Western Sydney Business Access - November 2022

It’s time to tell the world

AS more and more families and businesses consider a move into the booming suburbs of Western Sydney one of the big attractions will be the region’s ‘smarts’. The West can now claim to being a global leader in smart cities technolo gy after being named a finalist in the prestigious World Smart City Awards. Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the nomination demonstrated the value of the NSW Government’s commitment to smart cities policy and funding. “Our investments in mod ern data systems and technology are helping to improve the livable and vibrancy of many communities across Western Sydney,” Mr Dominello said.

More: page 2.

of trade outlined by the publisher.

Global City Awards We’re officially A SMART CITY

„ DALLAS SHERRINBGHAM

AS more and more families and busi nesses consider a move into the booming suburbs of West ern Sydney one of the big attractions will be the region’s ‘smarts’.

The West can now claim to being a global leader in smart cities tech nology after being named a finalist in the prestigious World Smart City Awards.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Gov ernment Victor Domi nello said the nomination demonstrated the value of the NSW Government’s commitment to smart cities policy and funding.

“Our investments in modern data systems and technology are helping to improve the livable and vibrancy of many communities across Western Sydney,” Mr Dominello said.

The Smart Western City Program has been recognised as a finalist because Western Sydney is a world-leading place for innovation and investment.

“And we are in with a fighting chance at winning the Award,” he said.

During the past 18 months, the Gov ernment has invested around $12m from the Smart Places Acceleration Program to help drive adoption of smart technologies in Western Sydney, in partnership with local councils, industry and the innova tion sector.

The result has been finding new solutions to old problems like providing better roads, improving air quality, being smarter with water and tackling urban heat – all with the help of smart technol ogies.

The Smart Western City Program is the Government’s ‘flagship’ for devel oping the newly unveiled SmartNSW Roadmap, an ambitious five-year plan to make sure NSW remains the number one ‘smart’ state in Australia.

Mr Dominello said the Roadmap would help NSW to solidify its strategic

advantage in smart cities helping us at tract talent to support future industries.

The SmartNSW Roadmap includes 14 actions between now and 2027, to support widespread adoption of technol ogy and data solutions.

Minister for Western Sydney David Elliott said the recognition in the Smart City Awards was reflective of the Govern ment’s commitment and investment in the fast-growing Western Sydney region.

“More and more families are calling Western Sydney home and we want to make life easier for them through innova tion and technology. It’s great to see the region recognised on the world stage,” Mr Elliott said.

Victorians boast to the rest of the nation that they are the ‘Education State’ and even print it on their car number plates.

Perhaps we should follow suit and change the age old ‘Premier State’ into ‘The Smart State’.

Further information is available at https:// www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/strategyand-innovation/smart-places/smartnswroadmap-2022-2027

COVID support continues

PEOPLE most vulnerable to COVID-19 will continue to be supported in protecting them selves against the virus with the NSW Government extending free access to Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to January 31 next year. The NSW Gov ernment has made millions of tests available to vulnerable and multicul

tural communities, homelessness ser vices, social housing tenants, children and young people in out-of-home care, and Commonwealth Concession Card holders. Tests are available through 210 neighbourhood and community centres, and Service NSW centres across the state. To find one near you, visit www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/rapid-tests.

WESTERN SYDNEY MEDIA ALLIANCE

Helping our children thrive.

Hills Local Business Awards winners.

No

Community legal centre fund raiser.

Minister Victor Dominello.

No caravans on the street

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

THE days of parking the boat or cara van in the street for months on end have come to an end with new legis lation strengthening the impounding powers of local councils.

Everything from abandoned shopping trolleys to box trailers and even the odd wandering cow are covered by the new rules.

It means vehicles and other unattend ed property will spend less time on our streets and public spaces, and owners will be more accountable following the introduction of new rules strengthening impounding powers.

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the new powers were included in the new Public Spaces Unattended Property Act 2021, which came into effect on November 1.

“Unattended property such as aban doned shopping trolleys is a big issue for councils, costing local government $17m a year to deal with. The new rules put the

onus back on owners where it belongs,” Ms Tuckerman said.

“These new laws will not only save councils time and money, they’ll also

ensure public spaces are safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for our communities.”

The Act replaces the Impounding Act

1993. It places more responsibility on in dividuals and businesses to better manage their property within reasonable time frames or face much stronger penalties.

“We’ve developed these new laws following extensive consultation with stakeholders including local government, industry, advocacy groups, state agencies and the community,” Ms Tuckerman said.

“There will be a six-month grace period where warnings will be issued for unattended property in most cases, rather than fines. We’ve also listened to retailer concerns and introduced more flexibility around requirements to collect aban doned trolleys notified after-hours.”

The PSUP Act includes special powers for authorities to deal with stock animals wandering on public roads and causing a risk to safety, which was widely welcomed by councils during consulta tion. These provisions will start at a later date.

The rules also apply to boat trailers, unregistered cars, trailers and caravans, share bikes, and personal watercraft.

$21M in grants for ECEC services

APPLICATIONS are now open for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services across NSW who are looking to improve their facilities and education offerings to support NSW children. These grants provide services with up to $15,000 to purchase equipment, undertake outdoor renovations and improve learning resources and materials. The NSW Government is investing $21M to sup

port eligible early childhood education services, improve learning environments and increase community outreach. Applications open now and close on November 14, 2022. More information, including further eligibility criteria, can be found at: https:// education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/operating-an-early-childhood-edu cation-service/grants-and-funded-programs/quality-and-participation-grants-program

Aiming high, thinking bigger Community legal centre fundraiser

ABRAVE community legal centre is dream ing big to construct a legal hub in Western Sydney that will be life changing for marginalised and vulnerable people.

Toongabbie Legal Cen tre (TLC), run by volunteer solicitors, barristers and other people of good will, is now in its 16th year of operation.

TLC Honorary Direc tor, Susai Benjamin, said the fundraising drive for the proposed Justice Marga ret Beazley Centre would launch at the centre’s annual dinner on November 26, 2022 at the Blacktown Leisure Centre in Stanhope Gardens.

“Western Sydney is the most multi cultural zone in Australia,” Mr Benjamin said.

“Many people from immigrant

backgrounds who do not speak English and cannot afford legal services find themselves caught up in the legal system for a variety of reasons.

“The demand is so high for our professional legal services that we determined we needed to change the legal landscape.”

For an organisation that receives no recurrent federal or state government funding, the TLC has been able to perform remarkable feats.

Not least of which is providing more than 10,000 legal consultations to the disadvantaged minorities.

The ambitious scope of the Justice

Margaret Beazley Centre envisions a volunteer legal centre at the heart of the building that will link surrounded by a variety of community engagement and outreach services.

“It is a really ambitious project,” Mr Benjamin said.

“Our 15 years of experience has helped us understand there is tremen dous goodwill in Western Sydney toward disadvantaged people and there are many organisations that wish to help, they all need a centralised home.

“That is what the Justice Margaret Beazley Centre will be.”

Mr Benjamin called upon the resi dents of Western Sydney to attend the 26 November annual dinner and support the ongoing work of the TLC.

Tickets available via: www.tlc.asn.au

Penrith a winner in WestInvest

PENRITH City Council’s vision to make Penrith the place to be is a step closer to reality following a major announcement from the NSW Govern ment today. Council has been successful in its application for close to $30M of WestInvest funding for two transformational projects, a central park in St Marys and the accelerated delivery of Gipps Street Recreation Precinct, a 32-hectare sport and recreation development in Claremont Meadows. The

$21M St Marys Central Park and Entertainment area project will feature a large central lawn, an outdoor performance stage, natural shade and public artwork. It will provide a central meeting place for the community to gather and meet, while the entertainment area will enable local and regional groups and per formers to showcase and highlight the area’s abundant talent. More at: https:// www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/building-development/revitalise-penrith

Workers Blacktown is bringing Parkside Lifestyle Community to life, right next to Workers Sports, promising a village exclusively for over 55’s to enjoy, share and most importantly... live every day.

To learn more, visit our website and register your interest to receive updates.

parkside lifestyle.com.au

Brought to you by

(formerly Blacktown Workers Club Group).

Plan to retain, develop more police

THE NSW Government will make its biggest ever investment in the physical and mental wellbeing of police officers as part of a more than $100M package of reforms designed to help recruit, retain and better take care of the 22,000 members of the NSW Police Force throughout their career.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Po lice Paul Toole said $79M will be invested over the next five years in Pulse - a new program designed to better look after sworn and unsworn members’ physical and psychological wellbeing.

“Police run towards danger when the natural instinct is to run the other way –and that carries with it a toll that can be both physical and mental,” Mr Toole said.

“Our Force make a commitment to spend their days on the frontline keeping our community safe. This is our commit

ment to make sure we do the same for them and take care of them at every stage of their career.”

Mr Toole said the reforms would also include the investment of an additional $27M over the next five years in a new recruitment and retention fund to ensure the NSW Police Force’s ongoing strength.

“Our Government has delivered the biggest increase to Police numbers in 30 years with the addition of 1500 roles,” Mr Toole said.

“This fund will ensure we continue to draw in the talent we need for a world-class Police Force of more than

18,000 sworn officers – and to retain them in regional and remote areas.”

Commissioner Karen Webb said the new Pulse program is the single most significant investment into the health, safety, and wellbe ing of our entire workforce.

Through periodic health checks, officers will also have access to nurses, dieticians and trainers to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Police Association of NSW Acting President Ian Allwood said providing police with improved support and services is crucial to contin ue to attract and retain our police.

WSROC calls out Government

WSROC is calling out the NSW Government for diverting hundreds-of-millions of dollars annually from programs intended to reduce household and business waste.

Instead, the money is going into the Government’s own coffers.

The NSW Government collects about $800 million annually through its compulsory Waste Levy, a special payment for each tonne of rubbish received at waste facilities in NSW.

WSROC President, Councillor Barry Calvert said: “The Waste Levy contribution was first set up in 1971 to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill and to promote recycling and resource recovery.

“The NSW Auditor-General recently revealed that the NSW government has collected almost $4B from the waste levy in the last five years alone.

“However, only about 13 per cent of the Waste Levy revenue is reinvested in waste and regulatory programs to reduce waste, while a further 13 per cent went to envi

ronmental programs.

“Close to three-quarters of the money – about $600 million annually – is shifted into consolidated revenue, instead.

“This creates a terrible market distortion, with house holds and businesses paying out large sums of money to dispose of waste with few opportunities created to further divert recyclable waste.

“An overhaul of the State’s waste management system is urgently needed.”

WEXPO 2022 LAUNCHED!

Business and Community Connect

WESTERN Sydney continues to thrive, with the region’s first WEXPO event held at Black town Workers Club on Octo ber 24.

WEXPO 2022 attracted close to 1,000 people to the club on the day which featured 65 exhibitors, 15 work shops, two community leader’s forums and keynote lunch address by Westpac Chief economist, Besa Deda.

WEXPO was the first major event held in the region since COVID. Orga nizers say planning is now underway for WEXPO 2023.

Morgan Stewart, CEO of the host venue, Blacktown Workers Club said he was proud that the Workers Lifestyle Groups had hosted the landmark event.

“WEXPO was an opportunity for the Workers Lifestyle Group to proudly host and gateway access for people to partici pate in a large-scale event that showcases the diverse powerhouse Western Sydney economy,” Mr Stewart said.

“We were able to demonstrate that our community, businesspeople, and networking groups were able to come together for a common purpose of shar ing knowledge and exchanging ideas.

“WEXPO is important to our group because together we want to be part of making change in Blacktown and beyond.”

WEXPO is about growth and connection from personal and business perspectives. The aim has been to create a signature expo experience for Western Sydney that was entertaining, education al and attracted visitors from throughout the region.

WEXPO Blacktown featured two unique community leader’s forums sessions, where 120 hand-picked guests experienced presentations and panel discussions on health and infrastructure.

On November 9 a delegation of WEXPO speakers will present key find

ings of the community leaders forum to an invited audience at Parliament House.

WEXPO Patron, Stephen Bali MP, said WEXPO proved to be a unique opportunity for businesses and commu nity groups to showcase their products and services.

“Our first year has been a success in that we demonstrated that WEXPO

WEXPO - What people are saying

can be delivered to a high standard and attract business and community groups to participate with passion and commit ment,” Mr Bali said.

WEXPO was also significant in that Google has supported a Western Sydney business event with recognised Western Sydney social media expert and Grow With Google Trainer Lee Ussher deliv ering a special Growth With Google ses

“Thanks for having me – what a fantastic event. really en joyed giving the presentation and the enthusiasm of the guests attending.” - Besa Deda, Westpac Chief economist.

“Michael, the feedback has been great, well done to you and the WEXPO team.” – Ron Coskerie, Westpac Western Sydney regional general manager.

“It was really good to see and experience WEXPO on Monday. Certainly, the vision that Stephen, you and others had did come to reality.” – Professor Glen Maberley, Diabetes Western Sydney.

“What a great event – such a buzz, well done everyone.”Caroline Allen community engagement officer ACU.

“Such a terrific event.” – Jennifer Vella, Telstra Business Centres Western Sydney.

“It was fantastic to attend WEXPO already looking for ward to the next WEXPO.“ – Mathew Gadd, Digital Presence.

“So grateful to everyone who stopped by One Kind Box at WEXPO. This was an incredible opportunity to meet so many Australian businesses.” – Sanchia Fernandes, Olimat Designs

“Mitronics had a successful day at WEXPO – great chance to showcase our products and services along with catching up with other business owners.” -Dianne Lobasso, Mitronics.

“Huge props to WEXPO and the event organizers. Talking to all the small businesses and attendees… the event was a great success and I loved being back where I was born and raised.” – Rhowell Dela Rose, NAB mobile lending.

“Thank you WEXPO for having NAB attend WEXPO, what a great day connecting with like-minded people.” – Kar lee Toulantas, NAB Lending Specialist.

“Thanks to WEXPO and Greater Blacktown Business Chamber for a full day of networking and presentations.” –Adrienne McLean, Business Coach.

“Brilliant day at WEXPO. I was impressed with the lineup of professionals.”– Jamily Lichas, membership relationships

sion to an audience of business chamber members.

Social media played a key role in pro moting WEXPO 2022 attracting an au dience of more than 50,000 people over one month on Facebook and Instagram. Impressions exceeded 240,000. Social media following continues to grow.

To see photos and video of WEXPO 2022 head to www.wexpo.com.au

executive, Parramatta Chamber of Commerce.

“WEXPO Wow what a success. Networking at its finest. “– Linden Regina SWR FM.

“Had an awesome day at WEXPO, meeting Western Syd ney Business owners and exchanging ideas on how to nurture entrepreneurs and our business community.” - Emmanuel Martin BREED Australia.

“Terrific event that worked on so many levels. WEXPO will only get better.” – Katherine Hawes Digital Age Lawyers.

“Was a pleasure to support such an important event for Western Sydney.”– Trevor Oldfield, President Greater Black town Business Chamber.

Community Leaders Forum with ACA staff.

Grow With Google trainer Lee Ussher.

2022 in pictures

Images by Sebastian Giunta, SG Photographics.

2022 in pictures

2022 in pictures

2022 in pictures

2022 in pictures

FINALIST

SYDNEY HILLS SYDNEY HILLS

SYDNEY HILLS LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS 2022

Local business awards a win for all Winners celebrate their success

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

This year’s winners exchanged exu berant hugs and cheers filled the room as they made their way to the stage on Tuesday, October 18.

Awards founder and Precedent Pro ductions Managing Director Steve Loe said the evening was an exciting culmina tion to a successful awards program.

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

“The presentation evening not only sees the announcement of the category winners but is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all the finalists.

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

The Western Sydney Business Access captured all the excitement as the final ists in each category were announced, complete with images on the big screen,

followed by huge cheers as the winners’ names were read out and they took to the stage to claim their trophies.

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

“This year was no exception.

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

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

tion evening.

“Of course, the awards are only pos sibly with the support of Major Sponsors The Hills Shire Council and NOVA Em ployment and Support Sponsors, Grove Square - The Hills, White Key Marketing, BxNetworking, Hornsby RSL Club, Sydney Hills Business Chamber, Dural & District Business Chamber, Winston Hills Mall and Norwest Market Town.” Mr Loe said.

“Their involvement proves their commitment to their community and the

businesses that thrive there.”

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

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

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

www.thebusinessawards. com.au

Businesses can register for the 2023 Local Business Awards at

Scenes from 2022 Local Bujsin ess Awards.

2022 Business of the Year

Service and quality are KEYS

CHOICE Paper took out two awards including the honor of being named Business of the Year at the 2022 Syd ney Hills Local Business Awards.

The Castle Hill business also won the Specialised Business category for 2022, highlighting the fascinating story behind this outstanding family run enterprise.

Choice Paper was launched by Chris topher Swan who took the plunge from his home garage 18 years ago.

Over the years, the business grew and as it did he was in a position to move to his own office-warehouse in Castle Hill. Along with the business growth, he started to grow his team along with his success.

As a very young girl, Mr Swan’s daughter Melanie Attard watched her father work relentless hours, attend to urgent deliveries to customers on days like Christmas Day and saw how hard he worked to build the business to where it is today.

“My father’s best interest was to be that role model and provide a life to his family that he did not have,” she said.

So, when Mr Swan fell ill, it was Melanie took over the reins, determined to keep her dad’s business operating successfully while he concentrated on his treatment.

“Despite having four kids under four, I was determined and passionate to contin ue my dad’s pride and joy. As he started his chemotherapy sessions, I began to fill in his shoes.

“The last 12 months has been a real eye opener to where the business was and where I would like to see the business in the future. Just before having my twins in early March 2021, I set myself a goal of ensuring the company was structured with the correct staff and all systems were in place to ensure maximum efficiency

across all levels of the business

“The most integral part I looked at was leveraging off and homing in on each individual’s strengths to achieve efficiency to get to our desired company goal.”

Melanie’s secret to success is great service and quality products.

“We stand by our excellent service, our quality products and our ability to provide solutions that meet or exceed our customer’s needs and expectations.”

“We are the market leader and preferred supplier to many large compa nies, such as Aristocrat, IGT, Ecash and Max Gaming. We use email marketing campaigns where we promote various products, provide stock check reminders for our customer which we find very effective.

It’s a niche industry

“Our industry consists of a niche market and we have a strong presence on social media which we enjoy as this sets

us apart from our competitors,” Melanie said.

Choice Paper’s slogan is- “Where Quality & Service Are a Way of Life”.

“Regardless of whether we receive a $100 order or a $10,000 order, every customer is treated with the same level of care,” Melanie said.

And the business is growing.

“Over the last 18 months, we have established Exclusive Distributor Partners in both Queensland and South Austra lia. These Partners proudly promote our products to these states and with South Australia moving across to our TITO Tickets we have managed to secure 90% of this market.

“Along with this, during 2022 we have introduced four new product lines, with many more in the pipeline.”

Choice Paper also plays a key role in the local community by participating in local charity events, donating prizes such as small white goods towards custom

Special win for Stage Door

THE Stage Door Per

forming Arts has won a prestigious award at the 2022 Sydney Hills Local Business Awards.

Four special awards were handed out on the night including the new Disability Inclusion Award, which Coun cil partnered with Precedent Productions - the award organ iser - to introduce.

The Stage Door Perform ing Arts secured this award for their commitment to enrich the lives and dance abilities of all its students, including those with special needs and individ ual learning differences.

As a proud NDIS Provider TSD is certified with Rhythm Works Integrative Dance. This clinical based dance program utilizes sensory processing, kinesiology and be haviour analysis as a foundation to build

customizable classes for students.

Emerging research shows that move ment, music, and rhythm combined light

up the brain in ways that create new neuropath ways.

Dance is a powerful modality that offers an opportunity to build so cial, emotional, cognitive and motor skills. Plus, it’s lots of fun!

The Stage Door Performing Arts cele brates 28 successful years of operation, formerly known as Tania’s Strictly Dancing established since 1994 in the Hills.

Director Tania MacLeod was previously honored at the annual Western Sydney Women Awards in October 2019.

Tania received awards for Outstanding Leadership and Overall Woman of the Year.

Tania MacLeod’s credentials include

ers’ raffles and promotions held at their venues.

“The Cancer Council holds a very close part to our hearts having close fami ly members of ours battling it, so partic ipating in morning tea events, where we raise money is how we get the community together to enjoy some brunch and raise funds for a good cause.”

Melanie sees the key to the future growth in expanding distributor partners and find the right company and person, with the same morals as Choice Paper in Victoria to promote and continue to build the business.

“Also we will expand our future into the retail industry and consistently look at introducing new products to our prod uct range. We have a very strong market and we are working at developing a new product range to grow and develop our existing market we service.”

Visit: www.choicepaper.com.au

quadruple winner in the Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence (Business Leader, Ethics, Sport & Recreation and Chairman’s Choice).

The Stage Door PA is a professional Performing Arts School offering quality dance tuition to students from two years of age and upwards.

TSD’s Mission Statement is: ‘Devel oping positive personality traits, confi dence, commitment, persistence, and self-discipline. TSD offers an extensive timetable and wide variety of classes.

Classes are conducted in a fun and dynamic manner, encouraging each student to develop their full potential and enhancing their skills by recognizing, promoting and training each individual’s strengths and talents’.

The culture at TSD is positive, friend ly, and encouraging, catering to a range of interests and abilities. 2023 Enrolments are now open!

Stage Door wins at Hills Local Business Awards.

Winning team at Choice Paper.

Proud winner in childcare A

PPLETREE Preschool, the proud winner of ‘Outstanding Early Childhood Centre’ in the Sydney Hills District 2022 Local Business Awards.

Appletree is managed by Rise & Shine Education an Australian and family-owned early childhood education provider.

The AppleTree community enjoys premium and fully inclusive education and care, including freshly cooked meals prepared onsite, the Shine Advantage curriculum that includes five key ele ments, STEM, Smart Start, Fit, Inspired, Unit and Crew, weekly soccer sessions delivered by Soccer de Brazil, and access

to Orbit, an industry-first, STEM hub.

At AppleTree, education is tailored to each child’s individual needs and inter ests, to ensure children are placed on the correct path for a bright and inspiring future.

Visit: www. appletreepreschool.com.au

Choice Paper, an Australian owned and family run business. Where Quality & Service Are a Way of Life.

At Choice Paper we understand our customers are the future, we continue to seek their feedback “on what new products they would like see” as this enables us to continue to grow, along with looking for new opportunities which sets us apart within the industry.

We welcome you to contact Choice Paper today to assist with your paper and consumable requirements, within the Gaming, Hospitality and Retail Industry.

We are so thrilled and excited to be named the winner of the most outstanding Professional Services at the Sydney Hills Local Business Awards 2022!

A huge thank you to our beautiful Hills community for all your love and support over the past 2 years. We are honoured to be serving our clients and community the way that we do and making a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis.

We specialise in family law, wills and estates and conveyancing, so feel free to reach out should you require any assistance in these areas of law.

2022 WSABE WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Celebrations at Rosehill gala event

WINNERS for the 32nd Annual Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence (WSABE) platform, founded by the Par ramatta Chamber of Commerce were announced on October 14, 2022 at the Annual WSABE Awards Gala at ATC, Rosehill Gardens.

Nearly 700 of Greater Western Syd ney’s key professionals, businesses, social enterprises, and entrepreneurs, attended the ‘Arabian Night’ themed Awards Gala in a shared celebration put on show by Australia’s third largest economy, the Greater Western Sydney region.

Hosted by Master of Ceremonies, Media Personality and former Chan nel 9 TV presenter, Kellie Sloane, the 2022 WSABE Awards Gala was inter laced with a specially curated cultural segment, fine-dining experience, and multiple addresses by government and key stakeholders including Luke McGee, President, Parramatta Chamber and Roy Halabi, Chair, WSABE.

2022 WSABE winners were conferred across nineteen dynamic award categories recognising excellence across a broad range of industries and fields.

VIEW WSABE 2022 WINNERS - https://wsabe.com.au/2022-wsa be-winners/

In addition to the entry-based award categories, the two most coveted non-contested category winners were also conferred.

Alan Cadman’s Patrons Choice Award, which recognises an organisation’s outstanding contributions to the wider community was awarded to Embed ded Blooms and The Commonwealth Bank Business of the Year Award, which is awarded to one of twenty category winners in recognition of overall business excellence, was conferred to MATE.

Keynote Address and engagement through digital channels commending all finalists on their innovation, and adaptability was welcomed by WSABE audience, from David Andrew Elliott, Minister for Transport, Minister for Veterans, and Minister for Western Sydney representing the Premier of New South Wales, Geoff Lee MP, Member for Parramatta, Minister for Corrections, Steve Kamper MP, Member for Rockdale, Shadow Minister for Small Business, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Shadow Minister for Property, and Alan Cadman OAM, WSABE Patron.

WSABE would like to extend their gratitude to all applicants that engaged across the WSABE Platform, a sustainable campaign delivered over a twelve-month period.

WSABE acknowledges the ongoing support of the WSABE Alliance, who enabled WSABE to engage with business es from more than 150 postcodes across the entire Greater Western Sydney region, including the media partner Access News, publisher of Western Sydney Business Access (WSBA).

WSABE extends their sincere gratitude to Principal Partner, Common wealth Bank and Major Sponsor, City of Parramatta. Including our Category Sponsors, AAA City Removalist, The Al ternative Board, Australian Investigation Security Management, The Australian Turf Club, Business NSW, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, DOOLEYS

Lidcombe Catholic Club, HomeWorld Group of Companies, Parra Leagues, Parramatta Light Rail, Sellanes Clark, The University of New England Sydney, and Wenty Leagues.

Scenes from this year’s WSABE gala event.

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

We are very grateful and humbled to win this award, we thank the organisers and sponsors for this great event. We also thank our wonderful team, clients and supporters who have motivated us to excel.

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

We are happy to assist with your legal requirements, whether you are local, interstate or overseas, and we aim to ensure that your experience and results are the best that we can provide.

As a majority-owned Indigenous Company, proudly representing the Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri Nations, NPMI is committed to delivering meaningful employment and economic opportunities for Australia’s First Peoples. NPMI have completed maintenance, refurbishments, make good works, and fit-outs for a diverse range of properties in NSW, and have been a progressive force for good in government and residential work.

As an organisation with both construction and community at its heart, NPMI has drawn on over 65,000 years of culture, storytelling, and community to create an innovative and unique sub-category of construction by combining traditional construction techniques with First Nations culture and storytelling – which they have named “Cultural Construction”. With over 45% Aboriginal employees NPMI is proud to draw on their culture of storytelling and skills in construction to offer this distinctive category. Having created yarning circles, First Nations walks and memorials for organisations engaged in reconciliation and celebration of First Nations culture.

Endeavouring to increase diversity within its supplier base by working with other Indigenous organisations to create further opportunities beyond their own employment, NPMI uses cultural construction to connect clients with other Indigenous organisations, from landscape gardening to contemporary Indigenous artists.

up for a yarn about the construction company shaking up the industry?

NPM Indigenous (NPMI) offer a range of specialist construction services to the residential, commercial, and industrial property industry, servicing public, private and government clients.

Helping people living with cancer since 2005

MAGAZINE

New public campaign Drive to recruit more teachers

ANEW campaign featuring teachers from public schools across NSW has been launched to encourage people to pursue a rewarding career in teaching.

Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, unveiled the campaign today as part of events taking place in schools and communities across the state to celebrate World Teachers’ Day.

Ms Mitchell said the “Teaching Opens Doors” campaign showcases the unique benefits and impact of a career in teach ing, not only for students, but for teachers themselves.

“I can’t think of a better way to cele brate World Teachers’ Day than to shine a light on some of the fantastic, dedicated teachers we have working in our public schools right across NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.

“This campaign shows how teaching as a career has ‘opened doors’ to many op portunities both within and outside the classroom. It’s just one part of our plan to attract more teachers to the profession, including looking at how we can build on existing career opportunities to reward excellence in teaching.”

The campaign, which will appear across print, broadcast, social and out of home media, is an initiative part of the NSW Government’s $125M Teacher Supply Strategy, which will attract an ad ditional 3,700 teachers into the profession by 2031.

Sarah Weston, Assistant Principal at Summer Hill Public School, is one of the teachers featured in the new campaign and reflects on how her passion to be come a teacher came from her experience as a student.

“When I think about why I wanted to be a classroom teacher, it is very much

about my experience as a student. I had teachers in my world who really cared for me,” Ms Weston said.

Change for the better

“I started out as a casual teacher and I absolutely loved it and knew then teach ing was for me. As a beginning teacher, it’s fantastic to have formal mentors, your supervisor and your team all coming together to support you,” she said.

Iginas Gasengayire, a mathematics teacher at Orara High School, was born in a war-torn country in Central East Africa, settling in Tanzania and growing up in a refugee camp before coming to Coffs Harbour when he was 15.

“Coming to school in Australia was very different. Having teachers who cared about our education and who really invested their time in supporting us, that was a big change for me,” said Mr Gasengayire.

“I chose to teach in the school where I was once a student because this school offered me a home. It’s the most reward ing job, where we get to make a difference for the future generation.”

Ms Mitchell said qualified teachers have transferable skills that enable them to work anywhere in the state or country, whilst enjoying a rewarding and dynamic career.

“Making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people is in itself hugely rewarding,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Having access to generous and flexi ble leave provisions, making the most of the professional development programs and enjoying diverse career opportunities are also high on the list of benefits.”

For more information about the campaign and a career in teaching, visit www.education.nsw.gov.au/teachingo pensdoors.

Helping Children thrive

We all want the best possible start for our children, and evidence shows that support in the early years can have a positive and long-lasting effect on a child’s life. Access to support services can help families build their parenting skills, gain knowledge and create experiences for children.

WentWest, as the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, works with local providers to deliver child and family support services across Western Sydney. You can read more about child and family services available in our region at wentwest.com.au/child-and-family

9 One in four children aged five and under in Western Sydney will develop poor health outcomes

9 Western Sydney has a young population compared to other parts of NSW, with 0-25-year-olds representing one-third of the region’s population

9 One in five women and one in 10 men experience perinatal anxiety or depression

Thrive@5 in Doonside

Our Thrive@5 in Doonside initiative focuses on a child’s first 2000 days and provides place-based early intervention programs aimed at improving the health, wellbeing and developmental outcomes of children aged 0-5 years. Programs include speech pathology, play therapy and mentoring services for children who have experienced trauma.

Little Possums

Little Possums provide culturally sensitive support through Aboriginal mentoring, advocacy and play therapy. A qualified play therapist and an Aboriginal mentor empower families by offering play therapy sessions for children who have experienced trauma. Families receive face-to-face and phone support to address challenges, build on their strengths and develop a sense of community and belonging.

CASE STUDY

Rooty Hill High School successfully updated their school gym as part of its SALSA Youth Voices’ School Action Plan to increase physical activity or improve diet. The students used learnings from the SALSA program to identify that a decreased number of girls were physically active, developed a solution, and implemented their plan. They successfully asked for funding from their principal, ordered the equipment and renovated the space. The new gym has gender-neutral gym equipment and targeted female-only gym classes.

Kids Early Years Network

Offering a revolutionary new approach, the Kids Early Years (KEYS) Network is designed to deliver a cohesive, coordinated experience for families. KEYS works with children aged 0-5 years by connecting them and their families to tailored, specialist services, including health, educational, social and wellbeing support. Learn more about KEYS at wskeys.com.au

Students as Lifestyle Activists (SALSA)

SALSA is a peer education and leadership program designed to motivate high school students in Western Sydney to maintain a healthy lifestyle and increase their physical activity. The award-winning project trains university students as SALSA educators, and they, in turn, coach high school students to be peer leaders for younger students. The program is run in partnership between the University of Sydney, Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Western Sydney Local Health District, medical practitioners and high schools in Western Sydney.

Around 50,000 students have benefitted from the SALSA program.

The gym has provided students, particularly females, an extra opportunity to be physically active before school and during lunchtime gym classes.

In a school where 25% of the students live in homes of considerable poverty and 200 of the 1125 students have health plans for chronic poor health, a health strategy of this kind is a powerful opportunity to change health and life outcomes for those students.

– Principal, Rooty Hill High School

Contact Kym Rizzo Liu if your school is interested in participating in the SALSA program: kim.rizzoliu@health.nsw.gov.au

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

The laid-back days of Port

Real country style city

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

PORT Macquarie is a great place for a holiday if you want a relaxed, laidback place to laze in the sun where it is more important to go for a brisk walk then battle traffic or slave away in a city gym.

‘Port’ as it is called by locals, is a real country style city which is just happens to be set beside the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

People say “Good morning” and “G’day” to you even if they don’t know you and this is rather a shock for visitors from Sydney.

The place to walk is the famous Break wall with its stunning artwork, all the work of visitors to the town. The Break wall runs alongside the NRMA Caravan Park which is packed by thousands of visitors all year round.

It links the city centre’s Town Green with the Surf Beach and is arguably the best and easiest oceanside walk in Aus tralia.

John Oxley was the first European to visit the area in 1818 and he camped on the hill overlooking the Hasting River’s treacherous entry.

Oxley realised it could be a great port, but the Colonial Government in Sydney decided – as they did in those days – it would be perfect for a convict settlement.

So, Port Macquarie became a place of misery for decades as hundreds of convicts were sent north as punishment for ‘secondary offences’ in Sydney.

Record of convict life

Luckily, we have a great record of convict life thanks to a writer named “Woomera” who wrote a short book about his experiences as convict. It was a book of great sadness’s with a choice between working on the chain gang or the road gang for most prisoners.

But they did manage to build some eye-catching buildings including the stun ning St Thomas Anglican Church which sites high on the hill overlooking the city centre and the old courthouse

And “Woomera” told of some funny times such as when the amputees used to suddenly start fighting amongst them selves and hitting each other with their wooden peglegs.

Stealing was rife as was escape from the settlement and you had to have your wits about you at all times.

Gradually private settlers started arriving and the penal settlement closed. “Port’ became a busy shipping cen tre with timber and produce from the Hinterland sent down the Hastings from Wauchope.

With the coming of the railway and then the Pacific Hwy, shipping rapidly died out but ‘Port’ became a town and then a city which attracted retirees from the regional areas of NSW and Sydneysid ers looking to escape the rat race.

And tourists began arriving by road in ever increasing numbers and Port Mac quarie became quite an exotic destination for holidaymakers. With a warm winter climate it was seen as the start of the trop ics for visitors.

Today’s visitors range from those en joying five star accommodation at places like Rydges or in luxury high rise apart ments with superb views, to campers, caravanners and ever increasing motor home owners.

‘Port’ offers great clubs a string of excellent beaches, fishing, boating river cruises, a zoo, koala hospital and sanctu ary and wineries.

The drive up the Pacific Hwy was once horrendous, but now it freeway all the way from the centre of Sydney to the M1 turnoff 15km from town. It is an easy fur to five hour drive from Greater Sydney.

Eat less calories and lose weight

How to reduce calorie intake

„ ADAM SIMPSON

WHEN it comes to weight loss you need to consume fewer calories than you burn. Here are some really practical ways that

Cheese - Approximately around 900 Calories.

Chicken Schnitzel with Chips and BBQ Sauce - Approx imately around 800 Calories.

Full Rack of Ribs and BBQ Sauce - Approximately around

2. Choose a mustard as your sauce over Mayo - adding Mayo is an easy way to add a bunch of calories to your meal.

3. Eat fresh fruit over dried fruit - dried fruit can be packed with calories.

Adam Simpson

Agent predicts townhouse boom Blacktown an area in demand

TOWNHOUSES are the most pop ular among first home buyers in Western Sydney, going by the trend observed by leading real estate expert Ms Marites Novis, director at Qfirst Prop erty Investment Group, Blacktown.

For a starting price around $850,000, the primary buyers in Greater Western Sydney are mostly young couples and those looking at investment properties.

“Townhouses are definitely popu lar. We love to offer townhouses to our buyers, especially to first home buyers, because properties in Sydney, as we know, are very expensive.

“These first home buyers have the ca pacity to pay the deposit for a townhouse. Apart from that, we want to give them something they can start with on their financial portfolio,” says Marites.

Interestingly, while the number of enquiries are more on land and package deals, it is the independent houses that sell quite well.

The next five to ten years would be interesting times for the Western Syd ney real estate market, where a boom is predicted.

In Blacktown alone, a consistent and compound growth rate of 12.9% for hous es is expected.

With a pumping in of $5B worth of infrastructure in the coming years, the region is certainly an attractive prospect.

The median house price would hover around $200,000 below the market price of prime Sydney property.

Among the top real estate companies, Qfirst is offering several projects in the Western Sydney region.

In the pipeline are ‘The Dual’ project in Blacktown apart from off-the-plan projects that was announced at the recent WEXPO event - see www.wexpo.com.au

In five years’ time, Marites hopes to see Qfirst expand its main offices in several parts of Australia and outside the country too.

“By then, I hope to have helped many investors and first home buyers craft their own stories in their new-found homes,” she said.

On a side note, Ms Marites Novis has been appointed the director of Mrs Universe Australia this year. Excited to be part of the grand show scheduled in October, she feels it to be extension of her

present role.

“I connect this to real estate as being in this field means I help people find the perfect homes for them. It is pretty like the pageant’s vision of being the perfect

platform for married, divorced or separat ed women to express who they are. Both are about inclusivity, finding where one belongs and what feels like home,” she signs off.

julie@accessnews.com.au

Marites Novis.

The Dual development.

„ MATT BROGAN

FORD Australia has announced the addition of a rear-wheel drive (RWD) four-cylinder version of the Everest Sport large SUV as part of its revised ‘2023.5’ model year line-up, priced from $62,790 plus onroad costs.

The new variant will maintain a 3500kg braked towing capaci ty, and is available exclusively with Ford’s 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder die sel engine and seven-seat interior layout.

As well as costing $6800 less than the V6 four-wheel drive Sport variant – Sport trim was previously V6 4WD only – the Everest Sport RWD is $2800 more afford able than an Everest Trend with four-cyl inder engine and four-wheel drive.

It arrives as standard with black exte rior finishes, black 20-inch alloy wheels, Everest bonnet and tailgate badging, a hands-free powered tailgate, leather-ac cented upholstering with front-seat heating and ventilation, 10-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat with memory, eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat, and the availabil ity of Blue Lightning paint.

The news comes as Ford makes a range of product and pricing updates to its ‘2023.5’ model year line-up. As part of the update, the Everest Platinum now receives steel underbody protection and a black painted roof, and the availability of 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres as a no-cost option.

Further, Everest Sport 4WD and Trend 4WD variants produced from March 2023 onwards will be available with an optional Touring Pack which in cludes black stand-off roof rails, 360-de gree camera technology, zone lighting, and a factory-fitted tow package with integrated trailer brake controller.

Ford Australia says current MY22 Everest stock will continue to be offered at the current retail price until such time as production concludes in February 2023. Thereafter, modest price increases of between $300 and $695 will be applied across the range (see below).

Option pricing for the MY23.5 Ev erest range remains unchanged with the exception of the Touring Pack, which jumps $350 to $2300, and an increase

of $25 to the cost of premium paint, now $700.

“The Everest Sport has proven to be a very popular model since we revealed the next generation Everest range earlier this year,” said Ford Australia president and CEO Andrew Birkic.

“With the introduction of the Everest Sport RWD, we are offering our customers more choice, with a very stylish vehicle that can tow the boat and fit the family in safety and comfort.”

Bros review - 4 Stars

„ JACOB RICHARDSON

Bobby (Billy Eichner) is a New York based podcaster and author, who is famous for his exploration of unsung gay icons.

Despite his fame, he is facing two di lemmas; firstly, the LGBTIQ+ museum he is the director of is having trouble securing the remainder of the funding it requires, and secondly, his love life is stagnating.

While trying to sort out the first, he happens to run into Aaron (Luke Macfar lane), and despite the fact that they both struggle with commitment, they begin dating.

Directed by Nicholas Stoller, Bros is the first rom-com with an all (or at least predominately so) gay cast, telling a gay love story. After some misfires in the space (a truly terrible Christmas rom-com from last year comes to mind), Bros is refreshing for its take on gay relationships - veering hard into their nature, rather than whitewashing them with heterosexual norms for straight cinema-goers.

Here, we see a much more authentic

picture of the gay experience in the dating world; not one that necessarily tracks with the experience of straight patrons.

That’s all for the best, because it means that Bros feels really fresh, interesting and engaging. Gone are many of the tired romcom tropes, replaced with excitement, and a sense of suspense for what could happen next in this story.

Ultimately, it also means that the romance between Bobby and Aaron really hits home. Their love feels complex,

complicated and genuine - two commit ment-phobes trying to break the mould of their previous relationships and learn to trust another person.

One of the biggest takeaways from Bros is that it's funny. Like, really funny. And it works on many levels - from jokes that produced belly laughs on sight alone, to some real thinkers that will test whether you’re actively or passively watching.

You’ll find yourself laughing through out. The film suffers only in its comparison

to other New York rom-coms.

It’s a staple of cinema, the New York set romantic comedy, and while Bros couches its groundbreaking tale in that world as a pseudo-statement, it also nec essarily suffers the trappings of retreading that ground.

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

The Woman King review - 4 Stars

THE Woman King is gorgeous, violent, eye-opening and start-tofinish thrill-a-minute entertaining.

„

JACOB RICHARDSON

Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) is cast off by her father, after refusing a marriage pro posal. He gifts her to their King, who rules the Kingdom of Dahomey in Africa in the 19th century. There, she joins the Agojie; an all-female unit of worries, led by General Nanisca (Viola Davis) - a warrior who is slated to become the fabled Woman King and sit alongside the King.

Nawi is aided in her training by Izogie (Lashana Lynch) and Amenza (Sheila Atim), as the Agojie prepare for war with neighbouring tribes over their belief that working with the white man and selling their people into slavery is wrong.

The first thing you need to do with The Woman King is realise that this is a proper action film. And it looks epic.

makes the Agojie into a lethal, highly efficient and visually impressive fighting force, as they flip around each other, make superhuman leaps, and more. They come across as the closest thing to superheroes without being a Marvel movie.

But while the movie is undoubtedly very enjoyable from that perspective, and the fight scenes are some of the best you’ll see this year, you’d be mistaken for thinking that this was a mindless action er. Far from it.

The film is couched in a beautiful emotional arc for both Nawi and Nanis ca. They traverse their respective jour neys while also dealing with the fights and war that stems from their King’s decision to reject slavery, and those jour neys - particularly in the hands of Mbedu and Davis - are deeply affecting. Lashana

Lynch is another standout.

Her portrayal of Izogie is so incred ibly fierce, strong and funny that you really feel like she is one of the all-time great characters.

It’s a beautiful movie, and the visual portrayal of the city, the fight scenes, and

these incredible

really is some thing to behold.

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

Director Gina Prince-Bythewood

warriors,

BROS is a fresh, funny and very witty comedy, despite being masked in the genre trappings of New York rom-coms.

Reviews

Reviews

Cost of immediate gratification

„ MINDSET | MARCUS WHEAN

WE live in a credit society. Most of us can have almost anything we want now; we can have it now and pay for it later.

It is such a positive thing in many ways, especially for important and big purchases like property and vehicles. Big capital assets are out of reach for many to purchase without credit, loans or mort gages. We all rely on credit in some way.

The other side of our credit society is it has made its way into almost every as pect of our economy. We can literally put everything we buy on credit and pay for it later and often at greater cost because of interest than the original purchase price.

Is this a convenient technology that has arisen as a miracle that we’ve all just ‘discovered’ or is it a natural organic con sequence of our biological and emotional needs? It is said that people buy out of emotion.

Emotions that are primal and highly influential in terms of motivation. Most are even linked to survival. FOMO (fear of missing out) is a classic example of a primal emotion that drives behaviour.

If we see or perceive everyone else to have, and perceive ourselves as ‘have not’, we are going to be motivated to ‘buy’ out of that emotion because, being social creatures, we do not want to ‘fee’ like we are different or missing out.

The problem with all this is that because we are saturated and bombarded with social media influence. Nowadays, we are almost stuck in a perpetual emo tional and motivational loop. Therefore, we are more susceptible to taking up cred it and ‘buy now, pay later’ technologies.

The availability of these technologies basically exploits our emotional and social brains. The further problem is that this is highlighting an emerging vulner ability I see every day. That is, people cannot or find it more difficult to delay gratification.

To delay gratification requires the execution of the rational centres of the brain. To exert will if you like with respect to decision making, active planning, and thinking clearly and rationally into the future.

Credit technologies are rife and ex panding because more and more people are lacking the ability to delay gratifica tion. It is not the credit industries’ fault. There is a need and so they supply it. Basic economics.

We are all struggling

For us as individual, however, stress, anxiety and depression problems are rising. When we are struggling, immedi ately gratifying things are appealing and taken up more because we are in pain and crave quick relief.

Immediate gratification need not just apply to credit and purchases. Immedi ate gratification is things like procrasti nation and avoidance; eating junk food instead of prepping a healthy meal; lazing on the couch instead of exercise or cleaning the house. It is basically putting of things in favour of quick relief now.

The problem is long term. So, debts rise, problems don’t go away, and intrin sic frustrations and negative emotions like guilt or even shame emerge because we have not been applying ourselves to our lives in favour of the long term and

cashing in too many time and too often for short term gains; or rather, short term relief.

Psychologically it also reinforces the negative beliefs we may hold about ourselves in terms of our self-efficacy. That is, if we believe we can’t do things or are not good enough for instance and can develop learned helplessness.

Consequently, self-confidence drops; we feel lousy in ourselves, become more emotionally driven and vulnerable to immediate gratification. When we fail to delay gratification the loop is complete reinforcing the negative self-belief that kicked off the whole thing.

One of my principles for mental fitness and personal growth is discipline. Discipline means to follow. I aim to fol low the discipline of delaying gratifica tion wherever possible. Try it yourself.

Try and do the hard thing before the easy thing. Get the chores over and done with. Buy the thing if you still want, but not right there and then. Give yourself time to think; for the emotion to die down. If you still want to buy the thing after that then do it.

The important thing is to have future goals that require focus; goals based on values aligned with personal growth that is important to you. That helps to delay gratification and so no to credit, unnecessary purchases, or temporary stress-relieving behaviours.

Delaying gratification is also so rewarding. I would argue It is essential to self-esteem, personal growth and mental health. Try delaying gratification more. It will be challenging at times, but it will serve to dissolve negative beliefs and instil positive ones. It takes time but that’s the whole point. Give yourself the time.

Why, because you’re worth it and self-worth is not in what we have but how we treat and value ourselves and delaying gratification is a mainstay of self-esteem and personal growth.

Marcus Whelan is a Registered Psychologist and Mental Fitness Coachwith 10+ years’ experience in private practice. He holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in psychology and education. Visit: www.marcuswhelanpsychology. com.au