name of the party requesting a ‘priority hold’: https://www. auda.org.au/tools/priority-status-tool

Scenario

Rules for contested domain names If you only own one of either the ‘.com.au’ OR the ‘.net.au’ purchase of the ‘.au’ may be contested by the party that owns the alternative. Contention over domain names will be dealt with by auDA. On auDA’s website, they have stated the following criteria to determine which applicant would own the ‘.au’ name. Priority Category 1: Names created on or before the cut-off date of February 4, 2018

Minipanda.com.au is owned by Mini Panda Ice Cream and was registered prior to February 4, 2018 (priority category 1) Minipanda.net.au is owned by Mini Panda Day Care Centre and was registered after to February 4, 2018 (priority category 2) Minipand.org.au is owned by Mini Panda Not for Profit Charity and was registered after to February 4, 2018 (priority category 2) In this scenario, only Mini Panda Ice Cream had satisfied priority category 1, therefore will obtain the right to own the ‘minipanda.au’ domain name and the other two applicants will miss out.

Online Tool to check if your ‘.au’ domain name has been applied for priority allocation On the auDA website, this online tool will tell if you if another party has registered their interest for your ‘.au’ name.

What happens if you miss the deadline to claim priority of your .au domain name? Once the six months ‘Priority Allocation Period’ has expired, you will lose your priority right to any ‘.au’ domain. These will become publicly available for registration on a ’first-come-first-served’ basis. Remember, unlike the strict rules for ‘.com.au’, ‘net.au’ and ‘.org.au’, this domain extension is open to all to purchase after September 24, 2022. It is advisable that if you are a business owner, you should immediately contact your domain service provider, or contact co-author Sasha Buac from ‘Hosting Etc’ on 1300 256 512, authorised domain name service provider.

Brand protection: Trademark verses Domain names It is important to note that domain names are critical to have as part of

your marketing and online marketing strategy, however, please note that domain names do not provide the business owner any legal protection for the ownership of the brand name, whether it is the ‘word’ and/or ‘logo’. Likewise, a company name and trading name, also do not offer any legal protection under Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth) in Australia. Therefore, obtaining your ‘.au’ domain name is important before the September24 deadline, as it is an inexpensive method of prevent another party popping up using your brand name. If you value your brand, you must explore obtaining trademark protection for your business. In the meantime, ensure you secure your ‘.au’ domain name, as if you miss the deadline, the contested domain name process will not be pleasant and could be costly to your business. Cost for the ‘.au’ domains start from $20.95 to place a priority hold. Don’t delay. Binh Rey is Principal Trade Mark Attorney at Pointon Partners www.pointonpartners.com.au Sasha Buac is Managing Director at Hosting etc | Domain Name Service Provider

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