21 minute read
choice
Jenolan Caves. Mudgee.
Travel 2021 – Vaccine is the Key
DALLAS SHERRINGHAM
WHICHEVER 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, fi nd places to stay with pools because it is a long way to the beach and it gets hot.
Continued on page 17
Jenolan Caves.
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 fi nd 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 off road 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 fi rst 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 fi nd out from knowledgeable fellow caravanners who took pity on us on the fi rst 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.
Don’t put the FREEZE on your business meetings.
Plan for success this winter. Day Delegate Package
Winter bonus includes: • FREE WiFi • FREE 30 minute post event drinks in rebellion bar • FREE delicious delight on arrival
To book your next event, email: functions_rydgesnorwest@evt.com or call 02 9634 9634
Rydges Norwest Sydney
1 Columbia Court, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 T: 02 9634 9634 F: 02 9634 9660
rydges.com/norwest $60
per person
Lessons from 2020: adaptable in all we do
HAPPY 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 fl exible 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 fi rst.
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 fi ve diff erent 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 fi nancial year, pending approval from the Offi ce 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 You can also find my Lord Mayor’s message online on the City of and fourth Monday of each month at 6.30pm, with the Parramatta website: cityofparramatta.co/LMmessage fi rst meeting for 2021 on February 8. Due to impacts of Councillor Bob Dwyer is Lord Mayor of the City of Parramatta.
20Parramatta’s Premier PROPERTY GUIDE
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
PARRAMATTA 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 fi nances 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 fi ve 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.
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 site is made up of two neighboring properties with a house on each, are committed to sell if the right offer is tabled. Sale is by way of Ex- the sale is for both and will not be split. pression of Interest meaning that once you have done your prelim- Zoned R2 low density. Site inspections, inary inspections you will put your best offer forward in writing. The contact Tony Zorzo on 0414 694 338
COLLAROY
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
$3,000,000 KATOOMBA
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
$2,000,000
SILVERWATER LIDCOMBE
• This property provides a well positioned location in Silverwater, quick access to Located in the Sydney Business & Technology Centre, this strata unit is 5min walk to Lidcombe Silverwater Rd, Parramatta Rd & M4 Motorway. station & 10min to Auburn station and only meters to M4 Motorway. Architecturally designed • Modern warehouse with good internal clearances via one (1) roller shutter door, office 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: fit-out with meeting room, first floor office is carpeted, air-conditioned & staff amenities. • 200 sqm with 50sqm of mezzanine • Roller door width 4m & height 5.10m • Double brick walls, Container Access • Warehouse minimum height 5.83m & maximum 6.67m. • Kitchenette, shower, 2 toilets • Clear span warehouse, secure complex & secure on-site basement parking for 2 cars. • 6.2 metre ceiling heights in warehouse as well as insulation • 3 Phase power, Skylights full length of factor • Sale price exc GST • Security grills, quality landscaping • Lease in place to 2023 • 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.
Our Outlook Breakfast will discuss the good news on Parramatta’s plate for 2021 while also launching a discussion on where industry and government need to take the city so it can reach it’s fullest potential.
SPONSORED BY
MEDIA PARTNER
ÁINE CORBETT
Regional Property Manager Woolworths Group
HELEN HAMILTON JAMES
Managing Partner Western Sydney Deloitte
BRETT NEWMAN
City of Parramatta
BILL PARASIRIS Executive Director, Estate and Commercial Western Sydney University
AMY WILLIAMS Business Development Manager ADCO Constructions
The hub of education from early days
AS 200 years of Catholic education in Australia - with its roots in Parramatta - was celebrated in 2020, it is timely to look at the history of public and Anglican education in Parramatta. This is information provided by Parramatta Council’s Research and Collections department.
UNOFFICIALLY the fi rst school in Parramatta was run by a convict woman named Mary Johnson.
Despite at least 45 children arriving with the First Fleet in 1788, there seems to have been no offi cial move by Britain to provide formal education - but there were individuals in the colony who saw the need for value of education for children.
The colony’s fi rst chaplain, Reverend Robert Johnson was one of these people and he supervised two schools, one in Sydney and one in Parramatta. Mary Johnson, a convict, was chosen to teach at this school. Pupils were given lessons in spelling, reading and religious instruction. Reverend Johnson gave classes regarding religious matters himself. Children of convicts and military staff attended this small school. The exact location of the small school isn’t known.
Offi cially the fi rst school was run by John Tull in 1796 and was located in Church St where the University of New England is now located.
Reverend William Crook, a missionary, was asked by Samuel Marsden to open a school for boys in Parramatta. The school off ered classes in mathematics, English other humanities as well as religious education. Seven students boarded with him and the school was successful with students from varied backgrounds.
In 1810 John Eyre was appointed by Governor Macquarie to open the fi rst government school. Four years later the Governor was responsible for the opening of a school for indigenous children in Parramatta. This was run by William Shelly and courses focused on reading, writing, sewing, agriculture, and knowledge of scripture.
In 1829 Archdeacon William Grant Broughton, who had recently arrived in the colony decided that NSW needed grammar schools similar to those in England.
These schools off ered a classical education. The Kings School in Parramatta opened in George Street in 1832. The senior school was completed in 1836. By 1859 there was at least 100 students attending the school.
After a rough few years which saw the school temporarily closed, in 1869, Reverend George Fairfowl Macarthur, was appointed as a new headmaster. From this point on the school added to its campus, including a chapel, dining hall, dormitories, and science rooms.
From 1832 to up until the 1980’s the school saw over 12000 students pass through its doors. And as with many other schools in the Parramatta area, Kings displays a high standard of education.
In 1880 education was made compulsory in NSW. This plus a population explosion and new industry expanding in the area, meant there was a real need for new schools in Parramatta. As a result there
Laying of the foundation stone for Parramatta High, 1914.
Kings students on parade, c1910-1940s.
was an expansion of primary schools in the area, including Auburn (1886) and Granville South (1889).
These schools were well attended with children traveling great distances to attend. Private secondary schools such as The Kings School, Parramatta Marist Brothers and Our Lady of Mercy continued to grow and in 1897 the girls school Tara established itself and has been open ever since.
Today Tara is a leading Australian high school for girls. It has over 800 students from kindergarten to year 12.
To meet the needs of secondary students the Parramatta High School opened in 1913 and for some time was the largest high school in NSW. It was also the fi rst co-educational school in the Sydney metropolitan at the time.
Today the school is partially selective with a high ranking in the Higher School Certifi cate. It is home to more than 1000 students today.
Macarthur Girls High is located on land that was fi rst granted to William Reid. A convict seaman who was aboard the Sirius, the fi rst ship to enter Sydney Harbour in 1788. It is also the site of Samuel Marsden’s home Newlands.
The school as an institution came into existence in 1927, as the Parramatta Commercial and Household Arts School. In 1933 it opened at its current location as the Parramatta Domestic Science School. In 1959 it was named Macarthur Girls High School.
The school today has more than 1200 students, with exceptional academic achievements. Betty Cuthbert is part of the alumni as is journalist Yalda Hakim.
Arthur Phillip High started as Parramatta South Public School in 1873. In 1887 the school started off ering both primary and post primary courses. These courses we attended by boys and girls in separate buildings. In 1944 these classes were joined and became the Central School. The primary school was moved to Macquarie st, and then in 1960 the secondary buildings became Arthur Philip High School.
Today the school is Sydney’s fi rst highrise school. The school incorporates the use of a fl exible and technology rich environment. With education delivered in open plan classrooms and co-teaching.
Western Sydney’s most sought-after business publication
inside
ACROSS
1. Little jerks 5. Head downtown? 10. Help in a holdup 14. Balming target 15. Beyond partner 16. Screenplay direction 17. T-bone region 18. Medical research goals 19. Every family has one 20. Illuminated 23. Holiday follower? 24. Skiier's challenge 25. Unlike a litterbug 27. Palindromic windmill part 30. End of two state names 33. Scratch, say 36. Better copy? 38. Bahrain bread 39. Passed with ease 41. Genetic info carrier 42. Arboreal abode 43. Things to rattle 45. Fishtail, e.g. 47. Daydreamer's limit? 48. Fit to be fare 50. Killed, as a dragon 53. Tux accessory 54. Prepare for hanging 57. Wrestling area 59. Serving as a diplomat 64. Beer selections 66. Hindu grouping 67. Tat-tat intro 68. Folk facts 69. Pagoda roofi ng 70. Black cat, some think 71. It may come before "we forget" 72. Failed as a sentry 73. Bird's perch, perhaps
DOWN
1. Chaucer bit 2. They may be clicked on 3. Flu symptom 4. Grad-to-be 5. Bushwhacker's tool 6. Go to the edge of 7. The good olde days 8. Cooking place 9. Transmit anew 10. Back on a battleship 11. Crooners, often 12. Creation location 13. "High School Musical" extra 21. Main mail drop (abbr.) 22. Disconnected, as a phone line 26. Like siblings 28. Chances in Vegas 29. Roller Derby milieus 31. Checklist item 32. Pretentiously stylish 33. Attack deterrent 34. Military sch. 35. Enrolls 37. Barbary ape's lack 40. The red 44. Inner city concern 46. Most absurd 49. Offi cial orders 51. Emotion of the miffed 52. Long and thin 55. Sight from Biscayne Bay 56. Gourmand 57. Shoppers' site 58. Ubiquitous lily relative 60. Place for some polish 61. "Cast Away" setting 62. Manual component 63. A driver may change one 65. Firm or fi xed
