NEC Australia and Western Sydney University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of a collaborative agreement that will focus on generating purpose-led and innovative outcomes to enhance growth, development and opportunities in Western Sydney.

The partnership builds on a shared vision to utilise expertise, resources and networks to ensure one of the fastest growing regions in Australia is at the forefront of research, technology and sustainability.

Working together, NEC Australia and Western Sydney University will focus on a range of projects and initiatives including joint research, developing and piloting innovative new technologies, community engagement opportunities and shared advocacy. The partnership will explore opportunities across five key focus areas:

• Urban Transformation and Smart City Development
• Net Zero Cities and Sustainability
• Cyber Security
• Agri-Tech
• The University’s Factory of the Future.

NEC Australia CEO, Jason Price, said this MoU demonstrates both organisation’s commitment to helping shape the Western Sydney of the future, to be both connected and sustainable.

“NEC Australia and Western Sydney University are building on our existing relationship and we are excited about the potential our collective resources can have on advancing the development of Western Sydney,” Price said.

“Western Sydney presents an incredible opportunity to be at the forefront of smart city design in Australia. The MoU demonstrates the potential we see in Western Sydney, and we look forward to exploring ways to incorporate innovative technology and research to shape a smarter, more sustainable and better-connected region.”

Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, Professor Barney Glover AO, said that as an institution serving Western Sydney, the University is pleased to collaborate with NEC Australia through a Shared Vision Partnership for the benefit of the people of the region.

“Western Sydney University is delighted to work with NEC Australia to explore opportunities across research, development and learning to drive innovation and to support some of the most significant infrastructure projects in the region,” said Professor Glover.

“Providing valuable opportunities for staff, researchers, students and the broader community through a focus on shared advocacy, integrated learning and new technologies, the collaboration will leverage the University’s expertise in smart city development, cybersecurity, sustainability and agri-tech.”

Chancellor of Western Sydney University, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, said “There is a wealth of potential to be unlocked through university-industry partnerships. We are thrilled to collaborate with NEC Australia to reach beyond the frontier of innovation and technological change.”

The MoU will build upon and strengthen interrelated and collaborative opportunities shared between NEC Australia and Western Sydney University, including a commitment to working in the Western Parkland City, the new Bradfield City Centre and Western Sydney International Airport.

To learn more about NEC Australia, click here.

To learn more about Western Sydney University, click here.

Worried that your skills may not be enough to keep your job secure?

You know the importance of upskilling and staying ahead of the curve, but with limited time and money, it can seem like an impossible task.

But what if we told you there was a way to stay ahead without sacrificing your day job or go back to school to earn a new degree?

That’s where micro-credentials come in.

Micro-credentials are bite-sized courses that allow you to learn specific, in-demand skills in a fraction of the time it would take to earn a degree.

They’re tailored to your career goals and responsibilities, giving you the opportunity to personalise your learning and stay ahead of the curve.

Imagine having the critical thinking skills to tackle complex problems, the digital marketing know-how to increase your online presence, or the leadership skills to take your career to the next level.

Micro-credentials give you the flexibility and scalability to develop your skills, so you can grow and evolve in your career with ease.

At My Skills Australia, our Micro Campus gives young professionals like you unrestricted access to courses like Critical Thinking, Customer Service, WHS Essentials, Collaboration Skills, Digital Literacy, Workplace writing, Digital Marketing, Cyber Security, and Leadership skills.

The best part is how these courses fit into your busy schedules taking you around 60 minutes to complete.

And for each or whichever course you complete, you earn digital badges.

The point is: developing one or more of these micro skills can easily make you a valuable asset to your employer and secure your job in a competitive market.

Don’t miss out on an exciting opportunity to make your career dreams a reality.

Contact My Skills Australia to get started today.

Contact My Skills Australia to get started today.

P: 02 8814 8640 | E: hello@myskillsaustralia.edu.au

The end of a financial year presents an ideal opportunity to do a final check of whether you’ve achieved your tax goals and ensure that you’re complying with all relevant reporting requirements. To assist you in this process, William Buck’s tax and accounting guide provides comprehensive information on the relationship between tax planning and financial reporting, including key policy changes and their potential impact on middle-market businesses.

Click here to download your complete guide to 2023 year end tax planning and reporting

Whether it's a corporate family day or staff celebration, thank your team with an event at Sydney Zoo!

A family fun day filled with:

• Food and Beverage Options
• Music & Entertainment
• Ice Cream & Coffee Cart
• Exclusive Reptile Encounters
• Ferris Wheel
• Face Painters
  
  

Click here to download the Family Day Flyer

Click here to download the Family Day Flyer

Contact the Sydney Zoo Events Team for more information.

Image: Powerhouse Parramatta. Credit: Zan Wimberley.

Powerhouse Parramatta celebrates a major construction milestone as the world’s heaviest lift capacity tower crane has begun lifting pieces of the massive steel exoskeleton into place. The exoskeleton will be made up of more than 1,300 individual pieces of steel, ranging up to 20 metres in height and giving a unique look to what is the biggest cultural infrastructure build since the Sydney Opera House.

Click here to read more

Meet with colleagues and clients at and enjoy a selection of complimentary SUITE DEALS at PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney, and PARKROYAL Parramatta. Our hotels offer a range of versatile venues, delicious food and beverage options and the latest audio-visual technology, there’s never been a better time to connect.

Meeting bookers can take advantage of a range of SUITE DEALS on offer and save when booking a day delegate meeting or residential conference for 15 or more delegates.* At PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney, and PARKROYAL Parramatta.

*Full terms and conditions apply.

When a parent gets the devastating diagnosis that their child has a genetic disease, there is only one thing that determines their future – research.

This Jeans for Genes Day on Friday 4th August, everyday people can help the scientists at Children’s Medical Research Institute to change the future of the 1 in 20 Australian kids living with a genetic disease or birth defect.

For 65 years, the scientists at Children’s Medical Research Institute have been doing cutting edge work and today they are finding treatments and cures for diseases including epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, cancer, devastating metabolic conditions, genetic blindness, and many more of the 6000 genetic diseases that impact kids like Western Sydney kids Abbey or Teddy.

Abbey’s parents received not one, but two diagnoses for their young daughter that changed their lives. First, they were told she was legally blind due to a rare genetic condition that also impacted her kidney. Months later, their worst fears were realised when this condition led to cancer.

“I was devastated,’’ mum Irene said. “I was in that black hole to begin with, and I'd go to sleep, have a nightmare, wake up and feel like this is the nightmare.’’

However, it was research that allowed doctors to link her symptoms to her condition.

“Abbey wouldn't be here without all the research,’’ Irene said. “They had a plan in place already because of what has happened before and all the research that they've done. It's so important to support medical research.’’

Research has also given answers and hope to Teddy’s family. He was diagnosed with a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome that impacts everything from walking to talking.

“You just love your kids, no matter what. We had all the genetic testing you can get while you're pregnant, and I didn't plan to have a child with a disability, but it happened.

“It can affect you out of nowhere like this. You probably know someone who has a condition that is being researched by the team at Children's Medical Research Institute, and they're so close to doing something incredible. We just need to tip it over the edge. And money is the way that more research happens.’’

Gene and stem cell therapies offer some of the greatest hope for families, and the scientists at Children’s Medical Research Institute are leaders in these fields. Associate Professor Leszek Lisowski said helping families is what gets him out of bed in the morning.

“It is a very emotionally demanding job that we do when you meet these families,’’ Associate Professor Lisowski said. “We have this pressure of knowing the impact of our work. But I find it very rewarding to be doing something that matters and that one day may help someone.

“Genetic disease can destroy a child, parents, and a family and trying to change that is very motivating.’’

We can’t find the cures with medical research, and we can’t do the research without your support.

This year there are so many more ways to fundraise for research. If you’d like to get fit, then why not try Sofa to 6km or the Skipping Challenge? If cooking is more your thing, then hold a Bake it Blue event. Of course, there is always the original favourite of Wear Jeans to your school or workplace.

Celebrate the 30th year of Jeans for Genes Day on Friday 4th August. To get involved or donate, visit JeansforGenes.org.au

Or donate to the Western Sydney Business Connection Fundraiser here.

The School of Business at Western Sydney University is excited to announce its launch of Enterprise Xchange, home to the industry and community engagement initiatives and activities undertaken by the School of Business. It is designed to enable knowledge sharing to have real world, positive impact in the communities of Greater Western Sydney and beyond.

The School of Business Enterprise Xchange at Western Sydney University effectively integrates the school’s external engagement offerings, providing a central access point for enterprise and community groups. It will facilitate knowledge sharing and practice across a range of enterprises in Greater Western Sydney while also improving the student experience through providing valuable real-life work integrated learning (WIL) projects and engaging curriculum. Further, the Enterprise Xchange will build new and existing relationships with industry and community groups and build capacity for the School of Business to undertake collaborative research and consulting projects that have real world impact on the communities in GWS and beyond.

Enterprise Xchange will operate across Bankstown, Campbelltown and Parramatta City campus locations, including Enterprise Café sessions to bring enterprise together with School of Business staff to share knowledge and ideas and to facilitate collaboration. Complimentary Masterclasses addressing current enterprise and societal issues will also be on offer to Enterprise Xchange members.

Here at Metallum, we specialise in structural, commercial, technical and precision of all metal materials. Over the last six months, Metallum has been working closely alongside Manufactor. A renowned business, that has recently started a manufacturing site in our local community. We are proud to be a part of their state-of-the-art work environment, creating one of a kind metal designs that are now presented onsite, for all to see. Some of these designs include specialty doors, tables, large signs, large letters, bins and there is much more to come!

If you would like to enquire about our ultra-modern work, please email us at sales@metallum.com.au or call on 0286082187.

The Western Sydney Wanderers invite you to experience the ultimate Hospitality experience in our 30-person Private Suite at Commbank Stadium. This fully catered exclusive shared suite is located just off half-way on level 3 and offers personalised service throughout the event. This offer available for NRL matches featuring the Parramatta Eels and the West Tigers. With all Private Suites sold out for the Parramatta Eels season, this is your last chance to purchase limited tickets in this luxurious Private Suite.

Click here to register your interest for more information and pricing.