Leading robotics innovator OMRON opens new regional HQ at Western Sydney University’s Engineering Innovation Hub
OMRON, a global leader in robotics and automation, has partnered with Western Sydney University to drive innovation and strengthen Western Sydney as a key hub for digital transformation and advanced manufacturing.
OMRON announced the opening of its new Oceania regional headquarters at Western Sydney University’s Engineering Innovation Hub in Parramatta. This state-of-the-art precinct will serve as a base for the company’s operations in the region, fostering collaboration between industry and academia. Leveraging OMRON’s advanced technologies and solutions, the expansion is projected to contribute over $150 million to the local economy over the next five years.
In a first for Oceania, OMRON will also officially launch its Proof of Concept (PoC) Centre on the ground floor of the Hub in early 2025. This cutting-edge facility, expected to attract up to 5,000 visitors annually, will provide local industries and businesses with access to leading technology and equipment, extensive global knowledge, and a robust pool of highly skilled engineering talent.
The partnership will provide students with valuable opportunities, including internships for undergraduates, advanced research projects, guest lectures, workshops, and industry showcase events. These initiatives will significantly enhance the University’s Work Integrated Learning program, offering STEM students hands-on experience and fostering direct connections with industry. This approach not only boosts students’ practical skills but also ensures they are well-prepared for future careers in innovation-driven fields.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, said Western Sydney University was pleased to welcome OMRON to the Engineering Innovation Hub.
“This transformative collaboration between OMRON and Western Sydney University is a game changer for students in our STEM-based degree programs such as engineering and computer science. Western students will now work and learn everyday alongside a global leader in robotics and automation, significantly enhancing their learning experience,” said Professor Williams.
“By fostering knowledge sharing and skills development, this collaboration will have a far-reaching impact— benefiting not only our students, staff, researchers, and alumni, but also industry and the broader community, driving innovation and supporting economic growth, in particular further driving Western Sydney’s dynamic growth of advanced manufacturing.”
Henry Zhou, Managing Director of OMRON Automation and Robotics, voiced strong support for the ViceChancellor’s remarks.
“At OMRON, our mission is to improve lives and contribute to a better society,” said Mr Zhou. “Our
automation solutions help people work smarter, earn more, and enjoy their work.”
He highlighted that OMRON’s Proof of Concept Centre and engineering expertise, together with Western Sydney University’s R&D strengths and talent pool, will enhance their ability to deliver world-class engineering services to customers.
“This partnership aims to revolutionise the local manufacturing landscape, foster innovation, address industry skill shortages, and create a competitive edge in engineering education both locally and internationally,” he added.
OMRON’s presence at the Engineering Innovation Hub will include:
• Technology Demonstration and Proof of Concept Centre (Ground Floor): A dedicated space where OMRON will demonstrate how leading technologies can be applied across diverse industry sectors. Customers will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts to develop
tailored solutions using the latest equipment.
• Engineering and Training Centre (First Floor): A hub for professional training, hands-on experience, and seminars to share globally proven expertise. In addition, the centre will focus on transforming innovative applications into standardised solutions and machines that can be scaled across industries worldwide.
• Business and R&D Centre (Seventh Floor): OMRON’s Oceania business operations headquarters, including its research and development initiatives, where the company will partner with universities, customers, and government entities to support PhD candidates working on breakthrough industrial projects.
As one of the World’s Top 100 Innovators for the eighth consecutive year, OMRON empowers people globally through its pioneering work in Automation, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Sensing, and Controls, built upon over 90 years of innovation.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO; Professor Deborah Sweeney, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President, Research, Enterprise and Global; OMRON, Group Managing Director Asia Pacific, Don Teng; and OMRON, Managing Director of Automation and Robotics, Henry Zhou.
OMRON Engineering Trainee, Isabel Rahme; Professor Andy Marks, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Strategy, Government and Alliances; Executive Director of the Centre for Western Sydney; OMRON, Managing Director of Automation and Robotics, Henry Zhou; Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO; OMRON, Group Managing Director Asia Pacific, Don Teng; Don Wright, Executive Director Launch Pad; and OMRON Engineering Trainee, Luke Stojkovski.
Western Sydney University students Isabel Rahme and Luke Stojkovski, OMRON Engineering Trainees
New Police Recruits for Blacktown
NSW Police Force (NSWPF)
Blacktown Local Area Command (LAC) proudly welcomes 7 new Probationary Constables, as part of Blacktown City Local Government area of 18 new constables, with 7 in Mt Druitt LAC and 4 at Riverstone LAC.
“This marks not only one of the largest classes to graduate from the Academy in a decade, but also one of the largest number to be deployed across Blacktown City area,” Stephen Bali MP, State Member for Blacktown said
“The Minns Labor Government’s long-term plan to rebuild the police force through initiatives such as the introduction of paid academy training which encourages older police recruits to switch careers; recent acceptance of the Minns Labor Government’s historic four-year pay agreement improving wages after abolishing the wages cap that will all help address recruitment and retention.”
The new police graduates will undertake 12 months of on-the-job training including general duties police work and gain valuable experience working alongside their seasoned colleagues training that ensures the safety and security of communities
across Blacktown City.
Blacktown Local Area Commander, Superintendent Rod Pistola said the new recruits are a welcome addition to the local police force and looking forward to watching their careers flourish as they engage and protect the community.
NSW Premier Chris Minns congratulated Class 364, who begin their journey in one of the most
challenging yet rewarding careers there are.
“Today is the combination of eight months of hard work and training. And it’s also the beginning of an incredibly exciting career in New South Wales Police Force,” Mr Minns said.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said, “I want to congratulate our newest 298 probationary constables for demonstrating the resilience and
determination needed to succeed in the NSW Police Force.
“With application numbers on the rise, I look forward to welcoming even larger classes in 2025 as we continue strengthening our ranks.”
Mr Bali added, “People of our local community look forward to welcoming and working with our new police officiers in making our area more respectful and safer.”
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From the Editor’s Desk
BY KERRIE DAVIES
ANOTHER year has flashed by like a speeding trainthere’s only a dozen sleeps until Christmas Day and less than 20 until we cross another year off.
I hope that 2024 has been a good year for you and yours, and that 2025 will be even better.
All I want for Christmas is to be able to lay back on a beach, flick through social media and like what I see.
I wish to read about the plans our politicians have for our local area, our state, our country - without all the comments about how ‘greedy and corrupt’ they must be - simply because they dared to put up their hand for public office and make a difference.
I wish to read about the new projects that have been given the go ahead in the local area, where the people commenting are optimistic and welcome the initiative, rather than rip it apart before it even gets off the ground.
I wish to see people send well wishes and encouragement to victims of accidents, rather than read the opinions of all the arm-chair detectives who’ve decided it was the person’s own fault they got hurt without knowing any of the facts.
Basically, what I wish for is that people could be a bit nicer; both in general and to each other. And be optimistic about the country around us and our future.
We live in the greatest country in the world, let’s salute that!
Here’s to all the fabulous things we have enjoyed in 2024, and to a great 2025 ahead!
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our team. A lot of hours go into writing, designing and delivering our magazine and sometimes those hours are very late at night. A special thank you also to our contributors and our advertisers for their support throughout 2024.
We literally could not continue to do what we do without it. THANK YOU!
See you in 2025! Our first edition back is January 10.
Avoid being delivery-scammed
DELIVERY scams are on the rise across the country as scammers become more astute and sophisticated in their tactics to scam Australian consumers out of their hard earned cash.
Mal Siriwardhane, founder and CEO of B dynamic Logistics, Australia’s leading third-party logistics company and highly respected e-commerce enabler, is urging consumers to be more alert and aware this year when shopping online.
“The festive season is a peak time for shopping and parcel deliveries, making it an attractive opportunity for scammers. These criminals often impersonate delivery services like Australia Post or courier companies, sending fake emails or texts to trick people into sharing personal information.,” Siriwardhane said.
Siriwardane explained that there are some key things shoppers can do to avoid being delivery scammed.
Beware of these tactics including:
• Fake tracking notifications: Scammers send messages claiming a parcel is delayed or requires action, often including a link to a fake tracking page,
• Payment requests: They might ask you to pay a small ‘delivery fee’ to release your parcel, often using fake payment portals to steal your details;
• Urgent language: Be wary of phrases like ‘Your package will be returned’ or ‘Action required immediately’, designed to create panic.
“These are commonly used strategies to lure shoppers into responding to scam messages. Sadly many people fall for these tactics. Never respond to any messages by providing your personal or financial information.”
Siriwardhane emphasised that legitimate delivery companies won’t ask for sensitive details or payment to reschedule deliveries. When in doubt, verify through official channels and never rush to respond to unsolicited messages. Protecting yourself from scams ensures a stress-free festive season.
Redefining competition: How western Sydney students are leading the way in health and leadership
FOLLOWING the overwhelming success of Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) Students As LifeStyle Activists (SALSA) Youth Voices Leadership Workshop, participating students capped off the program with innovative ideas and compelling presentations.
Their mission? To inspire their peers to be more physically active in schools.
Four schools and 19 high school students took the spotlight at the SALSA Youth Voices Action Day 2024, showcasing student-led initiatives that aim to get their peers moving.
From competitive sports to inclusive activity programs, their vision was clear: redefine “competition” to mean fun, engagement, and teamwork.
From the SALSA Youth Games at Rooty Hill to the Colyton Cup at Colyton, the Oz-tag Gala Day at Erskine Park and the Handball Competition at Rouse Hill High Schools, these plans weren’t just ideas—they were blueprints for action.
Each initiative was thoughtfully designed to foster inclusion and increase participation in physical activities, proving that students can lead the charge in tackling sedentary lifestyles.
The event also featured notable guest speakers, including Dr. Lucinda Burke, a Radiation Oncology Specialist at Westmead Hospital, who shared her personal journey as a former SALSA Educator.
Her message underscored the importance of collaboration and leadership in improving health outcomes.
Students led the event, serving as co-MCs, delivering the Acknowledgment of Country and speaking about the transformative benefits of being a SALSA Peer Leader.
Each participant was provided with a reference letter, a certificate, and a $50 gift voucher, generously provided by the Westmead Hospital Foundation as a token of appreciation.
This event’s success is a testament to the
dedication of the students, the support of their schools, and the mentorship of passionate teachers.
Together, they’re proving that youth leadership is a powerful tool for creating healthier communities.
To learn more about the SALSA program and SALSA Youth Voices and how they’re shaping the leaders of tomorrow, visit our website at https:// peru-programs.sydney.edu.au
Community feedback informs next phase of $700 million Rouse Hill Hospital
HUNDREDS of people, including community members, health staff and volunteers, local Councils and stakeholders have provided valuable feedback on the design of the new $700 million Rouse Hill Hospital, with the release of the latest stakeholder engagement summary.
The NSW Government is investing $700 million in the new Rouse Hill Hospital development, the first major public hospital built in western Sydney in more than 40 years, to meet the future healthcare needs of the growing north western Sydney community.
The community had their say on the latest design for the project throughout August and September 2024, with 350 people attending in-person information sessions across Schofields, Castle Hill, Rouse Hill, Blacktown and at Westmead, with a further 90 stakeholders briefed. Additionally, there were almost 600 responses from the community to an online survey.
community is essential to the hospital planning, design and delivery process and will continue throughout the project.
The final scope for the Rouse Hill Hospital Development will be determined through the planning process but is expected to include:
• An emergency department and primary access clinic
• Inpatient beds and day surgery services
• Short stay medical assessment services
• Pathology, pharmacy, and medical imaging services
Minister for Health, Ryan Park “ “
I am delighted to see the interest the community is taking in their new hospital. This valuable feedback will help shape the new health facility to ensure it meets the healthcare needs of Sydney’s north west into the future.
Feedback is informing the next stage of design of the new hospital, with input received from a broad range of consumers, health staff, community members and stakeholders including Dharug traditional custodians, multicultural community representatives, interest groups and local organisations, local residents and businesses, local Councils and NSW Government agencies.
The feedback highlighted positive support for the delivery of a new hospital in Rouse Hill, with respondents interested in the hospital’s design, clinical services to be delivered and future hospital functions, as well as the patient, visitor and community experience.
The community was also interested in parking and access to the new hospital including proximity to public transport. As part of the project a new multi-storey carpark will be delivered, with the site location providing easy access to the Sydney Metro.
The project team has prepared a report about the engagement and answers to key queries by community members and stakeholders.
The project team is now preparing an Environmental Impact Statement as part of a State Significant Development Application, which is expected to be lodged and placed on public exhibition in 2025.
Ongoing consultation with a broad range of stakeholders and the
• Outpatient and ambulatory care services including paediatrics, renal dialysis and antenatal and postnatal services
• Virtual care and hospital in the home services
• Prehabilitation, rehabilitation and lifestyle medicine
The new hospital will be futureproofed and built with expansion zones, to ensure capacity for additional health services in the future.
The full scope of health services will be confirmed when planning and design is finalised.
For information about the new Rouse Hill Hospital, including the stakeholder and community engagement summary visit: www. rousehillhospital.health.nsw.gov.au
NSW Police roll-up their sleeves for sixth annual ‘Bleed4Blue’ blood drive
OFFICERS across the state are doing their part to help save lives by donating blood as part of the Bleed4Blue 2024 campaign – to help ensure Lifeblood has the critical blood stock levels for the festive season.
The Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism, the Hon Yasmin Catley MP and Deputy Commissioner Metropolitan Field Operations, Peter Thurtell APM, will address the media today about the three-month law enforcement-focused blood drive.
Established in 2018 in partnership with the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, this year’s drive commenced on Sunday 1 December 2024 and will run over the threemonths of summer.
As NSW Police Force officers strive to beat last year’s record in donations, Minister Yasmin Catley said the challenge is one of the nation’s largest blood drives.
“Police and other first responders understand better than anyone the life-saving power of blood. Every day, officers see firsthand how vital these donations are.
“Now in its sixth year, the Bleed4Blue blood drive has donated 25,000 bags of blood, saving many lives. This reflects the dedication of those who serve our community.
“With blood demand at its highest in 12 years, the need is urgent. Donating can make a real impact and I encourage everyone to join police in supporting this important cause,” Minister Catley said.
Deputy Commissioner Metropolitan Field Operations, Peter Thurtell APM, joined the Minister and police officers from across the Sydney metropolitan area to roll up their sleeve and donate.
“Across the state, officers will roll up their sleeves to donate blood during what is a critical time for blood stock levels over the summer months,”
Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.
“Police are often called to help
save lives as they perform their duties and this Bleed4Blue campaign is an extension of that spirit of service that is a part of police DNA.
“We would love the community to support our efforts to donate the muchneeded blood and plasma supplies. We know the need for blood never stops,”
Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.
Last year NSW Police Force contributed 594 blood donations to the drive, which equates to 1,784 lives saved.
Each week, at least 33,000 donations are needed nationwide to meet demand as hospitals manage presentations in areas such as cancer patients, trauma victims and new babies.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s Steve Eldridge, Director Donor Relations, said while the organisation was thrilled with the response to Lifeblood’s recent appeal, the need for blood is ongoing.
“The need for blood never takes a break and donated blood will be required every day between now and Christmas to treat many sick and seriously ill people across Australia,” Mr Eldridge said.
“December is the time for all of us to do what police do so well – roll up our sleeves and lend an arm when it’s most needed.
“Whether you’re a police officer, or you know someone who has needed a life-saving blood product, or you just have some extra time in your day, find your reason to donate this holiday season,” he said.
The ‘Bleed4Blue’ campaign runs until the end of February 2023 and will again challenge police from across Australia to take part to see which state or territory can donate the most blood.
For more information on donating visit www.donateblood.com.au/ bleed-4-blue
AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS BLOOD SERVICE INFORMATION
• O-Negative is always in high demand – it is the universal type given to patients in emergency situations.
• As is plasma, a type of blood donation needed by thousands of Australians battling trauma, chronic illness, burns and infectious diseases.
• With one in three of us needing donated blood in our lifetime, the life
you help save could even be that of a loved one or colleague.
• 14 million Australians are eligible to give blood but only 500,000 actively do so.
Blood donation basics
• One in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime
• One blood donation can save up to three lives
• Australia needs almost 33,000 donations every week to meet demand
• Giving blood takes only one hour of your time and it can save up to three lives
• There is no substitute for blood, and we need blood of every type, every day to save the lives of thousands of Australians
• The Blood Service needs to collect more than 1.6 million donations every year to meet patient demand
• If you are aged between 18-76 years and are feeling well you may be eligible to donate blood
• Please call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au to make an appointment.
Blood is surprisingly versatile and the blood you donate can be made into 22 different medical treatments. Donated blood is used for:
• 34% goes to people with cancer and blood diseases
• 19% other causes of anaemia
• 18% goes to surgical patients, including open heart and burns
• 4% goes to pregnant women, new mothers and young children
• 2% goes to trauma patients, including road accidents DID YOU KNOW?
• Donated blood has a shelf-life of five-days, making it a serious challenge to meet medical demand for accidents and other trauma during the Christmas and New Year holiday period
• You can help relieve the pressure – and save someone in need – by donating anytime, but especially during the upcoming holiday period
• Donor centres are open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Resolution at last for Wianamatta Parkway
WIANAMATTA
Parkway and Western Connection Road are both beautifully constructed, yet unused roads, which should link Jordan Springs to both Dunheved Business Park / Dunheved Golf Course and Ropes Crossing. The roads cross two Council districts, with both Penrith and Blacktown City Councils sharing ownership / responsibility and even includes two bridges in its construction.
According to a tenant of Ropes Crossing, this road connection was due to be completed some years ago but ongoing negotiations between Penrith City Council and Lendlease stalled
construction of the final stages, at both Jordan Springs and Links Road.
Currently, Wianamatta Parkway is closed off at both Jordan Springs and Ropes Crossing by steel gates and fencing. The Ropes Crossing connection is complete and only requires the removal of the barriers, whilst at the Jordan Springs end, there is approximately 500m of unfinished land.
Once Wianamatta Road and Western Connection Road are completed, it will allow traffic to both enter and exit Dunheved Business Park on that alternate route, alleviating much of the everyday traffic chaos at the roundabout at Forrester Road, Links Road and Ropes Crossing Boulevarde.
The completion of the two ‘missing
link’ roads will also allow regular traffic from Ropes Crossing to go directly through to Jordan Springs, or vice versa, taking a huge amount of traffic off Northern Road, particularly between Dunheved Road and Jordan Springs Boulevarde.
It would also give both Jordan Springs and Ropes Crossing residents vastly improved and safer access to Dunheved Business Park and Dunheved Golf Course.
The good news for local residents in Jordan Springs and Ropes Crossing is both Penrith City Council and Lendlease have reached an agreement and roadwork for the completion of Wianamatta Parkway can begin, whilst Western Connection Road is being treated as a separate construction and will be completed at a later date in 2025.
Penrith City Council updated their situation on Tuesday 26th November, announcing to the Nepean News.
“The missing link of Wianamatta Parkway that will connect Jordan Springs East and Ropes Crossing is to be constructed over land that Council considers to be uncontrolled fill (the cause of subsidence elsewhere in the precinct). This has been a significant contributor to the delays in Lendlease delivering the road.
The development application for replacing the uncontrolled fill and constructing the road works was approved in July 2024.
In September Lendlease then submitted two Subdivision Work Certificate applications to undertake the earthworks and civil construction of the road. Council approved the earthworks plans on 25 November. This means that Lendlease can start undertaking the earthworks for the road.
With regards to the civil works, Council asked Lendlease for further information on its civil plans on 18 October. Lendlease is yet to respond to this request.”
A Lendlease spokesperson also got in touch with Western News last week:
“We understand and share the urgency with the community to have this critical piece of infrastructure delivered as quickly as possible.
“Construction of the main connecting road between Jordan Springs and Ropes Crossing has been completed, and we’ve just received construction approval from Penrith City Council for the final link of road. It’s too early at this stage to forecast a completion date, but we are motivated to get started as soon as practical.”
4 A minor parish official (6)
5 Embellished with embroidery (8)
6 Sleepy (10)
7 Deletions (8)
8 Pet rodents (8)
14 Aggravation (10)
16 In a state of ruin (8)
17 Big hill (8)
18 Obligated (8)
22 What a spider weaves (6)
23 Fish hawk (6)
24 Pleasure from causing pain (6)
27 Within (4)
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Links Road and Western Connection Road.
Ropes Crossing
Jordan Springs
Christmas in 1924
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
100 years ago in December 1924, children of the Infants’ Department of Penrith’s District School had a very enjoyable time at the Nepean Picture Theatre when the annual Christmas Tree was held. A large number of children under the care of Miss Smith the mistress of the department had assembled at the theatre at 2pm with many adults who were interested spectators of the proceedings. Mr T Jones President of the Parents and Citizens’ Association presided. Principal of the school Mr J Kendall gave a nice address to the children and wished them the compliments of the season. The children rendered the song “Merry Christmas” and the carol “Away in a Manger” and then they danced around the tree after which Santa Clause entered and addressed them. The song “Jingle Bells” was rendered and gifts were distributed all to the delight of the children. Break up at the St Marys public school was celebrated by the holding of a Christmas Tree in the Protestant Hall. There was a good attendance of parents and children. The children were seated around the tree and rendered some items. Santa Clause, who perhaps knew something about the duties of Mayor, presented the gifts. To the Headmaster Mr Pye he handed a dressing case from the boys and girls who passed the Permit-to-Enrol Examination. Mr Pye returned thanks and said that the presentation was a great surprise as he did not expect anything of the kind as he had only been with them for twelve months. He hoped to re-visit St Marys and hoped to find that the boys and girls had made good progress. The children were regaled with ginger beer, cakes etc made by the parents who were treated to an afternoon tea. Also a School Concert was given by the public-school children of St Marys in aid of the Christmas Tree fund and was a great success. There was a large attendance and a very enjoyable programme was rendered. The following were the items: Pianoforte duet from Olga Dollin and Jean Morrison, chorus “Oft in the Stilly Night” from the Bonior girls, Maypole dances from infant girls, dialogue “A Teacher’s Trials” Melva Moore and Will Timmins, action songs “The Old Clock” and “Mr Bee”, junior girls recitation “Mother”, Minnie Halle’s action song “The Golden Boat”, 4th class girls flower dialogue and dance, 3rd class girls action songs “Dainty Lady Snowdrop” and “Good night”, infants instrumental trio of Olga, Max and Jack action song “Mr. Baggy Breeches “(encored), junior girls dialogue “After the Circus”, Wilson and Viney skipping rope dance, Lorna Matthews, Grace Joiner and Clarice Luke solo “Lambie Love” (encored), Jean Morrison’s laughing song “The Chinaman”, Seniors recitation “Aunt Tabitha”, Melva Moore’s folk dances “Jump Jim Crow” and “Clap Dance”, senior girls character chorus “The Road to Anywhere” (encored), senior boys chorus “Evening Song” (encored), Mr Haydon played the accompaniment. The decoration of the hall was well carried out by Miss Beacroft
and Miss Parkin. The Mayor Alderman T W Brooker presided and during the interval referred to the fact that headmaster Mr Pye was leaving St Marys and on behalf of the citizens he expressed regret at Mr Pye’s departure and paid a tribute to the success of his pupils at the Permit-to-Enrol Examination. He thanked the accompanist and decorators and Mr Haining for loading the maypole for the children’s dance. Mr Pye in responding said that he had been helped considerably by one of the best staffs in NSW and by the Parents and Citizens’ Association. The company sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Follow” then sweets were sold during the interval and with the sale of tickets etc., brought the receipts up to £13/13s. All of the items were well rendered and the performance was particularly creditable in view of the fact that the children had not had much time to practice seeing that the Permit-to-Enrol Examination was held only recently and the organisation was in the hands of the teachers. The members of the Society wish you and your loved ones all the best for Christmas and the New Year. We will be opening on Saturday 1st February 2025 and hope to see you then.
Source:- Nepean Times Saturday 13 December 1924 page 4 and 5.
IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL…
@wealthwiz
THIS year has been challenging on many fronts, with interest rates remaining high along with tighter lending conditions reducing the availability of housing credit. Many economists forecast interest rates to decline mid 2025, whilst in the RBA’s August 2024 Statement on Monetary Policy, the cash rate is expected to decrease to in 2026.
I’m often asked many questions about interest rates and house prices and what is going to happen next
year. The newspapers and media will continue their doom and gloom on finance and the property market to make headlines, but I know the positive outlook of Australians that’s out there presently, and the many opportunities available for all of us will emerge. It just takes a little work sometimes which could lead to great outcomes. All you need to do is open
your eyes, it’s amazing what can be seen.
In the words of Dr Seuss “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”
If you have any queries during the Christmas Break, please do not hesitate to contact us, either through email alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au or mobile on 0419 600 177.
On behalf of my team at Wealthwiz, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025.
Innovation Roof Restoration
Celebrating our Club Champions
BY NOEL ROWSELL
RICHMOND GC - Ti Fox / Carolyn Lozier & Evelyn Oram
For Ti Fox, winning became an art form in 2024, as he strung together an impressive collection of results, including U16 winner Tasmania Junior Amateur; Penrith Open winner; Concord GC Major Pennant team7 wins, 1 loss; Lakeside NextGEN Amateur Tour U18 winner; Camden Cup winner; Newcastle NextGEN Amateur Tour winner; Castle Hill NextGEN Amateur Tour winner, Pymble NextGEN Amateur Tour winner; Richmond GC Men’s Club Champion; runner-up in Concord GC Men’s Club Championship; U18 Order of Merit champion on the 2024 NextGEN Amateur Tour, tied 3rd in 2024 JNJG Bonville Champions Cup.
13-year-old Evie had an extraordinary victory in the Richmond Ladies Weekend Club Championship, winning by a staggering 27-shot margin. Now an 8-handicapper, Evie also won the JNJG South Coast Junior Masters Nett division at Shellcove GC, she has won several A-grade events at Richmond this year and was a member of the Sydney West team, achieving the lowest score in the team. In addition, she is a member of the Richmond Encourage Shield Pennant team.
Carolyn represented Richmond GC in the Women’s Golf Nepean Monday Pennants and had a rare double, winning both the mid-week Ladies Championship and the Noel Byles Vets Women’s Championship.
WINDSOR CC – Matt Whitmore / Maxine Khouri
Matt Whitmore won both the Windsor Foundation Cup and the Windsor CC Men’s Club Championship in 2024.
Maxine Khouri won the Ladies Club Championship at Windsor for the third time.
Western Sydney juniors top ten placings at Bonville Champions Trophy
BY NOEL ROWSELL
BO Chung (Concord GC) and Raegan Denton (Royal Adelaide GC) have each won their respective divisions of the 2024 Bonville Champions Trophy, breaking tournament scoring records in the process.
Bo cruised to a four-shot victory on Thursday, doing enough in the final round to hold off a late challenge from Darcy Mackay (Twin Creeks / The Australian GC) and win by four shots. Bo finished the tournament at ten under par, matching former JNJG star Harrison Crowe with the tournament scoring record.
Darcy had emerged from the chasing pack on the last day with four back-nine birdies to finish alone in second place at six under par, with Vidur Subramaniam (RydeParramatta GC), Ti Fox (Richmond / Concord GC) and Josiah Edwards (Gosnells GC) sharing third, three shots further back.
After taking 18 holes to get familiar with the testing Bonville layout, Raegan was superb over the final three rounds, putting together the lowest tournament score, boy or girl, in Bonville Champions Trophy history.
Raegan played the final 45 holes in
15 under par, dropping shots on just one hole in the process. The 17-yearold Jack Newton International Champion finished with a course record 65 on Thursday, to go with a tournament record 13 under par total, to win by an incredible 12 shots.
Sophie Eppelstun (Catalina
CC), playing in her final
second place,
of Michelle Bang (Concord GC) at even par and former Quakers Hill resident, 14-year-old rising star Camilla Kim (The Australian GC) in fourth at 2-over par.
JNJG Tournament, finished birdie-birdie to clinch
one shot clear
Richmond - Ti Fox (left), Carolyn Lozier and Evelyn Oram.
Ti Fox (3rd) and Chayse Thorpe (8th) in action at Bonville GC. Photos courtesy of Ethan Keane / JNJG.
Windsor - Matt Whitmore and Maxine Khouri. Photos supplied.
It Happens in form in Twilight Series
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE Penrith / Richmond-based crew of racing yacht ‘It Happens’ have completed the first half of the 2024/25 Wednesday Night Twilight Series on Sydney Harbour, starting in 6 of the 9 races and finishing first in Races 5 and 9, the latter against the largest fleet of the season.
It’s been a mixed season for the western Sydney crew, who have finished 6th (11 starters) in Race 1, 10th (17 starters) in Race 4, 11th (16 starters) in Race 6, 5th (20 starters) in Race 7 and 1st (22 starters) in Race 9.
The second half of the Twilight Series competition begins on January 15, 2025.
There is still a huge racing schedule on Sydney Harbour over the Christmas / New Year period, including the #One Circular Quay Australian Maxi Championship, which featured The Cabbage Tree Race on 6th November (the 5th race of the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore) and the Passage
Races on Sunday 8th and Monday 9th November.
The SOLAS Big Boat Challenge featured on Tuesday 10th December, with the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race beginning on
Boxing Day, 26th December. Master Lock Comanche has taken line honours and Law Connect finished second in the four races - the Cabbage Tree Race, both Passage Races and the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge
Sydney Harbour on
#The 2024 One Circular Quay Australian Maxi Championship consisted of 6 races, featuring Maxis (80-100 foot) and Mini Maxis (60-79 foot) with a minimum IRC TCC of 1.450.
Action from the Wednesday night Twilight Series. Photos courtesy of Marg’s Yacht Photos.
