Parramatta Times - August 2020 by Community Broadcast Network (CBN)

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

WWW.PARRAMATTATIMES.COM.AU

ParramattA T I M E S

HEALTH A new urgent care service has been established in Western Sydney

SPORT - Eels to build centre of excellence

Masked Wolf comes to CommBank Stadium

ROXY PUB PLANS Owner reveals redevelopment vision for the iconic venue

HE owner of the iconic Roxy in Parramatta is set to make the venue “the pre-eminent hotel in the West” despite persistent calls for it to become a live theatre. Owner David Kingston, speaking exclusively to this reporter, is bemused by the continued push for the 1930s-built Roxy to be either bought by the State Government or a private benefactor. A naive assumption in the save-the-Roxy community that Mr Kingston will willingly turn the theatre over for community use, or sell it even for a good price, is not as strong as his determination to retain and redevelop the property. “In Australia, the owner decides the use of a property,” Mr Kingston told the Times. “My plans are to replace the nightclub area with restaurant/ bar areas. It will become a very high-quality community hotel - one of the top 5 in Sydney and the best in the West.” More: page 8. Historic image of the Roxy, Parramatta.

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ISSUE 25 | August 2022

WSU’S NEW CHANCELLOR Jennifer Westacott is confirmed

USTRALIAN business leader, chief executive of the Business Council of Australia, and former top public servant Jennifer Westacott AO has been named the next Chancellor of Western Sydney University. Ms Westacott was elected by the UniversiJennifer Westacott. ty’s Board of Trustees as successor to Professor Peter Shergold AC, who will retire in December after 12 years of service as Chancellor. One of Australia’s most prominent and highly-regarded public figures, Ms Westacott has forged a distinguished career in senior leadership roles in both the private and public sectors over 40 years, making numerous and sustained contributions to policy, public service and Australian public life. She will continue to serve as the chief executive of the Business Council of Australia – the premier representative group for Australia’s large employers, advocating for good policy on behalf of the business community and the Australians they employ. Since 2019 she has also been Chair of the Western Parkland City Authority – the NSW Government agency responsible for delivering, coordinating and attracting investment to the Western Parkland City, and realising the immense opportunities presented by the Western Sydney

International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the Western Sydney City Deal. The University’s first female Chancellor and only the fourth Chancellor in the University’s history, Ms Westacott will officially commence her term on 1 January 2023. She said she is incredibly honoured to be joining the Western Sydney University community. Growing up in housing commission on the NSW Central Coast and Blue Mountains, Ms Westacott said that experience has driven her throughout her life and made her strive to fulfil her potential and be a force for positive change – something she keenly recognises in the University’s own values and mission. “I was strongly attracted to the role in part by the University’s enduring connections with the diverse and vibrant communities of western Sydney and its role as a catalyst for the region’s economic advancement and social prosperity,” said Ms Westacott. Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, welcomed Jennifer Westacott’s appointment. He said she will be an outstanding leader and advocate for the university. Jennifer Westacott AO will be formally installed as Western Sydney University’s next Chancellor in the first quarter of 2023.

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Editor's PickS

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ISSUE 25 | August 2022 How to get The Times The Parramatta Times is available throughout the Parramatta LGA at 80 strategic locations. To find a location near you visit our website.

Digital edition Each edition of The Parramatta Times can be viewed and downloaded in digital format at our ISSUU platform: www.issuu/communitybroadcastnetwork

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LOCAL MEDIA VOICE

Editorial: michael@parramattatimes.com.au Admin and General: info@parramattatimes.com.au Editor: Michael Walls michael@parramattatimes.com.au

ISSUE 25 | AUgU St 2022

ParramattA

HEALTH A new urgent care service has been establishedi in Western Sydney

tRUStED LOCAL NEWS

WWW.PARRAMAt tAtIM

ES.COM.AU

T I M E S SPORT - Eels to build centre of excellence

Masked Wolf comes to CommBank Stadium

ROXY PUB PLANS

Owner reveals redevelop ment vision for the iconic ven ue

Read the digital edition 24/7 at our website

Contacts

ISSUE 23 | June 2022

HE owner of the iconic Roxy in Parramatta is set to make the venue “the pre-eminent hotel in the West” despite persistent calls for it to become a live theatr e. Owner David Kingst on, speaking exclus ively to this reporter, is bemu sed by the continued push for the 1930s-built Roxy to be either bought by the State Government or a private benefactor. A naive assumption in the save-the-Ro xy community that Mr Kingston will willingly turn the theatre over for community use, or sell it even for a good price, is not as strong as his determinatio n to retain and redevelop the property. “In Australia, the owner decides the use of a prope rty,” Mr Kingston told the Times. “My plans are to replace the nightclub area with restaurant/ bar areas. It will become a very high-quality comm unity hotel - one of the top 5 in Sydney and the best in the West.” More: page 8.

Historic image of the

Roxy, Parramatta.

Newsroom News Editor: Di Bartok dibartok@yahoo.com.au Travel Editor: Dallas Sherringham dallas@accessnews.com.au

CITY'S NEWEST ARTWORK

The wheels are now in motion for the installation of the City of Parramatta's newest public artwork.

Advertising sales Julie Jackson julie@accessnews.com.au

UNDERSTANDING DREADED VAPING

The scourge of vaping has hit hard amongst the youth of Parramatta and now two researchers have set to find out why.

LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS RETURN

The Parramatta Local Business Awards is back, and founder Steve Loe has called on the community to nominate its favourite businesses.

Administration Rebecca Swaleh info@parramattatimes.com.au

Design and production Design2Pro, Words and Pixels.

Support Partner The Parramata Times is the official media partner of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce.

LIVING THE DREAM TO SERVE

Just when you thought Parramatta’s Eat Street could not get any better, then along comes Frankie B’s.

MEET THE KARENS OF 2022

If your name is David or Sarah, congratulations, you are famous for complaining most about anything and everything.

FILM REVIEW - BULLET TRAIN

Directed by by David Leitch, the modern master of the action movie, Bullet Train doesn’t disappoint. It’s full of inventive action.

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Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence

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Sport...................................... 31

Local entertainment

Watch locally made films. Stay up to date on infrastructure. Watch profiles of regional leaders. www.netwerx.tv

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ISSUE 25 | August 2022

CITY’S NEWEST PUBLIC ARTWORK

Recognising an historic Eels event

HE wheels are now set in motion for the installation of the City of Parramatta’s newest public artwork, Place of the Eels, in Parramatta Square. Created by Western Sydney artists Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro, the eight-metre tall, polished aluminium replica of a vintage bus will soon be permanently parked nose-to-the-sky in the Square’s public domain. “This eye-catching and larger-thanlife artwork will be a wonderful addition to Parramatta Square and a landmark for our City,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said. “It will inspire conversations and help connect the past and the present by showcasing and celebrating some of our City’s lesser known stories and intriguing characters.” The cement footings have been poured and more than 7.6 tonnes of Australian steel and aluminium have been cast, moulded, welded, and polished to bring the sculpture to life. The artwork is a replica of the Leyland Worldmaster bus used by the Parramatta Eels in 1981 for team meetings after their home base was burnt to the ground by fans. The artwork also pays homage to other local legends, including William Francis King – known as “the Flying Pieman” – who would run between Sydney and Parramatta to sell his baked goods; and Rosie Bint Broheen, the first Lebanese

ing and finishing the pieces so they fit together seamlessly. “The sculpture is made from the perfect material because it’s like a mirror, which will reflect the people of Parramatta. It represents people gathering and coming together like they do in Parramatta Square,” Claire said. Cr Davis said she’s looking forward to seeing the finished artwork when it’s unveiled later this year. “I’m really looking forward to seeing the Place of the Eels when the installation is complete. It is a piece that is very unique to Parramatta and will attract people from near and far and hopefully teach everyone a little something about our City’s incredible history at the same time.”

Sean Cordeiro and Claire Healy at work on the new artwork.

migrant to buy property in Parramatta. The historic Parramatta Girls Industrial School, located in the Parramatta North heritage precinct, is recognised through a set of Roman numerals on the bus. The numerals represent the coded messages the girls used to communicate with each other while institutionalised at the school. Although the sculpture will seemingly appear in Parramatta Square almost overnight, it is a culmination of two

6302.AU_ConHill_SpringFete_AD_A5_12Jul22ƒ.indd 1

years’ hard work. “It was really challenging to create this piece during the pandemic, so we were lucky that Urban Art Projects (UAP) in Brisbane were able to fabricate it,” artist Claire Healy said. Using 3D scanning and thousands of hours of video modelling, UAP built the piece by using a 12-centimetre vintage Leyland Worldmaster toy bus and scaling it up. More than 45 people and 6,500 hours were spent creating moulds, cast-

Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro are Western Sydneybased artists who first met at the University of New South Wales while completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts. They have been exhibiting collaboratively since 2001 and are known for their extraordinary sculptures and installations, including their public work Cloud Nation, which is located in the Green Square Library Tower. They have held solo exhibitions locally and internationally in China, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland and the USA. In 2009, their installation Life Span was part of the Australian representation at the 53rd Venice Biennale. They were recently awarded the 2022 Sir John Sulman Prize for their artwork, Raiko and Shuten-dōji.

13/7/2022 4:22 pm

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ISSUE 25 | August 2022

RESEARCHERS USING A NEW APPROACH

Understanding the dreaded vaping DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

HE scourge of vaping has hit hard amongst the youth of Parramatta and now two researchers have set to find out why our kids are doing it and how to stop it. Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) researchers Professor Smita Shah OAM and Kym Rizzo Liu’s forward-thinking approach to research on vaping in schools has seen them talk face-to-face with students, parents and teachers to discuss their perspectives first-hand. Smita and Kym’s work in the WSLHD Prevention Education and Research Unit (PERU) explored vaping knowledge, attitudes and behaviors at Erskine Park High School where 19 students in years seven and 10, six parents and 24 teachers took part. Their findings show that teachers believe 20 to 60% of students are vaping. “Students will sometimes have to line up to use the toilets because there are people vaping inside the cubicles,” Kim said. Smita said some of the reasons students chose to vape included “peer pressure, senior students as role models becoming suppliers of vapes plus social media influencers who make it look cool”. “We know that the tobacco compa-

Smita Shah OAM and Kym Rizzo Liu.

nies have got in through social media and into the heads of young people without most of us realising how and that was the reason we wanted to do this study because we wanted to source information direct from students in a safe, fun and non-judgmental environment.” Another key finding in the study was the accessibly of vapes which Kym said: “is very concerning because 100%

of students agreed that vapes are easy to source”. She said in some cases, due to misinformation, parents were not only vaping but also supplying vapes to their kids. To help to correctly inform parents and students, Smita and Kym recommend schools implement the following to educate on the dangers of vaping and to discourage vaping use:

• Senior students as vaping prevention advocates at school. • Incorporate learning about vaping into school punishments. • Information for students and parents from credible sources. • Use of sport/sporting heroes as a disincentive. • Use of social media for vaping prevention advocacy. The research also determined vape product features were particularly appealing to young people because of their discreet nature, pleasant flavors, cheap cost and slick packaging. “They love the sweet-smelling flavors and subtly of a vape, which aids adolescents to smoke in any environment because if they get caught, they can pass it easily to a friend to put in a pocket and walk away,” Kym said. The study presented students with a series of questions to explore through interactive and group processes. The WSLHD PERU team is expanding their study Unpacking Vaping in schools and is looking for additional schools in the West to conduct research at the coalface in order to give young people a voice on vaping. Read more on the Unpacking Vaping in Schools pilot here: https://www.amansw. co m . a u / un pa cki ng-va p i ng- i n -sch o ols - 2 / Source: The Pulse

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ISSUE 25 | August 2022

MAYOR CALLS FOR GOVT TO BUY THE ROXY

As owner the plans a top hotel DI BARTOK

Historic image of the Roxy.

Cheer on your favourites in a world class stadium experience

HE owner of the iconic Roxy in Parramatta is set to make the venue “the pre-eminent hotel in the West” despite persistent calls for it to become a live theatre. Owner David Kingston, speaking exclusively to this reporter, is bemused by the continued push for the 1930s-built Roxy to be either bought by the State Government or a private benefactor. A naive assumption in the savethe-Roxy community that Mr Kingston will willingly turn the theatre over for community use, or sell it even for a good price, is not as strong as his determination to retain and redevelop the property. “In Australia, the owner decides the use of a property,” Mr Kingston told the Times. “My plans are to replace the nightclub area with restaurant/bar areas. It will become a very high-quality community hotel - one of the top 5 in Sydney and the best in the West.” Mr Kingston, who bought the Roxy in 2002 through his K Capital company, said the state heritage-protected Roxy building would be preserved and be part of any new development. A rejection of his earlier proposal for a mixed-use tower behind the theatre has not thwarted Mr Kingston’s enthusiasm to redevelop the site, while retaining

the Roxy exterior. Mr Kingston said he had been in touch with the Lord Mayor and Parramatta Council to discuss his plans further. “My group is financially very strong and the property is mortgage-free. I have owned it for 20 years and am committed to my planned upgrades,” he said, explaining why he had no financial need to off-load the Roxy. Yet despite Mr Kingston giving no indication that he was wanting to sell up, Lord Mayor Donna Davis has called on the State Government to fund a business case for the acquisition of the Roxy. “The Roxy has been a state heritage icon in Parramatta for more than 90 years,” Cr Davis said.

It’s been a rocky ride “The restoration and revitalisation of the Roxy as a cultural venue and the redevelopment of Riverside Theatres will further cement the City of Parramatta as the leading centre of arts and culture outside the Sydney CBD.” Cr Davis said demand for more performance stages and spaces had increased in Western Sydney. It is true that the Roxy has had a rocky ride since Mr Kingston’s K Property Group, which bought it in 2002. The Roxy became a successful nightclub, pub and for-hire venue, but attracted trouble when the wrong crowd

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ISSUE 25 | August 2022

“

The Roxy today.

gave it a bad reputation. It closed in 2014 and the K Group had plans for a massive redevelopment that included a $96 mill mixed use residential/commercial tower at the rear of the theatre. When that plan was rejected in 2018 by Parramatta Council and the Land and Environment Court, Mr Kingston bided his time until he formulated his new vision. Development around the site, including building of the light rail, has thwarted his plans but Mr Kingston senses the time will be right soon. “I have preliminary architectural plans but it is premature to release them at this stage,” he said.

PARRAMATTA

COMMUNITY COLLEGE "WE EDUCATE FOR LIFE"

“In Australia, the owner decides the use of a property.” - owner David Kingston. “We have to plan the upgrade to coincide with the Parramatta Metro construction, the four high rise buildings planned between the Roxy and Church St and council’s new Civic Link that adjoins the Roxy.” Mr Kingston, acknowledging the unsavoury clientele the old Roxy nightclub had attracted, said Parramatta had changed since those days.

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Safer routes through better lighting “With the universities, new businesses and residents in the CBD giving Parramatta a different atmosphere, our new hotel will attract a different crowd than before,” he said.

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THE NSW Government is providing more than $15M to help Sydney and Greater Sydney councils including Parramatta, to install and maintain street lighting that will lead to safer traffic routes. Transport for NSW Greater Sydney Executive Director Community and Place Steve Issa said the grants under the Traffic Route Lighting Subsidy Scheme were helping provide improved and more reliable lighting on many roads around Greater Sydney. “Better visibility is a safety win for all road users, including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians,” Mr. Issa said. “Under this scheme, we are compensating 32 Sydney and Greater Sydney councils for operational costs associated with eligible street lighting, which will help reduce the number of night-time accidents.” “It also benefits the financial sustainability of councils and their community’s economy.” The Traffic Route Lighting Subsidy Scheme administered by Transport for NSW assists councils with meeting their responsibility in providing street lighting to a higher level than would normally be provided. A total of $24.2M has been provided under the scheme for councils across NSW for 2021-22. The grants help cover capital costs for new and improved street lighting, maintenance work, network distribution and energy consumption costs.

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CMRC

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

INDEPENDENCE DAY FOR (SOME) WOMEN

Learning from each other

PRISCELLA MABOR

S we are drawn into headlines about inflation, cost of living and COVID/influenza updates, it is timely to contemplate what will newly arrived women into this country be thinking as they are told to feel welcome in this - the Lucky Country. Yes, we do pride ourselves for our egalitarianism and fair go for all, but will all women arriving have free and equal access to education here. There are low literacy rates across many disadvantaged communities, and this is a critical area of concern for many who deserve to share a pathway to citizenship and engage in civil society conver- Conscila Jerome Emilianus and Vera Melkonian. sations about women’s’ rights. celebrated two independence days. But When times are uncertain, there is our key day of Independence is May 28 comfort in unifying areas of interest and to mark the date when Turkish armed pride. There is nothing more galvanizing forces left our country. “ than the topic of independence. Vera grew up like many migrant chilAs the Ukranian diaspora newly ardren, embracing an Armenian identity, rived in Australia, prepares for Ukrainian whilst living in the Syrian community. Independence Day on August 24 (even in “My parents wanted to protect our the midst of war) and the Afghan Diasculture and our language. That is true pora also look towards Independence Day independence to us. It provides rights to on August 19 (again fraught with mixed people, whether it relates to gender, work emotions in light of another looming or education.” anniversary – August 15 2021, marks one Conscila has been a leading practiyear since the Taliban secured control of tioner in the settlement sector for over 15 the capital Kabul ), there are many others years. Conscila speaks to me in the wake who equally value Independence Day, and of leadership changes in her home counthe rights secured as a result of indepentry, spiralling inflation and with the Sri dence. Lankan Tamil diaspora again reflecting One measure of what rights we equate on where independence has taken their with independence, is the right for womcountry. en to access education and other funda“After independence, it is supposed mental human rights. to give power for a government to serve So, who better to sit and talk about these topics with, than two staff at CMRC: their people, equally. To understand their peoples’ will and provide opporConscila Jerome Emilianus and Vera tunities for people. Unfortunately for Melkonian. Vera is new to CMRC (six months) and many blessings in Sri Lanka, some of our governments have pushed down minorias it turns out, new to Australia (having ty groups, like the Tamil people. Conflict arrived just five years ago ). Vera was born has resulted when human rights are not in Syria, but her parents ancestry lies in respected. “ Armenia. Vera arrived here in 2017 and has “For our country, we have often

studied and now has secured employment. Is she a measure of women’s empowerment and independence from Syrian Armenian origins? “Education is highly valued in Armenia and Syria. We have high literacy rates compared to others.” Conscila agrees that many Sri Lankan Tamil women at home were well educated and accessed free education.

Education is highly valued Both Conscila and Vera work with the some of the most vulnerable and newly arrived communities and support their resettlement needs across Western and Northern regions of Sydney. Hazara women from Afghanistan have been arriving in higher numbers, and they have been working with some of these women. Research shows that women who arrive to this country following forced migration due to conflict and sustained persecution and lack of access to education, bring not just immediate language and literacy issues but barriers that require sustained support over many years. Government figures show that close to 25 per cent of migrants who arrived here between January and August in 2017

did not speak English, or had very limited language skills, indicating an increase on the 18 and 19 per cent figures reported in the earlier Census. Then there is what is referred to as the Legacy Caseload- those who have lived in Australia longer but did not access literacy and language support, and often went straight to workplaces that did not require language skills as financial pressures meant that education was deferred. Deferment often means never returning to a classroom. For many Afghan women arriving this year to Australia, there are some who will have accessed education and have language skills and have the confidence to start navigating Australian systems. But for many, they were not afforded access to education. Today in Afghanistan, most rights given to women over the last few years have been wound back. Girls are no longer allowed back in the classroom. Again, an entire nation of women denied a future and again robs a country that could be enriched by women in leadership roles. Vera shares her thoughts on these women. “ I didn’t know that much about Afghanistan or the Hazara people until I talked to my Program Manager, Farzana Farzana. She explained so much to me about the rich culture and about the experiences of women before they arrived.” Conscila is helping Vera with her transition also, and has a wealth of experience gained from working with over 15 communities over the years. “At the end of the day, we are all human. I have always learnt so much from women from other countries, and respect them greatly. We should all move forward together.” Priscella Mabor is Inclusion Strategy & Innovations Manager at the Community Migrant Resource Centre . www.cmrc.com.au Priscella Mabor ©2022

Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC)

is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation established in 1996. CMRC is a leader in the provision of specialised support services to newly arrived migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants. CMRC works within a community capacity building framework to encourage individuals and multicultural communities to identify and address their own issues. It works in collaborative partnerships with a great number of agencies to provide services which have both an immediate and long term benefit for the community. CMRC employs over 60 full time, part-time and casual multi-lingual staff. Paramatta office Level 4, 1 Horwood Place Parramatta, NSW 2150 Ph: (02) 9687 9901 Monday – Friday: 9AM – 5PM

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EntertainmenT

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

MASKED WOLF KICKS OFF SOUND WEST FESTIVAL

Live show at CommBank Stadium

DECLAN BYRNE

APPER Masked Wolf will kick off the inaugural Sound West festival live series, adding entertainment to the Parramatta Eels’ huge NRL-NRLW double header at CommBank Stadium on, Saturday August 20. Renowned for his hit Astronaut in the Ocean, Masked Wolf is the first of 15 live performances across Western Sydney as part of Sound West. Masked Wolf’s appearance at CommBank Stadium adds to an already tantalising bill of entertainment on the

day, with the Eels’ NRLW season opener against the Sydney Roosters scheduled for 1pm before the Eels take on local rivals Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the NRL from 3pm. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchase via www. commbankstadium. com.au Sound West will bring together artists, innovators, creators and entrepreneurs in a week-long program of conferencing and live events in Western Sydney. It has been created through a partnership between the NSW Government via Destination NSW, City of Parramatta, Western Sydney Business Connection and Business Western Sydney. The celebration of Western Sydney talent will host a

number of other free and ticketed live music events and experiences from August 20-28, including a full-day industry conference at CommBank Stadium on August 25. The conference will include more than 30 sessions, workshops and mentoring from some of Australia’s biggest tech brands and music industry leaders. Tennis champion and Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott AO will be the highlight of an impressive list of speakers on the Sound West stage, while attendees will also hear

Masked Wolf and below CommBank Stadium.

from Masked Wolf, the cofounder of Aussie unicorn company Linktree, Anthony Zaccaria, as well as TikTok creator Fonzie Gomez and many more. A full list of spaces and speakers can be found here. Attendees will also be treated to food by Butter as part of their ticket. Tickets are $59 (+ booking fee) and can be purchased here. For more information on Sound West, including events and partners, visit www.soundwestsydney. com.au

Cancer Council excited to be back

HAT excites you about the rest of 2022? Are you back in tip tap shape after two hard years? After having such success raising over $120,000 from the last event, Stars of Western Sydney is back for October 22, 2022 at Blacktown Workers Club! This event brings together our local communities in all areas of Blacktown and surrounding areas for an evening of laughter, entertainment and fundraising support. Local businesses and community leaders will be paired with a dance teacher to fundraise for the cause and learn a dance routine in just 8 weeks to perform on a gala evening. From belly dancing to salsa and ballroom, the show is an experience to remember. Cancer Council, Community Relations Coordinator Danielle Loucos said: “The atmosphere at the last event was really heartfelt and the sense of community support was overwhelming. I am so excited to continue building on this with our community for the benefit of those around us currently going through treatment.” Leanne Shelton, Director of Write Time Marketing and previous star spoke so highly of the experience. “With my Dad undergoing chemotherapy, the cause is very close to my heart. I also love dancing. So it was a fantastic opportunity to bring them together - and step out of my comfort zone in the process! I’m also in awe and extremely grateful for the support and extensive fundraising we received from the local community,” she said.

Last year's event.

There are many ways to support this event including sponsorship, star, dance teacher, attendee or volunteer. Cancer Council would like to recognise the support of Blacktown Workers Club and Community Broadcast Network (publisher of The Blacktown News) who have provided fantastic support for this event. If you’re interested in getting involved, please look at our Facebook page Stars of Western Sydney – Dance for Cancer or contact Danielle Loucos danielle.loucos@ nswcc.org.au 9354 2029.

About Cancer Council Cancer Council is Australia’s leading cancer charity working across every aspect of every cancer. Every day, we support families affected by cancer when they need it most, speak out on behalf of the community on cancer issues, empower people to reduce their cancer risk, and find new ways to better detect and treat cancer. With your help, we’re getting closer to a cancer free future every minute, every hour, every day.

Local Business Awards Voting

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

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Local Business Awards Voting

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

Vote for your favourite business

The Parramatta Times is again proud to support the Parramatta Local Business Awards as media partner. Voting for the 2022 awards is now open. To vote for your favourite business simply scan the QR code on the advertisement to be linked to the businesses' voting page.

www.thebusinessawards.com.au | www.parramattatimes.com.au

Parramatta Local Business Awards returns for 2022

opportunity for members of the community to encourage and show appreciation for outstanding providers of goods and services. “Business owners, managers and staff work hard and often go above and beyond to help their clients and customers,” he said. “As members of the community, we reap the benefits of their efforts, which can make our own lives happier and easier in many ways. “Nominating someone for their

HE Parramatta Local Business Awards is back, and founder Steve Loe has called on the community to nominate its favourite businesses. Nominations for the 2022 Parramatta Local Business Awards open on Monday 22nd August and will close on Wednesday 21st September with the winners announced at the Awards Presentation Evening, on Monday 28th November. The Precedent Production Managing Director, who founded the awards more than three decades ago, said it was an

outstanding service or products is a great way to thank these people, who are the backbone of our community.” Mr Loe said businesses could also self-nominate to show staff how much their efforts were valued. “Nominating your favourite local businesses is an opportunity to show your appreciation and support for them. Vote for your favourite business by heading to the Local Business Awards website www.thebusinessawards.com.au and searching for your favourite business.”

www.impressivepropertydevelopments.com.au

2022

ARDS

Sydney Hills

For further information call Precedent Productions on 8363 3333 or visit www.thebusinessawards. com.au

BUILDING WEALTH THROUGH PROPERTY

Impressive Property Sales F127, 24-32 LexingtonDrive Bella Vista NSW 2153 Tel: 1300 823 796 info@impressivepropertysales.com.au www.impressivepropertysales.com.au

Scan the QR Code to vote for Impressive Property Developments to be a finalist in the Sydney/Hills Business Awards

The Parramatta Business Awards are made possible by the ongoing support of Major Partners, NOVA Employment and Support Partners, White Key Marketing and BxNetworking. The Parramatta Times is the official media partner of the Parramatta Local Business Awards.

L BUSINE CA

info@impressivepropertydevelopments.com.au

L BUSINE CA

Impressive Property Developments F127, 24-32 Lexington Drive Bella Vista NSW 2153 Tel: 1300 823 796

BUILDING WEALTH THROUGH PROPERTY

Steve Loe

2022

ARDS

Sydney Hills

Please scan the QR Code to vote for Impressive Property to be a Finalist in the Sydney/Hills Business Awards

Eating Out

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

Living the dream to serve diners

UST when you thought Parramatta’s Eat Street could not get any better, along comes Frankie B’s with the best of Italian and international cuisine. The two founders, long-time friends who have long had a dream for a family restaurant with sophistication, have hit the mark, judging by the talk around town. Serving brunch (from 10 to 4pm), lunch and dinner, Frankie B’s offers a range of cuisine to suit all tastes, with a distinctly Italian bent. Even the usual Italian-type fare of pasta, pizza and veal scallopini is presented with a distinctly Frankie B touch. You will not have tasted anything quite like what is on your

plate at this restaurant. Even the children’s menus are more appetising than the usual littlies tucker presented at most restaurants. And as for the seafood - be prepared to have your tastebuds tingling with such delights as lobster cotaletti, garlic cream prawns and zuppa di pesce. Enjoy your entrees and mains, but you have to leave some space for the delectable sweet treats of ricotta, rose and strawberry and nutella pockets delights. Frankie B’s is fully licensed with a comprehensive range of wines, beers ciders and cocktails, as well as mocktails and soft drinks. Restaurant manager Arti Chitraker

said people were ready to come out for a fine dining experience in comfort after the harsh Covid lockdowns. “We have the capacity for 250 people, so we cater for groups of all sizes, from couples and families through to parties,” Ms Chitraker said. “People are starting to come out again and are looking for something different. That’s what we give them. The two owners have been wanting to do a restaurant of this type, with a changing menu that meets customers’ tastes, for a long time. “The time is now and Eat Street is the place to be.” Frankie B’s Italian/International Licensed Hours: Sun-Wed 10am-10pm Thurs-Sat 10am-11pm 291 Church St Parramatta frankiebs.com

291 Church st. Parramatta | 0404277779 | frankiebs.com

MAGAZINE

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

INSIDE

Property Auto Crosswords Travel Mindset Films Trends Fitness

MEET THE ‘KARENS’ OF 2022

The biggest whingers by name DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

F your name is David or Sarah, congratulations, you are famous for complaining most about anything and everything. These two names topped the list of people most likely to complain in Online Reviews of everything from Fast Food to hotels, supermarkets and cruise ships. Researchers analysed 80,000 negative reviews on Trustpilot and TripAdvisor for some of the most popular brands, dining venues, tourist attraction, and supermarkets, to reveal the people most likely to submit a complaint. The survey of one star negative reviews on the internet revealed that males were far more likely to complain than women and David’s were the biggest whingers of all. The male complainers in order from one to nine are: David, Paul, John, Mark, Chris, James, Michael, Andrew and Peter, with David twice as likely to complain than Peter.

Sarah came in 10th overall and the full ladies names list in order was: Sarah, Karen, Emma, Julie, Lisa, Susan Laura, Claire Michelle and Jane, with Sarah twice as likely to leave a one-star rating than the last three names. And the Sarahs shock ratings win flies in the face of Internet tradition where the biggest complainers are nicknamed Karens. What started out as an innocent name, Karen is now a pejorative term used to describe ‘an uptight, middle-aged woman that wants to speak to the manager’*, according to definitions online In the past few years ‘being a Karen’

has turned into an online meme, with people posting videos on social media of people lashing out at others for no good reason. While there are people that object to being called a Karen, the trend does in fact live up to its name as it comes in second place for most likely to complain online.

Worst Tourist Attractions Interestingly, more old-fashioned names such as Julie, Susan, and Karen rank as the biggest complainers, compared to more millennial names. So what do the Karens complain about?

Well, when it comes to the World’s great tourist attractions, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is the most over-rated place to visit. The Top 10 most complained about attractions are: 1.Hollywood Walk of Fame, 2. The Palace of Versailles, 3. Stonehenge, 4. Hollywood Sign 5. Big Ben, 6. The White House, 7. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, 8. Empire State Building 9. Pyramids of Giza, 10. Buckingham Palace. Karen’ complaints include: ‘Stonehenge is just a pile of rocks’, the Queen’s Palace garden is ‘shabby’ and ‘Big Ben isn’t big’. Source: Mr Q website

WEXPO coming soon to Blacktown Workers Club

www.wexpo.com.au | Stall enquires: info@wexpo.com.au

URGENT CARE Outside of Western Sydney Emergency Departments

A new urgent care service has been established in Western Sydney to help our community access the right care at the right time. If you need urgent medical attention that isn’t lifethreatening, you can now receive care at a Western Sydney Urgent Care Service instead of via a hospital emergency department. Urgent Care Service centres aren’t like your usual GP and they’re not emergency departments; they are something in between. It’s a new type of service by the Western Sydney Care Collective to get you and your loved ones the right care at the right time. By calling the Urgent Care Line, 1800 371 372, you can speak with a trained health professional who will assess your needs and book you into a FREE Urgent Care Service, if needed. They can also refer you to a range of other care providers in Western Sydney. In some cases, visiting an Urgent Care Service centre allows you to access the right care in the right place, freeing up the emergency department to treat more life-threatening conditions. Urgent Care Services are free and may be able to offer additional free services such as x-ray and pathology. Find out more at urgentcare-ws.com.au

What do Urgent Care Services treat? Urgent Care Services provide treatment for minor illnesses and injuries that aren’t life-threatening. The Urgent Care Line will help you get the right care when you’re not sure if you need to go to emergency or an Urgent Care Service.

Urgent Care Service centres provide medical care for: • Minor injuries such as suspected fractures, sprains and dislocations • Minor wounds and cuts requiring stitches • Bites • Minor burns • Removal of foreign objects from skin, eyes and ears

Case Study Jackson* is four years old and presented to an Urgent Care Service (UCS) centre after he tripped on a toy whilst getting out of bed and fell heavily on his wrist. His mum noticed a pussy blister on his hand and took him to see his GP. The GP prescribed antibiotics and ordered an x-ray, which showed a subtle fracture of his wrist. Jackson’s mum had heard about the new urgent care service and brought him to an Urgent Care Service centre with a copy of the x-ray rather than taking him to an emergency department to receive treatment. The UCS team were able to apply a cast to Jackson’s wrist and were able to continue management of the fracture until the injury had improved. The UCS centre provided a discharge summary for Jackson’s GP and a plaster management advice sheet for Jackson’s family. *Name has been changed to protect the identity of this client.

Call the Urgent Care Line. If you need medical attention but you’re not sure how bad it is, call the Urgent Care Line on 1800 371 372. With one quick free phone call, they’ll assess the situation and book you into a free Urgent Care Service centre in Western Sydney if needed. You don’t need your GP to refer you. The Urgent Care Line is available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, except on public holidays.

Urgent Care Services are brought to you by the Western Sydney Care Collective, a Western Sydney Primary Health Network and Western Sydney Local Health District initiative. Find out more at westernsydneycarecollective.com.au

Proudly funded by:

Crosswords/Games

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

Solutions page 21

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Fad or frenzy 5. Opportunity, so to speak 9. Infiltrator, perhaps 14. Traveling, say 15. Spoonbills do it 16. Pillow filler 17. Juniors, e.g. 19. Fractious 20. Lumberjack's cry 21. Big beef piece 23. Border duty 25. What tellers do 30. Advent 32. Like a span of oxen 33. "The Water Diviner" actor 36. Redressing 38. Communal pronoun 39. Farm hand, at times 40. Call, in Vegas 41. Broadway handouts 44. Updates a blog 46. Get another magazine 47. Weapon for a trooper 49. Frees from doubt 51. Extreme cruelty 54. Checklist bit 56. High beam? 58. Sousaphones 62. Strip of leaves 64. Word with secret or press 65. "So be it!" 66. Trap starter 67. Frat letter 68. Indicates yes 69. Grown grigs DOWN 1. Go on a tirade 2. Expect anon 3. Type of radiation

4. Something to tweeze 5. Overshadows 6. High-quality table wood 7. Coleridge works 8. Pine secretion 9. Became exhausted, with "out" 10. Be a bad witness 11. Campaign creations 12. Trawler attachment 13. Venture 18. Paris flower 22. Library gizmo 24. Savage 26. ___ of hope 27. Out of whack 28. Church dogma 29. A sphere lacks them 31. Breaks the news 33. Coconut product 34. Recreation center posting 35. Grad school grillings 37. Western Colorado sights 39. Bathroom cleaner? 42. "___ don't say!" 43. Latte preparer 44. Bicycle 45. Hole in the head 48. Empire builders 50. Chair or car style 52. In need of freshening 53. Mercury, for example 55. Office comm. 57. Pilates count 58. Body image, briefly? 59. "Yuck" cousin 60. Quilting social 61. Carpenter at the picnic? 63. Served dinner

TraveL

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

AUSSIES ARE FLOCKING TO EUROPE

Discovering the secret Italy step back in time to experience authentic local Italian life. In Piedmont, Langhe boasts Tuscan-style rolling landscapes covered in vineyards with petite villages clustered on hilltops – with the added bonus of views across to the snow-topped Alps. Piedmont’s gourmet capital Alba is a must for any foodie’s itinerary, thanks to its elegant pasticcerie and providores specialising in white truffles and local wine.

TRAVEL EDITOR DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

S the return to international travel takes off, Italy is the number one destination for many Australians heading back to Europe – with 52% of those ready to travel planning a visit soon. First time visitors will soak up the usual tourist hotspots like Rome, Florence, Venice and Tuscany, however for returning-visitors and those looking to discover a slice of real Italy beyond the usual tourist hordes there are some great alternatives. You see, repeat visitors, and those who prefer the pioneering to the popular, are swapping established tourist hotspots for alternative and underrated gems full of charm, character and color. By embracing this ‘secondary travel destination’ trend, visitors can visit a much-loved destination and extend their stay for a more immersive Italian experience from the top of the boot to the tip. So go beyond Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast on your next Italian adventure with these destination swaps to get you started… Loved Venice? Then visit Chioggia Just a hop, skip and jump from the hustle and bustle of Venice, Chioggia is a quieter town with the same vibe you know and love. Situated on the southern side of the Venetian lagoon on the Adriatic Coast, Chioggia is home to charming canals, colorful historic buildings, and boats and bridges galore best explored on foot.

Loved Capri? Then visit Procida If you’ve been captivated by the color, cuisine and photogenic beauty of Capri, then you’re bound to fall in love with Procida, a tiny island nestled between Ischia and Naples which made an international name for itself as the filming location for ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’ and is Italy’s reigning Capital of Culture. Combining coastal walking trails, mouth-watering Napoli pizza, historic buildings such as the Abbazia San Michele Arcangelo, fishing villages, and more than its fair share of traditional bakeries, Procida is gorgeous rather than glamorous and much less chaotic than Capri in peak season – although it does

Loved the Amalfi Coast & Italian Riviera? Then visit Tropea, Ostuni, Sestri Levante or San Fruttuoso If clifftop buildings, sandy beaches and clear blue waters normally lure you to the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre, try the impossibly beautiful Tropea at the tip of Italy’s toe in Calabria instead. Known as the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Troget crowded with Italian holiday makers during August.

Loved Rome? Then visit Ostia Antica, Matera, Bologna, or Verona If you’re enchanted by the rich history and ancient architecture of Rome, you’ll be fascinated by Ostia Antica, where the ancient ruins are said to be better preserved than Pompeii. In southern Italy, Matera in Basilicata is utterly unique and a bucket-list destination for those fascinated by history. Home to the world-heritage-listed ‘Sassi di Matera’, a series of intriguing cave dwellings cut from rock dating back 30,000 years, the city’s narrow alleys are best explored on foot Bologna in Emilia-Romagna is known as Italy’s food capital, with a café and restaurant scene rivalling Rome, as well as its fair share of historic icons, including Europe’s oldest university and countless buildings boasting porticos. This is the spot to taste handmade tortellini and tagliatelle al ragu, or to take a tasting tour of the Quadrilatero market district, collecting cheese and cured meats along the way.

Loved Lake Como? Then visit Lake Braies or Lake Orta Ask anyone about Italy’s most famous lakes and they’re likely to mention the villa-lined playground of the rich and famous, Lake Como or Lake Garda, yet some of the country’s other lake and

alpine districts are often overlooked…but shouldn’t be. Lago di Braies, or Lake Braies, is a breathtaking lake with UNESCO World Heritage Site billing in the heart of the Dolomites in South Tyrol. Known for its crystal-clear water and dramatic mountain backdrop, it’s best explored by hiking the perimeter trail or renting a boat for a picturesque paddle with a picnic.

Loved Tuscany? Then visit The Collio, Orvieto, Le Marche or Langhe If rolling hills, pretty hilltop villages, fields of flowers, gourmet adventures or zipping between wineries on a Vespa are still high on your holiday wish list, there are several Italian regions which give Tuscany a run for its money. Choose The Collio wine region in Friuili-Venezia Giulia for blooming sunflowers, family-run vineyards and spectacular valleys along the Slovenian border. Over in Umbria, atmospheric Orvieto is home to a magnificent gothic Duomo, artisan boutiques peddling hand-painted ceramics and an incredible underground city, while Castelluccio boasts glorious views over the Apennine Mountains and fields of violets and poppies during spring. Sitting pretty alongside Umbria is Le Marche, a lesser-known region which deserves to be discovered. Combining turquoise waters along the Adriatic Coast, rural landscapes waiting to be painted, scenic Monti Sibillini National Park which is beloved by hikers, and historic walled villages where visitors can take a

pea was lauded as Italy’s Most Beautiful Village in 2021 For a completely different ambience, Instagram favorite Ostuni in Puglia exudes Greek vibes with its whitewashed architecture, hilltop location, winding streets, and Adriatic Sea views. Sestri Levante in Liguria is a dreamy alternative to popular Positano with its colorful houses, delightful boats, beaches, and lively evening street life, while the quirky hilltop village of Seborga above Rada di Poggio – which is seeking sovereignty to become its own micronation like Monaco (only a much more downto-earth version) – is a heavenly hamlet known for its olive farming, elected ‘royalty’ and views. Hidden between Portofino and Camogli, San Fruttuoso can only be reached via a panoramic hiking trail, or by sea, but this tiny piece of paradise is reward in itself for making the effort to get there. With its pebbled beach directly in front of an ancient monastery, it’s an escapist’s delight inviting visitors to slow down, savor fresh local seafood and revel in the gorgeous Golfo Paradiso views.

Loved Florence? Then visit Lecce, Pienza, Urbino The unofficial ‘Florence of the South’, Lecce in Apulia is the obvious choice for those looking for cities renowned for Renaissance arts and architecture. With its central Duomo, Sant’Oronzo square, Baroque buildings, historic amphitheatre and churches with golden facades, Lecce is vibrant university town worthy of inclusion on any Puglian itinerary.

Games Solutions

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

TrendS

CONFESSIONS OF A NETFLIX ADDICT

It’s ruining my productivity! DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

MUST admit up front that I am a Netflix addict, thanks to the pandemic and too much time on my hands in lockdown. And it has ruined my productivity and work etiquette to such an extent that I lose endless hours of sleep worrying about the likely outcome of the next episode of my favorite shows. It all started rather quietly when I discovered that Netflix was actually available through my Foxtel link. I’d heard about it, but it never actually watched it. The movies were mostly Hollywood rubbish made to suit delinquents interested in super heroes and monsters from Mars. This all changed during the first week of lockdown when I found a link to wellknown shock-horror series “The Tiger King”. Around 1pm on Monday afternoon I switched on the first episode and was immediately hypnotized by the antics of one Joe Exotic and his arch nemesis, the equally eccentric Carole Baskin, The first episode was like settling down for a quiet drink as we learnt about the ‘stars’ of the series framed by the superb Big Cats. Now, Netflix has a way of leaving you dangling between episodes like to old Movie serials we used to watch at the local Cinema every Saturday morning. I watched the next six episodes one after the other which took me beyond

Jenny Folley.

midnight when you take into consideration meal breaks and family matters. And so it has been ever since. I start watching a series and I have to watch them all one after the other- The Keepers, Murder Investigations, Below Deck,

Aussie Gold Hunters, Sports Frauds, Murder Mountain- the list goes on and on. Then I began watching foreign language docos which had subtitles which are hard to read when you are trying to concentrate on the images. Workwise, it meant a lot less sleep, watching TV into the wee small hours and then trying to start work at 5am. Some afternoons, I was watching the telly instead of working. And it seems I wasn’t only one to suffer from this terrible affliction. Netflix and its impact on workplaces and productivity across the country has been recognised as a national problem. According to CEO of Workspaces Jenny Folley, Netflix and binge-watching addiction, is affecting many people including key personnel. Ms Folley in her report said: • Many people became hooked on

Netflix during the pandemic. • Most bingers will watch up to six shows at a time. • People are now watching during work hours, while at work and at home. • The syndrome 'Nextflixitis' is impacting productivity. • Workers and workplaces need to urgently address the issue. The quickest and simplest way to do it is to turn off the Netflix link and not to wander the airwaves looking for shows to watch. That’s what I have done, but also have been diagnosed with chronic ‘Foxitis’ , brought about by watching to much sport at all hours of the night and in the early morning. At least I have gained a little education during the process with Judge Judy and The Peoples Court giving me excellent legal advice.

FitnesS

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

4 REASONS TO GET A PERSONAL TRAINER

It’s all about results and fun

ADAM SIMPSON

F you’re looking to get started on a health and fitness program, one thing that you should give some consideration to is hiring a personal trainer. Many people are quick to jump to the conclusion that rather than hiring a trainer, they can just go about this journey on their own. They pick up a workout they’ve found on Instagram or on the Internet and immediately get going, hoping to achieve the body of their dreams. As they get started, many challenges start to arise. Maybe they don’t see the progress they had hoped for, they end up getting injured or just quickly lose motivation. To help prevent these challenges along with many others, hiring a personal trainer can be a smart move. Below are four reasons, why you should consider getting yourself a Personal Trainer hopefully they can help you make your mind up whether getting a PT is the right decision for you.

1. A Personal Trainer will make your Training Program more enjoyable Having someone dedicate time to putting together a tailored training program to suit your goals and exercise preferences. Is going to make your

training that much more enjoyable and if you are enjoying your training you are more likely to be able to stick to it. Being able to stick to a program consistently is going to be a huge factor in whether you achieve the results you are after.

2. A Personal Trainer will include progressions into your Training Program A good program will include gradual progressions over time. The principle of progressive overload is imperative to your long-term success. Progressive overload just means that you are continually making your training more difficult so that you continue to get better with your training and avoid plateau’s. Your trainer will be able to make sure you are always increasing one or several of the following training variables. Your reps, sets, weight lifted, training frequency or decreasing your rest periods. Most people don’t know how to do this correctly so a good trainer will be able to guide you in the right direction.

3. A Personal Trainer will make sure you are performing exercises correctly Making sure you are performing each exercise correctly, is going to mean you will maximise your results but will also decrease the chances of you hurting yourself. Your trainer will also be able to start you out on more basic exercises and then

make them more difficult as you begin to move better. Having someone with you will be mean that you can be adjusted and given the right cues so that you pick up the movements much quicker than if you tried to learn them on your own.

4. A Personal Trainer will help motivate you and keep you accountable Lastly, but one of the best reasons to hire a Personal Trainer is to have someone keep you accountable. By booking your exercise as an appointment you are much more likely to make it happen and

not skip workouts. Your Personal Trainer will also be standing right next to you and will be able to push you on that extra rep or go that little bit harder with your cardio training. Training consistently and pushing yourself is going to really make a difference to what kind of results you see. So, there you have the main reasons why you should consider hiring a personal trainer. If you haven’t done so yet, it might just be the time to consider it. Adam Simpson is lead trainer and founder at Repetitions Group fitness and Personal Training. Visit: www.repetitionspt.com.au

Property Showcase

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

NEW PATH FOR BLACKTOWN WORKERS CLUB

Approval for $500M Parkside project DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

ORKERS Lifestyle Group has announced the approval of its massive $500M retirement village which will be one of the largest of its type in Australia when completed in 2027. Parkside Lifestyle Community will be built across 5.4ha of former playing fields and will feature 480 independent living units and a 160-unit residential aged care facility. The complex will also feature two community centres and a gym with a pool, plus a retail outlet. The project has been seven years in the planning and approval process and has been made possible because of an historic decision by the club to buy a 22.2ha parcel of land to initially be used a sports club and playing fields. Artist impression of the project

January day. The club been a massive success story, expanding into three clubs with 55,000 members and turning over $45M annually. The clubs are Workers Blacktown, Workers Sports and Workers Hubertus which is a country club situated at Luddenham, close to the Western Sydney International Airport. Mr Stewart said the new project was a “win-win” concept because it would address the needs of the large proportion of Blacktown and the club’s aging population. He said it would also diversify the club’s revenue, 75% of which is currently produced by gaming.

CEO Morgan Stewart

Workers chief executive Morgan Stewart said in a media interview it was a “great legacy vision” and proved to be a “pure land bank”. “We talk about legacy and wanting people to look back and say: ‘That was an incredible -such a good play,” he said. And developing some of that land into the seniors’ living project is the next big step for the club which is now in its eighth decade after being formed in 1955 at a meeting convened on one hot

Group will retain the freehold. “Parkside meets a real need in Western Sydney for a high-quality retirement, self-contained, secure facility right next door to our Workers Sports facilities.” The exciting project has positive repercussions for the senior residents of the region, especially aging club members. “We expect many Parkside residents will be our own club members,” Mr

Stewart said. “We’ve been talking with the about this project for years and the common response we get is: ‘when can I buy a unit?’” Planning approval is in place, finance is secured and the club is now ready to proceed with project to be completed in several stages during the next five years. Visit www.parksidelifestyle.com.au

Strong revenue position “It is a very strong revenue positive,” he said. “The money we generate is reinvested back into services and products for our members. “This is an extension of our income diversification.” Parkside will operate on a licence model, where residents will purchase the right to live in a unit . Workers Lifestyle

Artist impression of the project

HOW TO WIN THE WEST WESTERN SYDNEY MEDIA ALLIANCE BUSINESS | LIFESTYLE

WWW.ACCESSNEWS.COM.AU

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS

ParramattA ParramattA T I M E S

ISSUE 20 | MARCH 2022

LO OUR CA CI L PA TY PE ’S R

MARCH 2022 | EDITION 130 APRIL 2021 Edition 120

Voice of Australia’s most progressive city

BUY NOW PAY LATER How Aussies are taking to the new plan: 2

BUSINESS SURVEY Why finding staff is the biggest concern: 5

TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

T I M E S

Our favourite charities in two years of COVID: 10

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.

LINES

FULL STORY PAGE 10

Here’s how business traditions will change

RETAIL BOUNCES BACK IT HE ecommerce craze shows no signs of abating with a new generation of young entrepreneurs

their risk of viral infections. There will be some blurring between what we wear to bed or lounge around in at

Now retailers have revealed the solutions and support measures needed for the industry bounce back this year and beyond. FULL STORY PAGE 5

fast-growing company behind brands The Oodie, Calming Blankets and Pupnaps. More page 20.

Westmead Hospital’s new clinical tower oepns: 2

New suburb named Bradeld

Govy ofcially names high tech city at Aerotropolis: 6

TALE OF TWO POOLS SAS CHALLENGE A Parramatta Olympian THIS EDITION

INSIDE

Special tribute to local business winners

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

home de and what we wear out. The forecasts come from si in Davie Fogarty, Founder and CEO of Davie Group, the

World class health care

Minister pushing for more women on Parramatta Council: 3

BEST GIFT SINCE THE OPERA HOUSE

CHARITY SUPPORT

BLURRED

traditional jobs for selling everythingon ’TS noswapping secret times have been the toughest from pet food to high end clothing online. They record for Western Sydney’s ‘bricks and mortar’ are part of the revolution which has seen a large proretail but this has from a proud portionindustry, of Aussies continue to sector earn a living home, relocate of cities and takefrom precautions to reduceof times. history of out bouncing back the hardest

WWW.PARRAMATTATIMES.COM.AU

ISSUE 9 | April 2021

Family business in COVID

How many leveraged patience capital during COVID: 12

How hope really works

Feature on the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal: 15

SALOVS: How hope really happens: 19

FTER a few hot summers rather than refurbish it. After a bit of for swimmers who a scuffle between Parramatta Council loved Parramatta and and the NSW Government on who Wentworthville pools and suffered would pay for its replacement, an during their closures, relief is on the agreement was reached on funding way. Just a day apart, the refurbished for the state-of-the-art aquatic Wentworthville pool opened and centre. And in Wentworthville, a the first sod was turned on Olympian the concerted community campaign and ARRAMATTA’S four-time Melissa Wu has well and truly dived in the deep end as aParramatta contestant onAquatic the blockbuster SAS Show on Channelsaved 7 andthe 7plus. spectacular theAustralia Cumberland Council, And the Olympic diver won’t diminutive stand in her way While as she Centre. Both communities havebe letting her beloved poolsize with an upgrade. takeswithout on a hot field of sporting andthe celebrity contestants the top rating After been a pool since 2017, Parramattainresidents waitprogram. two years all, she won four Commonwealth Games goldfor medals wasthey full ofare determination Parramatta Memorial Pool demolished theirand pool, welcome toin an peek of the 2022 season of SASdive Australia, which started on February 21 on toall-new makesneak way for Bankwest Stadium to Wenty. Channel 7 and 7plus. More page 6. and the previous Holroyd Council FULL STORY PAGE 6 wanting to close the tired Wenty pool

faces her toughest test

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%ඔඉඋඓග඗ඟ1 Bඔඉඋඓග඗ඟN TRUSTED LOCAL NEWS

PROPERTY RTY UPDATEE

Issue 1 | April 2021

Inside the bank of mum and dad: 16

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

MICHELLE ROWLAND

Blacktown FC is B ready to go: 31

How Afghan women typify our diversity: 18

PET POWER

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

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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Grant owes his life to mate Echo W ELCOME to Blacktown's NEW LOCAL media The News will be distributed across 110 strategic disAs one of the state’s fastest growing cities, Blacktown voice, The Blacktown News (BN). tribution points in the LGA. has undergone a signicant transformation. The Blacktown News is the much-anticipated It's population is set to rise from 400,000 to 540,000 Published in digital and print editions the Blacktown Hews has amedia great reason to be inseparable And we all know the healing newRANT newspaper and digital brand that residents by 2036. power of an animal, a News offers maximum impact other. for targeted advertising covers Blacktown local news written by experi-Echo The Blacktown News is the printThe and digital media opportunities and reach to Blacktown's popula- never fromLGA hiswith best mate and savior, the Maltese powerdiverse that should be underestimated. heartenced journalists. resource that connects residents and visitors to the city’s tion. Terrier. You see, Echo saved heoffell warming story in late December when Grant was The Blacktown News is Blacktown's ONLY printedGrant’s life diverse community, its progress, business opportunities Withwhen a mission championing community and begins newspaper and is independently managed and lifestyle. business the BN is a proud media partner of theCOVID-19 into a diabetic owned comaand and when Grant wasissues, admitted diagnosed with and other underlying health locally by a management team that has been working in We value your feedback. Go to www.greaterblackGreater Blacktown Chamber of Commerce, the Blacktown More: page 6. to Blacktown each issuesFC.at the hospital.townnews.com.au Blacktown for almosthospital, 20 years. the pair were lost without to share your story. Local Business Awards and Blacktown

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AutO

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

with JOHN MELLOR

Electric light hatch from Hyundai to set new affordability benchmark for EVs PETER BARNWELL

YUNDAI has this week confirmed it will produce an “affordable EV for Europe” possibly based on the i10 light hatch. Automotive News Europe (ANE) nailed the story in Prague on Tuesday reporting that Hyundai plans to launch a fully electric, entry-level car in Europe. Though no details are confirmed, a tiddler-size Hyundai EV may be based on the existing i10 to cut costs utilising components from the Ioniq electric model that is still (only just) available through dealers at $54,600 plus on-road costs. If it was to come to Australia, indicative pricing on an i10 based EV would place it at around $30,000 making it, in today’s market, by far the cheapest EV available. A Hyundai Australia spokesman said the importer has “no comment to make” regarding the Prague revelation. Hyundai’s smallest offering in Australia at the moment is the i20 N hot hatch priced at $32,990 plus on-road costs; but it is a size up on the i10 (pictured) which has been available in European and Asian markets in the current generation for a couple of years. According to ANE, the South Korean carmaker is developing an affordable, pure EV for Europe that could succeed the petrol-powered i10 but it will take some time to develop a production-ready version. Speculation relating to what would power such a vehicle centres around Hyundai’s Ioniq Electric, which is currently being phased out, but components from which could be re-purposed in an EV minicar to keep costs down. That would mean a 100kW/295Nm single electric traction motor driving the front wheels and sourcing power from a 38kWh lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable in as little as 54 minutes using a 100kW charger. In the 1540kg Ioniq Electric, a claimed range of 311km is possible; though that would be greater in a smaller, lighter vehicle such as an i10 EV. Hyundai Motor Europe’s marketing chief, Andreas-Christoph Hofmann

said of the forthcoming EV minicar: “Automakers in Europe are developing affordable small electric cars as lawmakers tighten emissions regulations and consumer increasingly switch to EVs.”

Working on a family EV Volkswagen Group is said to be working on a family of small EVs for its VW, Skoda and Cupra brands with a target starting price of €20,000 ($A29,600). According to ANE, Mr Hofmann said Hyundai’s small EV would have similar pricing. “Everybody in the industry knows the target of this kind of vehicle is 20,000 euros,” he told the Automotive News Europe Congress in Prague. Mr Hofmann said city cars are tough to sell profitably because of their low

pricing and due to the technical problems in electrifying small vehicles. Hyundai will launch 11 more full electric vehicles in Europe by 2030, Mr Hofmann said. The brand currently sells the Ioniq 5 compact crossover joined this month, by the Ioniq 6 sedan. “(The) Ioniq 6 will arrive in Europe before year end, but sales in most EU markets will start in early 2023,” said Mr Hofmann. “EVs accounted for 16 per cent of total sales of the Hyundai brand in the first half (of the year).” In his speech, Mr Hofmann spoke of the future Ioniq 7 large SUV which he confirmed for Europe but clarified the statement saying it is mainly a vehicle conceived for the US market where larg-

er vehicles are more popular. ANE says the success of its current electric range is helping Hyundai to increase sales and market share in Europe in the first half of 2022. “Hyundai brand’s sales in the EU, EFTA and UK markets rose 8.2 per cent year-on-year through to June in a total market down 14 per cent. The brand’s market share increased to 4.7 per cent from 3.7 per cent, according to data from industry association ACEA,” it reported. Notwithstanding global supply and transport problems, Hyundai aims to continue to increase its vehicle sales in Europe this year compared to last year and boost its market share. “We are confident about the second half (of the year)” Mr Hofmann told ANE.

FilM

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

BULLET TRAIN - 4 Stars DIRECTED by David Leitch, the modern master of the action movie, Bullet Train doesn’t disappoint.

t’s full of inventive action, couched in a series of intriguing scenarios thrown up by the setting and the multinational cast of assassins. Whether it’s samurai swords slicing through train seats, briefcases being used as weapons, explosive handguns, throwing knives or hyperdemic needles, the fights always seem fresh and inventive. If the choreography doesn’t quite match Leitch’s previous work on John Wick or The Matrix, perhaps that’s too be forgiven - it’s less about realism here, and more about how ridiculous the movie can go. The film does feel a tad long, although it never truly drags; the abundance of non-stop action sees to that. Oddly enough, the length is felt at the start, where the character introductions, muddled amongst a sea of early action set pieces, feel jumpy and ill-at-ease. Once the film settles into itself and we’re aware of the pieces at play, as well as the edges of the board, it becomes a much more manageable beast. Indeed, as much as it is long (clocking in at over two hours), it never loses your interest. Brad Pitt is a wonder in the lead role, delivering a performance as the emotionally reformed, fresh out of therapy Ladybug that is charming, hilarious and endearing. He’s matched by a pair of incredible

performances in Taylor-Johnson and Tyree-Henry, who are true joys to watch on screen together in this film. There are a couple of misfired characters who fail to stick, and only one of the three surprise cameos lands, but for the most part this is a funny, engaging piece

that is acted superbly and anchored by a true talent. Ultimately, Bullet Train is the sort of fun summer action flick that feels fresh, will make you smile, wince and belly laugh in equal measure, and will have you fondly remembering moments for

A GUIDE TO

Living with

days to come. Is it worth the price of a ticket? Undoubtedly.

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

C VID Self-protection tips and strategies

A GUID

ISSUE 1

LivingTOw ith

OUT NOW!

Self-pro tection

Issue

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Mental Health

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

WANT TO CHANGE YOUR MIND?

You need to change your habits MINDSET | MARCUS WHEAN

SYCHOLOGY is basically the science of everything relating to human mental processes and behaviours. As a psychologist and coach, I apply this every day to helping clients. People of all ages and backgrounds present with their own unique issues and stories. Whilst we have unique individual differences there are certain factors we share in how and why we think and behave the way we do. When we experience challenges and stresses it is often because of how we think or are thinking. The mind itself not a thing as such; and is an abstract concept to define. We all get what we mean by mind but defining what it is exactly is, for me, not straightforward. For simplicity’s sake let’s describe mind as the experiencing of life and ourselves by way of senses, perceptions, thoughts and emotions. It is this interaction that is both or mind and our experience of mind and therefore ourselves and our life. It is important to understand however, that whilst the mind ‘causes’ our life experience; it is the ‘effect’ of our life experiences, actions and habits. It is the way we interpret and make sense and meaning of all that has happened and anticipating the future as to what may yet happen. To change our minds though is not at all easy as you may relate. To just say “think differently”, or “just think positively” is, in reality, an unrealistic proposition. We can think in such a way to be intentional but just changing our thoughts on a whim is not easy and any changes are often not sustained. Why? To change our thinking, thoughts and mindset we must change our behaviours and challenge our daily habits. Thinking the same old way, we always have is a habit itself. We cannot change the habits of thinking unless we change the habits of daily behaviours and actions. Our mindset and thinking habits have been reinforced by correlating actions and behaviours. We must redefine, rethink our in-

NEWS TRUSTED LOCAL

ENTERTAINMENT MAMMA Mia! It's coming to Parramatta Riverside: 25

TECHNOLOGY

Davis Lord Mayor Donna CEO Brett Newman, Mayor Sameer Pandey. and deputy Lord

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2022 | FEBRUARY ISSUE 19

The new local Zombie app that's combating youth anxiety: 8

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tentions and daily habits more so than just our thoughts themselves if we are to truly change our minds and life experience; and in turn increase mental health and wellness and quality of life. We are what we think, yes; only because the way we think is maintained because of what we do. It’s a vicious cycle It is hard to change our habits and therefore thinking because the old thinking habits, particularly if they’re negative, are going to keep us avoiding acting – which is why people fail to achieve goals. It’s a vicious cycle. What to do: We must think about how we want to be! What we want to do! How we want to live our life! This must be based on what we value and is truly important to us. Not what we wish we were; and not because it seems life what everyone else wants. Define this based on your core values and what is important to you! Set long term goals and smaller sub-goals and

HISTORY

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The iron road to Parramatta and the bushranger threat: 15

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ParramattA

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plans to achieve these goals. The daily plans and steps form the basis for new habits. These new habits become ‘evidence’ for new thinking because they become an actual lived emotional experience and not just some ideal of how you’d like to be. For instance, if you want to be healthier and more active. You can’t just think about being like that. You must think about your plans then make them and DO THEM. When you take action aligned with that thought you then ‘become’ a healthier and more active person as per that example. This behaviour aligned with action is the new reality, effects changes in mind and this becomes the new you. This now becomes a new way of thinking about yourself. It’s not in the future and it’s not a fantasy. You have literally changed your mind by changing your habits. You then have a sustained new self-concept and way to

T I M E S

Read The Times anywhere anytime. Digigtal edition www.parramattatimes.com.au

think about yourself. If there’s one quick takeaway, I’d say keep it simple to start. But most importantly even if you start small, start with yourself. Start a new, small habit that is all for you; around self-care and taking the time to put yourself first. Mine is 15-20 minutes of meditation, contemplation and setting daily intentions. I do this because I value myself. When you do something even small for yourself that you value – you are by implication valuing yourself and will experience self-value and in turn change your mind and experiencing of yourself that you value and appreciate yourself. This is a healthy mindset and therefore a healthier and happier, you! Marcus Whelan is a Registered Psychologist and Mental Fitness Coachwith 10+ years’ experience in private practice. He holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in psychology and education. Visit: www.marcuswhelanpsychology. com.au

LegaL

ISSUE 25 | August 2022

APPLYING LEARNINGS TO MINIMISE CRISIS

How COVID has turned our gaze are addressed through implementing active engagement amongst employees through online communication platforms. If employees are required to be present on premises, it is important to have safety measures in place such as regular cleaning and social distancing practices and even the implementation of rapid antigen testing.

KERRI THEODORIS

E all know that COVID has turned our gaze onto our resilience, response, recovery and reinvention, in a climate of economic, social and financial instability. We also understand that there are significant risks caused to organisations, large and small, when there is a disruption to usual operational practices that affect finances as well as the health and wellbeing of their employees. For some the impacts have been disastrous, in contrast to the fruitful opportunities that have arisen for others while others have held steady steering their business for survival. One lesson that we should all learn is that preparation for these risks and risk management strategies are implemented and form part of the organisation’s contingency business plan.

Operational risks To combat supply chain issues, it is paramount to maintain ongoing relationships with several local suppliers, if possible, to ensure continued provision of goods and services required to operate the business. A contract is a perfect way to start. To avoid fraud, have controls in place detecting fraud at any time, regardless of any COVID restrictions. Implement

Forward planning

regular meetings with team members as fraud is ever changing and so too is the plan to combat fraudulent activity. Make sure your debt recovery processes are revised and robust.

Technological risks Cyber-attack, through the use of devices and software by employees is the biggest risk factor. Ensure that both devices and software are safeguarded to protect sensitive information, both when working on premises or remotely. Common methods are multi-factor authentication, security system and

device protections that are in line with global security standards and are monitored, reported and continually updated. Train your staff to be alert.

Human risks The safety and wellbeing of employees is paramount and their absence has significant impacts on operation capabilities. A COVID safety plan, specific to the operational needs of your organisation, should protect staff whether on premises or remote or both. Where employees are working from home, ensure that mental health risks

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ISSUE 25 | August 2022

CommenT

with Geoff Lee MP

Funding to support victim survivors

ORE victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence will receive critical support thanks to a $20M funding boost announced by the NSW Government. The package announced today is part of the joint $140M commitment from the NSW Government and Commonwealth under the National Partnership on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-23. Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said this new funding will provide additional support to specialist front-line services across NSW, as well as trialling some innovative new programs. “Over half of the funding is for services that directly assist victim-survivors, giving them the help they need to recover from their traumatic experiences and start a new chapter in their lives,” Mrs Ward said. “One of the projects being funded is a trial to provide women with support and services so that they feel safe during court proceedings, which will ensure that more domestic and family violence matters proceed. “A number of projects are focused on improving outcomes for Aboriginal women, either through expanding existing programs and ensuring these communities have a seat at the table in the development of future policy.” Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth thanked service providers for the work they do in supporting victim-survivors and said more will be done to boost the frontline workforce and improve access to family, domestic and sexual violence services. “In addition to the National Partnership with states and territories, the Australian Government will generate 500 new jobs for frontline and community sector organisations to address staffing shortages in shelters and crisis support services,” Minister Rishworth said. “This will mean better access to critical support services for victim-survivors, including in regional, rural and remote areas. “One woman dies every ten days at the hands of her former or current partner. This is unacceptable and I’m committed to working with states and territories to end violence against women and children.”

Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the funding will support a range of services to help those who need it most. “This funding will not only support providers, it will enhance early intervention programs, provide access to vital services and improve workplace training,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said. The NSW Government has a strong record of supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence, committing $687M in the 2021/22 Budget and a further $100M in the 2022/23 Budget, towards the prevention of domestic, sexual and family violence and improving women’s safety across the community.

GEOFF LEE Del ivering for Parramatta

www.parramattatimes.com.au

Geoff LEE mp

Member for Parramatta Subscribe to the Parramatta Times newsletter.

02 9891 4722

parramatta@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Ground Floor, 96 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 Authorised by Geoff Lee MP, Ground Floor, 96 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

Parramatta Times - August 2020

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