Western Sydney Express - June 2023 -

Life saving phone operation

Business awards winners

ZIG ZAG ON TRACK

Railway is back on track after iconic restoration

Gambling: the silent epidemic

THE historic Zig Zag Railway has returned to life as passenger services resumed following a joint volunteer and NSW Government effort to restore the Blue Mountains icon from fire and flood damage. For years, volunteers have toiled to restore the railway and the NSW Government provided more than $5.9M through Crown Lands and the Department of Regional NSW to rebuild the locomotive workshop, construct a car park, pedestrian crossing and amenities block. Zig Zag Railway also rebuilt its safety management system, network rules, procedures and rail policies after a decade out of operation. More: page 9.

MEETTahera NASSRAT

TAX AGENT, BUSINESS COACH and BUSINESS ADVISOR

National Ambassador for Refugee Council of Australia

Peace Ambassador for International Women Peace Group

From a refugee girl to a Boss Lady

My success is not a chance but a choice I made.

GAMBLING – THE SILENT EPIDEMIC

Losses of $862M in six months

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

ASILENT epidemic is wreaking havoc amongst the population of Western Sydney – and it is not COVID.

The new addiction is gambling and it is destroying families and putting young children at risk according to a new report.

As a product gambling is portrayed as an exciting and glamorous pastime in today’s multimedia society, but this image couldn’t be further from the truth.

And despite only containing 52% of Sydney’s population, Western Sydney endures 63% of electronic gaming machine losses.

The report was released by the Centre for Western Sydney and makes fascinating reading.

For example:

ƒ The impact is significantly higher in the inner ring of Western Sydney. Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Cumberland account for a third of Sydney’s losses.

ƒ There is not a singular factor driving the extraordinarily high rates of losses and gambling related harm in Western Sydney, rather, there is a confluence of intersecting factors.

ƒ Gambling related-harm cannot be addressed by the community alone. It will take a concerted effort from gov-

ernment and industry stakeholders to make a meaningful impact.

ƒ There is a clear economic benefit to addressing gambling-related harm in communities, as well as the associated health and wellbeing outcomes that would be achieved.

ƒ Gambling-related harm emerged as a key issue in the lead-up to the 2023 state election, with the public monitoring the policy positions of both sides.

“Western Sydney sustained 63% of Sydney’s gambling losses through electronic gaming machines, despite only having 52% of its population,” manager Tom Nance said.

Mr Nance is the Manager, Strategy and Delivery with Western Sydney University. He is a leading contributor to the Centre for Western Sydney’s research, partnership

and activation platforms, shaping regional narrative and conversation in a way that prioritises equity and opportunity.

“We really need to tackle the location of electronic gaming machines and how this drives the silent epidemic of gambling-related harm within Western Sydney,” he said in an ABC interview.

A high percentage of losses are sustained in a small number of places, like Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Cumberland local government areas (LGAs) which have more than 11,200 poky machines combined.

People in the three LGAs lost a record $862M in the first six months of 2022 – a third of Greater Sydney’s $2.5B in losses.

“It’s not surprising that, when there’s a casino on every corner, that people are

more likely to experience gambling-related harm,” Mr Nance said.

But change won’t come easy, with the state government receiving billions every year in tax revenue from gambling.

ClubsNSW told the ABC it was “committed to reducing the incidence of gambling-related harm”, as evidenced through its new Gaming Code of Practice.

It said its 69 clubs in Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown, and Cumberland LGAs generate $300M in both state government taxes and ClubGrants tax rebates.

As politicians debate their next move, community groups in Western Sydney are fighting gambling addiction on the ground.

Nathan Peterson runs Gamblers Anonymous meetings in Liverpool, a place where people can seek help with “no judgement”.

“When people arrive here, they’re generally very, very broken,” Mr Peterson said told the ABC.

“Within driving distance of this room... there would be somewhere in the realm of 2000 to 3000 poker machines.”

If you or anyone you know needs help:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14.

• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

• Headspace on 1800 650 890.

• Reach Out at au.reachout.com.

www.accessnews.cOm.au

June 2023 | eDITIOn 144

Published by the Community Broadcast Network.

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Contributors: Adam Simpson, Jacob Richardson, John Mellor.

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Libraries offer sensory programs

FOUR-year-old Maggie from Baulkham Hills is among the first little residents to benefit from a new sensory program offered by The Hills Shire Library Service.

Sensitive Storytime is a specialised class designed for neurodivergent children aged 0-5 years, held at Castle Hill Library on a Tuesday.

The unique storytime session offers a sensory-rich experience through a combination of songs, stories, dance and interactive activities. The class is held in a small and intimate setting, with approximately 10 attendees, along with their families and caregivers.

Maggie’s mother, Renee Herman, said neurodivergent-friendly spaces were essential in allowing all children to experience the benefits of public places like libraries.

“Maggie looks forward to Sensitive

Storytime every single week. It provides a safe and affirming space for her to be herself as she enjoys literature and

authentic social experiences,” she said.

Baulkham Hills Library also offers a Sensitive Library to provide a quiet

environment for library members with hypersensitive needs from 9.30am –10am on Wednesdays.

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said he was proud Council’s libraries were providing sensory programs.

“It is important that everyone is able to participate in our community spaces, facilities and programs,” he said.

“Libraries are central to education, entertainment and social interaction, and we want to ensure that everyone can benefit.

“I am proud that Council is supporting our neurodiverse community with this wonderful initiative.”

Bookings are essential for both Sensitive Library and Sensitive Storytime.

For more information or to book your place, visit Council’s Library webpage, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Library, and click on the ‘What’s On’ tab.

Dialogue calls for housing relief

THE Housing Australia Future Fund Bill is crucial to address the escalating housing crisis in Western Sydney region according to a leading advocate group.

The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue has called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to take responsibility and

engage in Senate negotiations to pass the Bill.

Chairman Christopher Brown said the region’s most vulnerable individuals were being pushed towards homelessness due to historically high levels of housing stress and rising rents

Mr Brown urged the Prime Minister to use his parliamenta-

ry negotiation experience and authority to swiftly resolve the deadlock and ensure the government’s housing reform package was implemented.

While acknowledging that housing stress is not exclusive to the West, Mr Brown stressed the region bore a disproportionate burden due to population growth.

Town Centre Living

Live at the Park

Oran Park has a new land release positioned less than 500m from the Town Centre!

O ran Park is constantly evolving, so now is the time to take advantage of everything this great community has to offer. Here’s what you can look forward to while living at the Park:

• A variety of schools and future tertiary institutions

• Multiple pre-school and day-care centres

• Pedestrian-friendly streets, creating easy access to amenities

• 160km of paths and cycleways for you to explore parklands, playgrounds and sporting fields

oranpark.com.au

“The Dialogue not only urges the Prime Minister’s involvement but also calls for the government to explore innovative solutions by combining public and private funding. This collaborative approach would effectively address the critical housing issue in Western Sydney,” Mr Brown said.

Mr Brown expressed disappointment that since the conception of the HAFF two years ago the housing crisis had deteriorated significantly.

“Urgent action is necessary to curb the worsening conditions as population growth and international tourism return to pre-pandemic levels.”

• An award-winning skate park and splash park which includes flying foxes, table tennis tables, basketball courts, a ninja warrior course and a parkour course

• Oran Park Library

• Meeting friends and family at Oran Park’s major shopping centre, The Podium

• New dining experiences at the Oran Park Hotel, Atura Hotel and food precincts within The Podium

• State-of-the-art Leisure Centre which houses a 50m indoor Olympic pool, gym, four basketball courts, sauna and more

• Jobs close to home within the Town Centre and nearby Western Sydney International Airport

• World class fiber optic networks with high-speed internet

• An integrated health hub for your wellbeing needs

• Good public transport with a current rotation of buses and a future train station

• A fresh new start in a masterplanned community

Don’t miss out on the opportunity of securing a lot close to the Town Centre.

Four-year-old Maggie.

Council in life saving campaign

DID you know that an old, unused mobile phone can save the life of someone trying to escape domestic violence?

There are currently more than two million vic tims of domestic violence* in Australia and Penrith City Council is calling on the community to help make a difference.

Council is urging residents and staff members to drop off any unwanted phones and chargers in collection boxes set up at various locations across Penrith.

These will be donated to DV Safe Phone, a registered charity dedicated to providing a lifeline for those dealing with domestic violence.

The phones will be refurbished and distributed to government agencies and support services that gift them to victims.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen encouraged residents to donate a device as there are vulnerable, unsafe community members who need urgent access to support.

“There were 1,077 reported instances of domestic violence in the Penrith Local Government Filled with old technology

Area in 2022 alone which proves domestic and family violence does not discriminate and the issue is impacting our community,” Cr Hitchen said.

“We all have a drawer at home filled with old technology – that unused phone might be what your friend, relative or neighbour needs to call emergency services or a support network when they plan to escape domestic violence,” she said.

Penrith City Council endorses a zero-tolerance approach to any form of violence, bullying or harassment in or outside the organisation.

As an accredited and practicsing White Ribbon Workplace that supports gender equality and champions a culture of respect, Council’s policy incorporates Domestic Violence Leave to support staff.

Earlier in May, which is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, Penrith’s Mayoral Charity Ball raised $60,000 for The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter.

DV Safe Phone CEO Ashton Wood said Penrith is one of the first councils in the state to be supporting the organisation’s work, which has seen more than 5,000 phones delivered to domestic violence victims in three years.

To see where your nearest collection box is, visit www.penrith.city/dvsafephone

To find out more about the organisation Council is supporting, go to www.dvsafephone.org

Aerotropolis contributions plan endorsed

AT a recent meeting Penrith City Council endorsed the draft Aerotropolis Development Contributions Plan to provide much-needed local infrastructure within the emerging Aerotropolis precinct.

The draft contributions plan seeks to deliver $815M in local infrastructure by apportioning a contributions

rate of 5.5% within the Penrith Local Government Area for development within the Aerotropolis precinct.

This will deliver the roads, bridges, active transport connections, open spaces and embellishments identified in the Aerotropolis planning package.

Both Penrith and Liverpool Councils exhibited in November

2020 with a joint plan at a rate of 6.5% based on land use and builtform assumptions to give the development industry certainty and an indication of the contributions plan for the Aerotropolis precinct.

Since then the planning framework for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis has been finalised, providing clarity

around land use planning and infrastructure outcomes.

As a result, the total cost of local infrastructure to meet the needs of the Aerotropolis for both Penrith and Liverpool Councils is estimated at $2.8B. Council’s draft Aerotropolis Contributions Plan will be on exhibition from mid-June 2023.

THE massive impact of the pandemic on Australians and their finances is graphically captured in the fact that 17.000 complaints were made to the Ombudsman.

The figures have just been released by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority after the World Health Organisation declared an end to the global health emergency.

Consumers file thousands of complaints about the impact of the pandemic on their banking, insurance and other financial service.

And they were successful in some cases, receiving compensation or refunds totalling $21.6M as a result.

The WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 12, 2022. Three years later, it declared the “global emergency” phase of the pandemic over on May 6 this year.

AFCA’s data shows that during the three years. the Ombudsman service registered 17,403 COVID-related complaints about financial products or services. That was seven per cent of all the complaints AFCA received over that period.

Some 4368 COVID-related disputes – or one in four – involved the way a firm responded to a customer’s financial difficulty.

AFCA’s Chief Ombudsman and Chief Executive Officer David Locke said the lockdowns and the impact

on incomes meant the pandemic was a difficult time financially for many people but he was grateful complaint numbers were not even higher.

“While not seeking to downplay what people went through – every complaint matters – we received far fewer COVID-related complaints than we thought might arise from the pandemic,” Mr Locke said.

“Banks, for example, were generally quick to respond, providing emergency support as they handled an unprecedented volume of requests for repayment deferrals.

“It shows what’s possible when firms and consumers talk to each other. We hope financial firms have a similar mindset as we face new challenges amid rising interest rates and cost of living pressures.”

Among the COVID-related disputes, travel insurance was the most complained about product, with 3859 complaints. These disputes were largely about denied or delayed insurance claims after travel plans were disrupted by pandemic lockdowns.

There were 1427 COVID-related complaints regarding superannuation, after the Federal Government decided to allow people to apply for the early release of up to $10,000 in super if they were struggling during lockdowns.

Small businesses accounted for nine per cent of COVID-related complaints, though they usually represent about five per cent of all AFCA complaints. Of the 1594 small business complaints, 781 were related to business loans, and 360 were about business interruption insurance.

AFCA has resolved 975 of all COVID-related complaints so far – in the vast majority of cases by helping complainants and financial firms reach agreement. Overall, 795 of cases have been resolved by agreement or in favor of the complainant.

• Credit 8462 (48% of COVID-related complaints).

• General insurance 5236 (30%).

• Superannuation 1427 (8%).

• Deposit taking 1050 (6%).

• Payment systems 668 (4%).

• Investments 438 (3%)

• Life insurance 154 (0.9%).

DECLINE IN IN BUSINESS LOANS SMEs need a LIFELINE

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

IT is easy to form the view that banks and lending institutions are buzzing all over you like flies when your business is going well and disappear completely when things turn a little cold.

Once the bastions of our local communities, banks have plunged in the public estimation as at they closed local branches and disappeared behind a wall of technology.

And while it may sound like good news that the value of loans made to thriving small and medium businesses have been increasing in recent years, new data reveals that there is an alarming number of SMEs left with no financial lifeline at all.

The Australian Bureau for Statistics and the ABA’s latest revelation hammers home the point, showing a decline value of small business loans from $4.81Bin June 2021 to $$4.79B in June 2022. And this year is predicted to be worse.

Australian banks have been quick to blame the low demand for finance from SMEs as the root cause, yet recent data paints a different picture altogether, with a staggering 50% of SMEs reporting to face daunting obstacles when attempting to access business loans from banks.

The figures have been revealed in a new survey of an independent panel of

respondents commissioned by business loan comparison site Small Business Loans Australia.

The respondents were 210 business owners or senior decision-makers across the full SME spectrum: micro of 1-10 employees, small of 11-50 employees and medium-sized of 51-200 employees, as well as a small percentage of larger businesses with more than 200 employees.

SMEs lack confidence

A considerable portion of SMEs have financing plans this year and significantly more SMEs are turning to secured financing at 75% over unsecured options at 50%. Although 40% of SMEs sought funding from banks last year, the research shows that half faced obstacles during the process, including excessive timeframes for loan approval of 19%), difficulty obtaining a favorable interest rate at 17 %, and inability to provide required property or personal assets as security 15%.

Since 2020, businesses have also faced significant constraints on accessing credit. Banks attribute this to the challenge of applying stringent lending standards, particularly for SMEs and 17% of survey respondents found it created additional difficulties to their loan applications.

Despite an increase in negative perceptions about accessing finance between 2014 and 2016, Australian small busi-

nesses’ perception of accessing finance has remained consistently low since the financial crisis, with a decline starting before the COVID outbreak.

In the “Small business access to finance: The evolving lending market”, research commissioned by the Australian Government into the SME lending sector, highlighted a net negative perception from SMEs regarding their ability to access finance.

Their concerns hold merit as small businesses have a relatively higher risk and are approximately three times more likely to default on a loan than their larger counterparts.

However, loan approval figures that show around 75 % of all small business loans are approved in Australia.

Amid the prevailing economic conditions, numerous SMEs will find themselves dependent on business lending as their cash flow diminishes. Small Business Loans Australia found that the most pressing concern among SME directors was the rapid increase in inflation, which is closely associated with rising interest rates and reduced consumer spending.

Approximately 11% of respondents also expressed concerns about their existing loan obligations, while a significant 76% of respondents believed that surging interest rates and inflation would have an impact on their cash flow.

Among the challenges anticipated, 30% expected difficulties in collecting customer payments, 26% cent anticipated struggles in attracting sales and 20% believed that both factors would affect their cash flow.

The survey also revealed that micro-businesses, with 10 or fewer employees, were the least likely to consider applying for a business loan as a solution to their cash flow issues, with only 32% expressing such intention. In contrast, 66% of larger SMEs of 51-200 employees and 75% of small SMEs of 11-50 employees would consider seeking finance to address cashflow issues.

Founder and Managing Director of Small Business Loans Australia Alon Rajic said: “The Australian government should take action such as reviewing lending criteria or mandating maximum approval timelines to address these factors and actively work towards enhancing the accessibility of SME finance within responsible lending practices. Currently, we find ourselves trapped in a situation where traditional lending standards are being enforced even more strictly amidst economic uncertainty.”

The full survey results, including breakdowns across business sizes and states, can be found here: https://smallbusinessloansaustralia.com/ is-australia-doing-enough-to-improve-access-tocapital/

AUSSIE DREAM IS CHANGING SHAPE

Family homes going vertical

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

THE Australian dream of owning your own home on a quarter acre block was always more attractive than life in a cramped two-bedroom unit.

Fifty years ago, according to Ray White Real Estate. you and your family might have been able to purchase vacant land right near Sydney’s centre and build your own property with no more than a couple hundred thousand in the bank.

Fast forward to now – there’s no vacant land left within several kilometres of the city and detached houses in the area will most likely set you back well over $1M.

Now all that’s about to change as more and more families are switching to living life vertically in much larger apartments.

Imagine if you could take your new family home far out on the fringes of suburbia and place it in a high rise right in the heart of a CBD like Campbelltown, Liverpool, Blacktown, Parramatta or Gosford.

You could walk to work, shopping, dining out, the train, the footy, your local school and even the doctor. Your building might contain a mini mart, a coffee shop, a pool, a gym and all the other luxuries of a high-rise resort,

Well, developers are quick to notice a change in demand or a brand-new

marketing opportunity when they see one- and that’s what is happening with the trend towards larger apartments.

The perfect example is a plan to swap out one and three-bedroom apartments for four-bedroom units in a dual-tower project in Sydney’s north-west at Castle Hill which has just been approved.

While building A in the project planned for Garthowen Crescent, Castle Hill was unchanged, the amendments for building B approved by The Hills Shire Council reduced the total number of apartments to 185 from 192.

The addition of four-bedroom apartments reflects a growing trend in apartments as families and downsizers look to vertical living.

The original plans for the $69M project were approved in 2021, with some criticism from sections of the community over height issues and traffic concerns.

The development is called ‘Grand Rève’ and is described as- “contemporary luxury apartments homogenised with a beautiful, landscaped podium, seating pods, lush intimate spaces and residential dining sprinkled throughout”.

And Its location in the Sydney Metro Northwest Urban Renewal Corridor means that no more than 25% of the homes should be one-bedroom units and that 20% should have three or more bedrooms.

The Garthowen Crescent precinct is currently characterised by low-density homes with some medium-density development.

There are also some new multi-level high-density residential buildings that have frontages to Garthowen Crescent and Old Northern Rd.

Four-bedroom units are more likely to go up in value because they are so attractive to buyers and are currently in scarce supply.

And the city’s amazing growth will ensure values skyrocket. Currently, there are 5.2 million people in Sydney and by mid-century Sydney will have eight million people, with 10 million inhabitants in NSW.

Apartments already make up close to 40% of the new homes market, doubling in just a decade. So, instead of building a new four bedroom home a long way from anywhere, families are increasingly likely to buy a four-bedroom unit across the street, around the block or even in the same building.

Sources – Ray White, Google, Urban Developer

DELIVERING AN EDUCATION MASTER CLASS

New purpose-driven alliance

COMMUNITY Broadcast Network

(CBN) and BREED Australia have teamed up to design and deliver a suite of successful business education and mentoring programs aimed at aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs and SMEs.

The alliance of these two Western Sydney based entities will promote the delivery of education programs under the banner of WEXPO Academy – Powered by BREED Learning For Good and leverage their respective strengths across networking, marketing, media and content development.

BREED Australia general manager Emmanuel Martin said the education programs are designed to deliver learning and development opportunities backed by mentoring and coaching programs and an environment where businesses can network regularly.

He said partnering with CBN makes sense for BREED Australia. “CBN is able to deliver a large audience of prospective students via their media channels and WEXPO event series. Importantly our values around student development, innovation and community engagement are aligned,” Mr Martin said.

The co-branded series will include workshops on trending topics such as Digital Marketing, Strategy and Goal Achievement, Leadership, Legal and Risk

Management, Financial Management, Emotional Intelligence, Design Thinking, Project Management, Change Management, HR Management, Grant Writing and Marketing Basics, including Website/ SEO/ Ad words.

Also included is the signature 10-week Aspiring Entrepreneur Transformation Program run through BREED Learning for Good.

This high-value program is designed to provide the knowledge, skills, long-term mentoring and, more importantly, the mindset you need to realise your entrepre-

neurial dreams. The cost is only $999 INC GST and includes over $2,300 additional value.

WEXPO Academy – Powered by BREED Learning For Good will have exhibitor spaces at the upcoming WEXPO events at Blacktown (September 5), Hills (October 11 and Parramatta November 22 – where people can find out more and register for future courses.

CBN Publisher Michael Walls said that with Greater Western Sydney’s unprecedented growth, SME owners and managers are looking for high-value

and affordable educational programs that deliver content relevant to today’s business community environments.

“The programs developed by BREED Australia are unique in that they are delivered by people who have lived the teachings and can share their experience in a format where maximum learning will take place,” Mr Walls said.

The parties share common values and ideals in the operation of the collaboration, which are:

• Promote a culture of innovation –encourage and support innovation and collaboration.

• Followers and members to stay informed about the latest trends and technologies through face-to-face and virtual meetings.

• Followers and members will become Champions of their Communities (create pride and social impact in Western Sydney) – staying connected to the community is crucial.

To learn more about the 10-week- Entrepreneur Transformation Program, visit: https://breedaustralia.com.au/cbn

About CBN: CBN publishes the following media brands: www.parramattatimes.com.au | www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au | www. accessnews.com.au | www.macarthuradvocate. au | www.centralcoastsun.au www.sydwest.tv and the WEXPO events series www.wexpo.com.au

High rise living at Castle Hill.

BREED education in action.

PASSENGER SERVICES RESUMED AFTER RESTORATION

ZIG ZAG Railway back on track

THE historic Zig Zag Railway has returned to life as passenger services resumed following a joint volunteer and NSW Government effort to restore the Blue Mountains icon from fire and flood damage.

For years, volunteers have toiled to restore the railway and the NSW Government provided more than $5.9M through Crown Lands and the Department of Regional NSW to rebuild the locomotive workshop, construct a car park, pedestrian crossing and amenities block.

Zig Zag Railway also rebuilt its safety management system, network rules, procedures and rail policies after a decade out of operation to be granted accreditation to resume passenger services by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the reopening was another milestone in the railway’s ongoing journey.

“Zig Zag Railway is a tourist and heritage icon for our state attracting up to 80,000 visitors a year so the NSW Government investment to support the volunteers to get it back on the tracks will be great for tourism, business and jobs in the Lithgow and Blue Mountains regions,” Mr Kamper said.

Zig Zag Railway Acting Chief Executive Officer Daniel Zolfel said the community-wide effort to restore the railway had been heart-warming.

“It’s been 10 plus years of blood, sweat and tears so this weekend’s reopening brings overwhelming relief and will be very emotional for all those involved,” Mr Zolfel said.

“We couldn’t have done it without the dedicated volunteers and also financial support of the NSW Government to restore the workshop which is the heart and soul, car park, repair viaducts and tunnels, tracks, locomotives, carriages and platform precincts at Clarence, Top Point and Bottom Point stations.”

The 154-year-old railway dates back to 1869 when it was first opened as part of the Main Western rail line serving mountain runs until 1910 when a track deviation was installed.

The not-for-profit Zig Zag Railway Co-op resurrected the heritage-listed railway in 1975 but was stalled from 2012 by accreditation issues followed by bushfire and storm damage, and then further wiped out by the 2019-2020 bushfires.

Visitors will again experience the sights, sounds and smells of the steam train era from this weekend with the Zig Zag Railway to run three 90-minute trips at 10.30 am, 12.30 pm and 2.30pm each fortnight on Saturdays and Sundays on its 7.5 kilometre track.

For more information visit https://zigzagrailway.au

Zig Zag reopens.

Newsbytes

Super fund calls for gig worker support

SUPERANNUATION fund HESTA has called for mandatory employer Super Guarantee (SG) contributions to be included in minimum standards for gig workers to prevent future poverty. HESTA has called for legislative changes to secure super rights for gig workers and strengthen oversight by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to ensure proper super payments by employers. The focus is on gig work in the care economy, particularly in health and community services, where online platform employment is becoming more prevalent.

Concern over IR changes

THE proposed industrial relations (IR) changes by the Australian Federal Government could have various con sequences, says Business NSW. These include a surge in grocery prices, an increase in cash-in-hand work, and higher costs for major events.

Business NSW expressed concern about the reforms, stating that they will permanently alter the operations of over 840,000 businesses in the state.

Key concerns for businesses are the Same Job Same Pay provisions and changes to entitlements for casual employee.

Easier management of land tax

THE NSW Government has expanded its MyServiceNSW Account platform to include the management of land tax obligations. People can now seamlessly access and manage land tax alongside other services such as driver license renewal or applying for cost-of-living support. Through the My ServiceNSW Account, users can view or manage land tax, lodge returns, request exemptions, access assessment notices, and set up payment plans. They can also opt-in for digital notifications, reducing delivery time to just 48 hours.

Expressions of Interest

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Sydney Water safe from sale

THE NSW Minns Government has passed the Constitutional Amendment (Sydney Water and Hunter Water) Bill 2023, protecting Sydney Water and Hunter Water from privatization. The amendment to the Constitution Act ensures that these state-owned corporations and their main undertakings remain in public ownership and cannot be sold or disposed of.

Deceased estate concerns

AN inquiry into the handling of deceased estates by six banks in Australia has uncovered poor practices and non-compliance with the Banking Code of Practice. The inquiry found instances of banks continuing to charge fees on accounts of deceased customers, failing to act within required timeframes, and lacking respect and compassion towards representatives and families of deceased customers. The Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC) has notified three banks of investigations into their compliance with deceased estates obligations.

Inefficient health care system

THE Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has highlighted inefficiencies in the healthcare system, including non-standardized templates, unnecessary naming of specialists in referrals, and outdated data-sharing practices. The RACGP has called for improved collaboration and integration between general practices, specialists, and hospitals. They recommend ending the requirement for named referrals, implementing standardized digital systems for data sharing, and piloting data-sharing between hospitals and primary care. The RACGP emphasizes the need for streamlining processes to save time for GPs, improve patient outcomes, and reduce hospital readmissions. Standardized digital systems can enhance communication, facilitate virtual healthcare, and make the system more efficient.

Knee jerk reaction to ban

ROAD Freight NSW (RFNSW) has criticized the call to ban ‘large’ trucks from the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, warning that it would have negative consequences for road safety, local supply chains, and the economy. RFNSW CEO Simon O’Hara labeled the proposal a knee-jerk reaction and emphasized the need for collaborative solutions. He expressed concerns about the impact on small trucking businesses, safety risks on suburban roads, and the potential loss of revenue for operators of major roads.

TRISS Program

Volunteer Opportunity in Parramatta!

Are you passionate about mental health & looking to make a difference in the community?

Don’t miss out on this exciting volunteer opportunity at One Door Mental Health in our TRISS Program! We encourage all individuals with experience in psychology, social work and human services to apply!

Seeking expressions of interest from OTs, or providers who employ OTs, to deliver services in Lithgow, upper Blue Mountains and outer Hawkesbury

OTs will be required to travel to see new and existing My Aged Care clients, and conduct initial in-home assessments , write reports, make referrals for home modifications and equipment, and provide other appropriate interventions.

Funding for one full-time contract is available for 12 months from July 2023 , which can be structured as multiple part-time contracts. Competitive remuneration will be negotiated with the successful applicant/s or provider.

Expressions of Interest close Sunday 18 June www.nbmphn.com.au/MobileOccupationalTherapist

Our TRISS Outreach Program is designed to provide support and encouragement to consumers and carers through regular check-ins and friendly conversations. We are seeking volunteers for our TRISS Program who have empathy, an understanding of the impact of mental illness and good listening and communication skills. Your time commitment will be 3-4 hours a week between Monday to Friday for 12 Months or longer (Shifts are 9AM – 1PM or 1PM – 5PM).

1. Send your Resume to trisscoordinator@ onedoor.org.au and/or call us at 1800 843 539 and simply introduce yourself!

2. You will then be contacted by the Coordinator to discuss your application further and will be invited for an interview.

If this sounds like you and you’re interested in becoming an Outreach Volunteer for One Door Mental Health, please:

FINALIST FINALIST

AWARDS AWARDS FAIRFIELD CITY

BUSINESS NIGHT OF NIGHTS

Fair F ield local Business aWards 2023 Best Fairfield businesses on show

HOLLYWOOD has the Oscars and the music industry has the Grammys – but for Fairfield City businesses, the annual night of nights is Wednesday June 14 at Doltone House Western Sydney.

That’s the date of the 2023 Fairfield Loacl Business Awards.

Precedent Productions Managing Director and Awards founder Steve Loe said: “There’s no doubt that local business owners and their staff work hard to provide the best possible service to their customers.

“That’s why the annualFairfield City Local Business Awards presentation night is always such a popular event.

“It’s a glittering event that gives finalists a chance to dress up and take a break so they can enjoy an evening of entertainment, good food, relaxed chat and celebration with their colleagues and people from other businesses from around the district.”

Mr Loe said being a finalist at the Fairfield City Local Business Awards presentation night was an enormous achievement.

“It’s also a chance for businesspeople and their teams to reflect on their successes with a fun night out,” he said.

“Making it to the finalist presentation is a great reflection on their efforts and everyone is always extremely proud to be there.”

All finalists in each category are announced, with their picture shown on the big screen.

“It’s heart-warming to hear the deafening cheers from the crowd as everyone celebrates the achievement of all the businesses in the room.”

“Today is the day when nominees for the 2023 Hills Local Business Awards discover if they have made it as a finalist.”

Mr Loe said the high quality of all nominees had made the job of judges incredibly difficult.

“Western Sydney Express, which has supported the awards as media partner for many years, will announce the finalists in each category with a special feature in today’s paper,” he said.

“This is a chance for customers and clients to see if the businesses they nominated have become finalists.”

The Fairfield City Local Business Awards are only possible with the support of Presenting Partner, Commonwealth Bank and Major Partners, Fairfield City Council, Nova Employment, Doltone

House, Stockland, White Key Marketing, Cornerstone and media partner Western Sydney Express.

“It’s with great pleasure that I congratulate all the finalists on their achievements, on behalf of the Inner West Local Business Awards,” Mr Loe said.

“I would also like to thank the Inner West community for the huge support that they continue to show for their local businesses through the Awards every year.

“Without them, these outstanding businesses would receive the recognition which they deserve.”

For more information about the Local Business Awards, visit www.thebusinessawards.com.au.

Scenes from 2022 gala event.

Fairfield Local Business Awards Finalists 2023

Intaus Group is one of Sydney’s leading, fully integrated professional services companies, focusing on facilities management, cleaning, property management, catering and training. Our broad service spectrum ensures clients have access to a one-stop-shop for all their professional building management requirements. Our commitment to excellence means we acknowledge your property requires full-time attention; therefore, we supply our

Hair is a small boutique hair salon located within a nail salon who offer all

For Reservations, order takeaway or function enquiries visit:

We would like to thank all of our valued customers for voting for us and your continued support. Without our customers, sourcing quality produce and our fantastic crew, none of this could have been achieved. Our team work extremely hard and are dedicated to ensure great customer service, with an amazing variety of delicious food, along with a funky retro atmosphere, to feel an escape from the daily grind. Thank you once again to everyone who voted for us. We are truly grateful.

Food and love come together

Food and love come together

AMORETTIS is an authentic Italian restaurant founded on the rich culinary heritage of their beloved mother and nonna and her cherished recipes.

“The inspiration behind our restaurant comes from her extraordinary culinary skills and her deep passion for cooking,” Gabriele Moretti said.

AMORETIS is an authentic Italian restaurant founded on the rich culinary heritage of their beloved mother and nonna and her cherished recipes.

experience the taste of authentic Italy with every bite.

“As an Italian grandmother, she knew how to make the most of quality ingredients and how to create simple yet tempting dishes that were rich in taste and flavour.

“The inspiration behind our restaurant comes from her extraordinary culinary skills and her deep passion for cooking,” Gabriele Moretti said.

“We use fresh and locally sourced ingredients that are perfectly blended with our own unique twist. Our Italian pasta is homemade, including our gnocchi which is cut by hand every day.

“At our restaurant, we take pride in our heritage and insist on serving only the most authentic Italian dishes. Our menu features a wide variety of classic Italian favorites that are created using Nonna’s traditional recipes.

“As an Italian grandmother, she knew how to make the most of quality ingredients and how to create simple yet tempting dishes that were rich in taste and flavour.

“Our diverse selection of pizzas, all cooked in a real wood-fired oven, will take you on a culinary journey to Italy. Since authentic Italian food is not complete without good wine, we have an exquisite wine menu to enhance your dining experience further.

Local Business Awards Finalists 2023

“Every dish is made with love and a deep understanding of Italian cuisine, ensuring that our customers experience the taste of authentic Italy with every bite.

“At our restaurant, we take pride in our heritage and insist on serving only the most authentic Italian dishes. Our menu features a wide variety of classic Italian favorites that are created using Nonna’s traditional recipes.

“Our authentic Italian restaurant is more than just a place to eat. It’s a celebration of our family’s traditions and memories, which we love to share with you. Come and indulge in a taste of Italy with us,” Gabrielle said.

Fairfield Local Business Awards Finalists 2023

“We use fresh and locally sourced ingredients that are perfectly blended with our own unique twist. Our Italian pasta is homemade, including our gnocchi which is cut by hand every day.

“Every dish is made with love and a deep understanding of Italian cuisine, ensuring that our customers

and love come together

Food and love come together

Epiphany Dance new ownership

Visit: www.amorettis.com.au

AMORETTIS is an authentic Italian culinary heritage of their beloved

“The inspiration behind our restaurant skills and her deep passion for cooking,” ingredients and how to create simple yet our heritage and insist on serving only the most authentic Italian dishes. Our menu

“Every dish is made with love and a ensuring that our customers experience the taste of authentic Italy with every bite.

EPIPHANY Dance & Co is a dance studio that is accessible and which will provide opportunity to all participants.

“We have been based in the Fairfield community for over 30 years and have entered an exciting phase under new ownership and artistic direction,” said principal/owner Sarah-Ellen Maxwell.

“At the end of 2021, I purchased the business, created a new corporate structure, and rebranded the business to Epiphany Dance & Co. Pty Ltd.

“We have big plans to create more opportunity in South Western Sydney and help shape the lives of our children and future generation of dancers.

“’Epiphany Dance & Co is founded on the premise of having that epiphany light bulb moment - such as, when it all comes together for the stage; or a younger student finally starts to build a strong technical foundation or when you nail that triple pirouette.”

Ms Maxwell said an epiphany moment could happen when in class, while training, when inspired by a teacher or when performing.

“As the new owner I do not want to lose the essence of our dance family, however I will strive to inspire and create even more memorable moments.

Keeping the building process simple

gnocchi which is cut by hand every day. cooked in a real wood-fired oven, will take you on a culinary journey to Italy. Since without good wine, we have an exquisite celebration of our family’s traditions and you. Come and indulge in a taste of Italy with us,” Gabrielle said.

Visit: www.amorettis.com.au

Keeping the building process simple

“We provide a service that is accessible to all walks of life, whether you are a Tiny Diamond attending our “parent and me” classes before you can even walk or starting dance later in life as an adult ballerina – you are so very welcome.” Ms Maxwell said.

D“Our main focus is to keep the Building process as simple and easy as possible to our clients and guiding them throughout the wholeprocess from the Design stage, construction stage to obtaining the final occupation certificate (OC) at the completion of the project,” Rabih said.

“With the love of dance and teaching being at the heart of the business, we want to build a strong presence in the community, provide an inclusive environment and offer a high level of tuition and to help shape dance and the performing arts in the Fairfield local area.

Visit: www.epiphanydance.com.au

Keeping the building process simple

DRAFTEX Group is a Building Design and construction and building consultancy firm founded in 2011 by Rabih Nakhoul.

“Our main focus is to keep the Building process as simple and easy as possible to our clients and guiding them throughout the whole process from the Design stage, construction stage to obtaining the final occupation certificate (OC) at the completion of the project,” Rabih said.

“Here at Draftex Group we strive on providing our clients a high level of professional services on all range of the Building consultancy services to make

Keeping the building process simple

sure our clients achieve the outcome that they desire.

“At Draftex Group, we offer Building planning and construction services. We help home owners, builders, developers to get their DA , CC, OC and CDC approved. We also deal with the local council and Private Certifiers to get their project approved.

“Our expertise is to provide building design plans for your projects, and we also can help you organise any consultants required,” Rabih said.

DRAFTEX Group is a Building building consultancy firm founded possible to our clients and guiding them obtaining the final occupation certificate (OC) at the completion of the project,” on providing our clients a high level of sure our clients achieve theoutcome that

“At Draftex Group, we offer Building help home owners, builders, developers council and Private Certifiers to get their

“Our expertise is to provide building design plans for your projects, and we also can help you organise any consultants required,” Rabihsaid.

Fairfield Local Business Awards Finalists 2023

40 years of service

ANDREW Partners Real Estate specialises in the sale and rental of residential property. It is a well-known and respected business that has served the Fairfield community for 40 years and has gained the reputation in the area as the agents that really care.

Yanett Maurice and Gary Attard took ownership of Andrew Partners in 2011, after both working together within the family business since the 90’s. They proudly lead a tight knit team of agents who pride themselves on gaining great results for their clients.

“When dealing with our office, clients are dealing with professional consultants that have honesty, integrity, and a wealth of experience - in fact over 100 years combined experience,” director Yanett Maurice said.

“We are fortunate to have the best staff, who are all like family and their focus is on how they can be of service to our clients and how they can most benefit their asset.”

Yanett runs a Property Management portfolio which spans across a wide range of Sydney suburbs.

“We offer our clients a holistic property service and being a boutique agency, we ensure that the experience is personal. We’re passionate about property and we love what we do.”

Principal sales agent Gary Attard has been selling residential property in and around the Fairfield area for more than 26 years and is highly regarded as a residential property expert.

Gary has built a reputation as having a straightforward, no fuss approach to business. He has a large portfolio of satisfied clients and has been Fairfield’s No1 Most Recommended Agent for the past seven consecutive years via Rate My Agent Awards.

“I love helping people achieve their property goals. There’s no home too big or too smalland each time a vendor gives me an opportunity to sell their property, I ensure they have every possible chance of gaining the very best result.

“In an industry where it can be difficult to please both parties in a transaction, I am proud that we consistently get the tick of approval from our client.

“We have heaps of positive reviews and through years of hard work and a proven track record of results, word of mouth has now become our most common form of new business. We look forward to continued success and helping people to buy, sell or rent real estate,” he said.

Visit: www.andrewpartners.com.au

Legal requirements well cared for Personalised wedding service

KINGS Weddings is a Film and Photography Studio based in the heart of Sydney.

The business is run by John and Jenny Basil and they are experts in capturing beautiful images and stunning videos.

“At Kings Weddings we strive to create a personalised service for your Wedding day at an affordable price,” John said.

“As your wedding day is a once in a lifetime moment and experience, we aim to treasure these experiences through high quality imagery and film.

“Our talented staff aim to be creative and think outside the box while capturing all the emotions of the day, candid and spontaneous shots.

”We aim to satisfy our customers by spent many moments capturing weddings across all of Sydney and provide a reliable wedding photography and video service.”

Email: info@kingsweddings.com,au Phone: 0433308248

MLC Lawyers incorporating Collins Legal is a multilingual, multi-award-winning professional law firm with offices in Cabramatta and Baulkham Hills.

The firm was established in 2008 and co-founded by the Principal Solicitor Lina Tjoeng and opened by the Mayor of Fairfield Nick Lalich and incorporating Collins Legal in 2023, which increases the ability to further service clients and operate from offices in Southwest and North West Sydney with the combined experience and expertise bringing a wealth of knowledge and diverse clientele to the firm.

MLC Lawyers offers a one-stop shop for affordable legal services with great customer experience and outcomes positions the business as a leader in legal services.

Their clients are at the centre of their customer service, ensuring their experience is as pleasant as possible from the initial contact to the end of their matter and beyond.

“We assist our clients in a wide range of legal services, including Immigration Law, Conveyancing, Family Law, Wills and Estates, Personal Injury, Workers Compensation, Commercial Law, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Employment Law, and Litigation,” Ms. Tjoeng said.

“Our drive to continue our sustainable growth, being a legal firm with purpose and being a leader in legal practice through continuous improvement, adopting leading-edge best practices in business management, positive and decisive leadership with can do attitude and stable team members mean that we can continuously service our local,

interstate and international clients well leveraging on smart technology.

“Being a finalist in the 2023 Fairfield City Local Business Awards – Outstanding Professional Services, the winner of the 2022 Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence in Small Business, and the winner of the 2022 Australian Small Business Champion in Legal Services is amazing and is a source of strength and motivation to service our clients well with excellent outcomes”.

“We are happy to assist with your legal requirements and we aim to ensure that your experience and results are the best that we can provide,” Ms Tjoeng said.

Visit: www.mlclawyers.net

Lina Tjoeng

Fairfield Local Business Awards Finalists 2023

2023 Honor Role of Finalists

Automotive Services

• Davids Auto Repairs

• John Street Mechanical Repairs

• Tams Auto Care

• Jim’s Car Detailing - Cabramatta

• R&G Vaccari Mechanical RepairsWetherill Park

• Sunrise Industries

• All Wet Customs

• Albert’s Quality Auto Repairs

• JK Performance & Automotive

Bakery/Cake Business

• Dolcini Cakes - Bonnyrigg Plaza

• Pasticceria Caruso - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Sergio’s Cake Shop - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Vinata’s Hot Bread - Cabramatta Plaza

• Villa Bakery

• Baalbek Bakery Fairfield

• Doughut - Fairfield Forum

• Crown Manoosh & PizzaStockland Wetherill Park

Beauty Services

• Australian Skin ClinicsStockland Wetherill Park

• Curvy Tans and Beauty

• De Paris Nails - Fairfield Forum

• Pirinola Makeup

• Laser Clinics AustraliaStockland Wetherill Park

• iLash Angels

• Beauty By Mi

• Emily Zaia Beauty

• Let me nail u

• Sydney Cosmetic Boutique

• Lilyartistryy

• BR Beauty

• Paris Spring Beauty Salon

• Lash Lift Cat

• Le Nails & Beauty - Greenfield Park Shopping Village

• BHB Hair and Beauty

• The Beauté Lounge

• MakeupByMaldeena

• Brenda’s Beauty Bar

Butcher

• Joe Papandrea Quality Meats - Greenway Wetherill Park

• CAB Fresh Chickens - Cabramatta Plaza

• Carniceria Greenfield Meats - Greenfield Park

Shopping Village

• Noahs Butcher - Wetherill Park Market Town

• Your Choice Meats - Bonnyrigg Plaza

Cafe

• The Woods Pantry

• Cafe Harvest

• Maison Coffee - Greenfield Park Shopping Village

• Kaffe

• Oliver Brown - Stockland Wetherill Park

• XO Cafe Bar

• Decadence Dessert Bar - Fairfield Forum

• Gabby’s Cafe Wetherill Park

• Cafe del Luna

• Parx Coffee House

• Franky & Co - Bonnyrigg Plaza

Dance Studio

• Nadia’s Performance Studio

• Barbara Easton Dance StudioStockland Wetherill Park

• Studio 01 Dance Australia

• IC Academy of Dance & Arts

• Just Pole Fitness Smithfield

• Elysian School Australia (Canley Vale)

• Stars Within

• Epiphany Dance & Co

• Impressive SMILES

• Perfect Dental - Fairfield Forum

• Odontologie Dental Care

• Smiles Unlimited - Fairfield

• WowSmile

Early Childhood Centre

• Genesis Early Learning

• Bossley Park Preschool

• Marlborough Street Preschool

• Magic Forest Early Learning Centre

• Little Land Preschool & Early Learning Centre - Smithfield

• St Johns Park ELC

• Janice Crosio Early Learning Centre

• Smiley Bees Early Learning Centre

Education Service

• Kumon Fairfield Education Centre

• Oz Care Training

• Onroad Driving Education

• Innovate Education Australia

• Ngo and Sons Preparatory College

• Elevate Tutoring

Fashion

• Saveensformalwear

• Forcast - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Suzanne Grae - Bonnyrigg Plaza

• Calabro - Wetherill Park

• Indigo 88 - Fairfield Forum

• POLETTO

• Sunglasshut - Stocklands Wetherill Park

• Rose Fashion House - Fairfield Forum

• Lanzo Fashion

• Dress Best

• Lorna Jane - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Balire

Fast Food/Takeaway

• Blitz Juice - Fairfield Forum

• Chorizo Chasers - Greenway Wetherill Park

• Nazar Kebabs & Pide - Fairfield Forum

• Gelatissimo - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Manaqish House - Greenfield Park Shopping Village

• Le Wrap - Stockland Wetherill Park

• BlackBear BBQ Wetherill Park

• Subway - Fairfield Forum

• Gongcha - Bonnyrigg Plaza

• BLT - Bonnyrigg Plaza

• Alan’s Pizza & Burgers - Fairfield Forum

• Matti’s Kitchen

• Charcoal House and Co

• Top Juice - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Industrial Cafe

Fitness Services

• Anytime Fitness - Fairfield East

• Anytime Fitness - Wetherill Park

• Invincible HQ

• United Fit Culture - Stockland Wetherill Park

• FemFit Womens Fitness

• Anytime Fitness - Fairfield West

• F45 Training - Edensor Park Plaza

• JUMP Swim Schools - Greenfield Park Shopping Village

• Anytime Fitness - Cabramatta

• Thien Tam - Yoga and Meditation Centre

• F45 Training - Wetherill Park

• IMC Wetherill Park

Fruit & Vegetable Shop

• Lucky 7 Convenience Store Fairfield

• Freds One Stop Shopping

• Sunshine One Fairfield - Fairfield City Central

• Ling’s Asian Grocery - Fairfield Forum

• Joe’s Fruit World - Greenway Wetherill Park

• Trim’s Fresh - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Fruitmania - Fairfield Forum

Hairdresser

• FMK Hair - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Zagari’s Hair & Skin - Greenway Wetherill Park

• Barberfield - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Salon23 Hair & Beauty

Fairfield Local Business Awards Finalists 2023

• Eden Man

• Sydney Hair Artistry X The Local Barber

• Ka Hair and Soul

• Maria’s Hair Studio

• Vianna Hair and Beauty Bar

• Dominique Hair Studio

• Cindy Hair Design 4 U - Fairfield Forum

• Vinh Hair Artistry

• Studio 2 Hair and Lashes

• AC HAIR

• Hairhouse WarehouseStockland Wetherill Park

Health Improvement Services

• Trusted Therapy & Disability Services

• Healing HQ

• Eyecare Network

• Cross Care Health

• Bernard Chiropractic

• Greenfield Physiotherapy

• Evolution Health Clinic - Canley Heights

• ML Support Services

• High Performance Health

• National Caring Solutions

• JQ Physiotherapy and Sports RehabilitationStockland Wetherill Park

• Perform Better Physiotherapy

• Sydney Natural Health Clinic

• Heart Care Specialist Centre

• Fairfield Chase Medical & Dental Centre

• Icare Optical Cabramatta Optometrist

Jewellery Store

• Atlas Jewellers - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Prouds the Jewellers - Bonnyrigg Plaza

• Annabelle & Co Fine Jewellers - Stockland

Wetherill Park

• Christina Jewellery - Bonnyrigg Plaza

• Angus & Coote - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Jasmin Jewellery and Watches

• Thanh Tram Huong

• Pandora - Stockland Wetherill Park

Most Inclusive Employer

• Gato’s Pastizzi

• True Blue Timber Solutions

• Mr K’s Cafe

• Petra Equipment

• Atom

• Challenger 4 Computers

New Business

• Jims Termite and Pest Control Fairfield

• Flowers by Ange

• Fairfield Fruit Art

• Brow Haus by Lucy

• Abbotts & Wood Leather

• Air Locker Training - Wetherill Park

• Street Art Studio - Ink Mania

Pharmacy

• Chemistworks - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Soul Pattinson - Neeta City Shopping Centre

• Priceline Pharmacy - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Greenfield Park Pharmacy - Greenfield Park

Shopping Village

• Cincotta Discount Chemist - Cabramatta Plaza

• Barone Pharmacy - Fairfield

• Priceline Pharmacy Bonnyrigg Plaza

• Fairfield Forum Pharmacy

Professional Services

• Rosy Innovations

• Oxford Law Group

• MLC Lawyers

• Tony Mustafa - Mortgage Choice

• NUA Group

• Action Home Loans

• The Australian Law Firm

• Big Win Finance

• Vo Conveyancing & Associates

• Prime Loans

• NYP7 Studio

• MNA Technologies

• atWork Australia - Bonnyrigg Plaza

• Draftex Group

• Alliance Compensation & Litigation Lawyers

Real Estate Agency

• LJ Hooker - Fairfield

• Raine & Horne - Cabramatta

• Marando Real Estate South West

• Century 21 - Bonnyrigg Plaza

• Andrew Partners Real Estate

• Prestige Estate Agents

• Blaze Real Estate - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Laing and Simmons Cabramatta

• DK Property Partners

• VinaOpera Realestate

Restaurant

• Amoretti’s Restaurant

• Candelori’s

• Green Peppercorn Restaurant

• Enzos Cucina - Bonnyrigg Plaza

• Super Dish

• Afandina Restaurant

• Reni’s Bar & Grill

• Broaster Chicken Fairfield - Fairfield Forum

• Pho 2U

• La Tratt - Fairfield RSL

Service & Trade

• Tiling Wizards Australia

• Sydney Mobile Flooring

• Profect Plumbing

• Fairfield Forum Dry Cleaners

• Brightwater Plumbing

• PNT Building Supplies

• Sydney Plumbing Patrol

• Turbo Scaffolding Sydney

• Every Trade Building Services

• Fixed Today Plumbing Sydney

• DK Build Group

• Sydney Aluminium

• Intaus Group

• PKS Corporation

Specialised Busines

• SummitCare - Smithfield

• Capture The Light Photography

• Ishtar Photography

• Kimlligraphy

• SummitCare - Canley Vale

• GM Group Services

• The Balloon Stylist

• Top Care Shoe Repairs - Fairfield Forum

• Smart Tech Bar Fairfield | Telstra T PartnerFairfield Forum

• Australian Finance Hub

• Vivid Photography & Imaging

• Dunrite Linings

• No Limits Removalists

• The Doggy Wears Pawda

Specialised Retail Business

• Sydney Ceramic Tile Wizards

• Bonnyrigg Plaza Newsagency

• Armani Gallery - Fairfield

• Cheeky Plant Co.

• Forum Chickens - Fairfield Forum

• Baby Care Nursery

• Re Life Mobile Phones - Fairfield Forum

• Smart Pet Treats

• HBA Travel

• Bujairami Perfumes - Stockland Wetherill Park

• Pacific Way Gift Shop

• CITY PERFUME Wetherill Park

• Bonnyrigg Post Office

Wedding Services

• Elisa Wedding

• Kings Weddings Film and Photography

• TwoBirds Bridal

• Forever Image Events

• Anita’s Flowers

• Thomas Lazar

• Glorious Flowers - Cabramatta Plaza

• Royalty Prop Hire

• Style Me Weddings & Events

• spinbooth

• Jay Video Productions

• Doltone House - Western Sydney

• Candid Snaps

• Lantana Venues

We are very grateful and humbled to be finalists in this 2023 Fairfield City Local Business Awards for Outstanding Professional Services, and would like to thank our wonderful team, clients and supporters who have motivated us to excel.

Our highly trained legal team includes experienced solicitors, barristers, conveyancers, migration agents, and affiliated legal experts to provide a wide range of legal services, including Immigration Law, Conveyancing, Family Law, Wills and Estates, Personal Injury, Workers Compensation , Commercial Law, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Employment Law, and Litigation.

We are happy to assist with your legal requirements and aim to ensure that your experience and results are the best that we can provide.

We are proud to be:

¾ Finalists in the 2023 Fairfield City Local Business Awards – Outstanding Professional Services

¾ Winner of the 2022 Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence in Small Business

¾ Winner of the 2022 Australian Small Business Champion in Legal Services

2023 Inner West Winners

Local Business Awards a Win for All!!!

This year’s Inner West Local Business Awards was a glittering spectacular that provided a fitting finale to the annual event.

This year’s winners exchanged exuberant hugs and cheers filled the room as they made their way to the stage on Wednesday 10th May.

Awards founder and Precedent Productions Managing Director Steve Loe said the evening was an exciting culmination to a successful awards program.

“The Local Business Awards recognise the vital role businesspeople play in the lives of their communities,” he said.

“The presentation evening not only

sees the announcement of the category winners but is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all the finalists.

“We had a sell-out crowd that included our finalists, their families and staff, as well as our sponsors and local dignitaries, who helped to present awards to the winners.”

The Western Sydney Express captured all the excitement as the finalists in each category were announced, complete with images on the big screen, followed by huge cheers as the winners’ names were read out and they took to the stage to claim their trophies.

“The winners’ speeches are always heartfelt and emotional,” Mr Loe said.

“This year was no exception.

“It’s very emotional for everyone there to see their tears and smiles as well as hear the beautiful acceptance speeches.”

As official media partner for the Inner West Local Business Awards, the Western Sydney Express will publish a winners’ feature, that recognises all category winners from the presentation evening.

“Of course, the awards are only possible with the support of Presenting Parnter Commonwealth Bank and Major Partners, Inner West Council, NOVA Employment and Big Clean and Support Partners, Strathfield Council, Burwood Council, White Key Marketing, Corner-

stone and Radio 2RDJFM.” Mr Loe said.

“Their involvement proves their commitment to their community and the businesses that thrive there.”

Mr Loe also thanked Burwood RSL Club for the high quality food and service it provided.

“Thanks to them it was a five-star occasion,” he said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the incredible entertainment and our fabulous MC Paul Hancock who kept the evening flowing smoothly.”

Businesses can register for the 2023 Local Business Awards at www.thebusinessawards.com.au

2023 Honor Role of Winners

Automotive Services

ƒ AMR Mazda

Bakery/Cake Business

ƒ San Valentino Haberfield

Scenes from the 2023 gala night.

We are Project Managers offering services representing both client-side and secondment roles to contractors on the construction side.

We specialise in delivering projects in live and complex environments.

SRL represents:

Social Infrastructure

(Hospitals, universities, Schools, Government works and the public sector)

Retail (Commercial Fit-outs, Roll-outs and tenancy works)

Leisure (Casino’s, Hotels, Restaurants and Gaming)

All these sectors share one main characteristic, they do not always have the ability to cease trade when delivering a project – the works need to be delivered in a staged live environment with Strategic planning.

2023 Inner West Business Awards

Eye Piece trio of awards

“WHAT makes The Eye Piece Optometrist a three times Local Business Award Winner?” a team member asked.

“Is it the service? The products? The experience that our clients receive? These are all given qualities for a small business to survive in this day in age.“

“Our recognition in the Local Business Award Win in the categories of Best New Business in 2008, Best Specialised Retail in 2018 and now in 2023 Outstanding Health Improvement

“Service covers all the grounds of what an optometry practice can be recognised for. The secret ingredient if you would like to put it, is that our business has been built on the individuals who works for The Eye Piece. Our team members define our practices.

“The importance of individual care and the importance of community involvement can be genuinely felt if the person providing the service truly cares. Without a doubt our award win, reflects our genuine care.

“As a consumer and as a patient, we all have a sixth sense when recognising a good business., We thank all our clients and patients for recognising this in each of our team members and rewarding us with the Local Business Award.” Website: theeyepiece.com.au

Six years of Village Wholefoods

SIX years after opening Village Wholefoods, a passion for sustainability and a commitment to her local community have seen store owner Suzanne Evans-Booth named Business Person of the Year at the 2023 Inner West Local Business Awards.

“There were so many great business people nominated,” Suzanne said.

“I am really grateful to the judges for recognising all the hard work, and for seeing what we are trying to achieve with the business.”

Suzanne believes environmental sustainability is an imperative and is leading the charge to make shopping for groceries more socially conscious and eco-friendly.

Located in the heart of Marrickville, Village Wholefoods offers a diverse range of high-quality, affordable, organic and non-organic wholefoods. It also stocks a range of environmentally friendly cleaning and personal care products.

With a focus on reducing plastic packaging and waste, Village Wholefoods encourages customers to bring in their own refillable containers and also provides recyclable and reusable packaging in store.

“We started the business with the dream of being able to provide a more sustainable way to shop in our local area,” Suzanne said.

“We are truly thankful for the community’s support over the past six years.”

Village Wholefoods is located at 123 Marrickville Road, Marrickville and is open 7 days.

Website: villagewholefoods.com.au

WOTSO is the space expert

WOTSO, a leading provider of flexible workspaces, proudly won the Most Inclusive Employer award, thanks to its collaboration with NOVA Employment

NOVA Employment is an organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through job opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to escape the isolation of the home office, scaling your business or curious about the increasingly popular industry of coworking spaces, WOTSO FlexSpace is for you.

WOTSO offers offices, desks, meeting rooms and events space on hourly, daily, weekly or monthly agreements. No lock-in contracts, leasing deposits, or legal fees are involved.

“Working with NOVA Employment to fulfill some our staffing needs has exceeded our expectations, our only regret is not doing this sooner” Head of People Clare Simmons said.

“An inclusive workplace understands that people have different ways of processing information, interacting with others and achieving goals.

SRL’s range of services

SRL Management is a team of project managers that provides a range of services to clients, including representation for client-side projects and secondment to contractors in the construction industry.

The team is specialized in managing projects in live and complex environments, ensuring successful delivery of projects across various sectors.

The acronym SRL represents the three main sectors that the team specializes in - Social Infrastructure, Retail and Leisure.

These sectors share a common challenge of delivering projects in a staged live environment with strategic planning.

SRL Management understands the importance of completing projects while the business operations continue without interruption.

Stefano Leupuscek, the Director of SRL Management, leads the team with a commitment to providing excellent project management services to clients.

With a focus on delivering successful projects, the team is dedicated to ensuring that clients’ goals are achieved, and their expectations are exceeded.

Website: www./srlm.com.au

“At WOTSO we tailor our roles to suit and match individuals. We are all unique and it’s just about giving a chance to those that may need it most.”

WOTSO’s newest flexible workspace is now open in Sydney’s West at the Westpoint Shopping Centre, Blacktown.

Website: www.wotso.com

Hills Local Business Awards Winners 2023

HILLS LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS A WIN FOR ALL Fitting finale for annual event

THIS year’s Sydney Hills Local Business Awards was a glittering spectacular that provided a fitting finale to the annual event.

This year’s winners exchanged exuberant hugs and cheers filled the room as they made their way to the stage on Tuesday, May 30 Awards founder and Precedent Productions Managing Director Steve Loe said the evening was an exciting culmination to a successful awards program.

“The Local Business Awards recognise the vital role businesspeople play in the lives of their communities,” he said.

“The presentation evening not only sees the announcement of the category win-

ners but is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all the finalists.

“We had a sell-out crowd that included our finalists, their families and staff, as well as our sponsors and local dignitaries, who helped to present awards to the winners.”

The Western Sydney Express captured all the excitement as the finalists in each category were announced, complete with images on the big screen, followed by huge cheers as the winners’ names were read out and they took to the stage to claim their trophies.

“The winners’ speeches are always heartfelt and emotional,” Mr Loe said. “This year was no exception.

“It’s very emotional for everyone there to

see their tears and smiles as well as hear the beautiful acceptance speeches.”

As official media partner for the Sydney Hills Local Business Awards, the Western Sydney Express will publish a winners’ feature, that recognises all category winners from the presentation evening.

“Of course, the awards are only possible with the support of Major Partners, The Hills Shire Council, NOVA Employment and Grove Square – The Hills and Support Partners, Rouse Hill Town Centre, North Kellyville Square, Winston Hills Mall, Sydney Hills Business Chamber, Cornerstone and White Key Marketing.” Mr Loe said.

“Their involvement proves their commitment to their community and the businesses that thrive there.”

Mr Loe also thanked Castle Hill RSL Club for the high quality food and service it provided.

“Thanks to them it was a five-star occasion,” he said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the incredible entertainment and our fabulous MC Paul Hancock who kept the evening flowing smoothly.”

Businesses can register for the 2023 Local Business Awards at www.thebusinessawards. com.au

2023 Honor Role of Winners

Antiques, Art, Crafts and Gifts

ƒ The Hills and Co Boutique - Rouse Hill Town Centre

Automotive Services

ƒ Monarch Mechanical Services

Bakery/Cake Business

ƒ The Bakehouse - North Kellyville Square

Beauty Services

ƒ Euphoria Skin

Cafe

ƒ The Burrow Cherrybrook

Early Childhood Centre

ƒ Hills Montessori Pre School

Education Service

ƒ The Hills Learning Centre

Fashion

ƒ Reuben F Scarf - Grove Square - The Hills

Fast Food/Takeaway

ƒ Sandwich Heaven - Winston Hills Mall

Fitness Services

ƒ Anytime Fitness - North Kellyville Square

Florist

ƒ Bella Fiore Floral Designs

Fresh Food

ƒ Live Life Organic - Grove Square - The Hills

Hairdresser

ƒ Velvet Parlour Hair and Beauty Health Improvement Services

ƒ Real Therapy Solutions - Bella Vista

Home Furniture Store

ƒ King Living - Castle Hill Super Centre

Interior Design / Styling

ƒ Samidesign

Jewellery Store

ƒ Robert Cliff Master Jewellers - Castle Towers

Most Inclusive Employer

ƒ Beans & Bites Rouse Hill

New Business

ƒ Clube De Lutas Rouse Hill

Performing Arts

ƒ Tiny Toes Ballet

Pet Care

ƒ Kellyville Ridge Veterinary Hospital

Pharmacy

ƒ Priceline Pharmacy - Grove Square - The Hills

Professional Services

ƒ ACE BIZ

Real Estate Agency

ƒ Sciberras Group RE

Restaurant

ƒ Enzos Cucina - Dural Service & Trade

ƒ Austonne

Sole Operator

ƒ Melissa Stevens Photography

Specialised Business

ƒ RISE Equipment

Specialised Retail Business

ƒ Sydney’s Plant Market

Business Person of the Year

ƒ Maree Khoury, Dancing with Maree

Youth Award

ƒ Alexandra-Kate Smith, Choice Paper

Business of the Year

ƒ Sydney’s Plant Market

Disability Inclusion Award

- Highly Commended

ƒ World of Minecraft

Disability Inclusion Award - Winner

ƒ Next Level Performing Arts

Grove Square - The Hills Excellence Award

ƒ Priceline Pharmacy

Scenes from this year’s gala event.

Real Therapy Solutions is an established, multidisciplinary service provider for Psychology, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy and NDIS Behaviour Intervention and Support Services.

With almost 25 years experience, our passion at Real Therapy Solutions remains with supporting many people including those with a disability.

Our main focus is to ensure we empower and achieve great outcomes for our clients so they can live a wonderful and fulfilling life.

2158

To all our beautiful loyal customers who have supported us we Thank You!

We have been nominated for the local business awards and would appreciate your support by taking a minute to scan the QR code and vote for us.

Enzo together with Sam & Renee Russo have come together to create an environment that is perfect for any special occasion in addition to your everyday dining. So, whether you want to pick up take away, organise your next function, or come in with the family, be sure to give the Dural team a call.

Enzo together with Sam & Renee Russo have come together to create an environment that is perfect for any special occasion in addition to your everyday dining. So, whether you want to pick up take away, organise your next function, or come in with the family, be sure to give the Dural team a call.

Please confirm the vote send to your email address for it to count.

To all of our beautiful loyal customers who have supported us, we Thank You.

2158Rd, Dural NSW 2158 enzoscucina.com.au

9651 3696 enzoscucina.com.au orderup.com.au, doordash.com

Scan the QR Code to vote for Enzo's to become a finalist in the Sydney/Hills Business Awards

Scan the QR Code to vote for Enzo's to become a finalist in the Sydney/Hills Business Awards

Also, a big Thank You to the entire community for supporting us from day one, we wouldn’t have have received this award without everyone’s support. We are so proud to live and work within this community.

To show our appreciation, everyone who mentions this ad will receive a $20 lunch time dine in credit for their next visit.

Unit 2/286-288 New Line Rd, Dural NSW 2158

Menu: enzoscucina.com.au

Phone: (02) 9651 3696

Reservation: enzoscucina.com.au

Order: Uber, DoorDash or, via the enzo’s app

Finding solutions through expertise

REAL Therapy Solu-

tions is an established, multi-disciplinary NDIS Registered Allied Health Provider for psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy and behaviour support services.

The expert team incudes Amanda Wood - CEO, Maria Tumino - Clinic Manager for the Bella Vista clinic, plus Psychologists, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Behaviour Support Practitioners along with their Receptionist, Tracy.

“We truly believe that providing a quality therapy service begins with embracing our company values and incorporating these into everything we do when focussing on achieving great lifechanging outcomes for our clients,” Maria said.

“Our values are: Supportive - We are available and approachable, Collaborative - Every voice matters, Positive - We

find or create a solution, Inspirational - We lead by example, Passionate - We strive to make a difference in people’s lives, Fun - We bring laughter and joy to everyday, Innovative - Constant and never-ending improvement and Respectful - We listen to, communicate with and value others.

‘With our values in mind, we are confident that our team remains passionate and empowered to

Local owns popular Burrow

OWNER and operated by local mum Christine Camilleri, The Burrow Cherrybrook located in The Appletree Shopping Village, relishes serving fresh food and great coffee to the locals of Cherrybrook seven days per week, also opening for dinner on Friday nights.

deliver only the very best therapy services which is what our clients deserve and have come to expect.

“We ensure to provide quality, dedicated and trusted therapy services that are easily accessible to everyone in the community as this should never be a concern for anyone,” Maria said.

www.realtherapysolutions. com.au

Phone: 02 8212 4634

“We pride ourselves in sourcing and using fresh ingredients from local farms and suppliers to create seasonal menus and our absolute preference is to make everything from scratch while supporting local! We serve a boutique coffee brand by the name of “The Little Marionette” rather than using a mainstream coffee supplier,” says Christine.

“Three years ago, we started a catering arm to the business to service both corporate and private customers, and on a weekly basis we open our space for locals to hold private parties, celebrations or meetings. We are proud to say we have become a community hub.”

Christine said that ‘winning Most Outstanding caf? was a proud, well-deserved reward for her amazing Burrow staff and community who have stuck by her through some tough years.

“We have learned how to troubleshoot nearly every problem known to man from plumbing to payroll from pandemics to parties from zoom meetings to potato shortages! What a ride it’s been! To receive recognition of that is the icing on the cake.”

On a side note; sister caf? SunnySide West Pennant Hills located in the Coonara Ave shopping centre also won Best New Retail Business 2023 at the recent Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

“After four years of turmoil we must be doing something right,” says Christine.

THE BEST AND WORST JOBS BY SALARIES Aussies rate income options

MINING is the best industry to get a job in for Aussies and migrants wanting a big salary while accommodation and food services is the worst.

According to new research, if you are making around $1,250 a week you are on the 2023 average wage.

Now, Australia has increased its immigration intake, yet it now ranks as the 13th most expensive destination globally, with a record 900,000 of the population taking on a second job last year.

To help incoming immigrants who may be figuring out how to make ends meet, the new research from an immigration information platform has uncovered which industries deliver the best jobs, as voted by Australians.

Immigration assistance and advice platform Immigration to Australia commissioned a survey of an independent panel of 1002 Australians to gauge their opinions on the best three and worst three industries to work in.

Respondents were asked to choose the best and worst three industries for jobs for immigrants, from a list of 17 key industries in Australia and their corresponding average weekly salaries, using Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

When making their decisions, respondents were asked to consider the wages and responsibilities of the jobs in those industries.

As per the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the median Australian employee earning is $1,250 per week, while average weekly housing costs are $493 for owners with a mortgage and $379 for renters.

The average monthly cost of living for a family of four in Australia is $5,540.80 or $1,385.27 per week excluding rent and $1,573.10 or $393.28 per week for a single person excluding rent.

The best three industries for jobs are: mining, construction and utilities.

With the highest average salary, mining was chosen by the largest proportion at 51% of respondents as the best industry

for work. This came despite risk of serious injury and typically laborious job tasks.

In 2021 there were six miner fatalities and 117 serious injuries, of which 45% involved fractures and 35% involved wounds, lacerations, amputations and internal organ damage.

Views of older Australians

The second-best industry for work is construction, chosen by 32% of respondents – despite the industry’s seventh place ranking on the pay-grade scale. The third best industry for work – chosen by 29%

per cent of respondents – is electricity, gas, water and waste services.

Older Australians are more likely to view mining, construction, professional, scientific and technical services, manufacturing and health care and social services as better industries than younger Australians.

In particular, a higher proportion of older respondents chose construction as a top industry for immigrants to work in: the industry was chosen by 41% of over-65s, compared with 28% of 35-54s and 26% of under-35s.

Younger Australians are more likely to choose agriculture, forestry and fishing, electricity, gas, water and waste services, financial and insurance services, and arts and recreation services as top industries than older Australians.

Electricity, gas, water and waste services was chosen by 38% of under-35s, compared with 25% of 35-54s and 23% of over-65s.

With Sydney the financial hub of Australia’s business sector, it’s no wonder a higher proportion at 28% of NSW respondents chose financial and insurance services as a top-three industry. This compares with an equal 20% of Victorians and South Australians, 19% of West Australians and 18% of Queenslanders.

The worst three industries for job are retail, accommodation and food and arts and recreation

Retail trade, which placed second last in the pay-grade scale, attracted the highest proportion of votes 46% for the worst industry for immigrants. Accommodation and food services followed closely behind, chosen by 45% of respondents.

Coming in at third place was arts and recreation services, chosen by 33% of respondents.

Younger Australians who are more likely to be working in accommodation and food services are more likely to choose this industry as one of the worst three industries in Australia: 47% of under-35s chose this as a worst-three industry – compared with 45% of 35-54s and 44% of those 35-44s.

Founder and CEO of Immigration to Australia Alon Rajic said: “While there is some correlation between best and worst industries and the wages these industries pay, it appears that a good proportion of Australians agree that some high-paying industries are not worth working in due to difficulty of their job tasks.”

The full results, with age and State breakdowns, can be found here: https://immigration2australia. com/best-and-worst-jobs-in-australia/

and Feeling Blue Fighting off the Flu

With the winter months ahead of us, now is the time to prioritise your physical and mental health to make sure that you’re prepared for the colder days to come.

Shielding Against Seasonal Flu

Influenza (flu) cases tend to peak between June and September in Australia every year as the temperature starts to drop. It is important to get the flu vaccine even if you are healthy, to prevent you catching the flu and spreading the infection. This can help protect your friends, family and vulnerable people in your community.

The following priority groups can receive their flu vaccine for free:

9 Children aged six months to under five years

9 People aged 65 years and over

9 Aboriginal people aged six months and over

9 Pregnant women

9 Those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, severe asthma or kidney, heart, lung or liver disease

Speak to your GP or pharmacist about getting a flu shot and to make sure you are up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccine.

Find out more: health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/Influenza/

Darker Days and Gloomy Moods

As the days get shorter, darker and colder, many people can find themselves feeling sad. It can be difficult to find the motivation to socialise as frequently, and many outdoor activities are limited during the winter months. This can lead to isolation and loneliness. The reduced sunlight during winter can also disrupt your body’s internal clock, and it’s normal for people to experience irregular sleep patterns, have low energy and feel more irritable and sad.

Exercise:

Finding appropriate exercises in winter can be more challenging, but it’s vital for both your physical and mental health to keep up with regular exercise. Live Life Get Active offer free daily live-streams and on-demand videos for all abilities, covering everything from yoga, to dance and cardio. Get moving at: livelifegetactive.com/fitness/workout-at-home/

Eat Nutritious, Nourishing Food:

It’s tempting in winter to switch to our favourite fast foods, particularly when our energy levels are low. However, processed foods can end up worsening our moods. Healthy and hearty meals can help us feel happier and fuller for longer.

Western Sydney Diabetes’s free e-book offers lots of tasty, nutritious recipes to keep the whole family happy: bit.ly/WSD-Recipe-Book-2023

Create a Healthy Sleep Routine:

Consistency is key to a healthy sleep, which can be tricky with the changes to daylight hours. To keep your body clock on track, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day and avoid too much screen time before bed.

Keep Connected:

Reaching out to your family and friends is key to beating the winter blues. It can be harder to organise catch ups when it’s cold and dark, but try and make sure you’re still staying connected to friends and family, even if it’s just for a quick walk to the park or for a bite to eat. You can also reach out for free mental health support at: headtohealth.gov.au

Healthy Western Sydney is delivered by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.

Palau’s hidden wonders available on new cruise

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

IN the 21st century world where cruise ships are found virtually everywhere from the Antarctic to the Amazon, it is amazing to think that there are hidden regions still to be discovered on an adventure cruise.

One such spot is Palau, secret water kingdom in a remote part of the mighty Pacific. You can now discover one of the world’s last remaining frontiers due north of Australia.- Palau.

Home to more than 340 emerald islands, an astonishing spectrum of marine life, and a 4000-year-old culture.

The Four Seasons Explorer sets sail later this year, operating like a floating resort, offering daily embarkation and disembarkation, allowing up to 22 guests to explore as deeply—and for as long— as they wish. Guests can WWII sites, traditional music, lush forests, majestic waterfalls, and more.

• Recreational activities on offer include windsurfing, stand-up paddling and kayaking, Learning from expert marine biologists Dive and snorkel with the latest gear and onboard videographer, see the glittering stalactite formations of Chandelier Cave and the dazzling canyons of Peleliu Wall.

• Indulging in wellness experiences with spa therapists and yogis, breathing and restorative treatments on-board or on a secluded beach. Reservations for the first adventures in late 2023 are now being confirmed, with several opening offers and daily embarkation options to choose from. also look forward to a variety of experiences, including:

Connecting with Palauan people, chefs and musicians the opportunity to learn and embrace the unique Palauan way of life.

• Cultural explorations marvelling at the cave paintings of Ulong Island; discovering the Belau National Museum, multiple

THE PERFECTION OF PALAU

Referred to as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World, with a

half million square kilometres of protected marine territory, Palau offers glorious opportunities for divers and snorkellers. But that’s just the start of the island nation’s wondrous appeal.

With only nine of the country’s 340 islands inhabited, opportunities for raw natural adventure abound, while deep cultural immersions range from insights into the rich Palauan dance tradition— awash with powerful chanting, storytelling and vibrant colors—to intriguing exploration of WWII sites, symbolic bai meeting houses, and centuries of Spanish, German, Japanese and American influences.

Be among the first to experience Palau with Four Seasons Explorer: Reservations for the first adventures in late 2023 are now being confirmed, with several opening offers and daily embarkation options to choose from.

Fast X – Four stars

A loud, proud, fast and furious start to the finale of this franchise.

WHEN Dante (Jason Momoa), the son of the main villain from Fast Five, comes looking for revenge on the crew that killed his father, he doesn’t want to kill them; he wants to make them suffer.

On the back foot, Dom (Vin Diesel) is separated from Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), who is also separated from Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Ludacris), Han (Sung Kang) and the rest of the family. As they each try to get out of their respective jams, and assemble the full crew for the fight of their lives, Dom has to also try and protect his son from the claws of this madman.

Fast X is the long-awaited start to the uber finale of the Fast and Furious franchise. After 10 movies, the question is not whether these movies can still surprise you - the question is whether or not you care.

This film deals in major, mind-boggling action, taking us from LA to Rome, to Portugal and Rio. It’s a whirlwind tour, but one of the best things about this film is that while it still undoubtedly is far from realistic, it has shaved off some of the more outlandish choices of previous movies.

The team are generally back to the cars, and that feels grounded - in so far as this movie could ever be grounded.

Jason Momoa makes his franchise debut as Dante; the villain of the piece. And he is fantastic. Camp, aggressive, and playing to the rafters, Momoa is fabulously dressed, fabulously mean, and straight up fabulous.

The franchise, heralded to finish with a big two parter in Fast X and the sequel (although rumors abound of it being a 3 parter), needed a villain who could match the lovability and bombasity of these characters, and they have finally found one.

Momoa brings such a welcome breath of fresh energy to the franchise, you’ll be wishing this wasn’t the beginning of the end. Other than that, this movie generally takes the form of the first hour of The Avengers. The villain is introduced in a big way.

The team has to sort of get back together. And they are set up for a big finale. The difference? Mixed among all of that is some A grade action.

Whether it’s pulling clips from the backstory elements of Fast Five (a nice way to include Paul Walker in this film),

which serves as a great reminder of that incredible safe sequence, shepherding a giant bomb with cars through the streets of Rome, or smashing cars off the road with helicopters attached to your bumper, the visuals on display are just insane.

Then there’s all the regular things we love about the Fast and Furious franchise; huge names, even bigger cameos, gruff dialogue that doesn’t always make sense, a plethora of one liners, tank tops and white jeans. It’s all here, and if you’re a fan of the previous movies, you’ll love this one.

Ultimately, for me, this film sat somewhere below Fast Five and Furious 7, which jointly represent the high-water mark in my humble opinion, but above the remainder of the franchise entries (including Hobbs and Shaw).

For a film that is effectively the introductory half of the finale, that’s a great sign.

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

John Farnham: You’re The Voice – Three stars

Arevelatory musical experience on one of Australia’s biggest cultural icons.

John Farnham: Finding The Voice chronicles the life of John Farnham, one of Australian music’s biggest names.

Starting with the early days and his original debut as Johnny Farnham with a series of family friendly hits, the film tracks his fall to a level of unpopularity around the country, and his time with Little River Band, before his triumphant ascent to stardom with his hit You’re The Voice

This documentary is perhaps unique in its incredible access to a range of major stars, but the fact that neither John Farnham, nor his wife (nor Olivia Newton-John for that matter) appear on screen.

All three are heard audibly commenting throughout, but it should be noted that they do not make a visual appearance here, because other huge names do - his manager, Daryl Braithwaite, Robbie

The film mixes those interviews with an array of incredible historical footage. Farnham’s life is captured well across old footage and old photography, and the documentarians mix it together in a fascinating way to craft an intimate portrait of the legendary singer.

With a film like this, one of the major elements of consideration has to be cross-generational appeal, and Farnham’s

hit You’re The Voice is the driver that creates that mix of age groups. Whether you’re young or old, you have heard that absolute banger, and the movie definitely understands that to an extent.

The peak of this film is the lead up to, and ultimately the first performance of You’re The Voice, and that 30 minute segment is absolutely compelling and completely unmissable.

When Farnham rips into his rendition of the song on stage in Berlin, it is a glorious 2 or 3 minutes of overwhelming Aussie rock and roll, and you’ll feel the chills rippling down your spine in time with the claps and bagpipes at the start. Impressive filmmaking to say the least.

The issues come before and after with this doco. The absence on screen of John, his wife and Olivia Newton-John undoubtedly hurts the movie.

The passing of the manager during the filming of the project probably complicat-

ed the pacing of the film, but is dealt with respectfully and emotionally during the finale of the film - and indeed, the other standout highlight is Farnham’s relationship with his manager and the loyalty on show between the two of them.

Ultimately, when an artist like this has one particularly standout song, it is tough to have to drop that song somewhere in the movie.

The start of the film feels like you are waiting for the banger, and the end feels irrelevant because you’ve already heard what you came to see.

While the filmmaking team here definitely did a fantastic job with that song when it was incorporated, the film ultimately peaks in the middle and is less interesting either side.

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

Williams, Celine Dion, Jimmy Barnes.

GWM introduces

„ PETER BARNWELL

FOLLOWING the recent introduction of its petrol/electric-powered Tank 300 4WD, GWM has added a new variant by lopping off the ‘hybrid’ part of the powertrain to create the petrol-powered Tank 300 – at a huge cost saving over the hybrid.

The five-seater Tank 300 petrol is available in two grades, Lux and Ultra priced from $46,990 and $50,990 respectively, drive-away. These prices are $9000 and $10,000 less than their hybrid stablemates.

The model sells against an ocean of soft road medium and large SUVs, but few with the genuine 4WD capabilities of the Tank 300 petrol. The closest proper ‘fourbie’ petrol competitor is Jeep’s V6 Wranger Unlimited Night Eagle that’s way out of the ballpark on price at $81,450 plus on-road costs. Comparable Land Rover Defenders are above that again.

There are a bunch of ridgey-didge fourbie diesel alternatives including the Ford Everest Ambiente (from $58,290), the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX (from $49,940), Toyota’s Fortuner GX (from $57,620) and the Isuzu MUX LS-M (from $54,900). But these are all low spec’ base models.

GWM says the new model is “for those searching for a petrol SUV that is both rugged and refined with a tech-laden interior, tough off-road capability, dependable safety and affordable.”

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine

with 162kW (hybrid is rated at 225kW combined) and 380Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (no manual is available) that feeds drive to the wheels through a part-time 4WD system.

It consumes petrol at the combined rate of 10.7 litres per 100km running on regular 91 RON unleaded fuel and can tow up to 2500kg braked.

As reported in GoAuto’s Tank 300 Hybrid review earlier this year the Chinese-made model uses a ladder-frame chassis sourced from the GWM Ute and in addition to selectable 4WD has a locking rear differential (a front locker is included on the high-grade model).

Measuring 4760mm in length,

1930mm wide and 1903mm high, the Tank 300 is 122mm shorter from bumper to bumper when compared to a long-wheelbase Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. It is, however, 55mm taller and 36mm wider, meaning it offers slightly better accommodation for passengers and luggage.

At home on or off road

Off-road specs and clearance numbers see the Tank 300 with 224mm of ground clearance, a 33-degree approach angle and 34-degree departure angle. No ramp-over or wading details are available.

GWM says the set up makes the Tank 300 petrol at home on-road and

off-road providing comfort, capability, convenience and safety in a vehicle with an extensive feature list.

Tank 300 standard equipment list includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-way power driver seat, Comfort-tek leather seats, micro-fibre leather steering wheel, 12.3-inch full colour instrument cluster and 12.3-inch full colour infotainment system, front and rear USB charge points (front with data transmission), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, nine-speaker audio, seven-colour ambient lighting, DAB+, power windows, auto-folding and heated power wing mirrors, LED headand taillights, daytime running lamps, sunroof, two-piece under-body guard, and 12V power outlets in the front and luggage compartment.

The Ultra adds 18-inch alloys, Nappa leather seats, heated and cooled front seats, eight-way powered driver seat with massage function and four-way powered lumbar support adjustment, a heated leather steering wheel, wireless charging, premium Infinity nine-speaker audio, 64-colour ambient lighting, 220V power outlet (luggage cabin), front differential lock, three-piece bash plates, auto parking and auto reverse tracking function.

Safety features commensurate with the vehicle’s five-star ANCAP rating include tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, front collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert with brake, crawl control for ultra low-speed off-road driving, and a feature called ‘tank turn’ that selectively applies the brake to assist steering in tight off-road conditions, a la the top-spec’ Toyota LandCruiser 300.

Also included is a transparent chassis camera function, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree view camera system.

petrol-powered Tank 300 to compliment hybrid, priced from $46,990

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF WEIGHT TRAINING Building strength and well-being

WEIGHT training, also known as strength training or resistance training, involves working against resistance to build muscle strength and improve overall fitness.

While often associated with bodybuilders and athletes, weight training offers a wide range of health benefits for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.

From enhancing physical performance to promoting mental well-being, incorporating weight training into your exercise routine can have a transformative impact on your overall health.

Increased Muscle Strength and Bone Density

One of the primary benefits of weight training is its ability to increase muscle strength and mass. By consistently challenging your muscles with resistance exercises, you stimulate muscle fibers, leading to their growth and increased strength. This not only improves your physical performance and endurance but also enhances functional abilities in daily activities. Additionally, weight training is known

to promote bone health by stimulating bone formation, which can help prevent age-related conditions such as osteoporosis.

Enhanced Metabolic Rate and Weight Management

Weight training has a profound impact on your metabolism. As you build muscle mass, your body requires more energy to maintain those muscles, leading to an increase in your resting metabolic rate. This means that even at rest, you’ll burn more calories throughout the day. Weight training, combined with a balanced diet, can be an effective tool for weight management, as it helps preserve and build lean muscle while promoting fat loss.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Contrary to popular belief, weight training is not solely focused on building muscle strength. It can also have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. Engaging in high-intensity weight training exercises raises your heart rate, improving cardiovascular fitness and endurance. It helps lower blood pressure, reduce LDL (bad) cho-

lesterol levels, and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels. By incorporating weight training into your exercise routine, you can reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular well-being.

Enhanced Mental Health and Cognitive Function

Weight training offers numerous mental health benefits. Physical activity, including weight training, stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. Regular weight training has also been associated with improved cognitive function and memory. It enhances brain health by promoting neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. Moreover, weight training can improve sleep quality, further contributing to overall mental well-being.

Joint Stability and Injury Prevention

Weight training not only strengthens muscles but also improves joint

stability. It helps build supporting muscles around joints, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing joint flexibility and mobility. Weight training is particularly beneficial for individuals with arthritis or joint pain, as it helps alleviate symptoms and improves their ability to perform daily activities.

Conclusion

Weight training offers a multitude of health benefits, reaching far beyond building muscle and strength. It improves overall physical performance, enhances metabolic rate, aids in weight management, and promotes cardiovascular health. Additionally, weight training contributes to mental well-being, cognitive function, and joint stability. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, incorporating weight training into your exercise routine can be a valuable investment in your long-term health and well-being. Always remember to start with proper form, seek guidance from a professional trainer, and gradually progress your workouts to ensure safety and maximize the benefits of weight training.

Project Manager –

Fire Services Location: Sydney, NSW

Control Fire Protection is currently seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Project Manager with previous fire services experience to join our growing team.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Manage Council fire orders and ensure compliance.

2. Conduct site meetings and liaise effectively with clients, team members, and other stakeholders.

3. Manage and deliver major projects ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

4. Liaise with staff and contractors, ensuring efficient and effective communication throughout all project stages.

5. Prepare detailed quotes and proposals, accurately reflecting project scope and costs.

Key Requirements

1. Previous experience in a project management role within the fire services industry.

2. Thorough understanding of various fire systems and the relevant standards and regulations.

3. Proven experience in project planning and budget management.

4. Strong ability to identify potential project risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.

5. Excellent communication skills with the ability to liaise effectively with a variety of stakeholders.

6. Proven problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions.

7. Experience in overseeing quality control processes and ensuring all work meets necessary standards and regulations.

8. Demonstrated team leadership skills with the ability to lead and motivate a team effectively.

9. Experience in vendor management, including managing relationships with vendors and suppliers.

10. Ability to create and present clear and concise project reports.

Benefits:

This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic and growing company in a key role. We offer a competitive salary, great working environment and the opportunity for career progression.

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to apply by submitting their resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience. Control Fire Protection is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applications from all interested individuals. Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Address: 15/70 Holbeche road Arndell Park. Working Status: The candidate must have the right to live and work in Australia

Enquire: Info@controlfireprotection.com.au | www.controlfireprotection.com.au

Seeking an Experienced Scheduler / Works Co-ordinator Join the Industry Leaders in Fire Protection Services

At Control Fire Protection, we are known for delivering world-class fire protection services while offering attractive remuneration and work conditions to our talented staff. We are industry leaders in our field, not just for our exceptional services, but also for how we value our employees.

We are currently looking for an experienced Works Co-ordinator/Scheduler to join our dynamic team. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy coordinating and planning works, and have a knack for problem-solving, then we would love to hear from you.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop project schedules and timelines based on each job’s requirements. Coordinate the availability of resources such as materials, equipment, and manpower to ensure smooth project progression.

Maintain regular communication with all stakeholders, including clients, service managers, and contractors. Ensure everyone is aware of the work status, progress, and any changes. Provide administrative support to the team.vAUtilise Uptick & Microsoft Office to effectively manage and track jobs.

Ideal Candidate:

We are seeking candidates who are not only proficient in the duties above but also possess a good understanding of the Fire Industry. Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills are paramount, as well as the ability to work effectively under pressure. Previous experience in a similar role is required.

In return, we offer a competitive salary package, opportunities for growth, and a supportive work environment. This is your chance to be a part of a company that values its employees just as much as it values its customers.

If you believe you are the right person for this position, we would love to hear from you. Apply now, and let’s explore how you can contribute to our shared success at Control Fire Protection.

• Must have uptick experience.

• Must have previous industry experience.

• Control Fire Protection is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals.

The candidate must have the right to live and work in Australia.

Info@controlfireprotection.com.au| www.controlfireprotection.com.au

MANY BENEFITS OF A GOOD DIET Tips for better brain function

IN today’s fast-paced world, taking care of our mental health is more important than ever.

While therapy and medication are widely recognized as effective treatments for mental health conditions, we often overlook the impact that our diet can have on our psychological well-being.

Research has shown that maintaining a healthy diet can play a crucial role in promoting mental health and well-being.

In this article, we will explore the mental health benefits of a good diet and how you can incorporate it into your lifestyle.

One of the keyways in which diet influences mental health is through its effect on brain function.

Our brain requires a constant supply of nutrients to function optimally. Nutrient deficiencies, such as those in vitamins B12, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids, have been linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.

By consuming a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, we can ensure that our brains receive the necessary nutrients for optimal functioning.

Additionally, a healthy diet can positively impact our mood and emotions. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, have been found to have mood-enhancing effects.

These essential fats help reduce inflammation in the brain and promote the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood.

On the other hand, diets high in processed and sugary foods have been associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety. These foods can lead to blood sugar fluctuations and inflammation, negatively affecting our mood and overall mental well-being.

Improved energy levels

Maintaining a good diet can improve our energy levels and cognitive function. Diets high in refined sugars and saturated fats can cause energy crashes and impair cognitive abilities, leading to difficulties in concentration and memory.

On the contrary, consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides a steady source of energy and essential nutrients, promoting mental clarity and focus.

Research suggests that certain antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, such as vitamins C and E, may protect the brain against oxidative stress and age-related cognitive decline.

Implementing a healthy diet is not just about what we eat but also how we eat. Practicing mindful eating can contribute to better mental health outcomes.

Taking the time to savor and appreciate our meals can help us develop a healthier relationship with food and reduce stress.

Mindful eating involves paying attention to physical hunger and fullness cues, eating slowly, and engaging all the senses while enjoying our meals.

In conclusion, a good diet plays a significant role in promoting mental health and well-being. By incorporating nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables,

whole grains, and healthy fats, into our daily meals, we can provide our brains with the essential nutrients they need to function optimally.

Avoiding processed and sugary foods can help reduce the risk of mental health disorders and support a balanced mood. Remember, it’s not just about what you eat but also how you eat.

Practicing mindful eating can enhance the overall experience and contribute to a healthier relationship with food.

So, let’s prioritize our mental health and start nourishing our bodies and minds with a good diet.

QUICK CROSSWORD

13 Holland (11)

15 Arranged (9)

17 Comforts (8)

19 Attired (7)

21 Insulting (7)

22 Jumped on one foot (6)

25 European currency (4)

26 Dead heat (3)

SUDOKU

1 Guffaw, titter and cackle are all words meaning what?

2 The hottest part of the flame is what colour?

3 The 2006 movie Children of Men was based on a novel by which British author?

4 How many letters are there in the Greek alphabet?

5 Is colloquial a word meaning informal, around the neck or feathered?

6 Released in 2001, what was singer Nikki Webster’s first hit single?

7 Horse racing is often referred to as the sport of what?

8 Johnny Utah is the main character of which 90s film?

9 What’s the name of Hong Kong’s metro system?

10 Twilight author Stephanie Meyer (pictured) released what follow-up novel in 2020?

5 Floating ice 6 Scarce 7 Obligated

WORD FIND No. 029

The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

9-LETTER WORD No. 029

Using

“s”.

Secret message:

the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included, and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in

ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD

No. 038

26 Chris O’Dowd and Rosamund Pike comedy series, State of the – (5)

28 Will Ferrell’s Christmas comedy (3)

29 This English actor won an Emmy for The Night Of Riz – (5)

30 Jennifer Lopez rom-com, – in Manhattan (4)

31 Director’s command (3)

32 McKellen, McShane or Ziering (3)

Each number corresponds to a letter. Can you crack the code?

ACROSS

1 Comedy series starring Damon of 21-across (2,4,3,4)

6 Abbreviation for the Screen Actors Guild (1.1.1)

8 Adam – played Ben in Parks and Recreation (5)

10 Political drama (3,4,4)

12 Discovery channel reality show set in American wilderness (4,2,6)

13 2004 horror film (3)

16 Comedy starring Jim Carrey as a man who can’t say no (3,3)

18 Star of Chopper (2000) (4)

34 Movie starring John Cusack and Cate Blanchett, Pushing – (3)

35 James Bond film starring Pierce Brosnan (3,7,3)

LITERAL SEEDIER TARRIES

OUTLASTS SCHEDULE

10 L e TT e RS

DOWN

6 L e TT e RS

1 Restaurant “gotcha” reality show (7,6)

7 L e TT e RS

2 2003 horror starring Eliza Dushku (pictured),

Turn (5)

3 Paul Rudd’s superhero (3-3)

4 The Autopsy of Jane —(3)

Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations.

20 She walked into Rick’s gin joint in Casablanca, – Bergman (6)

Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

21 US comedy family including Keenen Ivory, Marlon and Damon (6)

22 Scarlett Johansson’s sci-fi thriller (4)

23 John Cho and Karl Penn Film series, – and Kumar (6)

5 Actor who plays Scott Evil in the Austin Powers movies, – Green (4)

6 Series in which Meghan Markle played Rachel Zane (5)

7 An acting job (coll) (3)

9 Jane Burnham in American Beauty (5,5)

11 Director of Rushmore and The Darjeeling Limited, – Anderson (3)

14 Musical starring the Jets and the Sharks (4,4,5)

8 L e TT e RS ATTITUDE ESCAPADE

HIDDEN WORD

Solve all the clues and an eight-letter word will be spelled out.

1 Picture cards, between 10s and queens

2 Teenage Mutant — Turtles

3 Common summer treat: fish and —

4 Magpies are — and white

5 Book of family photographs

6 Opposite of winner

7 Chocolate cookies with creamy fillings

8 Another name for mirror ball: — ball

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW...

3. His character Brüno is a:

S D

25 Longest running Law and Order TV series (abbr.) (1,1,1)

27 Netflix series about Russian rulers (3,4,5)

31 US drama starring Australian-born Jesse Spencer (7,4)

F N S

A e

33 Sylvester Stallone character (5)

S e S

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words –five reading across the grid and five reading down.

15 David Schwimmer voices Melman the giraffe in this (10)

17 Star of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Jason – (5)

1. In what does Cohen have an honour’s degree?

A. Law

B. History

C. Psychiatry

D. Accounting

A. Rapper

B. Eco warrior

C. TV presenter

D. Fashion model

19 2004 war movie starring Billy Bob Thornton as Davy Crockett, The - (5)

NOTe: more than one solution may be possible

CLIENTELES CONTRABAND H M N

24 Starred in Forrest Gump as the title character’s son, Haley Joel – (6)

2. What was his series about character Ali G called?

A. Ali G Indahouse

B. The 11 O’Clock Show

C. Da Ali G Show

D. Ali G, Aiii

4. In which comedy did Cohen play a role?

A. The Simpsons

B. Eastbound and Down

C. Curb Your Enthusiasm

D. All of the above

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which beloved cricket star made a guest cameo in the TV series Kath and Kim?

2. Where was the FIFA World Cup held in 2010?

3. British F1 racer James Hunt had a famous rivalry with which other driver?

4. Who is the current coach of West Ham United?

5. Who holds the record of most Wimbledon Grand Slams in the womens Titles?

6. Who is the captain of the Western Bulldogs AFL team?

7. AFL great Nick Riewoldt won which reality TV competition in 2021?

8. Australian professional boxer Demsey McKean is set to fight which heavyweight champion? For which 2022 film were actors required to freedive? Which tennis star pulled out of the Australian Open and has not competed since September?

How much was the financial penalty handed out to the Melbourne Victory for the 2022 pitch invasion by fans?

12. Which Australian women’s cricketer has captained Australia to five World Cup wins, more than any other man or woman?

13. In January, horses escaped from a barrier draw for which race in Queensland?

14. Which two AFL teams have won four premierships each since the year 2000?

15. Which athlete was named 2022’s highest paid athlete after earning $190 million a year?

16. What is the name of the Amazon Prime documentary series focusing on the Australian cricket team?

17. Which Australian sporting league has teams named the Aces, Cavalry and Blue Sox?

18. NRL star Pasami Saulo plays for what team in 2023?

19. How many gold medals did Australia win at the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics?

20. AFL star Tom Mitchell plays for what team in 2023?

21. Which nation’s mixed tennis team defeated Italy to win the 2023 United Cup?

22. Which sporting league features teams including the Adelaide Rush, Sydney Sirens and Perth Inferno?

23. Which cricketer was named player of the series after Australia’s first Test series victory over South Africa since 2014?

24. The Birmingham Squadron are an NBA G League team affiliated with which NBA team?

25. The docuseries Break Point follows professional athletes in which sport?

26. Felix Von Hofe played four games for which NBL team?

27. In which Central European country was NBA player Luka Doncic born ?

28. Craig Tiley is the CEO of which Australian sporting governing body?

29. Australian pitcher Liam Hendriks last played for which Major League Baseball team?

30. Major Tuddy, a pig wearing a combat helmet and team uniform, is the costumed mascot of which NFL team?

Enjoy life while staying connected to your Blacktown community, your local sports, your family and friends... every day.

Exclusively for over 55’s and located next to Workers Sports Club, Parkside Lifestyle Community will commence construction soon.

To receive progress updates and an invitation to events, register your interest at parksidelifestyle.com.au