Australia's 3rd Largest Economy

Member News


  • 16-Feb-2015 16:37 | Anonymous



    Not looking forward to your next car trip with the kids? Fortunately Kluger is the ultimate family SUV and can combat unruly backseat offspring, or as we like to call them, the Agents of Chaos. Here we introduce Techzilla and Hurl Girl.


    Techzilla

    This Agent of Chaos is calm if they have their favourite electronic devices on hand, but things turn ugly once the batteries run out. 




    Kluger Kryptonite
    Kluger has three 12V power outlets that keep hand-held devices going plus Techzilla at bay. And if you ever have to wait for recharging, Kluger’s in-car sound system with touch-screen audio is a great distraction.


    Hurl Girl
    Perhaps the most feared, this Agent of Chaos can strike at anytime. 




    Kluger Kryptonite
    If Hurl Girl is showing signs of detonation, quickly operate the power windows or perhaps the moon roof to get as much fresh air inside as possible. If evasive action is too late, you’ll be grateful for little mercies such as removable floor mats and an easy-to-clean interior – especially with the leather-accented seats of the GXL and Grande models.


    If you recognise any of these traits in your own Agents of Chaos, choose Kluger for your next family SUV. Toyota has thought of everything to make family travel more pleasant and comfortable, and has equipped Kluger with all the tools that every parent needs. 


    For more information on the Toyota Kluger, call us on 8884 4888 or visit us at our showroom, 112 Sunnyholt Rd Blacktown.


    Land a better deal at Lander Toyota!


    www.landertoyota.com.au



  • 16-Feb-2015 14:29 | Anonymous



    Whether it is a milestone birthday celebration, anniversary or a special event, Novotel Sydney Norwest has a range of rooms available to suit any occasion and budget.


    Together with our highly skilled culinary team, we can create specifically tailored function and event packages to suit any request.


    Take the stress out of planning when you choose Novotel Sydney Norwest as the perfect venue for your special event. Whatever your vision may be, the dedicated team is on hand throughout the entire journey to ensure your event is one to remember.



  • 16-Feb-2015 11:43 | Deleted user

    CHAMPIONS of the West rewards ordinary people doing extraordinary things in Western Sydney to the tune of $10,000 grants in multiple categories.


    The 2015 grants program is expanded this year to acknowledge the achievements of Western Sydney innovators and those making a difference in their community and respective fields.


    This year’s categories include small business, education, sport, and the arts.


    The Sunday Telegraph, The Daily Telegraph and NewsLocal— together with corporate partnersNAB, NRMA, Crown, UWS, Origin Energy, Harvey Norman, and TAFE WSi — will reward those excelling in their fields.


    Are you a Champion of the West? Nominate using the entry form for your chance to win $10,000 for your business, initiative or innovation.


    THE CATEGORIES ARE:



    GRANT CATEGORY

    CRITERIA


    Champion of Champions – People’s Choice

    Chosen by the public throughout the People’s Choice (15-22 March).

    Start up


    An innovative project that increases productivity and provides better outcomes for Western Sydney


    Young 

    Entrepreneur


    A young Entrepreneur, under 30 years of age who lives and works in Western Sydney, and whose start up is of benefit to the Western Sydney community.


    Small Business (50-100 Employees)

    Excellence in small business located in Western Sydney (50-100 Employees).


    Small Business (under 50 Employees)


    Excellence in small business located in Western Sydney (under 50 employees).

    Community 


    For not for profit organisations running innovative community programs or projects that addresses unmet needs for residents, workers and visitors of the western Sydney community.


    Indigenous Excellence

    Programs that promote the development of relevant skills for Indigenous Australians, including education, life skills and employment prospects.


    The Arts

    For a creative arts organisation or outstanding program that promote engagement with the arts of western Sydney.


    Workplace of the future 

    Innovative workplace initiatives.




    Classroom of the future (secondary)

    Innovative secondary education programs. Excellence in the conduction of teaching and learning programs in addition to the secondary school curriculum through the use of digital innovation.



    Energy Smart Business

    Excellence in making a difference with sustainable business operations and energy efficiency


    Sport in Education

    Excellence in primary, secondary or grass roots sporting programs that promote health, exercise and wellbeing for the youth of western Sydney.


    Classroom of the future (primary)

    Innovative primary education programs. Excellence in the conduction of teaching and learning programs in addition to the primary school curriculum through the use of digital innovation.


    Apprentice Employer

    Excellence in training and providing above and beyond career advancement opportunities for an Apprentice(s) within their business.


    Tomorrow’s Leaders Today


    A business that invests in the development and implementation of accredited Vocational Training programs to continually upskill their employees, meeting future business growth and future career prospects of their staff.





    Ready to enter? Please have a read of the Terms and Conditions (PDF) and then use the form




    Last year’s inaugural winners have each put their grants to great use. It was a five minute meeting with Premier Mike Baird at last year’s award ceremony that turned the Peppertree Cafe and Training’s $10,000 grant into $60,000.


    “It has been such a life changer,” program manager Mary Malak said.


    “We met the Premier at the awards night and he gave us $50,000 towards our service”.


    The cafe offers young unemployed people in the Bankstown area with free training on how to run their own cafe and then the chance of paid employment.


    The cafe took out the Employment category with the money used towards opening two new coffee windows allowing for more young people to be trained.


    For Liverpool’s Youth Space the win was the kickstart Patricia Hall needed to turn her grant into $150,000 — and counting.


    “Not only do we now have enough money to build our basketball court — we are now costing a recreational area and looking at other programs such as tuition and uniforms for the kids,” Ms Hall said.


    The Creative Fringe owner Debbie O’Connor just has to literally look around to see where her $10,000 win for Small Business went — into a renovated warehouses and 16 new “hot desks”.

    The Creative Fringe offers those who work from home or are faced with a long commute to the office a space from which to work — and not feel so isolated.


    With the money, Ms O’Connor said they were able to renovated an existing warehouse to create more work space and increase the number of “hot desks” from five to 16.


    John Warby Primary School School principal Ann Kitchin used their $10,000 win to renew the lease on a school bus crucial to ensuring students attend school.


    For Natasha Lay and the Friend-2-Friend Youth Mental Health Project she works on, the $10,000 win couldn’t have been put to better use with the money going to essential training of young people.


    It has been a massive year for Buffy McDonald and John Eastwood and their team at the Young Adults Disabled Association Inc (YADA).


    “We have gone from being in debt for the last four years and finally being in the ‘black’ a little this financial year,” Ms McDonald said.


    The organisation won the Environment category for their Liftin’ The Load initiative and thanks to the generosity of businessman Kerry Stokes and Coates Hire they also received a new forklift.


    For nurse Naomi Travers her win in the Innovation category means it has helped turn their idea “into a tangible, working prototype — which is a huge milestone”.


    Ms Travers through her company Alembra Diagnostics designed a urine collection device to assist with obtaining samples from mentally impaired or aged care patients.


    “Now I have something to show nurses, doctors and patients so they can visualise a device that is very different from those currently used for diagnosing urinary tract infections. This is the first of many steps needed to bring a product to market and make a difference in the status quo”.


    For youngest winner — martial arts prodigy Ben Camua — life has been one competition to the other. The 12-year-old Young Achiever used his prize money to fund his trip to the World Championships in Azerbaijan and late last year won the Australian Open championships for his age category.


    “Our next goal is to get to the Commonwealth Championships in Scotland,” Ben’s mother Janice said.


  • 12-Feb-2015 09:11 | Anonymous

    St.George Bank and BCSG launch MyBusinessConnect  


    St.George Bank has today launched MyBusinessConnect, a platform of innovative cloud-based applications handpicked by experts to help small businesses and start-ups run their business more easily and effectively.

    MyBusinessConnect is an Australian-first service provided by BCSG, a cloud solutions provider which supports small business clients around the world with expert knowledge and distinctive, beneficial services through a cloud-based platform.


    St.George has collaborated with BCSG experts to select four packages of cloud-based applications for its small business and start-up customers. The applications are packed with a wide range of features including time saving tools for managing cash flow, website design options, and protection tools to stay legally complaint and safeguard lost computer files.


    Chris Screen, Head of SME Banking at St.George said MyBusinessConnect is geared towards helping small businesses and start-ups run their business more effectively so they have more time to focus on the things that matter most.


    “St.George is a huge supporter of small businesses. We work with over 300,000 small businesses locally and understand the daily pressures they face. To help our small business customers grow, we’ve teamed up with BCSG to provide the most compelling start-up proposition in the market place.


    “Whether business owners need help to manage their finances, execute a marketing campaign, or develop a business plan – MyBusinessConnect is the solution to help businesses get ahead.


    “It’s also available anywhere, anytime, from any device and if our customers need any help along the way, there’s instant access to customer support by phone, webchat and e-mail,” Chris said.


    Paul Wenck, Managing Director at BCSG in Australia said BCSG is delighted to be working with St.George on this innovative proposition.


    “It is an exciting opportunity to be the first to bring online tools to small businesses in this way in Australia. BCSG are passionate about supporting small businesses to be successful and MyBusinessConnect is a great way for them to access services that really help, at a very competitive price,” Paul said.


    Plan, manage, protect and grow with MyBusinessConnect applications


    MyBusinessConnect is available online from any device with an internet connection. St.George customers can subscribe to the Manage Finances, Grow Online or Business Protection applications at a discounted rate with up to 70 per cent off RRP.




    Customers can find out more at http://www.mybusinessconnect.com.au or by visiting their local St.George branch to watch a demonstration or sign up to MyBusinessConnect.



  • 11-Feb-2015 17:39 | Anonymous

    It’s no secret that social media platforms like Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter can be powerful marketing tools for businesses.  For limited expenditure, you can reach a large number of people instantly, and studies have found that 71% of internet users are more likely to purchase from a brand that they are following on social media*.


    So what happens when someone posts something about your product or service that you don't agree with?  Is it okay to respond?


    The answer is yes, but as swimwear company, Seafolly and competitor, Madden, recently discovered, there are some important things to keep in mind in terms of your own liability.


    Stick with the facts


    Do your research before making comments about someone else on Facebook, or any other social media site.  When in doubt, keep your response to a factual account and avoid describing what you think your competitor's state of mind was when they posted. If you get it wrong, they can sue you (even though their comments about you were misleading and deceptive).


    Let’s take an example. High end clothing boutique, Company A, asks a Chinese woman eating Chinese take away food, dripping with sauce, not to enter until she finishes eating and wipes her hands.  Competitor, Company X, only hears the words “no Chinese” and posts on its Facebook page: "Company A is being racist because it didn't let a Chinese woman into its shop!".


    If Company A retaliates with: "Company X has no idea what it’s talking about and is just being malicious to injure us", you may well be liable for misleading and deceptive conduct.  Why?  If Company X genuinely believed that Company A was being racist, it would not be considered malicious.  It’s safer to simply state the facts: "Company X has misstated what occurred. We asked a lady of Chinese descent to finish her Chinese food before coming into our shop because it might have soiled some of our clothes."


    Your ‘personal’ comments


    Another tricky one is your personal social media page.  If any of your 'friends' or connections on your personal account are in your industry, statements you make about people or companies may be in trade or commerce.  This means that, liability can arise under the Australian Consumer Law for any misleading or deceptive statements that you or they make - even when that statement is “hidden” amongst other accurate statements.


    Finally, remember that once a statement is made on social media, it can spread, quickly!  Usually, the more people exposed to a misleading or deceptive statement, the higher the damages will be.  Similarly, the longer those posts are on the site before removal, the higher the damages.  Even if the party about whom the statement was made does not lose any sales as a result of it, they can still claim damages for loss of reputation.


    For more on Seafolly & Madden, search ‘Seafolly’ at www.davies.com.au

     

    Author:


    Liz Lawson is a Lawyer with IP specialists, Davies Collison Cave. She specialises in litigation, including actions for patent, trade mark, design and copyright infringement, passing off and misleading and deceptive conduct, as well as contractual disputes. She also advises clients in relation to these actions, on strategies to resolve disputes and negotiates settlements.


    © 2014 Davies Collison Cave



     *INTA Bulletin, Vo 68, No. 16 The Brand Evolution: How Social Media is Changing the Brand Conversation
  • 11-Feb-2015 16:44 | Anonymous

    Lunar New Year Twilight Festival: 4.30pm - 9.30pm, Friday 20 February, Centenary Square, Parramatta

     

    Centenary Square will be transformed into Lunar Square to celebrate the Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese Year of the Sheep and Goat at Parramatta City Council’s free Lunar New Year Twilight Festival on Friday 20 February.

     

    The Square is set to dazzle with an eclectic program across two stages showcasing traditional music and dance alongside a host of contemporary performances, workshops and authentic food stalls.

     

    Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr Scott Lloyd, said Lunar New Year is a much loved family event and one of the most revered times of the year for people of Asian background.

     

    We are proud to showcase Parramatta’s rich cultural diversity and this is a great way for people to celebrate and share in the traditions and culture of our Asian communities,” Cr Lloyd said. 

     

    “2015 marks the Year of the Sheep which is said to bring a calm atmosphere full of creativity and generosity. These themes will be a focus of this year’s festival as we illuminate Centenary Square in the traditional colours of Lunar New Year.

     

    “The Square will come alive with spectacular Chinese dragon and lion dances, traditional Korean drumming and exciting fire crackers and fireworks all set against a canopy of colourful lanterns.

     

    “Our contemporary music program will get you dancing with live performances by electronic acoustic singer-songwriter Rainbow Chan and Australasian pop group AiAiAi. 

     

    “The highlight of the night will be the spectacular performance Impressions of the Silk Road—Dancing in Chang’an by the Yuhualong Art Troupe and the beautiful Chendu Puppetry and Shadow Play Art Theatre, both coming directly from Xi’an Province, China.

     

    I encourage everyone to come along and experience this exciting cultural celebration in the heart of our City.”

     

    Lunar New Year Twilight Festival Highlights

     

    • Impressions of the Silk Road—Dancing in Chang’an by the Yuhualong Art Troupe and Chendu Puppetry and Shadow Play Art Theatre,  from Xi’an Province China
    • Live Korean drumming and traditional Korean dancers performing the colourful fan dance
    • AiAiAi (contemporary band playing the music of Taiwanese artist Bai Ann)
    • Rainbow Chan (Chinese Australian electronic acoustic singer-songwriter)
    • A myriad of local Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean artists sharing traditional music and dance
    • Interactive family workshops including Chinese and Korean calligraphy, lantern making and Asian paper folding
    • Roving entertainment including Oriental Masks, the God of Fortune and mesmerising puppets
    • Gourmet food stalls with delicious cuisine from China, Vietnam, Korea, Mongolia and more
    • Pop-up bar selling a variety of refreshing drinks

    People are encouraged to attend the event by public transport. Plan your trip by visiting www.transportnsw.info or by calling Transport Info 131 500.

     

    The closest secure parking is at Wentworth St and Horwood Pl car parks.

     

    Parramatta City Council’s Lunar New Year celebrations are presented with the support of Westpac, Ausfeng Group Pty Ltd and TVB (Australia) Pty Ltd.

     

    For further information about the Lunar New Year Twilight Festival visit www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/lny

  • 10-Feb-2015 09:56 | Anonymous

    Novotel Sydney Parramatta has welcomed in the new year with a fresh new look to their conferencing facilities and a new staff member who will complement this transformation. This exciting new member who is full of fresh ideas is experienced Executive Chef, Kiki Kiki, ready to hit the ground running and revamp the Two Forks restaurant and Conferencing offering.

     

    Kiki joins the team with a wealth of knowledge and experience working in hospitality and for the Accor group for over 11 years. Arriving in Australia from Indonesia in 2004, Kiki quickly worked his way up the ranks of the kitchen, starting his career as a kitchen hand at Pompeii in Bondi and gaining experience from various Executive Chefs and his peers. From there, Kiki went on to work for Nick’s Seafood with his strong background in Italian cuisine followed by the revolving restaurant, Summit in Sydney’s CBD to landing a job as Sous Chef in Accor’s Sydney Olympic Park hotels.

    Working for Accor, Kiki recognises the training and support he has been provided prepares him for role as Executive Chef, not to mention the opportunity of working overseas and eventually fulfilling his dream of retiring he and his lovely wife with daughter Zoe in Bali, running a resort and restaurant with a relaxing blend of Asian and Western fusion.

    Kiki is a kind hearted and bubbly individual who has quickly become part of the team at Novotel. Kiki states that he is only as good as his team though; describing his kitchen team as his other family and that creating a happy work environment allows them to explore and demonstrate their skills in the kitchen and in return learning from each other to work as one unit. When not working Kiki takes the time to cook and provide food for the homeless at Parramatta Mission. This allows him to do what he does best, providing a nutritional and exciting meal for others. 

    Kiki and his marvellous team have put together an exciting new Two Forks restaurant menu that is set to launch beginning of February. The stand out and highly rated dishes are set to be the entrée of baby tuna with a delicate anchovy mayo, baby caper, parsley and grissini followed by a main of beef rib eye with fondant potato, confit of cherry tomato and grilled asparagus. Like every great meal, remember to leave room for dessert, a chocolate fondant with sweet cream, pistachio brittle and vanilla ice cream.

    Simply call 02 9630 4999 to book your table in our Novotel’s Two Forks Restaurant.

     

  • 06-Feb-2015 13:03 | Deleted user

    Are you a US citizen or can handle the affairs for US citizens living in Australia?

    Are you aware of the implications of FATCA and have a clear tax plan?


    Moore Stephens & Westleton Drake are proud to present to you a seminar series specifically for US citizens living in Australia and their Advisors to assist in meeting compliance. Westleton Drake of London have managed compliance and strategic planning issues facing US citizens living abroad for over 20 years. 


    These seminars will feature US tax advice from the award winning US tax advisory firm Westleton Drake of London, supported by Moore Stephens Sydney Private Clients tax advisory team and a specialist US tax lawyer Jay Krause, from Withers Singapore.

    For more information specific to these seminars, please click here.


     

    Available seminars:
     

    Breakfast Seminar
    A light breakfast will be served
    Tue 24 February 2015
    7.30 am - 9.30 am
    Parramatta CBD

    Evening Seminar
    Drinks & canapes will be served
    Tue 24 February 2015
    5.30 pm - 7.30 pm
    Sydney CBD

    Evening Seminar
    Drinks & canapes will be served
    Wed 25 February 2015
    5.30 pm - 7.30 pm
    Sydney CBD




    Places are limited so in order to secure your attendance please email (marketingsydney@moorestephens.com.au) or phone (+61 (0)2 8236 7721) with your preferred date/time and dietary requirements to Adriana Di Giacomo by 17 February 2015.


  • 05-Feb-2015 14:49 | Anonymous

    Parramatta Mission’s Meals Plus Community Outreach Program was awarded Highly Commended Community Project of the Year at the Parramatta City Council Local Australia Day Awards. This highlights the importance of this service to our Western Sydney community and the role it plays in helping those facing disadvantage and crisis. 

     

    Meals Plus serves a nutritious meal at both breakfast and lunch 5 days a week to people in our community who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, living with mental illness or facing crisis. Meals Plus also assists people with shower and washing facilities. These facilities help provide a sense of dignity and assist with integration in our community. Meals Plus also assists with food hampers and referral services, helping people gain access to the support they need on their journey to recovery. For many, Meals Plus is also a community in which they belong – someone to talk to, someone to laugh with, a place that cares.

    Each year, Meals Plus serves approximately 40,000 meals, close to 3000 showers and 1300 loads of washing. This safe place for many in Western Sydney would not be possible without the support of volunteers and donors. 

    Meals Plus also provides great opportunities for corporate and community group volunteering days. Volunteering with a local charity is a great way for your organisation to give back to the community while offering your teams a great platform for staff engagement and corporate responsibility.

    If you would like more information about Meals Plus and the ways you can help this service please contact Parramatta Mission by emailing fundraising@parramattamission.org.au or phone 9891 2277.

  • 05-Feb-2015 10:30 | Deleted user



    Riding on Parramatta City’s development boom, the extension will add 90 new guest rooms and expand the hotel’s meeting and dining spaces. 


    Pan Pacific Hotels Group today announced plans for a multi-million dollar extension of PARKROYAL Parramatta in Sydney. Costing AU$25 million, the development will commence in March this year and make PARKROYAL Parramatta the largest hotel in Parramatta – boasting 286 guestrooms – by June 2016.

     

    With Parramatta City set for an AU$8 billion building investment over the next five years, the city’s skyline will be dramatically reshaped by over 32 new residential, commercial and key public features and Parramatta could potentially overtake Adelaide in coming years to become the nation’s fifth largest Central Business District. PARKROYAL Parramatta’s extension is a timely response to growing business demands in the city.

     

    The 15-month project will involve 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 four meeting rooms will bring PARKROYAL Parramatta’s total number of conference and meeting spaces to 12 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. 

     

    As part of the renovations, the premises of the BAR:30 restaurant and bar will be extended out to Phillip Street to introduce an alfresco dining element that captures the vibrant “eat street” atmosphere that Parramatta offers.

     

    Elsewhere in Sydney, Pan Pacific Hotels Group owns and manages PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney which was named ‘Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel of the Year” at the 2013 Tourism Accommodation Australia NSW Awards for Excellence after a successful $20 million interior redesign. The Group also owns and manages PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport and Pan Pacific Perth.

     

    Craig Bond, Area General Manager, Oceania, Pan Pacific Hotels Group says: “There has been great reception for our three PARKROYAL properties in Sydney and Melbourne, alongside Pan Pacific Perth since our entry into the Australian market five years ago. The development of PARKROYAL Parramatta is in line with our strategy to grow our brands in key destinations across Asia Pacific. The multi-million dollar investment also highlights PARKROYAL’s contribution to Parramatta City Council’s Economic Development Strategy.”

     

    Michael Johnson, General Manager of PARKROYAL Parramatta says: “Over the past five years, we have been focused on delivering excellent service and a product that our PARKROYAL team is very proud of. Through our efforts, we have enjoyed strong loyalty from many of our business segments and we embrace our customers as a key contributor to our success.”

     

    Johnson continues, “The extension project is in line with PARKROYAL’s commitment to be “Your Trusted Local Companion” by providing our guests with a range of services and facilities that will enhance their experience and make their stay as carefree as possible. As the city of Parramatta develops, PARKROYAL Parramatta will grow in tandem and continue to be a landmark that draws both locals and visitors to this flourishing destination.”



Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software