WSBA November 2021 by Access News Australia (ANA)

NOVEMBER 2021 | EDITION 127

BUSINESS | LIFESTYLE

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Westmead

VACCINE M

EDICAL researchers in Western Sydney are pioneering a new vaccine that would guard against all existing and future strains of the virus that causes COVID-19. The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) is conducting tests they hope will lead to a world-first, essential booster that enhances immunity when it is partnered with COVID-19 vaccines. More: page10. Professor Tony Cunningham from Westmead Institute for Medical Research.

MAJOR EVENT AmCham announces GWS Summit in 2022: 2

PROFILE Jim’s happiest when he helping others: 15

LIVERPOOL MASTERPLAN Bold vision for precinct transformation: 4

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International focus on local opportunities

GWS Summit by AmCham N a fresh initiative to assist business growth in Western Sydney, the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia (AmCham) will deliver its first Greater Western Sydney Summit (GWSS) in March 2022. The GWSS is a rolling day of panel discussions, workshops and information presentations which will give clarity for business owners on where to put their focus for growth. The event will be held at CommBank Stadium Parramatta and is expected to attract delegates from throughout the region and beyond. CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, April Palmerlee said Greater Western Sydney is on the cusp of a boom in jobs, expansion and prosperity and sees enormous potential for business to flourish in the west through this un precedented development. “By 2036 over half of Sydney’s population will live west of Parramatta. To support this enormous growth Australia’s single largest planning, investment and delivery partnership between industry and government is underway to directly link Western Sydney to the world,” Ms Palmerlee said.

April Palmerlee.

CommBank Stadium.

Doug Grant.

A record $20B of public funding has been committed to create an integrated city flourishing with new industries and provide critical public infrastructure and deliver education opportunities and high-skilled jobs for the future. “Opportunities for investment are ripe. The new Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek which is being built by AmCham members like Lendlease, Bechtel, and others, will be a significant driver of activity in the area,” Ms Palmerlee said. “The United States is by far the biggest investor in Australia, and US-based

multi-nationals are ideally placed to consider the prospects available in a region with such a culturally diverse, young and growing population with a highly skilled workforce.” At its core, the region around the new international airport will operate as a 24hour global economic centre for industry, workers, residents, and visitors and offer a vibrant and thriving after-hours economy of entertainment, arts and cultural experiences and accommodation options. “AmCham Australia is pleased to be able to bring together this business focussed Summit to connect attendees with thought

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

WSBA enables readers to appreciate and engage with the physical, community, cultural and business environments of one of Australia's fastest growing regions, Greater Western Sydney.

CONTENTS News Cover story Penrith Property Proﬁle Auto Films Entertainment Travel

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

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NOVEMBER 2021

WESTERN SYDNEY MEDIA ALLIANCE Western Sydney Business Access (WSBA) ACCESS NEWS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ABN 39 600 436 799 Publisher/editor: Michael Walls M: 0407 783 413. E: michael@wsba.com.au Associate Editor: Dallas Sherringham Journalists: Di Bartok, Lawrence Machado. Account Managers: Julie Jackson: 0447 291 780; Graham Maughan: 0431 557 791 Contributors: Pierre Wakim, Adam Simpson, Jacob Richardson, John Mellor. Printer: New Age Printing Design: Design2Pro, DMC Advertising Group. General enquiries: info@wsba.com.au Phone: 02 4572 2336 Fax: 02 4572 2340 We pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of our region and acknowledge their continued connection to their country and culture.

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How you can help the Salvos this Chritsmas: 31

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WINNER restaurant

Biviano’s Dural

Celebrating 21 Years

The Ultimate Dining Experience ITALIAN & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Biviano’s Over 21 Years The last 21 years have been a whirlwind and Biviano’s has been a part of so many lives and integral part of the community. It has been an inspirational adventure as we have watched The Hills District grow within New South Wales. Over the last 21 years we have worked with over 550 staff and watched them grow and develop into passionate individuals. We have made over 630,000 pizzas, had the privilege of seating and serving over 1,040,000 guests and have handed out over 100,000 takeaway orders for people to enjoy at home. We have hosted more than 800 special events. We have enjoyed watching as life flourishes with a young girl holding onto her dads’ finger as they walk in to their favorite restaurant Biviano’s Dural and walk out 21 years later on a mans arm with an engagement ring on her finger. We have had the honor of being a part of memories being made for every guest that walks in our doors.

Looking forward to continue servicing The Hills Community & others areas.

What’s On

Chef’s Selections

Melbourne Cup

Tuesday 2nd November

Christmas Eve

Friday 24th December

Christmas Trading Hours Friday 24th December to Sunday 1st January New Years Eve

Friday 31st December

**All events are subject to NSW COVID restrictions**

For more information on our events please check out our website 02 9651 ŏ 2022 www.bivianosdural.com ŏ ŏ 628 Old Northern RdRd Dural NSW 2158 Book Now2022 02 9651 ŏ www.bivianosdural.com ŏ 628 Old Northern Dural NSW 2158 WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS NOVEMBER 2021

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Artrist impressions of Woodward Place.

Woodland Place Masterplan on exhibition

Liverpool city being transformed IVERPOOL City Council has released the Woodward Place Master Plan for public exhibition detailing Council’s bold vision to transform the 28-hectare Woodward Park into Woodward Place, a precinct which will inject new life and connectivity into the heart of the city. Mayor of Liverpool, Wendy Waller, said Woodward Place is another key milestone in Council’s journey to cement Liverpool as Sydney’s third CBD, and comprises a critical component of the $445M worth of major infrastructure projects Council is seeking immediate funding for from the NSW Government. “Our City Centre has been undergoing cataclysmic change and transformation in recent years, with the development of Liverpool Civic Place, the Liverpool Innovation Precinct, and the endorsement of the Liverpool City Centre Public Domain

Masterplan,” Mayor Waller said. “The Woodward Place Masterplan ensures this momentum continues.” Mayor Waller said Council has been at the forefront of driving this momentum and wants to work in direct partnership with the NSW Government to deliver this transformative project in Liverpool. “The economic benefits of these major infrastructure projects at a regional, local and even individual level cannot be understated. “Funding from the NSW Government for these projects will help further stimulate the local economy, potentially creating around 1110 jobs annually, over the next four years. This comes at a time when job creation will be essential to what is likely going to be a long post-pandemic recovery for Liverpool, Mayor Waller said.

“We believe now is the right time to start this conversation with the recent announcement of the $5B WestInvest Fund. “We continue to face challenges around liveability and connectedness in our own backyard, which are becoming more urgent by the year, as our population grows,” Mayor Waller said. The Woodward Place Masterplan outlines a staged revitalisation of public lands, to the west of the City Centre, over the next thirty years, enhancing and building on the existing character and uses of the 28-hectare site. Currently, the Woodward Park site is home to the Whitlam Leisure Centre, netball courts, football fields and a range of community services and facilities including Autism Advisory and Support Service.

“Woodward Place will be a ‘Uniquely Liverpool’ lifestyle precinct, that will improve liveability and activation for the Liverpool City Centre and make the city a more attractive destination for investment and job creation. “We are very supportive of actions that will improve Liverpool’s public amenity and make it a better place for people to live, work, play and learn,” Executive Director of Business Western Sydney, David Borger said. Mayor Waller said the wonderful part of this process is that the community can help shape their own uniquely Liverpool experience. An online survey is available for the community to help Council gather feedback on the Woodward Place Masterplan: https://listens.liverpool.nsw. gov.au/woodwardplace

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We are in for a summer of freedom

Moonlight cinema heads West HE Summer of freedom is fast approaching, there is a feeling of celebration in the air and with it comes the return of Australia’s favorite outdoor cinema. Moonlight Cinema is back, bringing the nostalgia of picnics, popcorn and film-watching amongst Australia’s most idyllic inner-city parklands. The original cinema under the stars returns to Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands, as well as Centennial Park and locations in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Tickets go on sale and the full December program will be announced on November 11, with the first sessions at Western Sydney Parklands from December 16. Expect a line-up of festive favourites including Love Actually, The Holiday, Home Alone and The Grinch, McDonalds Sing Together sessions where guests can unabashedly sing along to classic hits like Dirty Dancing, as well as Hollywood blockbusters that may have been missed in lock-down such as Black Widow starring Scarlett Johansson and Cruella with Emma Stone, to list just a few. Under balmy summer night skies, each Moonlight location will come to life with on-site activations, food trucks, bars and the comfiest of bean beds. New this season, Moonlight will launch Parlour Lane Fiesta, a food truck offering Mexican-inspired morsels.

Joys of Moonlight Cinema.

Guests can grab their nachos and churros and recline happy with a Fat Bastard wine or chilled Byron Bay Larger. Or indulge in a delicious ice-cream in the Connoisseur Lounge, where you’ll have the chance to try their latest decadent collaboration with chocolatier KOKO Black.

Of course, guests can also prepare their own picnics, bring along a bottle of bubbly and enjoy one of Australia’s quintessential summer experiences. Renowned as a beloved dog-friendly night out, this season you can even book the furriest member of your family a plush dog bean bed thanks to Moonlight’s dog partner, K9 Natural, who will also have the hungry fur-babies covered for movie snacks. Whilst offering movie-lovers an unforgettable evening, the team also goes to every length to ensure the only thing left behind are the memories. Partnering with Garnier as Green Partner, this year, Moonlight will deliver the most environmentally friendly season ever. Moonlight will implement COVID-safe initiatives in line with local health guidelines and recommendations, including social-distancing, capacity limits and increased hygiene measures. Taking place in sprawling parklands and under a ceiling of stars, guests can return to Moonlight with peace of mind ready to enjoy an evening outdoors with their loved ones. TICKETS: www.moonlight.com.au WHERE & WHEN: Western Sydney: Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands, opening December 16, 2021 – January 30, 2022.

Free APP checks fuel prices OTORISTS are being encouraged to download the NSW Government’s free FuelCheck app and reap the rewards at the bowser, with higher petrol prices causing pain at the pump and the easing of COVID restrictions resulting in more vehicles on roads.

Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the popular app was an easy win for motorists, giving them the real-time data to find the best deal at the pump for all fuel types across every service station in NSW. “This is a smart digital solution to make life easier for a smart state. The app has been

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downloaded more than 1.5 million times, with 93 per cent of drivers giving it the thumbs up,” Mr Dominello said. “With higher petrol prices and more freedom to travel, now is a great time to download the app and find the best bargain. The app allows users to save their favourite stations and features a trends page

showing the cheapest day of the week to fill up and the day’s price range. If the price at the pump doesn’t match the price on the app, drivers can report this to NSW Fair Trading. For more information on FuelCheck and to download the app visit: https://www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app

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Moving Forward Like all sporting clubs and organisations across the State, the Western Sydney Academy of Sport has certainly been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, however we are now excited and extremely positive about the current and ongoing easing of restrictions and the re commencement of sport as a vital element to community health and well-being. Our Academy will be delivering a range of high quality, holistic pre-elite athlete development programs in partnership with respective State Sporting Organisations throughout 2021-22. These programs include BMX Riding, Cycling (Track & Road), Golf, Netball and Netball Umpiring, Lone Star, Rowing, Softball, Triathlon and Rugby Union. All our programs have specific qualification criteria including relevant ages, skill level and place of residency, and the Academy's website features all relevant program information so we suggest that any aspiring young athletes interested in nominating for inclusion head to our website www. wsas.com.au for more details.

Academy Alumni Current Academy initiatives aside - the entire Regional Academy movement is highly motivated by the awarding of the 2032 Olympic Games to Brisbane! Western Sydney Academy, together with the 10 other Academies located across NSW, will play a vital role in identifying and inducting talented young athletes into a pathway that can potentially lead them to representing their country at Brisbane in 2032. Today's aspirational athletes aged between 15-16 will be the ones who will be at the ideal age and level of performance by 2032. Following on from looking ahead to the Brisbane Olympics, I think it is appropriate also to once again recognise our Academy alumni who represented Australia so well at the Tokyo Olympics. Jessica Fox was of course unmatched in her success, while we took great pride in watching Amanda Spratt (Cycling), Rachel Lack and Taylah Tsitsikronis (Softball) and Gordon Allan (Paralympic Cycling) compete.

Partner Recognition We would like to sincerely thank the corporate and government partners that continue to support us. Without our partners we would not be able to provide the high quality programs that we currently offer. To view a full list of our partners head to www.wsas.com.au/partners/

Penrith Stadium, 143 Station Street, Penrith NSW @WesternSydneyAcademyOfSport

P 02 4732 4977

@westsydacademy

E natalie@wsas.com.au

@WesternSydneyAcademyOfSport

www.wsas.com.au @westsydacademy

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Final planning package to unlock precinct potential

Why Aerotropolis needs Community HE final planning package to unlock the potential of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis is a step closer to completion, with proposed changes to the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) now on public exhibition. The changes include large reductions to the size of the Aerotropolis’ open space network and environment and recreation zone, responding directly to community feedback and following a comprehensive review of open space needs. “Planning a new city is an incredibly complex task, and this process proves that nothing is finalised without community consultation,” Mr Stokes said. “We’ve listened to the community and the recommendations of the Independent Community Commissioner Professor Roberta Ryan, and reduced the amount of land earmarked for open space or an environment and recreation zoning. “We will still achieve our vision for a Western Parkland City under these proposed changes, while allowing landowners to continue using their property as they do now. This means fewer properties needing to be acquired while still ensuring 95 per cent of homes in the Aerotropolis will be within five-minutes’ walk of open space.” The revised open space network will see 16 per cent of land in the initial precincts (869 hectares) acquired for parks and public spaces. Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the vision included an exciting network of green spaces. “The future Aerotropolis won’t just be a great place to work and do business, it

Artist impression of Western Sydney Airport main terminal.

will also be home to some of Sydney’s best parks,” Mr Ayres said. Under the proposed SEPP amendments, the environment and recreation zone at Wianamatta-South Creek will be reduced by a third and a rural zoning re-applied. Previously permitted land uses would also be reintroduced in the Aerotropolis

and the Government will consider options for the future of Luddenham. The public exhibition includes proposed changes to the Aerotropolis SEPP; the draft Phase 2 Development Control Plan; and the Luddenham Village Discussion Paper. Submissions will be accepted from 8 October until 5 November 2021. These accompany the ‘Responding

to the Issues’ report, which outlines the Government’s response to Professor Ryan’s recommendations and Precinct Plan submissions; the Open Space Needs Study and Community Guidelines on Existing Use Rights and Permissible Land Uses. For more information, visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/aerotropolis

Councils challenge exhibition planning

ENRITH and Liverpool City councils have expressed concerns relating to the planning for the new Aerotropolis near Badgerys Creek. The councils highlighted key details relating to the planning of the Aerotropolis are missing which include infrastructure, stormwater, development contribution plans and master planning guidelines.

To date, these have not been properly clarified by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, ahead of the public exhibition. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment have repeatedly rejected the council’s combined request to delay the exhibition to clarify the gaps ahead of the public exhibition. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM

is both frustrated and disappointed that the documents will go out on public exhibition without a significant number of outstanding issues being resolved. Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller says that both councils agree with the findings and recommendation from the Independent Community Commissioner Professor Roberta Ryan that community consultation should be open and transparent.

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Five-day festival of intimate & large performances

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

Ministers Stuart Ayres and Geoff Lee at the launch of Sound West.

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

Local talent showcased The five-day festival will feature intimate and large performances from established and emerging artists and a two-day music and technology conference at CommBank Stadium, including sessions, workshops and mentoring from some of Australia’s biggest tech brands and music industry leaders. NEC Ambassador Dylan Alcott OAM, along with Greater Western Sydney talent comprising hip hop star L-FRESH The LION, multi-platinum Grammy nominated producer and composer Khaled Rohaim and digital NFT artist Serwah Attafuah, are among the first to be announced in an impressive line-up of presenters and performers for the event. The SOUND WEST line-up will be announced early next year. Visit www.soundwestsydney.com.au

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Helping people with disability to live big

Achievement has many faces CHIEVING milestones looks different for each person. For Matthew, a 33-year-old Western Sydney resident living with Down Syndrome, it was about making improvements to his muscle tone and being able to communicate his needs to the friends, family, and carers around him. “Two years ago, Matthew found it challenging to hold and grip things, making it difficult to pick items up and function to his full ability. In addition, he had limited speech, so I was looking for ways to support him in overcoming his communication barriers,” says Debbie Sturdy, Matthew’s Mum. “I came across and contacted an organisation called LiveBig that looked like they could help. They provide disability support services in Western Sydney.” LiveBig is a specialist allied health and assessment services provider for people with disability, including those on an NDIS plan. Their goal is to simplify the process of accessing support services at home, via telehealth and in the community. After Debbie contacted LiveBig, Matthew was assigned an Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist from the LiveBig team. Matthew’s Occupational Therapist Fiona was able to evaluate his needs and select the correct treatment and delivery method, which was centred around fine motor skills. Not long after the initial assessment, he made great progress in building hand strength and his ability to grip had improved phenomenally. Some of the activities Matthew can now complete confidently include making shapes

and figures with play-doh, using tongs, tearing and gluing and more. Together with his speech therapist Cheryl, Matthew established goals within his NDIS therapy plan, which aimed to develop his functional language skills and continuously improve communication. Cheryl assisted Matthew through increasing coordination in his mouth to form words, while also showing alternative communication techniques such as sign language to express his needs and wants. Collectively, the progress he has made in Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy has allowed Matthew to become more independent and better care for himself. “We couldn’t be happier with the service and with our Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist. Fiona and Cheryl are great at working with Matthew, and even if he tries to be silly, they’re firm with him and support him in getting back on track. He loves his therapists, and LiveBig has been really great for him,” says Debbie. LiveBig is an Arriba Group company that was recently named ‘Most Innovative Healthcare Company 2020’ by AFR BOSS. CEO of LiveBig, Marcela Romero, says she started the organisation because she saw a gap in the provision of quality and transparent allied health services for people with disability. “I saw a real need for flexibility and transparency in providing allied health services, like psychology, occupational therapy and speech therapy, for people with a disability, particularly those on an NDIS plan,” says Ms Romero. Visit: www.livebig.com.au

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Mathew is making great progress.

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WESTMEAD COVID VACCINE

Researchers working on a world-first booster  COVID | JADE HOBMAN EDICAL researchers in Western Sydney are pioneering a new vaccine that would guard against all existing and future strains of the virus that causes COVID-19. The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) is conducting tests they hope will lead to a world-first, essential booster that enhances immunity when it is partnered with COVID-19 vaccines. Infectious diseases expert and WIMR founder Professor Tony Cunningham said COVID-19 vaccines have had excellent results in Australia, but still have a way to go, as he and the research team zone in on helping, in particular, the aged and people with immunity issues. “One of the problems is duration and as occurs with many vaccines the level and duration of vaccine protection in the aging is less than people in mid life because their immune system declines, and then you have compromised people as well,” Professor Cunningham said. They are not looking to replace vaccines like Pfizer or Moderna, but are instead seeking to enhance their effect, and to prolong the vaccines’ duration in the human body. Duration is a key factor in vaccine productivity, and is required for continued protection against severe disease and death. When a virus like SARS-CoV-2, which causes the COVID-19 disease, is introduced into the body it can attach itself like a ‘key in a lock’ to cells in the body causing infection. When vaccines are introduced they bring about a two-pronged defense response in the immune system, antibodies and T-cell production. Antibodies act as good bouncers in preventing the virus from becoming attached to our cells, coming in between the key and the lock. But after some time in the body they can taper off after a vaccination, especially in those with less immunity strength, and this is where T-cells do more of the heavy lifting. They last longer in the body than antibod-

Professor Sarah Palmer.

Where do we stand now in Australia? Professor Tony Cunningham.

ies, and can work to boost antibody levels rapidly, if someone is infected again. So then it has been the WIMR’s task to find out which fragments of the virus give the best T-cell push back. “It’s the T-cells we are interested in … we are collaborating with other Australian scientists to try and create a T-cell vaccine … and we can produce the vaccine from fragments of the virus, which are not affected by a change in variants, like from the Wuhan strain to the Delta strain,” Professor Cunningham said. “We’re trying to develop a booster that doesn’t require changing every time a new variant comes along, it can be used for just simply all variants.” A future scenario would show us taking our Covid-19 boosters alongside WIMR’s COVID T-cell booster simultaneously for best effect, and it will most likely be a twodose injection. But the research has a whole lot of testing to do before they start phase one of trialing their vaccine in Western Sydney. Vaccines normally have to go through several phases of clinical trials that can take

years to complete, and Professor Cunningham’s team is in the preclinical stage before the first phase. Although, tests are currently being done by the WIMR on previously infected residents of COVID-19 in Western Sydney, as well as ones who have had the Pfizer vaccine. These immune-response tests will eventually lead the team to testing their cutting edge COVID T-cell vaccine on people in trials, which Professor Cunningham expects to take place in Western Sydney in about a year. “We have made a lot of headway with vaccines over the years, and what we have seen with COVID has been extraordinary in terms of acceleration of production,” Professor Cunningham said. “We are contributing our bit as Australia should, because we are an excellent scientific nation.” World-renowned virus researcher Professor Sarah Palmer and expert immunologist Dr. Kerrie Sandgren are collaborating on the project with Professor Cunningham at the WIMR.

Australia currently has three vaccines available, AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna, as part of the federal government’s $8B plus investment in the national COVID-19 vaccine rollout. A fourth called Novavax is expected to hit our shores soon, pending the go-ahead from the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Once approved, it is expected that 51 million doses will be available in late 2021. All these vaccines have been a hit in their effectiveness, with Pfizer and CSL Limited’s AstraZeneca smashing it against the Delta variant, exceeding a 90 percent success rate, according to Professor Cunningham. A study outcome released by Moderna in August said their vaccine was proven to have 93 percent efficacy against variants like Delta. Novavax also has had good results against Delta, with very high levels of antibodies produced during recent studies. “We have never seen such a good collaboration between our government and CSL, or the USA and Moderna, Pfizer and Novavax,” Professor Cunningham said. According to the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, there are currently two clinical trials being carried out by Australian companies, EnGeneIC in Melbourne and Vaxine in Adelaide.

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Now that we are free, come together to support your local Blacktown business community leading up to the festive season. Your local clubs, hospitality & retail venues, professional businesses, sporting groups and community facilities are… counting on you to reignite,

reconnect and rejoice with them.

For more information visit www.supportyourlocalinblacktown.com.au

# support your local L A U N C H

E V E N T

BLACKTOWN BUSINESS CHAMBER

- BUSINESS AFTER 5 EVENT HOSTED BY BLACKTOWN CITY COUNCIL AT BOWMAN HALL, 35 CAMPBELL STREET, BLACKTOWN

THURSDAY 9 DECEMBER, 2021 5.30PM - 7.30PM Come along for a great night of networking, live entertainment and food and beverages! Registrations close on 3 December 2021 • $10 per ticket • To book now, visit www.stickytickets.com.au/jlvmt.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

Mr. Chris Minns (MP)

Mr. Tony Bleasdale (OAM)

Opposition Leader NSW

Mayor of Blacktown City

Proudly supported by

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The hospitality space at The Joan.

The Joan seeks hospitality operator HE Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre (The Joan) is seeking a professional food and beverage operator for an exciting new café that will enrich the experience of visitors to The Joan. An upgrade to The Joan by Penrith City Council, will see a new 19 sqm café built in the atrium foyer, including 66 sqm of internal and external seating, to enliven the venue and provide all-day dining for the whole community to enjoy. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said as an important creative hub in Penrith, the upgrade of The Joan plays a starring role in the vision to revitalise significant spaces and places in our city. “Our community has been waiting in the wings to enjoy live performances at The Joan once again when COVID-19 restrictions ease. To support the recovery of the arts community Council is delivering an upgrade of The Joan to improve the amenity

and enhance patron’s experience at the centre,” Cr McKeown said. “The new café will be the perfect place to grab a meal before a show or catch up over a drink at the bar to reflect after a performance. These facilities will deepen the audience’s engagement with the arts and broaden the patronage at The Joan. The external seating will also revitalise the Mondo, improving the venue’s connection to the adjacent Westfield Penrith,” Cr McKeown added. CEO of Penrith Performing & Visual Arts (PP&VA), Hania Radvan said that recent community research had underscored the need for The Joan to offer a holistic experience for patrons, with a place to gather before and after performances. “A sense of connection is central to people’s engagement in arts and culture, with the social experience of sharing a meal before or after a show, in a creative

venue, deepening their enjoyment of a local night out. It’s also just fantastic for some of the many hundreds of parents waiting for children taking music or drama lessons to have somewhere on-site to relax and reflect. Being in a space like The Joan offers something additional to the everyday hospitality experience, so we are very excited to be moving ahead with our much-anticipated café,” Ms Radvan said. “We are looking for a café operator that will work closely with us to develop food and beverage packages that reflect our artistic programs. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hospitality operator to run a brand-new café in a popular arts and culture venue, with 122,000 people coming through The Joan each year.” The café operator will also manage the newly refurbished Borland Bar, located inside the foyer of The Joan. Not just for patrons of The Joan, the café

will be a popular place to meet with friends or family to enjoy quality café style food as well as theatre favourites such as ice cream. The Development Application for The Joan café has been approved, with construction set to commence in January 2022 and completion scheduled for March 2022. Council and The Joan are seeking an experienced food and beverage operator with the flexibility to cater to a wide audience in a dynamic venue that transitions from daytime café to an evening theatre bar. Interested hospitality operators can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) from 3 November to 1 December 2021 via this link www.brainandpoulter.com. au/thejoanpenrith To find out more about The Joan visit www. thejoan.com.au and to find out more about the café visit www.penrith.city/thejoancafe

STAY + PLAY IN PENRITH

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PROPERTY SHOWCASE WESTERN SYDNEY

Published in Western Sydney Business Access | Parramatta Times | Blacktown News | www.westernpropertyguide.com.au

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

It’s a remarkable design City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Steven Issa has congratulated Parramatta Mission and Durbach Block Jaggers on the building. “The Gathering Place is a remarkable design and will be a wonderful addition to

The winning design.

Parramatta’s Civic Link – a green, pedestrianised pathway that will connect the heart of the Parramatta CBD to the river.” The design recognises the importance of this site to the traditional owners. The area around Parramatta Square is of great significance with evidence of Aboriginal settlement dating back more than 60,000 years. Parramatta was established within a year of European arrival and the vicinity of this site was where significant early interaction took place between Aboriginal peoples and civic administrators. The Leigh Memorial Church building

is the third church to operate on this site since 1821. The campus has been a focus of Christian worship and the provision of community assistance for 200 years. Mr Gray said further detailed design work may be required and it is intended to proceed directly to prepare a Development Application once the design is finalised. The DA will be based on the winning design and use the winning architect. “The Uniting Church is working in partnership with City of Parramatta Council in order to reach an agreed position that recognises the loss of development poten-

tial of the site. Construction of this iconic community building can then commence as soon as possible,” he said.

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

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CELEBRATE Sydney Hills Local business awards feature: 16

POLITICS Why new State leadership is good for the West: 2

What it might look like to have flying cars over Parramatta CBD.

MANUFACTURING Local firm’s game changing deal with ASIA: 46

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%ඔඉඋඓග඗ඟN COVID Guide to vaccination centre across Blacktown: 19

COMMUNITY NITY rren Vale Warren Hardy, ity community warrior: 14 Special free event for you and your business: 13

PROJECT$ INSIDE

COVID LESSONS K

EEP saying that the risk of getting a side effect to AstraZeneca “ is one person sitting in a full SCG, and the risk of dying from it is one in a million - the equivalent to a lightning strike.” Vivid stats voiced by infectious disease expert Professor Tony Cunningham as he took part in a Regional Roundtable webinar of internationally

renowned experts held recently by a collaboration of Access News Australia and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research. The panel, who hail from a range of disciplines, spoke about their take on the lessons learned from COVID, and their prognosis of future trends in a post-pandemic world. See pages 4,5.

CARS OVER CBD

Cash boost for local precincts

IGH growth greenfield precincts in Blacktown will benefit from a share of $139M being handed out by the State Govt this year. The cash is up for grabs for eight Western Sydney councils as applications have opened for round two of the Accelerated Infrastructure Funding (AIF). More page 4.

Key to business relationships: 7

AN you imagine cars flying above the Parramatta CBD? Parramatta Chamber of Commerce president Luke Magee can certainly see it as a possibility after the Parramatta Times discussed a report from University of NSW suggesting the concept was not far away. “I hope it can be something we can look forward to in the future. It would be good for Parramatta, with its lack of parking,” Mr Magee said. “These flying cars could work like the proposed driverless cars where you park them outside the city and they come to pick you up." More page ͢2.

From top left clockwise: Grange Avenue, Loftus St and Glengarrie Rd all projects for possible development under the AIF program.

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G MIN COSOON

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Blacktown

Snapshot

403,000 population

18.81 billion regional economy

4.6%

average economic growth

24,990 registered businesses

143,259 local jobs

High impact media that reaches Australia’s fastest growth region - Greater Western Sydney, home of Australia’s new 24-hour airport. Targeted reach. Four powerful media brands in digital and print formats. Contact us today for a conversation about your success plans: graham@accessnews.com.au

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PROFILE

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Here’s a man happiest when he’s helping others ENTOR, connector and guide for so many community organisations, Jim Taggart is a humble man who just wants to be a good bloke. DI BARTOK finds out what makes this modest dynamo tick. JIM Taggart found his inspiration selling afternoon newspapers to working men stopping at the pubs of West Ryde on their way home, at the age of 13. The lad from Ermington raised by a single mother may not have known it then, but he had a gift for standing out for the right reasons, of doing a job given to him well. Taggart credits his boyhood of being nurtured and inspired by his close-knit working-class community for giving him the grounding that set him on the right path in life. “I had the support and warmth of so many people growing up, a lot from my mates’ families. They taught me so much,” he said. Doing a good day’s work for its own satisfaction was one of the important lessons that came from his hard-working community. The West Ryde newsagent no doubt appreciated that in his dynamo paperboy. “I ran between the two pubs with my barrow, from about 5.30pm to just after 6, before I had to cycle home by 7, selling as many papers as I could,” Taggart tells the Times, still misty-eyed over those early days. “I was at the front, the back and the side of the pubs getting men coming and going to buy the paper.” A keen footballer and cricketer, young Jim had the physical vigour to be a super-paperboy, but it was the capacity to develop trust and a can-do attitude that has stood him in good stead for the rest of his life.

The young Taggart was developing the stand-out skills for which he is known–hard work, tenacity, understanding of the human condition, and the gift of the gab. But integrity, in a me-me culture, is a quality of which he is most proud. “I’m a man of my word, my handshake as solid as any 10 page contract,” Taggart, said. While Taggart is a good speaker when he is MCing at fund-raising events for the organisations he helps, he also is a good listener. “I always learn from people, as much as they learn from me. And I always try to understand where people are coming from. And the last thing I am is judgemental of others. I always say you have to walk a mile in someone’s moccasins to understand them,” Taggart said.

Former schoolteacher went into business Over the years, he has worked with groups such as the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and other Catholic organisations, the Parramatta-based Community Migrant Resource Centre, police citizens club, chambers of commerce and local government, advising and helping drive fund-raising projects, often being the MC at events. He is particularly interested in projects focussing on youth, families, the homeless and refugees. Leaving school at 15, Taggart worked various jobs while studying part-time for teacher’s college.

He made it there by 20, happy to be on his way. At that point, his ambition was to become a school principal. He made it to deputy before deciding to go into his financial services business. In his business, he was still teaching and guiding people and also making a decent living for his family–wife Carol, whom he

met when they were teenagers, and their four children. “I liked educating people, making them comfortable with their decisions,” Taggart said. It is that ability to show people the way, to take an idea and make it a reality, that sees Taggart as a valuable partner to not for profit and community organisations. With his connections in the business and political worlds, Taggart is able to guide organisations through networking to achieve their goals. “I love bringing people together and also showing them how to pave their own path,” he said. Needless to say, Taggart shows the same qualities as a father and grandfather as he does as community mentor. “If you want your kids and grandkids to be good people, honour the promises you make to them and help them with the challenges of childhood and life” he said. At 67, and with a healthy lifestyle of walking and gym work, hopefully Jim Taggart is a long way from “being in the box”. But, when he is, he hopes he is remembered as a “good bloke”. No-one who knows the Ermington boy who has made his mark on a troubled world would contradict this.

Many faces of Jim Taggart from top right clockwise: chairing the Greater Sydney Regional Round Table; profile image, with Mag from the Hills Charity Fundraiser and as chair of the Western Sydney Red Shield Appeal.

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NEWS

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Low-cost Western Sydney shared office space available Looking for a fresh start for your business coming out of lockdown? BREED Australia aims to help small businesses grow, and we offer a variety of office space to suit your needs. Our Quakers Hill office has ample free parking, 24/7 security, kitchen facilities, discounted meeting rooms, free business incubator programs and no lock-in contract. With prices starting from $394 per month, our business centre is close to Blacktown CBD and public transport, with quick access to M2, M4 and M7. Enquire now and get 10% off your first month’s rent and a half-price establishment fee (usually $520) if you sign up before the end of the year.

Mastering Mental Resilience Paid event ($199 or $99 using code BREED99) Date: Tuesday 16th November (9am-5pm) Masterclass Details The quality of our thoughts, feelings and actions determine the quality of our life. As we navigate through the ‘new normal’ from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to learn ways to build our resilience so that new goals and dreams can be achieved. This workshop will help you discover new ways to increase your mental resilience. To maximise your learning experience, our workshops are limited to a maximum of 10 participants. What will I learn? Understand the difference between our conscious and subconscious minds. Discover how thoughts, feelings & actions rule our lives. Learn practical ways to reduce stress & increase motivation. Master strategies to build mental resilience. Your Facilitator Emmanuel Martin CPA, General Manager of BREED Australia, is a business mentor and strategist who has helped hundreds of businesses and individuals achieve their goals over the last 25 years in a Corporate and Small Business setting.

Scan the QR code to book your ticket.

BREED Learning For Good series 16

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BREED Learning For Good series Discover Emotional Intelligence

Effective Goal Setting & Goal Achievement

Paid event ($199 or $99 using code BREED99)

Date: Tuesday 30th November (9am-5pm)

Date: Friday 10th December (9am-5pm)

Masterclass Details

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict. EQ helps you build stronger relationships and can help you achieve your career, business or personal goals.

Most of us set goals, but only a few of us achieve them. This workshop will help you understand how coherence between your brain and heart holds the key to achieving your goals. You will learn latest discoveries through neuroscience that will unlock the secrets to fulfilling your hopes and dreams.

To maximise your learning experience, our workshops are limited to a maximum of 10 participants.

What will I learn?

Understand the difference and relationship between IQ and EQ.

Why goal setting and goal achievement are two separate functions.

Introduction to EQ and how it can be applied to your life.

Your life blueprint and taking stock of your current reality.

How to master Active Listening.

Introduction to a unique goal setting methodology .

Learn and use the science of building rapport to improve the quality of your life.

Discover new techniques and tactics for effective goal achievement

Introduction to Self Awareness.

Participants will be provided with a Workbook which will be used to set goals during the workshop.

How to build better relationships.

Scan the QR code to book your ticket.

Your Facilitator Emmanuel Martin CPA, General Manager of BREED Australia, is a business mentor and strategist who has helped hundreds of businesses and individuals achieve their goals over the last 25 years in a Corporate and Small Business setting.

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS NOVEMBER 2021

AUTO

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New Mercedes trademarks hint at Oz launch for electric G-Class ‘EQG’ range  ELECTRIC | CALLUM HUNTER ERCEDES-BENZ has started to lay the groundwork for the 2024 introduction of its all-electric G-Class with some new trademark filings with IP Australia revealing that at least two variants have been earmarked for our market. Officially dubbed the EQG, an electric G-Class has been on the cards for months now with the 2024 global launch being confirmed by none other than Daimler AG board of management chairman Ola Kallenius back in July at Mercedes’ most recent brand strategy update. “In 2024 we will launch our full-electric G-Class … it will continue the great story of our G-series,” he said. That didn’t turn out to be an empty promise either with Mercedes-Benz unveiling the Concept EQG at IAA Mobility 2021 last month, however no concrete details like possible power outputs, range or performance were revealed. Now with these new patent applications however, a few of the widespread dots can be connected to help draw some possible conclusions about what will surely be the most capable model of the EQ portfolio. Formally submitted on August 23 the two Australia trademark applications point to the likely introduction of an EQG560 variant and a better-specced EQG580 variant, the latter of which has already been accepted and entered into its opposition period. Given the G-Class’ fabled reputation and heritage as a capable off-roader, both variants are virtually guaranteed to score all-wheel-drive, especially so given the concept car has an electric motor driving each wheel (four in total).

Little less grunt The Concept EQG also promises the electric equivalent of both high- and lowrange gearing with the whole package built around a traditional ladder frame chassis and a solid rear axle. Whether or not these off-road-friendly features are carried over to the production version remains to be seen, but Mercedes is already touting the EQG as “an uncompromising off-roader”. Delving into the variant names meanwhile gives us a rough idea as to how much power and torque the trademarked examples may possess, as well as a loose impression of their range. In the EQG580’s case, the ‘580’ nomenclature has already been stamped onto the back of an EQS. All EQS variants use the same 107.8kWh lithium ion battery, which in

the top-spec EQS580, powers a dual-motor drivetrain developing a muscular 385kW/855Nm. Outputs like that would suit the highend EQG580 down to ground in its pursuit of off-road capability and the usual Mercedes on-road manners, especially given the amount of 4x4 buyers who use their vehicles to tow. As for the EQG560, you could safely expect it to come with a little less grunt and maybe even a few standard equipment concessions, but the trade-off should be a lower asking price – not that affordability has G-Class hallmark in recent years. In terms of range, it’s highly unlikely any of the EQG range will be able to match their limo stablemates’ figures on account of their boxy shape, but they should still be able to comfortably cover 500km on a single charge given the progress Mercedes is making with its battery tech. The local arm of Mercedes-Benz Cars was predictably coy about commenting on the trademark filings, however media relations and product communications manager Ryan Lewis did confirm that an electric G-Class would be on the radar if such a vehicle was made available. “All vehicle platforms introduced (globally) by Mercedes-Benz from 2025 will be

EV-only, and Mercedes-Benz will go fully electric with its entire new vehicle fleet by 2030 where market conditions allow,” he said. “The aspirations of Mercedes-Benz Australia are aligned with the global vision, and we are working towards the same goals with excitement.

“Should an all-electric G-Class become available to us, we would certainly evaluate the possibility of a local market introduction.” For the time being then all we can do is wait and see – between now and the EQG’s introduction in 2024, Mercedes will launch the EQB compact SUV, EQE large sedan and performance-minded EQS53 AMG limo.

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS NOVEMBER 2021

FILMS with Jacob Richardson

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

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

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS NOVEMBER 2021

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

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

ENTERTAINMENT

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Scenes from Parramatta Lanes.

PARRAMATTA LANES RETURNS

New menu of beats, eats and art

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

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

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

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

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

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS ACCESS NOVEMBER 2021

NEWS with Dallas Sherringham TRAVEL

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The Gold Coast.

In love with our backyard  DALLAS SHERRINGHAM NE positive aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the seismic shift in Australians rediscovering their own country. A national survey has found NSW is a top 10 dream destination for an outdoor adventure and revealed locals want to spend time exploring their own backyard. When overseas holidays disappeared overnight and cruise ships stopped running, Aussies took to the road in record numbers. Caravan and motorhome manufacturers struggled to meet demand and good second hand caravans were at a premium. The trend has shown no signs of abating with travellers still hesitant about booking overseas trips and cruises. Caravan parks from Tweed Heads to Pambula are booked out for the school holidays. Now a Great Outdoors National Survey by Great Northern brewing has revealed 80% of NSW travellers have committed to keep up their camping and caravanning adventures even after international borders reopen. More than half said they would like to spend more time outdoors this summer. When asked where they would travel if they could choose anywhere in Australia, NSW respondents nominated holidaying at home with Northern NSW their top spot followed by Southern NSW and the NSW Central Coast. Great Northern Great Outdoor National Survey top 10 destinations were: 1. Cairns/Far North Qld. 2. Whitsunday region. 3. Sunshine Coast/Noosa region. 4. Uluru/Alice Spring, southern Northern Territory. 5. Kakadu Northern Territory. 6. Gold Coast region. 7. South Australia. 8. Central Victoria and High Country. 9. Northern NSW. 10. Outback Queensland. Ian Giles of Great Northern Brewing Co said the survey results showed the tough circumstances had inspired Australians to get out and really immerse themselves in the natural beauty Australia had to offer. “NSW has some great spots to explore – and the local pubs serve great beer,” Mr Giles said.

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

The Murray.

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NEWS with Dallas Sherringham TRAVEL

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Cruising Fiji is just so easy  ONBOARD | DALLS SHERRINGHAM RUISE devotees are booking in their thousands on 2022 itineraries, hoping that Federal Government will restart cruising sometime in the New Year. Many more are flying long distance to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean to enjoy cruises on bigger ships. However, there is a cruise ship available within each in Fiji which is operated by the Australian Captain Cook Cruises. The Reef Endeavour is a smaller, friendly ship operated by the happiest crew afloat. There are several interesting itineraries available featuring romantic tropical groups like the Mamanucas and Yasawas and the northern capital of Vanua Levu, which is Savu Savu. Further east is the famed and untamed Taveuni and the old capital of Levuka which is a world heritage listed town. I enjoyed a seven-day cruise to the east and north of Fiji which took in the northern and eastern regions. I had previously cruised with Captain Cook Cruises to the Mamanucas. The cruise line runs three, four and seven day itineraries out of the modern Port Denarau perched at the end of the resort island of Denarau. The best way to enjoy a cruise is to combine a weeklong break at one of the resorts with a seven-day cruise. Captain Cook can help with attractive packages ashore.

Cuisine is just stunning Reef Endeavor is the perfect tropical paradise escape with a new island every day and relaxing evenings watching the sun go down while sipping a cleansing ale on the back deck. The cuisine on board is stunning and includes local produce and fresh seafood. You are called to dinner by a drum roll on a traditional hollow log. There is enough room on board to find a quiet place for a read and a sunbake or you can make friends with the blend of international and Australian guests. The climax of the cruise is an outdoor

barbecue and traditional Fijian songs and dancing on the top deck. Reef Endeavour has a modern walk onwalk off excursion boat and specializes in diving tours for the more adventurous. Divers have the opportunity of visiting two reefs a day under expert guidance and snorkeling opportunities are also available. I particularly like Levuka, Savu Savu

and Taveuni. We swam under an amazing waterfall in Taveuni and went to a full tribal and song concert at the local village. At Savu Savu, I hired a taxi and went for an adventure around part of the island. Cabins are roomy on board and brekky and lunch are casual. On this kind of cruise there is never a queue or a problem getting a table like on the big ships. And you never

experience rudeness from either the crew or fellow passengers on board. For me, Fiji is always calling, and I can hardly wait to go back to Denarau again. And hopefully a Captain Cook Cruise would be the perfect experience. Details on latest itineraries: www.captaincookcruisesfiji.com

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FITNESS with Adam Simpson

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How to grow muscle mass  TRAINING | ADAM SIMPSON F you have been reading my articles over the last few months, you will have noticed I have given plenty of advice and practical tips on ways to help you lose body fat. This month, I thought I would aim to help anyone who is looking to pack on some serious muscle. While many of you may think packing on muscle is something that really only young men want to do. There are plenty of benefits of increasing your muscle mass for people of any sex or age bracket. Benefits of increasing your muscle mass: • More muscle mass, means it is easier to control body fat. • Building muscle, will help you increase / maintain bone density. • More muscle mass, means more strength. • More Muscle mass, will support your joints. • More muscle mass, means an improved self-confidence. In addition, there are also many day to day practical reasons why it is advantageous to have more muscle mass. More muscle mass, will mean you can carry the kids that little easier, get the shopping out of the car in one trip or just simply feel confident when you are at the beach. When it comes to growing muscle, there are two crucial components that you need to get right in order for your body to start changing. 1. You MUST lift weights!! Without lifting weights it’s going to be almost impossible to grow your muscles. I would suggest you reach out to a local trainer or strength coach for some help putting together a training program, that fits your goals and lifestyle. But if you are

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

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body needs. But here are some tips that you can adopt into your daily habits. 1. Eat in a Calorie Surplus – If you do not eat enough calories your body will not be able to grow any extra muscle mass. If you are someone who struggles to put on weight, or you have any active job. You are simply not eating enough… If you think you eat like a horse and you are still not growing, again you are not eating enough. 2. Eat plenty of Protein – Protein is the key nutrient your body needs to grow more muscle mass. As a rough estimate I would suggest you eat 2 to 2.5 grams of protein per kg of body weight per day. Eg if you are 75kg you should eat more than 150 grams of protein per day. 100grams of chicken has approximately 30 grams of protein. 3. Eat plenty of Carbohydrates – These are the main fuel source for your body,

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

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

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

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Proof that families can dream big and work hard together Limasina Unga remembers the struggles. She’d wake her two children at the crack of dawn to prepare them for the long day ahead, drop them off to kui, or grandma, who would ferry the kids to school while their mother went off to university. She remembers the long journey from their home in Blacktown to Australian Catholic University’s North Sydney Campus, where she studied hard for three years to attain her nursing qualification. “I always loved nursing, and if you want something in life, you have to work hard and go through some struggles to get it,” Limasina, who graduated in 2014, said. Limasina’s son Siosaia remembers it all, too. “Just seeing my mum while she was at ACU, waking at four in the morning to make our lunch, coming back home and cooking dinner and ironing our clothes, then studying late nights, it’s been really inspirational for me,” says Siosaia, 18. While a student at Patrician Brothers’ College in Blacktown, Siosaia Unga carved a name for himself as a gifted young rugby player, earning selection in a representative squad with the New South Wales Waratahs. But when he received an offer to study exercise and sports science at ACU’s new Blacktown Campus, just a stone’s throw from his family home, he decided to put his promising football career on hold. Siosaia’s interest in human physiology first piqued when his mother was studying nursing. He recalls opening Limasina’s textbooks with intrigue. “I’d look into her books and see stuff about the human body, about the way the body moves and how it works, and it really interested me,” he said. “As soon as I got my ACU offer, I sat down with my parents and talked about it, and I told them I want to put rugby to one side for now to concentrate on my studies. “For me, it feels like a really big opportunity to study sports science, to learn more about the human body and nutrition, things that really fascinate me.”

While the decision to put his footy career on hold came as a surprise to his family, Siosaia says he has no regrets about the path he’s chosen. “Sport has so many benefits – physical, mental and social – and it’s really had a positive impact on my life,” he said. “I want to learn more so that one day I can pass on that knowledge to others, to help people to be their best through sport and exercise.” Meanwhile, for Limasina, the news that her son would follow in her footsteps to study at ACU was a proud moment. “When he said, ‘Mum, I want to concentrate on one thing, I want to focus on my education’, that made me so proud. “Education has always been number one for me, and for him to make the decision to put all of his energy towards his education, it made me so happy.” It also takes Limasina back to when she was a newly arrived migrant at just 18 years old. Her father moved the family to Australia to give them the opportunities that weren’t available in Tonga. When she started her own young family, Limasina was initially hesitant to pursue her goal of studying nursing. Her husband Joye convinced her to chase her dream, and Limasina enrolled into nursing at ACU in 2011. She now works in the community, helping people living with disability.

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GAMES SOLUTIONS C

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Fernhill flourishes under new plan ESTERN Sydney’s Fernhill Estate will be open for bushwalking and picnicking from next year, under a five-year plan to progressively transform the historic 423-hectare estate into a public parkland. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the Fernhill Estate Foundation Plan of Management to 2026 set a path for how the estate would open up. “The NSW Government purchased Fernhill Estate in 2018 with a vision to transform this historic home into a parkland for people, and the five-year plan of management sets out how we will get on with this important job,” Mr Stokes said. “Fernhill Estate is a green jewel in Sydney’s crown. Over the next five years it will open up for bushwalking, bike riding, picnicking and events.” Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Fernhill Estate would be an iconic western Sydney parkland. “Fernhill is such a special place that has been closed to the public for over a century. Now it will become

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Western Sydney’s answer to Centennial Park as one of NSW great public parks,” Mr Ayres said. “As Western Sydney grows, Fernhill will provide locals with a new open space and be a drawcard for tourists from all over.” Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the launch of the Fernhill Estate five-year plan of management was a milestone for the Mulgoa community. “The plan sets out how the Estate will open up in a way that manages and preserves its significant heritage and biodiversity,” Ms Davies said. “As one of Sydney’s oldest surviving estates, its preservation is important so generations to come can experience its rich history.” The Estate recently re-opened for self-guided walking tours on Sundays, which will give people a glimpse of the grounds and a taste of what’s to come over the next few years. For more information, visit: https://www. westernsydneyparklands.com.au/about-us/major-projects/ fernhill-plan-of-management/

Scenes of iconic Fernhill.

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Separating from a life and business  DIVORCE | KATHERINE HAWES HILST the marriage rate has declined by about 41% it is a sad but fact that one in three Australian marriages will end in divorce. Therefore, if you are a married business owner, this roughly equates to one in three family businesses breaking down or experiencing a shareholder dispute because of this separation.

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

Deciding to close the business There are a couple of options to deciding to close the business. The first is to close the business and each person gets a share of the assets OR one party buys out the other.

If you do decide to close the business, it usually includes selling off all assets and separating them between the parties. This is known as the ‘clean break principle’ and aims to give the parties a fresh, new start with no remaining connection to their former spouse. However, in these cases, often the family business is undervalued and sold off for an inadequate amount.As a result, the business is of far greater value if it continues to operate as per usual. Therefore, it is best to consult with your financial planner and accountant to see whether your business will retain higher value if it continues to operate, or it is sold off.

If one party is buying out the other, it is best to get a valuation and place the asset into the total asset pool. There will then be an estimate of how much each party is entitled to from the asset pool. For example, one person may retain the business and the other person may get a higher percentage of the family home when the asset pool is divided.

Summary

pose an asset split percentage. Once the split is determined by consensus, we will then be pragmatic as to how the assets are divided based on your instructions to us. If the assets cannot be divided by consensus we will then end up in Court. It is in the best interests of both parties to approach financial disclosure and asset splitting by working together to get a mutually beneficial outcome.

Divorce is difficult at the best of times, but it does not have to mean the end for your business. As your family lawyers we will always do forensic analysis of the asset pool to ensure that all assets are disclosed before we pro-

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Philanthropy

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The Salvation Army provides support on many levels.

Hopes are real to raise $20M this year

Support Salvos for Christmas HE Salvation Army is hoping to raise $20M this year across Australia as they launch their annual Christmas Appeal that supports Aussies doing it tough during the festive season. As Australians near the end of a second year that has been impacted by social and economic burden of COVID-19, the Salvos anticipate the needs of Aussies at Christmas will reach a new peak under the pressure of the pandemic. “Christmas is the busiest time of the year for The Salvos across the country, and we expect this year to be no different. While Christmas is a time of joy and celebration for many, others doing it tough in our com-

munity find it an extremely difficult period for them personally,” says Captain Louise Beamish. “The increased isolation, financial stress and mental health impacts of COVID-19 this year will only exacerbate these issues. The Salvos want to leave no one in need this Christmas, and we need the generosity of the public this year to once again partner with us in support of locals doing it really tough.” Last year during the Christmas period, The Salvation Army distributed over 64,000 hampers and vouchers worth over $1.89M to those finding it almost impossible to make ends meet and gave out over 26,000 gifts and toys to families in need of a hand.

The Salvos also supported the vulnerable by providing over 130,000 meals across the country, more than 66,000 beds for those needing a place to stay and supporting over 10,000 families with accommodation during the festive season. “Anyone in need this Christmas can reach out to us at Blacktown City Salvation Army by calling 02 9622 3108 and we’ll do all we can to support you. We don’t want anyone to go it alone this year, if you need food, gifts, financial support or are feeling lonely, please get in touch with us,” says Captain Beamish. “We are also in need of our local community to dig deep and provide donations

to The Salvation Army to ensure that we can support our local community in need this Christmas. We are in need of New Toys and these can be dropped off at 2 Lismore Street, Blacktown on Tuesdays between 9am-12 noon from November 2. For financial and emergency assistance, reach out to the national financial support service on 1300 371 288 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday). To leave no one in need this Christmas, please donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal at salvationarmy.org.au or by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). Donations can also be made in person at any Salvos Store and Kmart store, or round up your instore purchase at any Myer store.

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