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  • 29-Jun-2015 10:28 | Anonymous

    NSW Minister for Skills John Barilaro visited the construction site of the new engineering and technology centre which is taking shape at TAFE NSW - South Western Sydney Institute’s (TAFE SWSi’s) Wetherill Park College on Friday, 5 June 2015.


    Mr Barilaro inspected the site and chatted to construction workers and students who will benefit from the centre’s state-of-the-art facilities.


    Mr Barilaro said that the centre wouldprovide a massive boost to training and career opportunities for people in the south western Sydney region where the youth unemployment rate was around 16 percent.


    “There’s no question that the investment in this facility will meet the needs of industry, not just for today but, for well into the future,” Mr Barilaro said.


    TAFE SWSi Institute Director Peter Roberts, who accompanied the Minister on the visit said the centre was a “landmark facility in the region”.


    “We see it underpinning the development of skills in the region of south-western Sydney,” Mr Roberts said.


    The 2016 opening of the multi-million dollar TAFE SWSi Transport & Engineering Technology Centre is timed to coincide with an expected spike in demand for courses in automotive transport, engineering, technology and logistics.


    The centre will be the largest training facility of its kind in Sydney and will offer an integrated delivery approach to training in transport technology which will meet the needs of students and industry into the future.


    The centre will offer students a 21st century learning environment changing from a traditional teacher-centric model to a learner-centric model that will provide for a better student experience.


    TAFE SWSi Manufacturing & Transport Faculty Director Terry Saunby said “flexible learning” was the key to improved educational outcomes for students attending the state-of-the art Centre.


    “As automotive technologies continue to rapidly change, the TAFE SWSi Transport & Engineering Technology Centre will have the capacity to adapt learning spaces quickly and efficiently to keep pace,” Mr Saunby said.


    “Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the classrooms, workshops and common areas and the integration of proven technologies will allow students to be engaged in workshop projects and activities rather than following a traditional lock step classroom delivery.”


    The TAFE SWSi Transport & Engineering Technology Centre will open in 2016 and offer students a number of course options including light vehicle technology, heavy vehicle mechanical technology, plant mechanics, automotive electrical technology, speciality automotive courses and engineering technology courses.


  • 29-Jun-2015 10:05 | Anonymous

    There's a new temporary home for BAR:30 at PARKROYAL Parramatta, it's just a step to the left!


    BAR:30 has relocated to below the hotel's restaurant and there's no better time to come in out of the cold and enjoy the warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you choose to complement your light bites with a soothing hot beverage or a refreshing cocktail, BAR:30 offers you the perfect place to relax with your favourite drink.


    The previous home of BAR:30 is currently being extended out to Phillip Street to introduce an alfresco dining element that captures the vibrant "eat street" atmosphere that Parramatta offers. This is part of the PARKROYAL's $25million extension project, due for completion mid-2016, and involves the construction of a new seven-storey tower with a Club Lounge, as well as 40 Club Rooms and 50 Premium Rooms that offer views of the Parramatta skyline and incorporate the use of the latest hotel technology and innovation. Club guests will enjoy priority check-in and check-out as well as complimentary breakfast, laundry services, regular refreshments throughout the day and a new gymnasium with state-of-the-art exercise equipment.


    The addition of five meeting rooms will bring PARKROYAL Parramatta's total number of conference and meeting spaces to 13 rooms, making it the largest meetings and events hotel in Parramatta and thus setting a new benchmark of accommodation, facility and service distinction in the area.


    Mention you are a WSBC member and receive 2 beverages for the price of one*. (*valid on purchase of first beverages only and subject to availability)


    We look forward to updating you next month on what our stunning new rooms will look like!


    PARKROYAL Parramatta, bringing a new level of distinction to Parramatta.


    PARKROYAL Parramatta Extension.pdf


  • 29-Jun-2015 10:02 | Anonymous

    The all new Corolla has arrived at Lander Toyota and is ready to test drive! Revamped with a bolder and sportier look, the all new Corolla is more fun than ever before.


    Featuring an all new stylish interior surrounded by the latest technology and comforts, you’ll always feel like you’re travelling in style.


    To book a test drive or for more information, contact us on 02 8884 4888 or visit our website at www.landertoyota.com.au  


    Land a better deal at Lander Toyota!



  • 29-Jun-2015 09:53 | Anonymous

    You have had the chance to meet many members of the team at Novotel Sydney Parramatta, but now they want to introduce you to the General Manager of the hotel, who says he has the greatest team in Western Sydney, that is Michael Daviss.


    Michael’s love for hospitality began while playing golf and working in the pro shop and bar at Oxley Golf Club in Brisbane. From here he went on to work in 5 star hotels in his hometown of Queensland starting as a housekeeping followed by concierge until he worked his way up to a Hotel Assistant Manager.


    After nearly 9 years in 5 star hotels came the desire to travel more and work outside of Queensland, Michael joined international brand Accor Hotels in 1999 working at the Mercure and Ibis Brisbane as Hotel Assistant Manager before heading to Darwin as Front Office Manager. Over the expansion of sixteen years with Accor, Michael has worked in 15 hotels with 8 city changes across the multiple brands within Accor Hotels from Ibis to the luxurious Sofitel Sydney and even one year spent in French Polynesia for their 4 Sofitel properties.


    After numerous General Manager roles, Michael finds his greatest achievement to date, is his time spent at Novotel Sydney Parramatta over the past two years. He describes that it is the feeling of watching the hotel evolve with his great team by his side that helps him get out of bed daily.


    Michael finds his passion in the development of the people within the hotel and watching the excitement in his team’s faces when they’ve achieved their goals individually and for the guest and the hotel as a whole. He states that the team is what creates the soul of the hotel and the soul is what gets the hotel through the challenging times as well as the good.  


    Michael describes that the hotel has gone on an extraordinary and positive journey from rebranding, to changes within the team and moving forward with the ever-changing landscape of Parramatta and Western Sydney. While the City of Parramatta makes changes to be acknowledged as a ‘region for business’ Novotel Sydney Parramatta has kept up with its multi-million dollar conference refurbishment and changes in their restaurant and bar to help make it a destination for all. Not to mention the plans for the next few months that he has up his sleeve. During the changes, Michael has always made a conscious effort to make his team feel like they are a part of the action, and ensure that they feel ownership and pride in where they work.


    So how does a General Manager of a busy hotel relax? Well when the suit and tie comes off, Michael finds relaxation in the form of a game of golf, cruising around on boat with close friends or with a corona watching his favourite football team.  Michael is described by his team as being more of a friend than a boss and someone they have learnt a lot from within the hotel industry.


    To meet Michael Daviss and his friendly team, pop into Novotel Sydney Parramatta any time. For more information on their winter holiday offers go to www.novotelparramatta.com.au   


  • 29-Jun-2015 09:45 | Anonymous

    On Thursday 22 July from 10am to 7pm Northcott will be holding its first ever Expo and will be opening its doors to the public.


    If you’ve ever had a question relating to the disability sector now is the time to come along and met with experts in the field and take part in a series of free workshops which will be running all day.


    The workshops will cover topics such as:

    • The NDIS - what you need to know and prepare for the NDIS in 45 minutes
    • Behaviour Support – Northcott’s approach to Behaviour Support: Person Centred, Positive and Practical
    • Equipment Maintenance – Basic maintenance tips for equipment
    • Employment – ‘The Excellent Job Interview – Giving the Employer What They Need’
    • Transition to Work – ‘Looking to the Future – developing skills for employment’
    • Person Centred Practice – A snapshot of how you can shape the support and services you receive and work towards your dreams
    • Apps for Therapy – A demonstration of our favourite apps to help children practice skills for reading, writing and communication

    There will also be information stalls from all service streams across Northcott as well as stalls from external organisations such as Headspace, Ability Links and Autism Advisory Support Service.


    Demonstrations of Adaptive Cricket for people with disabilities and our new Accessible Vehicle will also take place throughout the day.


    Venue: The Northcott Building, 1 Fennell St, North Parramatta, NSW 2151.


    Enquires: Sarah Pearce 02 9890 0513 / sarah.pearce@northcott.com.au.


    Website: www.northcott.com.au


  • 29-Jun-2015 09:30 | Deleted user

    TAFE Western Sydney and Lendlease celebrated Friday with The Hon. John Barilaro MP Minister for Skills and over 300 apprentices at the $6 billion Barangaroo South project in Sydney, to celebrate the employment of the site’s 500th apprentice and 50th Indigenous apprentice.

    The Minister congratulated TAFE Western Sydney, who manages Barangaroo’s onsite training hub - the Barangaroo Skills Exchange (BSX) on their commitment to the apprenticeship system and developing long-term careers for individuals in the construction industry.

    "Barangaroo is the training and skilling powerhouse for apprentices, who will carry their training through to future projects.  What is remarkable about Barangaroo is the industry-relevant, highly-customised skills that each apprentice is gaining through the Barangaroo Skills Exchange program" said the Minister.


    The BSX provides workers at Barangaroo with an on-site learning space where they receive one-on-one support, attend classes or access computers to study online programs.

    Lendlease Managing Director of Barangaroo South, Andrew Wilson, said partnerships between industry and training organisations were an integral component in achieving long-term careers for individuals within the construction industry.

    “Lendlease is working closely with TAFE Western Sydney to create genuine career paths for people in the construction sector, right through until retirement. Importantly, the partnership has changed the careers and lives of those who have had the opportunity to train through the BSX,” said Mr Wilson.

    Institute Director of TAFE Western Sydney Robin Shreeve said the BSX has redefined the way workplace learning and TAFE training is being delivered in the construction industry.

    “The BSX will provide a huge injection of future-skilled workers with real industry experience and training. For the first time we have workers who would never normally attend a TAFE college, visiting the BSX to get support and undertake skilling programs that will improve their futures with new career pathways,” he said.

    Since the opening of the BSX in 2012 almost 7,000 Barangaroo workers have undertaken skilling on-site, with 19,000 accredited training outcomes achieved in this time.

    The BSX is supported by the Barangaroo Delivery Authority and the Commonwealth Department of Education to develop training programs and deliver outcomes that would not be ordinarily possible within a traditional college setting.



  • 29-Jun-2015 09:28 | Anonymous

    The best and brightest students from TAFE NSW – South Western Sydney Institute (TAFE SWSi) took centre stage at the 2015 annual TAFE SWSi Student Achievement Awards at the Bankstown Sports Club last night.


    Among them was Bankstown resident, Renee McLaren, who took out the top prize, the Institute Medal and also the Business & Finance Faculty Student of the Year award.


    Renee was among 22 award winners, three TAFE NSW State Medallists and three Oceania WorldSkills champions who were honoured at TAFE SWSi’s premier event of the year.


    TAFE SWSi Director Peter Roberts congratulated all the award winners. “The 21st Student Achievement Awards was a celebration of South Western Sydney’s best and brightest in vocational education and training,” Mr Roberts said.


    I would like to congratulate them all and acknowledge the contribution of her family and Institute staff in supporting her studies.”


    The TAFE NSW State Medals, which are presented to students who attain the highest average mark across NSW, went to three TAFE SWSi science students. They were as follows:

    • Janani Vimalathithen Diploma of Laboratory Technology - Specialising in Chemical and Forensic Testing (MSL50109 – 04V04);
    • Kesya Bayu the Diploma of Laboratory Technology – Pathology Testing (MSL 50109 – 06V04) and;
    • Megan Gould for the Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology (MSS50211 -01V01)

    The Awards night also paid tribute to TAFE SWSi’s WorldSkills Oceania champions who will be part of the Australian Skillaroos team at the WorldSkills International Competition in Brazil in August. They are Floristry student Jessica Peters; Fashion Technology student Emma Hillier; and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning student Beau Kupris.


    The 21st TAFE SWSi Student Achievement Awards was proudly sponsored by Woodland Metal Spinning (Aust), Fuji Xerox Australia, Interlink Roads, National Electrical and Communication Association (NECA Group Training), University of Western Sydney (UWS), Telstra, Auburn City Council, Bankstown City Council, Country Comfort Hunts Liverpool, Group Training Association of NSW & ACT, Mara Workwear, My Gateway and Revesby Workers’ Club Ltd.


    TAFE SWSi is one of Australia’s largest training organisations and has an enviable reputation for providing high quality skills training across a range of disciplines vital to growing the local, regional and state economies.


    TAFE SWSi also provides training for more apprentices than any other RTO in NSW and was awarded the 2013 Australian Large Training Provider of the Year at the Australian Training Awards.


    For more information about TAFE SWSi courses please visit www.SWSi.edu.au or call 13 79 74. 


  • 29-Jun-2015 09:22 | Anonymous

    St.George Banking Group has introduced Cardless Cash, a service that allows customers to withdraw up to $1,000 cash a week, without a card, conveniently and securely from their mobile phone.  


    From accessing cash when cardless, to helping a family member or friend out if stranded without cash, Cardless Cash puts customers in control of their money and prevents them from being caught short.


    Dhiren Kulkarni, St.George’s CIO, said Cardless Cash means customers can always access their money, even if their card is lost, stolen or not with them.


    “Our customers never want to be shut off from their cash and they want quick, simple options to access and manage their money. That’s why Cardless Cash is so handy - it takes the fear out of losing or misplacing your card and puts you back in control of your money.” 


    “Over 50 per cent of our customers use our mobile banking app to make payments and now they can use the app to get cash out too,” Dhiren added.


    To access cash, customers simply generate a ‘cash code’ in their mobile banking app and use it at any St.George Group ATM nationwide, including BankSA and Bank of Melbourne, to withdraw cash.


    Travis Tyler, St.George’s Head of Mobile, said Cardless Cash also provides customers with the ability to easily share a cash code with someone from within the app via SMS.


    “Cardless Cash enables you to help the people you care about during a cash emergency. Whether you’re a parent rescuing a teenage daughter who is stranded in the city and needs a taxi home, or you’re lending some lunch money to a colleague who’s left their wallet back at the office, Cardless Cash will help bail them out with a few taps on your mobile phone.”


    How does Cardless Cash work?

    • Sign into your St.George mobile banking app and select the ‘cardless cash’ feature
    • Select the account and enter how much you wish to withdraw (you can withdraw up to three times a day and a total of $1,000 per week)
    • A ‘cash code’ is generated instantly which expires in 3 hours
    • Go to any St.George Banking Group ATM and select ‘Cardless Withdrawal’ button
    • Enter the cash code and the agreed amount or less to withdraw your cash


  • 25-Jun-2015 18:47 | Deleted user

    Council is interested in understanding what the people, workers and visitors to Parramatta would like to see in the new public domain/open space associated with Parramatta Square.



    Parramatta Square is a 3 ha mixed use redevelopment precinct located in Parramatta CBD, bounded by Church, Macquarie, Smith and Darcy Streets and will include, offices, a new University of Western Sydney campus, public library, council offices and the reported 90 storey Aspire building that will include conference facilities, a new hotel and residential apartments. 


    For the past 4 months Council has been busy preparing the project brief and engaging a dynamic and experienced multi-disciplinary design team to lead the design of the public space. The selected design team is headed by James Mather Delaney + Taylor Cullity Lethlean + Tonkin Zulaikha Greer + Gehl Architects.


    To help them design the space you want to see, Council would like to invite you or any of your staff members to have your say on what you would like to see in that space or activities that should be undertaken in that space.


    Council is keen to hear your views so please take the opportunity to come to the Parramatta Farmers Market in Centenary Square this Friday, 26 June between 8:00am and 11:00am.



  • 24-Jun-2015 22:32 | Deleted user

    Have you had your say?


    The “Making Western Sydney Greater” survey  is targeted to business owners and managers, and supported by WSBC, William Buck, St George and UWS. 


    We’re focused on driving positive change for the needs you identify.  Research from the first survey has already been used in a submission to Government in May 2015.  If you want to have your say on the issues affecting you or your business, we encourage you to join the conversation here

     

    http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2090112/a9fefc53e471

     

    The survey takes under 10 minutes of your time, and is the most valuable tool we have to advocate on your behalf.

     

    Join the conversation and make Western Sydney Greater.


    Download your copy of the first research findings here.




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