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

ParramattA ISSUE 12 | July 2021 | www.parramattatimes.com.au rramattatimes.com.au

T I M E S

Voice of Australia’s most progressive city

Artist impression of a future Parramatta CBD.

CBD PLAN ON TRACK

ITH hardly any time to spare, Parramatta Council submitted its CBD planning proposal to the State Government before going into caretaker mode ahead of the September 4 local government election. The proposal,

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23 SEPTEMBER 2021 C L U B P A R R A M AT TA

eight years in the making, sets the building codes and planning strategies for Sydney’s second CBD and the State Government was getting antsy over the time council was taking in submitting the code for ratification. See page 3.

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Seniors have reasons to be chirpy: 15

Where the kids are the artists: 5

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ISSUE 12 | July 2021

CBD Plan ratified just in time Eight years in the making, Council finally acts

Drone view of Parramatta CBD.

 DI BARTOK ITH hardly any time to spare, Parramatta Council submitted its CBD planning proposal to the State Government before going into caretaker mode ahead of the September 4 local government election. The proposal, eight years in the making, sets the building codes and planning strategies for Sydney’s second CBD and the State Government was getting antsy over the time council was taking in submitting the code for ratification. It was concerns from Greens councillor Phil Bradley, Labor councillors except Pierre Esber and independent Andrew Wilson that had the strategy going backwards and forwards over the past few years. After a series of workshops and chamber discussions, Cr Bradley made a lastditch attempt to have the matter deferred until there was “more careful consideration due to many complex issues”, namely excessive building heights that would overshadow much of the CBD. Cr Bradley said he was guided by residents’ concerns rather than the interests of “wealthy land owners and developers.” “I am also guided by the Local Government Act’s decision making principles: to recognise diverse local community needs and interests; to consider social justice principles; to consider the long-term and cumulative effects of actions on future generations; to consider the principles of ecologically sustainable development; and to be transparent in decision making,” Cr Bradley said at the recent council meeting where councillors 8 to 5 passed the CBD PP.

Artist impression of the Parramatta Light Rail.

Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said it was about time as developers were tired of cooling their heels before the plan was ratified and passed onto the government. “Council had only until the end of July to table the plan with the State Government who were growing impatient,” Cr Dwyer told the Times. “Present councillors have had four years to get this right – but it goes back eight years. We are talking about Sydney’s second CBD, not Blacktown or Liverpool. “Councillors are elected by the people to make these decisions in the best interests of the city.”

Cr Dwyer did not see overshadowing in the CBD as a problem as he was confident that developers would exercise “best design principles” to make the city centre work for all. Cr Esber, the most pro-development Labor councillor, said the eight year evolution of the CBD plan was “causing great uncertainty” in the business community. “It has gone on long enough. Councillors in this council have had four years to raise issues. Our senior staff have put a lot of work into this and we just have to get on with it now,” Cr Esber said.

Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer in Parramatta Sqaure.

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ISSUE 12 | JULY 2021 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

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

Got something to share. Send suggestions or tips to: info@parramattatimes.com.au

Oldies take to the keyboard GE is no barrier for a bunch of Parramatta-area seniors who are happily tapping their way into modern technology while making friends. Aged from 55 up to 90 plus, members of the thriving Parramatta Computer Pals for Seniors are developing skills that enable them to stay in touch with family and friends, and of course the world. Genealogy is among the special interests in the group, so participants learn how to navigate the various sites that trace family information. Meeting in Parramatta Library, ParraPals brings together seniors needing computer skills and volunteers willing to help them. Aside from that, it also is a social network for seniors, many who are stuck at home alone. There are about 150 members and the group expect that to grow as isolation has made connection all that important. ‘’We offer a variety of courses, in groups of no more than four students, that run anywhere from single, two-hour sessions through to longer courses that consist of weekly sessions run over a three-week period,’’ ParraPals president Deb Neyle said.

Seniors learning technical skills.

Each participant in a class has an individual computer or device while the course information is projected onto a smart screen for them to see. Deb said the group was as much a social group as anything else, with

members enjoying tea breaks together to share their experiences and compare notes. For details about joining or volunteering as a trainer, contact president Deb Neyle at debn2144@gmail.com

Sustainable coffee scheme thrives ESTERN Sydney cafes and coffee lovers have saved almost 30,000 single use takeaway cups from going into landfill, in the first 12 months of the Refill Don’t Landfill swap-and-go program. Rising to the challenges of 2020, Western Sydney coffee drinkers and businesses have embraced the program, placing the region squarely on the map of sustainability-conscious communities. Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) partnered in 2020 with Australian sustainability champions, Green Caffeen, introducing the established reusable coffee cup system to Western Sydney as a way for cafes to save money and reduce waste. In its first year, the EPA-funded Refill Don’t Landfill campaign saw 45 local cafes sign up and more than 1000 locals download and register, using the Green Caffeen app. In 2021, WSROC extended participation in the scheme for a further six months.

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INDEX

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News .................................3 Parramatta Chamber ......10 Geoff Lee ........................12 CMRC .............................14 Scams ............................15

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ISSUE 12 | July 2021

Where the kids are the artists  ELIZABETH FRIAS ROM day one renowned restaurateur Maurice Terzini anchored CicciaBella at Parramatta Square, he stayed true to his words to make dining an enjoyable family affair. Thus, CicciaBella created classic Italian dinners that are fun, healthy, and hearty for the bambinos, as it is for parents whom Terzini urge to showcase the hidden artistic talents of their Kindergarten to Year 6 children. His six-year-old son Caesar helped design the inaugural Kids’ Art Prize in search for unique artworks from among Western Sydney’s youngsters inspired by the foods they love to eat at CicciaBella. Entrants submit their best ideas made with paint, collage, pencil art or glitters, that bring out their creative juices how they interpret CicciaBella’s bambini menu

Kids doling their thing at CicciaBella.

such as the range of Italian pasta, tomato sugo, bolognese, chicken cotoletta, fries and scoops of delightful gelatos. CicciaBella provides participants a special art pack to create their Italian

food-inspired designs including a blank canvas (35cm x 35cm), information card, tote bag and CicciaBella apron to get those ideas flowing. Terzini says CicciaBella has a “childish passion for art and nothing is really curated [so] it only seemed appropriate that we got the kids involved. “Our commitment to the community where we are is an important part of the CicciaBella ethos as much as good food and service.” The arts contest also runs at Terzini’s flagship, Icebergs on Bondi, and the overall winners from entries receive complimentary meals for a whole year. Judging along with Terzini and Caesar are Archibald Packing Room Prize Winner, Jamie Preisz, who won the 2018 coveted prize for his portrait of singer Jimmy Barnes; author Andrew Levins and magazine publisher, Jess Blanch. Judges for Icebergs’ entrants are artist Vicki Lee, interior

designer Michael Delany and sculptor Dion Horstmans. The children’s creations were hung on the walls of CicciaBella Parramatta and Icebergs Bondi for public viewing in June. “We’ve always had a passion for art as you can see in our venues,” says Terzini. “Caesar loves art and often goes to galleries with his mum or I so the idea for the competition formed through that.” Expanding from Bondi to Parramatta Square last year, Terzini describes his venture “incredible out here so far,” adding he has seen an “inspirational diversity of culture which is exciting for us.” Terzini says CicciaBella’s Macquarie Street location, at the heart of Parramatta City interconnected to public transport hub is an attraction. “We’d really like to see more people in the streets and hopefully a better bar scene.” Visit www.cicciabella.com.au

Local tech firm targets aged care  ELIZABTH FRIAS ARRAMATTA tech firm, Softlabs has announced the acquisition of AJS Computing Services Pty Ltd and the launch of their Australian-made automated technology that simplifies the provision of aged care services. The merger of the two large digital technology companies, now renamed SoftLabs ANZ Pty Ltd with its headquarters in Parramatta CBD, will enable them to enhance their expertise in creating

technology solutions to problem areas in aged care services in Australia. “The main purpose of acquiring AJS is so we can focus on working together on a digital technology that will transform aged care services efficiency in Australia,” SoftLabs Director Sreeni Pillamarri said. “Most aged care service providers are conducting their services manually and have been focusing on how they can improve their services to senior citizens in their care.” For residential aged care service facilities, the ERP for Aged Care is designed to streamline operations from end to end the

functions of administration and management. SoftLabs has partnered with Epicor, a leading ERP software provider for more than 40 years and one of the Top-6 ERP vendors in the world. Epicor designers created ERP for Aged Care to integrate the systems in community health care services, residential care management, home care and finances to assist the aged care service providers extend the best quality of care for senior citizens. For more information visit: https://www.softlabs.com.au

SoftLabs Director Sreeni Pillamarri.

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ISSUE 12 | July 2021

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CONNECT & GROW YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS

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ISSUE 12 | July 2021

Cybersecurity centre based at Parramatta HE Federal Government has announced $745,920 in funding for Western Sydney University to establish the Cybersecurity Aid Centre to train and support small business with Cyber Incident Response. Funded through the Cyber Security Business Connect and Protect Grants Program, the Centre will be located at Parramatta and led by Western Sydney University in partnership with four leading New South Wales cybersecurity businesses: Emergence, Gridware, DCEncompass and Secolve. The Training Centre will provide Cyber Incident Response support for small businesses experiencing data breach, ransomware or email business compromise, and will host training seminars around NSW. The project will enhance cybersecurity resources through the development of a Cyber Suite and Toolkit for Small Businesses — a hotline for assistance with cybersecurity incidents and will integrate applied support with learning and skills development for Western Sydney University students. Liberal Senator for Western Sydney,

Senator Marise Payne with Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Senator Marise Payne, commended Western Sydney University on its collaborative approach to supporting businesses to recognise cyber risks and opportunities. “The ‘Cybersecurity Aid Centre’ will enhance business’ security and cyber capabilities which will help ensure Western Sydney’s strong economic prosperity and

development continues as we come back from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Senator Payne said. “This latest investment is part of the Australian Government’s Cyber Security Strategy 2020 and complements our $1.2B Digital Economy Strategy, which will be part of this year’s Federal Budget 2021-22.”

Project lead Professor Alana Maurushat, from the University’s School of Social Sciences and School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences, said the Centre will deliver new programs to upskill small and medium enterprises and students with the latest skills in the technology and psychology of cybercrime. “Tackling cybercrime is a high priority. Businesses need a resource centre that will help them when a cybersecurity crisis arises, as well as help to build resilience and awareness around cybercrime and the kinds of behaviours, technologies and change management practices they need to adopt to protect themselves,” Professor Maurushat said. “The Centre will enhance cybersecurity knowledge and capacity across Western Sydney,and will provide a robust hub for industry and students to connect and learn from each other.” Cyber security expert and Secolve CEO Laith Shahin said the initiative was an example of industry successfully partnering with the education sector to support local businesses.

Council welcomes Light Rail funding ITY of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer has welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to invest $50M in Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 planning. “Parramatta Light Rail is a game-changing transport project for the City of Parramatta and it’s fantastic to see the NSW Government committing to planning for Stage 2,” Cr Dwyer said.

“City of Parramatta Council has long advocated for a light rail network that includes Sydney Olympic Park with a direct interchange to Sydney Metro West, ferries and the existing heavy rail network. “Sydney’s Central River City is booming and a strong public transport connection from the Parramatta CBD to growing residential suburbs and employment hubs will support our transformation.

“This critical funding announcement is a really important next step in realising the vision for a 30-minute City, and now provides certainty for the community and businesses along the route.” In its Local Strategic Planning Statement, Council estimated that about 29,000 homes will be built along the extended Stage 2 route by 2036. “Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will pro-

vide enormous economic and social benefits for the communities along the proposed route, particularly the construction of a public transport bridge from Melrose Park to Wentworth Point,” Cr Dwyer said. “We look forward to working with the NSW Government to plan Stage 2 and ensure the project complements other City-shaping projects across the Parramatta Local Government Area.”

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ISSUE 12 | July 2021

APRIL 2021 Edition 120

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS

LO OUR CA C L P ITY AP ’S ER

HOW THE WEST IS WON

AL LOC NEW

ParramattA Voice of Australia’s most progressive city

T I M E S

ISSUE 9 | April 2021

Minister pushing for more women on Parramatta Council: 3

%ඔඉඋඓග඗ඟ1 Issue 1 | April 2021

Blacktown's LOCAL media voice

EXCLUSIVE: Bob Turner on his new role at Blacktown FC.

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

FULL STORY PAGE 10

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World class health care

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

New suburb named BradÀeld

Govy ofÀcially names high tech city at Aerotropolis: 6

Family business in COVID

How many leveraged patience capital during COVID: 12

TALE OF TWO POOLS

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Westmead Hospital’s new clinical tower oepns: 2

THIS EDITION

How hope really works

Feature on the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal: 15

SALOVS: How hope really happens: 19

FTER a few hot summers for swimmers who loved Parramatta and w ÌîÿÓâî®þ±ÅÅ ßÓÓÅæ Ì æóđ â during their closures, relief is on the way. Just a day apart, the refurbished Wentworthville pool opened and î® Ĝâæî æÓ ÿ æ îóâÌ ÓÌ î® spectacular Parramatta Aquatic Centre. Both communities have been without a pool since 2017, the Parramatta Memorial Pool demolished to make way for Bankwest Stadium and the previous Holroyd Council wanting to close the tired Wenty pool

rather than refurbish it. After a bit of æ óĖ îÿ Ì W ââ Ë îî ÓóÌ ±Å and the NSW Government on who would pay for its replacement, an agreement was reached on funding for the state-of-the-art aquatic centre. And in Wentworthville, a concerted community campaign and the Cumberland Council, saved the beloved pool with an upgrade. While Parramatta residents wait two years for their pool, they are welcome to dive to Wenty.

FULL STORY PAGE 6

Young people turning their lives around at BYSA.

Youth Needs Our Support

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

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

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ISSUE 12 | July 2021

ParramattA ChambeR

ISSUE 12 | July 2021

The POWERHOUSE that is Parramatta!  LUKE MAGEE T every turn these days, there is mention of Parramatta in the news or on the street about something new and exciting being launched, built or coming soon. Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail has now been given the green light. The announcement confirmed allocated expenditure in the State Budget for Stage 2 of the project which will see connection of the Parramatta CBD with Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park. The recent announcement of the ABC relocating about 300 employees from its central Sydney headquarters to Parramatta is the latest exciting news for this great developing city. Not to mention what Parramatta Metro station will do for the city as a major connector supporting Parramatta CBD as the major employment growth centre, boosting jobs and improving connections across Greater Sydney in the future. And then there is the NBN to look forward too, aiming to roll out and connect by next year. Wait, did I forget to mention Parramatta Square which is one of the largest urban renewal projects in Australia and will house Australia's largest commercial office building. By 2022, more than 24,000 people will work at Parramatta Square. Not too bad, considering the historical perception of Parramatta. If you have not yet been to Parramatta Square, make sure you visit soon and you will be blown away by the world class restaurant and bars.

Artist impressions of the Powerhouse Museum at Parramatta.

But what does that all mean for Parramatta? It means some pain before the gain. It means that the vision of Parramatta is slowing coming to life.

Sit tight, stay focused and watch the magic happen. Luke Magee is President of Parramatta Chamber of Commerce. Visit: www.parramattachamber.com.au

CONNECTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS PARRAMATTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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ISSUE 12 | July 2021 DO SOMETHING IN

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ISSUE 12 | July 2021

Celebrating the contribution of refugees HE Parramatta Light Rail project is proud to provide employment opportunities to new humanitarian entrants and recognise their important contribution during National Refugee Week, which was held in June. Dr Geoff Lee, Member for Parramatta said the contributions made by refugees on the project has been incredibly positive on both the work produced and the bonds formed by the crews on site. “We recognise and celebrating refugees who have joined our workforce and have been part of delivering this major transport project to Western Sydney, said Dr Lee. “We have seen our team members benefit from the sharing of skills, knowledge and culture on the project.”

Working in partnership with not-for-profit organisations such as Green Connect and CareerSeekers, who provide new humanitarian entrants an employment pathway, Transport for NSW has six refugees working on the project. Dr Lee said these organisations are essential to providing support to people who have the skills and ability to work, however need some assistance in entering the workforce. “By collaborating with Green Connect and CareerSeekers, we are able to assist refugees who have the right skills and aptitude to be matched with a project, and to give them the opportunity to showcase their work and experience,” Dr Lee said. Arriving in Australia from Iraq in 2013, Harith joined the Parramatta Light Rail team through an internship placed by

CareerSeekers while studying engineering at the University of Technology Sydney. "I’m lucky to contribute to the Parramatta Light Rail project. The internship matched my studies perfectly and has helped me become a better engineer,” Harith said. The Parramatta Light Rail project also offers a Pre-Employment Program, which helps participants from a range of backgrounds, including Aboriginal people and new humanitarian entrants, develop skills to gain work in the construction industry. The $2.4B Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia and is expected to open in 2023. For more information, visit www.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au

GEOFF LEE Delivering for 11 , 3

Name: Jalal. Role: Landscaper. Came to Australia from: Iran

Name: Fady. Role: General Labourer. Came to Australia from: Syria

Name: Harith. Role: Engineer. Came to Australia from: Iraq

Geoff LEE MP

Member for Parramatta 02 9891 4722

parramatta@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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Name: Valy. Role: Engineer. Came to Australia from: Afghanistan

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ISSUE 12 | July 2021

Mural transforms Rydalmere shopfront

The new mural.

COLOURFUL new mural featuring native Australian plants and animals has transformed a 40-metre shopfront in Rydalmere, breathing new life into the industrial hub’s main shopping strip. The large-scale public artwork by artist Claire Foxton is at the heart of City of Parramatta Council’s $670,000 revitalisation of Brodie Street shops, delivered under its Better Neighbourhoods Program. It will face Rydalmere’s forthcoming Parramatta Light Rail station. “With its bright splashes of purple, blue and red, the eye-catching new mural will become an iconic feature of Rydal-

mere’s shopping and dining strip,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said. “Rydalmere is a growing hub in the City of Parramatta − home to a Western Sydney University campus, a diverse selection of businesses, and soon its own Parramatta Light Rail stop. Our upgrades and stunning mural will make the town centre even more welcoming for people to stop by for a coffee or a bite to eat.” Wollongong-based mural artist Claire Foxton said she was proud to work with Council and street art agency Blank Walls to bring the 40mx5m mural to life. “I really wanted the work to brighten

this little corner of Rydalmere and act as a warm welcome for commuters with the new Light Rail stop opening opposite the mural. I feel chuffed that this is one of the first public artworks activating this area of Western Sydney and hope it leads to more!” Ms Foxton said. “The idea was to bring a feeling of nature and calm to a fairly built-up area. The work features native flora and fauna species found locally, some of which are threatened, endangered or vulnerable.” The mural at 11 Brodie Street took eight days to paint and features Australian native plants such as the Blackthorn, Flowering Gum, Crimson Bottlebrush, and

endangered Spiked Rice-flower; birds including the Eastern Rosella, Scarlet Robin, and endangered Regent Honeyeater; and the Caper White Butterfly. The Brodie Street upgrade, scheduled for completion in September 2021, was informed by significant community consultation. It will include new granite paving, bespoke street furniture, wider footpaths to accommodate more outdoor dining and new mature trees, in addition to the mural. Council’s Better Neighbourhood Program, operating since 1999, is focused on revitalising local centres outside the Parramatta CBD.

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ISSUE 12 | July 2021

When does a House become a Home?  PRISCELLA MABOR URING the recent long weekend, I had organized a film shoot in Western Sydney. Luckily this was pre-COVID health restrictions. My cameraman Giovanni deviated out to Mascot in the morning for some last-minute sound gear. The clock was ticking as this was a public holiday. I wanted to be sure Giovanni didn’t deviate too far, as he was not familiar with the small suburb where we were headed next – Yennora. Giovanni grew up in Western Sydney closer to Parramatta but not everyone knows the sleepy hollow of Yennora (this Aboriginal word means to walk or stroll). Nestled between Guildford and Fairfield, Yennora is the definition of multiculturalism. It doesn’t sit near major shopping hubs, it hasn’t been redeveloped into high rise apartments; instead it is a soup mix of migrant families, corner stores, soccer fields, parks and industrial streets where burnt out cars and petrol tankers crisscross dead end streets. Real estate prices have stayed low, and landlords are usually living next door to their tenants. Fourteen years ago, Eh Say and his family arrived from Myanmar. Eh Say is a member of the Karen community from Myanmar, who arrived here from Mae La camp on the Thai-Burma border. The Community Migrant Resource Centre received funding from Canberra in 2007, to support newly arrived Karen families. Our dedicated worker Victor Saw, who once worked as a UNESCO trainer, supported many of his own community to resettle in Western Sydney. It was Victor who helped source two subjects I wanted to interview for a short film. The brief was relatively clear: two people from different generations, who could provide a different lens on the refugee journey and counter the argument that the refugee continuum has a start and end date, eg five years. He selected Peter Htoo, who was aged more in his 30s: completed his Masters in Music and later moved into a teaching role at Chester Hill High School. Peter was now a father, with a young daughter itching to get to the zoo after our filming. The second subject was Eh Say’s daughter, Amethyst, who was in her early 20s. The house I found myself in that day at Yennora is the same house, that Eh Say and his family settled in upon arrival back in 2007. At first, I was struck dumb by this passing note. Then it washed over in my waves as the day unfolded, and the house

told many many stories that would never be captured in a 6-minute short film. A Buffalo Horn etched with nine beams of light from the sun, hung on a wall. A faded newspaper article showing their Citizenship Ceremony hung on the opposing wall. A marigold garland, crowning a photo of their paternal grandfather in military uniform. Rows of slippers on front and back stoops, to respect the inside.

Itching to drill down Many stories were told that afternoon. I sat there and absorbed the emotional barometer of the room–hearing of people mobilized, traumatized yet ignited by news from their homeland, particularly in the wake of the military coup on February 1 this year. I was itching to drill down into the tunics, knowing how vitally important they were to the Karen people. A Tunic spoke volumes–an identity / a history / a voice– sewn into the threads of a simple garment. Peter had arrived at the house with his tunic on. He explained why he was wearing it, over his shirt. “We are the voice, for the voiceless. Every time I can slip on my tunic, it is to represent my community. That I am not just an Asian face in the crowd. It starts a conversation, so

“

We are the voice, for the voiceless. Every time I can slip on my tunic, it is to represent my community. That I am not just an Asian face in the crowd. It starts a conversation, so that people can say, I didn’t know about the Karen. Can I learn more?” – Peter Htoo. that people can say, I didn’t know about the Karen. Can I learn more?,” he said For the film, I asked him to take his tunic off, so we could underscore the ceremonial grandeur of placing the tunic on. I had noticed the granny flat just inches from the backdoor. The garden out the back was mostly hidden. When I asked to shoot

in the garden, it turned out to be quite sizeable with huge guava trees growing. Peter explained why many plants were still lying in their pots: “Eeveryone in our community doesn’t want to plant into the soil, until they can buy their own home. “ As I walked away that day, I couldn’t stop thinking of Eh Say and his rental house of 14 years. He shared this house with his wife and three children. Two of his sons have been born in Australia and speak perfect English. One is now a mechanic. The front lawn is full of lawn mowers, from the family business. After our filming, there were Myanmar fundraising meetings to attend to in Guildford and Doonside. Amethyst had changed from her tunic to her tracksuit and joggers and zoomed off down the road in her Holden. All these years later, Eh Say and Victor are still connected. They are still connected forever to their families and loved ones overseas. So maybe this rental fibro house tucked away in the back streets of Yennora, is actually a home after all. Please stay tuned for the release of My Buffalo Horn on the Wall. Priscella Mabor is Inclusion Strategy & Innovations Manager Community Migrant Resource Centre. Visit: www.cmrc.com.au

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 individuals and multicultural communities to identify and address their own issues. It works in collaborative partnerships with a great number of agencies to provide services which have both an immediate and long term benefit for the community. CMRC employs over 60 full time, part-time and casual multi-lingual staff. Paramatta office Level 4, 1 Horwood Place Parramatta, NSW 2150 Ph: (02) 9687 9901 Monday – Friday: 9AM – 5PM

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NewS

ISSUE 12 | July 2021

Seniors have a reason to be CHIRPY Local boom in older Australians seeking social connectedness  ELIZABETH FRIAS EAUTIFUL places to visit, amazing people to meet and delectable dishes to try over a glass of wine are just some of the reasons seniors are joining ‘Chirpy Catch-Ups’ in droves. What is Chirpy? Dictionary.com says it describes someone being cheerful, lively, and spirited. A matter-of-fact description comes from Chirpy host for Parramatta, Marilyn McFadyen, and Lisa Davis for Blacktown, who say their group is an online and offline outlet for bored and lonely seniors to come out of their bunkers and enjoy socialising within a safe and caring environment. A group recently enjoyed 3D golf which was an interactive game. Another group boarded the Nepean Belle to cruise the Nepean River. Marilyn invited the Parramatta Times to cover a Chirpy St Patrick’s Day dinner catch-up at Wentworthville Leagues Club. “They come because they are lonely being by themselves at home and wanting to go out, meet people and have a chat,” says Marilyn, 70, a retired office manager who now volunteers for Mealson-Wheels. “I’m a part-time teacher at Kenthurst and I use my skills and life experience to bring people together and simply organising my group has been keeping me occupied,” says Lisa, 60. Those seated around the long dinner table said getting older no longer worries them so long they keep their minds and bodies active, and Chirpy was their social circle outside family connections. Greg, 68, of Merrylands is a widower who ran an RSL office; Julie of North Parramatta is in her 60s and clocked

Chirpy founders: Shaun Mahoney and his mother, Carol Mahoney.

Chirpies at Wentworthville Leagues Club for St Patrick’s Day dinner with Marilyn McFadyen and Lisa Davis are Debbie, Greg, Dennis, Jeff, Julie, Lisa Davis, Deceima, Robyn, and Beatrice.

more than three decades in the banking industry; Debbie constantly worries about her deteriorating health so she retired early and now manages her blue chip stocks; Decima works part-time at corporate offices and regularly jets to Perth to see her family; Jeff drove trucks and now spends time volunteering at Australiana Pioneer Village in Pitt Town; and Dennis of Marayong ran a successful roofing business until illness made it impossible to continue working so he goes off to soak in the sea breeze of Byron Bay where his daughter and grandchildren reside. Chirpy was created in 2018, but took off just over a year ago, from musings of ex-bank executive Shaun Mahoney and his mother, Carol Mahoney, former head of an IT company in New Zealand. The mother-and-son business partnership was modelled on a mission, and passion, to curb a growing social problem on loneliness and isolation among older people in Australia and NZ.

Knowing how to keep it real Shaun and his 15 staff run the national office in the Gold Coast while Carol works remotely from her office in Tauranga, NZ. Older Australians from ages 50 to 80 and older become socially isolated and lonely more frequently than those below the ages of 40 and younger, with at least one in every three of those surveyed between 2001 to 2009 for the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) reporting an episode of sadness at some point in their lives, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Shaun, who wrote and published a business-inspired book, Keeping it Real, knows first-hand how loneliness struck him following a neurosurgical operation in 2014 while in his 40s. Shaun and Carol then designed Chirpy using their combined IT expertise and business acumen to create a digital space for over-55s who are keen to safely connect

Leading the charge to electric vehicles  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM HE State Government’s big push towards electric vehicles (EVs) has been given a massive rev up by a $500M investment in technology in the recent State Budget. It means NSW will be the best place in Australia to buy and drive an electric vehicle and will have a statewide network of charging facilities to back it up. EVs be literally buzzing all over the state under the NSW Government’s nation-leading Electric Vehicle Strategy, with tax cuts and incentives to drive then electric revolution. Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said $490M was being committed in the 2021-22 NSW Budget to cut taxes, incentivise uptake and reduce barriers for electric vehicle purchases during the next four years. “Our comprehensive strategy is about making sure we have the right mix in place to incentivise the take-up of electric vehicles while ensuring everyone who drives on our roads contributes to funding and maintaining them,” Mr Perrottet said. “Our strategy also commences longterm major tax reform. Today we begin the process of permanently phasing out stamp duty on electric vehicles and a deferred transition to a fair and sustainable per-kilometre road user charge for electric vehicles. “From September this year, we will waive stamp duty for eligible EVs under $78,000 and $3000 rebates will be up for grabs for the first 25,000 purchasers of battery and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles under $68,750.

online with fellow seniors and then meet up in groups over activities they chose to participate in. The online group invitations are moderated, screened and each member adhere to a Chirpy code of conduct online and offline. Seniors are also taught how to safely interact online as part of their membership. Since Chirpy was launched, Shaun and Carol have turned into reality their “passion to create a worldwide community of over55s who are determined to make a difference in their local communities and solve loneliness by taking the online offline.” In less than a year, more than 25,000 seniors signed up to Chirpy online and socials expanded into Chirpy Catch-Ups, Chirpy Travel in groups, Chirpy Special Interest Groups and Chirpy Pen Pals. “We are now growing by over 1,000 members a month with over 200 local groups around Australia,” says Shaun. Visit: www.chirpyplus.com.au

New child car seat safety ratings EW child car seat safety ratings have been released to help parents and carers choose safe seats, and to encourage manufacturers to produce safer and easier-to-use products. Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the ratings help remove a lot of the confusion for parents when they need to buy a car seat. “With so many child car seats on the market it is crucial parents and carers have easy access to the latest safety ratings and testing information so they can make the right choices for their children,” Mr Constance said. “We’ve made improvements to the testing procedures and scoring protocols, including introducing a side-impact test with intruding door, new advanced crash test dummies and a new test rig featuring current popular vehicles.” The safety ratings are a result of independent crash tests carried out by a partnership between Transport for NSW, Transport Accident Commission (Victoria), Department of Transport (Victoria), Kidsafe and RACQ.

N Electric vehicles are the future.

“From young adults saving for their first car in Western Sydney to retirees planning a road trip to Broken Hill, these incentives will make electric vehicles accessible and affordable for all NSW residents.” Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the EV Strategy would help the NSW Government take action on climate change. “Our transport sector currently makes up 20% of the state’s emissions, with almost 50% of those coming from passenger vehicles,” Mr Constance said. The $490M in funding and tax cuts includes: • Stamp duty will be waived for eligible electric vehicles (battery and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles) priced under $78,000 purchased from September 1 2021; • Rebates of $3000 will be offered on private purchases of the first 25,000 eligible EVs (battery and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles) under

$68,750 sold in NSW from September 1 2021; • $171M for new charging infrastructure across the State. This includes $131m to spend on new ultra-fast vehicle chargers, $20M in grants for destination chargers to assist regional tourism and $20m for charging infrastructure at public transport hubs on Transport for NSW owned land. • $33m to help transition the NSW Government passenger fleet to EVs where feasible, with the target of a fully electric fleet by 2030. These vehicles typically are unsold after three to five years, providing availability for private buyers in the secondhand market. The Strategy builds on the programs in the State’s Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 20202030 and Future Transport 2056 Strategy. For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/electric-vehicle-reform

Information at www.childcarseats.com.au

TraveL

ISSUE 12 | July 2021

Cairns to Karumba on the Savannah Way  STORY AND IMAGES BY JOHN MADDOCKS HEe cow stares at me and I stare back. Finally this huge, prime example of a Brahman cow decides to move, and I’m grateful. Grateful that it’s going to amble off the road and grateful that I didn’t hit its bovine bulk at 100 kilometres an hour. On this remote far north Queensland road the results could have been catastrophic. Fortunately I’ve been warned, as graphic road signs alert me to the dangers of cars meeting cows head-on. On this part of the Savannah Way between Cairns and the Gulf of Carpentaria town of Karumba, the main dangers are cattle, kangaroos and 50-metre long road trains. Travelling on the Savannah Way has always been an ambition of mine, so I’m excited by the prospect of adventure long before my cow confrontation. The fun begins as my snappy, agile Hyundai SUV climbs the steep Gillies Range south of Cairns, which is renowned for its 263 sharp bends in only 19 kilometres of road. Soon I’m traversing the magnificent Atherton Tablelands, where I stop at a quaint teahouse beside gorgeous Lake Barrine. Lake Barrine is part of the Crater Lakes National Park and I stretch my legs on the 6-kilometre track that winds among magnificent giant kauri and red cedar trees. I overnight in a luxurious pole cabin set on the side of a volcanic crater at Mt Quincan Crater Retreat near Yungaburra, 70 kilometres from Cairns. As I sit in the spa absorbing fantastic views of the surrounding plains and the peacefulness of the setting, the only sounds are the breeze moving through the milky pines and the distant lowing of cattle in the fields below. Next morning at nearby Herberton Historic Village I wander through an amazing collection of over 50 period buildings housing antiques and memorabilia of pioneering life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The detailed presentation of everything from farm machinery, printing equipment and vehicles to toys, radios and frocks is quite outstanding. My favourite exhibit is the 1926 Citroen rail ambulance, which is still in working order. From Herberton I travel through the attractive town of Ravenshoe towards Undara. On the way I call in at the Innot Hot Springs, whose healing waters reach 78 degrees Celsius. Bottled mineral water from these natural springs was exported to Europe until the early 20th century. The outback is like a treasure hunt: you travel for hundreds of kilometres through empty, expansive countryside and suddenly come upon a unique and fascinating attraction. The Undara Experience is a good example. One hundred and ninety thousand years ago a massive volcanic explosion caused lava to spread over 160 kilometres in one direction and more than 90 kilometres in another, creating one of the planet’s longest lava flows. As the lava flowed down riverbeds, the outer layer cooled to form a crust while the hot lava beneath flowed on, forming enormous tubes, or tunnels. When the thin crust collapsed in places over the years, massive caves were revealed beneath.

This graphic road sign warns drivers of possible hazards ahead.

The magnificent interiors of the Undara tubes form part of massive volcanic remains from an explosion 190,000 years ago

Truly memorable experience Visiting these impressive tubes is truly memorable. The vast ceilings of blue, white, brown and orange are reflected in the crystal clear water at the base of the tubes, where the roots of giant fig trees penetrate for many metres. In one spot an incredible arch towers overhead. On Undara’s Wildlife at Sunset tour some of the area’s residents appear, including a variety of kangaroos and wallabies. The most attractive are the aptly named pretty faced wallabies, which have distinctive white markings along their jaw lines. After viewing a spectacular sunset from a rocky knoll, we visit Barker’s Cave to see some of an estimated 250,000 tiny ‘micro bats’ that inhabit this tube. Our guide goes down to the cave ahead of us to check that there are no brown tree

The towering edifices of Cobbold Gorge create a cool, tranquil outback retreat.

what is known locally as ‘ribbon road’. This is single lane sealed road with wide dirt verges, so I have to move onto the unsealed section when another vehicle approaches. This is rather daunting when the other vehicle is a road train that throws up a dust storm as I pass. This section of the outback is very different from other remote areas of Australia. Unlike the red dirt of the Territory or the sandy deserts of Western Australia, the Savannah region is softened by grasslands stretching to the horizon in every direction. After some challenging driving I arrive at Croydon, where I check into the rambling Croydon Club Hotel, the last of 36 hotels that flourished during a gold rush at the end of the 19th century. Croydon is best known as a terminal for the 120-year-old Gulflander Railway,

Normanton’s legendary Purple Pub is always busy.

snakes hanging from nearby branches. These snakes position themselves at the tube’s entrance and lash out at lightning speed to catch the tiny bats as they fly out. After spending the night in a restored turn of the century railway carriage, I enjoy an outdoor bush breakfast. Cheeky kookaburras watch the tourists eating and occasionally dive down to try and steal food. An hour or so later I reach Mt Surprise, a favourite venue for gem fossickers. Topaz, quartz, spinel, garnet, cairngorm and aquamarine can all be found here. Another 90-kilometres on I arrive at Georgetown (population 250), home of the award-winning Terrestrial Centre, which contains over 4,500 mineral specimens in a myriad of arresting colours and shapes. The standouts are agates, which are formed by bubbles in lava filling with minerals, and those on display here are the most striking in the world. On the way to Georgetown and beyond I find myself travelling from time to time on

Cattle dogs stop traffic on the Savannah Way.

which travels between here and the river port of Normanton, 150 kilometres to the east. Originally built to transport gold, the railway is sometimes described as going from ‘nowhere to nowhere’ because it has never been connected to the Queensland rail network. Today the railway’s apparent pointlessness seems to add to its charm as a tourist attraction.

Largest crocodile ever shot The Gulflander railway station at Normanton is noteworthy for its Victorian architecture. Normanton also has a number of other eye-catching colonial buildings as well as the bizarre ‘purple pub’ on the main street. A replica of Krys, the largest crocodile ever shot, is not to be missed. Krys is in the Guinness Book of Records as being 8.63 metres long and having an estimated weight of 1.8 tonnes. At last I arrive in Karumba for my first visit to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Karumba is

a barramundi fisher’s paradise and the boat landings are always busy. It is also the base for a large prawning fleet, which is preparing to head out to sea during my stay. In the evening the Ferryman sunset cruise gets off to a dramatic start when our guide Allison places some baitfish on a platform at the front of the boat. Allison has done this to attract black kites, which dive to seize the fish in a spectacular display. As we cruise the shoreline we see white-bellied sea eagles, Brahminy kites, striated herons and jabirus. Several large saltwater crocodiles laze beside the mangroves. It is the legendary Gulf sunset, however, that steals the show. Next morning I’m up early for a fishing trip on a charter boat. My fears of being revealed as a novice are quickly allayed when I find that others on the trip are equally unskilled. Our clumsy efforts turn out to be a lot of fun and I even manage to catch 5 fish. I spend the evening celebrating at the relaxed Sunset Tavern. On the return journey to Cairns I check out Cobbold Gorge, located on the huge Robin Hood cattle station, which is 90 kilometres from Georgetown on a largely unsealed road. A tour of the gorge covers geological, botanical and historical points of interest. On the surrounding escarpment we are shown some fascinating plants, including a black tree orchid and the deadly gidee gidee, which was used by Aborigines to stun fish and catch them. We also see hundreds of common crow butterflies, which avoid predators by producing poisonous compounds to make themselves unpalatable. Later we board small, quiet electrically powered boats to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of this steep, narrow gorge. Several freshwater crocodiles bask on rocks, numerous fish species swim in the water and we see kingfishers and bush stone curlews. When I resume my drive back to Cairns I encounter relatively few vehicles. Compared to tourist routes leading to Kakadu, the Kimberley and Uluru, this part of the Savannah Way in Far North Queensland is the road less travelled. But in terms of scenery, natural wonders and attractions, it should definitely be added to the outback ‘must do’ list. For more information visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au www.drivenorthqueensland.com.au www.savannahway.com.au

Sections of single lane ‘ribbon road’ feature on parts of the Savannah Way.

FitnesS

ISSUE 12 | July 2021

My top 10 tips for Fat Loss  ADAM SIMPSON OU may or may not have heard this before, but when it comes to losing body fat. You need to be in a calorie deficit. Essentially, what this means is that you need to be burning off more calories per day than what you consume in your food. This leaves you with a few options, you can either eat less calories per day, burn more calories per day through exercise or for best results you could combine the two. I am a big advocate of improving your daily habits so that you can live a healthier lifestyle autonomously. Below are my top 10 Habits that you can try and adopt which will help you lose body fat, but allow you to keep it off once and for all. 1. Exercise more days than you don’t – This one is super obvious, the more you exercise the more calories you will burn each day which will aid in your fat loss. For best results, combine some strength training with some cardiovascular training. But above all, find exercise that you enjoy so you can stick to it long term. 2. Eat more protein – Foods that are high in protein will help keep you feeling fuller for longer, this should make it easier for you to eat fewer total calories for the day. The extra protein will also help you grow some lean muscle mass. Which will only speed up your metabolism and get you burning more calories each day without any extra effort. 3. Drink Less Calories – It can be really easy to drink too many calories quickly. Try to limit your alcohol intake, the amount of sugary drinks you consume and focus on drinking

Adam Simpson.

more water. Water has 0 calories, so it is a great way to reduce the total amount you consume for the day. 4. Eat More Fruit and Vegetables – Fruit and Vegetables are not only jam packed with nutrients they are also pretty low in calorie density. Meaning you can eat a whole lot of these without really adding too many extra calories to your intake. If you are still hungry after dinner, fill up on a big plate of greens. Or if you have a sweet tooth, choose berries and a bowl of fruit as a dessert option. 5. Choose Lower Calorie Food Swaps – Calories are king when it comes to fat loss. When you are shopping, look

at the nutrition label on the back of the items you are purchasing and see where you can find lower calorie options. A quick google search will give you endless food swap ideas. EG: Fresh fruit over dried, Greek Yoghurt over Sour Cream, Pistachio’s over Walnuts, Olive oil spray over a tablespoon of oil. 6. Reduce your portion sizes – Sometimes it can be easy to just mindlessly eat, even when you are no longer hungry. A simple trick to reduce your portion sizes can be to just use a smaller plate. 7. Watch Less TV – Sitting and watching Tv burns almost no calories. If

you are someone who can watch TV for hours on end, it is going to make your fat loss that little bit harder. Instead limit your TV time and try find other hobbies that you enjoy where you are more active. 8. 10,000 Steps a day – Using technology to track how much you are moving each day is a great way to monitor your movement. Setting a step goal for the day is a great way to ensure you are being active enough. 9. Choose the Stairs – Little things like choosing the stairs over the elevator or parking further away at the shops will mean that you are going to be burning more throughout the day. It may not seem like much, but little decisions we make on a daily basis can add up to a big result at the end of the year. 10. Take Phone calls while you walk – If you have a job where you are at a desk all day, it can be very easy to hardly get off your chair. If you can take phone calls while you walk you can drastically increase how much movement you get in each day. Pacing the hall while you take a 15minute phone call could almost add up to a kilometre walk. When it comes to fat loss, keep things simple so you can stick to the plan. Choose 2-3 of these habits that you can adopt and stick to them for a couple of months. If you are consistent the result will come. Once you have these habits formed, you can adopt another one until you have the results you are after.

Adam Simpson is lead trainer and founder at Repetitions Group fitness and Personal Training. Visit: Gwww.repetitionspt.com.au

CommunitY

ISSUE 12 | July 2021

Above: The Social Outfit is action.

Community grant recipients announced $385,000 to support local programs HIRTY not-for-profit groups, social enterprises, creative organisations and artists have been announced as recipients of City of Parramatta Council’s 2021 Community Grants program. City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said the more than $385,000 in funding would support recipients to deliver programs that enhance social connectedness, cultural wellbeing and economic resilience in Parramatta. “Council is delighted to support these dedicated organisations and creatives

who have given so much to the Parramatta community, particularly during the pandemic,” Cr Dwyer said. “These grants will make our City’s social fabric even stronger by helping fund a huge range of grassroots programs and initiatives, from sewing lessons for refugees to workshops nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. It makes me very proud that we can support so many inspiring projects.” The Social Outfit, a social enterprise employing and training refugees and new migrants to manufacture and sell ethical

Licensed Maintenance Electricians We are seeking a number of experienced Licensed Maintenance Electricians to undertake reactive and programmed works as a part of our growing team. You will be allocated a VSHFL¿F VLWH V LQ HLWKHU Hawkesbury, Penrith, Parramatta or Campbelltown areas so if you are “local” to one of those areas and like the idea of work close to home, this might be for you! If you are a licensed electrician whose strengths are in maintenance & service, then get in touch now for an immediate start with our great team. BENEFITS Great conditions. Work close to home as a part of a fantastic team.

JOB REQUIREMENTS 1. Licensed Electrician. 2. Experienced in carrying out reactive and programmed PDLQWHQDQFH IDXOW ¿QGLQJ ႇHULQJ KLJK OHYHO VHUYLFH WR our key clients. 3. Driver’s License, Whitecard & Police Check required.

fashion, has received a $25,000 grant for a pilot 'Earn and Learn' project in Parramatta. The Social Outfit CEO Camilla Schippa said: “Imagine a community sewing hub, the click-click of industrial sewing machines, warm smiles and laughter, as women from Afghanistan, India, Myanmar and Syria work side-by-side learning how to manufacture beautiful garments and earning textile award wages as they are trained up in their first Australian jobs. We plan to do just that in Parramatta.” Local theatre maker Nick Atkins has received a $20,000 grant for The Lemon Tree Curse project, which will include creating a new play and running a workshop with the National Theatre of Parramatta. Nick Atkins said: “The lemon tree fell on my great-great-grandfather’s house when he tried to prove a point by cutting it down without asking for help. Ever since, the ‘lemon tree curse’ has become synonymous with mistakes people in my family are doomed to repeat when they don’t ask for help. Using this curse as a starting point, I will fuse my established body of work as a theatre maker with my emerging practice in the digital performance space while engaging with the Parramatta community.” Initiated by the former Parramatta City Council in 2007, the Community Grants program has supported a diverse range of local community organisations, volunteer groups, sporting clubs, social enterprises, creative producers, and heritage organisations. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 across five categories: Community Capacity Building, Creative Fellowship Fund,

HOW TO APPLY Please send a covering letter outlining your experience & suitability, along with your resume to: KU#KL[ FRP DX MORE INFORMATION • $GGUHVV 1/10 Production Place, Penrith. • 6DODU\ 5DQJH $70,000 - $100,000. • 7RWDO <HDUV¶ ([SHULHQFH 0-5. • :RUNLQJ 6WDWXV The candidate must have the right to live and work in Australia. The Social Outfit team.

Nick Atkins at work.

Creative Project Leveraging, Growing Social Enterprise in Parramatta, and Cultural Heritage and Research Fund. Funding can be used to develop projects and resources, build internal capacity or buy essential materials. Recipients are supported by Grant Support Officers from Council’s Community Capacity Building team. The full list of recipients is available here: cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/community/grants/community-grants-program

ISSUE 12 | July 2021

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PROPERTY SHOWCASE WESTERN SYDNEY

Published in Western Sydney Business Access | Parramatta Times | Blacktown News | www.westernpropertyguide.com.au

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE?

Property prices still skyrocketing  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM T’S a case of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ in July with Sydney prices continuing to skyrocket in the unprecedented property boom gripping the city. Old houses that were bought for a few thousand dollars last century in a prime location are now bringing up to $5m in parts of the Inner city. The Sydney median price reached $1.3M recently, increasing 8.5% in the quarter which is the highest level since records were first taken in the 1990s. A derelict five-metre-wide house with a hole in the ceiling has sold for a whopping $4.62M, becoming one of the most expensive homes for its size ever sold in Sydney. Massive quarterly gains in the eastern suburbs, Northern Beaches, Baulkham Hills and the Hawkesbury are behind the quarterly median price rise of more than $100,000. The decrepit inner-city terrace sold for an unbelievable $4.6m, surpassing its reserve by more than $500,000. More than 100 people turned up to watch the uninhabitable house at 112 Surrey St, Darlinghurst go under the hammer. The five-to-six-bedroom property spans four levels with water damage throughout, rotting floorboards, a fallen-in ceiling and a collapsed balcony. But that did not stop 16 buyers registering to bid on the property, which was considered a bargain and could fetch $8m when renovated. Over the year, Sydney house prices have jumped by 12.6%. Domain's Senior Research Analyst Nicola Powell said in an interview it had been a "rapid acceleration" in prices. "It's the fastest acceleration of house prices over a single quarter since our Domain records began in 1993," she said. "We've got double digit annual gains and that's the steepest rise since mid-2017. "Previously we'd seen very much the low end of the market supporting price growth ... now we're starting to see the upper end of the market is leading." Dr Powell speaking to the ABC said no area of Sydney escaped the pricing boom and every region had hit record highs.

Over the year, Sydney house prices have jumped by 12.6%.

It’s a two-edge sword The median house price of more than $1.3M is backed up by SQM research. SQM research managing director Louis Christopher said it had been an "extraordinarily" strong quarter. "It was driven by a multitude of factors, particularly government stimulus," he said. "From the outset of this current recovery and effectively, current housing boom, there's been great demand for freestanding houses. "People have been looking for larger properties because they've been working from home, and that trend is still with us."

And the West and Hills district are benefitting greatly because of the stock of free-standing homes on larger blocks. Unit buyers aren’t much better off because the median price of a unit in the Sydney region has just topped $1m. It came on the back of incredible growth earlier this year, which has meant a typical Sydney house is now about $117,000 pricier than it was at the end of February. Close to $40,000 of that increase was from May growth alone. Sydney’s price rise was 66% higher than in Melbourne and about 36% higher than the national average. There may be a two-edged sword for struggling homebuyers. On the one hand,

prices will slow down because of auctions cancelled in the lockdown, but this could be accompanied by a predicted increase in interest rates. They can also look forward to housing supply beginning to increase in many suburbs in the west and a further increase would take pressure off of buyers to bid up prices. A shortage of listings has been one of the biggest drivers of the recent price boom, according to experts. South Strathfield is particularly popular with buyers because of the quality homes available in this once showpiece area of early 20th century Sydney. The average price is now $1.8m, which is $500,000 more than the city median.

APRIL 2021 Edition 120

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS

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HistorY

ISSUE 12 | July 2021

Historic Parramatta Images auctioned HE Rose Stereograph Company Collection: one of Australia’s most significant photographic collections dating back to 1880, comprising more than 100,000 items was auctioned featuring local iconic photos of Parramatta. The collection features moments captured in time featuring original images of St. Johns Church, Town Hall, Kings School and even Park Gates, along with many others. All images were uncovered in the spare bedroom of a home in Victoria. “There are original glass negatives in this collection that capture the very first moments of not only local Australian but World history and some that may even change the course of history,” said Mr Lee Hames, Chief Operations Officer for Lloyds Auctions. “We believe this to be a World first, to offer these tangible original glass plates which rival any modern photographic resolution”, he continued. Noteworthy photographs include The Landing At ANZAC (Gallipoli 1915), Ned And Dan Kelly’s Armour (taken at trial in 1880), The Duke & Duchess Of York And Daughter Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, Phar Lap Winning The ‘Melbourne Cup’ 1930, Egyptian Pyramids And Sphinx, Franco British Expedition and many more. The Rose Stereograph Company was founded in 1880 by George Rose and Herbert Cutts, in the early 20th Century. The pair formed a lifetime working partnership and strong personal friendship. Assisted by George’s two sons, Herbert George and Walter, and later Herbert’s son, Neil Cutts, the Rose Stereograph Company continued its operations for more than 140 years; and remains an incorporated Australian Company to this day. The company was initially built on stereographs, but as cinema took over and stereographs fell out of fashion, The Rose Stereograph Company developed Australia’s first commercially viable photographic postcard business. Specialising in postcards of iconic historical moments and significant landmarks, The Rose Stereograph Company became a staple of the Australian travel industry. A statement from Stephen and Jeffrey Cutts, the current custodians of the collection, said “It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a collection that spans five generations and 140 years. We understand that for these historically important pieces to rest with one family is to deny others the pleasure of their custodianship. It is for this reason that we have entrusted you as the new custodian of our treasured item, “. “This has to be one of the most important photographic collections in Australia if not the world and that’s why we have taken considerable measures and invested heavily in state-of-the-art technology in order to honour the owners of one of the most significant photographic collections in Australian history,” said Mr Lee Hames,

Images from the collection.

Chief Operations Office for Lloyds Auctions. In a World first, Lloyds Auctions mint NFT’s to offer blockchain proof of ownership on arguably the most significant photographic collection in our Nation’s history.

For the very first time, customers can bid for ownership on both the Lloyds Auctions platform and in cryptocurrency on leading NFT marketplaces for rare digital collectibles. Winning bidders will receive ownership of both the minted NFT, along

with a tangible one-of-one original glass plate negative. If you are looking to browse the entire collection and own a piece of significant history then head to https://www.lloydsauctions.com.au/photo

Crosswords/Games Solutions page 24

ISSUE 12 | July 2021

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Surrender signal, white ... 4. Studied for exam 8. Celebrity status 11. Advantages 13. Look forward to 15. Large horned African beast 17. Catch (thief) 18. Steak cut (1-4) 20. Human males 21. Wrote by machine 24. Grill 27. And not 28. Eskimo house 30. Crypt 31. Paved with ceramic squares 33. Harsh experience 34. Moral principles 35. Pre-owned 36. Rush 39. Yacht's cooking area 42. Elegance 44. Flippers 45. Titled ladies 46. Chop wildly 48. Reform 49. Bird claw 50. Grew old 52. Slights 54. School market 55. Long tales 56. Desires greatly 57. Dress ribbon 60. Periods 62. Open wounds 65. Birthright 67. Unprincipled person 69. More senior 70. Prevents, ... from 72. Mobile phone chip, ... card 73. Unrefined 75. Other way round, vice ... 77. Bloodshot (eyes) 79. Snap (fingers) 81. Owing 82. Brown in pan 84. Trifled 85. Part with cash 86. Is compelled 87. Manage 88. Holler

DOWN 1. Solid 2. Mimicking 3. Post-baby-boomers, ... X 4. Invitation footnote (1,1,1,1) 5. Buildings defacer 6. Understated 7. Information 8. Trivial lie 9. Make reparation 10. Jug 12. Helicopter blade 14. Room beneath a roof 16. Successors 19. Growths 22. Sings Swiss alpine-style 23. Shirked 25. Water mammals 26. Embroidery loop 29. Submitting (application) 32. Acid drug (1,1,1) 35. Reveals 37. Foot joint 38. Stinging insects 40. South American mountains 41. Gapes 42. Survive (3,2) 43. Consumed 44. Deeds 47. Reflective road marker 51. Ballroom performer 52. Holy 53. Stern 54. Weirdos 58. 4th month 59. Squeeze fondly 61. Financial holding 63. Fortunate 64. Snow vehicle 65. Crowbars 66. Let up 68. Leaves out 71. Prig 72. Rip-off 74. Unbutton 76. Ascend 78. Bargain 80. Cradle 83. Some

L BUSINE A C

ISSUE 12 | July 2021

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AWA R D S

2021 Parramatta Local Business Awards Media partner

Nominations open Monday 14th June. Nominations close Thursday 15th July. www.thebusinessawards.com.au

Games Solutions

ISSUE 12 | July 2021

TrendS

Why WELLNESS is the new buzzword

 DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

ELLNESS has suddenly become a key word in attracting and maintaining employees in the new age of the COVID-19 pan-

demic. A quick search of Google will find a plethora of companies springing up to provide wellness resources for companies keen to establish a ‘healthy’ reputation. But what is wellness and how can it be applied to the workforce? Google defines wellness as: “the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental outcomes”. So instead of just surviving you will be thriving and as a result you will be a better performing staff member, whether you are in management or a worker. In the past, the wellness of staff was of little concern to management, except

when somebody took “too many sick days” or had a mental meltdown. Today’s manager must be more than just a leader and slave driver. He or she must be part doctor, part fitness expert and part social worker to keep staff happy and productive. For progressive companies it may mean converting unused office or factory space into a wellness centre. One new age company is Wellness Solutions. It creates wellness centres for businesses looking to join the health revolution. Its aim is to assist companies considering converting an existing room into a wellness lounge. Wellness Solutions has a range of options including:

• Immersive Studios for Movement. • Innovative Wellness Pods with privacy screens. • Community areas such as lounges, co-working spaces and wellness cafes.

The company says If you're limited for space it's easy to create your own custom wellness lounge. And the wellness pods are a new innovative type of retreat where you can enjoy breathing, massage and meditation sessions while relaxing with your feet up.

It’s now WE not ME Employee wellness is high on employers’ to-do lists as they look to not only cut health care expenses but improve productivity and recruit and retain top talent. And as with the rest of their benefits portfolio, employers are looking for ideas that will not only set themselves apart from the competition, but also actually drive excitement and interest among employees. Some places are getting truly creative in the ways they’re working to engage employees in their own wellness, with ideas unique to them.

Others are picking up on what others are doing and then tweaking those ideas to suit their own employee populations. Another wellness firm Benefits Pro said some companies were really taking on the challenge and reflecting it in the very design of the workplace. “Whatever strategies they’re trying, companies are finally recognizing that, when it comes to wellness, it’s not enough to talk the talk. They have to walk the walk and incorporate ideas into the mission and values of the company.” However, companies are now finding that wellness really needs to be a “we” rather than “me” rejuvenation. “Workplace wellness programs are implicitly focused on the individual: biometric screenings, individual incentives, gym member reimbursements,” Benefit Pro said. SOURCES: Google, Benefits Pro, Wellness Solutions

ISSUE 12 | July 2021

AutO

with JOHN MELLOR

Priced from $76,990 + ORCs, Volvo is EV-ready with XC40 Recharge Pure Electric

 CALLUM HUNTER OLVO Car Australia has confirmed local pricing and specifications of its first electric vehicle, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, revealing the compact family hauler will cost from $76,990 plus on-roads when it arrives here in August. This pitches it head-to-head with the similar-sized Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 that will cost $190 less for more battery range but less performance. A Tesla Model 3 starts from $66,625 before on-road costs for the Standard Range Plus model providing comparable performance to the XC40 but slightly more range. Like the plug-in hybrid version that came before it, the Pure Electric will be sold here in a single, highly specified trim level, cresting the XC40 range in terms of price, equipment, power and performance. Brandishing all the familiar XC40 styling elements plus a unique enclosed front grille, the Pure Electric’s party piece is the dual motor set-up – one on each axle – that develops 300kW of power and 660Nm of torque. Fed by a 78kWh lithium-ion battery pack, Volvo says its inaugural EV will spring from 0-100km/h in a hot hatch-poaching 4.9 seconds and cover up to 418km on a single charge. In terms of sheer firepower, the

XC40 Recharge Pure Electric punches well above its class and price bracket, well and truly taking the fight to much more expensive offerings like the Jaguar I-Pace (294kW/696Nm), Audi E-Tron 55 (300kW/664Nm), Mercedes-Benz EQC (300kW/760Nm) and even the Tesla Model X Long Range (311kW/660Nm) for half the price. The flipside however is range; of all the premium offerings outlined above, the Volvo only betters the Mercedes (353km) and just matches the Audi (“in excess of 400km”).

Google Android Infotainment operating system Pricing of the green Swede positions it between these larger luxury models and mainstream electric SUVs sold in Australia – such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro Electric – with the extra dollars buying both better performance and premium brand perks. However, both mainstream offerings mentioned beat the Volvo on range, the Kona by more than 60km. The more conceptually similar Mercedes EQA 250 also claims to trump the Volvo on range with up to 480km on a single charge, though its 140kW/375Nm outputs are slightly down on the more affordable Hyundai and Kia (a more expensive EQA 350 4Matic will up the ante to 215kW/520Nm).

Volvo says the XC40’s battery can be charged from 0-80 per cent in 40 minutes when using a DC fast charger. Unlike other EVs, the Pure Electric has not been fitted with a distinct start/ stop button – drivers and occupants simply unlock the car, get in, fasten their seatbelts and pull away. Minimalist in design but not in nature, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will come loaded with gear when it arrives in local showrooms with the whole package rolling on unique 20-inch alloy wheels Standard equipment highlights include a Harman/Kardon premium sound system accessed via a 9.0-inch Google Android infotainment and operating system with DAB digital radio, wireless smartphone integration and mirroring, speech recognition, inductive phone charging, 360-degree camera, keyless entry and hands-free tailgate, electronic folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, leather accented seats with heating function and power folding rear headrests. Safety features are headlined by Volvo’s City Safety autonomous emergency braking system, front and rear collision warning and mitigation, camera-based front and rear park assist, blind spot information system with cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, lane keeping aid, hill start assist and hill descent control as well as parking sensors front and rear.

“The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is Volvo's first all-electric vehicle and reinforces the Swedish company's commitment to electrifying its entire car range by 2025, with full electric or plug-in hybrid variants,” the brand said in a statement. “The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is the first vehicle in Australia to come with a fully integrated Google Android Infotainment operating system, with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play Store built in.” Like every other Volvo currently offered here, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will be covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, three-year 100,000km service wear and tear plan which (wiper blades, brake pads and rotors), eight-year roadside assistance plan and an eight-year battery warranty. The Swedish-founded, Chinese-owned brand has sold 1881 XC40s in Australia to the end of May this year, enough to make it one of the dominant forces within the $40,000-plus compact SUV segment with its 19.2 per cent share being second only to the Audi Q3 (2616/26.8 per cent).

2021 Volvo XC40 pricing* T4 Momentum (a) T4 Inscription (a) T5 R-Design (a) Recharge Plug-In (a) Recharge Pure Electric (a)

$46,990 $51,990 $56,990 $64,990 $76,990

Parramatta Times - July 2021

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