Parramatta Times - January 2021 by Community Broadcast Network (CBN)

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Cancer survivor an inspiration to others

HEN Parramatta accountant, Bakous Makari thinks of children dying from cancer, and the struggle of their loved ones, he has little time to dwell on his own physical limitations. To someone who does not have the steeliness of Bakous, living with a prosthetic leg after a cancer-induced fullleg amputation would be an enormous hurdle. PAGE 6

ISSUE 6 | January 2020

THIS S EDI EDITION ITION TRAVEL

Travellers are left with a limited choice of places to go, but what a choice: 16

AUTO

New F-Pace SVR scores a power bump and styling upgrade from Jaguar: 25

HEALTH Elderly patients in Parramatta have been reluctant to take up e-scripts: 5

Support for local migrant tech start-ups: 3 Eels squad return for pre-season training: 4 Libraries attract online users in droves: 5

SCAMMER ALERT The many tricks of investment scammers TOO-GOOD-TO-BE-TRUE investment cold calls and buy and sell scammers preyed on migrants and indigenous consumers resulting in $13.7M being scammed in 2020. PAGE 12

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ISSUE 6 | January 2021

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ISSUE 6 | January 2021

Louise bids the Chamber good-bye After more than a decade she’s finding new ways to help people  DI BARTOK OUISE Zajac has spent the past 11 years mixing with the high-flyers of Parramatta business – now she is looking forward to mixing paints in Bunnings. After more than a decade as Parramatta Chamber of Commerce’s office manager, Louise has decided to call it a day, albeit with a heavy heart. “It was time to move on, to slow down, but I still want to work. As I like helping people, I think a job in Bunnings would be ideal – in the paint section, mixing colours for people,” Louise told the Times. It may sound completely different from the job that has been such a big part of her life, but, then, there are similarities. Being confident, organised and driven for a start. Over the years, the former school-teacher learned so much from each of the seven presidents she has worked with. “Each has taught me something different – how to stand up for myself in a (largely) man’s world, how to be organised, how to relax and laugh,” Louise said. “Working in the chamber has made me more confident and given me a love of mixing with people, but now I think it is time for new blood and for me to relax a bit.”

Louise Zajac: looking at new opportunities.

The chamber has become a powerful lobby group The 59-year- old wants to spend more time with her husband, travelling, and is considering a move up the Coast, now that her children have left home. “But I may still want to work a bit and have put my name down at Bunnings. That

way, I’ll still be around people, helping them,” she said. Her other relaxation is “reading, reading, reading”, mostly murder mysteries with the odd romance thrown in. Louise has certainly learned how to please people during her time at the Chamber. “When you’re arranging seating at the

Support for migrant tech start-ups HE Federal Government is supporting innovation in Parramatta by investing $250,000 in Western Sydney University’s (WSU) Start-up SydWest – Global Connections Accelerator project. The project will be based at WSU’s Technology Business Incubator, Launch Pad, located at Parramatta. Under the government’s Incubator Support Initiative, WSU will support first generation migrant and refugee tech start-ups with high growth potential to develop Western Sydney’s innovation ecosystem and create high-value jobs for the Western Sydney region. Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator Marise Payne, said Parramatta was the gateway to Western Sydney, the third largest economy in Australia. “As we come back from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Morrison Government is putting in place the appropriate local supports to secure jobs and drive economic activity,” Senator Payne said. “This program will leverage Parramatta’s unique strengths, taking great ideas and transforming them into sound business plans that can be scaled up in both Australian and overseas markets.” Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Western Sydney University, Don Wright, said the program taps into Launch Pad’s extensive skill base as an innovative hub for start-ups and high growth technology-based businesses “Western Sydney is home to a diverse, creative business community. This program will allow us to nurture start-ups in the region with a particular focus on supporting inno-

WSABE (Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence), you get to know where to seat people, who gets on with each other,” Louise said. With 300 members, the Chamber has a larger number of white-collar executives than small-time merchants who have little time to attend meetings. But the Chamber has become a powerful lobby group for businesses of all sizes in Parramatta, while still working closely with Parramatta Council and the federal and state governments. Louise started working for the Chamber while looking for a job that fitted in with her children. “The good thing was being able to be out watching the kids play sport while doing Chamber work on my laptop,” she said. While Louise is looking forward to slowing down after 40 years of working, she knows she will miss the many friends she has made at the Chamber. But, if any want to paint their walls, they’ll know where to go to get the right advice – as Louise is bound to be as good a mixer of paints as she has been with people. The Parramatta Times is a media partner of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce.

Festival grants for seniors SW organisations which help older people get active and connected have the chance to share in the $200,000 NSW Seniors Festival Grants Program. Acting Minister for Seniors and Member for Parramatta, Geoff Lee said grants of up to $10,000 will help local councils, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations engage seniors in COVID-safe programs and activities during the NSW Seniors Festival from April 13 – 21, 2021. “This last year has been really tough on NSW seniors and staying connected, active and social are pivotal to seniors’ wellbeing while remaining COVIDsafe,” Mr Lee said. The 2021 festival will have an added focus on accessibility, with organisers encouraged to add an online option. The grants program provides opportunities for all seniors to be part of the festival, including those from regional and remote areas, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal communities. The NSW Seniors Festival has been running for more than 63 years and is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere.

N Senator Marise Payne

Don Wright.

vation that aligns with Western Sydney’s key growth areas including health, education, Agri-business and advanced manufacturing,” said Mr Wright. The Launch Pad team will work with 20 start-ups over the course of 2021 to help them develop and scale their business solutions. Expressions of interest are now open for the SydWest Global Connections Tech Start-up accelerator program. Visit the Launch Pad website for more information. More information on the Incubator Support Initiative grant recipients is available at www.business.gov.au/incubator-recipients

Grant applications are open until February 4 2021: https://www. seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au/events/nsw-seniors-festival-grants

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ISSUE 6 | JANUARY 2021 Record for Australia Post over Christmas

How to get The Times The Parramatta Times is available throughout the Parramatta LGA at 110 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 Editorial: michael@parramattatimes.com.au Admin and General: info@parramattatimes.com.au Editor: Michael Walls michael@parramattatimes.com.au

AUSTRALIA Post has recorded its biggest month ever in its 211-year history, with more than 52 million parcels delivered during December, an almost 20 per cent increase on the previous year. The strong growth in online continued into December, with 19 days for the month where more than two million parcels were delivered across the country. During the month over 21 million customers were also served at Australia Post’s more than 4000 Post Offices, including regional and remote locations. Making use of up to 20 dedicated freighters and additional cargo space on limited domestic passenger flights, Australia Post uplifted over 7400 tonnes of airfreight, up 76 per cent when compared to the same month last year, including more than 490 tonnes on the busiest night.

Service NSW app downloads hit three million

Newsroom News Editor: Di Bartok dibartok@yahoo.com.au News Reporter: Lawrence Machado lawrencemachado@yahoo.com News Reporter: Elizabeth Frias elizfrias@gmail.com Travel Editor: Dallas Sherringham dallas@accessnews.com.au

CUSTOMERS have heeded advice and embraced the NSW Government’s Service NSW Mobile app for checking in safely

to venues, with more than three million app downloads already recorded. Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello welcomed the milestone and urged more customers to download the app and reap the rewards. 100,000 businesses have registered customers with the Service NSW QR code, and there have been about 32 million COVID safe check-ins through the app, with 94 per cent of customers giving it the thumbs up. Personal information obtained by businesses is held securely by the Government and only used by NSW Health in the event of an outbreak. It is destroyed after 28 days.

Parramatta’s Summer Nights event series postponed CITY of Parramatta Council is postponing its new ‘Summer Nights’ event series in response to the current COVID-19 situation. The inaugural outdoor event program, which features a range of live music performances, an open-air cinema and rooftop roller-skating, was scheduled to take place between January 7 and 26 at various venues across the city. The ‘Summer

Nights Live’ concerts on January 25 and 26 at Parramatta Park will also be postponed. Citizenship ceremonies scheduled for Australia Day will be conducted online. City of Parramatta Council will announce new dates for the event series in due course. People who have already purchased tickets to any of the ‘Summer Nights’ events will receive a full refund. For more information, visit discoverparramatta.com/summernights

Expansion for Parramatta West public school THE Department of Education is expanding Parramatta West Public School to increase its capacity from the 766 enrolled students in 2017 to a capacity of 966 students. As part of the school expansion works, it is proposed to install pedestrian facilities in Franklin Street at Railway Street, Parramatta. Council invites written submissions from residents, businesses and relevant authorities. Submissions must be provided to Council by Wednesday, January 30, 2021. Submissions can be sent to: traffic@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

Advertising sales Graham Maughan graham@accessnews.com.au Julie Jackson julie@accessnews.com.au

Administration Rebecca Swaleh info@parramattatimes.com.au

Eels squad return to 2021 pre-season training MOST of the Parramatta Eels squad has returned to 2021 pre-season training, ahead of the new NRL season kicking off in March. Representative players Clint Gutherson (pictured) and Reagan Campbell-Gillard were the latest players to return to the group after being selected in the NSW Blues squad. Junior Paulo and Nathan Brown are still to return to the paddock, having also making the cut for the NSW Blues. The Blue and

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Golds have been training in their newly sponsored Macron gear at Kellyville Park, and will also pull on newly designed jerseys this season. The Eels first pre-season game is against the St George Illawarra Dragons on February 18. The team will then line-up against the Penrith Panthers on February 27 at Panthers Stadium for their traditional pre-season battle of the west. The Eels NRL season kicks off on March 12 against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.

INDEX

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News .................................3 Geoff Lee ........................10 Law and Order ................11 Julie Owens ....................13 Health .............................15

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ISSUE 6 | January 2021

Libraries attracting users in droves More than one million turn to online reading services

Staff expanded to meet demand

summer reading programs, bestselling author talks, information sessions on HSC studies and taxation, tutoring local seniors on technology through free computer lessons as well as English language classes. The 1000 Books Before School program to prepare children for school and develop their literacy skills and Online Homework Help to support school and university students have rated highest number of clicks in the last year. The Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eight libraries are among the public libraries across the State that have benefitted from a boost in funding from the State Government in the 20192020 budget as well as in the $60M additional funding over four years from 2021 to 2023, which include grants of $24M for public libraries to improve their facilities and IT systems. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our libraries play an invaluable role in our community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not just as palaces to read and learn but as spaces to come together, share knowledge and discuss ideas,â&#x20AC;? said Mr Dwyer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is for this reason that Council is ensuring our libraries are meeting the needs of our growing community. By investing in our libraries, we are investing in our [cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s] future.â&#x20AC;? Since the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eight libraries reopened in June last year, Mr Dwyer said they prioritised the health and safety of its staff and members by operating with strict measures in line with Federal and State Government COVID-Safe guidelines.

The Council also expanded its staff of multi-lingual technology-savvy library technicians to assist in delivering its services to the community. The online services have been expanded with childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story time, book clubs,

To find out more about Parramatta Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online library services, click on https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/community/library. Library members can also reserve books over the phone on (02) 9806 5159.

ď Ž ELIZABETH FRIAS N astonishing one million avid library users clicked online to use the Parramatta cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s library services forced to close its doors for nearly six months while transitioning into a COVID-Safe facility. The eight libraries in Carlingford, Constitution Hill, Dundas, Epping, Ermington, Parramatta, and Wentworth Point introduced a 24-hour click-and-collect service that enabled residents to borrow classic and latest books, an array of music on CD, movies on DVD, and specialty magazines on various topics including lifestyle, DIY and home improvement. And surprisingly library users responded in huge numbers and clicked on the library website in droves particularly during the first phase of the lockdown. Parramatta city has over 250,000 residents as of 2019 and nearly 80,000 are members of the eight libraries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 87 per cent of these members are adults over 65 years old and five per cent young adults; 10 per cent are juniors enrolled at local schools while the rest are avid library users living in nursing homes and other care facilities registered on the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home delivery service. Residents have become familiar to using the Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online library services to browse a huge collection of genres of books for reading pleasure or for academic study, learn something new such as languages or hobbies, and to connect with other residents in the area through book clubs, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reading times and tech-savvy seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; computer classes for example. As the libraries closed last year due to COVID-19 restrictions and residents spent

Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer at the reopened Parramatta Council library.

more time at home working or studying remotely, the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s libraries operated â&#x20AC;&#x153;a little different for a while,â&#x20AC;? said Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer. During that first phase of the lockdown, Mr Dwyer said the Council innovated its online services and reached out to its residents urging them to find â&#x20AC;&#x153;the perfect excuse to read a good book whether by yourself or with your childrenâ&#x20AC;? and make use of the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extensive library services through online connection. Parramatta has one of the largest populations of multicultural residents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more than 100 ethnic backgrounds reside in the council area â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the libraries supplemented its inter-library collection of multilingual

materials, adding in 1000 new titles in 18 languages made available through the NSW State Library. The library catalogue now contains multicultural e-resources such as foreign language magazines for its Indian, Chinese, Italian, Korean and Vietnamese speaking locals and bulk of the items during the pandemic came from this sector.

Elderly patients slow to embrace e-scripts EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NSW HEALTH

ď Ž ELIZABETH FRIAS

Membership â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Local Health District and Specialty Network Boards

The NSW Government is inviting applications from people interested in becoming a member of a Local Health District or Specialty Network Board.

tions for acute or chronic illnesses while avoiding crowded premises. The traditional paper script is still widely used but if a patient agrees to go paperless and use e-script from their doctor, the script is created and sent to any of the 3000 pharmacies using it. The patient immediately receives a unique QR barcode and sent by SMS on their smartphone or by email that they show their pharmacists along with proof of valid personal identification. The QR code is unlocked and scanned through the pharmacistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secure electronic prescription delivery service. A patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family member or agent can collect the medicine for as long as they can show a verified copy of the QR barcode. However, patients must be aware QR codes cannot be re-sent if they lose their phone or accidentally deleted the coded SMS. To get it back, you will need to ask your doctor to cancel the lost electronic prescription and issue a new one.

The Boards are responsible for overseeing an effective governance and risk management framework for the district/network, setting strategic directions, ensuring high standards of professional and ethical conduct are maintained, involving providers and the community in decisions that affect them, monitoring VHUYLFH GHOLYHU\ DQG Ć&#x201C;QDQFLDO SHUIRUPDQFH DJDLQVW WDUJHWV DQG KROGLQJ WKH GLVWULFW network chief executive accountable for their performance. Individuals should demonstrate the capacity to represent the interest of consumers of health services and the local community served by a district/network, and LQGLFDWH DQ\ DIĆ&#x201C;OLDWLRQV ZLWK XQLYHUVLWLHV FOLQLFDO VFKRROV RU UHVHDUFK FHQWUHV DV ZHOO as skills and experience in one or more of the following areas: â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ Ĺ&#x2DC; â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

corporate governance; health management/health administration; EXVLQHVV Ć&#x201C;QDQFLDO PDQDJHPHQW SXEOLF DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ clinical practice/provision of health services to patients; expertise, knowledge or experience in relation to Aboriginal health; understanding of local community issues; understanding of or experience in primary health care.

Accepted applications will be included on the NSW Health Board Register for Local Health District and Specialty Network Boards. The Register will be used WR Ć&#x201C;OO YDFDQFLHV RQ /RFDO +HDOWK 'LVWULFW DQG 6SHFLDOW\ 1HWZRUN %RDUGV GXULQJ 2021 and 2022. To apply, individuals need to complete an expression of interest indicating their skills and experience relevant to the role by Sunday 28 February 2021. For information and to obtain an Expression of Interest form visit: health.nsw.gov.au/eoiboards. For further information please call 1800 328 998.

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LDERLY patients in Parramatta have been reluctant to take up e-scripts for their medications â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an option that was launched in May 2020. Electronic prescription or e-script are issued by doctors to patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; smartphones, to cut down on the need to visit GPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surgeries. About 400,000 e-scripts has been issued by doctors for their patients since May last year year, according to the Australian Digital Health Agency. But Parramatta pharmacist Lyly Tran said some elderly patients were struggling with the technology. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a challenge for seniors if they do not have a smartphone, are not confident to use it, or they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how it works,â&#x20AC;? said Ms Tran, proprietor of Entrada Pharmacy. Ms Tran said awareness on the benefits of using e-scripts must be initiated by local doctors because she believes the elderly â&#x20AC;&#x153;are concerned about privacy and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to use it because they do not know how to use technology.â&#x20AC;? Sydneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five million residents have been given access to e-scripts to protect them from COVID-19 infections, NSW Health said. The e-script was legislated for legal use by pharmacies should patients choose to use it during the Coronavirus pandemic so they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on prescribed medica-

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ISSUE 6 | January 2021

Bakous is an inspiration to others And he has little time to dwell on his own physical limitations  DI BARTOK HEN Bakous Makari thinks of children dying from cancer, and the struggle of their loved ones, he has little time to dwell on his own physical limitations. To someone who does not have the steeliness of Bakous, living with a prosthetic leg after a cancer-induced full-leg amputation would be an enormous hurdle. But, from the time Bakous decided to have the 10kg bionic full leg fitted rather than spend his days in a wheelchair, he was on his way to leading as “normal” a life as possible. “I wanted to walk like everyone else, not getting around on crutches or in a wheelchair,” Bakous said. The father of three children aged 12-17, who are all proud of their dad, Bakous knew the road ahead would be rocky but he has not regretted his decision, although there is a lot of pain in carrying around a heavy artificial leg that is secured by straps around his waist.

The choice was clear Bakous had faced two prospects when diagnosed with chondrosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that attacks the cartilage-producing cells - amputation or death within months. Of course, the choice was clear, but it was the choice made afterwards - a prosthetic leg or not - that showed Bakous’s determination to return to his life, as much as possible. “Most leg amputations are below the knee, but this was all the way from the hip

The many faces and achievements of Bakous Makari.

down and many people who have that type of amputation get around on crutches or a wheelchair,” Bakous said. With his cheery approachable nature, Bakous, an accountant running his own business, made a successful Parramatta councillor and deputy Lord Mayor during his 2012-2015 term. And it was during that time that Bakous became aware of the work done by the Children’s Medical Research Institute in Westmead. While deputy Lord Mayor, Bakous did a tour of Children’s Medical Research Institute and met Dr Luciano Dalla-Pozza, who is the head of Oncology at the Cancer Centre for Children at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. “Dr Dalla-Pozza stated during the visit, that the research is to save kids’ lives but also save losing a limb and I was amazed and very keen to help out.

“To think that one day children may not have to lose their limbs or their lives, I thought how incredible that was and felt a passionate drive to help. “I had met some of the kids suffering from cancer and I spoke at the Institute while a councillor,” Bakous said. “I like to inspire others to never give up hope.” That led Bakous to take up a six-week fitness challenge, competing against 40 able-bodied members at his gym. Not only did Bakous win the fitness challenge – all on one leg and without a prosthesis, but he has also smashed his original goal of $20,000, to raise $54,000, for cancer research at the CMRI. While the fitness challenge is over, the fundraiser is ongoing. You can still contribute to Kids with cancer fundraiser through https://myj4gfundraiser.raisely.com/bakous-makari

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ISSUE 6 | January 2021

CHURCH ST WE’RE OPEN Eat, drink and play at Parramatta’s foodie destination.

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ISSUE 6 | January 2021

Students get hands-on STEM skills IGH school students in Parramatta LGA will be invited to get hands-on opportunities to develop skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as part of the Federal Government's Maker Projects program. The not-for-profit Western Sydney Business Connection has received $97,000 under the program to deliver the Western Sydney STEM Careers Interactive Series project, an interactive CISRO program that will see students create replicate astrophysics equipment and develop coding for 3D modelling. Schools in the Parramatta and Cumberland LGAs will be invited to participate in the Term 1 2022 Virtual Expo. Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator Marise Payne, sad the project is an excellent opportunity for young Australians to expand their knowledge and spark their curiosity about STEM fields and careers. "STEM skills are the future – they're the passport to the jobs of the future in advanced manufacturing, defense, health and medical science and agri-business, that are being developed in Western Sydney, for Western Sydney," Senator Payne said. "This unique program will bring the opportunities associated with the Western International Airport and the Aerotropolis into the classroom, ensuring students familiarise themselves through practical workshops." Amanda Brisot, General Manager of the Western Sydney Business Centre said their Maker Project would help equip students with essential skills. "We're very excited to be delivering this educational program in schools across Western Sydney because we know that our region will be 'ground zero' for STEM-related careers," Ms Brisot said. "The generous support of the gov-

Amanda Brisot.

ernment will mean we are able to invite over 300 Western Sydney schools, including schools in the Parramatta region, to participate in the program which is being supported by CSIRO." The Maker Projects grants are part of the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Program and support STEM-related organisations and businesses to partner with other businesses, experts, schools and community organisations to deliver STEM initiatives. Twenty-one projects across Australia were successfully funded in the 2020 grants round.

Pop-up park at Wentworthville POP-UP park on Dunmore Street in Wentworthville has been installed by Cumberland City Council as an innovative way to bring the natural world to an urban environment. The pop-up park will be trialled until February 2021 and enables Council to pilot new ideas for streets as shared spaces that support healthier, safer and more resilient communities. The aim was to deliver

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an initiative that improves walkability along Dunmore Street and develop a space that can be enjoyed while mitigating the impacts of urban heat. The pop-up park supports the vision identified in Council’s Wentworthville Public Domain Plan 2020, to establish a new linear park that supports outdoor dining, shaded seating areas, lighting features and Water Sensitive Urban Design.

ISSUE 6 | January 2021

CommenT

with Geoff Lee MP

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

We are committed to ensuring a lasting legacy from hosting T20 World Cup matches in Sydney and the legacy fund continues to deliver great outcomes.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Geoff Lee.

ISSUE 6 | January 2021

Community cricket the funds winner for development OMMUNITY cricket clubs and facilities across NSW will receive a funding boost, with the announcement of 77 successful projects in the final round of NSW ICC T20 World Cup Cricket Legacy Fund. Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is committed to upgrading cricket facilities and boosting grassroots development. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As Aussies we love our cricket and this

is particularly true in regional NSW where a large social network often revolves around the local cricket club,â&#x20AC;? Mr Barilaro said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;T20 cricket has given new life to the game, keeping kids interested and attracting new fans. It is fantastic to see the final round of the T20 World Cup Cricket Legacy Fund deliver projects to regional communities, giving country towns the same quality facilities as those in the city and improving participation rates in the sport.

GEOFF LEE Del ivering for 11 , 3Â&#x2122;

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are committed to supporting cricket in regional NSW and I am pleased to announce Big Bash fans in Coffs Harbour and Albury will get to see their heroes in action with the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder locked in for fixtures in the 2020/21 season.â&#x20AC;?

Development of infrastructure Mr Lee said the funding will facilitate the development of infrastructure for community cricket clubs, as well as support female programs and resources across the State. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are committed to ensuring a lasting legacy from hosting T20 World Cup matches in Sydney and the legacy fund continues to deliver great outcomes,â&#x20AC;? Mr Lee said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s announcement of the successful recipients brings the total funding amount to $6M over the last three years, supporting over 200 projects that will continue to benefit community cricket across NSW for generations to come.â&#x20AC;? ICC T20 World Cup Acting Chief Executive Officer Michelle Enright said the projects will ensure there is a lasting legacy beyond the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tournaments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are delighted that the Legacy Fund continues to have a positive impact fostering cricket participation across NSW, especially for women and girls following the successful ICC Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s T20 World Cup,â&#x20AC;? Ms Enright said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Congratulations to all recipients and a big thank you to the NSW Government and Cricket NSW for their generous support. We look forward to continuing our work together for the postponed Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s T20 World Cup in 2022, which will be another fantastic opportunity to inspire cricket participation.â&#x20AC;? The ICC Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s T20 World Cup will be held in 2022, with seven matches proposed to be held in Sydney. Fixtures and ticketing details will be available in 2021. For more information visit: https://www.sport. nsw.gov.au/t20worldcupfund

Geoff LEE MP

Member for Parramatta 02 9891 4722

parramatta@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Ground Floor, 60 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 Authorised by Geoff Lee MP, Ground Floor, 60 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

NewS

ISSUE 6 | January 2021

Catholic students shine in HSC They are also sportswomen, artists, advocates for social justice and more ď Ž DI BARTOK UR Lady of Mercy College Parramatta is justifiably proud of how their girls fared in the HSC. OLMC Parramatta ranked 81 in the Sydney Morning Heraldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top 100 Schools List. School dux Josie Wehbe achieved an ATAR of 99.05 while 19 of her fellow students achieved an ATAR of 95.00, total of three with 99.00 or above. Another notable achievers at the school were Chloe Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Lima, 8th in the State in Studies of Religion II; Four students on the All-Rounders List; 65 Distinguished Achievers with 150 mentions on the Distinguished Achievers List; In 6 subjects, 100 pc of candidates achieved Band 5 or 6; Every HSC course was above the State Average; Four students were nominated for creative showcases including Encore (Music) Onstage (Drama). Principal (Acting) Marie Wood said the OLMC community congratulates the HSC Class of 2020 for their outstanding results. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their dedication, optimism and resilience, supported by their teachers and

families, enabled this success. This year, more than any other, the HSC class lived the motto â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;expanding beyond what we know we can beâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; through their unwavering commitment to each other and their pursuit of personal excellence. I have complete confidence in the Class of 2020â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity to make a difference in the world and we look forward to sharing their journey with them, as they move beyond College life,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Josie is planning to study Optometry at UNSW this year. Established in 1889, OLMC Parramatta is a leading independent Catholic girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; school which provides contemporary and innovative learning in the rich Mercy tradition. But students in other schools also did Catholic education proud, topping the State in their subjects.

More than academic success

Paula KahwajiIn, Cerdon College Merrylands, Drama

OLMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top HSC achiever Josie Wehbe with acting principal Marie Wood.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their HSC results reflect more than just their academic success. They are also sportswomen, artists, advocates for social justice, musicians, designers and speechmakers. They are sisters, daughters, friends and companions. They are young women of integrity, and their success is a result of their Mercy spirit.â&#x20AC;? A beaming Josie Wehbe said the teachers at OLMC and the students played a major role in her achieving such wonderful results. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The students here at OLMC are all like-minded â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we all have the same goals. We study together at lunchtime and are supportive of each other.â&#x20AC;?

Cerdon College Drama teacher Samantha Murphy said she was so proud of Paula. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing. She has worked so hard in what has been a difficult year. Her piece was incredibly powerful.â&#x20AC;? Paula said that what she found most challenging was preparing her performance piece, a monologue adaptation from George Bernard Shawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joan of Arc, during COVID-19 lockdown. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I would send videos of my rehearsals to my teacher who gave me fantastic feedback. I missed not being able to perform in front of people but eventually I got used to working this way.â&#x20AC;? Paula has been now been nominated to perform at â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;On Stageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, which recognises

the most outstanding HSC performances. Dean Jacobson Parramatta Marist High School Studies in Religion 1 Year 11 student Dean studied the course as part of an accelerated learning program, Dean was pleasantly surprised to come first in NSW after a really challenging exam paper. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was the favourite subject I did all year,â&#x20AC;? Dean said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think when you have a passion for something you will do well.â&#x20AC;? Dean was full of praise for his teacher Mrs Nicole Dennis saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;she was the best teacher I could have asked for for this subjectâ&#x20AC;?. Nicole is â&#x20AC;&#x153;over the moonâ&#x20AC;? about Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievement.

Boost night-time economy with grants program ARRAMATTA has taken the next step towards becoming a thriving 24-hour destination with City of Parramatta Council launching a grant program to increase its night-time offerings and help lead the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic recovery from COVID-19. The Night Time Economy Activation

coming a 24-hour city,â&#x20AC;? City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said. Projects that may be considered for grant funding include creative performances, trials of longer trading hours or new experiences, and pop-up events. They must adhere to public health orders and COVID restrictions.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available per application, with a total funding pool of $50,000.

Applications close at 5pm, Friday, February 22, 2021. For more information and to apply, visit cityofparramatta.co/night-grants

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Grants aim to encourage local businesses, groups, and individuals to develop and trial new and interesting products and concepts to boost the night-time sector in the CBD and surrounding areas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As Parramatta continues to grow and transform, it is crucial we also expand our night-time economy and move towards be-

NewS

ISSUE 6 | January 2021

Beware the scammer’s methods The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) has listed indicators of investment scams: • Call or email from a stockbroker offering amazing investment opportunities with high returns and low risk. In reality, this ‘stockbroker’ is unregistered and intends to steal your money. • An insider tip about a company about to take off and encouraged you to buy shares. It is simply a pyramid scheme designed to raise money through the investments of many people. • Invitations to an investment seminar with free advice, food and drinks. At the event, you’re persuaded to invest in high-risk strategies with hidden fees and undisclosed charges and to purchase expensive investment strategy books. The ACCC Little Black Book of Scams is now available in 10 languages and an Indigenous outreach program, Your Rights Mob, is on Facebook. More information on www. scamwatch.gov.au.

The many tricks of investment scammers Alarming increase in scams targeting migrants and indigenous consumers  ELIZABETH FRIAS OO-GOOD-TO-BE-TRUE investment cold calls and buy and sell scammers preyed on migrants and indigenous consumers resulting in $13.7M being scammed in 2020. That amount is part of the $61.8M total losses from fraudulent investment schemes while incidents involving this sector of Australian consumers, particularly those aged 20-30, are rising based on Scamwatch 2020 data. Investment fraud continuously surpass the list of scams, up to $66.4M losses, while buy and sell scammers netted $37.2M from 41,216 incidences, of which 33% of victims have not recovered money lost. These “convincing and sophisticated” investments and buying and selling scams are among criminal offences authorities are trying to disrupt and stop but identities of scammers are difficult to track because many are operating overseas, an Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC) spokesperson told the Parramatta Times. The Australian Federal Police and other agencies have forged an “international law enforcement cooperation” that recently resulted in multiple arrests of suspects in Australia and overseas involved in telephone and online scams, the spokesperson said. “[Our] role is to help Australians recognise and avoid scams. The ACCC recognises the impact of scams on all members of the community and is committed to ongoing education about scams,” the spokesperson said. “Scam prevention and awareness is a shared responsibility across government, community and private organisations and we work closely with these stakeholders to increase awareness.” According to the latest ACCC Targeting Scams Report released last June, 4.6 per cent who lost $5.3M from investment scams in 2019 are migrants speaking other languages and another 1.6 per cent identified as Indigenous.

“

Never believe if someone calls you and gives an unbelievable offer and if they ask for personal details like email, date of birth, and address, they are getting it to create fake identities.” – Sreeni Pillamarri. Sreeni Pillamarri.

Victoria Coster.

Scamwatch recorded 2,767 reports from Indigenous consumers, or 14 per cent increase on incidences from 2018 netting $2.1M in losses, but 30 per cent lower than what this sector lost in 2017 as people become more aware of the dangers. The fraud starts off with cold calls promising low-risk investments, Scamwatch said, and it is the “most financially harmful scams” that hit Chinese migrants, losing over $1M lured by high returns. According to IT engineer Sreeni Pillamarri, Director of SoftLabs Parramatta, scammers find it easy to steal a person’s private details online because people willingly “share their private information on social media platforms such as check-ins and food.” We’ve been giving away our mobile numbers “We’ve been giving away our mobile numbers while ordering food and we don’t know how far the chain goes,” Mr Pillamarri said.

“One has to be judicious while sharing information online or even sharing their personal details. “Never believe if someone calls you and gives an unbelievable offer and if they ask for personal details like email, date of birth, and address, they are getting it to create fake identities.” “If someone calls giving a discount in your electricity and gas bills, it’s probably a scamster, call your provider yourself for a better deal.” Scamwatch has listed common scams on social media such as ‘Facebook lottery,’ Loom’ pyramid scheme, and cryptocurrency scams with reports to the ACCC of $14.76M in losses between January and July 2019. Those who have been scammed do not realise it until they are applying for credit or making purchases, according to Credit Fix Solution Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Coster. Ms Coster’s Parramatta based firm

assist consumers mostly from Western Sydney and she revealed they have handled victims’ cases of fraud where “someone had used their identity to obtain finance” that blemished the client’s credit record. One of Ms Coster’s clients owned a medical practice and asked for assistance with a telecommunications default notice on an amount owing that was not his. “We got the credit provider to have it removed on the grounds of fraud,” Ms Coster said. “Once or twice a week we get enquiries from people saying their credit report has information on it that is not theirs, and in these cases, we launch a fraud enquiry on their behalf.” The popular “buy now and pay later” scheme should be a “concern” to consumers, according to Ms Coster. “They should be aware that every time they enquire for a loan, a mobile phone or energy plan, that the credit provider is going to place an enquiry on their report.”

ISSUE 6 | January 2021

CommenT

with Julie Owens MP

Why we need a federal corruption watchdog VER the past 16 years I’ve spent a lot of time chatting to people around Parramatta. In recent years I noticed a growing suspicion about the ways Governments make decisions. People don’t usually call this ‘corruption’, but they tell me they’re concerned that wealth, power, and sheer political self-interest is influencing the way that taxpayer money is spent. Whether true or not, that’s a worry. For democracy to work, people need to have faith that they can vote for a Government that will make decisions in their interests. This growing doubt is one of the reasons I believe we need a genuine national integrity commission – to provide transparent mechanisms to expose corruption where it exists and to reassure the community that corruption will not be tolerated. Both sides of politics have been promising to establish one since 2018 - and we’ve committed to introduce a transparent, independent and powerful integrity commission. Under some pressure, the Morrison Government finally released a draft bill for public comment this month. Unfortunately, the model they’ve put forward looks like a bit of a toothless tiger – the Integrity Commission you set up when you don’t want an Integrity Commission. The Government says its ‘Commonwealth Integrity Commission’ (CIC) will have more “more powers than a Royal Commission” to investigate federal enforcement agencies, the public sector and members of parliament. That’s true, so long as it’s investigating something – and there’s the problem.

Starting investigations It won’t be able to start its own investigations – or respond from complaints from the public or the public sector. It will have to wait for an invitation from the Government to investigate . . . itself. Even then, it won’t be allowed to hold public hearings. And it may be prevented from investigating past allegations of corruption against the Government. You don’t have to look far to find examples that point to the need for a strong federal corruption watchdog. Take the ‘Leppington Triangle’, where the Federal Government spent $30M to buy a parcel of land near the Western Sydney airport in 2018. A year later a valuation showed the land was worth just $3M. The Auditor-General has referred the possibly fraudulent sale to the Australian Federal Police for further investigation – but the Government is yet to act.

“

People don’t usually call this ‘corruption’, but they tell me they’re concerned that wealth, power, and sheer political selfinterest is influencing the way that taxpayer money is spent.” – Julie Owens

Another example that hits close to home is the Morrison Government handing out $100 million in grants to sports clubs in marginal electorates in the lead up to the last election – also known as ‘sports rorts’. A report from the Australian National Audit Office found that the then Minister for Sport, Bridget McKenzie, largely ignored the list of projects recommended for grant funding by Sports Australia. Parramatta Pool was one of the top 20 recommended projects that missed out, while in another grant program, the open and functioning North Sydney Pool was approved for a $10M upgrade from a fund meant to help women in rural and regional areas. Now Parramatta enduring its fourth summer without a pool. State anti-corruption bodies have existed for decades, and a body with powers to investigate cases like these – without waiting for an invitation from Government – is long overdue. We often hear politicians excuse themselves by saying ‘I didn’t break any rules’. But consider for a moment that politicians literally make the rules. And we should be held to a higher standard – not just because we are spending taxpayer money, but because we hold the reputation of democracy in our hands. It really is time for us to stand up and create a genuine national integrity commission that can hold the rule makers to account and work in the interests of the people we represent. Julie Owens is Federal Member for Parramatta.

Julie Owens Bulletin Stay COVID safe NSW Health is urging people in Western Sydney to get tested for COVID-19 immediately if they feel unwell – even if they have mild symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat. Scan the QR code to search for case locations and testing clinics near you. You’ll also ﬁnd information about COVID symptoms and COVID safe rules.

Request a kit I’ve put together a ‘youth kit’ that covers education, employment, ﬁnances, and health and wellbeing to help young people (school leavers - 25) plan for the future. I’ve also updated my ‘seniors kit’ with information about coronavirus and local services that can help seniors get through this difficult time. If you’d like a copy of either kit for yourself or a loved one, please phone my office on 9689 1455.

Pensioners and Senior s INFORMATI ON KIT

This kit is

provided with

the compl

Julie Owens

iments of:

YOUR LOCA L FEDERAL MEMBER FOR Address: 1/25 PARRAMATTA Smith Street , Parramatta Mail: PO Box NSW 2150 395, Parram atta NSW Tel: (02) 9689 2124 1455 Email: julie.o wens.mp@ap h.gov.au Web: www.j ulieowens.co m.au @JulieOwen sMP JulieOwensM P

Every eﬀort

has been made to ensure the accuracy of Payment rates the information in this guide provided. are current from May 2020.

JP services on Tuesdays Coronavirus office closures have caused a shortage of JP services in Parramatta. My office is organising COVID safe JP services at Club Parramatta on Tuesdays between 10:30am and 1:30pm. Bookings are essential – please call us on 9689 1455 to make an appointment. Scan the QR code for a list of other JP services currently available in Parramatta on my website. Demand is pretty high, so if you’re a local JP who can help, please contact my office on 9689 1455.

Sign up for my bulletins I share useful information like this in three regular email bulletins – one for small businesses, one for community groups and a general bulletin for locals. Scan the QR code to sign up – you can unsubscribe at any time.

Julie Owens MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PARRAMATTA If I can be of any help please phone me on 9689 1455 or write to 1/25 Smith St, Parramatta NSW 2150 or email julie.owens.mp@aph.gov.au www.julieowens.com.au julie.owens.mp

Artist impression of Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

Authorised by Julie Owens MP, Australian Labor Party, 1/25 Smith Street, Parramatta.

MajoR ProjectS

ISSUE 6 | January 2021

Above: Artist impressions of the exhibition space and below artist impression of the completed project.

Powerhouse Parramatta builders shortlisted OWERHOUSE Parramatta is one step closer after the NSW Government has shortlisted three contractors to deliver a world-class museum in the geographical heart of Sydney. Delivering more than 4,000 jobs during and after construction, this nationally important cultural infrastructure project will deliver Western Sydney its richly deserved first-ever major cultural institution, a project that will have generational impact on the lives of young people across the region. The following applicants have been shortlisted to build the Powerhouse Parramatta:

• Lendlease • Multiplex • Richard Crookes Constructions

Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said after a strong response to the call for Expressions of Interest shortlisting delivery partners was a major milestone. “We were very pleased at the number of outstanding builders wanting to deliver this project and it was hard to narrow the list to three,” Mr Harwin said. “Projects of national significance like the Powerhouse Parramatta come along once in a lifetime and it’s so exciting for the people of Greater Sydney to be delivering this incredible cultural institution here in Parramatta.” “At over 18,000 square metres of exhibition and public space to house the museum’s collection of over half a million objects, the Powerhouse Parramatta will without doubt become a Museum of international significance,” said Mr Harwin. Member for Parramatta and Minister for Skills, Geoff Lee said the project brings much needed employment to the region. “Not only will the Museum deliver more than 4,000 jobs, but we are also targeting one apprentice for every four tradespersons during construction – critical investment in our young workforce during a very challenging time in Western Sydney,” Dr Lee said. “This summer I encourage the people of Parramatta and Western Sydney to come to Parramatta Square and learn more about the incredible benefits this world-class project will deliver to our communities in Greater Sydney”. City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer attended Parramatta Square today to offer his support for the new Museum: “Powerhouse Parramatta is going to be a game-changer for Western Sydney and it’s exciting to see this once-in-a-lifetime project a step closer to reality,” Cr Dwyer said. For more information on the Powerhouse Parramatta community space opening times visit: https://maas.museum/event/parramatta-square

ISSUE 6 | January 2021

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CookinG

Spirit of authentic Italian street food TALIAN Street Kitchen (ISK) has brought the spirit of authentic Italian street food to Bella Vista. ISK offers more than just food, it shares with you the atmosphere of the streets of Italy, where eating is a fun and transient affair during the day and into the evening. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place to gather with friends and family over simple, fresh dishes that burst with Italian history, flavour and culture. The Isabella inspiration is symbolic of a young entrepreneurial Italian whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travelled throughout Italy exploring different dishes, regional influences and styles to create a dynamic streets style menu. Brought to you by the Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group, Italian Street Kitchen offers an experience of Italian street food culture that pays homage to a range of re-translated traditional dishes from various regions of Italy.

It is set inside an open, dynamic and modern venue that embodies the culture and ideals of present-day Italia. Expect fresh and delicate house-made pastas, with gluten free and vegan options, light and delicate wood fired pizzas and plates of pollo, carne and pesce, all cooked to perfection. These mouth-watering dishes have their roots in tradition and the menu is inspired by various provinces of Italy, with contemporary twists on classics that are loaded with flavour. On the pasta front, the slow braised osso buco ragu pasta with saffron pappardelle & bone marrow pangrattato embodies comforting qualities we know for sure Italian ancestors and their ancestors ate something similar. Pair these dishes with classic Italian cocktails, regional wines or a selection of

beers from the lively and eclectic bar, for a fabulous night out. Pizza has been a staple since the 19th Century, and here we lean on tradition, with house-made pizza dough that is risen for 48hrs, then baked until it is light and crispy. A classic, with a twist is the Fungi, Mozzarella, oven roasted mushrooms and gorgonzola, or the Vegan Lover with tomato, vegan mozzarella, eggplant, mushroom, zucchini and capsicum. DELICIOSO! Food Manager Giulio Marchese said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our pasta is made in house daily from a blend of different flours imported from Northern Italy that is exclusively to ISK. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We developed a unique blend in collaboration with Le 5 Stagionir to ensure the pizza and pasta experience is unique to the brand.â&#x20AC;? Book at: www.italianstreetkitchen.com.com.au

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TraveL

Jenolan Caves.

ISSUE 6 | January 2021

Mudgee.

Travel 2021 – Vaccine is the Key Residents are left with a limited choice of places to go, but what a choice  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM HICHEVER you looked at it, 2021 was going to be another difficult year for holidaymakers and the ailing travel industry. The current Covid-19 outbreaks have destroyed the aspirations of so many people who planned holidays interstate and overseas this year. And the cruise industry still has no idea when they will be able to resume cruises out of Australian ports. The introduction of a COVID-19 vaccine midway through this year will hopefully be the big game changer. It will give peace of mind to any sensible traveller who has it and, while it may not stop occasional outbreaks in society because it is not

mandatory, it will work on aircraft and cruise ships because it will be mandatory for passengers before they can board. So, Western Sydney residents are now left with a limited choice of places to go – but what a choice! To the South are the beautiful beaches and little towns and inlets of the South Coast; to the North is the subtropical coast with sparkling blue waters and lush green hills and to the West are the endless rolling hills plains of one of our oldest regions, dotted with little historical towns and villages. Each destination has its attributes, but if you head West, find places to stay with pools because it is a long way to the beach and it gets hot. Continued on page 17

Jenolan Caves.

TraveL

ISSUE 6 | January 2021 Continued from page 16

Go to the visitor’s centre A great circuit drive is out to Jenolan Caves, on to Bathurst and Orange, Wellington Caves, Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo, Dunedoo, Gulgong, Mudgee and home. Stay a couple of nights here and there and you have the perfect holiday with a little bit of everything. Go to the Visitors Centre in each town because you don’t really see how much there is to do simply by driving through town. Orange has some great little villages surrounding it, as does Wellington, the most beautiful town in NSW. Old Dubbo Jail is fascinating and at Gulgong visit the fabulous museum and the Opera House. You can even find Henry Lawson’s boyhood home. Mudgee is another really beautiful place with more wine producing vines than the Hunter Valley. Caravans have become the “go to” holiday mode this summer with many regular cruise passengers buying or hiring RV’s in place of their normal Stateroom on board a ship. I happen to be one of those and I have spent the Christmas break in a caravan at the beautiful Budgewoi Caravan Park beside Lake Munmorah.

After trying a campervan and then a motorhome in Queensland last year, I like it so much I came back and bought a second hand offroad Supreme Caravan. The reason I went for the caravan was the fact that you can leave the van parked and use the car whenever you want. Now, a few tips. Rather than making a goose of yourself while the caravan park watches like I did, take your caravan somewhere private when you first take it out of the dealership. Get someone from the dealership or someone who knows caravans to go with you to show you the ropes. Find out how to park the van correctly, how the gas works, how the TV works, how the toilet works, how the hot water works, how you put the annex up and how the solar works. Find out all about the electrics and battery and test everything. These are all things we had to find out from knowledgeable fellow caravanners who took pity on us on the first day at Budgewoi. After a hard day’s setting up, I said: “No wonder people go cruising”. While I will keep the caravan and take it away in winter, hopefully to North Queensland, I look forward to the day the cruise ships come back to Circular Quay.

Jenolan Caves.

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CityscapeS with Lord Mayor BOB DWYER

ISSUE 6 | January 2021

Lessons from 2020: adaptable in all we do APPY New Year and welcome to 2021. I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable break, after such an eventful year. If 2020 taught us anything, it was to be adaptable and flexible in everything we do. Last month we moved our ever-popular Christmas concert, The Sebastian Foundation’s Carols from Parramatta, online and it proved a huge success. Thank you to everyone who supported the wonderful cause.

Summer Nights While we had been hoping to kick 2021 off with a bang, the ever-changing situation with COVID-19 means we have had to postpone our inaugural Summer Nights event series, including our Summer Nights Live concerts on 25 and 26 January. Current restrictions, however, meant we would have to severely limit who could attend – and that would be incredibly disappointing. Instead, we made the tough decision to postpone this highly anticipated event series. The health and safety of our community, staff and performers will always be our number one priority. We will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with NSW authorities to see when we can safely come together again to celebrate. Council will announce any new dates as soon as we can. People who have already purchased tickets to any of the ‘Summer Nights’ events will automatically receive a full refund. Citizenship ceremonies that were scheduled for Australia Day will go ahead and be presented online.

Smart city The pandemic presented many challenges in 2020 but I am proud of how the City of Parramatta responded. We rolled out cutting-edge initiatives to support businesses and help the community and last month Council received the coveted ‘Leadership City’ award at the third annual Smart Cities Awards for its innovative projects and technological solutions. It’s such an honour for Council to be recognised for its commitment to creating a smarter, future-focused City. I thank the Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand for this award and our incredible staff who continue to put our community first.

Rates review The City of Parramatta is reviewing its rates structure to ensure a fair and consistent calculation method across the Council area. At the moment, we have five different rate structures as a result of council amalgamations. Before Christmas we invited you to give us feedback on our proposed changes and we are now reviewing your submissions. We expect to roll out the new structure next financial year, pending approval from the Office of Local Government.

Parramatta Virtual Tour I’m also excited to announce that we have recently launched a new virtual tour of Parramatta. Simply visit www.discoverparramatta.com to get a unique bird's eye view of our great River City and its neighbourhoods. From the comfort of home, you can zoom your way through the Parramatta CBD, Parramatta Park, Parramatta North, Harris Park and Rosehill, along the Parramatta River and across to Sydney Olympic Park. You can also take a peek inside Parramatta's heritage buildings, including Brislington Medical and Nursing Museum, Hambledon Cottage, Colonial Hospital Pavilions, The Dairy and Rangers Cottages and more as part of this amazing 360-degree digital tour.

That Summer Feeling There is still time to take part in our ’That Summer Feeling’ competition and share in $10,000 in prizes! All you have to do is share a photo or video on Instagram or Facebook showing Cr BOB DWYER what the ‘That Summer Feeling’ at Parramatta means to you, and you will go into the daily draw to win a COVID-19, the public can’t attend in person, but you can $100 AT PARRAMATTA Gift Card! Tag us @atparramatta watch the meetings through the live-stream video link on or use the hashtag #summerwhereitsat. Find out more Council’s website. For more information and to access the atparramatta.com/summer live-stream link, visit cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/councilmeetings

Council Meetings

Council Meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6.30pm, with the first meeting for 2021 on February 8. Due to impacts of

You can also find my Lord Mayor’s message online on the City of Parramatta website: cityofparramatta.co/LMmessage Councillor Bob Dwyer is Lord Mayor of the City of Parramatta.

ISSUE 6 | January 2021

er i rem E P ’s GUID a t at TY m rra OPER a P PR

ISSUE 6 | January 2021

NEXT PLACE Sell it, List it FASTER

The future Parrmatta CBD.

Parramatta is the new HOT SPOT Younger career minded workers are moving in  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM ARRAMATTA has become the "hot" suburb for younger career minded workers looking for a convenient place to set down roots. A quick check of a property domain showed that the average rent is $500 a week. However, you have to be prepared to join the queue and impress the agents in order to snare a suitable place. An average of 210 people inspect each property compared to 1500 average in NSW, which also shows Parramatta is realistic if you have your finances organised. Rental averages in Parramatta are two bed $430, three bed $490 four bed $550. If you want to buy, the average property price is $1m for three bedrooms, but you can still buy houses and units under $600,000 but be prepared to spend a lot of time at Bunnings if you plan a reno at those prices. Parramatta's virtues for workers of all ages are well known, but younger buyers and renters enjoy the lifestyle, the proximity to major sports and recreational facilities.

Parramatta has become an attractive place for workers to invest.

It is 20km from Sydney- or 20 minutes by the new Metro. Parramatta also has good public and private education traditions and great shopping. For investors, Parramatta is a good option because house prices have risen 3.9% over five years based on actual sales and, while unit prices have dipped by 2.9%, that

is only a temporary situation. There are currently around 650 properties for rent and 250 for sale, so there is virtually a home out there for everyone. And if you buy a home now, your investment will be worth at least 30% more in 10 years and probably more as the Metro and the new Airport open for business.

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Parramatta's virtues for workers of all ages are well known, but younger buyers and renters enjoy the lifestyle, the proximity to major sports and recreational facilities.”

767A-769 MERRYLANDS ROAD, GREYSTANES $6,500,000 - 2 LARGE BLOCKS SIDE BY SIDE Its rare to find this sized lot in this part of Western Sydney. Vendors are committed to sell if the right offer is tabled. Sale is by way of Expression of Interest meaning that once you have done your preliminary inspections you will put your best offer forward in writing. The

site is made up of two neighboring properties with a house on each, the sale is for both and will not be split. Zoned R2 low density. Site inspections, contact Tony Zorzo on 0414 694 338

ISSUE 6 | January 2021

FOR SALE

COLLAROY

KATOOMBA

Massive redevelopment opportunity. An elevated site with sweeping north easterly ocean panorama views with only minutes walk to the sands of Collaroy Beach. • Existing improvements • Dual level brick home • Large living space opening out to a north east terrace • Kitchen, bathrooms and double sized bedrooms • Lock up garage • Only metres away to buses & minutes to schools, parks & beach • Sale price exc GST

Great Opportunity to own a Guest House & Restaurant - delightful Avonleigh. Represents graciousness and elegance of a bygone era nestled in a large garden block ideal for a relaxing getaway, wedding and conference. • 12 guest suites as well as family suites all with ensuites • 70 seat restaurant for guests/coach trade, located on tourist route • Large guest lounge with open log fire place, external verandah • Lovely gardens, BBQ area, ample parking for coaches & vehicles • Separate managers self contained studio • Guest House has been running for more than 20 years • Minutes stroll to Echo Point & historical attractions • Looking for new owner and operator • Sale price exc GST

$3,000,000

$2,000,000

SILVERWATER

LIDCOMBE

• This property provides a well positioned location in Silverwater, quick access to Silverwater Rd, Parramatta Rd & M4 Motorway. • Modern warehouse with good internal clearances via one (1) roller shutter door, office fit-out with meeting room, first floor office is carpeted, air-conditioned & staff amenities. • Roller door width 4m & height 5.10m • Warehouse minimum height 5.83m & maximum 6.67m. • Clear span warehouse, secure complex & secure on-site basement parking for 2 cars. • Sale price exc GST • Lease in place to 2023

Located in the Sydney Business & Technology Centre, this strata unit is 5min walk to Lidcombe station & 10min to Auburn station and only meters to M4 Motorway. Architecturally designed for importers, distributors and light manufacturers. Its location is in the centre of the Sydney metropolitan area and is ideal for cost effective distribution. Property features include: • 200 sqm with 50sqm of mezzanine • Double brick walls, Container Access • Kitchenette, shower, 2 toilets • 6.2 metre ceiling heights in warehouse as well as insulation • 3 Phase power, Skylights full length of factor • Security grills, quality landscaping • Sale price exc GST

$1,067,000

$890,000

0408 888 028 • www.peterhanzis.com.au

2021

TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2021

WESTERN SYDNEY

7:00AM - 9:00AM | BANKWEST STADIUM | 11-13 O'CONNELL STREET

2021 will be a city shaping year for Sydney’s Central City, Parramatta. The completion of Parramatta Square, the CBD Planning Proposal and the acceleration of work to deliver Parramatta Light Rail along with progress toward future infrastructure progress continues to position Parramatta as one of Australia’s pre-eminent destinations for long term investment.

Parramatta Times - January 2021

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