Parramatta MP Donna Davis and Parramatta chief executive Gail Connolly at the reopening.
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT WESTMEAD SOARS Paediatric service the centrepiece
THE new 14-storey Paediatric Services Building (PSB) at the $619M Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW) Stage 2 Redevelopment has reached its full height of nearly 70 metres.
As the centrepiece of the hospital’s redevelopment project, the new 14-storey Paediatric Services Building (PSB) will provide new and expanded critical and acute healthcare services.
Minister for Health Ryan Park and Member for Parramatta Donna Davis visited the site for a traditional topping out ceremony to mark the significant construction milestone.
The building will include:
• A new and expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
• A new and expanded Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.
• Cancer services including a new day oncology treatment centre and inpatients units.
• New perioperative unit containing operating theatres, cardiac catheterisation labs and interventional laboratory.
• Statewide service for
burns, offering inpatient and outpatient facilities.
• A new pharmacy and oncology pharmacy.
• A new Surgical Short Stay Unit.
Internal and external works for the new building are well underway, including installation of facade panels, designed to illustrate the movement and reflections of the local waterways and riverbanks adjacent to the hospital.
Around 300 workers are currently working at the site each day, and this is expected
to increase to around 500 a day at the peak of construction and fit out. The building is due to be completed in 2025.
The redevelopment also includes a new multi-storey car park, a revitalised KidsPark forecourt with new food and beverage options for staff, patients and their families, an Aboriginal Gathering Space, three new playgrounds to suit children of all ages and abilities, a pet park, and refurbishment of existing spaces within the hospital, including:
• Relocation of the Clinical
Research Centre, Gait Analysis Laboratory and Pathology Collections into new fit-forpurpose spaces.
• Expansion of pathology laboratories.
• Pathway upgrades for improved pedestrian movement through the health precinct.
The Stage 2 Redevelopment of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead is being delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, with Roberts Co as the principal contractor.
The NSW Government is committed to delivering on the health infrastructure and technology for communities across NSW focusing on the parts of the state that need it most.
It will invest $3.4B in 202425 to upgrade hospitals and health facilities across the State as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget ensuring patients continue to receive high-quality care in their local community.
Of this, nearly $1B will be allocated towards rural and regional health capital works projects, and over half a billion
towards Western Sydney hospitals in 2024-25 alone.
The NSW Government is committed to continuing to build on previous investments in important infrastructure projects for the State, including:
• Canterbury Hospital redevelopment;
• Fairfield Hospital redevelopment;
• Additional beds for Mount Druitt Hospital & Blacktown Hospital; and
• A brand new $700M hospital to be built at Rouse Hill.
Part of the Government’s $40M Family Start Package in the 2024-25 NSW Budget will boost the public paediatric allied health workforce with an additional 32 staff, providing access to allied health services for 3,600 more children each year, of which the Children’s Hospital at Westmead play a role.
For more information the redevelopment of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, visit https:// westmeadkidsredevelopment.health. nsw.gov.au
Premium land release coming soon
Set in one of the fastest growing LGAs in Australia, Oran Park is a thriving, peaceful, master planned community of new homes, wide open spaces, exceptional new schools and expanding dining and retail precincts.
Premium land is scheduled to release soon and there’s a lot to fit every budget and lifestyle.
• Well positioned near the rapidly expanding Oran Park Town Centre
• Close proximity to award-winning parks, green spaces and waterways
• Easy build lots ranging from 300m 2 to 600m 2
Visit the Sales Office today and discover all Oran Park has to offer. Scan the QR code to register your interest to be informed about future land releases.
Artist impression of the new Paediatric centre.
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ISSUE 54 OCTOBER 2024
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PARRAMATTA Light Rail Stage 2 is one step closer, with a $322M contract awarded to John Holland Pty Ltd to deliver the first part of the project – construction of the first 1.3km of new light rail alignment, including a 320m bridge over the Parramatta River.
New artist’s impression images have been released showing the bridge between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point that will carry buses, light rail and people walking and cycling over the Parramatta River.
Design and early works will begin this year, before major bridge construction starts in 2025. It marks the first major bridge crossing the Parramatta River since the Ryde Bridge was completed nearly 40 years ago. This work will also see upgrades to surrounding public spaces including Archer Park.
The new public and active transport bridge, which is yet to be named, will provide a much-needed link between the growing communities of Melrose Park and Wentworth Point, north and south of the river. It will form part of 9.5kms of walking and bike-riding paths once Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is complete.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 in 2025
Construction of the bridge is expected to generate 1000 jobs, with 80% of those based in Western Sydney.
In the 2024-25 NSW Budget, the Minns Labor Government provisioned $2.1B towards the delivery of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 to build better, more connected communities as our west continues to grow.
This significant milestone is a crucial step forward in extending the Parramatta Light Rail network, which will
help get locals where they need to go, take pressure off roads, and support housing growth across Greater Parramatta.
John Holland Pty Ltd was selected as the successful company following a competitive tender process, with interest from 19 leading organisations across Australia and around the world.
Works will be limited to weekdays where possible, limiting Saturday works to critical bridge construction activities only.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will connect to Stage 1 and the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park via Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park, and Wentworth Point with 14 stops over 10 kilometres.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 between Westmead and Carlingford (L4) is in the final stages of testing and commissioning, with passenger services expected to start before the end of the year.
For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/parramatta-light-rail.
Property Council welcomes contract
THE Property Council of Australia today welcomed the announcement that construction on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will commence in 2025, following the awarding of a $322M contract to John Holland Pty Ltd for the first phase of the project.
Property Council NSW Western Sydney Regional Director Ross Grove said the news was a significant step forward for
Western Sydney’s growth and connectivity.
“Today’s announcement signals that the long-awaited Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is moving from the planning phase to reality,” Mr Grove said.
“This is fantastic news for the communities of Melrose Park and Wentworth Point, who will soon see shovels in the ground and a vital new bridge over the Parramatta River taking shape.
“The Light Rail extension will connect more than 280,000 residents to jobs, education, and amenities and catalyse new housing development and investment in Sydney’s Central River City.”
Mr Grove said the new 320-metre bridge over the Parramatta River would provide essential connections linking Melrose Park and Wentworth Point and support future growth.
“Stage 1 of the light rail is set to start passenger services by the end of this year, and with Stage 2 now underway, we are seeing a vision for a more connected and sustainable Greater Parramatta come to life,” Mr Grove said.
Mr Grove highlighted the long-standing advocacy efforts of the Property Council and the industry’s support for the project.
Artist impression of the new stage.
Ross Grove.
EPARK REOPENS AFTER $13.4M RESTORATION
Popular destination for families
RMINGTON’S much-loved George Kendall Riverside Park has reopened after a $13.4M transformation including the creation of 18 hectares of new parkland.
The major revamp, which was funded by the NSW Government’s Parks for People program, also includes a new hilltop lookout, constructed wetlands, play and activity hub, learn to ride space, car entry loop, upgraded parking, a shared path and over four hectares of native plants to improve the open space and river foreshore.
City of Parramatta chief executive Gail Connolly PSM said the park revitalisation was part of the City’s global vision to create more enjoyable open spaces for the community.
“Investing in green infrastructure means we are a step closer to reaching our goal of making Parramatta River a central meeting spot for our community to enjoy,” Ms Connolly said.
“It’s part of our bold vision to transform Parramatta into a global City over the next 25 years.
“This restoration will provide more opportunities for our community to connect with nature, enjoy outdoor activities and explore our river foreshore.
“There is a new dedicated play and activity hub, and it’s now easier and safer for families to access the park with a new
car park loop, upgraded paths and roads.
“This is proof that collaborating with the NSW Government and local community to deliver positive outcomes that locals and families can enjoy for many years to come.”
Minister for Planning and Open Spaces, Paul Scully MP said the project reinvigorates the importance of public open spaces.
“The completion of George Kendall Riverside Park marks a significant milestone for the Parks for People program,” Mr Scully said.
"This is one of the program’s biggest and boldest revitalisations which reinvigorates this important public open space and delivers an inclusive place where the community will enjoy a diverse range of
outdoor activities.
"The upgrade to George Kendall Riverside Park is not just for today’s residents but will also create a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis MP said everyone can now enjoy the restored park.
"These new parklands are a wonderful addition to George Kendall Reserve for the benefit of Ermington, Parramatta, and beyond,” Ms Davis said.
“The reopening of George Kendall Riverside Park comes just in time for the warmer summer months ahead.
“Everyone can now explore new spaces for play, more walking and cycling tracks, a learn-to-ride facility, an upgraded park for dogs and venture through
thriving wetlands.”
Features and improvements include:
• A hilltop lookout.
• Dedicated learn to ride space.
• Nature trails and recreational loop.
• New vehicle entry and car park with pedestrian access and upgraded roads.
• Constructed wetland and swale to filter and capture stormwater.
• New tree planting.
• Integration with the Parramatta River Cycleway.
• Upgraded off-leash area.
• Removal of leachate pipes and capping layer under wetlands.
This project follows the revitalisation of F.S Garside Park in Granville, Newington Reserve, Milson Park and Arthur Phillip Park earlier this year.
The restored park.
TAFE butchery students compete
Eleven of NSW’s most skilled butchers and apprentices went head-to-head at TAFE NSW Granville, competing for top honours in the NSW regional final of the 2024 WorldSkills Australia Retail Butchery Competition.
Known as the Skills Olympics, WorldSkills celebrates excellence and showcases vocational education and training at its regional, national, and international competitions. The WorldSkills Australia Retail Butchery competitions cover the abilities and skills required by today’s butcher.
Butchers were identified as being in shortage in both 2022 and 2023 by Jobs and Skills Australia’s Skills Priority List. With the industry forecast to grow by more than 11 per cent by 2026, this competition highlights the importance of hands-on butchery training.
During the competition, apprentices displayed their butchery expertise as they broke down lamb and chicken into precise cuts, completed intricate slicing tasks, and maintained rigorous safety and hygiene standards. They were also judged on their ability to communicate with customers and offer cooking advice.
Nikolaos Topalidis, a 19-year-old TAFE NSW Granville graduate and current butcher at Dulwich Hill Gourmet Meats, earned the bronze medal at the regional
Time for a Parramatta gin-venture
competition. Driven by a passion for the meat industry, Nikolaos embraced the WorldSkills event as an opportunity to challenge himself and unleash his creativity.
“I’ve always been interested in butchery, and this competition was a chance to take my skills to the next level,” he said. “It gave me the freedom to express my creativity and highlight the artistry behind the craft,” he said.
For Nikolaos, butchery is more than just a trade, it’s a creative process too.
RAISE a glass and get ready for an unforgettable gin-venture as the Sydney Gin Festival returns, this time to the iconic Rosehill Gardens in Parramatta. From Friday, 15 to Saturday November 16, gin lovers are in for a spirited journey. With over 55 of Australia’s boldest craft distillers and a staggering 220 boutique gins to sip and sample, this festival promises to be a gin-credible extravaganza. Whether you’re a returning fan of favourites like Ester Spirits, Prohibition Liquor Co., or Nosferatu, or excited to discover newcomers like Bimbadgen Estate Distillery and Threefold’s unique coconut gin liqueur, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. No gin adventure would be complete without the perfect pairing. Quench your thirst with mixers from Long Rays, ensuring your G&Ts are perfectly balanced and refreshing. Plus, enjoy gourmet treats that com-
plement the array of gin profiles, making this an all-round sensory delight.
Elevate your experience with a masterclass. Hosted by gin experts from the International Spirits Academy, these sessions are an immersive journey into the world of gin, offering insider tips, exclusive tastings, and hands-on cocktail crafting. Don’t miss out on special sessions from Hickson House, Papa Salt, and Puss & Mew Distillery, where you can learn from the masters and even take home some gin-spiration for your own bar. Each masterclass ticket includes a 3hr tasting session.
New for 2024 – the festival is offering exclusive “Jump the Q” tickets for priority entry, along with the flexible “Any Session” ticket for those who want the freedom to attend any session, even if it's sold out.
As always, all gin tastings are included in the ticket price, and you’ll leave with a stylish tote bag and a branded tasting glass to remember the day.
Visit: visit www.ginevents. com.au. The Sydney Gin Festival is organised by the Australian Gin Distillers Association Inc. and is a key stop on the national Gin Festival roadshow.
Nikolaos Topalid-is
MAJOR SOCIAL HOUSING PROPERTY FOR SALE
Merrylands residential apartment block
ARARE rare property featuring 44 apartments (43 of which are social housing) and 4 retail shops has come to market. In a market starved of completed residential stock and a burgeoning residential market underpinned by net migration, the property is expected to appeal to a broad buyer group seeking to extract the entrapped value from this prime complex.
The property at 315-323 Merrylands Road comprises a well appointed mixed-use development of 44 apartments and 4 retail shops above 69 car spaces on two basement levels.
With a land area of 2,076 sqm and a total of 4,985 sqm in total strata area, the building was completed in circa 2019 and was recently strata subdivided.
The complex is located 25km west of the Sydney CBD and just 2km south of Parramatta CBD, with Merrylands being the largest town centre and suburb within the Cumberland local government area. The complex enjoys its proximity to Stockland Mall (400m) and Merrylands Station (800m).
The apartments are considered a premium offering in the Merrylands market given their high-quality finishes, well-appointed layouts and ample parking allocation. Internally
Cthe apartments feature modern kitchens equipped with gas cooktops and dishwashers. Typically the floors are carpeted, bathrooms tiled and walls and ceilings plasterboard.
The Colliers team of Matthew Meynell and James Cowan have the exclusive listing on behalf of vendor, Costa Nicodemou of Newpoint Advisory, with price expectations into the $20 millions.
“Nationally, the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) recorded 380,000 new migrants into Australia through FY2022FY2023, while only 148,000 new dwellings were built. Within NSW, net overseas migration is forecast to reach a record high +174,000 in FY2023. This alone demonstrates the sharp supply cliff we have already reached and until meaningful stock is delivered to the market we will continue to see strong rental and price growth,” Mr Meynell said.
“The median apartment price in Merrylands is $479,500, whilst the median house price is $1,265,000 meaning the average house is 2.6x more expensive than the average apartment. With the low level of completions throughout 2022, 2023 and 2024, there is an alarming undersupply of apartment stock in this location which is a concern due to the affordability crisis that freehold dwelling prices have created.”
“We expect investors will take this into consideration when conducting their due diligence and ultimately competing on this opportunity,” Mr Cowan said.
315-323 Merrylands Road is for sale via an Expressions of Interest campaign.
Building starts on Sanctuary
ONSTRUCTION has started on the latest stage of Sekisui House Australia’s waterfront community, Sanctuary, part of the $2B mixed-use development reimagining Wentworth Point from a former industrial area into a dynamic waterside precinct.
Sekisui House Australia, a leader in innovation and sustainable housing, has delivered
about 2,100 meticulously crafted homes and constructing seven award-winning buildings in the community of Wentworth Point, contributing to the growth of the vibrant neighbourhood.
With almost 100 sales to date, Willow has captured the market's attention, underscoring the appeal of living at one of Sydney’s last north-facing riverfront apartment addresses.
Sanctuary’s masterplan, designed by Architecture and Design Studio TURNER will span 9.4 hectares across six stages.
The masterplan design also allows for future public transport links within its streetscape, including the $602.4M megaproject - Parramatta Light Rail, the delivery of which will transform this desti-
nation suburb. This connectivity is central to Sanctuary’s vision of offering its residents a vibrant, integrated lifestyle.
Situated along the waterfront of Wentworth Point, the latest stage of Sanctuary, Willow features 309 impeccably designed apartments.
Visit: https://www.sanctuaryapartments.com.au
Respect and support for all
SOUTHERN Cross Care’s name is known and trusted throughout NSW and the ACT where they’ve been a part of the community for more than 50 years.
SCC offers a full spectrum of services to provide you with options, choice and support for how you choose to live your life, today and tomorrow.
Whether it’s discovering a retirement community lifestyle, tapping into help at home, improving your health, exploring ways to boost your independence and social connections, or selecting comfortable, supportive care in one of their Residential Aged Care Homes, you have peace of mind knowing that whatever your needs may be, you have a relationship with a provider that has it covered.
SCC believes that individuality is one of the greatest gifts of being human.
They follow a customer at the heart philosophy which means that your happiness and wellbeing are their priority.
SCC celebrates and respect diversity and welcomes all, regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and lifestyle choices.
“We recognise you as a whole person and support your physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Everything we do is tailored to enhance your quality of life and enable you to live life on your terms,” said a spokesperson.
Visit: www.sccliving.org.au
Supporting you
to live life well
Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) is a leading not-for-profit aged care provider that has been caring about people for more than 50 years. We deliver personalised, quality care and support services across our network of Retirement Villages, Home Care services and Residential Care homes.
Home Care
CHSP, Home Care Packages and Private Services*
We provide a comprehensive range of personalised, flexible services to help keep you living at home longer. If you’re waiting for government funding or looking to self-manage we also offer the option to pay privately for Home Care services.
Our services include:
Meal Assistance
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Wellbeing
Allied Health Support
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Retirement Living
Join a relaxed, private and secure community where you get to decide how to spend your time doing the things you love.
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Residential Care
Our Homes are warm, welcoming places where you can relax and be yourself. Our friendly and reliable staff provide respectful care to meet your needs and support your health.
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Care and support for a brighter future
We’d love to hear from you.
Disability Services to empower your
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•purpose-built homes providing a safe, comfortable environment (SIL/SDA)
•1:1 support and group activities to develop friendships and grow skills
•domestic assistance with household chores
•social support to make new connections in your community
•Short Term Accommodation (STA), Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) and Independent Living Options (ILO)
•Clinical care services to ensure the highest standard of health and wellness
Experience compassionate care close to home. Call 1300 086 906.
TechnologY
AI WANTS TO RUN OUR MEETINGS Should we let it?
ANDREW POPE
“Can’t talk now, am back-to-back all day”. In today’s workplace, where meetings have become a de facto measure of productivity, this phrase has become a badge of honour. Busy and important trumps focused work.
Since the pandemic, we’ve relied on moving traditional working habits into a digital setting. Meetings are a prime example of this. We know how they work; moving meetings into a virtual format is less demanding than trying to get our people posting and commenting asynchronously in Teams channels or in Slack.
Recognising the rise of virtual meetings, we’re seeing more technology solutions to help us manage these demands without having to miss a thing! Microsoft recently announced the ability to ‘follow’ a meeting, to enable those who can’t attend to receive notes, actions and follow-ups. And soon, Microsoft are also launching Team copilot.
Team copilot is your team assistant, an AI tool that will summarise meetings, track tasks, moderate your meetings, respond to questions and project manage your activities.
Leaving aside the risks of leaving project management to AI, where it is helpfully hallucinating new deliverables and assigning tasks to the poor sod who forgot to update their calendar – now suddenly finding their free time has been filled with random tasks, what does this mean for those back-to-backers? And what does this mean for how we run meetings?
The ability to summarise meetings for those who couldn’t make it can be seen as a blessing.
We get the key outcomes, the actions relevant to us and literally any other summary that we can think of to ask Copilot to supply. Want to know who asked the most questions, who
didn’t ask anything, who blinked the most times? Copilot will tell you.
Fewer meetings to attend, no fear of missing out. Productivity boosted!
But is it? And what is productivity in meetings?
The Collins dictionary definition of a meeting is “… an event in which a group of people come together to discuss things or make decisions”. This means that a meeting is largely about conversations and outcomes. Which we already knew.
Humans are brilliant at using conversations to learn, apply and decide. That’s why we attend meetings: we’re there to contribute, to steer, to experience, to ask, to think.
So, what happens when we don’t attend a meeting, sending our Copilot on our behalf?
For simple, repeating meetings –such as status updates – this is not so much of a problem. Though arguably, this shouldn’t be a synchronous meet-
ing in the first place. But what about proper meetings that require input, not passive interest?
The problem of meetings is not too many meetings; it’s being in the wrong meetings. AI assisted summaries and suggestions are genuinely helpful.
There’s a risk that we lose sight of the importance of a conversation. That meetings become about being as efficient as possible, with AI helping us to discover outcomes - or to move towards them – with less human input.
Which takes us back to the start: what is the purpose of the meeting? Who do we need to attend to meet its objectives? Why do we need to have it all?
We risk forgetting why we need to get people together, why we need to
have a conversation. Human relationships don’t develop when we rely upon AI to tell us about our colleagues. They develop from deeper interactions – conversations, questions, physical gestures.
Similarly, problems don’t get solved, opportunities don’t arise, if we just don’t turn up.
The problem of meetings is not too many meetings; it’s being in the wrong meetings. AI assisted summaries and suggestions are genuinely helpful.
But they are no replacement for the power of a human conversation. A conversation where, with our colleagues, we shape new outcomes. Not simply just communicating them.
We just need to accept the meetings where we’re invited to a discussion and decline the ones where we’re only passive participants.
Andrew Pope is partner and consultant at www. designingcollab.com
Newsbytes
Project
to make cruise ships cleaner
NSW has launched a $20M Shore Power project at White Bay Cruise Terminal, providing electricity to docked cruise ships to reduce emissions. This will cut over 4,000 tonnes of emissions annually, benefiting local communities. The project, to be completed by 2026, aligns Sydney with global ports and enhances sustainability in NSW's cruise industry.
Tougher domestic violence laws
THE NSW Government has introduced tougher domestic violence laws, including higher penalties for breaching Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs). New offences target intentional and persistent breaches, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison. A Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Order (SDAPO) has been introduced for high-risk offenders, with similar penalties for violations. Additional reforms include enhanced stalking definitions and electronic provisional AVOs. The laws complement earlier measures and a $245.6M investment in victim support.
Grant money for cancer research
THE NSW Government is committing $2.1M in grants for cancer research, coinciding with World Cancer Research Day. Funding includes $700,000 each for Professors Georgina Long and Paul Timpson for advanced imaging systems to study tumor environments. Three clinical trials grants, worth $250,000 each, aim to improve access to trials for underserved communities. The Cancer Institute NSW has invested over $470 million in research over the past 20 years.
Scouts appoints Kaylene as deputy Chair
SCOUTS NSW has appointed Anthea Cudworth as Chair and Kaylene Hubbard as Deputy Chair following its Annual General Meeting. Anthea brings over 20 years of corporate affairs experience and has volunteered with Scouts for over a decade, while Kaylene has 25 years in professional services and is a former Managing Partner at KPMG. The Board also welcomed new Ex-Officio Directors Philip Cooper and Niamh Hitchman. Chief Commissioner Lloyd Nurthen praised the new lead-
Looking at better training for venues
Tership’s potential to navigate challenges in the not-for-profit sector.
HE NSW Government is exploring adding sexual harassment and violence prevention training to the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) handbook for licensed venues. This follows recent updates addressing drink spiking, requiring staff to take specific actions during incidents. Advocacy groups have pushed for expanded RSA training, and the revised handbook, issued to training providers, must be updated by September 30, 2024. Campaigns like “Ask for Angela” complement these efforts to improve venue safety.
Critical shortage of stem cells
AUSTRALIA faces a critical shortage of registered stem cell donors, with 1,000 patients urgently waiting for a match, mostly blood cancer patients. The Leukaemia Foundation and Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry are urging Australians aged 18-35 to sign up as donors, especially from diverse backgrounds. Most stem cell donations are simple, similar to plasma donation. Increasing local donors can improve patient survival chances. Sign up at Strength to Give.
Doctors say don’t ignore symptoms
DOCTORS are urging Australians not to ignore hay fever symptoms, particularly asthmatics, as allergy season begins. Bupa’s Dr. Tony MacDermott warns that hay fever, affecting 1 in 5 Australians, can worsen asthma, potentially leading to serious health issues if untreated. Symptoms of hay fever and asthma can overlap, making diagnosis challenging. Dr. MacDermott advises consulting a GP for proper treatment and ensuring asthma prevention measures, like checking inhalers, are up-to-date.
Need for early dementia detection
RESEARCH from CHeBA’s Sydney Memory and Ageing Study, led by Dr. Russell Chander, reveals that dementia and mild cognitive impairment significantly affect social cognition, which includes interpreting social cues and empathy. Over 300 adults aged 70-90 were assessed, showing dementia worsens social skills, while mild cognitive impairment leads to subtler deficits. This highlights the need for early detection and targeted interventions to maintain social engagement and reduce the burden on caregivers.
Diabetes medicine has been approved
THE Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved Mounjaro, a medicine originally for type 2 diabetes, for chronic weight management in Australians with obesity or overweight and a related health issue. It is used alongside diet and exercise. Mounjaro mimics two hormones to regulate blood sugar and promote fullness. Healthcare professionals welcome the approval, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based treatments in tackling Australia’s obesity epidemic, which affects two-thirds of adults.
Salvos are calling for volunteers
THE Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) is urging NSW residents to volunteer ahead of the upcoming disaster season. Volunteers provide vital support during disasters, offering meals, supplies, and emotional assistance to first responders and survivors. With a long history of disaster relief, SAES seeks passionate volunteers for various roles. The thorough application process ensures the right fit, with training provided. Visit the Salvation Army website for more details.
E- Scooter riders face tough penalties
E-SCOOTER riders can face significant penalties for breaking the law, similar to car drivers. Slater and Gordon Legal Counsel, Jess Lyons, warns of license loss for offenses like exceeding alcohol limits or speeding. Rules vary by state, with speed limits ranging from 15-25km/h. Helmets are mandatory, and restrictions apply on where e-scooters can be ridden. South Australia has the strictest regulations, requiring registration and insurance for e-scooters used outside private property.
Let’s Talk About It Caring For Your Mental Wellbeing:
Community in Western Sydney have been through a lot in the last few years: COVID-19 lockdowns, floods, increased financial pressures and more. Mental health has been one of the biggest challenges our region has faced, and it’s important to keep checking in on each other.
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Month is, ‘Let’s Talk About It’ . This prompts us all to reflect on our mental health and overall wellbeing. Maintaining good mental health is important in our daily lives and encourages a proactive approach to seeking help when necessary.
Five Tips to Boost your Mental Wellbeing
1.Prioritise self-care: Make time for activities that recharge you and reduce stress. Whether it’s a hobby, relaxation techniques or taking a break; find something that fills your bucket.
2.Stay active: Exercise helps release endorphins which improve your mood. Aim for regular exercise such as walking, yoga or playing a team sport.
Where to Get Help
3.Build and maintain relationships: Spending time with family, friends or support groups can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
4.Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises can help you stay present and manage stress.
5.Seek professional health: If you are struggling with your mental health, please speak with your GP or visit a mental health service available in your area.
There are services available to community in Western Sydney which offer support. Please visit our Mental Health webpage for more information.
Healthy Western Sydney is delivered by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.
Support for Young People: headspace
headspace is an early intervention program for young people aged 12-25 years, providing access to support and information for a broad range of concerns including mental health, physical or sexual health, drugs and alcohol and work and study support.
There are headspace centres in Castle Hill, Mount Druitt and Parramatta. Appointments and referrals are required. Visit the headspace website for more information.
Support for Adults: Head to Health
If you’re not feeling like yourself, Head to Health can connect you to free mental health support. Visit the Head To Health website for more information. You can call their support line or visit their safe space in person. No appointment or referral is required.
Call 1800 595 212 (9:00 am –9:00pm weekdays, 3:00 pm – 7:00pm weekends and public holidays)
Visit in person Ground Floor, Suite 1, 150 George Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Support for First Nations Community: Marrin Weejali
Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation provides culturally safe counselling and referral services for Western Sydney’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members affected by drug and alcohol dependency, and non-acute mental health issues.
Services include counselling, group therapy, transition assistance, health support, case management and community work.
Call: 02 9628 3031
Health professional or self-referral: Complete form
Crisis Support
If you, or the person you are supporting, needs immediate crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 . If it is an emergency, please call triple zero ( 000 ).
TraveL
with Emma Wilson
Sydney’s unusual dining experiences
An illumination night out at Luna Lu
IF you haven’t visited Sydney’s Rocks area in a while don’t go past Luna Lu restaurant. What a thrill to be in one of Sydney’s older sandstone buildings whilst enjoying an incredible Immersive Dining Experience’, a light show all around the walls in 360-degree view as you dine. The lights include intricate Japanese wall art and ocean scenes as a whale lazily swims by. This Immersive Dining experience is available every Thursday and Sunday night at Bar Lulu and you can enjoy these scenes whilst enjoying a delicious 3-course set menu for $120pp. For details: www.lunalu.com.au/whats-on/immersive-dining-at-bar-lulu/ Luna Lu’s new spring menu is well-worth experiencing for a date night or just a fun night out with friends. Mentai scallops and Flying Fish Roe are
delicious entrees as are Salmon and Snapper Crudo Mosaic. Mains include Char Siu Pork, Spicy Dan Dan noodles and Kungpao Cauliflower and select a dessert that is pure edible art. Choose between Yuzu Namelaka or Luna Opera House (a berry and coconut sponge coulis).
If you like to dine outside to enjoy Sydney views including the Opera House you can reserve the Dining Dome while enjoying a bespoke four-course banquet menu.
Luna Lu has partnered with Chateau Tanunda, so you can also enjoy a complimentary Chateau Tanunda wine pairing created specifically to accompany the course of meals throughout the evening. Details here: lunalu.com.au/what’s-on/dining-dome/
Champagne. Jacquart Bar and high tea
FOR something special head into Sydney’s CBD for a special high tea day with your kids at David Jones’s Champagne Jacquart Bar on level 2 in David Jones. The high tea feels very ‘New York’ style, situated in a department store overlooking green leafy Hyde Park outside. Head Chef, Alessandro Morabito (formerly Bel and Brio and Pepi’s) has created a masterpiece tower of edible delights including petit fours, home baked scones with jam and a choice of Mosaique NV Brut or Rose for the adults.
It’s open 10am to 4pm and bookings are essential and children must be accompanied by an adult. www. champagnejacquartbar.com.au
Champagne Jacquart Bar, Level 2, 86 – 108 Castlereagh Street, Sydney
The Yum Cha Project
Have your kids ever eaten Yum-cha? Mine had heard of it but never tried because I kept promising to take them to Chinatown on a Sunday and that never eventuates. Yum Cha was popularised in the 80s and 90s in Australia and translates to ‘drink tea’. It’s typically a long sit-down lunch with trollies circling the restaurant offering steaming dim sum share baskets. It’s ‘a thing’.
City-lovers are in luck! Yum Cha comes to Grosvenor Place, (close to Circular Quay) and is fast, friendly and delicious. It’s the latest dining concept from culinary maestro Howin Chui, founder of Ni Hao Bar, Kowloon Cafe, Stir Fry King and Senpai Ramen.
Looking to modernise the Yum Cha experience Chui and co-owners offer a selection of delectable Dim Sum ‘by the piece’ and along with contemporary tea options - swapping a pot of Jasmine for an iced bubble tea.
It’s hard to find reasons to enjoy a day out with older teens but luckily most like to shop for clothes (if you’re paying) and they are always starving. Meet them at The Yum Cha Project and try delicious Hainan chicken pizza, Signature siu mai dumplings, steaming pork dumplings and spring rolls and pork buns, Peking Duck pizza and cheeseburger spring rolls.
Yum Cha Project is open during daytime hours –Mon-Thurs 8am to 4pm and Thurs –Fri 8am to 8pm and found at Shop 3, 225 George Street (on the high / west side of George St). Enjoy their company for the 20 minutes they will grace you with before they’re off again exploring the shops!
Travel tech – Don’t leave home without them
Charging Station - No more fighting over who has the charger. Anker’s Mag Go Wireless
Charging Station allows you to charge your iPhone, earbuds and Apple watch all at the same time at twice the speed. And it’s magnetic and foldable so stores and travels easily. Check out www.anker.com
Trackers - Track your passport, keys, wallet, bicycle or carry bags with a portable ‘tile’. Very easy to use - it comes with an app and when downloaded you can activate a tile and keep track of where
your item is. Go to tile.com/en-au to order one (or 10) today.
with Emma Wilson
YOUR QUEENSTOWN FAMILY GETAWAY
Stunning scenery and friendly locals
BY TRAVEL EDITOR EMMA WILSON
IT’S just across the ditch and you’ve completely forgotten it exists, but Queenstown is an easy family holiday for every age group. For an overseas destination it truly is Sydney’s easiest destination. It’s not just an adrenalin-mecca for active young people, there are activities to suit every age group – active, less active or disabled travelers. The scenery is stunning, the shopping is great, dining options are plentiful, the water is safe to drink, and the locals are very friendly. Why not reconsider your next family holiday here?
Getting to Queenstown
Just a three-hour flight from Sydney, Queenstown airport is a wow-factor entry into New Zealand with its backdrop of rugged snowcapped mountains towering over you on the airport tarmac. With this clean, efficient and smallish airport, you are out in the fresh air with your luggage surprisingly quickly. Transport options into town are plentiful and there are wheelchair options for transport as well. To get into the downtown area the route one public bus runs every 15 minutes and stops regularly along Lake Whakatipu. The Stanley Street will deliver you to the centre of the downtown action. Or to maximise sightseeing time take a ferry into the downtown area, ferries leave every 30 minutes and depart from the Hilton Hotel, which is a short taxi ride from the airport. Alternatively, there are shuttle buses that also accommodate wheelchairs upon request. Head to www.queenstownairport.co.nz/transport for all your options.
Where to Stay
If your trip is short or you prefer the buzz of nightlife and vibe of staying within a busy downtown area, many hotels, restaurants, shops and activities radiate from Lake Whakatipu’s Tahuna area harbour, the ‘Queenstown Beach’ area. If you’re staying in town, you won’t need a car and can do a lot on foot, including many of Queenstown’s iconic activities and there are options to be picked up from your hotel by activity providers if you book something fun to do. You may need a car if you prefer to stay further away, like in rural accommodation, otherwise local buses can take you downtown or along Wakatipu's length.
Like any major city there are new hotels and older hotels so it will depend on your preference, but newer buildings have building codes that are wheelchair friendly so take this into consideration when booking.
Skyline Gondola
A great ‘first day’ thing to do to get a good orientation of Queenstown is to head to the Skyline Gondola in Brecon Street. This is a spacious state-of-the-art new gondola that will bring you up to a restaurant and activity precinct at the top of the hill. Here you can sit and enjoy the views of the Remarkables and have a bite to eat. There’s also a lolly shop for kids or take a turn riding the luge if you’re feeling adventurous. Views look out over the lake, mountains parks and town as far as the eye can see and it is spectacular. There is a wheelchair entry here as well, it’s very accessible. www.queenstown.skyline.co.nz
Ziptrek Ecotours
Explore the forest above Queenstown on a zipline for something different. For ages 7 to 85, depending on your level of adventure, you can choose from a few different zipline options, 2 to 6 zipline rides that gradually deliver you gracefully to the base of the mountain.
The 6-line zip includes a 20-minute hike through the forest down to the final zipline section, which is the ‘steepest tree-to-tree zipline in the world. What makes this eco-friendly is that tourists can explore the area ‘in the air’ without leaving an impact and at each stage of the zipline tour guides teach you about the local area, the flora, fauna and Mauri culture and the history of the area. It’s fun and informative and the zipline travel is extremely safe and utterly exhilarating. This is not a wheelchair friendly activity due to the uneven surfaces everywhere. Head to www. ziptrek.co.nz to buy tickets online.
Indoor Skydiving
This is an all-ages and all abilities activity that suits people even people who are NOT tempted to try outdoor skydiving (that’s me). The iFLY centre is run by the very incredible Matt Wong who has gone out of his way to make this experience accessible to all, including people who experience terrible anxiety, young kids right up to elderly people and it is a wheelchair friendly activity (and great fun to sit and watch).
The trainers for this experience are extremely experienced and reassuring. Sessions start with just one minute with the trainer physically holding you
100% of the time and you are just in a very safe and contained wind tunnel and ‘fly’ just a metre or two from the ‘ground’ in a flying suit with earplugs and helmet. It is impossible to ‘fly away’ but if you enjoy that one minute you can progress to a longer session or a session where you and the trainer can utilise stronger winds (upon request) and ‘fly’ higher up the wind tunnel and even begin learning to move and turn in the wind. The feeling you have ‘flying’ is utter freedom and really a once in a life experience and you can choose add ons such as VR goggles. Head to www.flynz.co.nz for more info.
Sherwood Hotel
Queenstown is leading the way in sustainable tourism and thanks to Destination Queenstown this will get even better over the next few years. This is terrific news in an industry where everyone wants to visit popular sites and sights but can often ‘love places to death’. This is sad for our kids and grandkids who may never experience the very thing we all love about a place.
The Sherwood is an excellent example of a hotel reno in the right direction, they took an 80s Motor Inn and transformed it into a sustainable tourism icon, with food sourced from the kitchen garden, local growers and producers. From the garden eat fresh beetroot, butternut squash, rhubarb, lettuce among other yummy ingredients.
Hotel rooms are decorated with local artworks and wall hangings, blankets woven with New Zealand wool, interiors utilising recycled materials and locally sourced manuka and myrtle ingredients for shampoo and body wash. www.sherwoodqueenstown.nz
For more information about what is the best time of year to visit Queenstown and what tours are on offer and suggested itineraries, visit Destination Queenstown. www.queenstownnz.co.nz/
Emma Wilson in Queenstown.
puzzles and games
CROSSWORD
