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

ISSUE 16 | NOVEMBER 2021

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PARRAMATTA SOUND WEST

INSIDE 2021 Council Elections Candidate profiles and news starts page 5

Western Sydney Summit AmCham plans major event for CommBank Stadium: 16

Building called Phive How Parramatta Council paid $30,000 to name a building: 3

Julie to leave Minister Stuart Ayres and WSBC general manager, Amanda Brisot at the launch of Sound West.

ARRAMATTA has won the bid to host the SOUND WEST Technology & Music Festival, Australia’s first major music, tech and networking expo running from 30 March 30 to April 3, 2022. The five-day extravaganza includes live music performances in venues across Parramatta and Greater Western Sydney, along with a Technology and Music Conference at CommBank Stadium. More page 12.

NG I M COSOON

After 18 years, popular Parramatta MP set to retire: 3

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ISSUE 16 | November 2021

PARRAMATTA HIVE HAS STUNG DHARUG COMMUNITY

$30k bill to name building HAT’S in name? Would a building by any other name smell sweeter? After all, the name Parramatta Council has bestowed on its new civic building, Phive, means Parramatta Hive–and it certainly has created a buzz. But will the name that has had no community input and has stung the local indigenous community, prove too sticky?

 DI BARTOK REPORTS N A decision that has divided the community, Parramatta Council is sticking to its guns over the naming of its new civic and community centre due to open in April 2022. The name Phive–Parramatta Hive, pronounced Five–has angered the Aboriginal community, heritage lovers and other members of the wider Parramatta community who have lit up social media with their objections–or just plain bafflement–at council’s choice. The name was put forward by consultants that cost council $30,000 after the community rejected the only two options put to them–the Civic and Civic Place. Phive relates to the present name of the building in Parramatta Square–P5–and considers its role as the hive of Parramatta, as well as its honeycomb roof design. But the “cleverness” of the name has not struck a chord with objectors who feel the name should either reflect the indigenous or colonial heritage of Parramatta. On October 25, the last council meeting before the December 4 election, former lord mayor Bob Dwyer failed in his bid to have the decision made earlier in the month overturned. The decision to go with the name Phive is supported by Labor councillors Pierre Esber, Donna Davis, Sameer Pandey, Patricia

Prociv, Greens Phil Bradley, Independents Lorraine Wearne and Andrew Wilson and one Liberal Ben Barrak. Those against the name are Lord Mayor Steven Issa, deputy Lord Mayor Michelle Garrard, and Liberals Bob Dwyer, Martin Zaiter, Bill Tyrrell and Andrew Jefferies. In putting his rescission motion, Cr Dwyer felt he could sway at least two of his fellow councillors. But the vote was the same as before. Cr Dwyer suggested that the iconic building be named after colonial architect James Houison or carry a name relevant to the Dharug people of Parramatta. Resident and community activist Darryn Capes-Davis addressed the council meeting to support Cr Dwyer’s rescission motion, calling on better community consultation for a name more fitting. He said the name Phive had “no cultural or heritage connection with Parramatta”. Mr Capes-Davis favoured either the architect Houison’s name or an appropriate Dharug word, Mirrung, meaning “belonging”. The indigenous community is angered by council’s decision that ignored their input. “Not one of the names we suggested was even presented as a choice for people,” Dharug elder Julie Webb told the Times. “We submitted five-plus names for consideration after being approached. A lot of work went into meaningful names that represented inclusiveness.

Building called Phive.

“Given Barramada's linguistically diverse population, pronunciation should not have been a huge problem given it was one name or phrase. Community were not even given the opportunity to try.” The Aboriginal names put forward were: - Yuwingalyang (yew-in-galang) (Place of Truth) - Baramada Butbutyin (Heart of Parramatta) - Baramada Ngurra Nuru (bara-mada nara nuru) (Parramatta Camp Central) - Daranggulang (Cabbage Palm – Life Source (As per the PCC Logo) - Ngurang Budyari Gumadayin (Place of good Spirit) - Ngara Baramadaduruyin (Democracy in Parramatta Prevails) Aboriginal elders say they were not

even advised of the outcome, discovering it on social media. But Parramatta Council has told the Times that the Dharug community was asked for more names after those submitted were found to be unsuitable. There was no response, a council spokesperson said. Parramatta historian Gary Carter has suggested that Barramatugal would have been a good name. But Parramatta Chamber of Commerce president Luke Magee said he was “okay” with the name Phive, understanding the intent behind it. However, he was concerned with the amount of community angst it has caused. “Council could have been more inclusive, engaging the community more, perhaps having a naming competition as has been done with the light rail bridge over James Ruse Drive,” Mr Magee said.

Julie Owens set to resign  POLITICS | DI BARTOK ULIE Owens, long-serving Federal Labor MP for Parramatta, has announced that she is resigning from Parliament. Ms Owens, who is in her 18th year of representing Parramatta, will not be contesting the next election, expected to be held early next year. An immensely popular MP, the Liberals have tried with several different candidates to take the seat from Ms Owens. Over the years, the federal seat has swung between Liberal and Labor, with

J Julie Owens.

a swing of 4.17 pc to the Liberal’s Charles CamenzuliI at the 2019 election. With rumours flying of Ms Owens’ impending resignation leading up to her official announcement on Friday, Liberal officials are now working on who should be the candidate. This is amid the Liberals still working out who will be their candidates for the December 4 Parramatta Council election. In a statement, Ms Owens thanked the people of Parramatta for their ongoing support. “I am now in my 18th year as Member for Parramatta and I can honestly

say I’ve loved every minute of it,” Ms Owens said. “Parramatta is home to the most fantastic people I have been blessed to meet so many. It has been an honour to represent this diverse and endlessly fascinating community since 2004. “But the time has come to spend more time with my family, especially my grandchildren. “My goal in this job has always been to make my community stronger. Because no one is better equipped to solve the problems that we face and build a better future for Parramatta than its community.”

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XMAS party for frontliners FRONTLINE service workers will be special guests at this year’s Parramatta Lord Mayor Christmas party, to honour their work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.Lord Mayor Steven Issa had no objection from fellow councillors when putting forward the proposal at the council’s last meeting before going into caretaker mode ahead of the December 4 local government election. The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Party is a glitzy shindig where councillors, staff and other guests from community organisations dress to the nines for a fun night. But this year, invitations will be directed towards frontline workers, although councillors and staff will still attend, just without plus-ones. “Guests from NSW Health, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Fire & Rescue NSW, NSW SES,

1st/15th Royal NSW Lancers and a large number of community organisations will be invited to attend the Lord Mayor’s Community Christmas Celebration – Honouring Frontline Services event on November 18, where their valuable service to the community during the pandemic will be recognised and celebrated,” Cr Issa said in his lord mayoral minute.

Soccer champs may train in Parramatta SOCCER enthusiast Steven Issa has kicked a goal for Parramatta as Lord Mayor, calling on council to put forward the City as a training hub for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In a Lord Mayoral minute at council’s last meeting for the term, Cr Issa proposed that council approach Football Australia to

investigate opportunities for the Australian team to train in City of Parramatta facilities. “This may include being used as a team’s base training facility throughout their World Cup campaign,”Cr Issa said. “The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as the world’s biggest women’s sporting event presents an opportunity to showcase the City of Parramatta, our diverse recreation and sporting facilities, and the passionate sporting fans that call our City home. . “As global Sydney’s Central City, and the gateway to places, services and experiences in Sydney’s West, the City of Parramatta should seek to maximise the opportunities presented by the biggest global event in Australia since the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.” Cr Issa’s motion was supported enthusiastically by his fellow councillors.

Enrolments open for Bus Stop Films ITH enrolments now open for 2022, Bus Stop Films is set to deliver its award-winning Accessible Film Studies Program for people living with disabilities in Paramatta, joined by new partner Western Sydney University. Led by passionate filmmakers and industry experts, the 40-week program offers students exclusive opportunities to: • Visit film production companies. • Work with professional filmmakers. • Learn both theoretical and practical approaches. • Create award-winning films through a film school experience. The program also helps to improve students’ literacy and social engagement, whilst enhancing their employability and confidence. The program can be paid through a student’s NDIS package. Bus Stop Films offers programs in Sydney, Parramatta, Wollongong, Canberra, Brisbane and online. In 2022the program will expand to Melbourne, Adelaide and the Blue Mountains, offering enrolments for up to 180 students across nine locations in five states, including their online program open nationally.

Bus Stop Films in action.

Bus Stop Films has produced around 50 films that have won more than 80 awards and reach audiences of more than 45 million people worldwide. The not-for-profit organisation aims to generate genuine work opportunities for

those from under-represented groups in the film industry, whilst advocating for a more inclusive film industry and society at large. For more information and to register: www. busstopfilms.com.au/programs/

INDEX

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CounciL ElectionS

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Patricia Prociv, Pierre Esber and Donna Davis.

Labor in Parramatta, Cumberland N contrast to the Liberal Party, Labor had its candidates for Parramatta and Cumberland councils sorted in time for the expected September election. In Parramatta, the existing team was re-endorsed, each running tickets in their wards. Those councillors are Pierre Esber in Dundas, Donna Davis in Epping, Patricia Prociv in Rosehill and Sameer Pandey in Parramatta. A new candidate, businesswoman Angela Humphries, is running in North Rocks. Labor’s team is led by 22-year veteran Pierre Esber who has represented Dundas ward since 1999. Pierre, a strong proponent of developing Parramatta CBD as a world class city while maintaining the traditional look of

suburban areas,believes that the LGA can have it all. “I believe in the bigger picture overall supporting growth while looking after the residents in the suburbs,” he says. Donna Davis was elected to council in September 2017 with a keen interest in developing Parramatta into a flourishing tourist destination, with its rich indigenous and colonial history. Donna cares about the complex needs of the community, while supporting growth of the city to boost employment and harness the talents of residents in the creative sector. Dr Patricia Prociv, whose doctorate is in Creative Arts from Western Sydney University, was elected to the Rosehill Ward in September 2017.

A practising artist, Patricia is a passionate advocate for more community and arts infrastructure. As a cyclist she is a strong advocate for more active and public transport corridors. Sameer Pandey was elected to Parramatta Ward in 2017. Sameer is a keen advocate of maintaining the tree canopy throughout the council area, especially in the CBD where trees compete with commercial development. With a strong association with the Harris Park business district, Sameer has backed the concept of a Little India identity to promote the culinary delights of Harris Park. In Cumberland, the existing Labor councillors Glenn Elmore in Granville South, Ola Hamad in Granville, Kun Huang in Regents Park, and Suman Saha and

Lisa Lake will once again be standing for re-election in the Wentworthville Ward. Local government veteran Elmore served on Parramatta Council before his area of South Granville was taken over by the new Cumberland Council. The Labor councillors will be joined by disability advocate Mark Kunach, who has a strong commitment to improving the local environment and university lecturer Diane Colman, whose mother Pam was a Labor councillor on the former Holroyd Council. Ms Colman said good Labor values of caring for the community at the grassroots level, cutting through petty political fights, was what the people of Cumberland needed, especially after the challenges of the pandemic lockdowns.

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CounciL ElectionS

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Liberal rebels ready for the fight “As we called for nominations for Parramatta but none were forthcoming (due to factional fighting that led to the State Executive deciding not to endorse candidates), no Liberal Party member can run without permission from the Executive,” the Liberal spokesman told the Times.

 DI BARTOK HE threat of expulsion from the Liberal Party has not stopped some candidates from running as Independents in the Parramatta Council election–including former Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer. Mr Dwyer is running as Number 2 on a ticket headed by mother of four and employee in the medical device industry Georgina Valjak, in the North Rocks ward. Both Ms Valjak and Mr Dwyer believe there should be conservative representation in a largely conservative area and are perturbed that the Liberal Party is not represented. “My understanding is that

Prepared to take the chance

Georgina Valjak.

Bob Dwyer

Liberal Party members can run as Independents if they are not up against endorsed Liberal candidates,” Ms Valjak said.

However, a senior Liberal Party member said people who thought that “did not know the rules”.

“Cumberland Council is different, as we had not called for nominations, so Liberal members can run as Independents.” Ms Valjak, Mr Dwyer and another former Liberal councillor Jean Pierre Abood who is running as an Independent in Epping ward, feel that is open to interpretation and, ultimately, challenge.

They are prepared to take the chance, while other Liberal sitting councillors including Lord Mayor Steven Issa, Martin Zaiter and Ben Barrak are not. Bill Tyrrell will run as an Independent in Blacktown Council. Mr Dwyer had announced earlier in the month that he would not run for council again, but is doing so to honour his commitment to seeing more Liberal women on council. With the local Liberals seemingly not interested in endorsing women any time soon, backing an Independent woman committed to conservative values is just the ticket for Mr Dwyer. Ms Valjak and her family have lived in the area for 20 years and understand local issues.

Kellie has the ear of young families  DI BARTOK HEN Kellie Darley’s “hobby” of lobbying for families became a “full-time job”, she was sowing the seeds of a civic leader’s role. Now, the founder of ParraParents, which has become a powerful voice for parents wanting better community facilities for families, is ready to step up to the plate as a candidate in Parramatta Council election on December 4.

Kellie, of Rydalmere, is running as a proud independent, with a team of two other women, in the Dundas ward. The married mother of two young boys feels now is the right time for true independents in local government–especially women. ‘“There has been too much fighting in the sandpit,” Kellie says of politically-aligned councillors on Parramatta Council. She often shakes her head at their antics and despairs that the needs of residents in the suburbs are being ignored.

“They waste time making political points and that is not what the community wants. Community leaders should be independent and work for the people who elected them.” With ParraParents, Kellie has had first-hand experience of how some councillors treat the community. “When I’ve approached councillors on behalf of ParraParents, only a few bother to reply,” Kellie said. With ParraParents, Kellie has connected families to community gardens through schools, has led bushwalks, successfully pushed for

kid friendly parks and cafes and better library services and generally supported the needs of young families. Kellie has worked as a senior executive in community health so understands the workings of government. She started ParraParents after moving to the area seven years ago and connecting with other parents through playgroups. Kellie said many of the present Parramatta councillors did not have young children and did not understand the needs of young families.

Kellie Darley loves her community.

LIBERALS RISK THEIR PARTY MEMBERSHIP TO STAND UP FOR THE COMMUNITY

ADDENED by the decision of the Liberal Party to not run Liberal Party members in the Parramatta Local Government elections, Georgina Valjak, former City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer, Rob Mashford and Jean3LHUUH $ERRG KDYH GHFLGHG WR ႋDQG DV LQGHSHQdents to ensure a Liberal voice on council. ³3DUUDPDWWD LV WKH IXWXUH RI &%'¶V H[SDQVLRQ and the coalition Government has invested billions of dollars into the area” Former Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said. ³7KH LGHD QRW WR UXQ /LEHUDOV LQ WKH XSFRPLQJ HOHFWLRQV GLVHQIUDQFKLVHV WKRVH WKRXVDQGV RI SHRSOH LQ WKH ORFDO DUHD ZKR UHO\ RQ XV WR DGYRFDWH IRU their voice.” Both Bob Dwyer and Jean-Pierre Abood have been Liberal councillors on Parramatta Council DQG ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR UHSUHVHQW WKRVH /LEHUDO YDOXHV on council. “Mums and Dads, small business owners, homeowners and growing families needing access WR EHWWHU VHUYLFHV DQG DPHQLWLHV DUH RXU SHRSOH :H DUH UXQQLQJ WR UHSUHVHQW WKHP´ VDLG IRUPHU councillor Jean-Pierre Abood. Long term residents Georgina Valjak, Bob Dwyer and Rob Mashford will be running in the North Rocks Ward, with Jean-Pierre Abood runQLQJ LQ WKH (SSLQJ :DUG WKH DUHD WKDW RYHUODSV the newly elected Premier of New South Wales Dominic Perrottet. Georgina Valjak, a resident of over 20 years ZKR ZDV D PHPEHU RI WKH 5HVLGHQWV $FWLRQ *URXS ZLOO EH OHDGLQJ WKH 1RUWK 5RFNV WLFNHW *URXS & IRFXVLQJ RQ ORFDO LVVXHV WKDW SXW WKH FRPPXQLW\ ¿UVW “We are running because Liberal members RQ WKH &LW\ RI 3DUUDPDWWD &RXQFLO KDYH D SURYHQ WUDFN UHFRUG LQ SURYLGLQJ ZHOO PDLQWDLQHG SXEOLF amenities, family friendly facilities, convenient and FRPSUHKHQVLYH ORFDO VHUYLFHV DQG D VDIH HQYLURQment for families” Ms Valjak said. “The refurbish-

Independent candidates: Jean-Pierre Abood, Rob Mashford, Georgina Valjak, Bob Dwyer.

PHQW RI RXU ORFDO VKRSSLQJ KXEV VXFK DV &KLVKROP Centre in Winston Hills and Carmen Drive in North 5RFNV DQG RXU ORFDO SDUNV ZHUH VR LPSRUWDQW WR our community during lockdowns.” ³,I WKH /LEHUDOV ZRQ¶W SXW XS D WLFNHW ZH ZLOO SXW RXUVHOYHV XS WR SURYLGH D /LEHUDO YRLFH´ 5RE Mashford said. Georgina is married and has raised her family RI FKLOGUHQ LQ :LQVWRQ +LOOV RYHU WKH SDVW years. After attending Western Sydney University, she has worked in many industries including SKDUPDFHXWLFDO UHWDLO DQG EDQNLQJ 6KH KDV YROXQWHHUHG IRU ORFDO VSRUWLQJ JURXSV DQG RWKHU DVVRciations within the Parramatta LGA. As a member RI WKH 5HVLGHQWV $FWLRQ *URXS VKH ZRUNHG ZLWK WKH JURXS WR HQVXUH WKH FRPPXQLW\¶V YLHZV RQ WKH :LQVWRQ +LOOV VKRSSLQJ FHQWUH GHYHORSPHQW ZHUH UHSUHVHQWHG DW WKH -RLQW 5HJLRQDO 3ODQQLQJ 3DQHO

as well as the Land and Environment Court. She KDV DOVR OREELHG IRU WKH 0 FDU SDUN WR UHGXFH FRPPXWHU SDUNLQJ LQ UHVLGHQWLDO VWUHHWV Bob is married with three children and six JUDQGFKLOGUHQ DQG LV VHOI HPSOR\HG FRQVXOWDQW +H KDV EHHQ D UHVLGHQW LQ :LQVWRQ +LOOV IRU RYHU years and has lived in the Parramatta LGA for over +H KDV UHSUHVHQWHG WKH &LW\ RI 3DUUDPDWWD DV a City of Parramatta Councillor for many years and served as the Lord Mayor of the City of Parramatta from 2019 to 2021. During his time on the City of 3DUUDPDWWD &RXQFLO KH KDV KDG D SURYHQ KLVWRU\ in delivering for the North Rocks Ward. He has OREELHG WR UHIXUELVK WKH &KLVKROP &HQWUH 6KRSSLQJ &HQWUH &DUPHQ 'ULYH 6KRSSLQJ &HQWUH DPHQLWLHV block at John Curtin Oval as well as the installaWLRQ RI SXEOLF WRLOHWV LQ /LRQV 3DUN 5HFHQWO\ KH KDV lobbied for the refurbishment of the Max Ruddock

Reserve amenities block. Bob is currently serving as a Board Member of Parramatta Riverside 7KHDWUH +H KDV SUHYLRXVO\ KHOG WKH SRVLWLRQ RI President of Winston Hills Soccer Club. More recently he has lobbied for an increased level of IHPDOH FDQGLGDWHV LQ /LEHUDO 3DUW\ SUHVHOHFWLRQ IRU Council as well as Parramatta Council. Rob was born and raised in the Parramatta LGA and has lived in the North Rocks Ward for RYHU \HDUV +H LV PDUULHG DQG KDV UDLVHG D family in the area with his two sons attending ORFDO VFKRROV DQG KDV EHHQ LQYROYHG LQ VSRUWV within the community. Rob took a leading role in WKH FRPPXQLW\ 5HVLGHQWV $FWLRQ *URXS ZKLFK RSSRVHG XQVXLWDEOH RYHU GHYHORSPHQW SURSRVDOV DQG UHSUHVHQWLQJ WKH FRPPXQLW\ DW WKH /DQG DQG Environment Court hearings. He is enthusiastic about fostering community values and vulnerable road user access and safety. Jean-Pierre (JP) married with three children. Born and raised in the Parramatta LGA. JP has lived and worked in and around the LGA his entire OLIH -3 LV D KRPH EXLOGHU DQG D SUHYLRXV /LEHUDO Party City of Parramatta Councillor. JP is a former Director of Catholic Care Western Sydney and The Blue Mountains, former Chairman of the Maronite College of the Holy Family volunteers in feeding WKH KRPHOHVV -3 LV SDVVLRQDWH DQG LV GHGLFDWHG WR serve his local community. Authorised by Georgina Valjak - 4 Horton Place Winston Hills

Georgina Valjak M: 0417 285 572 or gpvaljak@gmail.com Bob Dwyer M: 0428 024 997 or bobdwyer@bigpond.net.au Rob Mashford M: 0411 859 493 or rob.mashford@gmail.com Jean-Pierre Abood M: 0434 187 761 or jpabood@gmail.com

CounciL ElectionS

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Burden-free Steve is feeling good TEVE Christou is proud he has stayed true to his principles by switching from the Labor Party to Our Local Community, the party started by former Parramatta lord mayor Paul Garrard in 2013. As the mayor of Cumberland, Mr Christou says he was able to lead a council focussed on the community, away from the burden of party politics. Elected on the Labor ticket in 2017, Mr Christou shocked some supporters by jumping ship to the Garrard team, but he feels people will understand his reasoning. “The Labor Party was not the same party I had joined 18 years ago, a party committed to a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work,” Mr Christou said. “It has moved further to the Left, like a Greens party, drifting away from its core values of a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.” Mr Christou feels that he is in the right party at the right time, with many voters moving away from the traditional parties. “Now is the time for Independents, and an independent party even better,” he said. “Our Local Community is all about delivering what the community wants, we are part of the community, not ruled by a central office out of the area.” Certainly, Mr Garrard hit the ground running when he started his party eight years ago It has grown from two councillors–his daughter Michelle and Andrew Wilson in Parramatta and himself on Cumberland, to candidates running in all wards of Cumberland and in most for Parramatta in the upcoming local government elections, as well as a growing number of other councils across Sydney..

OLC Cumberland team, Eddy Sarkis, Steve Christou and Paul Garrard.

What they achieved together Mr Garrard is proud of what he has achieved, in “snatching” established candidates away from other parties or an unaligned independent position to take on the OLC mantle. And Mr Christou is happy with what they have achieved together, naming the Granville Centre, Eric Tweedale Stadium, the upgraded swimming centres and bringing the Two Blues Shield to Granville among them. As mayor, he has built a high media profile, often appearing on the evening television news during the harsh pandemic lockdowns that hit his community hard, lambasting the Berejiklian government for its unfair treatment of

people in the West compared to what was perceived as “light” treatment of those in the East. On one occasion on TV, he called on people in his area to “get down to Bondi, bring your shiskas with you”. Being such a colourful and strong proponent of his community makes Mr Christou the ideal compatriot for Mr Garrard, who has had a 45-year career in local government, putting Parramatta front and centre of State and Federal focus more than ever and being a very visible and vocal lord mayor on five occasions. He came across to Cumberland Council, which took in his South Granville base when it was formed during the council amalgamations in 2016.

His energy and commitment to having councillors serve the community has led to OLC running candidates in areas as diverse as Randwick, Canada Bay, Bankstown and Northern Beaches as well as, of course, Parramatta and Cumberland. “The job of councillors I believe is to ensure their area is being served and to look at how the general managers of councils are doing their job,” Mr Garrard said. “They are on big salaries after all and councillors, and the mayor, has to ensure they get it right.” He said people wanted a sense of community, good facilities and roads, parks and fair treatment–which his community felt was not happening during the harsh lockdowns.

The Wentworthville Ward Labor Candidates are an experienced, trusted, local team. Suman Saha and Lisa Lake are both current Councillors on Cumberland Council. They have worked hard, alongside the community, to • • • • •

save and upgrade Wenty pool stop the privatisation of our council-run childcare service extend the hours of the Wentworthville Library improve Girraween Park, Ted Burge and other local sportsgrounds celebrate our cultural diversity with Diwali street festivals in Wentworthville

If elected to Council the Labor Team will continue to build on this work. They will work for: • • • • • • • •

a major upgrade to Civic Park and its wetlands. a Council service centre in Wentworthville. improving Alderson and Pitt Parks in South Wentworthville. a new amenity building in Girraween Park. Pendle Hill and Toongabbie Town Centre improvements. fun and safe community spaces in the Wentworthville Town Centre. a community led plan for a Westmead civic hub. Council grants for community programs and events.

They will continue to safeguard community assets and council services against privatisation.

VOTE 1 LABOR Authorised by Lisa Lake 39 Hudson Street Wentworthville NSW 2145

CounciL ElectionS

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Community is Michelle’s priority T’S going to be all about suburban neighbourhoods for Michelle Garrard and her Our Local Community team in the upcoming Parramatta Council elections. OLC, founded by Michelle’s father, former Parramatta Lord Mayor Paul Garrard to contest Parramatta and Cumberland councils in 2017, has seen Michelle blossom as a formidable advocate for the community often overlooked by the major political parties. “OLC aim to be truly independent and I have shown that by not always supporting one particular side in the chamber,” Michelle said. “Also, I’m proud to say I am the first independent to serve as deputy lord mayor in my first term for the 4-year period.”

I Michelle Garrard and Dan Siviero.

While she has performed well in the chamber, keeping councillors on their toes, Ms Garrard’s focus is more on work outside the chamber, in the community that voted for her in 2017. “I care only about the community, not in playing politics. Now more than ever, we have to look at our neighbourhoods, the facilities and services people need where they live. I have always been a strong advocate of our neighbourhoods. I want to introduce a ‘Neighbourhood focus’ to council so that we bring our residents with us into the future. “The CBD is booming and we have put a lot of work into that but now we have to look at where people live. I’m very proud to say through the Dundas Ward initiatives council has delivered public space upgrades,

park upgrades and shade sails in five parks in the Dundas Ward for example.” Michelle says she has never lost touch with people, in her ward and other parts of the city, and is proud to be approachable. “People can rely on me; I try to get solutions for them. They are tired of councillors who are restricted by party politics,” she said. While supporting progress, Michelle said that should not come at the expense of heritage and her team was opposed to the relocation of historic Willow Grove to make way for Powerhouse Parramatta. Ms Garrard is fielding two other candidates on the OLC ticket–Henry Green in Parramatta Ward and Dan Siviero in Rosehill Ward.

Council elder’s work not done ARRAMATTA’s longest serving councillor is all set to stand for another term, as she feels her work is not yet done. Lorraine Wearne, Independent councillor for Epping Ward for more than 25 years, still has the fire in the belly needed to propel a non-aligned councillor along a path often mired in political in-fighting. The former lord mayor–the only Independent to hold that role–provides a steady balance between Labor and Liberal councillors who often toe their Parties’ line on council decisions. “I believe that as an Independent, I can work with both sides to get the best outcome for the community,” Lorraine said.

“My aim is to get the best for my ward.” Over the years, Lorraine has seen great changes in Epping, with more high rise dotting her once low-rise suburb, where grand homes in large gardens were the norm. “With the State Government’s demand that we have more high rise, it is up to council to provide the extra facilities needed for the increased population,” Lorraine said. This is what Lorraine means by “unfinished business”–there is always more to do in an area going through rapid change. “I am particularly excited that I was able to get council to buy the former Masonic building, Boronia Grove, for a

community centre, which is a huge asset for Epping,” Lorraine said. Her other recent proud achievement was in having a conservation zone declared from Eastwood station up to Epping. Well-liked in her area, Lorraine believes councillors should be accessible to people at all times, even if residents cannot always get what they would like. This feisty woman scoffs at any suggestion of retirement, despite a recent cancer scare. “I am now cancer free and feeling fine, so why should I retire? Does anyone ask Clover Moore, who is my age, if she is going to retire?”.

Lorraine Wearne.

VOTE 1 LABOR

Under the Liberals and independents, council has become disconnected from our community. They tried to close our pools and privatise childcare. Community groups are excluded from the Granville Centre which our community owns. I fought to ensure the new facilities at Eric Tweedale will be open to all.

Clr Ola Hamed, Frank Webb, Joshika Naidu

Thanking frontline and essential workers for keeping us safe

Holroyd Special School Awards ceremony

Turkey Independance Day celebration

ANZAC Day with Granville Historical Society

Preparing food hampers with Turbans4Australia

Labor putting community first

Labor for Granville ward, Cumberland Council

We will work for : Upgrading of the Merrylands Swimming Centre Bringing back the community into Granville centre by reducing fees

Elminieh womens comm ittee annual event EUDWLRQV

Restoring much needed Community Grants Program and all Advisory Committees Prioritising Granville Park Field Irrigation Works

/XQDU 1HZ <HDU &HOH Managing the Guildford McCredie U8 soccer team

Granvillelabor@outlook.com 0401 906 405

Stronger relationships with local State and Federal MPs to deliver for this community

@granvillelabor Labor for Granville 2021 @granvillelabor www.granvillelabor.com

Increased support for our local sports and community groups Protecting local parks and the environment Bringing back community celebrations

Christmas Celebrations for Seniors

Annual interfaith Iftar

Authorised by Ola Hamed 12 Beszant St Merrylands Printed by Sydney Sign & Print, Unit 10, 575 Woodville Rd, Guildford NSW 2161

10 ARRAMATTA’S only Greens councillor Phil Bradley is proud of the part he has played in trying to make the LGA more liveable through environmental strategies–such as more trees, especially in the growing CBD.

“Often my one Greens councillor vote has been the deciding vote in getting a good or better decision to make Parramatta more sustainable, liveable and productive,” Mr Bradley said. “With two or more Greens councillors, we could hold the balance of power with Labor and/or Independent councillors.” And so, two Greens candidates join Mr Bradley as the team running in the December 4 election for Parramatta Council —Franceska Strano for Rosehill Ward and Greg Edwards in North Rocks Ward. Mr Bradley said the team would “strive for Parramatta to lead the way as one of the most sustainable and liveable local government areas in Australia.” The Greens would also oppose over-development in Parramatta, especially any threatening heritage buildings. Mr Bradley said he would continue to promote better planning with an emphasis on community consultation and protection of Parramatta’s outstanding Aboriginal, multicultural, natural and built heritage. Mr Bradley has achieved more than he had hoped for, as the only Greens councillor on a conservative council, since being elected in 2017. He was the first Greens candidate to ever be elected to Parramatta Council. A former civil engineer, TAFE teacher and union official, Mr Bradley won a National Volunteer Award for voluntary leadership roles in the Parramatta Climate Action Network, the Parramatta Female Factory Friends and as President of Reconciliation for Western Sydney. He also volunteers with Parramatta Bushcare and the Better Planning Network.

CounciL ElectionS

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Greens want a more liveable Parramatta

Parramatta Greens team of Phil Bradley, Greg Edwards and Franceska Strano.

“Despite being the only Green on a conservative council, I have achieved a lot on issues important to residents, such as non-compliant development, rubbish dumping, illegal land use activities, illegal tree removals and their replacement, noise, pollution and health complaints,” Mr Bradley said. “I successfully moved for Ministerial advocacy to grant National Heritage List-

ing of the Parramatta Female Factory area and for re-evaluation of 30 storey tower development over large extended CBD areas next to Heritage Conservation Areas in North, South and Eastern Parramatta.” Mr Bradley has also campaigned against the NSW government’s decision to take away $1 billion fair public share of high profits that land owners and developers make in Parramatta from rezoning.

“If council loses this $1 billion for the community infrastructure needed for the planned 230,000 additional residents, all residents will have to pay more with higher rates or more crowded local parks, libraries, roads, pools and other infrastructure,” Mr Bradley said. There is also a team of Greens running for Cumberland Council, in Wentworthville Ward, headed by Sujan Selventhiran.

Greystanes Ward Labor A new vision for Cumberland Your Greystanes Labor team has a new vision for a fairer, cleaner and more liveable local community A team of lifelong locals who understand our area A team that cares about our community A team dedicated to working hard for you Dr Diane Colman is a lecturer at Western Sydney University, former small business owner and senior public servant. Diane and her family all live locally and have always been involved in community groups. Diane is a strong and influential voice for building back better. Sandra Doumit is a solicitor who is dedicated to defending the rights of working people. With a young family of her own, Sandra cares about delivering for families in parks, playgrounds and open space. Akin Songur is a student who is establishing a career in community advocacy, supporting and representing local residents. Akin is enthusiastic about sustainability and cares about improving local library services.

Vision and Values Supporting our community when times are tough is part of who we are. We helped pack hundreds of hampers and made deliveries to those in need during lock down. We kept the community informed and supported the community’s efforts to help each other get through. We are proud of the spirit of our community, our solidarity, our aspirations for a bright future. Our team has a new approach to make our growing suburbs a better place to live, work and play.

Greystanes Ward Labor Representing You

Authorised by Joseph Baltasar 33 Yoogali St Merrylands West

mething so

SHOP & WIN

rr a m att

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

SHOP & WIN

Ambassador Lounge tickets to Western Sydney Wanderers FC V Sydney FC for you and nine friends valued at

$3000

Enter as many times as you like 15 Nov – 19 Dec 2021

How to enter Simply spend $10 or more in one transaction at a participating retailer along the Parramatta Light Rail alignment and email a picture of the receipt to activateparramatta@transport.nsw.gov.au for your chance to win.

You will also go in the draw to win 1 of 4 weekly prizes valued at $200 each. This campaign is part of ‘Activate Parramatta’, a Transport for NSW plan to support local businesses during construction of the Parramatta Light Rail. To ﬁnd out more, visit activateparramatta.com.au. *Terms and condtions apply.

NewS

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Sound West is launched.

FIVE-DAY FESTIVAL OF INTIMATE & LARGE PERFORMANCES

Parramatta wins Sound West event ARRAMATTA has won the bid to host the SOUND WEST Technology & Music Festival, Australia’s first major music, tech and networking expo running from 30 March 30 to April 3, 2022. The five-day extravaganza includes live music performances in venues across Parramatta and Greater Western Sydney, along with a Technology and Music Conference at CommBank Stadium where young creators, professionals and entrepreneurs can network with industry leaders. "The City of Parramatta is proud to be a major partner and the host city of the inaugural SOUND WEST Technology & Music Festival,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Issa said. “As a Smart City at the forefront of innovation and with an eclectic mix of cultures, a vibrant food and arts scene, and world-class hotels and venues in the centre of global Sydney, Parramatta is the perfect home for this cutting-edge event. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the event would highlight the unique talent and development of the region. “This region is going from strength to strength through industry development, investment in research and innovation, and a rich cultural foundation that makes for a dynamic city to live, work, visit and host events,” Mr Ayres said.

“Sydney has established itself as a hub of creative industries in the Asia-Pacific region, largely through the delivery of incredible events such as Vivid Sydney, ARIA Awards and Semi Permanent, and Sound West stands in good stead on the State’s 2022 event calendar. Council is a key partner in the notfor-profit event, committing $250,000 in funding. Other partners include Destination NSW, Create NSW, Western Sydney Business Connection, Western Sydney Business Chamber, Rise Funding, ARIA, Tik Tok, and NEC. “Some of Australia’s best emerging and established musical and digital creatives have cut their teeth in Parramatta, known as a competitive technology and arts hub. Council is thrilled to help foster this new generation of professionals by supporting SOUND WEST,” Cr Issa said.

Local talent showcased The five-day festival will feature intimate and large performances from established and emerging artists and a two-day music and technology conference at CommBank Stadium, including sessions, workshops and mentoring from some of Australia’s biggest tech brands and music industry leaders. NEC Ambassador Dylan Alcott OAM, along with Greater Western Sydney talent comprising hip hop star L-FRESH The

LION, multi-platinum Grammy nominated producer and composer Khaled Rohaim and digital NFT artist Serwah Attafuah, are among the first to be announced in an impressive line-up of presenters and performers for the event. Amanda Brisot, General Manager, Western Sydney Business Connection, foundation advocate of SOUND WEST said: “We have been working with the Western Sydney tourism sector to grow the visitor economy since 2016. Western Sydney’s pivotal developments like the Sydney Science Park, the Aerotropolis, Sydney Powerhouse and the CSIRO will

reshape the workforce opportunities for Sydney’s West whilst the eclectic mix of cultures and perspectives is proving fertile ground for new creative talent in region SOUND WEST is an important piece of the puzzle and will showcase the unique character and unbelievable talent of this culturally diverse region. The festival will provide our local artists with opportunities on the global stage while giving Western Sydney residents a world class event in their backyard.”. The SOUND WEST line-up will be announced early next year. Visit www.soundwestsydney.com.au

Walker donates $30M to Powerhouse HE NSW Government has announced a combined $30M dollar investment in Powerhouse Parramatta–one of the largest donations ever to an arts and cultural institution in Australia. A $20M donation from the Walker Family Foundation–the second largest donation to any Western Sydney institution in history – will deliver the Lang Walker Family Academy, a ground-breaking program to deliver world-class immersive science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education experiences for over 10,000 high school students from Western Sydney and regional NSW every year – including overnight stays at the museum for many of these students. Western Sydney University has committed $10M to Powerhouse Parramatta confirming its place as the museum’s Foundation University Partner. Minister for the Arts Don Harwin says these investments will impact generations of young people from Western Sydney and regional NSW. “These commitments from The Walker Family Foundation and Western Sydney University are simply extraordinary. The learning opportunities that will come from these investments will inspire curiosity, creativity, and enlighten thousands of young people from Western Sydney and regional NSW every year about the endless career possibilities in a world led by STEM,” said Mr Harwin. Dr Geoff Lee, Member for Parramatta and Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education says the

T Artist impressions of the Lang Walker Fam-ily Academy and below, the completed Powerhouse Museum.

generous donations will lead to incredible opportunities for Western Sydney families. “The enduring dedication of the Lang Walker Family and Western Sydney University to our communities across Western Sydney is well known and without peer. I thank both organisations for this tremendous commitment to our region,” said Dr Lee. “Powerhouse Parramatta will be so much more than a museum and the STEM programs and opportunities delivered by the Lang Walker Family Academy will prepare our children for the future and develop and inspire the scientists, engineers, and innovative thinkers the future needs – right here in Western Sydney.” The Lang Walker Family Academy programs will start in 2022 in Western Sydney with in-school STEM education programming being planned for schools in the Blacktown, Campbelltown, Liverpool, Bankstown, Penrith and Parramatta LGAs. Western Sydney University will embed researchers in Powerhouse Parramatta including an annual Scholar in Residence, be a supporting partner for the Lang Walker Family Academy and utilise museum spaces for STEM-related education opportunities. The Walker Family Foundation has devoted $50M to Western Sydney over the last two years alone in education, culture, health and medical research. The $30M contribution is a significant milestone in the Powerhouse’s campaign to raise $75M towards Powerhouse Parramatta.

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

NewS

The new ferries.

Our river class ferry in service  TRANSPORT | DALLAS SHERRINGHAM HE first of the controversial new ‘ugly duckling’ River Class ferries has entered service in wet conditions on the Parramatta River. It is the first in a production line of 10 new River Class vessels and is named after NSW author Ruby Langford Ginibi. The new ferry is now in passenger service after it was given the green light to operate during the day. Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said the new River Class ferries were designed for conditions along the Parramatta River, but will also serve customers right across the ferry network. “The new ferries have already completed many hours of successful day time operation during water trials and have passed the strictest of safety standards to get to this point, and it is great to now have the first vessel in service,” Mr Stokes said. Until the new River Class ferries are available for nighttime operations, existing fleet will continue to be used to ensure continuity of services for customers.

The ferries have been the subject of widespread criticism along with the new Manly vessels because of their “ugly” exterior design and failure to maintain the traditional look of Sydney’s famous ferries. Legendary steam ferries like South Steyne and North Head made Sydney ferries world famous in the golden years of Harbor travel when Manly was “Seven miles from Sydney, 1000 miles from Care”. They were followed by the Freshwater class which maintained and enhanced the traditional ferry design including the famous Green and Gold livery. The loss of the traditional ferries has been widely criticized as a major blow to tourism, particularly on the Manly run. During the coming weeks and months, the rest of the new River fleet will progressively roll out for daytime operations, while work is undertaken to reduce the glare in the wheelhouse at night. The remaining nine ferries are named after some of the state’s other leading authors, artists and athletes.

NewS

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Breast cancer awareness exhibition ESTERN Sydney local Veronica Leonardo will be hosting a photography exhibition to raise awareness within her community and give back to Cancer Council NSW who supported her through her own cancer journey in 2016. Veronica was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40-having no family history of the disease. Her diagnosis had a huge impact on their plan to start a family and Veronica feels so grateful for the support she was provided by Cancer Council NSW through this challenging time. “My breast cancer diagnosis was a surprise because I felt like I was generally doing the right things. I remember saying to my surgeon that once the storm passes, I

would try to support other people through their own cancer journey. Many people assume every aspect of cancer treatment is covered by public health, without realising the life-saving treatment is covered but everything outside of it isn’t, such aslymphedema services.” The exhibition will take place at 107 Projects from Monday, January 24 2022 – Sunday February 6, 2022 and features 10 women who are at various stages of their breast cancer journey, illustrating with pride their scars and embracing life post cancer. Their journeys range from two years to 24 years in remission. Veronica hopes the exhibition will give hope and inspiration to women currently facing their own diagnosis.

A celebration evening will also be held at Club Parramatta on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, ahead of World Cancer Day. It is hoped this event will raise $5,000 to go towards Cancer Council NSW to help continue their support for cancer patients like Veronica. Across NSW, it is estimated that about 6,240 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Australia and thankfully, through research, improvements in early detection and treatment for breast cancer have led to a significant increase in survival rate in recent decades. To purchase tickets to the celebration evening, go to https://events.humanitix.com/2022-breast -cancer-exhibition-celebration

Veronica Leonardo.

2050 vision for Sydney Olympic Park HE future of Sydney Olympic Park is up for discussion with the public invited to have their say on a vision for the precinct in 2050. A giant playground, a sports mecca, a park, a movie production house, an entertainment precinct, a business centre and a great place to live are some of the suggestions raised so far.

Chief Executive of NSW Placemaking Anita Mitchell said hundreds of people have been asked to imagine what Sydney Olympic Park might look like in 30 years’ time. “At 10 times the size of Disneyland, there’s much to imagine at Sydney Olympic Park. The feedback to date has been incredible and in-

teresting, as we develop a visionary plan,” Ms Mitchell said. “And it’s no wonder, with residents, businesses, sporting groups, picnickers and concert goers all currently enjoying Sydney Olympic Park. “To date, we’ve spoken to 200 people in one-on-one interviews, round tables and focus groups.”

Ms Mitchell said interactive maps can also be viewed and for those super passionate about the Park, they can even write a love letter to the future Sydney Olympic Park.

To join the discussion and complete an online survey, visit www.mysop.com.au/SOP2050

5,000

Housewarming gift card

NewS

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Boost for night-time economy

Parramatta's night-time economy has received a boost.

IGHT local businesses and organisations have been awarded grants of up to $10,000 to deliver programs that will increase the City of Parramatta’s night-time offerings and to assist in leading the City’s economic recovery from COVID-19. Council launched the Night Time Economy Activation Grants earlier this year to support Council’s vision of turning the Central River City into a thriving 24-hour destination. “Our City’s $1.1B night-time economy has been hit hard as a result of the pandemic, so Council is doing what it can to help the local business community, and Greater Sydney’s economy, recover,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Steven Issa said “The Night Time Economy Activation Grants encourage local businesses, groups and individuals to develop and trial new and interesting products and concepts to boost the night-time sector in the CBD and surrounding areas. I congratulate our grant recipients on their successful applications and look forward to seeing their projects come to life.” The Primary Goods Company in North Rocks received a grant to assist with setting up the ‘Gin Experience’ at the first legal distillery in Parramatta. Owner of The Primary Goods Company Rachel Falecki said: “This grant will allow us to offer a unique gin distillery experience where everybody gets their own still. We look forward to sharing happiness

through making gin and helping to bring the City back to life.” Flamenco for Everybody, a local dance show that was developed during lockdown, also received a grant. Artistic director Annalouise Paul said the funding would assist in staging and producing live music and dance shows, as well as running free workshops. “The Night Time Economy Activation Grants are perfectly timed. I am so excited to be a part of Parramatta’s local night life as the City recovers. Staying hopeful and inspiring others through live performance is critical right now,” Ms Paul said. Other grant recipients include live music programs at Nick & Nora’s bar in Parramatta, boutique diner Abattoir Blues in Sydney Olympic Park, and Parramatta Leagues Club, as well as a pop-up event by Deliv’art, and improv workshops from 5PM Wake Up Call. The grants are also supporting the first Parramatta edition of Global Cities After Dark – a capacity building and resilience-focused program for industry professionals, which aims to future-proof Western Sydney’s 24-hour economy. The grants were originally announced with a total funding pool of $50,000. However, the total value of the grants post-assessment has been increased to $70,616 due to the excellent quality of projects that were put forward.

15.12.2021

presents

CommBank Stadium 12 – 3pm

THE NEW HEADQUARTERS Parramatta Global City The Parramatta Chamber of Commerce proudly host the Annual State of the City Address. Our 2021 luncheon event explores four pivotal pillars around Education, Bio-Tech, Tourism and Manufacturing and discusses future opportunities, transformation and growth of the The New Headquarters – Parramatta Global City.

A Parramatta Chamber Event

If you’d like to discuss sponsorship inclusions or marketing aspects, please contact: Romina Bousimon romina@parramattachamber.com.au 9635 0022 | 0418 217 665

BOOK NOW To register for tickets or for more information, please visit our events page or the scan QR code

parramattachamber.com.au

NewS

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

AmCham announces GWS Summit N a fresh initiative to assist business growth in Western Sydney, the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia (AmCham) will deliver its first Greater Western Sydney Summit (GWSS) in March 2022. The GWSS is a rolling day of panel discussions, workshops and information presentations which will give clarity for business owners on where to put their focus for growth. The event will be held at CommBank Stadium Parramatta and is expected to attract delegates from throughout the region and beyond. CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, April Palmerlee said Greater Western Sydney is on the cusp of a boom in jobs, expansion and prosperity and sees enormous potential for business to flourish in the west through this un precedented development. “By 2036 over half of Sydney’s population will live west of Parramatta. To support this enormous growth Australia’s single largest planning, investment and delivery partnership between industry and government is underway to directly link Western Sydney to the world,” Ms Palmerlee said. A record $20B of public funding has been committed to create an integrated city flourishing with new industries and provide critical public infrastructure and deliver education opportunities and highskilled jobs for the future. “Opportunities for investment are ripe. The new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport at Badgerys Creek which is being built by AmCham members like Lendlease, Bechtel, and others, will be a significant driver of activity in the area,” Ms Palmerlee said.

Let’s band together and help our community ﬂourish

April Palmerlee.

Doug Grant.

“The United States is by far the biggest investor in Australia, and US-based multi-nationals are ideally placed to consider the prospects available in a region with such a culturally diverse, young and growing population with a highly skilled workforce.” At its core, the region around the new international airport will operate as a 24-

hour global economic centre for industry, workers, residents, and visitors and offer a vibrant and thriving after-hours economy of entertainment, arts and cultural experiences and accommodation options. “AmCham Australia is pleased to be able to bring together this business focussed Summit to connect attendees with

thought leaders from industry, business and government to gain the information, resources and strategies needed to invest and succeed in a rapidly evolving city of opportunity,” Doug Grant, General Manager of AmCham said. The Western Sydney Media Alliance (WSMA) has been announced as the event’s official media partner. The Parramatta Times is a member of the WSMA.

The AmCham Greater Western Sydney Summit will be held at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta on March 23, 2022. Enquiries and registrations can be directed via nsw@amcham.com.au Or visit the Events section at www.amcham.com.au

Your partners in the community

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

PROPERTY SHOWCASE PARRAMATTA

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Got something to share? Send your property tips to info@parramattatimes.com.au

Parramatta Mission announces winning design for The Gathering It's a remarkable design

ARRAMATTA Mission, in conjunction with City of Parramatta Council, has successfully completed an architectural design excellence competition for its central site at Parramatta Square, adjacent to the historic Leigh Memorial Church. The winning design for the new centre, to be called The Gathering Place, will create an iconic building on Parramatta Square, a city site that was a special meeting place for the traditional owners, the Burramattagal people of the Darug nation. It is a site where there has been a Christian church for 200 years. In contrast to the surrounding highrise glass towers, the innovative design will present a soft silhouette, reminiscent of a banksia pod, and will include a rooftop chapel and reflective garden. The winning design will be complemented by the rebuilding of the spire on Leigh Memorial Church. “For Parramatta Mission, a Parish Mission of the Uniting Church, The Gathering Place reflects a commitment to serving the Parramatta community. It will house Parramatta Mission’s staff, be a centre for its social services and a place of meeting,” Parramatta Mission board and Church Council member, Mr Ian Gray, said. “Through the life and witness of its congregations and through its delivery of social services, Parramatta Mission is seeking to redevelop this site to be a source of inspiration in the life of Sydney’s ‘central city’. The Gathering Place will be accessed by people from all walks of life.” The winning design for the new centre was submitted by architects Durbach Block Jaggers. In a statement DJB said: “The Gathering Place building is a friendly and familiar form. Its gentle connection to the Leigh Memorial Church preserves both light and visibility. The circular geometry of the new welcomes all, complementing the inward nature of the existing church.”

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Steven Issa has congratulated Parramatta Mission and Durbach Block Jaggers on the building. “The Gathering Place is a remarkable design and will be a wonderful addition to Parramatta’s Civic Link – a green, pedestrianised pathway that will connect the heart of the Parramatta CBD to the river.” The design recognises the importance of this site to the traditional owners. The area around Parramatta Square is of great significance with evidence of Aboriginal settlement dating back more than 60,000 years. Parramatta was established within a year of European arrival and the vicinity of this site was where significant early interaction took place between Aboriginal peoples and civic administrators. The Leigh Memorial Church building is the third church to operate on this site since 1821. The campus has been a focus of Christian worship and the provision of community assistance for 200 years. Mr Gray said further detailed design work may be required and it is intended to proceed directly to prepare a Development Application once the design is finalised. The DA will be based on the winning design and use the winning architect. “The Uniting Church is working in partnership with City of Parramatta Council in order to reach an agreed position that recognises the loss of development potential of the site. Construction of this iconic community building can then commence as soon as possible,” he said.

About Parramatta Mission Parramatta Mission is a group of worshipping congregations of the Uniting Church. Paramatta Mission presently operates Meals Plus from the Parramatta Square site, a place where its clients, who may be disadvantaged in many ways, are treated holistically, with dignity and respect, and can obtain services to meet their daily needs for sustenance and community.

The winning design.

HOW TO WIN THE WEST

APRIL 2021 Edition 120

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS

LO OUR CA CI L PA TY PE ’S R

WESTERN SYDNEY MEDIA ALLIANCE L LOCA 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'ss LOCAL media voice Blacktown

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

RETAIL BOUNCES BACK -

THIS EDITION

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

World class health care

Westmead Hospital’s new clinical tower oepns: 2

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

Фf^ ÌÓ æ â î î±Ë æ ® þ Ì î® îÓó©® æî ÓÌ EÓÿ â î ±Å âæ ® þ â þ Å î® æÓÅóî±ÓÌæ Ì â Óâ ¨Óâ w æî âÌ ^ą Ì ąФæ У â± Âæ Ì ËÓâî âФ æóßßÓâî Ë æóâ æ Ì ¨Óâ î® ±Ì óæîâą ÓóÌ â î ±Å ±Ì óæîâąϻ óî î®±æ æ îÓâ ® æ ßâÓó Â î®±æ ą â Ì ąÓÌ Ϻ ®±æîÓâą Ó¨ ÓóÌ ±Ì© Â ¨âÓË î® ® â æî Ó¨ î±Ë æϺ FULL STORY PAGE 5

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

ELCOME to Blacktown's NEW LOCAL media voice, The Blacktown News (BN). The Blacktown News is the much-anticipated new newspaper and digital media brand that covers Blacktown LGA with local news written by experienced journalists. The Blacktown News is Blacktown's ONLY printed newspaper and is independently owned and managed locally by a management team that has been working in Blacktown for almost 20 years.

The News will be distributed across 110 strategic distribution points in the LGA. Published in digital and print editions the Blacktown News ođers maximum impact for targeted advertising opportunities and reach to Blacktown's diverse population. With a mission of championing community and business issues, the BN is a proud media partner of the Greater Blacktown Chamber of Commerce, the Blacktown Local Business Awards and Blacktown FC.

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As one of the state’s fastest growing cities, Blacktown has undergone a signiĜcant transformation. It's population is set to rise from 400,000 to 540,000 residents by 2036. The Blacktown News is the print and digital media resource that connects residents and visitors to the city’s diverse community, its progress, business opportunities and lifestyle. We value your feedback. Go to www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au to share your story.

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

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ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Eat StreeT

Located in the heart of Eat St, Kouzina Greco Greek restaurant has been family run & owned by Alana & Peter Laliotitis since 2000. The success of this restaurant has come from their unique way of combining excellent fresh & locally sourced produce with warm Greek hospitality. The menu has always been traditional with a modern twist. The lamb Kleftiko is the signature dish among other amazing delicacies.

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Alana & Peter run the dining room and make you feel like part of the family, alongside them is their talented chef and are constantly striving for perfection. Located in the heart of Parramatta, close to public transport, theatres & shops Kouzina Greco has something for everyone. Catering for group bookings with set menus available, family gatherings, work functions, dinner with friends or

just a romantic dinner for two. With gluten free & vegetarian options as well. Kouzina Greco has become an icon for the past 20 years and we look forward to a long future.

OUR KITCHEN IS OPEN Tuesday - Friday Lunch 12-3 PM. Dinner 5.30-10 PM Saturday Dinner 5.30-10PM

For bookings and more visit: www.kouzinagreco.com.au WHAT'S COOKING?

Parramatta’s new-look Eat Street is open! Major light rail construction is now complete.

EAT ST IS ON THE MENU DINE IN AND SUPPORT OUR FAMOUS PARRAMATTA DINING PRECINCT

Explore #EatStreetUncovered – Transport for NSW’s new fun and vibrant urban playground. Tag us @ParramattaLightRail

PARRAMATTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Eat StreeT

GEARING UP FOR A SUMMER OF CELEBRATION

Welcome back to Eat St The Stadium is expected to host the Socceroos in a World Cup Qualifier against Saudi Arabia on Thursday, November 11 while the A-League kicks off on Saturday, November 20 with a huge Sydney Derby featuring Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC. A study conducted by City of Parramatta Council found that big events at CommBank Stadium can inject up to $1M into the local economy as fans converge on the City to celebrate and with Eat Street and surrounding areas a hive of activity.

 CELEBRATION | STAFF REPORTERS HE City of Parramatta is gearing up for a Summer of Celebration as the new-look Eat Street comes alive, cafes, bars and restaurants across the City welcome back customers and the big events return to our iconic Stadium. In a flurry of activity over recent days, the revitalised Church Street went from building site to boulevard as City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Steven Issa joined NSW Premier Dom Perrottet, Minister for Transport Rob Stokes and Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee in welcoming diners and shoppers back to the City. With COVID restrictions easing and the doors of more and more businesses re-opening across the weekend, the people of Western Sydney came out in droves, keen to move on from the tough times of pandemic lockdown. Premier Perrottet said: “Summer in Western Sydney is looking good” as he confirmed NSW had hit its 80 per cent vaccination target and restrictions would ease further from today (Monday, October 18), allowing 20 visitors in people’s homes, the return of community sport, as well as indoor dancing and drinking while standing at pubs. He said Western Sydney had led the way with high vaccination rates across

Social fabric of the region

NSW and this had enabled the region to re-open safely on the recovery side of the pandemic. “Feels great to break this news. Huge thanks to all the nurses and vaccination hub staff at NSW Health, the GPs, the pharmacists, and each and every person who rolled up their sleeve to get us here,” Mr Perrottet tweeted. “Been a long wait but we’ve done it!” The NSW Government also announced that crowds of up to 22,500 will be permitted at the newly-named CommBank Stadium.

CommBank Stadium CEO Daryl Kerry said: “It’s clear the Stadium has become an important part of the social fabric of Western Sydney and we are delighted to be welcoming back the fans, hosting the Matildas over two nights and with other exciting events ready to roll out.” One of the biggest challenges for the hospitality industry in Western Sydney is finding sufficient staff. The Parramatta Light Rail construction fencing along Church Street, from Lennox Bridge to George Street, has been removed, revealing the new-look pedestrian-friendly hospitality strip. "People will be amazed at the transformation that has taken place over the past

18 months," City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Issa said. "With tracks now laid for Parramatta Light Rail, and other City-shaping projects such as 5 Parramatta Square and Phillip Street Smart Street taking shape, Parramatta's future is looking brighter than ever. "There's a real sense of optimism and growing excitement in the CBD, and I encourage people to come out and experience it for themselves–and to also show their support for our incredibly resilient local businesses." As Western Sydney's premier dining strip, Eat Street is a food and retail destination that attracts visitors from across Sydney. "Small businesses are the lifeblood of our City and the last two years have been challenging for many of them. Council has been doing what it can to ease the burden– including waiving outdoor dining fees, easing parking restrictions, offering free parking in partnership with Transport for NSW, and promoting businesses through our marketing campaigns–but there's nothing like seeing patrons come back through the doors." Parramatta Light Rail construction on Eat Street kicked off in June 2020 and was fast-tracked due to lockdown. Once complete in 2023, Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 will connect Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD and Camellia.

CommenT

with COMMUNITY MIGRANT RESOURCE CENTRE

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

NO GREATER TESTAMENT TO THE HUMAN SPIRIT

One hand cannot clap  PRISCELLA MABOR MERGING on the other side of any crisis or life changing period in history, brings time for reflection. It is a natural human response. When Nelson Mandela stepped out of Robben Island Prison in February 1990 after 27 years of incarceration, he declared: “I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I therefore place the remaining years of my life in your hands." There can be no greater testament to the human spirit, than a great leader acknowledging the people, the members of civil society, as holding the true power to collective strength and capability. Melissa Monteiro, CEO of the Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC), reflected this week on her many learnings during and after the COVID-pandemic. “We all wear multiple hats in our lives, but being in a crisis brings clarity about our roles in life. My primary role is mother (to two children) and wife. That is first. Next is my role as CEO, and then all the other hats I wear come after that. Over this time, I have seen some extraordinary people in the community rise to the challenge,” Mellisa said. 2021 is not over but having just emerged three weeks ago from lockdown restrictions, there is no better time to start reflecting on this extraordinary period in time. “I can honestly say without the ethno specific communities and their leaders, that we work hand in hand with everyday, that we would have been in much worse shape. The strength and resilience of communities during COVID was our true pillars of support.” CMRC is a federally funded organization in the settlement sector for 25 years, and it is also a charity. However, over the years, there has been a symbiotic relationship built across the sector with the refugee and multicultural communities they support. Traditionally, communities form their own associations, with elected leaders and subcommittees focusing on women, men and youth. Grassroot support operates in the shadows, and in tandem with faithbased organizations and places of worship.

Whether a family arrives from Sierra Leone, Syria, El Salvador or Myanmar, there is a shared pathway of connection, as they immediately congregate with their own community and those who share their faith and or cultural values.

Takes hold very early This kinship link is often a lifeline as cultural dissonance takes hold very early upon arrival to a very westernized way of life here. During 2021, this grassroots support has been needed more than ever. “They needed to step up and supply emergency support also. Just look at the impacts on TPV holders and international students. The most vulnerable were the first impacted. We work closely with the Department of Communities and Justice, with our Multicultural Workers Support Program and children disclosing violence in the household, has spiked

significantly. In one day alone, we had 22 referrals.” Melissa sits on the Police Multicultural Advisory Council (PMAC). “Police needed to play such a key role over this year, and we needed a more inclusive and community approach. We had suggested that authority figures approaching traumatized newly arrived refugees could trigger PTSD. We needed to work together, in creating this understanding.” This year CMRC partnered with the Salvation Army for the first time. Melissa was asked to become a Multicultural Ambassador. “It is so important to create that awareness of diversity and inclusion with large mainstream agencies like the Salvos. In many places a diverse community can mean 20% of people are from a CaLD background. “In Parramatta, we have over 70% from other countries. We are in the heartland of diversity. We want to create a sense of

belonging and that comes from creating pathways with the mainstream.” With Melissa’s work on the board of the Anti-Discrimination Board, there is no greater barometer of where we are at, when it comes to assessing our ranking as a civil society. “It has been hard work seeing the degrees of racism and discrimination that is reported, especially during a pandemic. I have been honored to hold this position and see the difference it makes in peoples’ lives as they go through the process of mediation and reconciliation as people seek justice and acknowledgement of their pain and hurt.” Let us all reflect in these final weeks of 2021. A new year knocks on our door and brings a renewed faith in the collective action of many, for the greater good. Priscella Mabor is Inclusion Strategy & Innovations Manager at the Community Migrant Resource Centre

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

The Hills office

Community Hub Castle Towers Level 3, 6-14 Castle Street, Castle Hill, NSW 2154 Northern Region office

Shop 3030 Top Ryde City CNR Devlin And Blaxland Rd RYDE NSW 2112

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

FitnesS

How to grow muscle mass  TRAINING | ADAM SIMPSON F you have been reading my articles over the last few months, you will have noticed I have given plenty of advice and practical tips on ways to help you lose body fat. This month, I thought I would aim to help anyone who is looking to pack on some serious muscle. While many of you may think packing on muscle is something that really only young men want to do. There are plenty of benefits of increasing your muscle mass for people of any sex or age bracket. Benefits of increasing your muscle mass:

• More muscle mass, means it is easier to control body fat. • Building muscle, will help you increase / maintain bone density. • More muscle mass, means more strength. • More Muscle mass, will support your joints. • More muscle mass, means an improved self-confidence.

In addition, there are also many day to day practical reasons why it is advantageous to have more muscle mass. More muscle mass, will mean you can carry the kids that little easier, get the shopping out of the car in one trip or just simply feel confident when you are at the beach. When it comes to growing muscle, there are two crucial components that you need to get right in order for your body to start changing. 1. You MUST lift weights!! Without lifting weights it’s going to be almost impossible to grow your muscles. I would suggest you reach out to a local trainer or strength coach for some help putting together a training program, that

fits your goals and lifestyle. But if you are going to give it a crack on your own, here are some tips to help get you started. 1. You need to lift consistently – I would suggest lifting anywhere from 2 – 6 times per week depending on your specific goals and schedule. 2. Focus on the “bigger” lifts – You will want to focus on strength exercises that use a lot of muscle to be performed, multi joint exercises are best. Dead Lifts, Squats, Rows, Presses and Lunges should all be staples in your program. 3. Form over weight – Make sure you are performing each exercise correctly and safely before you try and load up with more weight than you can handle. Growing muscle mass, is not necessarily all about lifting the most weight you can do all the time. 4. Progressive overload – Over time you should gradually increase the amount of work you are doing. Eg you could increase the weight lifted, increase the reps or sets on each exercise or increase the frequency that you train each muscle group. 5. Keep things simple – You don’t need to do a tonne of crazy exercises, stick to the basics and do them well and consistently. 6. Train your legs – Your legs are one of the biggest muscle groups in your body, so make sure you train them with the same intensity that you attack your chest work outs with. The second crucial component to increasing your muscle mass is 2. You MUST eat!! Without proper nutrition your body is going to find it really difficult to grow any muscle mass. Again, I would suggest you

reach out to a nutritionist or dietician who can give you some guidance on what your body needs. But here are some tips that you can adopt into your daily habits. 1. Eat in a Calorie Surplus – If you do not eat enough calories your body will not be able to grow any extra muscle mass. If you are someone who struggles to put on weight, or you have any active job. You are simply not eating enough… If you think you eat like a horse and you are still not growing, again you are not eating enough. 2. Eat plenty of Protein – Protein is the key nutrient your body needs to grow more muscle mass. As a rough estimate I would suggest you eat 2 to 2.5 grams of protein per kg of body weight per day. Eg if you are 75kg you should eat more than 150 grams of protein per day. 100grams of chicken has approximately 30 grams of protein.

3. Eat plenty of Carbohydrates – These are the main fuel source for your body, without that fuel source you are not going to be able to train very hard. I suggest having a good balance of protein and carbohydrates at every meal that you eat. 4. “Power Smoothies” – Making a big smoothie or two up each day is a really practical way of getting in everything your body needs to grow that muscle mass. Smoothies are easy to get down when you are full and you can make them really calorie dense, so they are great if you have a really active job. Eg Protein Powder, Milk, Banana, Oats, Peanut Butter, Baby Spinach and Honey. If you have any questions on any of the above or anything related to nutrition or training, feel free to email adam@repetitionspt.com.au. I would love to hear from you and help you in any way that I can.

Crosswords/Games

24 1

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Solutions page 38

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Andrew Lloyd Webber hit 5. Low digits 9. "Bleah!" 12. Rev. Roberts 13. Suffer from 14. Woody herb 15. Produced 17. Campus facility 18. Awful review 19. It may be educated or wild 21. Clergy counterpart 24. Hatchery sound 26. Communal pronoun 27. "I've finished," on a radio 29. Santa's burden 33. To's partner 34. Explosion maker 36. Kicks 37. Piquancy 39. Punishment for a sailor, maybe 40. IT worker's complaint 41. Drink garnish 43. Take home, as a pet 45. Inside info 48. Angle opener 49. Heavy weight 50. Grew larger 56. Texas tea 57. Apple discard 58. Jogger's gait, perhaps 59. Paper towel measure 60. Sebaceous gland woe 61. Reasonable try

DOWN 1. Minor player 2. "What ___ friends for?" 3. Malibu hue 4. Failed as a sentry 5. Comparative word 6. Cereal crop 7. New Year's ___ 8. Bulrush relative 9. Craving 10. Dolls' accompaniers 11. Fashion lines 16. First synthetic fiber 20. Downs' opposite 21. Barn area 22. A psychic may see it 23. Attend to a pressing detail? 24. Corolla part 25. Goofs up 28. Adjective for a cad 30. Retro hairdo 31. Crescent horn 32. Like most sweaters 35. Midwest hub 38. Local mail H.Q. 42. Long stories 44. Cockpit array 45. Layover 46. Spring 47. Partner of one? 48. Elder, e.g. 51. "___ so fast!" 52. React to spilled milk? 53. Drunkard 54. Waste watchers' org. 55. One who's coming out

CommenT

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

with Geoff Lee MP

$5M for park upgrades

Acacia Park at Telopea.

GEOFF LEE Delivering for 11 , 3

ORE than $5M in improvements for two parks at Telopea have hit a major milestone, with construction now complete at Acacia Park, and upgrades for Sturt Park currently underway. Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the multi-million-dollar investment at Telopea demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to provide growing communities with high-quality and accessible open spaces and green infrastructure. “Acacia Park at Telopea will be open in the coming days, with the community able to enjoy new playgrounds, upgraded amenities, open green spaces and a viewing spot looking out over the Parramatta CBD,” Dr Lee said. “Construction at Sturt Park is underway and due to open early next year, with the community to benefit from a new amphitheatre, upgrades to the skate park, new amenities block, community BBQs, multi-purpose sporting facilities and new playgrounds. “These upgrades are just what Telopea needs as it becomes a more vibrant, well-connected place where people love to live, with plenty of housing choice, jobs and future plans for a light rail stop. "Public spaces, cycleways and shared paths are just as important to the community as roads and rail, and it’s fantastic to see these projects delivered as part of the NSW Government’s Precinct Support Scheme.” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Steven Issa said Telopea was undergoing a significant transformation to meet the growing needs of the community, now and into the future. “We know how much people cherish their local parks and playgrounds, which is why we timed construction so the community would still have access to either Sturt Park or Acacia Park as much as possible throughout lockdown,” Cr Issa said. “As the weather warms up and restrictions ease, now is the perfect time to enjoy all that the upgraded Acacia Park has to offer.”

For more information visit:www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-foryour-area/Infrastructure-funding/Precinct-Support-Scheme

Geoff LEE MP

Member for Parramatta 02 9891 4722

parramatta@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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

TraveL

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

The Gold Coast.

In love with our backyard  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM NE positive aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the seismic shift in Australians rediscovering their own country. A national survey has found NSW is a top 10 dream destination for an outdoor adventure and revealed locals want to spend time exploring their own backyard. When overseas holidays disappeared overnight and cruise ships stopped running, Aussies took to the road in record numbers. Caravan and motorhome manufacturers struggled to meet demand and good second hand caravans were at a premium. The trend has shown no signs of abating with travellers still hesitant about booking overseas trips and cruises. Caravan parks from Tweed Heads to Pambula are booked out for the school holidays. Now a Great Outdoors National Survey by Great Northern brewing has revealed 80% of NSW travellers have committed to keep up their camping and caravanning adventures even after international borders reopen. More than half said they would like to spend more time outdoors this summer. When asked where they would travel if they could choose anywhere in Australia, NSW respondents nominated holidaying at home with Northern NSW their top spot followed by Southern NSW and the NSW Central Coast. Great Northern Great Outdoor National Survey top 10 destinations were:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

their own backyard and we hope this will eventually translate to a financial lifeline for towns across NSW. “We know businesses, pubs and clubs across the state have done it tough so Great Northern Brewing Co has been working to drive tourists back to Australia’s tourism hotspots since international borders closed. “To get people motivated, we are giving away $26mn worth of BCF vouchers to help fund their passions to get out into the great outdoors. “Camping or caravanning is a great boost to the place where you pitch your tent but along the way travellers stop to buy fuel, pick up groceries, sightsee, enjoy lunch – it’s all the places along the journey, not just the destination, that benefits.” The national survey also revealed NSW respondents were not only keen to get out and about but wanted to squeeze more activity in with a third of locals wanting to go camping and fishing more often. “Almost 43% of NSW respondents spent between up to $2000 on outdoor equipment, with 22% of that expenditure on camping and fishing gear,” Mr Giles said. “Every person we get out and about, whether it’s a local or a visitor, we hope will pour dollars into the local economy.”

Cairns/Far North Qld. Whitsunday region. Sunshine Coast/Noosa region. Uluru/Alice Spring, southern Northern Territory. Kakadu Northern Territory. Gold Coast region. South Australia. Central Victoria and High Country. Northern NSW. Outback Queensland.

Ian Giles of Great Northern Brewing Co said the survey results showed the tough circumstances had inspired Australians to get out and really immerse themselves in the natural beauty Australia had to offer. “NSW has some great spots to explore – and the local pubs serve great beer,” Mr Giles said. “The Great Northern survey shows Australians have a renewed interest in

The Murray.

ExpertS

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Separating from a life and business then be an estimate of how much each party is entitled to from the asset pool. For example, one person may retain the business and the other person may get a higher percentage of the family home when the asset pool is divided.

 DIVORCE | KATHERINE HAWES

HILST the marriage rate has declined by about 41% it is a sad but fact that one in three Australian marriages will end in

divorce. Therefore, if you are a married business owner, this roughly equates to one in three family businesses breaking down or experiencing a shareholder dispute because of this separation.

Summary Divorce is difficult at the best of times, but it does not have to mean the end for your business. As your family lawyers we will always do forensic analysis of the asset pool to ensure that all assets are disclosed before we propose an asset split percentage. Once the split is determined by consensus, we will then be pragmatic as to how the assets are divided based on your

The nature of divorce on your business The very nature of divorce is based on the fact that you and your partner can no longer be together. So, if you and your partner are having irreconcilable differences then you need to evaluation if you can continue to run a business together. If you do decide to continue the business, minimise the disruption by implementing formal arrangements as to the management and running of the business. This agreement needs to include how the business will be run, how profits will be divided and who has power to do what. There should also provide for an exit strategy. For example: What happens if one of you wants out of the business or get's married again? Who inherits portions of the business in the case of death? Make sure all this information is documented and reviewed on a regular basis. Do not forget to update your will as well to ensure that it reflects your intended beneficiary.

Deciding to close the business There are a couple of options to deciding to close the business. The first is to close the business and each person gets a share of the assets OR one party buys out the other. If you do decide to close the business, it usually includes selling off all assets and separating them between the parties. This is known as the ‘clean break principle’ and aims to give the parties a fresh, new start with no remaining connection to their former spouse.

However, in these cases, often the family business is undervalued and sold off for an inadequate amount.As a result, the business is of far greater value if it continues to operate as per usual. Therefore, it is best to consult with your financial planner and accountant to see whether your business will retain higher value if it continues to operate, or it is sold off. If one party is buying out the other, it is best to get a valuation and place the asset into the total asset pool. There will

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instructions to us. If the assets cannot be divided by consensus we will then end up in Court. It is in the best interests of both parties to approach financial disclosure and asset splitting by working together to get a mutually beneficial outcome. Katherine Hawes is a solicitor and barrister who owns and operates Digital Age Lawyers. She has over 20 years’ experience in commercial law and will guide you through your business legal strategy. www.digitalagelawyers.com

AutO

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

with JOHN MELLOR

New Mercedes trademarks hint at Oz launch for electric G-Class ‘EQG’ range  ELECTRIC | CALLUM HUNTER ERCEDES-BENZ has started to lay the groundwork for the 2024 introduction of its all-electric G-Class with some new trademark filings with IP Australia revealing that at least two variants have been earmarked for our market. Officially dubbed the EQG, an electric G-Class has been on the cards for months now with the 2024 global launch being confirmed by none other than Daimler AG board of management chairman Ola Kallenius back in July at Mercedes’ most recent brand strategy update. “In 2024 we will launch our full-electric G-Class … it will continue the great story of our G-series,” he said. That didn’t turn out to be an empty promise either with Mercedes-Benz unveiling the Concept EQG at IAA Mobility 2021 last month, however no concrete details like possible power outputs, range or performance were revealed. Now with these new patent applications however, a few of the widespread dots can be connected to help draw some possible conclusions about what will surely be the most capable model of the EQ portfolio. Formally submitted on August 23 the two Australia trademark applications point to the likely introduction of an EQG560 variant and a better-specced EQG580 variant, the latter of which has already been accepted and entered into its opposition period. Given the G-Class’ fabled reputation and heritage as a capable off-roader, both variants are virtually guaranteed to score all-wheel-drive, especially so given the concept car has an electric motor driving each wheel (four in total). The Concept EQG also promises the electric equivalent of both high- and lowrange gearing with the whole package built around a traditional ladder frame chassis and a solid rear axle. Whether or not these off-road-friendly features are carried over to the production version remains to be seen, but Mercedes is already touting the EQG as “an uncompromising off-roader”. Delving into the variant names meanwhile gives us a rough idea as to how much power and torque the trademarked examples may possess, as well as a loose impression of their range.

Little less grunt In the EQG580’s case, the ‘580’ nomenclature has already been stamped onto the back of an EQS. All EQS variants use the same 107.8kWh lithium ion battery, which in the top-spec EQS580, powers a dual-motor drivetrain developing a muscular 385kW/855Nm.

Outputs like that would suit the highend EQG580 down to ground in its pursuit of off-road capability and the usual Mercedes on-road manners, especially given the amount of 4x4 buyers who use their vehicles to tow. As for the EQG560, you could safely expect it to come with a little less grunt and maybe even a few standard equipment concessions, but the tradeoff should be a lower asking price – not that affordability has G-Class hallmark in recent years. In terms of range, it’s highly unlikely any of the EQG range will be able to match their limo stablemates’ figures on account of their boxy shape, but they should still be able to comfortably cover 500km on a single charge given the progress Mercedes is making with its battery tech. The local arm of Mercedes-Benz Cars was predictably coy about commenting on the trademark filings, however media relations and product communications manager Ryan Lewis did confirm that an electric G-Class would be on the radar if such a vehicle was made available. “All vehicle platforms introduced (globally) by Mercedes-Benz from 2025 will be EV-only, and Mercedes-Benz will go fully electric with its entire new vehicle fleet by

2030 where market conditions allow,” he said. “The aspirations of Mercedes-Benz Australia are aligned with the global vision, and we are working towards the same goals with excitement. “Should an all-electric G-Class become available to us, we would certainly

evaluate the possibility of a local market introduction.” For the time being then all we can do is wait and see – between now and the EQG’s introduction in 2024, Mercedes will launch the EQB compact SUV, EQE large sedan and performance-minded EQS53 AMG limo.

FilM

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

The Last Duel – 4 Stars A surprisingly nuanced take on rape culture, told with suitable bravado and violence for a medieval epic. IR Jean De Carrouges (Matt Damon) and Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) are thick as thieves; buddies fighting their way through medieval France as a pair of squires. But their simmering tensions boil into something more sinister, as Le Gris curries favour with Count Pierre d’Alencon (Ben Affleck). With dwindling finances, Sir Jean seems to strike a little luck himself–falling for the beautiful Marguerite (Jodie Comer) and marrying her. But the land promised as part of her dowry is given by Pierre to his buddy Le Gris, as is the captaincy due Sir Jean. When Le Gris sneaks into Sir Jean’s castle and has his way with Marguerite, it’s the last straw. Marguerite tells Sir Jean of the rape, and King Charles VI (Alex Lawther) declares that the two settle their dispute with a duel–a practice that hasn’t been performed in many years. If Sir Jean succeeds, his enemy will be declared a rapist posthumously; if Le Gris wins, his assertions that it was

consensual will hold, and not only will Sir Jean have died, but Marguerite will burn alive. Directed by Ridley Scott, The Last Duel is intriguing for the fact that it is the first screenplay by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck together since their Oscar winning debut, Good Will Hunting. They’re joined in screenplay duties by Nicole Holofcener, and that’s primarily due to the structure of this piece; told in three chapters, from three different viewpoints. The first is Damons’ Sir Jean, who gets the most screentime by far. His story does the bulk of the heavy lifting, but portrays Sir Jean as a too-trusting, but ultimately kind and good hearted man who is beloved by his wife. Then comes Le Gris’ story; where he is the good guy, constantly defending his foolhardy friend, and falling in love with his friends’ wife. He believes that while Marguerite protested, she was just being a lady and truly wanted to be with him. Finally, we here Marguerites’ story (the story Scott not-so-subtly labels as ‘the

truth’). For Marguerite, her husband is cold and occasionally vicious, and barely believes her; fighting for his honour rather than hers in this duel. For her, Le Gris’ assault is a horrid, painful, terrifying experience. The film contains all the brutal medieval action one would expect, with tremendous sets and costuming resplendent throughout. The performances are also incredible. Damon and Driver have fun playing with the multiple takes on the same scene, while also bringing a certain brutality to their roles. Affleck stands out in a role that gives him a tonne of comedic license, and he frequently cracks the cinema up. His role in particular is still a relevant commentary on how sexual assault is seen today; with men being protected by the powerful people around them, while women are shamed and forced to prove their innocence. But the standout is Comer, who brings a stark fierceness to her character's own story that breathes life into a role that, in

the first two chapters of the piece, feels pale and hollow. Her musings on the importance of truth, coupled with her realisation regarding it’s relative importance, gives her performance a really introspective and engaging tone, and her reactions during and subsequent to the duel are impossible to look away from. That being said, the film is overly long, and the first chapter drags right up until we begin to understand the triple perspective conceit. There are also a number of questionable wigs, and a wide array of accents for medieval France. Nevertheless, The Last Duel is entertaining first and foremost, compelling secondly, and ultimately a well written and performed allegory for modern rape culture. Strap yourselves in for a long, but rewarding, medieval tale from Ridley Scott.

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

EntertainmenT

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Scenes from Parramatta Lanes.

PARRAMATTA LANES RETURNS

New menu of beats, eats and art HE City of Parramatta is welcoming back music and food lovers to the CBD with the return of its popular annual food, music and art festival, Parramatta Lanes, from November 16–20 “Although it may look a little different this year, this is possibly the most exciting Parramatta Lanes to date as we welcome people back into the CBD after a challenging year,” City of Parramatta CEO Brett Newman said. “Instead of the usual packed streets and laneways, local bars and restaurants will host live music and comedy shows, while an art trail will lead visitors on a unique journey through the CBD that showcases the creative work of some of Australia’s top emerging artists.” 24 Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said marque events like Parramatta Lanes are an important part of revitalising the Central River City’s nighttime economy post-lockdown. “Parramatta has a wonderfully diverse range of night-time offerings. While the COVID pandemic has created challenges for many local businesses, it’s fantastic to see one of the City’s most popular events, Parramatta Lanes, returning and encouraging people to come out and experience the City’s exciting and unique array of restaurants, bars, live entertainment, and culture,” Mr Rodrigues said. Over five epic nights, local venues including Club Parramatta, Lola Cocina, Restaurant 317, Bar 30, Crown Hotel, Mikazuki, Milky Lane, and Butter will present an incredible line-up of musicians, DJs, and comedians, while dishing up the cuisines they are renowned for.

With music styles as diverse as the menu offerings, there is something to appeal to everyone. From hip-hop to neosoul, eventgoers will enjoy performances by Dante Knows, No Intent, Lil Spacely, Esme, Liyah Knight, Rissa and Colin Ho, as well as Global Sounds DJs. For those in need of a good belly laugh, some of Australia’s funniest comedians will also be taking to the stage, including Becky Lucas, Chopper, Tahir, Julia Wilson, Cassie Workman, Cam Knight, Luke Heggie. From Thursday to Saturday evening, Heritage Courtyard Pavilion on Marsden Street will be transformed into Lil Lanes

Bar – a pop-up bar by Archie Rose. The ticketed event will feature live music by artists including Phil Fresh, Kyoshi, Kymie, Imbi, and Foshe. On Friday, November 19, the first Parramatta edition of the Global Cities After Dark ‘Celebrate Local’ dinner will take place at Restaurant 317. Tickets include a three-course dinner with paired wines, as well as live music performances by artists such as Becca Hatch, Carolina Gasolina, Jamaica Moana and Nardean. The dinner, which is open to the general public, marks the end of a week-long industry conference focussed on Western Sydney’s nighttime economy.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience a different side to the City with the Parramatta Lanes Art Trail. Featuring 15 works created by some of Western Sydney’s most talented artists, including many from Parramatta Artists’ Studios, the trail is led by an app that combines augmented reality with 2D visuals. Laners are also invited to enter to win one of 150 Good Mood Food snack boxes curated by local DJ and foodie Andrew Levins, whose “Parramatta Food” Instagram account showcases the best food the City has to offer. Filled with more than $100 worth of goodies from local businesses, including hot sauce from Butter, ramen crisps from Seng Seng Mart, sour beer from Northmead Cellars, za’atar from Yum Yum Bakery, dulce de leche from Messina, a selection of tea from Teacraft, and a signature cocktail from Nick and Nora’s, this prize is a great way to brighten the day of someone deserving. Enter via @parramattalanes on Instagram. Recently, Parramatta Lanes was awarded the Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event at the Australian Event Awards 2021 for its 2020 hybrid event, which combined home-delivered meals with online livestreamed entertainment.

Parramatta Lanes Tuesday 16 November 5pm-10pm Wednesday 17 November 5pm-10pm Thursday 18 November 5pm-11pm Friday 19 November 5pm-11pm Saturday 20 November 5pm-11pm For more information, visit www.atparramatta.com/lanes

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Celebrate: 2021 Sydney Hills Local Business Awards SPECIAL FEATURE

Support local BUSINESSES Sydney Hills best local businesses celebrate success in one of the most challenging years in recent memory.

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Sydney Hills Local Business Awards

Where to age well N elite level of support and lifestyle choices to Sydney’s north-west, SummitCare Baulkham Hills is spacious and beautifully designed. With a luxury five-star hotel feel supported by a caring and professional team, you can age well with dignity, choice and a wide range of support solutions and clinical care that encompass every aspect of living and ageing well. Residents quickly become part of a warm and welcoming community and are encouraged to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities to suit their needs and interests.

A Last year’s gala event.

Scenes from last year’s gala event.

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Activities such as art and craft therapy, movies, creative therapeutic programs such as enhancing life, spark of life, gardening, pet therapy, bus scenic and shopping tours, SummitSpa with aromatherapy, book club, musical concerts and other group activities. SummitCare promotes Healthy ageing and active living and personalises in individual needs benchmarked against their Wellbeing Framework to ensure you live your best life. Visit: www.summitcare.com.au

Sydney Hills Local Business Awards

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

SUMMITCARE WARMTH WORTH WELLBEING

www.summitcare.com.au SummitCare Baulkham Hills Award winning residential aged care, providing quality care and a trusted provider for over 50 years The terraces on Level 2 are now open, Deluxe suites available Station sponsor SummitCare Baulkham Hills – Enabling wellbeing and care you can trust. Book a tour and contact our team on 8865 3600 Concessional residents are welcome and cater to all budgets visit summitcare.com.au

SUMMITCARE WARMTH WORTH WELLBEING

Telephone: (02) 8865 3600 Email: baulkhamhills@summitcare.com.au Location: 5 Bass Drive, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153summitcare.com.au

ISSUE 16 | November 2021

Sydney Hills Local Business Awards

Parramatta Times - November 2022

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