Local businesses are invited to attend a free breakfast forum about diversity and hear an expert panel discuss workplace participation of people with a disability in the workplace on Wednesday 19 November from 7.30am-9.15am at the Parkroyal, Parramatta.

The event is aimed at employers and employees from local businesses in the Parramatta area and provides an opportunity to learn more about how disability is addressed in the workplace. It will explore both the challenges and benefits for employers and the support available.

“The workplace diversity business breakfast provides a great opportunity to connect our local businesses with an expert panel to learn more about disability in the workplace,” Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Scott Lloyd said.

“The breakfast will feature a great selection of key speakers who can help employers better their understanding about the support that is available.”

Guest Speakers will include:

MC - Donna Purcell, Diversity Manager, Commonwealth Bank of Australia
As the event MC, Donna will provide insights into how diversity is managed and supported by the Commonwealth Bank.

Stephen Booth, Principal, Coleman Greig Lawyers
Stephen has an extensive background in employment law and disability, and will discuss legal issues and solutions.

Bernard Sobiesiak, National Disability Coordination Officer, Western Sydney Region
Bernard will speak about what is available to help businesses and individuals support the workforce participation of people with a disability.

Amy Whalley, Relationship Manager, Australian Network on Disability
Amy will lead the facilitated conversations with the guest employers, guiding them through their experience of employing people with a disability, and offering insights from the Network’s experience in this area.

For further information contact Tanya Owen on 9806 5599 or to book visit www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/diversityintheworkplace

Dyldam Parramatta Eels and CareFlight club ambassador Darcy Lussick attended the ‘CareFlight on Display Day’ on Thursday 30 October, 2014.

Click here to view the video.

CareFlight's mission is to save lives, speed recovery and serve the community by providing the highest standard of rapid response critical care.

Scott Monaghan from CareFlight, whom have over 350 missions a year, stressed the importance of relying on community support and donations for their missions.

“We do about a mission a day and it works out at about $10,000-$11,000 every rescue we do,” Monaghan said.

“We are 100% supported by the community, with no government funding, so we really do rely on the community to keep us in the air.”

“It really does help us to keep building that profile and make sure we get the support we need to keep flying.”

Lussick had the opportunity to visit the CareFlight facilities and observe some of the training facilities, techniques and show his support.

“You probably don’t realize just how much money this costs to operate. $10,000 a day is quite expensive and they rely on the community to fund it.” Lussick said.

For more information, please visit http://careflight.org/.

Platinum Partner Parramatta City Council and WSBC invite you to this limited opportunity to join other Western Sydney small and medium sized business leaders for a frank conversation on disability and employment and what this means for your business.

It is called the ENVIZAGE:LAB and it is the first of its kind to be established in Australia. 

The new technology lab is the brainchild of engineer Dr Michael Myers OAM, a Fellow of Engineers Australia, who is focused on making leading edge technology available to SMEs.

The ENVIZAGE:LAB features a range of 3D design and manufacturing equipment which are designed to operate safely in a business office or workshop environment: multi-axis Denford lathes, machining centres, routers, GCC laser cutters, vinyl cutters, Makerbot 3D printers, a digitising scanner as well as manufacturing software.

“For Australia to continue to be a nation of innovators it is vital that we understand the technology being used by the rest of the world. Especially in the area of 3D design to manufacture," said Dr Myers. 

"Big business can afford this technology and all too often small and medium businesses miss out. This is why I have taken the time to source the best products from around the world, which are priced for small business, and bring them together in one place.

Dr Myers says the ENVIZAGE:LAB is both a physical and online resource. The techno-lab is located at Castle Hill in Sydney where business owners, product designers and engineers can see the equipment in action.

“The ENVIZAGE:LAB is a centre of collaborative technology. A demonstration to industry of what equipment is available, how it operates and the outcomes they can expect from it.”

Dr Myers says knowing about this equipment and using it will help companies to become more competitive on the local and world stage. New ideas can be turned into finished products faster and with much less development cost.

“I want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to understand the connection between conceiving an idea, developing it as a three dimensional object in design software and then manufacturing it via a range of methods and materials - be it using a desktop 3D printer or machining it from plastic, wood or metal with a multi-axis router or machine centre, or by etching it from a block of material with a laser scanners.

Dr Myers says he is very excited about the new range of Makerbot 3D printers and digitising scanner.

“I have been involved with 3D printing since its infancy in the nineties when I established an Advanced Manufacturing Facility. Some of our projects included making replica skulls of crania facial patients for surgeons at the Royal Adelaide Women's & Children's Hospital, customised surfboard fins for multiple world champion Kelly Slater and specialist engine parts for Toyota rally cars.

"Today we are seeing industrial designers, product developers and engineers using desktop 3D printers because they are low-cost and very quick. They are helping them see their ideas as physical models the same day."

Dr Myers plans to establish other ENVIZAGE:LABs across the country.

WSBC Gold Member Sydney Showground came out on top as Australia’s number one Venue at last night’s Australian Event Awards’ Ceremony held at Doltone House Pyrmont. 

Sydney Showground General Manger, Peter Thorpe commented, “It’s been an amazing year for Sydney Showground with lots of new business coming on board, the development of the site to include an extra 10,000sqm venue and the launching of our new Sydney Showground brand are just a sample of the things we’ve achieved this year. 

“I’m extremely proud of the work the team has done over the past couple of years, but particularly over the last twelve months. Their dedication and commitment makes the Venue what it is and helps fulfil our brand promise to provide ‘Big Experiences’ for our customers and visitors. 

“The year isn’t over yet and we have a number of large events lined up including this week’s IUCN World Parks Congress which will bring visitors from all over the globe to Sydney Showground and other venues across Sydney Olympic Park. Following on from this the music festival season kicks off with Stereosonic fast on its heels. 

“I’d like to pass on my thanks to the judges, as well as the whole team here at Sydney Showground, our customers and suppliers and also to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the other winners at last night’s event. Here’s looking forward to a successful 2015 for the entire industry!” 

WSBC and Gold Member Bankstown City Council welcomed a Brazilian delegation of 

mayors at the recent WSBC Business Leader Luncheon, held at Platinum Partner Parkroyal Parramatta.

Bankstown City Councils economic development, Paul Judge, contacted WSBC to include them as part of their visit and connect them with other WSBC members. The mayors, who are hear having been recognised under a Mayoral Entrepreneur Award for fostering small business development and are looking to share ideas with counterparts from Australia & NZ. 

Together WSBC and Bankstown were able to connect them with a number of businesses and councils in Western Sydney.

ATTENTION ALL RETAILERS

FINAL CALL

RETAIL FORUM – FREE EVENT - AMAZING PROGRAM - STAY AHEAD OF THE PACK!

Book today as places are limited

Bankstown City Council is delighted to invite you to its retail sector forum "The changing face of retail".  This is a must attend event for any retail business. The only investment is your time! Light refreshments will be served!

This forum will help retailers:

Stay abreast of current retail trends, issues and opportunities;

Strengthen their management capabilities to remain competitive and relevant in a dynamic and challenging environment; and

Gain access to various government and industry support programs.

Who should attend:

All retailer types

All size of retailers from large, medium and small

Owner/vendors, managers and retail staff 

When:   Wednesday 12 November 2014       Where:   Bankstown Library & Knowledge Centre Cnr Rickard Rd & Chapel St       Time:   6pm registration for 6:30pm start, ends 8:00pm

The forum will feature a range of quality presenters, including:

Russell Zimmerman, Executive Director, Australian Retailers Association
Trends, issues and opportunities in Australian retailing

Candace Barron, Director of the Dispute Resolution Unit, Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner
New approaches to dispute resolution around retail tenancy issues

Garry Ferris, Business Adviser, Southern Sydney Business Enterprise Centre
Secrets of success in today’s retail environment - a Bankstown case study

Steve Jacka, Bankstown Local Area Command
Tips for minimising losses due to shoplifting, “shrinkage” and credit card fraud

James Short, Manager, Lyoness Global Rewards Program
Consumer rewards programs – do they work?

The forum is proudly sponsored by TAFE South-West Sydney Institute,  Arab Bank Australia and Global Loyalty Rewards Program; and is supported by Southern Sydney BEC and the NSW Business Chamber.

Federal Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has praised Parramatta City Council's vision for a "smart city" based on high-tech digital communications and strategic links with education and research providers.

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