Parramatta Times - March 2023

PETER WYNN'S CITY LEGACY

Roxy owner outlines plans for the Ivy of the West

„ EXCLUSIVE BY DI BARTOK

DAVID Kingston remains as resolute in his plans to turn his iconic Roxy into a leading dining and entertainment hub as he was in 2022. He sees “the new Roxy” as one of the best five hotels in metropolitan Sydney and definitely the leading hotel in Parramatta. “It has a pivotal location, and will have multiple restaurants, bars and outdoor areas, and awesome heritage features,” Kingston told the Parramatta Times. Again, he has rejected any suggestion that the Roxy is up for sale, and certainly not to the NSW Government that has announced it would make moves to “acquire” the Roxy for conversion to a 1600-seat theatre, along the lines of the Enmore Theatre. More: page 6.

l

l

l

MOVING HOME OR OFFICE?

USE SYDNEY’S MOST TRUSTED REMOVALIST. VOTED NO. 1 FOR DEPENDABILITY & AFFORDABILITY!

RELOCATING YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS?

AAA City Removalist is renowned as Sydney’s most trustworthy company when it comes to moving homes or offices.

So aside from the advantages you get in terms of us understanding your needs, you’re also going to benefit from getting THE BEST PRICE!

We can organise free box hire and offer full or part packing/unpacking services.

In other words, we’re your ONE-STOP-SHOP when it comes to “removalist services!”

So if you’re moving soon, contact us to discuss how we can help!

Sydney, Country NSW and Interstate

1800 77 77 81

FREE BOXES

It’s our way of giving you that “extra” customer service that makes all the difference.

SECURE PACKING

Our packing material exceeds industry standards and is available in various sizes.

DISCONNECTION & RECONNECTION

We can organise your changeover & provide you with our expertise in disconnecting & reconnecting your utilities.

info@aaacityremovalist.com.au www.aaacityremovalist.com.au www.facebook.com/AAACityRemovalist/

Belinda’s inspiring success story

IT takes courage and determination to start your own business, especially under challenging circumstances, but Belinda Tupou’s success story is testament to her great resilience.

Belinda founded her successful Mind My Marketing concept in Parramatta nine years ago and kept it going while managing family responsibilities.

And to top it off, she named Winner of the Parramatta Local Business Awards 2022 for Outstanding Sole Operator.

Flash back nine years and it was a matter of survival when she started her business.

Her marriage had ended badly and she found herself in a predicament with her then 13yo and 2yo and not much else.

So Belinda had start from scratch. She had plenty of family support, but being the independent and stubborn person she is, she decided to try and find a way to work from home while her littlest child was still young.

Business, marketing, networking

and computers came natural to her, so she ‘put herself out there’.

Belinda was fortunate to have 11 years of corporate experience with franchising - and a Diploma in Business Administration and a Diploma in Business Marketing.

She was also fortunate to have studied certifications in business administration earlier and fortunate to have studied desktop publishing.

And she was fortunate to have worked on the side for other companies in the past and had taught herself Microsoft Frontpage in the mid-2000s. She taught herself how to publish websites using the old dial-up internet connection.

Belinda said she felt ‘incredibly lucky’.

“Clients came to me and in the nine years since I have not only been the marketing adviser, but also the website creator and manager, graphic designer, social media creator, client relationship manager, event planner or mentor.

“And along the way I have made close friendships with

many who are still with me.

“I am sometimes late to meetings and I am often tired, but will always take care of my client’s businesses, secrets, files and will always make time for a chat.

“Everyone in business needs someone to bounce ideas off or to have a heart-to-heart, now and then. It’s not easy. Life in general isn’t, so when I meet business owners who risk everything to make their dreams come true, or make life a little easier, I’m here and I know my stuff.”

Since founding her business, Belinda has completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. Four years ago, she decided to accept a part-time position as Marketing Manager for a company while continuing her studies. She is now near completion of her MBA.

So how does she feel after nine busy years? “I thank everyone who has supported me, refers clients to me, believes in me, trusts me with their projects and secrets and knows that I will drop everything to meet a deadline,” Belinda said.

Super gender gap persists

ACCORDING to Industry Super Australia's new analysis, women nearing retirement have nearly $50,000 less super than men and women of all ages have about a quarter less super than men.

The median super balance for women in their

early 60s is just $159,600, compared to $210,800 for men. The gender gap in super balances is widest in Western Australia, where women have 34% less super than men.

Combatting unpaid super by mandating payment on payday, paying super on Commonwealth

Town Centre Living

Live at the Park

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

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

• A variety of schools and future tertiary institutions

• Multiple pre-school and day-care centres

• Pedestrian-friendly streets, creating easy access to amenities

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

• An award-winning skate park and splash park which includes flying foxes, table tennis tables, basketball courts, a ninja warrior course and a parkour course

• Oran Park Library

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

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

• State-of-the-art Leisure Centre which houses a 50m indoor Olympic pool, gym, four basketball courts, sauna and more

• Jobs close to home within the Town Centre and nearby Western Sydney International Airport

Parental Leave Pay and increasing the Low-Income Superannuation Tax Offset are ways the government can improve equity in the system

One in five women in 2019-20 were affected by unpaid super, resulting in a loss of $1.3B in contributions.

• World class fiber optic networks with high-speed internet

• An integrated health hub for your wellbeing needs

• Good public transport with a current rotation of buses and a future train station

• A fresh new start in a masterplanned community

Don’t miss out on the opportunity of securing a lot close to the Town Centre.

Belinda Tupou.

www.parramattatimes.com.au

www.facebook.com/parramattatimes

www.linkedin/parramattatimes

ISSUE 35 March 2023

how to get The Times

The Parramatta Times is available throughout the Parramatta LGA at 80 strategic locations. To find a location near you visit our website.

Digital edition

Each edition of The Parramatta Times can be viewed and downloaded in digital format at our ISSUU platform: www.issuu/communitybroadcastnetwork

contacts

admin and General: info@parramattatimes.com.au

Editor: Michael Walls michael@accessnews.com.au

Newsroom

News Editor: Di Bartok dibartok@yahoo.com.au

Travel Editor: Dallas Sherringham dallas@accessnews.com.au

advertising sales

Julie Jackson julie@accessnews.com.au

Linda Miller linda@accessnews.com.au

administration

Rebecca Swaleh info@parramattatimes.com.au

Design and production Design2Pro, JuJu Graphics.

Peter Wynn’s city legacy

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

PETER Wynn is Parramatta Rugby League Royalty and loves to have a yarn about the game we all love, but it is his days playing country footy that is a favorite topic when he meets a fellow “bushy”.

Now there is a certain code amongst Bush footballers that the City folk don’t understand and it doesn’t matter whether you were a premiership winner

with Parramatta or Parkes, Tamworth or Tumbarumba, there is a story to be told and a few yarns to swap about playing the game in those far-flung places.

Peter, who recently moved his famous sports goods store ‘a few paces’ down Church St to make way for a new international hotel, grew up in the bush and fell in love with game after watching a Saturday arvo clash in the legendary Maher Cup competition with his father.

The fire and the frenzy mesmerized him straight up. It was in the days when bush footy was as tough and hard as city football before bureaucratic bungling and greed destroyed most of it.

His father worked on the railways so he and younger brother Graeme moved around a bit and ended up playing for Werris Creek in the under 18s. They both went on to play for Australia and NSW and both won premierships -Peter with Parramatta and Graeme with St George. Where did you play Dal?

Another famous “bushy” played with Peter in the representative weight divisions based around Tamworth – Steve Crawley who is now supreme boss at Fox Sports.

“I did all his tackling while he scored all the tries,” Steve quipped this week.

“Where did you play Dal?” Peter asked as we chatted on a Sunday afternoon recently after his first weekend of trading in the new store location.

I rattled off my less than spectacular ‘career’ in Group 11 and he was genuinely interested.

“I played up around Tamworth area when we lived in Werris Creek,” he recalled. Peter fondly being picked for NSW under 18s against Queensland and his coach just happened to be Jack Gibson who later coached him in the successful Parramatta sides of the early eighties.

Graeme went to Newcastle and Peter went to Thirroul and the rest is history.

Peter was getting towards the end of his glittering career including three

Eels premiership man of the match in an Origin and Australian Kangaroo tour selection, when he developed the idea of the sports store in downtown Para with his brother-in-law Mark Assef.

The store quickly took off and became ground zero for sports fans visiting Parramatta from all over the sporting universe. Peter has 50,000+ followers on his Facebook page and was quick to get involved with online sales.

But, I can’t help thinking in his quieter times Peter dreams of his bush days, when playing for the local footy team was the pinnace of sporting achievement.

Peter Wynn outside his Parramatta business.

Peter Wynn and Ray Warren.

OWNER HAS PLANS FOR RESTAURANT - DINING MECCA

The Roxy is NOT for sale

„

EXCLUSIVE BY DI BARTOK

DAVID Kingston remains as resolute in his plans to turn his iconic Roxy into a leading dining and entertainment hub as he was in 2022.

He sees “the new Roxy” as one of the best five hotels in metropolitan Sydney and definitely the leading hotel in Parramatta.

“It has a pivotal location, and will have multiple restaurants, bars and outdoor areas, and awesome heritage features,” Kingston told the Parramatta Times.

Again, he has rejected any suggestion that the Roxy is up for sale, and certainly not to the NSW Government that has announced it would make moves to “acquire” the Roxy for conversion to a 1600-seat theatre, along the lines of the Enmore Theatre.

Kingston claims no-one from Government has even spoken to him about the latest announcement.

Dubbing a few loud voices in the community and their push for government ownership of the Roxy as “based on some misconceptions”, Kingston says he has “well-developed plans” to turn the Roxy into “the Ivy of the West”, with five open-air restaurants with bars and entertainment and a cabaret-style theatre.

Continued on page 7

At

G ilroy

our refurbished units of fer comfor table seniors living with on-site communit y facilities, social event programs, and transpor t links with proximit y to Merr ylands and Parramat ta

These bright and air y apar tments are spacious and well-appointed, featuring generously propor tioned rooms, modern kitchens, ensuite bathrooms, plent y of built-in storage and access to the outdoors

For your comfor t 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

Artist impressions of a redeveloped Roxy.

“What I have planned is far better for the community than turning it into another Enmore, which is a one-dimensional theatre space,” Kingston said.

“I plan to turn the theatre part of the Roxy into a cabaret-style theatre, because that’s what people want - to eat while watching entertainment.

“We could have some great shows and music in the theatre, with the space adaptive for events and weddings.”

There also will be space for up to five restaurants, with large windows and doorways on the western side of the Roxy opening onto the planned Civic Link.

He can afford to wait

The southern side will have a new ground floor bar/ café and also a rooftop bar /café- these will open up to the entrance to the new Metro West line.

While plans are well-advanced, Kingston says work on the Metro West rail link has held up detailed planning.

But Kingston is a patient man and can afford to wait.

Kingston, who bought the 1930s art deco Roxy in 2002 through his K Capital

company, owns the Roxy mortgage-free.

Up until 2014, Kingston ran a successful pub and nightclub in the Roxy and is proud of winning a NSW Government Heritage award in his restoration of the interior and exterior.

“The Roxy pub and nightclub finished years ago- it is being replaced by a totally different new and stylish Roxy which meets the dramatic changes in Parramatta and community expectations over recent years,” Kingston said. “Parramatta has changed, with UWS, high rise

residential and offices bringing different people in.

“The day of the old-style pub, with its public bar, and limited dining options, are over,” he said.

“People like to have stylish dining with their drink and love to be outside.

“My plans will be like the Ivy in the Sydney CBD, sophisticated and multidimensional- something for everyone.”

In 2019, Kingston’s plan for a mixeduse tower at the rear of the theatre was rejected in the Land and Environment

Court, so it was back to the drawing board.

“I have owned this property for 20 years and l am committed to my planned upgrades,” he said.

Kingston expects to lodge DA plans for his “new Roxy” in the next four months.

However physical works on the major Roxy upgrade will need to synchronise with the Government’s major construction works on the Civic Link and Metro West.

ROXY ROAD

• The Roxy 69 George St.

• Built in 1930s as picture theatre.

• Run by Hoyts before Village bought it 1970s.

• Bought by K Capital 2002.

• Developed into hotel 2004.

• Closed July 2014.

• Plans for redevelopment rejected 2018.

• L&E Court ratifies decision June 2019.

• Owner rejects Government plans to acquire Roxy 2023.

• DA Plans lodged or “Ivy of West” 2023.

You’ll

$1,000*

G

From 11 March, Council will be hosting six free screenings of family-friendly films across the local area, plus roving entertainment, live music, garden games and food trucks.

“Families love our outdoor cinema series, so I’m proud that Council is once again able to deliver these fantastic free events for the community,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.

“While the weather is still warm, and our parks are in their prime, this is the perfect time to explore and enjoy our outdoor spaces after dark with some family-friendly entertainment.”

Giant screens will be set up across sites in Silverwater, North Parramatta, Winston Hills, Epping, Rydalmere and the refurbished Sturt Park in Telopea.

The family event at Telopea also includes an afternoon of free skate, basketball and art workshops, community stalls, live music and more.

Films that will be featured include Minions: The Rise of Gru, Secret Life Of Pets 2, Sing 2 and Clifford the Big Red Dog.

“Bring your children, friends and family and let's have some fun together!” Cr Davis said.

OUTDOOR CINEMA SERIES LISTING

SATURDAY 11 MARCH –

SILVERWATER PARK, SILVERWATER

5pm-10pm

Minions: Rise of Gru

FRIDAY 17 MARCH – BELMORE

RAB some popcorn, a picnic rug and enjoy blockbusters under the stars as the City of Parramatta’s outdoor cinema series kicks off this month.SILVERWATER RD JAMES RUSE DR CHURCH ST VICTORIA RD PENNANTHILLSRD VICTORIA RD SILVERWATER RD LANECOVE RD CUMBERLANDHWY GREAT WESTERN HWY VICTOR A RD WESTERN MOTORWAY PENNANT HILLS RD NORTH PARRAMATTA EPPING SILVERWATER RYDALMERE TELOPEA WINSTON HILLS OLD WINDSOR RD OLDWINDSORRD M2Motorway M2Motorway M2 Motorway JAMES RUSE DR 1 2 3 4 5 6 PARRAMATTA RIVER OUTDOOR CINEMA SERIES LOCATIONS 1 Winston Hills Caber Park 22 Clackmannan Rd, Winston Hills Saturday 18 March Sing 2 (PG) 2 North Parramatta Belmore Park 1A Pennant Hills Rd North Parramatta Friday 17 March Secret Life of Pets 2 (PG) 3 Telopea Sturt Park 12 Sturt St Telopea Saturday 25 March Minions: Rise of Gru (PG) 4 Rydalmere UpJohn Park 73 Kirby St Rydalmere Saturday 1 April Clifford the Big Red Dog (PG) 5 Silverwater Silverwater Park 2 Clyde St Silverwater Saturday 11 March Minions: Rise of Gru (PG) 6 Epping Boronia Park Boronia Ave Epping Friday 24 March Sing 2 (PG)

PARK, NORTH PARRAMATTA

5pm-10pm

Secret Life of Pets 2

SATURDAY 18 MARCH – CABER

PARK, WINSTON HILLS 5pm-10pm Sing 2

FRIDAY 24 MARCH –

BORONIA PARK, EPPING 5pm-10pm Sing 2

SATURDAY 25 MARCH – STURT

PARK, TELOPEA – FAMILY FUN DAY AND MOVIE NIGHT

12pm-10pm

Minions: Rise of Gru

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

The Hills office Community Hub Castle Towers Level 3, 6-14 Castle Street, Castle Hill, NSW 2154

SATURDAY 1 APRIL – UPJOHN

PARK, RYDALMERE

5pm-10pm

Clifford The Big Red Dog

Northern Region office Shop 3030

Businesses recruiting outside the box

vides women’s health well-being and services in the community.

Jai owns and operates Network Detailing and gets vehicles ready for sale at nearby dealerships.

Nearly a decade ago Jhan and Jai made the move to diversify their workforce by employing people with disability and discovered NOVA Employment had untapped talent they could utilise.

“NOVA has supplied us with staff who are well suited to the roles we need to fill,” said Jhan, whose organisation specialises in supporting domestic violence cases.

“The office can be very busy and we need staff and, NOVA’s always there for us,” adds Jhan, who has hired nine staff through NOVA in the past nine years.

JHAN Leach and Jai Shankar are successful local business employers.

Jhan is the Executive Officer of Blacktown Women’s & Girls’ Health Centre (BWGHC) a charity which pro-

BWGHC’s most recent employee from NOVA is Jenna, who works as an Admin Assistant, runs their Oz Harvest Food Drive on Fridays and assists with IT issues.

Network Detailing has also always had a flow of staff from NOVA to wash,

Building industry facing challenges

THE building and construction industry in Australia is facing challenges in meeting housing targets, according to the latest forecast released by Master Builders Australia.

The forecast shows that housing starts are below the 200,000 per annum needed between 2022 and 2025 and dips to its lowest over 2022-23 before rebounding in 2026-27.

The current environment is difficult for the industry, marked by rising interest rates, robust cost pressures, and labour shortages. Despite

these challenges, the total volume of construction activity grew modestly by 1.5% to $215.1B during 2021-22.

Detached housing and renovations are stable or steadily growing, but medium to high density remains hardest hit.

This segment is more sensitive to interest rate fluctuations and is still recovering from the absence of inward migration over the past three years. The challenge is to put downward pressure on building and construction costs to increase output.

Master Builders Australia

vacuum and polish the Volvos, Mercedes and other high-end cars, trucks and buses they service.

“We know the people we hire from NOVA want to learn, do a good job, they ask questions and, that’s a good

CEO Denita Wawn said that the current challenges relate to supply of housing, workforce shortages, bottlenecks in the market for key building materials and products, and increased costs from regulatory changes.

To address these pressures, Master Builders recommends responses around housing supply, the construction workforce, supply chain risk and cost pressures, simplifying regulatory settings, and providing taxation settings that support investment in housing and productivity.

start,” said Jai, who currently employs four workers with disability.

If you need staff, NOVA Employment may be reached via 1300 ABILITY ( 1300 224 5489 ) and novaemployment.com.au

Bedrooms not much for sleep

MODERN bedrooms are no longer just spaces for sleeping, according to a recent study by UNSW Sydney.

Researchers surveyed 304 Australian residents of different ages and genders and found that 40% used their bedroom as their living space, while 61% preferred to use it just for sleep.

The study revealed that the mean time spent in the sleep environment was 9.31 hours per day, with the mean hours spent sleeping at 7.12.

Younger participants spent more time in their bedrooms than any other age group and used the space for activities other than sleep, such as working or studying.

Watching TV was the most common activity in the sleep environment, followed by reading, studying or working, eating, and exercising.

The study's authors suggest that our domestic sleep spaces need to become more multifunctional to respond to growing spatial needs, and that renters should have more flexibility to customize their space beyond furnishings.

PCC delivers FREE art classes

DUNDAS Area Neighbourhood Centre (DANC) is offering FREE art classes for kids as an after-school program, in partnership with Parramatta Community College (PCC).

This collaboration is part of PCC's ongoing commitment to supporting community development and education because the college believes access to quality education and training is essential for all members of the community, and they are proud to be able to offer this opportunity to families and their children in the Dundas area.

"I want to help kids learn creative skills and an after-school art program can be a constructive and engaging activity for them, especially for families who may not have access to extracurricular activities for their kids", said Merven Virueda, marketing and programs manager for PCC.

The art classes will be conducted by

a skilled and experienced art trainer, Penny Choi from Ally Art Jam, who will teach children various art techniques in a series of after school art sessions at

the centre for children in primary school (ages 5 - 12).

All equipment will be provided. The classes will be held at the Dundas Area

Neighbourhood Centre, and all art supplies will be provided.

"The art classes will provide children with a safe and supportive environment to explore their creativity, develop their artistic skills, and build their confidence," said Kathryn Hammond, manager of DANC.

"We hope that this initiative will inspire children to pursue their passions and interests and help to foster a lifelong love of learning."

Classes are on Wednesday afternoons from 3.30pm-5pm on March 8th, 15th, 29th, and April 5th. Parents or guardians can register their children by emailing DANC on info@danc.org.au or calling them on 9684 4250.

PCC and DANC are excited to be partnering on this project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the children in the Parramatta LGA community.

Boorana with his boss at Network Detailing owner,Jai Shankar.

Jenna works as Admin Assistant BWGHC

Dundas Neighbourhood Centre enjoying art classes.

CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON PARRAMATTA RIVER Museum a business powerhouse

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

THE biggest public building project in NSW since the construction of the Opera House in the 1960s is taking shape on the banks of the Parramatta River.

The mighty Powerhouse Museum will be the biggest tourist drawcard in Western Sydney when it is completed next year. It will also be the biggest Museum in NSW, ranking alongside the world rated War Memorial in Canberra.

Now, the concrete slab has been poured and the first of 12,000 tonnes of steel has been installed in a major milestone for the construction on the site to be officially known as structural Powerhouse Parramatta.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Parramatta Powerhouse would become a Western Sydney landmark and the cultural institution the region had been crying out for.

“It took the long term economic plan of the NSW Government to transform an idea like the Powerhouse Parramatta from a thought bubble to a reality, that will be cherished by generations of Western Sydney residents,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This project isn’t just creating a world-class cultural institution but is also creating jobs, with more than $200min contracts awarded to NSW

businesses by construction partner Lendlease.”

Lendlease has set a target of 70% of the construction workforce to be Western Sydney locals.

In addition $75m in contracts from the project were awarded to local businesses.

Infrastructure Minister Rob Stokes said contractors like Azzurri Concrete were the foundation of this project, with the Wetherill Park business completing a 1000-cubic-metre concrete pour - the equivalent of 160 concrete trucks in one day.

The Museum will hold one of the most extraordinary collections in Australia including the arts, design, science and technology. It will bring two million visitors to Western Sydney each year.

State of the art collection

The state-of-the-art exhibition spaces will host international travelling exhibitions, bringing the very best of the world to Parramatta.

Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said Powerhouse Parramatta was the biggest investment in arts and culture since the Sydney Opera House and would

be the cultural icon Western Sydney deserved.

In an Australian-first all cranes on site are now powered by renewable diesel – directly contributing to a reduction in emissions and helping achieve greater sustainability outcomes without any impact on productivity.

Powerhouse Parramatta will be a six-star green star building with net zero operations from the day it opens, with the project on track for construction completion in late 2024.

Other Western Sydney Businesses engaged on the project to date include: Fredon Industries (electrical services)Silverwater, Planet Plumbing – Campsie, Ultrasafe Fire Protection – Smithfield West, Marr Contracting (cranes) – Sefton, Bestbar Reinforcement – Prestons.

Powerhouse Museum in progress.

More nurses join health

THIS year, more than 3,600 graduate nurses and midwives will start their careers in 130 public hospitals and health services in NSW.

This marks an 18% increase from last year and is the largest intake of any state or territory in Australia.

Premier Dominic Perrottet, along with Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor and Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, extended their warm welcome to the new nursing and midwifery recruits, who will start work across NSW public hospitals this month.

The new graduates have an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in the

NewS

Briefs

“Toxic treatment” of workforce

NEW research and polling released at a Union event at Revesby Workers Club revealed that attacks on the pay and conditions of essential workers during the past 12 years had left gaping holes in the workforce, leading to voter backlash in three key Sydney marginal seats.

According to UComms polling, an overwhelming majority of voters in Penrith, Parramatta and East Hills were concerned about the quality of public services in NSW due to pay rates for essential workers being pegged to less than half the rate of inflation.

Additionally, a strong majority of voters in all three seats believe electricity privatisation had contributed to increased power prices.

A separate report by Professor David Peetz showed that the public sector pay cap would leave essential workers worse off when adjusted for inflation during the next three years, leading to a surge in vacancies.

Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey said the “toxic treatment” of the workforce is crumbling essential services and that voters are ready to send a message to the Liberal Party in NSW.

New generation of smokers

state's healthcare system, which continues to adapt and innovate in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over a third of the record number of new graduates have chosen to work in rural and regional hospitals, demonstrating their commitment to serving their communities.

The large intake of graduate nurses and midwives this year is a significant boost for patients and communities throughout NSW, and the new recruits have the opportunity to make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of those they serve.

WHERE TO GET THE TIMES

Winston Hills Shopping Mall

Caroline Chilsholm Dr Shops

Parramatta LGA libraries

Toongabbie Bowling Club

Carlingford Bowling Club

Holiday Inn Parramatta

Mercure Parramatta

Lake Parramatta Shops

Northmead Sports Cub

Westmead Sub newagency

Westmead Health precinct

Parramatta KPMG Building

Parramatta Chamber Events

SOP Quest

SOP Novotel

Merrylands Bowling Club

Cumberland Council

The Fiddler Hotel

Granville RSL

Cumberland Council Library

Parramatta Council

Cafés in Parramatta LGA

THE Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has warned that funding of smoking harm research by Philip Morris International (PMI), the world's largest cigarette company, reflects Big Tobacco's attempt to gain a new generation of users.

PMI, the sole funder of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW), which claims its mission is to end smoking, contributed the vast majority of the FSFW's $166.2M income from 2019-21.

RACGP President, Dr Nicole Higgins, has previously called for a crackdown on nicotine vaping products, which are often marketed to young people and sidestep regulations.

She says that the FSFW is just a front for PMI's real business, nicotine addiction. The RACGP supports nicotine vaping with GP supervision but warns that the industry is already lobbying for unrestricted sales in Australia, which would lead to a new generation of young users struggling to stop.

Dr Higgins calls the FSFW research a continuation of Big Nicotine's fight against public health.

Best locations for immigration

A RECENT study commissioned by Immigration to Australia found surprising results on the best cities in Australia for international immigrants. The study surveyed 1002 Australian residents on eight factors of habitability to identify the best cities in Australia for immigrants.

While Sydney and Melbourne are world-famous cities, the study shows that they may not necessarily be the best location for the 195,000 permanent migrants moving to Australia this year.

Melbourne was voted the most welcoming city for immigrants, while both Sydney and Melbourne took equal first place as the best cities to start a business.

Sydney was ranked as the top city for well-paying jobs, while Melbourne was the top family-friendly city. Adelaide was voted as the best-value city, while Brisbane was voted as the best lifestyle and climate.

Hobart was voted as the safest city, and Darwin and Perth did not achieve first ranking in any key factor of habitability for immigrants.

The study results provide valuable insights for the Australian Government's permanent Migration Program, which is increasing its intake to 195,000 placements in the 2023 financial year.

Doctors’ morale damaged

THE Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has raised concerns over vexatious complaints against GPs, which it says are damaging the morale of doctors across Australia.

In a survey of 1290 GPs, 80% reported that they had experienced vexatious complaints. The number of complaints received by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has increased significantly, with Ahpra attributing the rise to an increase in patient complaints due to the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout.

The RACGP has called for greater action to protect hardworking GP, and for the complaints system to be used appropriately, highlighting the impact that vexatious complaints can have on doctors' mental health and patient care.

The Medical Board of Australia has introduced a triage process for frivolous complaints to reduce the impact on clinicians.

Looking

Sydney Hills Local Business Awards

Scan

CHOP Butcher y has the most exquisite selec tion of qualit y meats. Wether it’s for ever yday day meal, BBQs, family gatherings and special occasions we have something for ever yone’s taste buds and to suit all budgets

Unit 2/286-288 New Line Rd, Dural NSW 2158

Menu: enzoscucina.com.au

Phone: (02) 9651 3696

9651 3696

Reservation: enzoscucina.com.au

To all our beautiful loyal customers who have supported us we Thank You!

We have been nominated for the local business awards and would appreciate your support by taking a minute to scan the QR code and vote for us.

Enzo together with Sam & Renee Russo have come together to create an environment that is perfect for any special occasion in addition to your everyday dining. So, whether you want to pick up take away, organise your next function, or come in with the family, be sure to give the Dural team a call.

Enzo together with Sam & Renee Russo have come together to create an environment that is perfect for any special occasion in addition to your everyday dining. So, whether you want to pick up take away, organise your next function, or come in with the family, be sure to give the Dural team a call.

Please confirm the vote send to your email address for it to count.

Unit 2/286-288 New Line Rd, Dural NSW 2158

Menu: enzoscucina.com.au

Phone: (02) 9651 3696

Reservation: enzoscucina.com.au

Reservation: enzoscucina.com.au

Order: orderup.com.au, doordash.com

Order: orderup.com.au, doordash.com

Order: orderup.com.au, doordash.com

Scan the QR Code to vote for Enzo's to become a finalist in the Sydney/Hills Business Awards

Looking

CHOP Butcher y has the most

The Ritz Jewellers –Norwest Marketown

The

Jewellers

of fine jewellery. We create unique jewellery for every taste. The staff are friendly and help you have an enjoyable experience. Whether you want jewellery for a special occasion or just because, We can design Jewellery that is unique and exclusive.

Sydney Hills Local Business Awards

Chop has the finest quality

CHOP Butchery is committed to providing the finest quality meat and food products along with exceptional service both in-store and online.

Their mission is to offer access to delicious high-quality meat and products to everyone. They have a network of physical stores powered by their main distribution and production hub in Richmond NSW.

Chop Butchery's range has been put together with their valued customers in mind. Their meat has been ethically sourced and selected from reputable suppliers and they dry-age in-house, make their own sausages, pasta, beef patties and more.

They offer a selection of superior quality meats designed to cater to the most discerning consumers. David, the founder of Chop Butchery, opened the first butchery in Baulkham Hills, where he identified a lack of fine quality meats on offer to the locals.

Chop Butchery has since expanded to seven locations, including Belrose, Rouse Hill, Bateau Bay, Penrith Westfield, Nepean Village, Castle Towers and Winmalee.

Whether you are a food enthusiast, food professional, or an everyday family, Chop Butchery is the destination to elevate your food experience.

Warm welcome at Langland’s

AS you enter the premises of a very special business in Dural, you are greeted by a warm and inviting message: "Welcome to Langlands Landscape Supplies."

The customer learns that this business is a family-owned and operated entity, with a rich history of serving the community in Sydney's Northwest for over four decades.

The company prides itself on providing top-notch landscape materials to its customers in a timely fashion, with no compromise on quality. Whether one is

an avid gardener, professional landscaper, builder, in fact any trade, Langlands Landscape Supplies has all their garden and landscaping needs covered.

A vast array of landscape products awaits the customer, including garden mixes, soil conditioners, top dressings, vegie mixes, mulches, sands, gravels, decorative gravels, cements, steel edging and wheelbarrows.

The knowledgeable and experienced team is always on hand to provide guidance and advice on the best products to suit the customer's unique needs.

Perhaps most notable is the company's competitive pricing and unparalleled customer service, setting them apart from other retailers. The friendly and courteous team is highly skilled and understands the importance of meeting the customer's needs, regardless of how big or small their project may be.

In summary, Langlands Landscape Supplies Pty Ltd is a trusted and reliable source of top-quality landscape materials and plants, backed by decades of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Preparations made fresh daily

HONEST Inidan provides fresh food of the highest quality from its Bella Vista base, living up to the name honest.

Since humble beginnings as a family-run-street cart in 1975, the 'Honest' brand finally opened it's door in Sydney on March 28, 2021.

“We offer fresh food by using high quality vegetables and spices,” Owner Vikram said.

“All preparations are made from scratch daily, no frozen items are used in our Kitchen and we make sure no food colors and artificial flavorings are used in our recipes.”

He said the Honest brand had moved from generation to generation with just the ideology to understand the demand of the customer and relatively alter the products for a better customer satisfaction.

“We welcome all in our community to try our Vegetarian delicacies which include our signature dish Bhaji Paav and Tawa Pulav which Honest is famous for,” Vikram said.

“Honest Restaurant is all about simplicity, honesty, transparency, trust, faith and loyalty. We are dedicated to serving real, fresh, quality and Healthy food which is free from adulteration,” Vikram said.

“We hold our values to high standards for you to serve you and your loved ones healthy, quality, fresh food with good taste.”

123/14 Lexington Dr, Bella Vista. Phone: 0478 617 498

Atour is all about travel

ATRUSTED brand within the community since 1992, Atour Travel at Castle Hill is your one-stop shop for all things related to leisure and corporate travel.

At the helm is Atour’s Travel Service Director Roslyn Savio who recently celebrated 50 years in the industry.

A passionate and seasoned travelled herself, she understands the importance of delivering a well-researched and planned out holiday, that always offers the best value for money.

“We love our clients and offer them

exceptional advice on quality and value every time. We pride ourselves on repeat business and it shows, as we continue to see generations of customers returning to book their holidays with us,” Roslyn said.

And the team at Atour Travel are ready to create a seamless booking experience for your next holiday or corporate trip.

“We look forward to providing you with the best advice and peace of mind from the moment you enter their front door to the moment you return from your destination. Call, email or simply

pop in to discuss your next leisure or corporate trip with us,” Roslyn said.

Roslyn Savio started in the travel industry in 1970 and opened her first agency Atour Travel in 1992 at Cherrybrook Village Shopping Centre.

Winner of many high achiever awards from acclaimed tourism and travel companies Insight, Scenic, Globus, Tauck Tours as well as the recipient of various community awards, Roslyn has ridden the waves of a volatile industry demonstrating her tenacity and resilience and great business mind.

A strong female leader, Roslyn attests her 30-year business success to the support and strength of her team of consultants, some of them having worked for her for over 25 years.

Roslyn lives for travel and has travelled extensively from Antarctica and the North-West Passage to Europe, Russia, Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Africa and both North and South Americas. She has a wealth of knowledge in travel and accommodation across all seven continents.

You can’t beat experience like that!

Chop Buthery at Baulkham Hills.

Last year's awards in photos

WINNERS OF THE NSW NATIONAL PARKS PHOTO COMPETITION

More than 8,000 entries received

NOT often does a story start with mountain spas, marsupials and the milky way but photographs of these three wonders are some of the winners in the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s inaugural photo competition.

Describing the five winning entries as simply awe-inspiring, the Head of National Parks, Atticus Fleming, said more than 8,000 entries were received, an overwhelming response to the competition in its first year.

“The fact that we had so many entries representing hundreds of different species of plant and animal, and more than 250 national parks, just reinforces how much the community love our parks,” Mr Fleming said.

“We received entries from amateurs and professionals, and all showed us their appreciation for our protected areas and the native plants and animals that call them home.

“Due to the huge number and high calibre of entries in our most popular category, Landscapes and Vistas, we decided to award joint winners and both are so very deserving of the accolade,” Mr Fleming said.

The five winners were selected across four competition categories by a panel of talented guest judges, Chris Bath, Edwina Bartholomew, Rae Johnston and James Valentine.

“The winning photographs have a wow factor that inspires you to visit national parks. They give you a sense of the

beauty of the Australian bush and the vastness of nature,” Ms Bath said.

The winners will receive prizes valued up to $2,100 each for a holiday in one of the superb cabins and cottages in a NSW National Park.

To stay up to date with next year's competition, join the Naturescapes mailing list via the NPWS website.

Landscapes and Vistas

Joint Winners: Summer Solstice Sunrise at Wallagoot Gap, Bournda National Park by David Rogers AND Deep Space, Warrumbungle National Park by Ben Heaton

Highly commended: Balls Pyramid, Lord Howe Island by Ava Kirkby

Animals and Plants

Winner: Breakfast with Friends, Wollemi National Park by Allan Cronin

Highly commended: Hitchhiker, Willi Willi National Park by Anthony Murphy

Enjoying Nature

Winner: Love under the Milky Way, Yuraygir National Park by Lisa Russo

Highly commended: Ascending Crater Bluff, Warrumbungle National Park by Gavin Kellett

Remote Country

Winner: Mountain Spa, Mount Kaputar National Park by James Hastings

Above and below - some of the winning images.

Women’s Health: Embracing Equity

Armed with a mission to assist every woman to make informed decisions about their health, this year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity”. Ensuring women receive quality, timely health care has a ripple effect on their families and communities.

Heart-felt Action

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in Australia and across the world. Every day, 109 Australian women have an acute coronary event, such as a heart attack or stroke, and every year, 22,000 women die from cardiovascular disease (CD).

To change these statistics, it’s important to have regular heart health checks with your doctor. The earlier that heart disease is detected, the earlier that it can be treated and managed. In Western Sydney, the Cardiology in Community initiative provides access to GPs, specialists, pharmacists and health care tools, to deliver early interventions and cardiology management to support your needs.

Speak to your GP about a heart health check today.

Heart Health Tips for Women

Life-saving Scans Free Mammograms

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst women in Australia and more than one in seven women in NSW will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Despite this, half of women aged 50-74 are not having their recommended two-yearly mammograms.

Early detection and treatment significantly improves breast cancer survival rates. The most effective screening tool for detection is a mammogram. BreastScreen NSW offer free mammograms to women aged 40 years and over, particularly targeting women aged 50-74 years. A GP referral is not required. Visit wentwest.com.au/breast-cancer to find out more.

Cervical Screening

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and the best way to stay healthy is to have regular cervical screening tests as part of your women’s health checks. The five-yearly Cervical Screening Test is a simple procedure and free to all women.

Find out more at wentwest.com.au/cervical-screening

Navigating Motherhood

Becoming a mother is life-changing, and while it is a time of great joy, it also introduces new stressors and challenges. One in five mothers with children aged 24 months or less has been diagnosed with depression, and more than half were diagnosed during the perinatal period.

Getting help early is the key to developing a healthy bond between a parent and baby and moving towards a more enjoyable and fulfilling parenting experience.

WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, commissions St John of God’s Raphael Services, a perinatal program that includes psychiatryled therapy and support for parents from conception through to their baby’s second birthday. The program provides free counselling and support for parents and families through the emotional challenges of pregnancy and early parenthood. Their services are also available for parents going through prenatal testing and pregnancy loss.

Read more at wentwest.com.au/support-for-parents

Travel trends are changing

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

YOU will find Aussies battling up the slopes of Everest or trudging through sleet and snow in the Antarctic on any given day.

And you will hear our distinctive voices on a cable car in San Francisco, walking with elephants in Africa or standing on London’s Tower Bridge. Today’s travellers have a whole world of experiences to savor, with Tourism one of the world's largest and fastest-growing industries Its development is influenced by a wide range of factors.

Some of the key trends shaping the future of travel include:

Sustainability: As awareness of environmental and social issues grows, travelers are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of their travels on the world. They are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable practices. This is leading to a rise in eco-friendly and sustainable tourism, including options like eco-lodges, wildlife conservation and voluntourism.

Experiential travel: The trend of experiential travel is all about creating memorable, meaningful experiences that go beyond just sightseeing. Travelers are seeking out unique and authentic local experiences, such as cultural immersion, adventure activities and local cuisine. This trend is driving the popularity of "slow travel," which allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in the local culture and environment.

Technology: Technology continues to play an important role in the travel industry, with new tools and platforms being developed to make the travel expe-

rience easier, more convenient, and more personalised. This includes everything from online booking platforms, virtual and augmented reality, and AI-powered travel assistants. The rise of these technologies has also made it easier for travelers to research and plan their trips, as well as share their experiences with others.

Health and wellness: The trend of health and wellness tourism is growing

rapidly, as people become increasingly focused on living healthier, more balanced lives. This includes everything from spa and wellness retreats to adventure and fitness-focused vacations. Travelers are seeking out destinations that offer opportunities for physical activity, healthy eating, and stress-relief, as well as opportunities to connect with nature and unplug from the modern world.

Domestic travel: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many travelers are opting for domestic travel over international travel. This trend is expected to continue as people seek to avoid the uncertainty and potential risks of international travel. Domestic travel offers a safe and convenient alternative, with many countries offering a wealth of unique and

diverse travel experiences within their own borders.

Value for money: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many travelers are being more mindful of their spending and looking for ways to get the most value for their money. This has led to a rise in budget-friendly travel options, such as camping, road trips and self-catering accommodations. Additionally, travelers are seeking out destinations that offer a high quality of life at a lower cost of living, such as smaller cities and rural areas.

Safety and security: In the current climate, travelers are understandably concerned about their safety and security, both at home and abroad. This is leading to a rise in demand for travel options that prioritize safety and security, such as private tours and tours with small groups. Travelers are also looking for destinations that have strong health and safety protocols in place, such as mandatory COVID-19 testing and contact tracing.

Purpose-driven travel: More and more travelers are seeking out travel experiences that align with their personal values and beliefs, such as eco-friendly travel, voluntourism, and cultural exchange programs. This trend is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world and to connect with others on a deeper level.

Hyperlocalism: The trend of hyperlocalism is all about connecting with local communities and experiencing the unique culture and traditions of a particular place. This includes everything from homestays and local tours to community-based activities and events. Hyperlocalism is helping to support local economies and promote sustainable tourism practices.

Cocaine Bear - 3 Stars

AFTER all, this is a movie where a black bear snorts mountains of cocaine and eats a significant number of people. Nevertheless, Cocaine Bear is still a perfectly acceptable time in the theatre.

A drug lord drops tonnes of cocaine from an airplane above Blood Mountain, and dies in the process of parachuting to retrieve it.

The littered cocaine is found by a pair of kids skipping school to take pictures of the waterfall in the national park, but it has already been found by a black bear. The white powder makes the bear blood-crazed and vengeance fuelled, and it begins a steady rampage of killing, or grievously wounding, a series of park goers.

Directed by Elizabeth Banks, Cocaine Bear has an odd sort of emptiness about it. Sure, there are plenty of laughs, and a heap of gory, cocaine-fueled bear attacks, but the story around it and the characters populating that story feel so incredibly at odds with the actual conceit on display, that you get this sense of wondering emptiness.

The characters across the board are just strange cardboard cutouts. The plot for each of them - including a Fargo-esque park ranger, a Speilbergian single-mum family, ADONIS Ray Liotta starring drug side-plot - never really connects, or feels lived in the same way that the world of this cocaine bear does.

It’s frustrating, because there are a bunch of great actors on display here; the stories just never really gel together. When the film does succeed though, it succeeds in spades. Predominantly, this is when we are dealing with the bear gruesomely attacking the various people in his park. Banks has plenty of fun playing with horror and thriller tropes, with Jaws seemingly a large inspiration.

But as the film ratchets up, she also ratchets up the gore. Her pacing with the bear itself is incredibly on point and engaging. Plenty of laughs are to be had from that bloody mess, but also plenty of yelps of fear and excitement.

It’s a shame that her sure hand with the titular beast of this story doesn’t extend to its human counterparts. If it had done, we may have a bit of a cult classic

Creed III - 3 Stars

on our hands a la Snakes on a Plane. As it is, Cocaine Bear is a perfectly acceptable Sunday afternoon watch, but perhaps wait until it hits Netflix or Foxtel; there’s little staying power in this one.

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

Creed III doesn’t come close to touching the heights of the original Creed, or the first two Rocky movies, but it’s a perfectly entertaining film that hits hard on occasion.

ADONIS Creed (Michael B. Jordan) is happily retired off the back of multiple world heavyweight title fights. His wife, Bianca (Tessa Thompson) is settled into her role as a producer, rather than a performer, of music, and his daughter is happily settled at school. At least, that’s how it seems.

The reappearance of old friend Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors) into Creed’s life, after an extended stretch in prison, shakes things up. After Creed gives Damian a title shot, he discovers a different side to the man.

To stop a tyrant, Adonis will have to reckon with his own past, learn to talk about his feelings with his family, and ultimately beat the hell out of Diamond Dame Anderson.

Michael B. Jordan himself steps into the director’s chair here, and you can both feel his emotional connection to the material and the role he has played twice before now, and his unfettered and new director take on the material.

From a structural standpoint, the movie does at times feel overlong and

untethered. These films in this franchise follow a formulaic approach, but it hits consistently; initial intro, gets a shot at a big fight, loses, somehow gets another shot and has to find something in themselves to win.

Creed III is a bit odd in that Adonis never gets that middle section. He’s already a title winner, living a great life with his family.

Anderson reignites old trauma, but when Adonis goes up against him we haven’t really seen the two duke it out yet. It leads to a very off-balance picture, that in many areas doesn’t stack up.

That being said, Jordan’s directorial flair takes the fight scenes up a notch. He brings an anime sensibility to the brutal bouts that makes the punches hit harder, makes the energy more electric, and the

whole in-ring thing fresh and unexpected.

Jordan continues to do well in his work as Adonis, particularly in those emotionally intense scenes here. The unsteady hand he shows with some of the family parts of the movie, and some of the out-of-the-ring boxing content, is much surer when it comes to the poisoned friendship between Adonis and Damian.

Majors is fantastic as Damian. He is brutal, vulnerable and intense, and his performance is so incredibly different and diverse from his recent work as Kang in the MCU. He continues to solidify his presence as the soon to be greatest actor of his generation.

Ultimately, Creed III is a perfectly serviceable fight film, that hits the hardest when it takes its biggest swingsparticularly around the trauma between Adonis and Damian.

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

The drug-fueled mayhem on display here always seems remote, distant and not quite as chaotic as it should be.

Chery leaves ‘cheap and cheerful’ to rivals as $30K Omoda 5 opener excludes on-roads

„ PETER BARNWELL

RECENTLY relaunched Chinese car brand Chery has announced pricing of its initial, two-variant, Omoda 5 small SUV line-up with the base grade pitched at $29,900 plus on-road costs and the higher-spec Omoda 5 EX at $32,900 + ORC.

The company had indicated last month that it would launch on March 23, with drive-away pricing but is now describing the official Omoda 5 launch as in “the first half of 2023” and pricing is not drive-away.

At launch, both variants have a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), with a more powerful Omoda 5 EX+ 1.6 turbo and EX+ 1.6 turbo AWD using a seven-speed dual clutch auto scheduled to arrive in the second half of the year.

Battery electric versions are not due until the first half of 2024.

The Omoda 5 is up against a swag of sharply priced small SUVs including GWM’s Haval Jolion from $28,490 driveaway, Kia Seltos from $29,500 + ORC, Mazda CX30 from $30,290 + ORC, MG ZS from $22,990 drive-away, Mitsubishi ASX from $23,990 + ORC, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross from $31,490 + ORC, new Subaru Crosstrek from $34,990 + ORC, new Nissan Qashqai from $33,890 + ORC, Suzuki Vitara from $26,490 + ORC, Toyota C-HR from $31,715 + ORC and even the new Corolla Cross from $33,000 + ORC.

In a media statement, Chery’s factory-owned Australian outpost said the Omoda 5 range “will fulfil a brand promise to deliver style, substance and incredible value to Australian new-car buyers”.

Chery is one of China’s biggest automotive brands and, under its wholly OEM-owned reboot in Australia, will sell its vehicles through a 40-strong dealer network.

The company says the initial Omoda 5 line up is “feature-packed” and offers “market-leading value with a long list of premium features and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating”.

Entry level Omoda 5 variants arrive with “style, safety and technology features”, including a 115kW/230Nm

1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, CVT nine simulated stepped ratios, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, keyless entry with push-button and remote engine start, cabin pre-heating and pre-cooling, noise-re-

ducing windscreen with “silent” wipers, synthetic leather seats and dual-zone climate control with rear vents.

On top of that, the base variant has a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, one-touch power windows for all doors, ambient lighting (front of cabin), a twinscreen digital dash with 10.25-inch driver display plus 10.25-inch central infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless device charging, eight-speaker Sony stereo and “Hello Chery” voice control.

Seven airbags are standard

Stepping up to the EX gains red brake callipers and design flourishes, “Omoda” puddle lighting, ambient interior light-

ing (front and rear), heated front seats, heated steering wheel, power-adjust passenger seat, powered tailgate, powered sunroof and a 360-degree aroundview camera.

From a safety standpoint, both Omoda 5 models pack a full suite of high-tech safety systems, including lane change assist, lane departure warning and prevention, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward collision

warning, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, automatic emergency braking, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition with speed limit information and speed control assist, driver monitoring system and emergency lane keeping.

Seven airbags are standard, including front, side, curtain and a front-centre.

The Omoda 5’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine returns a claimed combined fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km and can run on the cheaper regular 91 RON fuel.

Chery has matched key small SUV players such as MG, Haval and Kia by backing the Omoda 5 with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty plus seven years of roadside assistance and seven years’ capped-price servicing.

The Chery Finance product – underwritten by Branded Financial Services –will be available for customers either on a self-serve basis online or at dealerships.

“Chery’s brand philosophy is to put its customers first, which is exactly what the Omoda 5’s pricing strategy aims to do,” said Chery Australia CEO Andy Zhang.

“We want as many people as possible to experience this feature-packed SUV, and we want to provide true value in the Australian new-car market.

“The Omoda 5 delivers on both counts, with its competitive pricing and a long list of premium features across two seriously well-equipped trim levels.”

More affordable entry point to petrol-electric GWM SUV range arrives from $36,990

„ MATT BROGAN

GWM has introduced a new entry point to its hybridised Haval Jolion SUV range in the form of the basegrade Lux, which hits dealerships priced from $36,900 drive-away, taking the number of variants now available within the range to six.

Powered by a familiar 1.5-litre petrol hybrid engine, the GWM Haval Jolion Lux delivers combined outputs of 139kW and 375Nm while returning a claimed combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 5.0 litres per 100km. CO2 emissions are posted at 122 grams per kilometre. The quoted figures are achieved using 91RON standard unleaded petrol.

The hybrid model’s electronically controlled DHT unit is said to provide the Jolion with “excellent acceleration and performance from low speeds with increased efficiency and power at higher speeds” to deliver a driving experience GWM says is “similar to that of a battery electric vehicle”.

Like many similar hybrid vehicles, the Jolion can operate in a variety of modes including EV, Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid and Regeneration, with the DHT unit adjusted to offer maximum efficiency across all speed and load conditions, regardless of the drive mode selected.

Like the petrol-powered Jolion Lux, the Hybrid variant features a strong equipment list but is differentiated by

the same grille treatment and wheels found on the Jolion Ultra Hybrid, as well as blue trim on the headlights and model-specific badging.

Standard safety equipment for the Jolion Hybrid includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and crossroads detection, Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection & Lane Change Assist, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).

New variants on their way

Paint choices for the model remain the same as the mid-grade Ultra Hybrid: Hamilton White, Golden Black, Glacier Blue, Smoke Grey, Azure Blue and Mars Red.

According to GWM Australia, first shipments of the new Jolion variant are already en route Down Under with stock available in showrooms nationally in the coming weeks.

All GWM Haval Jolion variants are backed by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with five-year roadside assistance and capped-price servicing bundle. The battery pack of the HEV duo is warranted for eight years.

GWM sold 8,217 examples of the Jolion (including petrol and petrol-electric variants) in the last calendar year, placing the vehicle in seventh position within the SUV Small under $40K category.

In 2022, the popular seg-

ment was topped by the MG ZS with 22,466 registrations ahead of the Mazda CX-30 (13,891 units), Mitsubishi ASX (12,753 units), Hyundai Kona (11,538 units), Subaru XV (9,090) and Kia Seltos (8,504).

The top 10 was rounded out by the Toyota C-HR (7,977 units) and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (5973 units).

2023 GWM Haval Jolion pricing*:

Premium (a) $28,490 -

Lux (a) $30,990 -

Ultra (a) $33,990 -

Lux Hybrid (a)....... $36,990 .... New variant

S (a) $36,990 -

Ultra Hybrid (a) $39,990 (-$1000) *National drive-away price.

Regards exercise, is walking enough?

„ THE CONVERSATION

WE all know we need to exercise to stay fit and strong, stave off disease and maintain a healthy weight.

Walking is the most popular physical activity undertaken by Australian adults. It’s free, easy, and can be done almost anywhere.

Walking leads to a remarkable reduction in the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, arthritis, depression, anxiety and insomnia, and premature death from all causes.

The health benefits of walking stem from the changes that occur in our body systems as a result of exercising. For some of these health conditions, fitness has been shown to be a particularly important factor for prevention.

The term fitness is quite often used to describe aerobic fitness, but having a high level of fitness actually refers to all components of health-related physical fitness which includes muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, body composition, and of course aerobic (or heart) fitness. So is walking enough in terms of the exercise we need?

Aerobic fitness

An analysis of studies on walking showed it improves aerobic fitnesswhich is technically the ability of the heart to get oxygen to our muscles and how effectively our muscles use that oxygen.

But to be effective, walking needs to be of at least moderate intensity, which means an intensity where you’re able to notice your breathing but can carry on a conversation without noticeable pauses between words. For many, this is a brisk walk.

Greater improvements in aerobic fitness can be achieved when walking at a vigorous intensity, where you can converse with a friend, but it will be interrupted with noticeable pauses between words to take a breath.

The good news is that you don’t need to walk at a vigorous intensity for health or aerobic fitness benefits.

Walking at a moderate intensity will increase your aerobic fitness and, more importantly, your endurance (the ability to carry out activities for longer with less fatigue).

This is because it allows your body to burn fat more efficiently, improves delivery and use of oxygen in the muscles, and improves mitochondria density and efficiency (these are producers of energy in our body), all leading to greater capacity to undertake tasks with less fatigue.

Walking briskly for 30 minutes five days per week can improve aerobic fitness. Each walking bout doesn’t need to be long though; walking for ten minutes three times per day is as beneficial as walking for 30 minutes in one go.

Strength

Walking is not a strength-based exercise, but if you haven’t exercised in a while, you’ll notice gains in leg strength as a result of regular walking.

Although benefits in strength are modest, research shows walking 30 minutes five days per week at a moderate intensity helps to prevent sarcopenia (age-related loss in muscle size and strength).

You can increase the demand on your lower body muscles, bones and tendons to keep them strong by introducing hills, choosing to take the stairs, walking on undulating terrain, or even carrying a comfortable backpack.

But maximum strength gains will come from introducing some form of body-weight or gym-based resistance training exercise.

Flexibility

Walking does not lead to significant gains in joint flexibility, but walking regularly does have positive effects on your joints. Weight-bearing exercise, including walking, increases lubrication and delivery of nutrition to your joints.

Research shows that walking regularly reduces pain and disability for adults suffering from knee arthritis; and moderate intensity exercise can protect against the development of joint degeneration.

Body weight

Moderate intensity walking can prevent weight gain and assist in maintaining a healthy weight in as little as 150 minutes per week. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 250 minutes or more exercise to lose a modest amount of weight, but the more you do, the more you’ll lose.

There are plenty of reasons to walk, we’ve been doing it since the dawn of time, well before the first gym opened. Walking is an organic, natural, gluten free, fat free, toxin free, meditative experience that delivers far more health benefits than most other decisions you’ll make today.

www.theconversation.com.au.

Authors: Megan Teychenne is Senior Lecturer, Physical Activity and Health, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University. Clint Miller is Lecturer, Clinical Exercise Physiology, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University.

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

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

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

EELS AIMING TO GO ONE BETTER

Some gains, some losses

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

PARRAMATTA Eels will be aiming to go one better in 2023 and win the coveted NRL Premiership which has eluded them since 1986.

And their fate may well lay in the hands of the 33yo British star Josh Hodgson who has transferred from the Canberra Raiders.

His direct, on the edge power game will be ideal for Parramatta’s big pack and players like Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Junior Paulo, Shaun Lane and Ryan Matterson.

Hodgson was rated the best hooker in the NRL after Cameron Smith retired, but a series of injuries have plagued him in the past couple of seasons in Canberra.

Hodgson began his senior club career with Hull F.C. after progressing through their Academy system, making his first team début in 2009. Due to limited first team opportunities, he joined Hull Kingston Rovers at the end of the 2009 season, where he established himself in the first team and went on to make over 100 appearances. At the end of the 2014 season, he moved to Canberra Raiders.

An England international, Hodgson made his senior international début in October 2014, and represented England at the Four Nations and 2017 World Cup.

Hodgson has suffered two career threatening Anterior Cruciate Ligament

injuries, in 2018 and 2020, on both knees.

But at his best, Hodgson could well give the Eels a new style of play that will bring them premiership success this year. The re-signing of the gifted Mitchell Moses was also critical to the Eels premiership aspirations.

No team wins a premiership without a champion halfback at the helm.

Now, finishing runners-up in the previous year is always a precarious position

for an NRL club and the Parramatta Eels can go one of two ways in 2023.

Players can be scarred by coming so near to winning the title and their performance falls away and they finish down the ladder the following year.

Or they can learn from the shattering experience, become mentally stronger and chase their dream even harder, according to NRL pundits.

The challenge for Brad Arthur and his team with significant changes from

last season is to do the latter and knock Penrith off their perch.

Gains include: Josh Hodgson (Raiders), J'maine Hopgood (Panthers), Jirah Momoisea (Knights), Jack Murchie (Warriors), Matt Doorey (Bulldogs), Daejeon Asi (Warriors).

Losses are: Marata Nikole (Warriors), Isaiah Papali (Wests Tigers), Oregon Kaufusi (Sharks), Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs), Ray Stone (Dolphins), Tom Opacic (Hull KR), Hayze Perham (Bulldogs).

The Eels in 2023.

• Logos

• Business cards

• Letterheads

• With Compliment Slips

• Presentation folders

• Marketing flyers

• Promotional cards

• Posters

• Pull Up Banners

• Infographics

• Brochures

• Catalogues

• Annual reports

• Newsletters

• Magazines

• Advertisements

• Social media tiles

• Web banners