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

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.

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.

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.”

Western Sydney’s prime facilitator of business engagement, The Western Sydney Business Connection (WSBC), is proud to announce the promotion of Michael Sugg from General Manager to CEO as part of the organisation’s continued transformational process.

WSBC’s President Troy McPhee said “the new appointment marks the first stages in the process of WSBC’s transition from incorporated association to a company limited by guarantee, as voted by the members at our recent AGM”.

“Michael has delivered on his proven reputation for transforming and growing member organisations both here in Australia and overseas.  His engagement with our members and the wider community over the past 18 months has allowed WSBC to transform and deliver more relevant programs to its members and reinvigorate its presence in Western Sydney”, added WSBC’s jnr Vice President Brendon Noney.

“The new structure of WSBC will enable the organisation to continue to grow into a larger not-for-profit organisation, providing for a greater diversity of membership. It also better aligns with the new strategic direction of WSBC to be an organisation that not only connects the businesses of Great Western Sydney, but engages in industry support initiatives and advocates for and provides education to those businesses”.

Michael’s role will include leading and managing the organisation’s growth and ensuring it remains progressive, productive and relevant to its membership base. He will also lead the organisation’s new advocacy role, beginning with the campaign to ensure that the businesses of Greater Western Sydney directly benefit from the proposed billions of investment dollars being injected into the region.

By the end of this year we will see more bulldozers on the ground and cranes in the sky than ever before in Sydney

The government is building for our future with ­billions of dollars in game-changing infrastructure projects across NSW, commencing construction in 2015. 

The first of these projects that will slash travel times for motorists and help create thousands of jobs is the $509 million Bringelly Rd upgrade in Western Sydney. Yesterday the Prime Minister, Premier and I turned the first sod on this vital project, which is part of our joint $3.6 billion roads package to support the new Western Sydney airport. 

Construction also starts next month to build the $70 million Werrington Arterial road between the M4 and Great Western Highway, meaning shorter journey times for residents travelling to the employment growth areas in Western Sydney and the new airport.

Before the first flight takes off from Badgerys Creek Creek, motorists will enjoy fully upgraded four- or six-lane motorways along Bringelly Rd, The Northern Rd and the Werrington ­Arterial in addition to a new four-lane motorway between the M7 and the Northern Rd.

We are also wasting no time delivering $200 million worth of local road upgrades in Western Sydney with the first projects to begin next month.

These investments will create 4000 local jobs and ensure the two million people living in Western Sydney can travel to and from work every day, ­quicker and safer.

After more than a decade languishing on the books, this project will finally be delivered by 2019.

They will also capitalise on the economic gains of our landmark decision to build a new airport in Western Sydney, helping transform the region into one of the economic powerhouses of Australia.

Next month Australia’s biggest ever road project, WestConnex, will start construction, beginning with the widening of the M4 between Parramatta and Homebush to four lanes in each direction.

WestConnex Stage 2, which we’ve fast-tracked by 18 months through a $2 billion concessional loan, will also kick off in the second half of 2015. This city transforming project should have been delivered 10 years ago and will fix the M4 and M5 by joining them in a continuous free-flowing motorway connecting Sydney’s CBD, airport and Port Botany.

It will also deliver more than $20 billion in economic benefits by creating 10,000 jobs and bypassing up to 52 traffic lights when completed in 2023. 

Northwest of the city, the $3 billion NorthConnex project will begin in the first quarter of this year creating 8000 jobs during construction and saving up to 15 minutes travel time.

After more than a decade languishing on the books, this project will finally be delivered by 2019, meaning 5000 fewer heavy vehicles on Pennant Hills Rd each day and safer driving for local residents.

By the end of this year we will see more bulldozers on the ground and cranes in the sky than ever before in Sydney, all building world-class infrastructure that will collectively support tens of thousands of jobs during construction. This is the start of a jobs and construction bonanza for Australia’s premier city.

These mega projects are only the start of an ­exciting period for NSW and I am confident the state government will be making a number of announcements in the lead up to the election that will deliver Sydney’s transport network into the 21st century and beyond.

This is what can be achieved when two adult governments work together to deliver world-class projects quickly and at less cost to taxpayers.

Unlike Labor, who like to celebrate the announcement of big new projects, this government is focused on delivering new infrastructure. This is our economic action strategy at work, building the roads for our future and creating the jobs we need today.

Author: Jamie Briggs Source: The Daily Telegraph

Jamie Briggs is Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced the North West Rail Link is running ahead of schedule and $300 million under budget, as the landmark project reached another major tunnelling milestone.

Mr Baird and Ms Berejiklian were onsite as the first mega Tunnel Boring Machine, Elizabeth, (pictured above) broke through into the future Norwest Station area - just days after the fourth and final machine, Maria, started digging.

“This is an exciting day for Sydneysiders and another clear sign that construction of this critical rail link is powering ahead,” Mr Baird said.  “It was only in September that we launched this first massive machine at Bella Vista – in that time it has tunnelled 2.1 kilometres to reach today’s historic breakthrough at Norwest.

“All four 900 tonne machines are now in the ground digging Australia’s longest railway tunnels ...we are wasting no time delivering this world class infrastructure project and doing it ahead of schedule and under budget.” Ms Berejiklian said turn-up-and-go rapid transit services on the North West Rail Link were on track to begin for customers in the first half of 2019.

Mrs Berejiklian paid tribute to all the workers on this project for their dedication and commitment to safety. “After months underground, I am sure the team are as pleased as the community to see that cutter head break through at Norwest,” Ms Berejiklian said.

The North West Rail Link includes eight new railway stations, 4,000 commuter car parking spaces and a train every four minutes in the peak, or 15 trains an hour.

“I am pleased that as a result of good planning, hard work and our commitment to deliver a world-class project the people of the North West will be able to catch these services in the first half of 2019 and we have been able to deliver savings. “The project is now running $300 million under budget and I am confident there will be further savings for taxpayers as the project progresses,” Ms Berejiklian said.

In tunnelling to Norwest from the Bella Vista tunnelling site, TBM1 Elizabeth has:

• excavated more than 206,000 tonnes of crushed rock, both sandstone and shale
• installed more than 7,300 concrete segments to line the new rail tunnel
• been home to 85 workers, including tunnellers, maintenance crews, geologists, surveyors and engineers, who combined have spent more than 25,000 hours underground, and
• had 40 hardened steel cutters on her cutter head replaced, worn down from the harsh forces of cutting the Sydney sandstone and shale.

Over the coming weeks, Elizabeth will be moved through the Norwest Station area, before setting off again towards Showground Station as the other three machines Florence, Isabelle and Maria continue their work.

You can track Elizabeth and the other TBMs here.

Parramatta City Council has announced 16 new tertiary education scholarships through the Lord Mayor Scholarship Program to support local students.

Applications for the scholarships, worth a total of $12,000, open on Monday 2 February. Eight $1,000 scholarships for first year students and eight $500 scholarships for second or third year students are being offered to those enrolled in an Australian accredited TAFE or university course in 2015 to help with study costs. 

Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr Scott Lloyd, said the program, now in its second year, encourages motivated individuals to pursue tertiary education and continue professional development. 

“Council is committed to supporting the next generation of business and community leaders, and we recognise there are costs associated with attending TAFE or university,” Cr Lloyd said. 

“Along with program fees, students may have to buy books, a computer and other study materials and these costs can add up.

“The Lord Mayor Scholarship Program is a way to give students a chance to fulfil their tertiary aspirations and we hope they will bring their new skills back to the community.

“We’re looking for a broad range of applicants, from high achievers or school leavers to those students who are involved in the community or who may be pursuing higher education as a mature-age student. 

“I encourage all eligible students to get online and submit an application.” 

Students enrolled full-time in their first, second or third year of an accredited TAFE or university course, and who are permanent Australian residents and live in the Parramatta LGA, are eligible to apply. Applicants must be aged 15 years or over and mature aged students are encouraged to apply.   

Applications open on Monday 2 February and close at 12pm on Friday 27 February. 

Information about the Lord Mayor Scholarship Program including eligibility and the application process are available at www.parracity.nsw.gov.au

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is expected to data match over 640 million transactions to tax returns this year.  

With increased ATO scrutiny, private businesses could be in danger of triggering an ATO audit, regardless of whether they have done anything wrong. And while ATO audits are a necessary part of an effective tax system, they can be expensive and disruptive for your business.  

We’ve outlined the 10 most common ways in which a private business may trigger an ATO audit.
 
1. Have financial performance that is out of kilter with your industry

As a matter of course the ATO will statistically analyse your tax returns. If your performance is inconsistent with your industry peers, this can be an indicator of tax issues such as unreported (cash) income, transfer pricing and other issues.  

2. Don’t pay the right amount of superannuation to your employees

If employees complain to the ATO that their employer has not paid them the right amount of superannuation, or not paid it on time, this is a sure fire way to get a review or audit from the ATO.  Often these types of audits can begin as a review of superannuation guarantee obligations, but quickly escalate to include income tax, GST and fringe benefits tax audits if the process isn’t appropriately managed. 

3. Variances between tax returns and business activity statements

Reconciling the information reported on business activity statements to the tax returns is a crucial part of tax risk management.  Large variances between the information reported in a tax return compared to the activity statements for the corresponding period is likely to trigger an ATO review or audit.

4. Have a poor record of lodging returns on time

Lodging annual income tax returns by the due date is not enough.  You should aim to meet all compliance obligations (including activity statements, employee related reporting, fringe benefits tax etc.) and the on-time payment of any tax liabilities.  A good compliance history can be invaluable in improving the ATO’s perception of a business.  

5. Consistently show operating losses

The ATO regards three loss years out of five as indicative of a problem.  There may be genuine reasons, but the ATO is likely to want to investigate these.

6. Own motor vehicles, but don’t lodge Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) return

The ATO receives data from the state and territory motor vehicle registries regarding individuals or businesses that have purchased vehicles (generally those with a value of $10,000 or more).  

The ATO then matches these purchases with information reported in tax returns, activity statements and FBT returns, with an expectation that there will be at least some private use.  If a business fails to lodge an FBT return showing private usage, or doesn’t include a ‘fringe benefit employee contribution’ in the income section of the tax return, an ATO review or audit is likely to be just around the corner.

7. Get the disclosure items wrong in your tax return

Making mistakes in the disclosure items on your tax return can inadvertently cause you to be flagged for a review.  There are internal checks in the returns and disclosures which are easily verifiable against publically available or other information collated by the ATO. Get these disclosures wrong and the ATO could call.

8. Show big fluctuations between years

Big fluctuations in financial position or particular line items in the tax return can trigger an inquiry from the ATO.

9. Have international transactions

International transactions are a key area of focus for the ATO.  Transactions with international related parties, transactions with tax havens, and material funds transfers in and out of Australia are all examples of things that can raise a red flag at the ATO.  Defensive strategies, such as transfer pricing documentation, can often be the best way to manage this risk.

10. Be in the papers

A major transaction or dispute that is reported in the media will undoubtedly be seen by the ATO.  Many business owners are selected for an ATO review after the sale of a high value asset (often the family home) is reported in the paper.

What these triggers show is that tax compliance – in particular annual income tax returns – should be treated as far more than a routine process.  Many of the issues outlined above can be easily managed with a proactive tax risk management process.  

To develop a tax risk management strategy for your business, contact your local William Buck advisor.